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IN the preparation of this volume special care was employed and great expense

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incurred to render the matter strictly accurate, with what result is left to the considerate judgment of our patrons. The greatest difficulty was experienced

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in the spelling of French proper names. It is hoped that the errors are few. The publishers will willingly correct by special errata sheet, as is their custom, the few errors which appear, upon prompt notification of the same.

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In all cases, typewritten copies of the personal sketches were submitted by mail to the subjects for revision and correction, and in most instances were improved and returned. The publishers with pride call particular attention to the superb mechanical execution of the volume. They warmly thank their friends for the success of their difficult enterprise.

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THE PUBLISHERS.

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ MEMOIRS OF NORTHWEST LOUISIANA.

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CHAPTER 1.

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CADDO PARISH AND SHREVEPORT CITY-TOPOGRAPIIY AND NATURAL HISTORY-WATERCOURSES-CHARAC- TER OF SOIL-PRODUCTIONS AND STATISTICS-PIONEER Days—INTERESTING INCIDENTS AND EVENTS - THE COURTS AND BAR-TRANSACTIONS OF THE POLICE JURY-MILITARY HISTORY-FOR- MATION AND SERVICE OF COMPANIES-ITEMS OF INTEREST DURING THE WAR PERIOD -LOCAL JOURNALISM—THE Schools—COMMON AND SELECT-MEDICAL, AG- RICULTURAL AND OTHER ASSOCIATIONS-NAVIGATION AND Rail- ROADS–SKETCIL OF SHREVEPORT-ITS BUSINESS AND INSTI- TUTIONS-RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS OF THE PARISHI -EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF NOTE- SOCIETIES RETROSPECTION-PER-

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SONAL SKETCHES.

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**

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Bounteous nature Joves all lands.

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Beauty wanders everywhere, Footprints leaves on many strands,

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But her home is surely there. - Falconer.

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ern

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acre.

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ADDO PARISH is situated tom is from two to eight miles wide, and sixty-five in the extreme northwest- miles long here. In 1880 there were 95,109 acres

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corner of Louisiana. in cultivation, of which 46,238 were in cotton, It embraces 852 square miles 23,169 in

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corn,

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315 in sweet potatoes, and one acre or 515,280 acres, divided in sugar-cane.

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There were 20,963 bales of cotinto 695 square miles of oak ton produced, .45 bale per acre, 624 pounds uplands and 157 of Red of seed cotton, or 214 pounds of lint cotton per River bottom lands, its front

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In 1887 the cotton acreage increased to on Red River being 183 miles long. 51,719, and within the last three

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years corn lands The Caddo uplands are marked by have been set aside for cotton, and a large area of numerous bayous and lakes, and are upland reduced from its wilderness state and deundoubtedly excellent in quality. The voted to the staple crop.

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In 1889 there were divide between Boggy Bayou and Cross 128,000 acres in cultivation; even more in 1890, Lake runs east and west, ending at and with the improvement of Bayou Pierre, acreShreveport. In the northeast quarter age to produce 25,000 extra bales of cotton will be

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is the great cypress brake, and in the added. The population in 1840 comprised 2, 416 southwest is the continuation of the divide between Caucasians, 29 free colored, 2,837 slaves, or a total the Red and Sabine Rivers. The Red River bot- of 5,282. In 1850 the total population was 8,884,

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insarde up of 3,631 Cancasians, 42 free colored, and mense cypress brake, and after connecting with 5,20% mlaves, In 1960 the total was 12,110, in- Red Bayou through Sewell's Canal, pours its culing 4,73 Caucasians, 69 free colored and waters into Clear Lake. Red Bayon is navigable 7,35% mlaves. The white population in 1870 was for steamboats its entire length. Dooley's Bayou 6,913, and the black, 15,799, or a total of 21.711; for many miles, Black Bayou to Sewell's Canal thin total was increased to 26,307) by 1880, num- and a few miles above until it reaches an impene. ber of white being 6,922, and blacks, 19,283. trable cypress forest. Many of the other bayous The population in 1890 in 31,005.), and the number are navigable for flatboats, and in high water subject to military duty, 3,157. Among the old afford passage for cotton and rafts of logs. pampoleg dincovered by the enumerators in June, One bale* of cotton per acre is a fair average 14:0), one was one bundred and fourteen and the crop on bottom lands, and one bale to three or four other one hundred and twenty years of age. acres on the hills is a fair estimate, though with

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In 1880 the United States statisticians placed even a scant application of fertilizers, saved on the the debt of Caddo and Shreveport at 8:551,644, ' plantations, this yield could readily be increased to

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$ whilo, in August 26, 1830, the parish owed $35,000 a bale to two acres. Corn in good seasons will and the city $1990,000, or a total of $225,000. The produce from 60 to 100 bushels to the acre on the greater part of the old debt originated in city and bottoms; from 20 to 75 bushels on the hills, largely pariwb scrip issued during the war, which sold for dependent upon the judgment and industry exer from 15 to 20 cents per dollar. This necessitated cised in its culture. Some planters produce

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. the bravy parish Jevy of 14 mills and 10 mills, enough corn for their own use, but the great which latter tax collected up to a few years ago. majority of them rely upon the granaries of the In July, 1890, the assessed value of Parish prop

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West. The river lands of Caddo are of the richest orty (oxclusive of the value of about 30,000 acres alluvial soil and of wonderful fertility. There are of United States lands) was placed at $5,500,000, on hundreds of thousands of acres of lands which, which 54 mills, general, and 2 mills court-house with comparatively little cost and labor, could be tax were levied, or a total of 7 mills, equaling reclaimed and produce almost enough raw cotton

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a , $12,300. The levy for school purposes was 1 mill, to supply all the mills of the world. It is the general fund, 3 mills, bridge mill, interest and opinion of intelligent planters that Caddo Prairie winking fund, mill and court house, 2! mills. alone, when reclaimed from overflow, would add to

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The parish is separated from Bossier by Red the receipts of cotton at Shreveport not less than River, the water front being 183 miles. A chain

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30,000 bales annually, and that the entire valley of lakes extends above Shreveport for over 100 would be capable of producing annually from milos, to which the general title, Caddo Lake, is 80,000 to 100,000 bales of cotton. In August, orroneously given. The lakes forming this chain 1890, the Bayou Pierre Drainage Company began are known as Cross, Swan, Sodo, Ferry, Clear and the work of reclamation, and by the close of the Roberta. The last named was known to old river year, it is stated, 50,000 acres of alluvial land will men us Shift tail Lake. The name was changed to be drained and 75,000 acres relieved from the Little Sodo Lake and ultimately to Roberta by Dr. risks of overflow, Stuart, who resided on the lake shore, and named The State Fair Association in 1890 offered it in honor of his wife. Through these lakes and first prize for not less than 400 pounds of lint cottheir connecting bayong was the steamboat route ton per acre from uplands, and for not less than from Shreveport to Jefferson. Sodo Lake derives 700 pounds per acre from valley lands, while for its name from Zugal De Soto, who is said to have corn prizes were offered for 75 bushels per acre beon left to die in its vicinity. Black Bayou,

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*The soil of the valley in many places is a black, deep soil of with its many branches, drains the northwestern unsurpassed fertility, producing, when above inundation, two bales

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of cotton and from 80 to 100 bushels of corn per acre as average portion of the parish, running through an im

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annual crops.

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from uplands, and 100 bushels from valley lands, 1887-88 was due to a short crop. The year 1889weighing 72 pounds per bushel.

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90, compensated for this shortage. The differThe growth of the cotton industry from 430,- ence between the net and gross receipts represent 000 bales in 1820 to 7,017,707 bales in 1888, may the number of bales of cotton received at Shrevebe taken to represent, in proportion, the increase in port from points on upper Red River and by rail Louisiana. In this parish it is undoubtedly the consigned to merchants in other cities. The net great industry. Out of a total product for the receipts show the actual number of bales received year ending August 31, 1880, of 5,761,252 bales, at warehouses, handled, compressed and shipped there were received at Shreveport 95,436 bales, or direct from this port. about the one-sixtieth of the total crop. The fol- On July 6, 1855, cotton picked on the B. F. lowing year 82,964 bales were received, and during Eppes plantation was delivered at Shreveport, the year ending August 31, 1882, 64,837 bales. being the first of the season. The first bale of Between the years 1825 and 1861 prices ranged cotton, in 1865, was that from E. R. Moore, on from 8 to 28 cents. In 1864 cotton sold for $1.90 August 30. It was bought for 22} cents per pound in New York City, and during the years of Civil in gold, by Johnson & Durr, who sold it immediWar it sold as low as 20 cents. In 1719 the first ately for 24 cents. From the close of the war to negro slaves were imported to open a plantation April, 1866, there were 140,000 bales of cotton

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, , opposite New Orleans; but at the close of the shipped from Shreveport, of which Walsh & Boiseighteenth century the development of the rich cot- seau shipped about 49,000; Howell & Buckner, ton lands of Louisiana was still in a very primitive 17,000; Phelps & Co., 38,000, and the following condition. After the acquisition of this territory named dealers smaller lots: E. S. Kneeland, Willby the United States, immigration crossed into iam Thatcher, Thompson, Morris & Co., D. J. El Lower Louisiana, the slave trade was extended, and der, Tally & Co., E. & B. Jacobs, Elstner, Kinswith this extension the domain of cultivated lands worthy & Co., Whetly & Co., Stacey & Poland, widened. Civilization spread over the valleys and and S. P. Griffin & Co. The first bale of new crept to the head waters of the Red River, opening cotton received in 1872 was raised by Capt. Vinup to the cotton industry one of the most fertile son, in Bossier Parish, and sold August 12. Capt. valleys in the world.

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Vinson repeated his feat of 1872 on August 19, The comparative receipts of cotton at Shreveport 1873. The first bale of cotton was sold by him to for the nine years, as taken from the official records Hicks & Howells. The first bale received in 1876 of the cotton exchange, are as follows:

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was on August 3. In 1881 Belcher, of Bossier,

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furnished the first bale. It was sold by Joseph 1880–81. 1881-82.1882–83.

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Boisseau to D. B. Martin for 122 cents. Thomas Rail..

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18,651 8,943 22,707 49,740

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Johnson, of Caddo, brought in the second bale

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45,933 63,400 River

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14,593 9,961 20,387 immediately after, and Daniel Monroe followed Net..

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82,961 64,837 107,503 Gross

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next. 108,606 79,465 | 118,873

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The first bale of 1882, raised on the Car1883-84. 1884-85. 1885-86. monche lands, weighed 365 pounds, and was sold Rail

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6,334 9,994 29,214 for 15 cents to J. B. Durham. The second bale

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50,971 41,563 41,301 River.

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13,242 12,128 10,913 was delivered on August 17, by J. J. Marshall, Net..

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70,547 63,685 81,428

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of De Soto. On August 7, 1883, a 518-pound bale, Gross.

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80,482 71,755 88,630 1886–87, 1887-88, 1888–89.

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raised on the Belcher lands, Bossier, was sold 39,621 42,640

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25,537 by W. F. Taylor for 14 cents. On the same day

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51,799 41,163 40,241 River.

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a second bale, weighing 550 pounds, was brought

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13,990 13,150 8,897 Net..

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105, 410 96,953 74,675 in from the same farm. In 1881 Albert Butler Gross.

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116,326 103,235 82,075

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(colored), of Caddo, raised the first bale, 420 The decrease as compared with the season of pounds, and Cornelius Brown, the second bale.

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SOURCES OF RECEIPTS.

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Wagon

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Wagon.

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Rail. Wagon..

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On August 13, 1885, R. R. Harroll raised the first the early days of May, 1890, Red River assumed bale, 430 pounds, and Schuler, of De Soto, the her worst character, passing the highest recorded second bale, 461 pounds. Yancy Roach raised the water-mark. The county, from Fulton down, was first bale in 1886, in De Soto. It weighed 460 flooded, and the lower streets of Shreveport were pounds and sold for 11%cents.

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Walter Colquitt,

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under water. of Bossier, raised the second bale, wbich weighed On the Bossier side a levee was constructed 628 pounds, and sold for 11 cents. On August from the Cotton Belt Railroad to the old fortifica17, 1887, six bales were received, and on the 19th, tion, several miles up the river, and the levees up the first from H. Herold, of Twelve- Mile Crossing. to Benton were strengthened. A 300-feet break On August 8, 1888, J. J. Marshall, of De Soto, occurred in the Adley levee, and Harts Island was sent in a 360 pound bale, wbich sold for 12 cents. submerged. [Vide history of Red River Parish and on the 17th the second, 427 pounds, was sent for history of river, great raft and navigation.] in by C. Shuler. Jackson and Joiner, of De Soto, Tradition brings the history of Caddo Parish sent in the first bale of the 1889 crop, on August 20. back to 1542, when it credits De Soto with com

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The forests of the parish show a wealth of com- ing into the wilderness, crossing Red River near mercial timber, which awaits the lumberman. Fulton, Ark., returning by way of the lakes and

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Here cotton-planting is carried on while the bayous, to which some writers give the name snows of winter lie along the fences of Illinois, and Caddo Lake, and arriving at the month of the the dreary days of March and April bring heart- river, where he died a few days later. This tradisickness to old and young in the North. The trees tion claims the belief of local writers, who base and flowers and birds show more life here in March their belief on the fact that all along the route are than they do northward in July, and thus the to be found beneath the surface of the soil pieces whole year plays in the sunshine without the dan- of armor, spurs, broken swords and lances of ungerous changes which build up doctors' bills in questionable Spanish workmanship.

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In this rapid otber lands.

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march sick and wounded men were left behind, The mean annual temperature is sixty-five de- and among them Zagal De Soto, a relative of the grees and mean relative humidity, seventy; average great explorer, who was left to die in the lake rainfall, fifty two inches, and prevailing direction region above Shreveport. Soto Lake derived its

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of the wind southerly.

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name from him, but has been corrupted by Red River, the history of which is related in "mapagraphers" to Sodo Lake. In 1541 Pere the sketch of Red River Parish, drains an area of Andrew de Olnios visited the tribes on the Red 89,970 square miles. Rising in the Llano Estacado River and Rio Grande. He was followed by sevof Texas, 2,450 feet above the sea level, it flows eral zealous fathers prior to 1682, when Father southeast for 1,200 miles, when it enters the Mis. Membre came.

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In 1698 Vicar-Gen. de Montogny sissippi, 341 miles above the waters of the Gulf of founded a church among the Tensas tribes. Pere Mexico. In olden days this river entered the Gulf Davion was there at the same time, traveling to through the Atchafalaya River. The fall in the the Upper Red River as a missionary. first 600 miles is 2,208, and in the lower 600 miles, One hundred and fifty-eight years later (1700) 188 feet. At Alexandria the river is 720 feet wide, St. Denys explored Red River for upward of 1,000 and up to this point a minimum depth of three feet miles, and a few years after, in 1713, a military may be depended upon; but steamers of four feet and trading post was established at Natchitoches, draught can ascend to Shreveport, as shown in the over which St. Denys was appointed to preside. history of navigation. Like the Mississippi, this In 1745 there were 260 white persons (French) at river is subject to overflow; but, unlike the Father Natchitoches, while beyond the divide (Sabine and of Waters, its seasons of riot are few and far Red Rivers) several Spanish planters were reported between. During the closing days of April and to reside. The lands between the Sabine and Red

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Rivers were claimed by both France and Mexico. On records may be classed among the pioneers. Willthese lands extensive plantations were opened, and iam Davis, a soldier of the Revolution, was also cultivated under French and Spanish claims. Squat- here. ters, also, laid claim to some of this land which was The first certificate of marriage recorded is that ceded to the United States. The Caddo Indians, of Rolland Polland and Mrs. Elizabeth E. Will. whose home was in the Red River Valley, had located iams, solemnized by Judge Jenkins, April 3, 1838.

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, a a large village a few miles above Shreveport, while The witnesses were James Walsh, W. T. Fortson beyond, in the Spanish territory, the Texan In- and D. C. Williams. A bond of $200 had to be dians, and to the southeast, the Natchitoches, lived entered into by Polland and Walsh to be null in at peace with the white invaders. In 1811 the first case no legal objections to the marriage were prepermanent settlements by English speaking people ferred. Justice of the peace William T. Lewis, were made, near the present Claiborne-Webster like the Judge, was a favorite matrimonial knotline, as told in the bistory of Webster.

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tyer in those days, and John Ray a preacher united Next to Orleans, Caddo Parish is the largest many couples. and wealthiest in the State. It was organized in On April 4, 1838, the slave woman, Caroline, 1839, the name being suggested by Col. W. H. and her child, named Littleton, twenty-five years Sparke, then a member of the Legislature, to per- old, and sound in body and mind, a slave for life, petuate the memory of the tribe of Indians who were sold by Michael Wright and J. S. J. Farrar, inhabited the Red River Valley. This tract be. of Perry County, Ala., to B. F. Epps, of Caddo, longed originally to the United States, and was for $700. The first sale recorded in the records of first brought into market in 1839, although settle Caddo Parish is that of a negro boy, named Alexment had been made as far back as 1828. In ander, thirty years old, slave for life, to Angus 1839 a vast number of entries were made, varying McNeil and John 0. Sewall, for $900. Elihu in extent from forty acres into hundreds and thou- Lipscomb was the seller. This system continued sands of acres.

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In the first settlement of this sec- down to 1861, and even after the first days of the tion, what is called Caddo Prairie, was regarded war slaves were sold or bartered as other property. as the garden spot of the Red River Valley, and In 1836 William J. Boney bought a fourteenwas chosen for settlement by those adventurous year old mulatto, named Hannibal. He was raised spirits who first came with negro property and at Charleston, S. C., and took a great interest in other large means from the older States. Hun- the success of Fremont. In fact, young Boney redreds of acres were put in cultivation as early as ceived his first lesson in the principles of abolition 1836, at which time there were only a few “clear- from this young negro.

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When the war days came ings" (nearly all of them below) of from five to his master gave him over to the Confederacy to twenty acres along the hundreds of miles of river work on fortifications, but his aptitude won him a bank from Grand Ecore to the head of the stream. place as servant on Kirby Smith's staff, and a few The first settlement was made by McNeal and years

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later he was free. Sprague at what is now called Erwin's Bluff, which The cattle-brands recorded in 1839 were those they sold a short time after to James Erwin, a son. of Jean B. Pourier, Samuel Norris, Mary E. Norin-law of Henry Clay, who removed to it from ris, Mary S. Norris, Nathaniel A. Norris and other Kentucky with about 100 negroes and a quantity children of Samuel Norris; John F. Smyth, Lucinda of fine stock. The other earliest settlers were T. Smyth, John C. F. Legrand, R. W. Legrand Joel Wadsworth, Robert Hamilton, John Hern- and Alex Blunt. Ear-marks and swallow. forks don, Dr. J. L. Scott and Dr. James Peace. The were the marks adopted. In 1839 Elizabeth LaJames H. Cane settlement may be considered one fitte and Charles Romine recorded marks for of the first in the Shreveport neighborhood, and their cattle. In 1810 Mary A. Dubois, Andre Re. others named in the following memoranda of early | noys, Marie T. Valentine, Elizabeth, Joseph, Zelia,

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Catherine, Mary Jane Olivia, Louisa and Marie L. and continued. On September 4, Charles A. BulPourier; Mary Rachel Moreno, and Mary, Merci. lard, an attorney, presented the name of Sturgis line and Nicobich Valentine. In 1841 Jesse T. Sprague for admission to the bar.

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The new memMiller, Anthony W. P. Ussery, Kesiah (wife of ber presented his license, and, on taking the folAnthony Pussey), John L. Rogers, Willis Pollard, lowing oath, was admitted: Joseph Oldham, Martha Sterrett, and in 1812 I do solemnly swear, in the presence of the Searcher Milton H. Pryor and Rachel Shenex. Prior to

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of all hearts, that I will demean myself honestly in the 1846 the brands of Martha Stephens, Cynthia M.

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practice as counsellor or attorney, and will discharge my

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duty in every respect to the best of my knowledge and Lacy, J. W. Ray, James Waddill, Sarah Hollings- abilities, and I do further swear that I will suppport the worth, H. P. Stephens, R. W. Logan, J. Russell, Constitution of the United States and State of Louisiana, Hannah McDonald and John M. Simms appear.

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as I shall answer at the Great Day of Account. A company, formed in Natchitoches, had laid

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John William Frost was admitted on this day. out a town on the bluff, about three miles below, The modern idea of excuse from jury service was and called its Coats' Bluff. On a certain Sunday, introduced— Clement and Emanuel Lafitte and in 1837, some of the citizens of Shreveport induced James Wallace “getting away.” No less than Capt. Shreve to go down with the snagboat "Eradi. twenty-five civil cases were presented, judgment cator,'' and cut a ditch across a point about 250 | by default being entered in the greater number. yards wide and three miles around. Tbis ditch

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The State vs. Henry J. Benton, for assault and rapidly washed out, and as the divergence of the battery, resulted in a verdict of guilty and a fine of channel left the embryo city of Coats' Bluff com- $50 and costs. paratively high and dry, the high expectations of In May Judge Henry Boyce presided, with its founders were swept away.

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Gilmer's town of Samuel C. Wilson, clerk. On December 7, 1840, the Red Bluff, projected in 1850–51, was another vis- third term of court was opened by Judge James G. ionary scheme. At one time Irving's Bluff, at Campbell. The territory was then part of the the foot of Sewall's canal, connecting with Red Tenth Circuit or District. Among the pioneer and Black Bayous, was the shipping point from jurors were Jonas Robison, Richard Noel, John F. which thousands of bales of cotton were sent to Smyth, Caleb Eubanks, Silas Harralson, James market annually

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Wills, Samuel Hollinsworth, Amos Thompson, A modern event may be crowded into this little Daniel Nicholson, I. M. Pelham, Jacob Smith, B. record of the beginnings of settlement, that is, F. Epps, A. W. Tucker, John Nolan and Matthew the resolution of September, 1873, by the State McMillan. H. G. Williams was fined $10 for nonDemocratic Convention of Texas, approving of the attendance. There were 134 civil cases on the call proposition to annex Caddo and De Soto to Texas. disposed of that day; only a few criminal cases The people of the two parishies favored the divorce were presented, the charge of murder against proceedings, but, of course, Louisiana would not Charles A. Sewall being the principal case. Parish agree to such a separation.

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Judge Washington Jenkins presided in cases The first court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit where Judge Campbell secured himself. Robert was opened September 3, 1839. Ephraim K. Will- Nesbitt, a native of the Land o' Lakes, was admitson presided, and the following.named grand jurors ted to citizenship, the first admission in this parish. were empaneled: George W. Nichols, William T. ! The trial of Sewall was proceeded with, but, owDawson, Nathan Prescott, James Wardsworth, ing to the escape of a juror named Pollock, it had

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, Thomas R. Shanklin, Angus McNeal (foreman), to be postponed. John R. Smith was indicted for John 0. Sewall, Thomas Ettridge, Henry C. Mc- murder, but was found “not guilty.” The fourth Neal, James Peace, John G. Green, John McAlpin, term was begun June 7, 1841, by Judge Campbell. Naville Rambin and John Cain. The case of I. Angus McNeil, or McNeill, was indicted for murH. Mahle vs. Francois Pourier, Jr., was presented der, and many indictments for assault and battery

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,

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son

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In 1856 George

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were returned; Judge John B. Carr took Judge recommissioned in March, 1852, but the April Campbell's place on the bench as special judge; term was opened by Judge Bullard. In Novemthe trial of Sewall was continued. In December ber, 1852, Henry L. Holmes was indicted for Judge Campbell resumed his seat. Indictments murder. In December, 1853, Henry M. Spofford

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. were returned against the Littlejohns, Pegrams, took his seat as judge of the Eighteenth Circuit, Pollocks and Joneses for rioting. In May, 1842, having been commissioned in May of that year. the spring term opened. Judge Campbell quashed In January, 1854, the grand jury recommended the array and ordered the parish judge to draw a the building of a court-house, and suggested that new set of jurors instanter. This was done on the patrol system be extended to meet the great motion of Attorney Frost. In December, 1842, increase in the number of slaves. This was the George R. King was district judge. At this time first grand jury report recorded here. In July of the district attorney asked that the bonds given by this year Judge Harmon A. Drew, of the SevCharles A. Sewall be canceled, as a jury could not enteenth District, presided here. Matthew Watbe found in the parish to try the case. Joel W. was still sheriff and W. G. Kerley clerk. Hardwick was tried on the charge of murder, but Judge Thomas T. Land took his seat in December, found “not guilty.” Judge Henry Boyce pre

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1854. In 1855 John James was indicted for mursided in May, 1813. Indictments for murder der; the “liquor cases” were presented in numagainst William Perry, James A. Young and C. bers; William and Daniel Waddill, Jr.,were indicted A. Sewall were returned. Perry was acquitted; a for murder, but in November the grand jury connolle prosequi was entered in the case of Young, and gratulated the court on the entire absence of crime Charles A. Sewall's case was continued. In De- for the six previous months. In March, 1856, N. E. cember of this year James Marks was indicted Wright was admitted to the bar. for murder, but was acquitted. In April, 1844, A. Austin was admitted, and in 1857 W. O. Crane, Judge Campbell revisited this circuit. William L. Walter Overton and John C. Lewis, Tnomey was appointed district attorney. In No- 1857, Judge David Cresswell succeeded Judge vember Charles M. Sewall was indicted for passing Land, and on the 26th of that month a series of counterfeit coin; Lewis I. Pollock for keeping a resolutions were adopted by the bar, expressing banking-house, and William Sayres for stealing acknowledgments to the retiring judge. Capt. L. the negro man, Cæsar. The latter was sentenced P. Crain presided, with R. T. Buckner, secretary. to eight years in prison. Antoine St. Vigne was The resolutions were drafted by L. M. Nutt, L. D. admitted a citizen, and also a Russian named Henry Marks, Hinton Smith and G. A. Austin. L. Myers, in 1845. In August, 1816, E. R. Ol- R. Simpson succeeded Watson as sheriff. John cott was commissioned judge; Matthew Watson, M. Landrum and all the other members signed the sheriff, and John M. Lewis, clerk. The circuit resolutions. In 1858-59 the murder cases referred was then known as the Seventeenth District. Judge to in other pages were presented, Judge Cresswell Taylor of the Tenth, afterward the Sixteenth Dis- being still on the bench, Henry J. G. Battle, shertrict, presided here in special cases in 1817-19. iff, and N. E. Wright, clerk. In March, 1859,

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, In February, 1850, Sheriff Watson was recom- resolutions of condolence in re the deaths of Capt. missioned, and Benjamin Wells, clerk, received L. P. Crain and George A. Austin were adopted; his commission. In April, Judge Bullard opened Alex H. McGarvan was admitted to the bar, and court here. In August, 1850, a record of the bar a number of foreign-born residents admitted to meeting in re the death of Attorney Richard A. citizenship. Under date February 11, 1839, seven Walker is made.

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attorneys of Shreveport signed a set of rules for In January, 1851, Roland Jones was commis- the government of their practice in Caddo Parish. sioned judge, rice Olcott, resigned. John A. The signers were: W. V. Roberts, J. Clinton Beall, Lee was indicted for murder. Judge Jones was Vaughan Z. Long, Cushman & Frost, and Olcott

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In May,

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a

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Thomas

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& Summers. On January 27, 1860, Artemas Ben. and Caddo Rifles for the seat of war given. On nett was hanged. In March Judge Roland Jones is April 20 a petition signed by A. H. Leonard, found presiding over the Eighteenth District, rice Hodge and Austin, L. M. Nutt, J. W. Jones, J. Cresswell, resigned. Nathan Hass was sheriff. M. Landrum, Robert J. Looney, attorneys; N. E. Waddy T. Means, Kimball A. Cross, L. D. Marks, Wright, clerk, and Nathan Hass, sheriff, was preand R. P. Cates were admitted to the bar. The sented, asking that court be adjourned until such portion of the grand jury report criticising Judge time as the judge should order a special session. Cresswell's methods of admitting persons charged This petition was granted in opposition to J. T. with murder to leave the State was ordered to be Heath. In November, 1861, court was opened as stricken from the records.

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usual, J. C. Moncure was admitted to practice, The first session of a civil court in Louisiana, and resolutions on the death of John M. Landrum outside of New Orleans, since the close of the war,

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adopted. In January, 1862, Judge Jones transwas opened at Shreveport, August 21, 1865, by acted a good deal of business, and resolutions on Judge Weems. A few days prior to this, R. W. the death of J. T. Heath were reported by Capt.

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! McWilliams shot and killed a colored sergeant, and W. A. Lacy, Samuel Wells and R. J. Looney. In was at once arrested by the military authorities. June, 1862, Israel W. Pickens was sheriff, Judge In September, 1865, Judge Weems was brought Jones and Clerk Wright being still in office. The before the Freedmen's Bureau, at Shreveport, latter, however, tendered his resignation, and A. charged with trying John Gaines, a freedman, at L. Mershon was appointed clerk. The death of Bellevue, for horse-stealing, in violation of the rules Lieut. R. P. Cates, during the battle of Sharpsof the bureau. Thomas Calahan, the assistant burg was appropriately noticed, Harman A. Drew, superintendent of the bureau, was to reprimand the A. B. Levisee and W. 0. Crain drafting the judge, but did not inflict any punishment. The resolutions. The April term of 1863 was duly

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1 sheriff, Mr. Alden, was arrested, as well as the judge, opened by the judge and officers named, but little

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, i by the provost-marshal, C. R. Berry, of Bossier, but business was transacted. In November of this the bureau was not inclined to push the prosecution year A. H. Leonard was commissioned clerk, and to extremes. Two negroes, discussing this affair qualified.

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qualitied. Indictments for murder were returned on the streets of Shreveport, September 12, 1865, against Levi Gibson, James Thompson and James spoke as follows:

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Everett, and resolutions on the deaths of John W. “Look 'ere, Bill, de buro has put de court Pennall of Capt. Tucker's company, and Capt. in jail! What dat for, John ? Case de court T. G. Pollock of the Shreveport Grays, were 'fringed on a 'rogative of de buro by putting a adopted. In May, 1864, the district was again nigger in de jail for stealing a hoss. Golly, known as the Tenth, and an indictment for murder sarved de court right; d--d pretty joke dat, set was returned against James Grimes and S. J. Roba nigger free, den put him in jail for stealing a inson; Grimes was found guilty and sentenced to hoss. Some how or nudder de white folks don't imprisonment for life, and James Everett received know what freedom am.”

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a like sentence. Resolutions on the death of Col. In October, 1860, Judge W. B. Egan, of the W. P. Winans, at Missionary Ridge, were also reSeventeenth District, presided here, rice Jones; J. ported by W.J. Duncan and J. P. Harris. In OctoT. Heath, Thomas G. Pollock, and Emmet D. ber the charge against Robinson was withdrawn, but Craig were admitted to practice, and a number of | Levi Gibson was found guilty and fined $500. The residents to citizenship. W. P. Winans, a mem- | death of Attorney Hodge was recorded at this trial. ber of the bar, presented resolutions on the death S. M. Chapman and R. E. Joslyn were admitted of Hinton Smith. Under date, April 17, 1861, a to the bar in Angust, 1865, and James J. Weems record of the adjournment of court is made, and presided over the Tenth District. In October the a notice of the departure of the Shreveport Grays grand jury reported the prevalence of crime of

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every description, and suggested that the United Sheriff William N. Wright, were reported de States be asked to replace the colored troops by

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ceased.

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In April, 1873, Israel W. Pickens, white troops.

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In November, 1865, and January, sheriff, and Samuel M. Morrison, clerk, qualified. 1866, court was regularly, hell. In April, 1866, Robert J. Looney, judge of the Tenth District, Thomas R. Simpson was sheriff, Judge Weenus ' took his seat in May, 1873, and D. M. Callahan and Clerk Mershon holding their positions. In was admitted to the bar. In November the deaths of October Richard J. Wright was clerk. On Au- S. M. Chapman, James G. Ashton, Samuel Wells, gust 15, 1866, T. T. Land, Jr., took the oath as J. M. Lawton, E. L. Tenney, and H. G. Hall attorney, and was admitted to the bar. E. B. were recorded. In April, 1874, the attorneys of the Benton was admitted in May, 1867, and in Jan- parish who paid the State license were A. D. Land, uary, 1868, John J. Hope was named as sheriff. W. B. Egan, X. C. Blanchari, A. B. Levisce and The death of J. C. Beall was recorded at this E. B. Herndon. William H. Wise was then distime, and the name of Col. J. H. Kilpatrick ap- trict attorney. In 1875 the question of the legal pears as a member of the bar. The death of the status of the sheriff led to the adjournment of old clerk, N. E. Wright, was also recorded, with court. The lawyers signing the petition, not the eulogy by George Williamson. On January hitherto mentioned, were M. C. Elstner, T. F. 27, 1868, “Special Order 203" was entered and Bell, W. A. Seay, W. D. Wylie and C. M. Pegnes. court opened by Judge Weems. John N. Hicks In November, 1876, W. Heffner was sheriff, and was admitted to practice in October, 1868, and in Johu W. Wheaton, clerk. In April, 1877, EdFebruary, 1869, the death of Roland Jones called ward H. Ryan, of Wisconsin, was admitted to forth a series of resolutions. At this time Judge practice here, followed by J. H. Shepherd, of New

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, A. B. Levisee presided over the district. In June York, and in November Judge Aleck Boarman sucJohn J. O'Connor was present as sheriff. At this ceeded Judge Levisee in this district.

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In Novemterm the State licenses issued to attorneys W. B. ber, 1878, the death of Supreme Court Judge W. Egan, James S. Ashton, T. A. Flanagan, S. M. B. Egan was entered on the minute book. J. D. Chapman, J. W. Duncan, C. C. Henderson, A. Cawthorn qualified as sheriff in 1879. In April, W. 0. Hick, M. S. Jones, T. T. Land, A. H. 18S0, S. L. Taylor took his seat as judge of the Leonard, R. J. Looney, J. C. Moncure, L. M. First District under the constitution of 1879. Nutt, S. L. Taylor, Samuel Wells, J. H. Kilpat- W. P. Ford qualitied as clerk, John Lake as rick and C. C. Henderson were recorded. sheriff and M. S. Crain as district attorney. In October J. C. Moncure presided in the trial of January, 1881, J. Shaffer was admitted to practice.

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Sheriff O'Connor was fined $10 for In February the deaths of R. C. Crain and J. W. absence. In February, 1870, S. L. Taylor was Duncan were noticed in a series of resolutions by J. special judge, also C. M. Pegues and A. D. Land. H. Shepherd, F. G. Thatcher and N. C. Blanch In the fall Bryant Wright, a preacher, and Dave ard. In March, 1882, the record of the death of Newton and E. H. Walpole, physicians, were ex

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L. M. Nutt appears.

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The only cbange in the cuised from jury service, and the death of Col. officers of the court since 1880 has been the choice J. J. O'Connor announced. M. A. Walsh suic- of J. H. Shepherd as district attorney in 1988. ceeded him as sheriff. In May, 1871, N. C. M. S. Crain died in March, 1890.

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W. G. Boney Blanchard was admitted to the bar.

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In April,

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has been deputy clerk since 1880. 1872, the death of Judge Weems was recorded, The present bar comprises T. Alexander, N. C. H. G. Hall being one of the attorneys signing the Blanchard, T. F. Bell, W. H. Bristol, T. C. Barresolutions. William L. McGary and E. L. rett (1856), C. J. Boatner, M. H. Carver, M. C. Tenney were admitted to the law circle. In No- Elstner, J. M. F. Erwin, J. L. Hargrove, E. B. vember, 1872, Samuel C. Wright succeeded R. J.

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Herndon, John N. Hicks, John W. Jones, T. T. Wright as clerk, who, with his brother, Deputy Land, A. D. Land, D. T. Land, R. J. Looney,

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In

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some cases.

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W. E. Maples, E. H. Randolph, J. B. Slattery, J. judge, W. Jenkins:

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judge, W. Jenkins: Thomas C. Porter, president; H. Shepherd, F. G. Thatcher, Hoyle Tompkies, Willis A. Arington, J. G. Jones, William J. W. H. Wise and J. S. Young. Of the lawyers Blocker, John S. Scott, P. W. Winter, T. P. Hall, named, Henry A. Bullard was judge of the supe- L. D. Bossier, J. A. Gamble, A. W. B. Ussery rior court, Territory of Orleans, from 1832 to and E. Herndon. J. C. Beall was chosen clerk 1845; Henry M. Spofford, from 1853 to 1855; i and attorney; Dan W. Edgerly, treasurer; J. S. Thomas T. Land, from 1858 to 1862; R. B. Jones, Carrow and G. E. Collins (later, W. H. Fleming), associate justice in 1865, and William B. Egan, assessors. There were eleven wards. John F. 1877-80; John C. Moncure served as judge of the Scott was captain of patrol in Ward 1, while in circuit court of appeals from 1880 to 1888. A. B. several of the other wards patrols were appointed George was elected for a short term in 1880 and without rank, and Col. J. G. Jones was appointed re-elected in 1884 to serve until 1892; James C. parish ranger. On October 13, 1840, James H. Egan was attorney-general from 1880 to 1884; Cane proposed to donate to the parish four lots at John C. Moncure was speaker of the house in Shreveport, and Charles A. Sewall & Co. made a 1879; Louis A. Wiltz served as lieutenant-governor similar proposition. Washington Jenkins offered from 1877 to 1880, and was governor at his death to sell his house and three lots to the parish for in 1881.

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$8,000, reserying the stable and kitchen, which he The parish court was opened August 6, 1838, agreed to remove. This proposition was accepted by Washington Jenkins, with Samuel C. Willson, and a committee appointed to fit up the house for clerk, and Samuel B. Hunter, deputy clerk. The official purposes.

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In December, Michael E. Davis transactions were comparatively few, as eighty and John N. Howell entered into a contract for pages covers the record up to June, 1846. In building a jail for $2,350, $562.50 of which was a 1845 Robert Burnsides qualified as parish surveyor. subscription. In 1841 the names of Roland After Judge Jenkins' term the office was abolished Polands and W. H. Fleming appear as jurors vice and not revived until after the war. In Novem- Winters and Arington. An additional sum of $250 ber, 1868, David Cresswell was parish judge, suc- was allowed Van Bibber to complete the courtceeded in March, 1871, by F. M. Smith; in Janu- house by October, 1841. Horatio Chambliss and ary, 1873, J. M. Ford; in August, 1873, H. G. J. H. Mahla qualified as jurors in December; at Hall; in November, 1873, David Cresswell, vice this time a contract was made with the editor of Hall, deceased (A. Flournoy, sheriff, and F. T. the Caddo Gazette for printing scrip; and a bonus Hatch, clerk); in December, 1878, S. L. Taylor. of $5 was offered to the slayer of every wolf and In 1879 the office was abolished.

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tiger, and $1 for every wildcat and fox. The The United States District Court was estab- Legislature was petitioned to lay the parish off in lished at Shreveport in 1881, with Aleck Boarman jury wards, and C. W. U. Hazlett was appointed district judge. M. C. Elstner was, in fact, the first parish police officer. Later, nine wards were esUnited States district attorney, and was succeeded tablished by commissioners appointed by the Legisby M. S. Jones, and he by M. C. Elstner, the lature. In October, 1842, John H. Mahla, J. A. present incumbent. Judge Boyce, who before the Gamble, A. W. P. Ussery, Thomas D. Gary (presiwar was United States district judge for Western dent), Samuel Hollingsworth, D. B. McMillan, Louisiana, was district judge for Caddo in 1840. William Isler and Daniel Waddill.

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In 1839 the parish agreed to pay C. A. Sewall John M. Lewis was chosen clerk, later S. H. & Co. $300 per year as rent for clerk's and sheriff's Potter, and John S. Gilbert, attorney. About this office, and $25 per month to Davis & Howell for time the jurors learned that a petition for the diroom in their house. The oldest record of the vision of the parish would be presented to the Legpolice jury is dated September 14, 1810, when the islature. This knowledge drew out a remonstrance following jurors convened by order of the parish from the jury, against which only John A. Gamble

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coroner.

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protested. In 1813 C. Lewis signs the record as

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In November, Mrs. Ann Pitts was perclerk, and J. M. Ford as treasurer. The second mitted to keep the ferry at the old Shennick ferry, record book of the police jury of Caddo (in exist- on the same conditions as governed Mooring & ence) is dated August 5, 1814. It was found in Au- Thompson's, on Ferry Lake. In February, 1850, gust, 1890, and though it begins six years after the Recorder John Young was authorized to remove establishment of the parish, it is a venerable me- the deed books to his brick office on Texas Street. mento of an age gone forever. At that time Col. Juror T. B. Cromwell resigned, and A. G. Scoggin J. G. Jones was chosen president, Cadwallader was chosen in his place. In June, M. Watson, Lewis, clerk, and John N. Howell, treasurer. J. Jater R. A. Cutliff, H. Van Bibber and William G. Jones, John H. Mahla, Reuben White, B. B. Terrill were appointed jail building committee, Smith, R. T. Nowell (Noel) and William H. Hack- and $200 was granted Messrs. Battle, Mitchell & ett were the police jurors. Later that year men

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Co., of the Caddo Gazette for one years' printing; tion is made of the first patrol companies, and the J. T. Toney and Robert Lowe qualified as jurors; names of Dempsey Iler, B. B. Whitworth, Benja- | B. M. Pond was chosen clerk in September, 1850, min Wills and B. Rinnolds given as captains for but gave place in June, 1851, to R. T. Buckner, and Wards 1 to 4, respectively. The school fund for William Terrell was re-elected president. In Jan1844 ($100) was ordered to be collected, a number uary, 1851, Mahla and Lowe were fined $50 each of constables appointed, and the report of commit- for non-attendance, and captains of patrol comtee on debt (showing $3,997. 71 outstanding June panies were appointed for many places throughout 3, 1844) was received. B. B. Smith was appointed the parish. In October, Micajah Johnson was elected 3 parish physician, and John Kirk took Mahla's juror from Ward 3, and with Messrs. George, Terplace on the jury. In 1845 E. Atoway, H. J. G. rell, White, Toney and Lowe, formed the police jury Battle, E. D. Williams, with Messrs. Jones, Kirk in 1852. W. A. Pegram, John H. Payne qualified in and White were jurors, and J. W. Morris, treas- September, and in January, 1853, T. H. Armstrong

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In June, 1816, repairs on the court-house was appointed clerk. On April 19, 1853, the ques. were authorized. Thomas B. Jones was chosen tion of aiding the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Texas treasurer (he succeeded Cadwallader Lewis as R. R. to the extent of $100,000 was carried by clerk), and Jordan S. Carrow, assessor. The first 211 votes for, against 154 votes contra, and in notice of pay for public printing appears in July, June the license question was introduced. S. D. 1816, when H. J. G. Battle was allowed $50. At Parker, from Ward 3, aud J. A. Jeter, Ward 1, and this time T. M. Gilmer, S. Bossier and Elisha Samuel Ford qualified as jurors in 1853; R. White Atoway were jurors. The jail, completed in 1817, was chosen president, and H. Hunsicker, clerk. In by Oglesby & Griswold, was accepted; Lewis Pugh 1854 Samuel Ford presided, and R. L. Gilmer, R. was appointed assessor, M. Mahon, collector, and Lowe and W. A. Pegram qualified as new mem C. R. Griswold, treasurer. In September, 1847, bers of the jury, and in March, 1855, the names of the jurors were Dr. A. Flournoy, B. W. George, Henry T. Jones, W. A. Lacy and R. T. Buckner T. S. Cromwell, Dr. J. W. Hardwick, president, appear on the roll of members. Lacy, Pegram and T. M. Gilmer. John Young was chosen clerk.

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and Gilmer were instructed to lease or buy a poorIn October, 1818, J. W. Mahala, B. S. Dickson and farm. N. E. Wright was clerk.

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In 1836 Joseph Hiram Johnson were elected jurors, Hardwick, Beard was a juror, and R. T. Buckner, attorney, George and Cromwell holding over. In February, as well as president of jury. B. T. Scoggin was 1849, R. A. Walker succeeded John Young as appointed collector, and in November R. L. Gilclerk. At this time school districts were formed, mer was chosen president, vice Buckner. In Jan. In August, Joseph B. Thompson and William Ter uary, 1857, authority to build a jail was given. rell represented Wards 1 and 4, respectively. The The record from 1858 to 1870 inclusive can latter was chosen president. Thomas Rowan was not be found. It appears that A. J. Pickens, the

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urer.

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radical president of the police jury at the begin- In April, 1867, a series of resolutions were ning of 1871, refused to turn over to the newly signed by Judge Weems and other citizens of Caddo, appointed jury the minute-books.

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assuring Gen. Sheridan of the desire of the people A memoranda of some political affairs during to join in every measure and effort for the restorathat period may, however, bring up some recol- tion of the union. lections of the darkest days in the history of Louis- 1 In July, 1870, a report gained credence that iana, and compensate, in a measure, for the loss of Gov. Warmoth intended sending a battalion of the most interesting volume of police jury minutes. State militia to Caddo Parish, during the fall elec

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Immediately after the election of November, tions. The Shreveport people did not see the neces1860, a meeting was held at Shreveport, the mem- sity for this extreme measure, and petitioned the bers of which resolved that it was no longer com- governor not to send an armed rabble to create patible with the safety and honor of the Southern disorder in the midst of order. This petition was States to remain in the Union, and petitioned the presented by Thomas T. Land, Robert J. Looney, Legislature to arm the militia at once.

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The reso

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F. P. Leavenworth, James W. Duncan, C. L. Pelutions were warlike in the extreme, and were gues, C. B. Clark, S, L. Taylor, J. S. Ashton and signed by B. L. Hodge, Leon D. Marks, Thomas R. C. Cummings. J. Allen and R. T. Buckner.

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On June 5, 1871, a new record book was opened. On January 7, 1861, Leon D. Marks and D. J. Elder, G. J. Jones (president, succeeding George Williamson were elected delegates from Elder), Reuben White, Samuel Armstead and James Caddo to the State convention. L. D. Marks and McCleery were members of the jury; George L. B. L. Hodge, of Caddo, signed the secession ordi- Smith, collector; N. C. Blanchard, clerk; O. L. nance of 1861. The vote in November, 1861, Van Creelan, treasurer (succeeding P. H. Rossen); shows 761 votes for Marshall and nineteen for S. L. Taylor, attorney; S. H. Parsons, surveyor, Lewis, candidates for Congress; Reuben White and T. G. Ford, physician. An order to institute and J. A. McRady were chosen representatives. proceedings against A. J. Pickens, to obtain pos

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During the year 1862, a soldiers' tax amount- / session of the parish records was entered June 199, ing to $26,000 was levied in addition to the $9,000 but the trial was never recorded, if it ever took ordinary parish levy. This was not the beginning place. The parish was redistricted for road purof war levies; but it is enough to point out the sacri. poses into twenty-eight districts. Gen. McCleery's fices the people of Caddo were willing to make for

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death is recorded on November 7. In September, their cause.

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On January 26, 1864, Gov. Henry 1872, the jurors were G. W. Stoner, president; W. Allen delivered his message to the Legislature | J. A. McRady (later president), Dr. W. Turner, at Shreveport. On January 25, 1864, Gov. Moore Zach Howell and R. T. Noel, with Stephen Pitts, closed his administration.

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treasurer, and John W. Jones, attorney. In JanCaddo recorded 618 votes for Breckinridge, 546 uary, 1873, A. W. Marshall, D. S. Hall and for Bell, and thirty eight for Douglas. In 1865 F. G. Spearman, qualified as jurors, with R. T. Allen received 288, and Wells, 140 votes for gov

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Noel and J. A. McRady holding over. J. G. Mc

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Williams was elected treasurer, and S. M. Chapman, ernor,

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S. R. Mallary, the last State prisoner confined attorney. In May, 1875, S. C. Head was chosen in Fort Lafayette was released in April, 1866. president; John N. Hicks, clerk (to succeed N.

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The parish elections of May, 1866, resulted in the C. Blanchard), and William A. Seay, attorney. return of Thomas R. Simpson, sheriff'; A. L. Mer- Messrs. Porter, Hendricks and Page were the new shon, clerk; C. W. Lewis, recorder; William Hub- , members of the jury. At this time the use of the bard, assessor; W. W. Blackwell, coroner, and court-house was granted to St. James' Colored James S. Ashton, district attorney. For the three Methodist Society for worship, and Dr. Turner was candidates for sheriff there were 740 votes cast. | appointed physician. In September, scrip for

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1

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$28,663 was canceled, and a 5-mill tax for jail- pied R. T. Cole's place, and Frank J. Nolan sucbuilding purposes authorized. E. B. Herndon ceeded Elstner as clerk. On August 14, 1888, this was treasurer in 1876, with S. C. Head, F. G. old jury gave place to the new. J. M. Foster was Spearman, Marshall Page, W. L. Smith and Ja chosen president, and Edward Martin clerk. The cob Hass, jurors, and W. R. Devoe, surveyor. jurors, in order of wards, were J. P. Spearman, 1; During the year all outstanding scrip was called J. E. Browning, 2; J. B. Newton, 3; N. Gregg, in for registry under penalty of being invalidated. J. M. Foster and P. Youree, 4; W. R. Bradford, 5;

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In August, 1876, the Funding Board reported Thomas Williams, later, S. C. Hall, 6; James $35,200 outstanding, for which funding bonds · Herndon, 7, and J. M. Robinson, 8. In February, were issued. P. W. H. Cumming was president, 1889, Capt. H. H. Hargrove was appointed directand J. E. Maguire secretary, of this board. The or, from Caddo Parish, to the New Orleans Imminame of “B. C. White, clerk of former police jury,'' gration Convention. W. F. Taylor succeeded N.

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. occurs under date January 1, 1877. W. N. Jeter, Gregg (resigned) in 1889. In August, 1889, WillS. C. Head, James Tisby and M. Page, were jurors; iam Boney succeeded Martin, as clerk; T. C. Barrett J. E. Maguire, clerk; R. J. Looney, attorney, and followed Perrin, as treasurer, in 1888; J. H. ShepC. H. Spilker, treasurer. On June 4, 1877, the pard was elected district attorney, as shown elsenewly appointed jurors qualified, with James B. where, and holds the position of parish attorney; Smith, president; Tisby, Head, Jeter and Page, of R. H. Lindsay succeeded A. D. Battle, as assessor, the old board, and J. D. Cawthorn, W. D. Brown- in 1888. ing, C. J. Foster, D. S. Hall and J. M. Hol- The work of removing the historic court-house lingsworth as new members. N. C. Blanchard was entered upon July 24, 1890, by contractors was elected treasurer; John C. Elstner, clerk; S. Moodie & Ellis. In August the contractors began M. Morrison, collector; E. B. Herndon, attorney. the work of erecting what will be the finest courtThe assessment of the parish was then $3,215,000, house building in Louisiana. on which a tax of 8 mills was levied, being a This division of the State claims as its piodecrease of 6 mills on the tax of 1875, and of neer soldier one William Davis, a pensioner of the 4 mills on that of 1876. In August, 1878, there Revolution. He resided in Caddo Parish in 1840, were nine quarantine posts established, and a guard being then eighty years old. Later a number of put in charge of each to prevent the entrance of Mexican soldiers, of whom Capt. Crain was the sick

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persons; the death of Marshall Page was made best known, settled here. The War of the Rebelpart of the record. In June, 1879, James M. Hol. : lion may be said to have begun here in 1859, for, lingsworth was president, with W. H. Adams, R. as is shown in former pages, resolutions favoring H. Harrell, Ed Martin, James M. Martin, George secession were adopted and military companies J. Johnson, D. S. Hall, and W. J. Hutchinson, were organized. members of the police jury. D. S. Hall presided On January 8, 1861, the Caddo Grays, under in 1881, with R. T. Cole, S. J. Ward, J. I. Schum- Capt. Beard, paraded in new uniforms. Contri- . pert, J. H. Fullilove, W. H. Adams, G. W. Huck- butions toward the better equipment and arming aby and the last-named member, of the old board of this company were received. members. In 1882 R. T. Vinson took Ward's The Shreveport Home Guards organized Januplace, and J. M. Alexander replaced Fullilove, and ary 22, 1861, with T. P. Hotchkiss, captain; H. Mooringsport Ferry was declared free. In 1885 Markham, first, and W. C. Beck, second lieutenR. T. Vinson presided, with L. Z. Crawford, G. W. ant; Jonas Robeson, treasurer; L. Dillard, H. S. Huckaby, R. T. Cole, Pete Youree, Jules Dreyfuss, Roach, W. B. Adams, W. Holmes, S. B. Jones, J. W. Scott, R. F. Walters, G. A. Colquitt and B. Barker, James I. Weems, S. P. Day, Ben Walter J. Crowder, members.

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W. C. Perrin was Stanton, H. D. Brown, B. F. Logan, Warren chosen treasurer.

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In June, 1886, Taylor Noel occu- | Hecox, J. Close, C. W. Gibson, Martin Tally,

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.

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Charles Urback, W. K. Harrison, R. V. Mayre, C. E. Allen, third lieutenant. This company was W. Lines, Edmund Sawyer, H. T. Stewart, John H. made up of a number of Irish railroad graders, Wilson, William Brown, N. E. Wright, W. W. who were urged to join the army by Col. Battle, Debach, W. S. Lewis, J. C. Beall, Wash Jenkins, now of the Rapides newspaper circle. They were Robert Cain, M. F. Reinhardt and John Frisby, powerful fellows, belonging to the peasant class of

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, privates.

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their country, driven here by oppression. The In February, 1861, the Shreveport Sentinels failure of the contractors to pay them left them organized, with H. J. G. Battle, captain; W. P. 1 easy prey to the recruiting officer, and thus they fell Winans, lieutenant; Thomas H. Morris, second into the ranks, September 15, 1961, at Camp Moore, lieutenant; J. W. Brickell, sergeant; Henry Hun- Landrum equipping the company out of fees re. sicker, second sergeant; H. Dreyfuss, third ser- ceived from a non-resident land-owner. geant; N. G. Tryon, fourth sergeant; R. H. The Lake Company was organized in SeptemLindsay, first corporal; William Robson, second ber, 1861, with James Yetter, captain; Frank corporal; Thomas F. Bealle, third corporal, and Shearman, first lieutenant; F. G. Beckham, second Emmett D. Craig, fourth corporal. On the captain's lieutenant, and J. C. Allen, junior second lieutenpromotion to a colonelcy E. Mason was elected ant. This company left on September 13, for the captain in June, 1861.

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war. The Caddo Sportsmen, under Capt. Winans, The Caddo Grays, afterward known as the left for Camp Moore on September 19. 1861. Shreveport Grays, left the city April 16, 1861, on The Caddo Guards, organized March 4, 1862, the “Louis D'Or” en route to New Orleans, under with William Robson, captain: S. C. Head, first command of Capt. J. H. Beard; Lieuts. George lieutenant; H. S. Howell, second lieutenant, and Williamson and L. D. Marks; J. A. Andrews, J. R. B. Smith, third lieutenant, left for the front P. Harris, T. G. Pollock and A. C. Powell, ser- ; March 7. geants; F. Chitille, quartermaster; L. L. Butler, The Dixie Rebels, organized in March, 1862, W. S. Crowder, John Beynon and W. E. Moore, with 0. L. Durham, captain; C. J. Foster, first corporals.

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lieutenant; Rev. J. H. Tucker, second lieutenant; The Caddo Rifles were commanded by W. R. C. N. Graves, third lieutenant; Rev. Joseph Hay, Shivers, in April, 1861, with J. K. Ashmore, sec- chaplain, and eighty-five men.

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This company ond lieutenant; C. W. Lewis, R. E. Sewall, Aleck embarked for New Orleans on the “ Trent.” Boarman, and Samuel Wells, sergeants; D. H. The Caddo Pioneers arrived from the lakes of Glover, ensign; J. De Marre, W. W. Blackwell, R. Caddo, March 13, 1862, en route to the front on J. Wright, H. E. Allen, and E. Rankin, corporals. “Era No. 4.” C. G. Williams was captain, J. This command proceeded to New Orleans on the ' M. Christian, C. S. Gillis and T. S. Jordan, lieu“Grand Duke,"' in command of Capt. Gilmore. tenants.

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This movement of troops was carried out amid The Caddo Confederates organized in March, the greatest excitement. The early successes of 1862, with Rev. Geo. Tucker, captain, and T. C. the Confederate army brought joy to every home, Lewis, J. B. Smith and Samuel Beckwith, lieuso that the Fourth of July of 1861 was celebrated at tenants. Shreveport enthusiastically, the Shreveport Sen- The Red River Rangers organized in May, tinels, the Summer Grove Cavalry, the Reagan 1862, with L. M. Nutt, captain; R. E. Sewall, A. Guards, from Texas, and the people participating. D. Battle and Dew Tally, lieutenants. This com

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The Landrum Guards was the name given to the pany, as well as the command of W. B. Denson, fifth military company raised at Shreveport. In Sep- of De Soto, served with Garland's Texas brigade. tember, 1861, this company was organized, with T. The Caddo Light Horse Company was organA. Sharp, captain; Thomas H. Triplet, first lieu- ized May 3, 1862, with W. B. Denson, captain; tenant; J. C. Kuney, second lieutenant, and H. W. J. Scott, J. A. Hecox and S. W. S. Culp,

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!

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were

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one

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lieutenants. The sergeants elected

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A. On the 24th 1,100 exchanged prisoners arrived, Walker, David Elder, W. M. Iler, H. Hayden and and on the 31st Polignac's division. August 9 a

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9 George Crowder, with G. E. Bennick, ensign. E. portion of the old Third Louisiana Infantry emM. Van Nostrand was commissary.

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barked at Alexandria for Shreveport on the steamer The work of military organization did not “Lelia,'' Capt. Isaacson. At Lacdes Mures the boat cease in 1862, although a great deal of the bone was forcibly held, while the 110 officers and men and sinew of the land had gone forth to fight for were entertained by the former lieutenant-colonel, their homes, a thousand soldiers awaited only the S. M. Hyams. On the 16th the force arrived at order to fall in, and before the close of 1864 every Shreveport and occupied Camp Boggs, one and able-bodied man in Caddo had either served a e-half miles south, formerly held by the Crescent term in the army, was serving one, or had been Regiment, who guarded the Yankees in the prison mustered out by the great officer-Death

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close by. September 3 a body of men arrived, In April, 1862, a meeting was held at Shreve- bringing the strength up to 300. October 15 the port to consider the question of burning the cot- Shreveport Glee Club gave an entertainment for ton in the event of the Federals advancing on the the benefit of the Missourians, serving in this Transtown. The people wisely resolved to remove the Mississippi Department, which netted $5,000. stock of cotton rather than burn it, and cautioned February 18, 1865, a review was held by Gens. the planters not to send any more cotton to Shreve- Forney, Smith, Magruder and other officers on the port. The fall of New Orleans prompted this Marshall road, two miles from the city. Forney's meeting and further suggested the establishment division was present. This military spectacle was of a courier service between this town and the witnessed by about 15,000 persons. About April mouth of the Red River to give notice of Federal 1 robbery and rapine were so prevalent that the movements. The Southwestern was roundly de- streets had to be paroled day and night. Next nounced for suggesting the preservation of the came the news of Lee's surrender; then, too, comcotton.

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missioners from Gen. Canby to talk with Gen. J. L. Hart proposed, in June, 1862, to estab- Smith arrived, and by May 10, 1865, the end of lish a pony express mail between Shreveport and the Confederacy was known to citizens and soldiers; Beauregard's headquarters.

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soon after the work of ransacking the government Mrs. Roland Jones was president of the La- stores was commenced and carried on until the dies' Military Aid Society and Miss Mary J. Missouri troops restored order, recovered much Craige, secretary, in 1862. What the women of property and stored it in and around the courtCaddo did for their soldiers can not be calculated. house. May 21 troops began leaving town, and Sacrifice after sacrifice was made to send the troops on the morning of the 22d the citizens were free clothing and food, and many a cheering letter of to survey the week's work of disorganized legions. hope made happy the toiling army in the field. Two Louisiana cavalry companies were in

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July 21, 1864, General Order No. 6 was issued Arkansas with Garland's Texas Brigade; Capt. L. from the headquarters of the Trans-Mississippi M. Nutt's, of Caddo, ninety-one strong, and Capt. Department at Shreveport. This order brought W. B. Denson's, of De Soto, eighty-four strong. vividly to mind the capitulation of Vicksburg Both were captured at Arkansas Post in January, July 4, 1863, for it asked all the officers and men 1863. When exchanged Nutt's company returned captured and paroled there, who reported at Enter- to Louisiana, and became headquarters' guards prise, Demopolis, Vienna, Natchitoches, Shreve- for Gen. Kirby Smith; while Denson's remained port and Alexandria at any time prior to April 1, in Arkansas, and became a part of Fagan's Arkansas 1864, to rejoin their commands, as they were brigade. declared exchanged. S. S. Anderson, A. A. G., May 15, 1865, Gen. E. Kirby Smith issued his by command of E. Kirby Smith, issued this order. order for the removal of headquarters to Houston.

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He went thither at once, followed by his head- ment; B. C. White, Seventeenth Virginia Infantry; quarters' train. Demoralization took hold of the John Spark, Morgan's Command; James W. Arcitizens and then of the army, and anarchy reigned nold, Third Texas Cavalry; William J. Nash, here.

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Catahoula Grays, Eleventh Louisiana; R. T. VinIn August, 1865, Col. F. M. Crandall assumed son, Washington Artillery; B. P. Barker, Denson's command at Shreveport. John A. Stevenson, S. Cavalry; T. B. Chase, Crescent Regiment; Thomas P. Griffin and others were held prisoners here, H. Jordan, Sixth Alabama; William H. Ferry, under J. J. W. Starr, who refused to produce Second Louisiana; Ed M. Austin, Eufaula (Ala them before Judge Weems on habeas corpus or bama) Light Artillery; L. P. Grim, Witber's permit the district judge to visit them.

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(Mississippi) Artillery; W. C. Perrin, Fourteenth In November, 1865, the Forty-eighth and Kentucky Cavalry; Capt. W. I. Bruner, Third Seventy-sixth (colored) United States Infantry Mississippi Infantry; Samnel Adams, Seventh were mustered ont, after holding Shreveport for Louisiana Infantry; Rev. C. F. Evans, Crescent some time. Maj. A. Smith was assigned command Regiment; Capt. J. F. Utz, Second Louisiana; of Western Louisiana, with the Forty sixth Illinois Col. J. B. Gilmore, Third Louisiana; E. G. Hin Infantry, the Eightieth United States (colored) kle, Pendall's Battalion; A. J. Reynolds, Thirty-tirst Infantry and a squadron of Pennsylvania Cavalry Louisiana Volunteers; Capt. J. L. Fortson, Second at Shreveport. Martin Tally was commissioned Louisiana Infantry; Fred Ball, M. Nihill and brigadier-general of De Soto, Caddo and Bossier Frank Cain, Capt. Nutt's Scouts; Jobn J. Scott, 1 by Gov. Wells in December, 1865. The Eighth Bossier Cavalry, Eleventh Louisiana Squadron; Illinois Infantry was mustered out at Shreveport Capt. J. L. Hargrove, Perrin's Mississippi Regi. | about this time, and the carpet-bag rule was intro- ment; W. T. Dewing, Austin's Battalion; Dr. D. duced., M. Clay, surgeon; Rev. J. H. Hackett, Eighteenth

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1 The Benevolent Association of Confederate Mississippi; Capt. J. H. Nattin, Ninth Louisiana; veterans was organized in June, 1884. Capt. J. B. Smith, Twenty-seventh Louisiana Infantry; Utz presiding, with J. V. Nolan, secretary. The J. A. Booty, Tenth Texas Cavalry; A. S. Jordan, role of membership was signed by the following Morgan's Command; Maj. C. Flournoy, Nineteenth named veterans: Capt. George W. Kendall, Twen | Louisiana Regiment; J. L. Gill, Greenwood Guards, ty-fifth Louisiana Volunteers; G. A. Bourquin, Second Louisiana; E. W. Lacy, Shreveport Grays, Watson's Louisiana Artillery; Lieut. E. S. Leon- Dreux Battalion; Lieut. J. C. Egan, Ninth Louisard, First Battalion Cavalry; Jacob Gall, Nine. iana; Pete Youree, Shelby's (Missouri) Regiment; teenth Louisiana; Dave March, Third Louisiana; M. S. Seegar, First Battalion, Texas Mounted Caval. A. C. Hunter, First Louisiana Cavalry; Charles ry; V. Grosjean, Fourth Louisiana; James V. Nolan, Sweeny, Third Texas; Capt. William Kenney, Crescent Regiment; James M. Martin, Third Third Louisiana Infantry; M. W. Haughton, Nine Louisiana Cavalry; Maj. John C. Moncure, Eleventh teenth Louisiana; S. C. Perrin, Ninth Kentucky Louisiana, H. P. Hyams, Eleventh Louisiana, and Infantry; Maj. V. S. Allen, Fourteenth Texas; D. L. Gustin, Eleventh Louisiana. G. Holland, Gould's Battalion; John G. Horan, On July 15 the association was organized with Crescent Regiment; Capt. J. W. Jones, Nineteenth 'James F. Utz president; James C. Egan, J. W. Louisiana; H. Neeson, Forty-eighth Georgia In- Jones, L. R. Simmons, A. J. Newman and William fantry: L. R. Simmons, Fenner's Battery; E. E. Kinney, vice-presidents; James V. Nolan, secretary; McDonald, Second Georgia; W. A. Pleasants, T. B. Chase, financial and corresponding secretary, Richmond, Virginia Howitzers; G. Owens, Second W.C. Perrin, executive committee. The same ofliLouisiana Cavalry; S. C. Head, Twenty-fifth cers, with a few exceptions, were re-elected for 1885, Louisiana Regiment; John Lake, Hampton Legion, and with various changes of position held office until South Carolina; H. M. O'Meallie, Crescent Regi. 1889, when V. Grosjean* was elected president; T.

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*

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A.;

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*

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*

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E. Jacobs, J. S. Young, J. V. Nolan, * J. H. Calvert journal are now in possession of Andrew Currie. In and J. C. Egan, vice-president; William Kinney, * later years it was consolidated with the Telegram, recording secretary; R. T. Vinson, * financial sec- and issued under the title, Southwestern Telegram. retary; L. R. Grim,* treasurer; D. Holland, * M. at The Night Guard was issued at Shreveport

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J. F. Utz,* T. B. Chase, W. A. Pleasants, February 21, 1858, by J. M. A. Scanland & Co., William Endres* and John Corbett, executive com- with J. M. A. and W. H. Scanland and T. E. mittee. At the close of December, 1889, there were Steele, editors. A paragraph from this little sixty members reported, while to this number a journal gives its character—“ Mr. Smith, don't large addition was made prior to April 1, 1890. In you think Mr. Skeesicks is a man of parts? DeAugust, 1890, the officers whose names are marked cidedly so, Miss Brown. He is part numbskull,

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were re-elected with J. V. Nolan, first vice-presi- and part knave and part fool.” The Caddo Gazdent; A. J. Newman, second vice president, John ette, Jr., was the name given to the Night Guard

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Lake, third vice-president; John Corbett, fourth on February 28, 1858. This was sold at 10 cents vice-president and W. H. Tunnard, fifth vice presi- per copy, and continued in existence until August dent; J. H. Calvert and James Martin are the new 15, 1858. members of the executive committee.

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The Commercial News was issued at ShreveThe Caddo Gazette was the pioneer newspaper port, February 17, 1859, by J. M. A. Scanland. of all the territory embraced in Claiborne Parish as On March 17 it was enlarged to a twenty-column established in 1828. In October, 1841, it is men- folio. Mr. Scanland's valedictory appeared Autioned on the records of the Parish Jury. This gust 11, 1859, in leaded primer, between heavy journal had its share of ups and downs, but was mourning columns, and the office was moved to always faithfully carried on, and sometimes with Carthage, Tex., by T. M. Cooley. The material of marked ability, down to 1871.

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the Commercial News office was purchased from R. On April 9, 1854, W. H. Scanland went to D. Sale, who purchased it from the Caddo News of. work on the Caddo Gazette, then edited by Col. fice, previously published by J. R. Marks and Evan H. J. G. Battle; R. S. Carnes and Windham were Turner. Prior to the purchase by Sale, the maalso compositors. In June, 1857, Col. Battle re- terial was used in the publication of a religious tired from the Gazette, and Dr. Samuel Bard, then weekly, the name of which is forgotten. State superintendent of education, purchased the The Flag followed the News, and was consolioffice. Dr. M. Estes, formerly editor of the dated with the Gazette. The Shreveport Sentinel Shreveport Democrat, was appointed assistant was another journal of some importance. T. G. editor. In the history of the Times, reference is Compton was the editor of the Sentinel up to its made to its consolidation with the Flag and ultimate closė, and was made postmaster in September, 1865. change of name. The Southwestern, Vol. III, No. Mugginsvillain was issued at Shreveport in 1, was issued August 23, 1854, by L. Dillard & July, 1865, by Gilliland, Tabor & Hussey. Its peCo., from their office at the corner of Texas and culiar name did not suggest permanency. Edwards Streets, opposite Van Bibber's livery The Weekly Shreveport Times was issued in stable. It was first issued in 1851. The rescue December, 1871. On November 25, 1871, the of the large stock of cotton from destruction by following notice was issued by Drury Lacy and fire in 1862 must be credited to this journal. It W. G. Barrett: opposed its destruction effectually.

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We this day have sold and transferred the printing On June 21, 1865, the Southwestern placed the office of the Gazette and Flag to Messrs. A. II, Leonard, stars an. I stripes which had been lowered February

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H. J. G. Battle, and C. W. Levis, for value received. The 6,1861, above the editorial column and folded up the

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unexpired contracts, advertising and subscription will

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be completed by the new firm. All debts due this date stars and bars. The Daily Southwestern was to The Caddo Gazette or The Gazette and Flag are payissued October 15, 1868. Part of the files of this

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able to Drury Lacy and W. G. Barrett.

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Col. H. J. G. Battle was manager and Maj. H. a demand for an increase of 5 cents per thousand J. Hearsey, later (1874) of the New Orleans States, ems, or 35 cents.

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Mr. Simmons, the owner, in was editor. A. D. Battle and W. A. Seay subse. granting this, wished that the situation would warquently held this responsible position, and some rant him in acceding to a demand for more than 35 changes in ownership were effected, J. H. Gil- cents. liland being proprietor for some time, then J. The Southwestern Telegram was in existence H. Shepherd, and then Shepherd & Young, with in 1877, and the Baptist Chronicle was issued at Mr. Shepherd editor. In 1885 A. Currie & Co.

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In 1885 A. Currie & Co. Shreveport in 1886, by Rev. R. M. Boone. The purebased the office, but some time later became Shreveport Morning Journal was established in sole owner, be and J. H. Gilliland being editors. April, 1886, by Col. A. D. Battle and J. H. GilliCharles McD. Puckette was appointed editor after- land, and the Democrat was issued over the grave ward, and he, with S. B. Johnson leased the office of the Evening Journal, by C. McD. Puckette. for three years.

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In 1887 Puckette retired to es- The Shreveport Evening Journal, formerly The tablish The Democrat, when V. Grosjean, S. B. Weekly Journal, was established in August, 1887, Johnson and Charles Schaeffer purchased a half by C. W. Hardy, O. P. Ogilvie and R. P. Moore. interest, and leased the balf interest of Currie & Col. Battle was editor, and John F. Gilliland city Ogden for a term of three years. A. D. Battle | editor. After publishing for six months, the office was employed as editor, Mr. Grosjean being city was sold to the Democrat Publishing Company. editor, as formerly. The latter is now owner of The Caucasian is the most successful evening the Caucasian, and J. H. Gilliland holds this po- paper ever issued at Shreveport. In October, 1889, sition, with Capt. Tunnard editor.

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V. Grosjean, one of the veterans of the newspaper cirThe Daily Shreveport Times Vol. I, No. 14, cle of Louisiana, purchased the Evening Caucasian, is dated December 16, 1871. On this day the and placing Col. A. D. Battle in charge as editor, enpaper, known to readers for fifteen days prior to tered on that policy of judicious work, which brought this date, was enlarged to a twenty-eight column this paper into the front rank of daily journals. In folio. The issue of June 1, 1872, bears the names July, 1890, Col. Battle moved to Alexandria, and of H. J. G. Battle, C. W. Lewis and A. H. Leon- Mr. Grosjean assumed editoral charge, with L. F. ard, proprietors, with A. D. Battle and H. J. Jackson, assistant editor. Mrs. Mattie H. WillHearsey, editors, and E. Mason, commercial and iams writes for this journal on social and educariver reporter. The staff changes noticed on the tional affairs, under the name of Busy Bee. sketch of the Weekly Times apply to this paper. The Fair News was issued in August, 1890, by Mrs. Rule, who is so favorably known under the C. D. Hicks and W. W. Battle. name of Pansy, has been connected with this The Shreveport Record was issued April 3, journal for some years.

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1890, by L. F. Jackson, W. H. Bristol and C. W. The Evening Telegram was issued May 15, Hardy, with the object of pointing ont the indus1872, from the office of the Shreveport Publishing trial possibilities of Northwestern Louisiana. Company, as an independent, conservative jour. The Times and Caucasian being found to cover the

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, nal. The Union Herald followed the Telegram, field so well, the Record ceased publication. but its days were of short duration, and the The New Orleans Picayune is represented in Shreveport Evening Standard, Vol. XI, No. 1, Northwestern Louisiana, by Capt. H. H. Hargrove. was issued May 1, 1879, with L. R. Simmons, He is the statistician of the State par excellence, publisher, E. Mason, river and commercial edi.

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and has taken a very prominent part in all lattertor, and R. C. Crain, city editor. The Stand- | day measures for the development of one of the ard was changed to a morning paper October 19, least known and yet one of the most fertile States 1879. In September, 1882, the “comps” of this in the Union. office presented through foreman, Charles Schaeffer, The History of the Third Louisiana Infantry

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was written by Capt. W. H. Tunnard, in 1865-66, 994, The colored enrollment for the years given, and published in 1866. It is a work which claims is as follows: 666, 600, 5,769, 2,326, 1,411, 1808, much attention even now.

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1,742 and 1,673. The apportionment for 1889 was The ante bellum Typographical Union dis- 1 mill, and it remains unchanged. This, with the banded when the Confederacy called for troops in increased assessment is equal to 14 mills. There 1861. The feeling against the abolition fanatics is due the school board, and uncollected, some of the North was so bitter, that young and old $7,000 or $8,000; this added to the amount to be who loved the Union intensely, smothered their collected in 1890 will give the school board $13,feelings and entered the

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army. In October, 1870, 000 or $14,000, or more than enough to maintain Union No. 155 was chartered, but for some reason more and better schools in the parish than herethe organization fell through. It was reorganized tofore, for twelve months in the year. October 29, 1882, with Charles W. Hutchens, *

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, The convent schools and other private educapresident; B. F. Gilliland, * vice-president; W. tional establishments of the parish are held in C. Copes, secretary; Charles Schaeffer, financial high esteem and claim a large enrollment, as resecretary, and J. B. Rachal, sergeant-at-arms. lated in the history of Shreveport. The presidents in the order of service hava been: The State Educational Society elected the folW. R. Black, H. A. Neville, John H. Gilliland, lowing-named officers in July, 1890: Judge A. A. H. A. Neville, John H. Gilliland, Charles W. Gunby, Monroe, president; J. A. Breaux, Iberia, Hutchens,* John S. Gooch,* W. C. Copes, John and Col. Thomas D. Boyd, Natchitoches, vice. S. Gooch,* C. W. Hardy and the present presi- presidents; A. C. Calhoun, secretary; Mrs. Matdent, John S. Gooch. Will A. Sutherland is now

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tie H. Williams, of Shreveport, corresponding secretary and treasurer, and W. C. Rawlins, re- secretary; Miss Kate P. Nelson, Shreveport, his. corder. The names marked * are still on the roll, torian, and Mrs. T. S. Sligh, editor. with J. E. Goodwin, present vice president; D. R. In former pages references are made to the Lyons, R. P., and C. G. Moore, J. M. Murphy, E. physicians who were here in the early days of R. Fleishman, J. L. Farmer, J. F. Leverett, J. T. Caddo. The physicians who registered under the Lovinggood, H. A. Nester, R. M. McCoy and W. act of 1882 are named in the following list: H. Dougherty are new members. Many members

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Dennis, Hiram Smith, Atlanta Medical College, 1870. of the old Press Circle of the city and surround Calhoun, John Caldwell, Medical College of Georgia. 1861. ing towns are honorary members.

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Ashton, William Whitcraft, University of Louisville, Ky.,

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1859. In Caddo Parish the school system is good. Billiu, David Hall, University of City of New York, 1861.

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Blackburn, Gideon Emmons, Pulte Medical College, CinThe public schools are limited in number, but the cinnati, 1879. deficiency is more than supplied by private insti- Gray, Robert Archibald, University of Louisville, 1853.

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Ford, Thomas Griffin, Bellevue Hospitul Medical College, tutions. The schools, public and private, are un- New York, 1870. der the management of thoroughly efficient Scott, John Joseph, Medical College of Georgia, 1856.

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Egan, James Cronan, University of City of New York, teachers. The receipts of the treasurer of Caddo 1846. on account of school fund in 1853 were $5,620.68;

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Clarke,* Ambrose Francis, Medical College of Ohjo, Cin

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cinnati. 1837. in 1854, $4,872, and in 1855, $4,879.15, or a total Dickson, William Lipscomb, Bellevue Hospital Medical

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College, New York, 1881. of $15,371.83. Of this sum $11,084.25 was ex

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Allen, John Walter, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, pended on the twenty.one districts, leaving Dis

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New York, 1881.

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O'Leary, James Francis, Bellevue Hospital Medical Coltrict No. 22, with forty-eight pupils, out.

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The

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lege, New York, 1873. total number of school children in the parish

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*Dr. Clarke settled at Shreveport in 1810 or 1841. While en route on January 1, 1856, was 1,266. The enrollment

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hither, he wished to earn expenses, iind hired himself to a roadside

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blacksmith. It was in this shogy that he lost the sight of one pye, of white pupils in the schools of Caddo for 1877

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owing to a particle of hot iron flying into it. In 1846 he enlisted in

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the Mexican War, was made prisoner at (erro Gordo, but was was 552; 1879, 864; 1882, 4,033; 1883, 2,073; released after a few days. He died at Shreveport, April 6, 1890). 1884, 881; 1885, 879; 1886, 970, and in 1887, the history of Bienville.

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| Dr. Egan, Sr., a pioneer physician of this district, is referred to in

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Coty, Henry Colquett, l'niversity of Louisville, Ky., 1880. J. C. Vance. L. L. Tomkies and J. M. Foster, Johnson, Franklin Lafayette, Louisville Medical College, 1877.

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vice-presidents; J. G. McWilliams, treasurer, and Lyon, Aurelius Augustine, St. Louis Medical College, R. T. Vinson, secretary. In 1886 E. B. Herndon

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1861. Taylor, Joseph, University of Pennsylvania 1862. was elected president, and held the office until O'Bryan, Andrew Franklin, South Carolina Medical Col

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1889, when C. J. Foster succeeded him. J. G. lege, Charleston, 1860. Allen, Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson Medical College, Phil

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1

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McWilliams has been treasurer since 1883; R. T. adelphia. 1855. Fisher, Levi Hill, University of Louisiana, 1853.

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Vinson, secretary until succeeded by Matt L. Sco Whitworth, William Thomas, University of Louisiana, vell in 1887. In 1889 John J. Horan was elected

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1877. Egan, William Lucius, University of Louisiana, 1882.

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secretary. The number of stockholders is placed Hilliard, Walter, University of Louisiana, 1869.

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at 250. The association has made rapid strides, Walker, Alexander Spann, Medical College of the State of South Carolina, 1861.

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and owns fair grounds equal to any in the South. Vauglian, Zachariah Edmunds, University of Louisiana, The Farmers' Union of Caddo is another very

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1876. Moss John Robert. University of Louisiana, 1875.

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influential association. The officers elected July Dorey, Joseph Tabor, Memphis Hospital College, 1881. Dickey, Fines Jackson, Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati,

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4, 1890, are E. R. Fortson, re-elected to the office 1879.

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of president; W. E. Wasson, vice-president; B. H. Booth, Augustine Rue, University of Louisville, 1874. Blackburn, Charles Hinton, Homeopathic Medical Col

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Bickham, secretary; I. W. Pickens, treasurer; W. lege of Michigan, 1883,

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M. Odum, lecturer; J. R. Herndon, assistant lectTillinghast, Edwin Lawrence, University of Louisiana, 1861.

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urer; J. M. Attaway, chaplain; R. D. Ansley, D. Alison, Hartwell, University of Louisville, 1872.

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K. ; Lewis Dick, assistant D. K., and Kemp FlourRoquemore, Andrew Jackson, University of Louisville, 1886.

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noy, steward.

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At this nieeting the charter was John of Dickson, Samuel Augustus, Cuiversity of Louisiana, adopted, the following unions being represented by 1884.

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their delegates: Nos. 271, 272, 271, 366, 418, 467, Watters. George Winn, Hospital College of Medicine,

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529. Louisvi}le, 1876. Mooring, Christopher Madison, American Medical Col- The North Louisiana Historical Society was or

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lege. St. Louis, 1878. Grabill, Jacob D., Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati, ganized in August, 1890, with the following1878.

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named members: A. K. Klingman, of Claiborne; Maclin, James Bullock, Central College of Tennessee, 1887.

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L. T. Sanders, of Bossier; Capt. T. F. Bell, Col. Curtis, John Sidney, Cincinnati College of Medicine and G. W. Stoner, J. Henry Shepherd, L. E. Carter,

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Surgery, 1878. Herron Francis Jett, Reform Medical College, Macon,

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John Lake, W. McD. Roach, W. P. Ford, Frank Ga., 1859.

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R. Hicks, L. M. Cozart, W. Lee Wilson, John Hunt, Randell, Tulane University of Louisiana, 1889. Allen, Ethan. George, Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati, Monkhouse, Sr., J. H. Fullilove and C. D. Hicks,

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Ohio, 1889. Yoakum, Finis Ewing, Texas Medical College, Galveston,

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of Caddo, all of whom were appointed committees 1874.

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of one to solicit membership. The permanent orThe Shreveport Medical Society was reorgan-ganization was effected by electing G. W. Stoner, ized in 1876, but the members assembled in regular president; L. T. Sanders, vice-president, and C. D. session only twice in the succeeding six years.

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.

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| Hicks, secretary The officers, whose terms expired in December, The navigation of Red River is contemporary 1883, were Dr. A. A. Lyon, president; J. J. Scott, with the settlement of the valley by the Indians. vice-president; J. W. Allen, recorder; T. J. Allen, In De Soto's time, the yawlboat was the only means

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1 correspondent, and W. L. Egan, treasurer.

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of conveyance. In 1872 the Shreveport Board of Trade did In 1814 or 1815 Henry M. Shreve, the former suggest the organization of an agricultural society. bargeman of the Ohio and Mississippi, and the

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The Louisiana State Fair and Shreveport Ex- first to contest the exclusive rights claimed by Ful position was organized June 13, 1883, under the ton and Livingston to steam navigation on the title, North Louisiana Agricultural and Mechanical Mississippi, was also the first to bring a steamboat Association. J. M. Hollingsworth was president; up Red River as far as Natchitoches, whence a

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military road was opened on the east bank of the early as 1823 he was running as engineer with river to within a few miles of Fort Towson in the Capt. Shreve between Natchez, Miss., and Alexan. Indian Territory, over which the supplies were dria. After a long experience as steamboatman hauled by wagons; the boat was named the “En- in southern and western waters, he wound up terprise. Some years later cargoes were trans- his career in that capacity as commander of the shipped on keelboats at Natchitoches and those fine Red River steamer “Magnolia Branner,”? boats were hauled up Coushatta Bayou, through which was burned in 1855 on the Mississippi below Lake Bistineau, Red Chute and Macks Bayou, Baton Rouge. into the Red River, two miles below Shreveport. The first steamboat accident on the upper Red Until the raft was formed above Willow Chute, the River brought into the courts was that of January 6, boats returned to the river through its channel. In 1838, when Capt. C. B. Hurd of the “Blackhawk,' 1834, the steamer“ Rover," Capt. Ben Crooks, filed complaint against the steamer “Marmora." laden with supplies for Fort Towson came via The former left New Orleans January 4, 1838, with this route, but as a raft had formed in the river a cargo of merchandise for Shreveport. She met cbannel above Shreveport, she was compelled to the “ Marmora” two miles above Bosley's plantation run up Twelve Mile Bayou, thence through Soto and fifty miles above Natchitoches on January 6, Lake, into Clear Lake through a canal cut by and there suffered the damages complained of. Capt. Sewall, U. S. E. C., and thence into the The burning of the “ Mittie Stephens”' in 1869, rechannel, fifty-six miles above. In 1882 Capt. lated in the history of Shreveport, is one of the Isaac Wright was ninety years old; John Smoker, tragedies of the river; while to the sinking of a who retired after the war, was residing at Arkadel- boat-load of cattle in 1873, some persons attributed phia; George Alban was on the United States boat the yellow fever of that year. From July 1, 1865, “ Florence;" James Crooks was still on the Upper to April 1, 1872, 221 steamers arrived at ShreveRiver; Harry M. Summers, at New Orleans; E. S. port, with an aggregate tonnage of 44,254 tons. Leonard and John Alban were in the river service; The Shreveport Coast Navigation Company orCapt. Ruth Edwards, who brought up the “ Charles ganized in June, 1872, with R. H. Lindsay, presiton," in 1836, brought up the first steamboat ever dent; James R. Arnold, vice-president; N. W. built for the Red River trade in 1837 (this was Murphy, S. J. Ward, D. B. Martin, Jerry H. the “Brian Borhoime;" his name should not be for- Beard and Ben Jacobs, directors. The Red River gotten). The following are some of the noted cap- and Coast Line Company and the Lower Coast and tains of the river service: Capt. Joe Lodwick, of the Alexandria Steamboat Company, run regular steam

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Robert T. Lytle" and "Belvidere,” L. K. Vawter ers between Shreveport and New Orleans. and Green K. Cheatem of the “Southwestern'' (built The burning of the “Mittie Stephens” belo iv at Washington, Ark.); Sam Applegate of the Duck Swanson's Landing, in Caddo Lake, occurred at River” and “St. Charles;” Capt. Thomas Moore, midnight on Feburary 11, 1869. Only forty. three who died in 1880; Capt. W. W. Withenbury, who of a large number of passengers, officers and crew commanded the “Llama,” George Alban pilot, the

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were saved.

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Not a siugle lady passenger was first steamer that ever passed from Red River saved, and it is said that between seventy and 100 through Cypress Bayou to Jefferson, in 1815; persons perished; among them being Mrs. Jack Capt. J. R. Davis, of the "Rockaway;" Capt. son and three children; Mrs. T. L. Lyon and Hinckley, of a snagboat; Capts. Aleck and John Frank Lyon, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis and three chilDunn, respectively of the “ Columbian” and “Cas- dren, W. A. Broadwell, J. C. Christian, Mr. Boynpian; " Capt. John Graham, of the “Caddo;": kir, Mr. Ash, Mr. New, an unknown lady from Capt. John Martin, of the “ Compromise;" Capt. Grand Ecore; George Remer, clerk; Charles Weir Cheney Johnson, of the “Louis D'Or;" and Capt. and Thomas Mulligan, engineers; James Jobnson,

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" A. Leonard, who died in this city in 1865. As

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As Nancy Bradford and child, William and Amanda

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9

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66

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Morris, Martha Williams, Henry Ashley, S. Ash- Company did some work, but after the expenditure ley, Robert Pbillips, John A. Phillips, James of $100,000, defaulted. The stockholders, howPhillips, Martha A. Phillips and Alex Phillips. ever, paid that company tifty per cent of their in

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The contract for building the Shreveport & vestment. The total length of the road as comVicksburg Railroad from Red River to the Texas pleted, in 1882, is 171 miles, and the total cost

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, line, was sold, in September, 1855, to Dr. A. Flour- $3,537,000. The first through train from Dallas noy, Judge J. M. Ford, A. Flournoy, Jr., V. H. to Shreveport over the Texas Pacific arrived Jones, W. E. Dotey and David I. Hooks.

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August 11, 1873. In 1851 B. M. Johnson conIn February, 1866, the Vicksburg, Shreveport &

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tributed to the old Gazette a sketch of the proTexas Railroad was sold by the sheriff, at Monroe, posed railroad, of that year, from Shreveport to for $50,000. The work of grading the Shreveport Trinity River. On August 13, 1873, the celebra

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!

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, & Pacific Railroad was completed to Red Chute, east, tion of the opening of the road took place here. of Shreveport, in May, 1882. Convict forces, under The first mail from St. Louis ever received at Capts. Husted, Lesage, Bradshaw and others, were Shreveport, via the Jefferson & Texarkana Railengaged in this work, and the springs where they road, was that on January 21, 1874. camped are known as convict springs to-day. The The Shreveport & Arkansas Railroad was comwork of completing the gap between Monroe and pleted April 6, 1888. On January 20, 1887, a Shreveport was completed in 1885, and the old number of citizens invited Col. Fordyce and Col. Monroe and El Paso stage route abolished forever. Hinckley to Shreveport to discuss the advantages This road forms a part of the Queen & Crescent

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1

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of the road then proposed. In February this insystem.

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vitation was accepted, and on May 6 Attorney The gap in the Southern Pacific Railroad, be- Phillips and Engineer Hinckley proposed that tween Shreveport and Marshall, was closed July $10,000 aid be granted. On May 19 a company 28, 1866, and on the 29th the first train passed was organized, with S. W. Fordyce, president; S. over the road.

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J. Zeigler, vice-president; Ed Jacobs, treasurer, Work on the railroad bridge over Red River, and T. B. Chase, secretary, to build sixty-one at Shreveport, was commenced in July, 1882, by miles of track between Lewisville and Shreveport. contractor Peter Scully. This is a modern iron Work was begun in August, 1887, by the conbridge with turn-table.

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tractors, McCarthy & Kerrigan, of Little Rock, The New Orleans Pacific Railroad Company and completed on the date given, R. N. McKellar, of

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i was organized in June, 1875, to connect the upper 'the Cotton Exchange, assisted by Mrs. Rule, known Red River country with New Orleans. A sum of under the nom de plume of “Pansy," driving the $354,000 was subscribed by New Orleans; $15, 200 golden spike. Telegrams announcing the comby Alexandria; $25,000 by Natchitoches; $15,000 pletion of the road were sent to the Chicago Board by Mansfield; $100,000 by De Soto; $25,000 by of Trade, the St. Louis Merchants Exchange, the Shreveport; $200,000 by Caddo Parish; $60,000 Kansas City Exchange, and the New Orleans Cotby Marshall, Tex., together with the charter of the ton Exchange. The depots on this road, north of Marshall & Mansfield Railroad Company, and its Shreveport, are named Shady Grove, Benton, Alland grant of 286, 720 acres. From 1875 to 1879 den's Bridge and Gronsheim, in Louisiana, and the work of construction was carried on. In July, Bradley and Lewisville in Arkansas.

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| 1880, the American Railroad Improvement Company was organized August 18, 1873, with T. P. pany took charge, and in October resumed work, Dockery, president; B. M. Johnson, vice-president; and placed the last rail July 11, 1882. On Sep. S. B. McCutcheon, secretary and treasurer; Messrs. tember 19, of that year, the new road was turned | Johnson, Jacobs, Lindsay, Sale, Leonard, Adams, over to the Texas Pacitic under the articles of con- Roots and Dockery, directors, solidation. In 1878 the Louisiana Construction i The Shreveport & Houston (narrow gauge)

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The com

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Railroad rins from Shreveport to Houston, 250 width, with ten-foot sidewalk on each side. It miles. The road runs southwest through South runs from what is known as Silver Lake to Cross Caddo and De Soto Parishes, and crosses the Sabine Bayou, a distance of some twelve blocks. The into Texas at Logansport. P. A. Lacy is agent blocks in the principal parts of the city are 320 feet at Shreveport. A road to connect Shreveport with square, with twenty-feet alleys running through Kansas City is not only possible, but probable. same, the lots being 40x150 feet.

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Shreveport is situated in latitude 32° 30' north, The city is modern in everything. Very few and longitude 16° 40' west, at the head of low- towns of even a greater number of inhabitants water navigation on the Red River. The elevation can point out so many public improvements, or above high water at New Orleans is 180 feet, ac- claim so many accessories of civilized life. It is cording to the State signal service report, but local nothing if not modern. Vital and meteorological authorities claim for it an elevation of 260 feet on data are not wanting to abolish forever the old falthe river front and 355 feet on the bluffs.

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lacy which points toward Red River as the home of The distances by river from Shreveport are as malaria. Not many years ago the careless visitor follows: Upper river-Gilmer, 50 miles; Spring or resident bowed down before the power of nox

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, Bank, 80; Cut-Off, 175, and Fulton, 350. The ious exhalations from the lakes and bayous, but distances below are -- Loggy Bayou, 100 miles; the moment knowledge showed a strong front to Coushatta, 160; Campter, 235; Grand Ecore, 250; the armies of miasma, by outlining all the necessary Alexandria, 350; mouth of Red River, 500; Baton conveniences and duties of life, the terrible, silent Rouge, 580, and New Orleans, 700. By railroad destroyer fled, leaving a healthy people to inhabit it is only 330 miles from the last-named city, 172 a healthy city. The total number of deaths remiles from Vicksburg, Miss., and 330 from Gal- ported for the year ending August 31, 1889, was Veston, Tex.

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309, of which number 200 were colored

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persons and The estimate of population in June, 1890, by 109 white citizens, divided by sex into 182 male and United States enumerators, shows 944 in the First 127 female. There were 121 deaths among chilWard, 1,149 in Second, 1,023 in Third, 3,204 in dren under five years of age, including 21 still- . Fourth, 3,005 in Fifth, and 1,287 in the Sixth Ward, births. At least ten per cent of the deaths ocor a total of 10,912 * Total official population for curred at the Charity Hospital, where persons from

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. * Caddo Parish census 1890, 31,555. Her trade by every quarter of the State, and very often from rail, river and wagon is drawn from North Louis- Texas and Arkansas, are admitted and treated at iana, Southern Arkansas and Northeast Texas. the expense of the State. The meteorological data, The business portion of the city is covered with brick spoken of elsewhere, applies particularly to this buildings, all of them being occupied by substan- city, as here the record was made. tial business firms. The levee front extends The sewerage system embraces two main lines, several blocks, 132 feet from sidewalk to natural with sub-mains and system of laterals, altogether landing, all of which is paved with rock. Texas six and one-half miles in length. The sewers are Street is seventy-six feet in width, with twelve-foot provided with the necessary manholes and lampsidewalk on each side. The old plank road, at one

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, holes, and automatic flush-tanks are located at certime a terror to teamsters, has been entirely re- tain points, which are supplied by water from the moved and a solid rock-bed, extending fully a waterworks. The sewage is carried off into the mile, has been laid. This street extends into what Red River at a point just south of the waterworks, is known as Texas Avenue. Along this thorough- together with the sewerage system, representing fare runs the City Railway. Market, the next an investment of $230,000. The pumping station principal, or business street, is sixty six feet in is supplied with two vertical pumps, having a ca.

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pacity of 1,000,000 gallons each, and two settling * B. C. White was census enumerator, with Spence A. Alston, Frank Trice, John C. Eltsner, C. MeCarthy and L. S. (rain, deputies.

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reservoirs, with a capacity of 3,000,000 gallons,

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reserve on

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urer,

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are provided. The water passes from the basins Bushrod Jenkins, A. McNeil, William S. Bennett, through an immense filter (the Hyatt) to the stand- James H. Cane (of Bennett & Cane), James B. pipe, which is 110 feet high, 20 feet in diameter, Pickett (of South Carolina), Thomas T. Williamson and has a capacity of 250,000 gallons. There are (of Arkansas), Henry M. Shreve (of Kentucky), fourteen miles of mains, and 114 public hydrants, and Sturgis Sprague (of Mississippi), purchased which are used by the fire department and for from Larkin Edwards, of Caddo, a other purposes.

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The works were put, four years Bennett & Cane's Bluffs, on the south bank of Red ago, under the superintendency of John B. Craw- River, a part of which was surveyed into lots to be ley, who is now the superintendent.

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called Shreveport. The original town was bounded The Shreveport Gaslight Company commenced by Silver Lake, Common Street, the line of blocks the construction of their plant in June, 1859. The back of Caddo Street and Commerce Street runaffair was primitive indeed up to the seventies, ning along the river bank from Lower Water to when some improvements were effected. The Upper Water Street. The original plat was drawn Shreveport Gas, Electric Light and Power Com- by E. D. Hobbs, and copied in 1858 by Surveyor pany was organized in recent years, with J. C. Merriweather, when pages 411 to 457 of record Hamilton, president; John B. Jones, vice-presi- L. were cut out and the new plat inserted. dent, and W. E. Hamilton, secretary and treas- On July 28, 1837, Angus McNeil, president of

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The capacity of the works is 25,000 cubical the Shreveport Town Company, deeded to himself feet, and the length of mains about eight miles. five lots: No. 8, in Block 40; No. 1, in Block 50; In the electric light department are ten miles of No. 16, in Block 14; No. 16, in Block 33; No. 1, arc wire and eleven miles of incandescent wire. in Block 39, for $2,015; two lots to himself and

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The Caddo Indians ceded their lands to the John 0. Sewall; one block (64) and four lots in United States prior to 1835, but reserved a square Block 61, to Rufus Sewall, for $14,000; four lots in mile for Larkin Edwards, who made his selection Block 22, to James B. Pickett, for $620; seven lots where Shreveport now stands. This tract of 610 to T. T. Williamson, in January, 1838, Block 60 acres they donated to Larkin Edwards, who re- and Block 4, for $4,920; three lots in Block 49 to sided with them for several years, and was their Seth Sheldon, for $1,200; two lots to Larkin Edinterpreter as well as true friend in dealings with wards, Sr., one in Block 60 and one in Block 61; the wbites. The place was known as Cane & Ben- two lots in Block 41 to W. D. Helm for $1,800.1 nett's Bluff, and a large log-house or trading-post | On January 8, 1838, M. E. Davis leased a honse marked it as the site of a future city. Edwards and lot to Sheldon & Beall; the town company sold his claim to Angus McNeil on January 24, sold three lots at the corner of Texas and Com1835, for $5,000, and in July of that year Jelial merce Streets to Bennett & Cane on January 9, Brooks, an agent of the United States, reported 1838; two lots were sold by T. T. Williamson to satisfactorily on the transaction, which was con- Thomas C. Porter; the saw-mill lot by Sewall to firmed by the Supreme Court. In May, 1836, the A. McNeil; Town Company to Henry C. McNeil; United States surveyor found it to contain 63 4 two lots to 0. T. Brodward; one lot to G. W. Nichacres and a fraction of an acre, and on May 27, ols; one lot to E. H. S. Lipscomb; two lots to 1836, the members who subsequently formed the John D. Barnhill; four lots to H. M. Shreve; four town company joined McNeil in the ownership. lots to W. R. Carter; one lot to Beall Randall; five Prior to this, in March, 1836, the Lake Providence Tots to M. E. Davis; six lots to Robert L. Gilmer; & Red River Railroad was chartered, and the idea two lots to E. Nott, and sundry small transfers. of it being built to the Bluffs affected the company On May 10, 1813, the original town company was favorably. The plat of Shreveport was recorded dissolved and a partition sale made of the property. February 18, 1837, by C. E. Greneaux, judge of The Legislative act, approved May 4, 1871, Caddo Parish, This document sets forth that provided for the vesting of title to the Batture

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I

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property in the city of Shreveport agreeable to the was known as Monsieur Richarde. He was old compromise of January 21, 1871, between the city and eccentric, so that his departure for his native and M. D. C. Crane, James B. Pickett, W. R. France, accompanied by his eight-year old son, Carter, Amelia M. Hord, Robert L. Gilmer, John, awakened some curiosity in the settlement. He L. K. and A. M. Grigsby and Ann M. Jenkins, ad- soon returned, it is alleged, fabulously rich, but ministrators of succession of B. Jenkins. The no trace of his mysterious wealth did he portray. act further provided for the survey of this property Returning to bis garden he worked there as of old, and also of the land recovered from F. C. Walpole. until one morning he was found dead in his cot. Messrs. Nutt & Leonard represented the succession During the latter years of the war some soldiers, in all this compromise matter.

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who occupied the old tenemant house, unearthed The original company did not work without some French and Spanish coins, but the hiding opposition. About the time Shreveport was sur- place of Monsieur Richarde's golden pieces is not veyed a syndicate of Natcbitoches capitalists con- yet revealed. In 1835 the large force of raft ceived the idea of founding a town at the head of removers, under Capt. Shreve, had headquarters the “Great Raft,” and took measures to carry here and to this date must be credited the beginout the idea, but did not push the enterprise with ners of the town. James H. Cane one of the sufficient strength. In 1851 a second competitor members of the Shreveport Town Company was the for city honors was threatened, the opposition com- first merchant bere, opening a store in 1835 or ing this time from within the fold of Caddo. It 1836. He married the widow of his partner, Mrs. appears that James B. Gilmore brought hither in Bennett, who is to-day a resident of Bossier City. 1850-51 a number of negro mechanics, with the Her daughter married a Dr. McCormick, and one object of putting up buildings for himself first, and of Dr. McCormick's daughters married one Stocksubsequently hiring this new form of slave labor to well, who managed to obtain title to the Cane estate. residents of Shreveport, who desired to build. His In 1858 work on the Vicksburg, Shreveport & action was so unacceptable to the white mechanics Texas Railroad was begun, and before the war it that they induced the council to levy a license tax was completed from Shreveport to Marshall, and on all colored mechanics. This action drove Gil- from Monroe to the Mississippi, leaving the ninetymer to adopt extreme measures, and he made plans mile gap over for better days. During the war not only to leave Shreveport high and dry, but also fifty wagons were engaged in the cotton trade with to build up a new town some distance away.

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Tak- Mexico. On December 24, 1861, the State caping his slaves to the point where Tone's Bayou ital was moved hither; in 1867 the yellow fever left the old river, he had a ditch 5,100 feet in created terror here. length, excavated, connecting the river with Bayou The first record of the town of Shreveport is Pierre, and grading the fall to about five inches dated September 2, 1839, when the officers elected per 300 feet, secured a natural excavator in the on the first Monday in May, 1839, qualified before waters of Red River, which soon wore out a good Angus McNeil, a justice of the peace. The trustees ship channel, formed Tone's Bayou and threatened were John 0. Sewall, chosen mayor; W. W. George, to give effect to Gilmer's threat. His town of Red T. P. Hotchkiss and S. B. Hunter. S. E. Belknap Bluff was never built. Mugginsville was where was appointed secretary. Trustee C. A. Sewall Cotton Street runs into Texas Avenue. The house declined to qualify, and on the 11th J. R. Smith* from which the name was derived was torn down was appointed. John R. Smith, assessor; P. C. only a few years ago.

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Hansborough, constable and collector, and A. B. It is related that in the early days of Shreve- Sterrett, surveyor. On September 11, the first or. port there resided, one and a quarter miles west of dinances relating to streets, appraisement of lots, Shreveport (between the Cobar farm and the resi- ferry at foot of Caddo Street, licenses, drays and dence of Capt. Joseph Boisseau), a semi-recluse, who * Appointed Washington Jenkins, Parish Judge of Caddo.

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carts, and public printings were adopted. On Sep- trustees. Pennal] was succeeded, in 1863, by J. tember 30 S, C. Wilson was appointed treasurer.

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C. Beall, but Jonas Robinson was acting mayor The ordinance of October 14 provided that all slaves prior to this. In 1864 Samuel Wells presided over should retire to their homes before 8 P. M., and if the city, and John L. Gooch in 1865-66.

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In found out after that hour without written permit 1866-67 Aleck Boarman, judge, was mayor, and from the master, would be fined $5 and jail fees. | Martin Tally in 1868. J. B. Gilmore, 1869-71, and Another ordinance prohibited residence to free Moses H. Crowell,† 1871. negroes or mulattoes.

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George Alborn's bond as The act incorporating the city of Shreveport proprietor of the ferry was accepted, and a lot of was approved April 27, 1871, and a mayor, coun- business transacted, which would do credit to a cil and four administrators authorized, vice the old modern city. In April, 1810, $300 were ordered system of trustees. In April, 1872, the case of the to be paid the secretary for his services. On Jan- State vs. Moses H. Crowell, mayor, Martin Tally, uary 22, 1810, the death of Mayor Sewall appears; administrator of finance, Moses Sterrett, adminis- Trustee Hunter was chosen chairman; Thomas I. trator of assessments, Frank T. Hatch, of improve- Williamson was appointed captain of patrol, and ments, and Charles 0. Phelps, of accounts, was also Seth Sheldon; W. F. Walmesley was appointed presented in the district court. The officers named surveyor, vice Sterrett, resigned, and J. Clinton were appointed by Gov. Warmoth, on May, 21, Beall, attorney. In May, 1810, the trustees elected 1871, but the Senate refused to confirm them. In were W. W. George, mayor; T. C. Porter, Thomas April, 1873, Joseph Taylor was mayor, but Mayor D. Gary, P. C. Hansborough and M. E. Davis. Levy took his place that year. M. A. Walshe John W. Lewis was appointed clerk. In Novem- served in 1874, and S. J. Ward in 1875. In 1890 ber, 1841, Cadwallader Lewis was clerk and Sam- Mayor Currie resigned, and a special election was uel W. Briggs, mayor. W. W. George was chosen ordered. Capt. R. T. Vinson received 562 votes mayor in May, 1842, with H. J. G. Battle, M. E. on May 24, 1890, for the office of mayor, to fill the Davis, S. W. Briggs, trustees. William Terrill | vacancy caused by the resignation of Andrew Cur- was trustee in 1843, otherwise the board was un- riet Pending the election, E. B. Herndon was changed. Van Bibber and Howell were members acting mayor. of the board in 1843-44.

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W. W. Case was clerk in 1817; W. W. Sim- In May, 1844, J. N. Howell* was elected mayor, mons, 1818; T. J. Fitzpatrick and R. A. Walker, and served until 1845, when J. C. Beall was elected. | 1819-50; W. G. Kerley, 1850; J. C. Trent, 1851; The office has been filled from 1846 to 1854 by | A. W. Magee, 1852; W. A. Sterrett, 1852, R. S. the following-named: 1816, L. P. Crain; 1847, 1 Carnes, 1853-56; W. H. Dashiell, 1857; A. H. R. N. Wood; 1818, John M. Landrum; 1819, R. | Leonard, 1858–59; Emmett Rankin, 1860; Fred N. Wood; 1819-50, John Bryce; 1850, Robert | A. Leonard, 1861; J. W. Wheaton, 1863. Cooke and 1851-54, J. C. Beall.

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W. W. George was comptroller in 1862; F. A. In November, 1854, the license question was Leonard, 1861-66; W. F. Nicholson, 1867; C. H. brought forward, and the no.license ticket received a majority of seventeen votes. In 1855 J. W. Jones + Moses Crowell was appointed recorder of Shreveport in March,

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1869, by Gov. Warmoth. He formerly kept a negro grocery store, on was elected mayor, and served until 1858, when

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the bank of Red River, fifty miles below the city. Jonas Robinson was elected. J. W. Pennall was

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# On March 27, 1890, resolutions on the resignation of Mayor Curelected mayor in May, 1859, with R. A. Waller,

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rie were adopted. The last of the series was as follows: ** That

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the fact that we have the entire debt of the city now before us, and C. R. Griswold, Dr. A. F. Clark, John Walters,

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are able to see our way clear to a large reduction of taxation at an Martin Tally, William Robson and F. Mulhaupt,

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early day is more attributable to Mr. (urrie's drive and push than to any other cause. Thoroughly conversant with the financial affairs of

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1

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the city, he has been a most zealous advocate of having the status * John N. Howell, a North Carolinian, who moved to Caddo in of the entire city debt definitely and conclusively fixed. The Shreve18:35, and in 1837 married Jane Davis, died in June, 1882.

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Fort Bridge and the Siireveport Waterworks also stand as momiwas mayor of Shreveport, and in 1868 representative of the parish.

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1

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ments to his enterprising spirit.

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In 1814 he

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Spilker, 1868; E. M. Sturgess, 1870; J. W. Whar- W. C. Perrin; directors, W. B. Ogilvie, chairman, ton, secretary, 1872–73; R. B. Hawley, 1874, and C. P. Rives, H. Youree, J. Dreyfuss, J. B. Ardis, J. H. Alston, 1875. W. I. Bruner was succeeded | L. M. Carter, S. B. Hicks, Levi Cooper and S. in 1889, by the present comptroller, N. B. Murff. ! Herold, and secretary, H. P. Thomas. The obThe former, on June 30, 1888, reported the ex. jects of this association were formerly carried out penditures of the city for the decade ending that under the auspices of the Cotton Exchange, but day, to be $197,464.74, of which $91,563.12 was the creation of new industries, and the inception paid out for scrip issued prior to 1878, and $63., of a greater number, suggested the organization 084.82 for railroads. As shown in other pages, the of a society which would embrace not only those indebtedness of the city is $190,000, and of the interested in the cotton product, but also those enparish, $35,000.

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gaged in real estate, trade and manufactures, as The Cottage Exchange was organized October 15, well as agriculturists and stock-growers. R. H. 1875, with the following-named officers: N. Gregg, : Lindsay was chosen president of the old Board of president; R. H. Lindsay and J. M. Hicks, vice. : Trade, in September 1872, and later in that year presidents; S. B. McCutchen, treasurer; E. Mason, this body suggested the organization of an agrisecretary; and E. L. Dennis, S. J. H. R. John- cultural association.

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ston, P. W. H. Cummings, Henry Florsheim, C. The first fire company was organized in 1852 | G. Thurmond and Joseph Boisseau, directors. In under the title, Caddo Company No. 1. Among

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1876-77 N. Gregg presided over the Exchange, the members were A. L. Heine, foreman; J. B. with R. H. Lindsay vice president, and the same Gilmore, J. G. McWilliams, R. H. Lindsay, V. treasurer and secretary as in 1875. S. B. Mc- Shidet, M. Bear, L. Cook, A. Shaffner, William Cutchen was elected president in 1878, and served, Thatcher, H. Lindman, William Robson, O. J. by re-election, until the beginning of 1884, when N. Wells, Ben Jacobs, R. Daws and R. A. Waller. Gregg was elected president. In 1878 Ben Jacobs R. H. Lindsay succeeded Heine as foreman, and was chosen treasurer, Secretary Mason still hold- commanded the first parade in May, 1853. In 1866 ing the position to which he was elected in 1875. the department was reorganized under the old name In 1879 J. V. Nolan was elected secretary, which with John Dickenson, president, and Thomas Byposition he has filled with marked success down to : land, foreman. The latter was succeeded in order, the close of 1890. J. G. McWilliams was chosen by F. N. Sanchez, R. B. Burns, W. F. Chase, treasurer in 1882, vice Jacobs, and still holds that | C. Andriola, John Ford, Ben Sour, John Bacon position. In 1886 R. N. McKellar was elected and James D. Boazman (who was serving in May, president, and served until 1890, when F. M. 1882); Jake Chanse 1885–89; J. F. McDonald Hicks was elected. In July, 1890, a report gained 1887-88; H. Hugg and R. A. Grubbs, 1889–90. credence that this old organization was to be merged | John Caldwell is president and J. W. Daner, the into the Board of Trade, but fortunately the report secretary. was set aside, and the Exchange, which has for so

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Pelican Hook and Ladder Company was organmany years played such an important part in the ized in 1867, with A. H. Leonard, president, and

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, drama of progress, resolved to continue the good S. W. S. Culp, foreman. The latter was suc| work. Secretary Nolan, in connection with this or- ceeded in order, by Jules Bourquin, W.F. Chase,

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ganization, would alone warrant it a long lease of E. M. Sturges, T. B. Chase, W. C. Haden, Dick life. J. W. Soady is present vice-president, and Richards, L. L. Tompkies, Jr., J. H. Jordan, Eu C. H. Mingo, W. F. Taylor, S. J. Zeigler, Joseph gene Conway, W. E. Maples, John L. Gill, J. C. Boisseau and R. N. McKellar, directors.

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Elstner (who was foreman in 1882), Alf Jenkins, The Board of Trade was organized June 1,

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1883-86, and Jules Guerre 1886-90.

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Conway 1889, with the following-named officers: President, Moneure is president, and Frank J. Nolan, secreJ. F. Utz; vice-president, Isaac Barron; treasurer, i tary of the company.

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Caddo Company No. 2 was organized in 1867, J. J. Horan, S. A. Alston, R. W. Ford, J. A. Mcwith J. B. Gilmore, president, and R. H. Lind- Coy, L. P. Grim, J. A. Booty, William Boazman say, foreman.

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The latter office was filled respect. and R. L. Iler, the marshal in 1882 when the fete ively np to the close of 1882, by B. P. Parker, P. was held in Fireman's Park. William Robson was W. H. Cummings, G. P. Walsh, John Resotti, J. president, 1882-84; William McKenny, 1884-86, A. Vandoren and Michael Berenstein, 1882-87; and Conway Moncure, 1886–90. Charles W. Crane

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, H. White, 1887–88; Patrick Lowe, 1888--89, and served as secretary in 1882-83, and Frank J. No F. Voelcker, 1889–90. P. Lowenthal is president | lan 1883-30. and A. Bell, secretary.

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John Walpole's gin-house, four miles from the Germania Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, town, was burned in December, 1855, with twenty was organized in 1871, with H. C. C. Zeigler, bales of cotton. The fire of October 19, 1856, president and George Gunther, foreman. The destroyed the new parish jail, which, a few years latter office was held respectively by Henry Dil before, was built at a cost of $10,000. The fire lenberger, John Patsman and Joe Fink, who was originated in a house close by. The fire of Janu- . serving in 1882.

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ary, 1857, originated in the Jewell Coffee House, Allendale Fire Company No. 4 was organized corner of Texas and Market Streets, and destroyed in 1890, with R. T. Cole, president; R. Browing, the buildings of M. Watson, B. M. Johnson, Dr. secretary; E. Wortman, foreman; G. W. Zoder George, David Gilmer, T. M. Gilmer, J. M. Lanand W. C. Cooper, assistants; J. W. Jones, vice- drum and Crain & Jones. The Market House president; M. T. Quigles, treasurer and G. B. Ber- owned by Griggsby was also destroyed. Cocklin's trand, steward; Messrs. Cole, Jones and William building was burned in April, 1857. In May the Kinney, delegates.

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stores of Kneeland & Co., J. H. Brown and A. A. Phoenix Salvage Corps was organized in 1873, Enos, on Texas and Spring Streets, were burned. with N. T. Buckelew, president, and R. H. Lind- The fire of January, 1859, destroyed the Smile say, captain. The captains prior to January 1, Coffee House, the old City Hotel, on Texas Street 1883, were Andrew Currie, M. S. Crain, R. N. (the latter vacated a few days before by Allwine, McKellar, A. Weaver and Jules Guerre.

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the lessee), and other buildings. The T. W. Jones Shreveport Salvage Corps No. 1 was organized residence and adjacent buildings were destroyed April 1, 1886, with O. P.O'Gilvie,captain. In June, by fire October 19, 1872. On November 23 his W. W. Waddill was elected, followed successively saw-mill and foundry were burned. The fire of by Guido Maiturg, W. W. Battle, who was serving February 19, 1873, originated in the Jacobs store, in 1890. John L. Hodges is president; C. D. which it destroyed together with the frame buildHicks, secretary and treasurer, and N. W. Buck- ings occupied by Staits, Dreyfuss, Marsh, Sartini. elew, vice-president.

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Weinstock and Dalpino; the brick building of L. In 1875 the five companies were incorporated Baer and M. Baer, on Texas and Spring Streets, as a department, with John H. Jordan, president. and the old frame building in rear of Weinstock's He was succeeded by John C. Moncure and he by store, known as the Catfish Hotel, then the oldest Capt. William Robson, who was serving in 1882. house here. The total loss was estimated at

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The chiefs of the department bave been W. $100.000. The fire of June 2, 1879, destroyed E. Kennedy, George W. Kendall, A. H. Leonard, the Thenard store and other buildings belonging F. N. Sanchez, P. W. H. Cumming, John J. to Joseph Boisseau and the Gregg & Ford buildHoran, John C. Moncure, Andrew Currie, George ing. This was followed by the fire of June 8, Gunther and J. H. Jordan, 1882.

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which destroyed Mrs. John Dickinson's tenement The marshals have been C. W. Spiker, 1868; house on Fannin and Edwards Streets, Nathan Gregg, Dr. J. L. Moore, 0. L. Chamber- The fire of October 31, 1880, destroyed Hamil lain, J. H. Jordan, George Raue, R. H. Lindsay, ton & Co.'s cotton-seed oil mill. The Bourquin

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were

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warehouse and 235 bales of cotton were burned burg, Shreveport & Pacific passenger train sig. March 21, 1881. On March 2 a wall of the Jacobs naled for the bridge just at the moment that the building fell in, killing Michael Bonipet. The steamer “E. B. Wheelock" signaled. The draw Pelican Cotton Mills

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also destroyed in was opened for the steamer, but Monk, the engiApril, 1881; at this time they were owned and neer, found his locomotive uncontrollable and in operated by R. F. Kellum. The fire of February less than a minute the locomotive leaped into Red 1 1, 1886, originated in the one-story brick building River with the tender, leaving the train proper on on Texas Street, between Market and Edwards the track. Robert Chapman was conductor of Streets, occupied by Browing's grocery and this train and James Moseley, fireman. Seigle's dry goods store. The firemen saved the In 1855–56 Col. Hodge erected two brick building adjacent. During the year ending August, store buildings on Texas Street, where the Pal

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, 1889, a number of conflagrations occurred. That metto House stood, later the Morris drug store; of January, 1889, destroyed two small buildings G. M. Nichols, three one-story brick tenements on on Marshall Street, while the fire of July 10, on the same street; Reuben White, a brick store on Milan and Spring Streets, destroyed $75,000 worth Commerce Street, where Robert Donnell formerly of property belonging to J. M. & G. W. Robinson, carried on business; Drs. Logan and Nutt, on Schwarz & Kern, A. J. Bogel, J. H. Fullilove, Commerce and Milan Streets; Bryan & Nichols Ardis & Co., W. D. Scofield, William Enders & built on Commerce Street, where the old block Son, J. B. Smith, Utz & Smith, Wyche & Thomp occupied by J. 0. Rountree, Winter & Bros.,

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& son, Looney & Maples, Judge S. L. Taylor, Dew Turner, Iler & Beck, G. M. Nichols, and Donnel] L. Tally, J. H. Prescott, S. N. Kerley, Young & was destroyed by fire in 1852. Thatcher, L. S. & M. S. Crain and D. B. Martin. The only buildings over thirty years of age in The fire of April 3, 1890, destroyed the Israel existence at Shreveport in January, 1872, were store, owned by Madams Roland Jones and Jessie those occupied by A. Weinstock on Texas Street Crain, and William Winter's store, together with and Green (Commercial) Alley; the two-story the stocks of M. Israel, H. A. Winter and Paul house on Texas Street, occupied by J. Caldwell; Lowenthal.

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the bouse in rear, occupied by Mrs. George, and The tornado of April 19, 1872, damaged some the low building on Edwards Street, owned by steamboats in the river, blew in the gable of Marsh Mrs. Talmadge. The floor of this old building & McKellar's warehouse, and carried away the was level with the sidewalk, and the front half of roofs of the following-named storehouses: Howell, the wooden portion of the Planters' Hotel.

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Dr. Durham & Tomkie's; Hamilton & Austin's, Twy. Allen's house, opposite the Baptist Church, was man & Womack's, occupied by Martin & Ford; also numbered among the old buildings. In 1872 Maples' and Stacey & Poland's. The store there were three machine-shops bere-Jones' givbuildings on Texas Street blown down or damaged ing employment to thirty-two hands; Stoner & were Taber's, the Sewing Machine Company's; Co.'s beef packing house was idle; the first steam Sour's and Kahn Bros.', Stoner's beef packing laundry was established; the first cotton compress house, and Chamberlain's machine-shop were dam- was opened January 17, by S. B. Steers & Co., and aged; Phillip Dugan's house was blown into the with the ground cost $22,500. There were 10,855 river, and several buildings carried away or dam- bales compressed. The National Company's comaged, among them the Colored Baptist Church. press was opened in November of that year, with a The residence of Mrs. Conway, one mile from the capacity of 50,000 bales; the cotton-seed oil faccourt-bouse, was unroofed.

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tory; the soap factory, which produced 1,500 The railroad bridge accident of July 23, 1890, boxes of hard soap; three breweries, and the Silmust be termed the most fortunate accident of our ver Lake Spoke & Hub Factory. times, if such a term may be applied. The Vicks- The two saw-mills within and one seven miles

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from the city produced about 4,000,000 feet of lum- Hall was begun in June, 1882, the old buildings ber; two planing machines, about 1,700,000 feet; on Market Street, in the rear of his store, being and the shingle yards, 3,000,000 shingles; and the torn down to make way for this improvement. The brick-yards, 5,000,000 brick.

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old three story brick, No. 65 Market Street, began The iceworks established in 1871, and Col. before the war, and completed afterward for use of Bosworth's large ice-house, built in 1872, at a cost | the old Caddo Gazette, then published by Dr. of $20,000, were welcome additions to the business Lacy, and later converted into the Lone Star circle, the ice selling for 1} cents per pound. Kim House, lost its rear wall in June, 1882.

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The rear ble & Chase's carriage factory was enlarged dur. wall of M. Israel's building, near the levee, fell out ing the year; the gin-stand factory, one mile west a short time prior to this. In 1882 the question on the Texas road, and the Rose gin-stand factory of erecting a United States building at Shreveport near Cross Bayou, and the gasworks, formed the was agitated with success by Congressman Blanch

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I leading manufacturing industries. In September, ard, and an appropriation of $100,000 made. On 1872, the total number of feet of gas mains in the July 6, Gov. McEnery approved a local measure, city was 14,000. The Shreveport Street Rail- introduced by Judge Seay, ceding jurisdiction to road, one mile in length, cost $35,000; the Fair. the United States over any real estate acquired or field Railroad, one and one-half miles in length, selected for public buildings. $26,000, and the Texas Avenue road, as then pro- The post-office at Shreveport is contemporary posed, was to cost $16,000.

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with the establishment of the town. L. E. CarIn the summer of 1872 substantial residences ter was postmaster in 1854. In December, 1855, were erected within the old city limits by Dr. Lacy, Henry Hunsicker was appointed. R. W. Ford, James Hass, R. Gilgllan, T. Kelly, In February, 1866, Joseph Howell held the of. Dr. Hilliard, J. J. Gragard, J. B. Gilmore, Will. fice succeeding T. G. Compton of The Sentinel, iam Robson and S. C. Wright, while adjoining the who was appointed master by the United States in town, dwellings were erected for G. B. Bertrand, September, 1865. C. W. Keiting was master in 0. L. Van Creelan, J. A. Jacobs, F. N. Sanchez, | 1871-72. William McKenna filled the office for Thomas Byland, S. D. Leverett, Rev. Drane, John two terms, and was succeeded by J. C. Soape. Herndon and T. M. Gilmer. During the summer Capt. Thornton E. Jacobs was installed May 1, of 1873 the buildings for Maj. Tally on Milan Street, 1890, to succeed Capt. J. C. Soape, who completed and for Baer, Jacobs, Weinstock and Howell, in the one term. On April 10, 1890, the safe in the 6 "burned district," were erected. During the year vault was robbed, the amount of stamps and curending September 1, 1882, the following-named rency taken being estimated at $2,500. business buildings were erected: Henry Dreyfuss & The post office building, for the erection of Son, Texas and Market Streets; Basch & Slattery, wbich Congressman Blanchard won from Congress Market; Mrs. M. Baer, Spring and Texas; A. Sour, over $100,000, is a pretentious structure, fronting Spring; John J. Dillon's block, Market; A. J. Bo- / on Texas Street. Here are the officers of the gel's, Market; and Hamilton & Co.s' oil-mill and United States marsbal, United States district judge, gin-house.

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Dwelling houses were erected for H. United States collector, United States signal service Florsheim, the McEachen estate, S. G. Dreyfuss, and post-office.

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and post-office. In August, 1890, Shreveport was W. I. Brunner, James F. Patterson, S. Levy, Mrs. created division headquarters for the railroad mail M. Baer, J. H. Stoner, S. B. McCutcheon, Mrs. service, Meridian being hitherto headquarters. Kahn, D. L. Tally, J. D. Boazman, C. H. Ardis, On March 15, 1855, an act to establish a branch W. L. Stringfellow, L. Casparis and Miss Austin, of the citizens' Bank of Louisiana, or of the and tenement houses for C. G. Tburmond, L. E. Louisiana State Bank at Shreveport was approved. Carter and J. J. Dillon. The depot at the foot of A Mr. Love

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was cashier. In January, 1859, Market Street was also erected this year. Bogel's Messrs. Denegre, Musson and Tibault, of the Citi

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It was

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zens' Bank, purchased the L. P. Crain residence The Louisiana Telephone Company completed on Market and Milan Streets, for $8,000, and their line to Shreveport in October, 1881, and converted a part of the building into a bank office. within a few years the city was placed within The Johnsop bank, however, must be considered speaking distance of neighboring towns in Louisithe pioneer banking-house. L. L. Tompkies had ana, Arkansas and Texas. Telegraph communia house here in 1877.

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cation is not subject to delays as in the North, and The Commercial National Bank may be said to even the press is supplied with news by the Assodate back to 1852, when a private banking-house ciated Press. was established here by Ben Johnson.

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The street railroad system of the city is excelnationalized in 1887, and has a paid. in capital of lent. This railroad may be said to introduce the $100,000, with a surplus of $21,000, and undi- new era of progress, which removed Shreveport vided profits of $15,000. The officers are S. B. miles away, as it were, from the old town of 1873, McCutcheon, president; J. P. Scott, vice-president, and placed her 200 years in advance of the unkept and T. L. Stringfellow, cashier, who, together with village of that period. In 1871 two street car the following gentlemen, constitute the board of companies were organized. The second annual directors: J. G. McWilliams, James Boisseau, N. meeting of the Texas Street Railroad Company, Gregg, H. T. Doll, James Dillinger and R. N. Mc- held in June, 1872, elected A. B. Levisee, presiKellar.

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dent; Ed Jacobs, vice-president, and L. A. Pires, The beginnings of the First National Bank treasurer, while the Greenwood Railroad Company date back to 1877, when the house of E. & W. B. elected L. L. Tompkies, president. Up to the Jacobs was established. In 1887 a United States close of 1889 there were scarcely two miles of charter was granted. The capital is $200,000, and, street railroad existing. In July, 1888, the S., L. together with the surplus and undivided profits, & I. Co. was incorporated, with S. B. McCutcheon, will make the amount nearly $300,000. The bank president; F. G. Thatcher, secretary; H. Sour, situate at the corner of Milan and Market Streets, treasurer; directors: S. B. McCutcheon, John S. is a commodious and well arranged banking house, Young, John R. Jones, M. L. Scovell, H. Zodiag. with all the modern improvements. The board of By June, 1890, the Belt Line was complete directors embrace the following well-known citi. from Market Street to the Fair Grounds, and zens: F. M. Hicks, R. T. Cole, James F. Utz, E. the work of girding the city still goes on. The J. Leman, H. Florsheim, S. G. Dreyfus, C. H. Electric Street Railroad is also being pushed forArdis, E. Jacobs, W. B. Jacobs, of Shreveport, ward with a prospect of completing the system and H. Kretz, a capitalist of Reading, Penn.

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The banking-house of S. Levy, Jr., was estab- The Van Bibber Hotel stood where now is the lished in 1887. At this time he erected the build- Two Brothers Saloon on Texas Street. The old ing on Milan and Market Streets, and equipped it building was torn down and a new house built by for banking purposes in modern form.

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a Mr. Reynolds, now of Texas. The hill on which The Merchants' & Farmers' Bank was organized the old Bibber House stood was then removed. September 10, 1889, with Thomas B. Chase, presi- In October, 1858, T. D. Powell purchased the dent; Charles Benjamin Wilkinson, vice-president; old Alston House and named it the Commercial. W. P. Ford, cashier, and Arthur J. Newman, The Planter's Hotel, sometimes called The assistant cashier. The capital stock is placed at Catfish, stood on Spring Street, but could be $200,000. The first officers were: President, P. scarcely called a hotel so early as 1848. Youree; vice-president, Charles B. Wilkinson, of The Veranda Hotel, owned by Haussabrunk, Philadelphia; cashier, W. P. Ford; directors, P. was destroyed by fire in June, 1866. This stood Youree, J. B. Ardis, S. B. Hicks, A. Meyer, N. C. on the corner of Spring and Milan Streets. Blanchard; attorneys, Alexander & Blanchard.

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The Jewell Coffee House on Texas and Market

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this year.

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1

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1

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a

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Streets, and the Smile Coffee House, were de- on the murderer and killed him. His friends stroyed by fire before the war.

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buried him in Summer Grove Cemetery. Artemis In April, 1872, the Southern Hotel was pur | Bennett was hanged here in January, 1860. chased from Capt. W. T. Brooks by E. J. Crain. From the beginnings of Shreveport a place of

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The City Hotel was erected on Milan Street amusement was provided for the people. From before the war. The old hotel of this name stood the primitive and rough theater or music ball of on Texas Street, and was burned in 1859. The early days there was a gradual advance to modern present City Hotel, owned by A. J. Reynolds, is a ism. In December, 1871, the large frame buildpopular hotel.

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ing, opposite the National Hotel on Milan Street, The Phoenix Hotel is the most stately building was converted into what was known as Crisp's erected for hotel purposes at Shreveport. It was Gaiety Theatre. Maud's Peril, a very sensational designed by Maj. Leffingwell and erected for Pete , drama, was presented in January, 1872. Other Youree. The house stands on Texas and Market houses of amusement were brought into existence, Streets, where the Tilley hotel stood, which was but in 1886 the spirit of improvement rebelled

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1 burned in 1887 or 1888. The hotel is constructed against their accommodations. The present opera with a broad front, from which two wings run back house was suggested in 1886 by one of the editors with a space or court between them, thus enabling of the Times. In February, 1887, a meeting was every sleeping or living room in the house to be well : held to consider the question of building, R. H. lighted and ventilated. Mr. Walshe is the lessee. Howell presiding, with J. V. Nolan secretary. As Throughout the pages of this work many of the a result, three and a half lots on Texas and Edhotels of the past find mention.

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ward Streets were purchased March 26, 1887, for In the reminiscences of Shreveport by L. S. $14,000, and on June 2 McElpatrick & Sons' plans Crain, published in 1882, reference is made to the were adopted. On March 31, 1887, the stock comold house on the Texas road, The One Mile House, pany organized with R. H. Howell, president; about 150 feet from the street car depot. This house | E. J. Leman, vice-president; W. C. Perrin, treasstood partly on the owner's land and on that of urer; S. N. Kerley, secretary; S. J. Zeigler, L. his neighbor. The latter insisted on its removal, and M. Carter, S. N. Ford, E. L. Bremond, W. B. presented the question to the courts. In August, Jacobs, S. G. Dreyfuss and R. N. McKellar, di

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I 1858, two shots were heard in the vicinity, and a rectors, In May, 1888, J. F. Utzwas chosen presiman by the name of E. Ward was seen to ride dent. Shortly after the adoption of plans the away by the old Texas road. Immediately the building contract was sold to W. A. Crawford, of body of W. W. Smith was found. The murderer | Shreveport, for $25,000, the decorative work to was pursued, but before the pursuers reached him Noxon, Albert & Toomy, of St. Louis, for $1,500 he sought rest near Ringgold. That night a posse and the plumbing and gas-fitting to F. Martel. attacked the desperado, and after the loss of three The house was opened September 17, 1889, L. M. men, captured and took him to Shreveport, where Carter, manager and lessee, by the Gilbert-Hunthe was tried and sentenced to death. Shortly after ley Company in "May Blossom." The auditorium

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, this he and Bennett, also under death sentence, es- seats 1,100 persons comfortably, the stage is 41x60 caped from the old jail, assisted by Columbus feet and the whole house a most creditable monu Nottingham. Bennett and Nottingham rode off, ment to the enterprise of Shreveport. but Ward being too weak to mount the horse pro- In 1843 Elder John Bryce was sent to Shrevevided for him, proceeded toward the hill where port, as collector of customs on imports from the School No. 1 stood, and there was discovered by Republic of Texas. He did not find a Baptist orJames Markham, Ward was about shooting ganization west of the Red River, but by February Markham, when Nat Farris, who was just return- 12, 1845, he had the first Baptist Church of ing from a hunt, seeing the state of affairs, fired | Shreveport, nine members, in existence. In 1847

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ in

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a

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Jesse Lee, a preacher, settled near Summer Grove, In October, 1873, some thieves removed the and organized a society there, and there on Decem- corner-stone of Rev. Armstead's colored church, ber 21, 1849, the Grand Cane Association was and took therefrom the $15 deposited there when formed. In 1818 their first church house was the stone was placed. The preacher thought of erected, at a cost of $2,500.

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ceasing his services to the sick, as he suspected The First Colored Baptist Church, now the the whole church would be stolen by sacrilegious Antioch Baptist Church, was organized in 1866,with robbers, unless watched. seventy-three members out of the older society. The colored churches are known as Antioch, This organization grew into seven churches by Galilee, St. Paul's, St. Matthew's and St. James. 1882, and embraced 1,200 members, in and around They have been brought into existence since 1865. Shreveport.

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The principles of government are identical with Boggy Bayou Baptist Church was constituted, those of the Baptists and Methodists, to which in 1849, as an Anti-Missionary Baptist Church, sects the negroes of this city are mainly attached but lost this character in 1855.

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for religious purposes. Providence Church was formed in 1849, with The Presbyterian Church, while not the senior Jesse Lee as pastor. The same year Bethel Church age,

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is in wealth and influence. This associawas organized, near Mooringsport. In 1874-75 a tion is presided over by Rev. Matthew Van Lear. house of worship was erected here.

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St. Mark's English Protestant Episcopal Church The Louisiana Methodist Conference was organ- is comparatively modern. Like the Presbyterian, ized in 1846. At that time there were only a few it is kept well together, and claims a wealthy memMethodist classes in Caddo, and only two or three bership. church buildings.

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The new faith was accepted by The German Evangelical Lutheran Church is many, and recruits from the Baptist fold increased well represented at Shreveport. the number from other Protestant denominations, Zion (Hebrew) Congregation was organized in until the membership was counted by the thousand. 1857, and Rabbi Lewin was called to preside

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The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, is shortly after. A frame building, in rear of the pres. contemporary with the establishment of the town. ent synagogue, was improved at a cost of $5,000 The house of worship at the head of Texas Street and used for worship for many years. Dr. Samfield was built in 1882–83, from plans by W. A. Trevet. followed the first rabbi, then Dr. Greenblatt, and The bricks were manufactured by Joseph Busby. in 1887 or 1888 came Dr. Hess, who remained In 1848 or 1849 the action of the Baptists sug.

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In 1867 the synagogue was erected gested a Methodist building. Among the members .

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at a cost of $22,000. were a few Africans.

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The missions of the Catholic Church, on the Immediately after the war, the colored popu- Texas and Red Rivers, date back to the middle of lation began organization. In February, 1866, the sixteenth century. Prior to 1857 this section & committee of the African Methodist Church was attended from De Soto. In February, 1857, purchased, from Jeremiah O'Brien, Lots 3 and 4, Father Pierre, formerly of De Soto Parish, came Block 18, in Shreveport. A house of worship was to Shreveport with the purpose of raising funds erected shortly after. Prior to this the slaves had for the erection of a Catholic Church here. He was an African corner in the meeting-house of the successful. He died here in 1873. The remains white Methodists. In August, 1865, the floor of of Father Gergaud, one of the martyr priests to this old Colored Methodist Church building gave the epidemic of 1873, were disinterred in January, way. The building was filled with worshipers, who 1874, and removed to Monroe, where a monument sought every exit on hearing the first crash. The was placed over the new resting place of the bones. preacher escaped through the back window, yell. The reinterment of the bodies of Fathers Pierre, ing: "I am comin', Lord, Glory Hallelujah!” Levezouet and Quemarais, who also died here

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eleven years.

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1

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while aiding the yellow-fever patients, took place and seven cottages erected in the fall of that in March, 1884. The remains were transferred to year. the new Catholic cemetery. Father Gentille is the The Shreveport Female Institute, of which present pastor, and Rev. C. Arnaud assistant priest. Mrs. Hay and Miss Gibbs were teachers, was estab-

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The Convent of the Daughters of the Cross, lished in 1860, in the house formerly occupied by better known here as St. Vincent's, dates its origin Col. B. M. Johnson, on Travis and McNeil Streets. back to 1640, when the first establishment of this The seminary presided over by Miss Kate P. order of nuns was opened at Paris for the educa- Nelson is one of the old educational institutions tion of young girls. After the French Revolution of the city. The new building at the corner of of 1793-98, the sisterhood was reorganized at Texas and Grand Avenues, is a handsome one, Treguier in Low Britany, and from this house erected at a cost, complete, of $30,000, with little went forth, in 1855, those pious women who estab. attempt at beanty, save in the proportions of its lished the order in Louisiana-in Avoyelles, No. various sections. The officers of the Seminary vember 26, 1855, shortly after at Ile-Brevelle and Association are S. Levy, Jr., president; Thomas P. Alexandria, and in 1858 at Shreveport. The first Chase, secretary, and S. P. McCutchen, treasurer. colony comprised Sister Mary Hyacinth, superior, The Thatcher Military Institute is one of the and Sister St. Jean de Baptiste, assistant, with the old educational institutions of the city. George E. six choir Sisters, Angel Guardian, Theresa of Jesus Thatcher is president; F. E. Whitaker, professor (the second Mother Superior in the United States) of languages and elocution; P. M. Welsh of mili- Mary of Jesus, St. Yves, Mary Alexis, Mary Philo- tary tactics, and Mrs. Delia A. Thatcher, principal mina and the lay Sisters, All Saints and Mary of primary department. Martha. Mother St. Bernard was the third presi-

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The Louisiana Male and Female College is predent of the order, followed by Mother Anna of sided over by Rev. P. H. Hensley, with Dr. F. Jesus and the present Reverend Mother M. Eula- Wespy professor of languages and history; Miss lie. As years rolled by the establishment, known Maud T. Copeland, principal of primary department as St. Vincent's Convent, at Fairfield, two and and instructor in elocution, and Mrs. M. N. MacKee one half miles south of Shreveport, became the instructor in instrumental music. mother house of the sisterhood, and to this com- The common-school system is progressing here, munity a charter was issued in 1867, covering the but is principally availed of by the blacks, who branch houses at Monroe, Marksville, Mansura and correspond with Northern whites in school notions. Shreveport. Recent additions to the buildings, at Mrs. Haile's School, on Milan Street, is one of old St. Vincents, render the convent there cap- the private educational houses of the parish. able of accommodating a large number of pupils The Washington & Lee University Alumni (boarders). At Shreveport, corner of Edwards and Association was formed in July, 1890, with the Fannin Streets, the Sisters of St. Vincent havefollowing officers: Hon. J. R. Land, president; erected one of the handsomest pieces of ecclesias- Q. T. Bugg, J. C. Hamilton, vice-presidents; C. tical architecture in the State. Throughout, the W. Gregg, secretary; J. D. Bryan, M. Billiu, J. building is of pine with cypress finish in some B. Foster, W. E. Hamilton, W. H. Wise, Jr., exparts. Sister St. Bernard is the Superioress at ecutive committee. Shreveport.

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Masonry at Shreveport dates back to 1815, From 1840 to the present time, Shreveport may when old Caddo Lodge No. 58 was chartered. boast of a number of private schools. Many of This charter was surrendered in 1853, but the them have disappeared, and little that is authentic

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same year was restored, in fact, under the title can be learned of them. The Collegiate Institute / Shreveport Lodge No. 124. During the days of of Rev. S. P. Helme, established, in 1854, two old Caddo Lodge Masons grew strong in number, miles from Shreveport, had a building 112x56 feet, and in 1850 organized Joppa Lodge No. 83, but

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this organization lost its charter in 1857. Ten Ascension Commandery No. 6, K. T., was or years after the disappearance of the Joppaians, in ganized April 9, 1883, with John W. Jones, E. C.; 1867, Caddo Lodge No. 188 was recognized by the J. G. McWilliams, G.; William Robson, C. G.; C. Grand Lodge, and, with the exception of change F. Evans, P.; R. T. Hazard, S. W.; M. L. Scoin number to Shreveport No. 115 and Caddo 179, vell, J. W.; S. B. McCutchen, Treas. ; C. G. the two lodges may be considered to have a con- Thurmond, Rec.; Julius Lisso, S. B.; B. M. White, tinuous history from the dates given. In olden S. B.; N. Gregg, W., and W. T. McMahon, C. of days, in this section of Louisiana, petty disagree- In 1884 W. T. D. Dalzell was elected comments brought several Masonic organizations to the mander; S. N. Ford, Treas., and W. B. Hamilton, point where the charter had to be surrendered; Rec. In 1885 John G. McWilliams was chosen but the modernizer, liberal in everything, settles commander, and S. N. Kerley, Rec., and A. J. all such trivial dissensions without resorting to Bogel, Treas. They were re-elected for 1886. In extreme measures. Very few of the pioneers of 1887 C. H. Mingo presided over the Commandery, Masonry at Shreveport answer roll call to-day. with J. C. Hamilton, Rec. ; followed, in 1888, by They have gone to take a higher degree. In the J. A. Webb, E. C. and W. F. Taylor, Rec. S. B. following sketches of the Council and Commandery McCutchen was elected commander for 1889--90, a few of the pioneers find mention, and a large with S. N. Kerley, Rec. number of those who have come here since the Shreveport Chapter, R. A. M., No. 10, Long. war have their official connection with the two wood Lodge No. 192, organized at Mooringsport branches named, recorded.

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in 1867; Landmark Lodge No. 223, new number, Shreveport Council No. 5, R. & S. M., was in- 95, organized at Spring Ridge in 1873; Adonijah stituted U. D. January 6, 1861, with Emmett D. Lodge No. 228, organized at Black Bayou in 1874, Craig, T. I. G. M.; John C. Elstner, D. I. G. M.; and Clear Spring Lodge No. 235 organized at LongJ. W. Jones, P. C.; T. P. Hotebkiss, B. Jacobs, wood in 1877 and dropped in 1886, may be all said George W. Kendall, Henry Lavy and Vincent to outcrop from the mother lodges of Shreveport. Ritchie, illustrious companions. On February 14, Damon Lodge No. 2, K. of P., was the first 1861, a charter was granted; Ed. Jacobs, John G. Pythian organization in the city. Among its past McWilliams, Thomas C. Waller, Henry Hunsicker cbancellors may be named H. H. Hargrove (who and J. Boggs, appearing as companions with the was chancellor commander in 1882), R. T. Vinson first named. In December, 1866, John W. Jones (the present mayor), and C. C. Cahn; and among was elected T. I. G. M., to succeed Emmett D. its first members were A. A. Lyon and Zach HarCraig, and he served until December, 1871, when grove, W. J. Willoughby, S. Caldwell, H. Sour, L. S. M. Asher was elected. S. M. Morrison was and S. Wolf, S. Kline and A. Bercher. chosen in December, 1873, and served until the Calanthe Lodge No. 10, K. of P., was instituted election of William Robson in December, 1874. October 10, 1879, by Dr. John Scott, with the folIn December, 1875, S. M. Asher was elected, and lowing-named officers in lodge rank: D. L. Me , '

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ഀ . in December, 1876, John W. Jones, who was still Kitrick, J. T. Davis, T. B. Chase, F. A. DaughT. I. G. M. in 1890. John G. McWilliams was erty, G. A. Turner, B. A. Holmes, R. L. Iler, W. elected D. I. G. M. December 15, 1866, and re- Boney, J. D. Jenkins and N. M. Smith. There elected annually down to the present time; while are now sixty-three members. The present officers J. L. Hargrove bas served as recorder from 1879 in lodge rank are W. M. Waddill, S. Hohenthal, to 1890. The present officers in Council rank are Allen D. Morris, John Lake, J. V. Nolan, R. L. J. W. Jones, J. G. McWilliams, John J. Scott; S. Iler and L. J. Bigart. The past chancellors are B. McCutchen, Treas.; J. L. Hargrove, Rec.; S. as follows: W. F. Chase, J. J. Scott, F. A. DaughF. Gordon, W. T. McMahon, J. F. Trice and W. erty, R. L. Iler, George A. Turner, A. R. Booth, T. D. Dalzell.

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C. G. Rives, C. H. Minge, Joel T. Daves, W. J.

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1

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1

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Bayersdorffer, J. V. Nolan, F. H. Gossman, E. were M, C. Eltsner, E. R.; M. S. Jones, John S. Hibbette, W. F. Taylor, J. B. Ardis and W. M. Bacon and Simon Cooper, E. R. K.; B. Ripinsky, Waddill.

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Sec.; W. P. Ford, Treas.; H. A. Winter, Esq. ; Endowment Rank, K. of P., Section 227, is John R. Land, organist, R. A. Calhoun, I. G., and presided over by Thomas B. Chase, with J. B. L. L. Tom kies, T. Ardis, V. P.; J. V. Nolan, Sec., and Dr. D. H. The Morning Star Benevolent Association was Billiu. Med. Ex.

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incorporated March 30, 1871, with William HarOsceola Tribe No. 7, I. O. R. M., was organ- per, William Slaughter, Jobn Walker, Maban

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, ized in September, 1879, with N. S. Allen, J. M. Field, Moses Dudley, George Houston, Edward Cooper, W. E. Maples, H. Dellenberger, F. Bar- Gill, H. Swanson, George Black and others, corrier, J. M. Wahl, Henry Aulers, J. Murphy, J. W. porators. Wheaton, E. A. Mastin and J. D. Bozeman, offi- Jordan Lodge No. 102, O. K, S. B., was orcers in order of tent rank. In 1882 J. N. Hicks ganized December 2, 1872. Its past presiding offi was sachem, and in 1889 John Wagner, with James cers were Moses Weinstock, David Cooper, Hey. Jenkins, recorder. Pontiac Tribe No. 12 was or- man Braunig, William Winter, H. Zoding, Louis ganized soon after Osceola Tribe, S. Kemp being Levy, E. Phelps, Sol Wolff, Isaac Barron, H. sachem, and P. L. Asher chief of records in 1882. Herold, B. Landman, M. Ripinsky, M. Cohen, E. The following-named officers were elected in June, L. Hess, S. Braunig, S. Benjamin, R. Silverstein, 1890: A. E. Meisner, Moise Hirsch, S. H. Hicks, A. Kabn. Its present officers are M. Ripinsky, Julius Bernstein and Samuel Dreyfuss. Mohawk Pres.; A. Braunig, V. P.; A. Levy, Sec.; A. Wolf, No. 16 is the latest addition to the Shreveport Treas. ; L. Groner, Con., and M. Newman, W. The tribes, but why this tribe overlooked the name present number of members is forty-seven. Caddo in adopting a title is one of the mysteries Alpha Lodge No. 2501, K. of H., was organof the order, The Caddos hunted here, before

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ized July 8,

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1881. The past dictators of this their improved white brothers came, and went Lodge are A. R. Booth, F. H. Gossman, E. L. hence to the mysterious hunting grounds soon after Hess, J. H. Sheppard, H. Herold, M. Kaufman, the white pioneers appeared on Caddo Prairie. Simon Cabn, T. G. Ford, A. A. Lyon, Eli Blum,

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The U. A. 0. of D. was organized in April, R. H. Lindsay, W. P. Ford and A. J. Bogel. The 1884, with J. L. Tilly, N. A.; M. S. Crain, V. A. ; present officers in lodge rank are A. A. Lyon, WillC. D. Hicks, Sec.; Samuel Dreyfuss, Treas. ; Frank iam Brauer, A. Wolf, Abraham Levy, S. Cahn, E. Denham, C.; J. W. Holt, 0. G.; Louis Wagner, Phelps, I. Saenger, Charles Boitz, Gus Kahn and I. G.; M. Bernstein, A. S. Jenkins, John Bacon S. Weil. There are ninety-four members reported and H. Cabn filling the junior offices; T. E. Price in 1890. was D. D. A.

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Concord Lodge No. 2564 claims among its past Louisiana Lodge No. 1, A. 0. U. W., as its dictators, J. H. Sheppard. Like Alpha Lodge, it number denotes was the first established in this is one of the leading secret organizations of the city. jurisdiction. Among its first members were R. Magnolia Council, No. 719, A. L. of H., was T. Vinson, George Neil, George Maas, F. L. Hunt organized October 19, 1881. The past commandand C. H. Deal. This lodge elected the follow- ers, in order of service, are Dr. J. C. Egan, R. ing officers, in lodge order, in June, 1890: A. L. H. Lindsay, T. B. Chase, A. H. Bogel and J. A. Bares, H. Zwally, Charles Deal, R. T. Vinson, L. Bergman; while the officers for 1890, in order of S. Crain, A. Dick, C. Andreola, D. H. Billiu and

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rank, are R. H. Lindsay, H. C. Rogers, V. GrosJohn Bosch. Charity Lodge No. 9, claims among jean, W. J. Bayersdorffer, J. V. Nolan, C. S. Steere, its early members Dr. J. J. Scott, B. Sour, C. J. G. Newberry, W. T. McMahon, W.D. Scofield Peroncel, R. P. Barker and Gus Kahn.

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and W. R. Nicholson. The officers elected by the Elks in May, 1890, Equity Council, A. L. of H., claims among its

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old members N. Hirsch, A. A. Lyon, Sam Lan- among the mutual benevolent associations of the drum, N. B. Murff, J. J. Scott, and J. D. Wagner. country.

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Louisiana Lodge No. 107, I. O. B. B., received The Benevolent Association of Confederate its charter from the Grand Lodge at Cincinnati, and Veterans is noticed in the pages devoted to miliwas organized November 23, 1870, with the follow- tary affairs, while the Typographical Union No. ing-named members: A. Teab, M. Samfield, William 155 is mentioned in connection with journalism and Winter, W. Weil, Jacob Weil, Ralph Kahn, Yoise journalists. Kahn, S. G. Dreyfuss, A. B. Weil, Samuel Weil, The colored lodges are Masons, Odd Fellows, M. Kaufman, Jr., Sol. Simon, N. Hirsch, L. Boden- and Knights of Pythias. The Knights of Cush heimer, D. Morch, M. Bonipet, I. Weil, S. Levy, organized in 1866, and was for some time a powerJr., and Isaac Kabn. In the year 1871 Louisiana ful organization for good or evil. Lodge with other lodges now comprising District The Y. M. C. A. of ante bellum days possessed Grand Lodge No. 7, withdrew from No. 2, and a fair collection of books. At the beginning of the formed District Grand Lodge No. 7, which now war, when the members rushed to arms, Vice-Presconsists of sixty-three lodges comprising about ident T. H. Morris removed the books to a safe 2, 400 members, in Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, place, and in January, 1874, reported on their conMississippi, Texas and Louisiana. The past presi- dition to the surviving members of the association, dents of Lodge 107 are William Winter, L. Bahr, namely: Dr. T. J. Allen, president; T. H. Morris, T. N. Hirsch, B. Laudman, A. Levy, M. J. Goldsmith, A. Flanagan, F. A. Leonard, R. H. Lindsay, T. H. Gus Kaufman, Jules Dreyfuss, Louis Levy, S. Iler, W. F. Buckalew, W. J. Crowder, T. P. Chase, Gordner, R. Goldberg, Ben Hotzman, I. Barron, J. B. Durham, M. S. Jones, Dr. D. Lacy, R. G. H. Florsheim, H. Herold, L. Leibman, E. J. Le- Lowe, J. C. Moncure, Thomas Poland, J. H. Reyman, Samuel Benjamin and Samuel Dreyfuss in nolds and H. G. Robertson. On January 10 the 1890. Eli Blum is the efficient secretary.

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books were distributed

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among

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the members named. The F. S. of I. Improved Order, was presided In 1888 an attempt to revive the association was over in 1882 by Rev. E. L. Hess, with M. J. Gold- successful, and in the fall of that year the building smith, secretary.

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on Edwards and Milan Streets was erected at a The I. O. O. F., so strong in other sections of cost of $10,000. The officers for 1889 were W. the United States, is almost unknown in the cities E. Hamilton, president; C. W. Gregg, secretary; and towns of Northwestern Louisiana. At Shreve. T. H. Thurmond, treasurer; T. B. Chase, C. D. port, Neith Lodge No. 21 has been carried on suc- Hicks, J. H Prescott and George A. Turner, board cessfully for a number of years. Among its official of managers; L. F. Jackson, general secretary. In members are Jules Weinstock, Henry Dillen- 1890 the officers are J. H. Prescott, president; T. berg, Thomas Phillips and Morris Ripinsky. In B. Chase, vice-president; V. L. Fulton, secretary; 1851 the old lodge established a cemetery within T. H. Thurmond, treasurer; H. L. Gregg, C. C. the new city cemetery.

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Raymond, W. E. Hamilton, board of managers, The Select Knights of America have a division The present membership is 175. here, which gives promise of permanency. Among The Young Women's Christian Association was the official members are Moses Kaufman, B. J. organized in March, 1889. They have a bazaar Booder, D. C. Heine and J. S. Bacon.

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in the room of the Y. M. C. A., to which many arSt. Joseph Branch, C. K. of A.,is also a strong or- ticles are donated for sale, with the proceeds of ganization. Among the official members are Thomas which a ward in the Charity Hospital is to be furKelly, Capt. William Kinney, Jules Dubose, J. B. nished and maintained. The officers of the assoSlattery and J. J. Horan. The affairs of the ciation are: President, Mrs. Don Campbell; vice- . knights are carried on so systematically that the president, Mrs. H. L. Gregg; secretary, Miss order is winning its way steadily to a first place Pinkie Jackson; treasurer, Miss Amanda Howell.

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The Hebrew Relief Society, now claiming crept in, and in October, 1867, yellow fever carried eighty-eight members, was organized in March, off a large number. The epidemic of September, 1887, with Benjamin Holzman, president; J. Drey- | 1873, resulted in the death of 639 whites and 120 fuss and M. Cohen, vice-presidents; H. Brannig, Africans. treasurer, and Rev. E. L. Hess, secretary. In 1888 The Shreveport Charity Hospital, old, dates S. Wolf was elected secretary, this being the only back to the days of so-called reconstruction. change in the official list. About twenty years ago The report to Congress, in 1872, by Dr. Joe L. an association with a similar object was organized Monroe, of the Shreveport Charity and Marine here. The Ladies Hebrew Relief Association is Hospital, shows that during the years 1869-70-71 of a kindred character, was founded shortly after the State and parish donated about $30,000 to aid the association of male members.

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the infirmary, as it was then known. During that The Turn Verein, organized some years ago, period 29,020 indigent sick were received and was carried on successfully until the fall of 1889, cared for. when it was disbanded. B. Ripinsky was presi- The present hospital organization began in dent from the beginning to the end; Sylvan Levy, 1876, when the Legislature enacted that an annual secretary; A. Kirsch, treasurer, and Tony Auhren, appropriation of $10,000 should be made for hosinstructor.

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pital purposes, to Shreveport. The governor apMizpah Encampment, K. of St. J. and M., No.

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pointed Simon Levy, Jr., W. P. Ford and P. J. 57, claims to be older in its work than Masonry, Trezevant, as representatives of the citizens; while dating back to the Scottish work in ante-reforma- Mayor N. W. Murphy and J. B. Smith, president tion days, and founding its system on the anti-Cath- of the police jury, were ex officio members of the olic forms subsequently adopted. Among its first board of managers, under the act. They organized members here may be mentioned C. H. Cone, B. with Mayor Murphy president, and appointed Dr. P. Barker, Feve L. Hunt, W. W. Battle and C. E.

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T. G. Ford surgeon and Dr. W. M. Turner superinPeronce).

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tendent. Mayor Currie succeeded Pres. Murphy, The French Benevolent Association, composed and Dwight Hall took the place of Mr. Smith, at of Hebrews and Gentiles of French descent, was reorganization. In April, 1885, Dr. Ashton and organized in August, 1890, with the following offi- T. M. Allen took the respective places of Drs. Ford cers: President, C. T. Richard; vice president, and Turner, but a year after Dr. Ford resumed his Raph Kahn; secretary, C. P. Thenard; treasurer, i position. Under the act reorganizing the board, Andrew Querbes. These officers and E. J. Leman, Gov. McEnery appointed seven citizens: J.J.Horan, J. Ricou, L. B. Filliquier, B. Vasile and J. Gin- W. B. Hamilton, Simon Levy, Jr., P. J. Trezevant, gras constitute the board of directors.

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F. M. Hicks, Dr. R. A. Gray and J. B. Smith. The There are many literary and social clubs in the latter was elected president. In 1882 warrants city, a few of which are strong, healthy associa- for $20,000 were authorized by the Legislature, tions. Church aid societies are as numerous as for the purpose of building. On June 7, that the churches, while the semi-religious organiza- year, the State purchased from Mrs. F. E. Sewell ations, known as the Y. M. C. A. and the Y. W. four acres of land, in twelve-acre Lot 37, on Texas C. A., make their voices heard in sundry works, Avenue, corner of Murphy Avenue, costing $1,200, such as calls for prohibitory legislation, anti-lot and on this ground the present building was erected tery legislation, and legislation against every in- in 1888-89. This house has a frontage of 215 stitution not exactly in consonance with their own feet, and is two stories in height. It was opened constitutions.

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August 8, 1889, with Mrs. Taber matron, and Dr. In 1853 the yellow fever epidemic carried off D. M. Clay surgeon-in-charge. On his death Dr. about one hundred persons. On October 10, 1854, J. W. Allen was appointed surgeon. a case of fever was reported. In 1865-66 small-pox The hospital board of 1886 was reorganized

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in April, 1888-J. M. Bowles, T. B. Chase, W. A. gars and tobacco, agricultural implements, maPleasants and R. Kahn, new members; and Dr. chinery, hardware, wagons, buggies, etc., amounted Gray, F. M. Hicks and Simon Levy, old members. in the aggregate to nearly $15,000,000, the value F. H. Gosman took Walter Jackson's place as sec- of cotton exported to $5,000,000, and the value retary.

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of bides, tallow, wool, wax, lumber, cotton seed oil, Allen's Infirmary was founded in 1872, by Drs. meal and cake, etc., to $5,000,000. This is only T. J. & J. W. Allen. The former began the prac- the beginning of modern Shreveport. The estabtice of medicine at Shreveport in 1855.

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lishment of cotton manufactories and other indusA branch of the Red Cross Society was formed trial houses, must come as a natural result of her at Shreveport in September, 1882, with L. R. Sim- location in the very midst of a great producing mons, president; W. I. Bruner, vice-president; P. country. It is one of the mysteries of the last J. Tregevant, secretary; L E. Carter, treasurer; decade how Shreveport can not now boast of one of Dr. G. E. Blackburn, Dr. W. L. Egan and A. B. the greatest cotton-mills in this country. Weaver, directors; John J. Horan, J. H. Stephens George Gray, Indian agent, fifteen miles below and Robert L. Iler, advisory board.

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the site of Shreveport, was here in 1825. In his Shreveport of olden days was the business cen- correspondence with the land department, he refers tre for a large section of Louisiana, Texas and Ar- to the rights of the Caddo Indians to their lands kansas. Hither came the cotton trains, long lines on Red River, under Spanish and French titles, of wagons loaded with the products of the land, and protested against the following intruders: and here the owners bought their supplies of pro. Leonard Dyson*, Samuel Morris*, B. Poira*, visions, clothing and hardware. The railroads Henry Stockman*, Peter Stockman*, Philip Fredopened up new towns, and as railroad building erick, Moses Robertson*, James Farris*, Caesar progressed so did the town building increase, and Wallace*, John Armstrong*, Old Lay, James Walthe decline of the wagon-train followed quickly. lace, James Coats, Charles Myers and Manuel It is said that the traders of outlying settlements

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Frichell. On August 11, 1825, the land comhailed this new order of affairs with deligbt, for

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missioner decided that the intruders whose names they charged the Shreveport merchants with the are marked thus, were entitled to their lands. crime of selling small packages of goods to non- In May, 1865, there was assembled at Shrevedealers at wholesale prices.

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port all that was left of the Confederate governThe merchants of Shreveport paid to the Red ment. Kirby Smith had given over the command River Navigation Companies for freight in 1881, to Simon B. Buckner, and be, with Green, went to no less than $152,533.88, while the amount paid to New Orleans to surrender to Canby. The latter the Texas & Pacific Railroad Company was $523,- despatched Gens. Herron, Green, Brent, Buckner, 282.57, or a total of $675,816.45. Men speak of and a large fleet to Shreveport, but on their arrival the bygone days as if they wish for their return, there they found Shelby determined to resist surbut the wish is far from real, for they know that render, and did not go ashore until the following with the disappearance of the prairie schooners or day. Herron risked the landing then without wagon-trains, disorganization in trade and society' force, told the object of his mission, and assured

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disappeared, and the civilizing influences of the the 20,000 armed men that he came to parole railroad, with its regular schedules of time and them, and supply them with provisions. He was charges, came to build up a new and greater sys

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received with cheers, and at once asked for the cotem of trade. The statistics published in the Times, operation of the Confederate officers in issuing pafor the year ending September, 1889, point out un roles. He next organized measures for defending mistakably the healthy growth of the city's trade. the citizens from robbery and rapine, sent home the There it is stated that the imports of merchandise, Missourians and Texans, next the Arkansans and groceries and provisions of all kinds, liquors, ci- Alabamians and then paroled the native soldiers.

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*

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T. Alexander is a lawyer of note in Shreveport inherits English blood of his father, Jacob Aliand vicinity, and, although a native of the State of son, who died in South Carolina. The mother's Louisiana, he was born in Catahoula Parish to father, Jesse Hartwell D. D., was born in MassaDr. John S. Alexander, who was born and educated chusetts in 1795, and died in Mount Lebanon, on "Blue Grass” soil. When a young man he La., in 1859, a minister of the Missionary Baptist entered the Louisville (Ky.) Medical College, from Church, and for many years a teacher, being presiwhich he afterward graduated, and up to the time dent of Mount Lebanon University at the time of of his death, which occurred in 1857 of yellow his death. His wife passed from life about 1880. fever, he was an active medical practitioner. The Dr. L. Alison was married twice, his second wife immediate subject of this biography received his being the mother of the subject of this sketch, he beeducation in the State University of Louisiana, and, ing the eldest of their nine children. He was edubeing a young man of excellent attainments and cated in De Soto Parish and Mount Lebanon, and of an ambitious and determined disposition, he graduated from the medical department of the Unimade rapid progress in his studies, and was liked versity of Louisville in 1872, settling almost immedi and admired by his instructors as well as fellow ately afterward at Marshall, Tex., where he remained students. Having a predilection for the practice one year, then came to Bayou La Chute, which of law, he made that his study for some time, and has been his home ever since, his practice being after a thorough preparation and upon graduating very extensive. He served one year during the from the law department of the State University latter part of the late Civil War, being a member of Louisiana, he was admitted to the bar at New of Company C, Eighth Louisiana Cavalry, and was Orleans. He subsequently came to Shreveport, in the engagement at Mansfield. He was married and in the practice of his profession he is now the in 1868 to Miss E. G., a daughter of D. R. W. junior member of the firm of Blanchard & Alex and M. E. S. McIver, who were born in South ander, a name that is synonymous with legal Carolina. From that State they moved to Alaknowledge and sagacity. Mr. Alexander has dis- bama, and in 1855 to De Soto Parish, La., where played much ability in the practice of his chosen the father passed to his long home in 1863, and calling, and has won the reputation of being a the mother in 1880. Mr. McIver was a Baptist brilliant, forcible and convincing speaker.

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minister for many years, and was a worthy and Dr. Hartwell Alison. The profession of the able divine. Mrs. Alison was born in Alabama, physician is one which operates in time of need in and she has borne the Doctor six children-one son arresting and alleviating the most acute pains and and five daughters. The Doctor is one of the ailments to which the human body is heir, and leading physicians of this section of the country, therefore deserves the most appreciative considera- and he and his wife are honored members of the tion on the part of the public. In this profession Missionary Baptist Church. the gratitude of hundreds is due to the skill and Col. C. H. Ardis is one of the leading merchants talent of Dr. Alison, who has been an active prac- in the South, and the firm to which he belongs ticing physician of Bayou La Chute since 1873. is one of the most successful in the State of He was born in Dallas County, Ala., in 1847, and Louisiana, their business amounting to over half a a is a son of Dr. Lockwood and A. J. (Hartwell) million dollars per annum, and is increasing all the Alison, who were born in South Carolina in 1807 time, doubling itself in the last five years.

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Col. and 1826, respectively, their marriage taking place Ardis, the senior member of the firm of Ardis & Co., in Alabama about the year 1845. They came to was born in Edgefield District, S. C., February 3, De Soto Parish, La., in 1850, and are still living 1828, his parents, Matthias and Louisa (Nail) Arthere, the father having been a practicing physician 'dis, being also born there. They removed to the the last sixty-four years of his life. He is a gradu

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.

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“Creole State” in 1846, and located in what is now ate of the medical college of South Carolina, and Bienville (then Claiborne) Parish, at Mount Leb

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S

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After con

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anon, the trip thither being made in wagons. Mr. Ardis and Mrs. Pennie Mills. Mrs. Ardis is deArdis purchased a large tract of land, on which he ceased, having been a member of the Baptist continued to make his home until his death, which Church, of which Col. Ardis is also a member. occurred in 1860, his wife having passed from life He belongs to the A. L. of H., and is a directseven years earlier. To them a family of eight or in the First National Bank, his son being children was born, five of whom are living Col. a director of the Shreveport Fire Insurance ComC. H. Ardis was brought to this State in bis youth, | pany and a member of the Board of Trade. Both and as he was reared to inanbood on bis father's Col. Ardis and his son are able financiers, and plantation, the advantages of the common schools by their indomitable energy and close application only were received. Notwithstanding this draw- to business, they have built up a trade which is back, he possessed a bright and active intellect, and magnificent in its proportions. began his independent career as a clerk.

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Ed Ball is a young business man of Shrevetinuing in this capacity until 1819, he went to Min- port, La., who has made his own way in the world, den, La., where he opened an establishment of his and is intelligent, enterprising and industrious. own, and successfully conducted it until the open- He is at the present time manager of the Consoliing of the Rebellion, when he sold out and joined | dated Ice Company & Bottling Works of ShreveGov. Moore's staff, and served on his and Gen. Al- port and Monroe, which company operates with a len's staff until the close of the war, when he re- capital stock of $60,000, and that he is thoroughly turned to Minden and resumed business. After re- versed in all the requirements of his business, and maining in that place until 1873 he removed to is an indefatigable worker, is well known. He was Shreveport, and in 1880 opened a wholesale honse, born in Randolph County, Ga., in March, 1857, to which he still conducts, his trade extending over a Ed and Harriet (Howard) Ball, natives of South radius of 100 miles from the town. The firm deals Carolina and Georgia, respectively. The father

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í in groceries, produce, bagging and ties, and in con- was a colonel in the Fifty-first Georgia Regiment, nection with this they handle a large amour aud was killed by a gun shot in the battle of Bull cotton annually. Special attention is given to Run. He was a planter the greater portion of his sugar, molasses and rice, and in order to demon- life, but at the time of his enlistment in the army strate the large amount of these commodities the he was clerk of the district court in Georgia. His firm handles, it can be stated that in the month of widow survives him, and makes her home with the March over 800 barrels of sugar were sold. The subject of this sketch, in Shreveport, he being the store is located at Nos. 616, 618 and 620 Levee only survivor of her four children. He remained Street, is convenient to both railroads and steam. in the State of Georgia until he attained his sixboats, and is the largest establishment of the kind teenth year, then went with his mother to Ouacbita in Shreveport, the frontage being sixty feet and the Parish, La., where he followed planting until 1888, depth 150. They keep two men constantly on the after which he moved to Shreveport, which place road, and are doing a business which adds much to has since been his home. The ice factory of this the prestige Shreveport enjoys as a commercial cen- place was established in 1888, its capacity being ter. Mr. Ardis is accounted one of the representa- twenty tons every twenty-four hours, and in this tive business men of the State, and besides his busi- establishment Mr. Ball secured a good and paying ness owns real estate in the city and parish. He is position. The factory runs nine months in the the financier of the firm, having charge of the offices, year, and fifteen hands are employed, the trade ex. and his son, J. B. Ardis, is the general manager of tending into Arkansas and Texas, as well as through the business, J. J. Booth being the other member of ont Northern Louisiana, a radius of 125 miles. the firm, Col. Ardis was married in 1850, his wife The product of this establishment has an excellent being Miss Harriet L. Hamilton, by whom he has reputation, and those who receive their supply bad three children: Mrs. Mary L. Parker, J. B.

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, from this factory are thoroughly satisfied in every

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respect. This establishment was put up at a cost of ceived only about one year's schooling. At the age $50,000, and is supplied with an absorption ma- of twenty-one he began following the occupation of chine, which has a fine capacity. The bottling overseeing, continuing about nine years, but at the works were added soon afterward, being under the breaking out of the war he gave up this calling to same roof as the ice factory, and in addition to enlist in Company A, First Louisiana Infantry, and manufacturing and bottling all kinds of mineral served with the Army of Virginia, participating in waters, soda water, ginger ale, they make a spe- the engagements around Richmond, his services cialty of bottling beer, and employ twenty-five men. being utilized as a sharpshooter. On August 26, 1 Mr. Ball is one of the stockholders of the concern, 1863, he was severely wounded and paroled, but and also has an interest in the factory at Monroe, before he reached home he was captured at Marion, being the general manager of both. He is tbor- Ala. He was shortly afterward paroled, and re- oughly posted in both branches of the business, turned home, being unfit for further service in the

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, and the coming winter expects to increase the ca- field. He was married in 1966, his wife, formerly pacity of the plant at Monroe, Mr. Ball married Miss Mollie H. Brown, being a daughter of Henry Miss Olivette Lanier, by whom he has had three and Harriet Brown, the former born in North children, two now living: Carrie and Edward. Carolina in 1812 and the latter in Georgia in 1822,

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Jeremiah H. Beaird, planter and merchant of their marriage taking place in the latter State. Ward 8, Caddo Parish, La., was born near Natchi- From there they moved to Bienville Parish in 1819, toches, in 1830, to Joseph and Mary Charlotte and in 1865 to Nevada County, Ark., where they (Morrell) Beaird, the former born in Tennessee in died in 1890 and 1887, respectively, the father 1808, and the latter in Louisiana in 1812. They being a fruitgrower by occupation. Mrs. Beaird were married near Natchitoches, and in 1837 came was born in Georgia, and her union with Mr. to what was then Caddo, but is now Red River Beaird has resulted in the birth of six children, Parish, but soon returned to Natchitoches, but in one son and four daughters now living. For the 1842 came back to Caddo Parish, and in 1817 past twenty-five years Mr. Beaird has resided on purchased the farm on which the subject of this his present farm, which is about thirty miles besketch now resides and on wbich the father died in low Shreveport, and he is now the owner of 2,719 1865, his widow dying in Red River Parish in acres of land, of which 700 acres are under culti. 1889, she being an earnest member of the Method- vation, and on which he raises over 380 bales of ist Episcopal Church at the time of her death, cotton annually. He also conducts a plantation Mr. Beaird was a planter by occupation, and at store, and in both callings is doing exceptionally one time held the office of justice of the

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peace

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and well, being considered one of the prominent men was postmaster of Bayou La Chute, being one of of this section. He has filled the office of justice the early settlers of the Red River country above of the peace a number of years, also postmaster, Natchitoches. The paternal grandfather was killed and socially belongs to the A. F. & A. M. His by the Indians in a massacre, and his widow after. ; wife is a Methodist and a worthy lady in every ward removed to Alexandria, La., where she was respect. one of the first settlers, her death occurring near William J. Beaird is a planter, residing in Ward Natchitoches. John Morrell, the maternal grand- No. 8, of Caddo Parish, La., but was born near father, was born in Massachusetts, and when a Natchitoches in 1836, receiving his education in young man came to Louisiana and was married in the country schools and at Marshall, Tex. In 1862 Rapides Parish, settling afterward in Natchi- he joined a company of Louisiana cavalry, but toches, where he spent the rest of his days, having after a short service was discharged, on account of served in the War of 1812, being with Jackson at ill health, but supplied a substitute, and after re

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1 New Orleans. Jeremiah H. Beaird was the eldest covering rejoined the service, and operated in

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. of six children, was educated on a farm, but re- Louisiana until the close of the war, participating in

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years of

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the fight at Mansfield and in numerous skirmishes. 1857, at the age of thirty-nine, his wife dying in On December 29, 1858 his union to Miss Mary A., 1844. a daughter of Philip and P. C. May, took place, August J. Bogel, druggist, Shreveport, La. they having moved from Tennessee to Texas, thence There is no branch of business more important in to Bossier Parish, where Mr. May died prior to the the whole list of occupations than that of the war, his wife's death occurring in Caddo Parish. druggist. A prominent and representative esTo the union of Mr. and Mrs. Beaird a family of tablishment devoted to this branch of industry is eleven children have been born, eight sons and one that of Mr. August J. Bogel, who for thirty years daughter being now alive. Since his union Mr. has been before the public in this line, and whose Beaird has lived on a part of the old home farm, house is one of the oldest and finest in Shreveport. and is one of the leading and prosperous planters' Mr. Bogel. was born in Hanover, Germany, on of this section of the country, in connection with March 12, 1836, and his parents, Nicholas C. and which calling he conducts a plantation store. His Julia (Vogel) Bogel, are natives of the same counwife is a member of the Baptist Church. [For a try, where their entire lives were passed. August history of Mr. Beaird's parents see sketch of J. H. J. Bogel remained in bis native country until Beaird.]

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fourteen

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age, and in 1851 sailed for James C. Belcher is a native of Abbeville Dis- America, landing at New York. From there he trict, S. C., his birth occurring September 20, went to New Orleans, went through the yellow 1842, his parents, James M. and Mary Frances fever epidemic of 1853, and in 1856 he went to (Nesley) Belcher, being also born in that State. Franklin, La., where he established himself in James C. received his education in his native State the drug business. He remained there, meeting and in Augusta, Ga., and in April, 1861, he with fair success, until the breaking out of the joined the Confederate army, being a member of war, when he went to Baton Rouge, La., and Company C, Seventh Regiment, from that State. there remained until cessation of hostilities. After After remaining in the infantry fourteen months, this he moved to Bayou Sara and there made his Lee's army was reorganized, and he became a home for three years. In January, 1874, he came member of Company G, Second South Carolina to Shreveport and here he has since continued the Cavalry, of Lee's army, participating in many bat- drug business. He has the largest drug store in tles, among which may be mentioned first Ma- the city, and does an extensive business, both retail nasses, Yorktown, where he was accidently wounded ' and jobbers' trade.

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and jobbers' trade. Mr. Bogel is a thorough by one of his comrades, and in a number of other ! druggist, baving, as was mentioned before, been in minor engagements. After the close of the war he | the drug business for over thirty years. Employ. farmed some, then gave his attention to the mer- ment is given to several clerks of experience, and cantile business, and later was engaged in purchas- one bas but to visit his mammoth establishment to ing cotton. He came to Bossier Parish, La., in judge of the business that is done.

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Mr. Bogel 1867, and followed farming until 1884, when he has with all credit to himself been a member of entered the employ of Capt. J. H. Nattin, with the board of health, and is a man who holds the whom he has since been connected, baving charge confidence and respect of the people. He was of the store and plantation of Wild Lucia. In married at Baton Rouge in 1855, to Miss Julia 1875 he was married to Miss Elizabeth R. Glead- Woodworth, and they have but one child, William ney, who was born in 1851, and died in 1884, and W. Mr. Bogel, with his excellent wife, is a memto them two children were born: Gertrude and ber of the Episcopal Church. William W., the Mary M. Mr. Belcher is a Democrat, and is ac- only child, left the parental roof in 1875, went to knowledged to be one of the most enterprising citi- Western Tex., and is now a resident of Prisidio zens of Caddo Parish. His father was a whole- County, where he enjoys excellent health. He sale merchant in Augusta, Ga., and died in July, was married to Miss Sadie Newton, of San An

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ness.

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tonia, Tex., in 1881, and is the father of six son Davis as pilot of the gunboat “Missouri," ' interesting children: Jessie, August J., Wood- . which had been built at Shreveport. This boat he worth W., Gillitzen N., Edward and Amos Graves. took to Alexandria, to defend the forts at that place, He is the owner of a large sheep ranch, is a and was there kept until the final surrender, the thorough stockman and controls an inmense busi- ; Captain receiving his parole on this boat. He then

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became pilot of the steamer " Cotton," that took Capt. Joseph Boisseau, a cotton planter and the generals in command of the trans-Mississippi factor, and owner and dealer in real estate at Shreve- Department to the mouth of Red River, where the port, La., has in his veins the blood of the old final terms of surrender were made, their names French Huguenots who came to this country on ac- being Buckner, Price, Maj. Means and Lieut. Carcount of their religious belief, taking up their abode ter. After surrendering, the boat “Cotton" was in the State of Virginia. Capt. Boisseau was born

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Capt. Boisseau was born given up to the Federal officers at Shreveport. in Dinwiddie County, Va., January 23, 1829, to Jo- Capt. Boisseau then returned to Shreveport, seph and Julia (Rives) Boisseau, who were also La., and embarked in the wholesale grocery and Virginians, the father being an honest and fairly cotton business, the firm of Walsh & Boisseau besuccessful tiller of the soil. In the winter of 1848 ing established, and they continued to do business he moved to Harrison County, Tex., and continued together until 1870, when Capt. Boisseau became

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, to make his home in the Lone Star State un- sole proprietor, and as such has since continued. til his death, which occurred about 1868. After He has seen Shreveport grow from a village to its this event his widow removed to Louisiana, and present admirable proportions, and he bas always here she passed from life in 1874, baving borne a identified himself with its interests in every way. family of eight children, tive of whom are living: He owns about 6,000 acres of fine farming land, conMrs. Ann E. Jones, Capt. Joseph, Mrs. Mary trols as much more, and is the owner of some valu. Tucker, William and James. Capt. Joseph Bois. / able business buildings in the city, which are loseau was reared principally in the State of Tennes- cated on Front and Milan Streets, and several see, his early days being spent on his father's plan- choice residence lots, which he offers for sale on the tation, and in that State his early education was most reasonable terms. He is one of the heaviest acquired. In September, 1819, he came to Shreve.

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1

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tax payers in the city, is doing well in every enterport, La., and secured employment as a clerk in a prise in which he is engaged, and is one of the subwarehouse, being engaged in billing and shipping, stantial and honored citizens of this section, for he his employer being E. C. Hart (now deceased). He i is public spirited, upright in every worthy particuremained with him until 1853, then began steam. lar, and is kind, generous and manly at all times.

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. boating on the Upper Red River and down to New He has never been an aspirant for office, but has Orleans, and in time became commander of the paid strict attention to the details of his business, steamers "Marion," "Newsboy

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Newsboy” and “ Trent.” and as a result, is one of the wealthy men of this He continued to follow this calling with fair success section. He is a member and director of the Cotuntil 1861, then enlisted in the First Louisiana ton Exchange, and is also one of the directors of Regiment of Caddo Rifles, and served the cause he the Commercial National Bank. He was married espoused faithfully until November of that year, in 1866 to Miss Josephine E. Boisseau, of Virginia, when he put in a substitute and went to New Or- | by whom he has a family of four sons and three leans and purchased the steamer “ Trent,” expect-daughters: Joseph, Jr., Nettie P., Elizabeth S., ing the blockade to be raised, and fitted her up for Richie W., James H., Richard W. and Robert C. that purpose. The blockade failing, he ran his Mrs. Boisseau is a worthy member of the Method

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, boat in the service of the Confederate govern- ist Episcopal Church, and socially he belongs to ment until some time in 1863, when he sold the : the Masonic fraternity and the K. of P. " Trent," and was afterward appointed by Jeffer- Marcus A. Bonner is a prosperous planter of

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the war.

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feedia 1845

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Caddo Parish, La., but was born in Morgan and after being a resident of that State for seven County, Ga., in 1833, being a son of Capt. Thomas years he returned to Louisiana, and has since been a S. and Martha (Cleveland) Bonner, the former of resident of his present excellent farm. He is the whom was born in Virginia, in 1811 and the latter owner of 716 acres of land in two tracts, and has in North Carolina, it is supposed. Their marriage about 225 acres under cultivation, located four was celebrated in Morgan County, Ga., and in that miles below Bayou La Chute. Mr. Bonner was State the father passed from life about 1874, bis the postmaster at Homer at the breaking out of wife dying some two years later, both having been earnest and consistent members of the Missionary Dr. A. R. Booth, physician and surgeon, Baptist Church from youth up. Mr. Bonner was Shreveport, La., is one of the popular physicians a well-known planter, and being a man of undeni- of Caddo Parish, does great credit to the profes- able intelligence and a prominent politician he sion and has a paying practice in this city and was elected to represent Morgan County in the country. His parents, A. N. and Susan A. (Ree- State Legislature of Georgia about 1833 or 1834. der) Booth, were natives of Louisville, Ky., and He was a captain in one of the Indian Wars and Cincinnati, Ohio, respectively. They emigrated

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. inherited Welsh and Scotch blood from his ances- to Louisiana in 1812, located in Baton Rouge, and tors. John Cleveland, the mother's father, was here the father became a successful planter. He born and spent his life in North Carolina, and his was a representative citizen, was public spirited, father was Gen. William Cleveland, a soldier of and was at one time Secretary of the State. He the Revolutionary War. Marcus A. Bonner was held a number of offices and figured quite promi- the seventh of eight sons who lived to be grown, nently in politics. He was one of the seven there being twelve sons in the family, and only men in the parish who voted against secession. three of them are living at the present time. He His death occurred in 1867. The mother bad was educated in Musser University of Georgia, died in 1863.

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died in 1863. Their family consisted of ten chiland in 1859 came to Claiborne Parish, La., and in dren-two by the first union and eight by the 1860 was married to Miss Araminta L., a daughter second. The children by the first marriage were of Joseph H. and Mary Jeter, who were born in William S. (mayor of Baton Rouge, La.) and AnVirginia and North Carolina, and died in La drew B. (who resides in New Orleans, La.). Of the Grange, Tenn., and Texas, respectively. Mrs. eight children born to the second union there are Bonner was born in Tennessee and died in Louis. only four besides our subject now living-Jewett iana in 1865 after having borne two children, both and three sisters. Dr. A. R. Booth was born in of whom are deceased. His marriage to his sec- East Baton Rouge in January, 1847, and grew to ond wife took place in 1866, she being Miss Mary manhood on his father's plantation. He was eduG., a sister of his first wife, but she, too, passed cated at the Kentucky University at Lexington, from life in 1873, having borne two children, a son and began the study of medicine at quite an early now living Mr. Bonner was married to his

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pres- age. In 1874 he graduated at the University of ent wife in 1880, she being Mrs. Sarah C. Bates, Louisville in a class of 113 graduates and took the a daughter of Joseph Beaird, whose sketch appears medal for general proficiency. He obtained his on another page of this work. She was born in position in opposition to the faculty's set views on Caddo Parish, but received the principal part of the subject of yellow fever, which was the subject her education in Baton Rouge. In 1864 Mr. Bon- of the Doctor's thesis. In March, 1874, he began ner joined Company D, Twenty-eighth Louisiana | practicing at Shreveport, La., and here he has Infantry, but was soon after discharged and placed in since resided. In a very short time he had built the quartermaster's department with headquarters up a large and lucrative practice and is still enat Homer, serving faithfully until the close of the joying the same. He was health officer from 1874

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In 1872 he removed to Dallas County, Tex., to 1878, and was appointed by Gov. McEnery

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lleladatun

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direntino

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Magas stu

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war.

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war.

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coroner of Caddo Parish to fill an unexpired term. well, were also natives of Europe, both of whom He is a member of the State Medical Association, died there. John Caldwell came to America with also Shreveport Medical Society and American an uncle in his infancy. The uncle settled in Society of Microscopists. He was married in South Carolina, near Newberry, and here our sub1874, to Miss Mattie C., daughter of Prof. Sam- ject remained until 1853, receiving a good commonuel G. Mullins, of Louisville, Ky., and the fruits school education at this place. He assisted on the

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. of this union bave been two living children-Mamie farm, and at the hotel and livery business until and Susie. Socially the Doctor is a member of 1853, then came to Shreveport, La., where he the K. of H., the A, 0. U. W., K. of P, and in worked with a farmer, and was satisfied with the latter order he is a past grand chancellor and any employment to get an honest living, until was a supreme representative for two terms. For 1855, and from that time went into the livery busifour

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years he was medical examiner-in-chief of the ness until the breaking out of the war. In 1861 order. He has always taken a deep interest in 'nis he enlisted in Porter's command of Arkansas, was societies and has devoted a great deal of his time wounded at the battle of Oak Hill, and returned to to them. Mr. and Mrs. Booth are members of Shreveport. He then enlisted in Capt. Denison's the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor is Cavalry company and served until the close of the now filling by appointment from the Hon. Secre- He had charge of all the transportation of tary of the Treasury, the office of assistant army Capt. Johnson's Assistant Quartermaster Departsurgeon, Marine Hospital service, at the port of ment, C. S., and had over 6,000 head of horses and Shreveport.

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mules. After the surrender he returned to ShreveJohn Caldwell, liveryman, Shreveport, La. A port and re-embarked in the livery business. This livery stable is a most essential institution, both for enterprise he has carried on ever since, and has pleasure and convenience. To be able to command been quite successful. He keeps about fifty head

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' at any moment a horse and rig for a drive in the of fine horses and mules in his mammoth barns, country, or for business or other purposes, is a and a number of first-class vehicles. He is also privilege, the value of which can not be too highly engaged in planting, and owns about 4,000 acres of estimated. Foremost among the liveries of Shreve- land on which he raises cotton, corn, hay and port is the well-known resort of Mr. John Cald- vegetables. He came to Shreveport without a well, located at the corner of Market and Travis dollar, and he now has good paying property, all Streets, and measures 80x150 feet. Fine livery the result of push and energy. Socially he is a outfits, carriages and phaetons are furnished member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders promptly on order, and omnibuses, baggage and and of the Fire Department. He was married in drummers' wagons run to and from all trains, or 18733, to Miss Julia Lattier, who is a consistent memwill call to any part of the city. Stock is bought ber of the Catholic Church. and sold on commission, and a large mule market J. H. Calvert, druggist. Among the names is run in connection with the stable, about twenty which give standing to Shreveport, and conduce to carloads being handled annually, besides a large the welfare of society, is that of Mr. Calvert, who number of horses. Mr. Caldwell is one of the is the proprietor of one of the best known estaboldest residents of Shreveport, having resided in lishments of the kind in the city. For the purity the city ever since 1853; established the present of goods and fair dealing, his reputation has long business in 1855, and has been in it continuously been established, and accordingly his trade has

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Aside from this he is the owner of assumed large proportions. He was born in Adams considerable real estate in the city, and is largely County, Miss., May 28, 1845, to John and Nancy interested in planting in the neighboring parishes. (Galtney) Calvert, natives of Mississippi. The paHe was born in Europe, February 21, 1836, and ternal grandfather, William, was ,

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a pioneer of his parents, John C. and Mary (Reicherter) Cald- Franklin County, Miss., and as

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, a planter accu

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ever since.

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mulated a large fortune. His death occurred in He is a member of the Confederate Association of the same county. His son, John, followed in his Veterans. footsteps, became a planter, and passed to bis long Judge L. E. Carter, notary public and justice home in Franklin County, in 1853, his widow dy- of the peace at Shreveport, La., although born in ing in 1868, in Natchez, Miss. Of a family of five Jessamine County, Ky., November 20, 1824, has children born to them, only two are living: J. H. been a resident of this section since 1851, and has Calvert and a sister. J. H. Calvert was reared in ever been one of the foremost men to further the Washington, Adams County, Miss., and in this interests of Caddo Parish. He inherits Scotch State his early scholastic advantages were enjoyed, and English blood of his parents, Ephraim and he being first an attendant of Jefferson College, Mary A. (Dedman) Carter, the former of whom and later of Forest Home Academy, in Kentucky. was born in Vermont, and the latter in the “Blue While he was attending this institution the war Grass State.” Upon first removing from his native came up, and he started for home, boarding the State, the father settled in Illinois, but moved from last train that left Louisville for Natchez, and im- there to Kentucky, where he formed the acquaintmediately after reaching his father's roof he en- ance of Miss Dedman, and married here, ever af. listed in the sixty days' service, and helped to terward making his home on “Blue Grass” soil, build the fortifications around Bowling Green, Ky., where he passed from life, having followed the ocGen. Reuben Davis, of Mississippi, being in com- cupation of a saddler. His wife died in De Soto mand. After the expiration of his time of enlist- Parish, La. Her father was a soldier in the War ment his company was disbanded, but he imme- of 1812. Judge L. E. Carter spent his youth in diately enlisted in the Natchez Southrons for three Grant County, Ky., near Cincinnati, Ohio, and in years, with Capt. R. A. Inge, and after serving in addition to acquiring a fair knowledge of books in a very satisfactory manner until 1864, he was hon- the common schools near his home, he learned the orably discharged, on account of sickness.

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saddler's trade in his father's shop, his knowledge in all the principal engagements up to the time of of the work, however, being acquired before he his discharge, and although he was scarcely seven

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attained his fourteenth year. He followed this teen at the time of his first enlistment, he made a trade, with fair financial results, until he was gallant and faithful soldier. He was in very poor twenty-three years of age, then began merchandishealth for several years after the close of the war, ing in Kentucky, but removed from that State in but, notwithstanding, he was actively engaged in 1849 to New Orleans, where he worked as a clerk merchandising in Mississippi until 1875, when he until 1851. At the end of this time he came to moved to Milliken's Bend, Madison Parish, La., Shreveport, La., and here opened a mercantile eswhere he continued to follow the above-mentioned tablishment which he successfully conducted for a calling until 1882, after which he came to Shreve- ; number of years, or until 1874, since which time port, and embarked in the drug business with Dr. he has been in his present office. When the war J. F. O'Leary. At the end of four years Mr. Cal- became an assured fact, he, in 1861, enlisted in the vert purchased his partner's interest, and was in Third Mississippi Regiment, and served until the business alone until 1887, when he was so unfort- close of war when he returned home and resumed unate as to be burned out. He soon after em- business. His career as a soldier was marked by barked in the business with John L. Hodges, but fearless and intrepid courage, and upon the terminaat the end of a year, sold out to his partner, and

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tion of hostilities he had the consciousness of havpurchased the stock and fixtures where he is now ing faithfully performed every duty. In 1874 be located, and is doing a prosperous and paying

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was elected to the office of justice of the peace, business. He is one of the leading spirits of and up to the present time has served continuously, Shreveport, and has proven himself a public spir- and it can with truth be said of him that he has ited citizen in every respect since locating here. discharged his duties in a very efficient manner,

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He was

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a

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a

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and is a high-principled and trustworthy official. area of 50x150 feet, is centrally located on the prinHe is devoted to his friends, his interest in the cipal corner of the city, and as Mr. Carter is a thorprosperity of his parish is undoubted, and his life oughly competent pharmacist, agreeable and courhas been conspicuous by his many kind and charit- teous in his manners, and has always manifested his able, deeds. His marriage was consummated in desire to please and accommodate his patrons, he 1850, at which time Miss Bettie H. Rainey, a fully deserves his prosperity. He has been prominative of Mississippi, became his wife. To them nent in all local affairs, is a stirring, wide-awake a family of seven children was born: Everet H. citizen, and is popular with all. He is a member (a resident of Fort Worth, Tex.), Foster (a resi- of the board of health, is deputy collector of cusdent of San Diego, Cal.), Leon M. (whose sketch toms, and is treasurer of the Shreveport Fire Departfollows this), Bettie C. (of Los Angeles, Cal.), ment. He is also one of the directors of the Board Rainey, Harry B. and Hulcey. The family are of Trade, is United States collector of this port, among the leading citizens of Shreveport, and are and is lessee of the handsome opera house of Shreveregular attendants of the Presbyterian Church. port. In the month of July, 1879, his marriage to

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Leon M. Carter is the proprietor of a whole- Mies Mattie L. Parsons, a native of the town, took sale and retail drug and stationery establishment place, and to them have been born two interesting at Shreveport, La., which is recognized as one of children: Josie and Livie. the most popular and handsome places of the kind Thomas B. Chase, president of the Merchants in the State, the proprietor holding a high position & Farmers Bank, broker and insurance agent, is in the estimation of the public. He was born in a native of Florida, born on November 29, 1843, the city in which he is now doing business on July and is the son of George E, and Elizabeth (Flower) 11, 1855, being a son of L. E. Carter, whose sketch Chase, the father a native of Boston, Mass., and the appears

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above. He was reared at this place, but | mother of New Orleans, La. The father was an received the greater part of his education in the army officer and held the rank of brevet lieutenantcity of New Orleans, and at an early day entered colonel of the United States army, stationed at Penthe drug store of P. H. Kyes & Co., of Shreveport, sacola, Fla. He had been stationed at Pensacola where he remained three years, obtaining a thor- for a number of years previous to his death, which ough knowledge of the business while with this occurred in 1844. The same year his widow, with firm and during the subsequent two years which he the family, removed to New Orleans, La., where her spent in a like establishment belonging to Peter I. death occurred in 1862. They were the parents of Trezevant. In 1879, being thoroughly versed in three children: Mrs. Anna G. Hodges (of New all the details of the business, he opened a drug Orleans), William F. (of Shreveport), and our substore of his own at his present stand, and has built ject. Thomas B. Chase, the youngest of this family, up a large local business, his trade also extending secured a good education in the schools of New Orover a distance of seventy-five miles in the sur- leans, and then clerked for a short time, or until rounding country, customers coming from Eastern the breaking out of the war. In 1862 he enlisted Texas and Southern Arkansas, as well as from all in Crescent Regiment, and served two years.

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He parts of his native State. His drug store is on the was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, was captured, corner of Texas and Spring Streets, and his sta- and recaptured by his own regiment while in the tionery establishment is next door. A job print- Federal lines. He was taken to New Orleans, ing department is also run in connection with the was there when the city was taken, and was again stationery and book store, and all kinds of work is returned to the Federal line, but was paroled. The neatly and handsomely done. His drug store is

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year of service he was detailed by Gen. Kirby replete with all necessary appliances for a first- Smith at headquarters. Returning to Shreveport class establishment, and paints, oils and window after the war, he kept books for seventeen years, glass are also carried in stock.

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last

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The store covers an eleven years for Hicks & Howell. He then em

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barked in the insurance and brokerage business, and cures which he effected brought him prominently has carried it on ever since. He represents nine in- before the public as a physician of exceptional surance companies, whose combined capital is merit, and even now his prescriptions are treasured nearly $30,000,000, while the New York Life In- by his patients. He was one of the original memsurance Company, of which he is agent, has a capi- bers of the medical board, and took part in its or

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, tal of $100,000,000. He was made president of ganization in July, 1888, and at the time of his the Merchants & Farmers Bank in February, death he was president of a medical society, a 1890. He is a member of the board of adminis- member of the board of health, surgeon in charge trators of Charity Hospital, and is one of the board of the hospital, and socially belonged to the K. of of managers of the Y. M. C. A. He is a Knight P., the K. of H., the A. L. of H., and K. of St. J. Templar in the Masonic fraternity, and is past mas- and M. He combined rare intellectual worth and ter. He is also a member of the K. of P., and ability with innate goodness, warm geniality, sorepresented his lodge in the Grand Lodge, and was ciability and true charity, and his death, which oc recently elected vice-president of the Shreveport curred on September 9, 1889, was lamented by all Cotton Exchange. He is secretary and treasurer whom he had known, for they felt that they had of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Mr. Chase was lost 'a true friend and brother, and one whose married in 1868 to Miss Helen S. Cline, a native place it would be hard to fill. He was married in of Mississippi. He has been a resident of Shreve- 1859 to Miss Fannie O'Bannon, and by her became port for twenty-six years, and is interested in the the father of a son and daughter: David M. Jr., city's advancement in many ways.

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He is the owner and Fannie H. The son was born in 1866, reof some real estate.

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cieved his education in Shreveport, and in 1889 Dr. D. M. Clay (deceased). Nature seems to graduated from the medical department of the have intended Dr. Clay for an exceptionally long Tulare University of Louisiana, at New Orleans. and more than ordinarily useful life but, alas, for He is now practicing his profession in Shreveport, human hopes and expectations, while just in the and gives every promise of rivaling his eminent meridian of life and during the time of his greatest father in the practice of the “ healing art.”' usefulness, his career was closed forever.

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Hon. R.T. Cole is one of the prominent and sucborn in Wilkinson County, Ga., December 25, cessful handlers of real estate in the city of Shreve. 1837, and at an early age entered and graduated port, and is one of the best posted men in his line from the medical department of the University of of business in Northern Louisiana, being familiar New York, leaving that institution as an M. D. in with nearly every foot of ground in Caddo and 1857. He soon began the practice of his profes- Bossier Parishes. He was born in Macon County, sion in his native county, but upon the bursting of

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Ala., June 8, 1843, to Noah B. and Wealthy (Taythe war cloud which had so long hovered over the lor) Cole, natives of Abbeville District, S. C., and country, he left his home and entered the service Georgia, respectively. The father emigrated to of the Confederate Government as a surgeon, and Georgia when a young man, and after his mardischarged his duties faithfully and efficiently until riage removed to Alabama, and in 1818 to Caddo the close of hostilities in 1865. He then removed Parish, La., where he died in 1852, his widow passwestward, settled in Shreveport, La., and being a ing to her long home in 1875. To them a family man of much ability and energy he was not long of eight daughters and one son was born, the latin securing a good practice and a comfortable home ter being the subject of this sketch and the youngest in his new location. His skill as a surgeon, and of the family. He was educated in the schools of his knowledge of medicine soon won for him a Shreveport, but was brought up on his father's planwidespread reputation throughout the South, and tation, and being a Southern sympathizer, heart and owing to his own personal worth, he drew around soul, he, on April 28, 1861, enlisted with the Shreve. him a confiding populace. The many wonderful port Rangers in the Third Louisiana Infantry, and

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He was

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a

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He was

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I was under the command of I. B. Gilmore until the thorpe County, Ga., in 1839, being the son of Josurrender of Lee at Appomattox Court House. He seph E. and Ava Ann (Lee) Colquitt, natives of was twice slightly wounded, and at the surrender of Oglethorpe County, and born in 1806 and 1816, Vicksburg was captured, but a short time after was respectively. The father was a planter by occupaparoled. He returned home, resumed farming, and tion, and fought in one of the early Indian wars, continued to follow that calling up to the present and died in his native county in 1856. time, but since 1886 has been a resident of Shreve. a cousin of Ex Gov. Colquitt, of Georgia. The port. He has always been largely interested in mother came with the subject of this sketch to planting, and raises large quantities of cotton, stock Louisiana in 1866.

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Louisiana in 1866. The grandfather, Robert Coland grain. He has a fine list of properties, em- quitt, came originally from Scotland, being a nabracing both hill and cotton lands, cultivated and tive of “the land of thistles and oatmeal." The uncultivated, which he sells at low figures, and on grandfather, William Lee, was born in Virginia, easy terms. The city property he has for sale is a but at an early date settled in Oglethorpe County, number of choice lots both in the center of the city where he died. George Colquitt is the second in and in the suburbs, and besides this he is the number of the three sons and three daughters born owner of 1,600 acres of land, a goodly portion of to his parents. He received a common-school eduwhich is in pasture. He is a practical business cation, and in 1858 was married to Miss Seloma E. man in every sense of the word, a shrewd calcula- McAllister. To this union were born seven chiltor, possessed of untiring energy, and as he has dren, of whom one son and two daughters are livbeen familiar with Shreveport since it was a village, ing. Being called upon to sustain the sad loss of he has helped to make the town what it now is. Its his wife in 1873, Mr. Colquitt, in the following history could not be written without him, and by year, married Mrs. Edna Johnson (nee McCutchen). leniency, fair dealing and strict integrity he has The second wife died in the year 1882, and the won many warm friends. Unerring in his estimate subject of this sketch was once more married May of land values, his judgment is sought and relied 1, 1889, to Mrs. Sarah J. Gailick, daughter of upon by capitalists who consider him one of the William H. and Mary E. Lindsey, of Georgia. In most cautious as well as enterprising and success- 1847 Mr. Colquitt came to Caddo Parish, and has ful dealers in the business. He was appointed since continued to make this his home. His resi. police juror of Caddo Parish by Gov. McEnery, dence is nine miles from Shreveport, and his estate and in April, 1888, he was elected on the Democrat embraces about 500 acres of valuable land. He ticket to the State Legislature and is now discharg. I runs a flourishing gin and corn mill business, and ing his duties.

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He is president of the Inter-State | is generally looked upon as a first-class business Building Association, is a director in the First Na- | man. He has succeeded in all his undertakings, tional Bank, is interested in the Shreveport Fire i and it is due entirely to his own exertions. He Insurance Company, and the Opera House Com. ! served in the police jury at one time, and was juspany.

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He was a delegate to the State Democratic : tice of the peace for six years. He took part in Convention to nominate Nichols for

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governor,

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and the late war, belonging to Company A, Sixth Louissocially is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and iana Cavalry, in Arkansas, and engaged in several tbe A. 0. U. W. His marriage to Miss Virginia skirmishes. . He and his wife are members of the Noel, a native of Louisiana, took place in 1867, Methodist Church. and has resulted in the birth of the following chil. Dr. H. C. Coty, physician and surgeon, Shrevedren: Pallie, Hettie, Rosa, R. T., Jr., Ferne, port, La. This young but very successful physiWealthy and Noah B. living, and two children cian and surgeon owes his nativity to this parish, deceased.

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his birth occurring in Shreveport in July, 1859, and George A. Colquitt, a prosperous farmer of is the son of Thomas D. and Mary (McDonald) Ward 7, Caddo Parish, La., was born in Ogle Coty, the father a native of the Old Dominion, and

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war.

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a

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the mother of Louisiana. The parents came to in Jackson, Tenn., and followed this calling in Louisiana in 1859, settled in Shreveport, but later Austin and Washington, Tex., continuing until moved to De Soto Parish, where the father held a 1852, during which time he worked on the Caddo number of local offices. Later they returned to Gazette and also on the first daily paper published Shreveport, and are now residing on their planta at Shreveport. After giving up his trade he came tion near that city. Their family consisted of to Mooringsport and opened a mercantile establishfour children: Mrs. George Dickson, Richard, ment and warehouse, which he has conducted with Thomas D., Jr., and our subject. Dr. H. C. Coty, the best of success ever since. He has been in the eldest of this family, was reared at Shreveport business in Caddo Parish longer than any other and Mansfield, and educated at Keatchie, La. merchant now residing there, and served one term When seventeen years of age he went to Shreve- in the capacity of magistrate. In February, 1863, port Charity Hospital, and studied medicine. In he joined an independent company, which after1880 he graduated at the University of Louisville, ward became attached to the Third Louisiana Cavmedical department, and immediately began prac alry, and was on active duty until April, 1864, ticing at Shreveport, where he has since continued. when he was detailed as a ferryman at MooringsHe is vice president of Shreveport Medical Society, port, serving in that capacity until the close of the

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and has served two terms as a member of the board

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On January 12, 1851, he was married to of health; also served his second term as coroner Miss Margaret Ann Mooring, a daughter of Tim and parish physician. He is a member of the Ma- otby Mooring, one of the oldest settlers of the sonic fraternity and the A. O. U. W. The Doctor parish, who had come in 1837 from Henderson was married in 1880, to Miss Emma Worthy, a County, Tenn. Mrs. Croom was also born in that native of Clinton, La., and one child is the result State, and by Mr. Croom has become the mother of this union, Mabel. Mrs. Coty is a member of of six children: Mrs. Thomas Cooper, W. H. B. the Baptist Church. The Doctor is fast extending in the mercantile business), Mrs. Eliza Hales (of

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( his reputation, and has a liberal share of public a liberal share of public Gilmer, Tex.), Calvin

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Gilmer, Tex.), Calvin B. (of Lake Charles, La.), favor, the best proof of his skill and care.

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Mrs. E. R. Hales (of Gilmer, Tex.), and Mrs. MarCalvin S. Croom is next to the oldest citizen in garet I. Wood (of Queen City, Tex.). Mrs. Croom Ward 3, Caddo Parish, La., and has long been a has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal prominent merchant of this region, although his Church from girlhood, and is a truly charitable birth occurred in Greene County, N. C., June 11, and Christian lady. Mr. Croom is a Democrat, a 1825, his parents being Isaac and Olive (Godwin) thoroughgoing business man, full of enterprise Croom, also natives of that State. About 1826

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and energy

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He owns extensive tracts of land they removed to Jackson, Tenn., and from there aggregating 2,500 acres, and has a large portion

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a to Houston County, Tex., in 1839, thence to under cultivation. Caddo Parish, La., in 1844, making their home William J. Crowder, planter and stockdealer, here until their respective deaths in 1876 and Shreveport, La.

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Shreveport, La. Among the enterprising and 1844, he being eighty-three and she fifty years of successful farmers and stockdealers of Caddo age. The father was a successful farmer, a mem- Parish, La., none are more progressive and thorber of the Baptist Church, and in politics was a ough than the subject of this sketch. Mr. CrowDemocrat.

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He was of Scotch-Irish descent, a son der was born in Oglethorpe County, Ga., in 1834, of Charles Croom, of North Carolina. To bis

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and is a son of William B. and Elizabeth H. union nine children were born, of whom the sub- (Ogilvie) Crowder, the father a native of Virginia, ject of this sketch was the fourth, three now liv- born in 1803, and the mother born in South ing, and after his wife's death he married Mrs. Carolina in 1810. The parents were married at Elizabeth Robertson. Calvin S. Croom began to Edgefield Court House, S. C., and later moved learn the printer's trade when a boy of ten years, to Georgia, where the father died in 1853. He

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of age.

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was a planter by occupation, and for many years panies, is Mr. A. Currie, who has been engaged in was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. this business for the last eighteen years. He is a After his death, in 1855, the family moved to ! native or the Emerald Isle, his birth having ocCaddo Parish, La., where the mother resides at curred in County Clare on March 4, 1813, and is a the present time. She has been a member of the son of James and Mary (Griffin) Currie, both of Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. whom died in Ireland. They were the parents of The paternal grandfather, George Crowder, was five sons, one of whom died in Ireland, the others a native of Virginia, and at an early day re- coming to America.

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A. Currie was but five years moved to Georgia, where he received his final of age when he crossed the ocean with two brothsummons. He was of English parentage, and ers, Michael and James. They sailed from Cork, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The landing at Boston after an ocean voyage of several maternal grandfather, James Ogilvie, was born in weeks. He located with his brothers in New York South Carolina, and there his death occurred. City, and remained in that State until sixteen years He was of Scotch descent. William J. Crowder,

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In 1839 be came South and located at the third of eleven children, was early trained to Shreveport, where he held the position of clerk in the arduous duties of the farm, and received a a mercantile house for a short time. After this he good academic education. He came with his attended school, but his studies were interrupted mother to Caddo Parish, La., in 1855, and in by the breaking out of the war. He enlisted in 1861 joined the First Louisiana Battalion, Infan- Company A, First Louisiana Volunteers, and served try (Dreux Battalion), serving twelve months in until the surrender. He was twice captured, first Virginia as lieutenant, and participating in many at Arkansas Post, while serving on Col. Dunning engagements from there to Pensacola. In May ton's staff, and was taken to Springfield, Ill., where he resigned and was placed in the Twenty-seventh he was retained for three months. He was captLouisiana Infantry, participating in the siege of ured again near Rome, Ga., while on a scouting Vicksburg, after which he was made first lieuten- expedition under Provost- Marshal Gen. Hill, and ant in the Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry. was taken to Camp Morton at Indianapolis, Ind., After the fall of Vicksburg he was on picket duty where he was kept until Lee surrendered at Apin Louisiana until the close of the war. After pomattox. After his release from prison he rethis he was engaged in merchandising at Shreve- mained at Vincennes, Ind., with a French mercanport for a number of years, and since then has tile firm, who were Southern sympathizers, a year, been engaged in farming and stock trading. He and then returned to Shreveport, where he entered has a good plantation, and is prominently identi- the sheriff's office as deputy. Later he was elected fied with the farming interests of the parish. constable, and served until the reconstruction,

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Hon. A. Currie, ex-mayor and insurance agent, when he bought an interest in a mercantile busiShreveport, La. It is an acknowledged fact that

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In 1872 he engaged in the insurance busiinsurance is among the most important branches ness, and this he has followed ever since. He repof business in any community. It gives security resents ten of the leading companies of the world, to commercial transactions, as well as a sense of and is now doing a good business. Mr. Currie protection to the householder. Without it the

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was elected mayor of Shreveport in 1878, and held merchant might lay his head on his pillow at this position continuously until March, 1890, when night with the haunting thought that he may he resigned. He was married in 1876 to Miss Anrise a beggar in the morning; with it he can slum nie Fort Gregg, of Marshall, Tex., and they have ber peacefully, knowing that should his property two children: Andrew, Jr., and Mary B. Mr. be swept away the insurance agent is ready to re- Currie has stock in nearly all public enterprises in place it. Holding a leading place as a representa- the city, is secretary, treasurer and director in tive of many leading foreign and American com- Tucker's Paris Green Distributor Company, and

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ness.

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prominent in all public enterprises. He secured Shreveport), and J. 0. (who is a partner in the the water and sewerage works, and the bridge road- firm of Dickson & Dickson, at Rush Point). A way across Red River, for the city, and has been daughter named Annie died when an infant. The active in advancing its railroad connections. He father of these children passed from life in 1870, has always been a prominent and conservative when just in the prime of life, being forty-one or Democrat, and is a member of the Democratic forty-two years of age. Dr. W. L. Dickson atState Central Committee.

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tended Centenary College, of Jackson, La., until W. L. Dickson, M. D., is one of the leading he was in his senior year, then left school to repphysicians of Caddo Parish, and is especially well resent his mother in the settling up of his grandknown at Rush Point, and that vicinity. He is father's estate, In 1877 he commenced the study a prominent representative of one of the oldest of medicine under Dr. T. G. Ford, at Charity Hos. families of Louisiana, his grandfather, Michael pital, Shreveport, La., and from 1879 until the Dickson, having been born near Macon, Ga., but spring of 1881 he attended Bellevue Hospital Medmoved to East Feliciana Parish at a very early day, ical College, of New York City, graduating from and in 1855 came to Bossier Parish. He had some the same in the spring of the latter year, after money left him, and by using it judiciously, he which he located on Rush Point, his plantation became one of the wealthiest men in the State, and brothers' land amounting to 1,500 acres. His owning 10,000 acres of some of the most valuable practice is large, and the success which has atand fertile land in Louisiana, being also the owner tended his efforts is fully deserved, for he is deeply of real estate in Arkansas. At his death in 1865 enamored of his profession, and gives every case he was sixty-nine years of age. His wife, whose that comes under his care the utmost attention and maiden name was Hannah Palmer, a native of study. He is a Democrat, his first presidential South Carolina, was brought by her father, Adam vote being cast for Hancock and English, and soD. Palmer, to Louisiana when a child, where she cially he is a member of the K. P., Dixie Lodge met and married Mr. Dickson. Her father was No. 32. also very wealthy, and she and her husband were Jules Dreyfuss, a member of the mercantile members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. firm of Henry Dreyfuss & Son, dealers in dry Nine of the children born to them grew to maturity, goods, clothing, carpets, etc., is only another of and Michael A., the father of the subject of this the many representative citizens of foreign birth sketch, who was the eldest, was educated in the in Caddo Parish, who have become prominent in Centenary College, of Jackson, La., graduating their different callings. Mr. Dreyfuss was born from the same.

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In 1862 he joined the Confeder- in France in 1854, and is a son of Henry and ate army. He controlled and managed the property Sarah (Aaron) Dreyfuss, natives also of that counbelonging to his father for some years prior to the try. The father immigrated to the United States latter's death, and continued so to do until his in 1855, located in Shreveport and embarked in father's death. He was married in 1853, to Miss mercantile pursuits, which he continued up to the Mattie Lipscomb, a daughter of William Lipscomb, time of his death in 1886. His wife and family of East Feliciana Parish, she being still alive, and crossed the ocean in 1859, and joined him in a resident of Shreveport. Mr. Dickson was a Dem- Shreveport. His family consisted of four chil. ocrat, a Royal Arch Mason, and his wife is an dren: Samuel, Bertha, Isaac and our subject, the earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, latter being the eldest in order of birth. He came to South. To them were born five children, four liv. this country with his mother, grew to manhood and ing: Dr. W. L., Michael A. (a planter of Lafay received his education in Shreveport. He was in ette County, Ark.), S. A. (a graduate in medicine business with his father until the latter's death, of the University of Louisiana, at New Orleans, since which time he has had the management of but gave up this calling to enter a drug store in the business entirely. This large establishment is

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а

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located at the corner of Texas and Market Streets, ing in Amelia County, Va., near the residence of occupying one of the most prominent corners in Gov. Giles. The father taught school in Amelia the city.

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It is one of the oldest and best known Academy, which was established by Gov. Giles, houses in this section of the South, having been and was afterward an educator in the Virginia established by Henry Dreyfuss in 1866. Since the University. He studied medicine, and was death of the latter (as mentioned above) his son, graduate of Richmond Medical College. In 1847 Jules Dreyfuss, bas alone conducted this compre. be came to Louisiana, located at Mt. Lebanon,

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. hensive industry, and such has been the enterprise Bienville Parish, and was of great assistance in and strong executive ability brought to bear on it, building up the Mt. Lebanon University, charthat the trade has materially increased in volume. tered by the State. Here he practiced his profesAll the latest goods in the market are to be found sion for years, and was president of the University in the large and varied stock, and a dressmaking for a number of years. He was surgeon-general establishment is run in connection with the store. in the State forces under Gen. Moore, and was a Besides dry goods and notions, there is a depart- State elector for Jefferson Davis on State confedment devoted to boots and shoes, and one to car- eracy. He was president of the North Louisiana pets and oil cloths. In addition to having a large Medical Association. After the death of his wife local trade, the firm of Henry Dreyfuss & Son also he came to Shreveport and died at the residence of do a large country business, and mail orders are Dr. J. C. Egan in about 1881, when in his eightypromptly attended to.

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Mr. Dreyfuss is director in fourth year. He was a very active man up to the the Board of Trade, and the Dreyfuss family is time of his death. He was one of the organizers largely interested in city property, in the building of the Louisiana State Convention, and was its associations, fair grounds, opera house and other

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first promoter.

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He was intimately and influenenterprises. Jules Dreyfuss was married in 1882 tially identified with Northern Louisiana in a proto Miss Bella Levi, of New Orleans, and the fruits fessional and social point of view, and gained a of this union have been three children: Anetta, large and warm circle of friends. He was a memHenry and Albert.

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ber of the Baptist Church and a member of the Dr. J. C. Egan, a prominent physician of Masonic fraternity. He was a particular friend of Shreveport, and one of the oldest practitioners in Thomas Jefferson, who, in speaking of his friend, Northern Louisiana, was originally from the Old said that he was one of the ripest scholars of his Dominion, his birth occurring in Mecklenburg time. He had but two children who grew to matuCounty, October 21, 1822. His parents. Dr. Bar- rity, and Dr. J. C. Egan is the only survivor. The tholomew and Anna E. (Cormuck) Egan, were latter was reared in Virginia and educated at Patnatives of the Emerald Isle, the father born in rick Henry Academy, a celebrated school of its Killarney and the mother in Dublin. The mater- day. At the age of twelve years he began the nal grandfather was a rebel of 1798, and was study of medicine with his father, taking charge of obliged to flee for his life. He exchanged clothes the latter's patients in the infirmary, dressing their with bis gardener, fled to France and thence to the wounds. When eighteen years of age, or in 1840, United States, locating in Augusta, Ga., where he he took his first course of lectures at Richmond amassed an immense fortune in the mercantile University, and graduated in 1816 at New York business. He and Joseph Cormuck, Dr. McClel- City Medical College. He began practicing in lan (father of Gen. McClellan) and Thomas Em- Spottsylvania County, Va., and remained there mett (brother of Robert Emmett), all came to until 1850, when he came to Louisiana, locating at the United States together. Grandfather Egan Mt. Lebanon, Bienville Parish. There he resided died in Killarney, Ireland, as did also his wife. until 1876, then moved to Shreveport, where be has The parents of Dr. J. C. Egan were married in since made his home. He was elected State senaIreland and sailed for America about 1817, locat- tor in 1868 without his permission, and was obliged

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He was

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He was

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to serve. He has been president of the State tion, is a gentleman of genial and courteous manMedical Society, Shreveport Medical Society, and ners and deservedly popular throughout this comwas on the board of supervisors of the State Uni- munity. He has achieved marked success in his versity. He is a member of the American Medical chosen line of work, having endeavored at all times Society, and has been very active in all public to practice strict justice in connection with his inenterprises. He was first lieutenant in Company C, tegrity of purpose. He was born in Crawford Ninth Louisiana Regiment, which was organized by County, Ga., in 1830, being the son of John W. himself and Benjamin Pierce, and raised a North and Margaret (Sanders) Ellis, who were both born Louisiana regiment five times before getting into in North Carolina and married in that State. They service. He was surgeon of the Ninth Louisiana moved to Georgia, and then to Alabama, where Regiment, brigade surgeon of the First Brigade, they died, and both were members of the Missionand acted as division surgeon for Gen. Ewing dur- ary Baptist Church.

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The father was a planter and ing the Valley campaigns. He was transferred to a soldier in the Seminole War. Mr. Ellis spent the the North Louisiana Department in February, years intervening between infancy and manhood on 1863, and organized a hospital department of the a plantation, and at the age of twenty-one comdistrict of West Louisiana as its chief.

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menced a business career for himself, selecting subsequently chief surgeon of the district of the agriculture as an occupation at that time. West Louisiana Department, both hospital and the fifth of the eight children born to his parents. field service. Dr. Egan was married in 1852 to In 1854 Mr. Ellis married Miss Adeline Tucker, Miss Susan R. Ardis, and the fruits of this union daughter of Charley and Louisa (Payne) Tucker, have been four living children: Mrs. Anna L. Cal- natives of Alabama. This union has been blessed vert, Dr. W. L., Miss M. C. and Miss Lavina. Dr. with eight children, of whom two sons and two and Mrs. Egan are worthy members of the daughters are living at the present time. The Baptist Church, and are liberal supporters of subject of this sketch moved to Caddo Parish all worthy enterprises. Socially the Doctor in 1859, at first giving his attention to agricultural is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the pursuits, and starting his present business in 1880. A. L. of H.. His brother, William B. G. Egan, In the following year he enlisted in the Confederwas also a native of Virginia, born in 1824, ate army, joining Company B, Twenty-eighth and was a graduate of Emery & Henry Col- Louisiana Infantry, and figured in the battles lege, near Abingdon, Va. After this he read law fought in Arkansas and Louisiana. He was capwith Judge Norman Taliaferro, of Franklin tured at Franklin, La., in 1864, and held as a County, Va., was admitted to the bar and prac- prisoner for twenty one days, being sick at the ticed a few years in Spottsylvania County, Va. In time. The company disbanded at Mansfield, and 1848 he moved to Louisiana, located at Homer, Mr. Ellis returned home to take charge of his and was elected district judge in 1854, remaining private affairs. The State of Louisiana is growing on the bench until the reconstruction.

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rapidly in business resources, and is generally conelected State senator in 1866 and served bis term. ceded to be a most pleasant place of residence. He removed to Shreveport, La., and became a M. C. Elstner, United States district attorney member of the law firm of Egan, Williamson & and one of the most efficient government officials, Wise, which had a large practice. He was a is one of the most popular men within the limits of member of the supreme court, and while a mem

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Caddo Parish, for he is recognized as a man of ber of the same he died in 1880, leaving no chil

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worth and substantial, progressive spirit. It can, dren. He was a Mason, and a member of the with truth, be said that no more capable man for the Episcopal Church.

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filling of his present position could be found, and J. J. Ellis, general merchant and jeweler of he has displayed far more than an average degree Caddo Parish, La., whose sketch now claims atten- of ability and sagacity. He was born in Grant

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He was

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a

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,

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He was

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County, Ky., November 14, 1851, and is a son of who know him, for his prominent characteristics are W. H. and Anna S. (Carter) Elstner, who were unquestioned integrity, singular fairness and liberborn, reared and married in that State, and came ality, a mind just and liberal, and of generous

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, to Lonisiana in 1859, locating in Caddo Parish. heart and character. After a residence of a few years here they removed Dr. T. G. Ford, physician and surgeon, Shreveto Arkansas, but became dissatisfied with their lo. port, La. Dr. Ford is a man of decided intellectcation at the end of about two years and, in 1863, ual ability, is ever ready to obey the call of all returned to Louisiana. Upon the opening of the classes, and is, in truth, a physician of thorough Rebellion he joined one of the first Arkansas regi. | learning and experience. He is a native of this ments (the Third), and was with Ben McCullough parish, his birth occurring June 20, 1848, and is a and McIntosh when they were killed at the battle son of Judge J. M. and Frances (Burt) Ford, of Elk Horn, which was a fight between Sigel and natives of South Carolina. This family is of HugueVan Dorn; he held the rank of major and quar- not origin, and the great-grandfather was born in termaster. At the close of the war be opened a France. The grandfather, John Ford, was a celemercantile establishment in Shreveport, La., which brated Methodist divine. He left Tennessee on he conducted until his death, which occurred in account of hostile Indians, removed to Hinds 1877. His widow survives him, having borne five County, Miss., and the first Methodist Conference

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, children, three now living: M. C., Joseph C. and was beld at his house. He died in Mississippi and Mrs. H. C. Rogers. The subject of this biography left considerable wealth. Judge J. M. Ford was has spent the most of his life in the town of Shreve- a very prominent lawyer, and was judge of Hinds port, but received his collegiate education in Lex- County for many years. He moved to Caddo ington, Ky., and in 1872 was graduated from the Parish, La., in 1845, and after practicing law for law department of the same institution.

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a short time moved to his plantation a short disfirst admitted to practice before the Supreme Court tance in the country, and there his death occurred of Kentucky, and that year was admitted to the same in 1876. He was the owner of three large plantain Shreveport, La., and in 1874 entered upon his tions, was judge of Caddo Parish for some time, practice. During the administration of President and was one of the leading spirits and a man of Arthur he filled the position of United States At. literary attainments. His doors were always open, torney, and in July, 1889, was appointed to the and his home was a home for all. He was the same office, and his duties have been performed in father of nine children, only one besides Dr. Ford a manner highly flattering to himself ever since. now living--Mrs. S. B. McCutcheon. Dr. T. G. He is an able lawyer, a convincing and eloquent Ford attained his growth in Caddo Parish, and speaker, and the reputation he has gained has been received his education at Gilman, Upshur County, acquired largely through his own individual efforts Tex., under the auspices of Prof. Looney, where he and at the expense of diligent study and practical graduated in 1866. He subsequently began the experience. He was married in 1873 to Miss Julia study of medicine with Dr. D. M. Clay, preceptor, Smoker, a native of Louisiana, and they are now and graduated at Bellevue Hospital Medical Colthe parents of four children: Marcia, Anna, Elvina lege, New York, in the session of 1869 and 1870. and William H. Mr. Elstner is a Mason, a Red He immediately began the practice of his profesMan and Elk, and has the honor of being great sion at Shreveport, and has resided here up to the representative of Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas

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present. He has built up an excellent practice, in the Red Men's order, and is ruler in the society and is said to excel in surgery, ranking at the head of Elks. The excellent manner in which he has of his profession. He is a member of the Interdischarged his official duties is too well known to national Medical Congress, convened in Washingneed any additional words of compliment, suffice it ton, is a member of the State Medical Society and to say that he has the confidence and esteem of all / Shreveport Medical Society, of which he is ex

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a

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president. He is also vice-president of the Caddo 1877, and filled that as he has all other positions, Parish Medical Society. Socially he is a member of in a very satisfactory manner,

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. He is now deputy the A. F. & A. M., the K. of P., I. O. O. F., A. 0. clerk of the Supreme Court of Louisiana at Shreve. U. W., K. of H., Elks, Seven Wise Men, and the port. Mr. Ford was married in 1870 to Miss Clara Red Men.

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He was

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married in 1871, to Miss B. Kline, daughter of J. J. Kline, of Shreveport, Alice B. McWilliams, and the result of this union and the fruits of this union have been three chilhas been two children: Amelia Enid and John G. dren, two now living: Edwin G. and Charles B. McWilliams.

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Mr. and Mrs. Ford are members of the Episcopal W. P. Ford, cashier of Merchants & Farmers' Church. He is a Knight Templar in the Masonic Bank and also clerk of the district court, was born fraternity, is a member of the K. of P., K. of H., in Madison County, Miss., on January 26, 1848, L. of H., I, 0. 0. F., and the A. 0. U. W. He has and is a son of Samuel and Cornelia V. (Nichol. represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the son) Ford, both natives of Mississippi, and Mrs. I. 0. 0. F. The Merchants & Farmers' Bank, of Ford the danghter of Judge Nicholson of Missis- which Mr. Ford is the capable and experienced sippi. Samuel Ford was a lawyer by profession. casbier, was organized in September, 1889, and

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. His death occurred in 1857. The mother is still commenced business in October of the same year living and the wife of Gen. Theodore G. Hunt, of with a paid-in capital of $200,000. The instituNew Orleans. By the first marriage there were tion of this bank was the outgrowth of a demand four children born, all now living: Virginia, Rosa for more capital to handle the rapidly increasing and Samuel, and to the last union there was one commercial interests of the city of Shreveport. The child, Dr. Randell Hunt, of Shreveport. W. P. prime movers in this enterprise were Charles N. Ford, the eldest in order of birth of the first family, Fowler, of New York, and Charles Benjamin Wilwas reared in Shreveport, whither he had moved kinson, of Philadelphia, the latter of whom is vicewith his parents in 1853, and here he received a president of the bank. The local officers are men

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. common-school education. At an early age, or in of enterprise and large business experience and ca1870, he engaged in the cotton business with pacity, and enjoy the good will and confidence of Joseph Boisseau, with whom he continued until the entire community. Their frank and easy man1877, when the firm was dissolved by mutual con- ner in dealing with the people has already drawn sent. Mr. Ford subsequently engaged with E. to them a large and influential patronage. The di& B. Jacobs, in one of the largest wholesale houses rectory is composed of some of the most substantial in the city, and continued with this until June, and respected citizens of Shreveport. The names 1880, at which time he assumed the duties of dis- of the officers are: Thomas B. Chase, president; trict clerk, having been elected to that office the Charles Benjamin Wilkinson, vice-president; W. November previous. His personal popularity has P. Ford, cashier, and Arthur J. Newman, assist been shown by his election to the same position

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ant cashier. Mr. Chase is largely identified with three consecutive terms without opposition, and

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the business interests of Shreveport, and Mr. he still holds that office, the duties of which he is Wilkinson is the well-known Philadelphia capitalwell qualified to discharge. He has given entire ist. Mr. Ford is a fine financier in every sense of satisfaction to the public in general. On the or the word, and is a gentleman of ability and rare ganization of the Merchants & Farmers' Bank business judgment. Mr. Newman is an energetic, in September, 1889, he was elected its cashier, active and reliable officer. which position he now occupies. He is one of the Capt. C. J. Foster is a man whom nature most capable, practical banking men in the South, seems to have especially designed to be a planter, and is thoroughly familiar with the people and for he has met with more than the average degree

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He held the office of administra- of success in pursuing that calling, and owing to tor of public accounts of the city of Shreveport in his desire to keep out of the beaten path and to

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their manners.

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his adoption of new and improved methods, to nually. They belong to one of the most popular gether with industry and good judgment, he is families in the parish, and are among its most now the owner of 5,000 acres of fine land, besides extensive planters. The most of Mr. Foster's good business property in Shreveport and one of property bas been acquired through his own efforts the most magnificent homes in that city. He was and his earnest and sincere endeavor to succeed in born in Monroe County, Ala., in 1834, to Flavel life is well worthy the imitation of the rising genand Mary (Hollingsworth) Foster, the former of eration. In 1865 Miss Eunice E. Burruss became whom was born in Virginia in 1801, but was reared his wife, and to their union a family of four chilin Kentucky. The mother's birth occurred in Ala dren was born, three sons now living. Mrs. Fosbama in 1802, and in this State they were married ter is a daughter of Rev. Jobn C. and Emily Burand resided until 1842, when they came to Caddo russ, the former of whom was born in Virginia Parish, La., and settled on an improved farm near and the latter in Boston, Mass. After residing in Keatchie, where they spent the rest of their days, Alabama for some time they came to Caddo Pardying in 1860 and 1864, respectively. The father ish, La., about 1848, and here the father was called was a leading and successful planter, and improved to his long home in 1863, having been a planter, several farms before his death. He was an earnest and a minister of the Methodist Church throughmember of the Methodist Church and his wife was out life. His widow survives him.

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Capt. Foster a Baptist. The paternal grandfather died in Ken- has served as police juror two terms, and in 1884 tucky when his son Flavel was a lad, and the lat- was elected to the Legislature and served with ter was compelled to make his own way in the distinction on the committees on lands and levees, world. Jacob Hollingsworth, the maternal grand railroads, etc. He is a Democrat in politics; in father, was one of the very early settlers of Caddo social life is kind, courteous and affable in his deParish, La., having come here in 1839 or 1840, meanor to all; is a man who attracts the regard of and here spent the rest of his life. Capt. C. J. all who approach him, and is universally reverFoster was the fifth of eight children, and although enced and esteemed by his fellow-citizens. He much of his boyhood was devoted to farm life, he and his wife are prominent and worthy menbers of received a good education in the military school at the Methodist Church. Drennon Springs, Ky., and after that institution J. S. Gamblin, a brief sketch of whose life now was removed to Nashville, Tenn., he attended it claims attention from the reader, is a prosperous there, and graduated in the scientific course in planter and merchant in Ward 7, Caddo Parish, 1856, after which he returned to the farm. He La., and has, by means of his own natural ability continued here to remain, being actively employed and energy, won for himself success in the mercanuntil 1862, when he enlisted in Company G, Twen- tile world. More and more, as the country grows ty-seventh Louisiana Infantry, as first lieutenant, older, it is proven that what is commonly called and was afteward made captain, in which capacity “self-made” men are, in the long run, those who he served with distinction until the close of the receive the largest portion of the “goods the gods war, operating at Vicksburg until the fall of that provide.” Mr. Gamblin made his first appearance place, then in Southern Louisiana.

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After the war in this world in the year 1839, his birth occurring he again returned to the farm, and has made re- in Harrison County, Tex. His parents, Thomas markable progress as a planter. Until 1882 he and Martha A. (Scogin) Gamblin, were born in resided on the old farm near Keatchie, but since North Carolina about 1809, and South Carolina in that time has been a resident of Shreveport. Un- 1815, respectively. They were married in the til 1889 he and his brother, James M., were part- State of Alabama, moving from there to Missisners in their farm work, and owned an immense sippi, from there to Arkansas, and thence to Texas, plantation opposite Shreveport in Bossier Parish, and finally returning to Louisiana, settled in Caddo and raised from 2,300 to 3,200 bales of cotton an- Parish. During the gold excitement in Califor

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,

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nia the father went out to that section of the grandfather, John Scogin, fought for the freedom country, where he remained two years. He died of the American colonies, and his own brother in 1850, and his widow passed to her final resting fought on the opposite side. Mr. Gamblin's grandplace in December of 1887, at the home of her mother, Mary Scogin (nee Lang), was born in son, John. The father was engaged in agricult- England, but came with her parents and brothers ural pursuits and was of English descent, being and sisters to the United States many years ago. the son of John Gamblin, who came from Eng. She was married in South Carolina on January land to Alabama. The mother's family was also 31, 1808, and died in Caddo Parish in 1839, at English, her father coming from that country the age of fifty-four. Mrs. Gamblin's maternal and settling in North Carolina, and afterward in grandmother, Charity (Oxford) Ligon, was born Caddo Parish, where he died in 1841. John in North Carolina and died in Wilson County, Gamblin is the youngest of the three sons and two Tenn., about 1833. She was of Scotch-Irish dedaughters born to his parents, and was reared

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scent.

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Mrs. Gamblin's paternal grandmother, from infancy on the plantation in Caddo, receiving Margaret (Hughes) Guill, spent all her life in a good education at this place and at Marshall, Virginia. Thus it is seen that this family is conTex. In 1862 he served a short while in the nected on both sides with the oldest and most Louisiana Infantry, and in the same year was

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cultured families in the South, and they are worthy married to Miss Elizabeth Sophia, daughter of representatives of their talented ancestors. Josiah and Mary C. Guill, natives of Virginia and V. Grosjean, proprietor of The Caucassian, Tennessee, respectively. They were married in Shreveport, was born in New Orleans, La., on Wilson County, Tenn., going from there to Sum- April 27, 1811, and educated in the public schools ter County, Ala., and, in the year 1848, came to of that city. On April 11, 1861, he enlisted in Caddo Parish, where Mr. Guill died in 1875. Mrs. the Louisiana Guards, the second company that Guill is still living. Both of them belonged to left the State, and was connected with the famous the Methodist Church, and Mr. Guill served in Charley Dreux's battalion in Virginia. The comthe Indian War. His father, Josiah Guill, was pany's term of enlistment expired after the retreat a native of Virginia, served in the War of 1812, from Yorktown to Richmond and was disbanded, and died in Wilson County, Tenn. His grand- after which the members joined other companies. father, John Guill, was a native of England, leav. Mr. Grosjean, under special duty, ran the blocking that country at the age of fourteen, and upon ade, entering New Orleans twice when it was in reaching the United States was bound out to the command of Gen. Butler. His mission highest bidder, serving until he reached his ma- successful, but he had many narrow escapes, jority for a saddle, bridle and $100. He died in especially the last time, when he was captured by Virginia. Mrs. Gamblin, wife of John Gamblin, Federal pickets, from whom he made his escape was born in Sumter, Ala., in 1815. To their however. After leaving New Orleans he reported union were born four sons and six daughters, all for duty at Vicksburg, where he joined the Fourth of whom are now living at home. Mr. Gamblin Louisiana Regiment, commanded by Col. H. W. lived two years in Upshur County, Tex., and Allen, who was afterward governor of the State. since has made his home in Caddo Parish, living He served with his company and regiment in every since 1873 on his present plantation, which is engagement during the campaign in Louisiana, situated about seven miles west of Shreveport, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and 'Alabama. and comprises about 189 acres of valuable land. He was a private during service, and declined pro. For several years he was postmaster of the post- motion on several occasions. He was captured on office at Rose Hill. He is a member of the A. F. the retreat from Nashville and sent to Camp Chase, & A. M., Land Mark Lodge, No. 214, and was for but was exchanged on March 1, 1865. He then a time junior warden of his lodge. Mr. Gamblin's joined his command at Mobile, which surrendered

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was

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at Citronelle, Ala., to troops under Gen. E. R. S. (Johnson) Hamilton, the former of whom was Canby, May 4, 1805. There were then thirty- born in Macon, Ga., and the latter in Virginia. three members in the regiment, including musi- The father came to Louisiana with his parents cians, cooks and convalescents returned from the when he was about twenty-one years

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of age,

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and hospital. After the war Mr. Grosjean engaged in for many years was a resident of Bossier Parish, commercial pursuits in New Orleans and also where he followed the life of a merchant and edited and managed the Heptasoph, a newspaper planter, but after coming to Shreveport he foldevoted to the interests of a benevolent associa- lowed the former occupation principally, but gave tion, which had a strong membership in several considerable attention to planting also. He beStates both North and South. He held the highest came the owner and manager of the oil mill,

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and position of honor in the gift of their order in the being a man of enterprise and push he was identiState. Mr. Grosjean was married, in Davenport, fied with all the public interests of the city. He Iowa, on March 7, 1872, to Miss Alice Fory, of Al- died in 1888, and his wife during the yellow fever len's Grove, Iowa, and by whom he has six children: epidemic of that dreaded disease. Five of the Alice, Agnes, George, Frank, Laurens and Mattie eight children born to them are living, their names Grace. Mr. Grosjean moved to Shreveport, La., in being as follows: Mrs. Carrie Skannal, of Bossier the fall of 1872 and engaged successfully in agricult- Parish; Mrs. E. J. Bryan, of New Orleans; John ural pursuits. He was connected on the editorial C., W. E. and Katie E. W. E. Hamilton was staff and had the management of the Shreveport reared in Shreveport and received an education far Standard, also the evening Democrat, and was above the average for, besides attending school in employed on the Shreveport Times in 1884. He Bossier Parish and Shreveport, he was an attendbecame part owner and editor of that paper dur- ant of Washington and Lee University of Lexing. ing the heated campaign of 1887, but sold his in- ton, Va., and John Hopkins University of Baltiterest in it in September, 1889. After this he more, Md., taking a special course in the lastpurchased the Caucassian, which has been under named institution, He then returned home and his management ever since, and it may be said worked with his father on the plantation and in that there is not a better sheet published in the the oil mill, after which he began clerking for South. He is president of the Benevolent Asso- Hicks & Howell, remaining with them for about siation of Confederate Veterans, of which he was one year.

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He next became a member of the firm one of the organizers, and has taken a great pride of Kerby & Hamilton, mercantile brokers and coal in it. He is an active member and worker in the dealers, continuing about one year, and at the order of K. of H. and A. L. of H. and other same time he was secretary and treasurer of the organizations, and a more public-spirited citizen gas works and was also a partner in the Shreveport than Mr. Grosjean can not be found in Shreve- Grocery Company. Finding that he had more port. He is a thorough newspaper man of literary business on hand than he could properly attend to, attainments and ability.

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he disposed of his interest in the grocery establish W. E. Hamilton is the secretary and manager ment and has since devoted his attention to his of the Shreveport Gas, Electric Light & Power present business, for which he seems to be pecuCompany, the works of which were built a number liarly fitted, being methodical, painstaking and of years ago, but have only been operated by the conscientious. He has filled this position since present company a short time. Their capital stock April, 1888, and is a gentleman possessed of fine is $200,000, and the officers of the company are executive ability, as the admirable manner in wbich J. C. Hamilton, president; John B. Jones, vice- the city of Shreveport is lighted abundantly testipresident, and W. E. Hamilton, secretary and fies. The plant occupies half a block of ground, treasurer. The latter was born in Bossier Parish, and has six buildings with adjoining sheds. Coal La., August 20, 1864, to W. E. and Virginia gas is made and a large holder, with a capacity of

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a

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20,000 feet is provided and an additional holder the Pickering family. The Hargroves and Leg- . will soon be in process of erection, which will hold getts settled in the same neighborhood, but later 30,000 cubic feet. The capacity of the work is the Hargroves removed to Fredericksburg and 25,000 feet per day and sixteen people are em- Richmond, Va. There the grandfather of our ployed. Seven miles of mains are used for dis- subject was born and reared. Reuben M, Hartributing purposes, and the gas is of extra quality, grove was the youngest of his father's family, and never being less than sixteen and one-half candle was born in Georgia. He was a mechanic and power. It is in general use in the city, and gives saddler. In 1816 or 1817 he moved to Covington the best of satisfaction. The company keep on County, Miss., and there his death occurred about hand, in a large building set apart for the especial 1830. The mother died in Rankin County, Miss., purpose, a large and select stock of gas fixtures in 1862. Their family consisted of four childrenand fittings, where a force of experienced work- one son and three daughters-Maj. J. L. being the men are employed. Their charges are moderate, only survivor. He was reared on a plantation in and they also keep on hand a large supply of coke, the Bayou State, and attended the common schools coal and tar, which they sell at reasonable rates. of the country, completing his literary education Their electric light plant is an excellent one, the at Zion's Seminary of Mississippi. He then arc lights being the Thompson-Houston system taught school for several years, and in 1817 was and the incandescent the Westinghouse system.

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elected clerk of the court of Covington County, The capacity of the former is seventy-five arc Miss., holding that position four years. In the lights of 200-candle power, and 650 incandescent same year he began the study of law and attended lamps of sixteen-candle power.

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Nine miles of law school at Jackson, Miss., being admitted to the wire are used on the former and ten miles on the bar in 1852. He then began practicing at Willlatter circuit. The capacity of both will be shortly iamsburg, Miss., and there continued until 1858, enlarged. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the when he removed to Brandon, Miss. In 1862 he Board of Trade, is a director of the Y. M. C. A. enlisted in Company B, Thirty-ninth Mississippi and was president of same two years; when the Infantry, and later was transferred to Stockdale's new building was erected, he acted on the committee cavalry. He was soon afterward commissioned for the same.

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He is a director of the Shreveport captain of Company G, Perrin's regiment, and Building Association, is a stockholder in the First served in that capacity until the surrender. He National Bank and is in some way

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identified was wounded at the battle of New Hope Church, with nearly all the business interests of the city. Ga., in May, 1864, by a gunshot through the right He is quite well to do, and besides owning some shoulder, and was rendered unfit for duty, but alvaluable city property, bas planting interests. He though he retired he still retained his commission was married in March, 1889, to Miss Myrtle A. and pay until paroled in 1865.

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In 1872 he came Jacobs.

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to Shreveport, La., and there he has since been in Maj. J. L. Hargrove, attorney, Shreveport, La. the practice of his profession. He ranks among Maj. Hargrove was born in Covington County, the able lawyers and first class citizens of Caddo Hollidays Creek District, Miss., on February 27, Parish. He was first married January 20, 1848, 1824, and is one of the prominent legal practition- to Miss Mary A. Lowe, by whom he has six chilers of Claiborne Parish. His parents, Reuben M. dren living: Mrs. Rosa J. Humphrey, Hardy H., and Elizabeth (Leggett) Hargrove, were natives of Mrs. Isella M. Gather, Zach B., Mrs. Mary T. Georgia and of English descent. The ancestors Moore and Mrs. Jennie M. Marshall. Mr. Harof both families emigrated to the United States in grove was married, the second time, on March 5, the fifteenth century, with the pilgrims, and set

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1876, to Miss Narcissa Gardner, and they have no tled in Massachusetts with Timothy Pickering, a

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children. He and wife are members in good standnoted character. The Hargroves were relatives of | ing in the Presbyterian Church. Maj. Hargrove

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pays bis attention strictly to his profession, and he dent of this place since 1846. He was born in has a good practice. He has been a Master Mason Fairfield District, S. C., March 26, 1824, his parsince 1819, and is now a Council Mason, being re- ents, Willoughby and Elizabeth (Rieve) Harrison, corder of the council of his lodge.

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being also born there, the former dying in Lowndes John B. Harris, dentist, fruit-grower and County, Ala., when the subject of this sketch was

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, planter, of Ward 6, Caddo Parish, La. He whose

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four years of age.

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He had been a soldier in the name heads this sketch was born in Richmond, War of 1812, and had moved from South Carolina Va., in 1832, being the son of John H. and Eliza- to Alabama shortly after his marriage. His father, , beth (Callahan) Harris, natives of Virginia. His Willoughby Harrison, was a South Carolinian, and

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, parents moved to Mississippi while he was an in- was a Revolutionary soldier, taking part in many fant, afterward coming to Shreveport, where the battles. In the State of Alabama Dr. John R. R. mother died, about 1850. Dr. Harris was the Harrison grew to manhood, but since 1846, as youngest of the four children born to his parents, above stated, he has been a resident of Caddo Parand received his educational training in Philadel- ish, He was a student of medicine under Dr. phia, Penn.

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After completing his education he John Hall, in Alabama, and with some additional journeyed west to California, where he remained study after coming to Louisiana, he, in 1854, graduntil 1851, at which time he came to Shreveport, uated from the University of New Orleans, and has but after a few years moved to Texas. In the

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since practiced in Caddo Parish, nearly half a centLone Star State, in Red River County, he mar- ury, his practice extending over a very large area. ried, in 1853, Miss Martha A. Caldwell, who died He has made a special study of the eye, and durin 1870, leaving seven children, tive of whom are ing bis practice has effected some miraculous cures, living at the present time. After mourning the a number of his patients being pronounced incuradeath of his first wife, Dr. Harris was again mar. ble by New Orleans specialists and the physicians ried, in 1873, this time to Mrs. Mariam C. Powell of Shreveport. He has been a very successful (nee Norman), but death claimed her in the first financier, and has become the owner of 3,940 acres year of their marriage. September, 1876, he mar- of fine land, all in Ward 2, and has 600 acres under ried Miss Ida A. Stallworth, daughter of Calloway cultivation. He was married July 4, 1845, to Miss J. and Sophronia Stallworth, born in Alabama. Narcissus Barlow, whose father, Thomas Barlow, To this union were born five children, all of whom was a Georgian, moving afterward to Alabama. are now alive.

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Dr. Harris, in 1865, returned to She was born in Georgia, but was reared in AlaShreveport, and has since continued to make his bama, and died July 13, 1890, having been a memhome here, being perhaps the oldest dentist in ber of the Missionary Baptist Church from girlNorthwest Louisiana, where he still has an ex- hood. She became the mother of one son, who tended practice. While in Sacramento, Cal., in died during the war, when sixteen years of age. 1850, Drs. Wheaton (of Memphis, Tenn.) and Dr. Harrison is a member of, and has been deacon Harris established a dental office, being the first , in the Missionary Baptist Church, and socially is one in that part of California, and had a fine prac- a Royal Arch Mason, which order he joined in Alatice.

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About ten years ago he settled in the woods, , bama, prior to coming to Louisiana. He is a memthree miles west of Keithville, where he owns a ber of the Farmers' Alliance, and is a Democrat, plantation, and grows successfully nearly every politically. During the late war he was detailed kind of fruit. He is also raising a line of Jersey to practice medicine in this parish. cattle that are exceedingly valuable. The Doctor I. L. Helpman, confectioner, Shreveport, La. is succeeding admirably, and is now the owner of The manufacture of candies and fruit preserves a comfortable fortune.

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has come to be one of the greatest interests of Dr. John R. R. Harrison is one of the oldest

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our country, and the establishments in this line settlers of Caddo Parish, La., having been a resi

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rank in standing and extent of trade with any class of business concerns. One of the repre- competency and enlarged his business.

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He consentative houses in this line in Shreveport is that tinued the grocery business until 1888, when he conducted by Mr. Helpman, who engaged in this changed this to that of a confectioner. He erected business in 1888. He was born in Hancock

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a large two-story brick business building and has County, Ohio, in June, 1845, and is a son of Mar- a restaurant attached. In fact, this is the only tin and Irene (Clarke) Helpman, the father a native first-class establishment of the kind in the city. of Ohio and the mother of New York State, and of He has a soda fountain that was put in at a cost of English ancestry. Grandfather Helpman was $2,500, and everything is kept in first-class style. born in Germany and emigrated to America at an Mr. Helpman is a gentleman of energy, perseverearly period, locating in Ohio. He was one of the ance and enterprise, and has established his busipioneers. He was a farmer by occupation and ness upon a sure foundation. He was married, in died in the Buckeye State. The father of our 1871, to Miss Angie A. Gillispie, of Mississippi, subject was also a farmer. He was a soldier in and this union was blessed by the birth of five the Civil War, enlisted in an Ohio regiment, and living children: Irvin L., Jr., Alice F., Beulah served until the close of the war. He now draws | I., Martin I. and Neffie Z. He and wife are mema pension on account of disability and resides on bers of the Baptist Church, and socially he is a his farm near Bourbon, Ind., where, although member of the Masonic fraternity, Knight Tempseventy-five years of age, he is still in the enjoyment lar, and is a member of the A. L. of H., the A. of comparative good health. The mother died at 0. U. W. and Select Knights. Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1857. By the first mar- William A. Hendrick is one of the most courriage there were four children, two besides our teous and popular planters in Caddo Parish, ownsubject now living: D. C. (in Kansas) and Luther ing a large plantation in Ward 7, and making (in Philadelphia, president of the International all the time rapid strides in cultivating his land. Publishing Company and doing a good business). He is the youngest child born to John and Nancy There were no children by the father's second (Abernathy) Hendrick, and brother of Dr. Gustamarriage. I. L. Helpman was reared and edu- vus Hendrick, a leading physician of this parish. cated in Ohio until nine years of age, when he His parents came to Caddo Parish as early as went to Wisconsin with his parents, thence to Iowa 1860, and he came with them, continuing to make and completed his education at Lansing of that this his home up to the present writing. State. He was reared to the duties of the farm, birth took place in Randolph County, Ga., and and at the breaking out of the war he flung aside he received an education in the country schools his implements of peace to take up the weapons at Keatchie. In 1868 he commenced a business of warfare. He enlisted at Decatur, Ill., in Com- career for himself, devoting his attention to agri. pany A, Eighth Illinois Regiment, under Col. cultural pursuits, and in 1873 married Miss VaDick Oglesby, ex-governor of Illinois, and was ginia Nicholson, daughter of Angus and Mary wounded in the hand and breast at the battle of Nicholson, who came

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to Northwest Louisiana Shiloh. He served in all the principal engage

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about the year 1836, being among the pioneers ments, including Corinth, siege of Vicksburg, etc. of this country, and the father died in 1870, He was mustered out at Baton Rouge, La., and leaving a large and valuable estate. Mrs. Henconcluded to remain South. He was in the Govern- drick was born in Caddo Parish, and to her marment service until May, 1866, as steward of the riage with the subject of this sketch have been hospital, and then went to Texas for a short time, born six children-four sons and two daughters. working at different places. In December, 1873, Since 1877 Mr. Hendrick has had possession of his he came to Shreveport and here embarked in present property, which embraces about 580 acres, the grocery business with a capital of $150. By and is situated one mile east of Reisor. He is economy and perseverance he soon accumulated a now serving his seventh year as justice of the

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peace. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. at proval of secret organizations by becoming a memShreveport, and is president of the Summer ber of the K. of P. and the L. of H. He is the Grove Union No. 448. Mrs. Hendrick is a faith- owner of about 6,000 acres of land in Louisiana, ful member of the Missionary Baptist Church, 8,000 acres in Texas, and in the former State bas and both she and her husband are very popular 800 acres of his land under cultivation, the princithroughout the community in which they reside, pal product of which is cotton. He and his partand noted alike for courtesy, kindness of heart, ner constitute one of the best known firms at the and the interest they manifest in the advance- Louisiana bar, are intelligent and substantial men, ment of the place in which they make their home. thoroughly versed in law, and are a standing ex

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. E. B. Herndon is a prominent attorney of the ample of the much-doubted fact that honorable State, and is a member of the firm of Wise & men can be good lawyers. Herndon, of Shreveport. He is one of the lead- John R. Herndon, police juror and one of the ing citizens of this section of the country in its leading planters and cattle-dealers in the parish, professional, business and social life, lending emi- owes his nativity to Meade County, Ky., his birth nent strength to her bar, tone to her finance and occurring in 1846. He was reared on a farm, regrace to her society. He was born in Meade ceived a good common-school education, and in County, Ky., on March 12, 1819, and is a son of 1861, when but sixteen years of age, he joined William and Mary E. (Woolfolk) Herndon, they Company A, of Col. Pyron's regiment of Texas being natives of the Old Dominion. At a very Cavalry, and operated in Missouri, Arkansas, early day they emigrated with their parents to Texas and Louisiana. He fought at Oak Ridge, Kentucky; were there reared and married, but in Mansfield, Galveston and disbanded at Eagle Pass 1860 removed to the Lone Star State, and on the Rio Grande. After this he worked for the eight years later to Caddo Parish, where the father Government as an agent for collecting property, died in June, 1880, having been a farmer by call- etc., for about a year. He then began tilling the ing. His wi

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His wife is still living, and five of the six soil, and in 1869 was married to Miss Ellen Robinchildren born to himself and wife also survive son, a native of Alabama, and the daughter of him, their names being: James R., E. B., John William Robinson, who died in Texas when his W., Jessie M. and C. C. William was killed in a daughter was but a small child. Of the nine chil. skirmish with the Indians in Mexico. E. B. Hern- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Herndon, six are now don was reared on a plantation, and after receiving living. Mr. Herndon and family resided in Texas the advantages of the common schools, he finished until 1878, and then moved to Caddo Parish, his education at Waco, Tex. With the desire of where he purchased his present property in 1883. making the law his calling through life, he began its This farm now consists of 200 acres, 150 acres of study at the age of nineteen years, and in July, this is cleared, and it needs but a glance over his 1871, graduated from the law department of the place to indicate to the beholder the kind of farmUniversity of Virginia, being admitted to the bar er that he is. He is largely engaged in buying the following year. His first practice was done in and selling cattle, and although he started with Shreveport, and this parish has been the scene of nothing, he is now one of the substantial men of his operations up to the present time. His first the parish. Since 1888 he has been police juror duty in a public capacity was as parish attorney, from Ward 7. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. next as parish treasurer, and he is now a prominent and Select Knights at Shreveport and of the Mamember of the city council. He is well known sonic fraternity at Keithville. He is a member of

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a throughout this section as an able and efficient law- the Missionary Baptist and his wife a member of yer, Miss Mary F. Wise became his wife in 1874, the Methodist Church. He was the second of six and to them two children have been born: Mary children, five now living, born to William and Mary W. and E. B., Jr. Mr. Herndon has shown his ap- (Woolfork) Herndon, and an elder brother, Will

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iam, who was in the same command with bim in after studying medicine for some time and being a the army, was killed in Southern Texas while serv- resident student of the Charity Hospital for one ing as a scout in May, 1864. The parents were year, he entered Allen's Infirmary, of which he born in Virginia in 1825 and 1828, respectively. was superintendent for one year, and was very sucThey went to Kentucky with their parents when cessful in the discharge of his duties. He next children, grew up and were married in that State, became interested in the drug business in connecand remained there until about 1857, when they tion with J. H. Calvert, but after this connection removed to Cherokee County, Tex. There they

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There they had lasted for about one year Mr. Hodges pur. made their home until 1870, and then moved to chased his partner's interest and has since continCaddo Parish, where Mr. Herndon died in 1878. ued alone. The stock of goods which he now carHe was a well-to-do planter. He was a member ries is only to be found in a well-kept, reliable of the Missionary Baptist Church, and his widow, store, and if a thorough knowledge of the busiwho is still living, is also a member of that church. ness, together with necessary and natural qualifiThe paternal grandfather, William Herndon, was cations for its successful carrying on, amount to born in Virginia, but lived in Kentucky a great aught, then surely Mr. Hodges' future career is many years. He followed farming there and sub- bright with promise. He owns a plantation in sequently removed to Missouri, where he died. He Bossier and Webster Parishes, which he has cultiwas of Irish descent. The maternal grandfather, vated each year, and as the land is fertile it yields William Woolfork, was born in Virginia, moved him a handsome sum annually. He is a member from there to Kentucky, and thence to Texas where of the Louisiana State Pharmaceutical Association, he died. He was a soldier in the early wars. and during the Louisiana State Fair he took two

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John L. Hodges. The popular drug store diplomas, one for having the best display of drugs, belonging to this gentleman in Shreveport, La., and the other for perfumes. He stands as one of has been in operation since 1885, and although the leading druggists of the city, and although a this seems but a short time yet it has taken a place young man he thoroughly understands his busiin the popular favor that one might well think be- ness, and is very active and enterprising, being a longed to an older established house. Mr. Hodges liberal supporter of all worthy enterprises. So. was born in Bossier Parish, La., September 20, | cially he is a Master Mason and a member of the 1864, to Gen. John L. and Jeanette V. (Hamil- K. of P. ton) Hodges, natives of Scotland and Georgia, re- John V. Hughes. In all ages of the world, inspectively. The father was a general in the State dustry, perseverance and energy where intelligently Militia for some time, and was a planter by calling, applied, have achieved a result which could only and one of the honored and respected men of the have been gained by having one object in view, community in which he resided. He was cut down and improving every opportunity to ultimately atin the prime of life when his son, John L., tain that object. Mr. Hughes is an example of but six months old, and his widow was afterward what can be accomplished when the spirit of de married to E. D. McKellar, now of the firm of termination is exercised in connection with the Parker, McKellar & Co. To her first union ten every-day affairs of life, and is now the owner of children were born, seven of whom are now living: 1,600 acres of fine river bottom land, of which L. K., Mrs. 0. C. Hunter, W. H., Mary P., Mar- about 900 acres are cleared and on which he raises shall, C. B. and John L. The latter received a over 600 bales of cotton per year, and sufficient portion of his earlier education in Galveston, Tex., grain to properly feed his stock. In connection and was graduated from St. Mary's University in with his plantation he also conducts a store which 1882, after which he went to Canada and was brings him in a fair annual income. He was born graduated from Woodstock College in 1884. He in Feliciana Parish, La., in 1826, to Samuel and then returned to his old home in Shreveport, and

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Lucretia (Campbell) Hughes, natives, respectively,

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was

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nessee.

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of Kentucky and North Carolina, their marriage nature all the duties of farm life, and this has ever taking place in East Feliciana Parish, but in 1836 continued to be his chosen calling. His educaremoved to Bowie County, Tex., where the father tional facilities in youth were more than usually died prior to the war, his widow dying during that favorable, for after leaving the district schools he period, she being a worthy member of the Meth- finished at Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tenn. odist Church. The father was a blacksmith. The He came with his parents to Bossier Parish, La., subject of this sketch was the second of six sons and was married in New Orleans in 1858, to Miss and five daughters, and although he received but Adaline Strother, a native of Virginia, and the little schooling in his youth, he was naturally intel. daughter of James P. and Eliza Strother. Mr. and ligent, and at the age of nineteen years started out Mrs. Strother were born in the Old Dominion and in life for himself. In 1819 he went to Claiborne there spent their entire lives. To the marriage of Parish, La., to follow overseeing, and several years Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson were born nine children

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, prior to the war followed that occupation in the seven sons and two daughters-all living.

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In neighborhood of where he now lives. Upon the 1853 Mr. Hutchinson settled in the woods on his opening of the Rebellion, being a Sonthern sym- present farm, and now has 1,800 acres with about pathizer, heart and soul, he joined Company A, 600 acres cleared, all the result of his own efforts. Twenty-fifth Louisiana Infantry, and served in the He raises about 500 bales of cotton annually. He Army of the Tennessee, and was in many hard. and Mrs. Hutchinson have been honored and fought engagements in Georgia, Alabama and Ten- esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal Although he was wounded three times, it

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Church for nearly thirty years.

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This is one of the was not seriously, and after the war he returned to oldest and best respected families in the neighborCaddo Parish, where he has since devoted his time hood. and attention to farming. All his property has E. Jacobs is the president of the First National been acquired since the war, and as it is exception- Bank of Shreveport, La., and has been so since it ally fine and valuable, he deserves much credit for was first established in 1877 as the banking house of his enterprise and pluck. He is the only one of E. and W. B. Jacobs. It continued to grow and the family in Louisiana, is unmarried, and socially flourish under this name until 1887, when it be. is a member of the A. F. & A. M.

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came nationalized and took the name First NaWilliam J. Hutchinson, farmer of Ward 8, is tional Bank. Although some of the stock in one of the prominent agriculturists of the county, the bank is owned by a number of the most promiand is now following a calling that has for ages re- nent business men of the place, yet Mr. Jacobs ceived undivided efforts from many worthy individ- and his son, W. B., have ever owned a large poruals. He first saw the light of day in Lowndes tion of the stock, and are now respectively presiCounty, Ala., his birth occurring in 1832, and was dent and cashier. This bank has the patronage of the third of four children-three sons and a daugh- the largest firms, the most prominent and wealthy ter-born to John B. and Matilda (Walker) Hutch- citizens, and also the surrounding country and inson, natives respectively, of Georgia and Tennes- their line of deposits runs very high. The capital

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The parents celebrated their nuptials in of the bank is $200,000, and, together with the Alabama, and in 1842 removed to Bossier Parish, surplus and undivided protits, will amount to La., where the father died in 1816. The mother died nearly $300,000. The establishment is located at

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Alabama in 1847, while visiting in that State. corner of Milan and Market Streets, and is comBoth were members of the Methodist Episcopal modious and conveniently arranged, being well Church. Mr. Hutchinson was of Irish descent, supplied with all the modern conveniences, in the and was a planter by occupation. The maternal shape of vault, safes, time-locks, etc. This bank is grandfather was Joseph Walker. William J. in correspondence with the American Exchange NaHutchinson early bad instilled into his youthful tional Bank of New York, the National Bank of

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see.

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Commerce, St. Louis, Mo.; the Louisiana National eled for some time throughout Europe, and thus Bank, New Orleans, and is also the United States acquired a knowledge which only traveling can Depository for this section. The board of direct- give. He afterward returned to his native land ors comprise the following well-known citizens of and associated himself in business with his father, Shreveport: F. M. Hicks, R. T. Cole, James F. | the firm being, as stated above, E. & W. B. JaUtz, E. J. Leman, H. Florsheim, S. G. Dreyfuss, cobs. He is a young man of exceptionally fine C. H. Ardis, E. Jacobs, W. B. Jacobs and H. business qualifications, and has thus far proved a Kretz, a capitalist of Reading, Penn. E. Jacobs, very successful financier. He is a prominent the president of this bank, was born in Prussia, member of the Board of Trade, and is always and in his boyhood, or about 1842, he emigrated among the foremost to advance the interests of to the United States and three years later located his city and community. He and his father are in Shreveport, La., where he was engaged in busi- the proprietors of the Jacobs' Cotton Compress of ness for a few years, subsequently going to Texas, Shreveport, and are interested in all and stockwhere he was actively engaged in stock dealing holders in many public institutions of this section. until 1874, but during this time he also conducted Their worth to the community in which they rea mercantile establishment in Shreveport, and only side is almost inestimable, and they have proved discontinued it in 1880. He came to this State themselves model American citizens, being patriwith little or no capital, so far as money was con

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otic, high principled and enterprising, and may cerned, but he possessed an abundant fund of in- well be said to be among those rare gentle. dustry, frugality and economy, for which those of men and princes of men who are seldom dupliGerman birth are so justly famed, and by his in- cated in

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any community. W. B. Jacobs was mardomitable pluck has become one of the wealthiest ried, in 1881, to Miss Frances Abrams, of St. men in the State. He bas always taken an active Louis, and their union has resulted in the birth of part in building up the business of the city, and three bright little daughters. is also interested in planting, being the largest Captain T. E. Jacobs, postmaster, Shreveport, land owner in Caddo Parish. His residence in La. Captain Jacobs, who is numbered among the Shreveport is one of the handsomest in the place, esteemed and representative citizens of Shreveport,

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, and his family, which consists of his wife, who was La., was born in Shelby County, Mo., in May, 1836, formerly Miss P. L. Cole, a native of Alabama, and is a son of John W. and Mary (Thatcher) Jaand his six children--two sons and four daughters cobs, natives of the Old Dominion.

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The parents --move in the highest social circles of the place. emigrated to Missouri in 1836, located in Shelby

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1 Mr Jacobs is not only respected for the success | County, and there the father carried on merchan which has attended his efforts, but also for the dising until his death, which occurred in 1845. sterling integrity which has ever characterized his The mother had died two years previous to this. efforts and for his broad intelligence, sound judg. They had eleven children, five now living--one son ment and liberal and progressive ideas. That and four daughters. Captain T. E. Jacobs left oft-abused phrase, “self-made man,” can with

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Missouri in 1819, when thirteen years of age, and truth be applied to him, for he began the battle of came to Shreveport, La., where he had an uncle life for himself a poor boy with but few friends living. Here he attended school and received a or acquaintances, and is now one of the foremost i very fair education. In 1856 he began steamboat

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of siana, and is especially ing and followed the river for years. well known and honored in Caddo Parish, where

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number of steamers of his own of which he was his friends are almost unlimited. His son, W. B. master, and plied between Shreveport and New Jacobs, was reared principally in the town of

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Orleans. He gave up the river in 1887, but still Shreveport, but was educated in Berlin, Prussia, holds a large interest in the business between and after finishing his literary education he trav- | Shreveport and the coast. He is the agent for the

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business men

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He ran a

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a

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Red River and Coast Line, and has filled that po. year, and during the winter time worked on a sition for some time. In 1861, when the threaten- steamboat plying between Louisville and New Oring war cloud broke over the nation, Mr. Jacobs leans. As early as 1837 Mr. Johnson made a trip enlisted in Caddo Rifles, of Shreveport, and served up Red River, and since 1855 has made his home until the close of hostilities. He was made post- in Shreveport, where he has been engaged in the master in May, 1890, and is holding the office at manufacture of brick and in contracting and buildthe present time to the satisfaction of all. He is

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He is ing. He has made millions of brick and built some the owner of some good real estate in Shreveport, of the best buildings in the city, including the and is a stockholder in the Electric Street Railway Phønix Hotel, etc. Mr. Johnson was married in and the Red River and Coast Line. He is a member Kentucky, in 1832, to Miss Phoebe Stoddard, a of the Masonic fraternity and the Ancient Order native of Utica, N. Y., who was left an orphan, United Workmen, is a thorough business man, and daughter of Amos Stoddard, who died in Indiana. has been a resident of the city for many years. He She died in 1870, leaving four children, three now has made many warm friends, and has the confi. living. Mr. Johnson's second marriage occurred dence and esteem of all acquainted with bim, and in 1873, to Miss Rebecca, daughter of Capt. Willsocially is a member of the Confederate Veterans' iam Holmes, who ran a steamboat on Red River for Association.

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a number of years.

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He was an early settler of Thomas C. Johnson, brickmaker and con- Shreveport, coming here in 1837, and here he tractor, Shreveport, La. Among the active enter- passed the remainder of his days. His daughter prises of a city like Shreveport the business of was born here, and by her marriage became the brickmaking and contracting occupies, necessarily, mother of three children-two daughters and one an important place, and foremost among those en- son, the latter deceased. Mr. Johnson has a fine gaged in this business is Mr. Johnson, who was Red River plantation of 812 acres, and good prop born in Wheeling, W. Va., in 1823. His parents, erty in town, all the fruits of his own industry. In

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. John and Mary (Shrow) Johnson, were born in 1861 he joined the Twenty-fifth Louisiana Infantry, Virginia, in 1795, and Lancaster County, Penn., but was soon detailed to do work at the arsenal, respectively. They were married in the former where he remained until the close of hostilities. State, and in 1834 removed to Louisville, Ky., He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Caddo Lodge where Mr. Johnson died from a fall, about 1850. No. 177, Shreveport Chapter No. 10 and Council. He was a brickmaker and mason by trade. The He is a man with a wonderful constitution, and in mother died soon after the war in Louisville, Ky. spite of the hard work he has done, he has never She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. been sick a day, and is active and very strong. The paternal grandfather, John Johnson, was born Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Presbyterian in England, and served seven years in the Revolu- Church. tionary War.

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He died in Virginia, when about John R. Jones is the proprietor of one of the eighty-eight years of age. The maternal grand largest lumber mills in the State, which was estabfather, John Shrow, was born in Lancaster County, lished by the present proprietor in 1870, and took Penn., and in that State received his final summons. the name of Caddo Mills. The mills, yards, etc., Thomas C. Johnson, one of nine children, started cover an area of five acres of land along the river, out to fight life's battles for himself when quite and the value of the plant is estimated at $230,000. young, learned the brick trade, working for his This mammoth concern is the outgrowth of a board and clothes for eight years, in Louisville. small business started by Mr. Jones at the aboveHe then served eleven years as foreman for a man mentioned date, and he now is an extensive dealer in Louisville for $1,200 per year, and then worked in all kinds and sizes of rough and dressed lunuber, as a contractor, in Memphis, two years. From sash, doors, blinds and shingles. He has a trade there he went to New Orleans, remained there one

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that extends throughout all sections of the West

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per day.

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and Southwest, and even into Mexico. Its capacity ica in 1818, located in Columbus, Ohio, and there is 50,000 cubic feet per day, and sixty-five hands his death occurred in 1886. He was a carpenter are given employment the year round, but besides by trade. He was twice married, four children this establishment Mr. Jones is the owner of an being the fruits of the first union and four also of extensive mill eighty miles south of Shreveport, the second.

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the second. Capt. William Kinney was left an on the New Orleans Pacific road, the value of this orphan at an early age and when about twelve plant being $200,000, and the capacity 75,000 feet years of age, in company with his brothers and

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In connection with this mill there are sisters, he sailed for America, taking passage at twelve miles of railroad, which is used to convey Queenstown. He landed in New York City, but logs from the interior of the forest to the mill, and went direct to Columbus, Ohio, where he learned in this concern a tree can be taken at the stump, the trade of marble cutter. He also attended and when done with put into a first-class building school there and there remained until twenty years in any shape or size that is required. Pine wood of

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age,

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when he came South. He worked at Yazoo is cut exclusively here, eighty hands are employed, City, Miss., then went to New Orleans, and in 1860 and the product of both mills per year is about came to Shreveport. In 1861 he enlisted in Com20,000,000 feet of lumber. The mention of Mr. pany F, Third Louisiana Infantry and served until Jones' name in lumber and building circles carries

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the surrender. He entered the ranks as a private with it, for obvious reasons, a prestige and conti- and came out as captain. He was captured at dence seldom enjoyed by any tirm, and this is in a Vicksburg, but was shortly afterward paroled and large degree owing to the pluck and business capa- joined his regiment at Alexandria.

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He surrenbilities always shown by Mr. Jones. He is now in dered at Shreveport. Afterward be engaged in a position to meet all competition, and makes his present business and has carried it on until the prices as low as the lowest, and although he present time, meeting with good success. He has started in the business in a humble way, he has, never sought office, but has attended strictly to his through his own exertions, built up a trade second business. He is a member of the Confederate Vetto none.

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The lumber trade of this section has eran Association, of which he is recording secregiven Shreveport an importance in this branch of tary, and also holds the same position in the business, and one which has added much to her Catholic Knights. In 1870 bis nuptials with Miss commercial reputation, and Mr. Jones has been Clara G. Geisse, a native of Pennsylvania, were largely instrumental in bringing about this desira- celebrated, and the result of this union was five ble result. He was born in Wales, but when very children: William B., Leonard E., Paul G., Franyoung

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left his native land come to America, and ces B. and Anna C. Mr. Kinney is the owner of in 1865 he settled in Shreveport, La., commencing about 900 acres of woodland in Texas and considhis business career as a clerk. He is interested in erable property in Shreveport. a number of enterprises besides his mills, being a John Lake, sheriff and collector of Caddo Parish, director in the Building Association, the Gas has been a resident of the same since thirteen Works Company, Belt Railway, besides other con- years of age and the confidence which the people

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have in him is therefore intelligently placed, for Capt. William Kinney, proprietor of the marble they have had every opportunity to judge of his works of Shreveport, La., is another of the many character and qualifications. He was originally representative citizens of foreign birth now resid- from South Carolina, his birth occurring in Edgeing in the parish, his birth occurring in County field County, June 12, 1840, and is the son of Limerick, Ireland, August 25, 1836. His parents, Elias and Eleanor (Henderson) Lake, natives of Dennis and Ellen (Callopy) Kinney, were natives South Carolina. In 1833 the parents emigrated of the Emerald Isle, and the mother received her to the Creole State and located in Caddo Parish, final summons there. The father sailed for Amer- where the father died in 1858. He was a planter

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cerns.

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i

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by occupation. The mother is still living and is Mississippi, respectively. Judge Land was born now residing in Marshall, Tex., in her eightieth in Rutherford County, December 7, 1815, and is year. She was the mother of thirteen children, the eldest son of Charles and Sarah (Bass) Land. has never in her life weighed over ninety pounds, His father, who was a planter, was a native of and is rarely sick. There are two sons and four South Carolina, and his mother, who was the daughters now living. John Lake was but a lad daughter of a planter, was a native of North Caro- when he came to Caddo Parish, and he subse- lina. Both were of English descent, their ances- quently returned to South Carolina, where he at- tors having emigrated to the Southern colonies tended Furman University at Greenville, gradu- prior to the Revolutionary War, in which Capt. ating in 1861. He made a speech at the close and John Land, the great-grandfather of Judge Land, then enlisted immediately in Company A, Hampton was killed in battle in South Carolina. While Legion, serving two years. He received but one Judge Land was still an infant his parents moved slight wound during service. In the winter of from Tennessee to North Alabama, and after a 1862 be returned to Shreveport, La., and was on residence there of ten years emigrated to Yazoo detached service. Later he was engaged in plant- County, Miss., where Charles Land died in his ing, lumbering, merchandising and speculating for early manhood, in 1834. Afterward his wife many years. In 1879 he was elected sheriff and resided in Tchula, Holmes County, Miss., for many collector, and so great was his popularity that he years, and there died in the summer of 1862, at has been elected twice since. The first time he an advanced age. Judge Land was thoroughly had seven competitors, the second time one, and the educated in the University of Virginia, and also third time none at all. It is but saying the truth attended the law school there. In those far distant when the statement is made that no more capable days there were no railroads, and Judge Land made man for the position could be found than Mr. the journey on horseback from Yazoo County, Lake. He is popular with all, kind and courteous Miss., to the University of Virginia, a distance of in his intercourse with his fellow-men, and is not less than 900 miles, during the first two always willing to aid any enterprise which tends months of 1833. He was married September 25, to the interests of Caddo Parish. He owns a large 1839, to Miss Mary E. Dillingham, of Washington cotton plantation, and is very successful in this County, Miss. Mrs. Land, who is a lady of cult- pursuit. His wife was formerly Miss Josephine ure and refinement, is still living. She numbers Wood, a native of South Carolina, whom he mar- among her distinguished relatives the late Gov. ried in 1862, and eight children have been the Runnels and the late Gov. Humphreys, of Missis- fruits of this union: Elias, Isaac W., Nellie H. sippi. The same year of his marriage Judge Land (wife of W. A. Mabray), Lizzie L. (wife of W. B. was elected a member of the Mississippi Legis- Figgers, an attorney of Jefferson, Tex.), Joseph lature from Holmes County, and was re-elected at R., Thomas H., John and Mattie J. Socially Mr. the expiration of his term. At the end of his four Lake is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the K. of years' service in the Mississippi Legislature he de- P., A. O. U. W., K. of H. and K. of St. J. Mr. clined a nomination for the State Senate, tendered Lake is one of the well-known and popular spir- him by the Wbig party, of which he was a member. ited citizens of Northwest Louisiana. He stands In 1816 he came to Shreveport, La., where he at the head in a social point of view and is in every established his permanent domicile and commenced sense of the word a gentleman.

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the practice of law. In 1854 he was elected judge Hon. John R. Land, attorney-at-law and repre- of the judicial district, composed of the parishes of sentative of Caddo Parish, La., owes his nativity Caddo, De Soto and Bossier, to fill a vacancy. At to Lexington, Miss., his birth occurring July 9, the end of his term Judge Land declined re-elec1862, and is the son of Judge Thomas T. and Mary tion. In 1858 the Judge was elected associate E. (Dillingham) Land, natives of Tennessee and justice of the Supreme Court of Louisiana, to fill

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a

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success.

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port, La

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the unexpired term of Judge Henry M. Spofford, study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1884. who had resigned. After his election Judge Land He has gained an honorable place among his purchased a home in the city of New Orleans, and brother practitioners, and in the prosecution of resided there with his family until the second year his professional duties is meeting with encouraging of the war. In 1861 he was re-elected associate

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He is the junior member of the firm of justice of the Supreme Court, without opposition, Land & Land, which is one of the prominent legal for the full term of ten years, and remained on the firms of Shreveport. In 1888 he was elected to bench until the end of the war in 1865. He then represent Caddo Parish in the Legislature, and the resumed the practice of law in Shreveport. In same year he was a member of the State conven1879 he was elected a delegate to the constitu- tion to nominate delegates to the presidential contional convention, and was appointed chairman of vention, and a member of the congressional conthe judiciary committee, which was composed of vention. He is one of the prominent young men twenty-one able and experienced lawyers, to whose of Caddo Parish, and his career thus far bas been painstaking labors the people of Louisiana are in- both successful and honorable. He is a member debted for their present judiciary system. Judge of the Elks. Land has never been a politician nor office-seeker, F. A. Leonard, district deputy clerk, Shreveand it may be most truthfully affirmed of him that

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Mr. Leonard was born in Campbell the offices which he has had the bonor of filling County, Ky., on April 1, 1842, and was but seven have sought the man and not the man the offices. years of age when his parents moved to ShreveWhile his beart is filled with the milk of human port, La. He had the advantages of a good comkindness toward all men, Judge Land is instinct- mon school education while growing up, and in ively an aristocrat in his ideas, thoughts and man 1861, when but nineteen years of age, he donned ner of life, which are exclusive and conservative in his suit of gray, shouldered his musket, and ena marked degree. The marriage of Judge and listed in Company B, Eleventh Louisiana Infantry. Mrs. Land was blessed by the birth of fourteen He served over three years in the Trans-Missischildren, seven children and eighteen grandchil. sippi Department, and was in all its engagements. dren now living. Three sons, Alfred D., David Returning to Shreveport after the war he was T. and John R. Land, reside in Shreveport, and made city comptroller, holding that position in a follow their father's profession of the law. The satisfactory manner for two years. After this he fourth son, Charles A. Land, is a planter residing was engaged in the real estate business for about in Caddo Parish. The three daughters are married: fourteen years, and was parish assessor most of the eldest, Sallie, to Gen. Leon Jastremski, of that time. He is still engaged in the real estate New Orleans; the second, Maggie May, to the business to some extent, and as a real estate and Hon. George A. Wilson, of Lexington, Miss., and land agent he stands deservedly high in commerthe third, Carrie, to Col. James H. Hollingsworth, cial circles. He has been district deputy clerk for of Kosciusko, Miss. In 1884 Judge Land retired about a year, and is peculiarly qualified for this from the practice of law, and his two younger sons office. Socially he is a member of the K. of P., succeeded him in the law firm of Land & Land. the K. of H. and the L. of H. Mr. Leonard was Since then he has supervised his planting interests. married in 1869 to Miss Josephine Wilder, by On December 7, 1890, Judge Land reached his whom he has five children: Nettie, Josephine, seventy-sixth birthday, and is still in the enjoy- ! Willie, Adaline and Mattie. Mrs. Leonard is a ment of good health, with the love of a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church. wife, children and grandchildren to brighten and ents of our subject, Adam and Ann (Harris) Leoncheer the sunset of his life. His son, Hon. John ard, were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and R. Land, was educated at Washington University, Tennessee. The Leonard family is of German

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. Lexington, Va., and at an early age began the origin, the paternal grandfather having emigrated

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The par

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from Germany to the United States, and settled in the cotton business, and securing an interest in a Pennsylvania at an early day. There his death oc

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cotton compress.

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He is now president of the Morcurred.

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He was a soldier in the War of 1812. ris Compress Company, is president of the board Adam Leonard emigrated to Kentucky in 1840, of health, and has been for three years, and is the located in Campbell County, and there made his present assessor of Caddo Parish. He is a memhome until 1849. He then moved to Shreveport, ber of the Masonic fraternity, the K. of P., the La., where he died in 1866. He was a planter. K. of H., and is commander of the L. of H. The mother died in 1884. They had six children, He was married in 1875 in Nashville, Tenn., to a only one (A. H.) besides F. A. now living.

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daughter of Rev. Dr. Blake, and to them two chilCol. R. H. Lindsay is a general commission dien have been born: Nannie B. and Mary H. merchant and real estate agent of Shreveport, La., Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay are members of the Presby. but was born in Montrose, Scotland, in 1832, and terian Church, and he is an elder in the same. He is a son of William and Mary (Hume) Lindsay, is a man whose honor has never been questioned, the latter being a niece of the celebrated Joseph and, as he has ever had the interests of his adopted Hume. The father died in his native land after country warmly at heart, he does all in his power serving as a Government officer for forty-eight to promote her interests and gives liberally of his years, but the mother is still living. They were means to enterprises of a worthy nature. the parents of twelve children, of whom Col. R. James B. McCain is one who has lived in Caddo H. was the fifth in order of birth. He was edu- Parish, La., since 1851, but was born in Perry cated in Scotland, served an apprenticeship in the County, Ala., February 27, 1824, being a son of Glasgow Apothecary Company, but in 1851 left John and Mary Ann (Brown) McCain, the former home and friends and started for the United a native of South Carolina, and the latter of KenStates to seek his fortune, taking passage at tucky. They were taken to Perry County, Ala., Greenock on a sailing vessel, and landing at New by their parents in their youth, and were there York after a forty-four days' ocean voyage. He reared and married, and after the birth of the subsoon after went to Milledgeville, Ga., where he ject of this sketch, who was the eldest of their six passed an examination before the medical board, children, and the only one now living, he was then went to New Orleans and secured employ. brought by them to Caddo Parish, La., and here ment as a clerk in a drug store. After remaining both parents died, he in 1869, when over seventy in that city until December, 1851, be came to of age, and she in 1863, when sixty years of age, Shreveport, La., under engagement for John W. both being members of the Baptist Church, of Morris, who died of yellow fever in 1853. He which he was a minister. On first starting west, subsequently embarked in the grocery and cotton it was with the intention of going to Texas, but on business, and was interested in both these enter- reaching this parish he was so pleased with the prises at the breaking out of the Civil War. He aspect of affairs that here he determined to pitch then abandoned his business and helped to raise his tent, and for that time eventually became a the Caddo Fencivals, going out as a third lieuten- wealthy farmer. He was of Scotch descent, and ant, but for faithful, efficient service and gallantry in his political views a Whig. James B. McCain he was promoted to the rank of captain, then to was given fair educational advantages, and upon major, and finally to lieutenant-colonel, having reaching a suitable age he began assisting his command of the Sixteenth Louisiana Regiment, father on the home plantation, and being thorand served as such until the final surrender.

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He oughly familiar with every detail of the work, he was in nearly all the principal engagements of the has since made it his chief calling, and although war, and at the close of hostilities returned to he lost all he had accumulated during the war, by Shreveport and took control of three stores belong- energy and good management, he has since become ing to some northern parties, afterward going into the owner of 1,800 acres of land, a goodly portion

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of age.

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of which is under cultivation, and well improved thirteen years of age, Col. S. B. McCutchen came with buildings, fences, etc. In 1886 he purchased with his parents to Louisiana, and here he received a steam cotton-gin, which he has since operated, the principal part of his education in the common and in this, as well as all his other enterprises, he schools, which were considered very good. He rehas met with good success.

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Before the war he was mained on the farm until nineteen years of age, captain of a company of militia, and during that and then began book-keeping in Magnolia, Tex., time he joined the Confederate service, and was de remaining there for five years. After this he retailed to help operate the iron works in Cass County, turned home, and took charge of his father's planTex., being under Capt. Robson during the last

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tation for one year.

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In 1860 he came to Shrevetwo years of the war. In 1847 he married Eliza- port, and kept books for Walters & Elder, until the beth Iles, who was born in Louisiana, and came threatening war-cloud broke over the Union. In with her father to Caddo Parish in 1838, and in 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-seventh this parish she died, in 1818, when seventeen years Louisiana Regiment, and was subsequently made a His second marriage took place in 1851, lieutenant. lieutenant. He filled the position of Act. - Assist.

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- his wife being Miss C. A. Cole, a daughter of Noah Adjutant-General, and was in Gen. Allen Thomas' A. Cole, of this parish. She was born in Alabama, brigade. He was captured at the siege of Vicksand died in 1860, leaving, besides her husband, four burg, but was paroled soon after. He particichildren to mourn their loss, two now living: J. R. pated in all the engagements of his regiment, has (a farmer of this parish), and Wealthy (wife of as good a war record as any man in the State, and William Vaughn, who also resides here). One commanded a very fine set of men. Returning child died in infancy, and John was four years old home after the war, he kept books for a private at the time of his death. July 29, 1868, Mr. Mc- bank until 1868, and after this was engaged in the Cain's third marriage took place, the maiden name commission business, continuing at this until 1884, of his wife being Fannie Parnell, a daughter of since which time he has been connected with the John Parnell, her birth occurring in this parish in Commercial National Bank. He was made presi1848. To them ten children have been born, six dent of the same in January, 1890. living: E. S., Hearsey, J. P., Ruth, James B., ident of the Cotton Exchange for six years, and Jr., and Katie. Those deceased are George N., is president of the board of trustees of Thatcher Mary, Fannie and Will. Mrs. McCain is a mem- Institute. He is a member of the Masonic fraterber of the Primitive Baptist Church, and he is a nity, and a charter member of the commandery, Democrat in his political views, and is one of the and is eminent commander of the latter. He is leading and enterprising citizens of this section. connected with the Electric Railway Company,

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Col. S. B. McCutchen, president of the Com- of which he is president, and is a member of mercial National Bank, at Shreveport, and one of the Shreveport Gin Company. He is also the the oldest and most substantial citizens of that city, owner of considerable real estate.

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He was marwas born in Columbus, Georgia, in July, 1834. ried, in 1869, to Miss Amelia, daughter of Judge His father, Mark McCutchen, was

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J. M. Ford, and they are the parents of four chilGeorgia, and his mother, whose maiden name was dren: Marcus A., Bessie, Mertis and S. B., Jr. Miss Pamelia Brown, was a native of Florida. Mr. and Mrs. McCutchen are members of the MethThe parents emigrated to Caddo Parish, Louisi- odist Episcopal Church, South. The Commerana, in January, 1848, locating twelve miles from cial National Bank, of which Mr. McCutchen is the Shreveport, and there the father followed planting president, is the outgrowth of a private bank estabup to the time of bis death, which occurred in 1858. lished as far back as 1852. It was nationalized in The mother died in 1872. Of the four children 1887, and has a paid-in capital of $100,000, with born to their marriage, only one besides our subject a surplus of $21,000, and undivided profits of is now living, Mrs. Hagood, of Texas. When about $24,000. A general banking business is done, and

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a native of

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He was pres

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the concern is looked upon as one of the strongest Caddo Parish, in all that the term implies, and and safest financial establishments in this section there is no measure of importance to the welfare of the country, the officers and directors being men of the general public in which Mr. McKellar is of large means and sound business judgment. not interested. He is an active member of the The officers are S. B. McCutchen, president; J. P. city council, is now serving his third term, and is Scott, vice-president, and T. L. tringfellow, cash- a director in the Commercial National Bank.

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He ier, who, together with the following gentlemen, is a stockholder in the Merchants & Farmers' constitute the board of directors: J. G. McWill- Bank, and has been president of the Board of iams, Jos. Boisseau, N. Gregg, H. F. Doll, Jacob Trade. He is a Knight Templar in the Masonic Dillinger and R. N. McKeller. The correspond. fraternity and is a member of the order of Elks. ents of this bank in other cities are the Importers His marriage, which was consummated in 1882, was & Traders’ National Bank of New York; Hibernia to Miss Theo Hamilton, a daughter of Dr. D. B. National Bank of New Orleans, and the Commer. Hamilton, and to their union two children have cial Bank of St. Louis. Mr. Stringfellow, the been born: Edwin D. and Mary B. Mrs. Mc . cashier, has been with the bank eleven years, and Kellar is a lady of intelligence and culture, and is is an able financier.

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an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal R. N. McKellar is one of the leading cotton Church. Mr. McKellar is a man who manifests factors in this section of the country, and since excellent judgment in the management of bis 1879 has carried on the work which his father so business affairs, but is unassuming in bis manner, successfully established in 1873. He was born in and is a genial and social gentleman to meet. Anderson County of the Lone Star State, but Marion McMillan, planter, of Ward 7, Caddo his parents, E. D. and Susan (Miller) McKellar, Parish, La., was born in Rapides Parish in 1832, were born in Alabama, and are now deceased. being the son of Archie B. and Lucinda (Vines) The father was married twice, and by his first wife McMillan, natives of North Carolina and South became the father of R. N. and Mrs. T. 0. Town- Carolina, respectively. His parents were married send, of Pueblo, Col., his second union being to in Alabama and moved from there at an early date Mrs. J. B. Hodges, by whom he became the father to Rapides Parish, and in 1837 settled in Caddo of three children: Virginia H., Hattie and Lear- Parish, where the father died in 1870; his widow line. R. N. McKellar was reared in his native died in 1879. The father was a planter by occuState, a portion of his education being also re- pation, and his father, Archie McMillan, was a ceived there, and in 1869 came to Shreveport, La., Scotchman by birth, and breathed his last in the with his parents and here finished his education, State of North Carolina. Andrew Jackson Vines, his vacations being spent in clerking in his father's grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born store. He became associated with his father in in South Carolina, and died in Sabine Parish about this business in 1873, and continued with him un- 1860. He was of Scotch-French descent. Marion til the latter's death in 1879, when he assumed en- McMillan was the fourth in number of the ten tire control of the business, which he conducted children born to his parents, and passed his early under the old firm name until 1882, then changed life on the plantation, receiving a good education the style to his own name and has successfully at private neighborhood schools. In 1856 he marconducted affairs up to the present time. He ried Miss Georgiana Gray, daughter of Charles handles between 10,000 and 12,000 bales of cotton and Louisa Gray, who was born in Alabama.

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Το annually, and is looked upon as authority in mat this union have been born two sons and four ters pertaining to the cotton interests. In con- daughters. After his marriage, the subject of this nection with this he does an extensive commission sketch lived in several different places, but came business, and during 1886–87–88, he was president from Texas to Caddo Parish, and has continued to of the Cotton Exchange. He is a leading citizen of make this his home. He is the owner of about

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1,500 acres of valuable land, which is divided into all times been noted for the kindness of her peotwo plantations, the home place being only about ple, and Mr. Miller is a worthy representative of eight miles south of Shreveport. During the late the Southern gentleman, and he merits great praise war, Mr. McMillan served about a year, being de- for having taken up the scattered threads of his life tailed by Kirby Smith to do teaming from Shreve. and weaving them into a pleasing whole. port to Houston. Mr. McMillan is one of the most Judge John C. Moncure, judge of appellate thoroughly progressive planters in this prosperous court, Shreveport, La. State, and has accumulated all his "worldly goods” ,

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With an equal scale by means of his industry and ability. Everywhere

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He weighs the affairs betwixt man and man;

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He is not so soothed with adulation, it is a generally conceded fact that Southern gen

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Nor moved with tears to wrest the course of justice tlemen are, as a rule, unusually courteous and

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Into an unjust current to oppress the innocent; generous in their opinion of others, and Mr. Mc- Nor does he make the laws Millan belongs to this class, being a most hospit

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Punish the man, but in the man the cause. able and elegant host and a kind neighbor.

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These words, written by one who is now among Thomas A. Miller, planter, of Ward 7, Caddo the foremost lawyers of this country, describes Parish, La., was born near Spring Ridge in 1851, i most truly the even-handed justice administered in being the son of John Isaac and Susan (Blakely) the court of this honest and upright magistrate. Miller, who were married in Caddo Parish.

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He is Judge John C. Moncure is not unknown to the

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1 the eldest of the six children born to his parents. people of this portion of Louisiana, for he has and passed his youth on his father's plantation, beld many positions of trust and honor since first receiving in the meantime a moderately good edu- coming here in 1860. He was originally from the cation. When only fourteen years

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of age he com-

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| Old Dominion, his birth occurring in Stafford menced a business career for himself, and first took County on January 5, 1827, and is the son of charge of the home place. In 1874 he married Judge R. C. L. and Mary W. (Conway) Moncure, Miss Sallie Burke, daughter of William and Sarah natives also of Virginia, of Huguenot origin. The Burke, and born in De Soto Parish. To this union | ancestors were French Protestants, and during the have been born three sons and one daughter. Mr. | Revolution were driven out of that country. Col. Miller, after marriage, settled on his present farm, William Washington, of Revolutionary note, was which is situated near Keithville, and contains a relative of Mrs. Mary W. (Conway) Moncure. about 280 acres of land. He has accumulated a The paternal grandfather was a farmer on the comfortable fortune by his own exertion and banks of the Potomac River in Virginia. He died energy, and is a gentleman of most courteous and at Summerset. The maternal grandfather was agreeable manners. He served one year as con

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clerk of the circuit court for a number of years, stable, and now holds a contract for carrying the and also died in Virginia during the Civil War mail between Keithville and Springfield. He is a when in his ninetieth year. The father of our member of the Farmers' Alliance. Both Mr. and ! subject was chief justice of Virginia for a number Mrs. Miller are closely identified with the Meth- of years, being put on the bench in 1951, and odist Church. The Miller family is an old and holding that position continuously until 1882, exhonored one through the South, many of the cept during the reconstruction period. He died

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, ancestors being famous for bravery in defending on the bench in the last-named year. their country. George Miller came to this parish member of the Virginia Legislature for three many years ago, and served as a soldier in the sessions, 1827, 1819 and 1850, and was a member

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He was of Irish descent. of the constitutional convention of the latter Grandfather Blakely came to Caddo Parish about year.

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He was a distinguished man in his pro 1839, and was killed by a horse, when the subject fession, and was well known throughout the

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, of this sketch was a small boy. The South has at country. His family consisted of twelve children

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He was a

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Confederate army.

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ the concern is looked upon as one of the strongest Caddo Parish, in all that the term implies, and and safest financial establishments in this section there is no measure of importance to the welfare of the country, the officers and directors being men of the general public in which Mr. McKellar is of large means and sound business judgment. not interested. He is an active member of the The officers are S. B. McCutchen, president; J. P. city council, is now serving his third term, and is Scott, vice-president, and T. L. Stringfellow, cash- a director in the Commercial National Bank.

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He ier, who, together with the following gentlemen, is a stockholder in the Merchants & Farmers' constitute the board of directors: J. G. McWill- Bank, and has been president of the Board of iams, Jos. Boisseau, N. Gregg, H. F. Doll, Jacob Trade. He is a Knight Templar in the Masonic Dillinger and R. N. McKeller. The correspond. fraternity and is a member of the order of Elks. ents of this bank in other cities are the Importers His marriage, which was consummated in 1882, was & Traders’ National Bank of New York; Hibernia to Miss Theo Hamilton, a daughter of Dr. D. B. National Bank of New Orleans, and the Commer- Hamilton, and to their union two children have cial Bank of St. Louis. Mr. Stringfellow, the been born: Edwin D. and Mary B. Mrs. Mc. cashier, has been with the bank eleven years, and Kellar is a lady of intelligence and culture, and is is an able financier.

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an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal R. N. McKellar is one of the leading cotton Church. Mr. McKellar is a man who manifests factors in this section of the country, and since excellent judgment in the management of bis 1879 has carried on the work which his father so business affairs, but is unassuming in his manner, successfully established in 1873. He was born in and is a genial and social gentleman to meet. Anderson County of the Lone Star State, but Marion McMillan, planter, of Ward 7, Caddo his parents, E. D. and Susan (Miller) McKellar, Parish, La., was born in Rapides Parish in 1832, were born in Alabama, and are now deceased. being the son of Archie B. and Lucinda (Vines) The father was married twice, and by his first wife McMillan, natives of North Carolina and South became the father of R. N. and Mrs. T. 0. Town- Carolina, respectively. His parents were married send, of Pueblo, Col., his second union being to in Alabama and moved from there at an early date Mrs. J. B. Hodges, by whom he became the father to Rapides Parish, und in 1837 settled in Caddo of three children: Virginia H., Hattie and Lear- Parish, where the father died in 1870; his widow line. R. N. McKellar was reared in his native died in 1879. The father was a planter by occuState, a portion of his education being also re- pation, and his father, Archie McMillan, was a ceived there, and in 1869 came to Shreveport, La., Scotchman by birth, and breathed his last in the with his parents and here finished his education, State of North Carolina. Andrew Jackson Vines, his vacations being spent in clerking in his father's grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born store. He became associated with his father in in South Carolina, and died in Sabine Parish about this business in 1873, and continued with him un- 1860. He was of Scotch-French descent. Marion til the latter's death in 1879, when he assumed en- McMillan was the fourth in number of the ten tire control of the business, which he conducted children born to his parents, and passed his early under the old firm name until 1882, then changed life on the plantation, receiving a good education the style to his own name and has successfully at private neighborhood schools. In 1856 he marconducted affairs up to the present time. He ried Miss Georgiana Gray, daughter of Charles handles between 10,000 and 12,000 bales of cotton and Louisa Gray, who was born in Alabama. To annually, and is looked upon as authority in mat this union have been born two sons and four ters pertaining to the cotton interests.

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daughters. After his marriage, the subject of this nection with this he does an extensive commission sketch lived in several different places, but came business, and during 1886-87-88, he was president from Texas to Caddo Parish, and has continued to of the Cotton Exchange. He is a leading citizen of make this, his home. He is the owner of about

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a

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In con

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he com

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1,500 acres of valuable land, which is divided into all times been noted for the kindness of her

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peotwo plantations, the home place being only about ple, and Mr. Miller is a worthy representative of eight miles south of Shreveport. During the late the Southern gentleman, and he merits great praise war, Mr. McMillan served about a year, being de- for having taken up the scattered threads of his life tailed by Kirby Smith to do teaming from Shreve- and weaving them into a pleasing whole. port to Houston. Mr. McMillan is one of the most Judge John C. Moncure, judge of appellate thoroughly progressive planters in this prosperous court, Shreveport, La. State, and has accumulated all his “worldly goods

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With an equal scale by means of his industry and ability. Everywhere

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He weighs the affairs betwixt man and man;

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He is not so soothed with adulation, it is a generally conceded fact that Southern gen

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Nor moved with tears to wrest the course of justice tlemen are, as a rule, unusually courteous and

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Into an unjust current to oppress the innocent; generous in their opinion of others, and Mr. Mc- Nor does he make the law's Millan belongs to this class, being a most hospit

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Punish the man, but in the man the cause. able and elegant host and a kind neighbor.

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These words, written by one who is now among Thomas A. Miller, planter, of Ward 7, Caddo the foremost lawyers of this country, describes Parish, La., was born near Spring Ridge in 1851, most truly the even-handed justice administered in being the son of John Isaac and Susan (Blakely) the court of this honest and upright magistrate. Miller, who were married in Caddo Parish. He is Judge John C. Moncure is not unknown to the the eldest of the six children born to his parents, people of this portion of Louisiana, for he bas and passed his youth on his father's plantation, beld many positions of trust and honor since first receiving in the meantime a moderately good edu- coming here in 1860.

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coming here in 1860. He was originally from the cation. When only fourteen years

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of age

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Old Dominion, his birth occurring in Stafford menced a business career for himself, and first took County on January 5, 1827, and is the son of charge of the home place. In 1874 he married Judge R. C. L. and Mary W. (Conway) Moncure, Miss Sallie Burke, daughter of William and Sarah natives also of Virginia, of Huguenot origin. The Burke, and born in De Soto Parish. To this union ancestors were French Protestants, and during the have been born three sons and one daughter. Mr. Revolution were driven out of that country. Col. Miller, after marriage, settled on his present farm, William Washington, of Revolutionary note, was which is situated near Keithville, and contains a relative of Mrs. Mary W. (Conway) Moncure. about 280 acres of land. He has accumulated a The paternal grandfather was a farmer on the comfortable fortune by his own

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exertion and banks of the Potomac River in Virginia. He died energy, and is a gentleman of most courteous and at Summerset. The maternal grandfather was agreeable manners. He served one year as con

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clerk of the circuit court for a number of years, stable, and now holds a contract for carrying the and also died in Virginia during the Civil War mail between Keithville and Springfield. He is a when in his ninetieth year. The father of our member of the Farmers' Alliance. Both Mr. and subject was chief justice of Virginia for a number Mrs. Miller are closely identified with the Meth-of years, being put on the bench in 1851, and odist Church. The Miller family is an old and holding that position continuously until 1882, exhonored one through the South, many of the cept during the reconstruction period. He died ancestors being famous for bravery in defending on the bench in the last-named year. their country. George Miller came to this parish member of the Virginia Legislature for three many years ago, and served as a soldier in the sessions, 1827, 1819 and 1850, and was a member

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He was of Irish descent. of the constitutional convention of the latter Grandfather Blakely came to Caddo Parish about year.

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He was a distinguished man in his pro1839, and was killed by a horse, when the subject fession, and was well known throughout the of this sketch was a small boy. The South has at i country. His family consisted of twelve children

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He was a

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Confederate army.

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who grew to maturity, and Judge John C. Moncure sketch

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appears in this volume.

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The subject of was the eldest. He was reared in his native State, this sketch came to Shreveport, La., with his parand supplemented a common-school education by ents when seven years of age, and here grew to a course at the Military Institute at Lexington, manhood, receiving the advantages of the common Va., graduating in 1847. Soon after attaining his schools. In 1868 he entered a harness shop, and twenty-first year he began studying law and was after serving an apprenticeship of nearly four admitted to the bar in 1849. He practiced his years he was promoted to a clerkship in the estabprofession in Fredericksburg, Va., and was State lishment belonging to Horan & Looney, and served prosecuting attorney, being three times elected to with them in the above-named capacity until 1883, that position. In the winter of 1860 he came to when he became interested with Mr. Looney in the Shreveport, La., and early in the beginning of same business, and in due course of time the hostilities he enlisted in Capt. Nutts' company, present partnership was formed with T. S. Price, serving until the surrender. He was promoted to their business the last year being very much larger the rank of major on Gen. C. J. Polignac's staff, than that of the old firm during the preceding commanding the Second Louisiana Division. After

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year. All kinds of harness, saddles and bridles the war he again engaged in his profession. In are manufactured, and being the largest and most 1870 he was elected to the Legislature, re-elected complete establishment of the kind in this section in 1872, and was counted out by the returning of the country, they do a large and paying busiboard, but served in what was known as the ness in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. McHenry Legislature and was its speaker. While The salesroom and manufactory is at 124 Texas holding this position he was arrested and put in Street, the building occupied being two stories, prison by the Kellogg police. In 1874 he was measuring 25x150 feet. Twenty bands are emnominated by the Democratic Convention at Baton ployed, and enormous quantities of Texas saddles Rouge for State treasurer, was elected, but again

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are turned out each season. The members of this counted out. In 1878 he was again elected to the firm are young men of push, enterprise and indusLegislature, and elected unanimously as the try, and are building up a trade of which they speaker. In 1880, under the new constitution, may well be proud. They are interested in the he was elected to his present position with great Merchants & Farmers' Bank, besides other enterunanimity, and has held that office continuously prises, and Mr. Moncure is the owner of considsince, being re-elected in 1888. It may be seen erable real estate in the city, and gives every promthat the Judge has had political honors showered ise of becoming a man of wealth. Mr. Moncure's upon him since his residence in Shreveport, having father has been known to say that his son has not been almost continuously in office. The Judge had the help of a dollar since he was thirteen was married in 1850 to Miss Fannie D. Tomlin, ' years of age, and for this reason he deserves much of Virginia, by whom he has two children living: credit for the admirable manner in which he has Conway (who is in the wholesale saddlery and surmounted the many difficulties which have strewn harness business at Shreveport), and Fannie. The his path way. He has the satisfaction of knowing Judge is a Knight Templar in the Masonic fra- that what he has has been earned by his own ternity

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industry, pluck and perseverance, and by the maniC. Moncure is a member of the firm of Mon- festation of these traits his future success is cure & Price, manufacturers of saddlery and har- assured. He was married in 1884, to Miss Effie ness at Shreveport, La., which firm is the succes- | Jones, of Shreveport, and to them have been born sors of Looney, Moncure & Co., the present style i two daughters: Fannie and Kate. Mr. and Mrs. being adopted in January, 1889. Mr. Moncure Moncure are worthy members of the Episcopal was born in Stafford County, Va., in July, 1852, Church. For a number of years past he was his father being Judge J. C. Moncure, whose president of the fire department.

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Robert F. Moore. The South has from time and numerous skirmishes. He served as orderly immemorial been noted for the hospitality and sergeant, and just before the close of the war was courtesy of her citizens, and while this is general made captain. He belongs to the class of gentleit is nowhere more pronounced than in the State men who labor for the good of their homes, States of Louisiana, where the people are genial and and the Nation, trying in every way to advance both kind as can be. Agricultural pursuits are among religious and educational causes. Mr. Moore is a the chief avenues for reaching success, and promi- member of A. F. & A. M., Land Mark Lodge nent among those who are successfully pursuing No. 214. Thus as the world grows older and the this occupation is Robert F. Moore. He was born age of progress becomes stronger, each day furin Oglethorpe County, Ga., in 1836, being the son nishes examples of the good results brought about of Francis H. and Priscilla (Holmes) Moore, born by honesty, energy and strict integrity of purin Alabama and Oglethorpe County in the latter pose. part of 1807, and married in the State of Georgia. George W. Musser, planter of Ward 8, Caddo The father died in 1818 and the mother in 1873, Parish, La., is the subject of the present sketch, being at the time of her death a faithful member and a gentleman well liked both by his friends and of the Methodist Church, The former was of neighbors, and also popular with the visitors who Irish descent, and the grandfather of Robert, have occasion to partake of his hospitality and William Holmes, settled in Oglethorpe County kindly welcome. His birth occurred in Bedford

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| many years ago, and there passed his life, and County, Tenn., in 1811, being the son of Ewing passed to his final resting place. Robert Moore and Mary (Wade) Musser, natives of the Blue-Grass is the youngest of the four children born to his State, and Shelby County, Tenn., respectively. They parents. He spent his childhood and youth on the were married many years ago, and in 1858 moved plantation, receiving only a common-school educa- to Newton County, Mo., where the father was killed tion, but learning habits of perseverance and in. by the bushwhackers in 1862, and the mother had dustry that have contributed greatly to his suc- breathed her last the year previous. Mr. Musser's cess. After reaching his nineteenth year he took paternal grandfather, George Musser, was of Gercharge of the estate, which he managed most satis- man descent and died in Kentucky. His maternal factorily. He moved to Caddo Parish in the year grandfather Wade died in Shelbyville, Tenn. 1857, and in 1862 was united in marriage to Miss The subject of this sketch was the eldest of the six Sallie P. Collier, daughter of F. P. and Daridley children born to his parents.

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children born to his parents. He passed his youth Collier, both of whom died in Georgia. To this on a plantation, and received only a very moderate union were born eight children-three sons and five amount of educational training. In 1861, when daughters. Immediately after coming to Caddo, only seventeen, he joined Company D. of Gordon's Mr. Moore purchased his present estate, consisting regiment of Fagan's division of Arkansas Cavalry, of 720 acres of valuable land, and situated seven and took part in the battles of Prairie Grove, Mark's miles southwest of Shreveport. There is nothing Mill, and was in the Price raid, in Missouri. He more to a man's credit than the fact of having was severely wounded at Poison Springs and suraccumulated a comfortable fortune by means of rendered at Shreveport when peace was once more his own efforts, and without assistance of any kind, restored throughout the country. He first settled and this can truthfully be said of the subject of at Bossier Parish, and in 1879 married Miss Nancy the present sketch. In 1862 Mr. Moore, true to C. Moss, daughter of J. C. C. and Emily Moss, the instincts of his nature, which prompted him to

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natives of Alabama and Arkansas, respectively, give his services in behalf of his native country, Mrs. Musser was born in Alabama, and to her enlisted in the war, joining Benson's squadron of

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union have been born two sons. In 1879 Mr. cavalry of Louisana troops, and took part in the Musser crossed the river into Caddo Parish, near battles of Arkansas Post, Mansfield and Helena, Robson, P. O., and here owns a fine plantation of

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200 acres of highly cultivated land.

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His present of service dated but one day before the surrender plantation is about sixteen miles from Shreveport, of his command. It is as follows: and he is showing good judgment in the cultivation “I certify that A. J. Newman, ordnance serof his land, and is meeting with truly wonderful geant of my regiment, has been present with his success in all his agricultural undertakings.

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command in the faithful discharge of his duties Arthur J. Newman, assistant cashier of the Mer- during the entire term of service, which includes chants & Farmers' Bank, Shreveport, La., is a the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, thoroughly capable and experienced accountant, Jackson, Mississippi, Georgia and Tennessee camand has been in the banking business for fifteen paigns and Spanish Fort. years, He was originally from England, his birth

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“ Camp FLOURNEY, Major occurring in Exeter on August 11, 1843, and is Commanding Nineteenth Louisiana Regiment. a son of John F. and Caroline (Newcomb) New- " MERIDIAN, Miss., May 9, 1865." man, both natives also of that country. The father Soon after the surrender of his command, hoping was a professor of music for a number of years, or to return to England, Mr. Newman obtained from until he went entirely blind, and he and wife are his brigadier-general, now United States senator, still residents of Exeter. Their family consisted a letter, a copy of which is subjoined: of nine children, four now living: Mary S. (in

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"New ORLEANS, LA., May 25, 1865. England), Frank T. and Katie (wife of Frank Quick "I have much pleasure in expressing my high of England). Arthur J. Newman, the second in sense of the worth of Sergt. A. J. Newman, Nineorder of birth of the four children now living, was teenth Louisiana Infantry, who for the period of the reared in his native country and received a thor- war has served, with the exception of brief interough education in the very best schools, taking vals, under my command. I know him to be a both a classical and scientific course. He also good soldier and a good man. I commend him to received an excellent musical education at the hands the favorable attention of all of my acquaintances, of his father, and this has not been entirely lost, for

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and can

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his friends that they have just he has been for years prominent in amateur musical grounds to be proud of the part he has taken in circles of Sbreveport and has been at different the great American war. times organist of St. Mark's Church. He frequently

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"R. S. GIBSON, Brigadier-General." participates in concerts, and more than once in Mr. Newman started for England, but only got opera, indeed he directed the Confederate Concert, as far as Cairo, Ill., when the Government ordered one of the finest ever given in the city. In the not to issue any more transportation. At that year 1858 he received a certificate that he had time he had but $2.50 in gold. He returned to passed the University of Oxford (England) examina- his former employers and came to Shreveport with tion, of those who are members of the University. Hamilton & Co., with whom he remained until The same year he sailed for America and landed at

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March, 1868. After this he went with Col. B. New Orleans on January 10, 1859. He came

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,

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M. Johnson, banker, and kept books until January direct to Minden, now Webster Parish, and 11, 1874, when he engaged in the tin business entered the employ of Chaffe & Co., remaining i under the firm name of Cook & Newman, selling with this firm until January, 1861. After this he out in September, 1875. He subsequently went was with Hamilton & Fillmore until April, 1862, back with Hamilton & Co., remaining with this when he enlisted in Company B, Nineteenth company until December 1, 1879, and then was Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, and served until the with E. & B. Jacobs, afterward E. & W. B. Jacobs, surrender at Meridian, Miss., on May 10, 186.). who organized the First National Bank, and was He was ordnance sergeant of the regiment and with them until October 1, 1889.

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After this he served in that capacity until cessation of hostilities, was with the Merchants & Farmers' Bank, assistnearly all of his service. He holds his certificate / ing greatly in opening the business, and has

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assure

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since been assistant cashier. No man has better Mr. Newton's father was also married twice, but business qualifications or is more capable to fill the the name of his first wife is unknown to the subject position than Mr. Newman, for he is one of the of this sketch. His second union resulted in the finest financiers in the city. Public spirited, liberal birth of three children: Ann E. (widow of George minded and generous in disposition, he is one of White, now residing in Delta County, Tex.), Robthe city's most prominent citizens and has a host ert J. (who was in the Third Texas Cavalry, and of warm friends. Personally Mr. Newman is a died at Saltillo, Miss.), and John B. (who attended most genial, jovial and agreeable man. Broad and the schools of Fayette County, Tenn., and McKenliberal in his views of life and of human nature, zie College, in Red River County, Tex.). Upon he loves his friends and is loved by them. He is the eve of graduating he turned his attention to a member of the B. A. C. V., Shreveport, La., teaching school at Marshall, and was assistant prinand was its financial secretary for several years. cipal, occupying the chair of mathematics. DurHe is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Caddo ing this time he was engaged in studying law, but Lodge No. 179, and was secretary for this organ- the opening of the war caused him to give up his ization for some time. Mr. Newman was married studies, and in May, 1861, he went to Dallas and on December 14, 1869, to Miss Lizzie Brantley, a joined the Third Texas Cavalry, being a member of native of Caddo Parish, La., and to them have been Company A. The first battle in which he particiborn three children: Arthur B., Caroline N. and pated was Oak Hill, but from that time until the Fannie G. He and his estimable wife are mem- close of the war he was in a number of battles and bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

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skirmishes, among which may be mentioned Hominy John B. Newton is police juror of Ward 3, Creek, Elk Horn, Corinth, Iuka, Second Corinth, Caddo Parish, La., but was born in Robertson Franklin, Big Black, Jackson and Holly Springs, County, Tenn., in 1833 (February 1), being a son where he was promoted to captain and put on the of Robert and Rhoda (Byrns) Newton, their native staff of Gen. J. W. Whitfield and Gen. Ross, servbirthplace being York District, S. C. They were ing in this capacity until the close of the war. both taken to Tennessee by their parents when Although he was not wounded during his service children, where the father died when the subject of he had several horses shot from under him. He this sketch was a very small boy, his age being was a true and tried soldier, and made a faithful about forty-eight years. He had been a farmer and efficient officer. At the close of the war his and whisky distiller, and was one of the men who command did not surrender, but simply disbanded helped to make the famous Robertson County and returned home. He almost immediately went whisky, it being noted for its purity. He was the to Washington County, Tex., and for one year owner of two establishments. He was highly edu- farmed on the Brazos, but in 1867 he came to Caddo cated, was a soldier in the War of 1812, being pres- | Parish, La., and located on the plantation where he ent at the battle of New Orleans, and was also in now resides. In 1865 he was married to Miss Matone of the early Indian wars. He was a Whig, tie E. Hood, who was born in Texas and died in politically, and held different official positions. Waco seven months after their marriage. In 1868 After his death his widow moved with her family he took for his second wife Miss Sarah L. A. Bickto Fayette County, West Tenn., and there remained ham, a danghter of B. R. Bickham. She was born until 1814, when they went to Harrison County, in this parish in 1850, and is the mother of eight Tex., and in 1857 to Hopkins County, where she children, all of whom are living: Robert, Maude, died in 1864, at the age of seventy-one years, hav- John and May (twins), Alf, Wilkes, Wave and ing been a worthy member of the Methodist Epis- Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Newton are Methodists, and copal Church for many years.

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She had been mar- from a youth up he has taken an active part in ried twice, her first husband being Isaac Henley, a church matters, and has been steward and secretary. native of South Carolina, who died in Tennessee. | He is a Mason and Democrat, and has served as magistrate two years, and the last two years as his father's affairs until the latter's death. He police juror. His son, Robert, recently married was married in 1869 to Miss Bettie, daughter of Miss Sudie Compton, a daughter of Dr. Compton, Jacob Hoss, of this parish. She was born in this of this parish.

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precinct and has borne her husband nine children William E. Noel is a planter of Ward 3, Caddo, --six sons and three daughters – all of wbom are Parish, and was born here on January 4, 1844, to living. Mr. and Mrs. Noel are members of the Richard T. and Hettie (Burch) Noel, natives of Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he is a Virginia and Alabama, respectively. In 1838 the Mason, and in his political views a Democrat. He father removed from his native State of Louisiana is the owner of extensive tracts of land, of which and located on a farm near where the subject of 1,500 acres are under cultivation, this being one this sketch is now living, where he resided until of the largest plantations in the parish. His mahis death, which occurred in 1873 at the age of ternal grandfather, Jesse Burch, was a Methodist fifty-eight years.

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He had been an officer in the minister, and came to this State as a missionary in State Militia, and was a very successful planter, 1839, at which time there were but very few people being the owner of 150 slaves, which of course he living here. lost during the war, his loss in other respects being James V. Nolan. In any worthy history of also heavy. He was always economical and ener- Caddo Parish, La., the name that heads this getic, but the secret of his success was close atten- sketch should be given an enviable place among tion to every detail of his business. Although the leading citizens and its self-made business men. formerly a Whig in politics he afterward became a

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His career through life is one that reflects much Democrat. His wife came to this parish from Ala- credit

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upon him as a man, and he enjoys the repu bama about 1838, and in 1840 she was married tation of being public spirited and thoroughly here to Mr. Noel, their union resulting in the birth posted on all public affairs. He is at present the of four children: William E., Jennie (wife of R. efficient secretary of the Cotton Exchange of ShreveT. Cole, present representative of the parish in the port, and no better man for the position could be State Legislature), Taylor (who is a farmer of this found, for besides being a rapid worker, he gives parish), and Sudie (wife of W. A. Elliott, also a the minutest attention to every detail.

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He was planter here). The mother of these children makes born in the city of New Orleans, January 12, 1814, her home with the subject of this sketch, and is being the eldest of seven sons and three daughters now in her sixty-fourth year. William E. Noel born to James P. Nolan, who was an extensive imreceived his primary education in the schools of porting merchant of New Orleans before the war, , Louisiana, but finished his education in William He was appraiser of the Custom House during and Henry College in Virginia. At the breaking Buchanan's administration, and during the war out of the war he came home and joined the was appointed tax collector under the Confederate Seventeenth Louisiana Infantry, the company being government in New Orleans. After living a use- . known as the “ Caddo Lake Boys,'' with which he ful and honorable life, he died in that city in 1870, served three years, when he was transferred to the mourned not only by his immediate and sorrowing Third Louisiana Cavalry, which was disbanded in household, but by all who knew him. James V. Concordia Parish. He was captured shortly after Nolan was reared and educated in the city of New and held a prisoner for about three months or until Orleans, and upon the opening of the war in 1861, Lee surrendered when he was released. While he joined the State service, and in January, 1862, with the Seventeenth he was in the battle of was transferred to the Confederate State service, Shiloh and all around Vicksburg, being also in the and served until the surrender.

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He was retired siege of that place. He was never wounded but from field service after the battle of Mansfield, and had some narrow escapes. Soon after the war he sent east of the Mississippi River under Gen. Dick commenced to farm for himself, and also managed Taylor, and was with him at Meridian, Miss., when

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nessee.

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summons.

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he received his parole in May, 1865. He then re- R. B. Patterson, retired, Shreveport, La. This turned home, and began working for the Southern prominent citizen owes his nativity to the Big Express Company at New Orleans, was quickly Bend State, his birth occurring in Davidson promoted to agent and opened the first express County on June 10, 1826, and is the only one of office in Shreveport, this being in the month of eight children now living, born to the union of March, 1867. He was in the service of this com- Martin and Elizabeth (Russell) Patterson, the father pany for fourteen years, and was its superintendent a native of South Carolina, and the mother of Tenof the State of Texas at the time of his resignation.

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The father went to Tennessee when a In 1879 he was elected secretary of the Cotton Ex- young man, met and married Miss Russell, and change of Shreveport, and has held this position afterward resided in Davidson County, where he continuously up to the present date. Three periods followed farming. From there he moved to cover Mr. Nolan's business experience, four years Graves County, Ky., and there received his final spent in the army, fourteen years in the employ of

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The mother died in Tennessee. R. B. the Southern Express Company, and twelve years Patterson attained his growth and received a fair as secretary of the Cotton Exchange, in all of education in the common schools of Tennessee. which positions he has faithfully discharged every He was brought up to the arduous duties of the duty. Socially he is a member and past officer of farm, and remained on the same until 1814, then the K. of P., the K. of H., the A. L. of H., an ex- came to Shreveport, La., in 1848. Here he enempt member of the fire department, and has gaged in the brickmaker's trade, and continued been a charter member, and is now vice-president at the same for several years. He afterward of the United Confederate Veteran Association. embarked in the butcher's business, and was He was married in March, 1869, to Miss Jennie engaged in shipping stock, which he has since Bond, a native of England, and by her he is the conducted, and has been very successful in his busifather of three children. His family are regular

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Together with Col. B. M. Johnson, he inattendants of the Catholic Church, are respected vested $80,000 in a ranch in Texas, and had it by all who know them, and move in the highest well stocked with 10,000 head of cattle, which was social circles of Shreveport. C. A. Nolan, a broth- a good investment. Owing to reverses caused er of James V., is the assistant secretary of the by war he came to Shreveport, La., at which time Shreveport Fair Association, and is a wide awake, he had but $500 in cash, although at the beginpushing and intelligent young gentleman. He was ning of the war he was in good circumstances, but born in Hancock County, Miss., May 20, 1855, but like many others this was all swept away. Since like his brother, was reared and educated in the then he has been quite fortunate, and is to-day city of New Orleans. In 1870 he came to Shreve- living in ease and comfort. He owns considerable port, La., and was employed by the Southern Ex- town property, is one of the representative citizens, press Company for one year, after which he entered and has been identified here for forty-two years a saddlery establishment, and for some time at- with the best interests of the community. In 1850 tended to the office sales. He next became inter- he was married to Miss Amanda Walpool, a native ested in merchandising and continued to follow of Georgia, and they are the parents of four chilthis calling with success until 1889, when he ac- dren: J. F., R. J. M., Lauretta (wife of J. G. Lee), cepted his present position, at which he is doing and Fannie L. (wife of William Sorells, a druggist well. He possesses many worthy characteristics,and of Hot Springs.) Mr. Patterson is a member of the in his intercourse with his fellow-men he is court- Masonic Fraternity, and he and wife are members eous, agreeable and gentlemanlike. For the past of the Methodist Episcopal Church. seventeen

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years he has been a member and officer Judge W. C. Perrin, cotton factor and dealer of the fire department, and has ever taken a deep in real estate, has been a resident of Shreveport interest in the welfare of Shreveport and vicinity. for twenty-five years, and during that time has

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ness.

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won for himself a leading place in the mercantile country property for sale. He is a most thorough and social circles of the city. He owes his nativity and energetic man of business, and reliable in all to Harrison County, Ky., his birth occurring on his transactions. He came here a poor boy, and November 7, 1832, and his educational facilities has gradually worked his way to the front ranks of were such as could be obtained in the common the substantial citizens of Shreveport, and now schools. He assisted his father on the home place enjoys the fruits of his industry. The Judge is a until seventeen years of age, and then with the member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. latter embarked in the hotel business, which they He has been married twice, first in 1867 to Miss continued for four years. After this Judge W. Georgia T. McFall, and the second time in 1885, C. Perrin was postmaster clerk at Vicksburg, Miss., to Miss Anna Conway. With his worthy wife he for two years, then he taught school in the Blue- belongs to the Presbyterian Church. His parents, Grass State for a short time. From there he went Green K. and Mary B. (Ingles) Perrin, were nato Kansas in 1857, and sold goods there while the tives of Kentucky, and of French descent.

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The Indians were still in the State. Later he returned father was a farmer and passed his entire life in to Kentucky and was book-keeper at Louisville for his native State. The mother died in Shreveport, about four years.

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In 1862 he enlisted in Com- La. They were the parents of ten children, seven pany E, Fourteenth Kentucky Cavalry, Morgan's of whom are living at the present time: Mrs. E. command, and served until the close. He held W. Sparks (of Shreveport), Benjamin F. (deceased), the rank of corporal. He was captured at Che- Solomon C. (in Shreveport), Gwinn K. (of Kenshire, Ohio, taken to Camp Chase, then to Camp tucky), Mrs. Anna Zabor (of Shreveport), Mrs. Douglas, Chicago, and was held a prisoner for a Evaline Demitt (of Cynthiana, Ky.), James L. (of little over twenty-two months. He was exchanged Nicholas County, Ky.), and Mary (deceased). with the last squad at the mouth of Red River. Israel W. Pickens. Prominent among the In 1865 he came to Shreveport, La., and was planters of Louisiana who bear such an enviable freight clerk with Phelps & Co., remaining in that reputation for courtesy, good judgment and hoscapacity for two years. Subsequently he was with pitality, ranks Israel W. Pickens, a brief sketch of J. C. Elsner, and had charge of a wharf boat for whose life now claims attention. His birth ocsome time, and then entered the employ of S. B. curred in Lawrence County, Miss., in the year McCutcheon & Co., remaining fifteen years with 1832, he being the son of William L. and Nancy this house. He then bought an interest and the C. (Gordon) Pickens, natives of Kentucky and firm became McCutcheon & Perrin, thus continuing Alabama, respectively. His parents were married for two years, when it was changed to Perrin & in Lawrence County, Miss., May 22, 1830, and Ziegler. Four years later Mr. Ziegler withdrew, three years later moved to Holmes County, in the and since then Judge Perrin has conducted the same State, where the mother died in January, business alone. He makes a specialty of real es- 1834. On the following year the father moved to state and cotton, and does an extensive business. Carroll County, and was there married on April Interested as he is in property of all kinds, and 16, 1835, and in 1841 came to Shreveport, and in the cotton market, he has at all times striven to five miles from that city breathed his last June 6, advance the very best interests of the community. 1852. He was in early life a merchant, but in the He is a popular man, and has held the office of latter course of his life devoted his attention to treasurer of Caddo Parish for six years, also other agriculture. His father, William Pickens, a native offices of trust such as treasurer of the Board of of South Carolina, was born December 28, 1777, Trade, treasurer of the Inter-State Loan Associa- and died in Holmes County, Miss., in the summer tion, besides being connected with other matters of 1865, aged eighty-seven years, having served of vital importance to the city. He does a general at one time as captain in an Indian war.

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Gabriel real estate business, and has city, suburban and Pickens, one of the ancestors of this family, was a

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causes.

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now

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native of South Carolina, and brother of Gen. sionary Baptist Church, and are at all times interAndrew Pickens of Revolutionary fame. Isaac ested in advancing both educational and religious Gordon was a native of North Carolina and passed

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Mr. Pickens is a member of both the to his final resting place in Carroll County, Miss., board of trustees and board of directors of Keatchie in 1845, after attaining his sixtieth year. Thus it Male and Female College, and a member of the will be seen at a glance that the Pickens family is executive board of the Louisiana Baptist State an old and honored one, and that they served their Convention. country faithfully and well when a necessity arose. Anchew S. Reisor, M. D. The subject of the Israel Pickens is the only child born to his father's present sketch is not only a practicing physician first marriage. He spent most of his youth on the and surgeon, but is also a prominent merchant, plantation, and received a good English education. and is postmaster at Reisor. His birth occurred When twenty years of age, he commenced a busi- on the same farm upon which he now resides, in ness career for himself, and in 1856 married Miss 1819, and his parents were E. Madison and CharMattie Herring, daughter of Williams G. and lotte (Scott) Reisor, natives of Alabama, who Martha Herring, natives of North Carolina and were married here, and settled in the woods, near South Carolina, respectively. After their mar- what is now Reisor. Here, in 1860, the father riage Mr. and Mrs. Herring moved to Mississippi, breathed his last, his widow is yet surviving him,

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, and in 1818 came to Caddo Parish, settling on

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in her sixtieth year.

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They were both wbat is now known as the Herndon farm. Mr. members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and Herring died in 1819, and Mrs. Herring in 1853. devout Christians. Mr. Reisor was a successful He served as circuit clerk and as sheriff, and at planter,and was the only one of his family who came one time represented Carroll County, Miss., in the to Louisiana. They were of German descent. The Legislature. They were of Scotch descent, and to grandfather, Andrew Scott, and his wife, Matilda them were born eleven children. Mrs. Pickens' Jones Scott, were born in North Carolina and birth occurred in Carroll County, Miss., and to South Carolina, respectively. They moved from her marriage have been born eleven children, five South Carolina to Alabama, and in 1847 came to of whom are now living, viz.: Lula J. (wife of Caddo Parish. Nr. Scott died in 1873, and his James J. Pickens, of Sulphur Springs, Tex.), Israel wife in 1870, belonging at the time of their death W. Jr., John Paxton, Bessie May and Robert to the Missionary Baptist Church. Clyde. In 1859 Mr. Pickens settled on his pres- Capt. William J. Scott, was one of the best schoolent farm, which at that time was unimproved. teachers in Louisiana in the early days. He joined This plantation is situated about ten miles south the Confederate army, serving as first lieutenant of Shreveport and comprises about 1,800 acres. and afterward as captain. Dr. Reisor was the He has held several public offices; being appointed eldest of the eight children born to his parents, deputy sheriff in 1860, and elected sheriff in 1861 of whom, at the present writing, three sons and one and 1863, and was twice elected afterward but not daughter are living. He was educated in the neighallowed to fill the office. During the Cleveland borhood school of this place, and in McKenzie, administration Mr. Pickens was deputy revenue

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Col., and at Clarksville, Tex. After finishing his collector for the Sixth division of the District of studies, he was for some years a teacher in Panola Louisiana for four years.

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He is a prominent and Hunt Counties in the Lone Star State, and member of the A. F. & A. M., is worshipful in the meantime he devoted much time to the study master of Land Mark Lodge 214. He has been of medicine, and in 1887 attended the Kentucky district deputy grand master two years of the

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School of Medicine, at Louisville, graduating from Tenth Masonic District of Louisiana. He is also a there in 1890. He is now one of the leading pracmember of the I. O. O. F. and Farmers' Union. titioners of the parish, as well as one of the promiBoth himself and wife are identified with the Mis- nent planters. Reisor Station was named for him,

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Their son,

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He was

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and he has been postmaster there since the office own a valuable plantation on Red River, containwas first established. Dr. Reisor is a member of, | ing 1,700 acres of fine land under cultivation, and and junior warden of, Land Mark Lodge No. 214, 3,800 acres in the whole estate. They are remarkA. F. & A. M., Keithville, and is a member of ably prosperous, and are doing about a $30,000Charity Lodge, A. O. U. W., of Shreveport. In 1870 business each year. he was married to Miss Alabama Scott, daughter of Hon. William Robson, State Senator from the William Scott, a native of North Carolina, and Eliza- Twentieth District. This honored citizen is one beth Scott, a native of Alabama, who came here of the oldest and best known settlers of Caddo in 1860. Mr. Scott died in 1882, and Mrs. Scott Parish, La., and is another example of what enis still living To the subject of this sketch ergy, industry and perseverance, when intelliand his wife have been born one son and one gently applied, have accomplished for those of daughter. The family belong to the Missionary foreign birth who have seen fit to locate within the Baptist Church, and are at all times active in try- borders of this parish. His home farm, which is ing to advance worthy causes.

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known by the name of Long Branch, situated John M. Robinson, of the firm of J. M. & G. fourteen miles below. Shreveport, comprises 1,400 W. Robinson, is an extensive planter at Bayou La acres and is one of the finest and most valuable Chute and police juror from Ward 8.

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pieces of land on Red River. One thousand one born in Red River Parish, in 1857, being the son hundred acres are in a fine state of cultivation, of George W. and Harriet A. (Bludworth) Robin- and besides this property he is the owner of land son, natives of North Carolina and Louisiana, re- in Red River Parish and in Texas. He was born spectively. His parents were married in Monroe, in Scotland in 1826, but at the age of fourteen La., and soon settled in Red River Parish, where

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years ran away from school and apprenticed himthe father died in 1879, and the mother in 1871. self to the blacksmith's trade, which he followed The father was a successful planter, and took part with success for many years thereafter.

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On May in the Mexican War. The paternal grandfather of

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. The paternal grandfather of 17, 1848, he was married to Miss Eliza, a daughthe subject of this sketch, John Robinson, died in ter of David Viltue, who was a celebrated engiNorth Carolina, and the maternal grandfather, neer and bridge builder of Scotland, and reared Milton Bludworth, was one of the early settlers in to manhood several sons, all of whom became Monroe, La., where he died about 1824. He, too, famous contractors and builders in their native was a planter of great prominence. Mr. Robinson was country, Scotland. Five days after his marriage the third of the seven children born to his parents, Capt. Robson (as he is called) set sail, with his six of whom are now living. He spent his youth wife, for the United States, and as the vessel in on a plantation, but received an excellent educa- which he sailed was well filled with passengers, tion, graduating from the Washington and Lee the sanitary condition of the same became very University of Lexington, Va., where he learned

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poor and he was requested by the captain of the civil engineering, and at first devoted his attention boat to draft a code of rules by which the passento it. He afterward rented the home farm, and gers should be governed during the trip. This he remained in Red River Parish until 1884. At that did, and on their adoption he was made captain, date he married Miss Mattie G. Hutchison, daugh although at that time a young man. Under his ter of William J. Hutchison, one of the old pio management affairs were much improved, and the neers, and one of the most universally esteemed vessel completed the journey with all her passenplanters in Caddo Parish. In this place Mrs. Rob- gers in good condition. His first year

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in the New inson was born.

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To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have World was spent in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he been born three children. Since the war Mr. Rob- learned the higher and more scientific branches of inson has continued to reside on his present plan- bis trade, also engineering, and in 1819 he came to tation. He and his brother, George W. Robinson, Shreveport, La., where he acted as engineer of a boat for some time, but gave this up to found a office he was elected to the State Senate in 1883, blacksmith, wagon, harness and saddlery estab- and has since been a member of that body and has lishment, which he conducted with marked suc- become a prominent legislator as well as a social cess until the opening of the war, his fortune at favorite of the members serving as chairman on that time amounting to $100,000. In 1858 he was several important committees. He is one of the elected to represent Caddo Parish in the Legis. original members of the Water Ways Convention, lature, and while a member of that body he left the which was organized at Cincinnati, Ohio, and at a

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, , Legislative halls to join the Third Louisiana In- the last convention he was chairman of the comfantry of Rangers, of which he was made captain, mittee on credentials and was made vice president

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his service being the most of the time in North- of the convention with Capt. Holloway, of Cincinwestern Arkansas. After the battle of Oak Hill nati, as president. In April, 1890, he attended a he returned home, organized Company A and meeting of that convention in Washington, D. C., joined the Twenty-fifth Louisiana Infantry and where he made a speech on “Rivers and Harreached the field of Shiloh in time to engage in bors,” in which he gave his experience of forty

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” the second day's fight there. After that he went

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years on Red River.

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The result of his speech and to Perryville, Ky., where he was made major of by the assistance of Congressman Blanchard, Conthe Twenty-fifth Louisiana, and was soon after gress appropriated $20,000 for the improvement ordered by the War Department to Texas to en- of that river. As a public official he was justly gage in the manufacture of iron. In seven months noted for the sterling honesty and superior capatime he had constructed the Davis Company Iron bility and has always been found perfectly capaWorks, and was ready to begin operations. He ble of filling any position to which he has been continued at this work until the close of the war, elected. He has always taken a deep interest in then returned to Shreveport and for a short time secret organizations, and was formerly noble grand was again engaged in boating on Red River. The of Neath Lodge No. 21, of the I. 0. O. F. He two following years were spent in the mercantile has held the highest positions in the gift of this and real estate business, but since that he has been order, and is at present grand representative of a resident of his plantation--Long Branch. He Nova Scotia, Arkansas and Louisiana. is a self-made man in every sense of the term, and early day he was a member of the City Council of has been remarkably successful in everything he Shreveport for a number of years, also street has undertaken to do. Personally, and in every commissioner, the last two days of the week being

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. private relation and duty of life, too much can not devoted to the interests of the city for which he be said of Mr. Robson. Liberal, generous and received no compensation. To himself and wife a high minded, he is the life of social intercourse family of three sons was born, only one of whom and the soul of true honor and an unbounded is living, William V., who was educated princigreatness of heart. He has the instinct and train. pally in Scotland and is now a man of fine inteling of a true gentleman, which he manifests in his lect and good business ability. After finishing daily walk and conversation; and while he is not his education he spent some time in traveling in aggressive in his opinions nor disposed to be dis- Germany and other countries of Europe and now putatious, yet he has most emphatically a mind has full charge of his father's business, besides . of his own with the moral courage to express it being an extensive levee contractor and builder. when occasion so demands. His life is full of Capt. Robson is a son of Robert and Jessie (Hamkind deeds, and it may be truly said of him that ilton) Robson, who spent their lives in their native he never violated a friendship nor forgot a kind

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land of Scotland, the father being a mechanic in action done him. Soon after the termination of moderate circumstances. Mr. Robson is a model the war he was nominated for the State Legis- American citizen and is of the stuff of which lature, and although he declined to run for the great people are made-of that moral and per

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In an

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а

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sonal integrity and clear, well-balanced active in- a business he had followed before the war and telligence, which adorn the private station and some time after on his farm. For a number of make and keep the public service pure.

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years be had alsó devoted his time between his Dr. John I. Schumpert, physician and surgeon, practice and the stock-raising industry, raising Bethany, La. Dr. Schumpert is a man of decided Jersey and Ayrshire cattle, and also many horses. intellectual ability, is ever ready to obey the call of He is the owner of over 1,000 acres of land at all classes, and is, in truth, a physician of thorough Bethany, and has one of the pleasantest homes in learning and experience. He was born in New- the parish. Just prior to the last constitutional berry, S. C., in 1835, and is the son of Jacob K. convention he was a member of the State Legislaand Harriet (Abner) Schumpert, both natives of ture from Caddo Parish, and afterward served one South Carolina also. There the parents resided term as police juror. The Doctor is a member of their entire lives, the mother dying in 1887 and the A. F. & A. M., joining Jackson Lodge at the father in 1888, and both were consistent mem- Greenwood many years ago, and also took three bers of the Lutheran Church. The father was a degrees in Shreveport Chapter. He was married successful agriculturist, and was an honest, up- in 1859 to Miss Mary P., daughter of Thomas and right citizen. The paternal grandfather, Frederick Rosannah (Herbert) Halt, natives of Tennessee, Schumpert, was born in South Carolina, and was where they spent their entire lives. To Dr. and of German parentage. He served in the Revolu- Mrs. Schumpert was born one child, Dr. Theo. tion, and passed his last days in his native State.

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Edgar, a practicing physician of this State and a The great-grandfather was also a native of South graduate of that far-famed and renowned instituCarolina, and received his final summons in that tion, the University of Louisville, Ky. State. The great-great-grandparents of our sub- Martin H. Sharp is an extensive planter residing ject were among the early colonists of that country. near Longwood, La., but his birth occurred in The maternal grandfather, Zachariah Abner, was Montgomery, Ala., on December 11, 1833. His a native of South Carolina, and followed farming parents, Cunningham and Elizabeth (Gibbons) in that State until his death. His father was born Sharp, having been born in North Carolina, movin the Old Dominion, but died in South Carolina. ing to Alabama after their marriage. The father He was of English descent. He also served in the

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was of Irish descent, a Democrat, a planter and a Revolutionary War. Of the six children born to soldier in the War of 1812. He died at the age his parents, Dr. Schumport was the eldest in order of seventy years and she at sixty years of age,

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, of birth. He was taught the duties of the farm in they having been members of the Presbyterian youth, and his early scholastic advantages, as he Church and the parents of ten children, the subgrew up, tended to increase the natural desire ject of this sketch being the youngest of the which he possessed to follow the medical profes family and the only one now living. In 1855 he sion. He attended college at Lexington, S. C., came to Caddo Parish and commenced to till the and then spent three years at the School of Physi. soil, but in 1859 settled in Ward 3, and in 1868 cians & Surgeons in New York City, where he one mile northwest of Longwood, where he has a graduated in 1839. He at once selected Caddo

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He at once selected Caddo well improved plantation of 400 acres, his entire Parish as the scene of his future labors, and has acreage amounting, however, to 1,800, 500 being resided here for over thirty years. Soon after the under cultivation. On coming to Louisiana he war broke out he joined the Seventeenth Texas was without means, but by industry he has become Cavalry, as a private, and was soon after appointed one of the wealthiest planters in this section.

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In surgeon, serving in that capacity in the Trans- 1863-64 he was in Harrison's regiment, Third Mississippi Department until about the last Louisiana, and for some time held the office of year, when he was ordered home to

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sergeant. He was a heavy loser by the war, in tannery, etc., for the Confederate government, fact lost all he bad accumulated, but has since

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run

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a

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retrieved his fortunes. In 1886 he opened a store the national canvass for the Democratic party in to supply his own plantation, and has since con- the States of Maine, Ohio and Michigan, explainducted the same, doing well. His marriage took ing the condition of the people of Louisiana in place in 1866 to Miss Sallie Parnell, daughter of their struggle with the corrupt State government John Parnell. She was born in this parish and and removing much sectional prejudice. In the died in 1881, on December 30, having borne a fall of 1877 he came to Shreveport. He has been family of seven children, four now living: Joseph, superintendent of the public schools of Caddo Richard, James and Pearl, the two youngest being Parish for four years. Mr. Shepherd has been an at home. Anna died in 1885, when fifteen years ardent toiler in the cause of public education. He of age, and the other two died in infancy. In conceived the present State law which devotes to 1882 Mr. Sharp was married to Miss Jennie public education all the fines and forfeitures imArnold of Kellyville, Tex., and by her has one posed by the criminal courts. In the press conchild, Percy. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp are members vention of 1883 his resolution embodying the idea, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, his first wife secured unanimous approval, and the agitation on having also been a member, and he is a Democrat, that subject finally secured the law in 1888. He politically, and a member of the K. of P.

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was for some time one of the owners of the ShreveJ. H. Shepherd, District Attorney, Shreveport, port Times. He was elected district attorney in La. The locality in which Shreveport is situated is 1888, and the crimes during his administration indeed fortunate in having among its citizens such have been reduced at least sixty per cent., as the a man as Mr. Shepherd is conceded to be, for his record shows. His strong good sense, his knowconnection with the interests of the county not ledge of human nature, and his genuine legal only in a professional but in a social point of view ability have rendered him one of the best officers has been of much benefit and influence. In all for that position the county has ever had. He ages of the world, industry, perseverance and was married in 1882 to Miss Hattie Phillips, of a energy, where intelligently applied, have achieved very prominent family, and the daughter of one of a result which could have been gained only by the early settlers of DeSoto Parish, La. Mr. having one object in view, and in improving every and Mrs. Shepherd have one son, St. Clair. Mr. opportunity to ultimately attain to that object. Shepherd has been supreme representative of the Mr. J. H. Shepherd is an example of what can be K. of P. of Louisiana, and has been grand chanaccomplished when the spirit of determination is cellor. He represented the Grand Lodge of exercised in connection with the every day affairs of Louisiana in the K. of H. two terms. life. He began life for himself at the age of eleven grand master of the A. O. U. W., Grand Lodge years as a newsboy. He worked on a farm for several of Texas, including besides that State, Louisiana, years. He determined to have a liberal education. Arkansas and Indian Territory. He is now suEnergy and industry will overcome all obstacles, preme representative of that body in the Supreme so the young man who left his books when funds Lodge. He is also a member of the Masonic fragave out for the field, at last received his reward. ternity. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd are members of

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, He graduated from Hamilton College in 1872 with the Presbyterian Church. the degree of A. B. He then engaged in teaching E. M. Smith is a real estate dealer of Shreveat night in the New York City schools while pur- port, La., and as he has been interested in this suing his studies during the day at Columbia business for years past his judgment is acknowlCollege Law School, from which institution he edged to be second to none on values, and the graduated with the degree of LL. B. in May, 1874. utmost confidence is reposed in him by all who He came to Caddo Parish in that year, and taught know bim. He is a South Carolinian, his birth school until the memorable campaign of 1876, when occurring in Anderson County in 1836, in which at the instance of ex-Gov. Seymour he took part in State his parents, W. C. and Caroline (Majors)

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He was

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Smith, were also born. Mr. Smith's ancestors mechanical turn of mind, he went to laying brick were early settlers of that State, but the maternal for a livelihood, putting up for his first building great-grandfather was left an orphan in North Car- what is now the Cotton Exchange. He manufact- olina when quite young, and was compelled to fight ured brick, and was engaged in building until the the battle of life for himself. He lived to be one fall of 1869, during which time he had erected hundred and four years of age, and was known as many buildings and had saved enough money to Canon Brezeal. The mother's father was also buy a little place to feed his stock, and gradually left an orphan in his youth, but was left with a drifted into the fine stock and dairying business, a large fortune, which he afterward lost. W. C. calling which received his attention for seven Smith was ordained a minister of the Baptist years. He then moved to his now beautiful resi- Church when twenty years of age, and in connec- dence, but still conducts his plantation. He is an tion with his ministerial duties he owned and extensive real estate dealer, and is the owner of operated a large plantation successfully for many 2,500 acres of land, with 600 or 700 acres under years. In the discharge of his ministerial duties cultivation, besides some valuable city property, he became noted as an evangelist, and the work he and is making a good interest from his real estate did for the cause of the Master is almost untold. business. He is one of the chief promotors and In 1852 he moved to Hall County, Ga., in which organizers of the State Fair Association, and is place he died in 1889 in his eighty-first year. His interested in laudable enterprises. His marriage, widow survives him,and makes her home in Georgia. which occurred in 1869, was to Miss Eliza A. Although she bore her husband a large family of Likens, of Alabama, by whom he has four children: children; only seven grew to maturity-six sons and Lee L., Carrie W., Alex A. and Albert M. one daughter--of whom the subject of this sketcb George W. Solomon is a leading citizen of is the eldest. He was taken to Georgia when Caddo Parish, La., but is a native of Alabama, his about fourteen years of age, and in this State re- birth occurring in Butler County, December 1, ceived the principal part of his education, becom- 1835, being a son of Hartwell C. and Elizabeth ing familiar with farm work, and there continued (Flowers) Solomon, who were married in Alabama, to make his home until 1859, when he came to the father dying in that State in 1857 when about Louisiana, and after traveling over this State and fifty-five years of age. He was a farmer and a also Texas, looking for a location, in the latter member of the Christian Church, also a minister part of that year he decided to take up his abode of the same, and in his political views was a Dem- in Alexandria. He immediately engaged in plant- ocrat. He had served in the War of 1812 and was ing as a calling, with which he was most familiar, of English descent. His wife died in Caddo Par- but gave this up in the latter part of 1862 to en- ish in 1860 when about fifty-five years of age, she list in the First Louisiana Battalion, and was a being also a worthy member of the Christian Church. faithful soldier until the fall of 1864.

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The subject of this sketch was the fourth of their captured at Holly Springs, Miss., but made good eleven children, and when a small lad commenced his escape before reaching St. Louis, and passed assisting his father on the farm, but at the death his way through as a brakeman to Canada. He

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of the latter he took charge of his mother's affairs had a friend who loaned him money, and he ac- and worked, provided for and educated the balance cordingly took passage in a sailing vessel, passing of the family, and himself and a brother, Hartalong the east coast of the United States until he well C., who is a farmer and a Missionary Baptist reached Matamoras, Mexico. After the surrender minister of Hopkins County, Tex., are the only he was paroled and given transportation back to ones of the family now living. On coming to LouisAlexandria, landing without a cent or a decent suit iana Mr. Solomon had $375 in gold, which he spent of clothes, but, notwithstanding this, he managed for his first crop, which proved a failure, and he to make his way to Shreveport, and being of a lost all. In the fall of 1861 he became a member

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He was

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of the Seventeenth Louisiana Infantry, with which belonging to Stephens & Hunter, which has been be served until one year before the close of the in existence since 1886 and is a commodious and war, when he was transferred to the Confederate substantial house, 10x100 feet, at the corner of navy and was on the gunboat “Shreveport," built Crockett and Levee Streets. The annual sales of in Missouri, and was with it when he surrendered the firm will amount to $225,000, and between at Alexander, La. While in the infantry be was 4,000 and 5,000 bales of cotton are handled by in the battle of Corinth, siege of Vicksburg, and a

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them each season. They are substantial, progres- number of skirmishes. At the close of the war he sive and enterprising business men, and by their commenced to farm once more on rented land, and united efforts have risen to the very front ranks of two years later purchased a farm in Ward 3, where the business men of the city. Mr. Stephens was he has since lived. He has been the owner of five born in Preble County, Ohio, in April, 1822, and different plantations in this ward, and is now the is a son of W. D. and Mary (De Frees) Stephens, owner of 360 acres of land, of which 120 are under both of whom were Virginians, the former of Swiss cultivation, which he devotes to the raising of corn ancestry and the latter a French lady. The great- and cotton. In 1876 he bought an interest in a grandfather was a native of Switzerland, and the horse gin which he operated several years, but in

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maternal grandmother was born in London, Eng 1885 built a steam gin which does excellent work. land. The paternal grandfather, Stephens, served From 1884 to 1886 he was in business in Danville, in the War of 1812 as captain of a scouting party, and expects soon to again engage in business here. and he and wife died in Ohio to which State they In 1865 he was married to Miss Eusabia Attaway, had moved at an early day, it being almost a wil- a daughter of Elisha Attaway, sbe being born in derness at that time. The father of the subject of this parish in July, 1838, and to them eleven chil- this sketch was a mechanic, and left Ohio in 1836 dren have been born: Verona (wife of Thomas Wat- to come to Louisiana, and was among the early son, deceased, she now making her home with the settlers of Natchitoches Parish, but gave up his subject of this sketch), Stella (wife of Robert Jones trade after coming here and turned his attention to of this parish), Sallie, Thurston, Ernest, Frank, planting, which he successfully conducted until his Eusabia, Clide and Edward (living), and Allen (an death, which occurred about 1860. His wife infant, deceased), and Sterling (who died at the age passed from life in 1858. Mr. Stephens was a of fourteen years, being the oldest son). Mr. Sol- member of the convention that changed the con- omon is a Democrat, and is a liberal supporter of stitution in 1847 at Baton Rouge, and he was sub- worthy enterprises in his parish. Since writing sequently superintendent of public instruction in the above Mr. Solomon ha lost his wife, a noble Sabine Parish. He was also a member of the woman, a kind wife and a loving mother. She had police jury of Natchitoches, and being a man of been an invalid of consumption for ten months, sound views and well educated, his advice was and was tenderly cared for by her devoted children sought and followed by many. He was also a good and sympathizing friends until September 2, 1890, orator for his day, and was frequently called upon when she departed this life at the age of forty-six to make speeches on different occasions. years and two months. " Well done thou good a man of unblemished character, and was noted and faithful servant, enter into thy joys that await for his honesty and good nature. Four of the six thee.'

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children born to himself and wife are now liv- J. H. Stephens. Among the many enterprises ing: J. H., Elizabeth (wife of Dr. J. C. Arinstrong), necessary to complete the commercial resources of Lawrence E. and Emily. J. H. Stephens was a town or city, none is of more importance than about fourteen years of age when he first came to that of the grocer, as being one of the main factors this State but his literary education was received in the furnishing of our food supplies. Prominent in St. Mary's College, Miss., but just before grad- in this line is the wholesale grocery establishment uating he was obliged to return home for want of

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a

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He was

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means to continue his studies.

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He paid his way

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served one term as a member of the board of at school with money earned by his own labor, and trustees of Shreveport. His marriage which ocupon his return home he became a clerk in the curred in 1847 was to Miss Jane Bludworth, a namercantile establishment of Wamsley Bros., of tive of this State, and to them six children have Natcbitocbes, continuing with them for five years. been born: Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs. Berry, Mrs. He then opened an establishment of his own at Eichler (a widow), Mary, Jesse B., and J. H., Jr. Grand Cane, which was then the landing place for The Captain has been a Mason for many years, Natchitoches, and did a very extensive business, in and he and wife are members of the Methodist time securing trade for many miles in the State of Episcopal Church. Texas. He remained there until 1861, then bought William J. Sullivan, the subject of the present a plantation and purchased a number of slaves, sketch, was born in Jackson County, Fla., in the but in 1862 he gave up this occupation and joined year 1824, being the son of John and Esther Cory's battalion of cavalry which was later dis (Keith) Sullivan, natives of the Carolinas. His banded, and he was assigned to Harrison's reg. parents were married in Georgia, and from that iment of cavalry, but was soon after detached and State moved to Florida. In 1838 he came to assigned to duty under R. M. Lusher, United Caddo Parish, and was among the earliest settlers States Confederate collector. He was then sent to in this place, indeed, so few were the inhabitants Sabine Parish to assess and collect the war tax, at that time that the houses were four or five miles and this occupation received his attention until the apart. They settled upon their present estate, close of the war. Of course he lost all his slaves which is situated about eighteen miles from during this time, and he also lost his plantation by Shreveport, and that city contained in those days fraudulent means.

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He was thus left without a only two small log-business houses, while the dollar, not knowing one day where he would get a country around was little more than a wilderness, meal the next. He concluded to settle in Shreve- overflowing with deer, wild turkeys and wolves, port, and here in 1869 he was found clerking for and presenting a truly primeval appearance,

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The Sale & Murphy, a well-known wholesale and re- chief part of the population was composed of tail house. He remained with them as head sales- the Caddo Indians, who dwelt contentedly in man until the fall of 1873, then, as Sale had died their rude wigwams made from the bark of of yellow fever and Murphy found himself bank- trees, with no desire for improvement or progrupt, he turned over his remnant stock to Capt.

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The father passed the remainder of his Stephens, to whom he owed nearly all of it for his life here, and was regarded as a planter of the salary. Mr. Stephens started on this as his all, strictest integrity and energy.

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He settled on a but during his five years' residence in this place 280-acre tract, and supposed he had made all the he had established an excellent character and his

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necessary proof, but only a few years ago his son, credit was good, and accordingly his trade rapidly the subject of this sketch, was called upon to furincreased. In the fall of 1886 he became associated nish additional proof, and being unable to do so in business with Samuel S. Hunter, and opened up the case came up before the various departments, his present establishment with the results named and was finally decided against the Sullivan propabove. Mr. Stephens is now a wealthy man, but erty, thus compelling Mr. Sullivan to buy it in at owes his prosperity to his own hard work, honesty the price of $2 per acre, the land being claimed and push, and no man in the town holds a more by the V. S. & P. R. R. The father was justice enviable place in the estimation of the people than of the peace here for a time, and in Florida had be. In 1860 he was superintendent of education served as deputy sheriff. Mr. Sullivan's paternal of Natchitoches Parish, and although he has no de grandfather, Robert Sullivan, was probably born in sire for office he filled this position with ability and North Carolina, and his parents were of Irish to the satisfaction of all concerned. He has also descent. His mother died in 1858, and his mater

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ress.

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He received his education in a 1868 he came to Shreveport

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, and after teaching for

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nal grandfather, Elibu Keith, died in Georgia. captain, and served until the close of the war, after The subject of this sketch was one of the four which he returned to Natchitoches Parish and

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pursons and four daughters born to his parents, and chased a plantation, but this proved to be a very of these children only he and a sister, Mary Viola, disastrous speculation, owing to overflows. In are now living little old log school-house, such as were found in some time in the Baptist College, now abandoned, those days in every neighborhood, and the infor- he, in 1870, in company with Col. George D. Alexmation imparted by those early school teachers was ander, opened an institute, the latter gentleman very limited indeed. In the

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year

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1849 be crossed withdrawing from the institution at the end of two the plains to California, where he remained about years. Since that time Col. Thatcher has continfour years working in the mines, and returned ued alone, very successfully, and as an educator home via Aspinwall after a season of adventure has not his superior in the State. He has four and excitement. He enlisted in the late war in sons: Prof. George O., F. G., H. W. and J. H. Maroh, 1862, joining Company I, Twenty-seventh The subject of this sketch was reared in TownsLouisiana Infantry, and took part in the battle of hend, Vt., making his home with his grandparents, Vicksburg, and served until the close of the and was educated there with a view to entering trouble restored peace to the country.

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He has had Dartmouth College. He remained in the North possession of his present plantation some time until 1875, then came to Shreveport and entered (1839), and owns 800 acres of valuable land, and upon the study of law, being admitted to the bar all this has been gained by means of his own per- in 1878, and almost immediately opened an office severance and energy. He has served as justice and entered upon his practice, continuing alone of the peace nearly twenty years in all. He is a until 1886, when the present partnership was member of the A. F. & A. M., Land Mark Lodge formed with Col. I. S. Young. He was elected No. 214, and was once worshipful master. He is city attorney to fill the unexpired term of Judge now, perhaps, the oldest Caddoian in the parish, Sea, and after the expiration of his appointment and his agreeable manners and excellent judgment he was elected to the office and has also served as have won him a host of friends both in religious, attorney for the police jury of Caddo Parish. He business and social circles.

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is a stockholder and secretary of the Shreveport F. G. Thatcher, attorney-at-law. A man can Railway and Land Improvement Company, also never be too wise or too learned to be a lawyer, for the fire insurance company and the canning facat some time or other in his practice his first and tory. As a forcible and easy speaker Mr. Thatcher last resources will be called into action. It is thus bas not his superior, and his wonderful energy has the profession of law bas attracted the best talent enabled him to overcome at times what seemed inof our country. An instance of this is found in surmountable difficulties. During the four years the gentlemen composing the firm of Young & that he and Mr. Young have been associated in Thatcher, who stand at the very top of the Loui- business they have conducted many important siana bar. Mr. Thatcher, the junior member of the cases with success, and are solid, reliable lawyers. firm, was born in Fair Haven, Mass., in 1857, both Mr. Thatcher is unmarried. his parents, George and Susan (Gray) Thatcher, Capt. George E. Thatcher, president of Thatcher being natives of Vermont. They removed to the

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They removed to the Institute, Shreveport, La. It has been truly said, Bay State while still young people, and the father that a good education is the best inheritance that was engaged in teaching school in Fair Haven un- parents can leave to their children.'' til his removal to Mansfield, La., in 1858. He take to themselves wings and fly away, but a good filled the chair of mathematics in a female college education will last through life. Thatcher Institute, of this State until the opening of the war, then

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a school for boys and young men, was originally enlisted in the Confederate army, ranking as a

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founded at Sbreveport, La., in 1880, by Capt.

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a

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Riches may George E. Thatcher and Col. George D. Alex- ford, and there remained for about two years. He ander, under the name of “Thatcher & Alexander's was next elected professor of mathematics at MansClassical and Mathematical Institute." The found- field (La.,) Female College in 1857, and occupied ers were widely and favorably known throughout that position until the breaking out of the war, this section as successful teachers of great experi- when he enlisted in Pelican Rifles of De Soto Parence, and the school, from its inception, enjoyed ish. He entered the ranks as a private and was

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. the patronage and support of many of the best promoted to bureau chemist of The Nitre and Mincitizens of Shreveport and neighboring parishes. ing Bureau of the Confederate States, serving in Its prestige has steadily progressed and still con- that capacity at Lynchburg and at the copper tinues, the institution having earned a widespread mines of Southwest Virginia, and at the iron mines reputation for efficiency. In 1872 Col. Alexander of Eastern Tennessee. After the fall of Vickswithdrew, and after that date the school was con- burg he was ordered to report to Gen. E. Kirby ducted by its present principal as a select private Smith, at Shreveport, and was placed in charge of school. As such it enjoyed the greatest prosperity, the powder works at Marshall, Tex. After about but as the number of students was strictly limited, three months of service here he was appointed capmany who applied for admission were necessarily tain of artillery on ordnance, and served at Marrefused. In recognition of the demand for an in- shall in charge of the powder works at that place stitution of high grade and extended curriculum, until the close of the war. After the surrender, the school was incorporated under the laws of or in 1870, he founded this school at Shreveport, Louisiana, and is now a regularly chartered institu- and has resided here ever since. It is no question tion under the name of “Thatcher Institute." Its that Capt. Thatcher is one of Northern Louisiana's board of directors is composed of many of the most finest educators. He has built up a fine school, prominent citizens of Shreveport and Northern has erected good buildings, and his annual attendLouisiana. The design of the institute is to give a ance is about 150. He has erected a neat and tasty thorough and complete education. Recognizing residence on the same grounds with his school the fact that many young men, who are denied the buildings. Capt. Thatcher was married in 1851 advantage of a full collegiate course, desire, never- to Miss Aurilla S. Gray, by whom he had three theless a thorough training in some branches, the sons, viz. : George 0. (professor of mathematics), faculty have striven to meet this demand by mak- Fred G. (an attorney), and Herbert W. (a mering the course elective. The number of students chant). The Captain's second marriage occurred will no longer be limited. Capt. George E. in 1860 to Mrs. Mary A. Lane (nee Hunter), who Thatcher, principal of the institute and a gentleman bore him one son, J. Hunter. of great erudition, was born in Bennington County, E. L. Tillinglast, M. D., is a native of BeauVt., February 3, 1830, and is a son of George and fort District, S. C., where he was born August 3, Sophronia (Hurd) Thatcher, natives also of the 1839, his education being also received in his Green Mountain State. The father was an archi- native State, graduating from Columbia College. tect, and his death occurred when the Captain was Upon attaining manhood he commenced the study about six months old. The latter remained with of medicine, and in 1861 attended the medical dehis mother until twenty-one years of age, attend- partment of the Louisiana University, at New Oring the common schools, and then finished his edu- leans, graduating the same year, having previously cation at Leland Institution at Townsend, Vt., aken a course at Charleston, S. C., in 1858–59. 1850 at the age of twenty years. He then began

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He then began in the month of April, 1861, he joined the Second teaching school, and went to Massachusetts, where South Carolina Regiment of Infantry, as assistant he took charge of an academy at Marion, remain

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surgeon, a position he held until the close of the ing there about five years. He was next appointed war, and was on the battlefield of the first Manasses, principal of Fair Haven High School at New Bed

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the seven days' fight around Richmond, Lewis

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burg, and Savage Station, where he received a flesh Thomas S., aged fifteen, and Robert G., aged wound, by a bursting shell. For some time he seventeen, they being members of the Second was on detached service in a hospital, and his war South Carolina Cavalry, and took part in all the experience was of great service to him. In 1866

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In 1866 battles of the Georgia campaign, under Gen. he came to Mooringsport, and commenced the Hardee. Some members of the family were also practice of his profession, and two years later set- in the War of 1812. tled on his present well-improved farm. He is The Times, owned and edited by Charles acknowledged by all to be an excellent physician Schaeffer and S. B. Johnson, two enterprising genand surgeon, and his practice is large and lucrative. tlemen, is now thoroughly established, and its crisp He was married in 1867, to Miss Hattie Lewis Fly, and trenchant editorials command: an ever widendaughter of Benjamin Fly, of this parish, formerly ing area of circulation, while they carry with them of Tennessee, and her birth occurred near Jackson, that weight and authority which a clear, calm and in the latter State. Their union has resulted in intelligent judgment must always secure. It is the birth of seven children: Mary Curry (wife of both daily and weekly, and receives all the Asso. Edward Curry), Maude N., Arthur Y., Blanche E. ciated Press dispatches daily, it being the only and Roy. Albert L. and Edwin L. both died when paper outside of New Orleans in the State, that young Dr. and Mrs. Tillinghast are members of gets the daily press reports. Its circulation is the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he is very large, and its advantages for an advertising a Mason, and in his political views, a Democrat. medium are not excelled beyond New Orleans. Mr. He is a son of Robert L. and Sophia E. (Wilson) Schaeffer, the manager, is a native of Shreveport, Tillinghast, the former of whom was born in born in 1859, and he received good educational Georgia, and was a successful lawyer. He died in facilities in that city. He served an apprentice1858, at the age of forty years, after having served ship in a printing office, working nights, and afterboth as a representative and senator in the Gen- ward had charge of different papers in Shreveport eral Assembly of his State, being chosen to these until 1887. Then he and Mr. S. B. Johnson purpositions by his Democratic friends. His father, chased the Times and have continued its publicaParvin Tillinghast, is supposed to have been a tion successfully since. It would hardly do justice lawyer by profession, and his life was spent in to the paper should we fail to mention the name Georgia and South Carolina. The first Tillingbast of Mrs. Julia Rule (perhaps better known to come to America bore the name of Parvin, who “Pansy”), who has charge of the society and came with Roger Williams, the Baptist. He was fashion department. This department is always the fifth elder of the State of Rhode Island, had full of choice literature, and is read with avidity by been a soldier under Cromwell, and came to Amer

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the subscribers of the Times. She is a competent ica on account of his political views, after the death and reliable writer. of that great leader. One of Parvin Tillinghast's Capt. J. F. Utz, of the firm of Utz & Smith, dealsons moved southward, the subject of this sketch ers in hardware, machinery and agricultural implebeing one of his descendants. There have been ments, Shreveport, La. Among the extensive houses many distinguished men in the family, and some in its line in this part of the United States is the became noted in the Revolutionary War, particu- above mentioned firm, whose business extends for larly Lieut. Thomas G. Tillinghast, of the United a radius of 150 miles in the territory adjacent to States navy, and for gallant services was given a Shreveport, trade being drawn from Louisiana, sword by the State of South Carolina. Another, Southern Arkansas and Eastern Texas. The firm Capt. Tillinghast was a graduate of West Point occupies a fine building of three floors, 75x100 feet, Military Academy, and was at one time a United at Nos. 517, 519, 521 and 523 Spring Street, in States Senator from Rhode Island. The subject which is carried a stock valued at from $10,000 to of this sketch had two brothers in the late war, $50,000, comprising all kinds of heavy and shelf

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as

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hardware, machinery, agricultural implements, Van Hoose & Terrell. R. H. Terrell is a meni- iron pipes and fittings, engineers' supplies, belt- ber of the well-known firm whose name forms the ing, etc. Plumbing and steam-fitting in all its caption of this sketch, who are planters and general branches is prosecuted. The business was estab- merchants of Grigsby Island and Shreve Island, lished in 1868 by Capt. James F. Utz, and in 1887 where they are owners of about 970 acres on one Mr. M. F. Smith became connected with the firm, and 800 acres on the other. They have about changing the name to Utz & Smith. From the 1,200 acres under cultivation, produce about 800 start this enterprise has prospered, and has had a bales of cotton annually and corn sufficient to run most successful existence, ranking with the very them. They also conduct a general supply store best houses in the Southern States. Capt. J. F. and are wide-awake, enterprising business men. Utz, one of the leading spirits of the conumunity, Mr. Terrell owes bis nativity to Grimes County, was born in the town of Madison, Ind., in 1835, Tex., in 1860, and his parents, John H. and Susan and is a son of John and Henrietta (Badley) Utz. (White) Terrell, were born in Georgia and Ala- He left Indiana with his parents when an infant, bama, respectively. The parents were married in came to Obio and there grew to manhood. In Texas, and there the father died in 1868. The 1858 he went to New Orleans and was engaged in mother died in 1859. Both were members of the business in that city for some time. At the break- Missionary Baptist Church. The father was a suc- ing out of the war he was residing at Alexandria, cessful tiller of the soil, and during the late civil La., and he enlisted in Company B, Second Lou- war served in the Confederate army. The paternal isiana Regiment, known as the Moore Guards, and grandfather, Robert Terrell, died in Georgia. R. held all the offices up to captain. He received a H. Terrell, the second of four children, was reared gunshot wound at Gettysburg, was left on the field to the arduous duties of the farm, and educated at and was captured and cast into Johnson Island the Agricultural and Mechanical College at Bayou, prison. From there he was taken to Fort Dela- Tex. After this he clerked about five years and ware, and was there at the close of the war. He in 1881 came to his present farm, a fine property, was on crutches for seven months from the wound all the result of his own efforts. he received at Gettysburg, and he was also wounded James H, Van Hoose, a partner of the above at Chancellorsville and Malvern Hill. He partici mentioned firm, was originally from Fayetteville, pated in all the principal engagements. He then Ark., his birth occurring in 1854, and is a son of

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a returned to Alexandria and in 1868 came to Shreve- Peter P. and Annie A. (Gregg) Van Hoose, the port, where he has resided for twenty-two years, father a native of the Blue-Grass State and the having been a resident of the State of Louisiana mother of Alabama. The parents were married in for thirty-two years. He established his present Washington County, Ark., and there the father business after coming here and this is now very died in 1865. He was a lawyer for many years extensive. He was president of the Confederate and a man of considerable prominence. He served Association for six years, is president of the Board in the Confederate army and was

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on Masonic of Trade, director in the First National Bank, parole at Springfield, Mo., at the time of his death. director of the Home Insurance Company of He was a very prominent Mason. The mother is Shreveport, president of the Opera House Com- still living and is a member of the Presbyterian pany for some time, and is the owner of considerable Church. Her father, John Gregg, died in Mar city property. He has in fact been identified with shall, Tex. James H. Van Hoose was the eldest almost every public enterprise of Shreveport, and of six children born to his parents. He moved to does all in his power to advance its best interests. Marshall, Tex., with his mother in 1869 and from Mr. Utz was married in 1870 to Miss Jennie there to Shreveport, La., in 1870. He received Thompson, a native of Caddo Parish, La. He and his education at Marshall and Shreveport, and was wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. married in 1882 to Miss Anna White, a native of

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Shreveport and the daughter of Reuben and Mar- tained his growth in Assumption Parish, received tha White. She died on February 22, 1890, and his education in Centenary College, Jackson, La., left three children. Mr. Van Hoose is a member and volunteered in the Confederate army when in of the Presbyterian Church, and socially is a mem

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his junior year.

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He organized a battery, carried it ber of the K. of P., Kalantha Lodge, Shreveport; into Missouri, and afterward resigned on account L. of H., Magpolia Lodge, and K. of H.

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of ill health. The battery was afterward comCapt. R. T. Vinson, mayor Shreveport, La. manded by Capt. Barrett. After recovering from There is one man within the limits of this parish the measles he enlisted in Washington Artillery, whose name, it might be said, is a household word Fifth Company, of New Orleans. He then obwith the people residing therein, for his long resi- tained a leave of absence, came home, and was subdence here and his intimate association with its sequently promoted to the position of captain of various material and official affairs have gained for artillery of Shreveport department. He surrenhim an extensive acquaintance. Such a one is dered at Marshall, Tex., in 1865. After the war Capt. R. T. Vinson, mayor of Shreveport, La. He he went to Bossier Parish and engaged in planting, owes his nativity to Assumption Parish, La., bis which occupation he still follows, owning a valuable birth occurring on July 23, 1842, and is a son of plantation just across the river from Shreveport. James B. Vinson, an old resident of the parish of He was president of the police jury of Caddo Parish Assumption, and a large sugar planter. The father for four years, and was also a member of Bossier was born in Gallatin, Tenn., as was also the mother, Police Jury while residing in that parish. He was whose maiden name was Miss Lucy T. Harper. She elected mayor of Shreveport to fill the vacancy of was a lineal descendant of Randolph Tucker, and Mr. Currie, and was elected unanimously. The her ancestors were in the early wars. The Vinson Captain has always taken an active interest in polifamily is of English and Scotch - Irish origin. The tics, and is a hard worker for his party. He is parents of Capt. Vinson emigrated to Louisiana in agreeable and pleasant in his intercourse with all, about 1832, settled in St. Mary's Parish, and there and has a host of warm friends. He is a member resided for many years.

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The father had emigrated of the Masonic fraternity, the K. of P., the A.O.U.W. to Louisiana when but eighteen years of age, and the Red Men. He has represented the K. of worked his way up, purchased a sugar plantation, P. at the Grand Lodge in nearly every session since and then returned to Tennessee for a wife. After its organization. He is now a member of the Grand residing in St. Mary's Parish some time, he sold his Lodge of A. O. U. W. His marriage was consumlands in that parish and purchased in the parish of mated on August 4, 1864, to Miss Sallie Hill, a naAssumption, where he resided until 1863; he then tive of Tennessee, and they have two children liv. refugeed to Caddo Parish, on account of the Feder- ing: Ada and Allen.

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Mrs. Vinson and daughter als being in possession. He was the owner of a are members of the Episcopal Church. large number of slaves and three large sugar plan- W. H. Wise, of the firm of Wise & Herndon, tations. He always took a deep interest in politics, counselors-at-law of Shreveport, La., has become but never aspired to office. He was a man of fine well known throughout the State as one of her social qualities, and entertained a great many

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leading and brilliant attorneys. The profession of friends. He was in partnership with Col. W. H. law is one of the most momentous and important Sparks for some time. He is now living in Nash- of human callings, and the man who assumes its ville, Tenn., is seventy-six years old, and is unusually practice takes upon himself weighty responsibilities, active for his age. He is the father of four living and although it brings into play the most brilliant children: R. W., Alice, Lillie ( wife of John Har- talents, the most extensive knowledge, the strongest per, of Jefferson, Tex.), and our subject. The sentiments, moral, spiritual and material, its power mother died in August, 1864. Capt. R. T. Vinson, for good or evil is vast and invincible. The honor the second of the above mentioned children, at

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of the above-mentioned firm is above criticism,

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and the ability of its members places it in the front natural result of their individual and confederate rank of the Louisiana bar. Mr. Wise, the senior action. Mr. Wise was married in 1870, to Miss member of the firm, was born in Caddo Parish, La., Lina Crowder, a native of Georgia, and their union in July, 1843, his parents being Dr. J. S. and has resulted in the birth of two children: W. H., Louisa (George) Wise, Datives of Virginia and Jr., and Caro. Mr. Wise is a Mason, a member of

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a Louisiana, respectively. In 1837 the former came the K. of P., and he and his estimible wife are to Louisiana, and located in Shreveport, but soon members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He after returned to his former home and was married was a member of the convention that met in Chicago in 1840, bringing his wife back to this place with in 1884, and nominated Cleveland for the presihim, but settling in Greenwood, at that time a dency, and he has been an active member of the rival town of Shreveport. He practiced the “heal- city conncil of Shreveport. ing art” in that village until his death, which oc- William E. Wasson has been justice of the curred in 1883. He was a graduate of the Uni- peace of the Third Ward for the past ten years, versity of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, and after- and as a citizen of prominence and influence ranks ward proved a physician of exceptional ability, among the first of the county. He was born in and was at all times an active member society. Caddo Parish on February 6, 1845, and is a His widow survives him, having borne seven chil- son of William and Elizabeth (Jewett) Wasson, dren, six of whom are now living. W. H. Wise is who were born near Murfreesboro, Tenn., and in the eldest of their children, and was reared in Johnson County, Ark., respectively, but both died Caddo Parish, but during his early manhood was in this parish, he on August 30, 1862, at the put in Hampton Sidney College of Virginia, where the age of sixty-two years, and she in 1852, aged he remained until he graduated in 1861. He im- forty-five years.

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The father received his literary mediately and warmly espoused the Southern cause education in his native State, and also studied and enlisted in what was known as Richardson's medicine in a college of Nashville, moving after- . battalion, a Virginian command, and served until ward to Arkansas and settling in Johnson County. the surrender, acting as lieutenant a portion of the After remaining there for some time he came to time. He took an active part in all the principal Caddo Parish, La., locating first at Summergrove engagements in which his regiments participated and later at Greenwood, which at that time was a and after the war was over and he returned home more promising place than Shreveport, and was he began the study of law, and in 1868 was ad- one of the first physicians of this region, remainmitted to the bar. Since that time he has prac-ing here until his death. His practice soon exticed in Shreveport, and here his ability has been duly recognized, and he has served as district attor- called into requisition in Texas as well as Louisiney of the First Judicial District of Louisiana, and in He was a Whig as long as that party was in 1878 was elected to represent Caddo Parish in the

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existence, and inherited Welsh and Scotch blood General Assembly of the State. He discharged of his ancestors. His wife was a member of the his duties in a highly satisfactory manner, and dis- Presbyterian Church, and to their union a family tinguished himself as a legislator of sound views, of five children were born, three of whom lived to and his admirable and forcible way of presenting maturity, the subject of this sketch being the them. In 1878 the firm of Wise & Herndon was second child that grew up.

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A younger brother, formed, and both gentleman are admirably adapted Charles E., is the editor of a paper in Riverside, to honorably prosecute this most exalted of pro- Cal., and an older brother, August-C., who died in fessions. They combine a knowledge of law, a this parisho was a planter. William E. Wasson power of advocacy and elocution, a high sense of received his education in the college at Sulphur propriety, character and prudence second to none, Springs, Tenn., but on April 25, 1861, he enand their extensive practice and wealth is but a listed in the Second Louisiana Infantry, and

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tended over a wide region

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, anda bisa services were

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ana.

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whom

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after being with this regiment sixteen months, he Lafayette County, Mo., and early became familiar was mustered out, and joined Denson's cavalry, with the mercantile business in his father's store. and was in the Trans-Mississippi Department until In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Gordon's regithe close of the war. While east of the river he ment, and served until the surrender.

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He was was in Virginia, and took part in the engagement wounded twice, once at Shiloh and again at Helena at Malvern Hill, and after coming west of the river by gunshots, being taken care of by friends. He

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, was at Helena, Little Rock, and was in numerous went back as a private, and the latter part of the skirmishes and raids. Although captured at Pop- war commanded Company I, of Slayback's regilar Bluff he managed to make his escape at the end ment. He was in all the engagements of his regiof ten days at Collin's Mill. After a hard service ment, and served the Confederacy faithfully and of nearly four years, he came to Caddo Parish and well. He came to Shreveport with his company, commenced farming on a small plantation, and by and surrendered there in 1865. He had not a good management has become the owner of 7,240 dollar to his name, and as the Captain graphically acres, a considerable portion of which is under cul- remarked, “It was a ground-hog case,” and he tivation. In 1888 he was elected to the office of was obliged to stay here. He began life over justice of the peace, and has held the office, by re- again, entered a store as a clerk, and continued to election, up to the present time. February 24, fill that position for several years. He finally 1886, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Wasson, embarked in the mercantile business for himself, widow of his older brother, she being a daughter of and this be carried on for about five years, since C. Sullivan. She was born in Alabama, and by which time he has been engaged in the real estate her first husband became the mother of three chil- business. He has more business property and dren: Neaque, Ardinia and Charles. She is a residences than any man in Shreveport. He owned member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he the Shreveport Street Railway for several years, is a Mason, a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and is one of the prominent men of the city. He and in his political views is a Democrat.

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is a member of the police jury of Caddo Parish, Capt. Peter Youree, capitalist, Shreveport, La. and is a member of the Confederate Association. Capt. Peter Youree was born in Lafayette County, | He was married, in 1870, to Miss Bettie Scott, of Mo., April 23, 1843, and is a son of P. E. and Scottsville, Tex., by whom he has two children: M. M. (Zimmerman) Youree, natives, respectively, W. S. and Susie R. The Captain has one of the of Tennessee and Kentucky. The parents emi. finest residences in the city, and everything about grated to Missouri about 1830, and located in the place indicates ease and plenty. He owns the Lafayette County, where they were among the Phoenix Hotel, the style and plan of architecture

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, pioneers. The father followed merchandising at being original with him. Mrs. Youree comes from Waverly, Mo., for many years, and received his sturdy ancestors on both sides of the house. Her final summons in Tennessee. The mother is still father, Col. W. T. Scott, served his State long and living, and is a resident of Sumner County, Tenn. faithfully in many positions, and her maternal They were the parents of nine children, seven of grandfather, Capt. W. P. Rose, figured in a diswhom are now living. Capt. Peter Youree at- tinguished manner during the war between the tained his growth and received his education in Regulators and Moderators in Texas.

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7

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CHAPTER II.

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BOSSIER PARISI-TOPOGRAPIIY AND STATISTICS-GEOLOGICAL FEATURES-MINERALS-STREAMS-SETTLE- MENT AND INCIDENTS-LAND ENTRIES-SLAVERY AND THE DUELLO-ORGANIZATION OF THE PAR- ISH–THE POLICE JURY-GENERAL PARISH MATTERS-ELECTIONS AND OFFICERS—THE COURTS—MILITARY AFFAIRS NEWSPAPERS-PHYSICIANS-SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES-

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TOWNS AND VILLAGES-PERSONAL MENTION.

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OSSIER PARISH is one of The census returns of 1890 show a total poputhe finest cotton divisions of lation of 21,485-2,235 white males and 1,952 feLouisiana. The soil is va- males; 8,795 colored males and 8,503 colored feried, but is generally good. males. There are 1,765 men liable to military The uplands between the duty, and 1,398 white and 6,495 colored children Red River bottoms and Lake of school age, or 7,893 children. The population Bisteneau are known as the in 1880 was 16,042—3,252 whites and 12,793 col

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Point. This tract varies in ored. In 1870 there were 3,505 whites and 9,170 in soil and elevations, but produces colored, or 12,675; in 1860, 3,348 whites and 8,000 abundantly. The post-oak flats which slaves, total 11,348; in 1850, 2,507 whites and are found extending from the northern 4,455 slaves, or a total of 6,962. Joe Adger, line of the Point into Arkansas, are cul- enumerator for the Sixth Ward of Bossier, found tivated at a few points, while in the a colored woman, Silvey Belcher, one hundred years southern portion there is a tract of old. She was brought hither from South Carolina

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. white, unproductive prairie. The total forty years ago by Capt. Hughes. There is one area is 773 square miles, of which 553 Indian resident. are oak uplands, 80 redlands and 220 In 1853 the real and personal property was valsquare miles bottomlands. In 1879– ued at $4,203, 340. There were 656 voters; 3,130

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80 there were 69,420 acres cultivated, whites, 14 free negroes and 5,648 slaves. In 1858 of which 37,133 acres were in cotton; 20,153 in the total value was $5,646,810; voters 909; whites corn; 175 in sweet potatoes and 7 in sugar-cane.

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3,546; slaves 7,195 and free negroes 11. The total There were 25,078 bales of cotton produced, aver- tax in 1859 was $21,250.17, of which $6,566.88 aging .68 bale, 969 pounds of seed-cotton or 323 was derived from the tax on the assessed value of of cotton lint per acre.

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slaves, $3,940, 100. In October, 1861, the total

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a

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tax levy was placed at $23,755.40. The 9,209 can be found on Bodeau Bayou and other streams slaves were valued at $4,560,900, and for them leading to said bayou, near Bellevue. On the $7,601.50 were paid in taxes. There were 21,694 north side of town (Bellevue) there is some fine bales of cotton made, 251,094 bushels of corn pro- iron ore, the finest of the geodic formation. As duced. The mill tax realized $7,452.51 and the to the extent and value of this formation no ex- poll-tax $874. In 1869 the total value of real and ploration has determined, the surface deposit being personal property was $2,423,885, and the tax levy all that has gained any notice. $12, 208.57; 20,363 acres in cotton yielded 8,612 Evidences of occupation by a prehistoric peo- bales, and 17,915 acres in corn yielded 251,778 ple are found here as in the other parishes of this bushels.

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congressional district. Bossier is conspicuously a cotton parish, her soil An almost unbroken line of levees protects the and climate being peculiarly adapted to its growth. river lands from Benton to Red River Parish. In Here the cottonwood-the true index of the cotton consequence of these levees and the removal of belt-springs up with rapidity and fights for life the raft, the channel of the river has been widened with the tenacity of the “old field pines” of Caro- and scoured out by the increased velocity of the lina and Georgia. The alluvial lands average current, so that a possibility of the recurrence of about seven miles in width, and are equal to the the overflows of 1866 and 1867 was thought to be best lands in this or any other country. The bills impossible, but, as explained in the history of Caddo —that is all lands other than the alluvial lands, Parish, some of the bottom lands were submerged and a term often misleading to strangers--are rich, in May, 1890, when Red River reached the bighest productive and timbered with hardwood and recorded water-mark. pine. They produce grains and grasses of all The river (meandering) frontage is about 180 kinds. The timber of the parish is largely oak, miles. Bodeau Lake and Bodeau Bayou, Cypress pine, cypress, walnut and gum, with all the other River and Lake Bisteneau which form part of the smaller growtbs intermixed, such as holly and box- eastern boundary, water the uplands of this parish. wood. The hill country, in which the whites pre- This system of bayous has long been associated dominate, has school houses and churches, while with Bayou Dorchette in their beginnings. the colored people of the Point section and the river Dorchette, perhaps, is the longest bayou in country also take much interest in both. The parish Louisiana. It rises in the northeast portion of is not wanting in minerals, for from Rocky Mount Hempstead County, Ark., and making a devious

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, northward there is a heavy deposit of iron ore. The route south now empties in Lake Bisteneau, meas- salt works of Lake Bistineau in Bossier were in uring in its tortuous course about 153 miles. But operation in November, 1861. By boring shallow Dorchette, it is said, once emptied into Red River, wells to the brine the water was found and

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so says the story left by the hunters, who in the evaporated by the sun process. Near Bellevue is early part of this century were in the habit of a vein of brown coal or lignite about thirty miles traversing this part of the State in their annual ex- long running east and west by one or more in

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cursions to the hunting grounds of Arkansas. A

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A breadth and two to four feet thick as discovered by party of these hunters were on their return south well-diggers. Information from this source (well- when a terrific rain storm drove them into camps diggers, as no exploration has been made) has

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on the banks of this bayou. In the midst of the led many to believe that there is a strong storm, which raged for several days, they felt a probability of finding a heavier vein of better coal peculiar tremor of the ground, which was accounted at a greater depth, and possibly coal oil. In close

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In close for, when the storm shortly afterward cleared, by proximity to this coal is found a very black marl beholding, where the narrow channel of the bayou which has been proven to be a remarkably fine fer- was now stretched out, the wide waters of Lake tilizer. Strata or beds of different kinds of mari

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Bisteneau—the swampy bottom of the bayou with

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its timbers had sunk beneath the outspread waters Township 18, Ranges 13 and 14, by same, in 1838; of the newly formed lake. This was about the Township 19, Ranges 9 and 10, in 1831 by W. L. time when the prolonged earthquake which so com- S. Dearing; Township 19, Range 11, by same, in pletely changed the east regions of Missouri from 1830; Township 191, Range 12, by same in 1830; old Madrid to the mouth of White River in Ark., Township 19, Ranges 13 and 14, in 1837 by G. causing thousands of acres and whole sections of A. Alexandre; Township 20, Range 10 west, by the country of the two States to sink many feet, Dearing and Alexandre, in 1830; Township 207, often below the bed of the great river, hence the Range 11, by same in 1830; Township 20, Range swamp lands in Arkansas, and the many such 12, in 1835-36; Township 20, Range 13, by same, lakes in that section.

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in 1835–36; Township 20, Range 14, in 1837, by Fifty years ago Dorchette was noted for its

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Alexandre; Township 21, Ranges 9 and 10, by great stock of fish and its lowlands and bills, and Dearing, in 1829; Township 21, Range 11, by their abundance of game. Now the game and the same in 1832; Township 21, Range 12, in 1838, by fish have nearly all disappeared, and to hurry up same; Township 21, Range 13, by Alexandre, the destruction the dynamiter, utterly indifferent Jones, Cranston and Hunter, in 1835-37; Townto the complaints of dwellers on the bayou, goes ship 21, Range 14, by same, in 1837–38; Township to the bayou and with impunity hurls in the mur- 22, Range 10, by Dearing and Cranston, in 1837– derous cartridge, thereby killing hundreds, nay, 38; Township 22, Range 11, in 1836–38, by same; thousands of young and small fish, also large cat, (in this township is part of Manuel O’Garte's • huge turtles, and other habitants of the waters. Spanish grant); Township 22, Range 12, in 1838–

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Prior to 1828, when Claiborne was organized 39, by Cranston; Township 22, Range 13, by Cransas a parish, all this territory belonged to Natchi- ton, in 1838; Township 22, Range 14, in 1837, by toches. From 1828 to 1843 Bossier formed a John Williamson; Township 23, Range 10, by part of Claiborne. The incoming of the pioneers Dearing and Hunter, in 1835-38 (John Cook surfollowed the establishment of Claiborne Parish; veyed the north line of State from Mississippi to but prior to 1840 the inhabitants numbered only Red River in 1806); Township 23, Range 11, in a few hundred persons. The surveys were com

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1851, by Thomas Hunter; Township 23, Range 12, pleted by this time. Township 14, Range 10, now by Dearing, in 1837; Township 23, Range 13, by south of Bossier (part of Red River), was sur

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Cranston, in 1837; Township 23, Range 14, by veyed in 1826 by James McCauley, and in 1830

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same, in 1839. by the Walmsleys, but the field notes were not ap- During the decade ending in 1850, the white proved until 1842. In 1837 Webster and McCol- population increased to 2,507, and the slaves from lam surveyed part of Township 14, Range 11, but zero to 4,455, so that within seven years after the McCauley surveyed it all in 1826; Township 15, organization of the parish, the people had built up Ranges 11 and 12, were surveyed in 1837, by a society, resembling in almost every particular, Webster and McCollam; Township 16, Ranges 10 that which they left in the Trans-Mississippi State. and 11, were surveyed in 1838, by the same per- The newcomers were from Mississippi, Alasons; Township 17, Range 10, in 1830, by Stephen

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bama, the Carolinas and Georgia. They sought a Howard; Township 17, Range 11, by L. S. •Dear- better land, and found it, and being accustomed to ing, in 1830; Township 17, Range 12, in 1837, by Southern life and methods, did not take long to

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, G. A. Alexandre; Township 17, Range 13, by the transform a great area of the beautiful wilderness same; Township 18, Ranges 9 and 10, west by into gardens and cotton-fields. The pioneers were William L. S. Dearing, in 1832; Township 18, not castle-builders; their wants were not extravaRange 11, by same, in April, 1830; Township 18, gant, and to reward their courage in coming into Range 12, by same and G. A. Alexandre, in 1837;

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+ In Townships 19 and 20, Range 14, is the island surveyed in * From sketch by D. W. Harris.

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1810 by Terrell, and claimed by Pedro Columbo.

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the forest and their economy, the first harvests that year the reins of authority were placed in the from the virgin soil brought to all of them wealth. hands of the Caucasian, and during the last decade The slaves, few at the beginning, were increased the people have made marked progress. in number; the work of clearing the forest was Bossier Parish was established February 24, pushed forward, until, in 1861, over 9,000 slaves 1843, within the following boundaries: From were required to work the plantations.

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mouth of Loggy Bayou; thence along western A succession sale of the estate of Lewis F. shore to Lac Bisteneau; thence along the lake Steele, deceased, held at Bellevue December 29, shore to Bayou Dorchette; thence along the Bayou 1860, conveys an official idea of what slaves were shore to the Arkansas line ; thence west to the in those days After the sale of real estate and Red River and down the river to the place of personal property on the 28th, the following pamed beginning. The business of the new parish was slaves were put up for sale, with mules, ponies, carried on in a desultory manner until June 4, 1815. oxen, cows, hogs, sheep, farm products and fur- In July, 1843, William Crowley presided over the niture: Charles, aged about fifty years; Stewart, police jury with B. J. Williams, Joseph Graham, about thirty-seven years; Jane, aged twenty years, William M. Burns, William Crowley and Isaac and her son, Lang, eighteen months; Black Mandy, Lay, members, and James C. Scott, clerk. Andrew a girl of fourteen years; Dick, a man aged fifty- J. Lawson was appointed attorney at $50 per five years; Ed, aged about thirty-four years; John, annum, and J. A. W. Lowry, constable. The a yellow boy, aged sixteen years; Milly, a black first session of the jury was held June 19, 1843, girl, about fifteen years; Yellow Mandy, a girl but many of the transactions were repealed at about thirteen years, and Owen, a black boy, about the July meeting. Ebenezer Hearne, Patrick B. twelve years.

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Cash, Andrew Jones, Peyton Pinckard, James The patrol system was always necessary, al- Johëson, Thomas McCall, William Arick, P. C. though the underground railroad of the abolition- Hansborough and E. Doles were appointed captains ists was never extended to the Red River country of the several patrol companies. This meeting in Louisiana. The patrols were, in fact, a volun- was held at E. C. Long's house July 6, 1843. teer police force, formed to keep order among the B. J. Williams was appointed treasurer, R. J. B. negroes, and inflict the penalties against them for Lowry, collector. On July 8, 1843, the act of the breaking the well-defined rules. The Caucasian first session calling the parish site Fredonia, near simply directed the negro labor, through overseers. Bodeau Lake, was repealed and the name Society Duelling was not unknown here. In 1855 a duel Hill adopted (east half of the north west quarter of between Fess Pickett and Aaron Bryan was fought Section 5, Township 19, Range 11). On August at Bellevue, resulting in the death of the latter. 14, 1843, Messrs. Crowley, Burns and J. A. The trouble originated during a ball held in the W. Lowry were appointed to superintend the court-room. Quarrels arising under similar cir

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survey of the parish site and the erection of a cumstances have often brought the friends of the log-house 25x30 feet. This was changed to a principals into that field where only death could frame, and the house was erected by A. Kindall. satisfy the honor of the combatants. The old times On this day the ordinance naming the site Society bad their faults, but the fact that the planters and Hill was repealed and the name Bellevue adopted. their slaves enjoyed peace and plenty up to 1861, William K. Beck was granted $242.75 for recording remains.

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On the cessation of hostilities both were documents relating to Bossier as transmitted from poor, the one robbed of his property, and the other Claiborne. James C. Scott was allowed $18 for of the assurance of clothing, food and hours for services as clerk up to September 4, 1843. In pleasure, as well as labor. Society was changed, January, 1844, 0. T. Sutton's name appears as and up to 1878 the uneducated freedman and his juror with those of Jacob G. Currey and Roswell unprincipled directors managed public affairs. In Elmer; R. J. B. Lowry was sheriff, and in June,

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F

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1844, William M. Burns was authorized to sign the Sligh, James T. Turnley, William S. Edwards, ordinances as clerk. At this time the building of president, Joseph N. Bryan and R. R. Roby. a jail was agreed upon. In June, 1845, J. A. W. Toward the close of July, 1861, this body apLowry was elected clerk by John M. Sandige, propriated $35,000 for the benefit of the soldiers William K. Beck, William Crowley, W. M. Burns and the support of their families. James Ford and 0. T. Sutton, police jury; and Beck was chosen was chosen clerk. In September E. S. Sanderson president, and served until June, when John

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was present as juror; David J. Hooks in 1862 Craig took his place as juror and Crowley as with R. R. Roby, T. R. Gilmer, George B. Sligh president. In June, 1847, a new set of officials and James Ford. Russell Jones was a member in was installed.

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Vincent Walker was president of 1863, with C. W. Arnold, S. A. Boggs, T. Applethe jury, with Andrew 0. H. Magee, Cæsar white Ford and Edwards. During the year Wallace and A. H. Christian, members, and N. S. 1863-64 little business was done and this little was Currier, clerk. In 1848 John M. Sandige was mainly performed by the two last-named jurors. elected juror, and O. H. Magee president. A. H. In July, 1865, Gov. Wells appointed the folChristian was a member in 1849, at this time an lowing.named as officers of Bossier: Thomas N. estimate of moneys required for county purposes Braden, clerk; Philo Alden sheriff (died Novemfor the year was presented, showing a total of ber 6, 1866); M. P. Long, recorder: William $3,150. In June, 1849, M. Abney presided, with Hargis, Charles W. Arnold, W. E. Edens, W. S. John Coates and David Hameter as new members; Edwards, James Ford, and Thomas Applewhite, V. Walker was treasurer. In June, 1850, Messrs. members of police jury; William Hargis, John John Slack and Leroy Templeman appear as new Coates, J. J. Swindle, W. A. Kelly, James Ford, members. S. M. Furniss was chosen clerk and and George N. Collins, justices of the peace. A. S. F. Steele was sheriff. T. M. Fort was chosen B. George was appointed attorney for the Eleventh president in June, 1851, with W. M. Burns, J. District. In 1866 J. W. Rabb and Thomas Player Slack, J. Coates and James A. Hearns, members. took the places of Edens and Arnold. Nothing In January, 1852, Thomas P. Crawford was chosen whatever was done by the police jury in 1865. In clerk. In 1852 William M. Burns was president, January, 1866, the jury considered the question of with Coates, Noah Phillips, Alford and Slack building a jail in place of the house burned in 1863; members. In 1853 James Ford was president, the estimates for the year were placed at $5,650 by with Jackson Burnham, J. W. Alvord and John a committee, of which President Edwards and Jury Slack, members. In August of this year the con- Clerk Hill were members. From February 15, tract for building a new jail was entered into with 1866, until July 12, 1869, there is no record. In Hogge and Bryan ; J. W. Alvord was appointed February, 1866, the police jury advertised for protreasurer.

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In November, 1855, the old jail-house posals to build the new jail proposed the month was sold to W. A. Kelly. In 1855–56 James Ford previous. This building was erected by Judge was still president, with William Arick, J. W. Al- Watkins for $11,000 that year, and was used until ford, F. H. Hartzog and J. R. Davis, members. In burned January 22, 1886. In the burning of the 1857 E. L. Strange was a member with A. M. old jail the negro incendiary was destroyed with it. Rogers. W. A. Kelly, W. Arick and James Ford. The police jury organized in July, 1869, with David J. Elder was clerk, but was succeeded that James N. Platt, president; R. B. Taylor, clerk, year by W. H. Hill, and in 1858 C. C. Bates was a and Ed R. Moore, treasurer, and R. T. Vinson, juror. In June, 1859, the name of R. C. Lan- John M. Tyra, Isaac D. Edwards and W. W. Hartcaster appears as juror. In 1860 W. C. Hargis, man, members--appointees of Gov. Warmoth. W. Arick, W. S. Edwards, J. Ford, John Slack and The Bossier elections of November, 1870, resulted J. T. Turnley formed the police jury. The jurors, in the choice of L. W. Baker, parish judge; B. F. elected in May, 1861, were William C. Hargis, G. B. Oneal, sheriff; W. R. Head, coroner.

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D. Cady Stanton was supervisor of registration; C. S. Abell | parish attorney, and B. F. Fort appeared to have and D. Cady Stanton, representatives; Samuel N. some direct connection with the jury at this time. Thomas, senator; R. T. Vinson, C. McClenaghan, A. Hawkins was treasurer and W. H. Hill, clerk. J. N. Cooper, J. W. Walker, J. N. Platt, I. D. In July W. R. Prather, M. E. Bush, Thomas Edwards, F. R. Callaway, T. Oakly and J. H. Lyles, N. C. Brownlee and L. B. Phillips qualified Marks, police jurors. In March, 1871, John L. as jurors. A motion to declare the elective offices Lewis was appointed district judge; L. B. Wat- vacant was lost. In March, 1878, the new party kins, attorney; C. E. McDonald, parish judge; succeeded and elected W. R. Prather president, A. G. Harper, clerk of court; F. E. Heath, re- J. H. Keyser, clerk, and re-elected W. H. Scancorder; G. W. Warren, sheriff; William Life, coro- land, treasurer, who resigned in December, 1878. ner, and R. S. Lewis, collector. The estimates In January, 1879, E. S. Dortch was chosen presi made in September, 1870, for annual expenses dent, W. R. Prather, T. Lyles, J. J. Mears, W. amounted to $10,100. In November, 1871, Platt B. Boggs and John Rains, qualified; R. E. Wyche was still president, with R. Sibley, I. J. Dillard was appointed sheriff, and T. N. Braden, judge. and W. H. Rasco, new members. The name of In April, 1880, T. N. Braden was elected clerk J. J. Swindle appears as juror in September, 1872. and W. B. Boggs president. In July 1,617 votes In 1872 the first election of police jurors for Bos- were cast for removal of seat of justice and 1,054 sier was held. Thomas Smith (colored), John J. for non-removal. Swindle, I. N. Platt, R. E. Wyche and Rufus Sib- In 1881 W. B. Boggs, John J. Mears, Thomas ley were elected to serve. In April, 1873, T. Lyles, John W. Rains; E. S. Dortch and W. R. H. Hutton was elected clerk; G. W. Durdin, treas- Prather qualified as jurors, with John J. Mears, urer, and N. A. Durdin, president. G. H. Walker, president. J. H. Keyser was appointed clerk, Arthur Hawkins and William Burke were active and has held this position down to 1890, except members of the board.

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for one year (1882), when Mr. Boggs was the inBossier in 1874 gave majorities to the following cumbent. In 1888 he was appointed attorney for candidates: George L. Smith for Congress; J.

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the jury. D. Harper, Senate; L. W. Baker and Samuel The Bossier Parish site election of September, Thomas, representatives; B. F. Fort, parish judge; 1882, resulted in 1,692 votes for Canis and 1,510 B. F. Oneal, sheriff; A. Hawkins, coroner; Sol. votes for Benton. The act of the Legislature of Ely, T. Miller, E. Thomas, J. J. Swindle, T. 1881–82 removing the seat of justice from BelleLyles, J. G. Allen and I. A. Dillard, police jurors. vue was not thoroughly understood in its relation There were 622 white and 1,754 black voters. to the constitution of 1879. Little attention appears to be given to this elec- In 1883 J. W. Rains presided, with E. S. tion, as the jurors of 1873 acted up to September, Dortch*, W. R. Prather, J. R. Cavitt, W. B. 1874, when R. E. Wyche was chosen president; T. Boggs* and Thomas Lyles* were jurors. The last N. Braden, clerk; William H. Scanland, treasurer, named was president in 1884 and E. S. Dortch and Dr. Swann, physician. Subsequently Durdin also filled the chair, and in 1885, when the probibiwas president and Hill clerk. In March, 1875, J. J. tion question was brought before the people, D. E. Swindle presided, with J. G. Allen, Teague Mil- Griffrin* and W. M. Abney* took the places of ler, Sol. Ely, J. W. Walker and Emperor Thomas, Messrs. Prather and Cavitt. J. A. Sewall* and members, and J. A. Snider, treasurer. The esti. S. J. Cochran were also members in 1884-85. In mates for 1876, made in October, amounted to April, 1885, B. A. Kelly was chosen treasurer.

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In $16,900. In January, 1877, B. F. Oneal, Spencer April, 1886, W. H. Scanland was appointed printer. Mims, E. N. Thomas, J. V. Kilgore and T. Miller The jurors whose names are marked * above were took their seats as jurors elect, and named Oneal the jurors in 1887. The present police jury, ap. president; J. A. W. Lowry, W. G. McDonald, pointed in 1888, comprises W. M. Abney, presi

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dent; E. S. Dortch, former president; H. Barna- | Judge Olcott was present in October and in No. castle, J. A. Sewall; J. W. Jetere, F. M. Barnett vember the first admission to citizenship was enand J. T. Manery.

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tered. In May, 1850, C. A. Bullard, of the SixThe recorders of the parish since its organiza- teenth District, opened the term, and he or Judge tion are named as follows: William K. Beck, 1843, Olcott presided alternately for some years. In and Nelson J. Scott, 1844, judge and recorder; J. C. May, 1852, Wilson Tucker was found guilty of G. Key 1816; and Robert J. Looney, 1850, recorder murder by a jury of whom Josepb Winston was only; J. L. Cox, deputy, 1852; T. M. Fort, re- foreman. On June 28, 1853, Andrew Lawson took corder, 1852; Austin Miller, 1854; Milton P. Long, bis seat as judge. In May, 1854, Harmon A. Drew 1862; H, W. Clark, 1866; E. K. Russ, 1871; L. took his seat. Roswell Elmer, the surveyor of the W. Brasher, 1873; Rev. W. D. Stayton, 1875, and parish, qualified before him. In March, 1857, T. D. Williams (col.), 1878; A. R. Thompson, clerk T. T. Land of the Eighteenth Circuit presided and recorder, 1880, with T. N. Braden, deputy, here. R. W. Arnett was admitted to this bar and and B. A. Kelly, clerk and recorder, 1889-90. Thomas N. Braden was clerk. In 1858 William

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The election of September 7, 1888, on the ques- B. Egan was judge of the Seventeenth Circuit and tion of removing the seat of justice, resulted in A. A. Abney was clerk. 1,512 for removal and 400 against removal, or a In December Roland Jones, of the Eighteenth majority of 1,112. Owing to some constitutional Circuit, presided. During the years of the war he or legal flaw in presenting the subject, Bellevue was judge of the Tenth Circuit, and presided over holds the court-house.

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the courts here until March, 1865. On September The first term of the parish court for Bossier 4, that year, James J. Weems opened court, but on was held September 25, 1843, Judge William K. the 8th Provost-Marshal Berry arrested the judge Beck, presiding, and W. C. Copes, temporary clerk, and sheriff. A meeting of the bar was at once R. J. B. Lowry, the first sheriff, appointed J. A.

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held, and resolutions denouncing this act of tyranny W. Lowry, deputy, and the court adjourned to were signed by George Williamson, Thoma; T. Land, January 3, 1844, but there is no record of court Richard W. Turner, T. M. Fort and L. B. Watkins. until April 8, when the same judge and deputy Matters appeared to be settled by December 4, 1865, sheriff appeared with Nelson J. Scott, deputy as Judge Weems presided on that day and to the clerk. Another adjournment to May 13 was had close of the term on December 9. In March, 1866, and the case of Otis Peck vs. Andrew Jones de- John R. Griffin was appointed district attorney in cided in favor of the plaintiff. The case of Bush- the absence of Mr. Scales. In October, 1868, rod Jenkins vs. Newton Edwards was transferred Judge A. B. Levissee presided, with Maj. J. S. to the probate court of Caddo, owing to the death Ashton, district attorney. J. A. Snider, R. J. of the defendant, In August, 1844, Nelson J. Looney and T. M. Fort presented to the new judge Scott, parish judge, with Thompson W. E. Kel- a series of resolutions recognizing his judicial quali. logg, clerk, opened court. The parish court ap- ties. L. Lewis was judge of the Eighteenth Dis. pears to have transacted the business of the dis- trict in March, 1871. L. B. Watkins, elected judge trict court

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up to November 16, 1816, when Edward of the Eighteenth District in November, 1872, preR. Olcott, judge of the Seventeenth District, opened sided here in January, 1873. In September of that court and adjourned to the 17th. The judge year Richard W. Turner opened court, but adrecused himself in a few cases, owing to his being journed sine die on account of yellow fever. In No. connected with the cases as counsel, and ordered vember, however, a mass of business was transacted. trial before Judges Taylor or Copely. R. J. B.

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Ꭱ

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In 1875 Stewart Collins was indicted for murder. Lowry was sheriff. On this day C. T. Singleton In April, 1880, R. C. Drew, of the Second District, was indicted for murder. In May, 1847, Judge presided here and was district judge until January Taylor of the Sixteenth District, presided, but | 12, 1888. On June 4, of that year J. T. Boone,

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a

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who qualified as judge of the Second District On September 28, 1868, some freedmen were in May, opened court.

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charged with robbing a man named Gibson, of Tbe roll of attorneys in 1890 embraces the fol- Columbia County, Ark., a few miles above Shrevelowing names: J. A. W. Lowry, T. Alexander, J. port, and then chaining him to a tree.

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Two young H. Keyser, W. H. Wise, A. D. Land, R. J. Looney, men (James Brownlee and Beverly Ogden) coming J. A. Snider, J. H. Shepherd, E. H. Randolph, E. along, released Gibson and were shot by the B. Herndon, Joannes Smith, J. E. Reynolds, J. S. negroes. Ogden died within a few hours and Young, F. A. Thatcher, M. C. Elstner, J. T. Wat- Brownlee some time after. The report of the outkins, A. J. Murf, M. H. Carver, L. K. Watkins, R. rage was carried into Sbreveport, when several C. Drew, T. C. Barrett, W. H. Bristol, J. R. Phipps, citizens set out to capture the desperadoes. On John Young and J. B. Slattery.

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arriving there they saw about 300 freedmen Among the many tragic affairs inquired into by assembled, and after a little parley began a skirmish the grand jury of Bossier since the fall of 1860,only which resulted in the death of several freedmen. a few deserve notice. James Lemontine was sen. On the approach of the United States troops, the tenced to a life term in the penitentiary for killing negroes dispersed. Lloyd Steidham in 1860. Sheriff Alden took him D. Charles Mims, who shot James McClenahan to Baton Rouge in September, in company with Da- (his brother-in-law) and James Wooley on May 23, vidson (one of the Republican presidential electors), ) 1871, near Fillmore, was discovered in Columbia who was sentenced to a seven years' term for negro County, Ark., on June 2, brought to Bellevue and stealing. In March, 1860, Dr. Joseph Hunter, of on the 4th twenty masked men took him from the Bossier, shot the free negro barber on the steamer jail to a point on the lower Shreveport road, a mile " Lecompte." The tragedy of May 13, 1866, re from Bellevue, where they hanged him.

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On sulted in the killing of E. J. Campbell by De Witt October 1, Nancy Robertson, a colored woman, C. Applewhite. In July a man named Dodd was (said to have bewitched a colored man, Charles killed twelve miles west of Bellevile.

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Steele, the colored witch doctor), was murdered In September, 1868, the formal trial of Gen. October 1, 1871, at Bossier Point. Anthony Will. Isaac Williams (colored) and forty-eight others, iams was arrested for this crime. Cyrus Logan charged with riot, was begun before Justices (colored) was murdered near I. Dillard's plantation William J. Bush and James Ford. E. J. Ham- June 1, 1872, and L. G. Sholar near Harrison's ilton testified that a party of forty or fifty freed- place in January, 1874. The murder of a Hebrew men, most of them armed, was stationed at the P. peddler took place near Bellevue in April, 1871. V. O'Neill farm near Fillmore on August 24, 1868, Henry Solomon, who with Chapman escaped from when he, as one of Sheriff Hill's posse, arrived the Bossier Parish jail, was recaptured in January, there to arrest some of the party on the charge of 1882, at Shreveport and returned to Bellevue. being armed against the whites. The citizens There he attempted to burn the jail, and the people, composing the posse numbered 150 at first, but considering his desperate character, hanged him in increased to 200 or 250 before the freedmen sur- the corridor of the jail on January 25, 1882. rendered. The prisoners were brought to the jail The sentence of death on Jack Chapman (col.) of Bossier Parish. Spencer Mims, a freedman, for the murder of John Williams (col.) was contestified that he heard “Gen.” Williams say he

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firmed by the governor, and was to be carried into meant no harm, but that if the people of Bossier effect at Bellevue August 4, 1882. The murder was Point who threatened him were to carry out such perpetrated on the Cash plantation in Bossier Parthreats, they would have to kill him among his ish October 24, 1881. A respite, however, was men. Dan Jones and Ben Sanders were captains granted, but the sentence was carried into effect in “Gen.” Williams' command. Twenty of the September 22, 1882. The shooting affair of Aumen charged were beld to the district court.

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gust, 1882, at Bellevue resulted in the death of

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Ernest Wyche at the hands of Ford Edwards. In M. A. Jones (O.) 130 for Congress; A. B. George April, 1890, the case of the State vs. J. M. Adkins, (Ind.) was elected district attorney; B. W. Pierce charged with killing A. J. M. Roy, near Collins- (D.) had a majority of thirty votes over R. J. burg March 18, was presented. After bearing the Looney (I.) for senator; J. R. Evans (D.) and R. evidence Judge Boone admitted Adkins to bail in K. Coombs (I.) were chosen representatives; Philo the sum of $1,000. The duel has claimed more Alden, sheriff; A. A. Abney, clerk; J. M. Doyle, than one victim in Bossier, while among the col- assessor, and R. C. Lancaster, coroner. ored population a death by violence is often The vote of Bossier for President in November, recorded.

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1860, shows 489 for Breckinridge, 243 for Bell The liberty accorded to the conquered people and 53 for Douglas. The delegates from Bossier in 1865 was of a most questionable character. The who signed the ordinance of secession on January fact of calling a colored United States volunteer 26, 1861, were T. J. Caldwell, H. McFarland. In infantryman a "nigger” was a crime which the offi- April, 1861, R. J. Looney was elected judge, and cials of the army and Freedman's Bureau could not Land associate judge for the new district, of which tolerate; while any attempt on the part of the Bossier formed a part. whites to carry out the laws as then understood The elections of 1861 in Bossier show 510 was an offense of a serious character.

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On Sep

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votes for Jefferson Davis and A. H. Stephens, tember 4, 1865, Judge Weems opened the fall president and vice-president; 347 for Henry Marterm of court for the Tenth District, John, a shall, and 108 for John L. Lewis for Congress; freeman of color, was found guilty of larceny and John L. Hodges received 465 out of 477 votes for sentenced to one year in the penitentiary. On the senator; A. A. Abney 495, T. J. Caldwell 416, 8th, as Judge Weems was about to open court, and R. C. Lancaster 134, for representative; Philo Capt. Berry, provost-marshal of Freedman's Bu- Alden was chosen sheriff; Milton P. Long, recorder; reau for Bossier, arrested him as well as the sheriff J. M. Doyle, assessor: John H. Braden, coroner. and placed both in jail. On that evening a meet- The elections in Bossier November, 1865, ing of the bar adopted a series of resolutions to be resulted in 113 votes for Wells and 70 for Allen, submitted to the district military commander, the candidates for governor; Young 195, and Ray president of the United States and to the governor 87, for Congress; A. A. Abney 209; Pearce 122, of the State. The instigators of the arrests were .

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W. B. Egan 179, for senator; J. A. Snider 172, suspended and ultimately discharged from the and John Maples 139, for representative. Henry United States service, and Judge Weems was lib. Gray succeeded Senator Abney in 1866. erated. October 26, 1865, an order was issued In May, 1866, Philo Alden was elected sheriff prohibiting interference with the courts. Political of Bossier; Thomas N. Braden, clerk; H. W. memoranda is not the least interesting part of Clark, recorder; L. C. Rasberry, assessor, and J. history. The Bossier elections of November, R. Griffin, district attorney. The total vote cast 1857, show 475 votes for J. M. Sandige and 172 for W. H. Sparks for Congress; 449 for E. R.

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The Bossier election of May, 1866, point out Herring and 120 for Gammon for Legislature; L. the election of Thomas N. Braden, district clerk; F. Steele was elected sheriff, being opposed by R.

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Philo Alden, sheriff, Holland W. Clarke, recorder; Jones, Philo Alden, John W. Strange and Caleb L. C. Rasberry, assessor, and Joseph L. Biggs, Swindle; Austin Miller was elected recorder, John G. Allen, assessor, and J. L. Biggs, coroner.

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The vote of Bossier in April, 1868, was as folIn November, 1859, T. O. Moore (D. *) received lows: For new constitution 987, contra 760; for 485 votes and T. J. Wells (Opposition) 175 for Congress, W.J. Blackburn (R.) 984, Wilkinson (D.) governor; J. M. Landrum (D.) received 548 and 770; for district judge, J. I. Weems (D.) 682, A. * D, Democrat; R, Republican; 1, Independent, and 0, Opposition.

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B. Levissee (Ind.) 731, Dowden (R.) 329; for State

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was 466.

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coroner.

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senator, William Luper (R.) and Lindsey (R.) 934; sentatives, when the fusion legislature was dis- J. C. Egan (D.) and W. F. Blackman (D.) 767; for solved. representative, B. C. Wrenn (R.) and John Pearce The elections of Bossier in 1878 show majorities (R.) (col.) 962 (confirmed), J. A. Snider and J. A. of over 1,350 for J. B. Elam, congressional can- Herron 763; for district attorney, Ashton 766, didate, and 1,403 for W. H. Scanland, the sole Benton 980; for parish judge, L. W. Baker (R.) candidate in Bossier for senator. J. C. Vance 945 (confirmed), Thomas M. Fort 742; T. N. had 1,155 and B. F. Oneal 269 votes for repre- Braden (D.) was elected district clerk William sentative; T. N. Braden was elected parish judge; McDonald (D.) sheriff (refused, when E. K. Russ R. E. Wyche, sheriff and J. W. Martin, coroner. was appointed); H. W. Clarke (D.) recorder; J. L. There were 385 votes cast for New Orleans and Biggs (D.) coroner (opposed by J. P. Jackson (col.) 148 for Baton Rouge in the contest for State who received 330 votes) and L. C. Rasberry, as- capital. sessor; A. B. Levissee, elected judge of the district In 1870 there were 889 votes recorded for were confirmed. The police jury named in Gen. Nicholls (D.), and 1,724 for Packard (R.), candi- Buchanan's promulgation were R. B. Patterson, J. dates for governor. L. A. Wiltz (D.) received W. Rabb, William S. Edwards, James Ford and 1,530 and Beattie (R.) 278 in 1879. In 1884 Thomas Applewhite. After the refusal of Mc- there were 2,342 votes for McEnery (D.), and 680 Donald, men named Clarke and Luper were ap- for Stevenson (R.), and in 1888 F. T. Nicholls pointed sheriff but did not serve. The Bossier (D.) received 4,213 and Warmoth (R.) 95 votes. election of November, 1868, resulted in 1,635 votes The total vote registered was 4.625-1,100 being for Seymour and Blair and one for Grant and Col- white. Twenty-five whites and 3,425 Africans fax. Ryan, the Democratic candidate for Con- could not write their names. gress received 1,635 votes and Newham (R.) one The Civil War may be said to have begun here vote.

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late in 1860. The people of Bellevue considered The Greeley electors in 1872 received 950 the political situation on December 3, 1860. A mod- votes, Grant 554. John R. Griffin carried the ,

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erate substitute for the radical resolution offered parish for district attorney; J. W. MeDonald, for by Loudon Butler was proposed by John M. Sansenator; W. H. Scanland and L. D. Sandige, rep: dige, but failed to be supported. At Collinsburg resentatives; B. F. Fort, parish judge; T. N. on December 1, a meeting resulted in the same way, Braden, clerk; Jos. E. Edger, sheriff; John H. and the appeal for rebellion or secession was reKeyser, recorder, and John Hammond, coroner. sponded to. The mounted riflemen of Bossier There were 590 white and 1,792 black votes regis- Parish organized December 10, 1860, with E. G. tered. Aleck. Boarman was elected member of Randolph, captain; E. C. Andrews, J. J. Knight Congress. These officers elected were generally and W. J. Fish, lieutenants; A. B. Hughes, E. counted out and new ones appointed, Col. Turner Sanderson, T. G. Pegnies and R. G. Lester, serbeing appointed district judge, T. W. Fuller, at- geants; W. A. Stroud, W. F. Tigner, P. C. Broom torney

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and Samuel Clark, corporals. There were seventyIn November, 1872, the people of Bossier three men enrolled. [A few months later Ran. elected a full set of Parish officials; but the Legis dolph's volunteers were reported at the front.] lature ignored such action and made the following W. H. Scanland, writing in May, 1860, of the appointments: L. W. Baker, judge; J. W. Walker, Abolitionists and reports of Southern secession,

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, clerk, B. F. Oneal, sheriff, L. W. Brashear, re- quotes Shakespeare thus: corder; Peter McDaniel, coroner; J. C. Head, collector; N. A. Durdin, T. H. Hutton, Arthur Haw

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I will be hanged if some eternal villain, kins and William Burke, police jurors.

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Some busy and insinuating rogue, Abell

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Some cogging, cozzening slave to get some office and Stanton took the places of the elected repre- Have not devised this plot.

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On November 26, 1860, a meeting held at Lients. Dr. H. McFarland and G. A. F. Pool; No. Rocky Mount decided on war, and resolved to or- 2, Capt. P. V. O'Neill, Lieuts. E. F. Connell and ganize “The Minute Men of Bossier Parish.” J. James E. Carraway; No. 3, Capt. Joshua Hill, W. Rabb, as president, and W. T. Crawford, as Lieuts. J. A. Edwards and G. B. Wallace; No. 4, secretary, signed the resolutions. The Red River Capt. Charles H. Gray, Lieuts. D. H. Johnson Volunteers of Bossier organized in January, 1861, and James E. Edwards; No. 5, Capt. A. K. Sears, with Loudon Butler, captain; John D. Worthy, S. Lieuts. James L. Taylor and C. G. Colye; No. 6, W. Vance and B. F. Knight, lieutenants; C. F. Capt. N. A. Cooper, Lieuts. M. C. Cavett and Wilson, R. T. Stinson, James Doles and L. D. John J. Swindle; No. 7, Capt. J. W. Rabb, Lieuts. Arick, sergeants; A. J. Haynes, Elias O'Neill, William M. Sentell and George Winham; No. 8, George E. Gilmer and L. B. Mallory, corporals, Capt. Thomas Player, Lieuts. John Dalrymple and and R. B. Taylor, ensign. The total strength was J. J. Knight. Edwin H. Fay was commissioned sixty-eight men. Toward the close of January, brigade major; Charles Chaffee, quartermaster; 1861, a company of militia was organized with John W. Pennall, paymaster; William C. Patillo, William Harrison, captain; Joshua Hill and John brigade surgeon; R. W. Turner, · B. F. Jenkins, R. Griffin, lieutenants; Ross Byrd, John D. Bra.

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J. L. Walker and T. E. Paxton, aides-de-camp; P. den and J. W. McBride, sergeants; Austin Miller, V. O'Neill was colonel, J. W. Rabb, lieutenantA. M. Alford and Philo Alden, corporals; John W. colonel, and J. L. Maples, major. Hill and A. W. Spurlin, musicians. The total In July, 1861, the total strength of Capt. Ranstrength was forty-two men. This company com- dolph's Bossier Volunteers, who left Shreveport in prised James Ford, B. F. Fort, F. M. Malone, T. June, 1861, was 104 men and nine servants. The M. Fort, J. M. A. Scanland, W. A. Kelley, J. W. same month the captain was promoted lieutenantHill and R. C. Lancaster and others.

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Thus was

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colonel of the Ninth Louisiana Infantry, and later war begun here before the official tocsin of the colonel. Confederate army was heard outside Fort Sumter. The Vance Guards of Bellevue, who suffered Following this signal military organization was heavily at Sbiloh in April, 1862, organized August pushed forward.

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17, 1861, with R. W. Turner, captain; E. C. AnThe Bossier Rangers organized on May 16, drews, A. B. Broughton and M. C. Cavett, lieu1861, with Thomas W. Fuller, captain; A. M. Al- tenants, succeeded in May, 1862, by B. B. Matford, J. W. McBride, R. H. Kilgore, lieutenants; tock, T. M. Lusk and A. J. Hunter; James A. W. S. Jones, R. W. Hodges, A. H. Hollingsworth Edwards, B. B. Mattock, Levi Franks, C. B. and P. H. Edwards, sergeants.

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Alford and W. R. Head, sergeants; C. C. Nowell, In June, 1861, Col. E. R. Boon, Second Reg. J. W. Walker, R. M. Spurlin, Nathan Joiner, coriment, Second Brigade, Fifth Division Louisiana porals, and Julius A. Martin, ensign. This com,

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. Militia, made the following appointments on the pany left for the front September 25, with the staff of the Second Regiment: J. N. Bryan, adju- above-named officers. The total strength was 106. tant, succeeded by A. B. Hughes; A. B. Hughes, The Robins Greys of Bossier organized in Septemquartermaster, succeeded by W. M. Sentell; A. A. ber, 1861, with Capt. Loudon Butler, E. E. RobAbney, paymaster; Dr. L. H. Fisher, surgeon, ins, J. L. Maples and A. B. Skannall, lieutenants. succeeded by J. H. Hunter; Dr. F. M. Abney,

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The Bossier Cavalry organized in March, 1862, assistant surgeon, succeeded by T. A. Snider; W. with T. W. Fuller, captain; Frank J. Smith, N. H. Scanland, sergeant major, succeeded by A. B. W. Sentill and J. T. Nuckolls, lieutenants; E. H. Skannal, and J. C. Adger, quartermaster-sergeant, Fuller, J. L. Taylor, W. H. Scanland and T. M. succeeded by P. R. Doyle. There were eight Swearingen, sergeants; M. A. Dickson, R. T. Stinmuster beats established with a captain and lieu- son, W. Marks and Alfred Walker, corporals. The tenants for each: No. 1, Capt. D. I. Hooks, and total strength was eighty-one officers and men. On

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>

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*

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April 2, this command left for the front, and was the office of the police jury. In April, 1858, attached to an Alabama regiment in Armstrong's Mitchell sold his interest to R. J. Looney, on cavalry brigade. Up to April 26, 1862, Bossier August 6 Lowry purchased Looney's interest, and furnished 514 men to the army. In June, 1862, on September 3 Mitchell became sole owner. On this company reorganized with William Harrison, its suspension, June 17, 1859, A. A. Abney, T. captain; George M. Sandige, N. W. Sentill and A. M. and B. F. Fort became owners of the material, M. Alford, lieutenants.

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and held it until the Banner was established. Thirteenth Louisiana Battalion Cavalry was The Washington hand press used in printing the organized in Bossier Parish during the year 1863, Times belonged originally to the Columbian of with three companies. The total enrollment was Mansfield, and is now in the Banner office. 240, under Maj. R. E. Wyche. In 1864 this bat- The Bossier Banner succeeded the Times July talion was reorganized, and the three companies 1, 1859, W. H. Scanland, who conducted the Times under Maj. R. J. Caldwell were merged into the for nine months prior to its collapse under Mitchell, Eighth Louisiana Cavalry, under Col. B. W. Clark. becoming owner. Mr. Scanland, in his salutatory,

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The Marks Guards, Company B, Twenty-ninth says: “We are politically, morally and religiously Louisiana Infantry, was organized in May, 1862, a fillibusterer, and go in soul and body for the with J. W. Rabb, captain; T. W. Abney, W. M. South.

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The South, right or wrong, is Sentill and J. H. Marks, lieutenants; P. V. O'Neill,

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our motto."

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In the Banner of February 15, 1861, J. L. C. Graham, Austin Miller, J. R. Cavett and Scanland's apostrophe to the stars and stripes, J. C. Wood, sergeants; W. 0. Burns, J. Marion bidding the old flag farewell forever, is given. Doyle, P. C. Broom, W. E. Dortch and J. L. This is a piece of beautiful word painting, though Byrd, corporals. The total strength was 113 men. the farewell proved only temporary. On May 11,

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The Bossier Voluuteers, Company D, Ninth 1861, Richard W. Turner issued his salutatory as Louisiana Infantry, reorganized in May, 1862, temporary editor, owing to the editor's departure with J. J. Hodges, captain; R. J. Hancock, E. for the war. Skannall and J. H. Nattin, lieutenants; J. W. After Capt. Turner entered the army, T. M. Rabb, J. D. Hodges, E. Sandlin, J. H. Gladney, Fort took charge of the office, and was succeeded E. N. Culolm, sergeants; J. M. Sentill, T. K. September 6, by the owner. On September 27, Robey, W. A. Stroud and J. B. Sugg, corporals. 1862, the last ante-bellum Banner was issued. On

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, . In July this company was in Stonewall Jackson's | July 16, 1865, it was revived by the editor, Mr. command and lost heavily.

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Scanland, who continued the volume and issue In October, 1886, the survivors of Company B, number of 1862. He called the suspension "a Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry, assembled at long nap," but thanked Providence that he was Red Land, J. N. Bryan, presided. The members alive and kicking, and able to argue still.

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On present were Col. J. W. Rabb, Timothy Oakley, August 3, 1865, the Banner office was closed, by J. M. Doyle, Frank M. Barreit, J. W. Barrett, Capt. C. R. Riggs, under orders of Col. Foley, of William P. Mason, J. M. Russell, M. H. Brock, the Sixty-first United States Colored Infantry. The G. B. Dunnan, A. J. Spurlin, P. C. Broom, Samuel captain arrived the night before with a company

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of J. Boggs and Thomas M. Love.

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colored troops, and called early next morning to The Ladies' Military Aid Society of Bossier close the office, and succeeded in doing so without was presided over in 1861 by Jennie Hancock, trouble. On August 23, Capt. Riggs' order required with Maggie Moore, secretary. The executive 126 residents of Bossier to come before him and committee comprised Mattie Maples, Mollie Jones, make depositions in the matter of government cotKate Hodges and the officers named.

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ton, or cotton said to be sold by them to the ConThe Bossier Times was issued September 17, federate government.

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In September, 1875 the 1857, by W. C. Mitchell and Ed A. Lowry, from Banner began using the Union sheets, and from

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m

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November 15, that year, to March 17, 1876, issued given: James Smythe Milling, Dixon Cross Roads, a bi-weekly edition. In October, 1878, half the

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,

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Medical College of the State of South Carolina, material of the Banner office was moved to Minden, 1854; William Jefferson Mobley, Bellevue, Uni. to be used in the publication of the Webster Trib- versity of Louisiana, 1860; George Arthur Wise, une, then owned by W. H. Scanland.

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Benton, University of Louisiana, 1876; Henry In November, 1875, B. C. White, the official Thomas Dillard, Shreveport, Bellevue Hospital printer of Caddo, under governor's orders, was also Medical College, 1875; Paul Lawrence, Bellevue, appointed official printer for Bossier, under the University of Louisiana, 1867; Willie Jewett Arsame rule.

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nold, Bellevue, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, The Bossier Sentinel was established by Dr. 1883; James Franklin Mooty, Bellevue, New OrJ. B. Walthall (sub-contractor for official printing), leans School of Medicine, 1860; James White Ogin November, 1875, but the legality of a sub-con- den, Benton, University of City of New York, tract was questioned, the Sentinel collapsed, and 1877; Norwood Kincaid Vance, Benton, University the Banner was the official journal until April, 1876, of Maryland, 1882; Elisha Jones Hall, Midway, when Walthall received the contract in his own University of Louisville, 1875; Clifford Hill Irion, name, and revived the Sentinel. On January 1, Rocky Mount, University of Louisiana, 1884; Will

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; 1877, the Printing Law was repealed, but the new iam Jasper Baird, Red Land, Missouri Medical paper continued in existence until December, 1878. College, St. Louis, 1868; Thomas Jefferson Heard, The material for this paper was brought from the Haughton, Atlanta Medical College, 1881; BraxNorth Louisiana Index office at Minden, in 1873, ton Wise, Benton, University of Louisiana, 1883; and the Minden Herald of 1874. The press, made Jones B. Hargrove, Knox Point, Medical College at Chris. Chaffee's blacksmith shop at Minden, was of Alabama, 1886; William M. Abney, Collinsbrougbt hither, but in December, 1878, was taken burgh, Tulane University ,

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burgh, Tulane University of Louisiana, 1888; Robto Claiborne by Dr. Walthall.

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ert Cummings Campbell, Benton, University of The Plain Dealer, published at Plain Dealing, Louisiana, 1867; Hugh Elmo Atkins, Knox Point, has now entered its third volume. The editor, T. Tulane University of Louisiana, 1889; John BarkE. Price, has made a useful journal of this, and it ley Bidler, of Rocky Mount, registered under the claims a wide patronage in Northern Bossier and act of 1882 by virtue of long practice. Caddo.

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The Bossier Agricultural Society organized July The academical institutions which have come 2, 1887, with W. G. Burt president, R. H. Curry down from ante-bellum days rendered the common. vice-president, B. R. Nash, secretary, and fiftyschool system unnecessary, and to-day it is only four members, gives promise of doing for the parish accepted fully by the blacks.

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what the Homer Fair Association and Shreveport The Bellevue Academy Association was organ- Association are doing for their divisions of the State. ized June 10, 1859, with W. A. Kelley, president, Bellevue, in latitude 32° 19' north and longiand R. W. Turner, secretary.

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tude 16° 26' west, was selected as the seat of jusThe enrollment of white pupils in the schools tice of Bossier Parish in February, 1843, and named of Bossier, from 1877 to 1887 inclusive, is shown Freedonia. In July of that year the name Society as follows: 85, 704, 361, 270, 475, 563, 387, 568, Hill was adopted, and shortly after the present 789, 2,475 and 600. The enrollment of colored euphonious title was given. In the chapters depupils for the same years, was 51, 1,166, 807, 222, voted to the transactions of the police jury and of 450, 758, 419, 429, 852, 3,745 and 1,178. In the courts, much of the early history of the town June, 1890, there were 1,398 white and 6,495 col- is related. Again, in the pages devoted to jourored children of school age.

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nalism and other subjects, names and incidents conThe physicians of the parish are named in the nected with the building up of Bellevue are menfollowing list, and location and date of diploma tioned, so that little remains to be written upon these subjects. The town was surveyed on the Head's stores. Two hundred feet across the street east half of the northwest quarter of Section 5, coals of fire were carried to Mrs. Smith's hotel, Township 19, Range 11, and laid out after the fash- the houses of Dr. Swann and Mrs. Kelly, and 300 ion of the period—a parallelogram 200 feet wide yards to Capt. Fort's house, but the buildings with the court-house near the northern end. In the

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were saved. case of Bellevue this main street takes the form of Bellevue Lodge No. 95, F. & A. M., was ora grand boulevard. Trees which offered shade in ganized U. D. July 12, 1850, with Andrew Law1843 are monarchs of this town-forest to-day; son, W. M.; A. J. McDade, S. W.; L. F. Steele, while other trees, which were set out by order of J. W.; I. S. Furniss, S. D. ; H. P. Hollingsworth, the police jury, or the council of the old town, J. D. ; C. E. Taliaferro, Sec.; John M. Perkins, forty years ago, vie with those which nature had Treas., and S. M. Furniss (now of Knox Point), hitherto raised there in venerable appearances and tyler. The officers were installed by Robert usefulness. On the west side of the parallelogram Hodges. Dr. J. A. Snider, C. A. Boone, P. P. in the neighborhood of the court-house, are the Bates, J. S. M. Lowry and others were present at mercantile houses, while on the east side is the the second meeting. On January 21, 1851, a Smith House, one of the most pleasant bostelries charter was granted, which was taken away from in all this section. The Banner office and Col. the society December 23, 1857, and restored Snyder's law office are on the east side, and the February 21, 1866. The masters of the lodge old Kelly House, now a residence, also stands since 1831 are named as follows: J. G. McDade,

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, there. The homes of the people are ranged along A. J. McDade, A. A. Abney, 1853–57. In April, this thoroughfare or adjacent to it, and, with their 1866, A. A. Abney presided. J. L. Biggs was flower gardens and lawns, lend to the old town an chosen W. M. in December of that year; J. A. arcadian beauty.

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Snider in 1868; W. H. Scanland in 1871; John The town was incorporated shortly after its C. Gordy, 1873; J. A. Snider, 1874; W. J. Mobfoundation, but the work of the council was des- ley, 1875–77; J. A. Snider, 1878; J. A. W. Lowry, ultory in character. The establishment of a 1880; J. A. Snider, 1881-83; W. J. Mobley, 1884; newspaper

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in 1857 did not lead to progress in this W. H. Scanland, 1885, and J. A. Snider, 1886-90. direction, but on the coming of the Banner, inter- In April, 1853, T. M. Fort was secretary, and est in town organization revived. In 1859 Belle- served until the lodge closed in 1857. In April, vue was presided over by W. H. Hill, mayor; T. 1866, he was again secretary. T. W. Braden, DeM. Fort, secretary; J. J. Carstarphen, J. M. Jones, cember, 1866; T. M. Fort, 1868; W. H. Hill, T. M. Fort and W. A. Kelley, aldermen. New 1870; F. C. Hodges, 1873; W. H. Hill, 1874-84; ordinances were adopted at this time, patrol com- J. A. W. Lowry, 1885–90. The membership in panies authorized and the work of the council April, 1890, was twenty-five. and officers systematized. The political turmoils Cypress Lodge No. 98, Collinsburg. charof 1859-60 and the commencement of hostilities tered in 1830, and rechartered in 1858, and Red in 1861 disrupted the municipal organization. Land 157, chartered in 1837 are still in exisThe Bellevue election of May, 1866, resulted in tance; Fillmore 163, chartered in 1858, ceased work the choice of W. H. Hill, mayor; A. A. Abney, in 1879. Ben F. Fort, J. C. Head and J. J. Carstarphen, Three lodges of K. of P. were organized in aldermen. For years the principles of the char- 1879–80, one at Plain Dealing in May, 1879; one ter were carried out, but now are unobserved. at Haughton in April, 1880, and one at Rocky

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The Bellevue fire of November 18, 1872, origi- Mount in October, 1880. nated in J. H. Lofton and John Fogg's grocery Bellevue Council 1120, A. L. of H. elected the store, and destroyed that building, with L. C. following-named officers for 1884: W. H. ScanRasberry's store, also Col. Haynes' and John C. land, Com.; T. N. Braden, V. C.; J. A. W. Lowry,

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as the “

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0.; W. H. Hill, Sec.; R. J. Holt, Col.; W. J. and child, of Bossier Parish. The cause was found Mobley, Treas.; E. M. Carstarphen, C.; R. T. at Shreveport, for, with very little regard to quaranDoyle, G.; B. F. Oneal, W.; R. E. Wyche, Jr., tine methods, the terrible epidemic shuns the upSent.; L. B. Kelley, J. H. Lofton and J. B. Oneal, lands of Bossier, and with the exceptions noted trustees. This lodge was organized May 5, 1883, and perhaps two others, left the people to enjoy by Dr. J. J. Scott.

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their usual health. In 1823 Louisiana Methodism was represented Haughton is one of the new railroad towns by eighty-nine whites and ten colored members. fourteen miles east of Shreveport, and the shipping Twenty-three years later the first Methodist Con- point for Bellevue, ten miles northeast. Years ference was introduced, and from 1846 may be ago all that was here was a forest, broken only by said to date the growth of this denomination. the just completed roadway, a box-car for a staFrom 1829 to 1833 Rev. William Stephenson tion, and a saloon; two years after, it was incorporpreached throughout this section, but the Baptist ated, and now there is a population of about 400, and English Church people of Bossier were slow to steadily increasing. There are ten business houses, accept the new religion, and not until 1857 was each having a large trade, and new firms are being there a church-house erected at Bellevue. This added to the list at short intervals; two saw-mills, house was rebuilt after the war, and is now known one of which has a planing-mill in connection, a

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Union Church.” The old church-house grist-mill, a public cotton-gin, a chair factory, one at Fillmore (Hickman's), however, was in existence commodious hotel and two boarding houses, a prior to 1852, for in that year the following-named large and well-stocked livery stable, and a Methwere members of the Methodist class: Elizabeth odist and a Baptist Church. There are 2,500 to

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. Taliaferro, Mrs. Andrew Lawson, Mrs. Col. Talia- 5,000 bales of cotton shipped from here every year, ferro, Henry Pope and wife, Sarah A. Lowry and the former the lowest and the latter the highest Maggie and Sally, Evaline Castarphen, Virginia number in several years; 125 cars of lumber, 100 Fort, J. L. Biggs, Elizabeth R. Biggs, William S. to 150 carloads of cordwood shipped per year. The Edwards and wife and Lousie Spurlin. The num- freight receipts amount to $14, 100 per year. There ber of white members in South and North Bossier is a K. of P. lodge (instituted April 6, 1880), with

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, Circuits is 393. There are four church buildings a fine hall and thirty members, and a Masonic and one parsonage.

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On the Sunday-school roll are lodge will soon be organized. South of Haughton 232 names.

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is one of the finest agricultural countries in the State, The colored churches are numerous and the and “Bossier Point” has made many a fortune in membership large and enthusiastic.

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the old days, and is still the valuable land it In 1850 Robert Martin established two Baptist

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was then.

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There are two schools for white pupils societies in Bossier, west of the Bodeau and two and one for colored children at this point. Plain between the Bodeau and Dorchette. Elder A. Dealing, on the St. Louis, Arkansas & Texas RailWinham assisted in this work.

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road bears the same relation to the northwestern Union Grove Christian Church may be said to townships of the parish that Haughton does to the be one of the organizations of John Scarborough southeastern townships. In the spring of 1887 prior to the war. The preachers, Kelly, Cooper, there was not a sign of village life here.

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In July, Northum, Vandyck, Crawford, Breedlove and J. B. 1888, lots were offered for sale, and it is said $12, Davis came since 1866. In the fall of 1883 Union 000 was realized from this sale, and in 1890 the Grove Society built a house also in Bossier Parish, town was incorporated, and on April 5, the foland in January, 1884, the last-named preacher lowing-named officers were elected: Mayor, W. B. was called.

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Boggs; councilnien, Prof. J. E. Johnston, W. H. The yellow fever of 1873 brought death to J. McClenaghan, S. H. Cochran, L. S. Kronenberg S. Walker, J. L. Perkins, Col. J. J. Hodge's wife and T. Z. Barnett. In April, 1890, the contract

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were

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for building a house of worship for the Baptists was J. B. Madding, John B. Campbell, and John sold to J. A. Bowles for $750. The house was Hamiter, trustees. This board was instructed to completed in July and opened in August of this purchase the forty acres on which the school build- year. The Plain Dealing Academy preceded the ing then stood, and erect thereon a larger house. church, and the newspaper, then edited by P. B. The building then erected now stands alone among Holt, led the march of improvement.

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the older trees, keeping company with the cem- Benton is an old name given to a new railroad etery where sleep many of the pioneers of this town south of Plain Dealing. On June 23, 1877, section. the Masons of Cypress Lodge 89, completed their Fillmore, south of Bellevue, is another village building at the old town. Alden's Bridge and

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of a past age.

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Before the war it was a thriving Arkana are also new railroad towns.

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business center. Churches and schools Rocky Mount, on the proposed line of the fostered, and the old time post office distributed a

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, Gulf Railroad, is an old village with new preten. large mail; but all this is changed, and empty sions. Centre Lodge No. 21, K. of P. was organ. buildings only remain to tell of village greatness. ized bere October 30, 1880, and other evidences The Bossier Academy at Fillmore was opened of progress have since been manifested. In Jan- September 24, 1860, by John B. Gretter, principal, uary, 1874, Rocky Mount Grange was organized and Miss S. E. Sawyer, assistant Tuition cost

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. with twenty male and ten female members. J. B. from $12.50 to $20 per session of five months, and Campbell was chosen master, and I. H. Martin, board $10 per month. Fillmore Lodge No. 163, secretary. The Grange disappeared, but modern A. F. & A. M. (organized in 1858), surrendered its times bas brought fourth the Alliance to take its charter in 1879. In the vicinity many great place.

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plantations are now clothed in pine instead of Bodeau Bridge Company, incorporated in June, cotton, and no place portrays more completely the 1870, with W. H. Scanland, R. T. Stinson, J. A. affects of war than the ancient village and its sur- Spider, J. R. Griffin and W. H. Hill, directors, roundings. for the purpose of bridging the lake at Bellevue Collinsburg is one of the old towns still exist- Ferry. Bodeau Bayou was called in olden times ing. Bayou Beattie.

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The post-offices of Bossier Parish in 1859 were: Red Land was one of the ancient towns of the Bellevue*, James M. Jones, master (late J. F. parish, but now it is a waste like Overton in Web. Lofton was master); Bisteneau, William F. Boon; ster, or Russellville and Athens in Claiborne. Bossier Point, James H. Brown; Collinsburg*, G. Churches and store houses have been moved away. W. Sentell; Cotton Valley, John Holley; Fillmore, The only remaining monument of Red Land's mer- William E. Hamilton; Knox Point*, S. E. McKin- cantile glory was consumed by fire on the last night ley; Orchard Grove, Thomas Nettles; Plainville, of March, 1890, when the J. J. Swindle building, Asa H. Hearne; Rocky Mount*, James T. Talbert; occupied by the general store of Henry J. Boggs, Jones Bayou, N. F. Scopeni's store and Sentell's was swept away. The ball of Red Land Lodge store. Of all the above only the four marked * No. 148, F. & A. M. (organized in 1857), was in are post office points to-day. The new offices this building and was a total loss, including all the being Alden's Bridge, J. F. Elder, master, vice furniture and records since its institution, about J. Pickett; Ansel, Mrs. McLelan vice Kate E. thirty years ago.

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The Red Land post office was Strand; Ash Point, and Benton; Carterville, H. J. also destroyed, including all supplies and records Boggs vice N. B. Boggs; Dixie, Haughton, Love's since 1879. The Red Land Seminary was estab- Mill, Midway, Oak Hill, Pickett, Red Land and lished January 3, 1839, with S. A. Boggs, John Vanceville. G. Allen, Augustus Martin, B. H. Nelson, James Engram, M. Martin, R. D. Wyche, Dr. J. J. Scott,

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G. B. Abercrombie has been a general merchant ber of society residing in Bossier Parish, La., and of Haughton, La., since 1886, but was born in as he was born here on March 2, 1846, he has a Montgomery County, Ala., in 1852 to John B. large circle of friends and acquaintances by whom and Penny F. (Patterson) Abercrombie, the former he is respected and honored. His parents, Asof whom was born in South Carolina in 1812, and bury A. and Catherine (McDade) Abney, passed the latter in Georgia in 1821, their marriage from life in this parish in 1866 at the age of fortaking place in the State of Alabama, where Mr. ty-nine and in 1857 at the age of thirty, respectAbercrombie died in 1863. The mother is now a ively, he having been born in the Palmetto State, resident of Texas, and is a worthy member of the and she in Alabama, their marriage taking place Methodist Church, of which her husband was also in the latter in 1844, They moved the following a member, he being a farmer by occupation, and at year to Bossier Parish, and here he was chosen to one time tax assessor of Montgomery County. He represent the people in the State Senate and for was a member of a reserve corps in the Confederate fully ten years he was active in public life, being army, and was a son of Abner Abercrombie, who for a number of years clerk of the district court. died in Montgomery County, Ala., being a direct He was admitted to the bar in Shreveport, and descendant of Gen. Abercrombie of colonial times. until his death followed this calling and merchanThe subject of this sketch is the sixth of thirteen dizing in Bellevue, and was very successful in children, six now living, and was reared on a farm both. He was a heavy loser by the war and did with but little chances for acquiring an education, not live long enough afterward to regain what he bis schooling not amounting to over five months. had lost. He served one year in the late war as In 1865 be came with a cousin to Claiborne Parish, lieutenant in the Thirteenth Louisiana Battalion, La., and in 1866 to Bossier Parish, where he and for some time was in the Trans-Mississippi worked as a farm band for two years then attended, Department. He was a self-made man in every school for five months at Fillmore. He then sense of the word, was a man strictly honorable in clerked in different stores until 1870, when he all his dealings, and was looked up to and remade a crop in Morehouse Parish, and in 1871 spected by all who knew him. After the death of returned to Bossier Parish, where he was elected his first wife he married again, his second union deputy sheriff, and worked in the different county being to a sister of his first wife, her death ocoffices for some time. In 1872 he was married curring in Red River Parish.

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curring in Red River Parish. Mr. Abney was a to Josie, daughter of L. W. and Martha Baker, Methodist, an R. A. M., and inherited the French who came to Bossier Parish from Alabama in 1846, and English blood of his parents. The subject of and here are still living. Mrs. Abercrombie was this sketch was the eldest of six children and alborn here. In 1876 Mr. Abercrombie was ap- though he was given good advantages for acquirpointed district clerk to fill an unexpired term, ing an education, he left school to enter the Conand after serving one year began farming, which federate army, having been an attendant for six he continued until 1880, when he established a months in the military department of the State mercantile house at Red Chute, removing the same, University of Louisiana at New Orleans. In in 1886, to Haughton. He was once justice of March, 1864, he joined the Eighth Louisiana the peace

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for three years in what is now Webster Cavalry and was a faithful soldier to the cause he Parish, from 1873, and socially belongs to the espoused until the final surrender. In April,

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, I. O. O. F., Meath Lodge No. 21, of Shreveport, 1865, he was transferred to the ordnance departthe I. O. R. M., Pontiac Tribe No. 12, and Friend- ment, afterward to the engineers' department. ship Lodge No. 13 of the K. of P. at Haughton. While in the ranks he was in several skirmishes, He is the owner of considerable real estate, all among which may be mentioned Mansfield and of wbich he has earned by his own efforts.

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Monett's Ferry.

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Soon after the close of the war W. M. Abney is an honorable and useful mem- he commenced the study of medicine under Dr.

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Cook, of Bellevue, and in 1866–67 attended the Arnold received the advantages of an academic medical department of the State University, and education at Newnan Academy, Newnan, Ga., and again entered this institution in 1887–88, gradu- was attending this institution when the war came ating in the latter year. He practiced his pro- up, at which time he responded to the call of the fession until 1869, when he gave it up on account Confederacy for troops, enlisting in Company H, of ill health and began keeping books for M. W. First Georgia Regiment, under command of Col. Sentell & Co., at Collinsburg, remaining in their Ramsey, of Augusta, Ga. During his experience employ four years, and farmed the balance of the as a soldier he operated in all the States lying betime until 1887, when he entered college, as above tween the Potomac and Rio Grande Rivers, and stated, and since graduating has practiced his was a participant in the battles of Manasses, Laurel profession with success. In 1884 he became a Hill, Corinth, Farmington, Iuka, besides all the member of the police jury of Ward 3, and has principal engagements of Northern Mississippi and since continued as a member. He is quite well south of Nashville, Tenn. He was honorably disfixed, financially, and is the owner of 400 acres of charged from his first commands March 16, 1862, land near Collinsburg, a considerable portion of but shortly afterward joined an independent cav

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a which is under cultivation. In 1872 he was mar- alry company, and in 1864 was transferred to the ried to Miss Susan T. Marks, a daughter of Nich- Trans-Mississippi Department, and was made first olas Marks. She was born in this parish and she lieutenant of Company C, Sixth Louisiana Cavalry, and the Doctor are members of the Methodist taking part in the engagements with the Federal Episcopal Church, South. The former is trustee fleet from Alexandria to “Loggy Bayou," where of the North Bossier Circuit, is chairman of the he assisted in sinking the “New Fall City.” He was board, and is a Democrat, politically. Socially he in command of a company at Mansfield when orders is a member of the K. of P. and belongs to the were received to surrender, after which he returned A. F. & A. M.

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to his old home in Louisiana, and in the month of John M. Arnold is a prosperous and intelligent May, 1866, began farming where he now resides. planter of Bossier Parish, La., but the State of his His plantation comprises 410 acres of fertile land birth was Georgia, where he first saw the light of in the Red River Valley, and on this he raises the day in the year 1842. His parents, G. W. and principal products of the South. He was married Salina (Sims) Arnold, were born in South Carolina in this parish in 1874, to Miss Lou J., daughter of and Georgia, about 1816 and 1818, respectively, John and Mary (Cowan) Brownlee, both of whom their marriage taking place in Oglethorpe County, were born in South Carolina, but have been resiof the latter State, in 1838, where they made their dents of Louisiana since 1848. Mr. Arnold's famhome until 1860, then moved to Bossier Parish, La. ily consists of four children-three sons and one Here the father purchased a good plantation, and daughter. He is one of the honorable citizens of devoted his attention to its management, becoming this community, and has served as assessor and one of the substantial men of that calling in this register for six years, of Ward No. 2. He is a section of the country. He ever showed himself Mason, being a member of Cypress Lodge No. 189. to be a man of honor in all his business transac- James W. Atkins of the general mercantile firm tions, and at the time of his death did not owe a of J. D. & J. W. Atkins, who are also planters at dollar. He was a prominent member of the Ma- Knox Point, La., was born in Neshoba County, sonic fraternity in Georgia, and passed from life Miss., in 1860, and is a son of Judge Joseph W. in the State of Louisiana, in 1868, his widow dy- and Eleanor J. (Savage) Atkins, natives of Tennesing in 1872. The mother's father, John Sims, see and South Carolina, respectively. They were was a well-known farmer of Georgia, and at the married in Mississippi, and in that State Mr. Atbreaking out of the Rebellion was the owner of kins passed from life, a worthy member of the Meth5,000 acres of land and eighty slaves. John M. odist Church, and a successful planter. He was in public life for many years and held nearly all from an early age he displayed an eagerness for the county offices, including judge of the county study and a desire for a professional life. He was court, and during the Rebellion was a colonel in the born at Port Gibson, Claiborne County, Miss., in commissary department. His father, William At- 1840, and at the age of twenty years turned his kins, died in Tennessee when he was a small boy, attention to the study of medicine, his preceptor and he was then taken to Virginia, and was reared being Dr. Medlet, but from 1859 to 1861 he at

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, in that State. Judge Atkins was a Royal Arch tended the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, Mason, and is still survived by his widow who is a graduating in the latter year, after which he almost worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. immediately joined the Confederate army, being

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, James W. Atkins was the ninth of their fourteen assigned to duty as assistant surgeon of the Army childreu, ten of whom are living, and his early ed- of Tennessee, remaining in the service thus actively ucation was received in the common schools, but | employed until nearly the close of the war, when graduated in 1880 from T. A. Ledden's Commer- he was taken prisoner, and for nearly one year was cial College, of Memphis, Tenn., after which he at retained at Alton, Ill. After his release he comonce came to Knox Point, and for three years menced practicing at Franklin, Mo., but in 1868 clerked for his brother, J. D., who had been a mer- came to Shreveport, La., and a short time after to chant of that place for several years. In 1883 they Rocky Mount, then Red Land, where he has debecame associated in business, and have since con- servedly built up an extensive practice. His skill ducted affairs under the firm name of J. D. & J. is too well known to comment upon, and his pracW. Atkins. James W. came to this parish with no tice is very widespread and lucrative. His marcapital and no mercantile experience, and began bus-riage with Miss Lucy Falenwider, a young lady of iness on a small scale, but from time to time they finished education and high accomplishments was have increased their business until they now have celebrated in 1872, she being a native of North Carthe most extensive and complete establishment of olina, and to them three children have been born: the kind on Red River. In 1889 they handled about

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about Alice, Harry and William. His daughter Alice 3,300 bales of cotton, and did a business which after spending the last two years in St. Vincent amounted to $75,000. Besides this, J. W. and Convent, Shreveport, receiving premiums in all another brother, J. B., own a large plantation in her studies, especially music, is now in school at Red River Parish, where they also operate and Gadsden, Ala., and bids fair to prove herself one own a large store under the firm name of J. B. & of the most learned of the Southern girls. The J. W. Atkins. James W. Atkins was married in Doctor is a member of the State Medical Associa1883 to Miss Lucy, daughter of James W. Elmore, tion, also the Bossier Parish Medical Society, and a Virginian, but who is now living at Friar's Point, socially is a member of the K. of P., and in his

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, Miss., a wealthy planter. Mr. and Mrs. Atkins political views is a Democrat. have two little children-a boy and a girl. They Henry Barnacastle, of the firm of Barnacastle & attend the Methodist Church, of which they have Murff, general merchants and druggists at Houghbeen members for some time.

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ton, established their business in September, 1889. W. J. Baird, M. D. Since locating in this Mr. Barnacastle was born in Bertie County, N. C., parish Dr. Baird has shown himself eminently in 1830, a son of James and Harriet (Barber) Barnaworthy of the confidence and trust reposed in bim castle, who were also born in the same county of by all classes, and has proven himself to be a phy. North Carolina, where they married and lived unsician of decided merit. Unlike the majority of til 1848, when they removed to Florida, in which the boys of his day, he acquired more than a com- State Mr. Barnacastle died in 1852, his widow aftermon-school education, and was given the advan. ward removing to Mississippi, where she passed tages of Oakland College, his opportunities being from life during the war, both being members of thoroughly improved while in that institution, for the Baptist Church, and the former a planter by

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ occupation. Beverly Barnacastle, the paternal this sketch in 1857, and passed from life in this

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, grandfather, was of Irish descent, and died in parish. The school days of Franklin M. Barnett Bertie County, N. C. The Grandfather Barber were spent in Lauderdale County, Aia., but after was a sailor by calling, and the most of his life the death of his father he devoted his time and was spent on the ocean, his death occurring while attention to making a living for his mother and his at sea.

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Henry Barnacastle was the third of nine brothers and sisters. He has resided on his preschildren, and in his youth became familiar with ent farm four miles east of Red Land since coming farm life, obtaining a common-school education. to this state, and by the exercise of industry and Since 1849 he has been a resident of Bossier Par- intelligence he is now in a prosperous condition, ish, and here he was married in 1856 to Miss Pa- financially. In February, 1863 he joined the tience P., daughter of Henry and Rhoda Herring, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry, Col. Gray's natives of Georgia, who removed to Bossier Par- regiment, with which he served until the close of ish in 1850, and spent the rest of their lives here, the war, being in the battles of Mansfield and Mr. Herring dying before the war and his widow Pleasant Hill. He was discharged at Shreveport about 1885, the former being a farmer by occupa- in May, 1865, and farming has since been his tion and one of the early settlers of this region. principal occupation, but some attention has also Mrs. Barnacastle was born in Twiggs County, Ga., been given to blacksmithing and wagon making. and has borne Mr. Barnacastle four children-one He is a skillful mechanic, and bas been employed son and three daughters. Mr. Barnacastle farmed by people in all directions. He is a prominent until 1866, then engaged in merchandising at Old and well-known citizen, and in 1888 was elected a Fillmore, where he continued four years, then re- member of the police jury, and is now discharging moved a few miles south, and when Haughton was the duties of this office. He was married in 1850 established he removed to that place, where he has to Miss Mary J. McAdams of Alabama, who died since been in business, being one of the leading in 1865, leaving seven children, four now living:

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: merchants of the place. In 1862 he joined Com- T. Z. (a book-keeper at Plain Dealing), Eliza J. pady B, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry, and (wife of J. L. Cochran, a planter of Lafayette operated in Lower Lonisiana until the close of the County, Ark.), L. F. (a missionary Baptist war, being in several severe skirmishes, and sur- minister and farmer residing near his father), and rendered at Shreveport, after wbich he returned to Alice M. (wife of J. M. Lester, also a tiller of the the farm. He was justice of the peace some years, soil in Lafayette County, Ark.). Those deceased and since 1888 has been a member of the police are: James W., who died at the

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age of twenty-one jury from Ward 6.

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In 1880 he took the census of years; and Rufus G. and John M. who were both Wards 6 and 1, and for one year was mayor of young at the time of their deaths. On December Houghton. He is a, member of the A. F. & A. M., 24, 1865, Mr. Barnett was married to Miss Huldah Bellevue Lodge No. 95, and was master of Fillmore E. Cochran, a daughter of Edmond B. Cochran of Lodge some years. He was made a Mason in Alabama, by whom he became the father of the fol. 1854, and Royal Arch Mason in 1865.

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lowing children: Aaron A., Essie E., Eddie A., Franklin M. Barnett is a member of the police Addie J., Luda C. and Dr. J. Allen C. died in jury of Bossier Parish from Ward 4, but is a native infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Barnett are members of of Madison County, Ala., his birth occurring near the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a Mason Huntsville, April 4, 1829. His father and mother, and a member of Red Land Lodge No. 148. He Zachariah and Mary F. (Mattison) Barnett, were also belongs to the Farmers' Alliance, and is a born in Abbeville District, S. C., but were married Democrat politically. in Alabama and resided there until the father's W. P. Belcher is accounted a successful planter death in 1840, when about thirty-five years of age. of Bossier Parish, and deservedly so, for all his The mother came to Louisiana with the subject of operations have resulted profitably. He was born

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a

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in Abbeville District, S. C., in 1833, being the eld- of Dr. E. E. and Caroline Du Bose, natives of est of seven children-six sons and one daughter-- South Carolina, from which State they moved to born to Robert E. and Mary (Norwood) Belcher, Alabama, thence to Arkansas, where they resided the former being born in Abbeville District in 1811, until their respective deaths. Mrs. Belcher was and his wife in the same place a few years later, born in Glennville, Ala., and died in 1805, having their deaths occurring there in 1851 and 1845, borne one son, Robert E.

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borne one son, Robert E. After the war they rerespectively. The father was a lawyer and planter sided in Arkansas for three years, but afterward and a son of Rev. Washington Belcher, a Vir- made their home in different parts of Northwestginian by birth, who afterward went to South ern Louisiana. In 1874 he rented a part of his Carolina, where he died, having followed the call present farm, and is now the owner of 657 acres, it ing of a Baptist minister. His wife, formerly being one of the most fertile farms on Red River, Miss Mary Bennett, was born in Maryland and and all of which he has earned since 1874, as he died in South Carolina, also. The Belcbers were came here with only $120. He has over 500 acres of English descent, and were among the early set- cleared and raises from 350 to 400 bales of cotton tlers of New England, one of whom was one of annually. He is one of the substantial planters the colonial governors of Massachusetts. The of the region, and is truly a self-made man. maternal grandfather, Williamson Norwood, who Lewis C. Biggs is a farmer and stockdealer was also of English descent, was born and died in residing near Bellevue, and was born near the Abbeville District, S. C., and although he was same place in 1857, being a son of Joseph L. and reared in poverty he became one of the wealthiest Elizabeth R. (Bryant) Biggs, the former a Tennesplanters of his district by his own efforts. The seeau, born in 1814, and the latter born in South subject of this sketch, althongh reared on a farm, Carolina, their marriage taking place in Mississippi. was given excellent educational advantages, and Some time in the forties they took up their abode graduated from the South Carolina University at near Bellevue, and here the mother was called to Columbia in 1855. He then spent a short time in her long home in 1882, her husband still surviving Kansas, after which three years were devoted to the

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her. He is a tailor by trade, and after serving a cotton business in Augusta, Ga., at the end of short time in the Confederate army, he was de

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., which time he returned to his home. When the tailed home to make clothing for the Confederate first gun was fired in the late war he joined Capt.

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soldiers. He has served several years as coroner J. M. Perrin's company, First South Carolina In- of Bossier Parish, and was also for a short time fantry, State Troops, and was at the fall of Fort sheriff by virtue of his office as coroner.

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He is a Sumter, and after three months' service he came member of the A. F. & A. M., Bellevue Lodge to Arkansas, but soon after returned and joined No. 95, and is a member of the Methodist Church, Company D, Seventh South Carolina Infantry, as was his wife. Lewis C. Biggs is the third of and served with the Army of Northern Virginia their five children, and in his youth was reared to until Nov. 1861. In January, 1862, he came to

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a knowledge of farm life, his literary education Louisiana, and the same month of the following being received at Bellevue and at Homer College. year he became a member of Company F, Fifteenth He was married in 1881 to Miss Mary Lou, daughArkansas Regiment of Infantry, and was captured ter of Maj. Robert E. Wyche and Catherine (Hamiat Port Hudson after a long siege of fighting. ter) Wyche, who were born in Alabama and GeorAfter being paroled and exchanged he joined gia in 1829 and 1836, respectively, their marriage what was known as William Harrison's Cavalry, taking place in Bossier Parish in 1854. The Mawith which he served until the close of the war as jor was a successful planter, and during the Requartermaster-sergeant, surrendering in Mansfield bellion commanded a battalion known as Wyche's in May, 1865. In February, 1862, he was married Battalion of the Confederate States army. His in Arkansas to Miss Ella S. Du Bose, daughter | home was in Upper Bossier Parish until 1878,

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a

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when he was elected to the position of sheriff, River. Soon after this he commenced to farm in and filled the duties of the same until his death, Alabama, and by energy and economy he soon which occurred September 26, 1889. He was a gained a good start, and in 1844 he gathered to

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a member of the A. F. & A. M., the K. of P., the gether all his possessions, and came to Louisiana, A. L. of H., and he and his wife were Methodists, and started to opening a farm in the wilderness. she being a daughter of John Hamiter, who came He has always resided within two miles of where from Georgia when she was a little girl, being he first located, and has opened up a great deal of one of the early settlers of this region. He died land. His marriage, which occurred in 1838, was here in 1866, a well-to-do farmer, his wife's death to Miss Jane Cavett, a native of Madison County, having occurred some time prior to his. Mrs. Ala., who died December 3, 1861, her birth having Biggs was born in Bossier Parish, and her union occurred in 1822. She became the mother of with Mr. Biggs has resulted in the birth of five seven sons and one daughter, five sons and the children, three of whom are living. Since the daughter now living: Alexander C. (who is engaged war Mr. Biggs has lived in Bellevue, but is the

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Bellevue, but is the in saw-milling in the Choctaw Nation), Samuel T. owner of 500 acres of fine farming land, and in (a member of the well-known mercantile firm of connection with tilling the soil is largely engaged Martin, Boggs & Hughes), Moses J. (who is managin stockraising. He filled the position of consta- ing the home place), Henry Luther (is a merchant ble four years, was deputy sheriff some years, and, of Plain Dealing), Jefferson D. (is a clerk in a railsocially, is a member of the A. L. of H., Bellevue road office in Texas), and Mary L. (who is the wife Lodge No. 1120. His wife is a Methodist. of Thomas Martin, a planter of Caddo Parish),

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Samuel A. Boggs came to this locality in 1814 Arthur (died at the age of thirty-nine years on Red from his native county of Madison, Ala., his birth | River), James C. (died when a child in Alabama), having occurred there May 25, 1816, his parents, and Richard V. (wbo belonged to a Louisiana regiSamuel O. and Mary (Kent) Boggs, being born, ment, and died in St. Mary's Parish). Alexander C. reared and married near Savannah, Ga. They was also a soldier in the Confederate army, and lost moved to Madison County, Ala., when it was a his right arm at Atlanta. The mother of these new country, and there continued to reside until children was a member of the Baptist Church. In the father's death, which occurred at the

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age

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of 1863 Mr. Boggs wedded Louisa (Fowler) Davis, eighty-four years, the mother being about the same widow of J. J. Davis, she being born in the State age at the time of her death, she dying at the of Tennessee. She had, by her first husband, one home of a daughter in Talladega County. Mr. child, A. G. Davis, who recently died, leaving a Boggs was a planter all his life, was a soldier in widow and four children. He was a planter by callthe War of 1812, also in one of the Indian wars, ing, was also a successful educator and was a and he and his wife were members of the Method. member of the Missionary Baptist Church at the ist Church. His father, Joseph Boggs, came from time of his death, which occurred when he was Ireland to the United States prior to the Revolu- thirty-four years old. Mr. Boggs and his wife are tion, and he became a member of the Continental Missionary Baptists, and he has been a member of army and was captain of a company, being in a the same for the past forty-one years, this being number of hard fought battles. Samuel A. Boggs the first church established here. He has been a was the tenth of eleven children born to his Democrat all his life, and for six years prior to the parents, nine of whom grew to maturity and mar- war was a member of the police jury.

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He has ried, he being the only one now living. He spent

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He spent always been noted for his great strength, and, bis school days in Alabama, and in 1836 or 1837 although seventy-four years of age, he is yet hale he joined a company to help gather together the

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and hearty. Creek Indians before their removal to the reserva- W. B. Boggs is the efficient mayor of Plain tion prepared for them west of the Mississippi | Dealing, Bossier Parish, La., but was born in Ben

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ton County, Ala., October 8, 1854, a son of Samuel the Farmers' Alliance. Mr. Boggs' father has

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' J. and Lucinda E. (Barnett) Boggs, who came been a very successful farmer, and is now fifty-seven from Alabama to Bossier Parish in 1857, locating years of age. After the death of the mother of W. in Ward 4, where the father bas since resided, his B., the father married again, and in religious faith wife baving died soon after coming here. W. B. is a Missionary Baptist. He is also a Mason and

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a Boggs was educated at Red Land, in this parish, a K. of P., and has represented the K. of P. lodge where there was a good local school, and when in the Grand Lodge of the State. He served in a twenty-one years of age he turned his attention to Louisiana regiment during the Rebellion, and was mercantile pursuits, entering the employ of J. J. in a number of battles. Swindle, with whom he has since been associated, Newton C. Brownlee was born and reared in a partnership being formed in 1878. They contin- the parish in wbich he is now residing, his birth ued at that point until 1884, when Mr. Boggs occurring November 25, 1852. His father and formed a partnership with S. H. Cochran, their es- mother, John A. and Mary J. (Cowan) Brownlee, tablishment being at Red Land, but in 1888 he again were born and spent their youthful days in South became connected with Mr. Swindle, their drug es. Carolina, their marriage taking place in that State tablishment being one of the finest at Plain Deal- in 1848, and their removal to Bossier Parish, La., ing, and in his business career he has always been dating the same year.

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Mr. Brownlee purchased a successful. From 1878 till 1888 he was a member large plantation here and until the day of his of the police jury from Ward 4, Bossier Parish, death, in 1861, was one of the well-known planters and was president of that body in 1880, and clerk of this section. His widow survives him, and is a iu 1882. In 1886 he was a candidate for represent worthy member of the Presbyterian Church. Newative, and later made the race for State senator. ton C. Brownlee received his early education in From 1884 to 1888 he was a member of the school the schools near where he now resides, and in 1871 board and of the Journal Club of the House of began life for himself as a planter, on a farm of Representatives, but since the last election he 300 acres, about 100 acres of which were under has been mayor of Plain Dealing. In 1888 bis cultivation. He is now the owner of 700 acres, friends once more wished him to make the race for 300 of which is a highly fertile and well cultivated representative, and, as before, be lacked only a few tract, finely improved with buildings, etc. He votes of election. He has always taken a deep in- was married in 1877 to Miss Louda, daughter of terest in the political affairs of the day as one of G. W. and Salina (Sims) Arnold, and to their the leaders, and bas at all times voted and worked union a family of two sons and three daughters for the success of the Democratic party. He be- has been born. Under Gov. Nicholls' first adcame a notary public in 1882, and was postmaster ministration, from 1876 to 1879, Mr. Brownlee of Red Land from 1879 until recently, when he was a member of the police jury and was also a handed in his resignation, the same not yet having member of the local school board, proving himself been accepted. November 18, 1880, he was unit- a very able and competent man for the position. ed in marriage to Miss E. Estella Swindle, a daugh- He has shown his approval of secret organizations ter of J. J. Swindle, of this parish, and to them by becoming a member of the Masonic fraternity, three children have been born: Mattie E., John S. Cypress Lodge No. 189, and Louisiana Lodge of and W. B., Jr.

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Mr. Boggs is a Mason, and in the A. O. U. W. He is the second of a family of 1883 and 1887 represented his lodge in the Grand five children born to his parents--four sons and one Lodge of the State. He is also a K. of P. and has daughter. . held all the offices in the Grand Lodge from inner

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Orlando B. Childers. The agricultural affairs guard to grand vice chancellor, with the exception of Bossier Parish, La., are ably represented by the of grand keeper of the record and seals and grand subject of this sketch, among others, who is an master of the exchequer, and is now a member of honorable, upright gentleman in every respect, his

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word being as good as his bond. He was born in has nearly the entire tract under a fine state of Stewart County, Ga., in 1839, his parents being cultivation and improvement, his annual yield of Winfrey and Nancy (Hawkins) Childers, their cotton being from 225 to 270 bales. On his propbirths occurring in Georgia, in 1804 and 1812, re- erty he has erected a good steam cotton-gin and spectively, their marriage taking place in Stewart plantation store, and he has the full satisfacCounty, of that State. About 1812 they removed tion of knowing that what he has, has been earned to Alabama, and from there two years later to by his own efforts. He was born in Lee County, Natchitoches Parish, La., and in 1862 to Bossier Ala., in 1861, being the youngest of three sons, and Parish, and in 1877 to Comanche County, Tex., remained with his father after coming to Bossier where the mother died in 1881. Mr. Childers then Parish, attending the common schools of his nareturned to Bossier Parish, and here spent the tive State, until fourteen years of age. At the age of remainder of his days, dying in 1884, both he and twenty, he began doing for himself with the abovehis wife having been members of the Missionary mentioned results, and is now accounted, and justBaptist Church, his occupation having been that ly so, one of the leading agriculturists of this secof a farmer. Orlando B. Childers is the third of tion. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist nine children, three of the family now living, the Church, and has always shown himself to be pub

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, . others being Samuel R. and Daniel, of Natchitoches lic spirited, enterprising and honest. His two Parish. Orlando was reared on a farm in Natchi- brothers are William Homer and Robert Kellam toches Parish, until he was five years old, but his Colquitt, sons of Francis Marion and Mary E. (Kel. schooling during his youth and early manhood did lam) Colquitt, wbo were born in Georgia, March not exceed a few months. In 1861 he joined Com- 21, 1828, and Alabama, December 29, 1834, their pany D, Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry, Army deaths occurring in Bossier Parish, La., and Alabaof Tennessee, and was in the engagements at ma, July 28, 1884, and June 23, 1865, respectShiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary ively. They were married in Alabama, and af

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. Ridge, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin, Nashville, ter the mother's death, the father, in 1876, came Spanish Fort and Meridian, Miss. He was slightly to Bossier Parish, where he followed planting wounded at Atlanta, but was otherwise upinjured until his death. He served as an officer throughduring his service. After the close of the war he out the Rebellion, and was a warm supporter returned home, and in 1866 was married to Miss of the cause of the Confederacy. He was a MaSophia, daughter of John Hall, but her death oc- son, socially, and was a prominent member of curred in 1873. Two years later Mr. Childers the Baptist Church, was fairly educated, an able wedded Josephine, daughter of Adolph Lattier, writer and a deep thinker. He was very genial in who was born in Bossier Parish, bis father, Francis all his ways, and was loved by all who knew him Lattier, being one of the early settlers of this for his many worthy traits of character. The region. Mrs. Childers was born in this parish, mother's father, Judge Robert Kellam, was a prom: and here her children, seven in number-five sons inent politician of Alabama, a farmer by occupaand two daughters--were also born. Mr. Childers tion, and died in that State. is the owner of 262 acres of land, 100 acres of Wilson Covington has been a resident of Bossier which are cleared and under cultivation. Mr. and Parisb, La., since 1841, and his example of indusMrs. Childers are worthy members of the Catholic try and earnest and sincere endeavor to succeed in Church, and are bighly esteemed by all who know life, is well worthy the imitation of the rising genthem.

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eration. He was born in Tippah County, N. C., Walter T. Colquitt. This well-known and suc

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March 29, 1831, and is a son of Miles and Marcessful young agriculturist of Bossier Parish has garet (Weeks) Covington, who were also born in resided on his present farm of 350 acres, situated that State, and came to Bossier Parish, La.,

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in four miles above Shreveport since 1881, and now 1841, locating near Red Land, near where the sub

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a

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corn.

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ject of this sketch now resides.

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Here both par

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Warrington, Va. Mr. Curry, Sr., was a lifelong ents died, he in 1859, at the age of sixty-one Democrat, and was a farmer by occupation, dying years, and she in 1861, when seventy years of age, in South Carolina in 1884, at the age of eightyboth Baptists, the former having been a farmer four years. His wife died when the subject of throughout life, and as such was successful. He this sketch was a boy of six years. Our subject's was considered one of the best and most practical only schooling was received in the country schools farmers in this section, was very persevering and of Fairfield District. Leaving the school room and industrious, and as a result accumulated an abun- his books in the early part of 1862, he joined dant share of this world's goods. Although at Company F of the Twelfth South Carolina Infirst a Whig in politics, he afterward became a fantry. His first engagement was at Port Royal, Democrat, and remained such the rest of his life. S. C., and when that place was taken by the He first removed from his native State to Alabama, Federals, he managed to escape, and served the then made a six weeks' overland trip to this parish, remainder of the war in the Virginian army under at which time there were very few people here,

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Gens. A. P. Hill and Stonewall Jackson, being there being only four families within a radius of in all the principal battles up to the engagefour miles. Of nine children born to himself and ment of Spottsylvania, where he was captured and wife, Wilson is the sixth. When twenty one years held fourteen months a prisoner, four months of of age he began farming for himself, and is now which time he was held as a hostage, being conthe owner of a good farm of 380 acres, a consid- fined in a cell 4x6 feet, not seeing the light of the sun erable portion of which is under cultivation and during these long months of solitude. At Fort well improved with excellent buildings. He raises

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He raises Delaware, under command of Gen. Scheoff, U. S. some stock, but makes a specialty of cotton and A., being a prisoner in close confinement, he was by

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In March, 1862, he joined the Third Louis- order of the Secretary of War, paroled and released iana Cavalry, and remained with the same until the just before the fall of Petersburg. On his arrival close of the war, participating in many sharp skir- at home, the booming of Sherman's artillery mishes. In May, 1865, he left the command at greeted his ears. Not being permitted to bear Alexandria, La., and came home, and here, in arms, under penalty of death (condition of parole), 1870, opened a dry goods store at Red Land, being he assisted the sheriff in preserving the record of a member of the firm of Swindle, Crawford & Co. his district. His father's home being devastated This firm was afterward dissolved, and Mr. Cov- by Sherman's raid, he determined to unite with his ington and Mr. Crawford became associated in bus- command again and risk the consequences, which iness, and remained thus associated for five years, he did the evening before the surrender near Farmsince which time Mr. Covington has devoted his ville, Va. He was severely wounded by a musketattention to farming exclusively. In 1852 he was ball at the second battle of Manassas in the right married to Mrs. Helen (Moore) Montgomery, a

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ankle, which makes him a cripple at the present daughter of Charles Moore, of Arkansas, in which writing. After the close of the war he spent some State she was also born. They are members of months superintending a merchant-mill owned by the Baptist Church, and he is a Democrat in his his uncle, Henry W. Parr. In the fall of 1865 he political views and belongs to the Farmers' Al- came to Bossier Parish in company with several liance.

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citizens of Fairfield, one of whom, Mrs. Margaret Hon. Robert H. Curry is the present repre- (Martin) Bell, soon afterward became his wife.

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, sentative of Bossier Parish in the General Assembly She died of beart disease in the fall of 1881, of the State, but was born in Fairfield District, S. leaving three children: Carrie (who was educated C., November 26, 1842, being the son of Robert at the Minden Female Seminary), Robert Turner P. and Mary Caroline (Parr) Curry, the former (educated at Thatcher Institute, Shreveport, acquita native of South Carolina, and the latter of / ing himself with honors, now a student of law),

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five years.

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9

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and Maggie E. Curry (now a student of Kate P. maining there four years, when he went to Lafay. Nelson Seminary of Shreveport). January 8, 1888, ette County, Ark., and was engaged in farming Mr. Curry wedded Miss Mollie B. Banks of this

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He then returned to Bossier Parish parish, and by her has one son, Glenn Hamilton, and purchased eighty acres of land, on which he named for a schoolmate and war-comrade. Mr. has since resided. He has taught school nearly Curry has been a consistent supporter of Demo- every year since 1885, and is considered an excelcratic principles, and in 1887 his party showed lent educator and a good disciplinarian. In Jantheir appreciation by electing him to the State uary, 1889, he received the appointment of Tax Legislature, the last session of which will be ever assessor of Bossier Parish, and has successfully filled remembered in this State on account of House Bill the same up to the present time. He was marNo. 214, providing for an amendment to the Consti- ried, in April, 1868, to Miss M. F. McLeigh, tution rechartering the Louisiana State Lottery. of this parish, and by her is the father of six chil. Mr. Curry's name is enrolled as one of the thirty. dren: E. M. (aged nineteen), August L. (aged two that opposed the bill in the Lower House of seventeen), Mamie E. (aged fourteen), Carrie Belle the General Assembly. Mr. Curry, being a farmer, (aged twelve), Lillian M. (aged ten) and William has always been interested in agricultural affairs, N., Jr. (aged eight). Mr. Doles and his wife are encouraging and assisting in all agricultural or- Presbyterians, and he belongs to the following ganizations, being an active member of the Grange, social organizations: A. F. & A. M., K. of P. the Alliance, and others, often being chairman of and the Farmers' Alliance. He has always voted the executive committees of these organizations, the straight Democratic ticket, and is a believer in also a member of the Democratic executive com- tariff and revenue reform. mittee of the parish. He is a member of the Pres- E. S. Dortch, a leading planter and police byterian Church, and socially belongs to the orders juror of Ward No. 1, and postmaster at Ash Point, of A. L. of H. and the K. of P.

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La., was born in Claiborne County, Miss., SepWilliam N. Doles was born in Bossier Parish, tember 17, 1811, being a son of Edward and Nancy La., forty-three years ago on June 9, to Willis D. (Wooldridge) Dortch, the former born in East and Mary P. (Shaw) Doles, the former a Virginian Feliciana Parish, La., in 1798, and Claiborne by birth, and the latter a native of Louisiana, their County, Miss., in 1805. They were married in marriage taking place in the latter State, the Mississippi in 1838, and there made their home unfather having come here in 1840, when a young til about 1813, when they came to Bossier Parish man. He has always been a planter, is a Demo and settled near Fillmore, the mother's death occrat, politically, and served in the Creek War in curring here in 1858 and the father's in 1880, both Georgia and Florida. On coming to Bossier having been members of the Methodist Church for Parish, he was one of the first permanent settlers, many years. They were among the pioneers of and for some time had charge of the Cottage | this section, coming here when the country was Grove plantation. Althongh eighty years of age, almost a wilderness, inhabited by bears, deer, turhe is yet quite hale and hearty. The subject of keys, wolves, and numerous Indians. Their nearthis sketch is one of their five children, and his est trading point and post-office at that time was education was obtained in the schools of Bossier Minden, over thirty miles away, Here they im and Clarksville, Tex., but after remaining there for proved two good farms. The paternal grandfather, two sessions he left school to join the Confederate Nathan Carroll Dortch, was born and spent his army and for fifteen months served in Col. Bird's life in North Carolina, but the mother's father, battalion, First Mississippi Cavalry, and did Col. William Wooldridge, died in Mississippi, havcourier service most of the time. He was paroled ing been a colonel in the War of 1812, and with at Shreveport, June 8, 1865, after which he en- Jackson at the battle of New Orleans.

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Edward gaged in the mercantile business near Dixie, re- Dortch was married twice, bis last wife, the mother

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He was

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of the subject of this sketch, bearing him four Lawson K. Hodges is a planter living on Red children, of whom E. S. was the second child and | River, in Ward 1, of Bossier Parish, La. only son. He was reared on a farm during the born in 1846, the second son of Gen. John L. and pioneer days of Bossier Parish, and received the Mary B. (Hamilton) Hodges, who came at an early greater part of his schooling at Minden. In 1861 day from Georgia to this parish. Mary B. Hamhe joined Company D. Ninth Louisiana Infantry, ilton was the daughter of William Hamilton, one Army of Northern Virginia, and was wounded in the of the most distinguished Georgian pioneers in the second battle of Bull Run, but was also in the State of Louisiana. Gen. Hodges was one of the fights at Chancellorsville, Antietam, seven days' most eminent gentlemen of North Louisiana, a fight around Richmond, Wilderness. Gettysburg, statesman and a patriot, who commanded universal Fredericksburg, Malvern Hill, Cold Harbor and respect, and exercised a powerful influence for the numerous others. He was captured at the battle benefit of his district. He was one of the most of Spottsylvania Court House, and for about two extensive planters on Red River at the opening of months was a prisoner at Fort Delaware. He sur

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the war.

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His wife died in 1853 and he in 1866, rendered with Lee at Appomattox Court House, leaving four sons and three daughters. Their and returned home, where he clerked for three eldest son was killed while gallantly fighting at the years in a store at Knox Point, holding the second battle of Manassas.

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second battle of Manassas. Lawson K. Hodges, position of book-keeper for five years at Fillmore. after leaving college at the early age of nineteen, In 1876 he was married to Miss Susie P., a daugh- went to planting on his own responsibility, and by ter of David Platt, a native of South Carolina, in prudence, skill and financial ability has added which State he was married, and about 1841, or largely in acres by purchase to his inherited plan1842, came to Bossier Parish, La., where both tation. To-day he is one of the most successful, died, the father in 1885, and the mother in 1859, progressive and respected planters of the Red the former having been a well-to-do farmer. Mrs. River Valley. No gentleman of his ward wields Dortch was born in this parish and died September more influence in all political matters, and none 19, 1885, having been an earnest member of the stands higher in public estimation. His annual Methodist Episcopal Church. She has two daugh- cotton crop amounts to from 200 to 250 bales, and ters who are now living. Since his marriage Mr. his plantation is a model for good cultivation, fine Dortch has resided on his present farm, wbich com- improvements and most excellent management of prises 420 acres, situated about twenty miles below his laborers. In 1875 he was most happily united Shreveport, and also owns 500 acres in another in marriage to Miss Annie D. Alexander, a daughtract, all of which has been earned by his own ter of Col. George D. and Palmyra G. (Hunter) efforts. He raises about 200 bales of cotton an- Alexander, of Arkansas. Her father, Col. Alexnually, and for the past fourteen years has con- ander, still living, is one of the oldest and most ducted a general inercantile store on his plantation, distinguished educators of the South and West. which has proved a profitable source of revenue.

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He is the only surviving one of the three pioneer Since 1878, he has held the office of justice of the educators, who emigrated to the State of Arkansas, peace, and ten years of this time he has also been and is one of the most-noted lovers of the gun and a member of the police jury, being president of dog, having a world-wide reputation from his that body for a number of years, and never miss- numerous hunting sketches, contributed to the ing a meeting. He was once a delegate to the best sporting journals of the world. Mrs. Annie Democratic State Convention at Baton Rouge, and Hodges is a lady, refined, elegant and cultured, has also been a member of the congressional con- noted for her kind attentions to the sick, her chari. vention at Natchitoches. He is one of the men ties, and her devotion to flowers, and her model who has helped to build up Bossier Parish, and has housekeeping. They have but one living child, a ever had the interests of the section at heart. lovely, intelligent and amiable daughter, just

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entering her teens, and now a pupil in the “Kate grocery house, and a retail dry goods store. In the Nelson Seminary” of Shreveport. "

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Mrs. Hodges last named year he removed to Bossier Parish, La., is a member of the Baptist denomination, as were and farmed on rented land until the opening of the the parents of her busband, who, though not a war, when he joined Company D, Ninth Louisiana member, yet is of that religious belief. There is Regiment, under Col. E. G. Randolph, his opera- not a pleasanter place to visit than "Gold Dust,' tions being wholly in the State of Virginia, being their cosy residence, embowered among the rarest present at the battles of Newtown, Winchester, of flowers, where Mr. and Mrs. Hodges dispense Cross Keys, Gaines' Mill and in the seven days' their generous hospitality.

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fight around Richmond. On June 9, 1862, he W. H. and C. B. Hodges, brothers of L. K. was promoted to the position of quartermaster of Hodges, whose sketch appears above, were also born his regiment, and at the time of the surrender he in Bossier Parish, La., the former in 1851 and the was on detached service at Salisbury, N. C., under latter two years later. They were given the ad- York. On September 26, 1866, his marriage with vantages of the common schools near their home, Mary, daughter of Daniel and Malinda (Martin) and being boys of energy, enterprise and determi- Clark, took place, and in time a family of four nation, they began doing for themselves at an early children gathered about their hearthstone: Will. age, and are now deservedly ranked among the most iam C. (engaged in merchandising in partnership successful planters of the parish, for by their own with his brother), John F., James A. (engaged in exertions they have become the owners of about farming at home), and Belle (at school in Shreve. 1,500 acres of valuable land, of which some 400 port, La.). Upon his return from the war Mr. acres are in a fine state of cultivation, devoted Hughes borrowed some capital and engaged in principally to the cultivation of cotton, the annual merchandising at Rocky Mount, in which he did yield being about 250 bales. Like their brother, remarkably well, and now has one of the largest they possess fine executive ability, and are shrewd stocks of general merchandise and farming imple- financiers, knowing the full value of money, and ments in this section. For the past ten years his the proper use to which to put it. They are pro. business has amounted to about $30,000 annually, gressive in their ideas, thrifty and industrious, and besides this he is interested in two other mer- honorable in every particular, and consequently cantile houses in Bossier Parish, and is the owner fully deserve the success which has attended their of 3,400 acres of land in Ward 5, 120 acres in efforts. W. H. Hodges is still single, but C. B. Ward 4, has a balf interest in 1,000 acres in Red was married to Miss Llewella Lockwell, by whom River land, in Ward 3, on Red River, and one-half he is the father of five children. He is a member interest in 1,400 acres of Red River land in Caddo of the K. of P. of Shreveport.

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Parish, all of which is the result of his own efforts W. J. Hughes is a native of Fairfield, S. C., and owing to his shrewdness and ability as a finan- where he was born in 1837, being a son of W. J. cier. Mr. Hughes is the second of four sons born and Elizabeth (Brown) Hughes, both of whom were to his parents, the names of his brothers being: born in Chester County, S. C., the former in 1804, John T. A., R. F. (both of whom are farmers of and the latter in 1814. They were tillers of the Alabama), and James M. (a clerk in W. J. Hughes soil and worthy members of the Presbyterian store). Church. The grandfather, W. J. Hughes, fought Dr. C. H. Irion. Among the people of Bos- under Marion in the Revolutionary War, and was sier, as well as the surrounding parishes, the name a Virginian by birth, being born in 1768. The of Dr. Irion is almost a household word, for he great-grandfather, W. J. Hughes, was born in Ire. has been an active practitioner of this section since land. W. J. Hughes obtained an academic edu- 1884, and during his career as a practitioner of the cation at Alexandria, Calhoun County, Ala., and healing art he has won an enviable reputation. from 1857 to 1860, was a clerk in a wholesale He was born in Avoyelles Parish, La., in 1861, to

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Hon. A. B. and Caroline (King) Irion, both of the Palmetto State, in 1798. They were also marwhom were born in this State, the former in 1833 ried in that State, followed the occupation of and the latter in 1836. The former was a gradu- farming there, but Mr. Keith died in Alabama in ate of the University of North Carolina, in the class 1833, and Mrs. Keith in Bossier Parish in 1872, of 1853 or 1854, and after leaving college began both being members of the Baptist Church. The practicing law at Marksville, La., a calling he fol. boyhood days of W. C. Keith were spent on a farm lowed until the breaking out of the late war, when in Alabama, but in 1865 he removed to Bossier he espoused the Confederate cause and served until Parish, La., and purchased the farm of 360 acres near the close, when he was elected to the State on which he is now living, which is a finely im. Legislature and returned home to enter upon his proved tract, with 250 acres in an enviable state of duties. After the cessation of hostilities he re- cultivation. He was married in Troy, Ala., in sumed the practice of his profession, and in 1880 1851, to Miss Martha A. E. Urquhart, a daughter was elected, by the Legislature, as circuit judge of of Henry S. and Martha (Scott) Urquhart, both the district, of which Rapides, Avoyelles, Saint native Georgians. The father was a judge of the Landry and Calcasieu Parishes compose a part, county court of Pike County, Ala., for a period of and served four years. Immediately upon the several years, and in that State passed from life in expiration of his term he was elected to Congress 1884, his wife dying in Georgia in 1842, he being from the Sixth District, serving faithfully and a member of the Baptist Church and she of the efficiently one term. He was married in 1859, his Presbyterian Church. W. C. Keith is a member wife being a member of a prominent Louisiana of the A. F. & A. M., Bellevue Lodge No. 95, and family. His father, Robert R. Irion, was born in also belongs to the Farmers' Alliance at Rocky Virginia in 1808, and with his parents removed to Mount. To himself and wife a family of six chilLouisiana about 1825, his father being George dren have been born--four sons and two daughIrion, a major in the Revolutionary War. Dr. C. ters-only one of whom is now living: J. L. (who H. Irion was educated at home by private tutors, is married, and lives on a farm in Ward 5), and but his knowledge of medicine was acquired in Emma A. (a daughter, married a Mr. McKinney, Tulane University, Louisiana. He is now one of and at the time of her death, in 1886, was the mother the leading physicians in tbis parish, and gives of five children). every promise of becoming eminent in his profes- Beverly A. Kelly, clerk of the district court, sion, for he not only gives each case a thorough ex officio recorder and notary public, at Bellevue, diagnosis but studies each with interest and intelli- La., was born in what is now Webster Parish, La., gence. He was married in 1887 to Miss Kate | July 9, 1851, to William A. and Martha A. (De Stafford, by whom he has two children-a son and Loach) Kelly, who were born in South Carolina a daughter. He is a member of the K. of P., and and Georgia, in 1815 and 1821, respectively, their in his political views is a Democrat, being a mem- marriage taking place in Montgomery County, Ala., ber of the Democratic Executive Committee of and resulting in the birth of eleven children, of Bossier Parish. His wife is a daughter of Gen. whom the subject of this sketch was the sixth, two Leroy A. and Catherine (Wright) Stafford, natives sons and two daughters now living. In 1843 or of Louisiana. The former was killed on May 9, 1844 William A. Kelley removed with his family 1864, at Chancellorsville, the same field on which to Union Parish, and two years later to what is Gen. Jackson was killed, His widow survives now Webster Parish, being then part of Bossier him, and is a resident of Rapides Parish.

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Parish, and in 1830 to Bellevue, where he conW. C. Keith, a planter of Ward 5, was born inducted a hotel and managed a wagon shop until South Carolina in 1820, being the second of six his death, in 1868. He was a member of the police children-four sons and two daughters-born to jury for some years, and was parish treasurer durLittleton and Mary (Coker) Keith, both born in ing the war, and until 1867 or 1868 after the war.

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,

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He was a member of the F. & A. M., a Methodist, out this region. He was born in Lowndes Counbut his widow, who died in 1886, was a Baptist. ty, Miss., in 1839, being the son of David and Susan The subject of this sketch was reared and edu- (Riggs) Lawrence, both of whom were born in cated at Bellevue, the parish seat of Bossier, and South Carolina, he in 1800, and she about ten

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, for three or four years following his sixteenth year years later. Their marriage took place in their was in a printing office, after which he clerked and native State, and from there they moved to Missiskept books in a store for five or six years, and dur- sippi, where Mrs. Lawrence died when Paul was a ing 1870 and again in 1876, he held the office of lad. Mr. Lawrence was married again, and in deputy clerk. In 1880 he engaged in the mercan- 1849 came to Bossier Parish, where he followed tile business for himself at Bellevue for seven or the occupation of a farmer and was a local Metheight years; and the same year he was elected parish odist minister until his death, which occurred in treasurer and ex-officio school treasurer, which posi- 1865. He was a member of the A. F. & A. M. at tions he filled until 1890. In December, 1889, he Minden, and was a son of Nathaniel Lawrence, a

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| was appointed district clerk for Bossier Parish, and South Carolinian who died in Mississippi when these positions he filled to the satisfaction of all over eighty years of age, being of Irish descent. concerned. In January, 1878, he was married to The Doctor is one of two sons and two daughters, Eudocia, the daughter of Judge Benjamin F. and and in addition to assisting his father on the home Virginia E. Fort, natives of Georgia, who came to farm in his youth he attended Fillmore Academy, Bossier Parish about 1851, their deaths occurring and in the winter of 1860–61, was an attendant of here in 1881 and 1887, respectively. Judge Fort the medical department of the University of New was a successful lawyer, and filled the positions Orleans. At the breaking out of the war he left of parish judge from 1874 to 1878, and parish this institution to join the Confederate army, and treasurer for some years before the war. The wife enlisted in Company B, Nineteenth Louisiana Inof Mr. Kelly was born in Bozsier Parish, in 1853, fantry, Army of the Tennessee, and was at Shiloh, and her union with Mr. Kelly resulted in the birth Chicamauga, where be was wounded in the shoulder of five children, one son and two daughters now at Dalton, and at New Hope Church, where he living. Mr. Kelly has 245 acres of improved land, lost his right leg in May, 1864, and was soon after and about 400 acres unimproved on Red River; taken to relatives in Mississippi, where he remained also several tracts of hill land, and has the satis- until the summer of 1865, at which time he refaction of knowing that this property has been turned home and resumed the study of medicine. earned by his own efforts. He is secretary of the In 1867 he graduated from his former alma mater Farmers' Alliance, but belongs to no church de- and at once began practicing near his old home in nomination. He is a member of the K. of P., hav- Bossier Parish, in which locality he won the coning filled several positions in the order, including fidence and respect of all who know him.

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He was that of chancellor commander. He is a member of married in 1870 to Miss Mary J., daughter of the L. of H., and fills the position in his lodge of William P. and Harriet Haughton, the former a commander. Mr. Kelly has worked himself up South Carolinian and the latter born in Tennessee. in the positions he has filled by his own efforts They removed first to Mississippi, and about 1816 mainly, as he bad but little educational advantages. or 1847, settled where the town of Haughton now On account of the death of his father, he was nec- is. Here he died in 1856, and his widow in 1878, essarily taken away from school at the early age both Methodists, and he a farmer and teacher by of sixteen years, and what information he acquired occupation. Mrs. Lawrence was born on the farm since was by self application.

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on which she is now living, being the mother of Dr. Paul Lawrence is one of the very fore- two sons and seven daughters.

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The Doctor is the most of the professional men of Bossier Parish, owner of 1,300 acres of land in two tracts, the and is a physician of acknowledged merit through- most of which he has earned by his own efforts,

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a

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He was

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and his residence is handsome and comfortable. boro, N. C. He then returned to his former He and wife are members of the Methodist Church, home in Louisiana, where he resumed farming, con

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, and socially he belongs to the K. of P., Friend- tinuing this alone until 1880, when he began mership Lodge No. 13, of Haughton. The Doctor chandising at Midway, and has followed these has a younger brother, Thomas H., who served in

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occupations up to the present time. He has bethe same company and regiment that he did dur- come well known throughout this region, and has ing the war, and escaped without a wound. He is served as police juror of Bossier Parish for several now a farmer in Fanning County, Tex.

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consecutive terms, and was also a member of the Capt. Thomas Lyles is a farmer and merchant, school board for several terms. residing in Ward No. 5, Bossier Parish, La., but Thomas M. Love is at present actively engaged in 1837, was born in the Palmetto State where his in operating a saw-mill, a grist-inill and a cottonparents, Thomas M. and Eliza (Peay) Lyles were gin in Bossier Parish, three miles northeast of born, the former in 1813, and the latter in 1817. Plain Dealing, on the Shreveport & Camden road. Mr. Lyles was a graduate of the South Carolina He has resided here, with the exception of fifteen College at Columbia, and was an extensive planter years--from 1861 to 1876—since 1857, at which of that State prior to the war, being the owner of time he came from Benton County, Ala. several hundred slaves. He and his wife still re- born in Shelby County, of that State, July 15, side in their native State, and are members of 1835, a son of Fieldon and Cynthia (Langley) the Baptist Church. Maj. William S. Lyles, an Love, who were born in Abbeville District, S. C., uncle of the subject of this sketch, was a member and Shelby County, Ala., respectively. Fieldon of the convention that adopted the ordinances of Love removed to Alabama when young, and in that secession at Columbia, and prior to that time, rep- State made his home until 1868, when he came to resented Fairfield County in both houses of the Lafayette County, Ark., dying here tbe same year, General Assembly of the State for several terms. at the age of sixty years. His wife died in AlaCapt. Thomas Lyles graduated from the same bama during the war, being a little younger than institution from which his father graduated, being her husband. He was a tiller of the soil until he a member of the class of 1858, and after finishing was elected to the office of sheriff of Calhoun Counhis education, came to Bossier Parish, La., pur- ty, Ala., and discharged his duties in such an effi

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, chased a valuable plantation, and commenced the cient manner that he continued to be re elected until culture of cotton on

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an extensive scale. At his he had served eleven years; prior to that time he country's call he entered the infantry service, be- had served as constable for some time. coming a member of the Ninth Louisiana Regiment, prominent and popular citizen, and he and his wife under Col. Randolph, and after operating in Vir- were both honored and respected by all who knew ginia for about nine months he was taken with a them. They were members of the Methodist Church very severe case of typhoid-pneumonia, from which and he was a Master Mason, and in his political he did not recover for six inonths. On account of views a Democrat. He inherited English blood of disability he was temporarily discharged, but at his father, Tyra Love, who was born in South Carthe end of one month re-entered the service, and olina, and died in Alabama, having been a soldier was with the Twentieth South Carolina Regiment in the War of 1812. Thomas M. Love was the on Sullivan's Island, and participated in the de- fourth of ten children born to his parents, and was fense of Battery Wagener on Morris Island during the eldest son in the family. His youth was spent the famous siege of said battery.

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Later he was in his native State, and when a young man he comtransferred to Virginia and served under Gen. Early menced working as a mechanic, for which calling in the valley campaign, after which he returned he had a natural aptitude, and he soon acquired to Charleston, and was there when it was evacuated, considerable skill as a blacksmith, wagonmaker and surrendered with his command at Greens- and house carpenter. These callings he gave up

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He was a

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in May, 1862, to enlist in the Confederate army, and Sarah A. (Miles) Lowry, who were born in becoming a member of Company B, Twenty-eighth the State of Mississippi, their marriage taking Louisiana Infantry, commanded by Col. Gray, with place in Natchez of that State. In an early day which he served until discharged at Mansfield, they removed to East Feliciana Parish, and some this being in May, 1865. He took part in many time in the thirties came to Bellevue, where they

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. battles, among which may be mentioned: Milliken's spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in Bend, Richmond, Simsport, Patterson, Mansfield, December, 1817, and the mother in 1887, an earnPleasant Hill, and numerous others of minor im- est member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Lowry portance. He was never wounded nor taken pris- was of the same family as Ex-Gov. Lowry, of oner, and at the close of the war turned his atten- | Mississippi. The immediate subject of this sketch tion to farming and the milling business, and in was the youngest of three sons and three daughboth these capacities has been remarkably success- ters, and he and a sister are the only ones of the ful. In 1880 he erected a mill on his present farm, family now living. He was educated in the State but was so unfortunate as to be burned out in 1884, University of Louisiana, where he spent four years, but nothing daunted, be immediately rebuilt, and after which he spent some time in teaching the is now conducting affairs on quite an extensive young idea how to shoot, but, prior to taking his scale. He is the owner of 200 acres of fertile farm collegiate course, he had worked at the printer's ing land, besides some valuable town property in trade. In 1872 he began studying law, this beBossier Parish, also a good farm in the State of Ar. ing while he was teaching school, and three years kansas. His residence property in Plain Dealing later he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme amounts to twelve lots, on three of which are resi- Court of the State, and has since become well dences and on one a store. He expects to remove known as an able practitioner throughout Bossier, to this town in a short time, and will erect a store Webster and Bienville Parishes. He was parish building on one of his lots. He is the owner of attorney for some years, and in 1880 was elected the K. of P. Hall at that place. The first house district attorney, being now actively engaged in in the town was made of lumber sawed at bis mill. discharging the duties of his third term, or tenth He was married in 1855, to Miss Irena Barnett, year. He was married in 1878, to Miss Elizadaughter of Zach and Mary Barnett, of Calhoun beth Eubank, a native of the Lone Star State. County, Ala., but she died in her native State, in Mr. Lowry is a member of the A. F. & A. M., 1857, having borne three children, all of whom are Bellevue Lodge No. 95, being master of the same deceased: Fieldon, Judson and Irena. In 1858 he at one time, but is now secretary.

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He also bewas married to Miss Jackey Odelia Cochran, a longs to the A. L. of H., No. 1120, Bellevue Council. daughter of Edmon Cochran, who was born in Al- William D. Mercer has been bighly successful abama. To them three children bave been born: as a planter, and his plantation, which is one of Hattie (wife of John Davis, of Texas), Fieldon and the best in the parish, comprises 1,145 acres, situHenry. Samuel, Henry, Judson and Lucius are ated about twenty miles below Shreveport, the decased. Mrs. Love is a member of the Mission- home farm containing 260 acres. He started out ary Baptist Church, and Mr. Love is a Mason, a K. in life for himself with nothing, but now has of P.and has represented both lodges in the Grand one of the loveliest homes in this section of the Lodge.

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He is a stanch Democrat in his political country, and as he is a thoroughgoing and indusviews.

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trious citizen, he raises about 300 bales of cotton John A. W. Lowry is the attorney for the Sec annually. He was born in Butler County, Ala., ond Judicial District of Louisiana, and in the in 1836, being the fifth of seven children born to conduct of his affairs has shown singular ability the marriage of William Mercer and Delilah Ganand shrewdness. He was born at Bellevue, La., by, who were born and married in South CaroJanuary 12, 1848, his parents being John A. W. lina, their removal to Alabama being soon after

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their marriage. The father was a farmer by call- ley, was born in South Carolina, and died in Mising, and followed this occupation in his native sissippi, but the mother's father was a native of State and Alabama until his death, which occurred Wales, and died in his native land when Mrs. in the latter State in 1878, his widow following him Mobley was a child. The Doctor is the second of to his long home the following year, she being three children--two sons and one daughter--and an earnest and consistent member of the Method- was reared on his father's plantation in Louisiana, ist Church at the time of her demise. Seth Mer- the advantages of the country schools being given cer, the paternal grandfather, died in Butler County, him, and also the college at Mount Lebanon. In Ala., and the maternal grandfather, Bookey Ganby, 1862 he left college and joined Company C, Ninth died in South Carolina. William D. Mercer un- Louisiana Infantry, the most of his service being fortunately never attended school more than six confined to the State of Virginia; but he was in months in his life, but by his own efforts, and thirty-two important engagements and many skirby contact with the world, he became an excellent mishes. He was wounded in the fight at Sharpsand perfectly capable man of business. He left burg, and was home a short time on furlough, but the shelter of his parents' roof at the age of eigh afterward surrendered with Lee at Appomattox teen years, and when twenty years old he came to Court House, and returned, where he devoted his Natchitoches Parish, La., moving shortly after to time to teaching school and studying medicine, Caddo Parish, where, in 1862, he joined Com-graduating from the medical department of the pany B, Second Louisiana Cavalry, and took an New Orleans University (now Tulane University), active part in numerous skirmishes. At the close in 1869. He began practicing in Sparta, but in of the war he returned to farm life, and in 1872 1870 removed to Bellevue, where he has built up was married in Bossier Parish to Miss Ella, daugh- an excellent reputation and a large and paying ter of Edward B. Lock, who removed from Mis- practice. Since 1879 he has also given his attensissippi to this parish before the war, and died tion to the drug business, and in all the enterprises here soon after the close of hostilities. Mrs. Mer- to which he has devoted his attention he has been cer was born in Mississippi, and has borne her successful, and is now the owner of 1,000 acres hasband eight children-three sons and five daugh of fine farming land, all of which has been obters. The family has resided on their present tained through persistent and honorable endeavor. farm since 1871, and are among the substantial He has always taken quite an active interest in the and honored families of the parish, Mrs. Mercer political affairs of his parish, and, in addition being a member of the Methodist Church. to being coroner of Bossier Parish for some years,

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William J. Mobley, M. D. The profession of he was secretary of the school board for four years, the physician, when properly conducted, is one of and was president of the board of examiners of the the noblest callings to which a man can devote his schools. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., life, and to say that Dr. Mobley has made a proper

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Bellevue Lodge No. 95, and was master several use of the powers given him would be a very mild times, but is at this time senior warden. He also statement of the case. He was born in Bienville belongs to the A. L. of H. of Bellevue, No. Parish in 1843, a son of William and Martha A. 1120. He was married in 1870 to Miss Mattie (Williams) Mobley, the former born in South Car- L., daughter of Eldred and Mary Hardy, the formolina in 1801, and the latter in Illinois, in 1819, er born in South Carolina and the latter in Bientheir marriage taking place in Bienville Parish in ville Parish, the father's death occurring in the 1841. The father was a farmer, and in all proba- latter place. Mrs. Mobley was born in Bienville bility erected the first water-mill in that parish. Parish, and is a worthy member of the Missionary He died in 1884, but his widow still survives him Baptist Church, her husband being deacon and and makes her home with her son, Dr. William J.

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clerk in the same. Mobley. The paternal grandfather, Michael Mob. B. R. Nash, a highly respected and well-known

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a

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planter of Bossier Parish, La., is a native of the captain. He was in the last engagement of the State of Alabama, his birth occurring in 1842, and war, Palmetto Ranche, and on May 31, 1865, his

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, was the second of eight children, three sons and company was disbanded and he returned to his one daughter now living, born to the marriage of former pursuit, that of a druggist, following the J. Nash and D. M. Horn, the former of whom was calling in New Orleans and Shreveport, La. His born in North Carolina, about 1810, and the latter marriage, which took place in 1877, was to Miss

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, in Alabama, in 1817. Mr. Nash's ancestors were Minnie, daughter of Maj. W. H. and Elizabeth French Huguenots. His early education was re- (Adger) Ellison, botki born in South Carolina, the ceived in South Carolina, but in 1833 he removed former in 1810, and the latter in 1820, their deaths to Alabama, in which State he afterward followed occurring in 1876 and 1873, respectively. Mr. Elthe occupation of a merchant. He was married in lison was a member of the A. F. & A. M., and his that State about 1838, but in 1844 removed to wife, as well as himself, was a member of the Mississippi, where he took up farming, and also Presbyterian Church. Since his marriage, Mr. operated a saw and grist- mill. He was a member Nash bas resided on a farm in Ward No. 5, Bosof the A. F. & A. M., the Methodist Church, and sier Parish. From 1883 to 1888 he served as aspassed from life in Mississippi in 1862, bis wife's sessor and registrar of this parish, and was a very death having occurred in Alabama, in 1853. The efficient official. He is a member of the K. of P., subject of this sketch was given common-school ad- Rocky Mount Lodge No. 21, and is also a member vantages in Alabama,and being a youth of good judg- of the Farmers' Union. His wife belongs to the ment he improved his opportunities to the utmost Presbyterian Church, which church their children, and became an intelligent and well-informed young who number three, also attend. Three children man. At the opening of the war he was in the drug are deceased. business, but gave up this calling to become a vol. Capt. John H. Nattin is one of the most exunteer in Company A, Tenth Mississippi Rifles, tensive planters of Bossier Parish, and since his his company being the first to tender its services to

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residence in this parish he has been noted for the Confederate government, and he being the honorable, upright dealing and intelligence. His first one of his company to volunteer. He oper. birth occurred in Claiborne Parish, La., February ated in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, 23, 1840, and his literary education was received Tennessee and Kentucky, the battles which he in Minden, Shreveport and Cottage Grove, La. took part in being : Shiloh, Murfreesboro and the He lived in Minden and Shreveport about twelve first battle of Jackson, Miss. At Shiloh he was years, after that time labored upon a farm five shot in his left shoulder, which necessitated his re- years. He left his parents on March 25, 1858, to tirement from the service from April to December clerk for G. W. Sentell, a merchant of Collinsburg 1862, and at Murfreesboro he was wounded in the (now a large commission merchant of New Orleans, right leg, the small bone being broken. He was La.), and later for W. M. Sentell & Co., and then then discharged from the service on account of for N. W. Sentell & Co. In 1866 he was admitted permanent disability, but afterward when the

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as a partner of the last named firm. In 1875 he governor called for three months' volunteers, he once bought out his partner's interest, and for the past more offered his services, and entered a cavalry fifteen years has been one of the leading business company of State Militia, composed of disabled men of Collinsburg. He still remains at the first soldiers and boys too young for regular service. place, where he was taught to use the yard stick, After being disbanded, Mr. Nash went to Texas which is more than most boys can say.

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In and entered the cavalry service of the Rio Grande, 1861, he was one of the first to leave his parish under Col. Ford, in which he was afterward elected to go to the war and served as

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a private the first lieutenant, and still later captain to fill the first year. In 1862, at the reorganization of the vacancy caused by the disablement of the regular army in Virginia, he was made second lieutenant,

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1

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.

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and took part in the engagements at Port Royal, W. Nattin. One son, J. Hall Nattin, fifteen years Strausburg, Winchester, Cross Keys, Port Repub- old, was by the former marriage, his mother's lic, Cold Harbor and Malvern Hill, also three days' maiden name being Fannie Hall. Mr. Nattin is a engagement at second battle of Manassas, and member of the K. of P., and by good managemany

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other skirmishes. He was in more engage- ment and industry has accumulated a good deal of ments than any officer of his company or as many property in Bossier and Caddo Parishes, La., and as any one of the regiment up to the time he was Lafayette County, Ark. He is the owner of 900 wounded; was shot through the left lung and left acres of good farming land along the Red River, arm, and reported mortally wounded in the fight; also owns several hundred acres of good farming on the second day he commanded a brigade of skir- and timbered land in Arkansas and Louisiana. mishers; Gen. Gordon, with body guard, rode up

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His mercantile establishments are valuable ones; he and was saluted by Lieut. Nattin. An engagement has one store at Wild Lucia, on Red River, Caddo was going on at the time between a rebel and a Parish, La., and the other in Collinsburg, Bossier Yankee battery. It was nip and tuck which would Parish, La.; the last named he makes his home. win; first one and then the other had the advan- Both stores bring him a good annual profit. His tage. Gen. Gordon rode out in the open field, father, George W. Nattin, was born in Kentucky

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, when the grapeshot began to fall. One struck or Tennessee, and removed to Port Hudson or Port Lieut. Nattin's sword and one his foot; the one Gibson, Miss., when a boy, but at an early date that struck his foot he picked up and was passing settled in Claiborne Parish, La., and opened a it from one hand to the other to keep it from mercantile establishment north of Minden, afterburning when Gen. Gordon rode up. Lieut. Nattin ward moved to Minden and ran a saloon and gro. saluted him, which was his last salute to Gen. cery store. In 1852 removed to Shreveport, La.,

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. Gordon. As the latter rode off he remarked and in 1853 removed to Bossier Parish and engaged to Lieut. Nattin that “it is not so pleasant, now, in farming on Red River, where he died, in 1859, Lieutenant." The skirmishers were called back at the age of forty-nine years. and Lieut. Nattin commanded his company the John G. Ogden has resided on his present farm balance of the day. In 1863 he was transferred of 270 acres, Anchorage plantation, since 1881, to the Trans-Mississippi Department. That fall and is one of the thrifty planters of this section. he raised Cavalry Company D, Sixth Louisiana He was born in Warrensburg, Mo., in 1856, being Regiment, and was made captain of same. His the younger of two sons born to John G. and Jane regiment was dismounted afterward, but he was (White) Ogden, both of whom were born, reared allowed to keep his horse as he was incapacitated and married at Abingdon, Va., from which place for infantry service. He continued in active service they moved to Warrensburg, Mo., in 1851, in most of the time until the close. He was a mem- which State the mother's death occurred seven ber of the general court-martial band at Monroe, years later, an earnest Christian and a worthy La., with many able lawyers.

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. He disbanded his member of the Presbyterian Church.

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Mr. Ogden company in Louisiana, his record as a soldier from served with Gen. Price's army all through the the beginning to the close of the war being excellent. war as an officer, and in 1865 came to Shreveport, He is a Democrat, and has been a delegate to sev- and some years later to Bossier Parish, where he eral conventions of note, and has always worked died in 1876, his occupation through life having faithfully and well for the success of his party. been that of a merchant. His father, Elias Ogdeo, Since 1880 he has been postmaster of Collinsburg, was born in New Jersey, but was left an orphan at and in 1887 he was married to Miss Mollie Barnes, an early age, and was reared by an uncle at Abinga native of North Carolina, but moved to Bossier don, Va., where he was married and followed merParish in 1870. They have three children-one

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They have three children-one chandising. At an early day he removed to Misgirl, Clio, and two boys, N. Harry and George souri, and after the war came to Bossier Parish,

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,

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1

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where he died in 1874. He was of Scotch-Irish ing but little the ravages of time. Her union with descent. The mother's father, James L. White, Mr. Oneal resulted in the birth of fourteen children, was born and spent his life in Virginia, where he and her descendants now number 170, there being was a wealthy merchant and salt manufacturer. forty-four grandchildren and 112 great-grandchilJohn G. Ogden received his early schooling in | dren. The Oneals are related to the famous Bowie Abingdon, Va., and at the early age of fourteen family, froni which the Bowie-knife derived its years began earning his own living, and for some name, and counties in Mississippi, Arkansas and time was employed in feeding his uncle's mules, Texas are named after that noted family. Harry receiving for his services $150 a year. The fol- Oneal's sister, Polly, married Stephen Bowie, and lowing three years were spent as a clerk in a store, it was her sons, James, Stephen and Raine, who after which he acted as his uncle's foreman for fought the famous San Bor duel. The knife James three years longer. He is doing well as a planter, used with such telling effect was held up by him and raises about 150 bales of cotton annually. when wounded, and, calling on his Savior, asked

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B. F. Oneal, the subject of this sketch, resid- that it be buried with him. Knives of that make, ing in and doing business at Bellevue, Bossier and used as a weapon, have since been known as the Parish, La., first commenced business as a general Bowie. James and his brothers were called fightmerchant in 1878, which has been continuous and ing men, but they were not “bullies.” It is said satisfactory ever since. He was born on October they never commenced a difficulty, and in all their 28, 1815, in Bossier Parish, La., that portion then intercourse with their neighbors were quiet and forming a part of what is now Webster Parish. His courteous, and ever ready to defend the weak side. parents, Stephen C. and Sarah (Crownover) Oneal, They knew no fear when their honor or bravery

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) were natives of Mississippi and Illinois, respective- was questioned. The immediate subject of this ly, and came to what was then Claiborne Parish, sketch, Benjamin F. Oneal, at an early age joined later Bossier Parish, when they were small chil- the Confederate army, and left Bossier Parish a dren, and where they were married in 1844. Six

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Six member of R. E. Wyche's cavalry company. This children were born to them, the subject of this was when a call was made by the State for troops, sketch being the eldest and the only member of upon Banks' first attempt to send his fleet and the family now living. In 1860 the family moved ar my up the Red River in 1862. He was in sevto Texas, where the mother died soon afterward. eral battles and active service in the Trans-MissisThe family returned to Louisiana, and the father, sippi Department during the greater part of the leaving his three children at school, joined the After this he engaged in the livery business Confederate army and went to Virginia in the early at Shreveport and in farming in Bossier Parish part of the war, dying at Culpepper Court House until 1870, when he was enumerator of census of soon after the first battle of Bull Run, in which North Bossier Parish. In the fall of that

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year

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he he took part. He was a planter and a son of Harry was elected sheriff of Bossier Parish, and re-elected Oneal, who was a Mississippian and who removed in 1872 and again in 1874, holding the office of to Northwest Louisiana in 1831. He was one of sheriff six years, to 1876; was elected a member the first settlers of this region, and opened what is of the police jury in 1876, and served two years; known as the Davis farm on French Creek in North was also a member of the school board and treasWebster. The dwelling place, a large, double-log .

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urer from 1872 to 1874, inclusive, and obtained house, which he built on the place in 1834, is still the first public moneys from the State, about $52,in excellent repair and inbabited. He died on the 000, and established the first public schools in place in 1846. His wife, Mariah (Gipson) Oneal, Bossier Parish after the war.

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He was married in is still living, and resides at Haughton, Bossier December, 1874, to Miss Jennie C., daughter of Parish, La. She was born in Copiah County, Miss., Louis F. and Marthy L. (Sanders) Steele, early January 19, 1809, and is yet hale and hearty, show- settlers of Bossier Parish, La., of which Louis F.

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war.

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a

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Steele was sheriff and tax collector for twelve returned to his home and entered school, but in years, or until his death, which occurred in 1863. 1850 or 1851 was engaged in boating on the TomMrs. Oneal is a member of the Baptist Church, and bigbee River, after which he spent seven years as an is the mother of eight children, six now living. apprentice at engineering in the city of Louisville,

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Capt. James W. Onley was born in Sussex Ky., and in the meantime, in 1856, was admitted County, Va., in 1827, to John E. and Elizabeth as a first-class engineer. He then followed his (Randolph) Onley, who were born in North Caro- calling on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers until lina and Virginia, in 1803 and 1802, and died in 1861, baving been licensed as a pilot in 1859. In Bossier Parish, La., in 1875 and 1874, respectively. 1861 he went to Illinois, where he was engaged in They were married in Wake County, N. C., and saw-milling one year, then returned to Kentucky after a few years removed to Virginia; in 1834, to and farmed until the close of the war, removing in Winston County, Miss., and in 1871 to Bossier 1866 to Shreveport, La., where he built the Parish, La. The father was a cabinet maker steamer “W. E. Hamilton,” which he owned and throughout life, and during the Rebellion was a operated on Red River. In 1868 he was licensed Union man, being postmaster of Buck Horn. He as a captain, and in 1870 as a pilot on Red River, and his wife were Methodists, and he was a son of but the same year he left the river and removed to William Onley, a native of England, his wife hav- his present farm about thirteen miles northeast of ing been born in Ireland. They came together to Shreveport, on the Bellevue road, which comprises the United States, became acquainted while en 881 acres of fine land, all the result of his own inroute, and were married soon after landing, settling dustry. He was married in 1858, to Susan, in North Carolina. He died at New Orleans while daughter of Elias and Elizabeth Oneal, both of serving in the War of 1812 under Jackson, his whom were born in McCracken County, Ky., their wife's death occurring in Wake County, N. C. marriage also taking place there. The mother Peter Randolph, the mother's father, was a Vir- died in Missouri after the war, and Mr. Oneal was ginian and died in Columbus, Miss., about 1849. assassinated in Shreveport in 1871, an incident The subject of this sketch was the third of eight familiar to Northwest Louisianians.

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He was a children, and was reared on a farm, receiving but farmer in early life, but at the time of his death a limited education. In 1843, when but sixteen was a merchant of Shreveport, Mrs. Onley was years of age he left home and went to Texas, where born in Ballard County, Ky., and she and her he joined the United States army and fought for husband are among the first citizens of this comthe independence of the Texans. He was captured munity, being kind, neighborly and generous. by the Mexicans, and after being kept a prisoner in Thomas G. Pickett, although just in the prime Mexico for about seven weeks, he made his escape of life, has made his way to the front ranks among and returned to his home, and feeling the need of the energetic farmers of Bossier Parish, and owing a better education began attending school. During to the attention he has always paid to each minor his captivity in Mexico he resolved that if the detail he has accumulated a fair share of this opportunity ever presented itself he would retaliate world's goods. He was born in the parish in for his capture, and when the Mexican War broke which he is now living, his birth occurring in 1846, out he took advantage of the opportunity and and was the eleventh of twelve children born to joined the First Mississippi Regiment, commanded Nathan and Catherine (McIntire) Pickett, who by Col. Jeff Davis, and fought at Palo Alto, Mata- were born in South Carolina, but were married in moras and Monterey, and was one of the men that Mississippi, and from that State came to Bossier charged the Black Fort. After the resignation of Parish, La., first settling in the Point, but afterGen. Taylor he joined the Second Mississippi and ward in different parts of the parish. Mr. Pickett was with Wood until the close of the war, being was a worthy tiller of the soil, and died in 1855, discharged at Vicksburg, Miss. He once

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bis wife having passed to her long home two years earlier, both menubers of the Christian Church. the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Poole was Thomas G. Pickett inherits Scotch and Irish blood of Irish descent, a farmer by occupation, and of his father, and his youth was spent on the lat. being an upright and honorable man commanded ter's plantation in Louisiana, his education being the respect and esteem of all who knew him. received in Yazoo County, Miss. At the age of David Craddock, the maternal grandfather, was a sixteen years he joined Company E., Twenty- farmer, a soldier in one of the early wars, and eighth Mississippi Cavalry, and was in all the died in Mississippi. The subject of this sketch is

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more

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. engagements of the Tennessee campaign and the the eldest of two sons and three daughters, he and Georgia and Atlanta campaigns, receiving a wound two sisters, who reside in Texas, being the only in the engagement at Atlanta. He surrendered at members of the family now living. His youth Gainesville, Ala., in May, 1865, then spent the was spent on his father's farm, and after securing following year in Mississippi, at the end of which a common-school education be began farming for time he returned to Bossier Parish, where he was himself at the age of eighteen years, and from married in 1874 to Miss Eula, daughter of Sidney 1819 to 1834 he followed this calling in the State and Sallie Pope, who came thither from Bossier of Texas, at the end of wbich time he came to Parish before the war. Mr. Pope died, however, Bossier Parish, where he was married, in 1857, to

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, in Texas during the war, but his widow is now living Mrs. Jane E. Bryant, a daughter of William and in this parish, the widow of James D. McDade. Sarah E. Bates, who came to Bossier Parish in Mr. Pickett was so unfortunate as to lose his wife 1838, purchasing land on Red River, but locating in 1880, she having borne him two sons, one son at Minden, where he spent the rest of bis days as now living. Since his marriage Mr. Pickett bas a wealthy planter, dying before the war, he and resided on his present farm of 1,400 acres, of his wife being members of the Methodist Episcopal which about 475 acres are under cultivation, two- Church. After his marriage Mr. Poole settled on thirds of which he has cleared himself. The most a portion of his present farm, which then consisted of his property has been obtained by his own of 200 acres, but by good management and indusefforts, and the cotton he annually raises, which try he has now become the owner of 3,000 acres of amounts to about 300 bales, brings him in a land, nearly all of which is tillable, about 1,300 handsome sum for his labor. For some time he acres being under cultivation, and about twowas engaged in merchandising with E. S. Dortch, thirds of which he has cleared himself. He raises but since 1889 he has been following this calling on from 600 to 700 bales of cotton annually, and raises his own account, his establishment being located corn enough for home use. He is one of the on his plantation and is well fitted up. His wife oldest settlers now living in his present neighbor. was a member of the Methodist Church.

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hood, and is one of the most extensive and sucG. A. F. Poole has been a tiller of the soil cessful planters in the Red River Valley. From throughout life, and the attention he has given to about 1859 he served four years as justice of the each minor detail of his calling bas placed bim in peace, and after the expiration of his term he the front ranks of the agriculturists of this section, joined the Twenty-second Louisiana Infantry, and He is a Tennesseean, his birth occurring in Giles when that command crossed the Mississippi River County, Tenn., in 1830, but his parents, Armstead he joined the State Guards, of which he was a and Sallie (Craddock) Poole, were born, reared member until the close of the war. To him and and married in South Carolina, but afterward his wife a family of eight children was born, one removed to Tennessee, and about 1837 to Marshall son and five daughters now living. County, Miss., where the father passed from life Lewis M. Pruitt belongs to that sturdy and inthe following year. His widow afterward married dependent class, the farmers of Louisiana, and none a Mr. Arnold and removed to Texas, in which of the followers of this calling possess more genuState she passed from life in 1858, a member of ine merit or a stronger character than Mr. Pruitt.

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was

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of

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He was born in Monroe, La., in 1856, being a son Northwest Louisiana, at which time there were no of Jesse and Susan (Bales) Pruitt, the former born roads and but very few white settlers, the woods in Mississippi and the latter in Louisiana, their abounding in wild animals and Indians. Overton, marriage taking place in Monroe of the latter their nearest post-office, was then but a small trad. State. The mother died when Lewis M. ing point. The mother's father, Mr. McCall, died about two years age,

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and in 1863 he was taken in Texas. Lemuel R. Sapp is the youngest of six to Shreveport by bis father, but was left an orphan children, and he and his sister, Mrs. Lucinda the following year, his father having been a planter Pope, are the only ones at present living. He was throughout life. Lewis M. l'ruitt was the second reared on the farm on which he was born, and on of five children, and he and a sister are the only this farm has spent the most of his life, the princiones of the family now living: He began herding pal part of his education being received in the Fill. cattle when about ten years of age, but afterward more Academy. He was married in 1875 to Miss followed teaming, and worked as a farm hand for Emma C., daughter of Berry and Mary Sandefur, some years.

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In 1878 he was married to Mrs. Jane Georgians, who at an early day came to what is Bagwell, a daughter of Benjamin Mitchell, who now Webster Parish, La., the father's death ocdied in Union Parish. Mrs. Pruítt was born in curring in the war, his widow still surviving him. Mississippi, and her union with Mr. Pruitt re- Mrs. Sapp was born in Webster Parish, and Mr. sulted in the birth of two sons and two daughters. and Mrs. Sapp are the parents of two sons and Since his marriage Mr. Pruitt has lived in his three daughters. Mr. Sapp has a good farm of present neighborhood, and for the past six years 160 acres, and has 100 acres in an excellent state has resided on the farm of 1,100 acres, on which of cultivation. He has also been engaged in merhe is now living, in which he owns an interest and chandising for the past four years, his business of which he has cleared 300 acres since it has been being a successful one. in his charge, 100 acres having been cleared prior Hon. Jacob A. Snider, attorney at law of Belleto that time. He raises annually about 150 bales

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One of the best known names at the of cotton, and has in operation an excellent steam Bossier Parish bar, and now one of the leading and cotton-gin. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., solid men of Bellevue, is Mr. Snider who was born Lodge No. 9, of Shreveport, and also belongs to in Albemarle County, Va., October 18, 1826. His Alpha Lodge No. 2501 of Shreveport. Mrs. Pruitt parents, Dr. Jacob and Celia (Hart) Snider, were is a member of the Baptist Church, and a worthy born in Chambersburg, Penn., and in Albemarle and estimable lady. Their home is nicely located County, Va., May 3, 1794 and October 8, 1797, in Ward 1, on Red River, in Bossier Parish. respectively. After their marriage in 1822 they

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Lemuel R. Sapp is a general merchant and removed in 1834 to Philadelphia and in 1837 to farmer of Ward 6, and being a native of the same,

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Grenada, Miss., where the father was called to bis born in 1851, he is well known throughout this re- long home September 28, 1851, his widow afterward gion, and is esteemed and respected by all who removing to Bossier Parish, where she died on Deknow him. He is a son of William and Saleta cember 1, 1873. The father was an elder in the (McCall) Sapp, who were born in Franklin County, Presbyterian Church, in which his wife was also a Miss., and in 1837 came to Bossier (Claiborne) Par- member, and for many years was a successful ish, and married December 5, 1839. Mr. Sapp physician, his medical education being secured soon after entered a large tract of woodland, on in Baltimore, Md., and academic in Dickerson which he died when the subject of this sketch was

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He was a surgeon on about one year old. His widow is still living on board a privateer in the war between Spain and that farm twelve miles northeast of Shreveport, and Buenos Ayres, in service of the latter in her contest has been a member of the Methodist Church since for independence. His father, Jacob Snider, was 1854. They were among the first settlers of born in Pennsylvania of parents of German descent,

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vue, La.

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College, Carlisle, Penn.

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He re

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and died in Chambersburg, Penn., having served a very old family of Bossier Parish. He was born in the capacity of sheriff of Franklin County for near where he now lives, October 10, 1854, being some time.

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Audrew Hart, the mother's father, a son of James P. and Lucretia Jane (King) Straywas born near Edinburgh, Scotland, and when a han, the former born in Bossier Parish, and the young man came to the United States and until latter in Montgomery, Ala. The father is still liv. bis death followed the occupation of farming and i ing and is a resident of this parish. He was reared merchandising in Albemarle County, Va. Hon. here and has been a tiller of the soil throughout Jacob A. Snider was the third of eight children life, and during the early part of the late war he born to his parents, and his early education was joined a Louisiana regiment of infantry, and served received in Grenada, Miss., and in Maryville Col. until the close, being a participant in many batlege, Tenn., his education in the law being ob- tles. He was in the siege of Vicksburg, and was tained in the Transylvania Law School of Lexingslightly wounded once. His wife, who died July ton, Ky., from which institution he was graduated 11, 1870, was about forty years of age, and was a in February, 1847. Prior to this, bowever, he had member of the Baptist Church, and after her death been admitted to the bar in Kentucky, but his first he married Mrs. Patterson, a widow, who is still practice was done in Grenada, Miss., where he living. Mr. Strayban is a Mason, a member also edited a paper from 1851 until 1855. In the of the Farmers' Alliance, and politically is a Demlatter year he was married to Cordelia Lake, who ocrat. The place on which his people located on

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. was born in Dorchester County, Md., and died in coming here, which was at a very early period, was 1859 at Grenada, Miss., baving borne two chil- known as Rough and Ready. To Mr. Strayhan's dren, one daughter now living. His second union first union five children were born, of whom the took place in 1871 to Mary E. Ross, a daughter of subject of this sketch was the eldest. Dr. John B. Ross, who was born and died in Mary- ceived his education in the neighborhood in which land, a Presbyterian minister of considerable promi- he now resides, and at the death of his mother he nence. Mrs. Snider was born in Albemarle County, left home and commenced farming for others, but Va., and died on December 21, 1889, having be purchased, in 1883, 160 acres of the farm which he come the mother of eight children, four of whom now owns, and, although it was heavily covered survive her. Since 1861 Mr. Snider has resided with timber, he has it now cleared, and has added in Bossier Parish, but has been a resident of the 1,160 acres to his original purchase, of which 250 town of Bellevue since 1866, where he has prac- acres are under cultivation. In 1883 he started to ticed his profession with success, being one of the operate a will which was already on the land, and leading lawyers of Northwestern Louisiana. He

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has been very successful in its management up to has always been an active and prominent politician, the present time.

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. He has erected some splendid and in 1863 was elected to the State Legislature, buildings on his property, a residence that would serving one term, at the end of which time he was do credit to any community, and all other buildings re-elected and served one more term. He also to correspond. In 1873 he was married to Miss served at one time as parish treasurer, and has Fannie Patterson, a daughter of Robert Patterson. filled other local positions of honor and trust. She was born in Alabama, and her union with Mr. He was for ten years president of the Democratic Strayhan has resulted in the birth of six children: parish committee, and was well and favorably known Ruth E., John R., Connie, Snider, Carroll and throughout the State. He was president of the Roxie. Mary and James died while very young, convention in 1876 that nominated Gov. Nichols. and Sallie was accidentally killed by the discharge He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Bellevue of a gun. Although a Democrat in principles, he Lodge No. 95, and has been master of the same usually votes for whom he considers the best man, many years.

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irrespective of party, and socially belongs to the John Franklin Strayhan is a representative of K. of P. He is a wide-awake and enterprising cit

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а

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izen, and such men as he are valuable acquisitions son of Isaiah and Nancy (Brewer) Tidwell, the to any community.

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former born in South Carolina about 1808 and the A. R. Thompson is the sheriff and tax col- latter in Georgia in 1812. The father obtained

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ia lector of Bossier Parish, La., and was born in a good common-school education in his native Fairfield County, S. C., in 1850, being a son of State, and in 1820 removed to the State of TenAlex and Dorothy (Herron) Thompson, both of nessee, where he made his home until 1860, at whom were born in the Palmetto State. They which time he removed to Arkansas, in which were married there, and there the father died in State he and his wife passed from life in 1861 1856, his wife passing to her long home in 1889, and 1862, respectively, the former having been a nearly seventy-five years of age, in Bossier Par-worthy tiller of the soil throughout life, and the ish, La., to which place she had come in 1866. latter an earnest member of the Methodist EpisThe subject of this sketch and a daughter, who copal Church. In Madison County, Tenn., the died shortly after her father, are the only chil. subject of this sketch received the rudiments of dren born to this union, and he was reared on his education, his youth and early manhood being his father's farm and received a country-school spent with his father in tilling the soil, and this education, but in 1866 came with his mother to occupation received the greater part of his atten

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, Bossier Parish, La., and bere he has made his tion until the opening of the war. In the month home ever since, marrying, in 1873, Miss Maggie, of June, 1861, he joined Company A, Fifth Arkandaughter of Joseph E. and E. G. Adger, who sas Regiment, under Col. David Cross, and during were born in South Carolina and Ireland, respect the first year of his service operated in Arkansas, ively, coming to Bossier Parish in 1858, where the Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi, at the end death of the former occurred in 1881, his widow of which time he returned home and joined Gen. being still alive and in good health, aged about Hindman's command, afterward being in the sixty-five years.

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Mrs. Thompson was born in States of Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. South Carolina, and died in the month of June, 1887, at the bloody battle of Shiloh, also Mansfield, at Bellevue, La., in her thirty-third year, having Prairie Grove, Jenkins' Ferry and Helena, after borne four children, one son and two daughters which he joined the Engineer's Corps, and renow living, viz. : William A., Lila A. and Mamie mained with them until the close of the war. At A. Thompson. In addition to farming, Mr. Thomp- the time of the surrender he was at Palestine, son has managed a warehouse on Red River, but Tex., and after remaining in that State a short discontinued these callings in 1880, being elected time he came to Bossier Parish, La., which place to the position of clerk and ex officio recorder of he reached in the month of June, 1865. After this parish, serving by re-election until Novem- farming on a rented plantation for about five ber, 1889, when he was appointed sheriff to fill years he was married to Mrs. Emma (Arnold) Hilthe unexpired term of R. E. Wyche. Mr. Thomp- ton, a daughter of G. W. and Selina (Sims) Arson has been reasonably successful in all his nold, and the same year of his marriage moved to business operations, and is now the owner

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of the place where he now resides, which is a portion 2,090 acres of land in different tracts, all the of the Arnold estate. To them a fine family of result of persistent and intelligent labor. Socially, five children has been born: Lina, Mary Enuma, he is a worthy member of the A. F. & A. M., Washington S., Thomas A. and Sallie L. Mr. Cypress Lodge No. 89, of Benton, having been Tidwell is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Cy. master of the same for some time, and also be- press Lodge No. 89, and the A. O. U. W., Charity longs to the K. of P. at Dixie, and the A. L. of Lodge, of Shreveport. H., Bellevue Lodge No. 1120.

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Samuel Whit Vance. In no part of Louisiana T. J. Tidwell, a Tennesseean by birth, was is agriculture in a more flourishing condition than ushered into this world in the year 1838, being a | in Bossier Parish, and Mr. Vance is considered one

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, a

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He was

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of its most successful young planters, he being a Carolina Bluff road, which place was given them member of a prominent old family of this parish. free of rent by Mrs. Ruth Hughes, who then He is the second of three children--two sons and owned the place, and here they made their home one daughter-born to Samuel Whit and Sallie E. until 1868, when Mr. Wittington and his brother- (James) Vance, who were born in South Carolina in-law, J. J. Wilcox, purchased 160 acres of land and Alabama, respectively, and were married in on which the former is now living. He has in- Bossier Parish, La., settling first at Plain Deal- creased his acreage to 280, and has 100 acres in an ing, and afterward where the subject of this sketch excellent state of cultivation. Having made this is now living, on which place Mr. Vance died in purchase while a minor, he paid for it before he 1877, having been a prosperous planter. Socially attained his majority, and expected to live with his he was a member of the A. F. & A. M. at Ben- mother and her family on the place, but before this ton, and a son of Mr. Daniel Vance, who died in idea was put into execution he was united in mar- South Carolina. Mrs. Vance is still living, and is riage to Sallie, a daughter of James and Nancy a true Christian lady and a worthy member of the (Fowler) Keith, which fact was so displeasing to Methodist Episcopal Church. Samuel Whit Vance bis mother that he deeded the farm he had just was born at Plain Dealing, La., in 1864, and paid for to her and went to work on his mother in- his youth was spent in learning the “halling" | law's place, which he successfully tilled until of a farm and in attending the school at Shreve- 1875, when he removed to Grimes County, Tex., port. Upon leaving school he spent three years in his wife dying shortly after locating there. After a store on Shady Grove plantation, and since that tiiling the soil in that State for one year he re- time has resided on the farm on which he is now turned to Louisiana and took charge of an uncle's living, which comprises several thousand of excellent farming land, on the cultivated portion (Keith) farm, which he conducted in a successful

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of manner for one year. His second marriage took which he raises some 400 bales of cotton annually. place November 17, 1876, his wife being Anna,

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Jasper Bunyan Whittington was born in Pike daughter of Rev. Robert and Indiana (Dillard) County, Ala., October 9, 1849, being a son of Rob- Martin, both native Georgians. In 1876 a cottonert and Matilda (Keith) Whittington, the former gin and grist-mill, in which Mr. Whittington was born in Columbus, Ga., in 1822, and the latter in largely interested, caught fire and burned to the Pike County, Ala., in 1834. Mr. Whittington, as ground, leaving him almost destitute, but the folwell as his wife, was a member of the Missionary lowing year he erected a cotton-gin on the place Baptist Church, and in his native State he passed where he now resides, which he has continued to from life in 1858, bis widow still surviving him, be- operate; he then purchased eighty acres of land, ing a resident of Bossier Parish, La. Jasper Bun- which is part of his present farm. In 1880 he once yan Whittington was taken to Georgia at the age more took charge of his mother's affairs, and was of five years, but after his father's death returned her adviser and confidante for two years, at the end with his mother to Alabama, and in 1861 emigrated of which time she gave him eighty acres of land, to Bossier Parish, La., where he worked for the and he is her agent at the present time. He and support of his mother and her family of four chil- bis wife are members of the Baptist Church, and dren, of whom he was the eldest. In 1863 they are the parents of five sons and two daughters, his moved on the Alden place, on Cypress Bayou, six first union resulting in the birth of one daughter. miles east of Red River, on the Rocky Mount &

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CHAPTER III.

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由米

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BIENVILLE PARISI-STATISTICS AND TOPOGRAPHY-STREAMS AND TIMBER—EARLY LAND BUYERS AND SLAVE OWNERS, THE DISTRICT COURT AND THE POLICE JURY-POLITICAL Notes-MILITARY AFFAIRS—CATALOGUE OF SOLDIERS FURNISHED BY TIE PARISH–INCIDENTS-JOURNALISTS AND PIYSICIANS-- SPARTA-MOUNT LEBANON—THE UNIVERSITY-GIBSLAND—THE

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INSTITUTE-ARCADIA–THE COLLEGE-BIENVILLE-PERSONAL MATTERS.

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“Build yet, the end is not, build on; Build for the ages unafraid. The past is but a base whereon These ashlers, well hewn, may be laid. Lo, I declare I deem him blest Whose foot, here pausing, findeth rest!"

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IENVILLE is a parish of $113.13; merchandise $51,611, taxed $86.02; and

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oak and hickory uplaud and professional men, fifty-eight, taxed $1,330. The rich bottomland, with pine mill tax produced $3,278.58; the special tax, barreus and with post-oak $819.53, and the poll tax, $1,171; or a total of $12,- swamps. Of the total area 063.56. In 1859 there were 13,725 bales of cotton (856 square miles) there are and 352,290 bushels of corn produced. 756 square miles of oak-

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-up

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The summary of the tax roll for 1890–91 shows lands (including ten square

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value of real estate, $191,530; valne of village lots miles of red land) and 100 square miles and improvements, $141,920; of live stock, $211,of long-leaf pine hills.

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There were 535; carriages, etc., $24,240; merchandise, $80,575; 45,089 acres in cultivation in 1879- capital stock shares, $300; household property, 18,242 in cotton, 19,255 in corn, 305 in $1,085; money at interest, $9,785; bonds liable to sweet potatoes and 108 in sugar cane. taxation, $14, 170; other property, $146,465, or a The cotton yielded 7,208 bales (or . 40 total value of $1,121,555, with 2,563 polls. The bales per acre), 570 pounds of seed cot- parish levy of 6 mills yields $6,729.33, and the ton, or 190 pounds of cotton lint. The State levy of 6 mills a similar amount. In 1889 summary of the tax roll for 1860 shows there were produced 6,000 bales of cotton, 215,870 30,023 acres of cotton, 32,574 of corn, bushels of corn, 8,500 bushels of oats, 15,800

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4,444, taxable slaves, valued at $2,145,- bushels of potatoes, 125 barrels of sorghum, and 950, taxed $3,576.55. Value of real estate, $897,- 250 barrels of molasses. In 1890 there are 100 940, taxed $1,496.49; non-resident lands, $65, 466, acres under cane; 19,368 under cotton; 15,990, corn, taxed $109.58; value of stock, $27,730, taxed 1,400, oats; 300, potatoes; 90, sorghum; 1,000, $46.33; value of buggies and carriages, $21,800, meadow, out of a total acreage of 309,266. The taxed $36.35; money at interest, $67,879; taxed assessor reported 1,311 white males and 1,315 females between six and eighteen years of age, and The red subsoil appears in spots, generally 1,200 colored males and 1,170 colored females of where the country becomes more rolling, and is the same age. In 1878 the enrollment of white often accompanied by rolled gravel, as well as by pupils was 1,140, and in 1879, 543. There is no iron ore (limonite) concretions. This is more esrecord of the enrollment from 1880 to 1883, pecially the case in the southeastern portion, where inclusive. In 1884 the number was 992; in 1885, tracts of hilly red lands occur, the ridges in the 1,065; in 1886, 905, and 1887, 860. The record southerly portion baving more or less long leaf of enrollment of colored pupils shows 100 in 1877; pine on their crest, while oak-growth, sometimes 526 in 1878, and 459 in 1879. From 1880 to 1883, intermingled with short-leaf pine, covers the hillinclusive, there are no reports. In 1884 the num- sides. At Brushy Valley and northward, the red ber was 440; in 1885, 475; in 1886, 483, and in land feature is quite prevalent, and excellent crops 1887, 729.

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of cotton are made, both in the uplands and in the The first census of Bienville Parish was taken bottoms, near the streams, which are here not so in 1850, when 3,623 whites, twenty-one free col- liable to overflow, and possesses less of the pineored and 1,895 slaves, a total of 5,539, were flat character. There is also a good deal of very reported. In 1860, 5,900 whites, 100 free colored sandy hill land, which washes when turned out and 5,000 slaves; total, 11,000. In 1870, 5,589 after cultivation. About 100 square miles of this whites, 5,017 free colored; total, 10,636. In 1880, parish is strictly lumber and grazing land, except 5,456 whites, 4,986 free colored; total, 10,442. in the creek land between the bills, which proIn 1890 the total population was found to be duces very fine crops. This belt of timber is equal 14,559, of whom 1,372 were liable to military to the best in the pine hill belt. The principal duty.

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tillers of the soil are white men, who cultivate from Near Brushy Valley are the salt springs, where thirty to 100 or more acres. Cotton and corn are salt water was evaporated during the war. King's the principal products. Grasses, grain, fruit and Lick, near the northeast corner of Red River Par- vegetables of all kinds grow to perfection and are ish, is another well known salt spring. Gypsum very remunerative.

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and limestone are found here in several places, at The last panther was killed near Mount Lebanthe springs mentioned and near Quay post-office. on in 1869, by P. J. Key, and the last bear about

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Not far from Brushy Valley is a salt lick flat twelve years ago by W. J. King. During the war known as Rayburn's Lick, where much salt was the wild animals of the forest increased rapidly, as made during the war.

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It is underlaid by gypsum there were no hunters left at home to hunt them and cretaceous) limestone, from which good lime down. can be burned.

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The use of this on the soil of the Township 14, Range 6, was first entered in region would be very beneficial. A similar lick is 1838, when Jesse Mobley purchased on Section 5. "King's, near the northeast corner of Red River John Messers Prothro entered lands in Sections 20, Parish, where the limestone occurs in even greater 27, and 28 in 1839; John Burke on Sections 5 and abundance and of the best quality. A similar 6 in 1839. The Sprawls, Wests, Heads, Boylstons, lime strata spot occurs in the northwestern portion Grays, Stewarts, Corbetts, Vansants, Johnsons, of the parish, near the post-office, on the head of Hudsons, Wormacks, Harts, Sullivans, Babers and Dugdemona Bayou. Post oak and short-leaf pine Murphys, made their entries between 1848 and are the prevailing timber trees, intermingled more 1852. From this period to the beginning of the or less with other oaks and hickory, according to war a number of buyers appear, so that the townthe quality of the land. It has upward of 150,000 ship may be said to have passed into the hands of acres of virgin forest of the finest timber to be private owners prior to 1860. found in the South. It also rich in iron ore de- Township 14, Range 7, claimed only three posits of the best quality in North Louisiana. private land owners in the thirties. In July, 1839, John C. Brown bought on Section 24; in January, Township 15, Range 9, was opened in March, Chris. Koonce purchased on Section 17, and in 1836, and during that summer the speculators March, John M. Prothro on Section 20. In 1849 descended upon it, buying up the greater part of Henry M. Fleury entered land on Section 25; John the north one-third of the township. John LawB. Markham, on Section 23, and Thomas C. Zylks, son, Lewis Watson and James Williamson appear on Section 11. From 1850 to 1860 are found the to have been bona fide settlers, but Drake & names of Jasper Smith, R. L. Hamilton, Patrick Bauskett, Beall, Martin & Aiken, and Knight & B. Matthews, Abner Lowe, Cyrus B. Thompson, McElfresh were heavy non-resident buyers. RedWalston Turkinton, Samuel J. Hays, Myatt Mitch- dick Bryan bought here in 1839, also J. M. Fuller, ell, Dr. Hiram Shaw, W. N. Evett, James Thomas, but settlements of owners were not made until H. J. Row, Jesse Lee, I. M. Fair, Sarah A. Will

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1950-60. son, Elias Murphy, John A. Harrell and John Township 15, Range 10, was opened for entry Henson.

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in September, 1814, when Joshua Melvin entered Township 14, Range 8, was opened for entry the east half of the southeast quarter of Secin 1846, Marville Logan and Sanders Byas enter- tion 1, while in 1849-50 purchases were made by ing lands on Section 9. John McInnis bought on Milton Sledge, James Fudge, Dempsey Hall, Section 23, in 1848; Count A. Koonce purchased Daniel McNair, Simon Manning, Mary Pickett, A. in 1849, and in 1850 Alfred P. King, E. Murphy, G. Grant, John L. Vickers, Martha Mitchell, John John Franks, T. M. Logan, Alfred Price and Ken- H. Richardson, James Taff and W. A. J. Newson. neth Cooper From 1858 to 1860 a large area Township 16, Range 6, west, was entered in was entered in this township.

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1835 by Joseph Galbreath and Joseph Taylor, and Township 15, Range 6, was first entered Au- in 1836 by James Walker, Theodore 0. Stark, gust 21, 1838, on Section 32, by William Hobley William A. Drake and St. John R. Liddell. In and by Miles Clinton and Jackson Thornton, in 1819-50 William Elliott, William D. Robinson, 1840. In 1841 Ben Frazier entered land here; Thereba J. Ragsdale, William Holder, James C. in 1844, Charles Black, James Johnson, Tandey and Benjamin Baker, Miles Gilliam, Ben Pierce, A. Key, Joseph Garner and Jesse Cough, and in Robert Henderson, Jr., and Richard Boyd made 1849, Samuel C. Brice, W. A. Whitley and Will- their purchases. From 1836 to 1849 William iam Cloud. In 1850-53 a large number of entries Coulter Price is the only recorded purchaser of are recorded.

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United States lands here. Township 15, Range 7, was first entered in Township 16, Range 7, was entered in the 1846, on Section 20, by Abner Lowe, and on Sec- thirties by speculators, although in 1837 John M. tion 34 by R. Murphy. In 1818 W. C. Preslaw, Prothro purchased in Sections 17 and 20. In Amanda Koonce and Silnear Swapar purchased in 1848-49 John W. Mays, James Williamson, Elthis township. A large number of entries was bridge B. O'Neal, John C. McCravy, John Bailiff, recorded between 1850 and 1860.

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M. D. Burnett, John B. Hightower, Milton B. Township 15, Range 8, west, was offered for Nash, L. N. B. Whitley, Samuel H. Sherwood, sale in 1839. Thomas Jefferson Davis, John M. W. H. Pierson, R. R. Madden and James Johnson Fuller and William Hobdy being the first buyers made entry of lands here, and on June, 30, 1848, on Sections 30 and 31. In 1840 John W. Hughes the west half of the southwest quarter of Secbought on Section 35. In 1848-49 Reddick tion 15 was entered by the parish of Bienville, Bryan, J. C. Brown, Washington Nix, Josiah and the certificate of entry being 4369. Phillip Brenson, John R. Bolyston and Pennina Township 16, Range 8, was opened for entry Hicks located lands here, but the greater area was

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in 1839, when Drury Murrell and William Hobdy purchased within the three years preceding the bought some lands, and in 1841 Triplet Cason.

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In 1844 Abram Geren, and in 1847 James Merritt located their lands, while in 1849–50 the Smitbs, quarter of Section 1, under act of 1834. In 1839 Horns, Waldens, Lewises, Davises, Pratts, Hort- J. M. Prothro entered lands here, in 1844 John mans, Moores, Taylors, Charnell Hightower, B. H. Morrow, in 1845 Thomas Logan, and in 1847– R. Griffin, Burrell and William Mathius, John N. 50 Uriah Jones, B. R. Griffin, W. D. Allums, Martin, James Lord, Solomon McGraw, and others Rufus Lawborn, R. L. Horn, James Walden, named previously, entered their lands.

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war.

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Hillery Logan, and William Traylor. Township 16, Range 9, was opened for entry Township 18, Range 6, was proclaimed in 1831, in 1836, when Samuel Clark, Knight Beall & Chris. Koonce and Allen Martin buying that year. McElfresh and other speculators bought. In 1819 Jonathan Franklin bought on Section 14, in 1833, the residents of the parish began their purchases, in November of that year.

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In 1835-37 the followand prior to the war had taken up a large area. ing named buyers are recorded: Jacob Miller, CyJames D. Mims, Simeon Theus, T. J. Harvin, T. rus Thompson, Louis Field, R. H. Bassett, Ste. R. Adams, W. W. Ponlon, Nathan Gilchrist, phen Wingate, Peter Franks, G. W. Brown, Zach Thomas, Uriah Page, R. L. Horn, A. T. Andrew Koonce, Robert Williams, W. B. Henry, Turner, Harriet S. Brown and W. B. Watts were Josiah Brenson, Mary Aldridge, Samuel J. Hays, among the buyers of this period.

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James and William Reed, Elkin Taylor, and R. R. Township 16, Range 10, was opened in 1844 Madden. by E. A. Wimberly and Elizabeth Stevenson, on Township 18, Range 16, was first entered on December 13, 1847. Noah A. Philpot bought on Sections 11 and 12, by Berry A. Wilson, in 1833. Section 9, and George G. Walker on Section 10. Prior to 1837 we find the names of James AmIn 1849-50 the following names of buyers are broise, Bartly Martin, Samuel G. Williams, Richard recorded : Irvin Talton, J. J. Vickers, James Stiles, Cyrus B. Thompson, John Frazier, Josiah Mitchell, John Tooke, Sarah Jordan, John Miller, Brenson, Elizabeth Willburn, Littlebury Whitley, Sr., Levi Blizzard, Joshua Melvin, A. Harris, William Logan, Joe A. Sloan, Count A. Koonce, James Turner, Hugh Cosgrove, J. A. Washburn T. A. Key and Triplet Cason. and Rolly Williams.

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Township 18, Range 8, was opened for sale in Township 17, Range 6, was opened in 1823, 1837, Robert and Francis Henderson and Thady Enos Gough buying in Section 12 in 1835–37. W. Byas, being the first buyers. John Bean, W. John and Jane Williams, William and Martha K. Harris, Asel F. Heath, James Woodard, Wiley Novid, D. Frame and A. Ashworth being the T. Seitzler, Tyra Singleton, Seth Barnes, Mary pioneer land buyers. Jerry Burnett, S. G. Quarles, Rease, Asel F. Heath, Jene R. Pitmann, Jasper Hastings Dial, Eldred Hardy, Veeder, Cortes and Gibbs and Hiram Gibbs were also early land La Place, Joel Mixon, Abram Lemmons and Heze buyers. kiah Reed purchased lands here; but not until Township 14, Range 4, was entered principally 1849–50 did the actual pioneers of the township | under the Swamp Land Act of 1819. Maj. enter their claims.

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Lyon entered lands here in 1846, and John C. Township 17, Range 7, was proclaimed for sale Gray and J. W. Lewis in the fifties. in 1834. Samuel Williams locating on Section 7, Township 15, Range 4, has a large area enthat year. In 1835-36, William Logan, Charles tered under the V. S. & T. Act of 1856–59. In H. Webb, Tandy A. Key, J. V. White, John M. the fifties John Lopez, Pennal Quader, J. W. AnProthro, James Canfield, Joseph Canfield, Coving- derson, Nathan Thornton, Joshua Roden, P. ton Hardy, James B. Hunnicutt, William Hobdy, Franks, H. M. Gullander, James Warren, ErasJames Horveston, and Thomas J. Turpin, made mus Benton, W. J. Sawyer, Stafern, Edgar, Theo their purchases.

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N. and William Potts, Henry Gray, William N. Township 17, Range 8, was opened for sale in Parks, Elijah Brown, Melton Childs and W. B. 1837, James Henderson buying the northwest McDonnell, entered lands here.

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Township 16, Range 4, was entered first in when a number of entries were made. From 1836 by James Walker, on Section 18, next in 1849 to 1855 the sales of land in this township 1837 by J. D. Watterman and Charles Hubbard, were numerous indeed. and in 1849 by Jasper Gibbs, on Section 6. Dur- The true settlement of the parish dates back to ing the fifties the names of the following buyers 1837, when the several committees sought social are recorded: Josiah Mayo, Thomas Payne, Sim. intercourse by religious, political or patrol associaMoore, Minor Dawkins, F. Lanham, A. A. Howell, tions.

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tions. Many of the immigrants brought with Henry Gray, T. N. Pierce, Nancy McLelland, them slaves, so that in 1850 there were 1,895 Sarah McBride, Ambrose and Hiram Hannigan negroes (slaves) and 21 free colored men in the and Jinsey Anderson.

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parish. Ten years later, there were 5,000 slaves Township 17, Range 4 (Sections 19 to 33, in- enumerated, on the greater number of whom a tax clusive), was offered for sale in 1849, when the was levied. Yarboroughs, Reeks and Rosseaus bought several The large slave owners in 1860 were Eliza A. tracts. Among the names of early purchasers are Abney, 21; A. L. Ardis, 13; J. L. Bates, 22; H. William F. Bond, Amos Daniels, William Carr, Balance, 14; James W. Brice, 20; Samuel Brown, Charles B. Polk, Nathan Smith, E. H. Goff, Jeptha 10; Sarah Butler, 14; G. W. Brown, 22; W. W. Conger, J. Higginbotham and Alfred Pennington. Boyleston, 16; J. J. Boyleston, 16; Elijah Brown,

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Township 14, Range 5 (Sections 1 to 18), was 11; N. H. Bradley, 14; John Babers, 21; E. G. proclaimed for sale in 1838, when Jus. Martin Burson, 11; Seth Barnes, 13; Reddeck Bryan, 23;

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, Fonts purchased on Section 3, Criswell L. Whitlow Dan Clapton, 26; Martin Cantield, 25; H. K. purchased largely in 1846–53, also David Malone, Cabanisse, 16; W. L. Candler, 14; W. W. Col. Amos, Cornelius, Simeon and William Shiveley or bert, 50; John Cockerham, 36; Isaac Coleman, 25; Shibley. In the lower sections, Joseph E. How- J. A. Caldwell, 17; Jacob Cook, 13; J. W. Chris ard located military warrants in 1852, and James tian, 12; J. R. Carr, 10; A. Cawthorn, 27; A. J. M. Barton. Tom Robinson, J. W. W. Durbin Colbert, 31; Miner Dawkins, 28; George Dawkins, and others purchased later in the fifties.

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48; D. N. Davis, 25; H. L. Dennard, 17; J. T. Township 15, Range 5, was entered on Section Dennard, 14; J. T. Davis, 11; Myra J. Dyers or 31 so early as 1828 by John M. Founts. In 1849 Dyess, 10; W. N. Dubose, 15; T. C. Dickey, 10; David Malone bought several tracts, but from James C. Egan, 18; W. D. B. Edens, 13; L. W. 1855 to 1860 the greater area of this township Ellis, 23; W. B. Egan, 21; Elijah Gibson, 10; E. passed from the United States into the hands of A. Givins, 17; Andrew Gibson, 17; Jasper Gibbs, private owners.

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97; heirs of Walker Gibbs, 57; F. C. Gray, 10; Township 16, Range 5, was opened in 1828, Henry Gray, 52; R. F. Gray, 21; A. A. Golphin, when John J. Anderson located lands on Section 11; L. Gabagan, 11; Anne Gray, 15; T. Hemp10. In 1836 Daniel Lowe and James Walker en- hill, 15; Neal Holland, 28; G. L. Holston, 20; tered large tracts, but prior and subsequent to the

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Pearce Holston, 10; C. J. Humphries, 23; J. J. location of the V. S. & T. R. R. the great body of

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Harris, 31; Eldred Hardy, 13; A. J. High, 10; the lands in this township became private property. Thomas Hinson, 14; T. H. Hamilton, 22; Thomas

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Township 17, Range 5, was offered for sale in Hightower, 10; E. R. Holston, 22; Holston estate, 1835, and before the close of 1837 a very large 16; E. P. Harris, 34; D. H. Hays, 22; G. S. area was sold. The buyers of 1835 were Isaac Hays, 20; Isaac Hall, 23; W. F. Keith, 49; Willand William Arlege, Jonathan Andrews, F. M. iam Key, 10; A. P. King, 16; T. C. Knighton, 10; Bradley, T. B. Goldsby and Enos Goff, and of E. J. Kennon, 31; Martha Lawton, 18; Felix 1836–37 John Knight, Aaron W. Weeks, James Lewis, 40; Thomas Littleton, 13; J. 0. Long, 21; Walker and John Williams.

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Thomas Leake, 12; Cal. Leary, 23; Joel Lofton, Township 18, Range 5, was opened in 1836, 16; John G. Lane, 12; Jacob Madden, 10; K. P.

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1

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McDaniel, 26; A. G. Maye, 13; H. T. Maxey, 10; tober, Roland Jones, who was commissioned judge M. Myers, 12; Moses Madden, 11; David Malone, vice E. R. Olcott resigned, presided. A number

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, 18; Antonette McKeithan, 15; W. C. Mays, 30; J. of license cases and applications for naturalization C. McCrary, 37; Joseph McCarthy, 13; J. A. were presented. In 1851 Judge Bullard, of the Moseley, 31; John McDowell, 16; James Monroe, Sixteenth District, was present in exchange with 17; W. J. Mays, 24; R. R. Madden, 27; Thomas Judge Jones. In December, R. T. Buckner was O'Neal, 10; J. W. Norris, 11; Telitha Nix, 12; appointed to prosecute State cases, and in June, P-55; P-15; W. P. Prothro, 52; E. D. 1852, John Young was appointed in the absence Prothro's minor heirs, 17; J. E. Prothro, 24; of the district attorney. ;

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In December, 1852, William Pierce, 14; W. N. Park, 15; J. H. Poole, James Upshaw was sheriff, and at this time resolu22; R. A. Potts, 28; W. H. Pierson, 16; J. L. tions on the death of George W. Peets were Pierce, 38; A. S. B. Pior, 59; Collins Rhodes, 43; adopted. In 1853 T. and G. Kelly and Monroe J. G. Reasonover, 29; Henry Rabun or Raburn, Ragsdale, were indicted for aiding in the escape 16; Elzey Rabun, 24; Silas Rawls, 19; B. M. of a prisoner charged with a capital offense. At Reynolds, 12; James M. Sims, 26; T. C. Standi- this time Andrew Lawson was judge.

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Early in fer, 27; Jesse Smith, 42; William M. Sale, 14; H. 1854 he died, and H. A. Drew, who was commisD. Sheihu, 32; Ephriam Strickland, 11; Simeon sioned, transacted business here, but interchanged Theus, 44; John Tooke, 44; D. K. Thomas, 16; Z. with Judge Land, of the Eighteenth District. Thomas, 23; J. J. Tooke, 16; J. H. Underwood, James R. Head was sheriff in 1856, and in March 13; J. W. Vansant, 14; J. L. Vickers, 63; Martin of this year William H. Tanner and others were Williams, 18; Elizabeth Wilson, 46; G. W. Wren, indicted for betting on elections. Indictments 15; Thomas Woodard, 17; J. W. Walker, 12; J. against H. H. Ellis, H. H. Denson and F. Long A. Williamson, 26; W. L. Yarborough, 12, and for “unauthorized whipping a negro,” were reJames Young, 11. In June, 1849, H. L. Reese turned in September. In June, 1857, W. B. Egan signs the record of official bonds as clerk of the took his seat as judge, but under the system of district court, but the entry is not made on the interchange (act of 1854) Judge Cresswell presided court journal.

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in September, and was still presiding in March, The oldest record of the district court of Bien- 1860, when record A (minutes) closes. Roland ville is dated March 11, 1850. Ed R. Alcott, judge Jones, of the Eighteenth District, was bere in of the Seventeenth District, was then present, September with A. B. George, district attorney, and mention is made of F. M. Gibson and W. B. but W. B. Egan, of this (Seventeenth) district Egan, attorneys. The next term was presided over presided in December. James Upshaw was still by Judge Bullard, who appointed Henry M. Spof- holding the sheriff's office. During the war court ford district attorney, and Edward Fink deputy was held regularly by Judge Egan, but in October, clerk. The grand jurors empaneled were Isaac 1865, J. D. Watkins took his seat on the bench, Alden, Thomas D. Smith, Q. E. Roden, James M. and appointed T. E. Paxton district attorney vice Pickett, James C. Whittington, Alfred Price, L. A. B. George district attorney, and Charles H. B. Whitley, John Brewer, Thomas L. Prothro, Murphy district clerk. Robert B. Love, deputy, Isaac Andrews, James Ratcliffe, Addison S. Van acted as sheriff in September, 1867. At this time sant, Edward Toms, Hayner Balance, Luke E. Special Order 125, declaring registered voters only

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, Burnett, James Williamson and George G. Waller. elligible as jurors, was read and a jury called in John F. Stephens, who qualified as clerk of the accordance with such order by Hodge Rabun, the district court before Justice McBride, February 20, new sheriff.

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He was succeeded in March, 1869, 1850, presented his credentials at this time, and by Thomas J. Hightower, while J. J. Sprawls sucthe name of William B. Stewart appears as recorder ceeded C. H. Murphy. In September, 1869, J. L. and that of Benjamin Parker as sheriff. In Oc. Lewis, of the new Eleventh District, opened court. He suspended Sheriff Hightower, and fined him Kee was shot by Deputy Presler, in 1878, while $500 for refusing to open and adjourn court as making his escape. Hill was shot under similar directed, but Hightower never obeyed the order of circumstances by H. G. Oden, in 1875 or 1876. suspension or paid the fine, and in this matter he

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In February, 1850, the names of Thomas Mcwas sustained by the people. In March, 1870, Bride, William Brice, Orrin Barrow, J. E. Roden, the judge and sheriff are found acting harmoni- Daniel Law, W. H. Snead, J. N. Martin, A. M. ously, and were thus enabled to dispose of a heavy Rowlett, J. M. Scarborough, T. M. Looney qualidocket. James C. Egan superseded Lewis in fied as justices Asa Duty as coroner. In November, September. Samuel Wilson was found guilty of 1849, Jesse Hudson qualified as deputy sheriff, and murder by a jury of whom W. A. Whitley was J. N. Leetch as notary public. In February, 1850, foreman, N. J. Sandlin district attorney, prosecut- William B. Stewart took the oath as recorder, ing George C. Watkins was indicted for the James Upshaw as assessor, and S. Grosvenor as murder of Patrick Dunn, convicted, sent to prison, deputy sheriff. In January, 1854, Edward Housbut ultimately pardoned. In March, 1873, Judge ton, represented Ward 1; Allen C. Hill, 2; Edward J. E. Trimble presented his commission and served J. Kennon, 3; James C. Watts, 4; James R. until March, 1877, when E. M. Graham took his Head, 5; Jason Poole, 6, and John C. McCrary, place, and A. M. Oden succeeded Mr. Sprawls as 7, later president, J. G. Noles was clerk, James clerk. In March, 1879, C. P. Whitlow took the Upshaw, collector, and A. C. Hill, president. D. place of Sheriff Hightower. In January, 1880,

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In January, 1880, Hendricks was chosen under the act of 1850, to the grand jury adopted resolutions in the matter of attend the medical college.

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attend the medical college. William C. Mays, losing the services of Judge Grahain and District courthouse builder, was paid the balance due him on Attorney Barksdale, through the redistricting of his contract, and an arrangement was entered into Louisiana for judicial purposes under the new con- with him to establish a graveyard. In June, 1854, stitution. In February, 1880, R. C. Drew signed he was elected treasurer, the current annual exthe record as judge of the Second District. B. M. penditures were placed at $3,470.70, and the Manning was sheriff in 1884, and A. J. Moore parish license for retailing liquor was fixed at clerk in 1884. Sheriff J. A. Mays succeeded B. M. $100. In July, 1854, the jurors were T. HempManning in 1888, and J. W. Tooke succeeded Dis- hill, James Lewis, S. A. Harvin, A. P. King, trict Clerk Moore. R. M. Crawson, Sr. and J. W. Jason Poole, J. C. McCrary, and A. C. Hill. In Tooke served as deputy, successively, during Clerk 1855, James Bridger, Jr., took Hemphill's place Moore's incumbency, while J. C. Theus is the and later James Brice took Bridger's place as present deputy. Judge Boone succeeded R. C. representative of Ward 1. The elections for 1856 Drew as judge of the Second District. The bar of resulted in the choice of Moses Hearn, A. C. Hill,

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, , Bienville comprises J. A. Dorman, D. H. Patter. E. J. Kennon, J. N. Martin, A. P. King, Jason son, J. J. Sprawls (1877), B. P. Edwards (1877), Poole and John McCrary police jurors, and they W. U. Richardson (1878); George E. Young, J. E. with J. G. Noles, as clerk, were serving when the Reynolds and T. J. Butler, while Judge Boone is record closes in 1857. In 1869 R. M. Crawson a resident of the parish.

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was president (following John W. Norris), and R. Louis Duckworth, charged with firing at a S. Sweat, clerk of the police jury. In September neighbor, was defended by H. A. Perryman, but the Script Founding Act of June, and the one convicted. His sentence was conmuted by War- mill tax and 10-per cent. license tax, were repealed. moth, and while en route to Baton Rouge in charge In January, 1870, the jury organized with the of Deputy Sheriff Presler, was taken from him by same president and clerk. A. N. Jones, reprean armed force and shot near Lake Bisteneau. His sented Ward 1; W. D. B. Edins, No. 2; I. Taldeath did not follow immediately, so that he was

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ton, No. 3; H. Rabun, No. 4; R. M. Crawson, enabled to give the particulars of the crime. Mc- No. 5; Thomas Crawford No. 1, and R. B. Love,

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No. 7. In June, R. B. Love being coroner and July, however, the jury comprised J. A Sledge, surveyor, resigned the office of juror, and G. N. J. A. Walker, J. H. Blume, H. F. Schien, and J. Clampett, W. D. B. Edins, B. S. Sweat, A. J. A. H. Givins, with Schien, president. In SeptemColbert and R. M. Crawson were recommended ber the names of D. N. Davis and D. N. Loe were for appointment as school commissioners. In Jan- added. J. A. Mays was elected treasurer at this uary, 1871, R. M. Crawson was appointed treas. time; but J. T. Fouts qualified. From 1882 to urer, succeeded in June by T. J. Fouts. A month 1887 W. B. Colbert was assessor.

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The police later J. A. H. Givins, represented Ward 1; J. H. jurors chosen and commissioned by the governor Schien, No. 7; wbile J. P. Webb, C. N. Ardis, H. in 1888 were W. H. Leslie, president; J. H. ThurD. Sbibu, W. S. Cochran, appear as new mem- mond, C. W. Hamner, T. J. Martin, J. J. Bridger, bers, with S. B. Dubose, clerk,-. Webb, president, and W. H. Smitherman; W. Taylor Row succeeded and J. T. Boone, parish attorney. In January, Mr. Bridger, deceased, in 1889, with H. G. Oden, 1872, the estimate of expenditures was placed at clerk; J. D. Head, treasurer; W. U. Richardson, at$10,000. In January, 1873, C. N. Ardis was torney; W. B. Prothro, assessor. W. B. Stewart was chosen president, and with Givins and Crawson of recorder in 1819 while in 1853, Deputy T. G. Noles the old board Z. G. Thomas and H. M. Protho signs the entries and in 1854 signs as recorder. found the new jury, D. T. Head was elected at- O. L. Noles was recorder during 1860; Moses J. torney. A committee was appointed to check the Hurley, 1862; Ben. S. Allums, 1863; Stephen B. spread of the small-pox epidemic. The jurors in Dubose, deputy recorder, 1865; E. N. Warren, January, 1875, were C. N. Ardis, W. P. Theus, L. recorder, 1866, and in 1868, C. H. Murphy was B. Wardlaw, F. D. Vernon, and J. A. H. Givins, deputy; Jasper Hays, recorder in 1868; J. J. James A. Dorman was attorney, and Dr. T. J. Sprawls, deputy in 1870; J. R. Head was parish Fouts, physician; S. D. Pearce, succee led Dubose judge in 1868. In 1874 J. T. Boone was parish as clerk in June, 1876. In March, 1877, C. N. judge, followed by D. F. Head in 1875, who served Ardis, president, with Messrs. Theus, J. B. Blume, until the office was constitutionally abolished J. H. Robertson and Roger Lamson formed the in 1879. jury with J. M. Head, secretary. The latter was Bienville recorded 682 votes for Breckinridge, succeeded in July, 1877, by John J. Randall. 293 for Bell and 134 for Douglas, in 1860. F. The jurors in session January 20, 1879, were C. Lewis and R. Hodges signed the secession ordiN. Ardis, president, B. L. Derrett, T. J. Martin, nance of 1861. W. M. Caldwell, and E. N. Warren, with R. M. The November elections of 1861 show 614 votes Crawson, clerk. They were succeeded in 1880, by for Jefferson Davis, for President; 428 for Lewis, C. N. Ardis, A. H. Givens, W. M. Caldwell, T. J. and 187 for Marshall, candidates for Congress; J. Martin, J. J. Bridger, and T. J. Hightower, T. J. R. Head was elected representative; J. L. Hodges, Fouts was re-elected treasurer. In 1882 elections senator; J. Upshaw, sheriff; Moses Hurley, reon the local option were held in several wards and corder; W. C. Presler, assessor and Floyd Allums, resulted in serious disagreements. In Ward 5 the majority protested against the issue of license, but The elections of November, 1805, show 324 votes owing to the election commissioners not qualifying for J. M. Wells, and 263 for Henry W. Allen, candiaccording to law, the voice of the majority was in. dates for governor; 337 for John S. Young, and effective. In January, 1884, this troublesome 231 for John Ray, for Congress; 374 for A. A. Abquestion was placed before the people of all the ney, 318 for W. B. Egan, 244 for B. W. Pearce wards and negatived in Wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, and 148 for T. H. Jones, for Senate; 597 for J. R. but carried in Ward 5.

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In 1884 H. F. Schien ap- Head, 304 for J. A. Powell, 229 for T. E. Paxton pear as the only new member, with Givins, Martin, and 129 for H. A. Perryman, for the Legislature. Caldwell, Bridger and Ardis of the old jury. In The elections of May 7, 1866, resulted in the

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coroner.

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ernor.

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choice of John G. Noles, clerk; James Upshaw, third lieutenant. The non-commissioned officers sheriff; E. N. Warren, recorder; D. Batchelor, were Milton Huston, first; Jackson Koonce, secassessor; T. B. Tompkins, district attorney. ond; W. E. Allen, third sergeant; Elias Murphy,

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The elections of 1878 resulted in the choice of first; B. G. Williams, second; John Monroe, third T. J. Hightower, representative; D. F. Head, par- corporal. A Dutchman from New Orleans was ish judge; C. P. Whitlow, sheriff; H. G. Poole, head musician, but was addicted to drink and sleepcoroner; B. L. Durett, C. N. Ardis, E. N. Warren, iness, and was often in the guard house. T. Martin, D. M. Simmons and W. M. Caldwell, The Arcadia Invincibles was commanded by police jurors. The parish gave 25 majority for James R. Brice. New Orleans for State capital.

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The Brush Valley Guards, Isaac Melton, capIn 1876 there were 958 votes cast for Nicholls tain, was the fourth company. (D.), and 226 for Packard (R.), candidates for gov. The Sparta Guards, organized early in 1862,

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In 1879 L. A. Wiltz (D.), received 1,101, was commanded by R. W. Campbell, with I. P. while Beattie (R.) was not credited with even one. Webb, T. E. Paxton, B. W. Allums, lieutenants, In 1884 there were 1,528 recorded for McEnerny and Charles H. Murphy, orderly. (D.), and 2 for Stevenson (R.), while in 1888, Nich- Capt. A. O. P. Pickens' Cavalry, Company F, olls (D.), received 1,923, and Warmouth (R.), 37. of Second Louisiana Infantry, and R. B. Love's The total number of votes in April, 1888, was 2,713, Cavalry Company were the only cavalry companies. 1,731 being white. Sixty whites and 924 Africans Capt. "Dog" Smith had men from Bienville could not write their names.

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in his scouting command. He was engaged in Judge J. R. Head was representative of Bien- running deserters and Federals down with dogs. ville from 1861 to 1865, and re-elected in 1865. The Old Home Guard was commanded by Duke Dr. C. Q. Butler was representative; In 1878 D. H. Hays, now of Red River Parish. T. J. Hightower; in 1879 Dr. I. P. Webb was del- It is one of the impossibilities of history to egate to the constitutional convention; T. J. Butler name every

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soldier sent from this parish to the war. representative in 1880; I. P. Webb in 1884, and Fortunately, the writer found a parish record of N. W. Warren in 1888, whose term expires in 1890. those days of trouble, and from it most of the folThe office of State senator since 1880 has been lowing names are taken. The list also embraces filled by Messrs. Vance and Watkins in 1880; the names of several others who happened to be Vance and Brice, 1881-88, and Vance and Phipps remembered by a few of the actors in the drama in 1888-92.

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of war. The companies raised in Bien ville for the war Isaac Aldridge, James Adams, W. E. Allen, comprised Bienville Blues, Company C, Ninth A. C. Allums, George A. Anderson, John J. AnLouisiana Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Ben derson, Ben Aswell, B. H. Alexander, T. H. AlexPearce; W. B. Colbert, lieutenant; J. C. Egan, sur- ander, Jonathan Anders, Taylor Anders, C. N. geon. On the resignation of Pearce, who was elected Ardis, Dallas Beck, Alex Brown, H. D. Brown, lieutenant-governor of Louisiana, R. A. Pearson Sam Brown, A. B. Brown, A. J. Brown, d. R. Bawas elected captain, and served until killed, in 1864, con, Dave Blalock, D. N. Black, J. T. Blount, when Lieut. Arbuckle was commissioned.

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Josepb Babers, T. Boyette, W. S. Bowen, William organization, Lieut. Colbert was elected captain, Bullard, Silas Bailiff, Henry Barron, James Balbut being in Fort Delaware prison, did not serve. lance, Terrell Bryant, John C. Bladen (murdered The non-commissioned officers were P. H. Cand- after the war by Jenkins), A. Bodie, H. N. Brinler, sergeant; P. Mattox, second sergeant.

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son, Samuel Boyd, Henry Bell, Joseph B. Bryan, The Castor Guards was the second company, Darling T. Blume, Asa Blake, Nathaniel Bates, with W. T. Mayberry, captain; Henry Cockerham, Andrew Bishop, Jesse Bounds, Ezekiel Bell, D. P. first, Robert Koonce, second, and H. B. Williams, | Baxley, M. E. Blume, A. P. Collins, R. W. Cas

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On re

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key, G. A. Caskey, William Chappell, J. W. Cupp Koonce, Eli Kolb, Clay Key, Thomas Kennedy, (lieutenant), Stephen Collins, Edmond Cox, Cal- R. A. Koonce, P. J. Key, J. W. Key, Robert Key, vin Cox, J. J. Canterbury, Thomas Calhoon, W. George M. Lane, M. Looney, F. M. Leatherman, F. Cathey, R. J. Cone, John Chestnut, P. H. Can- William Luter, William Lindsay, T. H. Linden, dler, F. M. Candler, William Candler, W. L. Col. James R. Lawhorn, W. M. Lard, John G. Lard, lins, Walter Chestnut, F. M. Collins, Robert Carr, J. C. Leary, G. W. Lane, W. J. Lard, Samuel Jesse Cox, Hosea J. Cole, William H. Catler, Car- Lard, W. T. Leggitt, W. Lassiter, J. A. Long, sline Cone, James B. Curry, Jasper Campbell, James M. Lovorin, Thomas Lowe, Wilson Lowe, Martin Cooper, T. R. Chandler, J. W. Chandler, W. A. J. Littleton, Frank Loe, James A. Mays, T. J. Cawthorn, G. A. Cooper, S. J. Clark, Joseph William Maddox (colonel), Peyton Maddox, Eze- Chatwood, D. J. Colbert, Jesse Carter, Daniel kiel Miller, R. W. McGwin, F. L. Mitchell, Elias Carter, Duncan Carter, Thomas C. Carlisle, Moses Murphy, S. J. Mitchell, B. F. Mitchell, William Conklin, Green D. Coleman, James J. Coleman, Moore, Charles Moorehead, W. T. Weeks, J. W. William M. Caldwell, Grove Cook (captain), Dave Mizelle, Henry Mitchell, David Mizelle, William Cummings, George Crawley, A. P. Cotton, B. F. Moss, Elijah J. Moffitt, Samuel McKee, A. and Colbert, J. A. Colbert, J. Culverhouse, W. B. William McGuire, J. J. McCarty, R. Murphy, Colbert (captain), Richard Colbert, John R. Col- William Moseley, G. W. Melvin (lieutenant), bert, J. P. Colbert, William G. Davis, David C. Hugh Mellon, John McFarland, E. T. Murphy, Davis, George S. Dubberly, T. L. Daw, John J. Joseph Mobley, P. B. Matthews, G. W. Malone, Dyer, Alex Donnelly, E. H. Denson, I. J. Elliott, Jesse Malone, John E. Malone, James Mayrant, James Estes, J. J. Ezelle, James C. Egan (lieu- John Monk, William McDowell, R. W. Murphy, tenant), Dr. Frank, E. P. Foster, William Fair, John Malone, J. N. B. Moore, Edmond McGlann, Dr. T. J. Fouts, Joel Foster, Dave L. Foster, Albert Madden, W. C. McCoy, S. H. McCrary, William B. Fry, Enos Gongle, Asa Gore, James Jesse Murphy, James Morgan, James L. Miles, M. Garrett, Nathan Godwin, J. F. Gray, B. F. John Madden, Moses Madden, John L. Morgan, Goode, Franklin Gan, Thomas Gough, N. D. Thomas G. McGraw, James Mitchell, Abram Mat- Geren, Mitchell Giddens, Erastus Giddens, Har- thews, R. A. Morgan, G. W. Moore, John G. Mc- man A. Geren, John E. Greene, John A. Gamel, Dowell, William McLeroy, Stephen Nolan, O. L. W. C. Griffin, Jacob Giddens, T. J. Hightower, Noles, Sam Newman, Malachi Nelson, J. D. Nel- Charles Hardy, A. L. Hardy, James Hines, C. B. son, Benj. Norris, John Norris, J. P. Porter, Will- Heflin, Thomas Hanson, A. C. Hodge, Joe Hud- iam Puckett, M. C. Pace, Robert Payne, T. A. son, H. H. Hudson, Nathan Hunter, Sam Hudson, Poulan, G. W. Pease, Marion Pease, Theo. Pearce, E. S. Hudson, Thomas Higdon, Elias Hilburn, A. John J. Pearce, F. M. Pullin, Allen Peavy, James G. Hicks, John Herring, Thomas Hanes, John G. Perry, A. J. Pratt, A. L. Pearson (captain), J. P. Hodges, T. J. Howard, R. T. and J. Hays. Ed- Palmer, C. W. Palmer, H. Robinson, Ray- ward Hartwell, A. J. Heflin, B. A. Heflin, William burn, S. M. Riddleboover, Hugh Ratcliffe, Van B. Holloman, John Holland, James L. Hutchins, B. Rushong, Ross, Ross, Jonah Reed, A. Hall, Cato Huckabay, W. B. Huckabay, John Tom Ruff, Isaiah Ratcliff, Fred. T. Rollins, Rich- Huggins, George Huggins, Newton Huggins, Ed- ard Reeves, Joseph Rutland, Robert Rutland, ward Harper, Hendrick Hand, Isaac Hall, M. M. Lewis Robertson, James R. Ratcliff, William Rat- Hand, T. N. Huggins, C. W. Henson, T. M. Hill, cliff, John Ratcliff, H. Ratcliff, William Stokes, A. G. Harper, John A. Hartley, Henry J. Hall, H. H. Simms, Oliver Scarborougb, F. S. Smith, William Herrington, John Hay, Levi Henson, T. N. P. Smith, J. R. Stall (killed), Aug. Stall, S. S. J. Hightower, Henry Jones, James B. Jones, Will- Smart, Ezekiel Strickland, Ozias Stevenson, Will- iam D. Jones, Ulysses Jones, William and M. iam C. Smith, John Swan, Jobn Stewart, Thomas Jenks, Wyatt Jordan, Anguish Knotts, A. J. Samson, John Stiles, Robert Smith, Red Smith,

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Y

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J. F. Smith, W. W. Sanders, W. T. Smith, W. pushed his captain aside and seizing a rifle jumped M. Stevenson, Jeremiah Strickland, John Sledge, through a door. He was called on to halt, but John H. Scott, I. and Ozias Stevenson, W. D. refusing, Love fired and killed him. Dr. Webb

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. Stewart, D. F. Sullivan, John Sanders, D. M. was acting post physician, W. L. Candler was Simmons, Josiah Stone, Simeon Shively, Daniel colonel of the Bienville Militia, and Capt. Moss, Smith, Dave Scarborough, William Sanders, J. J. one of the captains at Mount Lebanon. Capt. Smith, James Strickland, J. C. Theus (lieutenant), Twitchell's Sparta Times, issued at Starlight planPhil. Tharp, John Tharp, James Tamplur, W. tation, was the official paper of this and other parThornton, Jesse Taylor, A. B. Took (killed), W. ishes. The Times had one subscriber. and A. C. Tilley, T. J. Thomas, R. Tippett, L. B. The Bienville Times was changed into the Tippett, Alfred Taylor, Nathan Thornton, Larkin Louisiana Baptist, in January, 1856, with Rev. H. Thomas, J. W. Tooke, H. K. Thomson, James Lee, publisher, the office being at Mount Lebanon. Talbott, Henry Thomas, J. B. Thomas, D. C. The Jeffersonian was issued at Sparta about Thomas, T. W. Thomas, Green Thomas, H. S. 1859, by Judge J. R. Head, as an anti-secession Baptist, Albert Thomson, Michael Tierney, W. M. journal. He carried on the paper until the pasTyler, H. P. Theus, T. A. Upshaw, K. H. Vaughn, sions of the masses rendered reasoning useless, B. L. Vick, John Vaughn, William Willet, James when the outfit was sold to a Mr. Hines, who reWillet, Green Warren, James Warren, J. H. Wil- moved the office. liford, Henry White, J. P. White, William R. The Southern Banner was issued at Sparta in White, T. E. Woodard, R. H. Woodard, Isaac August, 1860, by W. E. Paxton, to support BreckWoodard, Tom Woodard, Joseph Woodard, E. inridge and Lane, as opposed to the Jeffersonian, Wilkerson, Sack Wilkerson, C. L. Wormack, which supported Douglas. J. L. Denson, now of George Wilkinson, E. Wilson, Daniel Wise, Will Sparta, worked in this office, and when the Messen

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. iam Worsham, Thomas Worsham, John Wallace, ger was established in 1865, Mr. Denson took his Philip White, A. M. Warren, William Worry, C. place at the case. M. Woolens, W. Wallace, J. A. Wallace, I. P. The Bienville Messenger was issued at Sparta, Webb (lieutenant), James Whitsell, W. A. Whit- October 28, 1865, by J. M. A. Scanland. A corresley, James L. Wood, Marshall Wooley, Jacob pondent spoke favorably of Lieut. Yarnell and Wooley, Q. B. Williams, John S. Webb, Dave Capt. Graff, the first and second United States Williams, Ch. P. Wimberly, Henry Whitehead, commandants of the post at Sparta. The office John Whitehead, Wilson, John Williams, was moved to Natchitoches about 1868, when Mr. Barnett Watts, J. D. Watts, C. J. Watts, Peter Denson's newspaper work suspended for a time. Waters, James Waters, John Waters, Darling The Rural Times was established about March, Williams, Samuel Williams, William Wester, 1868, by Judge J. R. Head, with D. F. and J. L. Hugh A. Wimberly (killed after the war), C. H. Head and J. L. Denson, printers, and continued Yearwood, Charles Yearwood, James Yarborough, publication up to 1887, when Thomas J. Mangham

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whose office at Gibsland was destroyed by fire, In December, 1865, R. B. Love, a citizen and ex. moved to Sparta, rented the Times office and pubConfederate soldier, shot and killed a soldier of lished the second volume and part of the third volthe Eightieth United States Colored Infantry, ume of the New Era here. The office was sold to named Wallace at Sparta. It appears the soldier the editor of the News in 1890. struck him early in the day, and on the return of

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The Louisiana Advance of Arcadia was estabCapt. Twitchell reported the matter. The offend. lished in 1884, and reached No. 29, of Volume ing soldier was summoned before the captain, but VII, August 1, 1890, when E. C. Drew was pubwould not respond, when Love and Twitchell pro

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lisher. ceeded to his quarters to arrest him; but the negro A second journal was published at Arcadia af

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Gansel Zylk.

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sor.

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ter the war by Frank M. Leatherman, who moved Sparta, in latitude 32° 19' north and longi. the office thither from Mount Lebanon.

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tude 15° 38' west, was selected in 1849 as the seat The Baptist Messenger, formerly published of justice for the newly formed parish. The cenat Farmersville, was transferred to Arcadia by S. C. tral location alone recommended this site. The Lee in 1880, and conducted until James H. Mason first record of the town of Sparta is dated May 10, bought the office, and founded the Louisiana Ad- 1852, when S. H. Sherwood, James D. Oltorf, J. vance in 1884.

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G. Noles, Jacob Cook and W. A. Maddox qualiThe Arcadia Record was founded in 1888, by fied as selectmen before Justice E. N. Warren. D. H. Patterson.

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Each swore that he never challenged a duel or The Arcadia Herald was issued by F. G. Hulse fought one, and the worthy justice declared them in the fall of 1889.

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the first selectmen of the new town, E. N. WarBienville New Era was established in 1885 at ren was mayor and F. M. Peters, clerk and assesGibsland, by Thomas J. Mangham. In 1886 the On May 11, James M. Denson was elected office was destroyed by fire, when the place of pub-marshal; Robert A. Phelps, treasurer, and R. B. lication was changed to Sparta.

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Love, collector. In July Warren resigned and The Bienville News was established at Sparta Simon Manning was elected mayor. Ordinance in February, 1890, by R. C. Tooke.

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No. 1, adopted at the beginning of his administraThe medical circle of the parish is made up of tion, provided that slaves found outside the limits the following named physicians, with their locations of their masters' enclosures, without pass or perand names of institutions where they were educated: mit, should be given not more than thirty lashes,

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Richard Fuller Harrell, Mount Lebanon, Uni- nor less than ten, well laid on with a switch or versity of Louisiana, 1879; Emmett Athilone Craw- cowhide. A. W. Stewart was commissioned first ford, Liberty Hill, University of Louisiana, 1871; captain of patrol in September. An order proHenry Bryant, Ringgold, University of Louisiana, hibiting the cutting down of trees in the streets, 1871; John Westmoreland Morgan, Mount Leban- except pine or dead trees, was issued in October. on (removed to Minden), Medical College of South There is no record of business in 1853. In Carolina. Charleston, 1857; Thomas Pleasant March, 1854, W. E. Paxton was mayor, J. F. Graves, Ringgold, University of Louisville, Ky., Stephens, P. P. Brinson, T. L. Prothro, J. A. 1883; Edwin Tracy Edgerton, Saline, Philadel- Harrell and G. W. Alexander were selectmen; phia Medical College, 1851; William Calvin Pat- John G. Noles was chosen clerk; J. S. Mixon, terson, Arcadia, Charleston Medical College, 1851, treasurer; R. B. Love, constable and assessor; Francis Marion Thornhill, Arcadia, University of James Upshaw, collector; Allen Upshaw, captain Louisiana, 1872; John Harshaw Givens, Arcadia, of patrol, and David Cary, street overseer.

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This Louisville Medical College, 1872; James Arthur first record of the town, and the only one which Mangham, Ringgold, Louisville Medical College, the writer could find, is a venerable memento of 1886; Needham Allen Culbertson, Arcadia, Mem- the early days of Sparta. phis Medical College, 1889; Clarence Eugene Ed. The courthouse was completed in January, gerton, Mulberry, Memphis Hospital Medical Col- 1854, and accepted from contractor Mays by the lege, 1889; George Franklin Wilson, Sparta, Med. police jury. ical College of Alabama, 1889.

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Louis Eldridge was postmaster in the fifties, The physicians who registered under the act of and is said to have been the first postmaster, 1882 on account of long practice were: Andrew serving up to about 1861. J. H. Scheen, apPickens Collingsworth, Cornelius Shivley and Gov. pointee of the Confederate postmaster, served durBrown Crawford, Liberty Hill; Thomas Jefferson ing the war, and subsequently William A. CockerFouts, Mount Lebanon; Densey Franklin Sullivan, ham, of Cockerham & Poland, held the office, Sparta; Stephen Bryan Du Bose, Sparta.

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with E. H. Hightower, acting master, who was

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later appointed master (succeeding H. F. Scheen) Mount Lebanon in 32° 27' north latitude and and kept the office in the Webb Building (in which 15° 57' west longitude, gives evidence of its antehe carried on business), which was burned in bellum prosperity. This old college town, three 1884. H. F. Scheen followed in 1886, and served miles south of Gibsland, is situated in the midst of until the appointment of James D. Head in July, one of the most favored sections of Northwestern 1888.

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Louisiana In days before the war it was the conSparta Lodge No. 117, A. F. & A. M., was ter of the wealth and intelligence of a wider area chartered in 1852, and continued work until 1881, than is now embraced in the large parish of Bienwhen it was surrendered.

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ville, and even now, after a complete realization of Sparta Lodge No. 108 was chartered on the the losses and disappointments of those days of number of old Henderson Lodge of Cotille, civil strife, the neighborhood retains much of its Rapides Parish. This lodge is presided over by old-time character.

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old-time character. Over half a century ago the A. Stall, with A. L. Crowson, secretary.

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first settlers located here and erected their cabins Mackey Lodge No. 131, Ringgold, was cbar- in this beautiful wilderness. They brought with tered in 1854.

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them the newly inculcated ideas of the Baptist Arcadia Lodge No. 135, chartered in 1855 faith from Edgefield, S. C., and so soon as the piohad its charter renewed in 1885.

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neer cabins were ready' to shelter those pioneers, Alabama Lodge No. 233 was chartered in 1877. they resolved to organize a Baptist society and

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The Sparta Masonic Academy was established erect a church house. On July 8 they carried this after the war by J. Q. Prescott, but continued for resolution into effect, and the mulatto preacher, only about two years, when Mr. Prescott retired. Henry Adams, and John Hill, a white man, organ

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The Baptist Church at this point is an out- ized their first church here. Elder B. M. Ware growth of the old church of Mount Lebanon, or- succeeded Adams as pastor, and in 1845 came G. ganized in 1837; so also the church at Cypress W. Bains, followed by James E. Paxton and J. Q. Springs, four miles north, of which Rev. Ambrose Burnett. In 1849 A. E. Clemmons preached here; Walker is pastor, and that of the Primitive Bap- in 1853, F. Courtney, then Jesse Hartwell, J. Q. tists, three miles west, presided over by Rev. John Prescott, W. C. Crane, W. C. Boone, A. S. WorD. Spinks. J. D. Head is clerk of the church at rell, W. H. Bayliss, J. E. Paxton and G. W. GrifSparta. There were nineteen members reported fin, the present pastor. in September, 1889.

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The names of the heads of families who were enThe Methodist Episcopal Church South of rolled as members in 1837 are as follows: Jeremiah Sparta belongs to the Homer District like the Burnett, John Q. Burnett, W. D. Burnett, L. E. churches at Gibsland, Ringgold, Saline and Ar- Burnett, H. Adams, William Key, Martin W. Key, cadia. Rev. Robert Randle is presiding elder,

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Samuel Quarles, William Logan, W. A. Logan, and Rev. R. A. Davis, preacher in charge. His Martin Cantield, James Canfield, Marion Canfield, appointments comprise Castor, Providence, Bear | D. W. Canfield, Joseph Canfield, J. M. Canfield, Creek, Ebenezer and Holder, and in the circuit J. D. Canfield, Triplet Cason, Reuben Drake, R. were 364 white members in December, 1889. H. Burnett, and Elizabeth Gibbs and Mary Walker.

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Fire has not, so far, destroyed much property Their organization is the oldest in Bienville Parish. at Sparta. The burning of the Hightower store, The membership is 145, of whom 88 are females. some six or seven years ago, was the most serious. About 1821 the Pine Hills or Vienna Society, The present owners of property, as well as the was formed by James Brinson and John Impson, police jurors, appear to expect the removal of the and later, near Downsville, a preacber named Head seat of justice and ascribe the delay in im. organized a church. About 1823 they came to proving courthouse, stores and dwellings to such Black Lake, near Minden, and with John Murrell expectations.

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and Newitt Drew established a society. In 1824 a a section of Brinson's company of Baptists, who set- and C. G. Thurman, clerk. This council controlled tled four miles east of Mount Lebanon, established affairs until the suspension of municipal affairs, at a church known as Providence, which was subse- the beginning of the war. On the reorganization quently moved to Athens, and styled New Hope. of 1866, W. B. Prothro was chosen mayor, and Ben

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The Mount Lebanon University was established H. Stall, clerk. The charter was dropped about in 1853, by the Louisiana Baptist Association, Dr. 1868, owing to failure to elect. Bartholomew Egan, a native of Killarney, Ireland, Reuben Drake opened the first store at Mount who came to the United States in 1817, and in 1847 Lebanon in 1836, and with Martin Canfield consettled at Mount Lebanon, assisted in building up ducted this store up to 1847. The old building the university, and was president of that institu- was torn down and the material used in the prestion for a number of years. He was surgeon-gen- ent Canfield barn. Rogers & Gibbs opened a store eral of the State forces under Gen. Moore, elector which is now owned by Jesse L. Baker, but C. G. on the Davis Confederate ticket, and otherwise Thurman opened the second store, now occupied was prominent during the Civil War. He died at by Postmaster King. The fourth store was built Shreveport, in 1881. Thomas Jefferson stated that by John Key, before the war, and now is the Baker he was one of the ripest scholars of his age. W. Furniture Warehouse. W. H. Pendleton opened a E. Paxton, Jesse Hartwell, and others, taught in drug store years ago, wbich is now owned by W. this institution, until it was closed to educational

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H. Lawley. purposes, in 1863. In the year mentioned the Mount Lebanon Masonic Lodge No. 113, was buildings were placed at the disposal of the army chartered in 1852. The charter members were F. surgeons, and soon it was filled with the sick and Courtney, W. H. Bayliss*, J. C. Egan, Bart. wounded of the Confederate army. After the war Egan*, G. W. Rogers*, W. B. Prothro and C. G. an attempt to revive the university failed, and not Thurman* The R. A. M. Chapter comprised the until 1882 were steps taken to re-establish a school above named members. F. Courtney was the first there. In 1882 the people of the village and and R. A. Smith the last high priest when the charneighborhood restored the buildings, and on Sep- ter was surrendered. tember 11 of that year the Mount Lebanon High Gibslandt, in 32° 30' north latitude and 15° School was opened, with W. P. Carter, principal, 35' west longitude, named in honor of its founder, and 115 students attending: On Mr. Carter's one of the oldest settlers of the parish, is situated death, in 1885, W. M. Reese was chosen principal on the highlands, at the junction of the Louisiana

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, by the trustees of the now chartered school. The & Northwestern Railroad with the Shreveport, college building was destroyed by fire, March 7, Vicksburg & Texas Railroad, The location is very 1886, entailing a loss of $5,000.

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desirable, and owing to this fact, together with its The first post office was established in 1836, railroad advantages, its lumber trade, saw-mills, with T. A. Key, master.

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C. G. Thurman was ap- fertile lands, good water, and general air of healthpointed postmaster prior to 1818, and was followed fulness, it gives promise of attaining an important by Hirain Gibbs, about 1857. At the beginning place among Louisiana towns in the near future. of the war Rev. Hanson Lee was master, giving The timber interests are valuable, although the place to James Rogers in 1862. In September, better grades of timber have been cut near the 1866, B. F. Parnell was appointed by the United railroad to afford building material for the growing States postmaster.

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W. B. Colbert was next fol- towns along the lines of railroad, and some for lowed by W. L. King, the present incumbent. shipment. Oak, pine and some cypress are the

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Mount Lebanon was incorporated about 1854, principal kinds which grow sufficiently large to with K. P. McDaniel, mayor, J. C. Egan, G. W. * Deceased. Rogers, J. R. Pitman, W. B. Prothro and C. G. + This name is quite often spelled with two " b's." The publish

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ers have concluded to follow the orthography of the postoffice Thurman, councilmen; William H. Logan, marshal,

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department.

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a

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163

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justify working. The fertile soil surrounding the first saw-mill. The dwelling is still existing, and town, capable of producing any crop to which the the saw-mill was moved to a point below Sparta. temperate zone is fitted, with a thrifty, frugal A. B. Cason built on Claiborne Street, and C. C. class of farmers, all it needs is an accession to its Howell erected a dwelling close by. J. R. Reed, people of those who wish to identify themselves A. B. Cason, E. B. Burkheeter, Dr. Langford with one of the growing communities of the State. and Mrs. Emboy had dwelling houses here before The amount of money invested in wood-working the railroad was completed. W. B. Colbert erected machinery has been gradually increasing, and by the principal part of his present house in 1886, the employing more men in manufactories, the town lumber being supplied from Kid & Watson's saw- has a more diversified population, which promises mills (three miles east and two miles west). The to increase. Already a furniture factory and the saw-mill on the east was moved to Bienville in patent ironing table of J. D. Pace, the patentee, July, 1890, while two years before, the western are successfully operated, while two saw-mills and mill was moved to Athens. Mrs. Reed took charge a planer are at work in the suburbs. The ship of the first post-office in 1883, followed by R. F. ment of cotton amounted to over 2,000 bales last Parnell. year, and credible authorities think it will reach The Colbert House (built in 1886) at this 3,500 bales this year. Health is uniformly good.

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Health is uniformly good. point, is the best between Shreveport and MunA cool breeze is generally wafted hither at a time roe in every particular. The house was erected when it can be duly appreciated.

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by W. B. Colbert for hotel purposes, and, with On the pinnacle of a hill near Gibsland lie its large, airy rooms, liberal bill of fare and exthe remains of one Ambers, who desired to be cellent location, it is all that a hotel should be. buried there (before his death in 1850) so that the Job Russell's saw-mill stood back of the plowshare would not disturb his grave.

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church house in 1884, while east was the St. Gibsland Collegiate Institute of the Methodist Cloud & Baker Furniture Factory. Russell's mill Episcopal Church South, was established in 1888, was burned in 1886, together with cotton-gin and with D. F. Huddle, president. The faculty at planer. It was uninsured. Uncle Job, asked why present consists of D. F. Huddle, president and he had not the building insured, answered: instructor in ancient languages and mathematics; Well, if insured, the people would call me a Annie L. Henderson, teacher in the primary de- damned rascal, while now they are pleased to call partment; Kate Scanland, of Bellevue, directress me a damn fool.” Uncle Job was a river captain, of the music department, vice Miss Watts, re- and later a Confederate captain, while his son, signed, and Ada Letyr Mercer, art teacher. The George, was on the “Merrimac.” The first eleclatter position is now vacant. The college build- tion was held at Gibsland, April 8, 1887, Job Rusings were erected in 1888-89 and opened in April, sell being previously chosen mayor, for the pur1889, the first session of the college being opened pose of organization. The mayor was re-elected, in the Baptist Church, although a Methodist and the names of John R. Harrison, W. B. ColChurch building was then in existence. The cost bert, W. H. Lazarus and A. B. Cason are subof construction was $4.000, and it was erected scribed to the ordinances. L. P. Butler was also under the supervision of A. D. Hamett, W. B.

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a member of the council.

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On July 15, W. 0. Colbert, Rev. R. Parvin and W. L. Kidd, build- Newman was appointed marshal, J. W. Langford ing committee.

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In OcProf. Huddle formerly taught in being secretary, and, in 1886, treasurer. the Mansfield Female College. In 1889-90 there tober, 1886, the town recorded sixty-five votes for

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, were 101 pupils enrolled. A. D. Hamett built the the 5-mill tax toward the building of the Louisifirst house, in the center of Claiborne Street, near ana & Northwestern Railroad, conditional on its the present post office. John Harrison built the completion from State Line to Alexandria by July, , first dwelling house, and, with Hamett erected the 1891, and stated charge for cotton freights to New

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Orleans. W. P. Oden, A. D. Noland, J. W. Lang. Lincoln Parish, and bought by A. L. Atkins. The ford, W. 0. Newman and M. C. Lawrence were former, being the first bale, brought 123 cents, members of the council in 1886. A 10-mill tax classing good middling; the latter brought 11 cents. was levied for corporation purposes; Burns was This makes the sixth year in succession that Mr. appointed chief of police. In July the death of Atkins has bought the first bale of new cotton. M. C. Lawrence left a vacancy in the council. Pine and hard wood abound, and iron ore, W. B. Colbert succeeded Job Russell as mayor, richer than that of Alabama, may be obtained in followed by A. B. Cason, who served one year, any quantity. The freight receipts amount apwhen J. D. Pace was elected mayor (January, proximately to $50,400. This includes the shipment 1889), and he served until the expiration of his of 11,000 bales of cotton. Its merchants are live, second term, in January, 1891. The members of energetic and so the trade, amounting in the neighthe present council are R. I. Davis, W. J. Pollard, borhood to $550,000 has been secured. A. H. Gill, A. J. Colbert and W. J. Langford. The Arcadia State Bank was organized August The assessed value of real and personal property 4, 1890, A. L. Atkins, president; Will Miller, is $32,030, on which a corporate tax of 3 mills is vice-president; John B. Talbert, cashier. The levied. The 5-mill tax for railroad aid can not be establishment of the bank is largely due to the levied until 1891, nor then, unless the conditions efforts of Mr. Talbert, who with the officers named imposed upou the railroad company are carried out and the other directors, J. M. Colvin, J. D. Anby that time.

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derson, G. W. Roberson and F. M. Thornhill, Arcadia, 32° 31' north latitude, and 15° 28' have labored earnestly to build up the interests of west longitude, is the happy name given to a collec. the town. The stockholders who signed the tion of cheerful homes in the northeast corner of charter are J. B. Talbert, Mrs. Ruth Talbert, W. Bienville Parish, a half mile north of the old town. M. Baker, John F. Dutton, I. N. Brown, Fannie Prior to the completion of the S. V. & T. R. R. K. Andrews, per J. C. Andrews, Joe S. Andrews,

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this point it was a primitive little village on the George W. Roberson, J. L. Baker, per George W. stage coach route from Monroe to El Paso; but Roberson, J. W. Brice, per T. J. Tilley, A. C. with the coming of the iron-horse, it too jumped Tilley, per T. J. Tilley, Brown & Tilley, Burnside into progressive life, and in 1884 began to assume Capers, T. Stacy Capers, J. D. Anderson, P. C. all those pretensions which so soon bloomed into Wideman, per A. L. Atkins, T. J. Brooks, A. L. realities. It draws trade from a large area of Atkins, Mrs. C. Yarborough, per Will Miller, G. this and the parishes of Claiborne, Lincoln and D. Anderson, J. M. Colvin, per J. E. Colvin, Will Jackson, and fosters a healthy principal in its Miller, W. H. Leslie, F.M. Thornhill and E.C. Drew. business dealings which can not fail to be profit- The United States post-office was re established able in the end. The neighborhood is one of the here in the month of September, 1866, with J. N. most fertile in all the highlands of Louisiana. It Bryant, master. is capable of producing all the cereals, fruits, The present town officers are: W. H. Leslie, vegetables and grasses in abundance, although mayor; A. L. Atkins, W. M. Baker and J. W. at present the attention of the majority of farmers Roberson, trustees, is given to cotton, corn, sweet and Irish potatoes, The Seminary was established in the year sorghum and sugar cane. Crops vary according

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Crops vary according 1883, and was incorporated June 20, 1890, under to the intelligence and energy of the planter, from the title Arcadia E. A. S. Male College, with the twenty bushels of corn per acre to seventy-five following named trustees: W. M. Baker, John bushels, and from one-half a bale to a bale and a W. Roberson and W. H. Leslie for three years; half of cotton. The first two bales of new cotton and W. P. Theus, A. L. Atkins and J. H. Jordan were brought in on August 21, 1890, by P. Marea- for two years, and Will Miller, George R. Sutton lis, of Claiborne Parish, and W. M. McCullen, of and A. E. Kennedy for one year.

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165

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The old faculty comprised R. A. Smith, presi- James E. (is married, and is a farmer by occupadent and instructor in language, mathematics and tion), Elizabeth (deceased), W. M. (resides in Claibook-keeping; Mrs. Sallie Ritchie, in art, history, borne Parish, married, and is a farmer by occupaFrench and elocution; Miss Lizzie Sailes, in the tion), Sarab Jane (deceased), Caroline (resides in primary department, English and pepmanship; Texas and is the wife of T. N. Calhoun, who is an Charles Preslar, assistant in mathematics ; Miss agriculturist), and Salina W. (resides in Bienville Mollie E. Dias, assistant in primary and English, Parish, and is the wife

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Parish, and is the wife of J. P. W'bite, who is a and Mrs. A. L. Du Bose in music, voice culture, planter). John D. Anderson received a good, piano and harmony.

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practical education in the country schools, and is The Arcadia Male and Female College was a lover of good educational principles. When founded in 1886, with John W. Beeson, A. M., eighteen years of age he began as a laborer and president ; Mrs. Anna F. Beeson, M. A., instruc- without a surplus dollar to his name. He contintor in English, French, German, penmanship and ued at this until 1861, when he enlisted in the calesthenics; Mrs. J. B. Conger, assistant in the “Arcadia Invincibles," and was assigned to the collegiate department; Miss A. V. Wilson, princi- Twelfth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, which was pal of academic department; Mrs. J. C. Watkins, organized at Camp Moore. From there they were of the primary department; Miss C. G. Johnson, sent at once to Columbus, Ky., with Thomas Scott teacher of arts, elocution, and assistant in literary as colonel of the regiment, although Col. Standifer department; E. I. Schechtendal, director of music; was afterward appointed in his place. Mr. AnF. W. Pottaway, normal and commercial depart. derson was in every battle that his regimeut took ment; Miss M. A. Dorman, kindergarten depart. part in, and was in the following engagements: ment. This institution is now known as the Belmont, Corinth, Vicksburg, Baker's Creek, etc.; Arcadia Female College, and is governed by the | they were around the site of Vicksburg for fortydirectors or trustees named in the above act of eight days, and was then in the battle of Jackson; incorporation.

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from there they went to Martin, Miss., thence to Bienville is the appropriate name given to the Atlanta, Ga., and Mr. Anderson was in all the new town, six miles east of Sparta, at the ter- terrible battles around the last named place; he minus of the Louisiana & Northwestern Railroad, was in the battle of Resaca, Kenesaw, and at the southern extension. Already it shows signs of

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battle of Baker's Creek, near Vicksburg, he relife, and expects to win the seat of justice.

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ceived a flesh wound in the shoulder, but was not disabled by it; he was in the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Franklin and Nashville, where he was

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captured. He was taken to Natchez, thence to John D. Anderson, cotton planter and miller, Vicksburg, and from there to Alton, where he re

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, Arcadia, La. This gentleman, who was origi- mained until the surrender. During the four nally from Alabama, where his birth occurred years he was in service he was sick about one on October 27, 1841, is the youngest of eight month of that time. After cessation of hostilities children--five daughters and three sons--born to

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he returned home and embarked in agricultural D. R. and Abigail H. (Lumpkin) Anderson, both pursuits.

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pursuits. On February 1, 1866, he selected as his natives of Virginia, born in November, 1802, and companion in life Miss E. J. Gloer, a native of 1799, respectively. The father could remember Georgia, born October 15, 1811, and they bethe War of 1812, and his grandfather was a soldier came the parents of three children--all sons. The

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He died at the age of eighty two, eldest died in infancy; Alonzo resides with his parand his wife at the age of eighty-three. Both ents. He is now a student at Lexington Univers. received good common educations. The children ity, where he expects to graduate. He was a stuare named as follows: May (who died in infancy), dent at the Arcadia College for four years, and is

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in that war.

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a young gentleman who expects to make for him- commenced reading under Gen. John Young, who self a life which may prove a boon to him- is a well known barrister of Homer, La. He then self and to his parents. Willie D. died while went to Texas, and completed his law course,

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there young Mr. Anderson has always been a ster- receiving his diploma to practice.

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He then reling Democrat, and, although he has not been turned home for a rest, but on account of injury to active in politics, he still supports men of prin- his eyes, caused by bard study, he was persuaded ciple and integrity. He gives his hearty sup. to relinquish his chosen profession, and he at once port to all enterprises for the interests of his embarked in the commercial world as a general county, and is one who is not backward in any merchant in Athens, La., in 1873, under the well good cause. Mrs. Anderson is a member of the known name of Simmons & Atkins. He purchased Missionary Baptist Church, and an active worker Mr. Simmons' interest one year afterward, and rein the same. They are the owners of 413 acres of mained at this place until January 1, 1885, when land, and are also the owners of a ginning and he came to Arcadia, of which place he has been the grist plant, which cost him about $1,600. They leading merchant and prime motor of all worthy have a neat and comfortable, Southern home, and enterprises, which have given it a more important here, surrounded by all that makes life happy, they place among the commercial cities of Northwestern will pass the remainder of their days.

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Louisiana. He is associated with Mr. P. C. WideHon. Albert La Fayette Atkins is so well known man in the proprietorship of a fine general stock of throughout this region, that his name is familiar goods, and owing to their pluck, enterprise, and to all. He was born in Claiborne Parish of this honorable dealing they have, in the five years they State, September 13, 1850, being one of the follow- bave been in Arcadia, built up an excellent reputaing named children born to his parents: Seleny tion throughout Claiborne, Bien ville, Union, Lin(wife of T. E. Bailey, a cotton planter of Claiborne colo, Jackson, Winn and Natchitoches Parishes. Parish), Millie R. (wife of J. B. Walker, is an agri- Their annual sales have been almost phenomenal culturist of Claiborne Parish), M. M. (deceased), W. and amounted to $175,000 during 1889. Mr. AtA. (a farmer of Claiborne Parish) Albert La Fayette, kins is one of the most extensive cotton purchasers Cordelia (wife of W. G. Barnes, a druggist and in Arcadia, which place, it would be well to state, is planter of Claiborne Parish), Joshua T. (who died the third principal cotton mart in the State of at the age of three years, ten months and nine days) Louisiana, the purchasers for Atkins & Co., buyand Millard W. (who is a successful agriculturist), ing one-third of all the cotton coming to the city. The father of these children was born in Giles Mr. Atkins is the president of the Arcadia State County, Middle Tennessee in 1818, and throughout Bank, which was organized September 15, 1890. life followed agriculture as a means of livelihood, The other officers are William Miller, vice-presiand speculated in real estate in which he accumu- dent; J. F. Talbert, cashier, and the following dilated a handsome fortune. He passed from life on rectors: J. M. Colvin, F. M. Thornhill, John D. September 12, 1884, but is survived by his widow, Anderson and G. W. Roberson. Their paid-up who has attained the advanced age of seventy-three capital amounts to $30,000, and their anthorized years. Albert La Fayette Atkins was given the ad. capital $50,000. Mr. Atkins was married October vantage of a complete common school education, and 5, 1876, to Miss Ella Marsalis, who was born in has always been a pronounced friend of educational Louisiana, in 1860, by whom he has six children: institutions of all kinds. He devoted his odd mo- Alvin (who died at the age of eighteen months), ments to reading and study, and is what the world Darius (aged eleven years), Prentiss (aged nine terms, a self-made man, as is indicated by his years), Rookh (aged six), Clay (aged three), and a marked success as a business man. When eighteen baby daughter.

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baby daughter. Mr. Atkins has always been a years of age he began cotton planting for himself, Democrat, and his official career was commenced but soon launched out as an attorney at law, and in 1876, as a member of the police jury, but in 1879, four years.

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а

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he was elected to the State Legislature from Clai- of these children, Lewis Wimberly and Ann (Pitborne Parish, a position he filled with credit for man) Baker, were natives of South Carolina and

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He is now directing bis energies to his Georgia, and born in 1815 and 1825, respectively. extensive business interests in Claiborne and Bien- The father has followed farming all his life and is ville Parishes. Socially he is a member of the Ma. living, seventy-five years of age. The mother died sonic fraternity, and is a Master Mason, being also at the age of sixty years.

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Jesse Lewis Baker supa member of the K. of P. order. He and wife are plemented a common-school education by a general members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and course in Mount Lebanon College. In 1871, or are highly honored residents of this section. He when twenty two years of age, he began for himowns some 5,000 acres of land besides bis large self as a salesman in a mercantile establishment, mercantile interests, the management of which keeps and on July 23, 1877, he was wedded to Miss him constantly employed. He is the honored pres- Mary W. Williamson, a native of Louisiana, born ident of both the Male and Female Colleges of Ar- in 1860. The fruits of this union were six chilcadia, and is the president of the board of education, dren-two sons and four daughters- Bertha (resides having held the chair for the last four and a half at home and is attending the Mount Lebanon Col. years. He is one of the five trustees of the town lege), Myrtle (is also attending that college), the council, and is president of the Louisiana Land next (an infant) died, Pitman (deceased), Angie K. Company which was incorporated by the State laws fifth (living), sixth (infant) deceased. Mr. Baker with a capital of $100,000. It is incorporated is a Democrat in his political views, and, although under a regular board of directors. He is also he has not been an active or radical politician, his president of the Board of Trade of Arcadia, and in aim has always been to support superior men. He numerous other ways he has taken a prominent and is business manager of Mount Lebanon College, is leading part in her interests and enterprises, no a member of the board of trustees, and is director man in the parish more so, and for this as well as of public schools in Ward No. 2 of Bienville for other things he is honored by all who know Parish. He has been closely connected with Mount him.

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Lebanon College ever since he has been a resident. Jesse Lewis Baker, general merchant, Mount Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Baptist Lebanon, La. Mr. Baker, whose life has been an Church, and are the workers and supporters of the active one, and who has by his own industry and Sunday-school, the stronghold of the church. Mr. good business management secured a substantial Baker is the sole owner and proprietor of the large footing among the citizens of this community, was general store at Mount Lebanon, La., and carries born in Bienville Parish, La , February 15, 1850, a full and complete stock of all kinds of general being the fourth of fourteen children, nine now liv- goods. His annual sales average about $13,000. ing. Those living are named as follows: William T. He is well and favorably known all over the par(married, and engaged in farming in Bienville Par. ish, and his pleasant, agreeable manners have won ish), B. F. (married, and is engaged in merchan. for him a good patronage and many warm friends. dising), Angie D. (resides in Bienville, and is the Aside from this he is the owner of 3,000 acres wife of J. C. Brice), Sallie (resides in Arcadia, and of land and one half interest in the large firm of is the wife of Dr. D. R. Sheliss), Eliza (resides in Baker & Robertson, of Arcadia, also $10,000 stock Mount Lebanon, and is the wife of D. D. King, in Mount Lebanon College. who is an agriculturist), Egan and Susie (twins, William Madison Baker, M. D., is well known the former is married and engaged in merchandis

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as a leading and successful physician and surgeon ing, but Susie is deceased), Wimberly (resides in of the town of Arcadia, La., and although this Bienville Parish, is married, and is a farmer), and place has been his home for some time, he was born Addie (who resides in Bosia, and is the wife of in Claiborne Parish, La., November 19, 1832, the James L. Keith, who is a farmer). The parents eldest of a family of five children, the other mem

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a

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bers of the family being: John H. (who is married Doctor and his wife prepare their children for and a cotton plauter of Claiborne Parish, La.); J. college entrance, and do not believe in bringing E. (who is married and also follows the same occu- children too early into school work. Mrs. Baker pation there); Sallie (wife of Col. J. W. Nicholson, is a thorough scholar and a practical instructor, president of the State university at Baton Rouge); which is very fortunate for her little children. The and Early (who died in infancy). The parents of Doctor has always been a Democrat, and has al.

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) these children were Georgians, the former being a ways endeavored to cast his vote for men of honor cotton planter, and during the latter part of his life and integrity. He belongs to Arcadia Lodge No. a merchant. He is still living, and is a resident of 126, F. & A. M. and also is a member of the Arcadia, but since his wife's death, at the age of K. of P. lodge. He and his wife are earnest memfifty-three years, he has been a widower. The early bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and education of Dr. Baker was obtained in the com- are deeply interested in Sunday school work, the mon schools, but he completed his literary knowl. Doctor teaching a class of the representative young edge in Arizona, La., when Prof. Nicholson, now ladies of the town. His home in Arcadia is an president of the State University, was principal, ideal one, and here true hospitality is extended to the institution being known to all native Louisian- all, rich and poor alike. He is a member of the ians, as the best in the State at that time. He left

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board of education of Arcadia, of the E. A. S. Malo this school to take up fully the study of medicine, College, and of the Arcadia Female College, and is which he had already begun, and began reading also a city councilman. He and his wife expect to under the renowned Dr. James M. Scaife, his make their future home here, for here their interuncle, being fitted in 1872 to enter the medical de- ests are centered, and here have sprung up around partment of Tulane University, where he took a them numerous friends. full course, graduating in 1874, in a class of about Prof. John Wesley Beeson is the successful and sixty-five, receiving a diploma in all the different deservedly popular president of the Arcadia Female phases of medicine and surgery.

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He at once be- College. He was born March 31, 1866, in De gan practicing at Arizona, Claiborne Parish, near Kalb County (now Etowah), Ala., his father, Willhis old home, and here he remained until 1886, iam Baker Beeson, being also a native Alabamian. during which time he became widely known as a His father's parents were English people of high physician of far more than ordinary ability and in- standing, but they died when he was a small lad, telligence. Since that time he has resided in the

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and he was thrown entirely upon bis own resources town of Arcadia, engaged as a pharmacist exclu- for a livelihood. Being of a studious disposition, , sively the last few years, his line of drugs and possessing great determination and perseverbeing very complete, and his establishment hand

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ance, he obtained a good English education and a somely appointed. All the property that he now

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fair competency, but not sufficient to educate his owns has been acquired through his own energy, children as he wished. He held the rank of captact and ability, for on starting in life for bim- tain during the Secession War, and is now a planter self he had no means. He was married November of Big Wills Valley, Etowah County, Ala., where 29, 1874, to Miss Eugenia M. Jordan who was he has become distingnished for his uprightness born in Lee County, Ga., January 22, 1854, a and integrity.

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His wife, mother of the subject graduate of Homer Masonic Female College, of of this sketch, formerly Mary Sibert, is a member which Prof. Wilcox was president, completing her of an old and substantial family who came from education in 1872. To the Doctor and his wife the Palmetto State, her father being a wealthy the following children have been born: Lou Annie, planter, and an excellent citizen. Their son, John (an attendant of the Female College of Arcadia); Wesley Beeson, was the fourth of their eleven Clara W. (also in that institution); Willie Clyde children, and was brought up to a farm life, be(deceased), Talmage, Sallie and Archie.

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The ing taught to do all kinds of work. After attend

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a

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.

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ing school for one year he would be compelled to career. He was graduated in 1886 with honors, work fully as long on the farm, and in this way and was recommended above any member in his his muscles were developing the same time as his class of fifty young men, to take charge of the Arbrain. At the age of fourteen years his father told cadia Male and Female College which was then in him he might work for himself, and with his earn- its incipiency. He assumed control of it under ings send himself to school; as he had not the adverse circumstances, for he was then only twenty means to give all of his children a higher educa- years of age, and it had an opposition school, altion, he wished to educate his daughters, and to ready in charge of an old, experienced teacher, encourage his boys to educate themselves, knowing and although the enrollment at first only amounted that self-help was the best kind of help, thus creat- to thirty-eight, he did not despair, but set energeting at an early age a spirit of independence. ically, and with the persistency which had ever John Wesley immediately rented some land of his characterized his efforts, to work, to improve matfather, on the same terms as did his other renters, ters. He was at first the only teacher, but now and by this means was enabled to enter the Uni- eight teachers are employed, and the enrollment of versity of Alabama in 1881, when only fifteen years pupils amounts to 218, the buildings being now of age, having previously acquired a good common- three times as large as at first. Prof. Beeson grew school education. During the summer vacations

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During the summer vacations rapidly in favor with the people, and his methods, he devoted his time to teaching school, his first which' were the latest and most improved, used by term being taught at the age of sixteen years, and the normal schools and advocates of the new eduif he lacked sufficient means to carry him through cation, were admired by all until his institution the next session, his father would supply the de- was pronounced the foremost school in Northern ficiency, which money would be refunded to him Louisiana. In 1888 the University of Alabama, by John W., when he had sufficient means. In seeing his talent and progress, conferred upon his junior year at the university he was compelled him the honorary degree of Master of Arts, which to remain out of college the whole year so as to was an acknowledgment of his merits. In 1887 make money to finish his course, as his father was he was married to Miss Annie Foster, daughter of unable to assist him, and secured a position as G. W. Foster, a banker and planter of West Point, teacher in the town of Attalla, giving universal

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Miss. Mrs. Beeson is from an excellent family of satisfaction to pupils and patrons. Although he Alabama, being related to Chancellor Foster of the was but seventeen years

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of age

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at this time, he ap- Fifth Alabama District, who is also a trustee of the peared to be at least twenty-five, so settled and University of Alabama; Rev. J. H. Foster, D. D., dignified were his ways, and even at this time he professor of astronomy in that institution; Dr. manifested a special talent for teaching, and was Foster, surgeon of the university, and many other very fond of the work. He entered college at fif

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noted personages.

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She was graduated from the teen, unprepared and under the required age, but Tuscaloosa Female College of Tuscaloosa, Ala., was admitted on trial and soon rose to distinction in and was a teacher in the Mount Lebanon Univerhis class, being often pointed out by Dr. Wyman, sity of Louisiana at the time of her marriage. Prof. professor of Latin and acting president, as being an Beeson was president of the Arcadia Male and example of what hard study and close application Female College for four years, and when the could do. Even to this day his career is pointed schools in Arcadia were united he was unanimously to with affection and pride by the Doctor.

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He chosen president of the Female College. He is a made the highest stand of any in his class in Latin member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, and is also and Greek, and tried with three others for honors a Knight in the A. L. of H.

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At the age of in mathematics.

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He was a leader in the Young twelve years he joined the Methodist Episcopal Men's Christian Association, and stood firm in his Church Sonth, being brought up under Christian convictions amid all the temptations of a university | influence and Christian parents, and is now super

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ -----

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intendent of the Methodist Episcopal (South) Sun- increased 150 students and six teachers, and from day-school at Arcadia.

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necessity the buildings were doubled in capacity. Prof. Beeson bas a remarkable record for so Everybody was delighted with the management of young a man, and has already made a name for the school, and new and improved methods of himself to be envied by all. As he is willing and teaching were introduced, by which the cause of ready to turn his hand to any work, not being education was greatly advanced. At the end of above manual labor, a brilliant future is predicted this session the trustees and patrons were so well for him. On starting from home to accept his pleased, that Prof. Beeson was elected president

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. present position in Arcadia College his father re- for a term of three years. During the summer he, marked to him: “Well, my son, there is one thing bis wife and three of his assistants attended the certain; if you fail at teaching school you know National Normal School at Saratoga, N. Y., where how to plow.". This remark made a deep im- they received instructions in methods and school pression on his mind, and has often encouraged polity, which very much increased their capacity him in times of doubt. The college, of which he for usefulness. The next session saw the school is president originated from the Arcadia Male increased to 200, it being then found necessary to and Female College in June 1890, by striking further increase the building, and a large ball for 6 male and” out of the charter. That institution music, art and recitation was added. An excelwas chartered in 1886, in which year the main lent German professor of music was employed, building was erected and completed. The board two new pianos were purchased, and a fine art of trustees wrote to the University of Alabama, for teacher was engaged. The people of Northern

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young man suitable to take hold, organize, and Louisiana had begun to look upon this institution build up a college, and J. W. Beeson was imme- as being the foremost college of the State with the diately and warmly recommended, be being a recent exception of the Tulane University at New Orleans, graduate of that institution and in every way and State University, and the next session brought fitted for the position. The school opened Au- in 218 students and an excellent faculty.

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It was gust 31, 1886, with thirty-eight pupils, Mr. Bee. at this point that the two schools were united and son being the only teacher. After the first week divided upon the line of sexes and Prof. Beeson every one saw in him the making of a fine edu- has been president of the female college, giving cator, and at the end of two weeks the school had the bighest satisfaction in that capacity to all congrown so rapidly that another teacher was cerned. He is pronounced by all as being peculgaged. In June, 1887, the school numbered 100 iarly adapted to the government of a female colwith four teachers, which had far exceeded the lege, being possessed of a suavity of manner and expectations of the directors. Prof. Beeson was gift of winning the respect and admiration of all, called the “boy teacher,” and was pointed at which is so necessary to the nianagement of the with ridicule by the enemies of the school, but gentler sex. Prof. Beeson is a hard student, lathis state of affairs did not last long for the school boring almost incessantly for his own developcontinued to grow, and his reputation as one of the ment and a better preparation for his life's work, ablest educators of the State (notwithstanding his that of training others for time and for eternity. youth) became widespread. He drew so many He is not satisfied with present accomplishments, pupils from the E. A. Seminary, which at that but is ever striving for improvement. For this time was an opposition school, and the institution purpose he has collected a nice library of well sebecame such a flourishing one under his manage lected books, and is continually adding to it from ment, that he was unanimously re-elected its time to time. A considerable number of these president the following year, and was highly com- books are works pertaining to his profession, thus plimented by the board of trustees in a resolution showing that he believes in a man being prepared presented to him. During this session the school for his work. Prof. Beeson is peculiarly fitted

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en

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for a teacher. It seems that nature laid him out His assistants are thoroughly competent, and have for this purpose. He has a natural ability for or. shown themselves possessed of the teacher's art in ganizing and governing, as if “born to rule;" an eminent degree. We are glad to know that the kind and gentle, yet firm in his manners, he is be- directors will continue Prof. Beeson as president. loved by all; having a high sense of honor and a con- He has shown himself to be not only a very fine scientious spirit, he is respected and admired by the teacher, but possessed of an executive ability of a good; with an eye for the beautiful and a longing for high order. Under his management the college is system and order, his surroundings bear some- an assured success." —Arcadia Record. thing of military precision, indicating the results “The Arcadians are justly proud of this instiof his four years' course in a military school. tution of learning, which, though in its second Possessing the many admirable traits of character year, has a matriculation of 150 pupils. They he does, success in life for him is assured; yet it have in President J. W. Beeson, a genial Christian is remarkable that one so young should rise to gentleman and a fine educator. The wisdom and such high distinction, and that so rapidly. At keen perception of the board of trustees, headed this point it would be well to give some of the by the Hon. A. L. Atkins, has been exhibited in recommendations and press notices, in regard to the late action of engagement with Prof. Beeson Prof. Beeson's ability as an educator:

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for a term of three years."'--Shreveport Daily Dem“ University of Alabama, President's Office, June ocrat. 29, 1886.

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Judge John Thomas Boone is a gentleman well "It gives me great pleasure to testify to the and favorably known to the citizens of Bienville scholarly ability and Christian character of Prof. and surrounding parishes and is a lawyer of promJ. W. Beeson, a graduate of this university. I inence. Like many others of the representative have known him for several years. He is faithful, citizens of the parish, he was born in Georgia, bis energetic, capable, and will be successful. I have birth occurring December 28, 1840, and was the perfect confidence in him, and hereby commend third in a family of eight children, five now living, him unreservedly. W. S. Wyman, President.": born to Allen and Elizabeth A. (Davis) Boone, the

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· ARCADIA, LA., May 16, 1887. father born in North Carolina in 1812, and the “We, the board of trustees, fully indorse the mother in Georgia in 1819. The father followed IMPROVED METHODs of instruction employed by agricultural pursuits from early boyhood, and is Prof. J. W. Beeson in the conduct of the Arcadia still living near Mount Lebanon at the

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age

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of Male and Female College, and express our appre. seventy-eight years.

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seventy-eigbt years. They were educated in the ciation and thanks for the faithful and efficient ancient log cabin schoolhouse of former days. Of performance of the entire duties devolving upon the children now living Judge Boone is the eldest him and his most worthy assistants."

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in order of birth, next is Mary E. (who resides in The following are some comments of the press: Georgia and is the wife of S. N. Cbapman, who is

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“Prof. J. W. Beeson has distinguished him- a professional teacher, having taught in one buildself as an educator, and the trustees of the Arca- ing for twenty-four years), Henry A. (resides in dia Male and Female College have elected him Parker County, Tex., is married and is in the president for the next three years." --La. Advance. farming and stock business), James K. (resides

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"The Arcadia Male and Female College, under near Mount Lebanon, married and is a farmer), and the presidency of J. W. Beeson, is one of the Amanda E. (resides near Mount Lebanon, La., and most pronounced successes of any institution in is the wife of J. P. Pye, who is a farmer). Judge Louisiana. The patronage is steadily increasing, Boone was fairly educated in the common schools, and now taxes the utmost efforts of the teachers. but the breaking out of the war interfered sadly Prof. Beeson is an excellent scholar, and seems to with bis schooling. He enlisted in Toombs' Rangbe peculiarly fitted for the position he now holds. ers, Twentieth Georgia Infantry Volunteers, and

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was sent to the Army of Northern Virginia under of Bienville Parish, and it is, perhaps, not to be Gen. Beauregard, and after serving for four or five wondered at that he should devote himself to agri. months he was honorably discharged on account of cultural pursuits, for, in looking back over the physical disability. When he returned home he career of his ancestors, we find that the majority of resumed teaching with the idea of completing his them were honest tillers of the soil. Mr. Brantly is education with the means thus obtained. In 1864 the owner of 240 acres of land situated four and a he was married to Miss Celeta L. Shipp, a native half miles from Arcadia, and everything about the of Alabama, born November 30, 1847, and who place indicates to the beholder that a firm hand is was educated in the common schools and in a at the helm. Mr. Brantly is a native of Georgia, female academy at her native home. They be- born January 7, 1839, and his parents, Larkin and came the parents of eight children, seven of whom Malinda (Miller) Brantly, were natives also of that are now living: Bessie C. (with parents), W. A. State, the former born about 1806, and the latter in (married and resides in Bienville Parish, engaged 1810. The father can remember the War of 1812, in farming), Emma (resides in Bienville and is the and was called on to defend his home against the wife of E. L. Lyles, who is a farmer), John H., M. Indians. The mother died when about fifty-eight

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. L. and George Roy; the last three are attending years of age. Of the twelve children born to their school and Augustus C., who is but four years of union eight are now living, and are named in order age, and is at home. In his political views Judge of birth, as follows: Martha J. (resides in Webster

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( Boone affiliates with the Democratic party, and has Parish, La., and is the wife of C. Turner, a farmer), been chairman of the Democratic Executive Com- Rebecca (resides in Collin County, Tex., and is the mittee of Bienville Parish for several years. He wife of William Turner, a planter), Cynthia E. (reis a gentleman who has been influential and active sides in Webster Parish, La., and was the widow of in politics in his parish, and is a jurist whose posi- Mr. M. Miller, deceased, who was a planter by oction as such has been for years recognized. He cupation), Frances (resides in Collin County, Tex., was elected as parish judge in 1872, served one and is the wife of a planter by the name of Miller), term, and was then in the law practice until 1888, Benjamin G., Mary (resides also in Collin County, when he was elected district judge over Bossier, Tex., and is the wife of Josiah Miller, who is a Webster and Bienville Parishes, the Second Dis- planter and county official), W. D. (married and trict of the State. He is much esteemed for his engaged in farming in Claiborne Parish, La.), and sterling integrity, sober, sound judgment, broad Joseph H. (who resides in Fayette County, Tex., intelligence and liberal, progressive ideas. His is married, and is a farmer, carpenter and joiner by decisions are not made without careful and pains. pursuit). Those deceased are: Philip (who died at taking study of the evidence adduced, and all feel the age of twenty-four), Levenia (died at the age that his judgment can be relied upon. For eight of forty two years), Amanda (died at the age of

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years he was president of the parish public school eight years) and Ophelia (whose death occurred board of Bienville Parish, and is also a member of when about four years of age). In addition to a the board of trustees of Mount Lebanon College. common school education, Benjamin G. Brantly He is a R. A. M., and he and Mrs. Boone are took a ten months' course in Minden Academy, and worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church this has fitted him for the practical life he has since of Mount Lebanon, La. The Judge has a planta led. When twenty years of age he began for himtion of 410 acres of good land in Bien ville Parish, self as a tiller of the soil, and worked for his father and has this well stocked. He has a fine residence, for two years, at the end of which time he enlisted and he and wife expect to make Mount Lebanon in Wimberly's cavalry, which acted as provosttheir home for the future.

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guard and courier of the generals escort. They Benjamin G. Brantly, farmer and cotton planter, were sent to Grand Junction, remained there for Arcadia, La. Mr. Brantly is a successful planter two weeks, and then were ordered to Corinth,

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where they participated in both battles. After be- Joseph B. (resides in Fayette County, Tex., and ing in Southern Mississippi for some time, they is a carpenter and joiner by trade, although in conwere engaged in the battle of Courtlaud, raid of nection he also carries on farmning), Philip (eighteen West Tennessee, and in a great deal of fighting years of age, is attending Arcadia College), Magalong the route. Mr. Brantly was present and saw gie Myrtle (aged thirteen), and Isora Kate (aged his command kill Col. Hogg, of the Union army. eleven years). Mrs. Brantly's father, James Buys, Mr. Brantly was at Atlanta and in the general siege. was a native of Alabama, and a physician and surHe acted as courier to Gens. Crosby, Jackson, geon, also a Baptist ininister; be died in 1867. The Johnson, Hood and Walthall, and it was a very mother, whose maiden name was Rachel McEver, dangerous position to till. During his entire army was a native of Georgia. She is also deceased, service Mr. Brantly was never wounded or capt- having passed away in 1886. Mr. Brantly and wife ured, but the terrible privations he underwent for and family are members of the Missionary Baptist the bare necessities of life would fill a volume. Mr. Church, and are earnest workers in the Sunday. Brantly was always on band for work, and the only school. time he missed was when he was sick for eight John A. Brewer is a gentleman well and favormonths in Mississippi. His company was sent from abiy known to the citizens of Bienville parish and Atlanta, Ga., to Vicksburg, Miss., to intercept the parts of Claiborne also Webster and Lincoln ParUnion pickets, and many hairbreath escapes can ishes, and one of the representative agriculturists of Mr. Brantly enumerate, but he was never wounded. his community. He is a native of the former parish, Gen Hood then took all cavalry troops and endeav- his birth occurring on April 8, 1850, and is a son ored to go to Nashville, Tenn., and Mr. Brantly of John A. and Deliah(Williams) Brewer, natives of was in the deadly engagement at Franklin, where North Carolina and Alabama, respectively. The he found it almost impossible to prevent his horse father born about 1812, was reared in Georgia, from treading on the dead and wounded as he rode where in later years, he pursued the occupation of over the field. His company returned to Missis. a farmer. He died at the age of sixty and his wife sippi, and while there heard of the surrender of at the age of sixty-four years. The eleven chilGen. Lee. As soon as he received his parole, he, dren born to this union---three daughters and eight with the rest of the soldier boys, came home, and sons—are pamed in the order of their births, as found what he had accumulated in the two years follows: Jarrett (died in infancy), Henry (was a cotbefore the war was all gone. He then had to start ton planter and died while in the service), Mary Jane at the beginning again. In 1861 Mr. Brantly was (married to John Roberson and resides in Arcadia, married to Miss Burnet, a native of Louisiana, and La.), Amanda (resides in Bienville Parish, La., to this union was born one child, Mattie, whose and is the wife of M. Perritt, who is an agricultbirth occurred in March, 1862. She is now resid- urist), John A., Joseph (died at the age of eleven), ing in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of E. P. George (a farmer, was married, but died at the Youngblood. Mr. Brantly lost his wife March 29, age of twenty-eight years), Angeline (lives in this 1862, and January 9, 1867, he was married to Miss parish and is the wife of C. Chanlor, a farmer),

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, Tallula Adelia Buys, a native of Georgia, born James (died at the age of nine years), Thomas (is September 28, 1844. Mrs. Brantly received a fine .

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married and resides in Bienville Parish, he is a education in Mount Lebanon University, and is a farmer by occupation), and E. H. (who is well lady known far and near for ber benevolent and educated, is now a resident of Bienville Parish, he humane spirit. Mr. Brantly's second marriage re- is the youngest in the family). The early impressulted in the birth of five children-three daugh- sions of Mr. John A. Brewer were at once directed ters and two sons: Alice (resides in Bienville Par- toward the channels of agricultural pursuits, and ish, and is the wife of S. W. Anders, who is a na- his educational advantages were rather neglected, tive of Louisiana, and a cotton planter by pursuit), | However by self application and observation he

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son.

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has fitted himself for the practical life of a farmer, Capt. James Brice is a gentleman well known and as he is a friend and enthusiast on school througbout the parish of Bienville, La., and his matters, it is certain that his children will bave life occupation has been that of an agriculturist. every advantage. He started out for himself when He has always identified himself with every intertwenty-one years of age as a tiller of the soil and est of this section, and has ever expressed himwithout a dollar to begin with. By hard work, self in such admirable terms on all matters that energy and frugality he stands to-day in his com- | he commands universal esteem. He was born in munity a living example of what may be accom- | Indian Territory in April, 1825, being the fifth of plished when a determined will is at the back of eight children--six sons and two daughters-all every thing. In December, 1871, Mr. Brewer was of whom are deceased with the exception of two. married to Miss Amelia Ivy, a native of Alabama, Two brothers died while young, and the others born in 1819, and educated in the common schools were agriculturists until their deaths. The other of her native State. This union has been blessed member of the family living besides Capt. Brice by the birth of six children: Oscar (attending the is Columbus C., who resides in Bienville Parish male college at Arcadia and will graduate in the and is a farmer by occupation. Capt. Brice's class of 1892), Ora (is attending the female college father was born in South Carolina in 1792, who, from which she will graduate in the class of 1891 during the War of 1812, served under Gen. Jackat the early age of seventeen, she has chosen the He died at the advanced age of ninety years. occupation of a teacher), Della (is also attending The mother was a native of South Carolina also,

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1 that college), Bertie (aged eleven), James (aged her maiden name being Margaret Brice. She and eight years), and Floyd (the baby of the house). her husband were educated in the old subscripMr. Brewer was too young to enter the service, tion schools, and she died in 1836. Capt. Brice but his ardor was at a fever heat to take up his received his education in the select schools of musket and bear homage to his country. He has Bienville Parish, La, and during this time and always been a supporter of the Democratic party. afterward he improved his spare moments and Mr. and Mrs. Brewer and the older members of the thoroughly fitted himself for the practical and family all belong to the Missionary Baptist Church, useful life he has led. On January 2, 1848, he and Mr. Brewer has been superintendent of the was married to Miss Maria Miller, who was born Sunday school for four years. The sehool was

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in Kentucky in 1829, but at an early day she was organized nine years ago with a membership of brought to this section, and her knowledge of about thirty-eight and the present enrollment books was obtained in the select schools of Bienis ninety one which is highly commendable to ville Parish. To their union five children have the earnest work of Mr. Brewer and his able as- been born---two sons and three daughters: Thomas sistants. Mr. Brewer joined the church seventeen R. (who died at the age of six years), Ambrose years ago, and his work in the same has been of l (who died in infancy), Margaret V. (wife of W.

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) such a character as to stamp him as a God-fearing P. Theus, who is a prosperous merchant of Arcadia, and sincere Christian. He has held the position La.), Margaret E. (who died at the age of eight

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, of school director for three years, and he is een years, was the wife of Dr. Shehee, of Arcadia), annually spending a large amount of money to and Emma (who died at the age of eighteen educate his children. He is the owner of 320 acres months). Capt. Brice organized the Bienville of land lying within three and a half miles of the Guards, comprising 120 members, during the city limits, is one of the practical cotton planters early part of the war, and with his company was of his community and stands high in the estimation sent to the Mississippi Valley, near Vicksburg, but of the people. His word is his bond and is re- afterward returned to Louisiana and was joined garded as such by the representative men who to the well-known Twenty-eighth Louisiana Volknow him.

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unteers, which did service principally in Arkansas

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and Louisiana, taking part in the following en- borne Parishes, the most of which is finely adapted gagements: Camp Bisland, Second Camp Bisland, to raising all the products of the South, the averMansfield, Pleasant Hill (after which they fought age yield of cotton being 150 bales per year. He in the rear of the enemy all the way to Simm's is a stanch and stable man in character and honor, Port), and Yellow Bayou (which was a hard-fought and is held in high esteem for his sterling worth battle and the last in which they participated). and integrity. The company and regiment was disbanded at Mans- Thomas J. Burch is a general dealer in merfield May 18, 1865, the members of which re. chandise at Arcadia, La., and has also been a turned to their homes. The Captain bas always mayor

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of the town. He was born on Blue-Grass identified himself with the Democrat party, and soil December 2, 1839, but was reared in Missouri has been an active politician, especially in local as an agriculturist, being seventh of the following affairs. He is known to stand firmly on the prin- family of children: G. C. (a merchant of Missouri), ciples which he believes right and just. His first James H. (a speculator of Missouri), J. S. (an presidential vote was cast for Franklin Pierce, and agriculturist of that State), Henry (also an agrihe has always been known to be a man of sound culturist there), Edmund (a gold miner of Califorjudgment; he has been elected to the office of police nia), D. F. (an agriculturist of Denver, Colo.), juror of Bienville Parish. He has ably and effi- Thomas J., W. W. (a farmer of Missouri), George ciently served two terms in the Lower House of W. (who died in infancy), Nancy H. (who died at the State Legislature, being first elected for 1875- the age of sixty years, being the wife of George 76, and re-elected in 1877–78. In 1883 he was Barnes, a mechanic, carpenter and builder), Mary chosen State Senator of Louisiana, being elected J. (wife of Samuel Cheatham, a farmer of Misalmost unanimously for the term of four years, souri), Louisa (died at the age of twenty-four representing the following parishes: Bossier, Web. years, the wife of A. J. Smith), and Martha Ann ster, Claiborne and Bienville. He served with (who died when nine years of age). The father credit and honor to himself and country, and no was a native of Calloway County, K y., and was a more faithful or intelligent man was a member of farmer by occupation.

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He could remember some the Legislative body, for he has at all times fig. incidents of the War of 1812, and was a soldier in ured conspicuously in the interests of his section, the Mexican War. His wife was also born in Kenhis views on all important matters being excep- tucky. Thomas J. Burch was educated in the tionally shrewd and sound. He has been a mem- common schools, but the opening of the Rebellion ber of the Masonic fraternity since he was twenty prevented him from obtaining a more thorough years

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of

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age, and now belongs to the State Board education. He enlisted as a private in Company of Education of the A. & M. College, at Baton A, Ninth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and was Rouge, being appointed as such by Gov. Nicholls. assigned to the Trans-Mississippi Department, his His holding of this important position stamps him regiment and company being engaged in the folas a man who has the educational interests of his lowing battles: Lexington, Lone Jack, Pea Ridge, State at heart, as indeed be has. He has been Saline, Mansfield and Pleasant Hill. As stated tax collector of Bienville Parish, which is the most above he entered the service as a private, but was lucrative position he has ever held, this being promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, and had during the years of 1870 and 1871. He and his full control and charge of his company until it wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal was disbanded.

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His company was disbanded at Church South, and both are deeply interested in Shreveport, La., in April, 1865, after which Mr. Sunday-school work. They expect to make Arca- Burch located in Bossier Parish, where he

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superdia their future home, for here the most of their intended a plantation and carried on a mercantile interests are centered. The Captain is the owner business until 1871, when he went to New Ring. of about 3,500 acres of land in Bienville and Clai- gold, Bienville Parish, and there pursued the avo

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cation of a farmer until 1884, since which time he mon schools of his State, but he has improved the has resided in Arcadia and has managed a well- spare moments and has fitted himself in a praiseappointed mercantile establishment ever since. worthy manner for the practical life he is pursuHe commenced for himself after the war without a ing. At the age of twenty-one years he started dollar, but has been quite successful in the accu. out as a teacher, and after continuing this for one mulation of a competency, his present possessions ) year he began merchandising as a salesman, in being the result of his own efforts. He was mar- which capacity he remained for seven years.

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In ried in October, 1871, to Miss Mary A. Theus, who 1882 he commenced business for himself at Arcawas born in Georgia in 1847, her education being dia, La., with a line of general merchandise, and obtained in Mount Lebanon Male and Female Col. by his enterprising and thoroughgoing manner be lege, from which she graduated with distinction has established a lucrative trade. He started out and honor, being chosen as the valedictorian of the in life for himself with but limited means, but the graduating class, her diploma testifying to her elements to his success have been energy, honesty accomplishments. Four daughters and two sons and perseverance. He was married in January, have been born to them: Mary C., Anna Lou, 1882, to Miss Lulu Calvin, a native of Lonisiana, John Theus, Rachel and Alice. Ruth died in in- born in 1866, and they have a family of four chil. fancy.

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Mr. Burch has always been a Democrat, dren; Willie (a Miss of seven years who is attendbut has never been a bitter partisan. He held the ing school), Mary Lee (died at the age of three positiou of mayor of Arcadia for three successive years), Jasper (aged four), and Alice (who is two terms, and made a popular and efficient official. and half

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years of age). Mr. Colvin bas affiliated While in office he was the motor power in having with the Democratic party, and his aim has been the Saline swamp drained, which is now near the to support men of principle and honor. He is a limits of the town, or rather between the old and man who stands upon his word as his bond, as is new Arcadia.

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Mr. Burch is a Master Mason, and shown by his progressive business in Arcadia. He he and his wife are members of the Methodist was a member of the city council seven consecutive Episcopal Church South, being enthusiastic work. years, and is also a director in the Arcadia State ers in the Sunday-school.

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Bank, of which the historian has already given a Jasper McClure Colvin, merchant, Arcadia, La. full report in the sketch of Hon. A. L. Aikins. It Among the many industries in Arcadia that call is seen that Mr. Colvin is associated with the for special notice, that of merchandising takes a direct interests of his people and home which are prominent place. The town contains several first- the cardinal points of a good citizen.

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Mr. and class establishments of this kind, and prominent Mrs. Colvin are both members of the Missionary among them is that conducted by Mr. Colvin, who Baptist Church at Arcadia, La., and they are libis doing an excellent business, which is constantly eral contributors to the same. Mr. Colvin is the on the increase. He is a native of South Carolina, owner of several farms in Bien ville and Lincoln born February 13, 1853, and was the second of Parishes, and also residence property in Arcadia, eleven children born to John P. and Emma P. La. His general mercantile establishment in Ar(Crosby) Colvin, both natives of the Palmetto cadia, has an annual output of about $30,000, State, the former born in 1826 and the latter in especially in 1889. He commenced business in the 1824. The children are named as follows in the old town of Arcadia with about $1,800 but he order of their birth: Susan (deceased), Jasper Mc- now ranks among the most enterprising and proClure, Samuel, Della, John, Mina, Lulu, Cora, gressive merchants of that town, all the result of Ainsley, Beulah and Fitch. The father has fol. . energy and good business management.

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His lowed agricultural pursuits all his life. He is still father was second lieutenant of the Twenty-eighth living and enjoys good health. Jasper M. Colvin Louisiana Regiment in the late war. obtained his early educational training in the com- Edwin La Fayette De Graffenreid, pharmacist,

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in 1

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Arcadia, La. Mr. De Graffenreid is one of the same parish. The highest eulogy that could be promising young men of Arcadia, and has passed paid to his memory was, that he was a good man. seven years of his life as student and pharmacist The mother was born in 1834, is of French descent, in that town. He owes his nativity to this State, and is a graduate of a female college. She is a his birth occurring December 28, 1868, and was lady of rare accomplishments and executive ability. the eighth of fourteen children-nine sons and five She is now living at her homestead in Ouachita daughters—born to Doctor and Emily (Ferrand) Parish, where she has a large landed estate of De Graffenreid, natives of Virginia and Louisiana, 3,000 acres, and where she has comfortable dwellrespectively. The children are as follows, and are ings on her plantations. She will erect a typical named in the order of their birth: Ella (resides in Southern home for herself and family soun. EdOuachita Parish, and is the wife of N. Wood, who win La Fayette De Graffenreid is a young gentleis an agricuiturist by occupation; Mrs. Wood is man like his distinguished predecessors, who were a lady of fine accomplishments, and is a seminary well educated people, and who believed in the great graduate), William H. (is single and resides in boon of education. He is well educated and Quachita Parish. He is also well educated, being expects to complete his schooling in the scientific a graduate of the Louisiana State University at and business course. His primary education was Baton Rouge, and is at present agent for his received in the home schools, and later he entered mother), Maude (resides in the last-named parish, the Arcadia Male College under the able and effiand is the wife of Adolph Watkins, who is a cient Prof. B. A. Smith, president, where he mechanic and machinist. He is rising man in

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remained two years.

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He is at present engaged in his community, and is well fixed in teniporal affairs), practical pharmacy in Arcadia, La. In politics Harriet (resides in the same parish and will soon Mr. De Graffenreid has always been a Democrat in graduate), Alfred E. (resides in that parish also, principle and precept, and cast his first presiand is a graduate of Soule Business College at New dential vote for Grover Cleveland. He is a worthy Orleans. He is a professional book-keeper, and is member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. employed with Robert Nelson, general merchant Emanuel C. Drew is an intelligent, enterprisof Monroe, La.), Edwin La Fayette, John A. (who ing and successful young “knight of the scissors,'' resides in Lincoln Parish and is a gentleman and is now ably editing the Louisiana Advance, of education; he is book-keeper for L. F. Mar- one of the spiciest, breeziest journals of this secburg, the largest drug establishment in North tion of the State. He was born in Carroll Parish, Louisiana), Christopher S. (a student at the Ar- La., November 1, 1858, being the youngest of three cadian Male College, and will graduate in the class sons, the other two members of the family being of 1892), Claude C. (is a student in the same Robert H., who is a resident of Black Hawk Landschool, and is bright and well posted for a boy | ing, and is superintendent of a large cotton planof his years), Allen F. (at home with his mother), ' tation, and Judge Larche C., who resides in Caland Elmer T. (who is also at home). Two chil houn, Ouachita Parish, La., being the editor and dren are deceased. The father of these children proprietor of the Experimental Farmer, a wellwas of French descent, and was born in Virginia, known agricultural paper. Their father, Capt. April 30, 1830. He graduated as an M. D., and Newit J. Drew, was a native Louisianian, born in was a pronounced and skillful physician and sur- 1831, and was a distinguished soldier during the geon. He was noted throughout his entire coun- secession, being captain of Drew's battery of try, and was looked upon as one of the leading light artillery, well known in the Trans- Mississippi elements in his locality. He was a man of great Department. He received the best advantages in wealth, and was generous and hospitable to all his youth, being educated under private tutors at classes. He died November 30, 1885, in Ouachita first, afterward entering the university at Baton Parish, La., and his remains are interred in the Rouge, and his wife, Ann Chaney, who was born

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cation of a farmer until 1884, since which time he mon schools of his State, but he has improved the has resided in Arcadia and has managed a well- spare moments and has fitted himself in a praiseappointed mercantile establishment ever since. worthy manner for the practical life he is pursuHe commenced for himself after the war without a ing. At the age of twenty-one years he started dollar, but has been quite successful in the accu- out as a teacher, and after continuing this for one mulation of a competency, his present possessions year he began merchandising as a salesman, in being the result of his own efforts. He was mar- which capacity he remained for seven years.

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In ried in October, 1871, to Miss Mary A. Theus, who 1882 he commenced business for himself at Arcawas born in Georgia in 1847, her education being dia, La., with a line of general merchandise, and obtained in Mount Lebanon Male and Female Col- by bis enterprising and thoroughgoing manner be lege, from which she graduated with distinction has established a lucrative trade. He started out and honor, being chosen as the valedictorian of the in life for himself with but limited means, but the graduating class, her diploma testifying to her elements to his success have been energy, honesty accomplishments. Four daughters and two sons and perseverance. He was married in January, have been born to them: Mary C., Anna Lou, 1882, to Miss Lulu Calvin, a native of Louisiana, John Theus, Rachel and Alice. Ruth died in in. born in 1866, and they have a family of four chil. fancy. Mr. Burch has always been a Democrat, dren; Willie (a Miss of seven years who is attendbut bas never been a bitter partisan. He held the ing school), Mary Lee (died at the age of three position of mayor of Arcadia for three successive years), Jasper (aged four), and Alice (who is two terms, and made a popular and efficient official. and a half years of age). Mr. Colvin bas affiliated While in office he was the motor power in having with the Democratic party, and his aim has been the Saline swamp drained, which is now near the to support men of principle and honor. He is a limits of the town, or rather between the old and man who stands upon his word as his bond, as is new Arcadia.

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Mr. Burch is a Master Mason, and shown by his progressive business in Arcadia. He he and his wife are members of the Methodist was a member of the city council seven consecutive Episcopal Church South, being enthusiastic work. years, and is also a director in the Arcadia State ers in the Sunday-school.

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Bank, of which the historian has already given a Jasper McClure Colvin, merchant, Arcadia, La. full report in the sketch of Hon. A. L. Aikins. It Among the many industries in Arcadia that call is seen that Mr. Colvin is associated witb the for special notice, that of merchandising takes a direct interests of his people and home which are prominent place. The town contains several first

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the cardinal points of a good citizen.

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Mr. and class establishments of this kind, and prominent Mrs. Colvin are both members of the Missionary among them is that conducted by Mr. Colvin, who Baptist Church at Arcadia, La., and they are libis doing an excellent business, which is constantly eral contributors to the same. Mr. Colvin is the on the increase. He is a native of South Carolina, owner of several farms in Bienville and Lincoln born February 13, 1853, and was the second of Parishes, and also residence property in Arcadia, eleven children born to John P. and Emma P. La. His general mercantile establishment in Ar(Crosby) Colvin, both natives of the Palmetto cadia, has an annual output of about $30,000, State, the former born in 1826 and the latter in especially in 1889. He commenced business in the 1824. The children are named as follows in the old town of Arcadia with about $1,800 but he order of their birth: Susan (deceased), Jasper Mc- now ranks among the most enterprising and proClure, Samuel, Della, Jolin, Mina, Lulu, Cora, gressive merchants of that town, all the result of Ainsley, Beulah and Fitch. The father has fol. energy and good business management.

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His lowed agricultural pursuits all his life. He is still father was second lieutenant of the Twenty-eighth living and enjoys good health. Jasper M. Colvin Louisiana Regiment in the late war. obtained his early educational training in the com- Edwin La Fayette De Graffenreid, pharmacist, Arcadia, La. Mr. De Graffenreid is one of the same parish. The highest eulogy that could be promising young men of Arcadia, and has passed paid to his memory was, that he was a good man. seven years of his life as student and pharmacist The mother was born in 1834, is of French descent, in that town. He owes his nativity to this State, and is a graduate of a female college. She is a his birth occurring December 28, 1868, and was lady of rare accomplishments and executive ability. the eighth of fourteen children--nine sons and five She is now living at her homestead in Ouachita daughters-born to Doctor and Emily (Ferrand) Parish, where she has a large landed estate of De Graffenreid, datives of Virginia and Louisiana, 3,000 acres, and where she has comfortable dwellrespectively. The children are as follows, and are ings on her plantations. She will erect a typical named in the order of their birth: Ella (resides in Southern home for herself and family soun. EdOuachita Parish, and is the wife of N. Wood, who win La Fayette De Graffenreid is a young gentleis an agricuiturist by occupation; Mrs. Wood is man like his distinguished predecessors, who were a lady of fine accomplishments, and is a seminary well educated people, and who believed in the great graduate), William H. (is single and resides in boon of education. He is well educated and Ouachita Parish. He is also well educated, being expects to complete bis schooling in the scientific a graduate of the Louisiana State University at and business course. His primary education was Baton Rouge, and is at present agent for his received in the home schools, and later he entered mother), Maude (resides in the last-named parish, the Arcadia Male College under the able and effi. and is the wife of Adolph Watkins, who is a cient Prof. B. A. Smith, president, where he mechanic and machinist. He is a rising man in

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remained two years.

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He is at present engaged in his community, and is well fixed in temporal affairs), practical pharmacy in Arcadia, La. In politics Harriet (resides in the same parish and will soon Mr. De Graffenreid has always been a Democrat in graduate), Alfred E. (resides in that parish also, principle and precept, and cast his first presiand is a graduate of Soule Business College at New dential vote for Grover Cleveland. He is a worthy

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a Orleans.

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He is a professional book-keeper, and is member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. employed with Robert Nelson, general merchant Emanuel C. Drew is an intelligent, enterpris. of Monroe, La.), Edwin La Fayette, John A. (who ing and successful young“ knight of the scissors,”' resides in Lincoln Parish and is a gentleman and is now ably editing the Louisiana Advance, , of education; he is book-keeper for L. F. Mar- one of the spiciest, breeziest journals of this secburg, the largest drug establishment in North tion of the State. He was born in Carroll Parish, Louisiana), Christopher S. (a student at the Ar- La., November 1, 1858, beiug the youngest of three cadian Male College, and will graduate in the class sons, the other two members of the family being of 1892), Claude C. (is a student in the same Robert H., who is a resident of Black Hawk Landschool, and is bright and well posted for a boy ing, and is superintendent of a large cotton planof his years), Allen F. (at home with his mother), tation, and Judge Larche C., who resides in Caland Elmer T. (who is also at home). Two chil- houn, Ouachita Parish, La., being the editor and dren are deceased. The father of these children proprietor of the Experimental Farmer, a wellwas of French descent, and was born in Virginia, known agricultural paper. Their father, Capt. April 30, 1830. He graduated as an M. D., and Newit J. Drew, was a native Louisianian, born in was a pronounced and skillful physician and sur- 1831, and was a distinguished soldier during the geon. He was noted throughout his entire coun- secession, being captain of Drew's battery of try, and was looked upon as one of the leading light artillery, well known in the Trans-Mississippi elements in his locality. He was a man of great ' Department. He received the best advantages in wealth, and was generous and hospitable to all his youth, being educated under private tutors at classes. He died November 30, 1885, in Ouachita first, afterward entering the university at Baton Parish, La., and his remains are interred in the Rouge, and his wife, Ann Chaney, who was born

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The energy

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in Carroll Parish, La., in 1834, was educated in manner in which he advertised the northern part Jackson, La., then the Athens of the State. Both of the State, and is now secretary of the North parents are still living in the enjoyment of fairly Louisiana Immigration Association. good health. Emanuel C. Drew's early education with which he has pushed matters has been rewas perfected at home by his mother, who thor. markable for a man of his years, and the good his oughly grounded him in the common branches and work has done is almost intold. He has sent taught him the principles of business. When he authentically compiled literature to all parts of the had attained his seventeenth year he began the Union, and many have become interested in the battle of life for himself as a salesman in a gen. beauty and richness of Northern Louisiana. Mr. eral mercantile establishment, and there he re- Drew bas been district land agent for the V. S. & mained until twenty years of age. In the month

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.

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P. R. R. for four years, and bas performed a vast of December, 1879, he was united in marriage to amount of business for them, the accuracy with Miss Laura Smith, a native of Ouachita Parish, which every detail has been attended to, stamping La., whose birth occurred in 1860. She was edu- him as a man of fine executive ability, persistency cated principally in Alabama, but her parents were and determination. His work for this parish has Georgians and her father a cotton planter. Mrs. been most exemplary in every particular, which is Drew is a lady of remarkable business tact and a source of great satisfaction to him.

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He is a acumen, and gives much valuable aid to her hus- member of the K. of P. of Ruston, La., and be band in the work of editing the Advance, her and his wife are members of the Missionary Bapexcellent address, affable and industrious disposi- tist Church at Arcadia, La. They are well estabtion being cardinal elements of their success. Mr. lished in life, and have a sufficient amount of this Drew began his journalistic career in Minden, world's goods to make them comfortable and La., as editor and proprietor of the Minden Demo- happy, and expect to make their home in Northern crat, which he managed successfully through a Louisiana, where a bright and successful future is heated campaign of one year. At the end of that awaiting many a home seeker. Mr. Drew is sectime he purchased the new paper known as the retary of the Louisiana State Land Company, and Louisiana Advance, which at that time (1881) had is also agent for a large land owner of Illinois, and only an eight-quire circulation, but by unflagging withal, conducts the largest land business in the energy and Mrs. Drew's fidelity to her husband's northern part of the State. interests, the circulation was increased to forty-one Ira Robutus Ellis, farmer, Arcadia, La.

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A quires within one year from date of purchase, glance at the lives of many honored men whose besides a large and lucrative job work. Mr. Drew names fill this volume will reveal many representahas always been a true Democrat of the Jefferson- tive citizens, but none more universally esteemed ian type, in which he followed in the footsteps of than the subject of this sketch. He was born in his ancestors, and he has ever taken an active part Mississippi, May 15, 1829, and was the second of in local politics, being a stanch, eloquent and able a family of ten children born to Lemun Bridges advocate of the principles of his party, and all ard Thresa Margaret (Moffett) Ellis, natives of measures which he considers right and just. He Georgia, born in 1804 and 1801, respectively. The is justly proud that he is able to say that no Drew father was an agriculturist, and represented his of his family ever scratched a Democratic ticket. county for four years in the Legislature. He was He has never been an officer of any grade, has educated in the common schools of his native State, never aspired to be, being content to use his influ- and died at the age of fifty-nine years. The mother ence in electing to office those whom he considers died at the age of eighty-seven years. Of the large more suitable men. He deserves the highest com- family of children born to this union, only four are mendations from his countrymen generally, regard- now living, and Ira R. is the eldest in order of less of politics, for the active and very intelligent / birth. Those following are: Nancy (who resides in

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Natchitoches Parish, La., and was the wife of urist), and W. Jefferson (resides in Tallapoosa Thomas Morgan, who is now deceased; he was a County, Ala., and is engaged in tilling the soil. farmer), Mary Jane (resides in Texas, and was mar- He is married). The father, Edward Buck Gallo. ried to Mr. Rice, who was a farmer, but who is now way, was a native of North Carolina, and was a deceased), and Sallie E. (resides in Cherokee, Rush farmer by occupation. He died in his seventieth County, Tex., and is the wife of Jesse Jones, an

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year.

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The mother, whose maiden name was Elizaextensive planter). Ira Robutus Ellis, in addition beth Hambet, was a native of Tennessee, and died to a common-school education, attended Montrose when about thirty-one years of age.

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The parents College, in Jasper County, Miss., for some time. were educated in the common schools, James He started out to fight life's battles for himself at Madison Galloway's early educational training was the age of twenty-five years, as an agriculturist, commenced in the common schools, and to his own and also engaged in teaching school.

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He was

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dilligence and application was due his later trainmarried to Miss Susie Parker, a native of Jasper ing. When twenty-one years of age, or in 1857, County, Miss., born November 29, 1834, and the he commenced at the bottom of the ladder as an daughter of Land Lot and Elizabeth (Bounds) overseer, and continued at this until July, 1861, Parker. Mrs. Ellis was educated in the common when he enlisted in "The Arcadia Invincibles,' schools and Oakbowery Ladies' Boarding School, and was assigned to the Twelfth Louisiana Inof an excellent grade. During the late war Mr. fantry Volunteers, which was first led by Col. T. Ellis was on detailed service, and was in the army M. Scott, a grand, nobleman, who was succeeded for three months. He was on detailed service. In by Col. Standifer, who was also an excellent man politics he has always adhered to the Democratic and the pride of his regiment. They were organparty, and has aimed to support good men.

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He

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ized at Camp Moore, then sent to Union City and is an active and energetic man in politics, and in to Columbus, Ky. Mr. Galloway was given the all matters of moment he takes a leading part. He position of teamster of his company, and during has been tendered offices in the parish, but has de- his entire time of service he was punctual to the clined them all, with the exception of having bad hour. He was then given the role of forage and the appointment of commissioner of registration of wagon-master for his regiment, and remained in his parish. Mr. Ellis is a Master Mason, at Ring- this important and arduous duty until cessation of gold, Bienville Parish Lodge No. 122. Mrs. Ellis hostilities. He was a gentleman who was so esis a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and pecially fitted for his position that he soon won the she and her husband are among the foremost in confidence and esteem of his superiors. He often assisting any and all laudable enterprises. Mr. had as many as twenty-five teamsters under him. Ellis has an excellent farm, and everything about He filled that position in Tennessee and through the place is a model of neatness and prosperity. the campaign in Georgia. He narrates a terrible He and wife have been residents of Bienville Par. ordeal he passed through around the confines of ish since 1859, and are well known and respected Vicksburg, where he nearly starved to death, but by all.

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his comrades, as teamsters, stood nobly by bim James Madison Galloway, cotton planter, Ar- and his superiors were also very kind, doing all in cadia, La. Mr. Galloway who is closely associated their power to assist him. He owes them a debt with the cotton interests of Bienville Parish, is of gratitude which he says he never can repay. of Georgian nativity, and dates his birth from He remained during the entire service and was December 9, 1835. He was born in Monroe Coun- present at the surrender of Gen. Johnston in ty, and was the eldest of five children-four sons North Carolina. Returning to his father's home and one daughter- three now living who are named in Alabama to make a visit, be remained there three as follows: Jane (resides in Tallapoosa, Ala., and months, and then wended his way to Northwestern is the wife of Joseph Bradley, who is an agricult- Louisiana, where he has been ever since, On February 13, 1867, Mr. Galloway was married to Fayette visited America in 1828 he entered South Miss Elizabeth Andrews, who was born and edu- Carolina with marked attention and honor, Mr. cated in Louisiana, and was a fine conversationalist. Gill being orderly sergeant of the company of They had three children: E. P. (is married and cavalry which escorted the distinguished Frenchresides near his father; he is a farmer and cotton man from the Georgia line to the State capital. planter by occupation), William Y. (resides with Mr. Gill was a man most highly honored by his his father and is an agriculturist), and J. H. (is people, and was in fact held in high favor by all seventeen years of age and makes his home with acquainted with him. His wife died at the

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age

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of his father). After a happy married life of twenty forty-five years.

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forty-five years. Alexander H. Gill received his years Mrs. Galloway died on December 18, 1887, education in the common schools of Cave Spring. and her remains are interred in the Arcadia Ceme. Ga., and is a gentleman whom we may truly desigtery, where at her head a beautiful monument,

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nate as a self-made man. He commenced life for erected by her devoted husband, marks her last himself at the age of eighteen years as a salesresting place. She was a devout member of the man, at first, and as he had no capital to start Missionary Baptist Church, and always lived the with he has made all his property by his own exlife of a pure Christian. In 1888 Mr. Gallo- ertions He commenced selling goods at a low way was united in marriage to Mrs. M C. (Young. salary with J. H. & G. G. Gill, and during his blood) Crowder, who is also a worthy member of last year's work with this company he was head the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Galloway is salesman and book-keeper. The annual sales also & devout Christian, and has aimed at all times amounted to from $60,000 to $65,000. Mr. Gill was a

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$$ to elevate the morals of his surroundings and en- married February 6, 1873, to Miss Mary Emma Candeavor to set a living example of justice and up- field, a native of Mount Lebanon, Bienville Parish, rightness to his children. In politics Mr. Gallo- La., born December 2, 1848, and the daughter of way affiliates with the Democratic party, but is Martin Canfield, who was a native of South Caro. not an active politician, but a gentleman who has lina, and who is still living at the advanced age of aimed to support men of principle and honor. He eighty four years. Her mother's maiden name is generous to a fault, and has at all times had the

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was Miss Mary Ann Gibbs, also a native of South best interests of the parish and the people at Carolina. The latter died at the

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age

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of fifty heart. He owns about 335 acres of land and a

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years. Mrs. Gill was educated in Mount Leban. neat and commodious residence. He is one of the on College. She and her husband are members most reputable men in the parish.

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of the Missionary Baptist Church, and have aimed Alexander Hamilton Gill, a representative citi- to support all principles of Christianity presented zen of Bienville Parish, La., owes his nativity to for their worthy consideration. They bave nobly Cave Spring, Ga., his birth occurring on June 25, done their share toward developing the benevolent 1819, and was the youngest of six children born features of their church, as they have felt able. to Josiah Henry and Sarah (Simmons) Gill, both Mr. Gill pursued the occupation of a farmer in natives of South Carolina. The father was born Bienville Parish for four years, and then entered July 24, 1798, and was a gentleman gifted with the mercantile arena in the fall of 1876, at Mount fine conversational powers and who was the life of Lebanon, La. He was engaged in merchandising any company. He was educated in a practical until 1883, had established a good trade, and manner and was a successful merchant by occupa- although he started with a stock of goods valued tion. He died October 10, 1878, in full com- at $150, during the year 1880 he sold $10,000 munion with the Presbyterian Church.

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worth of goods, showing decidedly what strides he mains are interred in Homer, Claiborne Parish, took from the time of commencing in busines unLa. He was a prominent personage in his com- til he retired. Mr. Gill is the owner of considermunity and when the illustrious Marquis De La / able real estate and property in different parts of

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His re

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On ac

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Louisiana and Alabama. Since disposing of his probably the most self-made man in the educational mercantile business he has been engaged in tilling line we have had the pleasure of chronicling, for he the soil, and is also deeply interested in the started out in life with limited mental attainments, real estate business. He is one of the stanch and but with a fertile brain, and an industrious dispo. able men of the parish, and is well known by all sition. He began preaching and teaching in Virfor his business integrity and sterling worth. ginia, and continued his labors there for five years. His present residence, at Gibsland, La., is a He then went to Columbia, Tenn., as pastor of the large, commodious and typical Southern home, Baptist Church. After remaining there for nearly one of the most imposing in the town. Mr. Giul

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two years he was called to Knoxville, Teun., and is a stanch Democrat, but has never been an active from there went to the Lebanon, Middle Tenn., politician.

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where he became pastor of the Baptist Church. George W. Griffin, D. D., Mount Lebanon, La. Soon after this settlement, by a strange combinaDr. Griffin is an important personage as an edui- tion of events, he was chosen president of Lebanon cator in Louisiana. He is now president of Mount Female College. This connection continued until Lebanon University, a well-known institution of 1860. At the beginning of the Civil War Dr. learning in Northwestern Louisiana, from which Griffin entered the Confederate army, a chaplain of have graduated the sons and daughters of some of the Fifth North Carolina Infantry Volunteers, Earthe best families. The Doctor was born in South ly's brigade, and bis scene of action was mostly ampton County, Va., on May 9, 1827. His par- around Union Mills and on the Peninsula. ents, William and Virginia (Holems) Griffin, were count of ill health he resigned his position in the natives of the Old Dominion. They both lived army, and again entered the schoolroom. The to be well advanced in years. His father, though Doctor was married to Miss Ella H. Bailey, on July too young to be a soldier in the War of 1812, was 13, 1858, and to them have been born ten chilan eye-witness of many interesting and thrilling | dren-six sons and four daughters--nine now livevents, which he was fond of reciting to his chil- ing: W. H., G. W. Jr., Ed O., Irving Manly, dren. He took a lively interest in the Civil War, Samuel Chester, Cora H. (Jones), Florence (Whitsending six sons to maintain the cause and rights aker), Eolin H. (Levy), and Ella B. Mrs. Griffin of the South. His children now living are named was born in Virginia, on February 17, 1837. After in the order of their births as follows: George being carefully educated in boarding schools and W., W. H. (resides in New York), W. C. (a) the Chowan Institute, North Carolina, she in order merchant in Galveston, Tex.), Kenneth R. (is an to a further and more thorough culture, entered attorney at Portsmouth, Va.), John H. C. (an agri- the Richmond Female Institute, where she gradculturist in his native State), Matilda and Julia. uated with much distinction under the instruction Dr. G. W. Griffin received his early education and guidance of such men as Drs. B. Manly, Jr., mainly from private tutors, prominent among

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and H. H. Tucker. Dr. Manly is now professor whom was Prof. Kinney, a very able educator, and

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of Hebrew and Old Testament interpretation, subsequently he entered Richmond College, Rich- in the Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, mond, Va., where he took a classical course of Ky. The Doctor was singularly fortunate in the study. Afterward he started out in life as a min- choice of his wife, for she is a woman of great ister of the gospel. Yet he was often found in the strength of character and of clear and well-defined schoolroom, and it may be said circumstances have convictions of duty. She has been a most kind so ordered that much of his life has been devoted and faithful helpmete in the high and noble sense to teaching. His education has been largely attained God designed that a wife should be. Whatever her in teaching, and he has been frequently heard to husband may have accomplished in life, is largely say: “When I left school I had learned enough to attributed to her. She is to be ranked among know that I did not know anything." Dr. Griffin is those who are justly titled, the best of wives and the best of mothers. In politics Dr. Griffin is subject, he said: "I do not think conscience decides clearly and distinctly a Democrat, he feels strongly what is the right, but rather that there is a right that the stability and safety of the American Union and a wrong, and that we ought to do the right and depend on the prevalence of Democratic principles avoid the wrong, and as to what is right, the judgNo one therefore has ever been able to induce him ment much decide that.” Is it not said that faith to desert his party on any mere side issue. He is a governs the conscience ? “ Yes, but were that true, gentleman of sound, practical judgment, and de- conscience would be, in its decisions as uncertain cided intellectual ability. His literary life has and variable as our beliefs or opinions.” He added: been active, spirited, practical and aggressive, and “Conscience says, there is a right, and we ought to as a ready and fluent rostrum speaker he takes do it, and there is a wrong, and we ought not to do high ground. He wields an able pen, as is well it. In saying this, it is the voice of God, and is known in the famous controversy he had with the authoritative, but if it involves the question, what is eminent and talented Jurist Ewing, of Tennessee, the right? Then it can have no more authority than on the fundamental principles of philosophy and our beliefs or opinions. The moral judgment says: religion. Many of the literary lights and critics, this is right or wrong.

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Our judgment may be as well as able lawyers, well remember the contro. wrong or right, but conscience is right as it says versy which was continued six months. Dr. Grif- simply, there is a right which we ought to do, and fin was pronounced to be the soundest in his there is a wrong which we ought not to do." His logical arguments by men competent to render own original conceptions of teaching are of such criticism. He is one of the most thorough ana- a grade and nature as to force us to recognize them lyzers of logic in the schoolroom who has ever been as highly important. His ideas of discipline and at the head of Mount Lebanon College. His diag- co education are harmonious and of a high char. nosis of Hamilton's Logic was one of the most acter. He kindly appeals to the honor of his pupils, scrutinizing, rigid and thorough ever given to a and relies upon it.

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He points out three cardinal class of young men, and those who were under his points which must be obtained in our instruction, tutelage are the ripe scholars in logic to-day. Dr. viz. : "Observation," "Inspection” and “DiscrimGriffin has written several papers for publication, ination.” These are fundamental principles which one entitled, “From Death to Life,'' which is de- must be observed if school training is to be valuable. signed for the younger element in the churches. Dr. Griffin asserts that there is no successful teaching The Doctor is an able minister of the gospel, and where there is not a love for teaching. He said to his religious work has been on a marked plane of the writer: "Those who teach only for money can high excellence. In preaching, his analysis is not succeed well.” He says, the teacher must do searching and clear, hence he has the attention of more than understand the subject matter of his inthe thoughtful portion of his congregation. It is struction, he must make his student feel that be the general verdict that he is instructive to a high has a personal interest in them. The following is degree. He became president of Mount Lebanon copied from the Nashville American, and will inCollege in August, 1889, and in this position he terest many: "Dr. G. W. Griffin, formerly of Tenevinced in a marked degree his successful record as nessee, now president of Mount Lebanon Univeran educator. His reputation is not limited to the sity, La., took a prominent part in the convention. State of Louisiana, and his star is yet high in the He was elected first vice-president, made several ascendency. The university is in an excellent excellent speeches, and was appointed to preach state of progress, the course of study is severe and the introductory sermon next year. His old friends rigid, more extended, complete, and of higher char- in Tennessee will be glad to know that he is doing acter than ever before. The Doctor has very em

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We take the foregoing extract from the phatic, well-sustained, and well-grounded conclu- Baptist and Reflector, published in this city, and sions on conscience. In speaking to him upon the republish it, because there are hundreds of Dr.

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so well.

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same.

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a

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Griffin's friends in Tennessee, who will be glad to Moreland, was a native of South Carolina, and was hear from him. The convention referred to was a Missionary Baptist minister. He was a prominent the Baptist State Convention of Louisiana.

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Dr. divine and was noted far and near. The mother, Griffin was prominent as a minister and educator whose maiden name was Ann T. Willis, was a native in this State for many years, having come here of Georgia, and is living at the present time in Bienfrom Virginia in 1856, and with the exception of ville Parish. The father is deceased. Four children four years in the Confederate service, lived here were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Hamuntil two years ago, when he was elected president ner: The eldest died in infancy. William Peale of the Mount Lebanon University, the leading is six years of age, Charles Ernest is four years of Baptist university of Louisiana. His activity, age, and Henry Gordon is one year old. · Mr. prominence and usefulness in his new field only Hamner votes the Democratic ticket, and always fulfill the expectations of his friends who know his endeavors to exercise his franchise for men of prinzeal and ability and his untiring devotion to the ciple and honor. He is now a member of the

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pocause of his Master and his church.”

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lice jury of Bienville Parish. This position is an Charles W. Hamner, general merchant, Bulah, important one to fill, and requires men of judgment La. This prominent merchant who is engaged in and executive ability to successfully conduct the business on the route between Arcadia and Sparta,

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He has been the postmaster at Bulah since was born in the Empire State of the South, on Oc- 1881. He is owner of about 1,000 acres of land, a tober 8, 1818, and was the eldest of the following half interest in a ginning and grist-mill valued at children: Susan E. (resides in Bienville Parish, \ $1,500, and has also a mercantile establishment at and is the wife of B. F. Roberson), Jesse H. (is mar- Bulah, his annual sales amounting to $10,700. Mr. ried, resides in Bienville, and is a cotton planter and Hamner is well known for his strict and fair dealing public ginner), Miles E. (is married, and is a plant- with his customers, and is a man of prominence. er), Lorenzo P. (is married, and is also a planter), Mrs. Hamner is a member of the Missionary BapMary 0.(married William B. Bryan, a planter), Will. tist Church at Good Hope. iam D. (is married, and a planter), Fannie V. (mar- Green Washington Hartsfield, Arcadia, La. ried W. B. Stall, who besides planting is also a Rev. Hartsfield is a gentleman so well known in salesman), and Oliver 0. (who is attending college Louisiana and portions of adjoining States that no in Tennessee). The above mentioned children, special introduction is necessary. He was born in with the exception of the last, are residents of Muscogee County, Ga., on December 14, 1833, Bienville Parish. The father, William Hamner, and was seventh in a family of eight children-five was also a native of Georgia, and was born on sons and three daughters--born to Andrew and April 24, 1824. Like the sons who have followed Ghasky Hartsfield, natives of North Carolina, the in his footsteps, he was a planter by occupation, father born in 1792. The elder Hartsfield was an and was a man universally respected. He died in agriculturist all his life. To his marriage were 1884. The mother, Sarah Jane (Baten) Hamner, born these children, who are named in order of was born in Georgia on November 24, 1828, and is birth: Mary (died in infancy), John (was an agrinow a resident of Bienville Parish. Charles W. culturist, and died at the age of fifty years), JasHamner first attended the private schools of Ala- per (resides in Texas and bas followed the

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carpenbama, and then took a course at Mount Lebanon ter and joiners' trade until recently, since which University, after which he started out to teach the time he has been in the agricultural business), "young idea." On December 19, 1872, bis nup- James (died from exposure contracted in the Contials with Miss Sallie L. Moreland were celebrated. federate army), Amanda (died at the age of forty She was a native of Louisiana, born August 31, years). Sarah (resides in Caddo Parish, and is the 1852, and received a good education at Mount widow of Benjamin Shaudoin), Andrew Sydney(was Lebanon University.

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Her father, William C. killed while in the Confederate army, and left a widow and two children). Green Washington and wife, and is a constant benediction to them. Hartstield received his rudimentary education in Mrs. Hartsfield was educated in the Mount Leb. the common schools of Tennessee and Louisiana, anon Female College, where she received a finished and in 1860 he entered that far-famed institution, and thorough course. To the union of Rev. Hartsof learning, Mount Lebanon University, where he field and wife were born nine children-two sons remained for nearly three sessions. He was or- and seven daughters-five now living: Nora G. dained as a minister the year he entered the Uni- (resides in Mansfield, La., and is the wife of Henry versity, and while in attendance there he preached Youngblood, who is engaged in merchandising, to different congregations. After leaving the uni- and who is a gentleman of honor and integrity), versity he continued to serve these congregations Mary Helen (resides at home with her parents, until the fall of 1865, when he accepted a call to she has been a student at the Female College at take charge of the Baptist Church in Mansfield, Arcadia, La., and formerly at Mansfield, La.), La., and remained at that point for a period of George (is attending the Arcadia Male College), twenty-three years, during which time he served Lillian White (is in Arcadia Female College), Edoa said church as pastor for fourteen years. During Hackett (is too young to attend school). Rev. that time he also preached in Keatchi, Coushatta Hartsfield is a Democrat in principle, but supports and other places in connection with Mansfield, men of honor and integrity. He cast his first He filled the pulpit at Coushatta, La., for eight presidential vote for Millard Fillmore. He is a years. His ordination took place in Caddo Parish, man who has all his life advocated the great SunLa., in 1860. During his sojourn in De Soto and day-school work.

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. He was president of the Sunthe other contiguous parishes he was secretary of | day-school convention in the parishes of Caddo the Grand Cane Association for twenty-two years, and De Soto for eight years, and he bas been an and is also recording secretary of the Louisiana active and earnest advocate of the temperance Baptist State Convention, baving filled that im- work, holding the banner aloft in his work all along portant and arduous position for twelve years. He the line of his ministerial labor, which stamps him is at present the incumbent of that position. Rev. as a valuable and honored man in all communities, Hartsfield commenced his ministerial life at the age besides his bright and effectual pastoral labors. of twenty-five years with limited means, and every Rev. Hartsfield has, since the early days of his farthing that he had except a little help occasion- childhood, imbibed the true principles of Chrisally, was of his own earnings. He earned most of tianity, and has with fortitude, energy and his love his first money as a teacher in order that he might of God in his heart, ever unfurled the banner of pursue his chosen life work intelligently and with right and Christian sympathy at all times and satisfaction to himself and to his God.

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Rev. places. At present he is the honored and beloved Hartsfield, in his life work as a minister of the

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pastor of the Missionary Baptist Church at Arcadia, Gospel, is a man who has been characterized as an La., and this pulpit he has filled since January, earnest, indefatigable, tireless and uncompromis- 1889. The church at Arcadia is a very flourishing worker in the vineyard of the Lord. His life ing organization, and the members are stanch men has been replete with the many trials, joys and and women, who stand by the pastor at all times, in sorrows with which the lives of all good, true, supporting and aiding the cause of religion. earnest Christians are fraught. On May 1, 1862, Hartstield is intimately connected with the excelhe was married to Miss Eunice (Hasseltine) Brown, lent colleges in Arcadia, and has been chosen at a native of Bienville Parish, born December 22, different times to deliver the

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commencement 1841, and the daughter of George W. Brown. Mr. sermons, literary addresses at Keatchie and Mount Brown was one of the most successful and pros- Lebanon Colleges. His life work is that of a minperons farmers, and his excellent wife, at the age ister of the gospel, and he covets no higher calling. of eighty-four years resides with Rev. Hartsfield To be the means of saving souls and helping to

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advance the cause of Christ is to him honor enough. sion), Al-Lou (resides in Sparta, and is the wife of His excellent wife has always been an earnest R. M. Tarver, a druggist at that place), Fannie (reand able helper in aiding her husband in his grand sides in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of R. M. work. He attributes much of his success in life to Crowson, who is a salesman), W. P. (a pharmacist her constant help. Mr. Hartsfield is an able news- and salesman at Sparta) and Sophronia (wife of F. paper correspondent, having the talent of condens- M. Mays, an agriculturist). James Douglas Head ing so as to put a great deal in a little space, and received his early education under private tutelage he is also a frequent writer for religious papers. and in the schools of Sparta, La., and by self apHe has been requested by more than one prominent plication, thus fitting himself for the practical life newspaper man to prepare a series of reminiscences he has led and is leading. He is, in

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every sense of of the past for the press.

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that much abused term, a self-made man, and was James Douglas Head, merchant and parish obliged to commence at the bottom of the ladder. treasurer, Sparta, La. The public services of Mr. To his wife, formerly Miss Martha C. Crowson, he Head, since 1888, bave been characterized by a no- was married. February 13, 1878, and to them has ticeable devotion to the welfare of this parish, and been born one child, Linden C., who is ten years his ability and fidelity in all positions of public of age, and who is attending school. Mrs. Head trust have made a lasting impression upon the was born August 17, 1859, and was educated in the sphere of public duty. For a number of years his common schools and at Sparta. Mr. Head has name has been closely connected with the history ever affiliated with the Democratic party, and has of Bienville Parish, not only officially, but as an advocated those principles. He is now holding the honored and much esteemed citizen.

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He is a na

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important and very responsible office of parish tive born resident of Louisiana, born July 1, 1855, treasurer, and also treasurer of the parish school and was the fifth of thirteen children, ten now liv- fund, being elected to fill these honorary positions ing, the result of the union of Hon. James Robert in 1888. He is also postmaster and has held that and Sophronia (Prothro) Head, natives of South office since 1888. He was justice of the peace in Carolina. The father was born in 1825, and was his ward, but resigned that position when elected a farmer and a lawyer. He represented his parish to his present office. He is a Master Mason of

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.

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a in the Legislature two or three terms, and was also Sparta Lodge No. 108. He is a member of the sheriff of Bienville Parish for some time. He was Missionary Baptist, and Mrs. Head a member of the parish judge, and in fact was one of the represent- Methodist Episcopal Church. Aside from his offiative and prominent men of that Parish. He died cial positions, Mr. Head is also engaged in merchanin 1874. The mother died in 1889, at the age of dising, in Sparta. Pleasant and agreeable in bussixty years. Their living children are named in iness affairs, he is equally so in social life, and it order of birth, as follows: D. F. (educated in is a pleasure to meet him. Mount Lebanon and at Georgetown Theological John Jacob Hiser, machinist, millwright and College; he now resides in Ouachita Parish, and is dealer in hardware and milling supplies at Arcadia, a clergyman in the Missionary Baptist Church; he La., is a gentleman possessed of large business exis married), Mary A. (resides in South Carolina, perience and one who occupies a prominent position and is the wife of James C. Moody, who is a plant in commercial circles. He resides on his farm of er), Joshua P. (married and resides in Bienville 240 acres, within two miles of Arcadia, and has a Parish, where he is engaged in planting), James good, comfortable home. He was born in MisDouglas, Mittie (resides in Sparta, La. ,and was the souri on October 14, 1815, and is the second in orwife of the late E. H. Hightown), Lucy G. (de- der of birth of three children, viz.: Christina F. ceased), George E. (educated in the common schools (who married P. D. Lane, a general trader, and and in the New Orleans Law College, and is now died when forty-two years of age), James F. (who residing in Sparta, where he practices his profes. is married and resides in Arcadia, where he follows

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а

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the blacksmith's trade), and our subject. The father, board of trustees, also one of the charter memJohn Wilkins Hiser, was a native Kentuckian, and bers and one of the founders of the Male and Fe. died when fifty-seven years of age. He was male College at Arcadia, La. He is an estimable

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. farmer and general trader. The mother, whose citizen of his parish, and is held in the highest es- maiden name was Elizabeth F. Heard, was a native teem and respect by his friends and people who of Tennessee, and died when about twenty-seven know him for his true worth. Mr. and Mrs. Hiser years of age. Our subject's early educational ad- are devout members of the Missionary Baptist vantages were such as could be obtained in the Church, and do all they can to further any worthy common schools in the State of Missouri, and this movement presented to them. Mr. Hiser is the he has increased very materially by observation owner and sole proprietor of one of the best and and study. At the breaking out of the war, he en- most complete cotton-gins and mills in the parish. listed in Company F, Sixteenth Missouri Infantry He bas one of the Winship gins and presses, a gin Volunteers, and was assigned to the Trans- Missis celebrated in the South among the best planters. sippi Department, under Gen. M. M. Parsons, Mr. Hiser has gotten up a plan, and patent ap- Second Brigade, Confederate States army. He plied for, of a cotton-tramping machine, which is was in the following engagements: Pleasant Hill, the most complete machine of its kind ever in- Camden, Saline, etc. For three years he fought vented before. It takes the place of a man as a bravely in defense of the Confederacy, and wore “tramper,'' and is pronounced a signal success by the gray in honor to himself and the cause for all who see it. The full plant is valued at about which he took up arms. At the age of twenty $2,000. Mr. Hiser is known all over the parish as years he entered the arena of life as a machinist, a machinist, and has set up all kinds of machinery with very little means, and spent a portion of his in different localities. life in Missouri. After the war he emigrated to Francis G. Hulse is a gentleman who has spent Louisiana, and as he is a natural machinist and the greater part of his life in this and Claiborne thoroughly at home with all machines, he has been Parishes, bis birth occurring in the latter, in Sep- connected with this interest ever since, until about tember, 1859, being the third of five sons born to six years ago, when he opened up business in Arca- his parents, the eldest member of the family being dia, making a success in detail of it. Mr. Hiser John E., who is an attorney of Homer, and is mar-

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, selected as his life companion Miss Sarah Jane C. ried to Miss Ella Dollard; Birdsey, a traveling man, Sutton, whom he wedded on December 24, 1868. representing the Farmers & Merchant's Bank, of She was born in 1852, and educated in the common Shreveport, La., comes next, then the subject of schools of Louisiana. Her father, S. P. Sutton, this sketch, and following him is Sidney T., a cot- was born in Mississippi, and was an attorney and ton planter, residing near Athens, La., and Charles teacher by profession. He is now deceased. The Edgar, who died at the age of seven years. Milton mother, Lucinda (Stewart) Sutton, is living, and is Hulse, their father, was born in York State, in about sixty-five years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. 1812, and the most of his life, until the opening of Hiser were born eight children: Jay T. (is a the Rebellion, was spent as a teacher, the remain- farmer and resides with his parents), James F. (is der of his days being given to farming. He was also a farmer), Walter L. (is following the same married to Miss Mary A. Davidson, a native of pursuit), George S. (died at the age of nine South Carolina, and both are still living, worthy months), Lucinda E., Carl J., Mary C. and John. and honored people. The early educational train- Mr. Hiser is a stanch Democrat of the Jacksonian ing of Francis G. Hulse was received in the home school, but does not take an active part in poli- circle, after which he entered the public schools, at tics. He has aimed to keep out of politics, and, a later period taking an academic course at Athens, being a practical man, he can not afford to lose his La., where he improved his opportunities to the time for small offices. He has been one of the utmost, and became well fitted for the practical

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life he has led. After he had attained his majority being: Dr. John (who is married and a practicing he began making his own way in the world, as a physician of Columbia, Ky.), Dr. R. E. (who, be. school teacher, his wages being spent in attending sides being a practicing physician of Natchitoches,

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a school, and until he attained his twenty-fifth year La., is an extensive cotton planter), and R. L. (who he alternately taught and went to school in Texas. resides in Bienville Parish, La., a cotton planter). He then became a disciple of Blackstone, and after The father of these children was also engaged in some study, was admitted to the State bar, and for cotton planting, and he, as well as their mother, two years was an active practitioner of law. He is now deceased. James Hardy Jackson obtained then came to Claiborne Parish, La., and later his early schooling in Kentucky, and at the age of moved to Arcadia, where he established the Arcadia twenty-one years he became a salesmen, at which Herald, a bright, unique and creditable paper, well time he possessed uot a dollar. He, however, was calculated to benefit and please his subscribers. young man of a very energetic temperament, The editorial policy of the paper could not be in and, being very persevering, he at last began to better hands, and the entire tone of the paper

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is surmount the difficulties in his way, and to gain a moral and pure.

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The first copy of the Herald was foothold on the ladder of success. Upon the openissued with a circulation of only 100, this being ing of the war he enlisted in the Twelfth LouisDecember 11, 1889, but in less than one year it iana Volunteer Infantry and was assigned to the bas increased to 600, which is commendable to the Army of Tennessee, wearing the gray with bonor enterprise and push of Mr. Hulse. He has at all to himself, bis family and friends. During the war times furthered the interests of the Democratic he was twice promoted for personal bravery, once to party to the best of his ability, and his first presi- the position of sergeant-major, then to adjutant. dential vote was cast for Gen. Winfield S. Hancock. He served throughout the war and was disbanded He has always had the interests of the section in with his company at Bentonville, N. C., immediately which he lives at heart, and is a devout believer in returning home. His marriage, which occurred on Christianity and an earnest member of the Presby- October 25, 1866, was to Miss Lucy Madden, a terian Church. In March, 1887, he was married native of Louisiana, and unto them five children to Miss Mary Riley, a native of Texas, who re. have been born: Willie Rutland (who died at the ceived a high-school education, but after a very untimely age of fourteen years, was an intelligent short and happy married life, Mrs. Hulse was called and promising lad, and is now sleeping his last to her long home, and is now sleeping her last sleep in Arcadia Cemetery), Henrietta (passed sleep in the cemetery at Canton, Tex, Mr. Hulse

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.

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from life at the age of eleven years), Luella (died is sole manager and proprietor of the Arcadia Her

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when seven years of age), and Luda (who now reald, and has already made it creditable to Bien- sides with her mother on the old homestead; ville Parish and to himself. Here, where his she is an intelligent and accomplished young lady, business interests are centered, he expects to and will graduate from the Arcadia Female Colmake his future abiding place, where he is held in lege in 1891, after which she will continue her high esteem by his many friends and patrons. studies in some Eastern college). The youngest

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James Hardy Jackson (deceased). In many member of the family is Lessie Rush, now six respects the life of Mr. Jackson was an eventful years

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of age.

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Mr. Jackson was always a warm one and fully demonstrated how much may be ac- Democrat, but never neglected his business for complished and acquired under the most unfavorable politics. He was president of the police jury of circumstances.

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He had long been connected with Caldwell Parish, and was a member of the I. O. O. the mercantile interests of Arcadia, and at the time F. at Columbia, La. He was, as is his wife, an of his death was one of its leading merchants. ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church He was born in Feliciana, Grayson County, Ky., South, and always assisted in Sunday-school February 28, 1833, his three surviving brothers work. He departed this life January 16, 1889,

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.

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1

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and is now resting beside his children in Arcadia Church since the age of eighteen years. He is now Cemetery, where a handsome monument marks eighty-nine

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years

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of age,

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and is a man of remarkhis last resting place, erected to his memory by able energy and fortitude. When eighty-seven his sorrowing widow. His death was regarded as years

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of

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age he paid a visit to his son in Louisiana. a calamity to this region, for he had always been The maternal grandfather of our subject was a very public spirited and bad resided here for a Baptist minister and a brother of the famons Rev. number of years.

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He possessed many of the car- Jesse Mercer, who is the reputed founder of the dinal virtues, among which may be mentioned un- Missionary Baptist Church, after the division of swerving honesty, kindness of beart and liberality. the Baptist Church. Rev. Jesse Mercer was also He was a faithful and affectionate husband and the founder of the Pennfield Institute, now in Mafather, and his memory will long be held in grate- con, Ga. The mother of our subject died when ful remembrance in social as well as business cir. about forty years of age. Rev. Joseph H. Jordon cles. She resides in a typical Southern home, received his rudimentary education in the common and dispenses hospitality with a liberal band to schools, and finished his literary course in Brown her numerous friends in this section, her house Wood Institute, at La Grange, Ga. He was marbeing always open to the unfortunate, also to whom ried when eighteen years of age to Miss Louisa she gives liberally of her means. She controls a Hall, a native of Georgia, born in October, 1836. large mercantile establishment in Arcadia and has She was educated in the Montgomery Female Colshown herself to be an intelligent business woman. lege, at La Grange, Ga. They were married No

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Rev. Joseph Henry Jordan, minister, Arcadia, vember 11, 1851, and their union has resulted in La. Mr. Jordan, a representative man of the the birth of seven children-three sons and four county, has done much good in the world, adminis- daughters: Eugenia (resides in Arcadia, and is the tering to the spirital wants of his fellow-man, and wife of Dr. W. M. Baker, see sketch), Joseph by living a life of such constancy and purity as has Homer (resides in Shreveport, La., and is engaged not failed to have its effect on the rising genera- in a clothing and gent's furnishing store; he martion.

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He is a native of Georgia, born September ried a Miss Bouquin, of Shreveport), Rebecca (re17, 1833, near the home of the renowned Alexan- sides in Arcadia, La., and is the wife of W. H. Ellder Stephens, of historic fame. He was the fifth ington, general salesman), Hattie (resides also in of seven children-four sons and three daughters--- Arcadia, and is the wife of Thomas Whitehead, born to John Wesley and Mahala Mathews (Mer who is in the livery business), John Wesley (recer) Jordan, both natives of Georgia, and born in sides in Shreveport, La., and is engaged with his 1800 and 1805, respectively. The children are brother, Joseph Homer), Robert C. (resides in Arnamed in the order of their births: Thomas (died cadia, and is a salesman and book-keeper;

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he is a at the age of thirty-seven years, from exposure dur- graduate of Atlanta (Ga.) Commercial College) and the war; he was a clergyman and a member of the Madgie (attending a female college). Rev. Jordan Georgia conference), Elizabeth (resided in Georgia, enlisted as private in the “Claiborne Invincibles," and died when she was about fifty-six years of age), in 1861, and was sent by the governor to Camp Frances (resides in Georgia, and is the wife Moore, where they were assigned to the Sevenof G. C. Edwards, who is now judge of the inferior teenth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, under Col. court of Georgia), George (who died at the age of S. S. Heard. His regiment was assigned to the three years), Joseph Henry, J. W. (who resides in Army of Tennessee. Very soon after the organAtlanta, Ga., and is a clergyman in the Meth- ization of the regiment, Rev. Jordan was appointed odist Episcopal Church of that city), and Susan (de- as chaplain of the regiment, direct from the private ceased). The father of these children has spent ranks. He was in the battle of Shiloh, Baker's his entire life as an agriculturist, and has been a Creek, and finally at the great siege of Vicksburg, consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal where his services ceased.

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He then returned home

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to resume his ministerial work. Shortly after his Thomas Jefferson and Catherine A. (Alabama) marriage Rev. Jordan engaged as an agriculturist, King. The father was a native of Alabama, and and continued this occupation to some extent until was a farmer by occupation. He died in 1862. five years ago. He took great interest in the or- The mother is still living, and is sixty years of age.

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. ganization of the Farmer's Grange, and was elect- William L. King received a good practical educaed overseer of the first State Grange, second officer tion, principally the result of his own efforts, and of the Grange. He was licensed to preach in 1856, when fifteen years of age started out for himself and was expecting to bave joined the Georgia con- as an agriculturist. This pursuit he followed for ference, but owing to the conference being full be about ten years, and in December, 1875, he secame to the West, where there was a large and vir- lected as his companion in life Miss Julia Baker, a gin field.

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Abont the time he was to unite with the native of Louisiana, born in 1855, and a graduate Louisiana conference, the war broke out, and he of Mount Lebanon College. The result of this was among the first of the brave boys who wore the union was the birth of three intelligent children: gray with honor to themselves and the cause they Ella (aged thirteen, and attending the Mount Leb. advocated, who went to the front as already nar- anon College), Floyd (nine years of age, also atrated. Rev. Jordan, in his political belief, has affili- tending college), and Willie D. (aged two years). ated with the Democratic party, and cast his first Politically, Mr. King is a strong adherent of the presidential vote for Millard Fillmore. He is not Democratic principles, and is a man whose word is radical in his views, but exercises his franchise for as good as his bond. He is a successful business principle and right at all times and in all places. man, and has a large trade, all the result of the During the year 1887 he was elected mayor of Ar- honesty and uprightness

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honesty and uprightness of his business relations. cadia, on the strong grounds he took against the He and Mrs. King are respectors of all religious whisky faction, or element, or rather in keeping teachings, and are in favor of all methods and the city a clean temperance town. Rev. Jordan is principles which elevate the rising generation. Mr.

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. treasurer of the board of trustees of the Arcadia King is sole proprietor of the large general store Male and Female College, and he is a gentleman in Mount Lebanon, La., and carries a stock of who has aimed to perform his duties at all times to goods complete in detail.

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He does a yearly busithe best interests of his school, and should have ness of about $10,000. Mr. King is regarded by the highest commendations given him for his per- his brother tradesmen and his customers as a man sistency. A man of knowledge, intelligence and whose word can be relied upon at all times. He is principle, he will stand by the schools when they all that much-abused term,

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a self-made man,'' are of as high a standard as the colleges in Arcadia. can imply, having started with limited means, and Rev. Jordan is a R. A. M. He has been a he is to-day one of the most successful business true disciple of the word of God since he was a men of the town. little boy, and has spent the cream of his life in Davis B. Langford, notary public, Gibsland, the service of his Master, having filled the pulpit Louisiana. Mr. Langford was born in Claiborne since 1861. Mrs. Jordan has also been a constant, Parish, Louisiana, on July 25, 1861, and is the devoted Christian, and their united help in the re- youngest of four children, who are named as folligious work has been felt in all localities of wbich lows: Samael B. (resides in Claiborne Parish and they have been residents. They are now residing is an agriculturist and a manufacturer of and at Arcadia, La., where they are surrounded by dealer in lumber; he is married), Josiah W. (retheir loving children and many warm friends. sides in Gibsland, La., is married, and is a jeweler

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William L. King, postmaster and merchant of by trade), William H. (resides in Gibsland, La., is Mount Lebanon, was originally from Alabama, his married, and is an agriculturist by occupation), and birth occurring on October 10, 1852, and is the Davis B. (the subject of the present sketch, is unfourth of six children, five now living, born to married). The father of these children, Elhannon

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Hamilton Langford, was born in South Carolina on large and increasing business. He has always March 27, 1820, and is a retired physician and sur- been a Democrat in politics, and has not been an geon.

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He is a resident of Gibsland, La., and is ultra partisan. He is at present, as stated above,

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a hale and hearty. The mother, whose maiden name notary public for Bienville Parish, and although was Sarah C. Hutchings, was a native of the old he has been tendered other positions, municipal and Dominion (Virginia), and was born October 1, 1821, parochial, he has modestly declined them. Mr. and died at Gibsland, La., August 10, 1888. The Langford is a devout member of the Missionary father received his medical education in Macon, Ga., Baptist Church of Gibsland, Louisiana. He is a and graduated at the Southern Botanico-Medical young man of sound religious convictions, which College in that city in 1849. He followed his pro- are cardinal virtues in any man, be he young or fession for about twelve years, after which time be old. He is intimately connected with the Baptist was engaged in agricultural pursuits and milling Sabbath-school, and has been secretary of the same until the past ten years. Davis B. Langford re- for the past two years. Mr. Langford expects to ceived his early education in the common schools of make Gibsland his future home, for all his inter- Louisiana, and by his own application obtained a ests are centered here, and he is surrounded by practical education, which fitted him for the life warm friends. He is a member of the Louisiana he has led up to the present time. He commenced Press Association, and is a journalist of merit, be- life for himself at the age of twenty one years as ing well known by the versatile articles which a merchant in Gibsland in 1883, and with moder- have, from time to time, been contributed from his ate means and no outside aid, he has been fairly pen. Mr. Langford is an ardent admirer of all good successful. He remained engaged in merchandis- educational institutions, and bas aided, as much as ing for about two years and then relinquished his possible, in the furtherance of all projects to assist

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, mercantile pursuits to engage in general collecting the cause of education. and buying, improving and selling real estate. He James A. Mays, farmer, Sparta, La. Mr. was appointed by Gov. S. D. McEnery notary Mays is one of the esteemed and highly respected public for the parish of Bienville on November 24, citizens of Bienville Parish, of wbich he has been 1884, and this position he still fills, baving been a resident for forty years, and during that time his recommissioned by the present Gov. F. T. Nicholls. name has been above reproach. He was born in Mr. Langford, prior to attaining his majority, and Georgia on May 30, 1814, and was the twelfth in a before removing to Gibsland, read law under family of thirteen children, of whom there are Judge John Young and Hon. J. W. Holbert, both only three now living, he being the eldest of those: eminent jurists in Homer, La., remaining under Miranda (resides in Natchitoches Parish, La., and this firm's espionage and care as a law student for was the wife of Hon. W. S. Crockrell, deceased, about two years, and he also read law by himself who was a planter and who represented his parish for some time, but never applied for admission to one term in the Legislature), Martha (resides in the bar. He practiced with unusual success in the Natchitoches Parish, and is the wife of E. P. Har- justice courts four years, and it might here be ris, an agriculturist). The father of this family, mentioned that Mr. Langford is a self-made man, William C. Mays, was born in Georgia, but when and one who has educated himself. He is well grown moved to Bienville Parish, La., and was posted in surveying, bas read Latin and is possessed treasurer of the same for some time. He was a of a fund of general knowledge. He keeps well planter by occupation and died at the age of posted upon all the business topics of the day, and eighty-three years. The mother, Elizabeth (Will-

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, is a gentleman who is enterprising, energetic and iamson) Mays, was also a native of Georgia.

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She pushing. He has the full confidence of his patrons, died at the age of fifty-eight years.

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James A. and since he began his mercantile career, which Mays materially aided a common school education business he resumed two years since, he has had a by diligently applying himself to his books during

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his leisure time, and thus fitted himself for the the elder child being Sarah E., the wife of R. duties of active life. He started for himself by Holmes, a grocer, of Jeffersonville, Ind.

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, Their donning a suit of "gray," and enlisting in the com- father was born in Kentucky, in 1811, being a pany, "Claiborne Invincibles," and was assigned general merchant by occupation, and although he

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“ to the Seventeenth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, has attained to the advanced age of seventy-nine under the supervision of Col. Heard. They were years, he yet enjoys quite good health. His wife sent to Camp Moore, and from there to Corinth. was a Virginian, and is deceased. Capt. William He participated in the following battles: Shiloh, A. Miller attended school in the primitive structPort Gibson (where he was wounded in the right ures of the Hoosier State, but afterward became a arm and disabled for a short time), siege of Vicks- student at Jeffersonville and Leavenworth, finally burg (lasting forty-eight days, and where the taking a higher course at Robinson Academy, near regiment was surrendered). Mr. Mays was in con.

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Nashville, Tenn., where he obtained a good, practistant service during the four years he was in the cal education by his own hard study and applicaarmy, except a short time while wounded, and was a tion. He has always been a warm friend of edufaithful and loyal soldier. On September 19, 1863, cation, and gives generously of his means in the he was united in marriage to Miss Willie A. Pearse, support of enterprises of that nature. When twenty a native of Arkansas, born in 1846, and a graduate years of age he began merchandising for himself, of Minden College. To them were born twelve in Morehouse Parish, La., but at that time his children, nine of whom are now living: Lizzie G. capital was very small, but notwithstanding this (resides in Sparta, and is the wife of Dr. W. F. fact, he kept diligently to work, and at the end of Beatty), F. M. (married and is a planter of Bien- two years had accumulated some money.

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Upon ville Parish), Henry R. (superintendent of a plan- | the opening of the Rebellion, he gave up this work, tation in Natchitoches Parish, La.), William C. to join the Morehouse Stars, which was 120 strong, (at home), Jim Fritz, Annie G., Drew (a daugh- and this company was attached to the Twelfth ter), Gus (a daughter), and George Monk (also a Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, and was assigned daughter). In his political views Mr. Mays is to the Army of Tennessee. The first brigade general strictly Democratic, and has been identified with was Villepigne, who was killed, then Col. Scott, the interests of his parish in every particular. who was afterward promoted to brigadier-general. He held the position of tax collector for some

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Mr. Miller was in the following engagements: time. Socially he is a R. A. M.

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He is the owner Baker's Creek, the two weeks' engagement around of considerable real estate in Webster Parish, La., Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Port Hudson, Resaca, and is respected and liked in his own parish. He Dalton, New Hope, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, is held on a high plane of excellence by all in the Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. Capt. parish, and here he expects to pass the remainder Miller entered the ranks as a private, but was first of his days. Mrs. Mays is a worthy member of the promoted to orderly sergeant, serving as such fourMethodist Episcopal Church South.

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teen months, next to second lieutenant. During William Austin Miller. In any worthy history his service, he received not the slightest wound, of this parish, the name that beads this sketch will and was never taken prisoner. His company was always be given an enviable place among its lead- disbanded at Greensboro, N. C., and returned to ing citizens and its self-made men. He is the sole Louisiana. In 1864 he was married to Miss Sallie proprietor of the cotton warehouse in Arcadia, and P. Thomas, a native of South Carolina, their marhas been for the past five and one-half years, being riage taking place April 3. She was educated in otherwise interested in the enterprises which go to Judson Institute, Marion, Ala., and two children make the flourishing little city of Arcadia what it blessed her union with Capt. Miller: G. B. (who is. He was born in Indiana, May 3, 1839, being died at the age of two years), and Mary E. (who

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younger of two children born to his parents, resides with her father, and is attending the Ar

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the blacksmith's trade), and our subject. The father, board of trustees, also one of the charter memJohn Wilkins Hiser, was a native Kentuckian, and bers and one of the founders of the Male and Fe. died when fifty-s

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-seven years of age. He was a male College at Arcadia, La. He is an estimable farmer and general trader. The mother, whose citizen of his parish, and is held in the highest esmaiden name was Elizabeth F. Heard, was a native teem and respect by his friends and people who of Tennessee, and died when about twenty-seven know him for his true worth. Mr. and Mrs. Hiser years of age. Our subject's early educational ad

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. are devout members of the Missionary Baptist vantages were such as could be obtained in the Church, and do all they can to further any worthy common schools in the State of Missouri, and this movement presented to them. Mr. Hiser is the he has increased very materially by observation owner and sole proprietor of one of the best and and study. At the breaking out of the war, he en

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,

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most complete cotton-gins and mills in the parish. listed in Company F, Sixteenth Missouri Infantry He bas one of the Winship gins and presses, a gin Volunteers, and was assigned to the Trans-Missis- celebrated in the South among the best planters. sippi Department, under Gen. M. M. Parsons, Mr. Hiser has gotten up a plan, and patent apSecond Brigade, Confederate States army. He plied for, of a cotton-tramping machine, which is was in the following engagements: Pleasant Hill, the most complete machine of its kind ever inCamden, Saline, etc. For three years he fought vented before. It takes the place of a man as a bravely in defense of the Confederacy, and wore “tramper,” and is pronounced a signal success by the gray in honor to himself and the cause for all who see it. The full plant is valued at about which he took up arms. At the age of twenty $2,000. Mr. Hiser is known all over the parish as

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$ years he entered the arena of life as a machinist, a machinist, and has set up all kinds of machinery with very little means, and spent a portion of his in different localities. life in Missouri. After the war he emigrated to Francis G. Hulse is a gentleman who has spent Louisiana, and as he is a natural machinist and the greater part of his life in this and Claiborne thoroughly at home with all machines, he has been Parishes, his birth occurring in the latter, in Sep

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, connected with this interest ever since, until about tember, 1859, being the third of five sons born to six years ago, when he opened up business in Arca- his parents, the eldest member of the family being dia, making a success in detail of it. Mr. Hiser John E., who is an attorney of Homer, and is marselected as his life companion Miss Sarah Jane C. ried to Miss Ella Dollard; Birdsey, a traveling man, Sutton, whom he wedded on December 24, 1868. representing the Farmers & Merchant's Bank, of She was born in 1852, and educated in the common Shreveport, La., comes next, then the subject of schools of Louisiana. Her father, S. P. Sutton, this sketch, and following him is Sidney T., a cotwas born in Mississippi, and was an attorney and ton planter, residing near Athens, La., and Charles teacher by profession. He is now deceased. The Edgar, who died at the age of seven years. Milton mother, Lucinda (Stewart) Sutton, is living, and is Hulse, their father, was born in York State, in about sixty-five years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. 1812, and the most of his life, until the opening of Hiser were born eight children: Jay T. (is a the Rebellion, was spent as a teacher, the remainfarmer and resides with his parents), James F. (is der of his days being given to farming. He was also a farmer), Walter L. (is following the same married to Miss Mary A. Davidson, a native of pursuit), George S. (died at the age of nine South Carolina, and both are still living, worthy months), Lucinda E., Carl J., Mary C. and John. and honored people. The early educational trainMr. Hiser is a stanch Democrat of the Jacksonian ing of Francis G. Hulse was received in the home school, but does not take an active part in poli- circle, after which he entered the public schools, at tics. He has aimed to keep out of politics, and, a later period taking an academic course at Athens, being a practical man, he can not afford to lose his La., where he improved his opportunities to the time for small offices. He has been one of the utmost, and became well fitted for the practical

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a

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life he has led. After he had attained his majority being: Dr. John (who is married and a practicing he began making his own way in the world, as a physician of Columbia, Ky.), Dr. R. E. (who, beschool teacher, his wages being spent in attending sides being a practicing physician of Natchitoches, school, and until he attained his twenty-fifth year La., is an extensive cotton planter), and R. L. (who he alternately taught and went to school in Texas. / resides in Bienville Parish, La., a cotton planter). He then became a disciple of Blackstone, and after The father of these children was also engaged in some study, was admitted to the State bar, and for cotton planting, and he, as well as their mother, two years was an active practitioner of law. He is now deceased. James Hardy Ja son obtained then came to Claiborne Parish, La., and later early schooling in Kentucky, and at the age of moved to Arcadia, where he established the Arcadia twenty-one years he became a salesmen, at which Herald, a bright, unique and creditable paper, well time he possessed not a dollar.

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time he possessed not a dollar. He, however, was calculated to benefit and please his subscribers. a young man of a very energetic temperament, The editorial policy of the paper could not be in and, being very persevering, he at last began to better hands, and the entire tone of the paper

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is surmount the difficulties in his way, and to gain a moral and pure.

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The first copy of the Herald was foothold on the ladder of success. Upon the openissued with a circulation of only 100, this being ing of the war he enlisted in the Twelfth LouisDecember 11, 1889, but in less than one year it iana Volunteer Infantry and was assigned to the has increased to 600, which is commendable to the Army of Tennessee, wearing the gray with bonor

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, enterprise and push of Mr. Hulse. He has at all to himself, his family and friends. During the war times furthered the interests of the Democratic he was twice promoted for personal bravery, once to party to the best of his ability, and his first presi- the position of sergeant-major, then to adjutant. dential vote was cast for Gen. Winfield S. Hancock. He served throughout the war and was disbanded He has always had the interests of the section in with his company at Bentonville, N. C., immediately which he lives at heart, and is a devout believer in returning home. His marriage, which occurred on Christianity and an earnest member of the Presby. October 25, 1866, was to Miss Lucy Madden, a terian Church. In March, 1897, he was married native of Louisiana, and unto them five children to Miss Mary Riley, a native of Texas, who re. have been born: Willie Rutland (who died at the ceived a high-school education, but after a very untimely age of fourteen years, was an intelligent short and happy married life, Mrs. Hulse was called and promising lad, and is now sleeping his last to her long home, and is now sleeping her last sleep in Arcadia Cemetery), Henrietta (passed sleep in the cemetery at Canton, Tex. Mr. Hulse from life at the age of eleven years), Luella (died is sole manager and proprietor of the Arcadia Her- when seven years of age), and Luda (who now reald, and has already made it creditable to Bien- sides with her mother on the old homestead; ville Parish and to himself. Here, where his she is an intelligent and accomplished young lady, business interests are centered, he expects to and will graduate from the Arcadia Female Colmake his future abiding place, where he is held in lege in 1891, after which she will continue her high esteem by his many friends and patrons.

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studies in some Eastern college). The youngest James Hardy Jackson (deceased). In many

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member of the family is Lessie Rush, now six respects the life of Mr. Jackson was an eventful years of age. Mr. Jackson was always a one and fully demonstrated how much may be ac- Democrat, but never neglected his business for complished and acquired under the most unfavorable politics. He was president of the police jury of circumstances.

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He had long been connected with Caldwell Parish, and was a member of the I. O. O. the mercantile interests of Arcadia, and at the time

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F. at Columbia, La. He was, as is his wife, an of his death was one of its leading merchants. ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church He was born in Feliciana, Grayson County, Ky., South, and always assisted in Sunday-school

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, February 28, 1833, his three surviving brothers work. He departed this life January 16, 1889,

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warm

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and is now resting beside his children in Arcadia Church since the age of eighteen years. He is now Cemetery, where a handsome monument marks eighty-nine years of age, and is a man of remark- his last resting place, erected to his memory by able energy and fortitude. When eighty-seven his sorrowing widow. His death was regarded as years of age he paid a visit to his son in Louisiana. a calamity to this region, for he had always been The maternal grandfather of our subject was a very public spirited and had resided here for a Baptist minister and a brother of the famons Rev. number of years. He possessed many of the car- Jesse Mercer, who is the reputed founder of the dinal virtues, among which may be mentioned un- Missionary Baptist Church, after the division of swerving honesty, kindness of heart and liberality, the Baptist Church. Rev. Jesse Mercer was also He was a faithful and affectionate husband and the founder of the Pennfield Institute, now in Ma- father, and his memory will long be held in grate con, Ga. The mother of our subject died when ful remembrance in social as well as business cir. abont forty years of age.

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Rev. Joseph H. Jordon cles. She resides in a typical Southern home, received his rudimentary education in the common and dispenses hospitality with a liberal band to schools, and finished his literary course in Brown her numerous friends in this section, her house Wood Institute, at La Grange, Ga. He was mar- being always open to the unfortunate, also to whom ried when eighteen years of age to Miss Louisa she gives liberally of her means. She controls a Hall, a native of Georgia, born in October, 1836. large mercantile establishment in Arcadia and has She was educated in the Montgomery Female Col- shown herself to be an intelligent business woman. lege, at La Grange, Ga. They were married No-

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Rev. Joseph Henry Jordan, minister, Arcadia, vember 11, 1851, and their union has resulted in La. Mr. Jordan, a representative man of the the birth of seven children-three sons and four county, has done much good in the world, adminis- daughters: Eugenia (resides in Arcadia, and is the tering to the spirital wants of his fellow-man, and wife of Dr. W. M. Baker, see sketch), Joseph by living a life of such constancy and purity as has Homer (resides in Shreveport, La., and is engaged not failed to have its effect on the rising genera- in a clothing and gent's furnishing store; he mar- tion, He is a native of Georgia, born September ried a Miss Bouquin, of Shreveport), Rebecca (re- 17, 1833, near the home of the renowned Alexan- sides in Arcadia, La., and is the wife of W. H. Ell- der Stephens, of historic fame. He was the fifth ington, general salesman), Hattie (resides also in

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( of seven children-four sons and three daughters--- Arcadia, and is the wife of Thomas Whitehead, born to John Wesley and Mabala Mathews (Mer- who is in the livery business), John Wesley (re- cer) Jordan, both natives of Georgia, and born in sides in Shreveport, La., and is engaged with his 1800 and 1805, respectively. The children are brother, Joseph Homer), Robert C. (resides in Ar- named in the order of their births: Thomas (died cadia, and is a salesman and book-keeper; he is a

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a at the age of thirty-seven years,

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from exposure

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dur- graduate of Atlanta (Ga.) Commercial College) and the war; he was a clergyman and a member of the Madgie (attending a female college). Rev. Jordan Georgia conference), Elizabeth (resided in Georgia, enlisted as private in the “Claiborne Invincibles,' " and died when she was about fifty-six years of age), in 1861, and was sent by the governor to Camp Frances (resides in Georgia, and is the wife Moore, where they were assigned to the Seven- of G. C. Edwards, who is now judge of the inferior teenth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, under Col. court of Georgia), George (who died at the age of S. S. Heard. His regiment was assigned to the three years), Joseph Henry, J. W. (who resides in Army of Tennessee. Very soon after the organ- Atlanta, Ga., and is a clergyman in the Meth- ization of the regiment, Rev. Jordan was appointed odist Episcopal Church of that city), and Susan (de- as chaplain of the regiment, direct from the private ceased). The father of these children has spent ranks. He was in the battle of Shiloh, Baker's his entire life as an agriculturist, and has been a Creek, and finally at the great siege of Vicksburg, consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal where his services ceased. He then returned home

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to resume his ministerial work. Shortly after his Thomas Jefferson and Catherine A. (Alabama) marriage Rev. Jordan engaged as an agriculturist, King. The father was a native of Alabama, and and continued this occupation to some extent until was a farmer by occupation. He died in 1862. five years ago. He took great interest in the or

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The mother is still living, and is sixty years of age. ganization of the Farmer's Grange, and was elect- William L. King received a good practical educaed overseer of the first State Grange, second officer tion, principally the result of his own efforts, and of the Grange. He was licensed to preach in 1856, when fifteen years of age started out for himself and was expecting to bave joined the Georgia con- as an agricnlturist. This pursuit he followed for ference, but owing to the conference being full he about ten years, and in December, 1875, he secame to the West, where there was a large and vir- lected as his companion in life Miss Julia Baker, a gin field. Abont the time he was to unite with the native of Louisiana, born in 1855, and a graduate Louisiana conference, the war broke out, and he of Mount Lebanon College. The result of this was among the first of the brave boys who wore the union was the birth of three intelligent children: gray with honor to themselves and the cause they Ella (aged thirteen, and attending the Mount Lebadvocated, who went to the front as already nar- anon College), Floyd (nine years of age, also atrated. Rev. Jordan, in his political belief, has affili- tending college), and Willie D. (aged two years). ated with the Democratic party, and cast his first Politically, Mr. King is a strong adherent of the presidential vote for Millard Fillmore. He is not Democratic principles, and is a man whose word is radical in his views, but exercises his franchise for as good as his bond. He is a successful business principle and right at all times and in all places. man, and has a large trade, all the result of the During the year 1887 he was elected mayor of Ar- honesty and uprightness of his business relations. cadia, on the strong grounds he took against the He and Mrs. King are respectors of all religious whisky faction, or element, or rather in keeping teachings, and are in favor of all methods and the city a clean temperance town. Rev. Jordan is principles which elevate the rising generation. Mr. treasurer of the board of trustees of the Arcadia King is sole proprietor of the large general store Male and Female College, and he is a gentleman in Mount Lebanon, La., and carries a stock of who has aimed to perform his duties at all times to goods complete in detail.

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goods complete in detail. He does a yearly busithe best interests of his school, and should have ness of about $10,000. Mr. King is regarded by the highest commendations given him for his per

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his brother tradesmen and his customers as a man sistency. A man of knowledge, intelligence and whose word can be relied upon at all times. He is principle, he will stand by the schools when they all that much-abused term," a self-made man,'' are of as high a standard as the colleges in Arcadia. can imply, having started with limited means, and Rev. Jordan is a R. A. M. He has been a he is to-day one of the most successful business true disciple of the word of God since he was a men of the town. little boy, and has spent the cream of his life in Davis B. Langford, notary public, Gibsland, the service of his Master, having filled the pulpit Louisiana. Mr. Langford was born in Claiborne since 1861. Mrs. Jordan has also been a constant, Parish, Louisiana, on July 25, 1861, and is the devoted Christian, and their united help in the re- youngest of four children, who are named as folligious work has been felt in all localities of which lows: Samael B. (resides in Claiborne Parish and they have been residents. They are now residing is an agriculturist and a manufacturer of and at Arcadia, La., where they are surrounded by dealer in lumber; he is married), Josiah W. (retheir loving children and many warm friends.

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sides in Gibsland, La., is married, and is a jeweler William L. King, postmaster and merchant of by trade), William H. (resides in Gibsland, La., is Mount Lebanon, was originally from Alabama, his married, and is an agriculturist by occupation), and birth occurring on October 10, 1852, and is the Davis B. (the subject of the present sketch, is unfourth of six children, five now living, born to married). The father of these children, Elhannon

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Hamilton Langford, was born in South Carolina on large and increasing business.

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He has always March 27, 1820, and is a retired physician and sur- been a Democrat in politics, and has not been an geon. He is a resident of Gibsland, La., and is ultra partisan. He is at present, as stated above, hale and hearty. The mother, whose maiden name notary public for Bienville Parish, and although was Sarah C. Hutchings, was a native of the Old he has been tendered other positions, municipal and Dominion (Virginia), and was born October 1, 1821, parochial, he has modestly declined them. Mr. and died at Gibsland, La., August 10, 1888. The Langford is a devout member of the Missionary father received his medical education in Macon, Ga., | Baptist Church of Gibsland, Louisiana. He is a and graduated at the Southern Botanico-Medical young man of sound religious convictions, which College in that city in 1819. He followed bis pro- are cardinal virtues in any man, be he young or fession for about twelve years, after which time he old. He is intimately connected with the Baptist was engaged in agricultural pursuits and milling Sabbath-school, and has been secretary of the same until the past ten years. Davis B. Langford re- for the past two years.

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Mr. Langford expects to ceived his early education in the common schools of make Gibsland his future home, for all his inter- Louisiana, and by his own application obtained a ests are centered here, and he is surrounded by practical education, which fitted him for the life

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warm friends. He is a member of the Louisiana he has led up to the present time. He commenced Press Association, and is a journalist of merit, be- life for himself at the age of twenty one years as ing well known by the versatile articles which a merchant in Gibsland in 1883, and with moder- have, from time to time, been contributed from his ate means and no outside aid, he has been fairly pen. Mr. Langford is an ardent admirer of all good successful. He remained engaged in merchandis- educational institutions, and bas aided, as much as ing for about two years and then relinquished his possible, in the furtherance of all projects to assist mercantile pursuits to engage in general collecting the cause of education. and buying, improving and selling real estate. He James A. Mays, farmer, Sparta, La.

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Mr. was appointed by Gov. S. D. McEnery notary Mays is one of the esteemed and bighly respected public for the parish of Bienville on November 24, citizens of Bienville Parish, of which he has been 1884, and this position he still fills, baving been a resident for forty years, and during that time his recommissioned by the present Gov. F. T. Nicholls. name has been above reproach. He was born in Mr. Langford, prior to attaining his majority, and Georgia on May 30, 1814, and was the twelfth in a before removing to Gibsland, read law under family of thirteen children, of whom there are Judge John Young and Hon. J. W. Holbert, both only three now living, he being the eldest of those: eminent jurists in Homer, La., remaining under Miranda (resides in Natchitoches Parish, La., and this firm's espionage and care as a law student for was the wife of Hon. W. S. Crockrell, deceased, about two years, and he also read law by himself who was a planter and who represented his parish for some time, but never applied for admission to one term in the Legislature), Martha (resides in the bar. He practiced with unusual success in the Natchitoches Parish, and is the wife of E. P. Har- justice courts four years, and it might here be

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iis, an agriculturist). The father of this family, mentioned that Mr. Langford is a self-made man, William C. Mays, was born in Georgia, but when and one who has educated himself. He is well grown moved to Bienville Parish, La., and was posted in surveying, has read Latin and is possessed treasurer of the same for some time. He was a of a fund of general knowledge. He keeps well planter by occupation and died at the age of posted upon all the business topics of the day, and

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eighty-three years.

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The mother, Elizabeth (Willis a gentleman who is enterprising, energetic and iamson) Mays, was also a native of Georgia. She pushing. He has the full confidence of his patrons, died at the age of fifty-eight years. James A. and since he began his mercantile career, which, Mays materially aided a common-school education business he resumed two years since, he has had a by diligently applying himself to his books during

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his leisure time, and thus fitted himself for the the elder child being Sarah E., the wife of R. duties of active life. He started for himself by Holmes, a grocer, of Jeffersonville, Ind. Their donning a suit of "gray,'' and enlisting in the com- father was born in Kentucky, in 1811, being a pany, “Claiborne Invincibles," and was assigned general merchant by occupation, and although he to the Seventeenth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, has attained to the advanced age of seventy-nine under the supervision of Col. Heard. They were years, he yet enjoys quite good health. His wife sent to Camp Moore, and from there to Corinth. was a Virginian, and is deceased. Capt. William He participated in the following battles: Shiloh, A. Miller attended school in the primitive structPort Gibson (where he was wounded in the right ures of the Hoosier State, but afterward became a arm and disabled for a short time), siege of Vicks- student at Jeffersonville and Leavenworth, finally burg (lasting forty-eight days, and where the taking a higher course at Robinson Academy, near regiment was surrendered). Mr. Mays was in con- Nashville, Tenn., where he obtained a good, practistant service during the four years he was in the cal education by his own hard study and applicaarmy, except a short time while wounded, and was a tion, He has always been a warm friend of edufaithful and loyal soldier. On September 19, 1863, cation, and gives generously of his means in the he was united in marriage to Miss Willie A. Pearse, support of enterprises of that nature. When twenty

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. a native of Arkansas, born in 1816, and a graduate years of age he began merchandising for himself,

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a of Minden College.

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To them were born twelve in Morehouse Parish, La., but at that time his children, nine of whom are now living: Lizzie G. capital was very small, but notwithstanding this (resides in Sparta, and is the wife of Dr. W. F. fact, he kept diligently to work, and at the end of Beatty), F. M. (married and is a planter of Bien- two years had accumulated some money. Upon ville Parish), Henry R. (superintendent of a plan the opening of the Rebellion, he gave up this work, tation in Natchitoches Parish, La.), William C. to join the Morehouse Stars, which was 120 strong, (at home), Jim Fritz, Annie G., Drew (a daugh- and this company was attached to the Twelfth ter), Gus (a daughter), and George Monk (also a Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, and was assigned daughter). In his political views Mr. Mays is to the Army of Tennessee. The first brigade general strictly Democratic, and has been identified with was Villepigne, who was killed, then Col. Scott, the interests of his parish in every particular. who was afterward promoted to brigadier general. He held the position of tax collector for some Mr. Miller was in the following engagements: time. Socially he is a R. A. M. He is the owner Baker's Creek, the two weeks' engagement around of considerable real estate in Webster Parish, La., Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Port Hudson, Resaca, and is respected and liked in bis own parish. He Dalton, New Hope, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, is held on a high plane of excellence by all in the Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. Capt. parish, and here he expects to pass the remainder Miller entered the ranks as a private, but was first of his days. Mrs. Mays is a worthy member of the promoted to orderly sergeant, serving as such fourMethodist Episcopal Church South.

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teen months, next to second lieutenant. During William Austin Miller. In any worthy history his service, he received not the slightest wound, of this parish, the name that heads this sketch will and was never taken prisoner. His company was always be given an enviable place among its lead- disbanded at Greensboro, N. C., and returned to ing citizens and its self-made men. He is the sole Louisiana. In 1861 he was married to Miss Sallie proprietor of the cotton warehouse in Arcadia, and P. Thomas, a native of South Carolina, their marhas been for the past five and one-half years, being riage taking place April 3. She was educated in otherwise interested in the enterprises which go to

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Judson Institute, Marion, Ala., and two children make the flourishing little city of Arcadia what it blessed her union with Capt. Miller: G. B. (who is. He was born in Indiana, May 3, 1839, being died at the age of two years), and Mary E. (who the younger of two children born to his parents, resides with her father, and is attending the Ar

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cadia Female College). The Captain has always cine, reading under the renowned practitioner Dr. been a Democrat, and Hon. John Bell, of Ten- J. A. Kelley for two years. He then entered the nessee, received his first vote for the presidency medical department of the University of South

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. He is a Master Mason, a member of the K. of P., Carolina, this being in 1819, and from this famous and also belongs to the A. L. of H. He and his school of learning and medicine was graduated in wife are ardent members of the Missionary Baptist March, 1851 in a class of about 350. He at once Church at Arcadia, and do all in their power to commenced practicing at Sylacanga, Ala., in which assist worthy enterprises. Capt. Miller is a land place be remained from 1851 to 1866, coming at owner in Florida, as well as in Louisiana, and bas the end of that time to Bienville Parish, La., and a neat, comfortable and pleasant residence in the in this place has resided to the present day. He southwestern part of Arcadia. For years he was was married to Miss E. J. Oden, a native of clerk and captain on a steamboat, on the Ouachita Georgia, but reared in Alabama, her education River and Bayou Bartholomew, and is now vice being received in Talladega Institute where she president of the Arcadia State Bank, an enterpris- was given a most thorough education. Their ing establishment, just inaugurated under very union was consummated March 25, 1852, and unto favorable auspices, with a full corps of able and them five children were born: William Henry efficient officers, with a paid-in capital of $30,000. (who graduated from the Pharmaceutical College of

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Dr. William C. Patterson is well known to the the University of Louisville, Ky., and is now a people of this and adjoining parishes, not only in practical as well as theoretical pharmacist of Dal- his professional capacity, but socially also. He las, Tex.), Otis Manley (graduated from a medical is a native of the Old North State, born Novem- college of Memphis, Tenn., and is now a practic- ber 12, 1824, and was one of a family of five chil- ing physician and surgeon of Arcadia, La.; he dren, three of whom lived to maturity: Himself, was married to Miss Sallie Dorman, of Louisiana, Eliza Ann (widow of Mr. Leverette (deceased) and by her had two little children), George A. (is a and is now residing in Rusk County, Tex.), and well educated and successful pharmacist of Arca- John Wetherspoon (who died when about forty- dia), Boyd Graves (lives with his parents and is an five years of age, baving been an agriculturist in attendant of the E. A. Seminary of Arcadia), and Clay County, Ala.). Their father was also a North Virginia Kate (who was taken sick while at col- Carolinian, and when Dr. Patterson was about lege at Lexington, Ky., and died at the age of seven years of age, he died, having followed the eighteen years).

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eighteen years). At the opening of the war Dr. occupation of cotton planting. His wife was also Patterson organized Company A, Thirtieth Alaborn in that State, and was a sister of Hon. L. bama Infantry Volunteers, comprising 100 men, Bethune, she, as well as her husband, being of

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and was assigned to duty under Col. C. M. Sheldirect Scotch descent, both now deceased. They

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They ley and Gen. Barton in the Army of Tennessee. were educated in the old log-cabin schools. The The Doctor was soon after detached as acting sur- Doctor was also educated in the primitive schools geon of the hospital at Talladega and during this of his native State, later taking a general course time there were about seventy prominent Federal in the High School Brownwood Institute in Ala- officers sent there. He was at Cumberland Gap, bama, which was under the guidance of Profs. Richmond, Ky., Frankfort, Perryville, back to Taylor and McKinnon. He took a course in lan- Cumberland Gap, and from there to Vicksburg, guages, and during his school years was otherwise where he remained for some six months, the army well fitted to enter upon the duties of active life. being quarantined against smallpox. He was next Although his youthful days were spent at farm in the engagements at Warrenton, Port Gibson and labor, he began the battle of life for himself at the Champion's Hill, the Doctor being wounded in both age of twenty-five years, and the following years legs in the last named engagement, his left leg being

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, turned his whole attention to the study of medi- broken. His life was here saved by the kindness

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un

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of a Federal officer of an Iowa regiment. He was an education in the common schools, then attended taken in an ambulance to the Federal hospital by the University of Charlottsville, Va., for about two this officer, who was a brother Mason, forty-eight years, but on account of failing health he left that hours before any of the other wounded soldiers institution and entered the college at Tuscaloosa, were cared for. The Doctor has always gratefully Ala., finally graduating from the law department. remembered this kind act, and although they ex- He was a gentleman whose parents were very changed names and addresses the Doctor wealthy, and he received that culture and refinefortunately lost the address of his benefactor and ment obligatory on the part of a Southern gentle. has never heard of him since, and does not know man's son.

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Gov. Pearce was one of the most dewhether he survived the horrors of warfare or was termined, energetic, and progressive men of his afterward killed. He remained in the Deaf and age, and was looked upon as one who would stand Dumb Hospital until he was able to be removed most prominent in the annals of his country's home, and this ended his career as an officer of the history. He commenced life as a finely equipped Confederate army. He has always been a Democrat attorney at law at Wetumpka, Ala., in the year in principal and precept and cast his first vote for 1840, and on July 21, 1842, he was united in Franklin Pierce. He lost his first wife in 1879, marriage to Miss Anne H. Hall, a native of Alaand she now sleeps in the Arcadia Cemetery, hav. bama, born on July 11, 1823. Mrs. Pearce had ing been an earnest member of the Baptist Church received a finished education in the female acadthroughout life. The Doctor remained a widower emy at Montgomery, Ala., but previously had until 1883, at which time he married Miss N. V:

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been educated under a governess.

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The result of Aswell, a native of Louisiana. He is a consistent this union was the birth of six children-two sons and earnest member of the Baptist Church, and and four daughters: Sarah H. (resides near Bienas he has numerous and warm friends throughout ville and is the wife of H. M. King, who is a cotthis region and has a paying business, he expects ton planter), Mary Ann (resides in Bienville, and to pass the rest of his days here.

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is the wife of Dr. S. B. Du Bose, a practicing Lieut. -Gov. Benjamin Wiley Pearce (deceased). physician and surgeon), William J. (is married On October 8, 1870, there died at his residence in and resides in Shelby County, Tex., where he is Bienville Parish, Lieut.-Gov. Benjamin W. Pearce, engaged as a planter), Julia (died in infancy), a man possessed of a noble, generous heart, and Kate T. (resides in Sparta, La., and on April 3, whose deeds of heroism, generosity and manly 1873, she was married to B. P. Edwarils, an attorfortitude will ever live in the minds of his coun- ney at law and one of the legal lights of the trymen. He was originally from Georgia, his parish; he is a graduate of Bethel College, Rusbirth occurring on December 15, 1816, and was sellville, Ky.), and Stephen D. (married and resides the eldest of five children-three sons and two in Ruston, La.), the latter is a thoroughly educated daughters, of whom only two are now living. gentleman, an attorney at law, and is a journalist The children were named in the order of their of note. Gov. Pearce organized Company C, births as follows: Gov. Pearce (deceased), Mary | Ninth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, during the Ann (resides in Auburn, Ala., and was married Rebellion, and was appointed captain of the same. the last time to Mr. Whitman, a Baptist preacher), This was ordered first to Camp Moore, from there William A. (was an agriculturist and died when to Virginia, arriving a few days after the battle about thirty years of age), Julia (deceased), and of Bull Run, but Gov. Pearce's health gave out John L. (who is engaged in agricultural pursuits finally, and he was honorably discharged, return

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, near Arcadia, La.). The parents of these chil. ing home to serve his country in other directions. dren were natives of Georgia, and were educated He was an enthusiastic, energetic, liberty-loving in the old common schools. The father was a patriot who loved his country and his people, and farmer. Gov. Pearce received the rudiments of who did all in his power to further the interests of

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all. He was a stalwart and stanch Democrat of three daughters –whose names are as follows: Mark the true type and an active politician, aiming to Harwell (a book-keeper of Knoxville, and a graduate use his influence for measures most prominent for of the University of Alabama), Francis Watkins, the good of his country. He and family moved to John H. (who is a resident of Wilcox County, Ala., Arkansas in 1814, settled in Ouachita County, and and is a student in the University of Alabama, bethere remained for four years. Gov, Pearce be- ing first captain in the military department, which came identified with his county as representative is a school of high rank; he took the first Shaksto the State Legislature, and was one of the prom- peare prize, as did also his brother, Mark H., and inent pushers in the woman's rights bill in regard to the Anglo Saxon prize), Albert Julian, McDaniel, the rights of property. He remained in Arkansas Pauline (deceased), Maida and Laura. The younguntil 1818, moved from there a short time after- er members of this family given after John H. ward to Franklin Parish, La., thence to Alabama, are attending the schools of Marion, the boys bewhere he resided three years, and then in 1851, ing in the public schools, and the girls in the fe

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. came to Bienville Parish, settling near the present male seminary of that place. The father of these site of Bienville, where he was engaged as an ag- children was a Virginian, born in 1813, his vocariculturist, ginner and miller.

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Gov. Pearce repre

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tion throughout life being that of a cotton planter. sented Bienville Parish in the Legislature for He is a finely educated gentleman, having been many years, and afterward served as State Senator graduated from the University of Alabama in his of Louisiana. In 1862 or 1863 he was elected to early manhood, and has always been a believer in the high and exalted position of lieutenant-gov- and a supporter of the principles of education, ernor of Louisiana, which was the last office he the advantages which he has given bis children held previous to his death. Success is the best testifying to this fact. His wife, who was formerly test of merit in this life. As has been seen, Gov. Miss Laura Jones, whose parents were Virginians, Pearce has been one of the foremost men of his was born in Alabama, and was a graduate of the day in Louisiana, and he was tendered and asked Marion Female Seminary, and an accomplished by the people of his State to accept the guberna- and intelligent lady. She passed from life in 1885. torial chair of Louisiana, also tendered the posi- Prof. Pettway received his early education under tion of United States Senator of that State. He private tutors. Prof. Julien Legare, who was a was in independent circumstances before the war, member of the distinguished South Carolina family but lost aloost his entire fortune during that being among the number, also Miss Sallie Maxey, eventful period, and had to start from the begin- now Mrs. Sarah Esker, who is the present secretary ning again. In his death Louisiana lust one of of the W. C. T. U. of Alabama, and a lady of culther most prominent men, and Bienville Parish an ure, intelligence and fine executive ability. From excellent and much esteemed citizen. He lived her Prof. Pettway received his impetus to perfect and died a sincere, active and consistent member himself in the science of mathematics. In 1885 of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, with he entered the freshman class of the State Univerwhich he had been connected for over forty years, sity of Alabama, and while in that institution carand was a great Sunday school worker.

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ഀ Mrs.

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ried away the honor of first captain and adjutant Pearce, who still survives her husband, has also of the military department, and was appointed by been a member of the same church for forty years, the university faculty as orator of the Peithonian and is a typical Southern lady, genial, cordial and Society, and was also one of the nine orators selected hospitable. She is held in the highest regard by to represent the university at commencement. He her many friends and neighbors.

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was one of the leaders of his class, and as above Prof. Francis Watkins Pettway of Arcadia, La., stated was graduated with the highest honors. was born in Wilcox County, Ala, November 2, During his junior year it is but just to mention 1868, the second of eight children- five sons and that he was appointed to the first position in the

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a

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military ranks of his class, which numbered forty. his future calling in life, but whether it be of an five members. Upon his immediate graduation he agricultural, professional or commercial nature a entered the National Normal University of Lebanon, bright future is predicted for him by all. In conOhio, and took a commercial course of three months, sideration of his services as commandant of A. C. carrying away his diploma in book-keeping. He C. the title of major was conferred upon him at then at once entered upon his duties as professor the commencement of 1889. of mathematics and business in the Arcadia Male Madison Perritt, cotton planter, miller and and Female College, this being in the year 1889. ginner, was formerly a well known and respected He now fills the chair of mathematics and science resident of Claiborne Parish, but he is now a perin the Male College of Arcadia, a position he has manent resident of Bienville Parish, La., and one held since it adopted its present name in 1890, he of its best citizens, He was born in Alabama on being the able assistant of Prof. R. A. Smith, the February 18, 1838, and his educational facilities

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, president. Prof. Pettway is a gentleman of rare were the common schools where he received a scholastic ability and one rarely meets with a young practical education, which he afterward improved man who

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possesses such an extended and complete by his own observation and study. He started knowledge on all questions as he. He has made out for himself when he donned his suit of his own way in life since he was twenty years of gray and shouldered his musket, enlisting in age, and has found that he is perfectly capable of Company B, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry Vol. carving out a career for bimself. Like his father unteers, Scott's brigade, Loring's division, Stuart's before him, he is a Democrat in politics, and bas corps, Army of Tennessee.

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Mr. Perritt enlisted taken considerable interest in the local issue of in the spring of 1862, and was sent at once to this parish. His first vote was cast against the Grenada, Miss. He took an active part in the Louisiana State Lottery. He is an honored mem- following engagements: Second battle of Corber of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, national inth, siege of Port Hudson (two weeks) Resaca, secret organization of the leading universities of Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain, and all around the city the United States. After finishing his labors in of Atlanta, Ga. He was in heavy fighting for the college at Arcadia La , in 1890, he made a about three months, and can relate many interesttour of all the principal eastern cities, and through ing anecdotes which occurred while he served the Canada, thence to Glenn's Falls, near Saratoga, Confederacy. His trials and vicissitudes during N. Y., where he received general instruction under

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this war

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were very terrible indeed. Time and Prof. White of Cincinnati, who is a great and noted time again has he made long weary marches when psychologist, author and writer, and under Dr. Met- his bare feet were on the ground and left the prints calf, superintendent of the schools of Boston, and in blood. When he finished the terrible Georgia Dr. Woodhull, superintendent of the schools of campaign his regiment was ordered into Tennessee, , New York City, these gentlemen being all well and the first incident of note was the capture of known educators. He also took a special course 300 “Yanks,” at Ackmoth and 150 more at Tilden. of instruction in the school of elocution under Dr. Mr. Perritt relates many amusing incidents which Butterfield, the renowned preceptor and professor occurred at the battle of Nashville. It being his of the Boston School of Oratory and Dartmouth | first introduction to that city, and relates thein in College. Prof. Pettway is a close student at all ! such an interesting way that it is a great treat to times, and his favorite study is the higher mathe- listen to him. From Nashville they were ordered matics. He is a gentleman who is thoroughly posted

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back to North Carolina, and the last engagement on all literary subjects, and although he has seen be participated in was at Bentonville, of that

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, only twenty-two summers he possesses brilliant at- State. Mr. Perritt has experienced the terrible tainments, and is one on whom honors will be rapid- ordeal of war in all its phases. When in Missisly conferred. He is as yet undecided what will be sippi he was fifer of his regiment, and still has bis

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1

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of age.

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old army fife. His regiment was disbanded at a farmer), Delia (resides in Lincoln Parish, and is Greensboro, N. C., on April 26, 1865, and when the widow of John G. Minten, William (married the news reached him of the surrender he was under and resides in Claiborne Parish, where he is engaged detail as assistant surgeon. Returning home after in farming), Lang L. (married and resides in Clai- the surrender he embarked in agricultural pursuits, borne Parish, and is a farmer by occupation), and and was married on January 23, 1867, to Miss Julia (resides in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of Amanda Brewer, a native of Louisiana, born on T. Johnson, a farmer). June 9, 1847, and educated in the common schools, James Raborn, cotton planter, Arcadia, La. Mr. receiving besides a course of instruction in the Raborn, an energetic and worthy citizen of Bien- seminary at Arcadia. Seven children were born ville Parish, and one of the representative planters to this marriage-five sons and two daughters: in the community, was originally from Mississippi, William T. (resides in Bienville Parish, is mar- being born on December 20, 1811. His parents, ried, and is an agriculturist,) Mattie D., Allen Sherrod and Sarah (Rippie) Raborn, were natives Drayton (is a farmer and at home), Jobn Clay- of Mississippi and Virginia, respectively, the father ton, Maggie Elizabeth, Gordon Denton and Mad- a planter by vocation. He died at the age of sixty ison Floyd. Mr. Perritt has always advocated the years, but the mother is still living, is a resident principles of Democracy, and although he had the of Bienville Parish, and is now eighty-three years positions of tenure of office offered to him he has

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Of the nine children born to their marwisely and modestly declined. Socially be is a riage, six are now living, and are named in order Master Mason, and is also a menıber of the Farmers' of birth as follows: Leothe (resides in Bienville, Alliance. He as well as his estimable wife are mem- and is the widow of Mr. Derby), Jesse (resides in bers of the Missionary Baptist Church, and are Indian Territory, and is married), James, Emily active workers in the Sabbath-school. They con- (resides in Texas, and is the wife of Mr. Pierce, tribute liberally to all worthy movements. Mr. Per- who is a planter), Nancy (resides in Bienville Parritt is the owner of 240 acres of land, a fine cotton- ish, and is the wife of Mr. Blackwood, a farmer, gin, and grist-mill valued at $1,500. He was a miller and merchant), and Columbus (who is marresident of Claiborne Parish from 1851 to 1889, and ried, and resides in Winn Parish, where he is en. has always been one of the stanch and reliable men of gaged in agricultural pursuits). James Raborn rehis neighborhood, no matter where his lot has been ceived his early education in the country sobools of cast. He is public-spirited, and aims to do all he Louisiana, and when twenty-three years of age he can to further any good movement. He is the started out as an agriculturist. At the breaking eldest of seven children born to William and Jane out of the war he enlisted in Company H, of the (Lloyd) Perritt, the father a native of Jones Bienville Blues, and was assigned to the Ninth County, Ga., born on July 17, 1809, and the Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, under Col. Ranmother of Alabama, born in 1817. The father was dolph. They went to Camp Moore, and from a tiller of the soil, was a participant of the Semi- there they were immediately sent to the front to nole War, and died at the age of seventy-four Richmond, Va. His regiment was in the followyears. The mother is still living, is seventy. ing battles: Fredericksburg, Wilderness, seven three years of age, and is still hale and hearty. days' tight at Richmond, Spottsylvania, CulpepHer mother is also living and is now in her ninety- per Court House, three days' battle at Gettysburg, She resides in Lincoln Parish.

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Our

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and he acted as sharpshooter at the battle of Ansubject is the eldest of the following children: tietam. He was at Sharpsburg, Winchester, and Henry (married and resides in Claiborne Parish, at the latter place was wounded in the shoulder by where he is engaged in cotton planting), Martha a minie-ball, which is now in his possession. He (died at the age of two years), Mary (resides in Lin- was confined in the hospital for about six weeks, coln Parish, and is the wife of William M. Pierce, and when he was convalescent he returned to the

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first year.

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cam

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service. While in the hospital he was almost fam- Arcadia), and Adella, wife of William Lolley, a ished for something nourishing to eat, and under general merchant of Bien ville). The father of this pretext he got out and returned to his com- these children was born in Alabama in 1822, and mand. He was also at the battle of Martinsburg, is still living. He has been a grocer and farmer where 500 of his comrades gave the charging and is now residing in Arcadia. His wife, who “Yauks” (1,500 strong) so hot a reception that was born in Alabama, is also still living, and both they retreated and left the noble 500. Mr. Raborn were educated in the select schools of their native was captured at Petersburg, Va., and was taken to State. John Wesley Roberson was an attendant Point Lookout, where he was confined for about of the common schools during his youth, acquirthree months. He was then paroled and returned ing a good practical education, and at the age of home, where he resumed his former occupation. In seventeen years commenced life for himself as a February, 1865, Mr. Raborn was married to Miss

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planter, but in the following year enlisted in ComMary Gloer, who was born in Georgia on July 9, pany B, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, 1844, and whose parents were both natives of Geor- and was assigned to the Army of Tennessee, being gia. The father was a cotton planter by pursuit, under Gen. Joe E. Johnston and Gen. Baxton and died when still quite a young man, pot being Bragg, and with them participating in the followover thirty-two years of age. The mother, Emma

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The mother, Emma ing engagements: Shiloh, Coffeyville, the (Bostwick) Gloer, is still living, and is seventy-paign from Dalton, Ga., to Atlanta; Jonesboro, three years of age.

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Mr. and Mrs. Raborn are the Franklin and Nashville, where Mr. Roberson was parents of four children: T. (resides with her taken prisoner and sent to Louisville, Ky., thence parents, and was educated in the common schools to Indianapolis, Ind., and from there to Columand at Sparta), J. W. (was a student at Arcadia

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bus, Ohio.

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Later he was taken to Baltimore, Md., College, but is now attending school at Lexington, from there to Point Lookout, Md., and then to Ky.), Lulu May (is fourteen years of age), and Richmond, Va., where he was exchanged. At Clyde (a daughter, is seven years of age). Mr. Richmond he was placed on a paroled furlough Raborn is a stanch Democrat and an active member and was allowed to come west to Selma, Ala., of that party. He is the owner of 360 acres of

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where he remained until the close of the war. land, all the result of hard and honest toil on the He was disbanded sixty miles northeast of Selma part of himself and Mrs. Raborn. They expect to and returned home. During his whole military make Bienville Parish their home for the future, career of four years he was never wounded in the and here, surrounded by their many warm friends, slightest degree and was never sick during the they will pass a happy and contented life. Mrs. entire service. His company, which consisted of

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. Raborn is a member of the Missionary Baptist 104 men, was the first to leave Bienville Parish, Church, and her children are all members of the but only twenty-four of the number returned to Sunday school.

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their homes at the end of the war, which facts John Wesley Roberson has been

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speak volumes as to the dangers and hardships planter by calling for the past twenty-four years, they passed through during one of the most cruel but during the past few years he has also been the wars in the annals of modern history. After the proprietor and manager of a fine livery stable in return of Mr. Roberson he was married to Miss Arcadia. He was born in Shelby County, Ala., Mary Jane Brewer, who was born in Louisiana in October 15, 1843, and is the eldest of the follow- 1844, to John A. and Delilah (Williams) Brewer, ing children: J. W., Mary E. (who died at the her education being received in the common age of eleven years), George W. (who is married schools. Their marriage took place on January and a leading merchant of Arcadia, see bio- 18. 1866, and has resulted in the birth of eight graphy), Martha J. (wife of George Glower, an children: Edgar C. (who is associated with his agriculturist), William (a carpenter and joiner of 1 father in the livery business), Lena (who is fitting

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a cotton

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herself for a music teacher), John Henry and Gor- nership with J. L. Baker, who is now one of his as. die (assisting their father in the livery stable), sociates in business. They commenced operations Hattie, Dallas, Adella (are in Arcadia College), in a wooden structure 30x75 feet, and in 1887 and Mary. Mr. Roberson has always strenuously erected on the former site an excellent and commodupheld the principles of Democracy, and cast his ious brick establishment 33x90 feet, which they are first presidential vote for Horatio Seymour. He now occupying Their trade extends throughout has been a member of the council of Arcadia for the parishes of Bienville, Claiborne, Winn, and five years, in which capacity he is at present serv- some from Lincoln. They are liberal purchasers, ing. He is also a member of the board of educa- and have at all times watched the interests and tion, and for many years has been a member of the wants of their many patrons, and at all times carry Masonic fraternity. He and his wife are devout a full line of prints, domestics, boots and shoes, in members of the Missionary Baptist Church of Ar- fact all kinds of dry goods, besides groceries and cadia, La., and are ardent supporters and workers queensware, and have been engaged in purchasing in the Sunday-school. Mr. Roberson's livery es- considerable cotton. These gentlemen are well tablishment comprises a full line of excellent vehi- known as men of integrity and sterling worth, and cles and horses and is largely patronized by the fully deserve the large patronage which they compublic who are always sure of having their wishes mand. Mr. Roberson was married in May, 1881, promptly attended to. This business is worth to Miss Willie Williamson, who was born in Bienabout $3,000, and besides this he is the owner of ville Parish, La., in 1862, her education being rea handsome and commodious residence in Arcadia. ceived in Mount Lebanon College. They have He and bis wife move in the highest circles of the three daughters: Blanche (aged seven years, an atplace, and are highly honored residents of this tendant of the Arcadia Academy), Leonie (aged five section.

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years) and Georgia (aged three years). Mr. RobGeorge W. Roberson is a leading merchant of erson has always been a Democrat, and has enArcadia, La., and is a brother of John W. Rober- deavored, at all times, to vote for men of principle son, in whose sketch a history of his parents is and bonor, his first presidential vote being cast for given. He was born in Alabama, October 7, 1851, Horace Greeley. He is a member of Arcadia Lodge and received his education in the Male Academy of of the A. F. & A. M., in which he is a Master MaArcadia, La., and afterward completed a full son, and for the past ten years he has been an arcourse in the Soule Business College in the city of dent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church New Orleans. He has always supported and be- South, being one of the stewards in the same. He friended all good educational institutions and prin- is very well fixed, financially, and he and his part

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, ciples, and is a firm believer in the compulsory ed- ner, besides owning the large business building ucation of the rising generation. When he com

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which they occupy, own the Arcadia State Bank menced life for himself, it was at the age of eight- Building, and a valuable vacant lot. Mr. Roberson een years, and at the bottom of the ladder, for all has a pleasant and commodious dwelling house, and that he possessed, in the way of capital, was a pair besides is considerably interested in real estate in of willing hands, an industrious disposition and the parish. He and his wife expect to make Argood business tact, with which to accomplish the cadia their future home, where she is an earnest journey through life. He first became a salesman member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and both in a general store in Arcadia, and afterward fol- are highly esteemed. lowed the same occupation for two years in Corsi- William C. Robinson, M. A., is at present a memcana, Tex., then returned home on account of ill

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ber of the faculty of Mount Lebanon University, health, soon after engaging in business for himself, at Mount Lebanon, La., and holds the chair of

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, on the Ouachita River, at Trenton, but in 1883 es- ancient languages and mathematics. He was born tablished his present business in Arcadia, in part- in the Old Dominion, April 25, 1861, and was sec

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a

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ond of a family of seven children born to Robert except one sister, who still lives in Germany. Mr. H. and Virginia A. (Vaugban) Robinson, both na. Herman F. Scheen was educated in the common tives of Virginia. The father is still living, and is schools, and increased this by hard and studious engaged in farming. The mother received her final application, which has fitted him for the practical summons at the age of forty years. Their children life he is at present leading. When twenty years are named in the order of the births as follows: of

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age

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he started out for himself, as salesman in a Mary (married, and resides in Sussex County, Va.), general store, and although he started with little William C., John R. (resides in Virginia), Annie T. else than an active and fertile brain, and excellent (resides at home), George N. (aged fourteen), Net. business tact and acumen, he has made a complete tie and Alice May (deceased). Prof. Robinson success of life, and is, to day, one of the substanwas educated by private tutors and in the public tial men of the parish. Miss Muggie Lockett, who schools until he was sixteen years of age, after became his wife November 18, 1880, was born in which he taught school until nineteen years of age. Louisiana, and was possessed of a fine classical In 1881 he entered Richmond College, received a education, being a graduate of Ringgold High finished education, and graduated in 1887. The School. To this marriage have been born three course of study was a severe and rigid one, and his children a son and two daughters-only one now rank was high in his scholastic work. As before living, Marie Louise (aged six years). Mr. stated, Prof. Robinson started out for himself as a Scheen lost his wife in 1886, and later, on Febteacher when sixteen years of age, and with no finan- ruary 15, 1887, he was married to Miss Mattie cial aid to assist in his career. He was married De. Gowen, a native of Louisiana, born in 1863, and a cember 24, 1888, to Miss Etta A. Moore, a native of graduate of Arcadia High School. Two children Virginia, born April 18, 1879, a graduate of Hollin's have been born to this union-a son and daughter: Female Institute, Va. Prof. Robinson and wife are Louise Virginia and Freddie Gowen, the former members of the Missionary Baptist Church, in Vir- two years and a half old, and the latter ten months. ginia. The Professor is a ripe scholar, and a gentle. Mr. Scheen is a Simon-pure Democrat, in principle man of great erudition. He expects to devote his en- and precept, has taken an active part in political tire life to teaching, and his version of a true teacher affairs, and has stood firmly upon the principles of is a pure and exalted one. He has received such right and justice. He was chairman of the execua thorough education, that he can be called upon tive committee (Democratic party), from 1884 to to take any department of school work, with credit 1888, and was also president of the police jury for to himself and his college. He has been connected the full term, besides tilling out an unexpired term. with Mount Lebanon University since September, He was postmaster at Sparta for several years, and

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, 1890, and thinks he may possibly remain in Louis- take him all in all, he is one of the useful and proiana as a teacher,

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gressive men of his parish. He is public-spirited, Herman F. Scheen, merchant, Sparta, La. Mr. and aims to do all in his power to advance the inScheen is one of the substantial and leading mer: terests of his people and parish. In his business chants of Sparta, in fact, in Bienville Parish, La., relations his word is as good as his bond, and is and as such, needs no special introduction to the recognized as such.

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. His annual sales amount to residents of the same.

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He has been a resident from $15,000 to $20,000, which demonstrates that merchant of Sparta since 1871, is doing an excel- he is wide awake to his interests, as a shrewd, capalent business, which is constantly on the increase, ble man of business. He is also the owner of a and is a gentleman highly honored and respected large amount of real estate, besides being the owner in the community

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He is a native of Hanover, of property in Sparta. He expects, at the present Germany, was born near the city of Osnabrück, writing, to reside in Bienville Parish, where his Prussia, February 8, 1852, and is the eldest of interests are centered, and where he is held in high seven children, who all reside in the United States, esteem and regard. He is a member of the Cath

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olic, and his wife a member of the Baptist Church. was stricken with typhoid fever, which lasted seven Mr. Scheen has made all he has by strict business weeks, but by the kind treatment of the noble Virprinciples, honesty and integrity.

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ginian women, he recovered and enjoyed the best of Prof. Robert Augustus Smith, the efficient and health the rest of his army life. The following popular president of the E. A. S. Male College, of winter he re-enlisted in the Confederate

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army,

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and Arcadia, La., was born in Houston County, Ga., came home on a furlough, but returned again to January 22, 1841, and in the fall of 1848 was his command in April, 1862. He was elected to brought to Bienville Parish, La., by bis parents, the position of second sergeant, and was transferred Capt. Jesse and Emily Antoinette (Bryan) Smith, with his brigade to Jackson's division, in the Valand in this State has since made his home, having ley of Virginia. In this department he remained, been a resident of Ouachita, Claiborne and Bienville participating in all the marches and engagements Parishes. He was the fourth child and second son of up to the second battle of Manasses, where he rea family of nine daughters and six sons born to ceived a gun-shot wound in the left hand, August his parents, and as his father was a successful 27, 1862, which incapacitated him for duty for planter, he acquired a fair knowledge of that call some time, being in the hospital at Lynchburg, Va. ing in his youth. Prof. Smith received a very lib- He then obtained a transfer to White Sulphur eral education, completing the junior course at the Springs, Va., where he obtained a furlongh, reachMount Lebanon University, but at the age of eight- ing home December 3, 1862, just in time to witeen years entered Centenary College. In the ness the death of his father, who died at 12:15 meantime his father had taken an active interest in o'clock, December 4. After settling up his father's the establishing of Homer College, in the north; estate, and placing a man in charge, the Professor ern portion of the State, and prevailed upon his son crossed the river at Natchez, and joined his comto enter the new institution in 1859, which he did, mand at Hamilton's Cross Roads, Va., in April, remaining there and completed his education on 1863, to join the campaign into Pennsylvania. the eve of the great Civil War between the North At the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, he was and the South. Like the majority of sons, Prof. pierced through the body with a minie-ball, which, Smith imbibed the politics of his father, who was passing into the region of the spine, paralyzed him a conservative man, and in reply to the query

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of for three months. He was taken prisoner and taken his son as to how he stood

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upon the question of se- to David's Island, N. Y., July 20, where he recession, said: “My son, I am for the Union so long mained, receiving the kindest treatment, until he as there is a Union, then I am for my State. was sufficiently recovered to be paroled. He was Again, as to his son enlisting in the army, he said: sent south, to City Point, a paroled soldier, No. “Our country is in war, it is our duty to defend vember 12, 1863, and from there was sent to the her to the last." His parting words to his son, hospital at Macon, Ga. While on parole in Pulaswho enlisted in the Confederate States army, in ki County, Ga., he met Miss Anna Gertrude DunMay, after graduating in April, 1861, were: “My ham, a daughter of Judge J. H. Dunham, a wellson, be a man."

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These words burned into the known educator in the State of Georgia, whom he very soul of Prof. Smith, and sustained him in married November 22, 1866. In February, 1864, danger's darkest hour. In June, 1861, he became

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he was exchanged, but remained on detailed service a member of Company G, "Minden Blues," under till August, 1861, when he was transferred to the Capt. John L. Lewis, as a private, his regiment, the west side of the Mississippi River, where he was enEighth, being under Col. Kelly, and his brigade, ! gaged in attending to the biusiness of his mother, the Second Louisiana, being under Gen. Harry T. and teaching his brothers and sisters and the neighHayes. He was in the first battles of the Potomac bors' children, until the close of the war.

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In the army, Bull Run, July 18, and Manasses, July 21,

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fall of 1866 he returned to Georgia, and was mar1861. Immediately after the last named battle he ried as stated above. Until 1872 he remained on

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women.

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the farm, managing his father's estate and teach- high priest of his chapter. In 1883 he also being school, but March 20 of that year, the old home- came a member of the order A. L. of H. He stead, to which the entire family had become great- has always been conservative in politics, and ly attached, caught fire and was burned to the while he has never taken an active part in the ground, which was an almost total loss. In the management of affairs, he has always been to the fall of 1872, having been selected to take charge of polls and voted for good and true men.

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He is a the Mule College at Mount Lebanon, he gave up strong advocate of temperance, and never fails to farm work and has since devoted his time to teach- cast his vote against the whisky traffic, whenever ing. In 1873 the female school was united with an opportunity presents itself. He is opposed the male, under his presidency, and this he man- to the lottery also, and, in fact, all kinds of gamaged with great success for four years, when he bling, and has never engaged in any game of chance. was elected president of the Trenton Institute, at To himself and wife a tine family of nine chilTrenton, La. After two years he was elected dren have been born, five sons and two daughpresident of Homer Male College his former alma ters of whom are now living, and while there are mater, of which he had control for four years, then no geniuses among them, they are all sound and becoming superintendent of the public schools of well balanced in mind and body, and give every the city of Monroe, La. The next year, 1882, he promise of making useful and substantial men and again had charge of the Trenton Institute, but in

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Their names are: Ione (born July 10, 1883 he moved to Arcadia, and founded a private 1868), an infant son (born and died August 11, institution, which he named and dedicated to the 1870), Claud (born November 7, 1871), Dunham

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, honor of his aged mother, the “E. A. Seminary,”' (born September 27, 1873), Robert (born Decemthe initials representing his mother's first names.

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ber 21, 1875, and died April 20, 1880), Anna (born This institution he maintained under the most try- December 29, 1877), Carter (born June 7, 1880),

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, ing circumstances and bitter opposition from an- Morgan (born October 21, 1882), and Walker (born other school. In 1890 the two schools were united November 23, 1886). The eldest two children are under one management, and he became the presi- preparing themselves for teaching. . The mother dent of the E. A. S. Male College. Nurtured and of these children was the eldest of her parents' trained by God-fearing parents, he grew up a mor- nine children, and as her father was a noted edual and religious man, joining, at the age of four- cator of Georgia, and had been for more than teen years, the Methodist Episcopal Church South, thirty years, she received the care and training of which he has since been a devoted member, tak- that a loving parent would bestow upon his firsting an active part in all church work, especially that born. Her education, literary and musical, was of the Sunday school. Having devoted his life to -.

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liberal and so well grounded that it has always rethe cause of education, he very early became sensi- mained bright, and has enabled her to render valble of the greatness and grandeur of the work in uable aid to her husband in the school-room. Her which he was engaged, and he became fully im- musical attainments have added much to the pleaspressed that an education that stopped short of im- ure and entertainment of her husband and chilmortality was not of the highest kind. Teaching dren, and has wielded a potent influence in cementby example and precept, his success as an educating the ties of affection, and in binding the hearts or has been unprecedented, and now honorable po. of the children to their parents and home. sitions in every department of life are filled by his James L. Stewart cotton planter and farmer, many pupils. Farmers, doctors, lawyers, preachers, Arcadia, La. Mr. Stewart has been a resident of

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. missionaries and teachers bear testimony to his Bienville Parish, La., since 1859, and is recognized ability as an educator. In 1865 he was admitted as one of the stalwart and representative men of to the lodge of Free Masonry, and for six years

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the same. His honesty and integrity have never served as master of his lodge, and three years as

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been doubted, and his genial, social disposition has

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a

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shed its light over many.

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He was born in Jackson with his parents, and is an agriculturist by occuCounty, Florida, the land of flowers, on September pation). . He is well educated in the common 27, 1927. His parents, James and Sarah (Tucker) branches. During the war Mr. Stewart was the Stewart, were natives of South Carolina and only one in his parish who had an independent Georgia, and born in 1795 and 1796, respectively. detail, which was an honorary title, and a position The father was a stock-raiser and an agriculturist, which was an arduous and important one.

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Mr. and lived to be ninety-one years of age.

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The Stewart has always been a Simon-pure Democrat, mother died in May, 1890. They were educated and his first presidential vote was cast for James in the primitive log school-house of former days. K. Polk. He, with his worthy wife, belongs to the Their children are named in the order of their Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Mr. births as follows: Mary T. (deceased, married and Stewart has been superintendent in the Sundaywas the owner of a large amount of land in Texas), school for almost five years.

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He has also filled the Lucinda (resides in Lincolo Parish, and became the same position in the home schools for three years. wife of S. P. Sutton, deceased, who was a fine scholar He has been remarkably punctual in his Sundayand a successful agriculturist), Sarah J. (deceased), school work, and was the organizer and founder of James L. (resides in Bien ville Parish) and Candis the Sunday-school in Arcadia. He asserts this (resides in Lincoln Parish and is single). Mr. Stew- fact, that during the years from 1883 to 1890, the art received the principal part of his education by Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school increased the light of the pine knot," when he would spend a from ninety-seven to 200 pupils, and during that considerable portion of each evening poring over time but three of the pupils have died, which is a his books. In this manner he fitted himself in an remarkable record. Mr. Stewart is the owner of admirable manner for the arduous duties of life, 270 acres of good land, and is one of the publicand is an example of industry and perseverance, spirited citizens of the community. which any young man would do well to follow. He John B. Talbert is the newly elected cashier of is a gentleman who has been familiar with toil and the Arcadia State Bank of Arcadia, La.

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He was hard work from an early age, for he started out in born in Louisiana, May 15, 1836, but during the life with nothing but a pair of willing hands and war was with his mother in Drew County, Ark., an unusual amount of perseverance.

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After two being the eldest of five children born to his parents. years spent on the farm he engaged in the manu- The next in order of birth was A. A., who was facture of boots and shoes, and this continued for married but died at the age of twenty-eight years, almost twenty years.

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He was married on October a widower; he was a merchant in Simsboro, La., 11, 1849, to Viss Lovey I. Wise, a native of Ala- being the junior member of Hays, Trussell & Co., bama, born in 1829, and who was reared and edu- which was a well-known firm. The next member cated among the Indians. Her father, Ezekial of the family was Laura A., wife of John Ponder, Wise, was a native of the Old Dominion and was a cotton planter of Simsboro, La. Then followed a farmer. The mother, whose maiden name was Liller, wife of W. M. Smith, an extensive agricultWinifred Bullock, was a native of Georgia. Both urist of Vienna, La., and Franklin D., who is a are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been telegrapher in the employ of the V. S. & P. R. R., born seven children-four living and three de- at Shreveport, La.; he was at one time professor ceased.

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Those living are: E. T. (married and re- of telegraphy and typewriting in Mount Lebanon sides in Bienville Parish, where he is engaged as a College. The father of this family was born in farmer and a tanner), Selesta L. (resides in Alabama, and for the past twenty-five years bas Bienville Parish, and is the wife of T. J. Land, been a Baptist minister. He resides at present at who is a first-class farmer), Ada C. (resides in Simsboro. He was married in 1869 to Mrs. StewBienville Parish, and is the wife of T. C. ard, bis second wife, a native of Louisiana, who still Johnson, a farmer), and Willie D. (who resides lives. The early education of Mr. Talbert was

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course.

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sadly neglected, principally on account of the the Old School Presbyterian Church, she as well Civil War, but at the age of sixteen years he com- as her husband, being an earnest worker in the Sunmenced to climb the hill of knowledge, and as he day school.

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-. This short sketch of the career of always made it a point to post himself thoroughly Mr. Talbert will be read with much interest, from on the general topics of the day, is now a well the simple fact that he commenced the journey of informed and intelligent man. He was largely life at the lowest round of the ladder, without a assisted by his devoted mother, whom Mr. Talbert dollar and scarcely any education, and by bis own remembers with love and respect. At the above perseverance has attained a high social as well as mentioned age (sixteen), he began going to school, business position. The positions of honor and and by persistent effort he received a sufficient trust which he now fills, are symbols of his presistamount of learning to enable him to teach school, ency in reaching the desired goal, that of honor finally entering the State University of Louisiana, and sincerity of purpose.

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He is interested in at Baton Rouge in 1877, taking the scientific merchandising in Arcadia, and is treasurer of the

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He remained in this institution two ses- Louisiana State Land Company, which has a capisions, but during all his previous study he had tal of $100,000, and he is the honored cashier of also been a devoted student, and is now reap- the Arcadia State Bank. He and his wife have a ing his just reward for his many years of pains- beautiful home, and are surrounded with everytaking labor. When he left the University of thing to make life comfortable and happy. He Louisiana, he took Horace Greeley's advice and was largely instrumental in organizing the above went to seek his fortune in the far West, and mentioned bank, and through his individual efforts during a five years' residence in the "wilds" was the $30,000 was subscribed, the bank opening its engaged in civil engineering and teaching school. doors to the public September 15, 1890, for which He visited Western Texas, Colorado, Washington, the thanks of the public is due to Mr. Talbert. Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Kansas Francis Marion Thornbill, M. D., Arcadia, La. and Nebraska, after which he returned home. He Dr. Thornhill is a man of decided intellectual was during his thirteen months of consecutive ability, is ever ready to obey the call of all classes, travel engaged in civil engineering, his experience and is in truth a physician of thorough learning during this time being of great benefit to him, for and experience. He was born in Caldwell Parish, he obtained a knowledge of human nature which La., September 10, 1850, and was third of a family no books could give him. After his return to of seven children-six sons and one daughterLouisiana in 1884, he began clerking in a store in who are named as follows: A. G. (married and reMonroe, but at the end of two and a half years sides in Texas, where he is engaged in farming), he came to Arcadia and became a clerk in the ex- Joseph J. (deceased), Francis M., J. C. (married tensive mercantile business of A. L. Atkins, while and resides in Texas, where he is also engaged in agthere receiving the position of traveling salesman ricultural pursuits), Louisa (married Orin O. Gray, for the extensive dry goods house of Hargadine & who is a farmer of Caldwell Parish), W. H. (reMcKittrick, to represent them throughout the sides in Caldwell Parish), C. P. (is the youngest State at a large salary, which position he accepted. and also a resident of the last-named parish). He was married on November 17, 1889, to Mrs. The father of these children was a native of MisRuth Gladney, she being a talented and highly sissippi, born in 1816, was fairly well educated, educated lady, a graduate of Female Seminary and is

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a successful agriculturist. The of New Orleans, and of the Cincinnati Conservatory mother, whose maiden name was Matilda Blackof Music.

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Mr. Talbert is a stanch Democrat, and burn, was also born in the Bayou State, and was socially is a member of the Blue Lodge of the A. educated in the common schools. She is also livF. & A. M. of Arcadia, and the K. of P. He is ing Dr. Thornhill received the rudiments of an a Missionary Baptist and his wife is a member of education in the common schools, and then at

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tended academy about two years before commenc- North Carolina, and born in 1798 and 1800, reing to read medicine under Dr. C. C. Meredith, spectively. The father was born in Burke County, at Columbia, La., in the fall of 1868. There he and was a physician and surgeon.

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He died when remained until 1870, and in October of that year sixty-five years of age, and his widow at the age of he entered Tulane Medical College now, but at ninety. Of their children, thirteen in number, that time it was called the University of Louis- eight are now living: Jesse M., William M. (is a iana. There he completed the full course of professional educator, and has taught for twentymedicine in this far-famed institution, which has five years in one house; he is married and resides a national reputation, graduating in a class of in Alabama), Z. D. (is married and resides in Bienseventy-five in March, 1872. He then at once be- vill Parish, where he is engaged in farming), A. C. gan practicing at his home in Columbia, La., and (married, and resides in Arcadia), N. A. (married, remained there in 1882, during the noted flood and resides in Texas, where he is engaged in farm. year, when the whole surface of the parish was ing), A. S. (makes his home in Bienville Parish), under water. There he established a large and Benjamin W. (is a farmer by occupation, and reextensive practice, but not a paying one, so he sides with bis family in Bienville Parish), Martha wisely changed his base of operations and located E. (married to Rev. F. A. Fuller and lives in in Arcadia, La., in 1882. Here the Doctor has Texas), and Caroline M. T. (married to a farmer, resided since, and he stands to-day, not only one J. P. McCoy, and resides in Bienville Parish). Mr. of the leading physicians, but a liberal-minded, Jesse Moore Tilly received a fair education in public-spirited citizen. The Doctor was married, the private schools of Georgia, and by his own January 26, 1874, to Miss Anna Meredith, a native self-application. He is an earnest and sincere of Caldwell Parish, La., who was educated in the friend of education, and is a gentleman well posted female seminary. Only one child was born to this on all the current topics of the day. He began union and that died in infancy. Dr. Thornhill life for himself at the age of twenty years, as a has always been a Democrat in politics, but he has school teacher, and filled that position for a numnever been a bitter partisan. He has aimed to

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He subsequently embarked in mersupport men of principle and honor. He is one of the chandising, as salesman and book-keeper, and directors of the Arcadia State National Bank, and finally to merchandising on his own responsiis a man full of energy and determination. He is

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He is bility; was engaged in this for some time, and as he a Master Mason of Arcadia Lodge. Like a few has had to depend on his own individual efforts others of the prominent men of Arcadia Dr. for support, he has bad a varied experience in the Thornhill started out in life for himself · with details of life. What he has accumulated is the limited means, but he bad the push and deter- result of his own honesty, perseverance and hard mination to succeed in whatever he undertook, labor. To his wife, formerly Miss R. J. McKee, and he now has a large and lucrative practice. a native of Mississippi, he was married in SeptemHe also has a full line of drugs, and is doing well ber, 1854 and they have one son, Lemidas, who in this business. He is a land owner, and is not resides in Bienville Parish. After the death of his only the owner of his residence property, but wife, Mr. Tilly married Mrs. Elizabeth Durbin owns his place of business as well. Mrs. Thorn (Gordie), a native of Alabama, in September, 1867, hill is a member of the Baptist Church in Arcadia, and six children bave blessed this union: Mattie La.

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L., Martha J. J., Carrie B., Paul F., William J. Jesse Moore Tilly is still another of the suc- M. and Benjamin W. During the Civil War Mr. cessful and substantial citizens of the parish who Tilly enlisted in Company H., Twenty-eighth were originally from Georgia, his birth occurring Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, and was on detailed July 12, 1825. His parents, William and Hannah

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service, manufacturing salt, during the whole war, S. (Moore) Tilly, were natives of Georgia and at Price's Salt Works, in Winn Parish. When he

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ber of years.

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a

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ഀ Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ He was

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left the service be was almost bankrupt, and he at stant service for about four years, and during that once began farming, which occupation he has con time never made a visit home. After returning tinued successfully ever since. He is a Democrat from the war, he resumed his former occupation, in politics, and is president of the Farmers' Union and this has been his chief calling in life. or Alliance of Bienville Parish, La., his deepest married, the second time, March 20, 1868, to Mrs. attention being directed toward the interests of Nannie L. McDonald, a native of Georgia, and this most worthy organization. He is the recog. one son was born to this union, Burt (who was nized leader in all grand movements which are educated in Mount Lebanon University, and who fraught with good for the farmers. On April 13, is now a successful farmer). Mrs. Tooke died June 1886, the subordinate branch in his home vicinity 12, 1871, and Mr. Tooke was married to Miss Sarah was organized and he was chosen president, and in C. Bell, a native also of Georgia, born in 1848, June of that year he was installed as president of their nuptials being celebrated November 20, 1874. the parish union, which position he holds with The fruits of this union were the births of seven credit to himself and the people. This organiza- children--four sons and three daughters: J. W., tion is in direct sympathy with all farmers, and, in Gussie B., Charles Emery, Thomas Bell, Mary A., fact, all civilians, whose interests are the interests Jessie M. and Casper. In his early political life of the people at large. The secret of the organi

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. The secret of the organi- Mr. Tooke was a Whig, and since the Rebellion zation is “ By the People and for the People." he has been a stalwart Democrat. He has not been The Alliance is in quite a flourishing condition, an active politician until recently, and his aim is and is constantly adding to its members. Mr. at all times to support men of principle and inTilly is a gentleman well fitted for his position, for tegrity. He is at present the parish clerk of Bienhe is well posted upon all topics relative to the or- ville Parish, La., being elected to that important ganization. He and Mrs. Tilly are members of office in 1888, and has filled that position in an the Methodist Episcopal Church South, at Bear able and efficient manner. He is a prominent man Creek Society, and are esteemed citizens.

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in the parish, and has filled many positions of trust, James W. Tooke, parish clerk, Sparta, La. among which are deputy assessor, deputy registrar, Like many other representative citizens of Bien- clerk of registration, deputy clerk of the district ville Parish, Mr. Tooke owes his nativity to Georgia, court and deputy tax collector. He also held the his birth occurring May 22, 1834, and was thor- office of magistrate for seven years, prior to filling oughly educated in the Collinsworth Institute, his present position.

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his present position. He has been closely allied Talbot County, Ga. When twenty-two years of

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with the interests of the parish for years, and is a age he started out as an agriculturist, and was mar- valuable man in the history of the same.

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He, as ried December 14, 1859, to Miss Mary E. Smith, well as bis estimable wife, is a worthy member a native of Georgia, who died December 14, 1866, of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Mr. leaving one child, Walker. This child died at the Tooke is Sunday school superintendent of his home age of twenty-five years. Mr. Tooke left his farm school. He has been a resident of Bienville Parish to enter the Confederate army, enlisting in Com - since 1854, and here expects to pass the remainder pany B, Arcadia Invincibles, Twelfth Louisiana of his days, among the many who respect and esInfantry Volunteers, under Col. Thomas Scott. teem him. He is one of nine children, four now This regiment was ordered to Columbus, Ky., living, named in order of birth, born to his parwhere Mr. Tooke and three of his comrades joined ents, James Jefferson and Sarah (Wimberly) Tooke, it. He was in the following engagements: Second natives of Georgia, and born in 1811 and 1814, battle of Corinth, Champion's Hill, Jackeon, and respectively: James W. (our subject), T. A. (re

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) numerous other engagements and skirmishes. Mr.

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sides in Homer, La., and is a mechanic; he is Tooke was detailed as commissary, and was also in married), John F. (is married, and is engaged in the quartermaster's department. He was in con- planting in Mount Lebanon), and Fannie E. (re

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1

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a

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sides in Florida, and is the wife of George E. Walker which will ever be as a landmark of the Walker, a general merchant). Both parents are devoted work to his country in the great and noble now deceased, and both were devout members of cause of local education. For two years Mr. the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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Walker was a member of the town council of GibsThaddeus A. Walker, merchant, Gibsland, La., land, La. He is a Master Mason of Mount Lebanon The parents of Mr. Walker, William G. and Mis Lodge, and was master of the lodge. He has been souri F. (Candler) Walker, were natives of Georgia in the general merchandising business in Gibsand both are now deceased. The father was a cot- land since 1885, and he is one of the leading merton planter by vocation. Their family consisted of chants of the place. He carries a full line of goods, four children--three sons and one daughter-who and by his pleasant agreeable manner, coupled are here named in order of their birth: Eugene (de- with his strict honesty, has won a large and inceased), Augusta C. (resides in Bienville Parish, but creasing business. He is also the owner of conis now transiently at Montana; she married William siderable land in Bienville and Claiborne Parishes. H. Todd, formerly a merchant but now a journalist), James Payne White, cotton planter, Arcadia, Thaddeus A. (subject of this sketch), and George La. Among the prominent industries of Louisiana Love (deceased). Thaddeus A. Walker was born that of cotton planting has ever taken a leading in Harris County, Ga., on May 16, 1818, but was place, and among those intimately and extensively early taught the duties of the farm in Louisiana, engaged in this pursuit is the subject of this sketch. where he was reared. His early educational train- Mr. White was born in Georgia, on August 24, ing commenced by private instructions in the Mount 1836, and was one of the eleven children who are Lebanon University, and this has fitted him for the now named in the order of their births: Amanda practical life he is leading as a merchant. When (resides in Claiborne Parish, and is the wife of S. bnt eighteen years of age he started out for him- J. Shaw a planter), Nancy (resides in Claiborne self with but little capital to commence the voyage Parish, and is the widow of Mr. Medirt, who was a of life upon, but he has persevered and is to-day planter), William (resides in Claiborne Parish, one of the substantial and prosperous men of the married and is a planter), Augustus (married, and parish. He was married on April 13, 1876, to Miss is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Claiborne Winnie A. Prothro, a native of Louisiana, who was Parish), Elijah (warried, and is also engaged in educated in the Mount Lebanon College, near farming in Claiborne Parish), Mathias (married, Gibsland. They are the parents of six children and engaged in tilling the soil in Bienville Parish), -five daughters and one son: Gussie W. (aged Minerva (resides in Claiborne Parish, and is the thirteen, and is attending the Gibsland College), wife of Mr. Watson), and John (who is married and Pearl (aged twelve is also attending that school), engaged in farming in Claiborne Parish). One Thaddeus A. Jr. (aged ten years, attending school), child is deceased. The father of these children Angie (died at the age of ten months), Viola G. was a native of Georgia, and was an agriculturist (aged seven years), and Irma C. (aged four years). all his life. He died at the age of seventy-eight Mr. Walker is a stanch Democrat in his political years. The mother, whose maiden name was Marprinciples, and has been a member of the police tha Tubberville, was also born in Georgia, and is jury in Bienville Parish for four years, which is now living at the advanced age of seventy-seven one of the most important positions in the parish.

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years. Mr. White received his early education In 1888 Mr. Walker was the motor power in the under difficulties for he had not only to go five erection of the Gibsland Collegiate Institution, miles to school, traveling back and forth each day, and had the building upon and under his personal but school was kept in an old log cabin withsupervision. After the main part was done his out even a floor. He started out for himself at the work was transferred to the Methodists of Homer

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age of eighteen years and on November 28, 1859, District. This is a monument in the life of Mr. he was married to Miss Celina Winsted, who was

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born in Georgia, in April, 1839, and was educated do when he sets bis mind upon accomplishing a cerin the common schools. They became the parents tain object. He is a self-made man, and what he of seven children: Martha A. (died at the age of has won in the way of this world's goods, and nineteen years), Eladisia (died at the age of sixteen personal achievements is wholly due to his own years), Willie D. (resides with his parents, and is a good fighting qualities. He secured a good pracfarmer and miller by trade), J. P. (is also with his tical education in the common schools of Alabama parents), Marcus P. (aged nineteen years, resides (his birth occurring in Butler, Choctaw County, of with his parents), Minnie Lee (died at the age of that State on October 4, 1861), and he first studied six years), and Shelton Eugene (who died at the medicine under his uncle, Dr. R. F. Moody, who age of four years. The living children, who are all was one of the most successful and eminent physisons, were well educated in Arcadia Academy. cians in that part of Alabama, continuing with him During the unpleasantness between the North and

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two years.

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He then entered the Alabama Medical South Mr. White enlisted in Company D., Capt. College, at Mobile in 1885, and graduated from the Randall's company, and was assigned to the Fifth same on March 29, 1889. As before inferred, he Louisiana Cavalry Trans- Mississippi Department. started out in life at the foot of the ladder and He was detailed to act on duty in the commissary without any visible means of obtaining his eduand quartermaster's department, and served from cation. In order to accomplish the desire of his 1862 until the close of the war, and during that life he labored on the farm for $10 per month in time was never off duty. He wore the gray with order to pursue his studies, and by his indomithonor to himself and the confederacy. After being able will, energy and determination he finally discharged at the close of service, he returned to graduated, or finished his education with credit to his home and began over again with very little to himself and friends. Directly afterward he comstart with. He however had the determination menced the practice of medicine at Sparta, La. and grit to persevere, and to-day we find him one of (1889), and here he resides at the present time. the substantial men of the parish. In politics he

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He bas established a lucrative and increasing has always adhered to the Democratic party in practice, and has the full confidence of his patrons principle and precept. He has been tendered and the community. On December 26, 1889, Miss parish offices by his people, but has declined the Lorena Mills, a native of Alabama, born in 1866, position from the fact, that a successful farmer can became his wife. The Doctor is a stanch Demnot successfully attend to two things at once.

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He

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ocrat, and has never been an ultra politician. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church has aimed to support men whose honesty and inSouth, and was superintendent of the Sunday school tegrity are unquestioned, and as deemed best. He

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for three years, during which time the school was is a public spirited citizen, and does all in his said to be in the most flourishing condition of any power to advance the interests of his people and in Louisiana. Mr. White is a gentleman who has parish. He is a Master Mason and a member of done a power of good for his community as a Chris. Sparta Lodge No. 108. The Doctor and his estian. Mrs. White is a devout member of the Mis- timable wife are members of the Methodist Epissionary Baptist Church. They are the owners of copal Church South, and they are deeply interested 630 acres of land, and they also have a ginning, in Sunday school work. They have always consawing and grist plant valued at $1,800. Mr. tributed liberally of their means to all benevolent White is public spirited, and is one

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one of the repre

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purposes, which we

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which were worthy of their consideration. sentative citizens of Bienville Parish. His word is The Doctor, as a professional man, has kept

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, respected by all.

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thoroughly posted in his medical profession as well Dr. George Franklin Wilson, physician and as the current topics of the day, and it is a principle surgeon, Sparta, La., is one of the class of men of his to perfect his work and calling more and more. singled out by nature to show what a man can Since bis residence in Sparta he has had phenome

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a

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nal success in several departments of his practice. identified with the parish's interests as commisHe is an aspiring young gentleman, and expects to sioner, and is now about fifty-two years of age. take a post-graduate course at Bellevue Medical Col. The mother is also living and is forty-nine years lege, at New York City, which is the ne plus ultra of of age. She was well educated in Judson Female all aspiring physicians and surgeons. He and Mrs. College, at Marion, Ala. Of the four children Wilson expect to make their home in Bien ville Par- born to their union-three sons and one daughterish, where the Doctor is held in high esteem, not only Dr. Wilson is the eldest in order of birth, William on account of his successful career as a physician, M. (resides in Alabama, and is engaged in tilling but for his social qualities. The Doctor's parents, the soil), Roberta (died at the age of sixteen years), John Thomas and Martha C. (Moody) Wilson, are and Thomas Moody (is nine years of age and is renatives of Alabama, and are now residents of that siding in Alabama). State. The father is a successful farmer, has been

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CHAPTER IV.

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RED RIVER PARISHI-STATISTICS AND TOPOGRAPHY-RED RIVER AND THE GREAT RAFT-TRANSACTIONS OF THE POLICE JURY-POLITICAL AFFAIRS AND INCIDENTS --THE LOCAL COURTS AND BAR- JOURNALISM AND MISCELLANEOUS SKETCHIES-COUSHATTA-THE MALE AND FEMALE ACADEMY - SOCIETIES, CHURCHES, ETC.—OLD TOWNS — BROWNSVILLE,

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MEMORIAL NOTES.

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We will revive those times, and in our memories preserve and still keep fresh, like flowers in water,

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those happier days."-Richter.

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An av

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acre.

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HIS name was adopted in uriantly, and yield a rich return for the labor be

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1871, when the boundaries stowed upon their cultivation. Sweet and Irish of this modern parish were potatoes both produce wonderful results. established by the Legisla- erage of 150 bushels per acre of Irish potatoes is ture. Of the 386 square not an uncommon yield, and as much as 300 bushmiles known as Red River els to the acre of sweet potatoes have been pro

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Parish 165 are Red River duced. The average yield of cotton is one bale bottom lands, and 221 oak up- per acre, but it is not uncommon to obtain one and lands. In 1879-80 there were a half and even two bales per acre, under judicious 33,930 acres in cultivation; 19, cultivation. Corn is produced on an average of

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- | 200 under cotton; 10,566 acres 30 to 40 bushels per acre, and in many. instances corn; 88 acres sweet potatoes, and from 75 to 100 bushels have been gathered per 9 under sugar cane.

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There were

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The common field pea, planted with corn 11,512 bales of cotton produced, on the same ground and at the same time, will or.6 of a bale per acre; 855 pounds yield from 20 to 30 bushels, besides acting as a of seed cotton, or 285 pounds superior fertilizer to the land planted. Sorghum

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of cotton lint. The uplands grows luxuriantly, and proves rich in saccharine form the divide between the Grand Bayou of properties. Millet, oats, rye and clover yield large Black Lake and Red River. Here the river flows results. The native grasses and cattle food grow through a narrow channel cut through solid blue in great richness, and possess as much nutritive or red clays to a depth of forty feet. Fresh land properties as any known food for grazing. produces from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds of seed cot- The population in 1880 was 8,573, of whom ton per acre, and age shows only a slight decrease 2,506 were white and 6,007 colored. In 1890 the in capability. It is rich in valuable timber, and population is placed at 11,338*, of which 638 are has a soil, both alluvial and upland, of unsurpassed subject to military duty, 764 are white voters and fertility. All the vegetables and fruit known to 1,575 colored voters. There are 1,844 white males horticulturists, when properly cared for, grow lux- *Returns by Assessor Wamsley.

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1,769 white females; 3,822 colored males and 3,903 bought the contract for this work, and chartering colored females; 1,209 white and 2,776 colored the freight boat "Southwestern," had little diffichildren, between the age of nine and eighteen culty in clearing the river. His contract bound him years.

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to keep the channels clear for five years, and to Prior to 1835 Natchitoches was the head of the effect this at little cost, he boomed the river above Red River navigation. From Coushatta Bayou, Carolina Bluffs. Shortly after Capt. Washington for almost 180 miles up the river, was the “Great Robb arrived at the boom with his boat, expecting Raft,” the collection of trees and debris of the to trans-ship the cargo to an upper river boat, but upper waters for years. In 1830-31 the United failing in making arrangements, he cut the boom States War Department complained of the expense and proceeded on his way, leaving the river free to of transporting supplies to Fort Towson, in the continue the work of raft-making. In 1850 another new Indian Territory, and this complaint, added to appropriation of $100,000 was made, and Capt. the treaty promises made to the Choctaws and the Fuller, U. S. E. C., was placed in charge of the Chickasaws, led to an appropriation by Congress, work. Instead of cutting the twelve miles of raft in 1831, for the removal of impediments to Red between Carolina Bluffs and Gilmer, he contented River navigation. Capt. Henry M. Shreve was em himself with cutting canals at the head and foot of ployed to take charge of this work, at a salary of Dutch John's Lake and to sundry work on Dooley's $5,000 per annum. He was not a United States Bayou, with the object of throwing the water into officer, but a bargeman between Louisville and Soto Lake. This useless work cost the United New Orleans up to the time he took charge of the States $90,000. The plans on which Fuller acted third steamer ever seen on the Mississippi. The were said to be inspired by James B. Gilmer, who Government furnished him with two powerfulsnag. at this time was hostile to Shreveport. Gilmer also boats, two transports and four barges, manned by had a ditch excavated, 5,100 feet in length, from 200 regularly enlisted men. The men received $20 the point where Tone's Bayou leaves old river into In the fall of 1832, work was com

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Bayou Pierre. The fall in this short distance, menced at a point below Shreveport, 140 miles by seven or eight feet, attracted the waters of the river. In the winter of 1835), the raft was removed river, and soon a ship channel was in existence and as far up as Shreveport, but the work of natural Tone's Bayou* or Antoine Pourier's Bayou, was accretion had been carried on so industriously by formed. For many years after the Fuller fiasco the river, from 1832 to 1835, that it was found the United States let this raft severely alone. In there were over thirty miles of raft formed above 1872 there were several raft formations, aggregatShreveport, and the work of removing this or inak- ing twelve miles of solid raft for thirty-two miles ing new channels, where the mass was too solid to above Carolina Bluffs. Another appropriation was remove, was at once entered upon and completed made and the work confided to Maj. Howells, U. S. in 1840, leaving the river navigable for 1,100 miles.

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E. C. He placed Lieut. E. A. Woodruff in immeThe "Concord," commanded by Capt. Hildreth, diate charge, and within a year the obstructions were and the “Indian," lay at Shreveport for a month

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almost removed, owing to the fact that a nitro-glyc.

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a before the completion of the work, and on its completion followed the Government boats to the new

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*The head of Tone's Bayou was closed by Surveyor Shreve, about

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1813, with driftwood from the raft above. In 1819 James B. Gilmer, ly-formed head of navigation. They were loaded

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a planter, had a ditch made through the obstruction, which graudu with supplies for Fort Towson, four miles north- ally widened, until the water found its way into Bayou Pierre Lake,

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and again falling into Red River through Wincey Bayou, beluw Coueast of the Red River, in the Indian nation. With

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shatta. In 1858 Representative R. White won an appropriation for in two years a new raft formed for eight miles be. straightening the river at Scopinis. This work was done in 1859-60,

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but the first boat did not pass through the cut until 1862, when Capt. tween Hurricane and Carolina Bluffs, so that an

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Phelps backed the Rinaldo through. During the war Dr. Hotelıkiss, other appropriation of $100,000 had to be made under instructions from the secretary of war, closed the bayon, which

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was washed away not to be rebuilt until 1872-73. In 1874 the l'nited by Congress. In 1812 Gen. T. T. Williamson

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States engineers had the raft removed and Tone's Bayou reclosed.

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per month.

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erine factory was established and the powerful ex- already heavy, 143 mills State, 2 per cent to Natchplosive used in blowing up the islands. The con- itoches for court-house and jail purposes, and dition of the raft of 1872 may be explained by 14} mills parish taxes, or nearly 6 per cent. W. stating, that on several of its sections groves of L. Hain, whose lowest bid for the building of the willow trees sprung up, some of which reached court-house was rejected, published his complaints. twelve inches in diameter. During the epidemic In January, 1872, the treasurer's (Julius Lisso) reof 1873 Lieut. Woodruff came to Shreveport to port for 1871 was presented. This showed $11,aid the people, but was himself carried off. On the 321.55 paid to him by F. J. Stokes, collector, and total removal of the raft the United States steamer $11,318.27 expended. The whole amount was sim“Florence” was stationed here. In 1882 the new ply paid back to F. J. Stokes at intervals, and as appropriation of $85,000 won by Congressman the jury was in secret session, few citizens ever Blanchard, and $25,000 balance of former appro- knew the details. M. H. Twitchell was senator priations, were available.

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Appropriations for from this district, and E. W. De Weese, of De Soto; Cypress Bayou and other improvements have since L. J. Souer, of Avoyelles; Charles S. Able, of been made and improvements effected. In 1890 Bossier; Mortimer Carr, of De Soto, and D. C. Capt. Lydon removed the 300 years old raft at Stanton, of Bossier, non-resident representatives Young's Point, cutting a channel 600 feet wide for in 1871-72. Within the Legislature the efforts of five miles.

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the parish jury to strip the old inhabitants, and An attempt was made immediately after the many of the new inhabitants of their property war to form a new parish out of Natchitoches, De were ably sustained. The new rules regarded them Sota, Bienville and Caddo, but for many reasons as prey, and so continued to regard them and trifle the scheme was not brought to perfection until with them until 1874, when human nature asserted 1871, when a Legislature was found willing and herself by as just a rebellion as history records. capable of giving the authority to organize. In This riot originated at Brownsville, August 26, May, 1871, the first police jury organized within 1874, when two negroes were killed while sneakthe old store building of Lisso & Bro., at Cou- ing round the home of one of the two planters who shatta Chute, M. H. Twitchell was elected presi- were threatened with death. Next evening a ball dent, and he, with P. E. Roach. George A. King, was held at Coushatta, but in the midst of the F. S. Edgerton (killed in 1874), E. W. De Weese dance reports from Brownsville came in, stating that (killed in 1874), and Prior Porter (colored) formed the negroes were going to exterminate the whites. the board. D. H. Hayes, deputy district clerk, was Steps were taken to collect the whites for defense, clerk; Homer J. Twitchell (killed in 1874), recorder; while Sheriff Edgerton and Tax Collector De Weese J. T. Yates, sheriff; Julius Lisso, treasurer, and accompanied a number of citizens to Brownsville F. S. Stokes, tax collector. The jurors entered on (Edgerton sent a courier in advance to have the the duties of office without ceremony or delay, negroes disperse), but on their arrival there were and the tax collector's work began a few days no negroes to be seen.

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The white garrison at later.

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Coushatta placed pickets along the roads. While On January 9, 1872. E. W. De Weese, repre- passing the house of Tax Collector Homer J. sentative, called up his bill authorizing Red River

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Twitchell, fire was opened on the squad and Joseph to issne $20,000 bonds to build a court house Dixon was wounded. Suspicion pointed to Twitchand jail. D. Cady Stanton, of Bossier, in oppos

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and he, with Sheriff Edgerton, tax collector ing this measure, stated that $13,000 had already of De Soto, De Weese, Parish Attorney Howell, been misappropriated for this purpose, and he em- Justice of the Peace Willis and Registrar Holland phasized this assertion by stating that the jail were arrested. Twitchell made confessions which built under this $13,000 was not paid for. W. H. Jed to the arrest of several negroes. The latter Scanland opposed the bill here as the taxes were were held to be tried by a committee of twelve.

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While these proceedings were taking place, exas- been so overwhelming in the adjoining parishes of perated people marched toward Cousbatta, to aid Caddo, Bienville and Natchitoches. the citizens, and the scared officers were driven to The shooting of Capt. M. H. Twitchell, and propose resignation, which they did on August 29. the murder of King, took place May 2, 1876. A They wished to leave the State at once, but were stranger who knew their whereabouts, waited for told to be careful, as the people might attack them. them on the Coushatta bank of the river. Twitchell They were too anxious to leave, and selecting a and King, on arriving on the west bank jumped guard of twenty-five young men, under John Carr, into a skiff unsuspectingly, and when uear the set out for Shreveport, and carried out the first eastern landing the avenger fired. Twitchell got in- forty-five-mile race successfully.

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cessfully. At that point to the water, holding on to the boat, leaving King the “Texans" under “Capt. Jack" *

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Capt. Jack” came up to be shot dead by the second fire. Twitchell lui with the guarded fugitives, and after a short par- meme, had both arms broken and the ferryman, ley, shot them down. The negroes, who were who went to his rescue, was wounded in the hand, making ready for war in the Bayou Pierre Swamp, Twitchell was taken to Springville, where his were dispersed, their leaders arrested, tried, con- arm was amputated, while the desperate avenger demned and executed, and peace restored. The defied arrest and rode off. men killed deserved their end richly, but the meth- The death of Capt. Twitchell gave the taxods of rendering them justice were not so entirely payer at least time to breathe. H. S. Bosley, G. honorable as they might be.

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W. Robinson, B. S. Lee, and W. S. Williams, Prior to November 13, 1874, thirteen arrests president, were jurors in February, 1877. They were made at Coushatta, and on that day four estimated the expenditures at $8,070, for the fiscal more citizens were arrested by Merrill's United year ending in 1878. [The records of the police States Police. The thirteen original prisoners jury for this and preceding years could not be were released on $5,000 bail each, and were ulti. found at the court-house.]

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ely cleared of participation in the punishment In 1878 W. S. Williams was president with B. of those political ragamuffins. The police carried S. Lee, H. S. Bosley, James Grant, and B. G. matters so far as to preface those wholesale arrests Kenny, members, and D. H. Hayes, clerk. An with the arrest of Editor Cosgrove. In 1875 G. A. ad valorem tax of 4 mills, a road and bridge tax King (ex-sheriff) was serving as president, M. H. of 1 mill, a public building tax of 1 mill, an elecTwitchell (later president), J. W. Watts and Ben- tion tax of 1 mill, a judgment tax of 2 mills, and jamin Perrow, members; D. H. Hayes, clerk; W. incidental tax of 1 mill were authorized in P. Peck, recorder; J. P. Hyams, district clerk, April, and $224 granted to George H. Russell, for and Lieut. P. H. Moroney, superintendent of repairing the court-house. In August the quaranregistration; John D. Collins, printer. In 1876 tine ordinance was adopted, and in September the J. W. Watts presided with Ben Perrow and W. ordinance, establishing the boundaries of the five S. Mudgett. Madison (Howard) Wells and James

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wards was carried. In January, 1879, T. L. Grant (both colored) were also members of the Terry, of Ward 1, was elected president; J. M. jury about this time. J. W. Harrison, who in T. Elliott, Ward 2; T. G. McGraw, Ward 3; S. 1875 was postmaster at Coushatta, and tax-col. F. Spencer, Ward 4, and F. Roubien, Ward 5. lector, was killed September 14, 1878, at Starlight J. P. Clarkson was appointed parish printer, and plantation, four miles up the river. The whole Dr. Guthrie, physician. The tax levy for 1879 year was one of Civil War.

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was similar to that for 1878, but the estimate of The oppressor and the oppressed were in the expenditures was only a little over $7,000. Julius field daily, and the latter would have succeeded, Lisso, treasurer, was succeeded by W. F. Eames. undoubtedly, in the unequal contest with the form

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In October, 1879, the 4-mill tax for jail builder, bad not the power of the Freedman's Bureau ing purposes was defeated by ninety. three votes

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an

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.

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against fifty-three. In March, 1880, J. J. Sprawls a part of Ward 5 was adopted. This ordinance was clerk, succeeding Hayes. S. B. Harris, quali provided that the dealer or peddler in meats should fied as representative of Ward 2, in June. In

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expose the ears and hide of the animal during sale February, 1882, the jail building was completed, with the object of preventing the sale of stolen and the iron cells constructed by Pauley Bros. were meats. In October Louis Scheen was elected also completed and the building accepted from the treasurer. contractor. The sale of the old building and lot In 1876 the vote for governor shows 413 for was authorized. In November, 188

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In November, 1882, the proposi. Nicholls (D.) and 832 for Packard (R.). In 1879 tion of J. W. Pearce, principal of the Coushatta Wiltz (D.) received 694, and the opposing Repub. Male and Female Academy, to educate two pupils, lican, Beattie, 79. In 1884 McEnery (D.) received selected by the police jury, free of charge, was 574, and Stevenson (R.), 552; while in 1888 accepted. Laura McGraw and J. P. Kent were Nicholls (D.) received 1, 679, and Warmoth (R.), 78. chosen, pupils. The police jury of July 23, 1884, The voters' register showed 1,938 names for April, comprised T. L. Terry, president; F. Roubien, Sam- 1888, 690 being Caucasians. Of the whites there uel Harris, W. H. Treadwell, and J. H. Rich, J. C. were then 110 who could not write their names, Egan, Jr., was chosen clerk. Dr. W. A. Boylston, while there were 1,062 Africans deficient in this

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, physician, and W. T. Eames, was re-elected treas- matter. urer. In September the vote for the sale of liquor The first session of the district court was held was 510, and against such sale, 295. In 1885 John at Coushatta (then in the Eighteenth District) SepCrichton was a member of the jury vice Treadwell; tenuber 4, 1871. Judge L. B. Watkins, presided.

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4 Ben. Wolfson, clerk, vice Egan, and Dr. Guthrie, The first grand jury comprised Henry Pickett, physician, vice Boylston. The clerk resigned in Robert Andrews, Judge Warren, William Bedford, December, when Ed W. Lisso was elected to fill Edward Cason, Dave Austin, Richard Williams, that position. The election on the liquor question Zion Carroll, George Abney, Gabriel Grappe, Daheld December 8 shows 307 votes for the sale of vid Powell, William Bryant, W. Allen, Henry liquor, and 111 against such sale. In February, Armstead, W. 0. Garrison, Azro Armstrong, Will. 1887, H. C. Stringfellow and J. . Pugh C were ap- iam Mountjoy, G. W. Sherrod, Beverly Turner, pointed delegates to the Inter-State Agricultural J. H. Coleman, S. J. Jackson, G. A. Friend, Convention at St. Charles; W. S. Atkins and C. J. Benjamin Austin, Robert Long, Joseph Dixon, Isaac Conley, with Messrs. Terry Harris and Crichton, Whitney, John Brunner, Henry Beck, Reuben formed the jury. In 1888 G. J. McGee and L. Williams, Isham House, Lewis Cox, Abram Baker, W. Stephens qualified as jurors; Robert Stothart Richard Cunnagan, J. L. Denson, Anderson Smith, as treasurer, and W. S. Atkins as president of Samuel Branch and Henry Dowden. Six other the police jury. After his (Atkin’s) resignation (in names were called but were reported not in the July, 1889), T. R. Armstead was appointed juror, parish, while E. W. Tower, entered on the venire and L. W. Stephens, president. The jury in

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The jury in by Sheriff Yates, was the name of a woman. T. January, 1890, comprised L. W. Stephens, presi- E. Paxton was the first clerk. In August he was dent; G. J. McGee, Ward 2; C. J. Conly, Ward 3; appointed district attorney, and was succeeded be. J. Crichton, Ward 4, and T. R. Armstead, Ward fore the close of the year by D. H. Hayes. John 5, with Ed W. Lisso, clerk. In February the T. Yates was sheriff at this time. In May, 1872, vault constructed by the Diebold Safe & Lock Com- William Patterson was indicted for murder. The pany was received by the police jury, and 6 per cent spring term of 1873 was opened by Judge James notes for $4,350 were given to that company.

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A E. Trimble, of the Eleventh District, who disposed 10-mill parish tax was authorized to meet the es

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of a number of serious criminal cases. timated expenditures ($10,000). In September, tember of this year resolutions on the death of 1890, the ordinance regulating the sale of meat in

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John R. Griffin, a lawyer of Bossier, were adopted,

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In Sep

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war.

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and the report of the grand jury received. This of December 30, 1881, at Bonnie Doon, near Coureport condemned a report by the former grand shatta, resulted in the suicide of Robert Lewis, jury, and declared that the court-house was not after his attempt to kill the widow of his brother, yet completed. On the condition of the parish, Mrs. W. S. Lewis, and her sister, Mrs. Thompson. the jurors affirmed their belief, that in the midst of The suicide shot Clarence Pratt in a duel after the the political excitement of the times, Red River Pratt was, at the time, a member of the Parish was comparatively free from crime and dis- Legislature from Claiborne Parish (Webster not turbance. J. P. Hyams was then district clerk, then being known). From the effects of this with D. H. Hayes, deputy. There is no record of wound Pratt died. Mrs. Lewis died at the Hotel court for 1874, nor was there a term of court Dieu, New Orleans, about a month after receiving opened until September, 1875, when Judge C. the wound. The indictment against Joe McGee Chaplin presided. Anthony Easton, Henry Nich- for murder was returned in November, 1883; he olson and George Nicholson were found guilty of was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged April murder, killing a Jew peddler, and sentenced to 4, 1884. The return of this execution was made death; but of the trio, Henry Nicholson was the by Sheriff Hunter, and witnessed by H. A. Hunter only one who suffered the extreme penalty (A. J. and W. H. Wamsley. Lewis M. Howard qualified McCord being executioner), the others having es- as clerk in 1880. In July, 1884, W. P. Hall succaped from jail. William Teary and J. D. Lacy ceeded J. L. Logan as judge of the Tenth District, were indicted for murder, and the case of the State and is to-day presiding judge of the new Ninth vs. M. H. Twitchell was dismissed.

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District, comprising Red River, De Soto and Sa. The colored desperado, “Banjo Joe," was bine. It is fortunate for him, as it is for the diskilled by H. C. Stringfellow in April, 1876, while trict, that the lawlessness that prevailed here duropposing arrest.

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ing the decade ending in 1884, had almost disapIn May, 1877, Judge Pierson succeeded Judge peared before his commission was issued, and that Chaplin, and in June judgment was given for the the criminal docket of to day is as light as in any plaintiff in the case, J. W. Carnes vs. Red River district of an equal population in the State. J. Parish, but his demand for the special decree for M. T. Elliott succeeded John A. Hunter as sheriff the assessment and collection of a special tax was in 1884, and in 1888 T. E. Paxton succeeded F. denied. On July 14 jury commissioners were ap- B. Williams as clerk of the district court; Scheen pointed, viz. : George W. Cawthorn, A. S. B. Pior, is deputy clerk. J. P. Dickson and P. L. Collins, and in November The court of appeals for the First Circuit was a number of indictments were returned against opened bere in May, 1880, by Judges Moncure and road defaulters. A year later Jim Moss, colored, .

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, George. was convicted of manslaughter, but escaped from The last record of the parish court was closed the jail. In November, 1879, resolutions were March 31, 1880, and signed by Parish Judge A. adopted by the bar and officers of court, express- Ben Bronghton. It was opened May 29, 1871, by ing sorrow for the separation of Red River from A. 0. P. Pickens; he was succeeded in 1874 by 0. Natchitoches, and the consequent separation of the S. Penney, and he in 1875 by A. Ben Broughton. presiding judge from the parish. The resolutions The bar of Red River Parish in 1890 com. were signed by L. B. Watkins, W. P. Hall, dis- prises J. C. Egan, J. F. Pierson, J. C. Pugh, J. trict attorneys; J. J. Sprawls and J. D. Roach, D. Roach and William Goss.

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Five years before lawyers; W. P. Peck, clerk; D. H. Hayes, deputy the names of S. A. Hull, M. S. Jones, J. F. Steclerk, and J. A. Bell, sheriff. Judge James L. phens, J. J. Sprawls, L. B. Watkins, J. L. Logan, Logan presided here in May, 1880. John D. and many of the lawyers named in the history of Roach was admitted to practice here, and in No- adjoining parishes appeared on the records. vember John A. Hunter was sheriff.

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The tragedy

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The Coushatta Times was established early in 1871, by William H. Scanland, of the Bossier Ban- of Virginia and last under arms when the last reginer, and published by bim until December, of that ment of Confederate soldiers was paroled. year, when H. A. Perryman became owner. In Coushatta, the seat of justice, stands on the May, 1872, he retired, and M. L. Pickens and eastern bank of Red River, in Latitude 32° north, others carried on this journal almost to its close. and Longitude 16° 15' west. It is an incorporated In January, 1874, W. A. Le Seuer took charge, town of 564 inhabitants, and the market town for and conducted it until August, 1874.

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one of the richest agricultural districts of LouisThe Cousbatta Citizen was issued December 9, iana. The location was formerly known as Cou1871, by W. H. Scanland, who carried it on until shatta Chute, near Springville. Coushatta Point, 1874, when J. L. Denson took charge. L. W. near by, was the site of the Jones store and wareConnerly & Co. purchased the office in 1874, and house, which were destroyed in April, 1864, by in March, 1875, J. P. Clarkson became owner. Gen. Banks' raiders. In 1866 Julius and Mark

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The Red River Watchman was issued August Lisso erected a building for trading purposes here, 22, 1874, at Coushatta, by W. A. Le Seuer, with W. and controlled trade until the place was selected as 0. Pickens, local editor. This paper was issued the parish seat, in 1871. Twenty years ago the seven days before the Cousbatta riots, and was in- river swept along the eastern bank; now the chanstrumental in ridding the parish of the vilest set nel is on the other side. of cut-throats sent into Louisiana to rob a people. In 1871 there were the following buildings:

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The common-school system is still in its in- T. W. Abney's three cottages, on Carroll Street; fancy here. The old Springville Academy and the William Upshaw's dwelling, Abney & Love's Couprivate schools at Coushatta and other points, shatta Hotel, conducted by William Herring (Willafforded so many opportunities for acquiring an iam Powell in 1872); Charles N. Prudhomme's education, that the free schools were principally store, opposite E. P. Pauvert's cheap store; adjoinutilized by colored children.

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ing Prudhomme's, G. W. Cawthorn's livery; then The enrollment of white pupils in Red River R. M. Searcy's house. On Front Street, were J. Parish for the years 1878 to 1887, inclusive, was M. Brown's saloon, the Citizen office, in Abney & 317, 375, 243, 309, 516, 274, 507, +58, 542 and 575. Love's two-story building; the stores of Abney & In the same years the colored enrollment was 446, Co., W. W. Upshaw, 0. P. Gahagan and Mrs. E. 442, 270, 403, 434, 499, 384, 507, 493 and 472. A. Carroll, tbe office of the Coushatta Times, Frye's In 1890 Assessor W. H. Wamsley placed the number saloon, the post-oflice, then kept by Julius Snead of white children between nine and eighteen years and Lisso & Bro.'s store. On Abney Street Capt.

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age at 1,209, and colored children at 2,776. T. E. Paxton and A. D. Self resided, while across

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The physicians of the parish, who registered the street J. M. McLemore's office building was in up to the close of 1889, under the act of 1882, are course of construction, and the residence of J. W. Walter E. Hawkins, a graduate of Mobile College, Armistead; Miss Fannie Picken's school was then in 1883; Ed F. Beall, of Louisiana University, in in existence. In 1871 Prudhomme's store was 1883, and Thomas L. Terry, of Louisville College, burned, but was rebuilt in 1872. In February, in 1888.

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1872, a church and lodge building was erected As an organized division of the State, Red near Treadwell's store. The steam gin in that River was unknown in 1861-65, so that whatever vicinity was burned some time before. military history pertains to it, is given in the The act to incorporate the town of Coushatta sketches of the neighboring parishes. As early as was approved April 22, 1872, and in 1874 Repre1810 W. D. Lofton and W. A. Martin, Mexican sentative De Weese introduced a bill to exempt War veterans, were residents of this parish. Many town property from the parish tax. George A. of the survivors of the Civil War reside here, among King was the first mayor.

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King was the first mayor. In February, 1876, D. them a few who were the first on the battle fields H. Hayes was mayor; P. A. Lee, secretary; John R.

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of

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0

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Carr, marshal; Messrs. Bullock, Broughton, Gaha- society at Spring Hill entered on the work of gan and Bosley, councilmen. In 1879 Samuel

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In 1879 Samuel building. In the fall of 1880 Contractor Zoder Lisso was clerk. In 1880 J. D. Patton was mayor, finished the building at Coushatta. and H. R. Jones, clerk. In 1881 J. M. Brown The Methodist Episcopal Church building was was mayor and J. F. Stephens, secretary, succeed. completed October 2, 1880, being the first church ing H. R. Jones and J. H. Scheen, respectively. house erected in the town. J. J. Stanfill is the last mayor elected.

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The Coushatta Male and Female Academy was The Coushatta fire of February 5, 1874, de- chartered in September, 1880, with Julius Lisso, stroyed Abney & Love's store, the T. L. Terry store president; J. M. Brown, J. H. Scheen, H. S. and J. M. Brown's saloon. The dwellings of J. Bosley, T. L. Terry, W. W. Wardlaw and James W. Armistead, George Beausoliel and John Burk F. Pierson, trustees; Ben. Wolfson, secretary, and were saved. In 1880 the Stanfill house was de- G. W. Cawthon, treasurer. The capital stock was stroyed, and since that time a few small fires mark placed at $20,000. Prof. L. L. Upton was printhe history of the settlement.

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cipal and Mrs. Upton assistant principal of the James McAllister was postmaster at Spring high school, then conducted on the first floor of ville after the war. Later the office was closely the Masonic building. June 2, 1890, the followidentified with the court-house, M. L. Pickens and ing trustees were elected: Robert Stothart, D. M. J. T. Yates, masters, and in 1875 Harrison, the Giddens, Paul Lisso, L. W. Stephens and J. M. tax collector, was master. D. H. Hayes, J. R. T. Elliott. The board was organized by electing Hayes and Dr. Winder bare held this office. Sam- Robert Stothart, president; D. H. Hayes, secreuel Lisso was postmaster up to 1878; was succeeded tary, and L. E. Scheen, treasurer. Mr. Fisher is in September, 1880, by Capt. T. B. Selby. J. R. principal. McGoldrick was commissioned postmaster in 1881 The telegraph line between Coushatta and to succeed Capt. Selby.

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Minden was completed June 29, 1875, and the The Baptist Church of Coushatta dates to first despatch sent to Buchanan & Davis, Minden, 1850, when J. E. Paxton organized a society here by Ben. Wolfson and E. W. Rawle. July 27 the near Coushatta Chute. In 1852 this church left line was completed to Natchitoches. the Saline Association and united with the Red Silent Brotherhood Lodge 145, A. F. & A. M., River Association. About this time a house of was organized in 1857 under charter No. 155. On worship was erected on United States land. In the establishment of Coushatta as the seat of jus1860-61 a Methodist preacher named Read settled tice, the place of meeting was also established here, and learning that the Baptists had no legal there, and in 1872 the Masonic building was

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, claim to the land, he placed his family in the house erected for lodge, church and school purposes. and defied the disappointed Baptists. In 1861 The officers installed in January, 1890, are named Elder Kirtley settled at Springville, one and one- as follows: J. R. Hayes, W. M.; D. H. Hayes, half miles from Coushatta, and took charge of the secretary; Dr. E. F. Beall, S. W.; T. B. Selby, academy. In the school building the members S. D.; L. A. Stall, J. W.; W. P. Hayne, J. D.; worshiped for some time as visitors, but in 1864 Dr. W. A. Boylston, treasurer; T. M. Howell, the church bought the building. In 1865 Kirtley tyler; G. W. Singleton, Chap. moved to Ringgold, and not until 1869 did a Coushatta Chapter claims the following named preacher appear in the person of John Barron. officers: Sam Lisso, H. P.; G. W. Singleton, Afterward G. W. Singleton, a member, was or- Treas.; J. F. Pierson, K.; D. H. Hayes, Sec.; T. dained preacher, and he was followed by J. W. L. Terry, S.; T. M. Howell, G. M. 3d V.; J. R. Carswell.

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Hayes, C. of H. ; G. W. Singleton, G. M. 2d V.; The Baptist Church building commenced in Ben Wolfson, P. S. ; James Foley, G. M. 1st V.;D. August, 1880, and in September the Baptist M. Giddens, R. A. C.; W. T. Wilkinson, guard.

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The Coushatta Temperance Council was or- Brownsville, made notorious in 1874, was the ganized in January, 1874, with L. W. Connerly, property of Tally Brown, at his death the third W. A. Le Seuer, J. P. Hyams, H. R. Jones, A. man in point of wealth within the parish. Abel, J. L. Denson, O. P. Gabagan and W. 0. The Atkins Bros. own the Lake End plantaPickens, officers. The serious character of public tion above Brownsville, while Kenilworth, foraffairs destroyed the enthusiasm of temperance merly the plantation of H. C. Stringfellow, is a workers, and the council passed out of existence. 1,700-acre tract of rich land. The Powell planta

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The Dramatic Club was organized in August, tion adjoining contains 900 acres. Above is M. A. 1880, with J. B. Prudhomme, Pres. ; T. R. Bosley, Cockram's 600-acre tract, then the plantations of V. P.; Thomas E. Paxton, Sec., and Burnside Robert Brown and J. B. Pire; next the 3,000-acre Capers, Treas. Literary and social clubs have tract of S. Q. Hollingsworth; part of Capt. Mars. succeeded this old club in time, but like it they don's estate and part of the Thomas Armistead's have all disappeared. The A. O. U. W. is an old lands. Ethel plantation, owned by Mrs. 0. H. P. and strong organization here.

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Gahagan, is just above Coushatta; then the Russ The Abney residence, purchased in 1878 by J. stock farm, formerly the Greening farm, the old Ben J. Stanfill, was burned in April, 1880. On its Lee plantation and the Pettywick farm now the propsite is the present hotel, conducted by Mr. Stanfill. erty of Judge Egan. Above are the plantations of This house is an oasis in the hotel desert of the A. A. Farmer, Thomas Williams, the old Maj. Dixon upper parishes of Northwest Louisiana.

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lands; the 3,524 acres of Emmett T. Robinson There are no less than twenty-seven business (part of which has been in cultivation since 1858), houses in the town, all doing a large trade. The John Murrell's 1,300, Capt. Marston's 7,000 oil mill of the Armisteads, on the opposite bank acres (known as Ashland), and William Scarborof the Red River, gives promise of becoming the ough's great tract are all well paying farms. Cotleading manufacturing industry of the district. ton Point a plantation of 5,600 acres (formerly the

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There is nothing left of Springville. It is the home of George Robinson, who died in 1879), is deserted village. In 1874 Mrs. C. Bumgartner now the property of H. C. Stringfellow and opened a store where Beausoliel formerly did busi- Georgia Robinson. In 1888-89 a large lumber

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The Springville Academy was opened by and shingle mill was erected at Cotton Point by Prof. Paine.

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Robinson & Stringfellow. Twelve miles below Joseph Bierd, who in 1828 settled near Coushatta, on the Natchitoches road, is Cawley's Bayou la Chute, left a valuable property of 2,200 lumber-mill and cotton-press, while at other points acres to his son, Jerry H. Bierd. The J. M. and small industries are carried on. Throughout the J. W. Robinson plantation is a tract of 3,800 parish are Saline and some fresh-water springs. acres; the W. J. Hutchinson one of 2,000 acres; the

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Deer and wild cat are found in sufficient numbers J. V. Hughes, one of 1,400 acres; Capt. William to entertain the hunter, and the mink, a resident Robson's large plantation below Tone's Bayou; since 1862, appear sometimes in numbers. The J. Ben Smith, whose settlement dates back to minerals of the parish are similar to those of De 1850, owns a fertile tract, and A. N. Timon, who Soto and Winn. owns 1,500 acres, twelve miles above Campti. On his plantations are the mercantile houses of B. Williams and W. A. Oliphant.

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T. R. Armistead, one of the leading planters Lac Dismure is one of the oldest settlements. and well-known merchants of Ward 5, Red River There, years ago, B. Pierre Grappe located his Parish, was born in Mississippi December 5, 1845, plantation before the Archies, Bierds or Browns his parents being William W. and Mary (White)

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His son, Ben G. Grappe, is the Armistead. The father was originally from North present owner of the old homestead.

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Carolina, being born in that State October 3, 1803,

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ness.

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settled here.

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а

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and the mother a native of Mississippi. Their a resident of Texas, and the latter born in Alabama marriage, which occurred in 1842, resulted in the and died in Natchitoches Parish, La., in 1869, when birth of seven children, four of whom are living, about thirty-four years of age. On January 1, our subject being second in order of birth. In 1881, E. F. Beall began the study of medicine in 1849 his parents left Mississippi to go to Louisiana his father's office, and his first course of lectures choosing as their location Red River Parish, where was received in the medical department of the they continued to reside until their deaths, the Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tenn., and his mother dying in July, 1862, and the father on second course during 1882-83, in Tulane Universi- January 7, 1875. Socially, he was a Master Ma- ty of New Orleans, La., from which institution be son, and also served in the capacity of police juror was graduated with the degree of M. D. in the for a number of years. T. R. Armistead received spring of the last-named year. He then took a his education at the Louisiana Seminary, in Alex- post-graduate course at the New York Polytechnic andria, and deciding, in 1869, to start out in the Institute, then returned to Louisiana and began world for himself, be engaged as a civil engineer, practicing the healing art at Mansfield, remaining which occupation he followed but a few months, until 1884, when he came to Coushatta and be- when he turned his attention to farming, and bav- came associated in the practice of his profession ing no capital began this work on shares, persever- with Dr. W. Guthrie, a union which lasted very ing till he became the owner of a 1,400-acre plan- harmoniously and profitably to both until the death tation, 700 acres of which are in a high state of cul- of the latter on March 4, 1890, since which time tivation and well stocked. He is also the owner of Dr. Beall has been alone. Miss Flora Eames, who a gin, grist and oil-mill, the oil-mill being located was born in this State in 1866, became his wife in on his plantation, and, in connection with these 1888, and their marriage has resulted in the birth various pursuits, he conducts a mercantile business, of one child–Trammel. The Doctor has always with a capital of $7,000, which invoices about $10,- cast his vote for men of Democratic principles, and 000 annually. Our subject first married Sadie I. socially, has for some time been a member of the Longmire, a native Alabamian, who died January Silent Brotherhood Lodge No. 146, of the A. F. & 3, 1883, and on December 5, 1888, he again took A. M. of Coushatta. to wife Jennie M. Butter, a daughter of J. W. H. S. Bosley. Among the pioneer families who Butter, of Louisiana. As an award of the un- early cast their fortunes in the region which now bounded respect of his fellow-citizens, be has comprises Red River Parish was that to which the been elected to the office of police juror, an office , subject of this sketch belongs, his parents, Peyton which he still holds. He is thoroughly awake to the and Catherine (Saunders) Bosley, braving the dan- interests of his parish, being a liberal contributor gers and hardships

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and hardships of life in a new and uninhabited to all public enterprises.

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region, coming here in 1833. They were born in E. F. Beall, M. D. During a professional Davidson and Sumner Counties, Tenn., respectivecareer of about seven years Dr. Beall has already ly, the former's birth occurring in 1803, and his become well known and justly deserves the eulo- death in Natchitoches Parish, La., in 1859, his gisms bestowed upon him by his professional breth- wife also dying in this State in the latter part of ren as well as his patrons. He was born in De 1836, she and her children having joined the hus. Soto Parish, La., December 25, 1862, and his band and father here the same year of her death. youth was spent as a student in the common Mr. Bosley was an enterprising man, and did much schools, which education he has since greatly im- to bring the parish to its present admirable state proved by much study and contact with the world. of cultivation and civilization. He built the first He is next to the youngest of four living children | cotton-gin in this region, and became a very extenborn to Dr. A. J. and Anna (Sanders) Beall, the

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He cleared up, owned and cultiformer of whom was born in Georgia and is now | vated the land where the flourishing little town of

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sive land owner.

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Coushatta now stands. He also built the first saw- 1870-71 in the Medical University of Maryland, mill in what is now known as Red River Parish. graduating in March of the latter year.

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The folOf two children born to him, the subject of this lowing year he began practicing in Coushatta, and sketch, H. S. Bosley, is the only one living. Al- here has since continued the same with success, though he resides in Springville, he is the owner being also (since 1878) engaged in the drug busiof 400 acres of his father's old plantation, also ness, his establishment being well appointed and two other plantations on Red River, which he is conducted. He was united in marriage in Januvery successfully conducting. He has always been ary, 1887, to Miss Minnie Lee, who was born in very honorable and upright in his business trans- Mississippi in 1865, and to them three children actions, and no man in the parish is more highly bave been born: Lizzie Lee, William H. and Mary. esteemed or respected than he. He has always The Doctor is a Democrat of long standing, and is voted the Democratic ticket since attaining his now the oldest physician, in point of residence, in majority, and has done all in his power to promote the town of Coushatta. He belongs to Silent the interests of his party as well as to aid in the Brotherhood Lodge No. 146, of the A. F. & A. M. development of this section. He was married in Dr. Henry Bryant is a leading physician and 1855 to Miss Mary Powell, who was born in what honored citizen of Red River Parish, but first was tben Caddo Parish, and died on November 20, saw the light of day in Bibb County, Ala., on 1883, leaving the following.named six children to March 9, 1841, being a son of John and Nancy mourn their loss: Marion P., Milton H., Anna, (Davis) Bryant, the former dying before the subHubbard S., Percival L. and Walter W., all of ject of this sketch was born, and the mother in whom are still living.

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Jackson Parish, La., in 1863. When the subject William A. Boylston, M. D., although born in of this sketch was an infant he accompanied his the Palmetto State, October 7, 1842, has been a mother to Holmes County, Miss., and at six years resident of Louisiana since he was six years

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of

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age, of age they went to Jackson Parish, and there he his parents, W. W. and N. A. (Riley) Boylston, was reared on a farm and received an academic coming thither in that year. They were born in education. In the year 1861 he served a few 1821 and 1819, and in the town of Coushatta the months as a soldier in the Confederate army, father died in the month of September, 1877, being being a member of the Ninth Louisiana Regiment, still survived by his widow,who resides in this town. but on account of ill health he was compelled to Dr. William A. Boylston, is the elder of two chil- leave the service, upon which he returned home, dren born to his parents, the other member of the and for several years be tilled the soil in Jackson family being a sister, who was born in December, Parish. He was also upon two different occasions, 1863. From 1848 to 1872 the family resided in engaged for a short time in the grocery business, Bienville Parish, but since that time have been this being in 1865-67. The following year he residents of Coushatta. Dr. Boylston first attend- began studying medicine under Dr. A. F. Pollard, ed the common schools, then finished his education of Woodville, Jackson Parish, and after remaining in Mount Lebanon University, in which institution with him three years, he in the fall of 1869, enhe remained until 1862, when he joined Company tered the Hospital Medical College of New Orleans, C, Ninth Louisiana Regiment, and at the battle of in which he attended one course of lectures. In Winchester was wounded and captured, in 1864, the fall of 1870 he further fitted himself for his being exchanged at Savannah, Ga., in December profession by entering the medical department of

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year. In October, 1865, he returned home the University of Louisiana, of the same city, from and began the study of medicine under the in- which he was graduated as an M. D. in the spring struction of Dr. J. C. Egan, at Mount Lebanon, and of 1871. He at once began practicing at Woodin the winter of 1869-70 he took his first course ville, Jackson Parish, where he remained three of lectures in the University of Virginia, and in

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In 1874 he removed to Ringgold, Bien

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years.

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of that

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ville Parish, La., in which place and vicinity he esting family of seven children: Steave, Percy, continued his practice until 1888, with the excep- Henry, Clide, Nora, Viva and Lewis. His wife is tion of the year 1878, when he was a resident and a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal practitioner of Coushatta, Red River Parish. In Church South. He is a member of the Masonic 1888 he returned to this parish and located on a order, Apostle Lodge No. 36, as was his father plantation which he bad purchased during his pre- before him, having become a Royal Arch Mason, vious residence here, it being situated on the representing his order in the Grand Lodge one east bank of Red River, three and one-half miles year, and commands the respect of all with whom above Coushatta, and contains 1,300 acres, 300 of be comes in contact, which are under cultivation. Since then the at- John Crichton, planter. This, in brief, is the tention of Dr. Bryant has been divided between sketch of a man whose present substantial position in the practice of medicine and the management of life has been reached entirely through his own per- his plantation, thirteen cabins and one cotton-gin severance, and the facts connected with his

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operabeing erected on the latter. The Doctor was tions and their results only show wbat a person married in December, 1875, to Miss Ella A. Hayes, with courage and enlightened views can accoma native of Georgia, and daughter of D. H. Hayes. plish. His birth occurred in Muscogee County, Their union has been blessed in the birth of six Ga., October 17, 1843, to Peter and Marian A. children, all of whom are living, their names be- (Grieve) Crichton, both of whom were natives of ing Theodocia, Mattie, Mary Belle, Anna Eliza, Scotland, but who came to America while still unHenry Duke and Lizzie. Dr. Bryant is a member married, their union taking place in Georgia about of the Masonic lodge, and in his political views is the year 1838. Of a family of eight children born a Democrat. He is an excellent physician, skill- to them, the subject of this sketch was the third, ful surgeon, an upright, honest citizen, and as a four sons and two daughters now living. The result has the confidence and esteem of all who

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names of the eight in their order of birth are as know him.

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follows: George P., William, John, Thomas, M. A. Cockerham, of Red River Parish, was Sarah A., Adam H., James E. and Mary S. born in this State June 6, 1852. He was the Those deceased are George P. and William, the youngest in a family of ten children born to John

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former dying of camp fever while in the Confederand Rebecca (Buil) Cockerham, natives of South ate service at Manassas Junction, Va., in 1861, the Carolina and Mississippi, respectively. His father latter being killed in the battle of Port Republic had been a farmer all his life, and at an early day June 9, 1862 The third and fourth sons, John emigrated to Louisiana. He was a member of the and Thomas, also served in the Confederate States Masonic order, Apostle Lodge No. 36, and served army, their father being in the same service, a as representative of Catahoula Parish for a num- member of the Twenty-eighth Louisiana Regi. ber of years.

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He died June 19, 1880, his wife ment, being killed in the battle of Franklin, La., having died in February, 1866. They were worthy April 23, 1863. When the subject of this sketch members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our

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was eight years of age, or in January, 1851, he subject was educated in Greensboro, Ala. Decid. accompanied his parents to that portion of Claiing to fight life's battle for himself, at the age of borne Parish that is now Webster Parish, La., and

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, twenty-one years, he took a position as clerk, which there he spent his early years on a farm near the he held for six years, when he decided to turn his town of Minden. At the age of seventeen he was attention to farming, and started out with 520 employed a few months in a drug store in Minden, acres of land, 350 acres of which are now under after which, in August, 1861, he went to Virginia, cultivation. He was married October 14, 1875, to and there entered Company G, Eighth Louisiana Miss Maggie E. Scheen, who was also born and Regiment, serving with it and participating in the raised in this State, and they now bave an inter- battles of Winchester, Cross Keys, Port Republic,

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the battles in the vicinity of Richmond, Manassas,

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Carolina December 25, 1820 and 1828, respectively. Antietam, Harper's Ferry and Fredericksburg, About four years after their removal to this State until May 4, 1863, when, in the battle of Chan- the mother passed from life, but the father is still cellorsville, he was wounded by a ball in the left living and resides in Red River Parish. J. M. T. shoulder. This rendered him unfit for duty for Elliott is the eldest of four living children, and in several months, two of which were spent in the this State he obtained a common-school education, hospital, then he returned home on furlough; and learned the details of agriculture on his fawhile here he did what he could to repel Gen. ther's plantation. After devoting his time to tillBanks, and subsequently returned to Virginia and ing the soil until June 13, 1862, he joined Comrejoined his command, but not having fully recov- pany B, Eleventh Louisiana Battalion, and served ered from bis wound he was still unfit for service, until May, 1865, but during this time was taken and was again obliged to spend some time in the prisoner April 14, 1863, on the gunboat “Queen of hospital. For four years following the war Mr. the West,” which was then on Grand Lake, in Crichton conducted a photograph gallery in Min- Louisiana. After his return home after the close den, La., but in December, 1869, removed to that of the war, he resumed farming, continuing until part of Natchitoches Parish that is now Red River he was appointed parish assessor by Gov. P. A. Parish, and here has resided ever since, his atten- Wiltz. April 16, 1884, be was elected to the retion being given to farming. He located on his sponsible position of sheriff of Red River Parish, present farm, which is known as Elder Grove was re-elected in 1888, and his present term will plantation, in January, 1878, it being situated on expire in 1892.

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No more capable man for the pothe left bank of the Red River twelve miles above sition could be found than Mr. Elliott, and owing Coushatta, and contains 1,300 acres, of which 375 to his geniality and desire to oblige, he is very acres are under cultivation, well improved with popular with all. He was married March 5, 1860, good residence and barn, one cotton-gin and to Miss Martha Collins, who was born in Alabama, twenty-three cabins. Mr. Crichton's marriage to June 8, 1839, and to them a family of eight chilMiss Frances W. Williams, a native of Alabama, dren has been born: William H., Angeline W., took place January 29, 1873, and to them six chil. George S., Susan F., Mary E., Sarah T., and twins, dren have been born as follows: Walter G., Fan Philip C. and James M. Of these children George nie W., Josie D., Gracie, Thomas and Warren S. S. and Mary E. are dead. Mr. Elliott has always All are living with the exception of Gracie, who been a Democrat, and socially is a member of the died at the age of ten months. Mrs. Crichton is Silent Brotherhood Lodge No. 146 of the A. F. & the daughter of the late Dr. W. S. Williams, of A. M. He and his wife are prominent members of this parish. Mr. Crichton is a member of the A. the Missionary Baptist Church at Coushatta. 0. U. W., and in politics is a Democrat, and has Daniel M. Giddens is a worthy tiller of the soil served several years as a member of the school residing three miles below Coushatta, and his board, and since July, 1885, he has been a member plantation, which comprises 500 acres, is well of the police jury, having first been appointed by adapted to raising all the products of the South in Gov. McEnery, and secondly by Gov. Nichols. abundance, and everything about it indicates that a He is one of the leading citizens of the parish, and man of thrift, industry and good judgment has conhe and his family hold a high place in the estima- trol of affairs; 250 acres are under cultivation, and tion of the citizens throughout this section.

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in addition to tilling this Mr. Giddens is quite exJ. M. T. Elliott, the popular sheriff of Red tensively engaged in stock business, which is provRiver Parish, La., although born in Anson County, ing a remunerative enterprise. He was born in AlaN. C., February 15, 1839, has been a resident bama, November 9, 1835, and was the third of of Louisiana since 1854. His parents, Isaac S. seven children, four of whom are living, born to and Winfred (Rogers) Elliott, were born in North Abram and Sarah (Smith) Giddens, natives of

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war

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came

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was

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North Carolina, the former born in 1798 and the A young lady of rare attainments, who contributed latter about 1802. They died in Alabama, the greatly in furthering the intellectual pursuits former passing from life in August, 1878, his wife and political aspirations of her husband. In 1846 having departed this life in 1817. Daniel M. Gid- he was elected to the Legislature and served for dens was reared to a farm life and was a student in one session and resigned. In 1850 he was a candithe country schools. In 1857 he went to Texas but date for Congress on the Whig ticket and was de. the following year came to Louisiana, and settled feated by a small majority. In 1851 he moved to in what is now Red River Parish. Here, June 1, Louisiana and settled in Bien ville Parish, where 1861, he joined Company A, Twelfth Louisiana he continued the practice of his profession and en: Volunteer Infantry, Confederate States army, and gaged largely in agriculture. In the campaign of was in the service until the close of the war, being 1856 (having left the Whig ranks) he was an wounded at Atlanta, Ga., in 1864. After the war elector on the Democratic ticket. In this memurhe returned to this part of the State, and since able campaign he and Judah P. Benjamin can . January, 1876, has resided on his present planta- vassed the State together and were strong polittion, which has been acquired through his own ex- ical friends. He was elected to the Legislature in ertions, as when he started in life for himself he 1860. In the same year he was a candidate for had nothing. In the month of April, 1868, he the United States Senate against Mr. Benjamin, was married to Miss Mary J. Armistead, who died and was defeated by only one vote. When tho in October, 1873, of yellow fever, leaving two chil

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on he enlisted in the Confederate dren: Robert and Albert. Two years later Mr. service as a private in a Mississippi regiment. Giddens united his fortunes with that of Miss Mar. His ability was well kuown to President Davis, ietta Brown, who was born in Louisiana, in 1850, with whom he was on the most intimate terms. and the following six children have blessed their

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sent by President Davis from Virunion: Daniel, Brown, Ethel, Grover, Eloise and ginia, where his regiment was then in service, Mattie. Mr. Giddens is a stanch Democrat, and to Louisiana, to organize a regiment. Accordsocially is a member of Silent Brotherhood Lodge ingly he organized the Twenty-eighth Louisiana No. 146, of the A. F. & A. M. of Coushatta. Infantry, of which he was elected colonel. The

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Gen. Henry Gray was born January 19, 1816, conspicuous part that this regiment played, and in Lawrence District, S. C., of Prussian extraction. the distinguished services rendered in the Toche His ancestors, who emigrated from Prussia in the country, and in the battles of Mansfield and early settlement of the American colonies, many Pleasant Hill, are familiar in the military annals of them distinguished themselves in the service of the times. At the battle of Mansfield, one of of their adopted country. His father was promi- the greatest achievements of the late war, Gen. nent in politics in South Carolina, and served Mouton was mortally wounded, and Gen. Gray for many years in the Legislature. Young Gray was promoted brigadier-general and placed in was graduated from South Carolina College in command of his brigade.

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He commanded the 1834 with distinguished honor. He immediately troops in the Red River District and then in Arentered upon the study of the law, and was admit

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kansas, when he was elected to the Confederate ted to the bar in 1838. He completed his legal Congress. This closed his military career. He studies in the office of Col. William Murphy, of proceeded immediately to Richmond and repreGreensboro, Ala. He located temporarily in Win- sented the North Louisiana District in the Confedston County, Miss., where he met Mr. S. S. Pren- erate Congress in the last days of the Confederacy. tiss, who induced him to make that State his

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After the war was ended by the Confederate surrenhome.

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In 1839 he was elected district attorney, der Gen. Gray returned to his bome, only to find his and served until 1845, when he declined renomi- hard-earned competency swept away.

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He was nation. In 1841 he married Miss Ellen Howard, elected to the State Senate soon after and took an active and conspicuous part. As an orator he had cases has won for him a wide spread reputation. but few equals. About this time he lost his wife, He was married, February 26, 1885, to Miss Molwhich appears to have chilled his political aspira- lie C. Furniss, a daughter of Samuel M. Furniss, tions. He resigned his seat in the Senate, and re- Sr., of Bossier Parish. Their marriage has retired from politics, since which time he has per- sulted in the birth of three children: Mattie Viola, sistently declined to become a candidate for any Walter Engene and Arthur Loomis. The Doctor office. Though he engaged energetically in agri and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcultural pursuits, he, like many of his com- copal Church, and the former is a member of the patriots in the Confederacy, was never able to re- Masonic lodge, and in politics is a Democrat. build his shattered fortunes. He lives in retire. For two years he has been deputy coroner of Red ment near Coushatta, La., with his only child, the River Parish, and for four years has been postwife of W. J. Stothart.

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master of East Point, and is holding both posi. Dr. Walter Eugene Hawkins is one among the tions at the present time. The Doctor possesses very foremost of the professional men of the very agreeable, pleasant and kindly manners, and parish, and his ability and intelligence are ac- his cheery presence and encouraging and kindly knowledged, not only by bis medical brethren, but words do much to aid in the convalescence of his by all those who have employed his services. He patients. has resided in this State all his life, for he was Duke H. Hayes, notary public, of Coushatta, born here October 16, 1859, to M. 0. Hawkins, La., was born in Clarke County, Ga., January 8, who was born in North Carolina about 1831, and 1819, to George and Mary (Hamilton) Hayes, who died in Robeline, La., February 22, 1883, having were Virginians, the father having been born in been a tiller of the soil throughout life. The 1770, and died in Thomas County, Ga., in 1840, mother, whose maiden name was Caroline Barbee, the mother's birth having occurred in 1796, and is the daughter of Hon. L. Barbee, of Fort Jes- her death in Thomas County, Ga., in 1871. Duke sup, Sabine Parish, La., and is stil living, her H. Hayes is next to the youngest of eight children home also being at Fort Jessup. When Dr. Haw- born to his parents, only two of whom survive. kins was a lad he accompanied his parents to He was a resident of Georgia from the time of his Sabine Parish, and at nine years of age removed birth until 1860, when he settled in Bienville Parwith them to Mansfield, some two or three years ish, La., and in December, 1868, came to Coulater returning to Sabine Parish, where he re- shatta. Having been engaged in merchandising mained with them until he attained his majority. and farming in Georgia, he followed those callings The latter part of his education was received in 1866–67, but after his removal to Red River under Prof. Grainger at Many, Sabine Parish, and Parish he devoted his attention to farming, his at the age of twenty years, finding himself thor- plantation being just below Coushatta. In 1871 oughly competent, he took up the occupation of he was appointed clerk of the court, and served teaching as a temporary pursuit and followed this about two years, since which time he has been occupation for two years, his leisure moments deputy in some one of the parish offices. He has being devoted to the study of medicine. In the been notary public since 1873. He was married fall of 1882 he entered the Mobile Medical Col. in Macon, Ga., in 1839, to Miss Sarah Ann Munlege of Alabama, in which institution he attended son, a native of South Carolina, who died in Bientwo full courses of lectures, graduating March 15, ville Parish in 1867, leaving, besides her sorrowing 1883, after which he at once located at East Point, husband, seven children to mourn their loss: Mary Red River Parish, and has actively and success- Ann, John R., Theodocia E., Anna C., Ella A., fully practiced his profession ever since. His Bell H. and Sarah D. Mr. Hayes was married, a practice has become large, and the admirable second time, in 1869, to Mrs. Eliza Cagle (mother manner in which he succeeded with many difficult of Dr. W. E. Cagle, dentist, who resides in Cou

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was

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shatta, La.), who was born in Tennessee in 1830, were born in Charleston, S. C. (the latter in and to them two children have been born: Eudora 1823), and died in Winston County, Miss., and D. and Emmie M. In politics Mr. Hayes was for- Bienville Parish, La., in 1851 and 1865, respectmerly a Whig, but since the war has been a strong ively, the father being about fifty years of age at Democrat. He is now secretary of Silent Brother- the time of his death. L. M. Howard is the hood Lodge No. 146, A. F. & A. M., and for his younger of two children born to his mother's secyears (sixteen) of faithful service, he was presented ond marriage, and when two months old was by his lodge with a handsome gold-headed cane in brought to Bienville Parish, La., and here was 1887. He is also a member of Coushatta Chapter reared to manhood, first attending the common No. 35, R. A. M., of which he has been secretary schools and then Mount Lebanon University, subfor fifteen years. From 1880 to 1886 he was the sequently entering the normal department of a fine private secretary of Judge L. B. Watkins; and educational institution at Bastrop, La. After from 1886 to the present time has been in the office teaching school in Morehouse Parish for one year, of John C. Pugh. He and his wife are members he, in January, 1870, went to Texas, but two of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he years later came to Coushatta. Here he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for elected clerk of the court of Red River Parish in eighteen years.

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1880, and, after serving one term, was deputy in Samuel Q. Hollingsworth is one of the success- the same office four years. In 1888 he opened a ful planters and merchants of this township. He livery establishment at this point, but prior to this, was born in De Soto Parish, La., January 5, 1862, in 1883, had built the People's Telegraph Line to James M. and Lizzie (Quarles) Hollingsworth. from this point to Natchitoches, and these two enThey had six children, three now living, our sub. terprises is managing successfully. The line is ject being the second eldest. He was educated in thirty miles long, and was built at a cost of $1,250. Shreveport, La., and Sewanee, Tenn., principally, He is a wide awake and enterprising gentleman, and at the age of twenty-three years started out in and as a business man has been a success. life for himself. His father having been a farmer, married in September, 1877, to Miss Mollie Jones, be naturally turned his attention to the same pur- who was born in Tennessee in September, 1857, suit. In 1884 he undertook the management of and by her is the father of one child--L. Benton, his father's farm of about 2,400 acres, of which who was born June 9, 1883. Mr. Howard is a 1,200 acres are under cultivation.

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Besides, he Democrat, and, socially, belongs to Silent Brotherconducts a merchandising establishment, in which hood Lodge No. 146, of the A. F. & A. M , and his father invested $3,000, and, taking it alto- Red River Lodge No. 11, of the A. (). U. W. He gether, he is kept pretty busy. He was married, is deeply interested in all public enterprises, and

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, December 1, 1885, to Miss Nina Arnold, a native has given liberally of his means in their support. of Texas, born in 1866, and to their union have

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H. A. Huntley is the only child born to the been born three children: Clifford, Arnold and marriage of George W. and Carrie S. (Epperson) Samuel. They are all members of the Episcopal Huntley, the former a native of the Old Dominion, Church. In his political views Mr. Hollingsworth and the latter of Mississippi. The father was one affiliates with the Democratic party, and, although of the prominent and well-known men of his day, he takes no active part in politics, he is always and for a number of years was principal of a large willing to assist in matters of interest to his party. school at Raymond, Miss. He served in the wars

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L. M. Howard is the proprietor of the People's of that State, and being an ardent Southerner, he Telegraph Line, and is also the owner of an excel- took the part of the Confederates during the Relent livery stable at Coushatta. He was born in bellion, first serving as lieutenant, and later being Winston County, Miss., June 4, 1851, son of J. J. promoted to the captaincy of his company.

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He J. and Sarah L. (Reeves) Howard, both of whom was killed at Griffin, Ga., in 1864. His widow yet

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He was

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a

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survives him, and is a member of the Missionary John A. Jones is a prominent young planter of Baptist Church. H. A. Huntley is a native of Red River Parish, La., and since 1887 has identi

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a Hinds County, Miss., his birth occurring on Janu- fied himself with the progress and development of ary 23, 1838.

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He received a good education at the agricultural interests of the parish. He was Raymond, and at fifteen years of age began for born in Nashville, Tenn., May 6, 1855, being the himself as deputy in the circuit clerk's office, where second of a family of six children-four sons and he remained a number of years. He wedded Miss two daughters-three sons and one daughter being Mary L. Wardlaw on February 20, 1879, who was now alive, born to John H. and Susannah C. (Nebborn in the same State as our subject. Five chil- blet) Jones, the former a native of Wales, and the dren have blessed their union: George W., Henry latter of Tennessee. The father who led the life A., Mary L., and two deceased. Besides being a of a merchant, died in Coushatta, La., in 1867, merchant with about $2,500 capital, and conduct- having located there in 1860, but his widow still ing a trade annually amounting to about $8,000, survives him, her home being in this town. Joha Mr. Huntley cultivates about 250 acres of land. A. Jones, the immediate subject of this biography, He is a popular and well known citizen, is a mem- was but five years old when his parents removed ber of the Masonic, Knights of Pythias and thither from Nashville, and all his youth and the Knights of Honor fraternities. Mrs. Huntley be- first years of his manhood were spent in this town, longs to the Baptist Church.

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in the schools of which he received his early eduC. D. Jones. One of the well-known and en- cation. During this time he was employed in the terprising planters of Red River Parish, is he capacity of clerk, but in 1887 he determined to dewhose name forms the subject for this brief sketch. vote his attention to agriculture, and accordingly A native Louisianian, his birth occurred March 22, came to his present plantation, first leasing the 1847, being the fourth in a family of seven chil. property, and in 1890 purchasing it, it containing dren born to the marriage of Daniel P. and Susan 200 acres of excellent land, nearly half of it being (O'Quin) Jones, who were natives of Pennsylvania under cultivation. Mr. Jones is a Democrat, politand Louisiana, respectively. The father was a ically, and while a resident of Coushatta, he served mechanic by occupation, served his country hon- as deputy sheriff and deputy marshal several years, orably through the Mexican War, and died in 1855, and upon another occasion was deputy clerk of the preceded by his wife in 1852, the latter being a parish. The greater part of his life has been speut member of the Baptist Church. The immediate here, and he is, therefore, well known to her citi.

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. subject of this notice received his schooling in the zens and commands respect from all classes. His parish of A voyelles, and at the immature year of life has been characterized by many deeds of kindfourteen, began life's battle for himself by farm- ness and personally, and in every relation and ing. In 1874 he was united in wedlock with Katie, duty of life he has been liberal, generous and high daughter of J. D. Cawthon, and eight children minded. have blessed them named as follows: May, Lula, Dr. P. A. Lee is a dentist, whose skill has won Eunice, Carrie, Walter, Howard, Katie and George. him a large practice, and he holds a high place in The three first named are deceased. By hard work the estimation of his fellow-citizens. He was born and perseverance, Mr. Jones has acquired a plan in Natchitoches (now Red River) Parish, La., Autation of 250 acres, seventy-five of which are un- gust 14, 1819, and is a son of Benjamin S. and der cultivation. For the past eighteen years he Mary F. (Reddy) Lee, both of whom were born in has been manager of a large plantation of 800 the State of Alabama, and emigrated to Louisiana acres, which is all under cultivation. He is a at an early day, locating in what is now Red River Mason, a member of the A. 0. U. W., and con- Parish, where he purchased a big plantation, which tributes liberally from his means in the support of

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he conducted until moving to Mansfield, in 1881. all laudable public enterprises.

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He has now a large fruit and cotton farm, and

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a

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a

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log build

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a

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turns his attention to growing fruit, in which be tablishing a mercantile store at Springville, a mile has been very successful. He was in the latter and a half east of the present town of Coushatta. part of the late war, taking part in the battle of Here he resided until 1865, then came to Coushatta, Mansfield, and was a member of the police jury of and erected the first store in the place Red River Parish for some time. He was twice ing, 40x20 feet, which stood a little south west of married, his first wife bearing him six children, the present store building, which belongs to his four now living, and his second marriage resulted

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He moved to New Orleans in 1865, to edu. in the birth of two children. In Red River Parish, cate his children, and left his business in the hands La., the subject of this sketch received his rearing of bis brothers, Marks and Jules Lisso, who, after and education, being an attendant of the common his death, succeeded him, the firm changing to Lisso schools, but he was so fortunate as to complete his & Brother in 1865. In 1879 Paul Lisso began education in New Orleans. He began the study business in bis present store, and he and his brother of dentistry at the age of twenty-two years, and are now partners. Paul was born at Springville, graduated from a college of that city in 1873, after La., August 22, 1854, and was educated in New which he entered upon his practice in Coushatta, Orleans. In 1879 he was married to Miss Carrie but removed six months later to Cleburne, Johnson Pbillips, who was born in Natchitoches, January County, Tex., where he remained about fifteen 15, 1858, to Jacob Phillips and wife. Of her union months. At the end of this time he came back to with Mr. Lisso, four children have been born: Cora Coushatta, owing to ill health, and here soon won Lee, Bertie, Essie and an infant yet unnamed. a large and paying practice, becoming well known Mr. Lisso is a Democrat, a member of the I. O. B. B. throughout Red River, Sabine, De Soto, Caddo and A. O. K. S. B., and connected with the Jewish and Natchitoches Parishes. He is considered a Widows and Orphans' Home, of New Orleans, very tine and skillful dentist, and his charges are La. He and his brother do an annual business of always reasonable. He was married in November, $100,000, for, in addition to their mercantile es1873, to Miss Pamelia Herring, by whom he has tablishment, they deal extensively in cotton. Samfive children: Lillie E., Elmo, Benjamin, Lewis uel Lisso, the junior member of the firm, was also and Robert. The Doctor is a member of the Ma- born in Springville, La., January 12, 1853. He, sonic fraternity, the A. O. U. W., and in his po- like his brother, received good educational adlitical views, is a Democrat. He was assessor of vantages, and in 1885 became a member of the Red River Parish for the year 1882. He is now above-mentioned firm. He was married September preparing a dental book. on Mechanical Dentistry, 15, 1875, to Miss Mary E. Phillips, of Natchitoches, of general information, illustrated, which he ex- born April 26, 1854, and died at Coushatta, La., pects to have issued in the near future, which will November 4, 1884, leaving her sorrowing husband be of great value to those interested in dentistry. with two children to care for: Paul M. and Roy. He still owns his little home in Coushatta.

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Samuel is also a Democrat, and belongs to Silent Paul Lisso is the senior member of the general Brotherhood Lodge No. 146, A. F. & A. M., at mercantile firm of Lisso & Brother, of Coushatta Coushatta, the A. 0. U. W., the A. L. of H. and La., which has become well known for honest, up- the I. O. B. B. The mother of Paul and Samuel right dealing, as well as for the reasonable price died in 1854. of its goods, throughout this section. These broth - J. R. McGoldrick. There are a number of men ers are the sons of A. M. Lisso, who was born in prominently identified with the mercantile interests Konig, Prussia, in 1824, and came to the United of Red River Parish, La., but none among them States in 1846, dying in the city of New Orleans, are more deserving of mention than Mr. McGoldLa., in 1867.

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After his arrival in this country, he rick, who, although not old in years, is yet a subspent about two years in St. Louis, and in 1848 stantial business man.

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He was born in Macon, came to what is now Red River Parish, La., Ga., November 22, 1847, son of Dr. R. H. and

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es

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1 1

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He was

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Martha L. (Munson) McGoldrick, who were born, followed farming for a number of years, but later the first in Maryland and the latter in South Car- became cashier of the Nashville Union Bank, and olina. Dr. R. H. McGoldrick died in Decatur has also held the office of parish treasurer. He County, Ga., December 25, 1853. Mrs. McGold- died in 1886, his widow still surviving him and livrick died in Coushatta, La., on November 13, ing in Clinton, La., she is a member of the Baptist 1886. J. R. McGoldrick is the younger of two Church of the ten children born to them, three

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. Of children, both of whom are living, and in his are now living, John being the fourth in order of youth a common-school education was given him. birth. He was educated in Nashville, Tenn., at At the age of sixteen years he joined Company A, the Weston Military Institute. At the age of twentyTwenty-ninth Battalion, Georgia Cavalry, of which two years having decided to start out for himself, he became third sergeant, and for three years he accepted a position with a railroad company, served the Confederate cause faithfully and well, but remained with them only three years.

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Febbeing under Gen. Hood in Middle Florida and ruary 17, 1859, he married Miss Emily Hochard, Eastern Georgia. In 1866 Mr. McGoldrick came also a native of this State, and this union has been to Louisiana and settled in Bossier Parish, shortly blessed with five children: Elizabeth, Henry, John, afterward removing to Shreveport, where he made George and William. He has a large plantation his home for some seven years, afterward living in owning 1,000 acres of land, 450 acres of which are Arkansas for about three years. The following under cultivation, the farm being well stocked, two years were again spent in Shreveport, but and upon which is located a mill and cotton-gin. about 1878 he came to Coushatta, and for one year He is a member of Clinton Lodge No. 27, I. 0. 0. was an employe of Lisso & Scheen, after which he F., and has held every office in the same. opened a mercantile establishment of his own in also president of the police jury for eight years. the management of which he has been very success- He and his wife are members of the Methodist ful. On October 11, 1881, he was appointed Episcopal Church South, and are respected citizens postmaster of the town, and has held the office with of this county. ability ever since. He was married February 15, J. F. Pierson. This talented lawyer, who has 1879, to Miss Sarah D. Hayes, who was born in achieved such an excellent reputation for legal Decatur County, Ga., May 29, 1859, and to them ability at the Coushatta and other bars, was born four daughters have been born: Willie C., Theo- in Pike County, Ala., October 3, 1844, being the docia, Sarah O. and Tiny. Mr. McGoldrick is a ninth of ten children, four of whom are living, Democrat in politics, and belongs to Silent born to William and Mary (Collins) Pierson, who Brotherhood Lodge No. 146, of the A. F. & A. M., were born in South Carolina and Georgia, in Coushatta Chapter No. 35, R. A. M., and the A. 1808 and 1811, and died in Natchitoches, La., L. of H. He is one of the foremost business men and Bienville Parish, La., in 1885 and 1848, reof the town, and in his business transactions spectively. They removed from Pike County, Ala., naught has ever been said to his discredit, but much in the fall of 1848 and settled in Bienville Parish, in his praise.

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which was laid out that year, but was in a very John Marston is one of the leading planters of primitive condition. Mr. Pierson brought with Red River Parish, La., and was born in that State him four negroes, and was worth in all, from $1,800 on May 6, 1835. His parents are Henry and Abbie to $2,000, and remained on the plantation on (Johnston) Marston, the father being a native of which he settled until the fall of 1860, exclusively Boston, Mass., and the mother of South Carolina. engaged in planting, but in that year sold his His father was born in 1797, emigrated to Louis- plantation, stock, all his negroes, with the excepiana in 1821, and settled in New Orleans, where he tion of three, for $30,000, reserving his family began the merchandising business. After conduct- horse and carriage and all his household effects. ing this business for four years he sold out and

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This is a good illustration of how rapidly money

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verance.

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could be accumulated in Louisiana at that day, ored and law-abiding people. The father died in bis being an average increase of the prosperity of the year 1881, but his widow yet survives him at the settlers from 1847 up to the opening of the an advanced age, and resides in Perry County, Rebellion. J. F. Pierson, the immediate subject Ala. George M. was reared to manhood in his of this biography, was a student in the common native county, receiving his education at the primischools from 1854 to 1859, and from the latter tive log school-house of that day. At the

ഀ ഀ

age

ഀ ഀ

of year until 1862 he attended Mount Lebanon Uni- twenty-four he began life's battle upon his own versity, being a painstaking, intelligent and faith- responsibility by farming, and having nothing to ful student. In the fall of that year he joined commence with, his subsequent career of success Company C, Third Louisiana Infantry, and the is the direct result of his own energy and persefollowing year was captured at Vicksburg, being

ഀ ഀ

Espousing the cause of the South durexchanged in 1864. From that time until Lee's ing the sixties, he became a private in the Elevsurrender he served in the Trans-Mississippi De. enth Alabama Infantry (Company F), and was a partment, proving himself a true and tried sol

ഀ ഀ

participant in the engagements of Richmond, the dier. In 1865, after his return home, he began Wilderness and Petersburg, where he was wounded the study of law and in the month of August, in the left side by a minie-ball. · By reason of 1869, was licensed to practice in the Supreme this he was sent to the hospital at Richmond, and Court at Natchitoches. In May, 1875, he came to later received a furlough and went home to visit Coushatta from Bienville Parish and here bas friends and relatives. At the time of the surrensince continued the practice of his profession, win- der he was in Georgia, and from there he came ning golden opinions for bimself, in regard to his to Mississippi, and a year later to Louisiana, ability as an all-around lawyer, from the members which State has since been his home. On Januof the legal fraternity of this section. He is a ary 15, 1871, Miss Silia Marti became his wife, forcible and convincing speaker, and his indomit and to their union seven children have been born: able energy has enabled him to overcome what at Charles, Mary, William A., Sarah V., George M., times seemed insurmountable difficulties. He is a Rosie D. and Walter M. The first two and next Democrat, politically, a member of the Silent to the last-named are deceased. The mother, who Brotherhood Lodge No. 146, of the A. F. & A. M. was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, of Coushatta, which lodge is in a flourishing con- died on September 25, 1884. Mr. Powell is a

ഀ ഀ

. dition. In November, 1865, Miss Amanda J. member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a prosThomas became his wife, and in time the mother

ഀ ഀ

perous planter, now owning about 1,000 acres of of his four children: Edward, Thomas, Reuben A. valuable land, about 400 acres of whịch are under and Malcolm. Mrs. Pierson was born in Alabama a good state of cultivation. in 1846, and is a daughter of D. K. and Elizabeth John C. Pugh. One of the best-known names (Ryan) Thomas. She is an earnest member of the at the Louisiana bar, and now one of the leading Baptist Church and an intelligent, cultured and and solid men of Cousbatta, is Mr. Pugh, who is charitable lady

ഀ ഀ

a native of De Soto Parish, La., bis birth occur. George M. Powell, one of the leading mer- ring on March 27, 1860, he being the fourth of cbants and planters of Red River Parish, is a five children born to William and Mollie (Tidwell) native Alabamian, his birth occurring in Bibb Pugh, who were born in Alabama in 1825 and County on April 23, 1845. His parents, Charles 1834, respectively. The father was a farmer by M. and Sarah (Johnston) Powell, were natives of occupation, and about 1836 came to Louisiana, North Carolina and Georgia, respectively, were and followed his chosen calling in De Soto Parthe parents of ten children (our subject being the ish until his death, which occurred in 1872, the

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venth), were farmers by occupation, were mem- farm on which he settled being still occupied bers of the Baptist Church, and were honest, hon- and owned by his widow. The paternal grandfather, Jesse Pugh, was born in Wales, and a son of W. E. D. and Jane (Powell) Scarborough, passed from life in De Soto Parish when about both of whom were Virginians. They first removed eighty years of age. The maternal grandparents to Mississippi, thence to Louisiana in 1835, and were born in Ireland and died in De Soto Par: located in Webster Parish, but remained only a ish, where they lived to a ripe old age. John C. short time, when they made one more move, this Pugh was first a student in the public schools of time settling in Natchitoches (now Red River) Louisiana, and for a short time attended the Cen- Parish. He settled on land where the town of ter High School in Shelby County, Tex., and Mount Flat now stands, and here he followed the although he was a fair student upon leaving this occupation of planting for years. In 1856 he institution, the most of his education has been ac- went to New Orleans and began dealing in cotton quired by self-application and contact with the and groceries, continuing both these occupations

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seve

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, world in his professional, as well as in a social with good results until 1861, when he died at capacity. In 1881 he began the study of law at Monroe, La., his wife dying in 1853. There are Mansfield, in the office of Elam & Sutherland, two children surviving them: Mrs. Emily J. Reed, the former member of the firm being a congress- of Charlotte, N. C., and W. P., who was reared by man from this district. Mr. Pugh was admitted his grandmother on Red River, his early days to the bar in October, 1881, in the Supreme Court being devoted to planting and to attending the at Shreveport, after which he opened an office in

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common schools. In 1866 he went to Mount Leb. Mansfield, where he continued practicing until anon, La., where he attended school for two years, 1836, when he came to Coushatta. In 1884 he after which he returned to Mansfield, where he was elected district attorney for the Tenth Dis- continued to pursue his studies. Planting and trict, composed of the parishes of Red River and merchandising have been his chief callings through De Soto, and, owing to the ability with which he life, and he now owns land to the amount of served, he was re-elected to this position in 1888, 8,000 acres, with about 2,800 acres under cultiby the Democratic party, with which he has long vation. He owns a store at Williams, one at Mount affiliated. He is one of the leading lawyers of Flat and one at West Point, on Bayou Pierre;

ഀ ഀ

; this part of the State, for he reads a case well is a stockholder in a large store at East Point, and and thoroughly before he undertakes it, and in all respects is one of the leading men of Red although he is a man of unassuming manner, he River Parish. He was married, in 1877, to Miss possesses much firmness. He was married on Dollie Minter, by whom he has one child, William April 12, 1887, to Miss Carrie Gahagan, who was C. The Scarborough family is of English descent, born in Red River Parish, La., in 1865, and their and members of the family were early settlers of union has resulted in the birth of two children: Virginia. Although the subject of this sketch was Lamar and Crea. Mr. Pugh is a member of the left an orphan in early youth, he has always made Missionary Baptist Church. He is a great be good use of the opportunities offered him, and by liever in education, and is now connected with two his own efforts has succeeded in obtaining an prominent institutions of learning. He is presi- enviable position on the “

ഀ ഀ

“ladder of success. dent of the board of trustees of the Coushatta L. E. Scheen. As a merchant Mr. Scheen has Male and Female College, and one of the trus- become well known throughout Red River Parish, tees of Keatcbie Male and Female College.

ഀ ഀ

and as he has been closely identified with each W. P. Scarborough is the president of the vital interest of this section he fully deserves the Bayou Pierre Drainage Company (Limited) and confidence and respect of the numerous friends manager of the East Point Co-operative Association that have sprung up around him. He was born in (Limited), and is also a worthy planter of Red Bienville Parish November 28, 1858, to J. H. and River Parish. He is a native of Webster Parish, Nancy A. (Bradley) Scheen. The father died in La., his birth occurring September 14, 1852, being Coushatta April 2, 1887, at the age of fifty-nine

ഀ ഀ

verance.

ഀ ഀ

could be accumulated in Louisiana at that day, ored and law-abiding people. The father died in bis being an average increase of the prosperity of the year 1881, but his widow yet survives him at the settlers from 1847 up to the opening of the an advanced age, and resides in Perry County, Rebellion. J. F. Pierson, the immediate subject Ala. George M. was reared to manhood in his of this biography, was a student in the common native county, receiving his education at the primischools from 1854 to 1859, and from the latter tive log school house of that day. At the age of

ഀ ഀ

year until 1862 he attended Mount Lebanon Uni- twenty-four he began life's battle upon his own versity, being a painstaking, intelligent and faith- responsibility by farming, and having nothing to ful student. In the fall of that year he joined commence with, bis subsequent career of success Company C, Third Louisiana Infantry, and the is the direct result of his own energy

ഀ ഀ

and

ഀ ഀ

persefollowing year was captured at Vicksburg, being

ഀ ഀ

Espousing the cause of the South durexchanged in 1864. From that time until Lee's ing the sixties, he became a private in the Elevsurrender be served in the Trans-Mississippi De. enth Alabama Infantry (Company F), and was a partment, proving himself a true and tried sol- participant in the engagements of Richmond, the dier. In 1865, after his return home, he began Wilderness and Petersburg, where he was wounded the study of law and in the month of August, in the left side by a minie-ball. . By reason of 1869, was licensed to practice in the Supreme this he was sent to the hospital at Richmond, and Court at Natchitoches. In May, 1875, he came to later received a furlough and went home to visit Coushatta from Bienville Parish and here has friends and relatives. At the time of the surrensince continued the practice of his profession, win- der he was in Georgia, and from there he came ning golden opinions for bimself, in regard to his to Mississippi, and a year later to Louisiana, ability as an all-around lawyer, from the members which State has since been his home. On Januof the legal fraternity of this section. He is a ary 15, 1871, Miss Silia Marti became his wife, forcible and convincing speaker, and his indomit- and to their union seven children have been born: able energy has enabled him to overcome what at Charles, Mary, William A., Sarah V., George M., times seemed insurmountable difficulties.

ഀ ഀ

He is a

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Rosie D. and Walter M. The first two and next Democrat, politically, a member of the Silent to the last-named are deceased. The mother, who Brotherhood Lodge No. 146, of the A. F. & A. M. was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, of Coushatta, which lodge is in a flourishing con- died on September 25, 1884. Mr. Powell is a dition. In November, 1865, Miss Amanda J.

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member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a prosThomas became his wife, and in time the mother

ഀ ഀ

perous planter, now owning about 1,000 acres of of his four children: Edward, Thomas, Reuben A. valuable land, about 400 acres of which are under and Malcolm. Mrs. Pierson was born in Alabama a good state of cultivation. in 1846, and is a daughter of D. K. and Elizabeth John C. Pugh. One of the best-known names (Ryan) Thomas.

ഀ ഀ

She is an earnest member of the at the Louisiana bar, and now one of the leading Baptist Church and an intelligent, cultured and and solid men of Cousbatta, is Mr. Pugh, who is charitable lady.

ഀ ഀ

a native of De Soto Parish, La., bis birth occurGeorge M. Powell, one of the leading mer- ring on March 27, 1860, he being the fourth of chants and planters of Red River Parish, is a five children born to William and Mollie (Tidwell) native Alabamian, his birth occurring in Bibb Pugh, who were born in Alabama in 1825 and County on April 23, 1845. His parents, Charles 1834, respectively. The father was a farmer by M. and Sarah (Johnston) Powell, were natives of occupation, and about 1836 came to Louisiana, North Carolina and Georgia, respectively, were and followed his chosen calling in De Soto Parthe parents of ten children (our subject being the ish until his death, which occurred in 1872, the seventh), were farmers by occupation, were mem- farm on which he settled being still occupied bers of the Baptist Church, and were honest, hon- and owned by his widow. The paternal grandfather, Jesse Pugh, was born in Wales, and a son of W. E. D. and Jane (Powell) Scarborough, passed from life in De Soto Parish when about both of whom were Virginians. They tirst removed eighty years of age. The maternal grandparents to Mississippi, thence to Louisiana in 1835, and were born in Ireland and died in De Soto Par. located in Webster Parish, but remained only a ish, where they lived to a ripe old age. John C. short time, when they made one more move, this Pugh was first a student in the public schools of time settling in Natchitoches (now Red River) Louisiana, and for a short time attended the Cen- Parish. He settled on land where the town of ter High School in Shelby County, Tex., and Mount Flat now stands, and here he followed the although he was a fair student upon leaving this occupation of planting for years. In 1856 he institution, the most of his education has been ac- went to New Orleans and began dealing in cotton quired by self-application and contact with the and groceries, continuing both these occupations world in his professional, as well as in a social with good results until 1861, when he died at capacity. In 1881 he began the study of law at Monroe, La., his wife dying in 1853. There are Mansfield, in the office of Elam & Sutherland, two children surviving them: Mrs. Emily J. Reed, the former member of the firm being a congress- of Charlotte, N. C., and W. P., who was reared by man from this district. Mr. Pugh was admitted his grandmother on Red River, his early days to the bar in October, 1881, in the Supreme Court being devoted to planting and to attending the at Shreveport, after which he opened an office in common schools. In 1866 he went to Mount LebMansfield, where he continued practicing until anon, La., where he attended school for two years, 1886, when he came to Coushatta. In 1884 he after which he returned to Mansfield, where he was elected district attorney for the Tenth Dis- continued to pursue his studies. Planting and trict, composed of the parishes of Red River and merchandising have been his chief callings through De Soto, and, owing to the ability with which he life, and he now owns land to the amount of served, he was re-elected to this position in 1888, ; 8,000 acres, with about 2,800 acres under cultiby the Democratic party, with which he has long vation. He owns a store at Williams, one at Mount affiliated. He is one of the leading lawyers of Flat and one at West Point, on Bayou Pierre; this part of the State, for he reads a case well is a stockholder in a large store at East Point, and and thoroughly before he undertakes it, and in all respects is one of the leading men of Red although he is a man of unassuming manner, he River Parish. He was married, in 1877, to Miss possesses much firmness. He was married on

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Dollie Minter, by whom he has one child, William April 12, 1887, to Miss Carrie Gahagan, who was C. The Scarborough family is of English descent, born in Red River Parish, La., in 1865, and their and members of the family were early settlers of union has resulted in the birth of two children: Virginia. Although the subject of this sketch was Lamar and Crea. Mr. Pugh is a member of the left an orphan in early youth, he has always made Missionary Baptist Church. He is a great be good use of the opportunities offered him, and by liever in education, and is now connected with two his own efforts has succeeded in obtaining an prominent institutions of learning. He is presi- enviable position on the “ladder of success. dent of the board of trustees of the Coushatta L. E. Scheen. As a merchant Mr. Scheen has Male and Female College, and one of the trus- become well known throughout Red River Parish, tees of Keatcbie Male and Female College.

ഀ ഀ

and as he has been closely identified with each W. P. Scarborough is the president of the vital interest of this section he fully deserves the Bayou Pierre Drainage Company (Limited) and confidence and respect of the numerous friends manager of the East Point Co-operative Association that have sprung up around him. He was born in (Limited), and is also a worthy planter of Red Bienville Parish November 28, 1858, to J. H. and River Parish. He is a native of Webster Parish, Nancy A. (Bradley) Scheen. The father died in La., his birth occurring September 14, 1852, being Coushatta April 2, 1887, at the age of fifty-nine

ഀ ഀ

years, but his widow survives him, is a resident of where he remained for three years, working as a Coushatta, and has attained the age of fifty-six farm hand and attending school. He then left years.

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L. E. Scheen is the eldest of seven cbil- school and entered the service of the United States dren living, and came to this parish with his par- in the war with Mexico, but the requisition for ents in 1875, both of whom were young people at the State of Mississippi being full, he was not perthat time, and in this parish the father conducted mitted to serve his country in that struggle. He a mercantile establishment with good results, and then came to Louisiana, and took up his residence at the time of his death left his family in good in Bossier Parish, where for nine years he was encircumstances. He was a man highly esteemed in gaged at farming, at the end of wbich time he rethis section, but met his untimely death at the moved to what is now Red River Parish, and lo. hands of an assassin. L. E. Scheen was given cated on the right bank of Red River, opposite the the advantages of the common schools, and being present town of Coushatta. Meanwhile, two years an industrious and ambitious boy, he made fair before leaving Bossier Parish, he had taken up the progress in his studies," and as he had become vocation of a teacher, and continued to teach school familiar with mercantile life in his father's store from 1851 to 1860. Upon the breaking out of the he began following that occupation as a means of Rebellion, or in the spring of 1861, he organized a livelihood in 1883, and by his fair dealing, enter. company of cavalry for the Confederate service, but prise and industry he does an annual business of as the Confederacy was receiving no cavalry from $20,000. $ He is one of the leading merchants of Louisiana at that time, he disbanded his company. this part of the State, and has shown himself to In July, 1861, he helped to organize Company A, be a shrewd and far-sighted financier. He has Twelfth Louisiana Infantry, and entered it as a secalways supported the Democratic party by his ond lieutenant. He was soon promoted to the rank influence and vote, and socially is a member of of first lieutenant, and was made adjutant of his Silent Brotherhood Lodge No. 146, of the A. F. regiment. He continued in those capacities with & A. M.

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the same company and regiment, until October, Maj. James W. Sandiford, a prominent and 1864, participating in the battles of Belmont, Mo., honored citizen of Red River Parish, La., and its Island No. 10, Baker's Creek, Jackson, Dalton, present representative in the State Legislature, was Resaca, New Hope Church, Lookout Mountain and born near Augusta, Richmond County, Ga., June Atlanta. In October, 1864, owing to reduced 9, 1828, being a son of John and Mary (Wood) health, he was retired from the service for one Sandiford, who were South Carolinians by birth. year, at the end of which time the war had closed. Maj. Sandiford is the eighth of their nine chil- Returning to his home in Red River Parish, dren-four sons and five daughters - but is the he turned his attention to farming, and this has been only one of this large family now living. All the his chief pursuit ever since. In 1865 he located

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. children reached maturity, and but two attained on the plantation which he now occupies, nine miles the age of thirty years. James W. was but four above Coushatta, on the left bank of the Red River, years old when his mother was taken from him and which place bas been his home ever since.

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His was twelve years of age when his father passed from plantation is well improved and very desirably sitlife. Thus thrown upon his own resonrces at a uated, nearly all of it being above the point of overtender age, he started out manfully to take up the flow. Mr. Sandiford was married June 7, 1816, duties of life for himself, and has ever since de- to Miss Nancy Applewhite, who died in 1851, leavpended entirely upon himself for a livelihood. For ing an only daughter, Mary, who is still living. two years after the death of his father he worked January 26, 1865, his second union took place, the for an uncle, Thomas Wood, of Herd County, Ga., | maiden name of his wife being Martha E. Armisand at fourteen years of age he accompanied an tead, his present wife. By her he is also the father other uncle, John Wood, to Carroll County, Miss., of one daughter, Carrie, who is now a young lady.

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man

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In November, 1876, Mr. Sandiford was elected to come a popular resort for the traveling public, for the office of State senator from the Twenty-second Mr. Stanfill is courteous and obliging to his guests, Senatorial District, composed of the parishes of and his terms are reasonable. In 1880 Mrs. Mary Red River, De Soto, Sabine and Natchitoches, be- E. McCord, who was born in Arkansas, in 1846, ing elected on the Democratic ticket, which he had became his wife, and to them three children have always voted. He served for three years, or until been born: Mattie (born in 1882), Thomas (born in 1879, and his reputation as a pure and intelligent 1885), and James (born in 1887), all bright and inlegislator is the very best. His services while a teresting little children. Mrs. Stantill is a daughmember of this body were so satisfactory that in ter of I. C. and Charity (Chipman) Ainsworth, April, 1888, he was elected to the Lower House of who were born in Mississippi in 1825, and died in the State Legislature, from the parish of Red River, 1866, the former's death occurring on October 9. and is still holding this office. He is a man who Mr. Stanfill has always been a Democrat in polipossesses much force of character and executive' tics, and has served two years as deputy sheriff of ability, and is recognized as a of sound the parish, making a faithful and efficient official. judgment, and one whose opinions are worthy He became a member of the Masonic fraternity at the respect and confidence of all. In all circles, Lake Providence, La., in 1872. whether of a civil, military or political character, L. W. Stephens, merchant of Coushatta, La. he has discharged his duties in a manner which re- Among the many enterprises necessary to complete flects great credit upon himself, and which shows the commercial resources of a town or city, none him to be an honorable, upright man, and a loyal is of more importance to the community than that and patriotic citizen. By reason of his long resi- of the general merchant. Prominent in this calldence and public service be is extensively known ing is Mr. Stephens, whose establishment is well throughout the valley of the Red River, and all fitted up, his stock of goods being large and well who have the fortune to kuow him, respect and selected. He was born in Arcadia, La., March honor him.

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19, 1848, the second of six children, three now James J. Stanfill is a planter and the popular living, born to John F. and Elizabeth (Wardlaw) and courteous proprietor of the Planters' Hotel at Stephens, who were born in South Carolina and Coushatta, La. His birth occurred in Thomas Alabama, in 1813 and 1820, and died in Covington, County, Ga., March 5, 1850, being the younger of Ky., and Coushatta, La., in 1883 and 1882, retwo children born to I. J. and Martha (Browning) spectively. The father was a talented lawyer, and Stantill, both of whom were native Georgians, the for a number of years was a member of the Couformer born in 1823 and the latter in 1825, their shatta bar, having come to the State of Louisiana deaths occurring in Thomas County, Ga., in 1866, in 1848. L. W. Stephens attended the schools of and Leon County, Fla., in 1855, respectively. James Shasta until he attained his sixteenth year, after J. Stanfill was taken to Florida by his parents which he spent two years in Mount Lebanon Uniin early childhood, and in that State he remained versity. In January, 1865, he joined the Twenty. until he was twenty years of age, his knowledge of seventh Louisiana Infantry, Confederate States the three R’s being obtained in the common schools. army, serving until the close of the war, after He came from that State to Louisiana, and first which he returned home. In 1866 he entered a resided in Carroll Parish, but in 1878 became a dry goods store as a clerk, continuing in this caresident of Coushatta, which place has since been pacity one year, after which he was a student for his abiding place. By his own good management the same length of time in a select school, under he has become the owner of some 800 acres of fine the management of J. Q. Prescott, at Sparta, La. land, but in addition to managing this he opened In 1868 he came to Coushatta, and the following a hotel in Coushatta in 1882, the building being year began conducting a mercantile establishment erected in that year, and his establishment has be- at Lake Village, carrying on the business until

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1883, when he once more returned to Coushatta, olls, and has filled the office with ability up to the and the same year opened the doors of his present present time. He has always supported the men establishment to the public. He is a stirring and and measures of the Democrat party, and being honorable business man, and as he is pleasant, one of the best known and most intelligent young agreeable and accommodating in his manners, his men of the parish, possessing numerous admirable present large trade is fully merited. He is a qualities, he is sure to make a success of his life, stanch Democrat, and in July, 1889, was elected Socially he is a member of Silent Brotherhood president of the police jury, a position he still Lodge No. 146, of the A. F. & A. M., of Coushatta. holds. He is a member of Silent Brotherhood Abraham Williams is the leading merchant and Lodge No. 146, of the A. F. & A. M., of Coushatta business man of East Point, and by excellent busiand he and his wife, whom he married in 1869 and ness ability and foresight he has built up one of the whose maiden name was Sarah M. Sweatborn, are largest and most prosperous trades in the parish. members of the Missionary Baptist Church. She Mr. Williams was born in Poland, Russia, November

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‘ was born in South Carolina March 23, 1847, and 10, 1852, a son of Bernard and Burthey Williams. has borne Mr. Stephens the following children: The father came to America in 1852, and the subLawrence P., Benjamin S., John F., Harry T., ject of this sketch came with his mother in 1862, Thomas P. and Lizzie.

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joining the husband and father in New Orleans, W. H. Wamsley is the assessor and deputy where a home had been prepared for them.

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While sheriff of Red River Parish, La., and is a man well en route Abraham and bis mother were detained fitted to fill each position, for he is conscientious fourteen months at New York City on account of in the discharge of every duty and faithful to every the existing Civil War. His youth and early man trust. He was born in what is now Red River hood were spent in New Orleans, but in 1880 he Parish, La., January 2, 1855, being the eldest of came to Red River Parish, and in February, 1881, five children born to T. C. and Alice P. (McKin- | located at East Point, where he has resided ever ney) Wamsley, the former of whom was born Sep. since, and where he has ever since been engaged at tember 12, 1822, and died in 1886, and the latter mercantile pursuits. He has been very successful, born in Mississippi, and died in 1874, when about and now has an establishment which might grace forty years of age. They were early settlers of any city, for it is exceptionally large, and his goods this parish, and the father filled the office of jus- are well selected. His store comprises one large tice of the peace here for some twenty years, and room, 45x25 feet, and two smaller rooms, each was a man whom to know was to like and respect., 10

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10x15 feet, which contain all necessary plantation W. H. Wamsley received a common-school educa- supplies. He is an exceptionally shrewd business tion, and upon commencing the battle of life for man, but in his dealings has ever been the soul of himself he engaged in farming, continuing until honesty, and consequently has the good-will and 1880, coming in February, 1881, to Coushatta, respect of all. His marriage, which took place on and serving from that year to 1888 as deputy September 10, 1883, was to Miss Mollie Klinger, sheriff of this parish. On January 2, 1888, he was by whom he bas three children: Dora, Sol and appointed to the position of assessor by Gov. Nich- Sadie.

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ CHAPTER V.

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DE SOTO PARISH – A STATEMENT OF ITS RESOURCES, PRODUCTIONS, STATISTICS, TOPOGRAPHY, ETC.- GEOLOGICAL NOTES-STREAMS AND RAFTS—THE PIONEERS-SLAVE OWNERS—ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PARISH AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE POLICE JURY-THE BAR AND COURTS- POLITICS – MILITARY MEMORANDA — JOURNALISM, AGRICULTURE AND RAILROADS-MANSFIELD—THE COLLEGE,KEATCHIE-LOGANS-

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PORT-GRAND CANE-PLEASANT HILL-OXFORD

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SMALLER SET LEMENTS_PERSONAL NOTES.

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+*+

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“Oh! the waves of life danced merrily,

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And had a joyous flow, In the days when we were pioneers,

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Fifty years ago!”

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nu

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NE of the finest of the oak- The statistics for 1889–90 show 142,550 acres upland districts of the South in cultivation, or 70,000 in cotton, producing 16,is De Soto Parish. Run. 250 bales; 65,000 acres in corn,* yielding 521,000 ning across it, diagonally, is bushels, and 2,000 in oats, yielding 20,000 bushels. the divide between the Sa- The assessed value of real estate is $1,137,195, bine and Red Rivers, and and of other property $425,508, or a total of

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on this divide Mansfield is $1,562, 703. located. On the Red River side the In 1890 the State census placed the population $9 country is billy, and very productive at 18,091, including 1,804 inhabitants credited to

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in the valleys between the Dolette Mansfield. The number of Caucasians is 5,821, Hills, Lakes and bayous are and negroes 12,270; of which number 2,762 are merous, and skirt the river bottom- white, and 5,999 black, females. The population in lands on the west. Of the total 1880 was 15,603-5,116 white and 10,487 colored. area, 856 square miles, there are In 1870 there were 14,962, or 5,111 white and 836 of oak-uplands, 60 of red-lands, 9,851 colored; in 1860, 4,777 white, 8,507 slaves,

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and 20 square miles of Red River and 14 free colored, or 13,298; in 1850 the popu- . bottom lands. In 1879-80 there were 82,239 acres lation was 8,023, comprising 4,450 slaves, 24 free in cultivation, of which 37,807 acres produced 11,- colored, and 3,549 Caucasians. In 1889 there 298 bales of cotton, or .3 per acre; 426 pounds of were 2,526 inhabitants liable to military duty. seed cotton, or 142 of cotton lint. There were also De Soto is a hill parish. The soil is a light, 31,080 acres in corn, 733 in sweet potatoes, and 34 sandy loam, with a clay foundation, well timbered in sugar cane. The Grand Cane district on the Sabine slope is very productive, yielding as much

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*Ed. Norris, of Ward 2, is credited with raising 154 bushels of

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corn to an acre, in 1888. A surveyor and nine citizens certified to as 1,400 pounds of cotton seed per acre.

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this extraordinary yield.

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*

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with every variety of oak, hickory, pine, ash, beech, acres to the cotton-planter, and be proof against gum, etc., and well watered, either by springs or the overflow of the back lands. wells. The drainage of surface water into Red River Throughout the parish springs of purest water on the east, and the Sabine River on the west, is a are found, while in special localities, mineral springs perfect. Timber is abundant for all purposes, and exist. De Soto Springs, six miles west of Mans-

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. even the magnolia grows wild here, particularly field have been known from the earliest times. in the Grand Cane neighborhood.

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There the invalid soldiers were quartered after the In the southeastern part of the parish, em- battle of Mansfield. In 1867 Dr. Reeves purchased bracing a scope of territory perhaps ten miles the property from Mrs. C. G. Alexander, and in square, are the Dolette hills. These hills are too 1873 established an infirmary there. The water broken for successful cultivation, except in small contained sulphur, magnesia and nitre in about tracts, but are covered with pine timber, a fine na- equal quantities. The water stands at 60° through tive grass for grazing, and, according to late geo

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out the year.

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One hundred and eighty feet from logical examination, rich in coal and iron.

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there is a smaller spring, while a quarter mile north The Bayou Pierre (known as Nadier in 1784) are the Wagner Springs. In 1885 a well was bored section is one of great promise. For years this on the M. Ricks farm, three miles west of Mansfield great tract of rich alluvium was allowed to remain and deepened to fifty feet in 1889, when a flow of a waste of waters, but in June, 1890, the Bayou strong mineral water was struck. A sample of it Pierre Drainage Company was organized and en- was sent to Tulane University by William Ricks, tered on the work of redeeming the lands, under and the chemical department reported on it as fol. supervisor G. B. Williams. He reported Septem- lows: Ferric (iron) Carb., 6.248; Cal. (lime) Carb.,

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. ber 1, 1890, on the work of removing obstructions 4.069; Cal. (lime) Sul., 3.9177; Cal. (lime) Chl., and lowering the falls, giving the following loca- . 725; Mag. Chl., 11.766; sodium Chl., 16.845; tions:

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sodium Sulp., 12.292; Pot. Sulp., 1.978; Alumini., No. 1, falls at mouth of Bulls Bayou and bed .772; silica, .460. At Mansfield in rear of the Alof logs; No. 2, rapids at mouth of Flat River, liance store, an old spring exists, but owing to the 200 feet long, 50 feet wide; No. 3, bed of logs custom of using well or cistern water, this valuable

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; 3 at or near King's landing and short falls; No. 4, spring is neglected if not forgotten. falls 100 feet in length, 35 wide and raft of logs; In the history of the older parishes the names No. 5, Hardenburg Falls 400 feet long, 60 feet of the tribes who inhabited the eastern part of De wide; No. 6, Red Bayou Falls, 350 feet long, 55 Soto as well as of those claiming lands in the neufeet wide and raft of logs; No. 7, Marl Ledge, 3 tral zone are given. Like all other sections of the stumps and raft of logs, and No. 8, Rock Ledge, Red River country the Spanish soldier or explorer 200 feet long, 30 feet wide.

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or farmer came hither, but not until the close of In October, 1885, a similar work on a smaller the last century were permanent settlements efcompass was begun. Johnson & Son, under con- fected. After the United States became owner, a tract with Messrs. Marston, Stringfellow, Frier- number of squatters located here, and when the son, Russ, Stephenson, and Murrell, went to work lands were surveyed, many of the first settlers made to blow out the falls in Grand Bayou. The mod- purchases. ern idea of drainage will yield up about 100,000 The treaty with the Caddo Indians was nego

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tiated July 1, 1835, by Jehiel Brooks, representing * The Dolette Hills are full of iron. Near B. S. Lee's house a rich ore was found in 1887, which showed 57.44 of peroxide of iron. the United States, and Tehowahinno, Toockroach, On April 24, that year, the Mansfield Coal & Iron ('ompany was

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Tehowainia, Sauninow, Highahidock, Mattan, Toworganized, with M. Ricks, Boling Williams, W. P. Sample, B. F. Jenkins, (). H. P. Sample, Max kalın, T.O. Burwell, H. ('. Stokes and abinneh, Aach, Sookianton, Sohone and Ossinse F. M. Grace, directors. This company did some work, but the experts

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chiefs and warriors of the Caddos. By this treaty pronounced the ore a first-class lignite coal, and further operations were postponed.

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they ceded the lands bounded on the west by the

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north and south lines separating the United States ton, 13; Thomas R. Adams, 10; W. W. Armistead, from the Republic of Mexico between the Saline 36; Lockwood Allison, 53; J. M. N. Arrington, and Red River, on the north and east by the Red 10; Thomas and Mary McKinney, 16; M. H. River, on the south by Pascagoula Bayou to its Alexander, 22; Mrs. M. A. Alston, 14; R. H. Armjunction with Bayou Pierre, thence to Wallace Lake istead, 12; Alpronson Allen, 15; Caleb Adams, 10; and up Cypress Bayou to the international libe. George C. Burns, 50; James Bradford, 11; Will. For this cession $10,000 in cash or goods was iam L. Beard, 24; W. R. Burke, 9; W. H. Billingspaid within a year, and $10,000 per annum for ley, 10; W. W. Boon, 9; James Bonds, 56; Harris the succeeding four years. Other chiefs signing Brantley. 39; Mrs. W. B. Benson, 14; T. W. were Tarshar, Trauninot, Satiown hown, Tennehi. Brodnax, 15; Mrs. M. C. Best, 20; Mrs. Mary nun, Chowabah, Kianhoon, Tiatesun, Tehowawi- Bradley, 9; William Crosby, 34; D. Cresswell, 9; now, Tewinnun, Kardy and Tjohtow. Io 1801 Samuel Clarke, 43; Mrs. M. A. Coody, 12; J. M. those Indians gave to Francois Grappe and his Chapman, 9; James Cowley, 30; Thomas J. Carthree sons four leagues of land, which the treaty rell, 9; Stephen D. Chapman, 31; Mrs. Maria, of 1835 approved and located same four leagues on Childers, 56; B. F. Chapman, 72; A. Conway, 35; Red River and one league on Pascagoula Bayou. James Cox, 24; Mrs. Rebecca Chambliss, 9, WillTo Larkin Edwards, the old and poor interpreter, iam G. Cater, 13; A. J. Cuffey, 13; A. M. Chapone section of land was given by this treaty to be man, 64; A. M. Campbell, 10; Mrs. Maria Davidlocated by himself.

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son, 21; Mrs. Mary De Soto, 18; B. S. Dickson, In 1700 Bienville arrived at Natchitoches and 26; J. F. Durham, 10; Dr. A. J. Du Bose, 18; after a short stay pushed up the river forty miles Mrs. M. C. Durham, 26; H. J. Davis, 9; 0. L. to the Yattassee village, where St. Denis established Durham 23; Woodson Davis, 8; William I. Davis, a temporary post some years after.

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23; C. H. Durham, 10; D. Eatman, 29; John In 1795 Pedro Dolet or Dolette, of Bayou Pierre, Evans, 12; W. J. Edwards, 11; C. A. and E. A. made a settlement on the margin of Bayou Adayes Edwards, 223; Gory M. Eldridge, 44; Onofre or Adaise. The ceremony as detailed in the State Flores, 9; W. T. Fortson, 47; R. D. Forster, 20; papers consisted of pulling grass, making holes in Mrs. M. F. Fortson, 22; C. D. Frierson, 11; G. the ground and throwing dust in the air. The De P. Frierson, 51; R. B. Frierson, 9; John P. Sotos also proved their settlement in the Bayou Fincher, 8; S. C. Furman, 32; Aaron Ferguson, Pierre country early in the eighteenth century and 32; H. F. Fullilove, 20; J. W. Fair, 15; Wade other French and Spanish settlers selected places Forster, 13; Mrs. Catherine E. Fortson, 14; Pedro for homes. During the decade ending in 1810 a Flores, 10; R. F. Gills, 21; Jehu Gillispie, 14; L. Idrge number of people from the Carolinas, Georgia Q. Griffin, 9; Hunt & Gillispio, 14; Aaron Gandy, and Alabama came in, and when the parish was 13; T. T. Goldsby, 14; T. M. Gilmore, 39; J. B. established in 1843, each congressional township Gamble, 24; S. E. Guy, 24; Y. W. Graves, 62; claimed its complement of resident land owners. Mrs. May Rogers, 26; Thomas M. Gatlin, 152;

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Dr. Thomson, who now resides across the dry- Mrs. Nancy Gamble, 17; John A. Greening, 103; line in Texas, has been a subject of two monarchs- A. T. Guy, 14; John Glassell, 35; James M. Spanish and French; a citizen of two republics— Graham, 15; W. H. Hoel, 15; Mrs. L. K. K. the United States and Texas, and resided in three | Hogan, 50); Josiah Hill, 17; Mrs. Amanda Hob. parishes-Natchitoches, Caddo and De Soto, with- good, 14; John F. Haily, 17; W. E. Hall, 31; out moving his home.'

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John T. Hardin, 18; James W. Howard, 23; W. The slave owners of the parish, who paid taxes G. Hale, 42; Mrs. R. F. Haden, 20; John Holmes, on nine or more slaves in 1861, with the number 25; John E. Hall, 22; Thomas J. Harrell, 17;

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R. S. Hatcher, 10; C. N. and Robert Horn, 18; of slaves owned by each, are given as follows: E. B. Adams, 11; W. D. Atkins, 16; Thomas Abing- T. P. Hall, 35; Robert Hall, 10; M. H. Hale, 61;

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a

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G. E. Harris, 33; R. B. Hollingsworth, 17; Mrs. Robert Reynolds, 33; Burton Rucker, 9; S. H. Elizabeth Hood, 9; G. G. Haden, 45; A. M. Haden, Rives, 10; Mrs. J. A. Rives, 29; Jonah Robin11; Mrs. P. E. Hall, 9; John Hampton, 14; 12; Mrs. Joannah Robinson, 12; T. W. Robert Holmes, 16; Miss Annie Haden, 11; J. T. Rochelle, 15; Mrs. Mary B. Rochelle, 54; John Henderson, 23; Charles Hungerford 11; James M. W. Reaves, 33; D. R. Roach, 17; John A. Ross, Hollingsworth, 16; James Ivey, 19; E. P. Ivey, 81; Whitten Rogers, 9; J. C. Rives, 23; E. T.

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; 11; Jessie Ivey, 33; H. C. Ivey, 20; Samuel Ivey, Robinson, 64; J. T. Riddin, 48; Charles Riddin, 32; B. F. Jenkins, 16; J. B. Johnson, 31; Mrs. 10; G. H. Sutherlin, 13; James W. Scott, 15; T. Silvey Johnson, 10; G. W, Jefferson, 12; Samuel F. Scott, Jr., 10; James H. Sample, 24; Alfred Johnson, 16; Warren Jackson, 11; John Jordan, Simpson, 9; J. W. Stephenson, 13; R. H. Scott, 13; R. T. Johnson, 55; Robert B. Jones, 33; 24; Mrs. Lucinda Scott, 22; James Scott, 59; H. Enoch Johnson, 15; William R. Jackson, 10; A. Sloan, 27; Thomas, Scott, 35; John Sojourner, 20; W. Jackson, 19; Mrs. N. J. Lee, 10; James Jack- Eli Sanders, 17; J. E. Sumrall (minor), 12; son, 21; Joseph King, 25; A. S. Kidd, 17; J. E. Henry Story, 14; William Sebastian, 12; Thomas Kirvin, 18; Mrs. Sarah Longmire, 15; John E. Small, 12; William Spell, 18; Samuel A. Scott, Lewis, 16; I. M. Lea, 10; B. S. Lee, 10; G. W. 61; Mrs. Mary A. Smith, 13; M. C. Shaffer, 17; Lenoir, 11; A. I. Leach, 17; Garrett Longmire, Jobn H. Sutherlin, 19; A. J. Taylor, 19; Allison

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. 15; B. S. Logan, 73; Gideon Mosley, 11; H. L. Taylor, 11; J. M. Terrill, 11; Mrs. Isabella TerMoss, 60; Mrs. A. M. Mundy, 9; Elbert Miles, rill, 9; E. H. Turner, 26; E. 6. Turner, 9; J. F. 11; Henry Marston, 31; Isaac Murrell, 28; John, Tompkies, 62; W. B. Taylor, 13; Mrs. S. Tillman, McGill, 12; D. R. W. McIver, 19; Daniel McMil- 19; George T. Talbert, 11; W. A. Tharp, 21; L. len, 12; Henry Marshall, 152; John J. Marshall, L. Tompkies, 57; J. B. C. Vircber, 12; J. S. 88; John McGlaughlin, 28; Samuel McGlaughlin, Vircher, 9; Mrs. Adeline Vaughan, 9; James West, 14; I. N. McCraw, 50; Michael McNamara, 9; D. 37; Joseph Wilder, 93; J. D. Wemple, 9; B. F. B. McMillen, 15; S. A. Mimms, 18; I. W. Mundy, Warton 46; John Watt, 11; John W. White, 9; 45; Samuel McMichael, 34; John R. Mason, 28; J. M. Williams, Sr., 20; J. P. Williams, 17; Mrs. M. H. Mickberry, 12; B. D. Moore, 16; Mrs. Kate Mary Williams, 42; M. C. Williams, 15; E. C.

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, Muson 9; W. B. Means, 103; Mrs. Susan McCall, Wilson, 59; H. F. Wagley, 15; John B. Will11; G. A. Norwood, 11; E. C. Norris, 20; S. M. iams, 14; J. W. Wilcox, 24; John Wagner, 17; Norris, 35; I. M. Nelson, 18; Mrs. R. T. Newman, P. P. Williams, 17; J. H. Warford, 32, D. S. 9; J. B. Norman, 19; Mrs. Sallie Nott, 60; J. W. Wells, 14; Boyakin Witherspoon, 128; S. P. WillNolan, 30; Jones Persons, 22; C. S. Pegues, 53; iams, 10; and T. J. Williams, 18. Mrs. A. L. Pegues, 10; S. D. Parker, 30; Lewis Ten thousand tales of slave days might be Phillips, 13; C. J. Provost, 20; George J. Pitts, related, many droll in the extreme, several concili23; Lanza Phillips, 24; William Phillips, 29; W. atory-tales of happy days—and some horrible. J. Polk, 14; Mrs. E. C. Powell, 23; Sterlin Stories of the patrol companies, of refugee slaves Powell, 9; Enoch Powell, 16; John B. Pugh, 13; and their hunters; of the slave traders and buyers Briant Powell, 11; J. B. Pennywell, 11; Mrs. R. are all told, many brimful with merriment, some C. Petrovics, 31; B. W. Pearson, 10; Mrs. E. A. chivalrous and some shocking. Tales of the Reg. Parsons, 10; T. H. Poland, 14; Gen. Henry ulators are full of horrors, while those of the Philips, 50; T. J. Prude, 11; Mrs. E. A. Pegues, Moderators-men organized to regulate or check

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— 20; Mrs. Mary W. Pegues, 31; Mrs. Martha the Regulators — tell of excess after excess.

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It is Paxon, 20; A. V. Roberts, 20; Israel Rogers, 11; well for De Soto that the days of discord have Aaron Robinson, 9; R. R. Riggs, 21; Mrs. S. S. passed away forever. Rawles, 27; William Robinson, 16; E. S. Riggs, The act to create the parish of De Soto was 35; Rumbin A. Navile, 9; Mrs. M. E. Rives, 14; approved March 27, 1843, and on June 3 the first

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r

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meeting of parish officers (commissioned by the were of a commonplace character. In 1845 J. D. governor) was held at Screamerville, where is now Wemple was chosen clerk; three years later the the Samuel Ivey dwelling and plantation.

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parish was divided into thirteen districts for school The first record of the police jury is dated purposes. In November, 1850, the court-house was June 5, 1813, when John A. Gamble, Charles A. received from Contractor Johnson. G. M. Eld. Edwards, John Wagner and Simon De Soto quali- ridge succeeded John Wagner as president in July, fied before Judge Welsh. John E. Hewitt subse- 1854, and he was succeeded in 1855 by H. Sloane. quently qualified. John Wagner was chosen Dr. Frierson was elected president in 1856, and president, Jacob D. Wemple, clerk; Cesaire Flores, served until the election of John Wagner, in 1859. assessor; Jeremiah Keefe, C. Wade, Hampton In March, 1861, $1,500 was appropriated to Haislip and James E. Cunningham, constables, buy corn for the destitute of the parish, and ward and C. A. Edwards, treasurer. Horatio Chamb- relief committees appointed. This destitution was liss was appointed captain of patrols for Ward No. caused by drought and overflow. In June, 1861, 1; Thomas Abington, No. 2 (later Isaac Dykes); . captains of patrol companies were appointed, William E. North, No. 3; George Haden, No. 4, boundaries of school districts were changed, and and Louis Latitte, No. 5. The sum of $200. 18 a heavy tax was authorized for soldiers' relief was ordered to be paid Gamble and Edwards,

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and war purposes.

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A grant of $1,500 to the De being the amount paid into the land office by them, Soto Blues was made, and $500 appropriated for for the quarter section on which Mansfield stands, the purchase of ammunition. In July the jurors and on the same day the name Mansfield was sug- were constituted a committee of relief. In August, gested by Thomas Abington and was adopted. On 1861, the members of the jury were John Wagner, July 10 a price, $50, was set on front lots and $30 R. M. Sample, 1; G. W. Eldridge, 2; J. H. Easton back lots, the terms of payment being from one ham, 4; W. White, 8; J. B. Norman, Samuel Johnto four years. The first road, Mansfield to Sam son, W. T. Fortson, B. S. Lee. In August $1,500 Williams' house and thence to Rambin's Bayou, was granted to the “Keatchie Highlanders," was authorized at this time. In August James C. $1,500 to Capt. Hollingsworth's company (Marshal Woods qualified as juror, and $158 was paid for Guards), and $4,000 for clothing and provisions for record books. In December James Cox qualified the soldiers of the field. This latter large sum was to as juror, vice Maj. Hewitt The first court-house be expended under the direction of President Wagwas received from the contractors in January, ner, A. M. Campbell and A. H. Thomas, and the 1844. William Crosby and Jesse Pugh received

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Ladies' Aid Society. In September $1,500 was moneys for the construction of those log houses. granted to another company, $176 to Capt. JorOn January 2 Thomas P. Hall was appointed to dan's company, and $180 to twelve men in Capt. survey the site of Mansfield into lots; Horatio W. B. Millican's cavalry company. The appropriChambliss, the purchaser of Logan's Ferry, gave

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ations given and a mention of a $10,000 appropribond on the 15th; June 3 James E. Cunningham ation for war purposes, are the only grants made was appointed assessor and collector; August 26 in 1861, other than the moneys distributed among

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, Dr. William Long was appointed clerk, and No- the soldiers' families. S. E. Guy was a juror in vember 26 the committee of settlement with Caddo January, 1862; $500 was granted to purchase unireported the value of public buildings to be $9,000, forms for the Henry Marshall Guards, and Februand on this report J. G. Jones, R. R. Smith and ary 27 the jury promised the citizens of Mansfield T. D. Gary, of Caddo, agreed on $825 as De to make every reasonable provision for the relief of Soto's share. In February, 1845, S. W. Beatty's soldiers' families. April 7 scrip for $20,000 was bid, $950, or $800 if $250 were advanced, for authorized This was issued in bills ranging from building the jail was reported on favorably.

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10 cents to $3. May 21 a further issue of $10,000 The transactions of the jury from 1845 to 1861 was made. T. M. Gatlin qualified in June, 1862,

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1

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and J. L. Vircher in August. Capt. 0. L. Dur- R. R. Riggs, with Wagner*, Norman, Brodnax, ham and J. H. Satherlin were appointed to in- Peyton, R. B. Frierson and Vircher appear as quire into the wants of De Soto volunteers in serv- jurors. The jail building was accepted at this time. ice. In October C. M. Pegues' treasury report was G. W. Sample, W. J. Horn, J. W. Edens or Ev- adopted, his bond canceled and J. D. Wemple in- ans appear as jurors in January, 1867, and R. J. stalled treasurer. In November Gatlin and Eld- Bowman was appointed attorney. A. T. Stephen- ridge were appointed delegates to the Red River

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son represented Ward 2 and Jesse G. Steele, Ward defense convention, at Shreveport, with authority 6, in July, 1869; S. P. Du Bose was elected treas-

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, , to subscribe $20,000 for defenses of the river. In urer, and Dr. Godfrey continued as physician, and January, 1863, there were twenty-seven captains in November the Keatchie Swamp Turnpike Com- ,

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. of patrol appointed; the $20,000 appropriated for pany gave bonds for performing their duties in con- Red River defenses provided for, and a new issue structing toll roads. In November N. S. Moore of scrip for $3,000 authorized. In May, 1863, a represented Ward 1. The Baptists were permitted parish tax of 33} per cent, and a special tax of 513 to hold services in the court-house, in April, 1870, per cent, were ordered to be levied.

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The names of pending the completion of their new church house. W. J. Polk and W. W. Tatum, with Messrs. Wag. J. H. Sutherlin resigned the office of clerk in Sep- ner, Eldridge, Guy, White, Vircher, Johnson, Gat- tember, after serving since 1854, and was succeed- lin and Norman appear as jurors in June, 1863; ed by J. D. Law, and Dr. Godfrey resigned the scrip for $2,000 was authorized at this time. In office of physician. In May, 1871, the estimate of October Treasurer Wemple reported $26,018 in the expenditures for the year was placed at $12,500. treasury. A petition to the Legislature asking that In July, 1871, H. L. Dean, T. M. Cook and T. J. $1,443 overpaid by T. J. Williams on the taxes of Williams, Jr., qualified as jurors vice the jurors 1860, be refunded, was adopted. In January, 1864, counted out, A. J. Nelson, G. W. Williams, with canceled bills or scrip amounting to $20,900 were T. J. Williams, president. J. D. Law was ap- destroyed; in May, 1864, the estimate for the cur- pointed clerk and S. F. Walker physician. rent year was placed at $10,550, and a tax of 33.! The estimate of expenditures for 1873 made in per cent was ordered.

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In June Red River de- June, 1872, amounted to $14, 100. The levy was fense exchange bills for $2,260 and ordinary scrip placed at 8 mills for parish purposes. for $3,738.70 was destroyed, and about $55,000 in The State tax on $1,000 in 1873 was $14.50, soldiers' relief drafts were reported canceled. The and the parish tax $10 or 211 mills, while in 1872 treasurer was ordered to exchange all the old Con- it reached 293 mills. In 1871 the State tax on federate bills for new issue, and the president an- $1,000 was $24.50, and the parish tax $4 or 281 thorized to purchase $2,000 worth of medicines for mills. In making the valuation at that time it was distribution. In March, 1865, W. C. Peyton was in the proportion of $19,310 in 1871 to $5,260 in a member of the police jury, and in May, 1865, 1890, or about four times as much, yielding William M. Allen, J. B. Perham, J. W. Stephen. $338.23 taxes in 1871 and $73.45 in 1890, the son and J. H. Tucker were appointed the last cap- State tax being about four times as much as the tains of the last patrol companies. Boling Will. parish tax. Comparing the tax with the valuation iams was appointed collector, authority to build a

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*In 1866 a party of citizens arranged to rob the president of the new jail given and a special tax of 160 per cent

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police jury, who held in his possession a good deal of scrip and monordered to be levied on property, trades and occu- eys. Going to his home about midnight, they engaged the negroes

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in a quarrel with the object of bringing out Mr. Wagner. The ruse pations to be applied on the building of this jail.

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was successful, and taking the old president to a secluded spot some Shelly & Campbell were the contractors, the price distance away, returned to rob the house. Meantime the negroes

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had given the alarm, and M. Surrey, a Frenchman, who was a guest being $7,190. A. J. Leach and T. W. Brodnax

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of Wagner, determined not only to defend the house, but also to resa were members of the jury at this time.

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cue his host. On luis way through the darkness he saw the robbers

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In July,

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approach and opened fire, killing one and wounding two others. He 1866, the names of Reuben Mundy, W. R. Prather,

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saved Wagner and the public moneys.

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1

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ex

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are

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in 1890, the State tax was then nine times as much the old board. N. S. Moore succeeded Guy as as it is now. In January, 1873, T. J. Williams, president. Expenditures were estimated at the Jr., B. F. Chapman, 0. L. Durham, N. S. Moore same sum as in 1879, but in 1881 the estimate was and E. R. Best, qualified as jurors. Reuben placed at $9,350. D. Eatman took Juror Scott's Mundy was appointed attorney, and R. T. Gibbs, place in August; G. W. Cummins took Moore's physician. This jury ordered the minutes of the place in May, 1882, and S. E. Guy followed last meeting of the old jury to be stricken out, and Moore as president. In March, 1884, John T. adopted the “rules of decorum.” The Smith, W. B. Peyton, S. E. Guy, J. J. Gardner, penses for 1874 were estimated at $13,000, and a D. Eatman, Dr. W. S. Frierson, L. M. Rambin tax levy of 10 mills ordered. In March, 1874, and J. H. Williams formed the jury. Dr. FrierJohn Wagner with Durham, Moore and Williams, son was chosen president. In July, 1887, resoluwere appointed by Kellogg, jurors. Dr. West tions on the death of S. E. Guy were recorded. was appointed physician, Du Bose was continued Messrs. Peyton,* Frierson,* Gardner,* Rambin* treasurer, Law, clerk, and Williams, president. and J. H. Williams,* with George J. Pitts, C. F. In June an estimate of $13,500 was made for Lafitte and S. T. Williams were jurors in 1886, 1875. In May, 1875, T. J. Williams, A. J. Fort

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while in 1890 the members whose names son, F. Y. Dake and E. R. Best were appointed marked * above were still on the board, with M. jurors; A. J. Bell was appointed physician. J. L. Ricks of Ward 4, and G. B. Williams of Ward 5. Williams and A. R. Williams were employed as In March, 1890, a great petition was presented, experts to examine the accounts of ex-Tax collector asking that the question of voting aid to the Gulf R. A. DeWeese. The expenses for 1876 were esti- & Kansas City Railroad Company be submitted mated at $14,500. Samuel F. Smith qualified as to the people. The jury granted this petition and juror in June, 1875. In December the proposi- fixed a day for an election, when 900 votes were tion to subscribe $100,000 to the New Orleans & cast for, and 478 against, granting such aid. Pacific Railroad secured 201 votes, and was op- The first record of the parish court of De Soto posed by 159.

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is dated June 5, 1843. James Welsh, parish judge, The expenditures for 1877 were estimated at presided. Louis Demas Bossier qualified as sher$11,350. In January, 1877, R. R. Riggs, N. S. iff, and Cesaire Flores as deputy. Judge Welsh Moore, J. H. Williams, J. P. McElroy and Simon qualified before Judge W. Jenkins, of Caddo, May De Soto presented their commissions as jurors 2, 1813. .

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Dr. William Long, an Irishman, the from Gov. Nicholls; J. P. McElroy was chosen first court clerk, qualified before Judge Welsh, president, and S. F. Walker, physician. In April May 26; M. C. Williams, G. W. Airey, J. A. GamL. B. Wilcox succeeded Dr. S. P. Du Bose as ble, Simon De Soto and T. D. Hailes, justices of treasurer, and in November S. B. Foster succeeded the peace, May 5; C. W. H. Haislip and Jerry Law as clerk. In March, 1878, the new jury Keefe, as constables, June 17; J. E. Cunningham, qualified: N. S. Moore, president; J. H. Will as deputy sheriff, and Jacob D. Wemple, as deputy iams, W. J. Horn, D. W. Prude, Jacob William- clerk, on June 5, 1843.

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The first cases were preson, R. R. Riggs and J. P. McElroy were mem- sented August 7: Javis Andrews vs. Samuel Willbers. They were succeeded in January, 1879, by iams, and J. C. Porter & Co. vs. Moses C. Williams. E. B. Brown, James King, G. W. Martin, Dr. Judgment by default in the first case, and dismissal Frierson, Samuel Hobgood, S. E. Guy, N. S.

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in the second resulted. S. P. Jones and J. B. Moore and D. W. Prude. The estimate of ex- Elam were the attorneys present. penditures for the years 1879–80 was $10,950.

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The district court journal opens May 2, 1844; The jurors present in May, 1880, were M. J. J. G. Campbell was judge, and W. L. Tuomey Scott, John J. Gardner, L. M. Rambin, with Guy, district attorney. The grand jury comprised C. A. King (W. S.), Frierson, Williams and Moore of Edwards, Isaac Hesser, Hosea Ibarbo, Rosemond

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,

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Chamard, Thomas P. Hall, E. D. Anderson, George W. P. Hall, Edgar W. Sutherlin, J. C. Pugh, J. G. Haden, Robert Haden, George T. Phelps, Nau- B. Lee and Henry T. Liverman. flet Sandefer, James Somerill, Philip Flores, H. The office of district clerk was held by Dr. Wagley, Lertin Rambin and Felix Hesser. On William Long in 1843-45; J. D. Wemple, 1846- May 14 one William D. Murphy, a native of Kil- 54; J. H. Sutherlin, 1851-67; W. B. Taylor, dare County, Ireland, petitioned to be made a 1868-71; W. C. Reynolds, 1872-80; L. M. How- citizen, and his prayer was granted.

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ard, 1880-84, and G. H. Sutherlin, 1885-90. In 1845 F. R. Houston was district attorney, The sheriffs were L. D. Bossier in 1843; H. and later C. Chaplin filled the position in the H. Womack, 1846; Ben Youngblood, 1850; J. absence of Houston. A puniber of indictments for H. Dillard, 1852; T. J. Williams, 1858; J. W. assault and battery were presented this year, and Elam, 1863; Boling Williains, 1865; Robert T. in December the certificate of the Supreme Court, Carr, 1868; W. P. Sample, 1874; J. J. Yarbrough, admitting Elisha Basse, an attorney, was presented. 1879, and L. H. Huson, 1888. Robert E. Davis was indicted for murder at this The recorders of the parish were James Welsh time.

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in 1843; M. W. Holman, 1846; John H. Quarles, Sabine, De Soto and Red River form the (then) 1818; W. McMichael, 1850; W. R. Jackson, new Ninth Judicial District.

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1851; S. F. Smith, 1854, followed by W. R. The judges of the district courts who presided Jackson and D. M. Heriot, who was serving when at Mansfield since 1844, are named as follows: the office was abolished. J. Douglass, D. D. C. C., James G. Campbell, 1844; James Taylor, Six- signs the record of deeds in April, 1880, for the teenth District, 1846; E. R. Olcott, Seventeenth district clerk, who is ex-officio recorder under the District, special, 1848; Bullard, Sixteenth District, constitution of 1879. 1850; Roland Jones, Seventeenth District, special; The assessors in the order of service were H. M. Spofford, Eighteenth District, special, 1853; James E. Cunningham, Cesaire Flores, H. Har. H. A. Drew, Seventeenth District, special, 1834; ville, L. B. Camp, Ben Youngblood, Samuel F. T. T. Land, Eighteenth District, special, 1854; Smith, J. H. Sutherlin, W. K. Brown, Hilaire William B. Egan, Seventeenth District, special, Flores, J. B. Moore, J. P. McElroy, S. H. Town 1857; David Cresswell, Eighteenth District, 1857; send, T. W. Brodnax and R. A. DeWeese. D. M. Roland Jones, Eighteenth District, 1860; A. B. Heriot is the present assessor. Levisee, Tenth District, 1868; C. D. Bullock, spe- The superintendents of schools have been T. cial, 1871; R. J. Looney, 1873; C. Chaplin, 1875; P. Hall, G. S. Hart, A. S. Flower, A. H. ThigJ. H. Sutherlin, special, 1876; David Pearson, pin and J. Douglass. ;

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. Seventeenth District, 1877; J. L. Logan, 1880; The coroners were J. J. Clow, 1847; A. R. E. W. Sutherlin and W. P. Hall, special, 1880; Mitchell, 1850; E. G. Betts, 1851; J. G. Steel, S. L. Taylor, First District, 1881; J. B. Elam, 1854; W. S. Donaldson, 1867; S. F. Walker, special, 1881; C. M. Pegues, special, 1882, and 1880-88, while the office of surveyor has been W. P. Hall, in 1884; Judge Hicks, special, 1884. held by J. L. Cole, J. Wemple, S. L. Wagley and

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The members of the old and present bar are J. W. Pitts. named as follows: S. P. Jones, J. B. Elam (died In 1851 T. T. Williamson received a majority in 1885), W. L. Tuomey, F. R. Houston, C. vote for representative and Isaac Morse for Con. Chaplin, Elisha Basse, W. J. Hamilton, W. F. T. gress. Bennett, James Welsh, John H. Townsend, J. H. In June, 1852, J. B. Elam was elected delegate Sutherlin, J. H. Kilpatrick, A. R. Mitchell, R. J. from the senatorial district, but D. F. Roysden at- Looney, Sam Wells, J. L. Logan (died in 1886), tended, and D. B. McMillan, from the parish, to C. M. Pegues, C. D. Bullock, R. Mundy, John the Constitutional Convention. L. Scales (died in 1880), J. F. Bell, W. H. Wise, In 1847, when C. M. Pegues came, Henry

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was

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for

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Phillips was representative and served in both B. F. Jenkins and W. C. Harris were chosen houses until 1860. Joseph B. Elam, Jacob D. representatives, and Joseph Henry and J. Fisher Wemple, William T. Fortson, D. B. McMillan, Smith (succeeding Sutherlin) senators in 1886. L. L. Tompkies and D. A. Blackshire were early In January, 1866, a number of citizens was arrepresentatives. Samuel Clark

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senator, rested by Federal troops, charged with being acsucceeded by Henry Marshall. In 1861 J. B. cessories in the murder of a colored woman of De Elam was representative and with Dr. Chapman was Soto in November, 1865. This was followed by re-elected in 1863. Henry Marshall was elected several arrests for alleged political offenses. In

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. a member of the Confederate Congress in 1861. J. 1868 the negroes attempted to terrorize the peoB. Elam and T. M. Gatlin were chosen in 1865. ple and assembled in force at stated times. On

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In 1860 there were 634 votes recorded one occasion, while the public square was filled Breckinridge, 364 for Bell and 2 for Douglas. J. with the new citizens, J. E. Hewitt and John B. Elam, Y. W. Graves and Henry Marshall Sheppard, then devils in the Times office, equipped signed the ordinance of secession as representa- a roller-mold on R. J. Bowman's patent wheels, tives of De Soto. In the convention of 1864 De in cannon-shape, and turned it on the crowd, scarSoto was not represented, but in that of 1868 M. ing them into dispersal. H. Twitchell was the representative. In 1879 M. J. In 1870 the Radicals appointed two or three Cunningham and R. B. Stille represented the dis- polling places in the parish. George Washington, trict and E. W. Sutherlin and B. F. Jenkins, the a genial negro, was candidate for representative, parish. William W. Pugh was speaker of the but Mortimer Carr was elected. This strange reHouse from 1856 to 1859; C. M. Pegues was clerk sult was effected through the gullibility of George in 1879; Mortimer Carr was speaker in 1870–73. Washington. It appears Carr was present at This Carr represented De Soto in 1868–70, al. Starlight plantation and gave out the Radical though he never saw the parish.

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tickets. In doing so he would assure the negroes The Starlight campaign was introduced in that George Washington was the candidate, cau1871-72. Wiggins (colored) and Bill Peyton tioning them at the same time not to show the (white) were representatives, vice Elam and tickets as their enemies might undo their votes. Stephenson counted out, and Maj. Twitchell, sen- George Washington was also present, and in his ator, In 1872 Wiggins died and Robert T. Carr most courteous way would tell the negroes to step was chosen to fill vacancy. In 1872 Carr (white) up to “Mista” Carr's box and get their tickets. Dr. and Dave Johnson (colored) were elected. L. Scales and Charles Schuler were elected in went to Starlight through curiosity, and the 1874, and Twitchell was declared senator. In 1873 Doctor, suspecting that something was wrong, got the ballot boxes were taken to the Starlight plan- young Hewitt to spatch a few tickets, and thereon tation by Twitchell and DeWeese and J. D. Wem- the name of Mortimer Carr was printed. George ple and John Wagner, elected representatives, was very much irritated, and told the negroes to were counted out. They would not permit any stop voting, but Mortimer had carried his point, white man to be present.

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and, with the boxes in possession of his friends, he In 1876 George I. Pitts and James T. Means was declared elected, and ultimately chosen speaker were chosen representatives and Joseph M. Cun. of the House. The evening of that election it was ningham, vice Blunt, senator; B. F. Jenkins and moved and seconded to attack the Starlight plantS. S. Potts in 1878; S. C. Hall and W. C. Harris ation institution, and put press, ballots, Radicals were elected in 1880; J. H. Sandiford and Boling and all in the river; Col. Hollingsworth was to Williams were elected senators in 1878; George lead. The expedition was ready, and would have Graham and W. H. Davis were chosen in 1882; carried out the plan had not Joseph B. Elam E. W. Sutherlin and B. W. Marston, senators; | prevailed upon the daring men to have patience.

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John Chapman and some white men from Mansfield

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1

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and J. L. Vircher in August. Capt. 0. L. Dur- R. R. Riggs, with Wagner*, Norman, Brodnax, ham and J. H. Sutherlin were appointed to in- Peyton, R. B. Frierson and Vircher appear as quire into the wants of De Soto volunteers in sery- jurors. The jail building was accepted at this time. ice. In October C. M. Pegues' treasury report was G. W. Sample, W. J. Horn, J. W. Edens or Ev- adopted, his bond canceled and J. D. Wemple in- ans appear as jurors in January, 1867, and R. J. stalled treasurer. In November Gatlin and Eld- Bowman was appointed attorney. A. T. Stephen- ridge were appointed delegates to the Red River son represented Ward 2 and Jesse G. Steele, Ward defense convention, at Shreveport, with authority 6, in July, 1869; S. P. Du Bose was elected treas- to subscribe $20,000 for defenses of the river. In urer, and Dr. Godfrey continued as physician, and January, 1863, there were twenty-seven captains in November the Keatchie Swamp Turnpike Com- of patrol appointed; the $20,000 appropriated for pany gave bonds for performing their duties in con- Red River defenses provided for, and a new issue structing toll roads. In November N. S. Moore of scrip for $3,000 authorized. In May, 1863, a represented Ward 1. The Baptists were permitted parish tax of 33} per cent, and a special tax of 51} to hold services in the court-house, in April, 1870, per cent, were ordered to be levied. The names of pending the completion of their new church house. W. J. Polk and W. W. Tatum, with Messrs. Wag- J. H. Sutherlin resigned the office of clerk in Sep- ner, Eldridge, Guy, White, Vircher, Johnson, Gat- tember, after serving since 1854, and was succeed- lin and Norman appear as jurors in June, 1863; ed by J. D. Law, and Dr. Godfrey resigned the scrip for $2,000 was authorized at this time. In office of physician. In May, 1871, the estimate of October Treasurer Wemple reported $26,018 in the expenditures for the year was placed at $12,500. treasury. A petition to the Legislature asking that In July, 1871, H. L. Dean, T. M. Cook and T. J. $1,443 overpaid by T. J. Williams on the taxes of Williams, Jr., qualified as jurors vice the jurors 1860, be refunded, was adopted. In January, 1864, counted out, A. J. Nelson, G. W. Williams, with canceled bills or scrip amounting to $20,900 were T. J. Williams, president. J. D. Law was ap- destroyed; in May, 1864, the estimate for the cur- pointed clerk and S. F. Walker physician. rent year was placed at $10,550, and a tax of 33! The estimate of expenditures for 1873 made in per cent was ordered.

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In June Red River de. June, 1872, amounted to $14,100. The levy was fense exchange bills for $2,260 and ordinary scrip placed at 8 mills for parish purposes. for $3,738.70 was destroyed, and about $55,000 in The State tax on $1,000 in 1873 was $14.50, soldiers' relief drafts were reported canceled. The and the parish tax $10 or 241 mills, while in 1872 treasurer was ordered to exchange all the old Con- it reached 29 mills. In 1871 the State tax on federate bills for new issue, and the president au- $1,000 was $24.30, and the parish tax $1 or 281 thorized to purchase $2,000 worth of medicines for mills. In making the valuation at that time it was distribution. In March, 1805, W. C. Peyton was in the proportion of $19,310 in 1871 to $5,260 in a member of the police jury, and in May, 1865, 1890, or about four times as much, yielding William M. Allen, J. B. Perham, J. W. Stephen- $338.23 taxes in 1871 and $73.45 in 1890, the son and J. H. Tucker were appointed the last cap- State tax being about four times as much as the tains of the last patrol companies. Boling Will. parish tax. Comparing the tax with the valuation iams was appointed collector, authority to build a

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*In 1866 a party of citizens arranged to rob) the president of the new jail given and a special tax of 160 per cent

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police jury, who held in his possession a good deal of scrip and monordered to be levied on property, trades and occu

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eys. Going to his home about midnight, they engages the negroes

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in a quarrel with the object of bringing out Mr. Wagner. The ruse pations to be applied on the building of this jail.

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was successful, and taking the old president to a secluded spot some Shelly & Campbell were the contractors, the price distance away, returned to rob the house. Meantime the negroes

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had given the alarm, and M. Surey, a Frenchman, who was a guest being $7,190. A. J. Leach and T. W. Brodnax

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of Wagner, determineul not only to defend the house, but also to reswere members of the jury at this time.

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In July,

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cue his host. On his way throngh the darkness he saw the robbers

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approach and opened fire, killing one and wounding two others. He 1866, the names of Reuben Mundy, W. R. Prather,

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saved Wagner and the public moneys.

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ex

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in 1890, the State tax was then nine times as much the old board. N. S. Moore succeeded Guy as as it is now. In January, 1873, T. J. Williams, president. Expenditures were estimated at the Jr., B. F. Chapman, O. L. Durham, N. S. Moore same sum as in 1879, but in 1881 the estimate was and E. R. Best, qualified as jurors. Reuben placed at $9,350. D. Eatman took Juror Scott's Mundy was appointed attorney, and R. T. Gibbs, place in August; G. W. Cummins took Moore's physician. This jury ordered the minutes of the place in May, 1882, and S. E. Guy followed last meeting of the old jury to be stricken out, and Moore as president. In March, 1884, John T. adopted the “rules of decorum."

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” The Smith, W. B. Peyton, S. E. Guy, J. J. Gardner, penses for 1874 were estimated at $13,000, and a D. Eatman, Dr. W. S. Frierson, L. M. Rambin tax levy of 10 mills ordered. In March, 1874, and J. H. Williams formed the jury. Dr. FrierJohn Wagner with Durham, Moore and Williams, son was chosen president. In July, 1885, resoluwere appointed by Kellogg, jurors. Dr. West tions on the death of S. E. Guy were recorded. was appointed physician, Du Bose was continued Messrs. Peyton,* Frierson,* Gardner, * Rambin* treasurer, Law, clerk, and Williams, president. and J. H. Williams,* with George J. Pitts, C. F. In June an estimate of $13,500 was made for Lafitte and S. T. Williams were jurors in 1886, 1875. In May, 1875, T. J. Williams, A. J. Fort- while in 1890 the members whose names are son, F. Y. Dake and E. R. Best were appointed marked * above were still on the board, with M. jurors; A. J. Bell was appointed physician.

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J. L.

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Ricks of Ward 4, and G. B. Williams of Ward 5. Williams and A. R. Williams were employed as In March, 1890, a great petition was presented, experts to examine the accounts of ex-Tax collector asking that the question of voting aid to the Gulf R. A. DeWeese. The expenses for 1876 were esti- & Kansas City Railroad Company be submitted mated at $14,500. Samuel F. Smith qualified as to the people. The jury granted this petition and juror in June, 1875. In December the proposi. fixed a day for an election, when 900 votes were

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a tion to subscribe $100,000 to the New Orleans & cast for, and 478 against, granting such aid. Pacific Railroad secured 201 votes, and was op- The first record of the parish court of De Soto posed by 159.

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is dated June 5, 1843. James Welsh, parish judge, The expenditures for 1877 were estimated at presided. Louis Demas Bossier qualified as sher$11,350. In January, 1877, R. R. Riggs, N. S. iff, and Cesaire Flores as deputy. Judge Welsh Moore, J. H. Williams, J. P. McElroy and Simon qualified before Judge W. Jenkins, of Caddo, May De Soto presented their commissions as jurors 2, 1843. Dr. William Long, an Irishman, the from Gov. Nicholls; J. P. McElroy was chosen first court clerk, qualified before Judge Welsh, president, and S. F. Walker, physician. In April May 26; M. C. Williams, G. W. Airey, J. A. GamL. B. Wilcox succeeded Dr. S. P. Du Bose as ble, Simon De Soto and T. D. Hailes, justices of treasurer, and in November S. B. Foster succeeded the peace, May 5; C. W. H. Haislip and Jerry Law as clerk. In March, 1878, the new jury Keefe, as constables, June 17; J. E. Cunningham, qualified: N. S. Moore, president; J. H. Will- as deputy sheriff, and Jacob D. Wemple, as deputy iams, W. J. Horn, D. W. Prude, Jacob William clerk, on June 5, 1843.

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The first cases were preson, R. R. Riggs and J. P. McElroy were mem- sented August 7: Javis Andrews vs. Samuel Willbers. They were succeeded in January, 1879, by iams, and J. C. Porter & Co. vs. Moses C. Williams. E. B. Brown, James King, G. W. Martin, Dr. Judgment by default in the first case, and dismissal Frierson, Samuel Hobgood, S. E. Guy, N. S. in the second resulted. S. P. Jones and J. B. Moore and D. W. Prude. The estimate of ex- Elam were the attorneys present. penditures for the years 1879-80 was $10,950. The district court journal opens May 2, 1844;

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The jurors present in May, 1880, were M. J. J. G. Campbell was judge, and W. L. Tuomey Scott, John J. Gardner, L. M. Rambin, with Guy, district attorney. The grand jury comprised C. A. King (W. S.), Frierson, Williams and Moore of Edwards, Isaac Hesser, Hosea Ibarbo, Rosemond

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Chamard, Thomas P. Hall, E. D. Anderson, George W. P. Hall, Edgar W. Sutherlin, J. C. Pugh, J. G. Haden, Robert Haden, George T. Phelps, Nau- B. Lee and Henry T. Liverman. flet Sandefer, James Somerill, Philip Flores, H. The office of district clerk was held by Dr. Wagley, Lertin Rambin and Felix Hesser. On William Long in 1843–45; J. D. Wemple, 1846May 14 one William D. Murphy, a native of Kil- 54; J. H. Sutherlin, 1854-67; W. B. Taylor, dare County, Ireland, petitioned to be made a 1868-71; W. C. Reynolds, 1872-80; L. M. Howcitizen, and his prayer was granted.

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ard, 1880-84, and G. H. Sutherlin, 1885-90. In 1845 F. R. Houston was district attorney, The sheriffs were L. D. Bossier in 1843; H. and later C. Chaplin filled the position in the H. Womack, 1846; Ben Youngblood, 1850; J. absence of Houston. A punber of indictments for H. Dillard, 1852; T. J. Williams, 1858; J. W. assault and battery were presented this year, and Elam, 1803; Boling Williams, 1865; Robert T. in December the certificate of the Supreme Court, Carr, 1868; W. P. Sample, 1874; J. J. Yarbrough, admitting Elisha Basse, an attorney, was presented. 1879, and L. H. Huson, 1888. Robert E. Davis was indicted for murder at this The recorders of the parish were James Welsh time.

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in 1843; M. W. Holman, 1816; John H. Quarles, Sabine, De Soto and Red River form the (then) 1848; W. McMichael, 1850; W. R. Jackson, new Ninth Judicial District.

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1851; S. F. Smith, 1854, followed by W. R. The judges of the district courts who presided Jackson and D. M. Heriot, who was serving when at Mansfield since 1844, are named as follows: the office was abolished. J. Douglass, D. D. C. C., James G. Campbell, 1844; James Taylor, Six- signs the record of deeds in April, 1880, for the teenth District, 1846; E. R. Olcott, Seventeenth district clerk, who is ex-officio recorder under the District, special, 1848; Bullard, Sixteenth District, constitution of 1879. 1850; Roland Jones, Seventeenth District, special; The assessors in the order of service were H. M. Spofford, Eighteenth District, special, 1853; James E. Cunningham, Cesaire Flores, H. Har

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, H. A. Drew, Seventeenth District, special, 1854; ville, L. B. Camp, Ben Youngblood, Samuel F. T. T. Land, Eighteenth District, special, 1854; Smith, J. H. Sntherlin, W. K. Brown, Hilaire William B. Egan, Seventeenth District, special, Flores, J. B. Moore, J. P. McElroy, S. H. Town. 1857; David Cresswell, Eighteenth District, 1857; send, T. W. Brodnax and R. A. De Weese.

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D. M. Roland Jones, Eighteenth District, 1860; A. B. Heriot is the present assessor. Levisee, Tenth District, 1868; C. D. Bullock, spe- The superintendents of schools have been T. cial, 1871; R. J. Looney, 1873; C. Chaplin, 1875; P. Hall, G. S. Hart, A. S. Flower, A. H. ThigJ. H. Sutherlin, special, 1876; David Pearson, pin and J. Douglass. Seventeenth District, 1877; J. L. Logan, 1880; The coroners were J. J. Clow, 1847; A. R. E. W. Sutherlin and W. P. Hall, special, 1880; Mitchell, 1850; E. G. Betts, 1851; J. G. Steel, S. L. Taylor, First District, 1881; J. B. Elam, | 1854; W. S. Donaldson, 1867; S. F. Walker, special, 1881; C. M. Pegues, special, 1882, and 1880-88, while the office of surveyor has been W. P. Hall, in 1884; Judge Hicks, special, 1884. held by J. L. Cole, J. Wemple, S. L. Wagley and

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The members of the old and present bar are J. W. Pitts. named as follows: S. P. Jones, J. B. Elam (died In 1851 T. T. Williamson received a majority in 1885), W. L. Tuomey, F. R. Houston, C. vote for representative and Isaac Morse for ConChaplin, Elisha Basse, W. J. Hamilton, W. F. T.

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gress. Bennett, James Welsh, John H. Townsend, J. H. In June, 1852, J. B. Elam was elected delegate Sutherlin, J. H. Kilpatrick, A. R. Mitchell, R. J. from the senatorial district, but D. F. Roysden atLooney, Sam Wells, J. L. Logan (died in 1886), tended, and D. B. McMillan, from the parish, to C. M. Pegues, C. D. Bullock, R. Mundy, John the Constitutional Convention. L. Scales (died in 1880), J. F. Bell, W. H. Wise, In 1847, when C. M. Pegues came, Henry

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I

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Phillips was representative and served in both B. F. Jenkins and W. C. Harris were chosen houses until 1860. Joseph B. Elam, Jacob D. representatives, and Joseph Henry and J. Fisher Wemple, William T. Fortson, D. B. McMillan, Smith (succeeding Sutherlin) senators in 1886. L. L. Tompkies and D. A. Blackshire were early In January, 1866, a number of citizens was arrepresentatives. Samuel

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Clark was

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senator, rested by Federal troops, charged with being acsucceeded by Henry Marshall. In 1861 J. B. cessories in the murder of a colored woman of De Elam was representative and with Dr. Chapman was Soto in November, 1865. This was followed by re-elected in 1863. Henry Marshall was elected several arrests for alleged political offenses. In a member of the Confederate Congress in 1861. J. 1868 the negroes attempted to terrorize the peoB. Elam and T. M. Gatlin were chosen in 1865. ple and assembled in force at stated times. On

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In 1860 there were 634 votes recorded for one occasion, while the public square was filled Breckinridge, 364 for Bell and 2 for Douglas. J. with the new citizens, J. E. Hewitt and John B. Elam, Y. W. Graves and Henry Marshall Sheppard, then devils in the Times office, equipped signed the ordinance of secession as representa- a roller-mold on R. J. Bowman's patent wheels, tives of De Soto. In the convention of 1864 De in cannon-shape, and turned it on the crowd, scarSoto was not represented, but in that of 1868 M. ing them into dispersal. H. Twitchell was the representative. In 1879 M. J. In 1870 the Radicals appointed two or three Cunningham and R. B. Stille represented the dis polling places in the parish. George Washington, trict and E. W. Sutherlin and B. F. Jenkins, the a genial negro, was candidate for representative, parish. William W. Pugh was speaker of the but Mortimer Carr was elected.

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This strange reHouse from 1856 to 1839; C. M. Pegues was clerk sult was effected through the gullibility of George in 1879; Mortimer Carr was speaker in 1870–73. Washington. It appears Carr was present at This Carr represented De Soto in 1868-70, al- Starlight plantation and gave out the Radical though he never saw the parish.

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tickets. In doing so he would assure the negroes The Starlight campaign was introduced in that George Washington was the candidate, cau1871-72. Wiggins (colored) and Bill Peyton tioning them at the same time not to show the (white) were representatives, vice Elam and tickets as their enemies might undo their votes. Stephenson counted out, and Maj. Twitchell, sen- George Washington was also present, and in his ator. In 1872 Wiggins died and Robert T. Carr most courteous way would tell the negroes to step was chosen to fill vacancy. In 1872 Carr (white) up to “Mista'' Carr's box and get their tickets. Dr. and Dave Johnson (colored) were elected. John Chapman and some white men froin Mansfield L. Scales and Charles Schuler were elected in went to Starlight through curiosity, and the 1874, and Twitchell was declared senator. In 1873 Doctor, suspecting that something was wrong, got the ballot boxes were taken to the Starlight plan- young Hewitt to spatch a few tickets, and thereon tation by Twitchell and DeWeese and J. D. Wem- the name of Mortimer Carr was printed. George ple and John Wagner, elected representatives, was very much irritated, and told the negroes to were counted out. They would not permit any stop voting, but Mortimer had carried his point, white man to be present.

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and, with the boxes in possession of his friends, he In 1876 George I. Pitts and James T. Means was declared elected, and ultimately chosen speaker were chosen representatives and Joseph M. Cun. of the House. The evening of that election it was ningham, vice Blunt, senator; B. F. Jenkins and moved and seconded to attack the Starlight plantS. S. Potts in 1878; S. C. Hall and W. C. Harris ation institution, and put press, ballots, Radicals were elected in 1880; J. H. Sandiford and Boling and all in the river; Col. Hollingsworth was to Williams were elected senators in 1878; George lead. The expedition was ready, and would have Graham and W. H. Davis were chosen in 1882; carried out the plan had not Joseph B. Elam E. W. Sutherlin and B. W. Marston, senators; 1 prevailed upon the daring men to have patienee.

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In 1872 the Knights of the White Camelia rived on the field that night with his command, too League were organized for protective purposes, late, of course, to participate in the honors, but with Dr. Du Bose, president. About this time not too late to prevent Taylor and Polignac from the plan of holding elections in the court room at following up their victory. At Mark's Mills Smith Mansfield was abolished, and a window in the won a questionable victory over Steele; Taylor reclerk's office selected as the place for recording the turned to pursue Banks, but the wily Federal esvotes. This dissatisfied the negroes, who left town caped, and his assistant, A. J. Smith, when on the in a body, but returned armed. At the same time point of losing 10,000 men, got away across the a company of United States cavalry, under Maj. Atchafalaya, after burning Alexandria. De Soto Hutchinson, came in. J. B. Elam made a con- was represented in the field by the Pelican Rifles, ciliatory speech and the cavalry dispersed the ne- De Soto Blues, Keatchie Warriors, Henry Marshall groes.

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The cavalry arrived in time to prevent a Guards, Elam Guards, Dixie Rebels, Shelly's Batbloody riot, for both negroes and whites were well talion (Eleventh Louisiana), Company A, Capt. J. prepared to try their strength; while at Pleasant D. Yarbrough, Jordan's command and the Young Hill John E. Hewitt notified the settlers to be pre- Greys, while at home was Capt. Hatcher's Home pared for battle.

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Guards. Recruits from this parish were found in In March, 1864, Banks entered upon his raid, almost every Louisiana command. although the Confederate, Taylor, learned of the At Mansfield Gen. Mouton, Cols. Armand, proposed raid in February, and advised Kirby Beard and Walker, Maj. Canfield, Lieut.-Col. Clark, Smith thereof

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. The latter commenced to bring in Col. Noble and many other officers fell. The his detached commands, and when Gen. A. J. Federal loss at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill was Smith came up Red River and Banks up the Teche about 2,300 killed and wounded, and the Confedthe Confederate forces were well prepared. The erate loss 2,200. The Federals lost 2,500 taken Federals captured Fort De Russy, just below Al- prisoners at Mansfield, 20 guns, colors, small exandria, and then proceeded up the valley, Tay- arms and 250 wagons, while at Pleasant Hill the lor's command falling back gradually. At Mans- losses were increased. T. J. Williams acted as field, on April 8, 1864, he resolved to fight, and guide during the movements here against Banks. sent a message to Kirby Smith to that effect. He John E. Hewitt, who at the age of thirteen posted his 9,000 men one quarter of a mile from years witnessed the terrible scenes at Mansfield in the town and sent the gallant Mouton with the April, 1864, prepared an historical paper on the Louisianians forward to begin the attack. The subject. From this paper the following memorFederals held the steep hill over which ran the anda are taken: The town hall, the Methodist public road, and capped it with Nimm's battery, Church and the Mansfield Female College buildand this battery Mouton sought to capture. He ings, as well as many residences, bad been hastily lost many officers in this twenty-five minutes' at- converted into hospitals for the Confederate tack, among them Armand, of the Creole regiment. wounded, while the Campbellite Church and most The Eighteenth Louisiana Infantry pushed for- of the storehouses were prepared for the wounded ward, led by Polignac and Mouton, and captured Federal soldiers. ,

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The old Baptist Church bad the battery. Mouton was killed while trying to been set aside for the most serious cases, and save thirty-five Federal prisoners (or, as some would there Confederate and Federal soldiers lay side by have it, after a flag of truce was hoisted) by one side waiting the aid which the surgeons of both of the men he would have saved, but the surviving armies could offer. At dark, on the evening of officers led the pursuit of the Union troops to the 10th, one of the nurses lighted a candle, and Pleasant Hill. At Pleasant Hill, on April 9, the holding it in one hand attended the patient with Federals were reinforced and gave battle until dark- the other; but the delirious patient struck down ness enabled them to withdraw. Kirby Smith ar- the candle, and the light catching the loose cotton

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sense.

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used as bedding set it on fire, and in a moment The De Soto News was established by Twitchell, the flames filled the building. To save the wounded at the Starlight plantation, in 1868–69, twenty-five from death by burning, the men who were in miles from a post-office. It was issued in a stable Mansfield rushed in, and by carrying the patients and was the official journal of the parish until J. through the fire or casting them out of the win- E. Hewitt employed J. B. Elam to proceed against dows saved about 200 soldiers from a horrible the News, as it was not a newspaper in the legal death. As the rescuers were about to abandon the

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Mr. Elam succeeded in the suit and the work a young Creole Confederate soldier suffering contract was given to the Reporter. from slight wounds and a young Union surgeon The Mansfield Reporter was established Januarrived upon the scene and answered the wild ary 1, 1870, by J. E. Hewitt and J. T. McClanacalls for help from within. The fatigued rescuers

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han. The foriner sold to the latter in 1871, but joined them, and another dozen of men were saved McClanahan sold bis interest to Mr. Hewitt in from the flames.

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1872, and he was sole proprietor until 1875, when The battle-field was designed by nature for the the office was sold to Dr. S. M. Potts. Early in terrible war scene which opened and closed there 1878 the Reporter returned to Mr. Hewitt and was on April 8, 1864. Though now partly overgrown consolidated with the Democrat. In 1875 the Re. with young trees, openings remain where the porter was a semi-weekly journal. greatest carnage was effected, and from Honeycutt The Tribune was established in the fall of 1871 Hill to the last position held by the Federals all by J. E. Hewitt, who purchased the Times office the land is in cultivation.

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from Clarkson & Duke (Mr. Clarkson moved to The Logansport Advertiser was the pioneer Coushatta and purchased the Citizen there). On the journal of De Soto Parish. It was issued some completion of the deal, which brought the Re. years prior to 1849 by Peter Shearer.

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porter into the hands of its junior founder, the The Mansfield Advertiser was established in Tribune was consolidated with it and this name April, 18-19. Volume I, No. 6, is dated May 19, is dated May 19, disappeared.

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. that year, and bears the signatures of W. I. Ham- The De Soto Democrat was founded in 1877, ilton and J. W. Parsons, editors.

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by J. E. Hewitt. The first press was purchased The Columbian was subsequently published by from the Republican Journal, at Natchitoches, the W. F. T. Bennett, at Mansfield, as stated in the editor of which, Coley Pierson, was killed during history of Bossier. In 1858 W. B. Abington was

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the riots of 1876. A small quantity of the type editor, and J. F. Smith, of Sabine, who died in was also purchased there. Mr. Hewitt conducted 1890, agent for that parish and Natchitoches. the Democrat up to January, 1890, when the office

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The Pelican was published here in 1861, and was leased to A. M. Hewitt, the present editor. in April, 1861, the estimate of Parish expenses for The circulation is about 1,500. the year ending in 1862 ($9,150) was published The Mansfield Herald was established in the therein. Peter Clarkson, the publisher, agreed to fall of 1882, by J. L. Williams, owner, J. T. do the parish printing for $200 per annum.

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McClanaban, editor, and Dick Cotey, publisher. The Mansfield Times was issued by Clarkson After a few months the editorship was conferred & Duke, in 1865. They continued its publication on George E. Head, who held that position until until 1870, when the Reporter was founded. its suspension, in 1885. J. E. Hewitt purchased

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The Mansfield Times of October 30, 1869, then the office, and later sold the material to Mangconducted by Clarkson & Duke, noticing the death bam, for his new venture at Gibsland.

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, of a colored man at the hands of Dick Defee, The Pelican Banner was issued in 1890, by and in the presence of four or five young white

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Don E. Sorelle, Vol. I, No. 17, bearing date Aumen, asked the good citizens of the place to break gust 22, 1890. the necks of the young ragamuffins.

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The News was issued at Logansport, in 1890,

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neer.

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*

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*

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are

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by J. H. Chatham. Vol. I, No. 33, is dated Sep- for the road arrived, and the permanent way tember 4, 1890.

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was completed May 23. On that day a locomotive At Grand Cane, the Item was issued some years was sent up to inaugurate traffic. It was decorago, by J. J. McClanahan, and in 1889 he estab- ated by the ladies, and then attached to a train of lished the Post there.

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flat cars, upon which a great number of people In January, 1887, there were seventeen lodges took seats, and traveled to the junction. William of the Farmers' Alliance in existence, claiming 280 Durham was conductor, and J. C. English, engimembers. Toward the close of the month they

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On the 24th freight traffic was inaugurated. made a contract with Jackson & Gullatt to supply Boling Williams, B. F. Jenkins and 0. H. P. them with about $35,000 worth of goods during Sample, sending forward one carload of cotton. the year. In April the Alliance consolidated with That day also the first freight was received, one the Farmer's Union, and organized as the Farm- carload of meal and flour for B. F. Jenkins, one ers' Co-operative Union,

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for Ricks & Williams, a carload of meal for 0. H. In September, 1888, the Farmers' Union or- P. Sample, one of corn for Sample, and one for ganized the Farmers' Supply Company, with J. B. Williams, and two cars of miscellaneous goods for Dillon,* D. F. Roach, * E. R. Best (president), * several other persons. On January 17, 1883, the A. H. Thigpin, J. O. Franklin,* J. McNabors (sec- first locomotive exploded near the Pacific Hotel, retary), A. M. Hewitt, B. B. Powell (treasurer), and and was totally demolished; three men and one R. H. Smith, directors. The names marked woman were killed; Mrs. Inglin died a day later, still directors, with A. A. Fair, secretary, B. F. Engineer Shackleford was cut in two, a negro McGee, J. P. McElroy, G. B. Williams and D. C. brakeman's head was blown off, and the negro Ethridge. W. B. Hewitt is manager, and J. E. fireman was blown 150 feet, and several persons Hewitt, treasurer. The company carry a stock of were injured and the depot damaged. $20,000. In 1888-89 they controlled 4,000 bales In the fall of 1885 the Shreveport & Houston of cotton.

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N. G. R. R. was completed, and Logansport grew In October, 1887, there were twenty Alliance from a little village into a bustling town. lodges in the parish, and three years later the farm- The town of Mansfield dates back to 1843. ers were, in fact, political and commercial rulers The location was selected as the seat of justice, of De Soto.

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and the name suggested June 5, 1843, by Thomas The De Soto Live Stock Association was organ- Abington, an admirer of an Irish peer named ized May 31, 1890, with Dr. H. C. Stokes, presi. Mansfield. The population of the town, within its dent, and J. B. Lee, secretary. This association original or corporate limits, is 604, but the town

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, completed a race-track in the fall of 1890, and it proper contains 1,804 inhabitants. is proposed to establish fair grounds. Among the The deed of the southwest quarter of Section members are E. B. Rogers, W. W. Harrington, 9, Town 12, Range 13, to De Soto Parish, was acB. F. Samuels, W. L. Minter, E. N. Foster, C. E. knowledged at the town of Grand Cane before ParJenkins, W. T. Scott, J. E. Williams, B. D. Cooper ish Judge James Welsh, June 5, 1843, by Charles

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, and J. E. Hewitt.

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A. Edwards and John A. Gamble. The considerThe Mansfield Railway & Transportation Com- ation was $200. 47, which was paid by John Wag. pany was organized in 1881, with B. F. Jenkins,

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ner, president of the police jury. In 1815 lots president; Boling Williams, secretary, and M. were sold on the town site of Mansfield to James Ricks, treasurer. The latter has been treasurer Welsh, John J. Clow, Squire Pate, W. J. Massinsince that time. Boling Williams succeeded B. gale, P. W. Caspary, Caleb Pate, Daniel Lee, F. Jenkins, and 0. H. P. Sample followed Will William Crosby, C. E. Hewitt, J. D. Wemple, E. iams as secretary. The cost of the road is said J. Cockfield, George Gaskins, J. Jones, S. M. to be about $25,000. In March, 1882, the rails Quarles, L. R. Singleton, Elisha Basse, C. Flores,

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C. W. H. Haislip, Louis Phillips, H. Pressy, W. were sold by the sheriff to Louis Phillips, for H. Terrill, Methodist Episcopal Church, William $8,694.65; but, in 1864, he deeded the property to Craig, William Sebastian, E. D. Anderson, H. C. Bishop Keener, of the Louisiana Methodist Con- Angee, J. Y. and E. W. McCalla and D. J. Land ference, for $6,000, and in 1865 the college was prior to 1879.

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reopened. In September, 1874, Rev. Thomas The town of Manstield was incorporated April Armstrong succeeded Mr. Stuart as president, and 15, 1847 [Act 128, page 93, laws 1847]. The in June, 1880, Rev. J. Lane Borden was appointed supplemental act of March 17, 1852, conferred president. In June, 1883, Rev. F. M. Grace sucjudicial powers on the mayor, while the two acts ceeded Borden, who was killed, and in 1887 Dr. of 1856 provided for a poll tax and the regulation McVoy became president. The alumnce of the of liquor selling, and that of 1857 for the election college up to September, 1890, number 186.

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In of officials. The bill of incorporation was drafted September, 1890, the thirty-eighth annual session by J. B. Elam, then a member of the Legislature was opened with each department in charge of a and, it is said, he was first mayor. The mayors qualified teacher. After the battle of Mansfield since 1850 are named as follows: A. R. Mitchell, the college buildings were given up to hospital 1850; William Chalmers, 1853; A. M. Campbell, purposes, and continued to be so used until 1865. 1854; James E. Cunningham, 1855; J. B. Elam, The Methodist Episcopal Church South was 1856; R. Mundy, 1857; C. M. Pegues, 1858; J. founded here in 1844. Ten years after, when C. Porter, 1859; W. F. T. Bennett, 1860; J. H. Mrs. Moss came, Mr. Pipes had charge of the Shepherd, 1861; Jason Meadors, 1866; W. B. church here and at Pleasant Hill, where the GreenTaylor, 1874; M. Ricks, 1876; R. T. Carr, 1877; ing class existed. At Mansfield the Campbells, James Constantine, 1878; R. T. Carr, 1880; E. W. Louis, Edwin and Hilliard Phillips, and their Sutherlin, 1882; John Pugh, 1883; George E. wives; the Bells, Mrs. Rawles (later Mrs. Crosby), Head, 1885; Thomas M. Tramel, 1886; M. Ricks, Mrs. Lewis, Edward Davis, Mrs. Helper, Mrs. 1887, and Jason Meadors, 1889–90.

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John Pegues, were members. John L. Scales came Dr. William Long was the first post-master, shortly after John Meek. Of the old members, succeeded by S. M. Quarles, who was master in Mrs. Moss, J. W. McElroy and wife, R. W. Jack1847. In 1857 Henry Buck, of Buck & Thomas, son, Mrs. Greening and Mrs. Bell are living. In was post-master. George Draughon followed as 1853 conference was held here, and in 1858 the appointee of the Confederate post-master-general, second meeting was held here. The present preachin 1861, but on the re-establishment of the United er, Mr. White, was then in charge. Dr. Thweatt

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. States office, in September, 1866, Philip Allen was was president of the college then, and the church appointed, but was followed by Maj. Allen. Will building (frame) stood on the site of the present iam Taylor succeeded Maj. Allen in 1873 and is house, which was built after the war. now incumbent.

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The colored Methodists erected a house of worThe Mansfield Female College was founded in ship on the Pleasant Hill road, and after 1866 made 1854, by Rev. H. C. Thweatt and Rev. W. E. this place a religious and political rendezvous. Doty, two Methodist ministers. The foundation In August, 1890, a great conclave of Africans of the main college house was begun that fall, and was held here. It is related that hundreds of the large frame house, now used for school exer- preachers were engaged in evangelical work, day cises, was completed and the first classes called. and night, during this revival term. In March, 1855, the college was incorporated. In Mansfield Baptist Church was constituted by 1856 the large brick building was completed, the Z. Worley and A. W. Jackson, June 28, 1851, and brick being manufactured close by. In 1860 Rev.

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In 1860 Rev. joined the association in 1851, reporting eleven C. B. Stuart succeeded Mr. Thweatt as president.

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members. W. B. Benson was chosen clerk. J. P. On October 6, that year, the buildings and grounds Buckner was pastor in 1853, succeeding James

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ഀ Backus; A. W. Jackson, in 1855; D. R. W. Mc- In the fall of 1890 the firm of Rives & Hewitt Iver, 1856-62; followed with W. F. Herrin, clerk. (Green Rives, W. B. Hewitt) entered on the work Brother Scott was pastor in May, 1863, followed of establishing a steam cotton-gin, grist-mill and that year by J. H. Tucker, who was here during cotton oil-mill. A large frame building was erected the war; in 1866 Elder Hartsfield, who served until on Jefferson Street for this purpose, and a forty1876, when T. W. Ebeltoft took charge. In 1880 borse- -power engine placed therein. It is not the C. W. Tompkies was called as pastor, but the fol- purpose of the company to introduce oil pressers lowing year G. W. Hartsfield returned to this

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until 1891, but the other departments of the mill charge. 'T. E. Alford is the present pastor. were ready for work in September, 1890.

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In May, 1852, the contract for building a church- Keatchie, sometimes written Keatchi, Keitche, house was sold to E. Davis, for $1,350, and the Keachi, is an old college town named after some house was completed in August. This old build- lazy Indian of fifty years ago. A reference to the ing was converted into a hospital on April 8, 1864, chapter on pioneers will point out the names of and burned shortly after.

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the early resident land owners in this vicinity, The Presbyterian Church was built in 1872-73. while in other chapters many names and some imMr. Harrington is preacher.

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portant incidents connected with the village are Christ Memorial Church (English Protestant given. During the war this section sent forward Episcopal) was organized by Rev. John Sandals, a large number of old and young men to recruit who, prior to the war, was vestry missionary, and the De Soto legions in the field, and even before pastor until his death, in 1867. Among the first the injudicious attack on Fort Sumter was made members were Dr. R. T. Gibbs, D. M. Heriot, the modern warriors of this old Indian land were Mrs. J. B. Elam, Mrs. Gibbs, Mrs. Heriot, Laura prepared to defend their property and homes Crosby, Mrs. Pegues, Mrs. A. J. Collis, Susan against Northern fanaticism. In 1865 G. W. Pey. Crosby, Dr. Donaldson, Mrs. Donaldson and a few ton established a mercantile house at this point. others. Rev. Messrs. Cameron, Hall, Prosser, Hungerford and Mason, W. B. Peyton, E. Schuler,

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, Turner and W. K. Douglass were rectors here P. N. Scarborough, J. M. Peyton and others essuccessively, the latter until July, 1890. In 1880– tablished their houses since the war. In Septem81 the present church building was erected by ber, 1866, the post-office was restored, and Miss Contractor F. W. Steinman, at a cost, complete, of H. Schroeder placed in charge. about $3,000. Mr. Hall the rector, was building Keatchie Church, formerly known as Good Hope, superintendent, and expended much labor on this was organized in 1852, with eighteen members, work.

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and A. J. Rutherford, pastor. In 1864 Rev. J. The old Catholic Church building was taken H. Tucker was pastor; in 1867, Peter Crawford, down a few years ago, when the Carmelite Church followed in 1868 by Mr. Tucker. The church is was established at Carmel, about eight miles east practically connected with the college. Keatcbie of the town.

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Chapel Church was organized with T. N. Coleman, The Traders' Bank was organized May 8, 1890, J. F. Greer, Rev. J. H. Buchner, A. S. Hamilton, with W. B. Hewitt, G. B. Williams, B. F. Jen- 0. A. Coleman, Mrs. Julia L. Coleman and Miss kins, W. P. Sample, A. F. Jackson, R. T. Gibbs Pennie Cummins of the college faculty, members, and J. J. Billingsley, directors. J. E. Hewitt was and held services in Welcome Hall. The old chosen president, and Noble W. Williams, cashier. Keatchie Baptist Church protested, and charged the It is organized under the State law, with $30,000 new society with obtaining letters fraudulently, paid-up capital. Work on the new bank building and a denominational war was waged for some commenced September 1, on the site of Hewitt & time. The trouble extended to the college or Co.'s private banking house. The cost of the build- originated there, but matters were amicably settled, ing, vault, etc., is estimated at $6,000.

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by the removal of Rev. Mr. Coleman.

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The Methodist Episcopal building at Keatchie tion for twenty years. On the completion of the was dedicated in September, 1879, by Rev. G. M. Shreveport & Houston Railroad in 1885, new Liverman, the pastor.

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traders located here, and in 1886-87 and 1887-88, In August, 1856, the question of establishing the receipts of cotton jumped to 7,800 bales annua Baptist college at Keatchie* was discussed and the ally, and in 1889–90, there were no less than 10,names of twenty-three $100 subscribers advertised 441 bales marketed here. Besides this a considerby the agent, A. J. Rutherford.

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The Baptist able quantity of ribbon cane molasses is brought Union Male and Female College at Keatchie was here from the Texas counties, to the cultivation of incorporated October 12, 1857, but the title to the which the farmers are paying greater attention. property was in the name of the Keatchie Female

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Another great element of wealth is the lumber College. In 1885 Rev. T. N. Coleman was presi- | interests, which are being rapidly developed, mills dent, but failed to be re-elected. During his are being established every few miles along the presidency he purchased land adjoining the col- Houston, East & West Texas Railroad and off of it. lege and erected buildings thereon to which he At this place the old mill was replaced by one of gave the name Keatchie Business College. In Sep- the finest in the South, capable of handling tember, 1885, he changed this to Keatchie College, 75,000 feet or eight to ten carloads per day. and discovering that the original charter had never In 1888 the officers of the town were E. Price, been recorded, he placed all documents on record mayor; A. M. Garrett, W. J. Hicks, S. Kemp, and became the owner of the college name and H. A. Mize and A. Odom, councilmen, and J. faculty. Later the old trustees compromised, Thomas Hall, marshal. One common school for leasing him the college for one year. The insti. white pupils and a Union church existed then.

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In tution ceased to be a Baptist one. In November 1890 W. C. Hardy was mayor, L. Middleton, the Keatchie College Advocate was established to marshal, and C. C. Chatham, comptroller. Mount advertise his claims. After a period of trouble Vernon Lodge No. 83, A. F. & A. M., was prethe college was re-established on its old principles, sided over by James K. Pyle, with L. H. Adams, and Rev. C. W. Tompkies, called to preside. secretary; the New Baptist Church was erected There were 155 pupils registered in 1890. The under the supervision of Rev. A. A. Owns, of the board of directors comprises Joe Williams, Dr. Missionary Baptist Society; Rev. A. A. Cornett, Moseley, T. H. Gatlin, 0. L. Durham, I. W. was pastor of the Methodist Church. The News Pickens and C. W. Tompkies, of De Soto, with J. was issued this year by J. H. Chatham, No. 33, M. Bowles, president, and J. H. Prescott, of of Volume I, being dated September 4, 1890, and Shreveport. 0. L. Durham is president of the a hotel building erected. The River Lumber Comboard of trustees, and J. M. Bowles, of the board pany is an association of modern business men of directors, while Dr. Moseley is secretary of who intend to render their mills equal to the advantboth bodies.

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ages which the country and great forests afford, Logansport, on the Sabine River, was founded and in connection with the mill reservoir, the in 1830. For years it was a celebrated trading council entertain the idea of establishing a system point, but the establishment of new towns in of water-works. In March, 1887, the first steamLouisiana and Texas, the removal of the Red boat seen at Logansport since the days of Civil River Raft, and establishment of Shreveport, War arrived, Capt. Isaac Wright. abolished much of its old-time prosperity and left Bethany Church at “Lick the Skillet," on the it poor indeed. Immediately after the War of Texas line in De Soto, was organized in March, 1861-65 A. M. Garrett established his business 1852, by A. J. Rutherford. Near by was the gamhouse and carried on trade without local opposi ing hall in Louisiana, and the drinking hall in

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Texas. In December, 1851, Revs. E. B. Reynolds, * It was thought best by the publishers to follow the orthography of the Postollice Department.

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Jesse Lee and A. J. Rutherford made a raid on

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“Lick the Skillet,” captured the hearts of the de- Pleasant Hill Lodge No. 86 was organized bauchees and made them Baptists. In 1857 G. March 4, 1850. Among the first masters were S. W. Rogers was pastor, but before the war the D. Chapman, John Jordan, J. J. Fike and Joseph membership merged into the societies at Provi- W. Foster. T. J. Hopkins and J. D. Brown were dence and Boggy Bayou.

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recorded as dead in 1874. Grand Cane is the name given to an incorpo- The Baptists organized Emmaus Church here rated town six miles distant from Mansfield, in in 1854, but allowed it to collapse in a few years. latitude 32° 4' north, and longitude 16° 42' west. The Methodists had a church house here before The name is derived from that bestowed upon

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the the war.

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Beyond facts of it being a depot on the neighborhood years ago by the early travelers. old Grand Ecore and Shreveport stage route in The surrounding country presents the appearances 1854, a post office for a large section that year,

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and of alluvial lands, though forming the summit of a ten years later a battle-ground, there is little to plateau, which slopes into Grand Cane Creek and place on record. The new town of Pleasant Hill to the Red River. The site of the town was a has appropriated the name. cane brake, through which the explorers had to Oxford is a new railroad town. Here, on Aucut a road, and to-day, after a half-century of cul- gust 29, 1890, a male and female college was tivation, the lands in the vicinity are very fertile. established under direction of the Red River PresIn 1849 an anti-missionary Baptist society was bytery. The officers are: President, Judge N. organized here, and continued in active existence M. Smith, of Jackson, and secretary, Thomas up to 1855, but ceased to be represented in the Steele, of De Soto. The college starts with the association in 1859 or 1860. The Baptist Society donation of half the town lots in Oxford, twenty took its place, and the Grand Cane Baptist Asso- in number, and $1,000 in cash from Thomas Steele, ciation is to-day one of the influential religious and $1,000 from a citizen of Ohio. societies of the State. The Methodist Circuit of Pelican is the name given to a new town, fiftyGrand Cane comprises 169 white members. There two miles southeast of Shreveport. It was surare two Methodist Church houses in the circuit, veyed in August, 1889, while the old saw-mill and one Presbyterian house here.

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stood there. Before the close of twelve months On the completion of the railroad in 1881, the a new saw and planing-mill, stores, and a 400-bale village became an important business center. The

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cotton market were brought into existence, and in Peyton Store was established that year by G. W. September, 1890, the new high-school building was Peyton. In 1882 E. S. Hicks & Bros. opened their opened. The Pelican Banner referred to in the store here; in 1883 Jones, Chaffin & Co. established

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press article was issued in 1890. their business, and later founded a store west of

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The German colony settled seven miles east of the railroad; Hobgood & Foster's store dates to Mansfield in April, 1888, on what is known as 1884, and P. E. Allen's drug store to 1884-85. Bond's plantation. Father P. Anastase Peters The high-school building and church houses with purchased 1,040 acres here from Ricks & Williams, a long line of mercantile buildings, dwellings, saw- on Bayon Pierre, for this colony in April, and P. mill, cotton-gin and tradesmen's shops constituted Berthold Ohlenforst, agent, took legal possession. the town. Around it are the homes of some of In August the building of the Carmelite monastery the earliest settlers of the parish.

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here was begun. A two-story building, 40x90 feet, Pleasant Hill Village was on the mile-wide

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was erected that year, and in 1890 the convent plateau on the Mansfield & Fort Jessup Road, Col. schools were built. The post-office is named Carlege Hill being its most elevated point. Here on me) and Rev. Father Peters is postmaster. April 9, 1864, the battle commenced near Mans- Blanchard post office was established in Janufield, before the day was closed, and the Federal

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ary, 1887, at the Womack farn, in Bayou Pierre forces driven down Red River.

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Point.

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Smyrna Church was organized in March, 1878, Satterwhite, of Wilcox County, Ala., June 14, with fourteen members, and in July, 1880, a house 1838, after which they settled in Dallas County, of worship was dedicated by Rev. W. C. Dunlap. of that State, where they made their home until

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Pipes Chapel, near Peter Ricks' house, was 1848, at which time they came to De Soto Parish, dedicated for Methodist worship in January, 1882. La., and purchased land nine miles west of Mans

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In 1850–52 Elder A. W. Jackson organized a field, where he lived until 1860. He then purchased number of Baptist Churches, among them being a small place two miles west of town, which he imthe old Patience Church, Friendship, Evergreen, proved for a place of residence. He was never a Hazelwood, New Hope and Longstreet, nearly all member of any church, but was a firm believer in of which have disappeared. Salem, organized in Christianity, and was a liberal contributor to the 1870, at a point between Kingston and Summer support of the ministry. In his political views he Grove, is in existence, with Bethsaida, Gum Springs, was a Whig, and during the Rebellion was a strong Logansport and Spring Ridge Churches. Ever- Unionist, although his sympathies were with the green Church, near Kingstou, dates back to April South, but knowing that they were not prepared 20, 1852, when twelve members signed the arti- for war, he advocated the South remaining quietly cles. In 1856 D. R. W. McIver was pastor. On in the Union and fighting with commercial weapons his death, in 1863, Moses C. Williams was called, instead of cannon balls and bullets.

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Although and in 1864 R. H. Scott. In 1876 he was charged bitterly opposed to the war he was very liberal in with sin and deposed. Messrs. Hartsfield, Ebeltoft assisting the volunteers in arming and equipping and Tompkies presided here successively.

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themselves for service, and gave his means freely Kingston is an old settlement or village which to the support of soldiers' families, while his house lost its commercial importance long ago. In 1854 was seldom free of sick or wornout soldiers during J. M. Prather was appointed post master here.

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the entire war. The more needy and destitute the Starlight plantation and other historic points are more welcome they were made, for he was a wholereferred to in the general history.

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souled, large-hearted man, bis manners were gra- cious, deferential and easy, and he had the happy

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faculty of making the poorest and humblest feel Capt. M. H. Alexander (deceased) was a man the dignity of being men, and they consequently well known to the early settlers of De Soto Parish, revered and respected him. He was extremely La., and was respected for his manly, straight- hospitable in disposition, and the doors of his resiforward course through life, and beloved by all for dence were ever opened to friend and stranger his noble Christian qualities of mind and heart. alike, and all were made to feel equally welcome, He may be truly said to have been one of “na- whether of low or high degree.

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He was ture's noblemen," and both by instinct and educa- kind and affectionate husband, and an indulgent tion was a thorough gentleman. He first saw the master to his slaves. His death was very sudden light of day in Wilkes County, N. C., his birth and cast a gloom over the surrounding country, occurring January 11, 1811, but removed from his for his many worthy qualities had endeared him to native State to Alabama, in 1835, from which State all and his place was found hard to fill. While he enlisted, the following year, with a company of driving out of Mansfield his horses took fright, ran volunteers from Eutaw, Ala., and went to Texas, away with him, throwing him from his buggy, so but was discharged after a few months' service on severely injuring him that he died a few days later,

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' account of ill health, the exposure during that time June 14, 1865, lamented by all who knew him. bringing on mercurial rheumatism, from which he So closed the career of a truly noble and good was an almost helpless sufferer for many years, and which eventually necessitated the amputation of Noel P. Baker is the present efficient justice of one of his legs. He was married to Miss Clara G. the peace in Ward 3, De Soto Parish, La., and is

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a

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man.

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>

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also engaged in tilling the soil, his plantation, of medicine, and among the leading physicians of which is seven miles southwest of Mansfield con- De Soto Parish, La., who have availed themselves sisting of 160 acres, all of which he has obtained of all new ideas and put them into practice, may by his own unaided efforts. He was born in be mentioned Dr. Bannerman. He first saw the Coosa County, Ala., in 1848, and is a son of Joseph light of day in Mansfield, La., on October 22, 1865, Cannon and Rebecca (Knight) Baker, who were being a son of C. and S. G. (Moss) Bannerman, born in South Carolina in 1804 and 1807, respect- both of whom were born in the State of Alabama, ively, their marriage taking place in 1825. They and in 1854 emigrated to Louisiana locating at first removed from their native State to Georgia Mansfield, but the father died in Texas in 1867, and thence to Alabama, thence, in 1866, to De having served as an adjutant in the Rebellion. He Soto Parish, La. Mr. Baker died here the fol- was wounded in the battle of Mansfield by a gunlowing year, having been a member of the Method - shot, but otherwise escaped injury during his serv. ist Church, and his widow, who survives him, is ice. He was a planter by calling, socially a Royal also a member. He was a wheelwright and black- Arch Mason, and being a prominent politician, smith and socially was a member of the A. F. & represented Leon County in the Texas Legislature. A. M. His father, William Baker, the grand- His widow survives him, being a resident of Mansfather of Noah P., was born in England and died field and to their union two children were born: in South Carolina. Enoch Knight, the mother's Dr. M. M. and Charles T. The former received father, spent his life in Georgia and died in Ala- the principal part of his rearing in the town of bama. Noel P. Baker is the tenth of eleven chil- Mansfield and in his youth and early manhood redren, four sons and two daughters living, and ceived excellent educational advantages, being an was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school attendant for some time of the Centenary College education. He came with his parents to De Soto of Jackson, La. Unlike many boys who are given Parish, and was here married in 1873 to Miss good educational advantages but fail to improve Martha B., daughter of Thomas and Dorinda them, he applied himself diligently to his books, Lawrence, the former of whom was born in South and upon leaving that institution was an intelligent Carolina and the latter in Alabama. About the

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1 and well-informed young man, well fitted to make year 1857 they came to De Soto Parish, and here ! his own way in the world. He had long desired Mr. Lawrence passed from life in 1872, his widow to take up some profession, and in 1881 he entered dying in 1889, she being an earnest member of the the medical department of the University of VirPresbyterian Church. He was a soldier in the ginia, and graduated in the year 1885, immediately Confederate army for four years. Mrs. Baker entering upon his practice at Grand Cane, where was born in Alabama in 1856 and her marriage his practice already extends over a wide territory, with Mr. Baker has resulted in the birth of five

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and is amon

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the most intelligent and well-to-do children, two sons and two daughters living. citizens of this section. In 1887 he was appointed They have resided on their present farm since i physician and surgeon for the Texas & Pacific 1874. Mr. Baker held the office of constable Railroad, a position he still retains. He was marfrom 1879 to 1883, and since 1883 he has been ried in 1889 to Miss Ione Estman, by whom he has justice of the peace; is also road and bridge com- one child, Charles D. missioner and was one of the census enumerators William B. Benson, farmer, of De Soto Parof De Soto Parish, La., for the United States in ish, La. Located in the midst of one of the finest June, 1890. He is a Methodist and his wife is a agricultural centers of this parish, the plantation Cumberland Presbyterian.

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which Mr. Benson owns, 640 acres, is conceded to Dr. M. M. Bannerman. Few, if any industrial or

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be among the best in the vicinity, and this is say. professional pursuits have within the last few years ing not a little, for on every hand may be seen made such rapid strides as that of the profession superior plantations, denoting thrift and prosperity.

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a

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!

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Mr. Benson first saw the light of day in Green- ana, since which time he has practiced in the neighville District, S. C., in 1813, his parents, Gabriel borhood of his birthplace with the best of success. and Rosana (Hunt) Benson, being born in Vir- He is a member of the Louisiana State Medical ginia and North Carolina in 1771 and 1795, re- Association, and belongs to Star Union Lodge of spectively, their marriage being consummated in the Farmers' Alliance. In 1885 he was married the Palmetto State. In 1818 they moved to Perry to Loda, daughter of W. H. and Sallie Farmer, County, Ala., and in this State spent the rest of natives of Louisiana and Alabama, respectively. their lives, the father dying in 1838 and the Mrs. Farmer died in Sabine Parish, where Capt. mother in 1844. Mr. Benson was an honest son Farmer now resides, a tiller of the soil. Mrs. of the soil, was collector of internal revenue dur- Benson was born in De Soto Parish, and has borne ing the War of 1812, and afterward served in the the Doctor two children. Dr. Benson has spent capacities of tax collector, sheriff and justice of all his life on the farm on which he is now residthe peace. His father, William Benson, was a ing, of which he is joint owner in connection with Virginian, but removed to South Carolina just his father.

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his father. His practice extends among the best prior to the Revolutionary War, and died in Charles- families of this section, by whom he is kept very ton, having been a captain in that war.

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He was

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busy, while, with the medical fraternity, his repuof English descent, and held various local offices, tation is by no means local, for he has made some in addition to tilling his farm. His wife, Eleanor remarkable cures. The other member of his Kay, was born in Maryland. The maternal grand- father's family now living is Miss Etta, who was father of the subject of this sketch, William Hunt, also reared and educated in De Soto Parish. was a North Carolinian, born in 1762, and after E. R. Best, planter, of Ward 4, De Soto Parish, farming the most of his life in South Carolina La., was born in Chester District, S, C., in 1832, he passed from life in that State. His father was his parents, Joshua and Mary C. (Lewis) Best, beborn in 1720. William B. Benson, whose name ing also born in that State, from which place they heads this sketch, was the eldest of nine children, moved to Talladega County, Ala., where they and is the only one now living. He obtained a made their home fourteen years, and in 1850 came fair knowledge of books in the common schools, to De Soto Parish, the remainder of their lives and was married in Alabama in 1811 to Miss being spent here, the father dying at the age of Ann, daughter of Rev. Abner G. and Mary (Jones) fifty-two, his widow still surviving him at the McCraw, who were born in South Carolina in 1803 age of eighty-one years. They were members of and 1806, respectively, dying in Alabama. Mrs. the Baptist Church, and Mr. Best was a farmer, Benson was born in Perry County, Ala., in 1825, and of Irish descent. Alex Lewis died in Tallaand her union with Mr. Benson has resulted in dega County, Ala., when over ninety-three years the birth of eight children, only one son and one of age, having also been an agriculturist. E. R. daughter now living. In 1818 they came to De Best was the eldest of his parents' nine children, Soto Parish, La., and since 1836 have resided on and in his youth learned the details of farm work their present farm, which was then heavily cov- from bis father, his days being also spent in atered with timber, and is situated fourteen miles tending the common schools. He came to De Soto south of Mansfield. He filled the office of justice Parish at the same time as his parents, and was of the peace a short time, and he and wife have married in Caddo Parish, in 1858, to Miss Laura, been members of the Baptist Church for nearly daughter of H. Johnson, a native of Louisiana, fifty years. Their son, Dr. Robert F. Benson, who died in Caddo Parish. Mrs. Best was born was born in De Soto Parish in 1853, and here his there, and has borne Mr. Best eight children, two education was received. In 1872 he began the sons and one daughter now living: William E., study of medicine with Dr. J. H. Mumford, and Laura B. and Richard F. Mr. Best has resided in 1881 graduated from the University of Louisi- in this parish since his marriage, but only for the

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severance.

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past ten years has resided on his present farm, a farm, with good English education). He began which is three miles east of Mansfield, and con- for himself when about twenty-one years

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of

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age, sists of 560 acres, 300 being cleared. He has al- had charge of his father's plantation, and in 1856 ways kept himself well posted on the current came with his brothers and sisters to De Soto Parissues of the day, is intelligent and enterprising, ish, where he has since resided, and on his present and has been somewbat active in local politics, farm since 1858. He is the owner of 860 acres of having been eight years on the school board and land and considerable real estate in Grand Cane, four years on the police jury. He is now president principally the result of his own industry and per

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. of the board of directors of the Mansfield Supply

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He was also engaged in merchandisCompany, and socially is a member of the A. F. & ing ou his own farm for a few years. Aside from A. M., and is president of Lake Land Lodge of the fifty bales of cotton that he raises annually on the Farmers' Alliance.

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He served four years in his fine farm, he is quite extensively engaged in the Confederate army, as lieutenant of the De Soto stock-raising, and owns one of the best stock farms Creoles, operating in Tennessee and Alabama, but in De Soto Parish, well watered, etc. He served at the battle of Shiloh he commanded his company about two years in the Confederate army, Comin the absence of the captain. In 1862 he re- pany F, Ninth Louisiana Infantry, in the Virginia signed, and came across the river to Louisiana, army, and participated in the Valley campaign, and served a few months in Shelby's battalion, second Bull Run, seven days fight around Richmond, after which he was in the Engineers’ Department Antietam (Md.) campaign, and at Maries Hill; until the close of the war, mostly on detached serv- May 4, 1863, he was severely wounded, which disice at Shreveport. He was wounded in the fight abled him from further service. After this he at Yellow Bayou, but not very severely. His wife spent a short time in the hospital at Richmond, is a member of the Baptist Church.

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then a year in Mississippi, and afterward returned John W. Bradford, planter, Grand Cane, La. to his farm in De Soto Parish. Mr. John W. Bradford, a respected citizen of this Joe R. Brown, of the firm of Brown & Hob. parish for many years, and a man of extensive and good, liverymen of Mansfield, La., is a native of popular acquaintance, was originally from Ala- the town in which he is now residing, his birth bama, his birth occurring in Pickens County in occurring on May 31, 1853. His parents, Israel 1833. He is a son of Col. David and Jane (Thomp- and Elizabeth A. (Hayes) Brown, were born in son) Bradford, who were born near Camden, S. C., North Carolina and emigrated to Louisiana in and there reared and married. From there they 1814, settling at Mansfield, in De Soto Parish. moved to Alabama, and in that State Mr. Brad- The father was a planter and contractor and built ford's death occurred, about 1862, at the age of the tap railroad from Mansfield to the Junction seventy-eight years. He was a farmer all his life. and Pierce and Payne Colleges of Old Pleasant The mother died when John W. was young.

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Mr.

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Hill, besides putting up all the brick buildings in Bradford was school commissioner for a number of Mansfield, with the exception of one.

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He was years, and was also colonel of the militia.

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trustee of the Female College, was financier of the a member of the A. F. & A. M. for many years. Methodist Episcopal Church, and was also the The paternal grandfather, Thomas Bradford, was owner of several large plantations. He passed born in Ireland, but when a young man came to from life in 1885, his widow still surviving him, South Carolina, and later settled in Alabama, bis being a resident of Mansfield. Five of their nine death occurring in Pickens County.

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children also now survive him, their names being: Revolutionary soldier. John W. Bradford was the Mrs. R. B. Carr (of Shreveport), Joe R., Mrs. youngest of three sons and five daughters, two be- Alice B. Jackson (of Shreveport), James H. (of sides our subject now living: Mrs. Martha Mabry Mansfield), and Ernest I. (of Monticello, Ark.). (of Mississippi), and James (of Texas, was reared on Joe R. Brown was reared and schooled in Mans

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He was

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He was a

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He con

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!

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field, completing his education with a commercial who afterward became his father-in-law. course in New Orleans, after which he acted as tinued to clerk for Mr. Wagner until the latter's book-keeper for a Mansfield firm, he being a meni- death, in 1878, when he purchased one-half inter- ber of same for some time. He then spent five est and is now the sole owner. In 1877 his mar- years in the sheriff's office, and the following riage with Miss Nellie Wagner was consummated eight years was in the wholesale grocery business and the fruits of this union were four children, in Shreveport. He returned to Mansfield after two sons and a daughter now living. Mrs. Chaffin the death of his father, and was engaged in plant- was born in De Soto Parish, and was the daughter ing until September, 1888, when he opened his of John and Cynthia Wagner. The father was present livery stable, which he has since success- born in Philadelphia, and came to Louisiana when fully conducted. He is the owner of several

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a young man. He first engaged in overseeing tracts of land, cultivates 450 acres and keeps in near Alexandria, and from there went to what is his stables twenty head of horses and all kinds of now De Soto Parish at a very early day, and when first-class vehicles. He is the senior proprietor of it was Natchitoches Parish. He made a fortune the Mansfield & Coushatta Stage and Passenger and spent the balance of his days in this parish, Line, also Bedford & East Point, connecting his death occurring in 1878. He was a merchant with other lines. He is also the agent for the for many years, and was president of the police Waters, Pierce Oil Company. He was a member jury many years.

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He was of the Baptist persuaof the city council for a time, and was married in sion. He was married three times, and his first 1889 to Miss C. M. Preston, of Monticello, Ark., wife was the mother of Mrs. Chaffin. Aside from who died in 1890. Mr. Brown is one of the his mercantile business Mr. Chaffin is also the leading spirits of Mansfield and is an energetic owner of a good steam gin and grist-mill. and pushing man of business. His partner Mr. C. C. C. Chatham, editor of the Logansport News P. Hobgood, was also reared in De Soto Parish, and postmaster of the town, was born in Abbeville, and is doing a large and extensive dry goods busi- District, S. C., October 10, 1852, being a son of ness in San Marcos, Tex., having gone there the John W. and N. S. Chatham, who were also nafirst of the present year.

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tives of the Palmetto State. The mother died when J. W. Chaffin, general merchant, Wagner's Hill, the subject of this sketch was an infant, and her Grand Cane P. O., La. The general mercantile husband afterward moved to Texas, in 1857, settrade is of primary significance, and foremost among tling in Harrison County. He was a school teacher those engaged in it here is Mr. J. W. Chaffin. while in South Carolina, and continued to follow This gentleman was born in Jones County, Ga., in this calling until the opening of the war. After 1856, and was the third of five children-three the cessation of hostilities he embarked in the sons and two daughters- born to Jephtha J. and mercantile business at Carthage, Tex., but recently Susan A. (Middlebrook) Chaffin, both natives also retired from the active duties of life. After the of Georgia, where they resided until about 1860. death of his first wife he married again. He was They then removed to De Soto Parish and there a member of the Baptist Church, a Mason, and Mrs. Chaffin was killed by a falling tree, about the during the war served as an officer in a Texas breaking out of the war. Mr. Chaffin died in regiment, a considerable portion of the time being March, 1888; he was a member of the Masonic spent in the commissary department west of the fraternity and a mechanic by trade. J. W. Chaf- Mississippi River. C. C. Chatham graduated from tin was reared, from about the age of four years, the University of Kentucky, in 1873, and after in De Soto Parishi, La., and received a practical leaving this institution he spent two years in traveleducation in the country schools. When about ing for the drug firm of Jacob Merrill, of St. Louis, fifteen years of age (1871) he began clerking, going thereafter to West Texas, where he was enwhere he is now in business, with John Wagner, gaged in the stock business for six years. At the

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end of this time he returned to Carthage, and after nected with their journey and the appearance of farming near there until 1884, he went to Keat- this country during many of the first years of chie and taught in the college of that place two their settlement here. Although he had acquired terms, at the end of which time he came to Logans- a considerable knowledge of the three R's, prior port, and was recently appointed postmaster, in to leaving Alabama, he attended school after connection with which he has been editing the coming to this State, and while aiding and asLogansport News since January, 1890. It is an sisting bis father on the home plantation he acably edited, breezy newspaper, and already has quired a fund of useful knowledge, connected a circulation approximating 1,000. His paper is with that work which afterward stood him in good published in the interests of the Democratic party, stead. In March, 1862, he enlisted in Creole Inof which he has long been a member, and at all fantry and served until the final surrender, after times some interesting and valuable information can which he returned to his plantation. He was be gleaned from its columns. He was married in married in 1857 to Sarah Saunders, and she as 1886 to Miss Penny M. Cummins, a teacher in well as himself has been a member of the Baptist Keatchie College. Mrs. Chatham is a member of Church since 1854. the Baptist Church, and has borne her husband W. N. Cunningham, D. D. S.,, has practiced two children, the second of which only is living. the profession of dentistry since 1860, and

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J. H. Cowley, is deserving the success which it can be truly said that there is no more pophas attended his efforts throughout life, for it has ular, competent or skillful dentist in this section been his aim to be honest and upright, and he has of the country. He is a native of Pike County, wronged no one but aided many. He has always Miss., his birth occurring on May 12, 1836, been industrious and thrifty, and is acknowledged and he is a son of James E. and Nancy (Ellto be a representative of the wealthy agriculturists zey) Cunningham, who were born in the Old of this parish, for he is the owner of an immense North and Palmetto States, respectively. The amount of real estate, a considerable portion of father removed with his parents to Tennessee and which is under cultivation, being devoted to the about 1830 to Mississippi. In the year 1842 he culture of cotton, of which he is a very successful came to Louisiana from Texas, and located in what raiser. In every branch of his business he has is now De Soto Parish, where he has since deshown himself to be shrewd and far seeing, and voted his attention to planting and other pursuits, as a manager he has not his superior throughout his property being situated about twelve miles this section. A native of Pickens County, Ala., from Mansfield. He was twice married, and the born in the month of October, 1834, be is a son of subject of this sketch is the only survivor of his James and Susan (Russell) Cowley, who were born mother's children. He came to Mansfield in 1841, on Blue Grass soil in South Carolina, respectively, and is now the eldest male resident of the place, their emigration to Louisiana taking place in De- for at that time there were no houses here, except cember, 1847. They located near the present site the old court-house, the town having been organof Grand Cane, where the father purchased a ized in 1813. He attended the common schools, large tract of unimproved land, building thereon acquiring a good practical education, and in 1857 the primitive log cabin of that day. On this farm began the study of dentistry, graduating from a he made his home, being actively engaged in college of dentistry in Baltimore, Md., in 1860. clearing the same of forest trees and cane brake, In April of the following year he enlisted in until his death, which occurred in April, 1888, his Company D, of the Second Louisiana Regiment widow and four children still surviving him, J. H. Pelican Rifles, which was the first company that Cowley being one of the latter. He was but a left De Soto Parish, and he was subsequently prosmall boy upon his removal to this State, but he moted to the rank of lieutenant and still later was well remembers many interesting incidents con- commissioned captain. He was wounded at the

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second battle of Manassas by a minie-ball passing shows that he is thrifty and persevering, and ever through the left leg just above the ankle. After ready to adopt new and improved methods. The recovering from this wound he was transferred to principal products are cotton and corn, but vege- the Conscription Department and was ordered to tables of all kinds and all sorts of grain can be Sabine Parish, where he served over a year as en- raised in abundance. He was married October 1, rolling officer. After the surrender he returned 1850, to Fannie C. Atkins, a native of Alabama, by to Mansfield, resumed the practice of his profes- whom he has four children: Mary M. Durham, sion and has resided here ever since, building up Martha E. Williams, A. J., Jr., and Junius A. a widespread reputation as a capable and pains Four children are deceased: Thomas L., Fannie taking dentist. He has succeeded in accumulat- A., Sarah A. and Frances H. Mr. Du Bose is a ing a considerable amount of this world's goods, member of the Baptist Church, and has been for and besides owning his home in Mansfield he has the past fifty years. considerable land heavily covered with timber. Capt. O. L. Durham has for forty-two years been He was first married in 1868 to Miss Julia D. Hol- a resident of De Soto Parish, La., and during his man, by whom he had two children: Julia and long residence here has become well known, and Margaret. His next marriage took place in 1882, has won the respect of all with whom he has come his wife being Mrs. H. P. McDonald, who has in contact. He possesses excellent natural abilities, borne him one child, Susie B. The Doctor is a and is deserving of a more extended sketch than the Mason, and he and wife are members of the Meth- nature of this work will permit; suffice it to say odist Episcopal Church South.

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that his life has been a success, both in material A. J. Du Bose, Sr., of Grand Cane, De Soto affairs and in the esteem which has been accorded Parish, La., is a practical farmer, one who believes him among those with whom he has so long made that it is beneticial to have all his farming opera- his home. He was born in Fairfield County, S. C., tions conducted in a manner so thorough as to not April 23, 1817, and bas been familiar with farmslight one department of labor more than another, ing from his earliest boyhood, as his father was a and this idea is carried out very completely. He worthy tiller of the soil, and upon his removal to is a native of Dallas County, Ala., where he was this State he purchased and entered land upon born January 25, 1824, his parents, Isaac and which no improvements whatsover had been made. Mary (Moss) Du Bose, being natives of Georgia, He began immediately to improve his land, and is their ancestors having been French Huguenots. now the owner of at least 1,000 acres, of which The great-grandfather was born in France and 350 acres are cleared and devoted to crops, the emigrated to the new world over 200 years ago. principal being cotton and corn. He also gives Isaac, the paternal grandfather, was a soldier in considerable attention to the raising of stock, and the Revolution, and died in Alabama in 1824, after in every particular is considered a thrifty and having followed the life of a farmer. To Isaac

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prosperous farmer.

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Upon his first removal from and Mary (Moss) Du Bose, a family of eleven chil- his native State, he emigrated to Alabama (in 1839), dren were born, but only three are living at the but afterward came to Louisiana, and from this present date: A. J., Mrs. Johnson (of Alabama), State enlisted, in 1862, in the Confederate army, and Mrs. Williams (of Mansfield, La.). After going out as commander of the Dixie Rebels, spending his youth and early manhood in Alabama, Twenty-seventh Louisiana Regiment. A. J. Du Bose removed to Louisiana, this being subsequently transferred to the quartermaster's about the year 1854, and purchased his present department, collecting food and horses for his plantation, which he increased to 1,200 acres prior regiment, and continued thus to serve the cause to the war, his slaves numbering thirty. His pres he espoused until the close of the war, being ent plantation, which is an excellent one, compris- paroled at Shreveport. He was married in 1839 to ing 480 acres with about 250 under cultivation, Martha J. Haywood, by whom he has five children:

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He was

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a

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Osmund Ross (died in infancy), Robert H. (died the former a farmer, He was also a soldier in one in 1886, leaving a widow and two sons -Abner R. of the early wars and was a son of Berriman Fernow married, and Judson, who died in 1886), guson, who was born, spent his life and died in the Melissa C., Mary E. and Emma V. all of whom Old Dominion, being of Scotch-Irish descent. The are married. The mother died in 1880 and Mr. mother's father, John Garner, spent his life in Durham has never remarried. Both he and wife Northampton County, N. C. The subject of this were members of long standing in the Baptist sketch is the eighth of ten children, and his early Church, and Mr. Durham has for years been a life was spent on a farm, his education being remember of the school board, of which he has for ceived at Stony Mount Academy, Virginia. In years been president, and has helped to build 1853 he moved westward to De Soto Parish, La., Keatchie College. He was one of the originators of the journey overland taking him three months, this school, and has taken a great interest in its and here he was married in 1858 to Miss Lucy, welfare, and is also interested in all educational daughter of Francis and Phoebe Powell. Mrs. institutions. He is chairman of the District Bap-Ferguson was born in Mississippi, and died in 1872, tist Association, composed of De Soto and Caddo having borne a family of seven children, four now Parishes, and although he has often been solicited living. His second union took place in 1874, his to become a candidate for a political office he has wife being Mrs. Lucy Ferguson, widow of his always refused as he is not an office seeker. His brother, and a daughter of Burrell Ridgeway, who parents, Robert W. and Molsey E. (Ross) Durham, emigrated from North Carolina to Alabama in were of English descent, the former being a farmer which State he died. Mrs. Ferguson was born in of South Carolina, in which State he died, he and Alabama. Mr. Ferguson has lived on his present wife having had a large family of children, four of farm since 1853, and has a very comfortable and whom are living. Both the paternal and maternal pleasant home. From 1863 until the close of the grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary war he served in Company E, Second Louisiana War, the former holding the rank of captain and Cavalry, and during this time was in several endying in South Carolina. The latter, whose name gagements in Louisiana. He is president of the was Abner Ross, was reared in New Jersey, but Shady Grove Farners' Alliance, and has ever idenafterward moved to South Carolina, where he be- tified himself with the popular issues of the day. came a member of the State Legislature, being a His wife is a Baptist. very prominent politician.

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Joseph Oscar Flores has passed the uneventful Devereaux J. Ferguson, throngh good manage- life of a planter, having steadily pursued the “even ment and energy has become the owner of 300 tenor of his way,” and is now classed among the acres of land, and by his own efforts has cleared

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prosperous agriculturists of De Soto Parish. He and put under cultivation 200 acres of this land. was born in 1855, in the house in which he now reIt is situated twelve miles southeast of Mansfield, sides. His parents were Onafre and Mary (Roblo) and on account of the admirable manner in which Flores. The former was born in Texas, and the it is conducted and to the improvements which latter in De Soto Parish, La., and both died here have been made it is more valuable than many in 1879. They were members of the Catholic larger farms. Mr. Ferguson was born in Bruns- Church. The father was brought to De Soto Parwick County, Va., in 1830, his father and mother, ish by his parents when a boy, and here he spent Lockett and Cherry (Garner) Fergnson, having been the rest of his life as a planter, his first location born in Greenville County, Va., and Northampton being on a woodland farm, on which the subject of County, N. C. respectively. Their lives were spent this sketch is now residing.

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Onafre Flores was of in the former State where they both passed to their Spanish lineage, and was one of the first settlers long home shortly after the close of the Rebellion, of this parish, where his intelligence, talents and both being members of the Baptist Church, and ability soon won him a widespread reputation and

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numerous friends.

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Joseph Oscar Flores was the children was born to their union, nine of whom ninth of ten children born to his parents, and on are living. William R. Fonville was the fifth of the plantation on which he is now residing he was this family, and his education was received in San reared, his education being received in the local Augustine County, Tex. When he had attained common schools and at Mansfield. He was mar- his twenty-first year he commenced the battle of ried in 1883, to Miss Sallie, daughter of Hamilton life for himself, and after a short trip to West Texand Eliza Ann Sloan, who were born and married as he returned home and engaged in photography, in Alabama, from which State they removed to De a calling he followed throughout the country for Soto Parish, La., at an early day. Mr. Sloan died two years. He then gave his attention to agriculthere in August, 1861, and his widow in February, ure until November, 1886, when he returned home 1890. He was a well-to-do planter.

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Mrs. Flores with a capital of $700, which he had saved, and was born in Mansfield, and her union with Mr. embarked in general merchandising on a small Flores has resulted in the birth of two children. scale. He increased his business from time to Mr. Flores is the owner of 720 acres of land, with time, as he saw the need of it, and now carries a about 300 cleared, situated about eight miles north- stock valued at from $10,000 to $12,000, bis sales east of Mansfield, which he inherited from his annually amounting to from $30,000 to $35,000, father. He is a member of Lake Land Lodge, of which is increasing steadily and surely, each sucthe Farmers' Alliance, and in his religious views is ceeding year. He was married, December 22, a Catholic, his wife being a Presbyterian.

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1875, to Miss Cynthia Stephens, of Shelby County, William R. Fonville is an extensive general Tex., but he was called upon to mourn her death, merchant, of Logansport, La., and by his superior June 14, 1875, she leaving him with one child to management and rare business ability and effi- care for, William H. Mr. Fonville's second union ciency, he has done not a little to advance the rep- took place February 14, 1882, his wife being Miss utation the parish enjoys as a commercial center. Melissa Potts, of Shelby County, Tex, To them His establishment comprises both wholesale and four children have been born: John H., Cynthia retail departments, and has been in active opera- A., Jerry and Jesse F. Mr. Fonville is a Demotion since 1886, although his capital at that time crat and Mason, and he and wife are worthy memwas quite limited. Since that time he has seen the bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. town grow to be one of the best of its size in the William W. Frazier has long been worthily State, and has aided largely in making the place identified with the farming interests of this parish, what it now is. He was born in Attala County, and no history of this section would be complete Miss., January 9, 1852, and is a son of Richard without mention of his career. Originally from and Theresa (Carter) Fonville, the former being Gadsden County, Fla., his birth occurred there in of French descent, a native of Tennessee, and the 1829, but when a child he was taken by his parents, latter of Alabama. Their marriage took place in Prof. Andrew and Malinda (Daniel) Frazier, to the latter State, after which they moved to Missis. Georgia, where the parents spent the rest of their sippi, and, when their son, William R., was a lives, the former having been born in Scotland child, they moved to San Augustine County, Tex., and the latter in Florida.

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. Prof. Frazier was an where they are still residing, the father being a able educator, and was an officer in the Seminole successful agriculturist. He was a soldier in a War, his death occurring prior to the Rebellion, regiment of Texas infantry during the war, but the his wife, who was an earnest member of the Methgreater part of his service was west of the Missis- odist Church, dying in 1878. Her father, John sippi River. He and his wife have been members of Daniel, died in Florida, baving been a farmer. the Missionary Baptist Church for many years, and William W. Frazier was the youngest of two sons he is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in and two daughters, a brother, John E., dying in his political views is a Democrat. A family of ten the Mexican War. After receiving fair advantages

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for acquiring an education and becoming thor- this breed and forty brood mares.

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He also has a oughly familiar with farm daties, he, at the early fine herd of Jersey cattle, and has about 140 Anage of twelve years, began farming for himself, gora goats, and 500 Merino sheep. He has an exand in 1862 became a member of Company D, cellent saw and corn-mill, and one of the most Forty-sixth Georgia Infantry, nearly the first year complete and modern gin stands in the South. of his service being spent at Charleston, S. C., as From 1,200 to 1,500 negroes are employed, and a guard, after which he was in the Tennessee on the farm is a general supply store, with an anArmy and fought at Chickamauga, Missionary nual business of from $25,000 to $10,000. FrierRidge, the Georgia campaign, Franklin and Nash- son Mill post office was established at this place ville, after which he surrendered with Johnston in about 1880, and Mr. Frierson is the post master. North Carolina. He was captured at Yazoo City This gentleman was born in Alabama in 1841, and in July, 1863, and was held a prisoner about two after securing a fair education at Mansfield and weeks, after which he was paroled. In 1862 his Shreveport, he spent four years after the war in marriage was celebrated, his wife being Miss Honduras with his father. He was president of Christian Austin, a daughter of Augustus and the Bayou Drainage Association, which was recentSarah (Taylor) Austin, the former born in Georgia ly dissolved, and is now one of the five commisin 1808, and the latter in South Carolina in 1812, sioners appointed by Gov. Nichols to complete the their marriage occurring in the former State, and work. The other members of the family are: Dr. with the exception of a two years' residence in George Archie (born in Alabama and educated at a

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( Alabama, that State has always been their home. Shreveport, he spent several years in Guatemala Mr. Austin was a farmer, and died in November, as private secretary to Hon. George Williamson, 1860, his wife dying in January, 1858. Mrs. the American minister to that government during Frazier was born in Georgia, and her union with the administrations of Grant and Hayes, and while Mr. Frazier has resulted in the birth of six chil- there practiced the dental profession for a number dren, four sons living. In 1866 they came to De of years

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with success. He is a gentleman of rare Soto Parish, La, and here now have an excellent literary taste and ability). The other members of the farm of 487 acres, 200 being cleared, and on which family are Thomas C. (who was born in Alabama), are erected good buildings. He is president of Miss Mary E. (also of Alabama), and the other the Union Grove Union of the Farmers' Alliance, three, Miss Martha Irene, L. L. and Eugene Vicand is the only one of his family that resides in tor were born in De Sota Parish. All are now Louisiana, one sister being a resident of Alabama, residing on the old plantation, ten miles east of and the remainder of the family in Georgia. Mrs. Gloster, and are people of culture and refinement, Frazier belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian constituting one of the best families in Louisiana. Church.

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Dr. William S. Frierson, physician and surS. J. Frierson, planter, Frierson Mills, La. geon, near Gloster, La., and one who ranks high The old Frierson homestead, consisting of about in the medical fraternity, owes his nativity to 10,000 acres in different tracts on and between South Carolina, his birth occurring in Charleston Edwards and Wallace Lakes with about 5,000 in 1834. His parents, Dr. George P. Mary A. acres cleared, is one of the most extensive planta- (Screven) Frierson, were also natives of Charlestions in Louisiana, and on it is produced annually ton, S. C., the former born in 1808 and the latter from 500 to 1,500 bales of cotton besides enough in 1810. They were reared and married in their corn to supply the plantation. This immense tract of

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native city and there made their home until 1836, land is managed by S.J. Frierson, who aside from his when they removed to Lowndes County, Ala. farming interest is also quite extensively engaged 1849 the father moved to De Soto Parish, settled in stock-raising, making a specialty of breeding in the woods near where Kingston now stands and Hanıbletonian horses. He has one fine stallion of six miles from any white family, and there he im

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a

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proved a good farm. The mother had died in minister, but soon after, his religious views not

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, Alabama in 1814 and the father afterward married being in harmony with the standing order, cona sister of his first wife. The second wife died in cerning the ordinance of baptism, he was brought Pensacola, Fla., about 1880, and Mr. Frierson, before the proper authority, found guilty of the himself, died five years later. He was a graduate charge, and upon refusing to give bond for his of Charleston College and also of Charleston appearance at the next term of the court, he was Medical College. He was a very successful phy. incarcerated in jail. The court tendered him libsician, but did not practice much in Louisiana. erty to return to his home in case he would forHe was

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a planter, a good business man, was bear such disorderly and turbulent practices for president of the police jury many years and was the future. This he refused to do and the court quite wealthy. He had four sons in the Confed. required him to give bonds for good behavior. erate army, one, John W. Frierson, who was killed Upon hearing this Mr. Screven decided to depart at Chancellorsville, Va., was not only a graduate of from the province and thus, in 1683, he began Princeton College, but also graduated in law at forming a settlement near the present city of the University of Louisiana, and was very Charleston, S. C., which he named Somerton, promising young man. Soon after the war Mr. after his old English home.

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Here he organized Frierson's entire family, with the exception of our the first Baptist Church in the South, and in this subject, removed to Honduras. The latter re- he officiated for many years.

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He afterward ormained and took charge of the vast property, ganized a church at Georgetown, S. C., where which was greatly devastated by the ravages of his death occurred on October 10, 1713, at the the war, and managed this with such ability and advanced age of eighty-four years. His tomb skill during the reconstruction period, and with is still to be seen at Georgetown, and his name is the then unaccustomed free labor with its evil ten- not only revered by a numerous posterity, but by dencies, that it is now considered, not only one of the members of his church throughout the South. the very best plantations, but is one of the largest Dr. William S. Frierson, the eldest of five tax-paying plantations in De Soto Parish. The children--four sons and one daughter by the first elder Mr. Frierson and family remained in Honduras wife-received his early education at a private three or four years and then removed to Florida, school in Lowndes County, Ala., and graduated at where he owned considerable real estate. After Oglethorpe College, Ga., in 1853. After reading the children had grown to mature years they re

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medicine with his father for some time he entered turned to De Soto Parish to assist on the farm, Charleston Medical College and graduated from and the father also came there to pass the closing this institution in 1857. He began practicing at scenes of his life. The mother had died in Kingston, and was there married in 1839 to Miss Florida. The father was an elder in the Presby- Flora, daughter of Rev. D. R. W. and Caroline terian Church and was a man held in the highest (Wilds) McIver, of Darlington District, S. C. esteem. The paternal grandfather of our subject,

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When Mrs. Frierson was a girl her parents reJohn Frierson, was also born in Charleston, S. C., moved to Dallas County, Ala., and afterward to and was of Scotch-Irish descent.

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He was

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De Soto Parish, where Mr. McIver died in 1864. wealthy planter and died in the State of his na- The mother had died many years previous to this. tivity. The maternal grandfather, Thomas Scre- Mr. McIver had been a Baptist minister of no ven, was also a planter and died in Charleston.

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Mrs. Frier

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little prominence nearly all his life. He was a direct descendant (probably a grand- son was born in Darlington District, S. C., and son) of the distinguished Baptist divine, Rev. graduated from Barhamville College at Columbia, William Screven, who came from Somerton, En- S. C., one of the most celebrated schools in the

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South. She is the mother of one son and two gland, to Kittery in the province of Maine, as early as 1673. Here he was ordained a Baptist | daughters. Soon after marriage Dr. Frierson re

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area.

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moved to Texas, and at the breaking out of the degree of success, his annual sales amounting to war went to Richmond, Va., wbere he received an from $10,000 to $50,000. His trade, which is very appointment in the medical department of the large, extends into Texas. His marriage to Miss Confederate service as a surgeon, spending most Malica Etta Ferguson took place in 1877, and to of his time in the hospital at Richmond, Va., them a family of five children has been born: where his wife assisted as a nurse.

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After the war Mamie, Julius B., James, Douglas and Raymond. Dr. Frierson spent a year or two in Texas again Mrs. Garrett is a member of the Methodist Episuntil requested by his father to assume the man- copal Church South, and he is a Mason, and in his agement of the old plantation, which he did in political views, a Democrat. connection with his practice for about thirteen R. T. Gibbs, of the drug firm of Foster & Gibbs, years. Since then he has been on his present of Mansfield, La. He is an example of the success plantation near Gloster, which consists of 600 attending hard work and honest dealing, and his acres and makes a fine home. He has had an ex- trade is solidly established and extends over a large tensive practice, and for about ten years he has He and his partner carry an excellent and been president of the police jury.

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select stock of goods, and their store has been esAlfred M. Garrett is a wholesale and retail gen- tablished since 1888. Mr. Gibbs was born in Aleral merchant of Logansport, La., bis establish exandria, Va., April 11, 1866, to Dr. R. T. and

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. ment here being the first one to be erected after Eliza K. (Douglass) Gibbs, also natives of Virginia. the war, some seventeen years ago. He is a Texan The father removed to Louisiana about 1850, and by birth, being born in Shelby County, November located in the town of Mansfield. He had previ4, 1846, and is a son of Julius and Mary (Truit) osly graduated from the University of Virginia, Garrett, natives of North Carolina, both of whom also the Jefferson University of Pennsylvania, at passed from life in Shelby County, Tex. The father Philadelphia, and practiced the profession of medremoved from his native State to this place alone, icine at Mansfield up to the time of his death, in 1845, but the mother came with her parents in which occurred in 1887. He was one of the first 1838, and here they met and married. Mr. Gar- physicians of the town, and during his long years rett was a prosperous tiller of the soil, and passed of residence here he became exceptionally well to his long home in 1884, at the age of sixty-six known as a successful and skillful practitioner of years, his wife dying in 1873, when fifty-one years the healing art. During the Mexican War he was of

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age. He was a Mason, a Democrat in his po- employed by the United States Government as a litical views, and although strongly opposed to se. surgeon, and also served in that capacity during cession, when he found that his opposition was of the Rebellion. Prior to his marriage, which took no avail, and that the ordinance of secession had place in Alexandria, Va., he practiced for several been passed, he bowed to fate, and espoused the years in Mansfield, but after that event he returned cause of the Confederacy. To his marriage a large here. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F., and the

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0. family of children was born, of whom the subject Episcopal Church, and in every walk in life he of this sketch was the eldest. He received his í proved bimself to be an honorable, upright and education in the schools of this vicinity, but when public-spirited citizen. His widow, who survives twenty-three years of age he left home, and opened him, resides in Mansfield, being the mother of three a mercantile establishment at Willow Grove, Shelby children: Mrs. E. M. Foster, R. T. and I. D. (casbCounty, which he conducted until 1874, when he ier of the Corsicana Bank, of Corsicana, Tex.). The and J. H. Trutt formed a partnership, and were en- subject of this sketch received his schooling in the gaged in tbe conduct of a good, general mercantile Male College, of Mansfield, but at the early age of establishment until 1887, when they severed con- sixteen years he entered a drug store as clerk, benections. Mr. Garrett has since been in business coming well posted on all the intricacies of this alone, and has met with a more than ordinary work. For a number of years he acted as traveling salesman for the wholesale drug house of I. L. a resident of Louisiana since he was eight years Lyons, of New Orleans, but in 1888 he and his of age, and has witnessed the growth and develpartner established their present business, their opment of this country from a wilderness of canesuccess being fully assured. Although young men brake and woods to finely cultivated fields of cotthey have a proper amount of energy and business ton and waving grain. He obtained a good eduability to make a success of what they undertake, cation in Centenary College, of Jackson, La., and and their establishment, which is the best appoint- the most of his early youth was spent on his ed in Mansfield, is fully stocked with a choice se- father's plantation. In 1861 he left home and enlection of drugs, chemicals, and the most popular listed in the Pelican Rifles of De Soto, first compatent medicines. In 1888 Mis 3 Hattie L. McDon. pany of his parish, but after serving a little over ald became the wife of Mr. Gibbs, and their union two years with the Second Louisiana Regiment in has resulted in the birth of one child: Hattie P. Virginia he was captured at the battle of AntieMr. Gibbs is one of the directors of the Traders’ tam, but was soon after paroled. He took part in Bank, of Mansfield, and is also a member of the many of the engagements in Virginia, and after city council. a

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the close of the war he returned home and emS. W. Greening. The following is a brief barked in merchandising in Mansfield, a calling sketch of the career of Mr. Greening, a man whose he continued to follow for about eighteen months. present substantial position in life has been He then went to Red River and farmed for two reached entirely through his own perseverance, and years, but the two successive overflows of 1867-68 the facts connected with his agricultural operations completely ruined him financially. In 1869 he and their results show what a person with cour- moved to where be now resides, and by the exerage and enlightened views can surely accomplish. cise of good judgment and by hard and persistent He first saw the light of day in Dallas County,

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toil he has become the owner of 525 acres of land, Ala., on July 26, 1839, and his early schooling a considerable portion of which is under the plow. was obtained in that State and in Louisiana, his His marriage, which occurred in 1866, was to parents, J. J. and Sarah (Warren) Greening, hay- Miss R. D. Bullock, a native of Alabama, by whom ing removed thither in 1847. The former was

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he has had ten children: R. D. (a physician), born in South Carolina and the latter in Georgia, Julia, J. M., Reba, S. W., Jr., C. D., Rufus, Virand after coming here they settled near Pleasant ginia, Adolphus and Vivian. Hill, in De Soto Parish, where the father was a William P. Hamilton, although just in the member of the police jury for a number of years. prime of life, has made his way to the front ranks He made a purchase of two or three small claims, among the energetic planters of this parish, and but entered the most of his land, and became the owing to the attention he has always paid to each owner of some 1,000 acres. He afterward made a minor detail he has accumulated a fair share of purchase on Red River, in De Soto Parish, wbich this world's goods. He was born in Schuyler was about the year 1853, and on this farm he County, Mo., in 1813, being the second of nine died in 1873, having in early life been a student at children born to William A. and Malinda (Lay) West Point and a member of the Alabama Legis Hamilton, both of whom were born in Grainger lature for several terms. He was quite promi- ! County, Tenn., the birth of the former occurring in nent, both as a politician and agriculturist, and 1820, and his wife's, some five or six years later. although he raised a company for the Mexican They were reared and married in their native War he did not enter the service. His wife is State, and from there, at an early day, they restill living, being in her seventy-second year.

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moved to Schuyler County, Mo., thence to DeShe bore him fourteen children, two sons and catur County, Iowa, during the war, and are still four daughters now living, and of this family the making their home in that county, being worthy subject of this sketch is the eldest. He has been citizens and earnest members of the Baptist Church.

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Mr. Hamilton is a farmer, and his father, William on a plantation, but at that time began tilling the Hamilton, was also a worthy and successful tiller soil on his own account. He continued this occuof the soil. The latter was born in Tennessee, and pation successfully for six years, then came to Lodied in Decatur County, Iowa. The mother's fa gansport, where he opened a manufactory, and also

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. ther, John Lay, was also a Tennesseean and passed ran a ferryboat across Sabine River one year. He from life in Schuyler County, Mo., prior to the then became a cotton weigber and keeper of his war. William E. Hamilton received the advan- present cotton warehouse. In June, 1889, he was tages of the common schools in his youth, and elected mayor of the town, and is proving himself to possessing a strong desire to become a well-in- be the right man in the rigbt place. He was married formed man, he made the most of the opportunities in 1878, to Miss Lois Hanson, of Texas, by whom offered him. In 1862 he joined Company C, he has five children: Spencer, Anice, Willie, NanNinth Missouri Infantry, and operated with Gen. nie and an infant daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy Price all through the war, his first fight being at are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and Pea Ridge. Later he was at Elk Horn, Prairie socially he is a Mason, and in his political views a Grove, Wilson's Creek, Pleasant Hill, Jenkins' Democrat. He has been a very successful business Ferry, being wounded in the Pleasant Hill fight. man, which fact is readily accounted for when it After the close of the war he settled in De Soto is known that he has always applied himself diliParish, where he was married in the month of gently to his work, and gave every detail his closAugust, 1865, in Texas to Miss Sarah, daughter of est attention. He owns 100 acres of good land, a John and Cecilla M. Glover, who were born in considerable portion of it cultivated, and being deSouth Carolina and Alabama, respectively, coming voted to the raising of cotton. from the latter State to De Soto Parish, at an early W. W. Harrington. Nowhere within the limits day, their deaths occurring here in 1889, Mr. of De Soto Parish, La., can there be found a man Glover having been a farmer. Mrs. Hamilton was who takes greater interest in the agricultural and born in De Soto Parish, and has borne her hus- stock affairs than Mr. Harrington, or who strives band nine children, five sons and three daughters more continually to promote and advance these innow living Mr. Hamilton rented land for three terests. Like so many native-born residents of years after his marriage, then purchased his pres- this section, he is an energetic and enterprising ent plantation of 620 acres, which is situated four and, although he has been known here from earliest miles east of Mansfield. He has 240 acres cleared, boyhood, naught has ever been said derogatory to the most of which has been accomplished by his his character. He was born in Bossier Parish, own efforts.

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He is a member of the Farmers' Al- November 15, 1860, and is a son of Cyrus and liance, and he and wife have long been members Lucy (Roberts) Harrington, who originally came of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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from the Old North State, removing first to Mayor W. C. Hardy is the proprietor of a large Mississippi and then to Louisiana, taking up their warehouse at Logansport, and is also weighmaster abode in the latter State at a very early day. After at that place, being in other respects an active and residing a short time in Bossier Parish they reenterprising citizen. He was born in Caddo Parish, moved to Caddo, thence to De Soto Parish, where La., June 5, 1854, his parents, John M. and Mary they are still residing, the father being a worthy Tilman (Carrow) Hardy, were natives of North Car- and talented minister of the Presbyterian Church. olina. During the Rebellion Mr. Hardy joined To him and his wife four children were born, two Louisiana regiment, but died soon after entering of whom are living at the present time: K. W. the service, his widow afterward moving to Texas, (wife of J. M. Flenniken) and W. W. Harrington, where she passed from life. W. C. Hardy was the latter having been a resident of this parish reared by William Carrow, and remained with him since he was eight years of age.

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He was a bright until he attained his twenty-fourth year, working and intelligent youth, and the common school ad

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263

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vantages which he received were improved to the four months during his service, and took part utmost, his knowledge of books extending far in all the engagements in which the Army of beyond the three R's. He has followed plant. Tennessee took part. After the surrender he reing all his life, and is now the owner of 480 acres turned to Alabama, where he remained until 1873, of land and has about 120 acres under the plow. He then went to Florida, as above stated, the prophas made many valuable improvements on this erty which he purchased in that State being still property, and has a comfortable, commodious and in his possession. He was married in 1867 to Miss pleasing residence. He devoted the cultivated por- Mittie Williams, by whom he has three children: tion of his land to the raising of cotton, corn and Sallie V. (wife of Robert Ricks), Alonzo and oats, and he is also considerably interested in fine Samuel. Mrs. Harris is a worthy member of the stock-raising, some of his colts of one and two Methodist Episcopal Church. His parents, A. P., , years of age taking first premium at the Louisiana Sr., and Elizabeth (McKissack) Harris, were born State Fair in 1889. He is a wide awake young

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in South Carolina and Alabama, respectively, the man, and takes great pride in bringing his parish former of Irish and the latter of Scotch descent. to the front. He has also taken premiums on cotton. The father was an eminent minister of the MethodHe is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, being ist Church, and was engaged in work for the Masparish secretary He was married in 1887 to ter until his death, which occurred in Alabama, his Miss M. S. Glassell, a native of De Soto Parish, by widow still residing there. whom he has two children: Amelia D. and Cyrus. John E. Hewitt. Every life has a history of Mr. and Mrs. Harrington are members of the its own, and although in appearance it may posPresbyterian Church.

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sess little to distinguish it from others, yet Mr. A. P. Harris is a man who has risen to con- Hewitt's experience here and his interest in joursiderable prominence in the affairs of De Soto nalistic and banking affairs have contributed to give Parish, La., not less in agricultural matters than him a wide and popular acquaintance with nearly in other circles of active business life, and as a re- every citizen of the parish, if not personally, then sult is the owner of an excellent plantation, con- by name. He was born on the Hewitt Plantation, sisting of 400 acres, 300 of which are under cul- near Mansfield, March 4, 1851, to Alfred M. and tivation, devoted to the raising of cotton, corn, Antoinette (Garrett) Hewitt, who were born in Virother cereals and stock. His cattle are of Jersey ginia and Georgia, respectively, and came to De breed, and his horses are also well bred. He has Soto Parish, La., with their parents in their child been a resident of this parish since March, 1884, hood days. Here they grew to mature years, and but prior to that time, from 1873 up to that date, in 1848 were married at the Garrett House, where he was a resident of Orange County, Fla., where the battle of Mansfield was fought in 1864. Alhe purchased an orange grove and planted and fred M. Hewitt served in the Mexican War with cultivated 225 orange trees, in the raising of which the Fifth Louisiana Infantry, and in 1860 became he was very successful. He was born in Marengo a member of the First Texas Cavalry, which was County, Ala., July 8, 1843, being the only child raised to oppose the Mexican Cortine. In 1861 born to his parents, and was reared and educated this command was called into the service of the in Alabama, his early days being devoted to the Confederacy, and Mr. Hewitt served with the galoccupation of planting. In 1862 he enlisted in lant Mouton's command at Mansfield with the Company I, Thirty-ninth Alabama Regiment, and Texans, and follow

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Texans, and followed up Bank's retreat, and served served until the surrender, receiving during his until he was taken sick in January, 1865, when he service three wounds, one by a gun-shot at Stone returned home and died shortly before Lee's surRiver, which ball he still carries, again at Frank- render. His widow now resides at Mansfield with lin, Tenn., and at Bentonville, N. C., by the burst- her sons.

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John E. Hewitt was educated at Mansing of a shell. He was in the hospital for about field, and in September, 1866, entered the office

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of the Mansfield Times to learn the printer's art, of this branch. They have four stores: one at and his subsequent connection with the press is Grand Cane, one at Center, Tex., and two country told in the article on journals and journalists stores in Texas. Besides this valuable property which appears in this work. He was married No- they are the owners of two lumber plants situated vember 20, 1873, to Miss Ella Eastham, daughter in Shelby County, Tex., and considerable real esof J. H. Eastham, one of the old settlers of De tate consisting of valuable farms in a good state Soto Parish, but now a resident of Texas. Mrs. of cultivation and timbered and prairie lands in Hewitt was born at Mansfield in 1857, and received different localities of Texas. The firm of E. S. a liberal education in the female college of that Hicks & Bro. does an extensive business in Grand place. In 1887 Mr. Hewitt established the private Cane, and conducts large enterprises in every rebank of J. E. Hewitt & Co., which he carried on spect, their income from their various investments with remarkable ability until 1890, when the bus- being large. The subject of this sketch was mariness was merged into the Traders' Bank, of which ried in 1878 to Miss Jennie Oliver, a Tennesseean he is now president. Besides this he is the owner by birth, by whom he has three children: Oliver of two fine tracts of land convenient to Mansfield, Burdette, Annie Bernice and Charlie. Mr. and and is in other ways connected materially with the Mrs. Hicks are members of the Methodist Episcointerests of this parish. A more minute reference pal and Presbyterian Churches, respectively, and is made to the part he has taken as a citizen of he is one of the city aldermen. He is the owner this section, in the general history of the parish, of a small plantation adjoining Grand Cane, and and it will be seen at a glance that it is no minor as he is one of the most honorable men in every part.

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business transaction, he is honored by all. C. B. Hicks is a member of the mercantile firm L. H. Huson, sheriff and ex-officio tax collector of E. S. Hicks & Bro., of Grand Cane, La., and of De Soto Parish, La., was chosen to occupy his bis services during his residence in this section, present position, in 1888, by the Democratic party,

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ave been characterized by a noticeable devotion and has since discharged the duties of this office to the welfare of this parish. He has attained a in a manner highly creditable to himself and to place among the mercantile interests of the parish, the entire satisfaction of the community at large. which is by no means an inferior one, and the con- He was born in Sumter County, Ala., September fidence which his patrons have in his honesty and 21, 1849, being a son of John D. and Elizabeth Y. fair dealing is unbounded. He was born in Upson (May) Huson, who were natives of South Carolina County, Ga., in 1853, to C. W. and A. E. (Martin) and Alabama, but who became residents of LouisiHicks, who were born in South Carolina and ana in the month of December, 1819, first taking. Georgia, respectively, and emigrated to Alabama up their abode in Caddo Parish, and in 1851 in thence to Texas, in 1869, their home being now in De Soto Parish. The father was a planter and Shelby County, of that State.

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The father was a

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died in 1859, still survived by his widow and three soldier in the Rebellion. C. B. Hicks was reared of the four children born to him, the names of the and educated in Alabama, but removed to the latter being: L. H., P. M. and C. M. The maLone Star State with his parents, and until 1873 ternal grandmother, Susan May, is still living and was engaged in farm labor. Together with his is the second eldest woman in De Soto Parish. brother he had opened a mercantile establishment She is now in her eighty-seventh year, and is yet in Logansport, La., in 1868, but removed to Cen

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quite a hale and hearty old lady. L. H. Huson, ter, Tex., in 1869, in which place E. S. Hicks is the immediate subject of this biography, resided still in business, that firm being styled Hicks & on a plantation in Louisiana until he became of Bro., and having been established in 1874. In age, but owing to the scarcity and inferiority of 1882 their present establishment was opened to the schools, did not receive much schooling. He the public, and in 1884 C. B. Hicks took charge | entered the sheriff's office in 1866 and has since

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been employed constantly in this office with the business in Mansfield as a clerk, also attending exception of six years, which he spent on the plan- three terms of school, and later taught one term of tation. He worked steadily and faithfully for nine school in Indian Village, Jackson Parish, after years for one man in that office, and also served a which he became associated in business with M. short time as constable, his labors to obtain a com- W. Stamper & Son, at Trenton, Quachita Parish. petency having met with fair results. Having After remaining with them two years, he entered a grown to manhood in this parish he has seen great business college at New Orleans, and in the month changes take place, and has noted a gradual im- of June, 1869, graduated in the commercial course. provement yearly in its growth and prosperity. He then began keeping books for the successors of His marriage, which occurred in the month of his old firm at Trenton, but at the end of three December, 1872, was to Miss Mary J. Cale, a native years his health had become so impaired he was of De Soto Parish, and has resulted in the birth of compeiled to give up this work, shortly after enternine children, eight of whom are living: John, ing the employ of Head & McLain, of Trenton, Van, Lewis, Charles, Mary T., Susie, Sample, with whom he remained four years. About this Rowlan aud Jewell. Mr. Huson is a K. of P. and time his health again began failing him, and his wife is a member of the Episcopal Church. thinking that an out-door life would be beneficial

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A. F. Jackson has been in business in the town to him, he took a trip west. After his return he of Mansfield since 1883, but by birth is an Alaba- embarked in the mercantile business at Vienna, La., mian, having been born in Perry County, December continuing from January, 1876, to January 1, 1883, 10, 1844, his father being Rev. A. W. Jackson, who under the firm name of Jackson & Kidd, when he came to De Soto Parish, La., in December, 1817, came to Mansfield, and opened a store with Mr. locating near Mansfield. He was a Missionary | Gullatt (the firm being Jackson & Gullatt), until Baptist minister, and organized a great many March, 1888, when Mr. Jackson purchased his churches throughout this section. He was an elo- partner's interest, and has since continued alone. quent expounder of the gospel, was a worthy gen

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His stock of goods is exceptionally well selected, tleman and true Christian, and in 1880 passed from and in connection with this work he also handles this life to his long home, in Coryelle, Tex. He considerable cotton. He is a prosperous business was married three times, became the father of a man of the parish, is courteous and genial to all, large family of children, the subject of this sketch and the income he derives from his mercantile being the son of his second marriage. The latter establishment is sufficient to make him satisfied to

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1 was reared in Louisiana, having come to this State remain here. He is at present filling the duties of with his parents in 1847, but upon the opening of secretary and treasurer of the Mansfield Female the Rebellion, at the early age of fifteen years, he College. He was married in 1870 to Miss Ella joined Company F, Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry, E. Kidd, daughter of Gen. Mandriel W. Kidd, a and in 1864 was made ensign of his regiment, and native of Alabama, by whom he has two children; served until wounded in battle at Jonesboro, near Minnie D. and A. W., Mr. Jackson and his family Atlanta, Ga., August 31, 1864. Regardless of this, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church the following night he crawled away, and made his South, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. escape, being picked up by some of Ross' Texas In addition to his establishment at Mansfield, he is cavalry, who took him in a buggy to Lovejoy Sta- interested in a general store at Pelican, La., and tion; from there was carried to Columbus, Ga., where also owns a lumber establishment (the Pelican he remained until able to walk on crutches. He Lumber Mills) at Pelican, La, besides various then received a furlough, went to Alabama, and other enterprises. He is the owner of several there remained for some time. He received another thousand acres of land, and, in fact, is the founder slight wound from a bursting shell while in the of Pelican, having laid out the town, which now has breastworks at Atlanta. After the war he entered a population of about 350 people, and is supplied

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son,

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with a good church and educational advantages. W. R. Jackson, planter of De Soto Parish, La. A fine agricultural region surrounds the place, a The parents of the subject of this sketch were of considerable portion of which belongs to Mr. Jack- Scotch origin, and both, Rev. John W. and Mary

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D. (White) Jackson, were born in North Carolina, John Jackson, the well-known liveryman of but the father died in Alabama, to which State he Grand Cane, La., is a native of Sweden, his birth had moved at a very early day, bis dissolution takoccurring there October 17, 1845, to E. and Eureka ing place in 1836. He was a minister of the (Erickson) Jackson, in which country the mother Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a planter by

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a died, the father being still a resident of his native occupation. His wife died the same day, month,

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He is a ship-builder by calling, and is an and year as did her husband, although they were honest, thrifty and God-fearing man, Of nine seventy miles apart. To them a family of ten chilchildren born to himself and wife, seven were sons dren were born, only two of whom survive: Ann J. and two were daughters. John Jackson left the (wife of Andrew T. Shepherd), and W. R., the imshelter of the paternal roof at the early age of mediate subject of this sketch, who was born in seven or eight years, and embarked on an ocean Antauga County, Ala., September 13, 1828, and at steamer, as cabin boy. From this lowly and try- the death of his parents he was about eight years ing position he worked his way up, until he held of

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age.

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He remained in his native State until he the rank of first mate, this goal being reached in had attained his majority, attending the public about nine years of seafaring, during which time schools and receiving a common-school education, he visited nearly all parts of the globe, Africa, and his knowledge of planting was acquired on his Asia, Australia and China being among the num- father's old plantation in Alabama, which he left ber. In the fall of 1866 he gave up his position, in 1851, and came to Louisiana, locating in De and the following year, as he had been taken with Soto Parish, near Mansfield, where he has since a severe case of “gold fever,” he started for Cali- resided, nearly half a century.

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resided, nearly half a century. He purchased a fornia, and was in different Territories throughont farm immediately after coming here, and has since the west until 1869, when he came farther east, given his attention entirely to planting From and completed his knowledge of the different dis- this State he enlisted in 1862, in Company B, Sheltricts of the United States, by traveling through by's battalion, which was afterward consolidated out the Eastern, Middle, Western and Southern with the Crescent Regiment, and served until the States, being engaged in railroad work. In 1881 final surrender as first lieutenant. He was in all the he was a contractor, on the Texas & Pacific Rail- principal engagements in which his regiment took road, on the tie department, but in 1883 he gave part, and made a true, faithful and efficient officer. up this work, and he and a partner erected the Soon after locating here he was elected recorder of large saw-mill for John R. Jones, at Victoria.

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the parish, a position he faithfully filled for three In 1877 he opened a livery establishment at his years, and after the war he was appointed to the present stand, at which he has since successfully same office under Gov. Wells and held the same continued, and besides this he is the owner of a

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He was also tax collector for one year good plantation near Grand Cane.

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He was mar- prior to the war, and he has been prominently ried three times, first to Emma Love, of Shreve identified with the public interests of the parish port; second to Nettie Hobgood, who left him one

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He has in his possession about 2,700 child, Nettie; and third to Mary J. Spearman, by acres of land, all of which is in De Soto Parish, whom he has one son,

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Charles. Mr. and Mrs. and of this he has some 1,000 under cultivation, Jackson are members of the Methodist Episcopal on which he raises cotton, corn and other grains. Church, and in all his ideas and tendencies he is Over bis broad acres also roam large numbers of progressive and enterprising, a useful member of

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cattle and sheep, and the hogs that he raises are society, personally, and in business circles.

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of a fine breed, being the Jersey Reds. He has

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two years.

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for years.

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done a great deal to develop the parish, and by He was by seven years the youngest child of the industry and economy he is now living in comfort family, and his father was advanced in age. He and ease.

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He formerly owned many slaves, but was sent to a boarding school for a term, but after of course lost these during the war, a severe blow his mother's death went to Alabama to visit two to him, financially. He was first married in 1859, brothers and a sister who had preceded him, and to Mary Williams, and his second union which was decided to make his home there. Finding no emin 1867 was to Miss Sarah L. Greening, neither | ployment, he entered the McIonis school in Sumter wife bearing him any children. He is a member County, Ala., and in the fall of 1846 he accepted of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for years a clerkship with Mr. H. H. Harris, a dry goods was a Mason.

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He was engaged in the mercantile merchant in the town of Livingston, Ala. He was business in Mansfield for twelve years, doing an compelled to relinquish this situation on account immense business, but the most of his attention of ill health, as he did also an appointment as throughout life has been given to planting. The deputy sheriff, and he resolved to seek bis fortune firm was known as J. S. Jackson & Co., and occu: in a new country. In 1850 he came to De Soto pied the store building that Wemple & Rives now Parish, La., by boat, consuming ten days on the оссиру.

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journey, the same trip could now be made in Hon. B. F. Jenkins, general merchant of Mans- twenty-four hours. He entered a store as clerk field, La. One of the leading characteristics of and worked his way up, until, in 1852, he and a our commercial fabric is the size and extent of the friend opened a drug store, but conducted it only mercantile business in the various towns of De

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about one year.

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He was then urged to become a Soto Parish. A large capital is invested in this candidate for district clerk, although he was then important interest, and many persons are furnished quite young, but was defeated. He then resumed with remunerative employment. Among the lead clerking, which he continued until 1854, when he ing establishments of this kind none are more de- bought out his employer, and, with J. W. Howard, serving of mention than that belonging to Mr. continued until 1857, when Mr. Jenkins sold out Jenkins, which was established in 1870.

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to his partner on account of failing health. He born in Spottsylvania County, Va., in 1826, being then purchased bim a plantation, and agriculture a son of Lee and Sarah Frances (Parker) Jenkins, received his attention until the breaking out of the who were also Virginians, the former dying in war, when he was appointed enrolling officer by Alabama, and the latter in her native State. Both Gov. Moore, to take charge of the State forces of the paternal and maternal grandfathers were in the De Soto Parish, and later on the State forces were Revolutionary War, the grandfather Parker being turned over to the Confederate States, and he was a commissioned officer with the rank of colonel. transferred also, and to another parish, and held Mr. Jenkins' father was a planter. Of a family of this position until the close of the war. In 1877 twelve children born to himself and wife, ten of he was appointed by Gov. Francis T. Nicholls a whom were raised to manhood and womanhood, member of the school board, and served on the only four are now living: John (in Virginia), Mrs. examining board.

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examining board. In 1879 he was elected to the Lancaster (in Alabama), and B. Francis (the sub- State Legislature, and was sent as a delegate to ject of this notice), and one other (whose name

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the Constitutional Convention of 1879, without was not furnished). Mr. Jenkins' mother died opposition. In 1888 he was re-elected to the when he was about sixteen years old.

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He con

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Legislature, and in October, 1890, was presented siders that his success in life has been due in no with a cane by the representatives of twenty-two small degree to the training he received from a clubs of the Farmers' Union of De Soto, in recog. cultivated, Christian and devoted mother. Up to nition of his services in the session of 1890. Bethat time he had attended school and worked on sides this he has been mayor of Mansfield, and has the farm alternately since he had been old enough. held other offices. He is a director of the Traders’

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He was

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1

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Bank of Mansfield, and in fact is and has been District, S. C., and the latter of Lowndes County, identified with every public enterprise, being now Ala. They removed from the latter State to one of the commissioners appointed by Gov. Nich- Louisiana in 1847, and located in De Soto Parish, olls on the Bayou Pierre River Drainage Commis- on the place now owned and occupied by their sion, the purpose of which is to drain that river. son, Walter, at which time the land was in a He is an extensive real estate owner, and is identi- wild state, not a stick having been cut on it. fied as one of the men of Northwest Louisiana who The father was a lawyer by profession, having has been prominently connected with all worthy been admitted to the bar in Pike County, Ala., enterprises. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and he was associated in this business with B. F. and the Masonic fraternities. In 1856 he was mar- Burford, who was the leader of the Kansas experied to Mary Frances, youngest daughter of Maj. dition to extend slavery in Kansas. Mr. Johnson John E. Hewitt and Margaret Markham Hewitt, was a colonel of militia in Alabama, and after comnatives of Stafford County, Va. By this marriage ing to this State he gave up his profession and they had eight children, five of whom are now liv- turned his attention entirely to planting. He was ing: Benjamin, John, Charles E., Mrs. Ettie Lee

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an old line Whig, but after the war he became and Sarah M. Mrs. Jenkins died in the spring of a Democrat, and upon the surrender of Gen. Lee 1889. His father-in-law, Maj. Hewitt, moved from he left this country and went to British HonduVirginia to Alabama in an early day, and from ras, where he immediately became naturalized and Alabama in 1840. When the parish of De Soto was lived under the British flag until his death, which organized, he was a member of the first police jury, occurred on April 3, 1869. His remains were and surveyed and laid off the present site of the brought to Louisiana and interred in the family town of Mansfield. Mr. Jenkins' family are mem- cemetery near Mansfield. He had traveled all bers of the Episcopal Church; he is a member of over Texas and Arkansas, looking for a location, the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The and came hither from Natchitoches on an old Incareer of Mr. Jenkins has been directed by a just dian trail, and being much pleased with the looks rule of action, for he has believed with the Psalm- of the country, here he determined to make his ist “A false balance is an abomination unto the home. He became an extensive slave-owner, and Lord, but a just weight is His delight,'' and has was regarded as an expert agriculturist, and wrote obeyed the injunction of the Bard of Avon to “Be many articles on the subject of husbandry to difjust and fear not, and let all the ends thou aimest ferent agricultural papers, thus, as well as in at be thy country's and God's and truth's."

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other ways, becoming well known throughout the Walter Johnson. No name is more properly State. He was quite active, politically, made nuplaced in the history of the parish than that of merons political speeches, and became a leading Mr. Johnson, who is not only one of the most en- spirit in the political affairs of North Louisiana. terprising planters of the parish, but is of such His wife, by whom he became the father of three a social, genial nature that he has made many children, is still living, the names of his children friends. His land amounts to about 2,000 acres, being as follows: Walter, Pauline (wife of J. H. and he has 1,400 acres under cultivation, on which Putnam), and Mortimer. Walter was reared on he raises cotton, oats and corn. He is one of the the old homestead here, and attended the com. most successful and prominent planters in this mon schools, and, like his father, has always fol. section of the country, and on his place is an ex- lowed planting. In 1881 he had no rain on his cellent general mercantile establishment, which he place from May 18 to September 14, but made a conducts. He owes bis nativity to Montgomery half crop, which fully shows that his farm is exCounty, Ala., where he was born on January 7, ceptionally adapted to the culture of cotton. In 1847, being a son of Richard T. and Mary I. 1884 there was no rain from June 9 to October (Lang) Johnson, the former a native of Edgefield 22, a balf crop being also raised, and from July

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3, 1887, to August 31, there was a drouth, but holding the positions of corporal and sergeant. his crop resulted as formerly. Mr. Johnson keeps After Lee's surrender he returned to his home, accurate dates of all these things, as he is par. and here has since devoted his attention to plantticularly interested in the culture of cotton. Long ing, his present farın consisting of 400 acres, of drouths also occurred in 1888, from July 6, to which about 300 are cleared. His well-known September 3, and in 1889 from July 6 to Septem- habits of industry and enterprise have made him ber 3, and in 1890 from July 7 up to the pres- well known throughout the parish, and the respect ent date,

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date. His gin-house is very large, and does which is accorded him is universal. He was mara paying business. Mr. Johnson has been a valu- ried in 1838 to Sarah J. Storey, who died August able acquisition to this section, and deservedly 7, 1886, having borne a family of ten children, ranks among the leading planters of his parish. seven of whom are living at the present time: His marriage, which occurred on November 16, Rosa, Edna, Sallie, Henri, Alabama, Exa and 1871, was to Miss Susie, daughter of Dr. A. V. Pearl. Mr. Jones is a member of the Cumberland Roberts, by whom he has five children: Mary L., Presbyterian Church Richard, Katie, Walter F. and Ben.

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Joseph King has long been devoted to the I. F. Jones, planter of De Soto Parish, La., is | farming interests of De Soto Parish, La., and as now successfully following the calling to which he he has ever applied himself steadily and induswas reared, and which has been his life work, a triously to the work in hand, he has been more calling that for ages has received undivided efforts than ordinarily successful and is now the owner of from many worthy individuals, and one that always 950 acres of land, with 330 acres under cultivation, furnishes sustenance to the ready worker. Mr. on which is raised from 100 to 150 bales of cotton Jones first saw the light of day in Greene County, per annum. On this farm, which is situated on Ala., on September 30, 1828, being only eight Red Bayou, he has resided for thirty years, and years of age at the time of the death of bis father, during this time he has done much to improve the Joshua Jones, which occurred in Alabama, whither farming interests hereabouts. He was born in he has moved from his native State of North Caro. Crawford County, Ala., in 1824, and is a son of lina, the mother having also been born there, her Henry and Esther (Janes) King, they being born maiden name being Mourning Gandy. After being in the Old North State. At an early day they were left a widow, she remained with her family in taken by their parents to Alabama, and there they Alabama until 1836, then came to Louisiana and were married and spent the rest of their lives, Mr. located in De Soto Parish, near the present site of King dying in 1850, at the age of forty-nine, and Grand Cane, where she purchased 200 acres of his widow in 1872, they having been members of land on which she lived until her death in August, the Methodist Church.

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the Methodist Church. Mr. King was a merchant, 1858, the names of her children being as follows:

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was clerk of Crawford County a great many years, I. F., Priscilla, and Mrs. S. B. Saunders, of and was a soldier in one of the early Indian wars. Texas. James Martin, another son, was a soldier His father was born in Ireland, and served in the in the Rebellion, and while crossing the bay from Continential army during the Revolutionary War, Mobile to Pollard, the ship on which he sailed being at that time a resident of North Carolina, in caught fire and he was lost, but whether he was which State he spent his life. Joseph King was burned to death or drowned, is unknown. Being the second of eleven children, five now living, and left fatherless at an early age, the subject of this he is the only one of his family now residing in sketch had to assist in supporting the family, but

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Louisiana, he having moved here in 1859.

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He was in 1862 left his farm work to enlist in Company reared and educated in Columbus, Ga., after which D, Shelby's battalion, it being afterward consoli- he engaged with his father in merchandísing, condated with the New Orleans Crescent Regiment, tinuing until the death of the latter, since which with which he served until the final surrender, time he has farmed. His marriage, which took

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place in Georgia in 1852, was to Miss Eliza, daugh- the Shreveport Grays of Drew's battalion of Conter of Ahaz and Priscilla Jones, who lived and died federate troops in Virginia, and was in nearly in Georgia, in which State Mrs. King was born. all the early leading battles of that campaign. She died in March, 1889, having borne Mr. King He was wounded at Malvern Hill, and from that ten children, the following of whom are living, time was on staff duty under various officers. He Joseph H. (of Texas), Minnie (wife of D. E. Evans), was with Gen. Stark at Antietam, when the latter Elizabeth (wife of D. L. Kemper, of New Mexico), was killed, and received his discharge shortly beand Charles. But little improvement had been fore the close of the war. After this he was enmade on Mr. King's farm, when he located here, gaged in merchandising in Caddo Parish with but it can with truth be said that he now has one Capt. J. M. Foster, the firm being Foster & Long, of the best plantations on the bayou, the result of and thus continued until 1870. Since that time his own industry. During the latter part of the he has resided on his present farm, near Gloster, war he served about one year in the Crescent Reg- which consists of 2, 220 acres with about 1,500 iment of Louisiana Infantry, and was in several acres cleared, one of the leading plantations of the skirmishes in Louisiana. In 1846 he joined Com- ward. Mr. Long was married in 1869 to Miss pany D, First Georgia Infantry, with Gen. Taylor, Alice Logan, a native of Alabama, and the daughfor the Mexican War, and served with him until ter of Maj. Benjamin F. and Wealthy Logan, shortly before the battle of Vera Cruz, when he natives of North Carolina and South Carolina, rewas under Gen. Scott, and with him participated spectively. Mr. and Mrs. Logan were married in in that battle, being slightly wounded by a gun. Alabama, and in 1852 removed to Caddo Parish, shot, which disabled him for some time. While

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where Mr. Logan died in 1846 and his widow in on their way toward Mexico City, Mr. King's 1864. To Mr. and Mrs. Long were born eight term of enlistment expired, and he was mustered children, all living. Mr. Long is a non-affiliating out as orderly sergeant and returned home.

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He

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Mason, and he and wife are members of the Misis a demitted member of Mausfield Lodge of the sionary Baptist Church. A. F. & A. M., and his wife was a member of the Oliver Hawes Marshall and James G. Marshall Methodist Church.

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were born in Darlington and Chesterfield Districts, John J. Long, farmer and stock-raiser of Ward S. C., in 1829 and 1810, respectively, and were the 2, owes his nativity to Caddo Parish, La., his birth sons of Col. John J. and Maria (Hawes) Marshall. occurring in 1812, and is the son of Dr. William The parents were born in Darlington District, S. Long, a native of Ireland. When a young man c., in 1807 and 1812, respectively, and there they

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, the elder Mr. Long came alone to the United resided until 1813, when they removed to MontStates, resided for a number of years in New York, gomery County, Ala. From there they moved to where he was engaged as a chemist, and from Florida, where the mother died in 1852, and two there he came to Natchitoches, La., where he made years later Mr. Marshall and family came to De his home for a number of years. He was a wealthy Soto Parish, La., settling near Stonewall, where the merchant and planter and was about the first clerk father's death occurred in 1877. He was a successof De Soto Parish. He was married to Miss Emily ful planter and a prominent and wealthy citizen. Baggs, and the fruits of this union were two chil- He and wife were worthy members of the Episcodren-a daughter and son--our subject being the pal Church. His father, Adam Marshall, the grandyounger of the two.

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Mr. Long died in Caddo father of Oliver H. and James G., was born in IreParish, in 1867, at the residence of his son-in-law, land, but when a young man, came, with an elder Capt. James M. Foster. The mother died in 1842. brother, who was a Presbyterian minister, to the John J. Long was reared in Natchitoches and re- United States, just after the Revolutionary War. ceived his education there and in Mansfield and He married and settled in Darlington District, S. Horner College. When war broke he enlisted in C., where he spent the balance of his life as a wealthy merchant and planter. Our subject's ma- Hugh A. Matthews. ternal grandfather, Dr. Oliver Hawes, was born in

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They shunned not labor when 'twas due; Wrentham, Mass., where he studied and later

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They wrought with right good will; graduated in medicine. He was a drummer boy And for the homes they won for them, in the Revolution. He went to Darlington District,

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Their children bless them still. married a Miss Mary Leigh, and spent the remain The first of the Matthews family to come to der of his life there as a successful physician and this section of the country was, William Matthews, surgeon. Oliver Hawes Marshall, the eldest of nine

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the father of the immediate subject of this sketch. children, eight now living, was reared to manhood He was born in Georgia in 1812, and when a on the plantation, received the principal part of his young man he determined to seek a home for himeducation in South Carolina College, at Columbia, self in the far west, and accordingly settled in where his class graduated in 185?, and after this De Soto Parish, La., and here made his home he was engaged as a tutor in his father's family for until his death in 1875, improving several good some time. In 1861 he joined Company K, Sec- plantations in this section, and otherwise assisted ond Louisiana Infantry, and was with Gen. Lee's in clearing up and improving the parish. He was army in Virginia. Like many a soldier in the Con- one of the best citizens this section has ever known, federate Army he saw some hardships, but bravely for he was enterprising, industrious and public pushed through them in supporting the cause he spirited, and his death was a great loss and a had espoused. He participated in many skir- source of much sorrow to all. He was the first mishes, and at Malvern Hill lost an arm, after one of his family to come west, and the only one which he came home. Since then he has been re- for a long time, but after a while a brother came, tired, except that he taught for some time in the but remained only a short time, returning to his public schools. He is a nephew of Hon. Henry native State. Mr. Matthews was married in De Marshall, who represented this district in the Con- Soto Parish, La., to Miss Adaline Swan, who was federate Congress at Montgomery, and who after- born in Alabama in 1817, her death occurring in ward served one term in the Congress at Richmond. 1880, both having been worthy members of the Prior to the war the latter also was a member of Missionary Baptist Church. The father was a the Louisiana Senate, and was a wealthy planter. soldier in the Florida War, was a member of the He was born in Darlington District, S. C., in 1805, A. F. & A. M. at Mansfield, and inherited Scotchand died at his residence in De Soto, in 1864. Irish blood from his father, William Matthews, James Marshall, a brother of Oliver H. Marshall, the latter dying in Georgia. The mother's father was educated in South Carolina College, but his died when she was a child. Hugh A. Matthews education was cut short by the breaking out of

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was the eldest of five children, three sons and one He then joined the College Cadets, and daughter now living, and all are residing in De served a short time on Sullivan's Island, after Soto Parish. He early became familiar with farm which he returned home. In 1862 he joined the life, but in 1861 enlisted at Mansfield in Company Second Louisiana Cavalry, operated in Louisiana F, Ninth Louisiana Infantry, Army of the Viruntil the close of hostilities and served some of the ginia, and was under Gen. Stonewall Jackson. He time as adjutant. He was married in 1872, to Miss was in the engagements at Winchester, Harper's Mary Means, a native of Fairfield District, S. C., Ferry, seven days' fight around Richmond, Anand the daughter of William B. Means. Four chil- tietam, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chandren are the fruits of this union. Ever since bis cellorsville, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, Malvern marriage Mr. Marshall has lived on his present Hill, and many minor engagements in the Shenan. farm, consisting of over 1,600 acres.

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He is a doah Valley. He surrendered at Appomattox member of the A. F. & A. M., the K. of H., and Court House, having been wounded twice during his wife is a member of the Episcopal Church. his service, once at Manassas and once at Hamilton

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the war.

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ Crossing, but was only in the hospital for about interesting and intelligent children: Elmer, Maude five days during his entire service, and never and Willie. Mrs. Mize is a lady of much worth, received a furlough. He was married, in 1873, to and for a number of years she has been a member Miss Martha, daughter of John and Martha Par- of the Christian Church. Mr. Mize has always ham, from Tennessee and Georgia, respectively, supported the measures of the Democrat party, their settlement in De Soto Parish taking place in and socially is a member of the Masonic order, 1819, after their marriage, their deaths occurring He is one of the enterprising men of this section, here since the war, Mr. Parham being a farmer. and has proved a valuable acquisition to the town Mrs. Matthews was boru in Georgia, and of ten of Logansport. children born to herself and husband, one son and William X. Moseley, M. D., is a well known eight daughters are living. Since the war Mr. physician throughout this region, and since 1878 Matthews has resided in Ward 5, and for the past has been a resident of Keatchie. He was born in six years has been on his present farm, which is Noxubee County, Miss., December 23, 1835, his situated fifteen miles southeast of Mansfield, and parents, John T. and Mary Wortley (Montague) comprises 1,000 acres. He raises about seventy- Moseley, having been born in Powhatan County, five bales of cotton per year, and is the owner of Va., in which county they were also married. In a good steam cotton gin, saw. mill and grist-mill. 1830 he removed to the State of Mississippi, but This property has been acquired through his own did not bring his family thither until five years endeavor, and he may justly feel proud of the suc- later. When a young man he left home, his father cess he has made of his life. He belongs to being a talented attorney, to go to Richmond, Va., Shady Grove Lodge of the Farmers' Alliance, and where he worked on one of the leading papers as his wife is a Methodist.

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a printer, but soon after gave up that trade for Henry N. Mize is a justice of the peace in more congenial work, that of tilling the soil, and Ward 8, De Soto Parish, La., but was born in afterward turned his attention to mercantile purShelby County, Tex., on August 7, 1852, to Allen suits, then to the banking business, and in later and Mary McCray) Mize, both of whom were born years again became a farmer, the remainder of his in South Carolina, but were married in Alabama, days being spent on a plantation, surrounded by from which State they emigrated to Saline County, bis family and many friends. He was a self-made Ark., and later to Texas, both parents dying in the man, was highly educated, and was an able finanLone Star State, the father having been a worthy, cier. He was charitable, kind-hearted and generhonorable and successful tiller of the soil. The ous, and his death, which occurred in 1883 at the subject of this sketch became thoroughly familiar age of eighty-four years, was lamented by all. with the meaning of hard work while making his From the time he first voted until the last time home with his father on the farm, and learning that he went to the polls he never scratched a the details of successful agriculture, he continued Democratic ticket, and was an earnest advocate of to follow it for himself after he had attained his secession from first to last. He was a member of twenty first birthday. He was very successful in the I. O. O. F., and in his religious views was lib. his farming operations, and continned to till the eral. His wife died also in 1883 at the age of sevsoil until 1984, when he came to Logansport and enty-four years, she being a member of an old and

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a went into business for J. B. Ross, afterward, in prominent Virginian family, members of which bad 1986, opening an establishment of his own, which become celebrated for their brilliancy as educators received his undivided attention until 1888, when and politicians and for their bravery and intrepidhe was elected to the office of justice of the

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peace,

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ity as soldiers. She traced her ancestry back to the duties of which office he is now discharging. the sixteenth century. She was a devoted memHe was married in 1878 to Miss Josephine Hooper, ber of the Missionary Baptist Church for many of Shelby County, Tex., by whom he bas three years, and as a wife and mother was faithful, lov

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ing and kind. She was highly educated and tal- Keatchie Male and Female College what it now is, ented, and retained her fondness for good litera- one of the first schools in the State.

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His daughture until the day of her death. Although she ter, Mary V., has been an instructor in this instilived over the allotted age of mortals, she never tution for the past thirty years. Her marriage to showed in the slightest degree the “ravages of Dr. Moseley has resulted in the birth of six chiltime,'' and could recite page after page from the dren: Mary Wortley, John T., William X., Jr., best poets. Their union resulted in the birth of Annie R., Peter C. and Patty B. Both the Docten children, of whom William X. Moseley was tor and his wife are members of the Missionary the fifth child but the eldest of three sons. He Baptist Church, and he is a Royal Arch Mason. was given excellent educational advantages in his William G. Mosley. Not without justice, Mr. youth, and in 1857 graduated with B. A. degree Mosley is conceded to hold a representative posifrom the University of Mississippi, after which he tion among the prominent and successful men of at once turned his attention to the study of med. this parish. He was born in Bibb County, Ga., icine, and entered the medical department of the August 16, 1833, being a son of James and Polly University of New York, being graduated in 1859 (Leslie) Mosley, both of whom were born in that as an M. D.

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He practiced his profession near his State in 1800, and there spent the rest of their boybood's home until the breaking out of the war, lives, their deaths occurring in the same year, at when he was one of the first to offer his services to the age of eighty-three years. They had been the confederacy, and was attached to the medical worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church department at Richmond as assistant surgeon in for many years, and in bis political views Mr. MosCol. Perrin's regiment. He afterward became ley was a Deinocrat all his life.

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He was a prossurgeon, and being the senior surgeon held that perous tiller of the soil, and on their farm in position for some time in Gen. Jackson's brigade, Georgia they reared a family of four children, the most of the time being in charge of the sur- three of whom are now living: L. B. (who acted gical wards. Soon after the war he located in as first lieutenant in Col. Thorpe's regiment, being Noxubee County, Miss., where he remained until afterward promoted to captain, and is now a farmer 1872, when he came to Summer Grove, near of Taylor County, Ga.), James E. (who was a Shreveport, La., and as above stated in 1878 to soldier in the Confederate army, was wounded at Keatchie. He has made his home in this place up Atlanta, and is now farming in Texas), Sidney A. to the present time, and has built up an extensive (who was a member of a Georgia regiment, and practice both in this State and in Texas. His was killed in the gunboat battle of Charleston, S. fame has gone out far and near, and as a conse- C.), and William G. The latter was educated in quence he is very frequently called in by other Mount Peter's Springs, Monroe County, Ga., and physicians for consultation. He has never figured at the age of eighteen years he commenced to trade conspicuously in politics, owing to the fact that his for himself, in horses and other stock, but some time has been fully occupied with his practice, but time after began traveling for Samuel Griswold, he has always voted for the success of the Democ- of Macon, remaining with him eight months. At racy, and is very bitterly opposed to the recharter- the end of this time he opened a mercantile estabing of the Louisiana State Lottery. In 1874 he was lishment, at a town which he founded and named married to Miss Mary V. Crawford, a daughter of Eleanor. Although his means were limited when Rev. Peter Crawford, who was a well-known Bap

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he first commenced for himself, he possessed a tist minister for many years, and an educator of good constitution and unbounded ambition, and as

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He was one of the founders of a consequence, he has made life a success. He the Judson Institute at Marion, Miss., and has been a heavy contractor in lumber for the president of other noted schools in Louisiana railroad, also furnished beef for the hands while and Mississippi.

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He is one of the men who made they were working on that road, and has done an

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decide] ability.

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was

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extensive freighting business. After selling goods Carolina and died in East Tennessee, where he has at Eleanor for two years he started west, and lo- lived many years.

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He was of French lineage, and cated in De Soto Parish, La., being the owner of a soldier in the Revolutionary War and lived to a about 1,000 acres of land in Ward 8, a considera- good old age. The mother's father, Ezekiel ble portion of this being under cultivation, well Henry, was born in East Tennessee, and from that improved, with buildings, etc. He is at present State moved to Alabama and in 1819 emigrated to getting out timber for his saw-mill, which is in Texas, where he died about 1860, having followed operation at Logansport, its capacity being from the calling of a farmer throughout life, being a 10,000 to 12,000 feet per day. In 1861 Mr. Mos- soldier in the Creek War. He was also sheriff of ley joined Shelby's battalion of Cavalry, but after Shelby County, Ala., for some years. The immea short time, joined the State troops, subsequently diate subject of this sketch is the eldest of four joining the regular service. He was detailed, and sons and six daughters, and he and his youngest had charge of a big soap factory, making soap for sister, who resides in Dallas, Tex., are the only the Confederate government, and during his serv- ones of the family now living. He was given the ice, became intimately acquainted with Gen. Kirby advantages of the common schools in bis youth, and Smith. His success in life has been the result of in 1847 was married in Shelby County, Ala., to close application to business, and he fully deserves Miss Susan, daughter of John V. and Keziah Mchis present prosperity. June 3, 1858, he was mar- Henry, who were born in Virginia and North ried to Miss Mary A. Williams, of Georgia, she Carolina, respectively, and were married in Shelby being the mother of ten children, six of whom are County, Ala. In the year 1851 they moved to Union living: Emma (wife of Cyrus Creach, a farmer, of County, Ark., where they passed from life after De Soto Parish), Ella (wife of William Creach, of tbe war. Mrs. Nabors was born in Shelby County, the same neighborhood), John (tilling his father's Ala., and has borne her husband eight children, plantation), Lulz, Beulali and Gen. Lee. Those four sons being now alive. In 1849 Mr. Nabors deceased are: William B. (who died at the age

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of moved to Union County, Ark., where he lived unnineteen years), Ida (who was ten), and two that til 1866, after wbich he came to De Soto Parish, died in infancy. Mr. Mosley has always been a La., and since 1867 has resided on his present Democrat.

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farm, which comprises 400 acres, 250 being John H. Nabors, farmer of De Soto Parish, La. cleared, and is situated eight miles east of MansThis gentleman has been a respected resident of field. In May, 1862, he joined Company G, this parish since 1866 and is an enterprising and Ninth Arkansas Infantry, and during the two years industrious tiller of the soil. He was born in he fought in Mississippi and Tennessee he took Shelby County, Ala., in 1827, being a son of James part in the battles of Corinth, Coffeeville, Port M. and Caroline (Henry) Nabors, the former born Hudson, Baker's Creek, Big Black, Jackson and in North Carolina in 1797, and the latter in East

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1

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others. He was then transferred to west of the Tennessee in 1810, their marriage taking place in Mississippi River and became a member of Com Shelby County, Ala., where the rest of their lives | pany G, Second Louisiana Cavalry, and operated

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, was spent, Mr. Nabors dying in 1853 and his in Louisiana until the close of the war, being in widow in 1857, both having been members of the all the fighting of the Red River Valley. He has Methodist Church for many years. Mr. Nabors ! held the office of justice of the peace, is a member was a farmer, a soldier in the Creek War, and for of the A. F. & A. M. and is president of Woodfifteen years was a member of the Alabama Legis- side Lodge of the Farmers'. Alliance. He and lature, his last term expiring shortly prior to his wife have been members of the Methodist Church death. He was also sheriff of Shelby County two since 1816. terms, and socially was a member of the I. 0. O. James W. Nolan was reared to a knowledge of F. His father, John Nabors, was born in North , farm life by his father, James Nolan, and like the

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He was

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majority of farmers' boys he bas followed in his S. A. Pegues is a merchant representing the ancestor's footsteps, and is now one of the leading Farmers' Union Association, bis place of business agriculturists of this parish. He is a native of being at Mansfield Junction, where he established Wilkes County, Ga , where he was born in 1837, himself in February, 1889, his stock of goods being and until eighteen years of age, at which time the small, but well chosen. He was born in this parish father died, he remained under the shelter of the on April 15, 1854, his parents being Charles S. and paternal roof, his mother, whose maiden name Mary F. (Guy) Pegues, the former a native of South was Almedia Florence, having died when he was Carolina, and the latter of Alabama. About 1844 twelve years old. The father was born in Vir: they came to Louisiana, and took up their abode ginia in 1780, being a son of George Nolan, who about six miles south of Mansfield on a large tract was of English descent, a Revolutionary soldier, of land which they purchased and entered, being

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, and died in his native State of Virginia. The among the early settlers of this region. On this mother was born in Lincoln County, Ga., in which farm the father died in 1875, his widow and five State her father, Thomas Florence, was born and children surviving him, the names of the latter bespent his life, being a tiller of the soil. James ing: Mrs. M. F. Page, W. T., S. A., C. G. P., and W. Nolan was the first of three sons and three Mrs. W. G. Kelley. The father was a member of daughters, and received a good education in his the police jury for one or two terms, and prior to youth at Washington, Ga., also spending one the war had become a wealthy man, being the term in the University of Virginia at Charlotte- owner of about 100 negroes. He served during ville. In 1859 he came to De Soto Parish, La., the latter part of the war. S. A. Pegues attended and farmed until the opening of the war.

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the common schools of De Soto Parish, and was married in 1861 to Miss Mary Fannie, daughter of brought up to plantation life, a calling he followed Benjamin W. and Julia Pearson, the former a until 1888, and although he still follows this calling native of Raleigh, N. C., and the latter of Camden, to some extent he is also engaged in merchandising. Ala., their marriage taking place in Montgomery, He is also an engineer, a calling he picked up at of the latter State. They came to De Soto Parish odd times, as he had a natural taste for mechanics. in 1840, the father dying in 1876, aged about He owns 240 acres of land, of which 115 are under seventy-two, and the mother still living, at the cultivation, and has on the homestead 500 acres age of seventy-three years, a worthy member of under cultivation, in which he owns a part interest. the Metbodist Church. Mrs. Nolan was born at In 1888 Miss Cora Sutherlin, a daughter of George Fort Jessup, Sabine Parish, La., in 1810, and is H. Sutherlin, became his wife and by her he has the third of eleven children, and the mother of two interesting little children: Mary L. and S. A., thirteen children, ten sons and two daughters liv- Jr. Mrs. Pegues is a member of the Episcopal ing. Mr. Nolan served for a short time in the Church, and he belongs to the Farmers' Alliance, Confederate army in Shelly's battalion, which was James M. Peyton. It will be seen from a peafterward merged into the Crescent Regiment, rusal of this sketch that Mr. Peyton is one of the and held the rank of sergeant. After the war he leading citizens of this section, and although bis spent four years as a merchant of Mansfield, but early days were destitute of much schooling, his has since devoted his attention to farming, being vigorous mind so grasped and embraced the oppor. the owner of about 1,800 acres, with 600 cleared. tunities which presented themselves that he is now He is also operating a saw, grist mill and cotton- accounted one of the most intelligent and learned gin, in all of which enterprises he is doing well. men of this section. He was born in this parish He and his wife have been members in good stand- on September 30, 1813, and after assisting his fa ing of the Methodist Church for a long time, and ther on the home plantation until 1863, he joined for many years be has been a member of the A. the Third Louisiana Infantry, Confederate States F. & A. M.

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army, and served until the war closed, his regiment

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He was

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They

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disbanding in Shreveport, La. Soon after return- traveler, bis business calling him throughout the ing home, feeling the need of a better education, cities of Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. he in 1866 became a pupil of the well known Prof. appointed by Gov. McEnery to the office of justice De Sha, and after leaving his institution he com- of the peace, and in 1884 was elected to the posimenced business in Keatchie and has conducted a tion and bas discharged his duties very ably. In mercantile establishment ever since. In January, 1884 he also received the appointment of police

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, 1868, he formed a partnership with G. W. Peyton, juror, becoming notary the same year. He has but their establishment caught fire and was burned always taken a deep interest in the political affairs to the ground in 1874, after which they re-estab- of this parish, district and State, and has always lished themselves in business immediately, and the been an earnest and active worker for democracy. firm continued as Peyton & Peyton until 1880 since Miss Eva Hall, of Shreveport, became his wife in which time James M. Peyton has been by himself. 1872, and their union has been blessed in the birth On April 16, 1874, he was married to Lucy C. of the following children: C. H., W. B., Jr., G. Ward by whom he has three children: Ward, Wil. Lamar and Edgar E.

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Lamar and Edgar E. One child, Elma, died in

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, mer C. and Aline H. Mrs. Peyton is a member infancy. Mrs. Peyton is a member of the Methof the Baptist Church, and he is a stanch Democrat. odist Episcopal Church South.

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W. B. Peyton is a police juror from Ward 1, Capt. John W. Pitts is a planter and surveyor and having been born in this section he has the in- of De Soto Parish, La., and is one of the most interests of the community at heart and is proving fluential men in this section of the country, not bimself one of its most substantial residents. His' only because he has become one of the largest and birth occurred on February 14, 1853, to William wealthiest laodholders, but because he has taken C. and E. J. (Kennedy) Peyton, natives, respect- an active interest in every enterprise for the public ively of Tennessee and North Carolina.

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weal. He was born in Muscogee County, Ga., came to Louisiana during the early settlement of July 2, 1839, his father, George R. Pitts, having this region and being pleased with the country, been born in South Carolina, and his mother, whose and his enterprises meeting with good success, the maiden name was Elizabeth Leary, in Georgia. father remained here until his death, which oc- The former was of Welsh, and the latter of Irish curred in 1886, at the age of sixty-seven years, his descent. They came to Louisiana in 1859, and wife dying in 1880, when sixty-two years old. He settled on a plantation in De Soto Parish, on which was one of the first men to open a store at this i he died in December, 1888, his wife passing to her point, and being an able financier, succeeded in long home in July of the same year. They left accumulating a fortune, but afterward lost it. two children: Capt. J. W. and Louisa (wife of W. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal W. Hunt.) Capt. John W. Pitts was reared in Church South, and in his political views he was a Georgia, and educated in the university of that Democrat. He came to this parish long before the State, after which he did clerking and a general town of Longstreet was dreamed of, which fact mercantile business with his father, but after comshows that he was a very early inhabitant of this ing to this State with them, he turned his attention section.

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He and his wife became the parents of -- to planting, which he continued to follow until the children, seven of whom are now living, of whom bursting of the war cloud which had so long the subject of this sketch is the fourth.

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hovered over the country, when he enlisted in his school days in this parish, and when twenty Company F, Nineteenth Louisiana Regiment, and years of age he commenced to sell goods at Mel

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was subsequently made orderly sergeant, then first rose, Tex., but after remaining there two years he lieutenant, being finally commissioned captain, came to Keatchie, and has been one of the leading which position he held at the time of Lee's surmen of the place up to the present time. In Au- render. He went out with the third company

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that gust, 1889, he commenced life as a commercial I

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left this section of the country.

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He was wounded

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He spent

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H.

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in the battle of Shiloh by a gun shot in his right Confederate army. His father, Henry Potts, was arm, and was twice wounded at Atlanta, a gun-shot of Scotch-Irish descent, and died in Georgia. The striking him in bis right hip joint. He was a gal- ! mother's father, Robert Sturdivant, was a Georlant and dashing officer, and made an enviable gian, who died in Alabama. Paul M. Potts is the

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. record for himself while in the service. He has fourth of five surviving children born to his parents, devoted his attention to his plantation ever since and bis education was received in Shreveport, the war, and is now the owner of about 1,000 acres Mansfield and Baton Rouge. After following civil of good land, considerable of which is under culti-'engineering in the interests of differents railroads vation. He rents the most of his land and turns (New Orleans, Texas & Pacific, New Orleans & his attention to raising gra-s and stock, his farm Mississippi Valley, and the Southern Florida) for being especially well adapted for this purpose. He some time, he was married in 1881, and the first deals extensively in mules and cattle, and is a year after his marriage resided in Florida. His wide-awake and enterprising citizen generally. He wife, Miss Sarah E. Hollingsworth, was a daughter was appointed Government surveyor in 1874, and of Maj. Robert B. and S. E. Hollingsworth, and has held the office continuously ever since, with was born in De Soto Parish, La., and has borne satisfaction to all concerned. He is well known her husband two children: Lillian E. and Robert throughout the parish, and no man is better posted Since 1885 they have resided in De Soto Paron the topography and geology of De Soto Parish ish, and he has conducted a plantation and also than Capt. Pitts, for he has traversed this section managed the Phønix Drug Store in Shreveport. over, time and again, in his surveying tours. He is now spending his first year on Red Bayou, He has the reputation, and deservedly so, of being where he is engaged in merchandising and farma fine surveyor, and most thorougbly understands ing, the post-office of Pottsville being recently every detail of the work. His marriage, which took established at his store, of which he is postmaster.

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, place in 1870, was to Miss Sallie Thorn, by whom His wife's parents were born in Alabama, but were he has three daughters: Anna, Lizzie and Janie B. among the first settlers in Northwest Louisiana,

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Paul M. Potts, the subject of this sketch, is a both being members of prominent families. The planter and merchant of Pottsville, La., and is an mother died in De Soto Parish, but Maj. Hollingsexcellent example of the success attending hard worth is still living, and is a resident of Natchiwork and honest dealing, and the trade which he toches. now commands is solidly established and reaches Benjamin B. Powell is a planter and cottonover a large part of the surrounding country. He ginner of Ward 7, De Soto Parish, La., and was was born in Baldwin County, Ala., in 1860, his born in Monroe County, Ga., in 1846, being a son father, S. M. Potts, being a native of Georgia, and of James and Mary (Hill) Powell, whose native his mother, whose maiden name was Susan Stur- State was Georgia, where they lived until about divant, being also born in that State, their mar- 1819, when they started to the Lone Star State, riage taking place in Alabama. In 1867 they re- Mr. Powell dying while en route, his burial taking moved to Texas, but in 1872 settled in Shreveport, place in Rapides Parish, La. His widow went to La., and the same year came to Mansfield. Mr. Texas, and in that State she too, passed from life Potts died near Keatchie, in 1885, but his widow in 1834, she as well as her husband having been a survives him, being a member of the Episcopal worthy member of the Methodist Church. The Church. Mr. Potts was a farmer, was a public subject of this sketch was the seventh of eight spirited citizen, was interested in the political children, but he and a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Hart, affairs of the nation, and at one time represented are the only ones that survive. He was reared in De Soto Parish in the State Legislature. He Harrison County, Tex., and his youth was devoted edited the Mansfield Reporter for some time, and to farm work and to acquiring a common-school throughout the Rebellion served as captain in the education. . In January, 1862, he joined Harrison's

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regiment of Texas Cavalry, but in the summer of land Presbyterian Church, and was a police juror 1862 he was discharged at Tupelo, Miss., on ac and magistrate at the time of his death in 1879. count of his age.

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He then returned home and His father, Hanan Prude, was born in South Carserved as a courier from Shreveport to Houston olina, and died in Alabama, and his mother, Martha for some months, and later joined Morgan's bat- Prude, was of Irish descent and died in De Soto talion of Texas troops, with which he served until Parish. Mrs. Frances P. (Archer) Prude, was a the close of the war in Louisiana and Arkansas, member in good standing of the Cumberland Prestaking part in many skirmishes. His company

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His company byterian Church, and died in 1889. Her father was disbanded on the Brazos River, in Texas, after died in Mississippi. John T. Prude, the immediate which he returned home and farmed in Harrison subject of this memoir, was the third of nine chil. County one year, his attention being then turned dren born to his parents, and his youth was spent to the stock business in Kauffman County, Tex., on a farm in De Soto Parish, bis education being till 1869, when he cane to De Soto Parish, where received in the country schools and in Mansfield, he has since made his home. He is accounted one La., and Mansfield, Tex. After leaving school he of the leading planters of this section, and is the drove cattle and farmed in Dallas, County, Tex., owner of 836 acres of land, of which 290 acres one year, then returned to this parish, and on De. are cleared.

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He raises about sixty-five bales of cember 20, 1876, was married in Sabine Parish, cotton yearly, and all his property has been ac- his wife being Fannie, daughter of Michael and quired since coming into this parish, for at that Susan Morris. Mr. Morris is a native of Sabine time his possessions consisted of a horse and $100. Parish, and his wife of Wilcox County, Ala. After He was married in 1872 to Julia, daughter of their union Mr. and Mrs. Morris resided for some John and Caroline Robinson, Alabamians, who years in De Soto Parish, then moved to Sabine, died in De Soto Parish, whither they had moved where they both died about 1885 and 1886, reat an early day. Mrs. Powell was born here and spectively. Mrs. Prude's (our subject's wife) birth has borne her husband six children, five now liv- occurred in this parish, and since her marriage she ing. Mr. Powell is a member of the Farmers' and her husband have lived on the farm, his atAlliance, and he and his wife are Missionary Bap- tention being also given to merchandising since tists.

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1881, and since the establishment of Cook PostJohn T. Prude. As might naturally be ex- office he has been postmaster of the same.

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He is pected, mention is made in the present work of the owner of about 2,200 acres of land, in different many citizens of De Soto Parish, La., now promi. tracts, some of which is covered with valuable nent in their different callings, but none more so timber. In addition to the above mentioned callthan Mr. Prude, who is a member of the general ings to which he is now giving his attention, he mercantile firm of Prude & Hood, at Cook Post- deals in cotton and stock. He has one of the office, which was established in January, 1881. Born finest country homes in the parish, and is thoroughly in Pickens County, Ala., in 1854, he is a son of fixed to enjoy life. His wife is a Missionary Baptist. David W. Prude and Frances P. (Archer) Prude, David William Hood, a member of the general the former born in Alabama in 1823, and the latter mercantile firm of Prude & Hood, was born in Pickin Georgia in 1833, their marriage being celebrated ens County, Ala., in 1849, his parents, C. L. and in the former State, where they resided until 1856, Ellen (Bradford) Hood, being born in South Carowhen they came to De Soto Parish, La., and settled lina and Alabama, in 1818 and 1828, respectively. about ten miles southwest of Mansfield. The i Their marriage took place in Alabama, but in 1856 father embarked in the occupation of farming and they determined to seek a new home, and after a merchandising, following the latter calling in short residence in Catahoula Parish they came, Manstield for some years.

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He was a member of in 1858, to De Soto Parish, where the mother passed the A. F. & A. M., also a member of the Cumber- to her long home, in 1861, Mr. Hood being still

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sas.

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alive. The last three years of the war he served of its first settlers and a very wealthy man.

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He in the Confederate army, in Louisiana and Arkan- was a fine amateur musician. The mother of the

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He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the subject of this sketch died in 1854. Her father, Farmers' Alliance, and the Cumberland Presbyte- Marcel De Soto, was born in St. Landry Parish, rian Church. His father, William Hood, died in and was at one time governor of the neutral terriAlabama, being of Irish lineage. David W. Brad- tory, or Riohonda District, in West Louisiana. He ford, the mother's father, was a South Carolinian, died in the parish which was named in his bonor. but passed from life in Alabama. Of nine children Louis M. Rambin is the youngest but one of fif. born to C. L. Hood and wife, the subject of this teen children, and is one of two sons now living. sketch was the second, and he received the early He was reared on a farm, receiving such schooling advantages that are usually given the farmer's boy. as the country at that day afforded, and has spent In 1878 he married Cornelia, daughter of John all his life in this parisb, being one of the oldest J. and Emily E. Gardner, her birth occurring in settlers now residing here. At the opening of the De Soto Parish, and her marriage resulting in the Civil War he joined Company F, Ninth Louisiana birth of six children, two now living. Mr. Hood Infantry (De Soto Blues), and fought in the Army was a successful farmer until 1889, when he became of Virginia, at Fredericksburg, in the seven days' associated in the mercantile business with Mr. fight around Richmond, and many other engage. Prude, as above stated. He is the owner of eighty ments. Soon after the battle of Fredericksburg acres of good land, and he and wife are members he was made sergeant of the commissary ordinance, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The par. and served in that capacity until March 1, 1865, ents of Mrs. Hood were born in Jefferson County, when he was captured by Sheridan's army in the Ala., and La Fayette County, Ala., in 1820 and Shenandoah Valley, and was taken to Fort Dela1833, father and mother, respectively, and after ware, where he was kept until June, 1865. He their marriage, in 1859, they came to De Soto Par- was in command of eighty men at the battle of ish, La., where they are still living, consistent Chancellorsville, whose duty it was to protect and members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. assist Jackson's reserve artillery ordnance train. Mr. Gardner has been police juror for about ten For that service be was retained in that position years, and during the two last years of the war until captured.

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While in the service he was marhe was a member of Company B, of the Crescent ried in Virginia in 1865, to Sallie G., daughter of Regiment.

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Joseph and Margaret Young, natives of that State, Louis M. Rambin is a planter and police juror where they spent their lives. Mr. Young died in of Ward 7, De Soto Parish, La., and being a na- the Confederate army soon after the battle of Fort tive-born resident of the parish, he is widely known Donelson, in which he participated, and his wife and highly respected. He was born in 1837 to died in 1868. After the war Mr. Rambin reFrancois and Mary Demase (De Soto) Rambin, turned to De Soto Parish, and in 1868 settled on who were born in Natchitoches and what is now his present farm of 360 acres, at which time but De Soto Parish, respectively, the father being small improvements had been made. His farm among the pioneer settlers of the latter place. is situated about eighteen miles southeast of He was a merchant and trader in San Antonio, Mansfield, and be now has 100 acres cleared. In Tex., some years, but afterward returned to De 1876 he was elected justice of the peace, serving Soto Parish, La., his death occurring here in two years, and in 1877 he was appoiuted tax-col1852. During the War of 1812 he was appointed lector, but at once resigned. In 1879 he was a captain in the Eighteenth Louisiana, and chosen police jnror of Ward 7, and has served effiserved as a guard on the then frontier of West ciently ever since. He is a member of the Farm Louisiana. His father was probably born in New ers' Alliance, and in his religious views is a CathOrleans, and he died in Natchitoches, being one olic. His union has resulted in the birth of thir

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teen children, five sons and five daughters of whom Marmaduke, Charity, Sallie A. and Petty H. are living

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The Ricks family originally came from EngMiddleton Hale Rembert. From this brief and land, and both the paternal and maternal grandincomplete view of the life record of Mr. Rembert fathers of the subject of this sketch served in will be seen that his life from earliest youth up the Revolntionary War.

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Marmaduke Ricks was has not been uselessly or idly spent.

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He was

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reared on a plantation in his native county, born in Sabine Parish, La., in 1851, being a son receiving the advantages of the common schools, of Dr. Robert A. and Emily (Hale) Rembert, the and in 1849 came to Louisiana and located in former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ala- De Soto Parish. At that time his capital was bama, their marriage taking place in the last very small, and after working around for some named State. About 1849 or 1850 they came to time he purchased a farm, but gave up tilling Sabine Parish, La., soon after locating in Pleasant the soil in 1858 to engage in the mercantile Hill, and three years later in Mansfield, where Dr. business at Mansfield, which establishment he has Rembert died in 1856, having been a successful since conducted, with the exception of the time physician and planter, his widow following him to spent in the war. In 1862 he enlisted in the his long home in 1861, both worthy Christians Eleventh Texas Infantry, Company B, and served and members of the Missionary Baptist Church. until the surrender, being in all the principal enMiddleton Hale Rembert is the youngest of four gagements in which his regiment took part. After children born to them, three sons now living, and the war he returned to Mansfield, again opened his early days were spent at farm labor and in business, and is now one of the pioneers of the attending the common schools near his home, 'be. place, and has witnessed the growth of the counginning the battle of life for himself at about the try. He was mayor of Mansfield for several years, age of fifteen years. In 1874 he was married to was appointed police juror in 1888, and has held a Miss Minnie McDonnell, a native of Mississippi, number of other local offices. He was first marand by her is the father of seven children. Her ried in 1839 to Miss Mary Williams, by whom he parents, Alex and Fannie McDonnell, were born has one child, Willie E., his second union taking in Mississippi and Georgia, respectively, but the place in 1866, the maiden name of his wife being former was killed in war, and the latter died in Laura McFarland. Four children have blessed her husband's native State. Mr. Rembert has this union: Angy, Mattie, Duke and Ben. Mrs. resided on his present plantation of 120 acres for Ricks is a member of the Methodist Episcopal the past seven years, it being situated one mile Church. Mr. Ricks is a large real estate owner, west of Pelican, and although his acreage is small, his property lying in both city and country, and it is so carefully tilled that it yields a larger on one of his farms is a mineral well, which he annual income than many larger tracts. He be- discovered in 1889. A well was dug in 1885, but longs to the Farmers' Alliance, and he and his was re-dug in 1889, going fifty feet deeper. The wife are members of the Baptist Church.

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water was then found to contain valuable mineral Marmaduke Ricks is a dealer in general mer- properties, but wishing it analyzed, some was sent chandise, and has been engaged in this business to Tulane University of New Orleans for that purin Mansfield since 1858. He was born in Greene

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pose, the analysis showing that it contained ferric County, Ala., March 21, 1828, and is a son of! (iron) carb., 6.248; calcium (lime) carb., 4.069; calJosiah and Sallie (Gandy) Ricks, natives of North cium sulphate, 39.117; calcium chloride, . 725; magCarolina, who emigrated to Alabama, being among nesium chloride, 11.766; sodium chloride, 16.815; its pioneer settlers. They died on a farm in sodium sulphate, 12.292; potassium sulphate, Greene County, the mother in 1834 and the father 1.978; alumini, .772; silica, . 160, and a trace of some twenty years later. They were the parents organic matter. This well was brought to the of ten children, six now living: John, Robert F., notice of the medical practitioners, and it is now

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being prescribed for indigestion and malarial dis- sippi he came to Mansfield, La., which place he eases, dyspepsia, etc. Mr. Ricks is now at work reached in the month of February, 1849. After clearing off his land, and is putting up a large practicing here until the war broke out he, in Janhotel near this well, which he expects to have in uary, 1861, moved to his present residence, where operation by the summer of 1891. The accommo- he has followed his calling up to date. He is the dations will be excellent, and conveyances can be oldest resident practitioner of the parish, except easily procured from all railroad depots.

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two (Dr. James W. Fair, of Mansfield, and Dr. A. V. Roberts, M. D. The people of De Soto, as Lockwood Allison, of Kingston, De Soto Parish); well as the surrounding parishes, are familiar with has been very prosperous, and is now the owner of the name that heads this sketch, and for many years 900 acres of land, 400 being cleared and under he has been actively and successfully engaged in fence, 160 acres being fine pasture land. He is prosecuting his chosen profession. His present interested in stock-raising, and improves his breed home is four miles north of Mansfield, but he was each season, all his stock now being of a good grade. born in Huntsville, Ala., December 7, 1825, his par. He was married, in 1830, to Lucinda J. Quarles, ents, Robert W. and Harriet (Allan) Roberts, being by whom he has three children living: Susan H. born in Delaware and Virginia, respectively. The (wife of Walter Johnson), Quarles M. and Inna paternal grandfather was born in America, but his wife of A. N. Smith).

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(wife of A. N. Smith). The mother of these chilfather was a native of Scotland. Sanders Roberts dren died in 1873. The Doctor is a member of the was an officer in the Continental Army during the Baptist Church, having joined the same in 1844, Revolution, taking part in the battle of Brandy- and for the past thirty years he has acted as its wine, and afterward became the possessor of and clerk. wore the spurs belonging to Count Pulaski, which John C. Ross, planter, Gloster, La. Prominent were handed down to Dr. A. V. Roberts by his among the successful and progressive planters of father, but were stolen from him in 1846 while in De Soto Parish stands the name of John C. Ross, Philadelphia. Robert W. Roberts was a lawyer who owes his nativity to that parish, his birth ocby profession, and after his marriage removed to curring in 1850. He came of an old and promiTennessee, thence to Alabama, afterward to Mis- nent South Carolina family, his parents, John A. sissippi, in 1833, in which State he held a seat in and Mary H. H. (Goodwin) Ross, both being natives the State Legislature from 1837 to 1814, being of that State, the father born in Fairfield District Speaker of the House for two sessions. In the in 1807, and the mother in Richland District in latter year he was elected to Congress; was re- 1816. They were married in that State, but afterelected in 1846, but after discharging the duties ward lived for two years in Alabama, one year in of this term he returned to his home and lived a Mississippi, and in 1819 came to De Soto Parish, retired life on his farm until his death, in Febru- settling in the woods near Gloster, where they imary, 1865, his wife having passed from life May 6, proved about 1,000 acres. In 1858 they removed 1846. Of three children born to them two are to near Keatchie, where Mrs. Ross died in 1863, living: Dr. A. V. Roberts and Mrs. Margaret A. and Mr. Ross in 1865. Both were members of the Roach. The father was twice married, bis first Baptist Church.

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Baptist Church. The paternal grandfather, Abner union resulting in the birth of five children, all of Ross, was born in Maryland and died in South whom are deceased. A. V. Roberts, M. D., was Carolina. He was a farmer by occupation and reared in Mississippi, and educated himself at served the last two years of the Revolutionary Centenary College at Brandon Springs, Miss., and War. He was at one time a member of the South at the age of twenty years he began the study of Carolina State Senate. The maternal grandfather, medicine, and in 1848 graduated from the medical Jesse H. Goodwin, was born in the Palmetto State, department of the University of Pennsylvania, at and came also to De Soto Parish in 1819. There Philadelphia. After practicing one year in Missis- his death occurred in 1861. His wife, whose

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maiden name was Sarah Hopkins, died there in of Louisville, Ky.), August (is a watchmaker and 1853. John C. Ross, the sixth of eight children, jeweler, of Cole Creek, Tenn.), Charles (comes received his education at Keatchie and at the Louis- next in order of birth), Josephine (wife of Louis iana State Seminary at Baton Rouge. After this Leonhard, a merchant of New Orleans, but resides he farmed for a year, then spent three years sur- in Bay St. Louis, Miss.), and Ernest (of Keatchie, veying levees on the Red River, and then clerked La.. Charles Schuler was educated in Germany, in a store for the same length of time. For three and when a boy of twelve years was compelled to years after this he was in the sheep business in commence the battle of life for himself on account Texas; then clerked in a railroad office at Big of the early death of his father, receiving for some Springs, Tex.; then steamboated on Red River time $1.50 per month for his services. He was for three years, and since then has been engaged compelled to work very hard for a long time in in agricultural pursuits. For three years he was order to maintain himself and give some assistance justice of the peace, and for four years postmaster to bis mother, but nature had endowed him with a at Gordon, Tex. He is a member of the Staked good constitution, and he was plucky and persePlain Lodge of A. F. & A. M., at Big Spring, Tex. vering, and consequently succeeded in his under

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, His marriage occurred in the Lone Star State in takings, where many other boys would have failed. 1881 to Miss Celestia L., daughter of William and Upon the opening of the Civil War he joined the Dorcas Grouch, natives of New York and Texas, Chalmett Regiment, and while on duty at Fort respectively. Mr. Grouch died in Texas in 1884, Jackson was captured April 24, 1862, and paroled but his widow is still living. He was an engineer but was kept at New Orleans until October, 1862, by profession. Mrs. Ross was born in Texas, and when he was exchanged and rejoined the Con. died there in 1882, leaving one daughter. She federate army, attaching himself to the Ordnance was a devout member of the Missionary Baptist Department, but prior to this was with the expediChurch.

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tion which resulted in the capture of the “Queen Charles Schuler. The life of this gentleman of the West” and “Indianola," two Federal gunhas been rather an eventful one, and clearly dem- boats, by the Confederates on the Mississippi River. onstrates how much can be accomplished and ac- He was promoted to first lieutenant in the Ord quired under the most unfavorable circumstances. nance Department, having charge of the ord He was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, January nance work shops in the district of Western Louisi18, 1840, to George and Agatha (Lehmann) Schu- ana, and surrendered at Shreveport in the spring ler, who came with their family to the United States of 1865. He afterward clerked in New Orleans in 1852, landing in the city of New Orleans, where for a few months, then came to Keatchie and he died the same year of his arrival at the age of worked as a farm laborer for some time, after forty-eight years. He was a graduate of a Ger- which he opened a store in the town and was there man university, was a government employe, a in business until 1871, when he resumed farming school teacher, but took part in the revolution of and gradually increased his acreage until he now 1819, and afterward came to the United States, his cultivates 1,500 acres of land. His success has time, after coming to this country until bis death, been the result of many a hard day's labor, and being devoted to teaching his native language and consequently is fully deserved. In 1874 he was

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His wife died in New Orleans, in 1886, at elected to the Legislature from De Soto Parish, as the age of eighty-three years, both having been a Democrat, and during Gov. Nicholl's administraearnest members of the Catholic Church.

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Six of tion he was president of the parish school board the eight children born to them are now living: for three years. His marriage, which took place Pauline (widow of Ferdinand Zurchmeddan, of in 1865, was to Mrs. Nancy (Hughes) McBeth, of Holland, she being now a resident of New Orleans), Port Gibson, Miss. They are members of the Matilda (widow of August Leuber, a watchmaker, Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Schuler is a

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music.

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a

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a

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8 of

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ruling elder, and he is a Mason, and a Democrat, sons have become well known men, and have been and the owner of 1,760 acres of land, but controls exceptionally successful in their different callings: more than this.

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Dr. E. E. (graduated from the medical department S. J. Smart, M. D. Seventeen years devoted of the University of Louisiana when quite young, to the service of humanity sums up in a line the prior to the war, and afterward represented career, thus far, of Dr. S. J. Smart, who is one of Rapides Parish in the Legislature, the same time the most successful and best known physicians of that his father was a member of that body from this section. He was born in Vernon Parish, La., Vernon Parish; he afterward represented this disin September, 1851, being a son of John R. and trict as senator, and has also represented Vernon Louisa (Coward) Smart, the former of whom was Parish in both Lower and Upper Houses of the Gena native of Georgia, born in 1807. When a child eral Assembly; he has been treasurer of the last he was taken by his parents to Mississippi, where named parish since its organization, and has held he was reared, after which he removed with them a number of local offices of honor), W. W. Smart to St. Landry, now Calcasieu Parish, La., then to (another son, was in the saw-mill business for a Vernon, where he has since lived. The father number of years, and also represented Rapides served as a member of the police jury here many Parish in the secession convention and commanded years ago, was a representative of Sabine Parish a company in the Virginia army during the late in the State Legislature, and also in the Constitu- war; he is now deceased), a sister, Minerva (betional Convention of 1856, and was also State came the wife of J. M. Sandel; she is now senator for a number of terms, during which time widow and resides in Texas), Leathy (became the he held permanent positions on committees and wife of Thomas Richardson, an ex-representative made an enviable record for himself. Having of Vernon Parish, who is now engaged in farming been an extensive planter he lost heavily in slaves and milling), Maggie (became the wife of J. F. and otherwise during the war. He worked for Smith, deceased, who was a member of the State wages when twenty one years of age.

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Since the Senate at the time of his death, and became celewar he bas regained much of his lost wealth. His

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| brated on account of the stand he took on the views on nearly all subjects were decidedly orig- subject of the Louisiana State Lottery; he was inal, and being of a fearless disposition he ex- a noted man throughout this section, and was a pressed his views boldly on all matters of impor- very prominent attorney), Andrew (died soon after tance, and carried his point, not only on the stump, returning from the war), M. N. (is a farmer of but in the halls of the Legislature, being known Vernon Parish), Virginia (became the wife of P. as "the bull dog of the treasury." He still takes W. McGee, and died in Vernon Parish), Missouri an active part in politics as an advocate of democ- (is the widow of L. H. Hadnot, who was a farmer racy, but not as a candidate for office, and in 1886 and died in Grant Parish). Dr. S. J. Smart rewas chairman of the convention that nominated N. ceived the most of his education in Pleasant Hill C. Blanchard for Congress. He is a son of John High School and College, and afterward turned Smart, a Georgian, and in 1828 rode 100 miles his attention to teaching, and during the time he from Bigwoods to Apolansas, to vote for Andrew was a pedagogue he devoted his leisure time to Jackson. The family furnished several soldiers the study of medicine, but afterward became salesduring the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Smart, our man and book-keeper for Smart & Cooper, at subject's mother, is a Mississippian by birth, and

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Leesville, La. In 1871-72 and 1872-73 he at. is still living at the age of seventy-seven years.

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tended the Louisiana University at New Orleans, They have been married over fifty years, in fact and was graduated as an M. D. in the latter year. their married life has extended over sixty-one His early preceptor was Dr. E. E. Smart, his years, and resulted in the birth of twelve children, brother. He commenced practicing in Leesville, two of whom died when quite young.

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All the continuing until November, 1889, when he came

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to Logansport, and has since been associated in mercantile interest, they are the owners of 1,220 his practice and in the drug business with Dr. W. acres of land near Gloster, with about 500 acres J. Headrick. He was married November 21, 1873, cleared, and they are also quite extensively ento Miss Theodocia Burr, a daughter of Murray gaged in raising stock. W. C. Spilker was marBurr, of Vernon Parish, an old and prominent ried in 1888 to Miss Carrie Moore, daughter of family of that section. The Doctor and his wife Nicholas and Carrie Moore, the mother now living have three sons: John R., Jr., Murray B., and Ed- in Keatchie, but the father died about 1880. mund E., Jr. Mrs. Smart is a member of the

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H. A. Storey

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The life of this well-known Methodist Episcopal Church South. The Doctor planter affords an example that might well be has, like the balance of the family, always worked imitated by the young men of to-day, for on startfor the success of democracy, but not as a candidate ing out in life for himself he had but little means, for any office.

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but his endeavors were resultful of good, and he is Spilker Bros., the firm composed of W. C. and now a well-to do farmer of De Soto Parish. He C. T. Spilker, established their business in Glos

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possesses a fine property of 640 acres, with ter in 1887, and carry a stock of general mer- about 400 under cultivation, and has shown much chandise, valued at about $4,000. They are live, intelligence and shrewdness in its management. energetic business men, and have one of the lead- His principal crop is cotton, the raising of which ing mercantile establishments in the town. Both he understands thoroughly, but he also raises corn were born in De Soto County, the former in 1861, in abundance, and vegetables of all kinds sufficient and the latter in 1863, and they are the sons of for bome consumption. He raises sufficient stock William G. and Lena (Malhusen) Spilker, both of to successfully conduct his plantation, and his Baden Baden, Germany. The parents, when but reputation here as a leader of his calling is firmly children, came to this country, settled in Marshall, established. He was born in Pickens County, Ala., Tex., and here, when grown, were united in mar- December 21, 1846, to Henry and Jane (White) riage. Soon after they moved to De Soto Parish,

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Storey, natives of South Carolina, who removed to and they are now living at Keatchie, where Mr. Louisiana in 1856, taking a farm adjoining the Spilker is engaged in the confectionery business, present town of Grand Cane, his section of land and is also postmaster at that place. He was a costing him $10 per acre, a small portion being turner by trade. During the stirring times of the purchased for $6. This land was partly improved, late war he served in the Confederate army, prin- but to such a man as Henry Storey this was not at cipally in the beginning of the war. He is a mem

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all satisfactory until the greater portion was under ber of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife are

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the plow. He made many very valuable improveworthy and consistent members of the Presbyterian ments, and here made his home until his death, Church. His father, Theodore Spilker, died in which occurred on August 16, 1871, his wife dying Germany, and the mother in Texas. The maternal

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in 1862, after having borne him a family of ten grandfather of our subjects, Rev. William Mol

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children, only three being alive at the present husen, a minister in the Presbyterian Church, died time: H. A., Mrs. Ricks and Mrs. Sloan. H. A. of yellow fever, in Galveston, Tex. W. C. and C.

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Storey was but nine years of age when brought to T. Spilker were reared and educated in Keatchie,

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this State, and owing to the thinly-peopled country and after leaving school they clerked for a few

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and to the scarcity and inferiority of the schools of years in Shreveport and Galveston, Tex. In 1887

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that day, the education which he received was they began business for themselves, in Gloster, La., rather limited.

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rather limited. During the latter part of the war and are among the leading merchants of the place. he served three months in the Confederate army, Their stock of goods is first-class and complete,

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but was in no severe battles or skirmishes. Miss and they are doing a good business, all the result

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Alice L. Eatman became his wife in 1874, and, in of their honesty and reliability. Aside from their

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time, the mother of his six children: Clarence,

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Florence, John, Myrtle, Hardee and Earl. He he has one child, E. L. Mr. Sutherlin is a member and wife are members of the Cumberland Presby. of the Masonic fraternity, and he is a member of terian Church. In connection with his farming the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife is a he operates a large cotton-gin and grist-mill, doing member of the Baptist Church. an extensive and paying business.

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James L. Terrell has followed, with substantial George H. Sutherlin, district clerk and ex-officio success the occupation of farming, a calling to recorder of De Soto Parish, La., comes of old Vir- which he was reared, his father, Hiram Terrell, ginian stock, his parents, John and Sarah (Conway) having also been a worthy tiller of the soil. The Sutherlin, having been born and lived and died in | latter, as well as his wife, whose maiden name was the Old Dominion. The father was

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an honor Isabella Glass, was born in North Carolina, but able and upright tiller of the soil, and he and his their marriage took place in Mississippi, in which wife became the parents of seven children, only Staie the father died in 1846. Two years later his two of whom are living: George H. and a sister, widow came to De Soto Parish, La., but moved to who resides in Virginia. Two sons, N. A. and W. Texas, in 1864, dying in the Lone Star State in S., were killed during the Rebellion. George H. 1869, a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Sutherlin was born in Pittsylvania County, Va., Church, Mr. Terrell having also been a member of December 9, 1830, and resided in his native State

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the same.

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The latter became well known in Misuntil he was about sixteen years of age, bis educa- sissippi, for he was a member of the Legislature of tion being also received there. In 1816 he left that State several different terms, and in the imVirginia, and remained in Alabama until 1850, mediate vicinity of his home held the office of juswhen he came to Mansfield, La., and began earn- tice of the peace, and at one time participated in ing his own living as a clerk, subsequently opening one of the early wars. His father, Moses Terrell, a store for himself, which he conducted with fair was of Irish descent and died in Mississippi. The results for some years. In 1862 he became a mem- mother's father, Wm. Glass, was born and spent his ber of Company B, Consolidated Crescent Regi. life in North Carolina. The subject of this sketch ment, and served in the Trans-Mississippi Depart- is one of a family of eleven sons and four daughment until the final surrender, being afterward ters, and he and two sisters are the only members of transferred from Company B to Company F, in the family now living. His education was acquired which he was made lieutentant, which company he in the common schools, and in 1812 he was united was commanding at the time of the surrender, in marriage to Miss Mary Matilda, daughter of having taken part in all the principal engagements Daniel and Charity Sandell, South Carolinians, who in which his regiment participated. He has been died in Mississippi, in which State Mrs. Terrell a planter and merchant all his life, and now has

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She has borne her husband four chilabout 400 acres of his plantation under cultivation, dren, three of whom are living: Martha E., Amanon which he raises cotton and corn principally. da J. (wife of Rufus M. Farmer), and Alice A. He is one of the prominent men of his parish, and (wife of F. M. Brownfield). In 1847 Mr. Terrell in 1885 was appointed to fill the unexpired term came to De Soto Parish, and in 1852 settled on his of W. C. Reynolds, as district clerk, and his popu- present farm five miles east of Mansfield, the place larity was proven for he was elected in 1888, and at that time having but few improvements. He has since held the position with credit to himself now has about 400 acres of land in all with some and to the satisfaction of the public. He was 200 acres under cultivation, which he has obtained first married in 1855 to Miss Mary E. McMichael, by his own efforts. In 1863 he joined Company who left him with a family of three children to care 0, Second Louisiana Infantry, and served with dif. for, two being now alive: William R. and Cora E. ferent commands until the close of the war, his His second union was consummated in 1867, the company being disbanded at Natchitoches. He is maiden name of his wife being A.C. Miles, by whom one of the well-known and respected citizens of the parish. He is a member of the Farmers' Al- lumber business, and has a good steam cotton-gin liance, and he and wife have been members of the and saw-mill, having been engaged in the latter Methodist Church for a long time.

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was born.

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>

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business for several years. J. F. Walker, M. D., planter of De Soto Par- Joseph Edward Wall, M. D. The name of ish, La., has been a resident of this locality since Wall is one of the most influential in Logansport, 1865, but was originally from Upson County, Ga., and one of the most respected in this community, where he was born October 4, 1835, being a son of for he has not only proven himself honorable, honJ. F. and Nancy A. (Fort) Walker. The father was est and upright in every respect but he has proved born in Washington County, Ga., in 1797, and the himself a physician of far more than average merit. mother in Wake County,N.C., in 1800. They located He was born in Madison County, Ala., July 21, in Georgia at an early day, thence moved to Texas in 1831, to James A. and Rebecca (Jeffries) Wall, both 1860, and in 1865 came to De Soto Parish, La., of whom were Virginians, but at an early day bemaking their home in the town of Mansfield. Here came residents of Alabama, in which State they the father passed from life in 1876, his third wife made their home until their respective deaths. The and five of his thirteen children surviving him. father was a graduate of William and Mary's ColDr. J. F. Walker was reared in Georgia, in which lege, and when a young man studied law, but abanState he received the advantages of the common doned this calling for farm work, which he considschools, becoming familiar with farm life and ered would be a more congenial occupation. He was merchandising. In 1861 he enlisted in Company a member of the Alabama Legislature for several F, Tenth Texas Cavalry, which was dismounted at terms, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was Des Arc, Ark., and from there he went to Corinth, in the battles of Horse Shoe Bend and New OrMiss., on foot, his regiment participating in all the leans. He died on the 27th of July, and had he battles of note in Tennessee, Mississippi, and lived until the 10th of December he would have Georgia, being present at the siege of Atlanta, and been ninety-four years of age. He had never eaten was with Hood in bis celebrated campaign in Ten- pork in any form, never drank coffee or tea, never nessee. The most of his time, however, was spent drank whisky, and did not use tobacco in any in the medical department, as he had previously form. The now famous Wall Street, New York, studied medicine for two years.

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After the surren- was named in honor of one of his ancestors, an der he was engaged in the drug business for two Englishman and a rich banker, being one of the years at Mansfield, which calling he carried on

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first men to open a bank on that street. The famuntil 1869, when he sold out and embarked in ily became well known in the history of Virginia. planting, at which he has since been very success- The mother of the subject of this sketch was also ful. He is now the owner of about 3,000 acres of very old at the time of her death and both she land, 1,200 having been opened, his uplands being and her husband have been members of the the best in the State of Louisiana. Some of his Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, the land has been under cultivation for forty years, but former being a class leader in the same for some still produces one-half bale of cotton to the acre. sixty years. He was a Democrat. To them a famDr. Walker is in every sense of the word a self- ily of fourteen children was born-ten sons and made man, and to his own industry and enterprise four daughters--only four of the family being now is due his success. He was married, in 1867, to alive: Dr. Conrad (a physician of Greenville, Ala.), Miss Josephine E. West, by whom he has nine

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Dr. A. S. (a physician of Carthage, Tex.), Mrs. children: Willie I., George H., Robert E., Rufus E. J. Hamilton (widow of Daniel Hamilton, she 0., Lucielle N., James J., Reuben B., Eugene N. being now a resident of Lowndes County, Ala.), and Helen B. (twins).

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Dr. and Mrs. Walker are and Dr. Joseph Edward Wall, who received his members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In early scholastic training in McAlpine College, Nixconnection with farming he is also engaged in the burg, Ala. He commenced the study of medicine

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in 1850 with William R. Davie, M. D., as his pre- Gloster, La.

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Mr. Williams is one of those promceptor, and three years later began attending lect- inent men who find it to his advantage to introures at Nashville, Tenn., but in 1854 graduated duce some other industry besides farming in his from a medical university of Alabama. He at once line of occupation, and is to-day one of the promicommenced practicing in Coosa County of that nent merchants of Gloster. He was originally State, but in 1861 became captain of Company D, from Jasper County, Miss., his birth occurring in Sixth Alabama, but was afterward transferred to the 1842, and is a son of Phillip P. and Rebecca (Col. medical department; was regimental surgeon of the lins) Williams, the father born in South Carolina, Twenty-eighth Tennessee Cavalry, to which posi- in 1815, and the mother in Hinds County, Miss., tion he was assigned during the seven days' fight in 1820. The parents were married in the last at Richmond. He was in the two battles of Ma- named State, and moved from there to De Soto nassas, was also at Gettysburg, taking part in many Parish, in 1849, settling in the woods near Keatchie, other important engagements. With the excep- where they improved a good farm. The father tion of the time he had the small-pox he was not was a successful farmer and died on his farm in sick while in the service and was never wounded, 1887. The mother is still living. The paternal but had a number of borses shot from under him. grandfather, Joseph Williams, was born in the No braver soldier ever trod the crimson turf of a Palmetto State, and died in Mississippi, where he Virginia battle-field, and although his experience had followed agricultural pursuits for many years. was very rough he bravely bore his share of the The maternal grandfather, Col. Mores Collins, was dangers, hardships and privations of war. During born in Georgia, and came to De Soto Parish about this time he lost thirty-one valuable slaves, be- 1847, dying there in 1859. He was a farmer by sides other property, and after the close of the war occupation and a soldier in the early wars. Joseph he came to Carthage, Tex., locating soon after Williams, the eldest of eight children, four now in Logansport, where he has made his home the living, and all but one in De Soto Parish, was early greater part of the time since.

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He has a very ex

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trained to the duties of the farm, and received an tensive practice, but is also interested in planting average common-school education. In 1861 he and is the owner of a fine tract of timber land in enlisted in the Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry, in Sabine Parish. While a resident of Alabama he the Army of Tennessee, and participated in the was superintendent of the schools of Coosa County, battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Chickamauga, Missionand at all times has been deeply interested in the ary Ridge, and the Atlanta campaign, back to cause of education. In 1852 he was married to Franklin and Nashville. He surrendered near Miss Fannie Cox, who died in Sabine Parish, La., Meridian, Miss., at the close of the war, as a nonin 1884, having borne a family of ten children, six commissioned officer of sharpshooters. After the of whom are living: Conrad (now of Texas), John war he returned to the farm in De Soto Parish, and (a farmer of Indian Territory), Augustus (a farmer was married in 1868 to Miss Martha V. Crawford, of Sabine Parish, La.), Fannie (wife of O. M. Maars, who was born in Mississippi, and who was the of this place), Maggie and Tom Dick at home. daughter of Rev. Peter and Maria C. (Montagne) Those deceased are: Carrie (who died when twenty. Crawford), natives of the Old Dominion. The seven years of age), Emma, Mollie B., and Kate parents were married in Virginia, and moved from O'Neal. In 1886 Dr. Wall was married to Mrs. there to Marion, Ala., thence to Mississippi, and Sarah Darby, of Alabama, a widow, and they have in 1866 to De Soto Parish, where Mr. Crawford one child, Audra. Dr. Wall is a Mason, a Democrat,

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died in 1873, and his widow in 1887. The former a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in his re- was a Baptist minister of prominence, and was ligious views is a menuber of the Methodist Epis- founder of the Judson Institute at Marion, Ala., copal Church South.

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where he was pastor of the church for a number of Joseph Williams, general mercbant and farmer, years.

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He and wife were both among the promi

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a

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a

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nent educators of the South the principal part of of a colt, seventeen months old, which is fourteen their lives. Mr. Crawford was president of and a half hands high. He takes much interest in Keatchie Female College for five years previous to this enterprise, and gives overy promise of becomhis death, and was a man of mark.

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ing a noted stockman, bis cattle being also of a Mrs. Williams were born eight children. They good grade. His annual yield of cotton is about have five daughters living. Since his marriage sixty-five bales. He was married in 1872 to Miss Mr. Williams has lived near Keatchie, where he has Sophronia Brown, by whom he has seven children: five farms, owning about 4,500 acres of land, all of Onie, Mittie, Lizzie, Hilda, Inez, Ollie and Alto. which is the material result of industry and perse

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Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Methverance. He followed merchandising on his plan- odist Episcopal Church, and he is a prominent and tation for about ten years, and in 1889 moved his well-known man in this parish. He has one store to Gloster, where he now has a good trade. brother and two sisters living: Holland (in FlorMr. Williams is also quite extensively engaged in ida), Mittie (wife of A. P. Harris), Julia (wife of dealing in cotton and live stock. Mrs. Williams is W. C. Gouldsby, of Florida), and Oliver (died a consistent member of the Baptist Church at while in the war). Keatchie. Mr. Williams is a member of the Ma- J. M. Williams. A lifetime of hard, earnest sonic fraternity at Keatchie Lodge No. 121, and endeavor in pursuing the occupation to which he was a member of the chapter at Mansfield.

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now gives his attention, coupled with strict integJ. E. Williams. If, as is self evident, this rity, honesty of purpose, and liberality in the work would be incomplete without the sketches of right directions, bave had the result to place Mr. the more public spirited and of the successful agri- Williams among the truly respected and honored culturists, the biography of the subject of this agriculturists of this parish. He was born in sketch justly finds a conspicuous place in this vol- Warren County, Ga., in 1818, being the only sur

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He was born in Russell County, Ala., Sep- viving member of a family of eight sons and four tember 3, 1851, to John and Mary (McGee) Will- daughters born to Thomas and Mary (Ivey) Will. iams, natives of Georgia, the former dying in iams, the former a Georgian and the latter a naFlorida, and the latter in De Soto Parish, La. Of tive of Virginia. In 1818 they removed from a large family of children born to them, the sub- Georgia to Alabama, and settled in Tuscaloosa ject of this sketch was the next to the youngest, County, later in Pickens County, where they spent and in the State of his birth he was reared to man- the remainder of their days, the father's attention hood, his education being only such as the common throughout life being given to farming. He was schools afforded. Reared on a farm from his ear- a stanch Democrat, politically, and for about twenty liest boyhood, he soon became familiar with every years was a member of the Alabama Legislature, detail of the work, and showed good judgment in but also held other offices, and for some time was making this his life work when he came to choose a colonel in the State Militia. In the State of a calling for himself. In the fall of 1877 he came Alabama, J. M. Williams received his rearing and to Louisiana and located in De Soto Parish, pur- schooling, but in 1817 he emigrated with his family chasing, two years after his arrival, the farm on to Louisiana, making the trip overland with about which he is now residing, which amounts to 470 100 people and twenty wagons, slaves being also acres, 300 acres being opened. Everything about included with the former. Mr. Williams brought his place shows that thrift, industry and good with him about twenty-three negroes, and his trip management hold full sway, for not only are his to this region, being unmarked by any disasters or buildings and fences in good repair, but his crops hardships, was a very pleasant one. Game was in are always of the best, and the stock which covers abundance all along the route, and venison and his broad acres are of fine breed.

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His horses are

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turkey were an every day affair. He settled with Hambletonian and Percheron, and he is the owner bis family in De Soto Parish, near where he now

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ume.

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9

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lives, and the farm which he purchased cost him lina and Georgia, respectively. Their marriage the sum of $9 per acre. In 1831 he moved to was celebrated in Montgomery County, Ala., and where he now lives, and here he subsequently built in 1818 they emigrated to Louisiana and located him a nice frame dwelling house, in which he ex- in De Soto Parish, seven miles south of Mansfield, pects to spend the rest of his life, enjoying the where he entered and purchased a large amount of means his former industry accumulated. The land, a portion of which was purchased from place was at first heavily covered with cane-brake, George G. Haden. He improved the place and with the exception of a small strip that was under remained on the same until his demise, in 1871. cultivation, but by industry be succeeded in clear- He was married twice, his first union resulting in ing it, and is now the proud possessor of 700 acres the birth of six sons and two daughters: Daniel of fine land, 300 of which are under cultivation, (who was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, was a nearly all being under fence. Besides this he has member of the First Louisiana Regiment), Barnard also given his children good farms. All cereals Y., T. J., Boling (of Shreveport, La.), Goode B., and vegetables can be raised on his land, and as Mrs. T. B. Spaulding and one who died in early grass grows luxuriantly, and there is an abundance childhood. The immediate subject of this sketch of water, it may be said to be a fine stock farm, was reared to manhood in this parish, and as he and to this he adapts a considerable portion of it, was reared to a knowledge of planting he has folhis stock being of a good grade. He is one of the a

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lowed this all his life. In 1857 he was elected leading planters of the parish, and has been a wit- sheriff of De Soto Parish, an office he held six

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, ness to the complete growth and development of years, and during the latter part of the war he was this section He has always been a law-abiding in the treasury of the Trans-Mississippi Departcitizen, never had a case of any kind in court, never ment, and served until the final surrender. He was sued by anybody, and was never a witness but served on the police jury of this parish for six twice, and says that then he did not know anything | years, and as he has resided here all his life he has to tell. Although he is now seventy-three years had every interest of the section at heart, and has of age he still enjoys the best of health and phys- aided, both by influence and money, every enterically and mentally shows but little the ravages of prise calculated to benefit the same. He is the time. He was married in 1837 to Miss Charity owner of 1,200 acres of land in Red River Parish, Brooks, who bore him one daughter, Mary N., his which is all alluvial bottom soil, and also owns 200 second wife being Miss Elizabeth Cowley, by whom acres of good land in De Soto Parish, but makes he became the father of one child, Lightfoot, who his home in Mansfield. His wife, who was for

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. is residing in Texas. His third union was to Miss merly Miss Florence Parker and whom he married Frances J. Ridgeway, and resulted in the birth of in 1868, was born in Caddo Parish, and has borne twelve children, four of whom are liviug: Samuel her husband three children: Charles P., Alice C. T., Hancy, Dora I. and Ida J. The family worship and Parker C. The family worship in the Methodin the Baptist Church, and are highly honored ist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Williams may well throughout this section of the country. Mr. and be accounted a progressive citizen and a true genMrs. Williams have thirty grandchildren and two tleman in every respect. great-grandchildren.

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G. B. Williams has long been prominently T. J. Williams, Jr., is recognized as a careful, identified with the planting interests of De Soto energetic agriculturist of this community, and by Parish, and the plantation of 1,600 acres, which he his advanced ideas and progressive habits has done is conducting on Bayou Pierre, is one of the finest no little good for the farming interests hereabouts. in this section. Mr. Williams was born in TallaOriginally from Montgomery County, Ala., he was dega County, Ala., in 1812, and is a son of Thomas

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1 born in the month of April, 1835, to T. J., Sr., and J. and Eveline (Young) Williams, who were born Evaline (Young) Williams, vatives of South Caro- and married in Montgomery County, Ala., making

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bama.

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their home in that State uptil 1848, when they Williams has been a member of the police jury for came to Mansfield, La., and here spent the rest of about two years, and is treasurer of the Bayou their lives, the mother, who was a member of the Pierre Drainage Commission. He is a member of Methodist Church, dying in 1851. Mr. Williams Woodside Lodge of the Farmers' Alliance, and his afterward married again, and followed farming wife is a Methodist. successfully until his death, in 1872. He was a Boykin Witherspoon, one of the pioneer planters soldier in one of the Indian wars, and was a son of Ward 2, and a representative citizen of De Soto of John Williams, who was of English descent, born Parish, is another of the many prominent residents in South Carolina, but died in Alabama, having of the parish who owe their nativity to the Palbeen a soldier in the Revolutionary War and a metto State, his birth occurring in Darlington Dis. planter by occupation. The mother's father, Bowl- trict, in 1814. His parents, John D. and Elizabeth ing Young, was also a planter, and died in Ala (Boykin) Witherspoor, were also natives of South

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G. B. Williams was the seventh of nine Carolina, the father born on the Pedee River, in children, and since he attained his sixth year his 1778, and the mother in Camden, in January, 1787. home has been in De Soto Parish, La., the princi. They were married at the last-named place, May pal part of his education being received in the 5, 1808, and afterward settled in Darlington Disschools of Mansfield. Upon the opening of the trict, where they spent the rest of their days, Mr. Rebellion he joined an independent company, and Witherspoon dying in 1860, and his widow in 1861. after a short service was placed in Company D, of The latter was a member of the Episcopal Church. the Fifth Louisiana Cavalry, being transferred one The father was a graduate of Brown University, month later to the North Louisiana Cadets of Capt. Rhode Island, and then read law at Georgetown, Jordan's company, with which he served until 1861, S. C., after which he practiced the profession of

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, when he was detached to assist in guarding the law with success for twenty years, and then detransfer of specie from Richmond west, which voted the remainder of his days to his plantation. occupied his attention until the close of the war. He

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was, for a number of years, a member of the He was largely on scout duty while with the North Lower House, and was afterward a member of the Louisiana Cadets, and was in over 100 engagements State Senate of South Carolina. He was a reserve in all, the principal battles being those of Oak in the War of 1812. His father, Hon. Gavin WithRidge, Belmont, Fort Donelson, Island No. 10, erspoon, was born in South Carolina, where he Shiloh, Corinth, Baton Rouge, Plaine's Store, spent all his life on a plantation. He was an officer Port Hudson, Baker's Creek, Jackson, Iuka, Holly under Gen. Marion in the Revolutionary War, and Springs, Coldwater, Bolivar, La Grange, Fort Pil- was also a member of the Legislature at one time. low, etc.

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never wounded or captured. His birth occurred in 1718, and his death in 1834. After the war he returned to farming and this has His father, grandfather of our subject, Gavin Withbeen his life-long occupation, a number of years erspoon, was born in 1712, in Ireland, and died in being also spent in trading in horses and cattle. South Carolina, in 1773, and his father, John WithHe has 800 acres of his land cleared, and the

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erspoon, great grandfather of Boykin, was born in buildings on the same are in good condition. In Scotland, near Glasgow, in 1670. The latter was 1875 he was married to Jennie, daughter of James married in 1693, and on account of a rebellion in and Jennie Wilcox, her birth occuring in De Soto Scotland, removed to Ireland about 1695. In 1734 Parish. Her father and mother were born in he came to Williamsburg, S. C., where his death South Carolina and Alabama, respectively, but in ocurred in 1737, and where he left a large family. 1845 became residents of De Soto Parish, where The maternal grandfather of our subject, Samuel Mr. Wilcox died in 1875, and his wife in 1860. А Boykin, an able South Carolinian, was prominent in family of five children has been born to Mr. and its affairs. Prior to the Revolutionary War, he was Mrs. Williams-two sons and three daughters. Mr. Indian agent for the British Government, and served

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He was

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a

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in the Revolutionary War as captain of a company and 1831, respectively, both being brought to De of Catawaba Indians. He was a member of the Pro- Soto Parish, La., by their parents, the former vincial Government. His father was William Boy- about 1837 and the latter a year or two later, their kin, a son of Edward Boykin, who came from Wales marriage taking place here in 1851. Soon after to South Carolina in 1685. Boykin Witherspoon, the celebration of their nuptials Mr. Youngblood the eldest of two sons and six daughters, five now began merchandising in Mansfield, remaining living, he being the only one in Louisiana, attained there some years, during which time he also bis majority in a South Carolina village, and re- held the office of sheriff eight years, after wbich ceived his primary education at Society Hill, grad. he settled on a woodland farm, where the subject uating in 1833, from South Carolina College, at of this sketch now lives. A few years later they Columbia. He was married in 1841 to Miss Eliza- moved to Sabine Parish, where the mother died in beth W. Edwards, a native of Darlington District, 1868, and Mr. Youngblood then returned to his S. C., born in 1822, and the daughter of Peter and old home in De Soto Parish, and here passed from Jane Edwards, natives, respectively, of South Car- the scene of his earthly labors in 1881. He was olina and North Carolina. Both died in South a captain in the Mexican War, and during the ReCarolina, the father in 1822, and the mother in bellion was detailed to do service at home. He 1835. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Witherspoon was a member of the A. F. & A. M., a Baptist, were born twelve children, three sons and six and a son of Henry Youngblood, who died in De daughters now living: Jane, Elizabeth (wife of E. Soto Parish about fifty years ago, being of ScotchJ. Howell), Rebecca (wife of T. G. Pegues), Boy- Irish descent, bis wife being now a resident of

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, kin, Margaret, Florence, Alice, Gavin and Francis Texas, aged eighty-nine years. The grandfather, W. Marion. In 1854 Mr. Witherspoon came to De Robert Reynolds, died here soon after the war, his Soto Parish, settled on his present farm in the wife dying during that period. Charles S. Youngwoods, four miles northeast of Gloster, where he blood was the fourth of six children, and although now owns 4,880 acres, with about 1,000 acres he was reared a farmer's boy he received better cleared. He raises principally stock and cotton. educational advantages than the average, and was During the war he was captain of a militia com- an attendant of Saline Valley University at Hemppany. Mr. Witherspoon comes of an old and prom. hill, Tex. After leaving school he was engaged inent South Carolinian family, and is one of the in the drug business in Mansfield a short time, but representative citizens of De Soto Parish. Mrs. has since resided on the old farm, wh'ch his father Witherspoon and all the children, with the ex- settled, which consists of 440 acres, of which ception of Rebecca, are members of the Missionary about 200 acres are cleared. He was married on Baptist Church, the latter belonging to the Pres- January 23, 1884, to Miss Willie N., a daughter byterian Church.

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of Hezekiah and Alabama Barnes, who were born Charles S. Youngblood, farmer, has always in Alabama, Mr. Barnes also dying there when had the reputation of being, not only a sub. Mrs. Youngblood was a child. Mrs. Barnes came stantial and progressive farmer, but an intelli- to De Soto Parish, La., in 1869, and is still living gent and thoroughly posted man in all public af- here. Mrs. Youngblood was born in Alabama, fairs. He was born on the farm on whicb he is and has borne her husband three children. They now living in 1837, his parents, Benjamin and are members of the Baptist Church, and he is at Sarah C. (Reynolds) Youngblood, having been present serving as constable in his ward. born in Mississippi and South Carolina in 1819

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ CHAPTER VI.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH–THE ORIGINAL PARISH-SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.—THE SPANISH AND THE FRENCH -GRANTS OF LAND-SLAVEHOLDERS—THE COURTS AND ATTORNEYS-RECORDS OF THE POLICE JURY-DUELING-MILITARY RECORD-NEWSPAPERS-NATCHITOCHES—ITS BUSINESS AND INSTITUTIONS-ITS CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, ETC.-PRUDHOMME-ROBELINE-CLOUTIER- VILLE — MARTHAVILLE — GRANT'S POINT – PROVENCAL - GRAND ECORE- CAMPTI — TRADITIONS, REMINISCENCES, ETC. — STATE OFFICIALS-

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MEMORIAL AFFAIRS.

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**

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“I love everything that's old-old friends,

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Old times, old manners, old books, old wine.” —Anon.

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HE act of April 10, 1805, old town and outside the bottom the uplands par

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divided Louisiana Terri. take of a pine-hill character, except on Bayou Ka- tory into twelve parishes, satebie. Of its total area, 1,290 miles, long leaf

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- Orleans, German Coast, pine hills cover 600, oak uplands 300, and Red Acadia, 'La Fourche, Iber- River bottom-lands 300 square miles. Of 58,969 ville, Pointe Coupee, Atta- acres cultivated in 1879–80, there were 26,784 acres

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kapas, Opelousas, Natchi- in cotton, which yielded 15,320 bales, or .57 bales toches, Rapides, Ouachita and per acre; 813 pounds of seed cotton, or 271 of cot- Concordia. Avoyelles was estab- ton lint; 17,871 acres of corn; 197 of sweet pota- lished in 1808. The Constitution toes, and 28 of sugar cane. Joseph Henry, of Wil- of 1812 established three parishes low, stated that the cotton plant reaches eight feet out of original Orleans. In the in height, and that fresh land produces 2,000 fall of this year Dr. Sibley re- pounds of seed cotton, and after fifteen years of ported to Congress on the topog cultivation yields 1,800 pounds. raphy and people of the Red The alluvial land produces one bale and the River Valley.

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hill land a half bale of cotton per acre. The sta- The original parish comprised tistics for 1889 are as follows: Cotton, acres, all the territory in the ecclesiastical parish of St. 32,783; cotton, bales, 20,115; corn, acres, 34, 200; Francis, or an area 120 miles long by seventy corn, bushels, 202, 150; potatoes, acres, 1,605; broad, Caddo, Claiborne, Webster, Bossier, part of potatoes, bushels, 56,000; hay, acres, 4,000; hay, Lincoln, Sabine, De Soto, Bienville, part of Winn, bales, 110,100; alluvial land, acres, 230,018; pine Red River, and part of Grant, all were organized and oak land, acres, 548, 702; cultivated land, out of Natchitoches. Natchitoches, in 1880, ranked acres, 79,633; uncultivated land, acres, 523,060; third in number of inhabitants and fifth in cotton government land, acres, 196,037; yellow pine, long production of all the upper parishes. South of the South of the and short leaf, feet, 1,300,000,000; cypress,

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; feet,

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,

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500,000,000, and hardwood, feet, 2,000,000,000. three to four in width. On the right hand ascendAssessor Safford in his very careful review of ing was the stream called Rigolet de Bon Dieu the assessment of 1890, fixes the total taxable (now Red River), on which there were no settleproperty at $2,787,260,* which is less than that of ments in 1812. On the left hand (now Cane 1889. The poll tax is $4,400, $1,000 more than River) was the boat channel to Natchitoches, and last

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year, and the taxes accruing from all sources on this branch, for twenty-four miles, were several at 16 mills, State and parish, are $49,030. The rich plantations. Above the old River Cane setdecrease in the taxable property is due to the fact tlement the river divided again, forming an island that the assessment of the railroads was reduced thirty miles in length, called Isle Brevel. This from $7,500 to $6,000 a mile.

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island was subdivided by a bayou, which crossed it In 1785 the population of Natchitoches was 756, from one river to the other. The middle or Caue the figures being obtained for Capt. Gen. Galvez. River was called Little River, and was the boat The total population of Natchitoches in 1810 was channel. The westward channel, old river or false 2,870, including 1,213 Caucasians, 181 free colored, river, was navigable; but, owing to the lowness of and 1,476 slaves; in 1820, 7,486 or 4,725 whites, its banks there were no settlements visible in 1812. 415 free colored, and 2,326 slaves; in 1830, 7,095 The river passed through Lac Occasee (where or 3,802 whites, 532 free colored, and 3,571 slaves; Prudhomme now is), and above, at Natchitoches, in 1840, 14,350 or 7,042 whites, 657 free colored, the two channels met, while the Rigolet du Bon Dieu and 6,651 slaves; in 1830, 14,228 or 5,466 wbites, (now the main channel) left the present Cane River 881 free colored, and 7,881 slaves; in 1860, 16,699 at Perot’s plantation, one mile below Grand Ecore or 6, 306 whites, 958 free colored, and 9,434 slaves; Bluffs, six miles up the stream from Natchitoches. in 1870, 18, 265 or 7,312 whites, and 10,928 colored; When De Soto came here in 1510 the Chickain 1880, 19,722 or 7,642 whites and 12,080 colored.

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saws were the most ferocious of all the tribes, and For 1890 the State statistics show 5,569 white Red River deserved its name then as it does now. male and 7,942 colored male, 3 Indian male, 4 The gallant discoverer died at the mouth of this Chinese male, and 5,295 white female and 7,513 river, conferring the command on Muscoso de colored female inhabitants, or a total of 26,326. Alvarado. After the death of the chief, the SpanThere are 2,068 white and 2,791 colored voters; iards essayed to reach Mexico, but had not yet 5,612 colored and 3,782 white children of school arrived at the mountains when Quiqualtanqui, age; 2,110 farm owners and 3,090 farm laborers. chief of the Indian confederacy, opposed their The United States census for 1890 places the popu- advance and drove them back to the Gulf, reduced lation of the parish at 25,836.

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in number to 300 men. July 7, 1673, the veneraThe village of the Boluxa Indians (near Col- ble Marquette and the daring Joliet entered the fax) stood where the river divides into two branches, Mississippi and Hoated down to the mouth of the forming an island about fifty miles in length and Arkansas. In 1682 La Salle sailed down the Mis.

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sissippi to its mouth. His second voyage, on which *The assessment of the parish in 1858 fixed the value of real

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he discovered the Indian village where Natchitoches estate at $1,619,800; of 7,925 slaves, $4,010,250); horses, $301,100; carriages and vehicles, $15,150; moneys at interest, $265,800, and capital stands, resulted in his unfortunate death in 1087. in trade, $187,260, On this total of $6,429,750 a State tax of $16.66%,

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A few years later the French and English hastened per $100 was levied, amounting to $10,741.83; the trade and profession tax yielded $2,100; the one-mill school tax $6,+30.35; the poll to claim part of the Spaniard's discovery, and the tax, 81,088, and the internal improvement tax, $1,607.59, or a total of

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* Pelican,” under Iberville and Bienville, silenced $21,967.77. Of 212,386 acres cultivated there were 36,765 under cotton, and 16,803 under corn, which produced 22,603 bales of cotton and forever the British ships which attacked her. 381,700 bushels of corn. In 1870 the total assessed value was $2.601,330,50. On this a

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March, 1099, the two captains with Pere Anastase 4-ill State tax amounting to $10,105.31, and school and State bond (who was on La Salle's expedition of 1682) entered taxes amounting to $15,737.65 were levied or $26,142.96. Of 362,162

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the Mississippi and explored the country to the acres in cultivation there were 20.999 acres of cotton and 18,603 acres of corn. The former yielded 9,189 bales and the latter 172,214 bushels,

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Red River.

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In

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Prior to 1694 the Spaniards established a ville and De Touti in 1700; Fort St. Louis, settled colony of Canary Islanders at and around Adayes. by the French under Bienville in 1701; Mobile,

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In 1713 the Marquis de la Jonquiere, and the settled by the French under Bienville in 1710; officers appointed under Crozat's charter arrived Fort Rosalie, settled by the French under Bienin Louisiana. Lamotte Cadillac, one of the prin- ville in 1716; Natchitoches Fort, erected by the cipal officers disappointed in trading with the Gulf French under Bienville in 1717; New Orleans, Spaniards, determined to push French commercial settled by the French under Bienville in 1718. enterprise into the interior of Mexico and to hold At this time (1699) the Natchez numbered 600 back the Spaniards. He established the post at warriors. In 1700 Bienville arrived at Natchitoches Natchitoches, sending thither St. Denys with and Yattassee, forty miles above, where St. Denys thirty Canadians and a number of Indians. This subsequently had a post. They attacked Natchez was in 1714, but St. Denys left only a few Cana- Post, and in January, 1730, attacked the settlers dians there, and pushed westward to the Presidio at the Yazoos. St. Denys, who was commander del Norte on Rio Bravo. In 1715 Du Pisne was at Natchitoches in 1730, won the respect of the sent to build a fort on Natchitoches Island,

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In

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Texan Indians. Against this post the Natchez di1716 St. Denys returned to Natchitoches, received rected their strength, but their approach was dissupplies there from the Canadians and set out for covered. After diplomacy failed them to gain the village of Adayes, where thirty warriors resided. possession of the post, they burned a FrenchFording the river they very soon arrived at the woman in sight of the fort. At this time St. Adeyches village, where there were ten cabins. The Denys had forty French soldiers and twenty settlers Catholic mission was at this point, and near by was inside the stockade, and forty Natchitoches warthe house of the two friars, the barrack of three riors close by. Driven to vengeance by the sight soldiers and the cabin of the devout housekeeper of the burning woman, he made a sortie, killed sixty of the convent. Thirty miles farther up was the savages, wounded a greater number and drove all first village of the Assinais, where a church was to flight. Later the Avoyelles, Tunicas and other attended by two friars, and some distance away

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small tribes became allies of the French. In Dewas the first Spanish Presidio, a captain, lieuten- cember, 1730, the Red River expedition set out ant and twenty-five troops. Immense herds of under Salverte, brother of Gov. Perier. The third buffalo were seen.

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and last stand of the Natchez was made at Battle When La Harpe arrived at Natchitoches with Ground plantation, on Sicily Island, Catahoula his fifty men he found Commandant Blondel in Parish, La., forty miles across the swamp from charge, with Father Manuel, of the Adayes Mis- Natchez, Miss.

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Here they were found by Gov. sion, as his guest. On an island near the fort were Perier, January 20, 1732, and many of them torn 200 members of the Natchitoches, Dulcinoes and to pieces by the artillery. That night a heavy Yattassee tribes. La Harpe went as far as latitude

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rain storm came up to end the butchery, as it were, 33° 35', and erected a post there, 230 miles from and in the darkness the remnant of the tribe esNatchitoches. In 1718 St. Denys was command caped, leaving the wounded warriors, an aged ant. After a short investigation, he learned that woman and some non-combatants in the stockade. the Marquis de Gallo, governor of Texas, was The refugees reorganized under Chief of the Flour, in the vicinity with 400 cavalry and $50,000 worth and attacked Natchitoches early in 1831. The old of goods, and had begun to burn brick for a fort. post, called by the Yankees Fort Claiborne, was Again he brought diplomacy to aid him, and re- surrounded by a deep ditch. In the northeastern ceived a promise from De Gallo that the French section was the cemetery, and there in 1827, the territory would not be occupied.

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last interment was made. An iron cross marks the Biloxi was settled by the French under Iberville grave and date. In January, 1717, M. de La in 1699; Natchez, settled by the French under Iber- Motte's expedition arrived at Natchitoches, but six

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seen.

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years before this the church of San Miguel at Natchitoches, signed the claims in presence of jus- Adayes, near Robeline, was established. During tice Marcel De Soto. The fraudulent methods were the century ending in 1816, Adayes disappeared, exposed by De Soto soon after, and the claims set and the newer town on Cane River could only boast aside. of 150 houses. On March 29, 1823, the church, In 1787 Francois Grappe purchased from Ca presbytery and Rost's house were burned.

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On

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hada or Cajahdet, an Indian of the Caddo tribe, March 17, 1838, fire destroyed the new church a tract at Lake Bastiano, on the road from Campti here, being the second fire in the history of the to Little Caddo. Pierre Gagnier bought lands on town. The fort at Bayou Pierre Bluffs, near Grand Lake auk Meures from John Sohano and other Ecore, was a substantial set of structures covering Chesteaur Indians at Natchitoches. In 1790 Hy. one acre and surrounded by a stone wall. Parts polite Bourdelin bought lands from the Indian of the wall and house foundations are still to be chief, Dehuste, of Natchitoches, under whom the

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On the Natchitoches and San Antonia trace tribe was removed from the post to the lake named, evidences of a fort exist, and throughout the coun- ten leagues above the post, after the death of try bordering the old western trails the crosses of Chief Tomac. the missionaries or the swords of the soldiers of an- In 1787 Estwan Mird, governor, granted lands cient days are unearthed at intervals.

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to Francois Bossier, at the old Yatassé village. The Sanchez' grant at Los Tres Llanos, where Lands were also granted to Nanet Larnodier and Louis Latham resided in the twenties, was one of Alexis Grappe. In 1812 Pierre Elie, Berthelemi the oldest Spanish grants hy Gov. Lavois, who re- Shamberg and Hypolite Bordelon, testitied that sided at Adizes. Sanchez' son was eighty-six years John B. Roujot and Madame F. Lemaitre owned, old in 182", when District Judge William Murray successively, the lots in Natchitoches village, took testimony in the case. In June, 1772, the claimed by Maria Louise Villfranche, wife of Gas

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, inbabitants were driven out of Adizes, by Gov. pard Badin at that time. The names of Marie J. Rippardo, leaving their crops and three sick fam. Crette, widow of Louis Anty, Gaspard Lacour, Alilies bebind.

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exis Cloutier, Pierre Labombarde, Louis Dearbonne, In 1770 Pierre and Julien Besson settled on Baptiste Trichel, Armaud Lauve, Jean J. Poillet, the Ecore Rouge, six leagues above Natcbitoches, Louis Vascoen, of Black Lake; P. Villedaigle, J. granted by Athanase Mazieres, commandant at this F. Lavasseur, F. Mercier Madam Rouquiere, Marie post. The Michael Crow claim on the Sabine, was B. Chamard, John M. Pierro, of Rigolet du Bon presented in 1797. His father, Isaac, married the Dieu; Antoine Rachal, Michel Du Roy, Geago

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; widow Chabineau, and purchased lands on the east Rami, Manuel De Soto (died in 1799, after freeing bank of the river from Vincente Michele, on he his old slave, Papillon, then aged fifty-two years), Natchitoches road. In September, 1769, Chevalier Pierre Kairey, Jacques Vercheve, Alexis Cloutier, de St. Denys, commandant, granted to Marie de on river Aux Cannes, opposite the Old Village, St. Denys, wife of De Soto, a tract in this vicinity. bought from Miguel Rosalie Craz, in 1808; Jo

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Athanase Poisot claimed lands at Three Cabins, seph Taurus, Paul Coutant, B. L. Estage, Old and also Prairie Nabutscahe, under a deed given River; Eben Leech, Spanish Lake; J. B. Morin, by chief Antoine and other Indians of the Hyatas. Marie A. Dupré, Joseph Pabalais, J. B. Boisnette, ses, approved by Vaugine in 1784. This land is Joseph and Dominic Mettoyer, Little River; Nichnear the large bayou flowing into Natchitoches. In olas, a free negro (Bunch of Canes), Marie Palige 1790 Andrew Rambin purchased from the Indians, and Marie Perine (free mulatto woman) Drunkard's Cayacaille and wife, some lands in this parish, and Bayou; P. T. Mettoyer, Bayou Blue; Marie R. in 1778 a lot in the town from Chevalier Poiret. Frederique, Florentine Conan, Marcellet Martin,

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In 1813 Richard K. McLaughlin, representing Pierre Charrio, F. Laurent and S. B. Wiley twenty-six claimants each for a square league in (Campti), Augustin (a free negro) above Grand

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Ecore; Jose de la Vega, John Quinnity, John Lac Terre Noire, one and one-half leagues from Young, Young's Bayou; Joseph Hill, Little River; Natchitoches Post. Pierre Schilletree, Old River; Valery Anty, Balt- In August, 1787, 280 superficial arpens at the azar Brevel, John Litton and Joseph Santes, Ba- extremity of the Grand Ecore, near the lands of you Tortoise; Louis Courtesse, Paul Prudhomme, Joseph Martin, were granted to Francois Varcocu. Neuville Gallien, Leandre Lasso, Widow Antoine, The Bernarda Pantaloon claim for four square Bayou Tete du Cheval; Pierre Sans Quartier,

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Quartier, leagues, twenty or twenty-five miles northwest of Bayou Pierre; Gregoire Gizernac, Lachoniere Natchitoches village, was founded on the grant by Island; Joseph Procelle, Bayou Dearbonne; Jean Commandant Ugarte, of Nacogdoches, in 1798; Legur, Bayou Deyet; the Martins, Bermudas; J. Dr. Sibley was witness for claimants.

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The village B. Piedfirme, Lac Poule de Eau; B. Ratbois, An- of Tapalcote, on the Arroyo del Durasno, and the toine Lenoir, Remy Lamber, Saline Lake, eight stream called Tierra Blanca and Spanish Lake are leagues above Post: Antoine Dubois, P. Bonvellon, mentioned among the boundaries. John Sibley's near Grand Marsh; U. Ortise, A. Le Blanc, Bap- claim for the old Francois Morvant lands, seven tiste Plaisance and M. Levasseur, near Post; Am- leagues from Natchitoches, on the Bayou Pierre brose Le Campti and James Teal, Prairie Yanecoo- road, was sustained by a deed from Patrick Murphy, coo; Etienne La Caze, John A. Agues and A. sheriff of Natchitoches in 1814. Langlois, River Tahon; J. B. T. Grillet, near In 1820 Felix Trudeau testified before Parish Campti; Pierre Gagne, Rene Perrault, Jean Nar- Judge Charles Slocum, of Natchitoches, that the ces, Louis Sydic, Felicite Guillory and E. Derouen, claim of Emanuel Prudhomme for fifty-one acres four on Rigolet du Bon Dieu; Paul Poisseau, At- on Red River, opposite the post of Natchitoches tahoo River; Asa Beckham, Bayou Tortoise; J. M. (lodged in the name of Widow Chaiqneau), was Leando, sold to James F. Porter; Pierre Captain, cultivated in 1796, when he came and was one of a Christian Indian, resided on du Aux Cannes, the first settled plantations in the parish. In 1782 near Antys settlement, in 1780; James Bludsworth the widow petitioned for title, and this petition was claimed the Rouquiere lands, opposite Petite endorsed by M. de Vaugine, then commandant. Ecore; Pierre Mailleux, Gilbert Closseau, Jean At this time also the petition for title by Madame Francois Hartzog, Little River, 1794; he kept a Widow St. Denys was recommended. store on Cane River, distant one and one-half The slaveholders of Natchitoches in 1862, who leagues; William B. Quirk, Rio Pedro; Roger Mc- paid taxes on ten or more slaves, are named in the Pike, Bayou Nantache; Edmond Quirk, Bayou following list. Such names as Gen. Bossier, Gen. Dieu Domini; John Walker built a hunting cabin Gagnie, Dr. Normand, and other large owners of on Bayou Castor, in 1801, sold to John and Sarah slaves in pioneer days, do not occur in this list, as Thompson; L. Robinson, Bayou Boine, seven miles they had passed away long years before, while west of post, and one mile above the old town of others took their slaves to Texas in 1862: C. C. Adayes; Therese Lamalthie, Elizabeth David, Anthony, 29; Giles Berry, 24; James Beasley, 17; Maria F. Hemell, Old River; Placide Bossier, W. 0. Breazeale, 56; J. W. Butler, 36; Breazeale, Clear Lake; John Smith, Bayou Jeat; B. Savoy, Payne & Harrison, 114; Mrs. M. N. Breazeale, 12; Brosse Island.

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F. G. Bartlett, 44; Michael Boyce, 84; J. P. In July, 1764, Director General Dabadie grant- Breda, 21; J. D. Blair, 51; J. J. Blair, 45; Mrs. ed to J. B. Dubois, near the La Cour de la Prelle S. Bossier, 10; M. C. Buckstone, 15; Inil Islands at Ecore, 480 superficial arpens on the

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Brown, 11; Mrs. L. A. Buard, 57; J. L. Bullard, right bank of a branch of Red River, called River 11; C. B. Baird, 16; B. H. Baird, 14; O. P. Cane.

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Blanchard, 100; J. C. Brooks, 25; T. D. Brown, In 1795 there were granted to Francis Rou- 24; A. W. Baird, 36; J. R. Bosley, 28; Hardy quiere 1,600 arpens on Grand Batture Island in Bryant, 170; E. S. Blackstone, 13; Mary Brown,

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30; D. & W. W. Brown, 80; J. R. Bosley, 24; J. 18; Marcel Laplante, 10; Finnin Lattier, 22; F. W. Brown, 26; M. Bundanis, 12; L. F. Bordelon, B. Lee, 14; H. M. N. McKnight, 52; L. Marcy, 21; Hilaire Bordelon, 11; J. G. Campbell, 17; G. 14; L. Moreau, 12; J. B. Moreau, 16; William L. and M. F. Clanton, 36; Joseph Clark, 29; S. Matthews, 16; Joseph and J. H. Martin, 17; W. M. Cade, 49; Etienne Chelletre, 10; W. R. Cow- P. Morrow, 17; J. L. McLaurin, 52; Reine Mcser, 10; N. D. Calhoun, 107; W. S. Campbell & Fier, 15; J. B. Marontini, 11; Widow Louis Morin, Co., 22; Emile Chevalier, F. M. C., 10; Noel F. W. C., 10; Widow Alex Moreau, 23; Jerome Coudet, F. M. C., 25; A. Chaler, 14; Terence Messie, 25; N. P. Metoyer, F. M. C., 12; P. G. Chaler, 66; P. O. Chaler, 15; Jean Conant, F. M. Metoyer, 26; Widow J. B. Metoyer, F. W. C., 18; C., 10; Chopin & Benoit, 42; Cockfield & Benoit, Franqullen Metoyer, F. M. C., 10; T. F. Metoyer, 49; A. Carnahan, 18; J. M. Compere, 15; J. B. F. M. C., 15; widow of August Metoyer, F. W. Cloutier estate, 29; M. Carroll, 28; J. M. Dixon, C., 16; Widow J. B. A. Metoyer, F. W. C., 23; 12; Widow Mary Dixon, 11; A. Deblieux, 11; L. A. P. Metoyer, F. M. C., 18; widow of Ben Duplex, 20; J. A. Ducournau, 20; E. V. Deblieux, Metoyer, 120; Benj. Metoyer, 35 (twenty-three 36; J. N. Deblieux, 36; F. M. Dickerson, 10; years before this Dr. Norman was a slave owner); Widow E. B. Daniel, 20; Mrs. L. F. Davis, 27; Amelia Owings, 29; Widow Lucy Oliver, 14; D. Widow Adolphe Dupre, 21; F. Derlouches, 10; A. W. Patterson, 11: James E. Prothro, 32; L. G. Derbonne, 10; R. L. Duncan, 16; E. Davion, Joshua Protbro, 28; Joseph E. Prothro, 23; 10; J. H. Ellzey, 10; William Ellzey, 42; Joe Achille Prudhomme, 78; W. A. Ponder, 25; A. W. Ezenack, 9; T. J. Foster, 18; E. B. Fleming, 46; Pearre, 17; A. H. Pierson, 31; S. C. Prothro, 26; G. Fontenot, 16; widow of Edward Frederic, 22; Charles Perot, 14; Phanor Prudhomme, 146;

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;

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, Honori Frederic, 13; Ben. Frederic, 11; Azenor Adolphe Prudhomme, 26; Theophite Prudhomme, Farson, Sr., 10; W. D. Gooch, 21; widow of Louis 22; J. B. Prudhomme, 91; Narcisse Prudhomme, Gentry, 27; widow of F. Gonin, 18; George Gur- 110; St. Ann Prudhomme, 72; John Prudhomme, ney, 26; Mrs. E. J. Gallien, 10; L. A. & C. E. 80; G. & E. Prudhomme, 49; Neuville PrudGreneaux, 22; Dezzelin Gallion, 16; Marco Gi. homme, 51; Leetan Prudhomme, 50; Isaac Plaisvanovitch, 128; Richard Grant, 17; J. P. Grappe, ance, 19; F. Plaisance, 18; Omer Perot, 11; John L. 25; T. T. Hollis, 18; M. Henderson, 16; J. F. Perot, 28; Cyriac Perot, 23; L. Q. C. Puckett, 13; C. Hendricks, 11; Hypolite Hertzog, 56; widow of J. C. Puckett, 20; J. P. Packer, 20; James B. Porter, Richard Hertzog, 37; Joe Henry & Co., 56; R. E. 19; Luke Poche, 10; Watson Read, 25; Francois Hammett, 20; Matthew Hertzog, 39; S. M. Hyams, Ronbieu, 40; widow of Francois Ronbieu, 46; L. 62; E. L. Hyams estate, 87; T. C. Hunt, 29; W. B. Rachal, 26; Victor Rachal, 42; L. J. Rachal F. Howell estate, 23; Mrs. L. Hailey, 10; Thomas estate, 20 (there were five free colored males and Hunter, 69; S. M. Hart, 13; Widow J. B. T. one free colored female of this name who owned Huppi, 15; Emile Hertzog's heirs, 18; Widow J. two to five slaves each, and there were thirty-three F. Hertzog, 78; Henry Hertzog, 51; Widow M. L.

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tax-payers of this name in the parish); J. B. 0. Hanrut, 59; S. D. Harper, 73; B. M. Hines, 33; Rouquier, 13; W. B. Robinson, 13; Widow C. N. widow of H. Harville, 18; A. G. Jordan, 79; F. Roques, F. W. C., 10; Emile Rost, 69; J. W. Johnson, 16; Joseph Janin, 40; B. F. Jones, 12; Roper, 17; J. W. Reynolds, 12; J. F. ScarW. S. Ketcheart, 12; Jacob Kile, 14; R. R. King, borough, 11; T. M. Smith, 44; William Smith, 40; J. C. Leopold, 10; Mrs. F. Lynch, 14; J. S. 23; Jerry Smith, 19; C. E. Sompayrac, 63; J. S. Levy, 8; John La Place, 8; Ambroise Lecomte, Stephens, 12; Strong & Morse, 30; A. H. Stathart, 233 (valued at $119,800, taxed, $199.67); Mrs. 15; William Sprowl, 15; W. B. Stewart, 23; Eugenie Lemee, 68; Ursin Lambie, 26; Mrs. Val- Jonathan Sprowl, 11; A. B. Sompayrac, 33; Damas sin Lambie, 26; F. Lecomte, 37; Gasparite Lacour, St. Germain, 10; A. Samptte, 16; C. A. Sarpy 18; Benoist Lavispierre, 15; Theodore de Lattin, (colored), 17; John B. Smith, 13; J. F. St. Amans,

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a

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were:

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15; C. E. St. Amans, 13; B. St. Amans, 66; Jerome 4 o'clock in the afternoon, closing in the old form, Sarpy, Jr. (colored), 13; S. 0. Scruggs, 27; "and that you be hung by the neck, between the Edward Severin, 12; Joseph Soldini, 15; S. S. heaven and the earth, until you be dead, dead, dead, Simmons, 12; John Simms, 77; Richard H. Tur- and may the Lord have mercy on your soul." Edward ner, 10; Marcellin Tauzin, 35; T. E. Tauzin, Love was indicted for the murder of James Craw10; Strong, Walcott & Morse, 30; John N. Smith, ford in 1817, but acquitted; while in 1819, Samuel 162; Ambroise Sompayrac, 100; Jules Sompay. Sims was sentenced to a ten years' term for perjury.

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; rac, 33; J. E. Tauzin, 11; J. M. B. Tucker, 10; In July, 1817, James Dunlap was judge, vice JohnT. B. Turner, 23; W. A. Tharp, 22; Mrs. T. E. son, recused; P. Bludworth was coroner, and L. Tauzin, 10; Severin Trichel, 20; Leo Trichel, 14; S. Hazelton, sheriff. Henry A. Bullard was judge Lucien Trichel, 16; J. B. Trezziur, 14; H. V. Tes- in 1819, but Judge S. Lewis tried the suit of the sier, 12; Gabriel Vienne, 10; Adolphe Vienne, 17; Civil Parish vs. the Ecclesiastical Parish, and dewidow of Emile Vienne, 10; G. W. Whitfield, 10; creed that all the territory claimed by the Civil Philip Wagley, 10; G. S. Walmsley, 46; H. P. Parish, with the exception of a comparatively small Walsh, 12; Warren Williams, 18; widow of F. E. area, belonged to the claimant. In June, 1820, Williams, 31; William Williams, 10; Rawle Will. William Murray succeeded Judge Bullard. In iams, 19; E. Whitted, 10, and William Whitted, November, 1823, the suit of Post vs. Catholic Con12. There were 1,579 resident tax-payers and 82 gregation was tried. This grew out of the fire of non-resident tax-payers in 1862. The non-resident March 29, 1823, the plaintiff claiming $2,000 for slave owners A. L. Abbott, 17; Berry & loss of his house near by and other property.

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It Thompson, 13; D. A. Blacksher, 58; G. M. Brai. appears that in August, 1822, Padre Magney left mer, 19; W. M. Burns, 34; John Carnahan, 16; Natchitoches, and no other priest took his place J. W. Foster, 13; John Frazier, 63; W. D. Gooche, until after the fire. Meantime a negro named Joe, 23; T. B. Hale & J. R. Williams, 14; John Jor- who had been beadle for twenty years before, looked dan, 67; John R. Jones, 28; King & Blacksher, after the buildings. 17; J. L. Lewis & J. D. Harper, 73; Morse & But- The second oldest record of the district court ler, 29; E. L. Patterson, 19; J. B. Planche, 81; in possession of Clerk Hyams is dated May, 1824, G. W. Stone & C. R. Johnson, 21; J. T. Thorn, William Murray as judge and George Smith, dep52; G. W. Thompson, 36, and William Wyche, 35. uty clerk being present. The estate of Gary and

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The first session of the district court was held Shadrack Thomas was assigned to Mr. J. G. Hoat Natchitoches Post, July 19, 1813, with Josiah S. tham for the use of their creditors, the pay of the Johnson, of the (then) Sixth District, presiding. A assignee being $100, subsequently the debtors were judgment for $878.183 was returned in favor of M. discharged from all liabilities under the insolvent Murphy against Augustus Langlois. In Novem- law. On May 4 the cases known as the Town of ber, of that year, Isaac McNutt, William Murray, Natchitoches vs. Tauzin, Lennon and Jackson, Coe J. Winship, Isaac Baldwin and Robert K. Mc. & Loupart and Landreaux were tried, and a jury Laughlin were admitted to the bar, and James of whom A. Bludworth was foreman, returned a Wallace was given special permission to practice. verdict that the buildings of defendants were on Isaac McNutt was appointed district attorney. Nine public property and should be removed. Parish persons were sentenced to one year's imprison- Judge J. C. Carr took Judge Murray's place in ment for taking a prisoner from the jail. On special cases during this term. In November, March 13, 1814, Mr. George Strickland, a United 1824, Charles Provots was indicted for murder and States soldier at Fort Claiborne, was sentenced to found guilty. Benjamin Bullett, the sheriff with death for the murder of Ross McCabe. Judge others, was ordered to pay $800 for a slave. In Johnson ordered him to be taken to the place of November, 1826, S. Lewis succeeded Murray as execution between 11 o'clock in the morning and judge, and C. E. Greneaux, clerk, succeeding M.

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Bronaugh. In January, 1833, C. E. Greneaux signed the records as probate judge. In May, 1813, succeeded John C. Carr as parish judge, and served P. D. Cailleau Lafontaine was parish judge, foluntil 1846. Judge Carr was parish judge as early lowed by John C. Carr, who served until January, as 1807, ex-officio recorder, clerk, and president of 1833, when C. E. Greneaux succeeded him. The latpolice jury, and a man of all work under the Amer- ter served until the office was abolished in 1815-46. ican regime.

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On October 5, 1868, W. H. Hiestand presided as E. K. Wilson, judge of the Seventh District, parish judge; in 1870, H. C. Myers, D. H. Boult, was present in 1836 and Henry Boyce of the Sixth Jr., in 1874; J. E. Breda in 1875; P. A. Simmons in December. In April, 1840, George R. King of in 1877 and in January, 1879, J. M. B. Tucker the Fifth District presided here. In April the trial presided. He held the office until March, 1880, of Francois M. Normand was begun—the Judge when the constitutional term ended. refused a jury de meditate lingue. The charge of A. W. Hamilton was clerk in 1867, and John murder against him was without the shadow of A. Barlow, deputy clerk. Mayor James Cromie, a a foundation; but the jury found him guilty of Federalist, was clerk in 1868, with A. E. Lemee, manslaughter, recommending him to mercy. This deputy. J. Jules Bossier then followed as clerk in jury moved round the town at will during the din- 1871, with L. A. Bossier as deputy. In 1873 H. ner hour and by other methods brought the court P. Meziere was clerk, and John A. Barlow, deputy, into contempt.

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who has been in the clerk's office as deputy since The November term of 1840 was opened by Judge that year. Edward Ezernack was clerk in 1875, J. G. Campbell of the Tenth District, who with W. H. Tunnard, 1877; in 1880, George W. KearGeorge R. King of the Fifth District transacted

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ney was elected clerk and served until his death court affairs here until April, 1843, when Henry in June, 1885, when Henry M. Hyams, the present Boyce of the Sixth District presided, Judge Camp- clerk, was appointed to fill vacancy, and subsebell, however, held court here that year and in quently elected. 1814-15 and 1816. In August of 1846 James Tay. The members of the bar of 1890 are T. C. Jor, judge of the Sixteenth District, was present, | Armstrong, Phanor Breazeale, J. Ernest Breda, and served here until 1851, when Charles A. Bullard H. Bernstein, E. E. Buckner, C. Chaplin, Thomas was commissioned. Judges Olcutt and Jones tried P. Chaplin, M. H. Carver, W. A. Carter, J. F. many special cases bere during Taylor's term. Carter, M. J. Cunningham, J. H. Cunningham, In 1853 Chichester Chaplin was commissioned M. L. Dismukes, C. F. Dranguet, William H. judge of the Sixteenth District and served unin- Jack, W. G. MacDonald, M. F. Machen, James terruptedly up to December, 1864. In April, 1865, C. Morse, M. C. Moseley, Amos Ponder (Many), no court was held, but the fall term was presided Silas D. Ponder, Charles V. Porter, D. C. Scarover by Judge Michael Ryan of the Ninth District. borough (district attorney), J. M. B. Tucker, William B. Lewis, of the same district, opened court James B. Tucker, John M. Tucker and L. B. in March, 1866, and John Osborn in December, Watkins. (J. F. Smith, of Many, died in 1890.) 1868. He was succeeded in 1874 by H. C. Myers, The students who expect to be admitted to the but in 1875 C. Chaplin was commissioned and bar are S. J. Henry, B. H. Litchenstein, R. L. served until June, 1877, when Judge David Pier- Caspari and Briant Tauzin. son was commissioned to preside over the Sev. In 1813 Patrick Murphy was sheriff; 1814, enteenth District.

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Bartholmie Fleming; 1817, James Loccard; 1818, Edward D. Turner was judge of the parish L. S. Hazelton; 1823, Benjamin Bullitt; 1830, W. court of Natchitoches in 1806, when Isaac Bald- R. Jobpson; 1832, Henry Jones; 1835, Benjamin win, Josiab S. Johnson and William Murray were F. Chapman; 1838, David S. Burnett; 1839, John admitted to the bar. George McTier was inter- A. De Russy; 1841, Benjamin V. Cortes; 1816, preter; Patrick Clark, crier. In 1810 John C. Carr Theophele E. Tauzin; 1847, Samuel M. Hyams;

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or's.

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1854, Francois Vienne; 1860, William S. Camp- eer, J. S. Stephens, coroner, 1890; H. Percy suc- bell; 1861, Joseph W. Norris; 1864, P. C. Rogers; ceeded W. H. Boult, and served until 1886. 1865, Theophile Bossier; 1866, James C. Hughes; The oldest record of the police jury was found 1868, Samuel Parson; 1872, R. E. Burke; 1875, in the office of Ambroise H. Lecomte, justice of Virgel A. Barron; 1877, D. H. Boult; 1878, Louis the peace, September 25, 1890. It is a venerable A. Deblieux; 1880, Samuel P. Raines; 1884, G. L. volume without cover or pretensions, written in Trichel, with Charles E. Trichel, deputy. J. H. French, and dating back to October 29, 1846. B. Cosgrove qualified as public printer in 1880. St. Amans was then president and F. Williams,

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In 1815 S. H. Sibley qualified as clerk of the clerk; T. M. Brown, S. H. Benoist, S. S. Bossier, district court, and appears to have beld this office N. Furlong, R. E. Hammett, S. M. Hyams, G. W. up to 1832.

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In January, 1833, F. Williams filed Morse inventor of Morse rifle), and H. W. Powell his bond as clerk, and in 1837 S. M. Hyams quali- were members of the jury, and later the names of fied as clerk of the district and probate courts; in Lestan Prudhomme, T. Thompson, Landry De1846, C. E. Greneaux; 1847, William P. Morrow; louches, and W. T. Walmsley appear. A. H.

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ΑΗ 1851, C. E. Greneaux; 1833, William P. Morrow; Pierson was parisli attorney. Two slaves, Victor 1858, L. A. Greneaux; November, 1860, Benjamin and Hypolite, were emancipated on petition of

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; Joseph Bouis, and A. W. Hamilton in 1865. The Michael Boyce and Ambrose Sompayrac, who gave clerks from 1867 to the present time are named bonds for their departure from the State. The above.

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Chronicle was then the official paper. Michael Thomas P. Jones qualified as recorder, October Boyce, James Taylor, P. A. Morse, C. E. Gren1, 1816; William Payne in 1858; George W. eaux and T. H. Airey were appointed school direct. Kearney, 1866; Charles F. Christy, 1868; L. H. The last named parish treasurers, Jules SomBurdick, 1870; George W. Kearney, 1872: L. D. payrac and Jesse Wamack were elected jurors in C. Lafontaine was recorded in 1813, succeeding 1847, and in October the expenses for the current J. C. Carr; Charles Slocum in March, 1819; J. C. year were estimated at $11,100. In June, 1848, Carr, 1821, and C. E. Greneaux, 1833.

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H. Y. Waddell, William Williams, S. S. Bossier, Louis F. Martin was surveyor in 1834, and William Townsend, James McKnight, L. Delouches John H. Mable, coroner; D. F. Tabor was auc- and L. Prudhomme were jurors. T. H. Areaux tioneer in 1837, and J. L. Gillispie, surveyor; was chosen constable, and the other jury officers Isaac Holmes, coroner in 1839; James D. Cannon were re-elected. In June, 1840, M. L. Squiers, W. in 1843; George W. Morse, surveyor in 1844; F. A. Strong, Sylvan Delouches, B. St. Amans, W. Williams, coroner, 1815; D. H. Boult, 1816; J. F. Smith and Tally D. Brown were elected or rePayne, auctioneer, 1816, and D. F. Tabor, 1817– elected, while in 1850 James Lester and J. W. Mc52; Simon Cockrell, coroner, 1852; J. A. Wolfson, Donald were new members. The unusual benevoauctioneer, 1855; T. Bossier, coroner, 1838; T. M. lence of a legislator is recorded in June of this Hart, auctioneer, 1858; J. W. Walker, surveyor, year. John A. Ragan, representative, donated his 1859; P. C. Rogers, coroner, 1860, and T. Bossier mileage to the parish to be used in the purchase of in 1864.

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books and papers for the use of orphan scholars. Edward O. Blanchard filed his bond as major of The estimate of expenses was $5,500. In June, the Eighteenth Louisiana Militia in 1837; G. W. 1851, H. Y. Waddell succeeded St. Amans as presReese, quartermaster, and S. M. Hyams, adjutant. dent. H. T. Jones, D. H. Boult, J. W. Wray In 1842 P. E. Bossier, major-general of Second and A. Carnahan qualified as jurors, while in 1852 Division Louisiana Militia, took the oath; Dr. D. H. Boult succeeded Waddell. A. P. Scisson and Charles Hamlin, coroner, 1866; Harry Percy, Leonard Trichel qualified with other old members surveyor, 1866; William H. Boult, 1869; Philip re-elected. In July the parish was redistricted Breda, coroner, 1873; Denis V. Murphy, auction into seven wards, and in September the question

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of voting aid to the New Orleans, Opelousas & Great torney, and the estimate of expenses for the year Western Railroad Company was ordered to be sub- 1867-68 was placed at $16,000, the same as for mitted to the people. In June, 1853, President 1866–67. William Trichel, Henry Dallas, Emile Boult with S. S. Bossier and L. Prudhomme old Silvie, Joseph Martin, P. H. Hamilton, J. R. members, and J. Knight, A. P. Scisson and Syl. Hornsby, J. B. Vionne and R. L. Faulkner (pubTrichel, Leonard Trickel, Thomas C. White, T. lic school teacher) were the new members in 1868. M. Spurgeon and J. R. Bosley formed the jury. J. The estimate of expenditures was placed at $20,Lester, J. J. Rains and G. Fontenot are named in 000. V. A. Barron presided in 1869, vice Mar1854, with H. P. Gallion and F. B. Metoyer. In tin and Theo. Monette was a member. In 1870 1855 A. M. Baird, H. H. Haithorn and Peter Air- A. E. Lemee was elected treasurer; J. J. Bussier hart qualified as new jurors, and in 1856 W. P. Ow. succeeded him as clerk the year before, and C. A. ings, and J. B. Fleming qualified. J. B. Smith was Bullard succeeded bim as attorney. M. P. Blackelected attorney vice A. H. Pierson. At this time a stone was president and Charles Le Roy (colored) road from Campti" to Sparta was authorized, and was treasurer in 1871. In August, the estimate also a road from Springville to Cousbatta Point was of expenditures was placed at $35,600. In Oc. declared a public road. The estimate of expenses

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tober of this year, the "Immigration Bureau," for the fiscal year was placed at $10,000, and with was established, with H. C. Myers agent, and J. J. this entry the old record book closes. In Septem- Bossier secretary, Justine Coudet (colored) was a ber, 1855, the record ceased to be kept in the French juror at this time with J. B. Vienne (colored) and

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( language, and the old clerk, F. Williams, continues President Blackstone. The reform association suits the minutes in the English language until 1856. against the jury were commenced. John Dumas In 1858 John Colton, presided, followed in 1860 qualified as juror in 1872.

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qualified as juror in 1872. In June, 1873, P. A. by W. 0. Breazeale; in June, 1861, by P. M. Simmons was chosen president, and he with F. Backen; in June, 1860, by W. 0. Breazeale; in Jennings, W. W. Breazeale, J. Addison, V. A. 1864, P. M. Backen. In 1838 J. F. Cortes, V. Barron, Ed Mitchell and N. P. Metoyer formed Lambre, John Freeman, Chme Vascoco and Ed- the board. John La Place succeeded Bossier as mund Smith were jurors.

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secretary, but soon after gave place to J. A. BarThe first post bellum record of the police jury low. The re-districting of the parish into five wards in possession of H. P. Breazeale, clerk of the jury, was effected in August, 1873, and in September, is dated Decemuber 20, 1865. P. M. Backen was the ordinance probibiting all Red River steampresident, with F. Jennings, Hyp. Hertzog, G. boats (except the Grand Ecore packets) from landFontenot, J. M. Bishop, L. Trichel and L. Marcy, ! ing at any place in the parish, was adopted. In members. C. L. Walmsley was treasurer, and 1874, Samuel Black and John Holmes are named A. E. Lemee, clerk. The liabilities of the parish as jurors, and Charles Le Roy treasurer, but later were estimated at $22,158, exclusive of interest; Willis Holmes held that position, and V. A. Barbut the exact amount of bonds and promissory ron, president. Joseph Ezernack was treasurer in notes issued for war purposes could not be ascer- 1873, and W. H. Boult, assistant.

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Joseph P. tained. An issue of 8 per cent bonds, payable in Johnson was clerk in August, 1874. V. A. Barten years from April, 1866, was authorized.

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In

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ron, W. A. Ponder, R. E. Hammett and J. C. June, 1866, a new jury, with William Payne, treas. Metoyer were jurors, and in November the names urer, qualified. The members were B. H. Baird, of W. C. Ross, F. Jennings and H. R. McClendon W. C. Ross, R. E. Hammett, E. S. Blackstone, appear and William Payne qualified as juror. In William A. Ponder, J. D. Addison, Jacob Kile. April, 1875, Joseph Ezernack was chosen president, G. Fontenot, B. W. Bullitt and Hosea Pickett. A. E. Lemee appointed treasurer, vice Holmes, but C. Chaplin, Sr., was appointed attorney, and R. E. declining Dr. A. P. Breda was elected, W. H. Burke, treasurer.

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In 1867 A. E. Lemee was at. Tunnard was clerk; Carroll Jones, J. A. Clamons,

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F. A. Mezierre and L. G. Barron were jurors. W. S. Greneaux was elected treasurer in August, The clerks and treasurers' records were then held 1887, and in April, 1888, J. J. Rains took the place by Johnson and Holmes, and a request for their of F. Jennings, deceased. In August of this year prompt transfer to the new officials was made and W. B. Butler represented Ward 4, and Adolph Lea notice of the “Payne Police Jury" placed on

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mee, Ward 10. record. The petition of Col. Burke, M. H. Car- The assessors from 1847 to 1889 are named as ver, Leo Caspari and James E. Keegan, to order follows: F. Vienne, 1847-54; L. G. De Russy, 1854; an election on the question of granting $100,000 M. C. Brosset, 1856; J. J. Rains, 1860; G. P. aid to the New Orleans & Pacific Railroad was not Rains, 1860; W. J. Robins, 1865; C. J. Smith, entertained. In February, 1876, lots for white and 1868; D. H. Boult, 1869; W. H. Redmond, 1874; colored school buildings were donated, and in J. P. Johnson, 1880; Henry Safford, 1889. July a memorial to Gov. Kellogg asking him to The treasurers, from 1849 to 1889, are named take immediate action in the case of Amos Wright, as follows: T. H. Airey, 1849-55; L. R. WalmsH. Redmond and William Henry (sentenced to ley, 1853; C. L. Walmsley, 1860; R. E. Burke, death in 1875 and then in the parish jail) was 1865; Joseph Ezernack, 1869; A. E. Lemee, 1870; adopted. In January, 1877, M. B. Florens and J. Charles Le Roy, 1871; Joseph Ezernack, 1874; B. Fleming appear as jurors, with President Ezer- Willis Holmes, 1874; A. P. Breda, 1875; A. E. nack, Secretary Tunnard and Carroll Jones. In Lemee, 1877; W. S. Greneaux, 1887. June William Payne, president; R. E. Jackson,

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The collectors from 1861 to 1875 were: H. F. A. V. Carter, W. B. Butler, L. Chopin, W. C. Trichel, collector of war tax, 1861; John E. MurRoss, H. J. Weaver, with Ezernack, Jones and phy, 1863; Morris Lisso, by Confederate appointFleming were members. A. E. Lemee was treas- ment, 1864; D. H. Boult, 1867; W. P. Morrow, urer, J. H. Cosgrove, secretary, and C. P. Blanch- 1874; C. J. C. Pucketts, 1875. ard, constable. In 1878 F. Jennings was a juror,

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In 1871 the Tax Reforn Association was orand in January, 1879, William Payne, W. 0. ganized, with M. Boyce president. M. H. Carver Braezeale, R. W. Freeman, P. E. Prudhomme, J. and Leopold Caspari were appointed a committee to O. Williams, H. R. McClendon, S. G. Dowden, H. appeal from the findings of the district court to H. Haithorn, A. Maronovich were jurors, and M. the Supreme Court. Other steps were taken to L. Dismukes, clerk.

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check the unlimited issue of warrants. In April, 1880, Jules E. Messi was chosen clerk. matters this association was successful, checkmatR. E. Hammett, Thomas Smith, J. N. Burkett and ing the judgment creditors through Arbitrators Charles Wheeler, with Messrs. Payne, Haithorn, Joseph Henry, William Payne and R. E. Burke. Braezeale, Dowden, Maronovich and Jennings, In the report of Parish Treasurer Lemee, in formed the jury. W. 0. Braezeale presided in September, 1877, he showed that judgments, or 1881. P. E. Prudhomme was a member in 1882. parish paper, amounted to $164,663.28; parish paand F. P. Chaplin and F. Jennings in 1883. In per floating debt $24,561.04, and paper absorbed March, 1884, Joseph Henry was appointed World's by taxes, from 1871 to 1875 inclusive, $77,317.13; Fair commissioner from this parish. In July J. or a total of $286,541.45. C. Trichel, J. H. Normand, Jr., J. T. Smith, W. The duel between W. L. McMillen and George 0. Braezeale and T. L. Grappe appear as new Williams was fought in January, 1836, and resulted members of the board. S. D. Ponder was chosen in McMillen's death. David Burnett was present clerk in April, and served until January, 1886,

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as the friend of McMillen, and Adolphe Sompayrac when H. P. Braezeale was elected. H. B. Walms. as the friend of Williams, with Dr. F. Johnson, ley was chosen treasurer, to succeed A. E. Lemee surgeon. at this time, and in December a number of dele. On September 14, 1839, Gen. Pierre E. Bossier, gates to the agricultural convention was appointed. I through his friends, Sylvester Bossier, Victor Som

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In some

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payrac and P. A. Morse (Democrats), challenged arrested were Ernest Masson, Dr. S. O. Scruggs, Gen. Francois Gaiennie, of Cloutierville, to fight a J. Buard, J. C. Johnson, William Airhart, Sr., J. duel. The latter's friends, L. G. De Russy, F. B. Rachal and W. Cockfield. A. Deblieux, then B. Sherburne and J. G. Campbell (Whigs), ac- sheriff-elect, and John Hertzog, could not be found cepted the challenge and designated rifles as the by the deputy marshals. weapons. On September 18, 1839, the persons In January, 1879, eleven United States mar- named, with Dr. F. Johnson, Dr. Dingles, T. E. shals arrived at Natchitoches, with warrants for the Tauzin, Phanor Prudhomme and John F. Cortez, arrest of sixty-six citizens; thirty-three of the in- were present at “The Savannab,”' in rear of Emile dicted citizens went at once to New Orleans, where, Sompayrac's plantation. The first fire was deliv- on March 7, eight were acquitted. The State ered ineffectually by Gaiennie, and the second hailed the verdict with enthusiasm. effectually by Bossier, who killed his opponent.

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In November, 1879, the Union-Greenback-La- In connection with the Bossier-Gaiennie troubles bor party of Natchitoches nominated Mortimer it may be added that eleven citizens lost their Perot and Jacob Kile for representatives; John A. lives: Sylvester Rachal, killed by M. Busy (a clerk Raggio, for sheriff; E. Masson, for clerk of the for Dr. Normand); Brevile Perot, killed by Gaien- district court; Dr. Jules Janin, for coroner; J. H. nie's overseer, who was also killed on Lecompte's Cunningham, for District attorney, and C. Chaplin, race track at Cloutierville, being among the num- for district judge. ber.

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James S. Flournoy represented Natchitoches, Col. Prickett, who was killed in a duel early in Sabine, De Soto and Caddo in 1859 in the Senate. the forties, is buried on the spot, one and one-half William M. Levy and F. Robieu represented miles from Natchitoches, on Sibley Lake.

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Natchitoches in the House; D. Robson and O. Tauzin challenged one of the officers at Fort White, Caddo; Henry Phillips and L. L. TompJesup to a duel, and the meeting did actually take kins, De Soto, and E. C. Davidson, Sabine. Dr.

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, place. John E. Cortez was Tauzin's second. Capt. J. W. Butler was a representative of Natchitoches May, the wild officer of Fort Jesup, was accustomed before the war. Natchitoches recorded 754 votes to ride over to Natchitoches daily.

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His duels were

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for Breckinridge; 534 for Bell and 106 for Doug. many.

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las. A. H. Pierson, of Natchitoches, signed the In September, 1865, the grand jury of Natchi- secession ordinance of 1861. W. H. Jack was toches presented the Freedman's Bureau as a nui- representative from Natchitoches during the sesance. Lieut. Pope, of the Nineteenth Pennsylva- cession. Jacob Kile and Jules Sompayrac were nia Cavalry, on duty there, committed suicide in

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representatives in 1865, with J. B. Elam and Dr. January, 1866.

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S. 0. Scruggs, senators. In 1868 W. C. Melvin In September, 1878, a convention of the Demo- (white) and Charles Le Roy (col.) were chosen cratic party was held at Natchitoches, and the ne- representatives, and J. R. Williams (white) and groes, under A. Rayford Blunt, determined to hold J. B. Lewis (col.), senators. Henry Raby (col.) a counter convention.

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The white citizens were and M. Blackstone (white) were chosen in 1870. prepared for hostilities, and before Blunt could Blackstone was killed during a secret meeting of carry out his designs, himself and men were cap- the Republican executive committee in 1871 and tured. Next morning a rescuing party, 300 armed L. R. Barron was chosen to fill vacancy. Raynegroes, was met at the dirt bridge by the white

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ford Blunt (col.) and J. B. Elam were senators. guards, and driven back.

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In 1878 the Democrats elected M. J. Cunningham In November, 1878, a number of citizens were and W. C. Ross, representatives, and W. D. Sanarrested on information sworn by J. R. Hornsby, diford and Boling Williams, senators. They were charging them with interfering with him as a voter succeeded by M. J. Cunningham and B. W. Marsfor J. M. Wells, candidate for Congress. The men den, senators, and J. H. Cosgrove and R. L. Jack

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1

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A

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CON

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son, representatives. In 1884 Joseph Henry and (now Mrs. Sullivan), but met with a prompt refusal. J. Fisher Smith were chosen senators, the latter Col. Voce, then commanding, told her that his served until his death in 1890, and the former young lieutenant would one day be the first man holds office until 1892. Leo. Caspari and Dr. A. in the United States. E. Cassidy (died in 1887) were elected repre. In 1846 Gov. Johnson called for six months' sentatives in 1884, and in 1898 Leo. Caspari and men to serve in the war against Mexico, and among W. A. Ponder were elected. The latter died in the first to respond were the citizens of Natcbi- 1890. The vote cast for Francis T. Nicholls (D.) in toches. S. M. Hyams raised a company for the 1876 was 1,776, and for S. B. Packard (R.), 2,094. Fifth Louisiana Volunteers, and was commissioned In 1879 Louis A. Wiltz (D.), received 1,356 votes captain. The same year this company was mus- and Taylor Beattie (R.), 516. In 1884 there were tered out. At the meeting of the Mexican War vet- 2,203 votes cast for Samuel D. McEnery (D.), erans, held in April, 1879, the commission of E. and 535 for John A. Stevenson (D.). The vote Valery Deblieux, as lieutenant of the second com- for governor in 1888 shows 3,373 for Francis T.

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pany of Col. B. Peyson's National Guards, was Nicholls (D.), and 28.5 for Henry C. Warmoth read. Among the residents entitled to claims were (R.). The number of registered voters in April, Theodore Hertzog, Samuel Parson, W. P. Morrow, 1888, was 5,294--2,314 being white. Of the E. J. Cockfield, J. J. A. Martin, James Allen, M. whites 875 and of the Africans 2,523 were then C. Brosset, E. Lavasseur, Emile Vienne, Capt. unable to write their names.

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Samuel M. Hyams and William Airhart and Dr. In 1803 a company of United States troops, R. C. Richardson, all of Natchitoches; Josiah S. under Capt. Turner, garrisoned Natchitoches, Scarborough and Jobo Rockwood, near Many, and while one Freeman, in charge of an exploring party, Ben Prevots, of Mansfield, L. Duplex was ascended Red River, above the post, until he en- stituted a member. countered the Spanish troops, when he quietly re- The Veterans' Association, of Central Louisi. turned. Shortly after a post was established within ana, was organized in August, 1887, with H. V. Mc- fourteen miles of Natchitoches, on the Nacogdoches Cain, of Grant, president; R. C. Jones, of Winn, road. At this time Spanish troops held the terri. David Pierson, of Natchitoches, J. F. Smith, of tory to Red River, so that Col. Cushing, with three Sabine, and C. C. Nash, of Grant, vice-presidents; companies and four guns was ordered to occupy J. M. McCain, of Winn, secretary; W. E. Russell, Natchitoches.

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of Natchitoches, treasurer; G. L. Trichel and T. In January, 1815, Capt. R. H. Sibley's com- Haller, of Natchitoches; J. F. Kelly and W. A. pany of militia joined Col. James Bludworth's Strong, of Winn; W. W. McNeely and D, W. Eighteenth Louisiana Regiment, and was present Self, of Sabine; J. F. Pierson and J. W. Sandiford, at Camp Villero, below New Orleans. The men of Red River, members of the executive committee. failed to arrive prior to January 8, and thus missed Company D, Pelican Rangers No. 2, organized participation in the crowning defeat of the British. in Natchitoches Parish, was mustered in with the

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John J. La Place, aged seventy-eight, of Natch- Third Louisiana Infantry May 17, 1861. J. D. itoches, and John S. Umphrey, aged forty-six of Blair, who resigned the captaincy in 1861; S. D. Rapides, were pensioners of the War of 1812, in Russell, first lieutenant, promoted to colonel; W. 1810.

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E. Russell, second lieutenant, promoted to captain; Gen. U. S. Grant, who, as lieutenant of the S. M. Hyams, Jr., second lieutenant, elected lieu Fourth United States Regiment, was stationed at tenant-colonel of a cavalry regiment; B. P. Morse, Camp Salubrity, two miles from Natchitoches, in first sergeant, chosen second lieutenant in May, 1844, was well known here, among his friends being

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1862; H. B. Walmsley, second sergeant; F. W. A. Deblieux. It is related that he proposed mar- Airey, third sergeant, afterward captain in another riage (through Col. Voce) to a lady of this city regiment, and J. H. Peters, fourth sergeant, were

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H

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1

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306

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HISTORY OF LOUISIANA.

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the first officers. This company suffered severely August, 1861; at this time J. H. Reid commenced at Vicksburg; T. Cobb, H. V. C. Edmondson, W. to recruit his select cavalry company. W. Gandy, and R. C. Hammett being killed, The Natchitoches Rebels were organized Sep- or died of wounds there; O. La Plante died at tember 9, 1861, with John D. Wood, captain; W. Iuka from wounds, and J. Williamson at Oak P. Owings, Theodul Latier and Emile Cloutier, Hills.

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lieutenants; S. B. Shackleford, T. J. Foster, Felix Company G, Pelican Rangers No. 1, was mus- Sers, J. C. H. Nemitts, and E. B. Roper, sergeants; tered in with No. 2; W. W. Breazeale was captian Joseph Gallion, A. B. Cunningham, J. A. Clark until September 24, 1861; W. 0. Breazeale, first and L. T. Fontenot, corporals, and W. A. Jenkins, and G. W. Halloway, second lieutenant, both of musician. Among the privates were L. L. Lynch, whom resigned before the close of October, 1861. P. Rabelais, M. Vickers, and C. Vircher, who died L. Caspari, the second junior lieutenant at muster in October, 1861. Two members of the Hertzog in, was promoted first lieutenant in October, 1861, and six of the Rachal families served in this com- and captain in February, 1862. W. B. Butler, mand. On January 24, 1865, a resident of Natchi- the first sergeant was elected captain May 8, 1862, toches wrote a poem, entitled “Unmarked Graves,” and P. L. Prudhomme, second lieutenant; J. C. dedicating the verses to the women of the South. Trichel was third, J. A. Derbonne, fourth, and F. From this poem the second verse is given thus: F. Chaler, fifth sergeant; the latter died at Mays- Let Beauty's soft tears, like the dews of the night, ville, Ark., September 14, 1861. P. Bossier was

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.

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Or the diamond's bright rays, reflecting the light, chosen third lieutenant in May, 1862; B. B. Brea

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Fall on these lonely graves, love's token so pure,

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Which memory keeps green, while time shall endure. zeale, fifth sergeant; F. Gaiennie, first lientenant;

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While Fame shall proclaim, with his deep, brazen voice, James Kile, third lieutenant; James W. Moss, Names of heroes who, in the land of their choice, second lieutenant, and K. Espy, assistant surgeon. Fell in the strife, on the field of their glory- The list of deaths, as given in Tunnard's report, is

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Their lives an offering to song and to story. as follows: Placide Bossier, at Oak Hills, V. Bor- Company A, Special Militia Force, Fifth Mili- dinave at Castillian Springs, October 3, 1862; C. tary District, was organized in April, 1890, and F. H. Schroeder at Elk Horn; John M. Tauzin, mustered in May 7, with C. E. Greneaux, captain; at luka, and B. F. Warner at Elk Horn.

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C. Pierson and R. L. Caspari, lieutenants; C. The Lecompte Guards were organized in April, Chaplin, Jr., and E. L. Hyams, sergeants; Aaron 1861, with William M. Levy, captain; R. E. Burke, Morris, B. F. Dranguet, J. Johnson and P. S. first lieutenant; J. F. Scarborough, second lieuten- Walmsley, corporals. There were fifty-five private ant; S. B. Robertson, third lieutenant.

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Tbis com

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soldiers mustered in. mand was mustered into the Second Louisiana In

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During the pioneer days of the parish readers fantry, and served until the close of the war; only were supplied by newspapers and periodicals, both seventeen men remained to be mustered out; of French and Spanish. When the first paper was this number, very few are now living. The ser. printed in the English language here can not be geants were T. P. Chaplin, G. P. Rains, L. D. ascertained. In 1818, when Mr. Duplex settled Johnson and G. W. Kearney; the corporals, W. here, the Chronicle was published by Thomas C. A. Hollon, E. J. Miles, J. S. Kearney, and A. W. Hunt. Hamilton; Smith Noel was standard bearer, and In 1860 the Natchitoches Union, printed in Dr. C. Hamlin, surgeon.

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This command left on French and English, was issued by Ernest Le the steamer ** Rapides,” April 27, 1861, 107 '

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Gendre for the Union Publishing Company. On strong Capt. W. M. Levy, editor of the Natchi- the editor's death in 1862 L. Duplex took charge toches Chronicle, and captain of the Lecompte as editor; but in 1864 the Federals issued it for Guards, was promoted colonel of the Second

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one week, and removed two presses and the mateLouisiana Infantry, vice De Russy, resigned, in rial. On Banks being driven away, Mr. Duplex

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refurbished the office and carried on L. 'Union 13, 1883, by C. V. Porter. In 1887 Thomas J. until 1872, under the title Natchitoches Times, Flanner was editor and in May, 1888, J. H. Coswhen the publication ceased. In 1876 the office grove became proprietor. In 1883 the “Race Probwas sold to J. H. Cosgrove. The press was sold lem" was written by Mr. Cosgrove and subsequently in 1877 to the Winnsborough Sun.

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he contributed to the press of this State many of On April 5, 1864, the Natchitoches Daily Union the ablest, matter-of-fact papers on political and was issued from the Government printing office. social affairs. He brought the Review into the Lieut. Thomas Hughes was editor and Sergt. H. front rank of Louisiana journals. R. Crenshaw & Co., publishers. A beautiful word The Enterprise was issued here in 1888 by painting of the happy condition of the people be. H. P. Breazeale. fore the war was drawn, the leaders who led them The Robeline Reporter was established in Febinto Rebellion denounced and a promise made that ruary, 1883, by S. M. Potts & Son, who published only one fag should wave in the North and South. it until 1884, when J. M. Porter and W. A. LauAmong the poems of the war period were the “Mar- rent became owners. Later that year the latter seillaise du Sud,” dedicated to the chasseurs a pied sold to W. A. Carter, who a short time after pur

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,' des Natchitoches, by E. L. Caporal; "Aux Volon- chased Porter's interest. In 1886 the Reporter taires," was written in May, 1861, by Malle; “The became the property of the Robeline Publishing Soldier's Dirge” in 1864, and “Farewell to the Company, W. A. Ponder, superintendent, and A.V. Lafourche Guards” in 1861. During or after the Carter, editor. After a few months Dr. J. H. visit of Ex-President Davis, “The Saddest Run of Cunningham became editor, and during his illness the Storm,'' was written by Mary E. Bryan for the Mrs. M. E. Cunningham became editress. On Spectator.

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the latter's death in 1886, C. R. Lee controlled Natchitoches Spectator was issued December the office, but publication ceased for a short time, 5, 1867, by J. M. Scanland. On September 22, when I. F. Carter revived it. In 1887 Hickson 1868, Mr. Scanland issued his valedictory and Mr. Capers purchased the office, and in February, 1889, Cromie purchased the office and filled all contracts when the Publishing Company resumed ownerfrom the Red River News-Republican, 1874. ship, another suspension followed until R. M.

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The Red River News was established by James McIntosh purchased the office, but in 1889 A. V. Cromie in 1868. L. H. Burdick became owner in Carter became owner and changed the name to the 1870 and continued publication until June, 1874. News. In January, 1888, R. W. Ferguson was

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The Record was issued here later, and in 1875 editor and D. W. Hubley, publisher. The valedicD. W. Hubley published the Republican.

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tory of A. V. Carter as editor, of the Robeline News The Peoples' Vindicator was issued June 17, and of Carter & Son as proprietors, appeared May 1874, by J. H. Cosgrove, as a Democratic journal, 30, 1890, and in the same issue, a stirring salutatory this

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was the first Democratic paper since the was issued by S. C. Presley. J. E. Howe, now conTimes suspended.

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In 1881 the office was sold to nected with the News, entered the office in Februto Phanor Breazeale and publication suspended. *

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Martha's Bulletin was issued at MarThe Daily Vindicator was published in 1876 thaville in 1888, with W. A. Gilbreath publisher. by J. H. Cosgrove; but owing to the heavy ex- On September 12, 1890, the name was changed to pense of associated press dispatches, this great en- People's Republic, and Lee & Gilbreath were terprise was surrendered after six weeks.

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editors. The size of the paper was doubled at this The Natchitoches Register was issued in June, time. 1880, by John E. Hewitt.

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The enrollment of white pupils in the schools The Democratic Review was established May

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of Natcbitoches from 1877 to 1886, inclusive,

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is as follows: 655, 954, 771, 371, 516, 1,371, *On March 29, 1884, the office of the Vindicator was sold to C.V. Porter.

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1,422, 1,123, 4,108 and 915.

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The

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nunber

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ary, 1883.

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as

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of colored pupils enrolled for the years 1878 along the North Atlantic coast, and not until late to 1886 inclusive, is shown follows: 438, in the seventeenth century was there an actual 601, 122, 381, 455, 1,404, 614, 2,613 and 662. settlement made in Louisiana, and that was at In 1888 there were 3,172 children reported Adayes, near Natchitoches, a quiet little Indian attending school and in 1889, 4,738. This parish village in 1694, when the Islanders arrived from is one of the most liberal patrons of education the Canaries. After the death of De Soto, Musin the State. In early years private schools caso ascended Red River, but beyond noticing the of a first-class character were carried on here, and Indian occupants of the valley, he left no other in 1881 the State recognized the claims of this record. In 1694 a few members of the colony parish to the normal school. [Vide history of of Islanders, with a few Spaniards and Mexicans town.] Peter Duke was superintendent of free came hither. In 1714 St. Denys located a few school in 1819; J. H. Stephens in 1850, and later French Canadian families on the island of NatchiH. P. Breazeale.

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toches, and in January, 1717, M. De la Motte took In January, 1838, Dr. D. M. Heard presented possession of the place. In 1717, when De la Harpe his diploma as physician of 1831, I. W. Butler returned to the post he found Commandant Blonhis of 1832, Philip Breda his of 1836, and John del in charge and was so well pleased with the F. Williams his of 1838. Dr. Normand, of Clou- condition of affairs, that he wrote to Father Martierville, and other old physicians did not register. sello, then superior of the Texan Missions, assur

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, Under the law of 1882 the following named regis- ing him that his people could find all kinds of tered tbeir diplomas: Penn Crain, Josephus F. European goods at Natchitoches. Darby, in his Griffin, Charles Hamlin, Joseph S. Stephens, history (published in 1817), speaks of Natchitoches Jules V. Janin, John W. Thomas, Sherman B. in latitude 30° 40' on the right bank of Red Crocheron, Zachary T. Gallion, Joseph A. Le- River. In March, 1823, a fire originating in the veque, James A. Root, William B. Powell, James old church destroyed sixty-five of the old buildE. Thomas, Alexander P. Breda, James Duerson, ings. Coulon de Villier and Roujot were comJohn A. Lovett, Joseph S. Stephens, Jr., Theo- mandants prior to 1774. Vaugine and other offiphile Goudaux, James N. Lee, John D. Addison, cers, referred to in the general history of the Christopher C. Nash and Samuel H. Scruggs. parish were here, but the kindest and ablest of the The old physicians who registered were Lamarque French or Spanish officials was St. Denys, whose A. Lambert, Andre V. Couty, Thomas B. Sellers, name will be forever identified with the settle. Daniel L. Gillen, Elias I. Persigner, Albert E. ment and progress of this portion of Louisiana, Cassady, William W. Pitts, Randolph H. Ander- for to him is due the crushing defeat of the bloodson, Eli Hongo and John F. Carroll.

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thirsty Natchez at this post in 1731. The town of Natchitoches in latitude 31° 44'

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In previous pages many direct references are and longitude 14° west is the oldest permanent made to the early land owners around the post, and settlement in Louisiana, and with the exception of even lot buyers in the town are named. Incidents the ancient Spanish town of Adayes, the oldest in its progress from 1731 to the fire of 1823 are unwithout qualification. It is thought by many that obtainable, save in a legendary or uncertain form, Natchitoches is the oldest town in the United but the ecclesiastical history is not wanting for in States, but this is not the case. St. Augustine, Fla., no place can be found a more perfect record than was founded by the Spaniards in 1565; Port Royal, in the archives of the old parish house of the N. S., by the French, 1605; Jamestown, Va., by the present Cathedral. From the settlement of 1714 London Company, 1607; Quebec, by the French, to 1724 the mission was attended from Adayes 1608; New York, by the Dutch, 1014; Plymouth, by Rev. Anthony Margil or missionary priests.

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, Mass., by the Puritans, 1620, and Baltimore

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The first baptism recorded is that of Francois by the Irish, 1632. Other settlements followed Gaspar Barbier, September 3, 1724, by the Ca

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*

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puchin friar, Francois Balliss. Brothers Luis de and continued so until 1832, when the waters cut a Quintanillo and Maximin were here in 1729; Rev. wide channel. Up to that time Cane and Little Campe, a capuchin, in 1730, and in 1734 Father Rivers were the navigable streams, forming this Pierre Vitry, a Jesuit, took charge of the parish. part of Red River. Loggy Bayou was at the foot Revs. Jean Francois, Marmoulet, Archange, Bar- of the great raft and there, in 1832, 500 or 600 nabie, Ragobert, Eustache, Amé, Valentin, Apass. Norwegians, in charge of Dr. Baum, were landed. thase, Varnird and Infant, all capuchins, adminis- Postlewait's Salt Works, at the Saline, were estered the sacrament of baptism prior to 1765. tablished in 1805 and a large salt trade was carFather Stanislaus came in 1765, and was succeeded ried on between this and Mississippi points, but in 1775 by Father Luis de Quintanillo and he, in years before this the Indians from the Mississippi 1783, by Rev. Francois de Caldar. Father Dal- came hither at stated times to procure salt. vaux came in 1786 and, with Revs. De Veles and In 1836 a merry company passed through Pavie, administered the old parish until the close Natchitoches: David. Crockett, John Featherston, of 1796, when Father A. D. Sedella came, but “ Happy’’ Johnson, Ephriam Tully and Matthew Father Pavie was rector in fact up to August, Despallie. In describing the last named, the gam1807, when Rev. L. Bubst was appointed. Rev. bler, Greene, says:

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“He was a villainJ. Huerta was here in 1810, and J. M. Sora in ous bully. He drew on me at Alexandria, in 1833, 1811, as assistant priests-all capuchins. In April, but I was expecting it, and shot him with a derrin1813, Rev. J. Francisco Magnes was appointed ger. I hurried away, supposing he was killed, and and remained until August, 1822, when the church was assisted in my escape by J. Madison Wells' fawas without a pastor (the buildings were burned ther, who kept me at his plantation for several days. March 29, 1823).

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I am not sure whether it was Matt, or his equally On October 8, 1814, the claim of St. Francis bad brother, who was killed by ex-governor Wells." Church was presented to the commission. Louis Rezin P. and James Bowie were residents of OpelBuard established the fact that for eighty years

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ousas Parish.

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Nassau, or Little Nas, a native of the priests, wardens and singers of St. Fran- Natchitoches, who slept outside the Alamo during cis held those lands, and that no other ones the battle of March 6, 1836, was the only male ever made establishment thereon, as church lands who escaped the fate of the besieged. Mary Britwere held sacred. The claim for four and four- ton and her infant were spared by the Mexicans. tenths arpents of land on the right bank of a The United States Land Office at Natchitoches small bayou near the village was reported favor- was established July 7, and opened October 12, ably. Prior to this, on December 13, 1811, Rev. 1838, by Receiver Benoit Laurents and Register Father Dagobert deeded to the police jury of

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Patrick O. Lee. William Parmer made the first Natchitoches, 118.18 acres without consideration. entry- the southwest quarter of Section 13, Town

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In 1778 Andre Rambin purchased a lot in the ship 7, Range 11, Natchitoches. W. T. Walmsley town from Poiret, also Charles Paire, Nicholas was register in 1843. In November, 1812, John Lauve, and others named in the general history. Tucker signs the receiver's books, followed in July, Capt. Isaac Wright who, in 1824, commenced 1847, by J. M. B. Tucker.

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John F. Payne was steamboating between Natchez and Natchitoches,

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register in 1817.

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In June, 1819, Hugh Y. Wadstates that there was a large Mexican trade carried dell was commissioned register. John La Place on there.

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Tbe Mexicans would come in with hun- was receiver in September, 1849, followed in Sepdreds of pack mules, loaded with specie, buffalo tember, 1853, by J. B. 0. Buard; J. B. Cloutier, robes, tongues and peltries and return with dry register. Thomas C. Hunt was in office, as regoods and notions. In 1826 he and Capt. Gurney | ceiver, in the fall of 1855, and in July, 1860, came down the Rigolet du Bon Dieu in a skiff. John La Place was reappointed receiver and S. It was then a small bayou about thirty feet wide M. Hyams register, succeeding W. W. Lester,

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special agent. In 1862 Mr. La Place surrendered agent of the town to negotiate with the New the office to Felix Metoyer, appointee of the Con- Orleans & Pacific Railroad Company for building federate land commissioner. In July, 1867, Col. the road via Natchitoches. The law suit growing D. Seigler, register of the Natchitoches Land out of the election of mayor this year entailed a Office, returned, and later the old archives were small expenditure. Edward L. Pierson was debrought hither. Receiver Lancaster also arrived clared mayor by the district judge, and in Sepduring this month.

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tember the following named citizens were appointed In June, 1871, J. Jules Bossier was appointed delegates to the Shreveport Railroad Convention: receiver and H. C. Myers register, and in June, W. M. Levy, W. H. Jack, Col. R. E. Burke, E. 1874, A. E. Lemee was commissioned. John La L. Pierson, A. E. Lemee, C. Chaplin, Jr., and C. Place, who served in the office during his father's F. Dranguet. In March, 1872, a night police administration, re-entered the office in 1882, and force was established, and the question of raising is the present deputy. L. H. Burdick succeeded $1,000 by special tax to purchase hose for the Myers in July, 1872, and served until August, fire-engine was ordered to be submitted to the 1875, when L. Duplex took charge. In May, 1885, people. W. E. Russell was commissioned register, and in Natchitoches was incorporated as a city by the February, 1888, Willis Holmes succeeded him. Legislature July 5, 1872. The first meeting of On August 25, 1890, L. Duplex was reappointed the new council was held July 22, E. L. Pierson, register.

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mayor; J. A. Ducournau, M. H. Carver, Emile On March 5, 1839, B. St. Amans, S. M. Hy Rivers, Edmond Atkinson, John Genoe and J. C. ams, G. W. Russ, H. A. Ely and A. C. Surlls Trichel, councilmen; A. E. Lemee, secretary and

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, qualified as trustees of the town; M. R. Anail, treasurer; C. Chaplin, Jr., attorney; J. H. Cosclerk; W. L. Tuomey, attorney; Henry White and grove, assessor, collector and chief of police, and C. F. Rains, constables and collectors, and S. M. Charles Hamlin, physician. 'John B. Levy was Hyams, surveyor. (No records 1840 to 1868.) In

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mayor in 1873; F. McDaniel, chief of police and 1861 Felix Mettoyer was mayor. The council J. H. Cosgrove, collector. Later, W. H. Redelected in April, 1868, comprised Theodore Schu- mond was appointed to this office; J. F. De Vargas, man, mayor; Joe Ezernack, Jacob Israel, Henry secretary and treasurer; C. J. Smith, chief of Burns (colored), W. Brady (colored), John Genoe police; L. H. Burdick, of The Red River News, and Hugh McKenna, councilmen. Burns and printer, and A. E. Lemee, mayor, J. F. De

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. Brady resigned rather than take the oath of office. Vargas was mayor in 1874; C. F. Dranguet, 1877; Later that year A. E. Lemee, secretary and treas- Willis Holmes, 1879; Dr. R. S. Calves, 1881-90. urer; and W. H. Carver, Jacob Israel, Joseph Ezer- . John La Place was elected clerk in 1874; W. nack and J. M. B. Tucker were trustees. The brick H. Barbes, 1878; C. V. Porter, 1881; C. E. culvert and dirt bridge on Second street, over Greneaux, 1880. In August, 1881, J. H. CosBayou Amulet were constructed this year by Key grove was appointed chief of the fire department, ser & McKenna at a cost of $990, while in 1869 and Willis Holmes, assistant chief; W. P. Morrow other structures were anthorized. Philip Myers was chosen assessor in 1871; Lem. Greneaux, 1877; was mayor in 1870, and J. W. Little, constable, W. E. Russell, 1879; J. W. Little was marshal in vice L. Hanson,' resigned. The sum of $100 was 1877; F. P. Raggio, 1879, and W. S. Greneanx appropriated to establish a telegraph line between is the present marshal. this town and Alexandria. J. Ezernack, J. R. E. F. Fitzgerald was appointed postmaster in Williams, W. D. Harkins and A. Perini were September, 1862.

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In September, 1866, this office councilmen, while in 1871, Tilman Watkins, E.

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was reopened by the United States, with George Phillips, John Genoe and Samuel Parsons were Monroe, postmaster; Cloutierville, with Oliver trustees. Col. William M. Levy was appointed Brosset; Campti, with Reiny Lambre.

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R. W.

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Taliaferro was postmaster in 1867. In 1868 Rufus

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In 1868 Rufus 1833, Father Franciar being also here, and the Tabor was incumbent, keeping the office in the old latter remained in 1839, when Father V. Yamey Walmsley building. J. F. de Vargas held the took charge of the parish. In 1840 Rev. T. Alaoffice in 1875. Charles Le Roy and W. D. Hark- bau, P. C. M., Rev. E. Giustiniani and Father ins held the office successively. The Widow R. E. Pascual were here. Rev. R. W. Stehle came in Burke held the office for two terms prior to 1883, 1842; J. M. Maynard in 1844. Father Figari, a Mrs. Sudduth took possession in February, 1885, missionary, assisted Rev. Giustiniani in 1817, and with J. E. Breda, deputy. He succeeded Mrs. with Rev. L. C. M. A. Verrina and R, Pascual Sudduth in July, 1890, and is the present incum- were priests in 1848. In June, 1849, Rev. A. bent.

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Andrieu became pastor. In August, 1850, Rev. The first fire was that of 1823, which destroyed Aug. Martin with Frederick Cuney, assistant the second church building and sixty-five houses. priest, were here. The latter was succeeded by

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, In 1838 the second fire swept away the third church Father Gelot in 1851, and in 1852 P. F. Dicharry, building A few small fires are recorded prior to V. G., came. (He remained until 1887.) Rev. Y. 1864, when the town was saved from the fury of Yanean, of Marksville, L. Gergaud, who died at the Federal troops by Bishop Martin.

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Shreveport in 1873, and J. M. Beaubien performed The fire of April 19, 1881, destroyed property baptismal ceremonies here in 1855. Fathers F. valued at $148,387, of which $50,900 worth was Levouzet and Ch. Lebour in 1856; Y. M. Le Coninsured. It originated in the old Fontenot Hotel, nait, J. L. Galop, C. Sorrentini and J. Gentille purchased a short time before by Frank McDaniel, were here before the war. Father F. Martin came who promptly insured it for $7,000. Two blocks in 1862, and with Father Levouzet were here up were destroyed, the owners of property being C. to 1873, when the latter died at Shreveport. Chaplin, H. Walnusley, H. Bath, A. Prudhomme, Father Martin remained until 1878 with Father Nelken Lecompte, George Kile, Joseph Henry, Dicharry, vicar-general. That year Rev. A. AnPayne,

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Shaffrach, J. Johnson, J. Ducose, dries took Father Martin's place, and in 1889 Bullard & Campbell, Hugh Walmsley, Levy & Rev. A. Piegay came as assistant priest. In 1887 Phillips, H. Litchenstein, Ducournau & Breda. Father Andries was appointed vicar-general and The office of the Vindicator, the property of J. H. acting secretary of this extensive diocese. The Cosgrove, was destroyed, with valuable files, State churches of the diocese in the parishes treated in and National reports, and library. McDaniel was this volume are as follows: St. Francis Xaviers, charged with incendiarism, and lodged in jail. Alexandria, Rev. L. Minard; Sacred Heart, PineThe Fontenot House was a tall three-story build

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ville, Rev. R. Dumas, rector; Bayou Moreau ville, ing, which was at one time the jail.

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Rev. P. E. Simon, Big Bend; St. Joseph's, MarksThe Cathedral Church of St. Francis is one of ville, Rev. A. Chorin; Bayou Bourbeaux, Bayou the historic landmarks of the United States. It was Cie, Bayou Dolle; Mansfield, Bayou Pierre and old when the immortal Declaration of Independ- Kingston, attached to the Carmelite monastery; ence founded a great nation, and still a few miles Bayou Pierre and Prairie River, attended from away was the older church of San Miguel. In a Cloutierville; Bellevue, St. Johns, of Big Island, former page the history of this church down to attended from Pineville; Campti, Rev. E. Armaud 1823 is given. After the fire of that year the (succeeding Father Poullain); Clear Lake; St. work of rebuilding was entered upon, and in 1726 John the Baptist, at Cloutierville; Rev. J. M. a new house of worship was completed in rear of Beaulieu, Cotes D’Afrique; Cottonport, Rev. J. the parish cemetery.

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In 1825 Revs. Anduze and Rechatin; St. Vincent's, Fairfield, Rev. Gloster, Martin came in 1826; Rev. L. Dussausoy and J.

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attendant from Fairfield; Keatchie, attended from B. Blanc came in 1827. Rev. A. Mascaroni was Fairfield, N. J. Roulleaux; Fairmont, attended here at this time. Rev. E. D. Haurd came in from Pineville; Homer and Minden, attended from

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was

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a

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Shreveport; Ile Brevelle (colored) and Old River, fred Bludworth, Daniel H. Vail, Martin Fearing Rev. F. Grosse; KeKouen, attended from Natchi- and Thomas H. Airey, vestrymen; Thomas P. Jones, toches; Lecompte, attached to Alexandria; Planche- clerk, succeeded by E. Hollis. (In December, 1811, ville, Rev. L. Gallop; Shreveport, Rev. Joseph the Methodist preachers entered this field, holding Gentille; Spanish Lake, attached to Many; Spanish services in the court house). Mr. Burke attended Town, attached to Bayou Pierre; Spring Creek, to the little societies at Greenwood, Shreveport, AlAlexandria; Tiger Island, Natchitoches. In the exandria, Donaldsonville, Fort Jesup, Baton whole diocese are fifty-three churches and chapels, Rouge and Franklin, up to 1844, when be resigned. and a population of about 30,000 persons.

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In 1843 a church building was erected here through The division of New Orleans diocese the efforts of the first pastor. In December, 1844, recommended in 1852. Shortly after this recom- Rev. Elijah Guion came here, and remained until mendation was carried out, and Rev. Augustus M. June, 1848. For five years the pulpit was filled by Martin elected first bishop of the new diocese of visiting preachers, or by the rector of Alexandria. Natchitoches July 29, 1853. He found in all In July, 1853, Rev. Thomas S. Bacon arrived; the Northern Louisiana a Catholic population of about corner-stone of the present brick church was placed 25,000, seven churches, four priests and the edu- April 28, 1857, and the bouse was completed in cational house of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. 1858. Prior to this a silver eucharistic service was On bis death, September 29, 1877, there were presented by Gen. De Peyster, of New York, and a sixty churches, together with the educational and tablet to the memory of his daughter was placed charitable institutions of the Daughters of the in the sanctuary, on the left of the altar. Mr. BaCross, referred to in the history of Caddo, and the con served the churches of this mission until April Sisters of Mercy. Rev. F. X. Leray, a historical 12, 1861, when he resigned, leaving a Mr. Binet character in the history of Mississippi, was elected to take charge. In April, 1865, a Confederate bishop in 1877, and had for his diocese all of, chaplain, Rev. David Keer, succeeded Mr. Binet, Louisiana north of latitude 31°. In 1879 he was but in March, 1867, the pulpit was found vacant, appointed coadjutor of New Orleans, but con- and the bishop appointed a lay reader. In March, trolled Natcbitoches as administrator apostolic, and 1870, the pastor of the Shreveport Church came on the death of Archbishop Perchi in December, here by appointment, but in December, 1870, Rev. 1883, became administrator of the whole State. Charles Ritter was appointed rector, and served He was

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soon after elected archbishop of New until April, 1871. Rev. John Sandels came in Orleans, and on March 19, 1885, the present April, 1872, and remained until his death, in Octobishop, Rt. Rev. Anthony Durier, was consecrated ber, 1871. From 1878 to 1883 Rev. Charles A. at St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans.

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Cameron was pastor; then the pulpit was vacant for Trinity English Protestant Episcopal Church about two years, when Rev. M. T. Turner began was established May 23, 1841, by Rev. John his periodical missionary visits. In May, 1886, Burke. It appears that on March 27, 1839, Bishop Rev. R. H. Prosser began his monthly visits, and in Polk visited the town, and on the 30th held the May, 1887, Rev. W. T. Donglass succeeded him. first Protestant services here at the court-house. The church is now without a pastor, but the regisHe revisited the town February 21, 1841, and ap- ters or records are safe in the possession of Mrs. pointed Mr. Burke to this mission in May following, Sullivan, one of the oldest members. The seats or Mrs. Walmsley suggesting such appointment. The pews were sent hither from Illinois, years ago, officers appointed May 23, that year, were S. M. Tib- while the organ, built in Baltimore, was placed betts, S. W.; F. Williams, J. W., succeeded by E. here in 1871. The bell was presented by Gen. 0. Blanchard, William Hunter, Lewis G. De Russy, De Peyster. The congregation is made up of Joseph G. Campbell, Victor, Adolph and Ambrose thirty families. Sompayrac, George W. Lewis, D. M. Heard, Al

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Union Lodge No. 21, A. F. & A. M., was

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chartered in 1818, and continued in existence until stituted June 7, 1889. The officers installed in 1828. Phoenix Lodge No. 38, A. F. & A. M., July, 1890, were: H. M. Hyams, C.; C. H. Levy, was chartered October 6, 1836, with Samuel P. V. C.; J. E. Breda, P.; R. S. Calves, K. of R. Russell, master; William Long, S. W.; William and S.; H. M. Levy, M. of E., and N. Smith, M. P. Jones, J. W.; W. F. Tabor, secretary; S. B. of A. True, treasurer; J. M. Coons, S. D.; B. F. Chap- The Thirteen Club elected the following named man, J. D., and J. Holmes, tyler. Meetings were officers in June, 1890: J. S. Stephens, Jr., presithen held in Mason's Hall. The masters of this dent; J. C. Trichel, Jr., V. P.; Clarence Pierson, lodge since that time are named as follows: S. P. secretary, and Simeon Simon, treasurer. This Russell, 1838; W. P. Jones, 1810 (presided as club has elegant quarters in the Review Building. temporary master in 1839). There is no record of The Free Sons of Israel of Natchitoches were meetings in 1841-13; B. V. St. Amans, 1844; P. incorporated under the act of March 30, 1871. A. Morse, 1815; A. Seegar, 1816; Frederick Will- The object of this association was to subscribe iams, 1847; J. B. Smith, 1818; S. M. Hyams, funds to be employed in the erection of a synagogue 1851; J. B. Smith, 1853; J. H. Stephens, 1854; and keep the burial ground in good order. J. B. Smith, 1857; John R. Williams, 1836; T. In 1879 the Methodist Episcopal Church buildHunter, 1857; J. B. Smith, 1858; John S. Levy, ing was erected, Rev. T. J. Hough being then 1862; William Payne, 1863; F. Metoyer, 1861; preacher. The Baptists began their building that C. Chaplin, Jr., 1867; J. E. Breda, 1868; S. M. year during the pastorate of Rev. V. G. CunningHyams, 1869, but Philip Myers presided gener- ham, but pending its completion held services in the ally; C. Chaplin, Sr., 1870; S. W. Kile, 1871; C. Fireman's Hall. The Baptist, Methodist and Chaplin, 1873; Thomas P. Chaplin, 1875; C. South African colored churches were in existence. Chaplin, 1876; J. R. Williams, 1880; M. H. Wil- The Lutheran Benevolent Society was chartered kioson, 1882; Thomas P. Chaplin, 1886; C. Chap- December 7, 1882, with King Mickelbury male dilin, 1887; Adolph Kaffie, 1888; J. H. Cosgrove, rector; Mary Badgers, female director; Ad. With1889, and Dr. Z. T. Gallion, 1890. The secreta- erspoon, Hubbard Sharp, John Goings, Andrew

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, ries of the lodge are named in the following list: Murdock, William Yarbrough, G. W. Duncan and James L. Gillispie, 1838; W. R. Speight, 1839; Joseph Bennett, trustees. The officers included D. H. Boult, 1840; J. B. Smith, 1846; John F. 12 male, and 12 female stewards and preachers; Payne, 1817; D. H. Boult, 1819; Horatio Sibley, 3 marshals, 12 pilgrims and 12 mourning women. 1850; William Payne, 1851; D. F. Tabor, 1852; In June, 1879, Rev. Walters, of the African William Payne, 1853; T. Hunter, 1856; William Baptist Church, attempted to erect a church in the

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, Payne, 1857; W. P. Morrow, 1861; C. Chaplin, center of Buard Street, although the street had Jr., 1862; J. W. Norris, 1863; L. Caspari, 1861; been open for thirty-five years. C. L. Walmsley, 1865; William Payne, 1966; Ed Rev. Darius Logan, presiding elder of the Phillips, 1870; T. P. Chaplin, 1876; Dr. R. S. African Methodist Church for the district from Calves, 1880; Phanor Breazeale, 1889, and Crok- Natchitoches to Washington, was stationed at Colette K. Jones, 1890. The lodge numbers at pres

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fax in 1883. ent forty members with property valued at $8,000. St. Joseph College was established in 1836 by

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Cloutierville No. 110 was organized at the mouth Bishop Martin, at Natchitoches, in the buildings of Cane River in 1852; Kissatchie Union No. 195, formerly built and occupied by the Sisters of the at Kile's Mills, in 1868, surrendered charter in Sacred Heart, in 1846. Miss Tauzin (living), 1880; Lake Village No. 205 dates back to 1869. Josephine Geanty (deceased), Augustinia Des. It is now known as No. 86 with headquarters at louschs (living), and Aurelia Anty, now Mrs. Jules Saline since 1874.

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Normand were the first pupils in 1846-47. In Natchitoches Lodge No. 89, K. of P., was in September, 1888, five sisters from the Convent of

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ Divine Providence, San Antonio, Tex., arrived at 1 share, $100; J. A. Ducournau & Son, 1 share, Natchitoches for the purpose of establishing a day. $100; H. Kaffie & Bro., 5 shares, $500; Henry M. school, The old convent buildings were restored. Levy, 1 share, $100; S. Nelkin, 2 shares, $200; The State Normal School was established by the M. L. Dismukes, 1 share, $100; D. C. Scarborlegislative act of 1884, which provided for an an- ough, 2 shares, $200; M. H. Carver, 1 share, $100; nual grant of $6,000. The buildings were erected L. Caspari, 1 share, $100; D. P. Doak, 250 by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart for educational shares, $25,000; Thomas Doak, per D. P. Doak, 50 purposes; but were purchased by the people for shares, $5,000; W. C. Doak, 50 shares, $5,000;

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, the purposes of this state school. The grounds Joseph Henry, 5 shares, $500; J. W. Cockerham, embrace 105 acres. Dr. Edward Sheib was presi- 1 share, $100; J. S. Stephens, 3 shares, $300; dent of the normal school faculty. The school Phanor Breazeale, 1 share, $100; H. P. Breazeale, opened November 1, 1885, with thirty-six students, 1 share, $100; P. S. Prudhomme, 1 sbare, $100; among whom were Della Ezernach, Edgar Tharp, Z. T. Gallion, 1 share, $100; Mat. Hertzog, per Albert Dietrich, Elisha Breazeale, Millie Hughes, A. E. Lemee, 3 shares, $300; J. Alphonse PrudMaude Breazeale, Bertha Bahn, Pauline Haller, homme, per A. E. Lemee, 3 shares, $300; A. E. Bertha, Annie and Samuel Levy, Mary C. Sullivan, Lemee, 105 shares, 10,500; C. E. Greneanx, 1 Cecile Deblieux, Nena Kearney, Emma Tessier, share, $100. Hannah Aaron, Kate L. Trichel, Sam D. Kearney, The Building & Loan Association was organized Richard Percy, G. W. Barnes, Robbie Barnes and in March, 1890, with W. H. Jack, president; Madison R. Lay, all of Natchitoches Parish; Benny David Pierson, vice president; D. C. Scarborough, Rosenthal, of Alexandria; W. L Ford, of Winn; attorney; C. K. Jones, secretary and treasurer, Florence and Fannie Coffee, of De Soto; Lizzie and Messrs. Stephens, Lemee, Hyams, Asher and Fortson, of Caddo; Lelia Hightower, of Homer, Porter, directors. and Ida Corbett, of Spanish Lake, were also on The Louisiana society of Sons of the Revoluthe list of first pupils. About this time a presen- tion was organized May 16, 1890, with William tation of 2,000 books was made to this school by H. Jack, president; T. J. Cross, secretary; W'. H. John Morris, of New Orleans. The faculty in Pipes, treasurer, and Jacob McWilliams, registrar.

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, 1889 comprised Thomas D. Boyd, A. M., presi- There are thousands of descendants of the men dent, professor of psychology; A. L. Smith, who fought with Rochambeau and Lafayette in methods and general pedagogue; Charles H. the State, whose names should be enrolled on the White, natural sciences; Miss Mary E. Washing records of this association. ton, geography and calisthenics; Miss Mary Odalie The Southern H. & B. Association was organEzernack, physiology and hygiene; Miss Lizzie ized in March, 1890, with J. C. Trichel, senior Carter, language; Miss Nellie Hughes, history; president; H. Simon, vice president; G. L. Trichel, Miss Emma Oswalt, arithmetic; Miss Annie Bur

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secretary and treasurer; Chaplin, Brazeale & Chapris, music, and Misses Emma Oswalt and Bessie lin, attorneys, and C. S. Searing, local agent. Russell, principals of the practice school. C. H.

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The Home Co-operative Cotton Seed Oil Com. Ling, of Cornell University, and R. L. Himes, of

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pany was incorporated February 14, 1890, the the Pennsylvania Normal, were added to the articles of association being signed by D. Pierson, faculty in September, 1890.

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J. S. Stephens, C. Chaplin, Charles H. Levy, D. The Bank of Natchitoches was incorporated C. Scarborough, J. C. Keyser, P. F. L'herisson, in July, 1890, with the following named stock- J. C. Trichel, A. E. Lemee per J. C. Trichel, M. holders; H. M. Hyams, 1 share, $100; H. Safford, 1

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L. Dismukes, N. T. Smith, S. Nelkin, R. L. Casshare, $100; J. H. Cosgrove, 5 shares, $500; L. pari, C. V. Porter, G. L. Tricbel, D. A. BlackLevy, 1 share, $100; P. F. L'herisson, 1 share, sher, Clarence Pierson and E. E. Buckner. $100; J. C. Trichel, 1 share, $100; Hill & Jones, The Union Brick Manufacturing Company was organized April 3, 1890, through the efforts of J. residence of Richard Hertzog is another of the H. Cosgrove and C. K. Jones. The work of con- large residences of olden times. There are two struction was begun in the summer, and in Sep. other large brick residences, one now owned by tember the brick yards were completed and the Matthew Hertzog and the other by Joseph Henry, first brick burned.

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which came down from early days. The Natchitoches Ice Company was organized The Natchitoches Land & Railway Company October 15, 1890, with A. E. Lemee, president; was incorporated November 23, 1885, with L. A. Kaffie, secretary and treasurer, and the follow- Caspari, W. H. Jack, D. W. Kile, A. E. Lemee, ing board of directors: A. E. Lemee, Adolphe David Pierson, D. C. Scarborough, J. A. DucourKaffie, P. F. L'herisson, H. Simon and J. A. Du- neau, Jr., and H. B. Walmsley, corporators and cournau, Jr. The company is organized with a members of the first board of directors. capital stock of $10,000, 100 shares at $100 each, In June, 1887, the ordinance providing that a and has for its object the manufacture of ice, cold 5-mill tax be levied for ten years as a grant to the storage and bottling business.

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Natchitoches Railroad Company was adopted, and The Red River Hedge Company (limited) was in August of that year work on the Tap Railroad successfully organized in Natchitoches on Septem- was begun. In September W. E. Westerfield was ber 3, 1890, by Col. George Moorman. The fol- superintendent of construction, Engineer Varnum

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. lowing are the officers and directors of the institu- was' in charge, Parker was contractor, and Burns, tion: Col. A. E. Lemee, president; Capt. A. E. engineer. In December the first excursion train Sompayrac, vice-president; J. A. Prudhomme, sec- passed over the road. In October, 1889, the fol. ond vice-president; J. T. Trichel, treasurer; H. lowing named directors of this railroad company M. Hyams, secretary; J. H. Hill, general manager; were elected: L. Caspari, Joseph Henry, A. E. D. C. Scarborough, attorney for the company. Lemee, W. J. Behan, W. B. Ringrose and H. H. Among the directors are M. J. Cunningham, J. Baker. C. Trichel, Hon. L. Caspari, Gen. J. H. Cosgrove, In 1883 "The Rogers," Capt. Grant, and "The J. T. Wallace, J. E. Delocbe, Capt. C. E. Gre- Lilia," Capt. Teal, were engaged in the Cane neaux, E. J. Gamble, A. R. Cockfield, S. Nelson River trade between its mouth and Natchitoches. and others.

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In 1884 Capt. Teal's new boat was launched at the The opera house was opened October 2, 1887, mouth of Cane River and pamed “The John Teal." Charles Gayarre lecturing on Mirabeau and the " The Ranger," Capt. Wood engaged in this trade French Revolution.

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in 1885, and in April, 1886, the "Marco," Capt. H. The Natchitoches Opera House Company was McKnight, ran up the river. organized in April, 1890, with D. C. Scarborough, The Merchants & Planters Protective Union president; J. C. Trichel, Sr., vice-president; P. L. was organized August 5, 1880, with L. Caspari, Asher, secretary, and J. S. Stephens, Jr., treasurer; president; H. A. Walmsley, V. P.; A. DucourH. M. Levy, C. V. Porter and Dr. Z. T. Gallion, nau, secretary, and Jules Ducasse, treasurer. S. directors.

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W. Kile, J. A. Prudhomme, J. J. McCook, S. Nel The hotels are the Normand, the Prothro, Mrs. kin, J. H. Stephens, J. D. Stelle (Sabine) and M. Garza's and the new Adams House. The present

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H. Levy, directors. Normand House was erected by Edouard Cloutier Prudhomme is located on Old River, where the in 1858, at a cost of $22,000. During the war he Natchitoches Railroad connects with the Texas & sold this property to H. Schuman for Confederate Pacific Railroad. It is in the midst of a wondermoney. The Ambroise Lecompte residence, now .

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fully productive country, convenient to the parish occupied by the United States offices' bank, and seat. The chances for an important railroad the Adams Hotel, is one of the oldest, as it is the town in the future are fair for the bed of the anlargest, of the old residences of the city. The cient Lake Ocassee.

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Divine Providence, San Antonio, Tex., arrived at 1 share, $100; J. A. Ducournau & Son, 1 share, Natchitoches for the purpose of establishing a day- $100; H. Kaffie & Bro., 5 shares, $500; Henry M. school. The old convent buildings were restored. Levy, 1 share, $100; S. Nelkin, 2 shares, $200; The State Normal School was established by the M. L. Dismukes, 1 share, $100; D. C. Scarborlegislative act of 1884, which provided for an an- ough, 2 shares, $200; M. H. Carver, 1 share, $100; nual grant of $6,000. The buildings were erected L. Caspari, 1 share, $100; D. P. Doak, 250 by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart for educational shares, $25,000; Thomas Doak, per D. P. Doak, 50 purposes; but were purchased by the people for shares, $5,000; W. C. Doak, 30 shares, $5,000;

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50 the purposes of this state school. The grounds Joseph Henry, 5 shares, $300; J. W. Cockerham, embrace 105 acres. Dr. Edward Sheib was presi- 1 share, $100; J. S. Stephens, 3 shares, $300; dent of the normal school faculty. The school Phanor Breazeale, 1 share, $100; H. P. Breazeale, opened November 1, 1885, with thirty-six students, 1 share, $100; P. S. Prudhomme, 1 share, $100; among whom were Della Ezernach, Edgar Tharp, Z. T. Gallion, 1 share, $100; Mat. Hertzog, per Albert Dietrich, Elisha Breazeale, Millie Hughes, A. E. Lemee, 3 shares, $300; J. Alphonse PrudMaude Breazeale, Bertha Bahn, Pauline Haller, homme, per A. E. Lemee, 3 shares, $300; A. E. Bertha, Annie and Samuel Levy, Mary C. Sullivan, Lemee, 105 shares, 10,500; C. E. Greneanx, 1 Cecile Deblieux, Nena Kearney, Emma Tessier, share, $100. Hannah Aaron, Kate L. Trichel, Sam D. Kearney, The Building & Loan Association was organized Richard Percy, G. W. Barnes, Robbie Barnes and in March, 1890, with W. H. Jack, president; Madison R. Lay, all of Natchitoches Parish; Benny David Pierson, vice-president; D. C. Scarborough, Rosenthal, of Alexandria; W. L Ford, of Winn; attorney; C. K. Jones, secretary and treasurer, Florence and Fannie Coffee, of De Soto; Lizzie and Messrs. Stephens, Lemee, Hyams, Asher and Fortson, of Caddo; Lelia Hightower, of Homer, Porter, directors.

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. and Ida Corbett, of Spanish Lake, were also on The Louisiana society of Sons of the Revoluthe list of first pupils. About this time a presen- tion was organized May 16, 1890, with William tation of 2,000 books was made to this school by H. Jack, president; T. J. Cross, secretary; W. H. John Morris, of New Orleans. The faculty in Pipes, treasurer, and Jacob McWilliams, registrar. 1889 comprised Thomas D. Boyd, A. M., presi- There are thousands of descendants of the men dent, professor of psychology; A. L. Smith, who fought with Rochambeau and Lafayette in methods and general pedagogue; Charles H. the State, whose names should be enrolled on the White, natural sciences; Miss Mary E. Washing- records of this association. ton, geography and calisthenics; Miss Mary Odalie The Southern H. & B. Association was organEzernack, physiology and hygiene; Miss Lizzie ized in March, 1890, with J. C. Trichel, senior Carter, language; Miss Nellie Hughes, history; president; H. Simon, vice president; G. L. Trichel, Miss Emma Oswalt, arithmetic; Miss Annie Bur

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secretary and treasurer; Chaplin, Brazeale & Chapris, music, and Misses Emma Oswalt and Bessie lin, attorneys, and C. S. Searing, local agent. Russell, principals of the practice school. C. H.

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The Home Co-operative Cotton Seed Oil ComLing, of Cornell University, and R. L. Himes, of

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pany was incorporated February 14, 1890, the the Pennsylvania Normal, were added to the articles of association being signed by D. Pierson, faculty in September, 1890.

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J. S. Stephens, C. Chaplin, Charles H. Levy, D. The Bank of Natchitoches was incorporated C. Scarborough, J. C. Keyser, P. F. L'herisson,

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, in July, 1890, with the following named stock- J. C. Trichel, A. E. Lemee per J. C. Trichel, M. holders; H. M. Hyams, 1 share, $100; H. Safford, 1 L. Dismukes, N. T. Smith, S. Nelkin, R. L. Casshare, $100; J. H. Cosgrove, 5 shares, $500; L.

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pari, C. V. Porter, G. L. Tricbel, D. A. BlackLevy, 1 share, $100; P. F. L'herisson, 1 share, sher, Clarence Pierson and E. E. Buckner. $100; J. C. Trichel, 1 share, $100; Hill & Jones, The Union Brick Manufacturing Company was

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orzecza 1:01:32: HC: 0 straC T- teater in the Cru

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IL

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-.-::::::::: first The See:*::: FK

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" L Octočer ::.vr: 1

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I LEL- A Ka LT

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LV L23 ing board ...

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"

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LCE 2

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. kafe. P. F. LEC : 1

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2.-11.15 TRAIL ec08122. J: TE": capita

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:::-: and basic storage sibi Tle Ba :Ter ET-.-

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-- T-C: Tu: Ei suceuse CS.CY--- ber 3, 1941. II. Ger VICE

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---- E-T- lowing are benzi: 512 SE Fui-: : 2:1::2tars

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I IS: +1:

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22: tion: CLA E Lecce, S: CECI E

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L-.-!:- Somra rae, rice-presie::) A Pri-.- ond vice-preside:: J. I. In: H CZ-3-1 1. ct rati9-IT M. Hyams. secteary: J. Herz-2017:

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were et L. Caspar J. HA E

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- D. C. Scarborough aisruer ir the cost

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Lee. W. J. Bez W. B. B.- 1 H H Among the directors are . J. C. J.

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Bater. C. Trichel. Hon. L. Caspari. Gen. J. H Co-cre.

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Is !993 - Ile Pages Cart Gra23 J. T. Wallace, J. E. Decle. Capt. C. E. Gre L" Ca. Teel were 72m: : neaux, E. J. Gamble. A R. Cocte: 1 S. Vess River trede tetto 1 . and others.

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In 154 Capt. Teal's les trai Fair- The opera house was opened October 2, 1635, muath of Care Piter ad labai--.. Charles Gayarre lecturing on Virabeau and the ** The Ranger,” Cape West, French Revolution.

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in 1953. and in April 1.:- Van The Natchitoches Opera House Company was McKnight, ran up the riser. organized in April, 1990, with D. C. Scarborough,

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The Verebants & P2P president; J. C. Trichel, Sr., vice-president: P. L.

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was organized Augosti Asher, secretary, and J. S. Stephens, Jr., treasurer: president: H. A. Wazi.

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>83 H. M. Levy, C. V. Porter and Dr. Z. T. Gallion, Dau, secretary, asd J- directors.

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W. Kile. J.A. Prob.::I

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ated in The hotels are the Normand, the Prothro, Mrs. kin, J. H. Stephen I

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partner. Garza's and the new Adams House. The present H. Levy, directora

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is built, but Normand House was erected by Edouard Clontier

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J. Rains did in 1858, at a cost of $22,000. During the war he Natehitoebe Philo.

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he latter year essold this property to A. Schuman for Confederate Pacific Railret

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n J. W. Law, man- money. The Amb Lecompte residence, Dr

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Il's with W. A. Oli occupied by thr States offices to

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Lanson & Co. established the Adams Hr of the

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11. E. Hanson was first rail- largest, of

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followed by Charles Hanson

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d on

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Prudhomme si I

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Ipraiter :

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ഀ payrac and P. A. Morse (Democrats), challenged arrested were Ernest Masson, Dr. S. O. Scruggs, Gen. Francois Gaiennie, of Cloutierville, to fight a J. Buard, J. C. Johnson, William Airhart, Sr., J. duel. The latter's friends, L. G. De Russy, F. B. Rachal and W. Cockfield. A. Deblieux, then B. Sherburne and J. G. Campbell (Whigs), ac- sheriff-elect, and John Hertzog, could not be found cepted the challenge and designated rifles as the by the deputy marshals. weapons.

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On September 18, 1839, the persons In January, 1879, eleven United States marnamed, with Dr. F. Johnson, Dr. Dingles, T. E. shals arrived at Natcbitoches, with warrants for the Tauzin, Phanor Prudhomme and John F. Cortez, arrest of sixty-six citizens; thirty-three of the inwere present at “The Savannah," in rear of Emile dicted citizens went at once to New Orleans, where, Sompayrac's plantation. Tbe first fire was deliv. on March 7, eight were acquitted. The State ered ineffectually by Gaiennie, and the second hailed the verdict with enthusiasm. effectually by Bossier, who killed his opponent.

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In November, 1879, the Union Greenback-La In connection with the Bossier-Gaiennie troubles bor party of Natchitoches nominated Mortimer it may be added that eleven citizens lost their Perot and Jacob Kile for representatives; John A. lives: Sylvester Rachal, killed by M. Busy (a clerk Raggio, for sheriff; E. Masson, for clerk of the for Dr. Normand); Brevile Perot, killed by Gaien- district court; Dr. Jules Janin, for coroner; J. H. nie's overseer, who was also killed on Lecompte's Cunningham, for District attorney, and C. Chaplin, race track at Cloutierville, being among the num. for district judge. ber.

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James S. Flournoy represented Natchitoches, Col. Prickett, who was killed in a duel early in Sabine, De Soto and Caddo in 1859 in the Senate. the forties, is buried on the spot, one and one-half William M. Levy and F. Robieu represented miles from Natcbitoches, on Sibley Lake.

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Natchitoches in the House; D. Robson and O. Tauzin challenged one of the officers at Fort White, Caddo; Henry Phillips and L. L. TompJesup to a duel, and the meeting did actually take kins, De Soto, and E. C. Davidson, Sabine. Dr. place. John E. Cortez was Tauzin's second. Capt. J. W. Butler was a representative of Natchitoches May, the wild officer of Fort Jesup, was accustomed before the war.

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Natchitoches. recorded 754 votes to ride over to Natchitoches daily.

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His duels were

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for Breckinridge; 534 for Bell and 106 for Doug. many.

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las. A. H. Pierson, of Natchitoches, signed the In September, 1865, the grand jury of Natchi- secession ordinance of 1861. W. H. Jack was toches presented the Freedman's Bureau as a nui- representative from Natchitoches during the sesance. Lieut. Pope, of the Nineteenth Pennsylva- cession. Jacob Kile and Jules Sompayrac were nia Cavalry, on duty there, committed suicide in

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representatives in 1865, with J. B. Elam and Dr. January, 1866.

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S. 0. Scruggs, senators. In 1868 W. C. Melvin In September, 1878, a convention of the Demo- (white) and Charles Le Roy (col.) were chosen cratic party was held at Natchitoches, and the ne- representatives, and J. R. Williams (white) and groes, under A. Rayford Blunt, determined to hold J. B. Lewis (col.), senators. Henry Raby (col.) a counter convention.

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The white citizens were and M. Blackstone (white) were chosen in 1870. prepared for hostilities, and before Blunt could Blackstone was killed during a secret meeting of carry out his designs, himself and men were cap- the Republican executive committee in 1871 and tured. Next morning a rescuing party, 300 armed L. R. Barron was chosen to fill vacancy. Raynegroes, was met at the dirt bridge by the white

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ford Blunt (col.) and J. B. Elam were senators. guards, and driven back.

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In 1878 the Democrats elected M. J. Cunningham In November, 1878, a number of citizens were and W. C. Ross, representatives, and W. D. Sanarrested on information sworn by J. R. Hornsby, diford and Boling Williams, senators. They were charging them with interfering with him as a voter succeeded by M. J. Cunningham and B. W. Marsfor J. M. Wells, candidate for Congress. The men | den, senators, and J. H. Cosgrove and R. L. Jack

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con

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son, representatives. In 1884 Joseph Henry and (now Mrs. Sullivan), but met with a prompt refusal. J. Fisher Smith were chosen senators, the latter Col. Voce, then commanding, told her that bis served until his death in 1890, and the former young lieutenant would one day be the first man holds office until 1892. Leo. Caspari and Dr. A. in the United States. E. Cassidy (died in 1887) were elected repre. . In 1816 Gov. Johnson called for six months' sentatives in 1884, and in 1888 Leo. Caspari and men to serve in the war against Mexico, and among W. A. Ponder were elected. The latter died in the first to respond were the citizens of Natcbi1890. The vote cast for Francis T. Nicholls (D.) in toches. S. M. Hyams raised a company for the 1876 was 1,776, and for S. B. Packard (R.), 2,004. Fifth Louisiana Volunteers, and was commissioned In 1879 Louis A. Wiltz (D.), received 1,356 votes captain. The same year this company was musand Taylor Beattie (R.), 516. In 1884 there were tered out. At the meeting of the Mexican War vet2,203 votes cast for Samuel D. McEnery (D.), erans, held in April, 1879, the commission of E. and 533 for John A. Stevenson (D.). The vote Valery Deblieux, as lieutenant of the second comfor governor in 1888 shows 3,373 for Francis T. pany of Col. B. Peyson's National Guards, was Nicholls (D.), and 285 for Henry C. Warmoth read. Among the residents entitled to claims were (R.). The pumber of registered voters in April, Theodore Hertzo, Samuel Parson, W. P. Morrow, 1888, was 5,291-2,314 being white. Of the E. J. Cockfield, J. J. A. Martin, James Allen, M. whites 875 and of the Africans 2,523 were then C. Brosset, E. Lavasseur, Emile Vienne, Capt. unable to write their names.

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Samuel M. Hyams and William Airhart and Dr. In 1803 a company of United States troops, R. C. Richardson, all of Natchitoches; Josiah S. under Capt. Turner, garrisoned Natchitoches, Scarborough and John Rockwood, near Many, and while one Freeman, in charge of an exploring party, Ben Prevots, of Mansfield. L. Duplex was ascended Red River, above the post, until he en- stituted a member. countered the Spanish troops, when he quietly re- The Veterans' Association, of Central Lonisi. turned. Shortly after a post was established within ana, was organized in August, 1887, with H, V. Mcfourteen miles of Natchitoches, on the Nacogdoches Cain, of Grant, president; R. C. Jones, of Winn, road. At this time Spanish troops held the terri- David Pierson, of Natchitoches, J. F. Smith, of tory to Red River, so that Col. Cushing, with three Sabine, and C. C. Nash, of Grant, vice-presidents; companies and four guns was ordered to occupy J. M, McCain, of Winn, secretary; W. E. Russell, Natchitoches.

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of Natchitoches, treasurer; G. L. Trichel and T. In January, 1815, Capt. R. H. Sibley's com- Haller, of Natchitoches; J. F. Kelly and W. A. pany of militia joined Col. James Bludworth's Strong, of Winn; W. W. McNeely and D. W. Eighteenth Louisiana Regiment, and was present Self, of Sabine; J. F. Pierson and J. W. Sandiford, at Camp Villero, below New Orleans. The men of Red River, members of the executive coinmittee. failed to arrive prior to January 8, and thus missed Company D, Pelican Rangers No. 2, organized participation in the crowning defeat of the British. in Natchitoches Parish, was mustered in with the

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John J. La Place, aged seventy-eight, of Natch- Third Louisiana Infantry May 17, 1861. J. D. itoches, and John S. Umphrey, aged forty-six of Blair, who resigned the captaincy in 1861; S. D. Rapides, were pensioners of the War of 1812, in Russell, first lieutenant, promoted to colonel; W. 1810.

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Russell, second lieutenant, promoted to captain; Gen. U. S. Grant, who, as lieutenant of the S. M. Hyams, Jr., second lieutenant, elected lieuFourth United States Regiment, was stationed at tenant-colonel of a cavalry regiment; B. P. Morse, Camp Salubrity, two miles from Natchitoches, in first sergeant, chosen second lieutenant in May, 1844, was well known here, among his friends being 1862; H. B. Walmsley, second sergeant; F. W. A. Deblieux. It is related that he proposed mar- Airey, third sergeant, afterward captain in another riage (through Col. Voce) to a lady of this city regiment, and J. H. Peters, fourth sergeant, were

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the first officers. This company suffered severely August, 1861; at this time J. H. Reid commenced at Vicksburg; T. Cobb, H. V. C. Edmondson, W. to recruit his select cavalry company. W. Gandy, and R. C. Hammett being killed, The Natchitoches Rebels were organized Sep- or died of wounds there; O. La Plante died at tember 9, 1861, with John D. Wood, captain; W. Iuka from wounds, and J. Williamson at Oak P. Owings, Theodul Latier and Emile Cloutier, Hills.

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lieutenants; S. B. Shackleford, T. J. Foster, Felix Company G, Pelican Rangers No. 1, was mus- Sers, J. C. H. Nemitts, and E. B. Roper, sergeants; tered in with No. 2; W. W. Breazeale was captian Joseph Gallion, A. B. Cunningham, J. A. Clark until September 24, 1861; W. 0. Breazeale, first and L. T. Fontenot, corporals, and W. A. Jenkins, and G. W. Halloway, second lieutenant, both of musician. Among the privates were L. L. Lynch, whom resigned before the close of October, 1861. P. Rabelais, M. Vickers, and C. Vircher, who died L. Caspari, the second junior lieutenant at muster in October, 1861. Two members of the Hertzog in, was promoted first lieutenant in October, 1861,

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and six of the Rachal families served in this comand captain in February, 1862. W. B. Butler, mand. On January 24, 1865, a resident of Natchithe first sergeant was elected captain May 8, 1862, toches wrote a poem, entitled “Unmarked Graves,” and P. L. Prudhomme, second lieutenant; J. C. dedicating the verses to the women of the South. Trichel was third, J. A. Derbonne, fourth, and F. From this poem the second verse is given thus: F. Chaler, fifth sergeant; the latter died at Mays- Let Beauty's soft tears, like the dews of the night, ville, Ark., September 14, 1861. P. Bossier was Or the diamond's bright rays, reflecting the light, chosen third lieutenant in May, 1862; B. B. Brea

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Fall on these lonely graves, love's token so pure,

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Which memory keeps green, while time shall endure. zeale, fifth sergeant; F. Gaiennie, first lieutenant;

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Wbile Fame shall proclaim, with his deep, brazen voice, James Kile, third lieutenant; James W. Moss, Names of heroes who, in the land of their choice, second lieutenant, and K. Espy, assistant surgeon. Fell in the strife, on the field of their glory- The list of deaths, as given in Tunnard's report, is

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Their lives an offering to song and to story. as follows: Placide Bossier, at Oak Hills, V. Bor- Company A, Special Militia Force, Fifth Mili- dinave at Castillian Springs, October 3, 1862; C. tary District, was organized in April, 1890, and F. H. Schroeder at Elk Horn; John M. Tauzin, mustered in May 7, with C. E. Greneaux, captain; at luka, and B. F. Warner at Elk Horn.

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C. Pierson and R. L. Caspari, lieutenants; C. The Lecompte Guards were organized in April, Chaplin, Jr., and E. L. Hyams, sergeants; Aaron 1861, with William M. Levy, captain; R. E. Burke, Morris, B. F. Dranguet, J. Johnson and P. S. first lieutenant; J. F. Scarborough, second lieuten- Walmsley, corporals. There were fifty-five private ant; S. B. Robertson, third lieutenant.

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This com

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soldiers mustered in. mand was mustered into the Second Louisiana In- During the pioneer days of the parish readers fantry, and served until the close of the war; only were supplied by newspapers and periodicals, both seventeen men remained to be mustered out; of French and Spanish. When the first paper was this number, very few are now living. The ser. printed in the English language here can not be geants were T. P. Chaplin, G. P. Rains, L. D. ascertained. In 1818, when Mr. Duplex settled

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. Johnson and G. W. Kearney; the corporals, W. here, the Chronicle was published by Thomas C. A. Hollon, E. J. Miles, J. S. Kearney, and A. W. Hunt. Hamilton; Smith Noel was standard bearer, and In 1860 the Natchitoches Union, printed in Dr. C. Hamlin, surgeon. This command left on French and English, was issued by Ernest Le the steamer “ Rapides,” April 27, 1861, 107 Gendre for the Union Publishing Company.

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On strong. Capt. W'. M. Levy, editor of the Natchi- the editor's death in 1862 L. Duplex took charge toches Chronicle, and captain of the Lecompte as editor; but in 1864 the Federals issued it for

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; Guards, was promoted colonel of the Second one week, and removed two presses and the mateLouisiana Infantry, vice De Russy, resigned, in rial. On Banks being driven away, Mr. Duplex

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1

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refurnished the office and carried on L. 'Union 13, 1883, by C. V. Porter. In 1887 Thomas J. until 1872, under the title Natchitoches Times, Flanner was editor and in May, 1888, J. H. Coswhen the publication ceased. In 1876 the office grove became proprietor. In 1883 the “Race Prob. was sold to J. H. Cosgrove. The press was sold lem" was written by Mr. Cosgrove and subsequently in 1877 to the Winnsborough Sun.

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he contributed to the press of this State many of On April 5, 1864, the Natchitoches Daily Union the ablest, matter-of-fact papers on political and was issued from the Government printing office. social affairs. He brought the Review into the Lieut. Thomas Hughes was editor and Sergt. H. front rank of Louisiana journals. R. Crenshaw & Co., publishers. A beautiful word The Enterprise was issued here in 1888 by painting of the happy condition of the people be- H. P. Breazeale. fore the war was drawn, the leaders who led them The Robeline Reporter was established in Febinto Rebellion denounced and a promise made that ruary, 1883, by S. M. Potts & Son, who published only one flag should wave in the North and South. it until 1884, when J. M. Porter and W. A. LauAmong the poems of the war period were the "Mar- rent became owners. Later that year the latter seillaise du Sud,” dedicated to the chasseurs a pied sold to W. A. Carter, who a short time after pur

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, des Natchitoches, by E. L. Caporal; “Aux Volon- chased Porter's interest. In 1886 the Reporter taires,” was written in May, 1861, by Malle; “The ,

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became the property of the Robeline Publishing Soldier's Dirge" in 1864, and “Farewell to the Company, W. A. Ponder, superintendent, and A. V. Lafourche Guards” in 1861. During or after the Carter, editor. After a few months Dr. J. H. visit of Ex-President Davis, “The Saddest Run of Cunningham became editor, and during his illness the Storm,” was written by Mary E. Bryan for the Mrs. M. E. Cunningham became editress. On Spectator.

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the latter's death in 1886, C. R. Lee controlled Natchitoches Spectator was issued December the office, but publication ceased for a short time, 5, 1867, by J. M. Scanland. On September 22, when I. F. Carter revived it. In 1887 Hickson 1868, Mr. Scanland issued bis valedictory and Mr. Capers purchased the office, and in February, 1889, Cromie purchased the office and filled all contracts when the Publishing Company resumed ownerfrom the Red River News---Republican, 1874. ship, another suspension followed until R. M.

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The Red River News was established by James McIntosh purchased the office, but in 1889 A. V. Cromie in 1868. L. H. Burdick became owner in Carter became owner and changed the name to the 1870 and continued publication until June, 1874. News. In January, 1888, R. W. Ferguson was The Record was issued here later, and in 1875 editor and D. W. Hubley, publisher. The valedic

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. D. W. Hubley published the Republican.

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tory of A. V. Carter as editor, of the Robeline News The Peoples' Vindicator was issued June 17, and of Carter & Son as proprietors, appeared May 1874, by J. H. Cosgrove, as a Democratic journal, 30, 1890, and in the same issue, a stirring salutatory this

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was the first Democratic paper since the was issued by S. C. Presley. J. E. Howe, now conTimes suspended.

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In 1881 the office was sold to nected with the News, entered the office in Februto Phanor Breazeale and publication suspended.* ary, 1883. Martha's Bulletin was issued at Mar

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. The Daily Vindicator was published in 1876 thaville in 1888, with W. A. Gilbreath publisher. by J. H. Cosgrove; but owing to the heavy ex- On September 12, 1890, the name was changed to pense of associated press dispatches, this great en- , the People's Republic, and Lee & Gilbreath were terprise was surrendered after six weeks.

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editors. The size of the paper was doubled at this The Natchitoches Register was issued in June, : time. 1880, by John E. Hewitt.

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The enrollment of white pupils in the schools The Democratic Review was established May

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of Natcbitoches from 1877 to 1886, inclusive,

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is as follows: 655, 954, 771, 371, 516, 1,371, *On March 29, 1884, the office of the l'indicator was sold to C.V.

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1,422, 1,123, 4.108 and 915. The number

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Porter.

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of colored pupils enrolled for the years 1878 along the North Atlantic coast, and not until late to 1886 inclusive, is shown as follows: 138, in the seventeenth century was there an actual 601, 122, 381, 455, 1,404, 614, 2,613 and 662. settlement made in Louisiana, and that was at In 1888 there were 5,172 children reported Adayes, near Natchitoches, a quiet little Indian attending school and in 1889, 4,738. This parish village in 1694, when the Islanders arrived from is one of the most liberal patrons of education the Canaries. After the death of De Soto, Musin the State. In early years private schools caso ascended Red River, but beyond noticing the of a first-class character were carried on here, and Indian occupants of the valley, he left no other in 1881 the State recognized the claims of this record. In 1694 a few members of the colony parish to the normal school. [Vide history of of Islanders, with a few Spaniards and Mexicans town.] Peter Duke was superintendent of free came hither. In 1714 St. Denys located a few school in 1849; J. H. Stephens in 1850, and later French Canadian families on the island of Natchi. H. P. Breazeale.

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toches, and in January, 1717, M. De la Motte took In January, 1838, Dr. D. M. Heard presented possession of the place. In 1717, when De la Harpe his diploma as physician of 1831, I. W. Butler

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returned to the post he found Commandant Blonhis of 1832, Philip Breda his of 1836, and John del in charge and was so well pleased with the F. Williams his of 1838. Dr. Normand, of Clou- condition of affairs, that he wrote to Father Martierville, and other old physicians did not register. sello, then superior of the Texan Missions, assurUnder the law of 1882 the following named regis- ing him tbat his people could find all kinds of tered their diplomas: Penn Crain, Josephus F. European goods at Natchitoches. Darby, in his Griffin, Charles Hamlin, Joseph S. Stephens, history (published in 1817), speaks of Natchitoches Jules V. Janin, John W. Thomas, Sherman B. in latitude 30° 40' on the right bank of Red Crocheron, Zachary T. Gallion, Joseph A. Le- River. In March, 1823, a fire originating in the veque, James A. Root, William B. Powell, James old church destroyed sixty-five of the old buildE. Thomas, Alexander P. Breda, James Duerson, ings. Coulon de Villier and Ronjot were John A. Lovett, Joseph S. Stephens, Jr., Theo. mandants prior to 1774. Vaugine and other offiphile Goudaux, James N. Lee, John D. Addison, cers, referred to in the general history of the Christopher C. Nash and Samuel H. Scruggs. parish were here, but the kindest and ablest of the The old physicians who registered were Lamarque French or Spanish officials was St. Denys, whose A. Lambert, Andre V. Couty, Thomas B. Sellers, name will be forever identified with the settle. Daniel L. Gillen, Elias I. Persigner, Albert E. ment and progress of this portion of Louisiana, Cassady, William W. Pitts, Randolph H. Ander- for to him is due the crushing defeat of the bloodson, Eli Hongo and John F. Carroll.

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thirsty Natchez at this post in 1731. The town of Natchitoches in latitude 31° 44'

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In previous pages many direct references are and longitude 14° west is the oldest permanent made to the early land owners around the post, and settlement in Louisiana, and with the exception of even lot buyers in the town are named. Incidents the ancient Spanish town of Adayes, the oldest in its progress from 1731 to the fire of 1823 are unwithout qualification. It is thought by many that obtainable, save in a legendary or uncertain form, Natchitoches is the oldest town in the United but the ecclesiastical history is not wanting for in States, but this is not the case. St. Augustine, Fla., no place can be found a more perfect record than was founded by the Spaniards in 1565; Port Royal, in the archives of the old parish house of the N. S., by the French, 1605; Jamestown, Va., by the

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present Cathedral. From the settlement of 1714 London Company, 1607; Quebec, by the French, to 1724 the mission was attended from Adayes 1608; New York, by the Dutch, 1614; Plymouth, by Rev. Anthony Margil or missionary priests.

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, Mass., by the Puritans, 1620, and Baltimore The first baptism recorded is that of Francois by the Irish, 1632.

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Other settlements followed Gaspar Barbier, September 3, 1724, by the Ca

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com

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pucbin friar, Francois Balliss. Brothers Luis de and continued so until 1832, when the waters cut a Quintanillo and Maximin were here in 1729; Rev. wide channel. Up to that time Cane and Little Campe, a capuchin, in 1730, and in 1734 Father Rivers were the navigable streams, forming this Pierre Vitry, a Jesuit, took charge of the parish. part of Red River.

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part of Red River. Loggy Bayou was at the foot Revs. Jean Francois, Marmoulet, Archange, Bar- of the great raft and there, in 1832, 500 or 600 nabie, Ragobert, Eustache, Amé, Valentin, Anass. Norwegians, in charge of Dr. Baum, were landed. thase, Varnird and Infant, all capuchins, adminis- Postlewait's Salt Works, at the Saline, were estered the sacrament of baptism prior to 1765. tablished in 1805 and a large salt trade was carFather Stanislaus came in 1765, and was succeeded ried on between this and Mississippi points, but in 1775 by Father Luis de Quintanillo and he, in years before this the Indians from the Mississippi 1783, by Rev. Francois de Caldar. Father Dal- came hither at stated times to procure salt. vaux came in 1786 and, with Revs. De Veles and In 1836 a merry company passed through Pavie, administered the old parish until the close Natchitoches: David. Crockett, John Featherston, of 1796, when Father A. D. Sedella came, but “Happy” Johnson, Ephriam Tully and Matthew Father Pavie was rector in fact up to August, Despallie. In describing the last named, the gam1807, when Rev. L. Bubst was appointed. Rev.

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bler, Greene, says:

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“He was a villainJ. Huerta was here in 1810, and J. M. Sora in ous bully. He drew on me at Alexandria, in 1833, 1811, as assistant priests-all capuchins. In April, but I was expecting it, and shot him with a derrin1813, Rev. J. Francisco Magnes was appointed ger. I hurried away, supposing he was killed, and and remained until August, 1822, when the church was assisted in my escape by J. Madison Wells' fawas without a pastor (the buildings were burned ther, who kept me at his plantation for several days. March 29, 1823).

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I am not sure whether it was Matt, or his equally On October 8, 1814, the claim of St. Francis bad brother, who was killed by ex-governor Wells.” Church was presented to the commission. Louis Rezin P. and James Bowie were residents of OpelBuard established the fact that for eighty years ousas Parish. Nassau, or Little Nas, a native of the priests, wardens and singers of St. Fran- Natchitoches, who slept outside the Alamo during cis held those lands, and that no other ones

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the battle of March 6, 1836, was the only male ever made establishment thereon, as church lands who escaped the fate of the besieged. Mary Britwere held sacred. The claim for four and four- ton and her infant were spared by the Mexicans. tenths arpents of land on the right bank of a The United States Land Office at Natchitoches small bayou near the village was reported favor

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was established July 7, and opened October 12, ably. Prior to this, on December 13, 1811, Rev. 1838, by Receiver Benoit Laurents and Register Father Dagobert deeded to the police jury of

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Patrick 0. Lee. William Parmer made the first Natchitoches, 118.18 acres without consideration. entry-the southwest quarter of Section 13, Town

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In 1778 Andre Rambin purchased a lot in the ship 7, Range 11, Natchitoches. W. T. Walmsley town from Poiret, also Charles Paire, Nicholas was register in 1843. In November, 1812, John Lauve, and others named in the general history. Tucker signs the receiver's books, followed in July,

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Capt. Isaac Wright who, in 1824, commenced 1847, by J. M. B. Tucker. John F. Payne was steamboating between Natchez and Natchitoches, register in 1817.

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register in 1817. In June, 1819, Hugh Y. Wadstates that there was a large Mexican trade carried dell was commissioned register. John La Place on there.

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The Mexicans would come in with hun- was receiver in September, 1819, followed in Sepdreds of pack mules, loaded with specie, buffalo tember, 1853, by J. B. O. Buard; J. B. Cloutier, robes, tongues and peltries and return with dry register. Thomas C. Hunt was in office, as regoods and notions. In 1826 he and Capt. Gurney | ceiver, in the fall of 1855, and in July, 1860, came down the Rigolet du Bon Dieu in a skiff. John La Place was reappointed receiver and S. It was then a small bayou about thirty feet wide M. Hyams register, succeeding W. W. Lester,

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special agent. In 1862 Mr. La Place surrendered

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agent of the town to negotiate with the New the office to Felix Metoyer, appointee of the Con- Orleans & Pacific Railroad Company for building federate land commissioner. In July, 1867, Col. the road via Natchitoches. The law suit growing D. Seigler, register of the Natchitoches Land out of the election of mayor this year entailed a Office, returned, and later the old archives were small expenditure. Edward L. Pierson was de. brought hither. Receiver Lancaster also arrived clared mayor by the district judge, and in Sepduring this month.

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tember the following named citizens were appointed In June, 1871, J. Jules Bossier was appointed delegates to the Shreveport Railroad Convention: receiver and H. C. Myers register, and in June, W. M. Levy, W. H. Jack, Col. R. E. Burke, E. 1874, A. E. Lemee was commissioned. John La L. Pierson, A. E. Lemee, C. Chaplin, Jr., and C. Place, who served in the office during his father's F. Dranguet. In March, 1872, a night police administration, re-entered the office in 1882, and force was established, and the question of raising is the present deputy. L. H. Burdick succeeded $1,000 by special tax to purchase hose for the

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$ Myers in July, 1872, and served until August, fire-engine was ordered to be submitted to the 1875, when L. Duplex took charge. In May, 1885, people. W. E. Russell was commissioned register, and in Natchitoches was incorporated as a city by the February, 1888, Willis Holmes succeeded him. Legislature July 5, 1872. The first meeting of On August 25, 1890, L. Duplex was reappointed the new council was held July 22, E. L. Pierson, register.

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mayor; J. A. Ducournau, M. H. Carver, Emile On March 5, 1839, B. St. Amans, S. M. Hy- Rivers, Edmond Atkinson, John Genoe and J. C. ams, G. W. Russ, H. A. Ely and A. C. Surlls Trichel, councilmen; A. E. Lemee, secretary and qualified as trustees of the town; M. R. Anail, treasurer; C. Chaplin, Jr., attorney; J. H. Cos. clerk; W. L. Tuomey, attorney; Henry White and grove, assessor, collector and chief of police, and C. F. Rains, constables and collectors, and S. M. Charles Hamlin, physician. John B. Levy was

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. Hyams, surveyor. (No records 1840 to 1868.) In mayor in 1873; F. McDaniel, chief of police and 1861 Felix Mettoyer was mayor.

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The council J. H. Cosgrove, collector. Later, W. H. Redelected in April, 1868, comprised Theodore Schu- mond was appointed to this office; J. F. De Vargas, man, mayor; Joe Ezernack, Jacob Israel, Henry secretary and treasurer; C. J. Smith, chief of Burns (colored), W. Brady (colored), John Genoe police; L. H. Burdick, of The Red River News, and Hugh McKenna, councilmen. Burns and printer, and A. E. Lemee, mayor.

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J. F. De Brady resigned rather than take the oath of office. Vargas was mayor in 1874; C. F. Dranguet, 1877; Later that year A. E. Lemee, secretary and treas- Willis Holmes, 1879; Dr. R. S. Calves, 1881-90. urer; and W. H. Carver, Jacob Israel, Joseph Ezer- John La Place was elected clerk in 1874; W. nack and J. M. B. Tucker were trustees. The brick H. Barbes, 1878; C. V. Porter, 1881; C. E. culvert and dirt bridge on Second street, over Greneaux, 1880. In August, 1881, J. H. CosBayou Amulet were constructed this year by Key- grove was appointed chief of the fire department, ser & McKenna at a cost of $990, while in 1869 and Willis Holmes, assistant chief; W. P. Morrow other structures were authorized. Philip Myers was chosen assessor in 1874; Lem. Greneaux, 1877; was mayor in 1870, and J. W. Little, constable, W. E. Russell, 1879; J. W. Little was marshal in vice L. Hanson,' resigned. The sum of $100 was 1877; F. P. Raggio, 1879, and W. S. Greneaux appropriated to establish a telegraph line between is the present marshal. this town and Alexandria. J. Ezernack, J. R.

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E. F. Fitzgerald was appointed postmaster in Williams, W. D. Harkins and A. Perini were September, 1862. In September, 1866, this office councilmen, while in 1871, Tilman Watkins, E.

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was reopened by the United States, with George Phillips, John Genoe and Samuel Parsons were

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Monroe, postmaster; Cloutierville, with Oliver trustees. Col. William M. Levy was appointed Brosset; Campti, with Reiny Lambre.

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R. W.

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a

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Taliaferro was postmaster in 1867. In 1868 Rufus 1833, Father Franciar being also here, and the Tabor was incumbent, keeping the office in the old latter remained in 1839, when Father V. Yamey Walmsley building. J. F. de Vargas held the took charge of the parish. In 1810 Rev. T. Alaoffice in 1875. Charles Le Roy and W. D. Hark- ban, P. C. M., Rev. E. Giustiniani and Father ios held the office successively. The Widow R. E. Pascual were here. Rev. R. W. Stehle came in Burke held the office for two terms prior to 1885, 1842; J. M. Maynard in 1814. Father Figari, a Mrs. Sudduth took possession in February, 1885, missionary, assisted Rev. Giustiniani in 1817, and with J. E. Breda, deputy. He succeeded Mrs. with Rev. L. C. M. A. Verrina and R. Pascual Sudduth in July, 1890, and is the present incum- were priests in 1848. In June, 1819, Rev. A. bent.

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Andrieu became pastor. In August, 1850, Rev. The first fire was that of 1823, which destroyed Aug. Martin with Frederick Cuney, assistant the second church building and sixty-five houses. priest, were here. The latter was succeeded by In 1838 the second fire swept away the third church Father Gelot in 1851, and in 1852 P. F. Dicharry, building. A few small fires are recorded prior to V. G., came. (He remained until 1887.) Rev. Y. 1864, when the town was saved from the fury of Yanean, of Marksville, L. Gergaud, who died at the Federal troops by Bishop Martin.

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Shreveport in 1873, and J. M. Beaubien performed The fire of April 19, 1881, destroyed property baptismal ceremonies here in 1855. Fathers F. valued at $148,385, of which $57,900 worth was Levouzet and Ch. Lebour in 1856; Y. M. Le Coninsured. It originated in the old Fontenot Hotel, nait, J. L. Galop, C. Sorrentini and J. Gentille purchased a short time before by Frank McDaniel, were here before the war. Father F. Martin came who promptly insured it for $7,000. Two blocks in 1862, and with Fatber Levouzet were here up were destroyed, the owners of property being C. to 1873, when the latter died at Shreveport. Chaplin, H. Walmsley, H. Bath, A. Prudhomme, Father Martin remained until 1878 with Father Nelken Lecompte, George Kile, Joseph Henry, Dicharry, vicar-general. That year Rev. A. AnPayne,

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Shaffrach, J. Johnson, J. Ducose, dries took Father Martin's place, and in 1889 Bullard & Campbell, Hugh Walmsley, Levy & Rev. A. Piegay came as assistant priest. In 1887 Phillips, H. Litchenstein, Ducournau & Breda. Father Andries was appointed vicar-general and The office of the Vindicator, the property of J. H. acting secretary of this extensive diocese. The Cosgrove, was destroyed, with valuable files, State churches of the diocese in the parishes treated in and National reports, and library. McDaniel was this volume are as follows: St. Francis Xaviers, charged with incendiarism, and lodged in jail. Alexandria, Rev. L. Minard; Sacred Heart, PineThe Fontenot House was a tall three-story build- ville, Rev. R. Dumas, rector; Bayou Moreauville, ing, which was at one time the jail.

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Rev. P. E. Simon, Big Bend; St. Joseph's, MarksThe Cathedral Church of St. Francis is one of ville, Rev. A. Chorin; Bayou Bourbeaux, Bayou the historic landmarks of the United States. It was Cie, Bayou Dolle; Mansfield, Bayou Pierre and old wben the immortal Declaration of Independ Kingston, attached to the Carmelite monastery; ence founded a great nation, and still a few miles | Bayou Pierre and Prairie River, attended from away was the older church of San Miguel. Cloutierville; Bellevue, St. Johns, of Big Island, former page the history of this church down to attended from Pineville; Campti, Rev. E. Armand

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After the fire of that year the (succeeding Father Poullain); Clear Lake; St. work of rebuilding was entered upon, and in 1726 John the Baptist, at Cloutierville; Rev. J. M. a new house of worship was completed in rear of Beaulieu, Cotes D'Afrique; Cottonport, Rev. J. the parish cemetery. In 1825 Revs. Anduze and Rechatin; St. Vincent's, Fairfield, Rev. Gloster,

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; Martin came in 1826; Rev. L. Dussausoy and J.

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attendant from Fairtield; Keatchie, attended from B. Blanc came in 1827. Rev. A. Mascaroni was Fairfield, N. J. Roulleaux; Fairmont, attended here at this time. Rev. E. D. Haurd came in from Pineville; Homer and Minden, attended from

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In a

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1823 is given.

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was

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Shreveport; Ile Brevelle (colored) and Old River, fred Bludworth, Daniel H. Vail, Martin Fearing Rev. F. Grosse; KeKouen, attended from Natchi- and Thomas H. Airey, vestrymen; Thomas P. Jones, toches; Lecompte, attached to Alexandria; Planche- clerk, succeeded by E. Hollis. (In December, 1841, ville, Rev. L. Gallop; Shreveport, Rev. Joseph the Methodist preachers entered this field, holding

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, Gentille; Spanish Lake, attached to Many; Spanish services in the court house). Mr. Burke attended Town, attached to Bayou Pierre; Spring Creek, to the little societies at Greenwood, Shreveport, AlAlexandria; Tiger Island, Natchitoches. In the exandria, Donaldsonville, Fort Jesup, Baton whole diocese are fifty-three churches and chapels, Rouge and Franklin, up to 1844, when he resigned. and a population of about 30,000 persons.

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In 1843 a church building was erected here through The division of New Orleans diocese the efforts of the first pastor. In December, 1844, recommended in 1852. Shortly after this recom- Rev. Elijah Guion came here, and remained until mendation was carried out, and Rev. Augustus M. June, 1848. For five years the pulpit was filled by Martin elected first bishop of the new diocese of visiting preachers, or by the rector of Alexandria. . Natchitoches July 29, 1853. He found in all In July, 1853, Rev. Thomas S. Bacon arrived; the Northern Louisiana a Catholic population of about corner-stone of the present brick church was placed 25,000, seven churches, four priests and the edu- April 28, 1857, and the bouse was completed in cational house of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. 1858. Prior to this a silver eucharistic service was On his death, September 29, 1875, there were presented by Gen. De Peyster, of New York, and a sixty churches, together with the educational and tablet to the memory of his daughter was placed charitable institutions of the Daughters of the in the sanctuary, on the left of the altar. Mr. BaCross, referred to in the history of Caddo, and the con served the churches of this mission until April Sisters of Mercy. Rev. F. X. Leray, a historical 12, 1861, when he resigned, leaving a Mr. Binet character in the history of Mississippi, was elected to take charge. In April, 1865, a Confederate bishop in 1877, and had for his diocese all of chaplain, Rev. David Keer, succeeded Mr. Binet, Louisiana north of latitude 31°. In 1879 he was but in March, 1867, the pulpit was found vacant, appointed coadjutor of New Orleans, but con- and the bishop appointed a lay reader. In March, trolled Natchitoches as administrator apostolic, and 1870, the pastor of the Shreveport Church came on the death of Archbishop Perchi in December, here by appointment, but in December, 1870, Rev. 1883, became administrator of the whole State. Charles Ritter was appointed rector, and served He was

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soon after elected archbishop of New until April, 1871. Rev. John Sandels came in Orleans, and on March 19, 1885, the present April, 1872, and remained until his death, in Octobishop, Rt. Rev. Anthony Durier, was consecrated ber, 1874. From 1878 to 1883 Rev. Charles A. at St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans.

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Cameron was pastor; then the pulpit was vacant for Trinity English Protestant Episcopal Church about two years, when Rev. M. T. Turner began was established May 23, 1841, by Rev. John his periodical missionary visits. In May, 1886, Burke. It appears that on March 27, 1839, Bishop Rev. R. H. Prosser began his monthly visits, and in Polk visited the town, and on the 30th held the May, 1887, Rev. W. T. Donglass succeeded him. first Protestant services here at the court-house. The church is now without a pastor, but the regisHe revisited the town February 21, 1841, and ap- ters or records are safe in the possession of Mrs. pointed Mr. Burke to this mission in May following, Sullivan, one of the oldest members. The seats or Mrs. Walmsley suggesting such appointment. The pews were sent hither from Illinois, years ago, officers appointed May 23, that year, were S. M. Tih- while the organ, built in Baltimore, was placed betts, S. W.; F. Williams, J. W., succeeded by E. here in 1871. The bell was presented by Gen. 0. Blanchard, William Hunter, Lewis G. De Russy, De Peyster. The congregation is made up of Joseph G. Campbell, Victor, Adolph and Ambrose , thirty families. Sompayrac, George W. Lewis, D. M. Heard, Al

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Union Lodge No. 21, A. F. & A. M., was

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chartered in 1818, and continued in existence until stituted June 7, 1889. The officers installed in 1828. Phoenix Lodge No. 38, A. F. & A. M., July, 1890, were: H. M. Hyams, C.; C. H. Levy, was chartered October 6, 1836, with Samuel P. V. C.; J. E. Breda, P.; R. S. Calves, K. of R. Russell, master; William Long, S. W.; William and S.; H. M. Levy, M. of E., and N. Smith, M. P. Jones, J. W.; W. F. Tabor, secretary; S. B. of A. True, treasurer; J. M. Coons, S. D.; B. F. Chap The Thirteen Club elected the following named man, J. D., and J. Holmes, tyler. Meetings were officers in June, 1890: J. S. Stephens, Jr., presithen held in Mason's Hall. The masters of this dent; J. C. Trichel, Jr., V. P. ; Clarence Pierson, lodge since that time are named as follows: S. P. secretary, and Simeon Simon, treasurer. This Russell, 1838; W. P. Jones, 1840 (presided as club has elegant quarters in the Review Building. temporary master in 1839). There is no record of The Free Sons of Israel of Natchitoches were meetings in 1811-13; B. V. St. Amans, 1844; P. incorporated under the act of March 30, 1871. A. Morse, 1815; A. Seegar, 1846; Frederick Will- The object of this association was to subscribe iams, 1847; J. B. Smith, 1848; S. M. Hyams, funds to be employed in the erection of a synagogue 1851; J. B. Smith, 1853; J. H. Stephens, 1854; and keep the burial ground in good order. J. B. Smith, 1857; John R. Williams, 1856; T. In 1879 the Methodist Episcopal Church buildHunter, 1857; J. B. Smith, 1858; John S. Levy, ing was erected, Rev. T. J. Hough being then 1862; William Payne, 1863; F. Metoyer, 1864; preacher. The Baptists began their building that C. Chaplin, Jr., 1867; J. E. Breda, 1868; S. M. year during the pastorate of Rev. V. G. CunningHyams, 1869, but Philip Myers presided gener ham, but pending its completion beld services in the

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, ally; C. Chaplin, Sr., 1870; S. W. Kile, 1871; C. Fireman's Hall. ;

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The Baptist, Methodist and Chaplin, 1873; Thomas P. Chaplin, 1875; C. South African colored churches were in existence. Chaplin, 1876; J. R. Williams, 1880; M. H. Wil- The Lutheran Benevolent Society was chartered kinson, 1882; Thomas P. Chaplin, 1886; C. Chap- | December 7, 1882, with King Mickelbury male dilin, 1887; Adolph Kaffie, 1888; J. H. Cosgrove, rector; Mary Badgers, female director; Ad. With

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; 1889, and Dr. Z. T. Gallion, 1890. The secreta- erspoon, Hubbard Sharp, John Goings, Andrew ries of the lodge are named in the following list: Murdock, William Yarbrough, G. W. Duncan and James L. Gillispie, 1838; W. R. Speight, 1839; Joseph Bennett, trustees. The officers included D. H. Boult, 1840; J. B. Smith, 1816; John F. 12 male, and 12 female stewards and preachers; Payne, 1817; D. H. Boult, 1819; Horatio Sibley, 3 marshals, 12 pilgrims and 12 mourning women. 1850; William Payne, 1851; D. F. Tabor, 1852; In June, 1879, Rev. Walters, of the African William Payne, 1853; T. Hunter, 1856; William Baptist Church, attempted to erect a church in the Payne, 1857; W. P. Morrow, 1861; C. Chaplin, center of Buard Street, although the street had Jr., 1862; J. W. Norris, 1863; L. Caspari, 1864; been open for thirty-five years. C. L. Walmsley, 1865; William Payne, 1866; Ed Rev. Darius Logan, presiding elder of the Phillips, 1870; T. P. Chaplin, 1876; Dr. R. S. African Methodist Church for the district from Calves, 1880; Phanor Breazeale, 1889, and Crok- Natchitoches to Washington, was stationed at Col. ette K. Jones, 1890. The lodge numbers at pres- fax in 1883. ent forty members with property valued at $8,000. St. Joseph College was established in 1856 by

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Cloutierville No. 110 was organized at the mouth Bishop Martin, at Natchitoches, in the buildings of. Cane River in 1852; Kissatchie Union No. 195, formerly built and occupied by the Sisters of the at Kile's Mills, in 1868, surrendered charter in Sacred Heart, in 1816. Miss Tauzin (living), 1880; Lake Village No. 205 dates back to 1869. Josephine Geanty (deceased), Augustinia DesIt is now known as No. 86 with headquarters at louschs (living), and Aurelia Anty, now Mrs. Jules Saline since 1874.

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Normand were the first pupils in 1846–47. In Natchitoches Lodge No. 89, K. of P., was in- September, 1888, five sisters from the Convent of

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Divine Providence, San Antonio, Tex., arrived at 1 share, $100; J. A. Ducournau & Son, 1 share, Natchitoches for the purpose of establishing a day- $100; H. Kaffie & Bro., 5 shares, $300; Henry M. school. The old convent buildings were restored. Levy, 1 share, $100; S. Nelkin, 2 shares, $200; The State Normal School was established by the M. L. Dismukes, 1 share, $100; D. C. Scarborlegislative act of 1881, which provided for an an- ough, 2 shares, $200; M. H. Carver, 1 share, $100; nual grant of $6,000. The buildings were erected L. Caspari, 1 share, $100; D. P. Doak, 250 by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart for educational shares, $25,000; Thomas Doak, per D. P. Doak, 50 purposes; but were purchased by the people for shares, $5,000; W. C. Doak, 50 shares, $5,000; the purposes of this state school. The grounds Joseph Henry, 5 shares, $500; J. W. Cockerham, embrace 105 acres. Dr. Edward Sheib was presi- 1 share, $100; J. S. Stephens, 3 shares, $300; dent of the normal school faculty. The school Phanor Breazeale, 1 share, $100; H. P. Breazeale, opened November 1, 1885, with thirty-six students, 1 share, $100; P. S. Prudhomme, 1 share, $100; among whom were Della Ezernach, Edgar Tharp, Z. T. Gallion, 1 share, $100; Mat. Hertzog, per Albert Dietrich, Elisha Breazeale, Millie Hughes, | A. E. Lemee, 3 shares, $300; J. Alphonse PrudMaude Breazeale, Bertha Bahn, Pauline Haller, homme, per A. E. Lemee, 3 shares, $300; A. E. Bertha, Annie and Samuel Levy, Mary C. Sullivan, Lemee, 105 shares, 10,500; C. E. Greneaux, 1 Cecile Deblieux, Nena Kearney, Emma Tessier, share, $100. Hannah Aaron, Kate L. Trichel, Sam D. Kearney, The Building & Loan Association was organized Richard Percy, G. W. Barnes, Robbie Barnes and in Marcb, 1890, with W. H. Jack, president; Madison R. Lay, all of Natchitoches Parish; Benny David Pierson, vice-president; D. C. Scarborough, Rosenthal, of Alexandria; W. L Ford, of Winn; attorney; C. K. Jones, secretary and treasurer, Florence and Fannie Coffee, of De Soto; Lizzie and Messrs. Stephens, Lemee, Hyams, Asher and Fortson, of Caddo; Lelia Hightower, of Homer, Porter, directors. and Ida Corbett, of Spanish Lake, were also on The Louisiana society of Sons of the Revoluthe list of first pupils. About this time a presen- tion was organized May 16, 1890, with William tation of 2,000 books was made to this school by H. Jack, president; T. J. Cross, secretary; W. H. John Morris, of New Orleans. The faculty in Pipes, treasurer, and Jacob McWilliams, registrar. 1889 comprised Thomas D. Boyd, A. M., presi- | There are thousands of descendants of the men dent, professor of psychology; A. L. Smith, who fought with Rochambeau and Lafayette in methods and general pedagogue; Charles H. the State, whose names should be enrolled on the White, natural sciences; Miss Mary E. Washing. records of this association. ton, geography and calisthenics; Miss Mary Odalie The Southern H. & B. Association was organEzernack, physiology and hygiene; Miss Lizzie ized in March, 1890, with J. C. Trichel, senior Carter, language; Miss Nellie Hughes, history; president; H. Simon, vice president; G. L. Trichel, Miss Emma Oswalt, arithmetic; Miss Annie Bur- secretary and treasurer; Chaplin, Brazeale & Chapris, music, and Misses Emma Oswalt and Bessie lin, attorneys, and C. S. Searing, local agent. Russell, principals of the practice school. C. H. The Home Co-operative Cotton Seed Oil ComLing, of Cornell University, and R. L. Himes, of

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pany was incorporated February 14, 1890, the the Pennsylvania Normal, were added to the

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articles of association being signed by D. Pierson, faculty in September, 1890.

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J. S. Stephens, C. Chaplin, Charles H. Levy, D. The Bank of Natchitoches was incorporated C. Scarborough, J. C. Keyser, P. F. L'herisson, in July, 1890, with the following named stock- J. C. Trichel, A. E. Lemee per J. C. Trichel, M. holders; H. M. Hyams, 1 share, $100; H. Safford, 1 L. Dismukes, N. T. Smith, S. Nelkin, R. L. Casshare, $100; J. H. Cosgrove, 5 shares, $500; L.

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pari, C. V. Porter, G. L. Tricbel, D. A. BlackLevy, 1 share, $100; P. F. L'herisson, 1 share, sher, Clarence Pierson and E. E. Buckner. $100); J. C. Trichel, 1 share, $100; Hill & Jones, The Union Brick Manufacturing Company was organized April 3, 1890, through the efforts of J. residence of Richard Hertzog is another of the H. Cosgrove and C. K. Jones. The work of con- large residences of olden times. There are two struction was begun in the summer, and in Sep- other large brick residences, one now owned by tember the brick yards were completed and the Matthew Hertzog and the other by Joseph Henry, first brick burned.

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which came down from early days. The Natchitoches Ice Company was organized

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The Natchitoches Land & Railway Company October 15, 1890, with A. E. Lemee, president; was incorporated November 23, 1885, with L. A. Kaffie, secretary and treasurer, and the follow. Caspari, W. H. Jack, D. W. Kile, A. E. Lemee, ing board of directors: A. E. Lemee, Adolphe David Pierson, D. C. Scarborough, J. A. DucourKaffie, P. F. L'herisson, H. Simon and J. A. Du- neau, Jr., and H. B. Walmsley, corporators and cournau, Jr. The company is organized with a members of the first board of directors. capital stock of $10,000, 100 shares at $100 each, In June, 1887, the ordinance providing that a and has for its object the manufacture of ice, cold 5-mill tax be levied for ten years as a grant to the storage and bottling business.

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Natchitoches Railroad Company was adopted, and The Red River Hedge Company (limited) was in August of that year work on the Tap Railroad successfully organized in Natchitoches on Septem- was begun. In September W. E. Westerfield was ber 3, 1890, by Col. George Moorman. The fol- superintendent of construction, Engineer Varnum lowing are the officers and directors of the institu- was' in charge, Parker was contractor, and Burns, tion: Col. A. E. Lemee, president; Capt. A. E. engineer. In December the first excursion train Sompayrac, vice-president;J. A. Prudhomme, sec- passed over the road. In October, 1889, the folond vice-president; J. T. Trichel, treasurer; H. lowing named directors of this railroad company M. Hyams, secretary; J. H. Hill, general manager; were elected: L. Caspari, Joseph Henry, A. E. D. C. Scarborough, attorney for the company. Lemee, W. J. Behan, W. B. Ringrose and H. H. Among the directors are M. J. Cunningham, J. Baker. C. Trichel, Hon. L. Caspari, Gen. J. H. Cosgrove, In 1883 “ The Rogers,” Capt. Grant, and “The J. T. Wallace, J. E. Deloche, Capt. C. E. Gre- Lilia,” Capt. Teal, were engaged in the Cane neanx, E. J. Gamble, A. R. Cockfield, S. Nelson River trade between its mouth and Natchitoches. and others.

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In 1884 Capt. Teal's new boat was launched at the The opera house was opened October 2, 1887, mouth of Cane River and named The John Teal.” Charles Gayarre lecturing on Mirabeau and the “The Ranger,” Capt. Wood engaged in this trade French Revolution.

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in 1885, and in April, 1886, the “Marco," Capt. H. The Natchitoches Opera House Company was McKnight, ran up the river. organized in April, 1890, with D. C. Scarborough, The Merchants & Planters Protective Union president; J. C. Trichel, Sr., vice-president; P. L. was organized August 5, 1880, with L. Caspari, Asher, secretary, and J. S. Stephens, Jr., treasurer; president; H. A. Walmsley, V. P.; A. DucourH. M. Levy, C. V. Porter and Dr. Z. T. Gallion, nau, secretary, and Jules Ducasse, treasurer. S. directors.

ഀ ഀ

W. Kile, J. A. Prudhomme, J. J. McCook, S. NelThe hotels are the Normand, the Prothro, Mrs. kin, J. H. Stephens, J. D. Stelle (Sabine) and M. Garza's and the new Adams House. The present H. Levy, directors. Normand House was erected by Edouard Cloutier Prudhomme is located on Old River, where the in 1858, at a cost of $22,000. During the war he Natchitoches Railroad connects with the Texas & sold this property to H. Schuman for Confederate Pacific Railroad. It is in the midst of a wondermoney. The Ambroise Lecompte residence, now fully productive country, convenient to the parish occupied by the United States offices' bank, and seat. The chances for an important railroad the Adams Hotel, is one of the oldest, as it is the town in the future are fair for the bed of the anlargest, of the old residences of the city. The cient Lake Ocassee.

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66

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Divine Providence, San Antonio, Tex., arrived at 1 share, $100; J. A. Ducournau & Son, 1 share, Natchitoches for the purpose of establishing a day- $100; H. Kaffie & Bro., 5 shares, $500; Henry M. school. The old convent buildings were restored. Levy, 1 share, $100; S. Nelkin, 2 shares, $200; The State Normal School was established by the M. L. Dismukes, 1 share, $100; D. C. Scarborlegislative act of 1884, which provided for an an- ough, 2 shares, $200; M. H. Carver, 1 share, $100; nual grant of $6,000. The buildings were erected L. Caspari, 1 share, $100; D. P. Doak, 250 by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart for educational shares, $25,000; Thomas Doak, per D. P. Doak, 50 purposes; but were purchased by the people for shares, $5,000; W. C. Doak, 50 shares, $5,000; the purposes of this State school. The grounds Joseph Henry, 5 shares, $500; J. W. Cockerham, embrace 105 acres. Dr. Edward Sheib was presi- 1 share, $100; J. S. Stephens, 3 shares, $300; dent of the normal school faculty. The school Phanor Breazeale, 1 share, $100; H. P. Breazeale, opened November 1, 1885, with thirty-six students, 1 share, $100; P. S. Prudhomme, 1 share, $100; among whom were Della Ezernach, Edgar Tharp, Z. T. Gallion, 1 share, $100; Mat. Hertzog, per Albert Dietrich, Elisha Breazeale, Millie Hughes, A. E. Lemee, 3 shares, $300; J. Alphonse PrudMaude Breazeale, Bertha Bahn, Pauline Haller, homme, per A. E. Lemee, 3 shares, $300; A. E. Bertha, Annie and Samuel Levy, Mary C. Sullivan, Lemee, 105 shares, 10,500; C. E. Greneanix, 1 Cecile Deblieux, Nena Kearney, Emma Tessier, share, $100. Hannah Aaron, Kate L. Trichel, Sam D. Kearney, The Building & Loan Association was organized Richard Percy, G. W. Barnes, Robbie Barnes and in March, 1890, with W. H. Jack, president; Madison R. Lay, all of Natchitoches Parish; Benny David Pierson, vice-president; D. C. Scarborough, Rosenthal, of Alexandria; W. L. Ford, of Winn; attorney; C. K. Jones, secretary and treasurer, Florence and Fannie Coffee, of De Soto; Lizzie and Messrs. Stephens, Lemee, Hyams, Asher and Fortson, of Caddo; Lelia Hightower, of Homer, Porter, directors. and Ida Corbett, of Spanish Lake, were also on The Louisiana society of Sons of the Revoluthe list of first pupils. About this time a presen- tion was organized May 16, 1890, with William tation of 2,000 books was made to this school by H, Jack, president; T. J. Cross, secretary; W. H. John Morris, of New Orleans. The faculty in Pipes, treasurer, and Jacob McWilliams, registrar. 1889 comprised Thomas D. Boyd, A. M., presi- There are thousands of descendants of the men dent, professor of psychology; A. L. Smith, who fought with Rochambeau and Lafayette in methods and general pedagogue; Charles H. the State, whose names should be enrolled on the White, natural sciences; Miss Mary E. Washing records of this association. ton, geography and calisthenics; Miss Mary Odalie The Southern H. & B. Association was organEzernack, physiology and hygiene; Miss Lizzie ized in March, 1890, with J. C. Trichel, senior Carter, language; Miss Nellie Hughes, history; president; H. Simon, vice president; G. L. Trichel, Miss Emma Oswalt, arithmetic; Miss Annie Bur- secretary and treasurer; Chaplin, Brazeale & Chapris, music, and Misses Emma Oswalt and Bessie lin, attorneys, and C. S. Searing, local agent. Russell, principals of the practice school. C. H. The Home Co-operative Cotton Seed Oil ComLing, of Cornell University, and R. L. Himes, of

ഀ ഀ

pany was incorporated February 14, 1890, the the Pennsylvania Normal, were added to the articles of association being signed by D. Pierson, faculty in September, 1890.

ഀ ഀ

J. S. Stephens, C. Chaplin, Charles H. Levy, D. The Bank of Natchitoches was incorporated C. Scarborough, J. C. Keyser, P. F. L'herisson, in July, 1890, with the following named stock- J. C. Trichel, A. E. Lemee per J. C. Trichel, M. holders; H. M. Hyams, 1 share, $100; H. Safford, 1

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L. Dismukes, N. T. Smith, S. Nelkin, R. L. Casshare, $100; J. H. Cosgrove, 5 shares, $500; L.

ഀ ഀ

pari, C. V. Porter, G. L. Tricbel, D. A. BlackLevy, 1 share, $100; P. F. L'herisson, 1 share, sher, Clarence Pierson and E. E. Buckner. $100; J. C. Tricbel, 1 share, $100; Hill & Jones, The Union Brick Manufacturing Company was organized April 3, 1890, through the efforts of J. residence of Richard Hertzog is another of the H. Cosgrove and C. K. Jones. The work of con- large residences of olden times. There are two struction was begun in the summer, and in Sep- other large brick residences, one now owned by tember the brick yards were completed and the Matthew Hertzog and the other by Joseph Henry, first brick burned.

ഀ ഀ

which came down from early days. The Natchitoches Ice Company was organized The Natchitoches Land & Railway Company October 15, 1890, with A. E. Lemee, president; was incorporated November 23, 1885, with L. A. Kaffie, secretary and treasurer, and the follow. Caspari, W. H. Jack, D. W. Kile, A. E. Lemee, ing board of directors: A. E. Lemee, Adolphe David Pierson, D. C. Scarborongh, J. A. DucourKaffie, P. F. L'herisson, H. Simon and J. A. Du- neau, Jr., and H. B. Walmsley, corporators and cournau, Jr. The company is organized with a members of the first board of directors. capital stock of $10,000, 100 shares at $100 each, In June, 1887, the ordinance providing that a and has for its object the manufacture of ice, cold 5-mill tax be levied for ten years as a grant to the storage and bottling business.

ഀ ഀ

Natchitoches Railroad Company was adopted, and The Red River Hedge Company (limited) was in August of that year work on the Tap Railroad successfully organized in Natchitoches on Septem- was begun. In September W. E. Westerfield was ber 3, 1890, by Col. George Moorman. The fol- superintendent of construction, Engineer Varnum lowing are the officers and directors of the institu- was in charge, Parker was contractor, and Burns, tion: Col. A. E. Lemee, president; Capt. A. E. engineer. In December the first excursion train Sompayrac, vice-president; J. A. Prudhomme, sec- passed over the road. In October, 1889, the folond vice-president; J. T. Trichel, treasurer; H. lowing named directors of this railroad company M. Hyams, secretary; J. H. Hill, general manager; were elected: L. Caspari, Joseph Henry, A. E. D. C. Scarborough, attorney for the company. Lemee, W. J. Behan, W. B. Ringrose and H. H. Among the directors are M. J. Cunningham, J. Baker. C. Trichel, Hon. L. Caspari, Gen. J. H. Cosgrove, In 1883" The Rogers,” Capt. Grant, and “ The J. T. Wallace, J. E. Delocbe, Capt. C. E. Gre- Lilia," Capt. Teal, were engaged in the Cane neaux, E. J. Gamble, A. R. Cockfield, S. Nelson River trade between its mouth and Natchitoches. and others.

ഀ ഀ

In 1884 Capt. Teal's new boat was launched at the The opera house was opened October 2, 1887, mouth of Cane River and named “The John Teal.'' Charles Gayarre lecturing on Mirabeau and the “ The Ranger,” Capt. Wood engaged in this trade French Revolution.

ഀ ഀ

in 1885, and in April, 1886, the "Marco," Capt. H. The Natchitoches Opera House Company was McKnight, ran up the river. organized in April, 1890, with D. C. Scarborough, The Merchants & Planters Protective Union president; J. C. Trichel, Sr., vice-president; P. L. was organized August 5, 1880, with L. Caspari, Asher, secretary, and J. S. Stephens, Jr., treasurer; president; H. A. Walmsley, V. P.; A. DucourH. M. Levy, C. V. Porter and Dr. Z. T. Gallion, nau, secretary, and Jules Ducasse, treasurer. S. directors.

ഀ ഀ

W. Kile, J. A. Prudhomme, J. J. McCook, S. NelThe hotels are the Normand, the Prothro, Mrs. kin, J. H. Stephens, J. D. Stelle (Sabine) and M. Garza's and the new Adams House. The present H. Levy, directors. Normand House was erected by Edouard Cloutier Prudhomme is located on Old River, where the in 1858, at a cost of $22,000. During the war he Natchitoches Railroad connects with the Texas & sold this property to H. Schuman for Confederate Pacific Railroad. It is in the midst of a wonder. money. The Ambroise Lecompte residence, now fully productive country, convenient to the parish occupied by the United States offices' bank, and seat. The chances for an important railroad the Adams Hotel, is one of the oldest, as it is the town in the future are fair for the bed of the anlargest, of the old residences of the city. The cient Lake Ocassee.

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a

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the first officers. This company suffered severely August, 1861; at this time J. H. Reid commenced at Vicksburg; T. Cobb, H. V. C. Edmondson, W. to recruit his select cavalry company. W. Gandy, and R. C. Hammett being killed, The Natchitoches Rebels were organized Sep- or died of wounds there; O. La Plante died at tember 9, 1861, with John D. Wood, captain; W. Iuka from wounds, and J. Williamson at Oak P. Owings, Theodul Latier and Emile Cloutier, Hills.

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lieutenants; S. B. Shackleford, T. J. Foster, Felix Company G, Pelican Rangers No. 1, was mus- Sers, J. C. H. Nemitts, and E. B. Roper, sergeants; tered in with No. 2; W. W. Breazeale was captian Joseph Gallion, A. B. Cunningham, J. A. Clark until September 24, 1861; W. 0. Breazeale, first and L. T. Fontenot, corporals, and W. A. Jenkins, and G. W. Halloway, second lieutenant, both of musician. Among the privates were L. L. Lynch, whom resigned before the close of October, 1861. P. Rabelais, M. Vickers, and C. Vircher, who died L. Caspari, the second junior lieutenant at muster in October, 1861. Two members of the Hertzog in, was promoted first lieutenant in October, 1861, and six of the Rachal families served in this comand captain in February, 1862. W. B. Butler, mand. On January 24, 1865, a resident of Natchithe first sergeant was elected captain May 8, 1862, toches wrote a poem, entitled “Unmarked Graves, and P. L. Prudhomme, second lieutenant; J. C. dedicating the verses to the women of the South. Trichel was third, J. A. Derbonne, fourth, and F. From this

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poem the second verse is given thus: F. Chaler, fifth sergeant; the latter died at Mays- Let Beauty's soft tears, like the dews of the night, ville, Ark., September 14, 1861.

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P. Bossier was Or the diamond's bright rays, reflecting the light, chosen third lieutenant in May, 1862; B. B. Brea

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Fall on these lonely graves, love's token so pure, zeale, fifth sergeant; F. Gaiennie, first lientenant;

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Which memory keeps green, while time shall endure.

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While Fame shall proclaim, with his deep, brazen voice, James Kile, third lieutenant; James W. Moss, Names of heroes who, in the land of their choice, second lieutenant, and K. Espy, assistant surgeon. Fell in the strife, on the field of their glory- The list of deaths, as given in Tuanard's report, is

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Their lives an offering to song and to story. as follows: Placide Bossier, at Oak Hills, V. Bor- Company A, Special Militia Force, Fifth Mili- dinave at Castillian Springs, October 3, 1862; C. tary District, was organized in April, 1890, and F. H. Schroeder at Elk Horn; John M. Tauzin, mustered in May 7, with C. E. Greneaux, captain; at Iuka, and B. F. Warner at Elk Horn.

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C. Pierson and R. L. Caspari, lieutenants; C. The Lecompte Guards were organized in April, Chaplin, Jr., and E. L. Hyams, sergeants; Aaron 1861, with William M. Levy, captain; R. E. Burke, Morris, B. F. Dranguet, J. Johnson and P. S. first lieutenant; J. F. Scarborough, second lieuten- Walmsley, corporals. There were fifty-five private ant; S. B. Robertson, third lieutenant.

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soldiers mustered in. mand was mustered into the Second Louisiana In

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During the pioneer days of the parish readers fantry, and served until the close of the war; only were supplied by newspapers and periodicals, both seventeen men remained to be mustered out; of French and Spanish. When the first paper was this number, very few are now living. The ser- printed in the English language here can not be geants were T. P. Chaplin, G. P. Rains, L. D. ascertained. In 1818, when Mr. Duplex settled Johnson and G. W. Kearney; the corporals, W. here, the Chronicle was published by Thomas €. A. Hollon, E. J. Miles, J. S. Kearney, and A. W. Hunt. Hamilton; Smith Noel was standard bearer, and In 1860 the Natchitoches Union, printed in Dr. C. Hamlin, surgeon.

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This command left on French and English, was issued by Ernest Le the steamer “Rapides,” April 27, 1861, 107 Gendre for the Union Publishing Company. On strong. Capt. W. M. Levy, editor of the Natchi.

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the editor's death in 1862 L. Duplex took charge toches Chronicle, and captain of the Lecompte as editor; but in 1864 the Federals issued it for Guards, was promoted colonel of the Second

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one week, and removed two presses and the mateLouisiana Infantry, vice De Russy, resigned, in rial. On Banks being driven away, Mr. Duplex

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This com

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66

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refurnished the office and carried on L. 'Union 13, 1883, by C. V. Porter. In 1887 Thomas J. until 1872, under the title Natchitoches Times, Flanner was editor and in May, 1888, J. H. Coswhen the publication ceased. In 1876 the office grove became proprietor. In 1883 the “Race Probwas sold to J. H. Cosgrove. The press was sold lem” was written by Mr. Cosgrove and subsequently in 1877 to the Winnsborough Sun.

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he contributed to the press of this State many of On April 5, 1864, the Natchitoches Daily Union the ablest, matter-of-fact papers on political and was issued from the Government printing office. social affairs. He brought the Review into the Lieut. Thomas Hughes was editor and Sergt. H. front rank of Louisiana journals. R. Crenshaw & Co., publishers. A beautiful word The Enterprise was issued here in 1888 by painting of the happy condition of the people be- H. P. Breazeale. fore the war was drawn, the leaders who led them The Robeline Reporter was established in Febinto Rebellion denounced and a promise made that ruary, 1883, by S. M. Potts & Son, who published only one flag should wave in the North and South. it until 1884, when J. M. Porter and W. A. LauAmong the poems of the war period were the "Mar- rent became owners. Later that year the latter seillaise du Sud,” dedicated to the chasseurs a pied sold to W. A. Carter, who a short time after pur

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' des Natcbitoches, by E. L. Caporal; "Aux Volon- chased Porter's interest. In 1886 the Reporter taires, was written in May, 1861, by Malle; "The became the property of the Robeline Publishing Soldier's Dirge" in 1864, and “Farewell to the Company, W. A. Ponder, superintendent, and A.V. Lafourche Guards” in 1861. During or after the

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During or after the Carter, editor. After a few months Dr. J. H. visit of Ex-President Davis, “The Saddest Run of Canningham became editor, and during his illness the Storm," was written by Mary E. Bryan for the Mrs. M. E. Cunningham became editress. On Spectator.

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the latter's death in 1886, C. R. Lee controlled Natchitoches Spectator was issued December the office, but publication ceased for a short time, 5, 1867, by J. M. Scanland. On September 22, when I. F, Carter revived it. In 1887 Hickson 1868, Mr. Scanland issued his valedictory and Mr. Capers purchased the office, and in February, 1889, Cromie purchased the office and filled all contracts when the Publishing Company resumed ownerfrom the Red River News---Republican, 1874. ship, another suspension followed until R. M.

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The Red River News was established by James McIntosh purchased the office, but in 1889 A. V. Cromie in 1868. L. H. Burdick became owner in i Carter became owner and changed the name to the 1870 and continued publication until June, 1874. News. In January, 1888, R. W. Ferguson was

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The Record was issued here later, and in 875 editor and D. W. Hubley, publisher. The valedic. D. W. Hubley published the Republican.

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tory of A. V. Carter as editor, of the Robeline News The Peoples' Vindicator was issued June 17, and of Carter & Son as proprietors, appeared May 1874, by J. H. Cosgrove, as a Democratic journal, 30, 1890, and in the same issue, a stirring salutatory this was the first Democratic paper since the was issued by S. C. Presley. J. E. Howe, now conTimes suspended.

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In 1881 the office was sold to nected with the News, entered the office in Februto Phanor Breazeale and publication suspended. *

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Martha's Bulletin was issued at MarThe Daily Vindicator was published in 1876

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thaville in 1898, with W. A. Gilbreath publisher. by J. H. Cosgrove; but owing to the heavy ex- On September 12, 1890, the name was changed to pense of associated press dispatches, this great en- the People's Republic, and Lee & Gilbreath were terprise was surrendered after six weeks.

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editors. The size of the paper was doubled at this The Natchitoches Register was issued in June,

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time. 1880, by John E. Hewitt.

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The enrollment of white pupils in the schools The Democratic Review was established May of Natcbitoches from 1877 to 1886, inclusive,

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is as follows: 657, 954, 771, 371, 516, 1,371,

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, *On March 29, 1884, the office of the l'indicator was sold to C.V. Porter.

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1,422, 1,123, 4.108 and 915. The nunber

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ary, 1883.

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1

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as

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of colored pupils enrolled for the years 1878 along the North Atlantic coast, and not until late to 1886 inclusive, is shown follows: 438, in the seventeenth century was there an actual 601, 122, 381, 455, 1,404, 614, 2,613 and 662. settlement made in Louisiana, and that was at In 1888 there were 5,172 children reported Adayes, near Natchitoches, a quiet little Indian attending school and in 1889, 4,738. This parish village in 1694, when the Islanders arrived from is one of the most liberal patrons of education the Canaries. After the death of De Soto, Musin the State. In early years private schools caso ascended Red River, but beyond noticing the of a first-class character were carried on here, and Indian occupants of the valley, he left no other in 1884 the State recognized the claims of this record. In 1694 a few members of the colony parish to the normal school. [Vide history of of Islanders, with a few Spaniards and Mexicans town.] Peter Duke was superintendent of free came hither. In 1714 St. Denys located a few school in 1819; J. H. Stephens in 1850, and later French Canadian families on the island of Natchi. H. P. Breazeale.

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toches, and in Jannary, 1717, M. De la Motte took In January, 1838, Dr. D. M. Heard presented possession of the place. In 1717, when De la Harpe his diploma as physician of 1831, I. W. Butler returned to the post he found Commandant Blonhis of 1832, Philip Breda his of 1836, and John del in charge and was so well pleased with the F. Williams his of 1838. Dr. Normand, of Clou- condition of affairs, that he wrote to Father Martierville, and other old physicians did not register. sello, then superior of the Texan Missions, assurUnder the law of 1882 the following named regis- ing him that his people could find all kinds of tered their diplomas: Penn Crain, Josephus F. European goods at Natchitoches. Darby, in his Griffin, Charles Hamlin, Joseph S. Stephens, history (published in 1817), speaks of Natchitoches Jules V. Janin, John W. Thomas, Sherman B. in latitude 30° 40' on the right bank of Red Crocheron, Zachary T. Gallion, Joseph A. Le- River. In March, 1823, a fire originating in the veque, James A. Root, William B. Powell, James old church destroyed sixty-five of the old buildE. Thomas, Alexander P. Breda, James Duerson, ings. Coulon de Villier and Ronjot were comJohn A. Lovett, Joseph S. Stephens, Jr., Theo- mandants prior to 1774. Vaugine and other offiphile Goudaux, James N. Lee, John D. Addison, cers, referred to in the general history of the Christopher C. Nash and Samuel H. Scruggs. parish were here, but the kindest and ablest of the The old physicians who registered were Lamarque French or Spanish officials was St. Denys, whose A. Lambert, Andre V. Couty, Thomas B. Sellers, name will be forever identified with the settle. Daniel L. Gillen, Elias I. Persigner, Albert E. ment and progress of this portion of Louisiana, Cassady, William W. Pitts, Randolph H. Ander- for to him is due the crushing defeat of the bloodson, Eli Hongo and John F. Carroll.

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thirsty Natchez at this post in 1731. The town of Natchitoches in latitude 31° 44'

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In previous pages many direct references are and longitude 14° west is the oldest permanent made to the early land owners around the post, and settlement in Louisiana, and with the exception of even lot buyers in the town are named. Incidents the ancient Spanish town of Adayes, the oldest in its progress from 1731 to the fire of 1823 are unwithout qualification. It is thought by many that obtainable, save in a legendary or uncertain form, Natchitoches is the oldest town in the United but the ecclesiastical history is not wanting for in States, but this is not the case. St. Augustine, Fla., no place can be found a more perfect record than was founded by the Spaniards in 1565; Port Royal, in the archives of the old parish house of the

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1 N. S., by the French, 1605; Jamestown, Va., by the present Cathedral.

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From the settlement of 1714 London Company, 1607; Quebec, by the French, to 1724 the mission was attended from Adayes 1608; New York, by the Dutch, 1014; Plymouth, by Rev. Anthony Margil or missionary priests. Mass., by the Puritans, 1620, and Baltimore

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The first baptism recorded is that of Francois by the Irish, 1032. Other settlements followed Gaspar Barbier, September 3, 1724, by the Ca

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9

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*

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*

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puchin friar, Francois Balliss. Brothers Luis de and continued so until 1832, when the waters cut a Quintanillo and Maximin were here in 1729; Rev. wide channel. Up to that time Cane and Little Campe, a capuchin, in 1730, and in 1734 Father Rivers were the navigable streams, forming this Pierre Vitry, a Jesuit, took charge of the parish. part of Red River. Loggy Bayou was at the foot Revs. Jean Francois, Marmoulet, Archange, Bar- of the great raft and there, in 1832, 500 or 600 nabie, Ragobert, Enstache, Amé, Valentin, Anass. Norwegians, in charge of Dr. Baum, were landed. thase, Varnird and Infant, all capuchins, adminis- Postlewait's Salt Works, at the Saline, were estered the sacrament of baptism prior to 1765. tablished in 1805 and a large salt trade was carFather Stanislaus came in 1765, and was succeeded ried on between this and Mississippi points, but in 1775 by Father Luis de Quintanillo and he, in years before this the Indians from the Mississippi 1783, by Rev. Francois de Caldar. Father Dal- came hither at stated times to procure salt. vaux came in 1786 and, with Revs. De Veles and In 1836 a merry company passed through Pavie, administered the old parish until the close Natchitoches: David Crockett, John Featherston, of 1796, when Father A. D. Sedella came, but “Happy'' Johnson, Ephriam Tully and Matthew Father Pavie was rector in fact up to August, Despallie. In describing the last named, the

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gam1807, when Rev. L. Bubst was appointed. Rev. bler, Greene, says:

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“He was a villainJ. Huerta was here in 1810, and J. M. Sora in ous bully. He drew on me at Alexandria, in 1833, 1811, as assistant priests--all capuchins. In April, but I was expecting it, and shot him with a derrin1813, Rev. J. Francisco Magnes was appointed ger. I hurried away, supposing he was killed, and and remained until August, 1822, when the church was assisted in my escape by J. Madison Wells' fawas without a pastor (the buildings were burned ther, who kept me at his plantation for several days. March 29, 1823).

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I am not sure whether it was Matt, or his equally On October 8, 1814, the claim of St. Francis bad brother, who was killed by ex-governor Wells.” Church was presented to the commission. Louis Rezin P. and James Bowie were residents of OpelBuard established the fact that for eighty years

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ousas Parish.

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Nassau, or Little Nas, a native of the priests, wardens and singers of St. Fran

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Natchitoches, who slept outside the Alamo during cis held those lands, and that no other ones the battle of March 6, 1836, was the only male ever made establishment thereon, as church lands who escaped the fate of the besieged. Mary Britwere held sacred. The claim for four and four- ton and her infant were spared by the Mexicans. tenths arpents of land on the right bank of a The United States Land Office at Natchitoches small bayou near the village was reported favor

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was established July 7, and opened October 12, ably. Prior to this, on December 13, 1811, Rev. 1838, by Receiver Benoit Laurents and Register Father Dagobert deeded to the police jury of Patrick 0. Lee. William Parmer made the first Natchitoches, 118.18 acres without consideration. entry-the southwest quarter of Section 13, Town

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In 1778 Andre Rambin purchased a lot in the ship 7, Range 11, Natchitoches. W. T. Walmsley town from Poiret, also Charles Paire, Nicholas was register in 1813. In November, 1812, John Lauve, and others named in the general history. Tucker signs the receiver's books, followed in July, Capt. Isaac Wright who, in 1821, commenced 1847, by J. M. B. Tucker.

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John F. Payne was steamboating between Natchez and Natchitoches, register in 1817. In June, 1819, Hugh Y. Wad

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. states that there was a large Mexican trade carried dell was commissioned register. John La Place on there. The Mexicans would come in with hun- was receiver in September, 1819, followed in Sepdreds of pack mules, loaded with specie, buffalo tember, 1853, by J. B.

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tember, 1853, by J. B. O. Buard; J. B. Cloutier, robes, tongues and peltries and return with dry register.

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Thomas C. Hunt was in office, as regoods and notions. In 1826 he and Capt. Gurney ceiver, in the fall of 1857, and in July, 1860, came down the Rigolet du Bon Dieu in a skiff. John La Place was reappointed receiver and S. It was then a small bayou about thirty feet wide M. Hyams register, succeeding W. W. Lester,

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special agent. In 1862 Mr. La Place surrendered

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agent of the town to negotiate with the New the office to Felix Metoyer, appointee of the Con- Orleans & Pacific Railroad Company for building federate land commissioner. In July, 1867, Col. the road via Natchitoches. The law suit growing D. Seigler, register of the Natchitoches Land out of the election of mayor this year entailed a Office, returned, and later the old archives were small expenditure. Edward L. Pierson was debrought hither. Receiver Lancaster also arrived clared mayor by the district judge, and in Sepduring this month.

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tember the following named citizens were appointed In June, 1871, J. Jules Bossier was appointed delegates to the Shreveport Railroad Convention: receiver and H. C. Myers register, and in June, W. M. Levy, W. H. Jack, Col. R. E. Burke, E. 1874, A. E. Lemee was commissioned. John La L. Pierson, A. E. Lemee, C. Chaplin, Jr., and C. Place, who served in the office during his father's F. Dranguet. In March, 1872, a night police administration, re-entered the office in 1882, and force was established, and the question of raising is the present deputy. L. H. Burdick succeeded $1,000 by special tax to purchase hose for the Myers in July, 1872, and served until August, fire-engine was ordered to be submitted to the 1875, when L. Duplex took charge. In May, 1885, people. W. E. Russell was commissioned register, and in Natchitoches was incorporated as a city by the February, 1888, Willis Holmes succeeded him. Legislature July 5, 1872. The first meeting of On August 25, 1890, L. Duplex was reappointed the new council was held July 22, E. L. Pierson, register.

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mayor; J. A. Ducournau, M. H. Carver, Emile On March 5, 1839, B. St. Amans, S. M. Hy- Rivers, Edmond Atkinson, John Genoe and J. C. ams, G. W. Russ, H. A. Ely and A. C. Surlls Trichel, councilmen; A. E. Lemee, secretary and ,

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, qualified as trustees of the town; M. R. Anail, treasurer; C. Chaplin, Jr., attorney; J. H. Cosclerk; W. L. Tuomey, attorney; Henry White and

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grove, assessor, collector and chief of police, and C. F. Rains, constables and collectors, and S. M. Charles Hamlin, physician. John B. Levy was Hyams, surveyor. (No records 1840 to 1868.) In

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mayor in 1873; F. McDaniel, chief of police and 1861 Felix Mettoyer was mayor. The council J. H. Cosgrove, collector. Later, W.

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Later, W. H. Redelected in April, 1868, comprised Theodore Schu- mond was appointed to this office; J. F. De Vargas, man, mayor; Joe Ezernack, Jacob Israel, Henry secretary and treasurer; C. J. Smith, chief of Burns (colored), W. Brady (colored), John Genoe police; L. H. Burdick, of The Red River News, and Hugh McKenna, councilmen. Burns and printer, and A. E. Lemee, mayor. J. F. De Brady resigned rather than take the oath of office. Vargas was mayor in 1874; C. F. Dranguet, 1877; Later that year A. E. Lemee, secretary and treas- Willis Holmes, 1879; Dr. R. S. Calves, 1881-90. urer; and W. H. Carver, Jacob Israel, Joseph Ezer- John La Place was elected clerk in 1874; W. nack and J. M. B. Tucker were trustees. The brick H. Barbes, 1878; C. V. Porter, 1881; C. E. culvert and dirt bridge on Second street, over Greneaux, 1880. In August, 1881, J. H. CosBayou Amulet were constructed this year by Key- grove was appointed chief of the fire department, ser & McKenna at a cost of $990, while in 1869 and Willis Holmes, assistant chief; W. P. Morrow other structures were anthorized. Philip Myers was chosen assessor in 1871; Lem. Greneaux, 1877; was mayor in 1870, and J. W. Little, constable, W. E. Russell, 1879; J. W. Little was marshal in vice L. Hanson, resigned. The sum of $100 was 1877; F. P. Raggio, 1879, and W. S. Greneanx appropriated to establish a telegraph line between is the present marshal. this town and Alexandria. J. Ezernack, J. R. E. F. Fitzgerald was appointed postmaster in Williams, W. D. Harkins and A. Perini were September, 1862. In September, 1866, this office conncilmen, while in 1871, Tilman Watkins, E.

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was reopened by the United States, with George Phillips, John Genoe and Samuel Parsons were

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Monroe, postmaster; Cloutierville, with Oliver trustees. Col. William M. Levy was appointed | Brosset; Campti, with Reiny Lambre.

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R. W.

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Taliaferro was postmaster in 1867. In 1868 Rufus 1833, Father Franciar being also here, and the Tabor was incumbent, keeping the office in the old latter remained in 1839, when Father V. Yamey Walmsley building. J. F. de Vargas held the took charge of the parish. In 1810 Rev. T. Alaoffice in 1875. Charles Le Roy and W. D. Hark- bau, P. C. M., Rev. E. Giustiniani and Father ios held the office successively. The Widow R. E. Pascual were here. Rev. R. W. Stehle came in Burke held the office for two terms prior to 1885, 1842; J. M. Maynard in 1844. Father Figari, a Mrs. Sudduth took possession in February, 1885, missionary, assisted Rev. Giustiniani in 1847, and with J. E. Breda, deputy. He succeeded Mrs. with Rev. L. C. M. A. Verrina and R. Pascual Sudduth in July, 1890, and is the present incum- were priests in 1848. In June, 1819, Rev. A. bent.

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Andrieu became pastor. In August, 1850, Rey. The first fire was that of 1823, which destroyed Aug. Martin with Frederick Cuney, assistant the second church building and sixty-five houses. priest, were here. The latter was succeeded by In 1838 the second fire swept away the third church Father Gelot in 1851, and in 1852 P. F. Dicharry, building. A few small fires are recorded prior to V. G., came. (He remained until 1887.) Rev. Y. 1864, when the town was saved from the fury of Yanean, of Marksville, L. Gergaud, who died at

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, the Federal troops by Bishop Martin.

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Shreveport in 1873, and J. M. Beaubien performed The fire of April 19, 1881, destroyed property baptismal ceremonies here in 1855. Fathers F. valued at $149,385, of which $55, 900 worth was Levouzet and Ch. Lebour in 1856; Y. M. Le Coninsured. It originated in the old Fontenot Hotel, nait, J. L. Galop, C. Sorrentini and J. Gentille purchased a short time before by Frank McDaniel, were here before the war. Father F. Martin came who promptly insured it for $7,000. Two blocks in 1862, and with Fatber Levouzet were here up were destroyed, the owners of property being C.

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to 1873, when the latter died at Shreveport. Chaplin, H. Walnusley, H. Bath, A. Prudhomme, Father Martin remained until 1878 with Father Nelken Lecompte, George Kile, Joseph Henry, Dicharry, vicar-general. That year Rev. A. An

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Payne, Shaffrach, J. Johnson, J. Ducose, dries took Father Martin's place, and in 1889 Bullard & Campbell, Hugh Walmsley, Levy & Rev. A. Piegay came as assistant priest. In 1887 Phillips, H. Litchenstein, Ducournau & Breda. Father Andries was appointed vicar-general and The office of the Vindicator, the property of J. H. acting secretary of this extensive diocese. The Cosgrove, was destroyed, with valuable files, State churches of the diocese in the parishes treated in and National reports, and library. McDaniel was this volume are as follows: St. Francis Xaviers, charged with incendiarism, and lodged in jail. Alexandria, Rev. L. Minard; Sacred Heart, PineThe Fontenot House was a tall three-story build- ville, Rev. R. Dumas, rector; Bayou Moreauville, ing, which was at one time the jail.

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Rev. P. E. Simon, Big Bend; St. Joseph's, MarksThe Cathedral Church of St. Francis is one of ville, Rev. A. Chorin; Bayou Bourbeaux, Bayou the historic landmarks of the United States. It was Cie, Bayou Dolle; Mansfield, Bayou Pierre and old wben the immortal Declaration of IndependKingston, attached to the Carmelite monastery; ence founded a great nation, and still a few miles Bayou Pierre and Prairie River, attended from away was the older church of San Miguel. In a Cloutierville; Bellevue, St. Johns, of Big Island, former page the history of this church down to attended from Pineville; Campti, Rev. E. Armaud

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After the fire of that year the (succeeding Father Poullain); Clear Lake; St. work of rebuilding was entered upon, and in 1726 John the Baptist, at Cloutierville; Rev. J. M. a new house of worship was completed in rear of Beaulieu, Cotes D'Afriqne; Cottonport, Rev. J. the parish cemetery.

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In 1825 Revs. Anduze and Rechatin; St. Vincent's, Fairfield, Rev. Gloster, Martin came in 1826; Rev. L. Dussausoy and J. attendant from Fairfield; Keatchie, attended from B. Blanc came in 1827. Rev. A. Mascaroni was Fairfield, N. J. Roulleaux; Fairmont, attended here at this time. Rev. E. D. Haurd came in from Pineville; Homer and Minden, attended from

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1823 is given.

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was

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a

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Shreveport; Ile Brevelle (colored) and Old River, fred Bludworth, Daniel H. Vail, Martin Fearing Rev. F. Grosse; KeKouen, attended from Natchi- and Thomas H. Airey, vestrymen; Thomas P. Jones, toches; Lecompte, attached to Alexandria; Planche- clerk, succeeded by E. Hollis. (In December, 1811, ville, Rev. L. Gallop; Shreveport, Rev. Joseph the Methodist preachers entered this field, holding Gentille; Spanish Lake, attached to Many; Spanish services in the court house). Mr. Burke attended

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. Town, attached to Bayou Pierre; Spring Creek, to the little societies at Greenwood, Shreveport, AlAlexandria; Tiger Island, Natchitoches. In the exandria, Donaldsonville, Fort Jesup, Baton whole diocese are fifty-three churches and chapels, Rouge and Franklin, up to 1844, when he resigned. and a population of about 30,000 persons.

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In 1843 a church building was erected here through The division of New Orleans diocese the efforts of the first pastor. In December, 1844, recommended in 1852. Shortly after this recom- Rev. Elijah Guion came here, and remained until mendation was carried out, and Rev. Augustus M. June, 1848. For five years the pulpit was filled by Martin elected first bishop of the new diocese of visiting preachers, or by the rector of Alexandria. Natchitoches July 29, 1853. He found in all In July, 1853, Rev. Thomas S. Bacon arrived; the Northern Louisiana a Catholic population of about corner-stone of the present brick church was placed 25,000, seven churches, four priests and the edu- April 28, 1857, and the bouse was completed in cational house of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. 1858. Prior to this a silver eucharistic service was On his death, September 29, 1875, there were presented by Gen. De Peyster, of New York, and a sixty churches, together with the educational and tablet to the memory of his daughter was placed charitable institutions of the Daughters of the in the sanctuary, on the left of the altar. Mr. BaCross, referred to in the history of Caddo, and the con served the churches of this mission until April Sisters of Mercy. Rev. F. X. Leray, a historical 12, 1861, when he resigned, leaving a Mr. Binet character in the history of Mississippi, was elected to take charge. In April, 1865, a Confederate bishop in 1877, and bad for his diocese all of chaplain, Rev. David Keer, succeeded Mr. Binet, Louisiana north of latitude 31°.

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In 1879 he was but in March, 1867, the pulpit was found vacant, appointed coadjutor of New Orleans, but con- and the bishop appointed a lay reader. In March, trolled Natcbitoches as administrator apostolic, and 1870, the pastor of tbe Shreveport Church came on the death of Archbishop Perchi in December, here by appointment, but in December, 1870, Rev. 1883, became administrator of the whole State. Charles Ritter was appointed rector, and served He was

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soon after elected archbishop of New until April, 1871. Rev. John Sandels came in Orleans, and on March 19, 1885, the present | April, 1872, and remained until his death, in Octobishop, Rt. Rev. Anthony Durier, was consecrated ber, 1874. From 1878 to 1883 Rev. Charles A.

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i at St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans.

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Cameron was pastor; then the pulpit was vacant for Trinity English Protestant Episcopal Church about two years, when Rev. M. T. Turner began was established May 23, 1841, by Rev. John his periodical missionary visits. In May, 1886, Burke. It appears that on March 27, 1839, Bishop Rev. R. H. Prosser began his monthly visits, and in Polk visited the town, and on the 30th held the May, 1887, Rev. W. T. Douglass succeeded him. first Protestant services here at the court-house. The church is now without a pastor, but the regis. He revisited the town February 21, 1811, and ap- ters or records are safe in the possession of Mrs. pointed Mr. Burke to this mission in May following, Sullivan, one of the oldest members. The seats or Mrs. Walmsley suggesting such appointment. The pews were sent hither from Illinois, years ago, officers appointed May 23, that year, were S. M. Tib. while the organ, built in Baltimore, was placed betts, S. W.; F. Williams, J. W., succeeded by E. here in 1871. The bell was presented by Gen. 0. Blanchard, William Hunter, Lewis G. De Russy, De Peyster. The congregation is made up of Joseph G. Campbell, Victor, Adolph and Ambrose thirty families. Sompayrac, George W. Lewis, D. M. Heard, Al

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Union Lodge No. 21, A. F. & A. M.,

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was

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chartered in 1818, and continued in existence until stituted June 7, 1889. The officers installed in 1828.

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Phoenix Lodge No. 38, A. F. & A. M., July, 1890, were: H. M. Hyains, C.; C. H. Levy, was chartered October 6, 1836, with Samuel P. V. C.; J. E. Breda, P.; R. S. Calves, K. of R. Russell, master; William Long, S. W.; William and S.; H. M. Levy, M. of E., and N. Smith, M. P. Jones, J. W.; W. F. Tabor, secretary; S. B. of A. True, treasurer; J. M. Coons, S. D.; B. F. Chap- The Thirteen Club elected the following named man, J. D., and J. Holmes, tyler. Meetings were officers in June, 1890: J. S. Stephens, Jr., presithen held in Mason's Hall. The masters of this dent; J. C. Trichel, Jr., V. P.; Clarence Pierson, , lodge since that time are named as follows: S. P. secretary, and Simeon Simon, treasurer. This Russell, 1838; W. P. Jones, 1810 (presided as club has elegant quarters in the Review Building. temporary master in 1839). There is no record of The Free Sons of Israel of Natchitoches were meetings in 1811-13; B. V. St. Amans, 1844; P. incorporated under the act of March 30, 1871. A. Morse, 1845; A. Seegar, 1846; Frederick Will- The object of this association was to subscribe iams, 1847; J. B. Smith, 1848; S. M. Hyams, funds to be employed in the erection of a synagogue 1851; J. B. Smith, 1853; J. H. Stephens, 1854; and keep the burial ground in good order. . J. B. Smith, 1855; John R. Williams, 1856; T. In 1879 the Methodist Episcopal Church buildHunter, 1857; J. B. Smith, 1858; John S. Levy, ing was erected, Rev. T. J. Hough being then 1862; William Payne, 1863; F. Metoyer, 1861; preacher. The Baptists began their building that C. Chaplin, Jr., 1867; J. E. Breda, 1868; S. M. year during the pastorate of Rev. V. G. Cunning. Hyams, 1869, but Philip Myers presided gener- ham, but pending its completion held services in the ally; C. Chaplin, Sr., 1870; S. W. Kile, 1871; C. Fireman's Hall. The Baptist, Methodist and Chaplin, 1873; Thomas P. Chaplin, 1875; C. South African colored churches were in existence. Chaplin, 1876; J. R. Williams, 1880; M. H. Wil- The Lutheran Benevolent Society was chartered kinson, 1882; Thomas P. Chaplin, 1886; C. Chap- December 7, 1882, with King Mickelbury male di lin, 1887; Adolph Kaffie, 1888; J. H. Cosgrove, rector; Mary Badgers, female director; Ad. With1889, and Dr. Z. T. Gallion, 1890. The secreta- erspoon, Hubbard Sharp, John Goings, Andrew ries of the lodge are named in the following list: Murdock, William Yarbrough, G. W. Duncan and James L. Gillispie, 1838; W. R. Speight, 1839; Joseph Bennett, trustees. The officers included D. H. Boult, 1840; J. B. Smith, 1846; John F. 12 male, and 12 female stewards and preachers; Payne, 1847; D. H. Boult, 1819; Horatio Sibley, 3 marshals, 12 pilgrims and 12 mourning women.

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,

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, 1850; William Payne, 1851; D. F. Tabor, 1852; In June, 1879, Rev. Walters, of the African William Payne, 1853; T. Hunter, 1856; William Baptist Church, attempted to erect a church in the Payne, 1857; W. P. Morrow, 1861; C. Chaplin, center of Buard Street, although the street had Jr., 1862; J. W. Norris, 1863; L. Caspari, 1861; been open for thirty-five years. C. L. Walmsley, 1865; William Payne, 1866; Ed Rev. Darius Logan, presiding elder of the Phillips, 1870; T. P. Chaplin, 1876; Dr. R. S. African Methodist Church for the district from Calves, 1880; Phanor Breazeale, 1889, and Crok- Natchitoches to Washington, was stationed at Colette K. Jones, 1890. The lodge numbers at pres

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fax in 1883. ent forty members with property valued at $8,000. St. Joseph College was established in 1856 by

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Cloutierville No. 110 was organized at the mouth Bishop Martin, at Natchitoches, in the buildings of Cane River in 1852; Kissatchie Union No. 195, formerly built and occupied by the Sisters of the at Kile's Mills, in 1868, surrendered charter in Sacred Heart, in 1816. Miss Tauzin (living), 1880; Lake Village No. 205 dates back to 1869. Josephine Geanty (deceased), Augustinia DesIt is now known as No. 86 with headquarters at louschs (living), and Aurelia Anty, now Mrs. Jules Saline since 1874.

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Normand were the first pupils in 1846–47.

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In Natchitoches Lodge No. 89, K. of P., was in- September, 1888, five sisters from the Convent of

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Divine Providence, San Antonio, Tex., arrived at 1 share, $100; J. A. Ducournau & Son, 1 share, Natchitoches for the purpose of establishing a day. $100; H. Kaffie & Bro., 5 shares, $500; Henry M. school. The old convent buildings were restored. Levy, 1 share, $100; S. Nelkin, 2 shares, $200; The State Normal School was established by the M. L. Dismukes, 1 share, $100; D. C. Scarbor- legislative act of 1884, which provided for an an- ough, 2 shares, $200; M. H. Carver, 1 share, $100; nual grant of $6,000. The buildings were erected L. Caspari, 1 share, $100; D. P. Doak, 250 by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart for educational shares, $25,000; Thomas Doak, per D. P. Doak, 50 purposes; but were purchased by the people for shares, $5,000; W. C. Doak, 50 shares, $5,000; the purposes of this State school. The grounds Joseph Henry, 5 shares, $500; J. W. Cockerham, embrace 105 acres. Dr. Edward Sheib was presi- 1 share, $100; J. S. Stephens, 3 shares, $300; dent of the normal school faculty. The school Phanor Breazeale, 1 share, $100; H. P. Breazeale, opened November 1, 1885, with thirty-six students, 1 share, $100; P. S. Prudhomme, 1 share, $100; among whom were Della Ezernach, Edgar Tharp, Z. T. Gallion, 1 share, $100; Mat. Hertzog, per

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, , Albert Dietrich, Elisha Breazeale, Millie Hughes, A. E. Lemee, 3 shares, $300; J. Alphonse Prud- Maude Breazeale, Bertha Bahn, Pauline Haller, homme, per A. E, Lemee, 3 shares, $300; A. E. Bertha, Annie and Samuel Levy, Mary C. Sullivan, Lemee, 105 shares, 10,500; C. E. Greneanx, 1 Cecile Deblieux, Nena Kearney, Emma Tessier, share, $100. Hannah Aaron, Kate L. Trichel, Sam D. Kearney, The Building & Loan Association was organized Richard Percy, G. W. Barnes, Robbie Barnes and in March, 1890, with W. H. Jack, president; Madison R. Lay, all of Natchitoches Parish; Benny David Pierson, vice president; D. C. Scarborough,

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-, Rosenthal, of Alexandria; W. L. Ford, of Winn; attorney; C. K. Jones, secretary and treasurer, Florence and Fannie Coffee, of De Soto; Lizzie and Messrs. Stephens, Lemee, Hyams, Asher and Fortson, of Caddo; Lelia Hightower, of Homer, Porter, directors. and Ida Corbett, of Spanish Lake, were also on The Louisiana society of Sons of the Revolu- the list of first pupils. About this time a presen- tion was organized May 16, 1890, with William tation of 2,000 books was made to this school by H. Jack, president; T. J. Cross, secretary; W. H. John Morris, of New Orleans. The faculty in Pipes, treasurer, and Jacob McWilliams, registrar. 1889 comprised Thomas D. Boyd, A. M., presi- There are thousands of descendants of the men dent, professor of psychology; A. L. Smith, who fought with Rochambeau and Lafayette in methods and general pedagogue; Charles H. the State, whose names should be enrolled on the White, natural sciences; Miss Mary E. Washing records of this association. ton, geography and calisthenics; Miss Mary Odalie The Southern H. & B. Association was organ- Ezernack, physiology and hygiene; Miss Lizzie ized in March, 1890, with J. C. Trichel, senior Carter, language; Miss Nellie Hughes, history; president; H. Simon, vice president; G. L. Trichel, Miss Emma Oswalt, arithmetic; Miss Andie Bur-

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secretary and treasurer; Chaplin, Brazeale & Chapris, music, and Misses Emma Oswalt and Bessie lin, attorneys, and C. S. Searing, local agent. Russell, principals of the practice school. C. H. The Home Co-operative Cotton Seed Oil ComLing, of Cornell University, and R. L. Himes, of

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pany was incorporated February 14, 1890, the the Pennsylvania Normal, were added to the articles of association being signed by D. Pierson, faculty in September, 1890.

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J. S. Stephens, C. Chaplin, Charles H. Levy, D. The Bank of Natchitoches was incorporated C. Scarborough, J. C. Keyser, P. F. L'herisson, in July, 1890, with the following named stock

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J. C. Trichel, A. E. Lemee per J. C. Trichel, M. holders; H. M. Hyams, 1 share, $100; H. Safford, 1

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L. Dismukes, N. T. Smith, S. Nelkin, R. L. Casshare, $100; J. H. Cosgrove, 5 shares, $500; L. pari, C. V. Porter, G. L. Tricbel, D. A. Black Levy, 1 share, $100; P. F. L'herisson, 1 share, sher, Clarence Pierson and E. E. Buckner. $100; J. C. Trichel, 1 share, $100; Hill & Jones, The Union Brick Manufacturing Company was

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organized April 3, 1890, through the efforts of J. residence of Richard Hertzog is another of the H. Cosgrove and C. K. Jones, The work of con- large residences of olden times. There are two struction was begun in the summer, and in Sep- other large brick residences, one now owned by tember the brick yards were completed and the Matthew Hertzog and the other by Joseph Henry, first brick burned.

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which came down from early days. The Natchitoches Ice Company was organized The Natchitoches Land & Railway Company October 15, 1890, with A. E. Lemee, president; was incorporated November 23, 1885, with L. A. Kaffie, secretary and treasurer, and the follow. Caspari, W. H. Jack, D. W. Kile, A. E. Lemee, ing board of directors: A. E. Lemee, Adolphe David Pierson, D. C. Scarborough, J. A. DucourKaffie, P. F. L'herisson, H. Simon and J. A. Du- neau, Jr., and H. B. Walmsley, corporators and cournau, Jr.

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The company is organized with a members of the first board of directors. capital stock of $10,000, 100 shares at $100 each, In June, 1887, the ordinance providing that a and has for its object the manufacture of ice, cold 5-mill tax be levied for ten years as a grant to the storage and bottling business.

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Natchitoches Railroad Company was adopted, and The Red River Hedge Company (limited) was in August of that year work on the Tap Railroad successfully organized in Natchitoches on Septem- was begun. In September W. E. Westerfield was ber 3, 1890, by Col. George Moorman. The fol- superintendent of construction, Engineer Varnum lowing are the officers and directors of the institu- was in charge, Parker was contractor, and Burns, tion: Col. A. E. Lemee, president; Capt. A. E. engineer. In December the first excursion train

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. Sompayrac, vice-president; J. A. Prudhomme, sec- passed over the road, In October, 1889, the folond vice president; J. T. Trichel, treasurer; H. lowing named directors of this railroad company M. Hyams, secretary; J. H. Hill, general manager; were elected: L. Caspari, Joseph Henry, A. E. D. C. Scarborough, attorney for the company. Lemee, W. J. Behan, W. B. Ringrose and H. H. Among the directors are M. J. Cunningham, J. Baker. C. Trichel, Hon. L. Caspari, Gen. J. H. Cosgrove, In 1883 " The Rogers," Capt. Grant, and "The J. T. Wallace, J. E. Delocbe, Capt. C. E. Gre. Lilia," Capt. Teal, were engaged in the Cane neaux, E. J. Gamble, A. R. Cockfield, S. Nelson River trade between its mouth and Natchitoches. and others.

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In 1884 Capt. Teal's new boat was launched at the The opera house was opened October 2, 1887, mouth of Cane River and named “The John Teal.”' Charles Gayarre lecturing on Mirabeau and the “The Ranger,” Capt. Wood engaged in this trade French Revolution.

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in 1885, and in April, 1886, the "Marco," Capt. H. The Natchitoches Opera House Company was McKnight, ran up the river. organized in April, 1890, with D. C. Scarborough, The Merchants & Planters Protective Union president; J. C. Trichel, Sr., vice-president; P. L. was organized August 5, 1880, with L. Caspari, Asher, secretary, and J. S. Stephens, Jr., treasurer; president; H. A. Walmsley, V. P.; A. DucourH. M. Levy, C. V. Porter and Dr. Z. T. Gallion, nau, secretary, and Jules Ducasse, treasurer. S. directors.

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W. Kile, J. A. Prudhomme, J. J. McCook, S. NelThe hotels are the Normand, the Prothro, Mrs. kin, J. H. Stephens, J. D. Stelle (Sabine) and M. Garza's and the new Adams House. The present

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H. Levy, directors, Normand House was erected by Edouard Cloutier Prudhomme is located on Old River, where the in 1858, at a cost of $22,000. During the war he Natchitoches Railroad connects with the Texas & sold this property to H. Schuman for Confederate Pacific Railroad. It is in the midst of a wondermoney. The Ambroise Lecompte residence, now fully productive country, convenient to the parish occupied by the United States offices' bank, and seat. The chances for an important railroad the Adams Hotel, is one of the oldest, as it is the town in the future are fair for the bed of the anlargest, of the old residences of the city.

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The cient Lake Ocassee,

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a

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Robeline, named after one of the early settlers, opened a general store, A. E. Cassady a drug store, is a modern railroad town. As related in the his- Nash & Sons, L. Daniel and the Lees general tory of this parish and Sabine, settlements were stores, and B. D. Loper a saloon. In 1883 genmade close by as early as 1694-1711. Joseph eral stores were opened by G. J. Cook & Co., M. C.

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, Clark, an hospital steward at Fort Jesup, resigned Fisher, W. W. Page and Mrs. E. C. Lovett, a liv. and selected lands northeast and south west of the ery stable by T. E. Dodd and a grocery by Martin present Robeline depot on which to build a log Brown. The older traders made many improvehouse. He settled at Fort Jesup about 1823, and ments. Hill & Caldwell's cotton market store, married a woman at that post. James H. Gallion John Blake's large store, Cox & Thomas' and the bought land southwest of the railroad except thirty Lindsey store were all brought into existence. In acres above the present depot, which was entered 1884 Stamper's steam mill and gin was construct. by Judge Chaplin in 1881 or 1882. The Chaplin ed, and Hogue entered the firm of Gay Brothers. family may be said to originate at Fort Jesup, and During this year the business center began to when Mrs. Clarke died, Judge Chaplin became change from the Boulevard to Texas Street. In heir to the property. Clark's log house tavern 1883 the academy was erected and school opened stood where A. Dover resides, and J. H, Gallion's in March, by R. W. Freeman, but prior to this log dwelling where W. M. Cook's dwelling is, and one F. Truly taught school in the new town. The his log store house where L. Daniel's store is locat- old public school building erected in 1888 is now ed. James E. Keegan settled three miles west in used for the purposes of public and private acad1858, W. A. Ponder five miles west in 1853, and emy. It is proposed to erect a new house on a lot J. H. Cox close by, preceded them. Rauscheck, offered by F. C. Blacksher. In September, 1890, a Russian, who was discharged at Fort Jesup, lo- J. E. Keegan, M. F. Buvens and F. C. Gay were cated three miles southwest, and Philip Wagley appointed a committee to secure teachers, and F. resided on the site of the city, near Lake Clark. C. Blacksher, L. B. Gay and W. W. Page to seStokers and other pioneer families of Sabine locat- cure pupils for the new school; W. C. Cox presided, ed along the old Mexian trail, but comparatively with J. E. Buvens secretary. The officers of the little progress was made until the railroad was

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board are J. B. McCook, president; M. F. Buvens, built. In 1881 the New Orleans & Pacific Rail- secretary, and W. W. Page, treasurer. September road survey was made and the road built. May 1, 1, Prof. J. Fuller Hailey was engaged to teach. that year, Robeline was surveyed for C. Chaplin, The register of the Methodist Church at Robe and additions made by N. Stamper, but not until line dates back to June 14, 1883, when Rev. Ben. September were town lots staked. James E. Kee- Jenkins, Jr., the Freemans, Mrs. L. Collier and gan

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moved his large home from the plantation into Mrs. M. F. Burdick signed the record book. R. the new town; K. B. Wilson opened a saloon op- A. Davis, Mrs. S. L. Carter, the Caldwells and posite James McCook's store of later days; N. Mrs. Presnell signed later that year. Mr. Upton A. Stamper's store room was built in August, 1881; succeeded H. Capers, and Rev. A. D. McVoy, Jr., -,

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, Hughes & Carter's grocery was opened soon after, succeeded Rev. R. S. Isbell as pastor. The pres and they were followed by Hopkins & Barber, and ent number of members is sixty-five. The church John Decker. C. J. Smith opened the second sa- building was erected during Mr. Isbell's adminisloon; William Edwards the first livery; M. Brown tration. The Colored Methodist Church was esthe third hotel, and Mrs. Howe the fourth; James tablished here in 1884 by Rev. H. Wallace. McCook's dry goods store was established later, The Baptist Church dates back to 1884, when and Walter D. Hopkins opened the railroad office; the house of worship at Spanish Lake was moved but in December, 1881, he vacated the office, leav- to Robeline. Rev. W. M. Reese was the first ing $1,500 to be accounted for. The year 1882

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pastor. brought several new traders hither.

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In 1888 a lot on which to erect a Catholic

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The Gays

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ary 1, 1883.

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men.

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one.

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Church building was purchased. Moneys were Cloutierville was founded in 1822 by Alex. C. subscribed for this purpose, and in the fall of Cloutier, with the object of making it the seat of 1890 definite steps were taken to erect a house of justice for the new parish, which he petitioned to worship. Since the beginning of Robeline, serv- have established. The prospects were fair enough ices have been held here once every month by to warrant the erection of a large house for parish Father Aubree, of Many.

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purposes, and also a large church building for The first meeting of the council of Robeline Catholic worship, at that time the only worship was held March 14, 1883, under charter of Febru- known in Louisiana. [Vide general history.] J. E. Keegan was then mayor with

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Marthaville is credited with only 290 people, C. R. Lee, L. B. Gay, J. M. Moorman, J. V. Nash but since the school attendance numbers 135 this and L. Daniel, councilmen. In 1884 N. A. Stamper must be far short of the actual population. It is was mayor with J. B. Clifton, L. H. Burdick, M. probably 350 to 400. There is a large saw-mill C. Fisher, W. W. Page and B. D. Slay, council- and planing-mill here, which ship 2,000,000 feet

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They were followed by L. Daniel, mayor; of lumber per year, the trade principally being in J. E. Keegan, J. B. Clifton, W. C. Cox, J. H. Texas. They have a capacity of 25,000 feet per Caldwell and G. J. Cook, in 1886 and 1887; L. day, and are always running. The timber is at the Daniel, in 1888; W. C. Cox, in 1889, and J. E. door, and there is enough to run the mill for Keegan, in 1890. L. Daniel was first clerk, suc- years. The school is the official pride of the town, ceeded by J. B. Clifton, G. J. Cook and E. M. though as a business point it is a very promising Lindsey, who has served from 1886 to the present The town was first settled by the Rains time. In 1886 M. H. Carver, W. A. Ponder, M. family in 1851 and in 1852 others came into the Brown, H. Manhein and E. M. Lindsey were ,

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neighborhood, such as the Crumps and Berrys. councilmen; I. H. King replaced Carver in 1887; Prior to 1851 the Crumps and Berrys located one W. M. Prothro, J. E. Keegan, R. W. Freeman, mile distant from the present town, and in 1852 M. F. Buvens and E. M. Lindsey were council. the Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians estabmen in 1888. In 1889 G. L. Jackson took King's lished Mount Pisgah Union Church. In 1853 a place, while in January, 1890, W. W. Page, F. school-house was constructed at Marthaville, and C. Blacksher and J. F. Carter with M. F. Buvens in 1855 a post office was established with J. J. and E. M. Lindsey form the council. The latter Rains, master, and the name given in honor of his is also secretary and treasurer. The town is with- wife. Here also was the stage station of the out debt and claims a little money in the treasury. Alexandria and Shreveport stage line as estabThe State census places the population at 415. lished that year.

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In 1857 a daily mail service The first postmaster at Robeline was N. A. was established. During the Bank's invasion a Stamper, in August, 1881. The office was then ,

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half-hour's battle was fought here with the Connamed Leolia after his daughter. On October 6, federate troops under Green. From 1881 to 1883 1882, when J. M. H. McCook took possession of G. W. Small, the first merchant here, carried on the office, it was known as Robeline.

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a large trade.

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The town was incorporated in The officers of the W. C. T. U. in August, 1888, 1884. In 1883 J. J. Rains became his partner. were Mrs. James H. Hill, Mrs. W. C. Cox, Mrs. In 1882 the Bonds & Jordan store was built, but R. W. Freeman, Mrs. R. S. Isbell, Mrs. John in 1883 the house was burned. J. J. Rains did Dunkleman and Mrs. J. H. Caldwell, in the order

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business here in 1882–83, but in the latter year esof Union rank. Little or nothing was accomplished tablished a store at Negreet with J. W. Law, manby this society, but in 1890 a reorganization was

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ager, and one

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at Broadwell's with W. A. Olieffected with Mrs. R. W. Freeman, president; phant, manager. J. T. Hanson & Co. established Mrs. Belle Carter, secretary, and Mrs. John Dunkle- a store bere in 1884. H. E. Hanson was first railman, treasurer.

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road agent in 1881, followed by Charles Hanson in 1884. The saw-mills of Hanson & Brazier and Long, A. T. Foster, J. D. Salter, J. F. Carroll J. J. Rains, Berry & Ingram's brick kilns, Waugh and J. C. Thomason. The fire of November 21, & Gentry's shingle-mill and the old Rains gin 1888, resulted in the destruction of property valwere early industries.

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ued at $15,000. It originated in the Commercial Grant's Point is the modern name given to the Hotel, then owned by Dr. J. D. Addison, and point at the mouth of Cane River. Frank Beau- spreading to the Stephens & Gregory bar room, dry established a store here in 1865, as successor Brown's Hotel, John Trichel's small building and of the old ante-bellum French store of Madame S. Nelkin's store, swept them all away.

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ImmediBoulard. Owing to some difficulty with the peo- ately after the fire the work of rebuilding was enple she was driven out. This action led to a suit tered upon, and to-day the general stores of S. against several persons in Grant Parish, and this Nelkin, Joseph Levy, R. W. Gregory, W. W. suit led to a verdict for $5,000 damages against Farris, D. W. Hall & Co. and M. W. Carroll tell Meredith Calhoun. Morentine & Calhoun estab- of its progress.

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The hotels of Mrs. Israel and lished their store on the Rapides bank of Cane Dr. A. J. Roquemore are well ordered hostelries. and Red Rivers in June, 1865. They were fol- Grand Ecore was surveyed in 1836 for Samuel lowed by Morentine & Rachal and L. C. Serr & Russell, and in 1854 was selected as the starting Co. T. Monk Wells, son of J. Madison Wells, point of the mail coaches for Shreveport. In Aulocated on Natchitoches bank, opposite Colfax, in gust, 1880, a post office was established with H. May, 1883, where he proposed raising sugar cane. Manhiem, master. His store was on the Rapides bank of Cane River. The De Russy Cemetery, on the Grand Ecore

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Provencal is an incorporated town of about 400 Road contains some old-time obelisks. The Alexinhabitants. Joseph H. Stephens is mayor, justice ander lot close by was tenanted in 1855, during the

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, of the peace and member of the parish school yellow-fever epidemic. board. Eight years ago there was no town here. Campti is one of the oldest towns on Red Then the store of Stephens & Gregory was opened. River. In 1827 it was the outfitting point for the In 1883 Samuel Nelkin established his store here. upper country--Claiborne and Arkansas. In 1805 The former firm purchased the town site in 1886 Francois Grappe was appointed interpreter by the from Green & Brogan, the original owners, for Natchitoches Indians in selling a portion of their whom it was surveyed. In 1886 the Methodist old Spanish grant of 1790, on Lac de Mure above Episcopal Church house was erected, and in 1889 Campti to Hypolite Bordelin. The latter paid $90 the Baptists erected their building. Where the for this grant. The United States commissioners

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. lands have not been cleared they are covered with did not confirm Bordelin's claim, holding that the a heavy growth of beech, ash, oak, pine, gum and grant to Chief Tomac in 1790 was only provisional. other trees useful for house-building or furniture. In 1864 Banks troops destroyed every house at Four saw. mills and planing-mills, with a capacity Campti except R. Raphael's store on Front Street. of 140,000 feet per day, are constantly turning This was burned in 1888. The Campti fire of out rough and dressed lumber for shipment January 30, 1874, destroyed the Coughlin bnildabroad. Two other saw-mills, with a capacity of ings, then occupied by Raphael & Brother. For 15,000 feet per day, are right at the town.

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years prior to April, 1884, J. G. Readheimer was In July, 1890, the Provencal Land & Improve- postmaster at Campti.

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postmaster at Campti. That month L. Perot was ment Company was organized, among the members appointed by the Republican administration, but being the following named: Joseph Levy, S. Nel- in 1885 Mrs. McDaniel was commissioned. Marion kin, J. T. Myrick, J. C. Wiggins, Mrs. Annie Cauley's saw mill, above Campti, is the only manuCrain, J. C. Nalley, S. E. Nalley, T. W. Haw- facturing industry on the Coushatta and Natchithorne, W. R. Gibbs, D. W. Hall, D. McCorque toches road. . dale, S. Moses, J. M. Killen, J. A. Ellzey, S. G. In 1864 the residence of A. Lecomte at Magnolia plantation was destroyed by the Federal troops. 1860–64, and Charles W. Boyce, president pro tem. In July, 1878, Matthew Hertzog the present own- of the Senate, 1864; John M. Sandige, speaker of er, captured a white mocking bird in the ruins. the House, 1854–55; W. W. Pugh, 1856-59; This plantation is one of the oldest as it is one of Charles H. Morrison, 1860–61; Mortimer Carr, the largest in Louisiana.

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1870; John C. Moncure, 1879, and Henry W. Og Traditions, dating back to the last century, gov- den, 1881.

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den, 1884. Aristides Barbin, Henry B. Kelly and ern, in a measure, the Creoles of to-day. The W. A. Strong served as secretaries of the Senate; war into which they were led by politicians, Peter J. Trezevant and C. M. Pegues as clerks of brought ruin to some of the oldest families, and the House; H. A. Bullard was Secretary of State in the era of plunder, introduced after the failure of 1838, and W. A. Strong, 1877-84; Isaac E. Morse the Rebellion, humiliated, if it did not destroy, the was attorney-general, 1853–55; A. S. Herron high spirit of the others. Young women, edu- elected in 1865, but removed by Federal authority; cated in the great convent schools of the land, James C. Egan, 1880–84, and Milton J. Cunning . young men, taught in the colleges of the Eastern ham, 1884-88. In 1850-52 Charles E. Greneaux States and France—all raised up in elegant lux- was State treasurer, and Robert A. Hunter, 1855ury, and with expectations as large as their desires 59; Louis Bordelin served as auditor in 1850-54; - - had replaced their parents in the control of the Col. W. H. Jack is present superintendent of eduSouth. To such the vicissitudes of social change cation; Henry A. Bullard was appointed judge of were unknown until the blithe of civil war fell the Supreme Court in 1832, and served until 1815; upon their country, and withered up the social George R. King was appointed in 1846; James G. and industrial systems which they had known Campbell was elected, and served until 1851; from childhood. The war days passed away, and Josiah L. Cole, 1855-59; Thomas T. Land, 1858the Creoles had to adopt the new order of affairs 62; Albert Voorbies, 1859–62; Thomas C. Manning or die of inactivity. The greater number were (appointed), 1863-64; William P. Hyman (chief equal to the emergency and entering the race for justice), 1865-68; R. B. Jones (associate justice), progress, buoyant as only Creole can be, won by 1865; Thomas C. Manning (chief justice), 1877-80; earnestness and honor where experienced men William B. Egan (associate justice), 1877-80; failed through chicanery. With all this success,

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William M. Levy, 1880-86; Thomas C. Manthe changed condition of affairs is evident. Where ning, 1882 86, and Lynn Boyd Watkins, 1886the homes of prosperous planters of former days 98; Thomas C. Manning was subsequently apstood, is now the forest. The overseer and the pointed United States minister to Mexico; George slaves are memories. Men of to-day, who thirty R. King was one of the judges of the court of eryears ago had promise of inheriting great wealth, rors and appeals in criminal matters during its labor in commercial or professional circles, al- existence from 1843-52; J. C. Moncure and A. B. ways genial like their fathers, and proud like George were appointed judges of the circuit them. A few plantations exist under the old court of appeals for the First Circuit in 1880, and names, such as “Magnolia plantation," and farms A. B. Irion and J. M. Moon for the Third Circuit. resembling those of old obtain; but the romance Alex Borman is judge of the United States Disof olden days is gone.

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trict Court for Western Louisiana. The State officers of Louisiana, who resided in The presidential electors from Northwest Northwest Louisiana at the time of appointment or Louisiana since the position became an elective one election, or who have since such appointment or in 1828 are named as follows: Placide E. Bossier election become residents, are named as follows: (D.) 1828, W. H. Overton (D.) 1832, Placide E. Thomas 0. Moore, governor, 1860-64; James Madi. Bossier (D.) 1836; Seth W. Lewis (W.) 1840; son Wells, acting governor, 1864-66, and governor

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Thomas W. Scott (D.) 1844; James G. Campbell 1866-68; Henry M. Hyams, lieutenant-governor, (W.) 1818; Thomas O. Moore (D.) 1852-56; William M. Levy (D.) 1860 (no vote cast for President deceased, and Frank Morey, XLIID; G. L. Smith in 1864); W. F. Blackman (D.) 1868; Thomas C. and Frank Morey, XLIIId; William M. Levy and Manning and A. H. Leonard 1872 (vote of Louis- W. B. Spencer, XLIVth; J. B. Elam and John S. iana not counted); W. A. Seay (D.) counted out, Young, vice J. E. Leonard, deceased, XLVth; J. and A. B. Levissee (R.) counted in; Oscar Joff- B. Elam and J. F. King, XLVIth; Newton C. roin, of Avoyelles (R.), was also elector this Blancbard and J. F. King, XLVIIth, XLVIIIth year, 1876; Thomas C. Manning (D.) and W. H. and XLIXth. The former was re-elected in 1890. Jack (D.) 1880; J. D. Watkins and W. H. Jack The Sixth District was represented in the XLVth 1884.

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Congress by E. W. Robertson; A. S. Herron was in The representative in the Confederate Congress the XLVIIth, and on his death E. T. Lewis was from Northwest Louisiana was Henry Marshall, of elected; Alfred B. Irion represented the Sixth in the De Soto.

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XLIXth Congress, of which Congressman Price is Henry Boyce was elected to the United States now representative, and Congressman Boatner Senate in 1866, but was not admitted. Henry M. represents Northwestern Louisiana. Spafford was treated similarly in 1877, and died the same year, while Thomas C. Manning was denied his seat in the Senate in 1880.

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Josiah Adams, one of the successful planters of The representatives of the district of Northwest- Louisiana, came originally from North Carolina, ern Louisiana in Congress were Thomas B. Robert- where he was born May 11, 1838. His parents, son, XIIIth, XIVth and XVth Congress; Thomas Briant and Pollie (Holdin) Adams, were also naButler, XVIth; Josiah S. Johnson, XVIIth, and W. tives of North Carolina, and of nine children born L. Brent, XVIIIth Congress, The XIXth Con- to them four are now living, two residing in this gress claimed two representatives from Louisiana, State and two remaining in North Carolina.

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The W. L. Brent and Edward Livingstone, who also father was very successful as a farmer, took an served in the XXth. The XXIst Congress had active part in the building up of churches, schools, three Louisianians enrolled on the list of members, and society in general, and was called to his final H. H. Gurley, W. H. Overton and Ed D. White. home in 1861, his wife having died in 1856. They In the XXIII were H. A. Bullard, Philemon were members of the Baptist Church. Josiah reThomas and Ed D. White, all of whom served also ceived his education in the country schools of his in the XXIIIJ; Henry Johnson, E. W. Ripley and native State, and at the age of eighteen years deRice Garland represented the State in the XXIVth cided to start out on his own responsibility, and and XXVth; Ed White, T. W. Chinn and Rice accepted a position as overseer of a plantation. Garland, in the XXVIth; John B. Dawson and In January, 1858, he was married to Miss Juliania John Moore represented Central and Northern Bason, and their union was blessed with twelve Louisiana in the XXVIIth; Dawson, of the children, the following now living: John Q., Third District, and Bossier, of the Fourth Dis- Christena, Richard, Benjamin, Roselia, Lora and trict, in the XXVIIIth; John H. Harmanson and Lucy. In the early part of 1892 his wife died, I. E. Morse, in the XXIXth, XXXth and XXXIst; and on November 16 of the same year he was A. G. Penn and John Moore, in the XXXIID; John united in wedlock with Mrs. Clarlia (Forteneau) Perkins, Jr., and Roland Jones, in the XXXIIID; Ginger, she having had four children by her first T. G. Davidson and John M. Sandige, in the marriage, two of whom died in infancy and the XXXIVth, XXXVth and XXXVIth Congress (not other two, Adam C. and Johnson, are living. represented in the XXXVIIth, XXXVIIIth and She had no children by her second marriage. Our XXXIXth; J. P. Newsbain, Fourth and W. Jas

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subject now owns 680 acres of land, 175 under per Blackburn, Fifth, in the XLth and XLIst cultivation, has a farm well stocked, also a mill Congress; Alex Bowman, vice James McCleary, and cotton-gin with all the latest improvements.

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It was pur

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a

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a

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He formerly held a membership with the Farmers' he was engaged in steamboating on the Mississippi, Alliance. He and his wife worship at the Catholic Missouri and Ohio Rivers, and was considered one Church. He is a liberal contributor to all public of the best steamboat men of his day. He came to enterprises, and one of the representative citizens the parish of Natchitoches in 1881, and settled of this parish.

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near Campti, but four years later came to bis presJohn N. Armstrong, well known as one of the ent farm. He was married in 1872, his wife being enterprising planters of Ward 4, Natchitoches Miss Alice Boal, who was born in Missouri, and an Parish, was born in Madison County, Ohio, July interesting family of three children has been born 5, 1849. His parents, Barnie L. and Mary to them: Medora, Lizzie and Maggie May. (Rogers) Armstrong, were natives of Ohio and John W. Babers is another honest, progressive Tennessee, respectively, the father being boro in and successful agriculturist, and, although his Ohio on November 1, 1821, and the mother in plantation comprises only 366 acres, he has 220 Memphis, Tenn., on January 6, 1827. They were acres under cultivation, the yield from whicb, owmarried October 4, 1847, and this marriage re- ing to its admirable management, is much larger sulted in the birth of eleven children, two living: than on many more extensive tracts. Alexander B. and John N. The father was chased in 1888, and is situated on the right bank planter; he was also a senator in the Arkansas of Cane River, and is a piece of land of which any Senate in 1860. He is still living, and resides in one might well be proud to possess. Mr. Babers

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. Memphis, Tenn., his wife dying on December 23, was born near Meridian, Miss., October 31, 1853, to 1888. In religion they worshiped with the Cum- A. J. and Elizabeth (Stokes) Babers, who were berland Presbyterian Church. Our subject was born in Winn Parish, La., and Mississippi, being educated in the University of Virginia, and at the sixty-five and fifty eight years of age, respectively. age of twenty one began life for himself as a John W. Babers is the eldest in a family of eleven planter, owning a well-stocked farm of 474 acres, children, nine of whom are living, and his youtha steam gin, and a grist-mill. Emigrating to ful days, in addition to being spent in the common Louisiana in 1870, he was here married to Miss schools, were given to farm work. He came with Lizzie Butler, a native of this State, who bore him his parents to Louisiana in 1865, and settled in five children: Lula, Jennie, Mary, Lizzie Nye Bienville Parish, but removed to Winn Parish in and Barney. He is a promoter of all good for the 1873, but has been a resident of his present farm welfare of his country.

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since the fall of 1889, on which he expects to make Mason F. Atkins is a man whom nature seems his future home. His marriage to Miss M. E. to have intended for a planter, for he has met with Watson took place in 1876, she being a native of more than an average degree of success in pursuing Claiborne Parish, La., born in 1858. To their

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, , that calling, and is the owner of a good and well union seven children have been born: William A., conducted plantation of 550 acres, on which he has Lula, Lee A., Nettie, Pearl, Ella Jack and Mary resided since 1885, bis residence being on Cane M. Mr. Babers and his wife are earnest members River, about five miles below Natchitoches. He of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his gives considerable attention to stock raising and political views he is a Democrat, and socially be. trading, and makes a specialty of growing grass longs to Montgomery Lodge No. 168 of the A. F. for hay, selling in 1889 over 2,000 bales.

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& A. M. born in the Green Mountain State, December 7, J. L. Barbee is one of the leading and most 1815, to John and Abigail Atkins, and when about successful planters of Nachitoches Parish, and is thirteen years of age he left the shelter of his par- especially well known in Ward 0, of which he has ents' roof and went west as far as Michigan, but

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been a resident for a number of years. after remaining there until 1867 he removed to St. born in Sabine Parish, La., on April 23, 1818, to Charles, Mo., and from that time until about 1880 Leslie and Argarine (Dulliam) Barbee, they being

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He was

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He was

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career.

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born in North Carolina and Georgia, in 1812 and deacon, and was ordained priest at Natchitoches, 1818, respectively, their marriage taking place in La., on May 28, 1855. For a year he acted as as1837. The father emigrated from North Carolina sistant priest in the parish of Avoyelles, and in the to Alabama when a youth, and in 1812 they emi- latter part of August, 1856, he took charge of St. grated to Louisiana, settling in Sabine Parish, John's Catholic Church at Cloutierville, where he where he still resides. He followed the planting He followed the planting has been pastor ever since.

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This church is more business for a number of years, after which he than fifty-five years old, having been founded beturned his attention to merchandising, a calling he tween 1830 and 1835, and for a great many years followed for some eighteen years, after which it was visited by priests from Natchitoches. In he retired from business. He is a member of 1847 Father H. Figari became its pastor, and in Sabine Lodge No. 75, of the A. F. & A. M., and 1830 Father G. Guy took charge of it, continuing he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian to be its pastor until 1856. The church was reChurch. He has always been a Democrat, politic built by Father Beaulieu in 1870, and its present ally, since 1856, prior to which time he was a Whig, dimensions are 50x90 feet. Its present member

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a and from 1867 until 1868 he represented Sabine ship is about 1,500. Under the pastorate of Father Parish in the State Legislature. The immediate Beaulieu the church has had a very prosperous subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of Sabine Parish, and in 1872 he began Victor Sanguinet Benoist has devoted his attenbusiness with his father, becoming associated with tion to mercantile pursuits in this parish for many him in his mercantile establishment, at the time of years, and the reputation he has acquired for hontheir retirement being worth at least $20.000. In

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In esty and upright dealing is above reproach. He 1880 Mr. Barbee took for his companion through was born in Cloutierville, La., January 30, 1838, life Miss M. A. Carter, their union taking place to Charles Francis and Suzette (Rachal) Benoist, on November 20, she being a native of Louisiana, who were born in St. Louis, Mo., and Natchitoches born on May 18, 1861. To them five children have Parish, La., in 1800 and 1808, respectively, the been born: Joseph L., A. V. (living), and three former being a son of Charles Francis and Catherother children who died in infancy. Mr. Barbee ine (Sanguinet) Benoist, the former being a Canais now following the occupation of planting, and dian by birth, and the latter a native of St. Louis, owns land to the amount of 3,800 acres, of which Mo., and the grand daughter of Dr. Conde, who 500 acres are under cultivation, well stocked and was a surgeon in the French army at Fort Chartres improved with gool buildings, among the latter in 1735. The mother of Mr. Benoist was a daughbeing an excellent mill and cotton gin. Mr. Bar- ter of Louis Julian and Madam (Lavespere) Rachal. bee is a member of the armers' Alliance, and he He was descended from a family of some nobility is a man who takes an active part in building up in France. His grandfather, Jacques Louis Benchurches and schools, as well as taking an active | oist, the son of Antoine Gabriel Francis Benoist, part in all other worthy enterprises. He is one of the "Le Chevalier," was born in 1744, emigrated into substantial men of the parish, and as a law-abiding Canada, and married in the Soumande family in and public spirited citizen has not his superior in 1765. Charles Francis and Suzette (Rachal) Benthis section.

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oist were married in Natchitoches Parish, La., Very Reverend Jean M. Beaulieu, who has been about 1824, and became the parents of eight chilpastor of St. John's Roman Catholic Church at dren, the subject of this sketch being the sixth in Cloutierville, La., for the past thirty years, was order of birth, and the only one now living. The born in France, on January 10, 1832, and received names of the others are Amanda, Julia, Charles F., his literary education at St. Meen. His theological Clemence, Jules, Alphonse, Suzette and a daughter training was at Rennes. He came to America with that died in childhood. The father of these chilBishop August Martin in 1854, being then a sub

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dren died of yellow fever in 1853, and their mother

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was

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in 1869. The subject of this sketch spent his boy- citizen of Ward 9, Natchitoches Parish, La., hood in Cloutierville, which place has been his born in Prussian Poland, June 21, 1816, to Julius home thus far. At fourteen years of age he en- and Bertha Bernstein, who were also born there tered the St. Louis University, a Jesuit institution, becoming the parents of the

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becoming the parents of the following family: which he attended nearly two years, after which he Samuel, Isaac, Robert, Gustav, Pbilip, Maurice, entered Georgetown College of the District of Col- Augusta, Rebecca, Adolph, Mary and Joseph. umbia, which he attended two years.

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He then Robert, Gustav, Rebecca and Adolph, died in returned home, and in 1802 was married to Mrs. Prussia, but the rest came with their parents Marie Celine Cloutier, who was born on Cane River, to America, since which time the parents and in Natchitoches Parish, to Neuville and Clara Augusta have died, the death of the latter occurPrudhomme, Soon after the close of the war Mr. ring on September 19, 1873. Mr. Bernstein died Benoist opened a mercantile establishment at Clou- in Kingston, N. Y., March 17, 1868, and his wife tierville, which he bas conducted ever since, keep- in the same place January 7, 1876. The subject ing an excellent general line of goods, and treating of this sketch was the first of the family to cross bis customers with fairness and courtesy. His pat- the ocean, this being in 1842. Philip came next ronage is exceptionally large, but fully deserved, in 1815, followed by Isaac in 1847, by Maurice for he is one of the honorable busine-s men of the and Augusta in 1850, and the parents with Mary parish. His marriage has resulted in the birth of and Joseph in 1857. Isaac and Mary reside in seven children, as follows: William R., Neuville, Kingston, Maurice resides in Winnfield, Winn ParFelix, Suzette, Clemence, Victor Sanguinet and ish, La., and Joseph in Coushatta, Red River ParLudwick, all of whom are living except Felix, who ish, La. Samuel Bernstein learned the tailor's died September 20, 1890. Mr. Benoist, his wife trade in his native land, and was there married in and children are consistent members of the Cath- 1812, to Miss Charlotte Yachetsky, and came im olic Church, and he is a man in whom the public mediately with her to America, embarking at Hamhas the utmost confidence, being thoroughly reli- burg July 27, and after a voyage of sixty-two days able in every respect, and a mau whose word is landing at Castle Garden, New York. They made considered as good as his bond. Mr. Benoist's their home in the city of New York until the fall paternal grandmother, Catherine Benoist, was born of 1815, when they came to New Orleans which in St. Louis, Mo., February 2, 1781, a daughter of place they reached September 27. In the spring Charles and Mary Ann (Conde) Sanguinet, the for- of the next year they removed to Little Rock, Ark., mer being a son of Simon Sanguinet, who was a and in the fall of the xt year to Pine Bluff, releading merchant of St. Louis for a number of turning in the spring of 1818 to Louisiana, locatyears.

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Mary Ann Conde was a daughter of Augus. ing in Rapides Parish, and for five years resided on tus and Mary Ann (La Ferne) Conde, the Doctor, Little River and five years in Alexandria. In a son of a wealthy merchant of Bordeaux, France. 1838 he removed to Montgomery, Grant Parish, The Doctor came to America about the middle of where his wife died June 3, 1888, soon after which the eighteenth century, as an army surgeon, with

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Mr. Bernstein removed to a farm which he owns the rank of major, and was stationed at Fort Char- in Ward 9, Natchitoches Parish, a part of which tres. In 1762 he married, his wife being a daugh- he had purchased in 1863. He now owns a good ter of Bardet La Ferne, surgeon at Mobile. In farm of 200 acres, the greater part of which is un1765 he located in St. Louis, Mo., where he prac- der cultivation. He is a member of the Hebrew ticed medicine until his death, in 1776, leaving Church, and in politics is a Democrat. During two children, Constance and Mary Ann, the former the greater part of his residence in this country be of whom married Patrick Lee, and the latter has been engaged in merchandising, this extending Charles Sanguinet.

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over a period of forty-eight years. Although in Samuel Bernstein, an old and highly respected the seventy-fifth year of his age he is bale and hearty, and would readily pass for a man many cois, Eloise, Harriet and Anna. Harriet is the years bis junior. His brother, Philip, who also only one besides our subject now living. The resides in this parish, was born April 10, 1827, and mother died in 1855 in France, whither the parcame to America on the vessel Shenandoah,'' and ents removed with their children in 1851. ID for a few years made his home in New York City. 1856 the father, with three children, returned to He then came to Louisiana and located in Rapides America, but Charles did not return with him, Parish, but in 1858 went to Grant Parish, and on although be came over in 1861. In September of July 12, 1859, was married in Montgomery, to Miss that year he entered Company C, Eighteenth LouRosalie Marks who was born in Gnesna, Prussia isiana Regiment, and served in it until August,

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, Polanıl, May 10, 1840, to Marcus and Rena Marks, 1862, when he entered Company D, Third Louthe latter of whom died October 3, 1860, in Prussia, isiana, with which he remained until the close of and the former still resides in that country. She

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the war.

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He was captured at Vicksburg, but was came to America in 1857, and in 1887 removed at once paroled. From the war he returned to with her family to Natcbitoches Parish and located Natchitoches Parish and engaged in merchandising in Ward' 9, where he now resides. He and his at Cloutierville. He was married, in 1866, to wife have had a family of eight children as follows: Miss Lise Woods, daughter of Richard and ClemAlbert M., Henry, Augusta, Julian, Rudolph, Net- entine (Rachal) Woods, natives of Tennessee and tie, Arnold and Bertha, all of whom are living Louisiana, respectively. Mr. Bertrand removed, with the exception of Augusta, who died at the in 1869, to the plantation he now occupies, two age of twenty-two months. Albert M. (is a phy. miles northeast of Cloutierville, where he has ever sician and a graduate of a New Orleans Medical since been engaged in farming. His extensive College, being now a resident of Montgomery), plantation contains 300 acres, with 170 acres under Henry (graduated in a New Orleans law college cultivation, and everything about the place indicate and is a prominent member of the bar of Winn- to the beholder an industrious and enterprising field). The parents of these children are members

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Mr. and Mrs. Bertrand have had eight of the Hebrew Church, and in politics the former children, viz. : Florentine, Charles, Leopold, , is a Democrat. Both Samuel and Philip Bern- Francois, Woods, then a son died unnamed, Harstein, and the family of the latter, are among the riet and Clemence (twins). Only Leopold and best citizens of this locality and have a large circle Woods are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Bertrand of warm friends. Samuel is a Royal Arch Mason, are members of the Catholic Church, and are which order he joined in New Orleans, February much esteemed citizens of their community. In

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, 11, 1866. Philip is also a member of Montgomery his political views Mr. Bertrand affiliates with the Lodge No. 168, having been made a Mason in 1860. Democratic party.

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Charles Bertrand, planter, Clontierville, La. P. F. Bouis, one of the foremost and most sucMr. Bertrand, an energetic and worthy citizen of cessful business men in Natchitoches, was born in Ward No. 10, Natchitoches Parish, is one of the this city on May 18, 1836, and is the son of P. V. leading farmers of the community in which be and Emelie (Chamarl) Bouis. The father was lives. He was born on Cane River, three miles born in France and crossed the ocean to America below Cloutierville, in this parish, February 24, in 1835, and located at Natchitoches. His death 1813, and his father, whose name is also Charles occurred in that city in 1837, when only thirty-five Bertrand, was born in France June 10, 1815. The years of age. The mother was born in this parish latter came to America in 1837, first located in St. in 1815 and is still a resident of Natchitoches.

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P. James Parish, La., and in 1839 removed to Natchi

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F. Bouis, the youngest of three children born to toches Parish, where he was married, in 1812, to his parents, two of whom are now living, was reared Miss Mary F. Rachal, who bore him the following and educated in this city. When but twelve years children: Charles, one who died in infancy, Fran- of

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age he started out to fight his way in life, and

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Owner.

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a

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bad made quite a beginning when the war broke welcome visitor in the numerous homes into which out. In 1861 he joined Company C, Second it enters, and is a newsy, spicy sheet. Mr. BreaLouisiana Cavalry, and served until the close of zeale was married in 1886 to Miss Cammilla Leacht, the war.

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The same year he was married to Miss a native of Vicksburg, Miss., born on January 10, Mary M. Hartman, a native of Natchitoches, born 1865. They have three children: Hopkins P., in 1847, and the fruits of this union have been five Winona and Cammilla. Mr. Breazeale is a member children: Edward, Louis V., Stella, Oscar, and of the Catholic Church, and in his political views Leo. In 1866 Mr. Bonis entered the employ of is a Democrat. Mr. J. A. Ducournau, and with him has since con- Dr. Alexander P. Breda, physician and surgeon, tinued, a period of twenty four years. He is Mr. Natchitoches, La. Among the many practitioners Ducournan's chief clerk, and is a gentleman of un- of the “healing art” in Natchitoches Parish, usual good business acumen. He is a Democrat deserving of special mention is Dr. Breda, who in his political preferences, and is a representative was born in Natchitoches on December 19, 1837, of one of the old families of the parish.

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and who is a son of Dr. John P. and Marie Hel. H. P. Breazeale, editor and proprietor of the mina (Dranguet) Breda. [See sketch of J. Emile Natchitoches Enterprise, is a native-born resident and J. E. Breda.] Dr. Breda is the eldest of a of this city, his birth occurring on November 13, numerous family, and in addition to a common1836, and although a young man, his career thus school education he attended the Western Military far has been both honest and praiseworthy. The Institute at Drennon Springs, Henry County, Ky. parents of Mr. Breazeale, Winter W. and Adeline This school was broken up in 1853 from yellow (Prudhomme) Breazeale, were Datives, also, of fever, and Dr. Breda returned home.

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He began Natchitoches Parish, the father born on September the study of medicine in 1855 under the dictation 5, 1827, and the mother in 1837. She died here of his father, and in 1859 he graduated from the in October, 1878. The paternal grandmother of medical department of that far-famed and wellour subject is still living in this city, and was born known institution of learning, the University of in this State on January 8, 1808. Her father, Louisiana. He began at once the practice of his William Winter, came to Natchitoches in about profession in Natchitoches, and here he has since 1816, and about the first of this century obtained continued. In 1862 he was filled with a natural a grant of 3,000,000 acres of land in Arkansas desire to assist the Confederacy and enlisted in from the Spanish Government. He died where Company “C," Second Louisiana Cavalry, under Little Rock now stands. H. P. Breazeale is the Col. W. G. Vincent, and was detailed as medical eldest of eleven children, ten of whom are living, assistant. Later he was commissioned assistant and was educated in the schools of Natchitoches. surgeon of the Seventh Louisiana Cavalry, and He worked on the plantation until twenty-two years

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thus continued until the close of the war. He of age, and then in 1879 came to Natchitoches, was formerly an Old Line Whig, and voted with where for one year he filled the position of deputy that party until 1856, and since 1868 he has been sheriff.

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After this he was deputy clerk of the an ardent Republican. He is a member of the district court for a short time, and in the fall of Masonic fraternity. Dr. Breda has been a resi1882 he was elected clerk of the police jury and

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dent of this parish for fifty-three years, and thirtyparish superintendent of public schools, which one years of that time he has practiced his prooffices he has since held. He is popular with all,

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fession. He is a physician of recognized ability, kind and courteous in his intercourse with his fel- and is a well-posted man. low-men, and is always willing to aid any enter J. Ernest Breda, attorney, Natchitoches, La. prise for the good of the parish. In 1888 he Mr. Breda, a man of marked character, and more established the Natchitoches Enterprise, and this than ordinary prominence in the affairs of Natchihe still continues, This

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is found to be a toches Parish, is the third of a very large family of paper

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ഀ hearty, and would readily pass for a man many

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cois, Eloise, Harriet and Anna. Harriet is the years his junior. His brother, Philip, who also only one besides our subject now living. The resides in this parish, was born April 10, 1827, and mother died in 1855 in France, whither the parcame to America on the vessel Shenandoah, and ents removed with their children in 1851. ID for a few years made his home in New York City. 1856 the father, with three children, returned to He then came to Louisiana and located in Rapides America, but Charles did not return with him, Parish, but in 1858 went to Grant Parish, and on although he came over in 1861. In September of July 12, 1859, was married in Montgomery, to Miss that year he entered Company C, Eighteenth LouRosalie Marks who was born in Gnesna, Prussia isiana Regiment, and served in it until August, Poland, May 10, 1840, to Marcus and Rena Marks, 1862, when he entered Company D, Third Louthe latter of whom died October 3, 1860, in Prussia, isiana, with which he remained until the close of and the former still resides in that country. She

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the war.

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He was captured at Vicksburg, but was came to America in 1857, and in 1887 removed at once paroled. From the war he returned to with her family to Natcbitoches Parish and located Natchitoches Parish and engaged in merchandising in Ward' 9, where he now resides. He and his at Cloutierville. He was married, in 1866, to wife have had a family of eight children as follows: Miss Lise Woods, daughter of Richard and ClemAlbert M., Henry, Augusta, Julian, Rudolph, Net- entine (Rachal) Woods, natives of Tennessee and tie, Arnold and Bertha, all of whom are living Louisiana, respectively. Mr. Bertrand removed, with the exception of Augusta, who died at the in 1869, to the plantation he now occupies, two age of twenty-two months. Albert M. (is a phy. miles northeast of Cloutierville, where he has ever sician and a graduate of a New Orleans Medical since been engaged in farming. His extensive College, being now a resident of Montgomery), plantation contains 300 acres, with 170 acres under Henry (graduated in a New Orleans law college cultivation, and everything about the place indicate and is a prominent member of the bar of Winn- to the beholder an industrious and enterprising field). The parents of these children are members

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Mr. and Mrs. Bertrand have had eight of the Hebrew Church, and in politics the former children,

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viz. :

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Florentine, Charles, Leopold, is a Democrat. Both Samuel and Philip Bern- Francois, Woods, then a son died unnamed, Harstein, and the family of the latter, are among the riet and Clemence (twins). Only Leopold and best citizens of this locality and have a large circle Woods are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Bertrand of warm friends. Samuel is a Royal Arch Mason, are members of the Catholic Church, and are which order he joined in New Orleans, February | much esteemed citizens of their community. In 11, 1866. Philip is also a member of Montgomery his political views Mr. Bertrand affiliates with the Lodge No. 168, baving been made a Mason in 1860. Democratic party.

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Charles Bertrand, planter, Cloutierville, La. P. F. Bouis, one of the foremost and most sucMr. Bertrand, an energetic and worthy citizen of cessful business men in Natchitoches, was born in Ward No. 10, Natchitoches Parish, is one of the this city on May 18, 1836, and is the son of P. V. leading farmers of the community in which he and Emelie (Chamarıl) Bouis. The father was lives. He was born on Cane River, three miles born in France and crossed the ocean to America below Cloutierville, in this parish, February 24, in 1835, and located at Natcbitoches. His death 1843, and his father, whose name is also Charles occurred in that city in 1837, when only thirty-five Bertrand, was born in France June 16, 1815. The years of age. The mother was born in this parish latter came to America in 1837, first located in St. in 1815 and is still a resident of Natchitoches. P. James Parish, La., and in 1839 removed to Natchi- F. Bouis, the youngest of three children born to toches Parish, where he was married, in 1812, to his parents, two of whom are now living, was reared Miss Mary F. Rachal, who bore him the following and educated in this city. When but twelve years children: Charles, one who died in infancy, Fran, of age he started out to fight his way in life, and

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owner.

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a

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а

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bad made quite a beginning when the war broke welcome visitor in the numerous homes into which out. In 1861 he joined Company C, Second it enters, and is a newsy, spicy sheet. Mr. BreaLouisiana Cavalry, and served until the close of zeale was married in 1886 to Miss Cammilla Leacht, the war.

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The same year he was married to Miss a native of Vicksburg, Miss., born on January 10, Mary M. Hartman, a native of Natchitoches, born 1865. They have three children: Hopkins P., in 1847, and the fruits of this union have been five Winona and Cammilla. Mr. Breazeale is a member children: Edward, Louis V., Stella, Oscar, and of the Catholic Church, and in his political views Leo. In 1866 Mr. Bouis entered the employ of is a Democrat. . Mr. J. A. Ducournau, and with him has since con- Dr. Alexander P. Breda, physician and surgeon, tinued, a period of twenty four years.

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He is Mr. Natchitoches, La. Among the many practitioners Ducournau's chief clerk, and is a gentleman of un- of the “healing art” in Natchitoches Parish, usual good business acumen. He is a Democrat deserving of special mention is Dr. Breda, who in his political preferences, and is a representative was born in Natchitoches on December 19, 1837, of one of the old families of the parish.

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and who is a son of Dr. John P. and Marie HelH. P. Breazeale, editor and proprietor of the mina (Dranguet) Breda. [See sketch of J. Emile Natchitoches Enterprise, is a native-born resident and J. E. Breda.] Dr. Breda is the eldest of a of this city, his birth occurring on November 13, numerous family, and in addition to a common1856, and although a young man, his career thus school education he attended the Western Military far has been both honest and praiseworthy. The Institute at Drennon Springs, Henry County, Ky. parents of Mr. Breazeale, Winter W. and Adeline This school was broken up in 1853 from yellow (Prudhomme) Breazeale, were vatives, also, of fever, and Dr. Breda returned home.

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He began Natchitoches Parish, the father born on September the study of medicine in 1855 under the dictation 5, 1827, and the mother in 1933. She died here of his father, and in 1859 he graduated from the in October, 1878. The paternal grandmother of medical department of that far-famed and wellour subject is still living in this city, and was born known institution of learning, the University of in this State on January 8, 1808. Her father, Louisiana. He began at once the practice of his William Winter, came to Natchitoches in about profession in Natchitoches, and here he has since 1816, and about the first of this century obtained continued. In 1862 he was filled with a natural a grant of 3,000,000 acres of land in Arkansas desire to assist the Confederacy and enlisted in from the Spanish Government. He died where Company “C” Second Louisiana Cavalry, under Little Rock now stands. H. P. Breazeale is the Col. W. G. Vincent, and was detailed as medical eldest of eleven children, ten of whom are living,

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assistant. Later he was commissioned assistant and was educated in the schools of Natchitoches. surgeon of the Seventh Louisiana Cavalry, and He worked on the plantation until twenty two years

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thus continued until the close of the war. He of age, and then in 1879 came to Natchitoches, was formerly an Old Line Whig, and voted with where for one year he filled the position of deputy that party until 1856, and since 1868 he has been sheriff. After this he was deputy clerk of the an ardent Republican. He is a member of the district court for a short time, and in the fall of Masonic fraternity. Dr. Breda has been a resi1882 he was elected clerk of the police jury and dent of this parish for fifty-three years, and thirtyparish superintendent of public schools, which one years of that time he has practiced his prooffices he has since held. He is popular with all, fession. He is a physician of recognized ability, kind and courteous in his intercourse with his fel- and is a well posted man. low-men, and is always willing to aid any enter- J. Ernest Breda, attorney, Natchitoches, La. prise for the good of the parish. In 1888 he Mr. Breda, a man of marked character, and more established the Natchitoches Enterprise, and this than ordinary prominence in the affairs of Natchihe still continues. This paper is found to be a toches Parish, is the third of a very large family of

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children born to Dr. John P. and Marie Helmina Republican. He joined Phoenix Lodge No. 38, (Dranguet) Breda. The father was born in France A. F. & A. M., in 1864, and Natchitoches Lodge on April 6, 1808, and died May 1, 1882, in Natchi- No. 89, of which he is president. He is one of toches. He studied medicine in the Baltimore the representative men of this city. The first Medical College, and afterward practiced his pro- vineyard ever set out or attempted here was in fession in that city in partnership with Dr. Skinner. 1856, by Dr. J. P. Breda, who put out about oneHe came to Shreveport, La., in 1835, and in 1838 half acre, or 1,300 vine cuttings, and in the folcame to Natchitoches, where he practiced his pro- lowing year about 5,000 vines.

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lowing year about 5,000 vines. In 1858 be set out fession until his death. The mother was born in 7,000 vines besides replacing missing ones, and in Natchitoches on April 10, 1818, and now resides 1859 he set out over 25,000 vine3 more. In 1860 in the parish where she has made her home for he set out over 25,000 besides replacing and thus forty-five years.

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J. Ernest Breda was born in had about 25 acres in vines. He, at the same Natchitoches, on September 25, 1841, received a time, had planted an extensive peach orchard, con common-school education, and for four years pre- taining over 3,000 trees, for making peach brandy. vious to the war studied medicine. On August 9, The first crop of wine was pressed in the summer 1862, he joined the Beazeale Battalion of Natchi- of 1881, and from a field of about three acres toches Rangers, Confederate States army, and re- sixty barrels were obtained, of forty gallons each, mained in the service until June, 1865, when he or 2, 400 gallons of wine. In 1862 late frosts retook the oath of amnesty. On April 1, 1864, he duced the crop to only thirty barrels, and owing to was taken prisoner by Capt. Inwood, of the New wet weather and mildew, the crop was only forty York Zouaves. After the war Mr. Breda continued barrels in 1863. In April, 1864, the orchard and the study of medicine until January 31, 1866, and vineyard were entirely destroyed by Bank's army, on February 1 of that year he began the study of who burned all fences and camped on the ground. law, being admitted to the bar in August of the These vines were of European variety.

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The same year.

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In January, 1870, he began the prac- second attenipt was made to raise grapes by Dr. tice of law in Natchitoches, and in January, 1872, J. P. and J. Ernest Breda, in the fall of 1874, he formed a partnership with N. A. Robison, who when they set out 2,450 cuttings on one acre.

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In died the same year. In Jannary, 1873, Mr. 1875 they set out the same number and in 1876 Breda was appointed district attorney for the then set out three acres, or about 8,000 vine cuttings, Ninth Judicial District, which was then composed all American varieties. The first crop in 1878 of five parishes, viz. : Natchitoches, Sabine, Grant, from an acre and a half, yielded forty barrels of Union and Rapides. He served in that position forty gallons each, or 1,600 gallons of very fine until November, 1874, when he was elected parish wipe, all of which was lost during the political judge of the parish of Natchitoches. November, troubles. J. Ernest Breda now has about 200 1876, he was elected district judge of what was vines of select varieties suitable for this latitude then the Seventeenth District. Mr. Breda is one and climate and will continue setting out vines of the best lawyers in this district, and has shown yearly until he re-establishes the old vineyard good judgment and heart enough not to make his know as Cote Breda. Mr. Breda has made 200 office an engine of inhumanity and injustice. He gallons of peach brandy to an acre of four year was married on December 29, 1873, to Miss Elcey old trees. Hertzog, who was born in this parish on December J. Emile Breda, postmaster, Natchitoches, La. 28, 1852, and who is the daughther of Henry and Mr. Breda needs no introduction to the people of Laure (Lecomte) Hertzog. Five children are the Natchitoches Parish, for he is a native-born resifruits of this union: Elmira, Edmee, Emma, dent of the same and although young in years he John P. and Joseph E. Mr. Breda was formerly has become prominently identitied with its intera Whig in his political views, but is now a stanch ests. He was born on July, 5, 1858, and is the

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youngest of nineteen children, four of whom are were married prior to the year 1838, and to their now living, born to the union of Dr. J. P. and Marie union were born ten children, James M. being Helmina (Dranguet) Breda. The father was born in fifth in the order of birth, and five of whom are France on April 6, 1808, and died in Natchitoches now living. Their names in the order of birth are in 1882 He came from his native land to the as follows: Mary Frances, Jesse Allen, George United States about 1830, settled in Baltimore, Washington, William Jasper, James Madison, Md., and there studied medicine in the Balti- Thomas Benton, John Norvel, Josiah Newton, more Medical College. Subsequently he practiced Margaret Elizabeth and Isadore Jane. Those dehis profession in that city in partnership with one ceased are Mary Frances, Jesse Allen, George Dr. Skinner and remained there until about 1835 W., William J. and Margaret Elizabeth. The when he came to Natchitoches. Here he practiced mother of these children died in 1869, and afterhis profession until his death. The mother of our ward the father married Mrs. Armecy Hendrick, subject was born in Natchitoches on April 10, who is still living. Mr. Burkett, however, died on 1818, and now resides in this city. Her family January 13, 1881. The paternal ancestors of Mr. was one of the earliest in this part of Louisiana. Burkett (our subject) were formerly from South J. Emile Breda was educated in Natchitoches, Carolina. His parents were married in Lawrence and for about five or six years after finishing County, Miss., and in about 1843 or 1814 they rehis education he was engaged in farming. He moved to Louisiana, locating in Jackson Parish. was then appointed United States deputy col- In about 1849 they removed to Bienville Parish lector of internal revenue of the Thirteenth Dis- and in the fall of 1857 they removed to Natchi trict of Louisiana, under George Drury, and held toches Parish, in which both spent the remainder that position for about nine months, when the of their lives.

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. The early life of James M. was Thirteenth District was abolished. After this, for

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After this, for therefore spent in the parishes of Jackson, Bien ville about eight and a half months, he was assistant and Natchitoches. In the fall of 1863 he entered postmaster under Mrs. E. Suddeth, postmistress the Confederate army and continued in service at Natchitoches, and then began clerking for Levy until cessation of hostilities. Returning to the & Kaffie with whom he continued for twenty-three parish of Natchitoches he has resided in it ever months. From 1887 to 1889 he was engaged in since, giving his attention to farming. He located agricultural pursuits. In politics he is a Repub- on his present property in Ward 6, on Spanish lican, and July, 1889, he was appointed postmaster Lake, eight miles north of Robeline in 1872, and at Natchitoches by President Harrison, taking pos. on September 26 of that year he was married session of the office on July 27 of that year. Mr. to Miss Isabella Mahala Carroll, of Natchitoches Breda is a good business man, and his character Parish. To them have been born seven children, is above reproach. He was married on February who are named as follows: Anna Elizabeth (de. 11, 1885, to Miss Marie Emee Tauzin, a native of ceased), born October 11, 1873; James Clifford, Natcbitoches, born in 1866. They have two chil- January 19, 1876; Claudie Idel, March 23, 1878; dren: Marie Blanche and Marie Emee. The fam- Zuella, March 10, 1880; Daniel Winfred, Novemily are members of the Catholic Church.

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ber 19, 1883; Mabel, August 30, 1887, and Amy James Madison Burkett, planter, Robeline, La. Dora, January 2, 1890. Socially Mr. Burkett is a This gentleman is one of the prominent and sub- member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in politics stantial agriculturists of Ward No. 6, Natchito- he is a Democrat. He owns 300 acres of land and ches Parish, La. He was originally from Jack- a comfortable home. He and Mrs. Burkett are son Parish, La., born on June 18, 1845, and was members of the Baptist Churcb. the son of George Washington and Ann (Cannon) L. R. Burnside, a native of Mississippi, was Burkett, the father born on February 17, 1815, born in Neshoba County December, 1857, the oldest and the mother on April 12, 1817. The parents child of John and Martha (Jones) Burnside, the

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ @

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a

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father a native of South Carolina, born in 1808, senator. He died March 21, 1886, mourned not and the mother of Alabama, born in 1833. They only by his family, but also by a large circle of

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a were married in 1854. The father was a planter, friends, his wife having preceded him May 1, 1875.

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, , and emigrated from South Carolina to Alabama at Woodson B. was .educated in the Centenary Colan early day, locating in Pickens County, where be lege, later became overseer of his father's farm, resided a short time, and then emigrated to Missis- and held this position for six years, when he went sippi, commenced farming in Neshoba County, and into the merchandising business with his father. resided there until his death, which occurred No- In 1861 he was called upon to serve his country, vember 22, 1871. His widow is still living on the and entered the Confederate army as a private old home place. Lake Burnside was named after under Gen. Ben McCullough in Company G, Third a brother of his. He was a member of the Ma- Louisiana Infantry; took part in the battles of Elk sonic and Pattsburg, Miss., fraternities, and was a a Horn, Iuka, Corinth and Vicksburg, where he was Royal Arch Mason, held the office of justice of the taken prisoner, paroled and returned home. Later peace for a number of years, and his widow is a he re entered the army, was sent to Shreveport to devout menuber of the Baptist Church. L. R. Burn- do post duty, and was there at the time of the surside was educated in the private schools of his render. So faithfully did he serve his country native county, and at the age of twenty years de- that, in May, 1862, he was elected to the captaincy cided to work on his own responsibility, and en- of his company. Upon returning home he turned gaged in farming, which he conducted until 1882, his attention to farming, and now owns 175 acres when be emigrated to Louisiana. In 1877 he mar- of good land, sixty-five acres improved. His farm ried Miss Rosanna T. Fox, a native Mississippian, is well stocked, and contains a steam gin-mill and but she died January 20, 1890, leaving two chil- grist mill. In 1878 he was united in marriage to dren, Robert H. and Emmet, to mourn their loss. Miss Bettie Williams, a native Georgian. Two March 23, 1890, he was married again to Miss Jane children blessed their union: John W. and Bessie Graham, a native of Alabama. She is a member L. The latter passed from life August 3, 1882. of the Baptist Church. Although he started out December 1, 1883, Mrs. Butler was called to her with little, he has, through energy and persever long home, and in July, 1887, our subject took for ance, succeeded in establishing a merchandising his wife Miss Carrie Campbell. They have three business valued at $12,000, and also owns 183 interesting children: Maggie L., Annie L. and acres of land, 121 acres under cultivation. He is William B. Being one of the representative citizens a member of the A. 0. U. W., and a liberal con- of this parish, he was appointed a member of the tributor to all public enterprises.

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police jury, and held this position for two terms. Capt. Woodson B. Butler is one of the success- Monroe F. Buvens, a popular young business ful planters of Natchitoches Parish, born Decem man and merchant of Robeline, La., owes bis naber 7, 1810. His parents, John W. and Julia A. tivity to Many, Sabine Parish, La., where he was (Hailey) Butler, were natives of Virginia and Ohio, born on December 28, 1862. The parents, John respectively, the former born in 1809 and the lat- G. and Sarah A. (Dendy) Buvens, were born in ter in 1821. They were married in 1810, and of Belgium in 1829, and Alabama in 1832, respectivethe ten children born to them four are now living. | ly. John G. Buvens accompanied his father, Peter, The father, one of the noted physicians of this to America when he was about twelve years of age State, began to practice in 1832, and continued for and located with him at Many, La., being among about twenty years, when he retired much to the the first settlers of that place. There both the regret of his many patients. In connection with grandfather and father spent the remainder of his practice he conducted farming, took a very their days, the latter dying at the age of fifty-two active part in politics, has held the office of land

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years. By occupation the father was a farmer. commissioner for two terms, and was also State He was an upright, worthy man, and one who led a

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man.

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February, 1885, and then the latter established a t|

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life of industry. He acquired considerable means, governor returning officer for Sabine Parish, serv- most of which he lost, however, by the burning of ing in that responsible position for about two years, bis house shortly before his death, which occurred or until his removal to Robeline, necessitated his in 1871. His wife, Sarah A. Dendy, to whom he resignation. In January, 1888, he was elected a a was married in about 1853, survived him about five member of the city council of Robeline, and in Jan- years, dying in 1876. Monroe F. Buvens was the uary of the following two years he was re-elected. eighth in a family of ten children, of whom four He is therefore now serving his third term. He is sons and three daughters are now living. He spent secretary of the recently organized Robeline Public his boyhood and youth in his native town, received and Private Academy, and is also secretary of the his early education there, and when eighteen years Anti-Lottery League of Robeline. Mr. Buvens is of age he entered the employ of his brother in-law, a young man of good habits, and he possesses every John Blake, a native of Ireland, who came to qualification necessary for a successful business America when fourteen years of age, and who be- caine a prominent merchant of Many. Our subject Monroe W. Carroll, a prominent lumber manu- clerked for Mr. Blake from May 1, 1880, until facturer and dealer of Provencal, La., was born in

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the parish of Natchitoches, seven miles southwest branch store at Robeline, La., of which Mr. Buvens of the city of Natchitoches, on January 8, 1860, became manager. In August, 1885, Mr. Blake and when thirteen years of age he accompanied his died, after which Mr. Buvens assumed the manage- parents from Natchitoches Parish to Beaumont, ment of Blake's store at Many, the business being Jefferson County, Tex., remaining there with them conducted under the name of Mrs. John Blake. until 1881. In September, 1878, he entered Roan- In January, 1886, Mr. Buvens consolidated the oke College, of Salem, Va., attended two years, two stores at Robeline, and of the one thus formed and, in October, 1880, entered Eastman's Business he continued as manager until January 1, 1889, at College, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which he which time he associated himself with his sister, graduated in the early part of 1881.

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He then reMrs. Blake. They have since owned the business turned home, and in March of that year engaged jointly, the firm name being M. F. Buvens & Co. in the saw-milling business at Nona, Tex., where Mr. Buvens is pleasant and agreeable in his inter- he continued, doing a good business, until Septemcourse with the public, and throughout his business

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ber, 1885.

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While there he was a member of the career in Robeline he has not only acquired a large firm of the Nona Mills. Company, of which he was patronage but also a circle of warm friends. The general manager. In January, 1886, he returned business of this firm occupies a good two-story to Natchitoches Parish, and at once established a building, 40x60 feet, both floors of which are well large saw.mill at Provencal, which he has owned stocked with all kinds of general merchandise. Un- and operated ever since. The daily capacity of der the able management of Mr. Buvens the estab. this mill is 45,000 feet, and he employs about fifty lishment has enjoyed a very prosperous career,

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and

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Mr. Carroll was married on June 23, 1887, is now one of the leading stores of Robeline. Mr. to Miss Lula Prothro, of Mount Lebanon, BienBuvens was married on June 20, 1884, to Miss Ella ville Parish, La., and they have two children: F. Hogue, eldest daughter of A. H. Hogue, of Monroe W. and an infant daughter, Lula Pearl. Many, La. Their marriage has resulted in the Mr. and Mrs. Carroll are members of the Baptist birth of three children: Robert Elmer, James Mon- Church, and are highly respected in the community roe and Aunie Kathleen, all living. Mr. and Mrs. in which they live. In politics he adheres to the Buvens are consistent members of the Catholic Democratic party. He is at present a member of Church, and as such are highly esteemed. Mr. Bu- the city council at Provencal, and during the four vens is a Democrat in politics, and in 1883, or when years of his residence at Nona, Tex., he served as twenty-one years of age, he was appointed by the postmaster at that place, being the first officer of

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men.

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At

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that kind. Mr. Carroll is thoroughly familiar with for college at Bellewood, Sabine Parish, and when every detail of the saw-milling business, and he has eighteen years of age he entered Mount Lebanon shown himself to possess a large amount of invent- College, of Bienville Parish, wbich he attended ive genius as well. He invented an improvement during the years 1857 and 1858. He was married for locomotive engines, receiving a patent upon it September 20, of the last-named year, to Miss January 21, 1890, and while his patent, on account Martha Ponder, daughter of Silas and Lucitta of its recent invention, is not in general use, it is (Darden) Ponder, and sister of the late Hon. Will. in successful operation at Mr. Carroll's mill, bid- iam A. Ponder, of this parish. After his marriage ding fair to become a useful and valuable invention. Mr. Carter engaged in farming for himself, and Mr. Carroll is an enterprising and progressive this has been his principal occupation all his life. young man, and is made of the kind of material In 1862 he entered the service of the Confederate calculated to make life a success. He is recognized army, in Company E, Second Louisiana Cavalry, as a man who is thoroughly reliable, upright and as a second lieutenant, and served until the cessahonorable. Mr. Carroll is the fourth of nine chil- tion of hostilities, being promoted to first lieutendren, four sons and two daughters now living, born ant during that time. He was in the battle of to the union of Frank L. and Sarah J. (Long) Car- Franklin, and was in numerous skirmishes. roll, natives of Alabama and Georgia, respectively. the time of Bank's raid, and while engaged in atThe parents were married in De Soto Parish, La., tempting to drive him back, Mr. Carter was captin about 1852, and are now living at their home in ured at Henderson's Hill, Rapides, and was held Waco, Tex.

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a prisoner for about four months, being exchanged Americus V. Carter, a prominent and honored in July, 1864. He had previously been captured citizen of Natchitoches Parish, who resides two in 1862, at Burwick City, but was paroled a day miles northeast of Robeline, is a native of Amite later. From the war he returned home and reCounty, Miss., born November 2, 1839.

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sumed farming, his home then being on Spanish the son of Isaac F. and Margaret (Holden) Carter, Lake. In 1870 he removed to his present property, both natives also of the Bayou State, the former where he has resided ever since, and where he has born in Pike County and the latter in Amite Coun- a beautiful and comfortable home. Besides farmty. The paternal grandparents of our subject, ing he has given some attention to merchandising William and Jemima (Cole) Carter, were natives of and journalism. During the year 1885, and also South Carolina and the great-grandfather, Isaac the year 1887, be owned and conducted a general Carter, was a native of the Old Dominion. The store in Robeline. In 1884 be bought the Robeline maternal grandparents, Thomas and Elizabeth Reporter, of which his son, I. F. Carter, was (Flannigan) Holden, were born in South Carolina. editor and he proprietor until January, 1886, The parents of our subject were married in 1838, when he sold it to Dr. J. H. Canningham. Mr. and reared a family of four children, three sons Carter was the editor of the Reporter in 1887, and a daughter, whom we will now name in the or- when it belonged to a stock company.

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In Septem der of their birth: Americus V., William O., Eliza- ber, 1889, he and his son, Ponder S. Carter, purbeth A. and Thadeus A. Elizabeth A. died in chased it, and, under the name of Carter & Son, July, 1889, leaving a husband and five children. they conducted the paper until 1890, when they The father of Mr. Carter died in February, 1853, sold it to S. C. Presiey. Mr. Carter helped to and his mother in 1878. When Americus V. was survey Robeline, and he built the first house in about one year and a half old, his parents removed

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that city.

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He has since erected several other resito Louisiana and located in Natchitoches Parish, dences, and is the owner of considerable property in on a plantation ten miles west of the city of Natcbi. town. By reason of the above facts he is called toches and four miles east of his present home. "the father of Robeline.” Mr. and Mrs. Carter He attended the parish schools, prepared himself have seven children living as follows: Bessie, Isaac

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He was

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F., William E., Ponder S., Lillian Lee, Thadeus of Laura L., who died at the age of one year. Mr. A. and A. Everly. Mr. and Mrs. Carter are mem- Carter is a member of the Baptist, and his wife a bers of the Baptist Church, and in politics Mr. member of the Methodist Episcopal, Church. The Carter is strictly Democratic. He served as a Doctor devotes his entire attention to his profesinember of the parish police jury from 1877 until sion, and he has built up a wide reputation as an 1880, and four years later he was reappointed to able physician and skillful surgeon. He has a wide that position, serving in that capacity ever since. acquaintance, and in every circle of life, whether During the entire time he has been a member of that of a social, religious or professional character, his body he has been chairman of its finance committee, standing is of the best. . He and wife have a large which is evidence of the complete confidence reposed number of friends, and are highly esteemed by all. in him by the people of the parish. He was made The Doctor is a stanch Democrat in his political a member of the Democratic Central Committee of preferences. The father of Dr. Carter, Isaac F. the parish in 1872 and has served constantly ever Carter, was born in Covington County, Miss., and since. He has also held the position of returning offi- removed to Louisiana, locating in Natchitoches cer of the parish since 1884. Mr. Carter is one of the Parish in 1810. He spent the remainder of his representative and leading citizens of Natchitoches life in this parish, and was one of the substantial Parish, and no one is more favorably or extensively and leading planters. He died in 1853. The known. He is an active and prominent worker in mother, whose maiden name was Margaret U. Holthe Farmers' Alliance.

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den, was born in Amite County, Miss., and was Dr. Thadeus A. Carter, physician, Robeline, La. there married to Isaac F. Carter, whom she acDr. Carter, a physician of acknowledged merit in companied to this parish. About one year after Natchitoches Parish, and a prominent and honored the death of Mr. Carter, she was married to Hon. citizen of Robeline, La., was born in the parish of W. A. Ponder, late State representative from Natchitoches, ten miles west of the city of Natchi- Natchitoches Parish. She died in 1879, and Mr. toches, November 22, 1851. He was initiated into Ponder in 1890. the duties of the farm at an early age, and received Isaac F. Carter, attorney, Robeline, La., is his primary education in the parish schools. In a prominent attorney, and one who contributes to 1871 he entered Shelbyville College, at Shelby- the strength of the Louisiana bar, a native of ville, Tex., and here attended six months, after Natchitoches Parish, La., having been born ten which he spent about two years on his father's farm. miles west of the city of Natchitoches on June 9, In 1873 he began the study of medicine, under the 1863, and is the son of Americus V. and Mattie J. direction of Dr. C. Cunningham, of Natchitoches. (Ponder) Carter, who are old and honored citizens He studied with him about one year, and in the of Natchitoches Parish. The father is also a native fall of 1874 entered the Tulane Medical College, of that parish (see biography). The grandfather, of New Orleans, in which he took two full courses Isaac F. Carter, a native of Mississippi, located in of lectures, graduating in March, 1876. He at Natchitoches Parish in 1810, and there passed the once began the practice of his profession in Natchi- remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1853. toches Parish, and here he has been actively en- He was a farmer by occupation, and although he gaged ever since, being now one of its most prom- was in very moderate circumstances when he loinent physicians. In 1881 he located in Robeline, cated here, he accumulated a large estate, and and he is now the leading physician of that place. when he died was one of the wealthiest planters Dr. Carter was married October 3, 1877, to Miss and slave owners of the parish. The mother of Sarah L. Smith, daughter of Robert E. Smith, of our subject is a sister of the late Hon. W. A. PonNatchitoches, and the fruits of this union were five der, of this parish. Isaac F. Carter passed his children: Mason T., Silas E., Norwood W., Laura youthful days on his father's farm, and received L. and Eva T. All are living, with the exception | his early education in the private schools in the vicin

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ity of his home. At nineteen years

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of age

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he entered Harmon Carter, marshal of the city of Robe. Keatchie College, of De Soto Parish, which he at- line, La., and a worthy citizen of that place, is a tended two years, and then started out as a school native of Natchitoches Parish, La., born about ten teacher. This pursuit he continued for ten months, miles south of the present site of Robeline on teaching a private school near Provencal, La., and October 11, 1839. His father, Harmon Carter, about the same time he commenced teaching he Sr., was born in the Bayou State, and at the age began studying law, all his leisure time being of eighteen years came to Louisiana, where he redevoted to it. At the close of his term of school sided for several years in Natchitoches Parish. he entered the office of Judge D. Pierson, of Natch- He was married at the age of twenty to Miss itoches, and under his direction pursued his legal Martha Ann Estes in the above mentioned parish, studies for one or two years, at the expiration of and with her removed to Sabine Parish in the which time, upon the solicitation of friends, he fall of 1861, or when our subject was but two located at Robeline, where he accepted the office of years of age. .

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In 1868 the mother died in Sabine justice of the peace. At the same time he entered Parish, and two years later the father married upon the practice of law. This was in the fall of Miss Sarah Ann Addison, who died in June, 1873. 1884, and from attending to his official and legal | He survived her only a few months, his death duties he, in the early part of his residence in occurring in December of the same year. Ву Robeline, had some experience in the newspaper occupation the father was a farmer. He served business. On January 1, 1885, he took charge of in the Confederate army throughout the entire the Robeline Reporter, and acted as editor and man- Civil War, first as a private, later as a courier, and ager one year. In the fall of 1887 he resigned finally as a lieutenant. He was a brave soldier, the office of justice of the peace to devote his whole and served the Confederacy faithfully and well. time to his law practice, having been admitted to Harmon Carter, Jr., remained on his father's the bar in the preceding July, and since that farm in Sabine Parish until after the death of the time the practice of law, and business pertaining latter, and in 1874 returned to Natchitoches Parthereto, has received his undivided attention. He

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He ish, having ever since resided in the vicinity of is in possession of a lucrative practice, and is an Robeline. His chief occupation has been that of able and brilliant attorney. In the spring of 1890 a farmer.

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In August, 1883, or shortly after the he purchased a large and handsome farm which town was founded, he located in Robeline, where adjoins the city of Robeline on the north, and he has remained ever since. Aside from farming, which contains 350 acres. He is now giving his for the past six years, Mr. Carter has served in personal attention to its management. Mr. Carter several different official capacities. In April, was married on November 2, 1887, to Miss Josie 1884, he was elected constable, and he has served L. Carter, eldest daughter of John J. Carter, of continuously ever since, having been re-elected in Minden, La., and their marriage has resulted in 1888. During the entire time he has held the the birth of two children, Lucile and Isaac F., both last-named office he has also served in the capacity living. Mr. and Mrs. Carter are members of the of deputy sheriff. Since January 1, 1890, he has Baptist Church, and are active workers in both the also held the position of city marshal at Robeline, church and Sabbath-school, Mr. Carter having and in all positions he has made a good officer, served for many years as superintendent of the discharging his duties in a skillful and efficient Sunday-schools at Robeline. He is at present pres- manner. Mr. Carter's marriage was consummated ident of the Union Sabbath-school Convention. In

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on February 17, 1881, to Miss Nettie J. Wagley, politics Mr. Carter is a Democrat.

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of Natchitoches Parish. Their marriage has reman of ability, and one whose prospects for the sulted in the birth of four children: William future are bright. He and wife have a large circle Harmon, Bessie Lee, Floy Belle and Sallie.

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All of friends, among whom they are very popular. are living except Bessie Lee, who died at the

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He is a young

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r

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a

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a

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age of two and a half years. Mr. and Mrs. Car- Caspari is a member of the A. L. of H., the K. ter are members of the Baptist Church, and in of P., and of the B'nai Brith, a Jewish order. He politics the former is a Democrat. Both are much- is a first-class citizen and representative man of esteemed citizens of the community.

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this part of the State. Hon. Leopold Caspari, president and general Landry Charleville is an influential business manager of the Natchitoches Railroad Company, man of Cloutierville, Natchitoches Parish, La., bis was originally from France, where his birth oc- birth occurring in the town in which he now resides curred July 28, 1830, and is a son of David and June 10, 1827, being a son of John Baptiste and Charlotta (Baruch) Caspari, natives also of France, Aurora (Rachal) Charleville, the former of whom the father born in 1800 and the mother in 1802. was born in St. Louis, Mo., about 1802, and the The parents both died in their native country, the latter in Natcbitoches Parish, La., in 1810. The former in 1878 and the latter in 1844. Hon. Leo father came to this State and parish in 1825, makpold Caspari, the eldest of six children, three now ing the entire trip on horseback, and was here living, was educated in the land of his birth, and married soon after to Miss Rachal, who bore him served two and a half years as an apprentice in a a family of thirteen children, ten reaching matudry goods store prior to the Revolution of 1848. rity, and two sons and two daughters now living. In 1819 he came to the United States, settled in The father of these children, who was a son of Natchitoches Parish, La., and embarked in mer- Joseph Charleville, a native of Tennessee, died of chandising at Cloutierville, where be continued yellow fever in 1853, having been a farmer throughuntil 1858, after which he removed to Natchi- out life, leaving at the time of his death an estate toches. There he carried on merchandising and valued at $25,000. His widow survives him, and has farming very successfully. In 1861 he joined the remained a widow since his death.

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She is now Pelican Rangers No. 1, and entered the ranks with past eighty years of age, and makes her home with the title of sccond lieutenant. Subsequently he her son Landry. The paternal grandfather of the was commissioned captain and served the Confed- subject of this sketch moved from New Orleans to eracy faithfully and well for nearly four years. St. Louis, Mo., when that place contained only Mr. Caspari was one of the leading spirits in the two houses, and near that city be subsequently building of the railroad from this town, and has died in 1849. His wife's maiden name was Vicbeen president of the road since its construction. toria Verdon, and she also was a native of New He is one of the most enterprising men in this part Orleans. Her mother, who was a very wealthy of the State. He affiliates with the Democratic lady, was the owner of a line of keelboats, upon party in his political views, and in 1884 was which she made several trips to St. Louis, each elected to the General Assembly from this parish trip occupying about three months and being deand re-elected in 1888. In 1884 he was instru- voted to carrying merchandise to that city. Her mental in passing a bill for the establishment of husband came to this country from France. Folthe State Normal School at Natchitoches. During lowing is a copy of a notice of the death of Mr. his legislative career he took an active part. For Charleville's grandmother: “Died, on Friday, eight years he was a member of the public school January 10, 1863, at 7 o'clock P. M., at the resiboard, and for four years was officially connected dence of her grand-daughter, Mrs. Eliza O'Flaherty, with the State Normal School, and he has ever been Victoria Charleville, aged eighty-two years and ten interested in all enterprises for the good of the months. She died a true Christian, and was uniparish.

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He was married, in 1862, to Miss versally beloved. Mrs. Charleville was the widow Amanda Woods, who was born in this parish, and of Joseph Charleville, formerly a well-known citiwho died in 1983. Nine children were born of zen, who deceased eighteen years since. this union: Richard L., Samuel, Joseph, David, born in St. Louis, and lived there all her life, of Emanuel, Charles, Gustave, Julia and Dora. Mr. course, witnessing strange mutations in appearance

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She was

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of the city, and great charges in its social aspects Whart Adams' cavalry, composed of Louisiana, and in the governments to which it bas been sub- Mississippi and Alabama men, but after the battle jected. She had seen French and Spanish lieu- of Shiloh he retired from active service on account tenant-governors, and lived under all the Presi- of his age and entered the Louisiana State service, dents of the American Republic, who thus figured occupying a position in the treasury department, in its annals. She was a lady of estimable charac- where he remained until hostilities ceased. Dur- ter, and leaves a numerous family of children, ing this time he was also extensively engaged in grand and great-grandchildren to lament her loss.' buying and selling negroes and cotton, and after Landry Charleville's maternal grandparents were the war closed he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Louis Julian and Melanie (Lavespere) Rachal, Cloutierville, to which his attention has since been both of whom were born in the parish of Natchi- given, much of his time being also devoted to deal- toches, La. In 1837 Landry Charleville was sent ing in land and live-stock. In this line he does the to St. Louis to attend school, and there he remained most extensive business in Natchitoches Parish, and a student in an establishment managed by David his general mercantile establishment is very largely H. Armstrong (who afterward became a United patronized. His business transactions have been States Senator) for one year, after which he secured attended with good results, and he is now the a position in a store, and as early as seventeen he owner of several tracts of valuable land. Mr. was doing a small grocery business in the above Charleville was married March 4, 1850, to Miss mentioned city. Later he resumed clerking, and Pauline Du Prey, who died in 1887, having borne thus continued until the latter part of the Mexican five children, all of whom are deceased. Mr. War, when he resigned his position and entered Charleville is a Democrat, politically, and is one of the United States service in the company com- the most active and enterprising business men and manded by Capt. Koskiloski. After four months' public-spirited citizens in this parish. service the war closed and he was discharged at Lamy Chopin, merchant and farmer, Chopin, Fort Leavenworth and went back to St. Louis, La. This prominent business man and influential

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. where he resumed clerking. A year later he citizen of Nacbitoches Parish, was born in the engaged in business for himself as a manufacturer parish in which he resides on February 19, 1850, of, and dealer in, clothing, and in March, 1850, he being the son of J. B. and Julie (Benoist) Chopin. came to Coultierville, La., where he remained six The father was a native of France and came to months, returning at the end of that time to St. America in early manhood, locating in Natchitoches Louis, where he remained until 1853, engaged Parish, La Both parents are now deceased. The chiefly in the clothing business. In that year he home of Lamy Chopin has been in Natchitoches returned to Cloutierville, returning once more to Parish nearly all his life. When twelve years of St. Louis the following year, where he purchased age he went to France, where he spent six years in a clothing house on the corner of Washington school, and when eighteen years of age he returned Avenue and Third Street. In 1856 he sold to America, where he has since devoted his atten- out and spent a short time in Kentucky, after tion to merchandising and farming. He now owns which he again came back to that town and opened a large general store at Chopin, a station on the a wholesale and retail grocery store on Broadway, Texas & Pacific Railroad, and he has been in what is known as the Llewellyn Building. In located there ever since the road was built, or for the latter part of 1858 he established a grocery at a period of about eight years. He is also the Montgomery, La., the following year being spent owner of the old Chopin plantation, which contains in traveling throughout Texas and Louisiana. He 4,000 acres, and upon which the town of Chopin is again engaged in business at Montgomery, and built. It was formerly the McAlpine plantation, upon the breaking out of the Civil War he entered and upon it Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe spent the Confederate army in Capt. Phillip's company, some time while writing her famous novel, Uncle

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!

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Tom's Cabin. Mr. Chopin was married on Janu- a fine large barn, and his property is otherwise adary 16, 1878, to Miss Cora Henry, daughter of mirably improved with good fences and thirteen Hon. Joseph Henry, of Natchitoches Parish. They cabins, and 300 acres are in good cultivation. It have one child, a daughter, named Eugenie. Mr. is bounded on the east by Red River, and is one of Chopin and wife are consistent members of the the highest plantations between Monette Ferry and Catholic Church, and in politics the former is Grand Ecore. Mr. Cockfield is the owner of two a Democrat. He has served as a member of the other good plantations, one of 260 acres on Cane board of police jurors of his parish for three years, River, and one that contains about 400 acres on from 1877 to 1880, and from 1885 he has been Little River, two other smaller tracts being also in postmaster of his town which is called Chopin. his possession, and these together with the planta Mr. Chopin has made substantial improvements tion on which he lives, amount to 1,700 acres. upon the old plantation, and he now has a beauti- Some idea of his industry and good management ful and comfortable home. He is a well-informed can be gathered when the fact is known that he man and one who possesses an excellent capacity brought with him from South Carolina less than for business. He and wife rank among the best $100. He has worked hard and is now one of the citizens of the parish.

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leading planters of the parish. Notwithstanding Anglo P. Cockfield is a prominent young planter the amount of hard labor he has performed, he is and stockraiser of the parish of Natchitoches, his well preserved and would readily pass for a man home being on Beulah plantation, ten miles south- ten years his junior. His marriage, which took east of the city of Natchitoches, but his birth oc- place February 23, 1883, was to Miss Marcia Cockcurred in Williamsburg County, S. C., January 5, field of this parish, and to them four children have 1852, being a son of William H. and Hannah Cock- been born: Taney Autun, Le Roy Akron, Moma field, they, as well as their parents, being also Eble, and an infant son, Stanley Forno. The born in that State. Both paternally and maternally, eldest child is dead. Upon his home plantation Mr. Cockfield is of Irish descent, and was one of a Mr. Cockfield is conducting a first-class store, in family of nine children born to his parents, there which is kept all kinds of plantation supplies, and being one son and four daughters now living, the here also a post office has been established, which names in the order of their birth being as follows: has been named Roy, in honor of his eldest son, Letitia Everett, Ladson Hartley (deceased), Justin and of which he is postmaster. He is a member of Compere (deceased), Anglo Puritan, Tustin Level, the Masonic order, and in politics is a devoted Belton Theodocia, Lily Corinne, and William Eb. Democrat. He is an enterprising young man and eneezer Joseph (deceased). The father of these possesses in an eminent degree, those qualities children, who was a farmer by occupation, died in which are necessary to success.

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He and his wife 1880, but the mother is still living, her home being have a large circle of friends, by whom they are in Williamsburg County, S. C. The subject of very highly respected. this sketch spent his boyhood, youth and first years J. H. Cosgrove, editor and proprietor of the of his manhood in his native county upon his fa

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Democratic Review, at Natchitoches, owes his nativther's farm, but on July 17, 1877, left home for the ity to Claiborne Parish, La., his birth occurring on purpose of coming to Natchitoches Parish, La., April 29, 1842, and is the son of Hugh Cosgrove, his arrival here dating the 230 day of the same who was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1796, month. He at once purchased the farm he now and who died in California in 1864. The elder occupies, which is situated ten miles south of Cosgrove came to the United States in 1835, and Natchitoches, and which contains 629 acres, and is from 1830 to 1811 he engaged in the drug busiknown as Beulah plantation. It is well improved ness in New York City. From there he moved to with good residence, and is one of the largest and Minden, La., and was there engaged in the same best plantations in the parish. In 1887 he erected business until 1844, when he came to Natchitoches.

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As a

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Here he carried on the same business until 1855, in 1882 he was made a Mason at Natchitoches when he went to California. His wife, whose Lodge No. 38. He has held only two civil offices, maiden name was Miss Mary Ann Burke, is of Irish first as printer of the Constitutional Convention in ancestry, and was born in Montreal, Canada. She 1879, and in Decenıber of the same year he was now resides in Terrell, Tex. Her father, Peter elected a member of the Lower House of the LouisBurke, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, and was | iana Assembly. He was chairman of the committhe third son of Sir Walter Burke. Peter Burke tee on public printing, also acting chairman of the died not long ago when in the one hundredth year committee on New Orleans City affairs, and was a of his age. In the fall of 1854 J. H. Cosgrove menuber of the committee on ways and means. entered the Texas Masonic College, at Larissa, soldier Mr. Cosgrove was gallant, and always found Tex., a Cumberland Presbyterian school, and in the discharge of his duties, and as a legislator graduated from the same in July, 1857. He then he took a leading part. In fact his superior intelreturned to Natchitoches and on September 1 of ligence and extended knowledge of men and affairs that year

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he entered the mercantile house of Walms. is recognized by all, and he is one of the leading ley, Carver & Co., remaining with the same until men of the State. Angust, 1860, when he went to Gilmer, Tex. There Dr. Penn Crain. Prominent among the success. he had charge of the office and books of Wright & ful professional men of Natchitoches Parish is the Beasley until April 19, 1861, when he enlisted as subject of this sketch, born in the parish of Rapa private in Richardson's Cavalry Company, from ides, July 4, 1838, the son of Col. Robert A. and Marshall, Tex., Confederate States Army. Elizabeth (Wood) Crain, the former a native of was afterward transferred to Company C, Fourth Fauquier County, Va., and the latter of Charles Texas Infantry, Hood's Brigade, Army of Northern County, Md. Only three of the eight children Virginia, and served in all the engagements of that are now living, and residing in this State. Col. army from May, 1863, to the close of the war. He Crain's principal occupation through life was that was three times wounded. He was a brave, true of a planter. He emigrated to Lonisiana in 1817, soldier, and served the Confederacy faithfully and after which he served as colonel by appointment well . He was married on February 14

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, 1867, to from the governor of the State. He located in Bayou Miss Julia A. Johnson, a native of Natchitoches, Rapides, residing there until his death, which ocwho was educated at the Mansfield Female College, curred September 27, 1832. Being one of the and who is one of the leading women of this point. | honored and law-abiding citizens of this State, he Five children are the fruits of this union, viz. : was chosen legislator for one or two terms. He Louise, born on November 9, 1872; Burdette, born and his wife were members of the Episcopal June 7, 1875; Annie, born November 12, 1877; Church. Dr. Crain received his early education Eddie Burke, born January 13, 1882. From 1874 in Virginia. He served in the Confederate arniy to 1882 Mr. Cosgrove edited, owned and published during the entire war. He then re-entered the the People's Vindicator, and since 1SSS he bas

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medical department of the University of Louisiana, been publishing the Democratic Review. Under where he graduated, and received his diploma in his efficient management the paper bas proved a 1866, commencing his practice in North Louisiana decided success, and its editorial policy bas been May 14, 1878. He was married to Mrs. Virginia directed by a man of good judgment. Its repu- Terrett, nee Sompayrac, she having three children: tation as a representative journal of this portion of George A., James P. and Burdett A., by her first the State is well established. In politics Mr. Cosgrove is a Democrat of the liberal school, and

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Robert A. and Alfred P. Socially Dr. Crain is a believes in protection. In 1880 he was appointed member of the K. of P., and is also an active membrigadier-general by Gov. L. A. Wiltz, of the ber of the State Medical Association. His wife is Fifth Special Military District of Louisiana, and a member of the Episcopal Church.

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husband, and to this union were born two sons,

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Charles Frederick Crockett, operator and sta- and died in Natchitoches Parish, La., and Homer, tion agent of the Texas & Pacific Railroad at Rob- La., in 1886 and 1850, respectively. The father eline, La., was born in the province of New Bruns- was a lawyer and physician, and for a period of wick, Canada, April 13, 1860, and his parents, twenty-six years he was a member of the Natchi William and Mary (Deniston) Crockett, were na- toches bar, being exceptionally able and talented. tives, respectively, of Ireland and Canada. The Hon. Milton J. Cunningham is one of twelve chilfather died in 1876, but the mother is still a resi- dren born to his father's first marriage, of which dent of Canada. Charles Frederick Crockett family five are now living. He was educated in attained his growth on a farm in Canada, and re- the schools of Homer, and in 1858 began teaching ceived a good common school education. At the the young idea, a calling he continued to follow age of nineteen years he began the study of teleg. until 1860, when he entered the law office belongraphy, mastered this in due time, and at the age ing to his father, where he remained a student of of twenty he was employed as operator and relief law until 1861. The opening of the Rebellion agent on the Inter-Colonial Railroad, of Canada, caused him to cast aside his books to enter the continuing tbere two years. In 1882 he was ten- Confederate service, becoming a faithful soldier un dered a position by the Texas & Pacific Railroad, til the close of the war, in the Second Louisiana which he accepted, and he first became operator at Infantry.

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Infantry. He resumed the study of law after his Provencal, La. Between two and three months return home, and attended a course of lectures, later he was transferred to Boyce, where he was being admitted to the bar in January, 1866, after both operator and agent until Jannary, 1884. In which he began practicing in Natchitoches, and that month he was transferred to Robeline, where bere and in the city of New Orleans he has fol. be has been both operator and agent ever since. lowed his calling ever since, being one of the leadMr. Crockett was married on April 25, 1883, to ing lawyers of the State. He is a stanch DemoMiss Jennie B. Hunter, of Boyce, La., and this crat in politics, and in 1872 was elected district atunion bas resulted in the birth of three children: torney, but was counted out by the Republicans, Charles William, Annie Mary and Walter Henry. In 1875 he was appointed district attorney of the Annie died when fifteen months old. Mr. and Mrs. Seventeenth Judicial District, and served about ten Crockett are members of the Methodist Episcopal months, making an efficient official. In 1878 he Church. Mr. Crockett is a pleasant young gentle- was elected a member of the Louisiana General to meet, and is a skillful operator.

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Assembly, and the following year a member of Hon. Milton J. Cunningham, attorney at law. the Constitutional Convention. In 1879 he was In giving a history of Natchitoches Parish, La., the elected to the State Senate for a term of four name of Mr. Cunningham deserves honorable years, and while a member of that body made a mention, for he has always been industrious and faithful and able legislator. In 1884 be was public-spirited, and has ever aided enterprises elected attorney-general, and served with distincwhich tend to the interests of his section. Although

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tion for four years. Since 1888 he has devoted just in the prime of life, he has made his way to his time and attention to his practice, and besides the front ranks among the energetic attorneys of his office here, also had one in New Orleans. this parish, and, owing to the attention he has bas occupied the front rank in his profession for always paid to each minor detail of his work, and almost a quarter of a century, and by his long to his able management of all cases which have practice and study his position is so well estab come under his care, he has won a wide reputation lished that it is conceded by competent judges that as an able, talented lawyer. He was born in what he ranks among the bighest civilians.

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His success is now De Soto Parish, La., March 10, 1812, to J. at the bar has been attained rather by the force of H. and Ann (Buie) Cunningham, who were born in native talent and culture than by tact. Close and South Carolina and Mississippi in 1810 and 1812, attentive to business, abstemious in all his habits,

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He

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As a

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Here he carried on the same business until 1855, in 1882 he was made a Mason at Natchitoches when he went to California. His wife, whose Lodge No. 38. He has held only two civil offices, maiden name was Miss Mary Ann Burke, is of Irish first as printer of the Constitutional Convention in ancestry, and was born in Montreal, Canada. Sbe 1879, and in December of the same year he was now resides in Terrell, Tex, Her father, Peter elected a member of the Lower House of the LouisBurke, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, and was iana Assembly. He was chairman of the committhe third son of Sir Walter Burke. Peter Burke tee on public printing, also acting chairman of the died not long ago when in the one hundredth year committee on New Orleans City affairs, and was a of bis age. In the fall of 1854 J. H. Cosgrove menaber of the committee on ways and means. entered the Texas Masonic College, at Larissa, soldier Mr. Cosgrove was gallant, and always found Tex., a Cumberland Presbyterian school, and in the discharge of his duties, and as a legislator graduated from the same in July, 1857. He then he took a leading part. In fact his superior intelreturned to Natchitoches and on September 1 of ligence and extended knowledge of men and affairs that year he entered the mercantile house of Walms- is recognized by all, and he is one of the leading ley, Carver & Co., remaining with the same until men of the State. Augnst, 1860, when he went to Gilmer, Tex. There Dr. Penn Crain. Prominent among the successhe had charge of the office and books of Wright & ful professional men of Natcbitoches Parish is the Beasley until April 19, 1861, when he enlisted as subject of this sketch, born in the parish of Rapa private in Richardson's Cavalry Company, from ides, July 4, 1838, the son of Col. Robert A. and Marshall, Tex., Confederate States Army. He Elizabeth (Wood) Crain, the former a native of was afterward transferred to Company C, Fourth Fauquier County, Va., and the latter of Charles Texas Infantry, Hood's Brigade, Army of Northern County, Md. Only three of the eight children Virginia, and served in all the engagements of that are now living, and residing in this State. Col. army from May, 1863, to the close of the war. He Crain's principal occupation through life was that was three times wounded. He was a brave, true of a planter. He emigrated to Louisiana in 1817, soldier, and served the Confederacy faithfully and after which he served as colonel by appointment well. He was married on February 14, 1867, to from the governor of the State. He located in Bayou Miss Julia A. Johnson, a native of Natchitoches, Rapides, residing there until his death, which ocwho was educated at the Mansfield Female College, curred September 27, 1852. Being one of the and who is one of the leading women of this point. honored and law-abiding citizens of this State, he Five children are the fruits of this union, viz. : was chosen legislator for one or two terms.

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He Louise, born on November 9, 1872; Burdette, born and his wife were members of the Episcopal June 7, 1975; Annie, born November 12, 1877; Church. Dr. Crain received his early education Eddie Burke, born January 13, 1882. From 1874 in Virginia He served in the Confederate army to 1882 Mr. Cosgrove edited, owned and published during the entire war. He then re-entered the the People's Vindicator, and since 1888 he has medical department of the University of Louisiana, been publishing the Democratic Review. Under where he graduated, and received his diploma in his efficient management the paper has proved a 1866, commencing his practice in North Louisiana decided success, and its editorial policy has been May 14, 1878. He was married to Mrs. Virginia directed by a man of good judgment. Its repu- Terrett, nee Sompayrac, she baving three children: tation as a representative journal of this portion of George A., James P. and Burdett A., by her first the State is well established. In politics Mr. husband, and to this union were born two sons, Cosgrove is a Democrat of the liberal school, and

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Robert A. and Alfred P. Socially Dr. Crain is a believes in protection. In 1880 he was appointed' member of the K. of P., and is also an active membrigadier-general by Gov. L. A. Wiltz, of the ber of the State Medical Association. His wife is Fifth Special Military District of Louisiana, and

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I

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a member of the Episcopal Church.

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ഀ Charles Frederick Crockett, operator and sta- and died in Natchitoches Parish, La., and Homer, tion agent of the Texas & Pacific Railroad at Rob- La., in 1886 and 1850, respectively. The father eline, La., was born in the province of New Bruns- was a lawyer and physician, and for a period of wick, Canada, April 13, 1860, and his parents, twenty-six years he was a member of the NatchiWilliam and Mary (Deniston) Crockett, were na- toches bar, being exceptionally able and talented. tives, respectively, of Ireland and Canada. The Hon. Milton J. Cunningham is one of twelve chilfather died in 1876, but the mother is still a resi- dren born to his father's first marriage, of which dent of Canada. Charles Frederick Crockett family five are now living. He was educated in attained his growth on a farm in Canada, and re- the schools of Homer, and in 1858 began teaching ceived a good common school education. At the the young idea, a calling he continued to follow age of nineteen years he began the study of teleg- until 1860, when he entered the law office belongraphy, mastered this in due time, and at the age ing to his father, where he remained a student of of twenty he was employed as operator and relief law until 1861. The opening of the Rebellion agent on the Inter-Colonial Railroad, of Canada, caused him to cast aside his books to enter the continuing there two years.

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In 1882 he was ten- Confederate service, becoming a faithful soldier undered a position by the Texas & Pacific Railroad, til the close of the war, in the Second Louisiana which he accepted, and he first became operator at Infantry. He resumed the study of law after bis Provencal, La. Between two and three months return home, and attended a course of lectures, later he was transferred to Boyce, where he was being admitted to the bar in January, 1866, after both operator and agent until January, 1884. In which he began practicing in Natchitoches, and that month he was transferred to Robeline, where bere and in the city of New Orleans he has folhe has been both operator and agent ever since. lowed his calling ever since, being one of the leadMr. Crockett was married on April 25, 1883, to ing lawyers of the State. He is a stanch DemoMiss Jennie B. Hunter, of Boyce, La., and this crat in politics, and

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crat in politics, and in 1872 was elected district atunion bas resulted in the birth of three children: torney, but was counted out by the Republicans. Charles William, Annie Mary and Walter Henry. In 1875 he was appointed district attorney of the Annie died when fifteen months old. Mr. and Mrs. Seventeenth Judicial District, and served about ten Crockett are members of the Methodist Episcopal months, making an efficient official. In 1878 be Church. Mr. Crockett is a pleasant young gentle- was elected a member of the Louisiana General to meet, and is a skillful operator.

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Assembly, and the following year a member of Hon. Milton J. Cunningham, attorney at law. the Constitutional Convention. In 1879 he was In giving a history of Natchitoches Parish, La., the elected to the State Senate for a term of four name of Mr. Cunningham deserves honorable years, and while a member of that body made a mention, for he has always been industrious and faithful and able legislator. In 1884 he was public-spirited, and has ever aided enterprises elected attorney-general, and served with distincwhich tend to the interests of bis section. Although

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tion for four years.

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Since 1888 he has devoted just in the prime of life, he has made his way to his time and attention to his practice, and besides the front ranks among the energetic attorneys of his office here, also had one in New Orleans. He this parish, and, owing to the attention he has bas occupied the front rank in his profession for always paid to each minor detail of his work, and almost a quarter of a century, and by his long to his able management of all cases which have practice and study his position is so well estabcome under his care, he has won a wide reputation lished that it is conceded by competent judges that as an able, talented lawyer. He was born in what he ranks among the highest civilians.

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His success is now De Soto Parish, La., March 10, 1842, to J. at the bar has been attained rather by the force of H. and Ann (Buie) Cunningham, who were born in native talent and culture than by tact. Close and South Carolina and Mississippi in 1810 and 1812, | attentive to business, abstemious in all his habits,

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1

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laborious in research, he has never permitted the intelligent and cultured lady, and is very highly interests of his clients to suffer, and as he always respected and esteemed by her numerous acquaintthoroughly prepares his cases, he is rarely taken ances and friends. by surprise. Clients rely implicitly on bis word, Lambert Daniel, merchant, Robeline, La. Mr. as well they may, and be fully deserves the repu- Daniel is one of the most successful merchants in tation he has obtained among the attorneys of the Natchitoches Parish, and his thrift, enterprise and

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, South. He was married in 1866 to Miss Thalia ability have procured for him the success that alTharp, who died in 1872, leaving three children: ways attends those virtues. He was originally Milton J., Jr., John H. and William T. In 1874 from Alabama, his birth occurring in Monroe he was married to Miss Anna Peyton, of New Or- County September 14, 1855, and is a son of Joseph lears, who died in 1878, having borne two chil- L. and Amanda M. (Daily) Daniel, both natives of dren: Ida G. and Milton C. Mr. Cunningham's that State. The parents were married December third marriage took place in 1880, bis wife being 8, 1852, and their union was blessed by the birth Miss Cecile Hertzog, of Natchitoches, who died in of eight children, five of whom were sous, and all 1886, a family of four children having been born of whom are living. The youngest is now sevento her union with Mr. Cunningham: Sidney, Ivy, teen years of age. They are named as follows: Charlotte and Laura.

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Josephine I., Lambert, Emma A., John P., Laura Mrs. M. E. Curry resides on a beautiful and A., Larkin 0., Lee and Anson W. The mother of valuable plantation of 1,500 acres, situated twenty- these children died on October 16, 1884, and their two miles southeast of Natchitoches, on the Red father is a resident of Moss Point, Jackson County, River. She was born in the southeastern part of Miss. Lambert Daniel spent his early days in Missouri, being a daughter of Judge John F. Ross, bis native county, and when fourteen years of age who was a Kentuckian by birth, his wife, whose he accompanied his parents to Sabine Parish, La., maiden name was Anna Lee, being also a native of where he assisted on the farm. It not Laving been the Blue-Grass State. Mrs. Curry was reared to his good fortune to have the advantages of school womanhood in the State of her birth, the most of

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tate of her birth, the most of privileges during his boyhood, he, when twenty her education being also acquired there, and for years of age, with money he had earned himself, some time she was an attendant of St. Vincent's went to Many, Sabine Parish, La., and there enConvent, where she acquired a thorough education. tered a private school taught by Prof. Packer. In 1876 she came to Louisiana, and after spending There he pursued his studies about three months, two years in Rapides Parish she came to Natchi- after which he returned home, and for three years toches Parisi, where, in 1878, she was united in he assisted his father and brothers to cultivate the marriage to Augustus I. Curry, a South Caro- farm. About the time he returned home he purlinian by birth, who came to this parish in his boy- chased a small farm in the vicinity of the old home hood. He was a gentleman who possessed many place, and during the three years he was at home worthy traits of character, and his death, which oc. he also cultivated this, and with the profits paid cured in 1882, was lamented by all.

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He left no

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for the land. Not satistied with the education children. During her entire married life, and that he already possessed, late in the spring of also her widowhood, Mrs. Curry has resided upon 1879 he went to Pleasant Hill, La., and there atthe same farm. Her home is one of the most tended for three months a private school taught by beautiful country seats in the parish, and is situ- Prof. T. C. Armstrong. Returning home again be ated on the west bank of Red River, which at this next became engaged in teaching a school on the point forms a crescent. In front of her residence Sabine River, in Sabine Parish, La., where he reis a beautiful natural grove, and this, together mained five months, and gave up this position to with artificial improvements, makes it a most de enter the employ of Mr. J. D. Stille, of Many, La., sirable place at which to live. Mrs. Curry is an

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.

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as salesman, collector and book-keeper. This gave

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him a good knowledge of business. In January,

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.

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and surely making his way to the front in his pro1882, he resigned his position, sold his farm, and fession of law, and as a prominent and useful cit. took the money he had thus received to invest in izen. He is well versed in law, and has all the merchandise for himself at Robeline, La. He has attributes essential to a successful career at the conducted a general store at that place ever since, bar and in public. He owes his nativity to Mon. and he is now the leading merchant of the town. roe County, Ala., born March 16, 1866, and is the Beginning at the start in a small way, his business son of Joseph L. and Amanda (Daily) Daniel, a bas grown until it has reached mammoth propor- more extensive mention of whom is made elsewhere tions. His stock when he began consisted only of in this work. When Lark 0. Daniel was six years groceries, hardware and crockery. In addition to of age his parents removed to the State of Louisthis he carries a line of dry goods, clothing, boots iana, and located at Many, Sabine Parish, where and shoes, hats and caps, furniture, stoves, sad- he was reared to mature years, and where he redlery, flour, wagons, agricultural implements and ceived his early education. At sixteen years of drugs. In fact, he has a great deal of everything age he took up the vocation of a teacher, as a temnecessary to the domestic economy of this section porary pursuit, and he taught three terms, all in that money can buy. His present building, wbich Sabine Parish. About the time he began teaching he erected in 1889, is a two-story, iron-roofed he also entered upon the study of law, and during structure, 50x75 feet. Mr. Daniel is a courteous the time he was in the school-room, he spent the and accommodating man, and has built up a large leisure time he had in the evenings in this study. patronage. He is widely known, not only as a suc- His preceptor during the first two years was Hon. cessful business man, but as an upright, hunorable J. Fisher, lute State senator from the Fourth citizen. Besides his business interests at Robe- District. He subsequently pursued his legal line he owns a one-half interest in a general store studies under the direction of Judge D. Pierson, at Marthaville, La. Mr. Daniel was married on of Natchitoches, and in August, 1887, he was ad March 15, 1982, to Miss Caroline Gay, of Many, mitted to the bar at Shreveport. Meanwhile, in Sabine Parish, La., and they have had four chil- 1884, he had entered upon the practice of law at dren, all now deceased. Mr. Daniel is a stanch Robeline, and while his familiarity with the law Democrat, politically, and in 1885 he was elected at that time fully entitled him to admission to the mayor of Robeline, and re-elected to the same po- bar, he could not legally be admitted on account sition in 1888, serving two terms of one year each. of his age. He has been engaged in the active While holding that position he discharged his of- practice of his profession at Robeline ever since, ficial duties in a manner which gave entire satis- but aside from this he is also deep in merchandistion to the public and in a manner which won for ing, having won for himself a widespread reputahim the confidence of all. Mr. Daniel is pre

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tion as a mercbant. Although he began on a comeminently a self-made man, having started for him- paratively small scale in merchandising four years self with only a pair of willing hands and a mental ago, his business has assumed mammoth proporcapacity to direct them, and with these gifts he has tions, all the result of his agreeable manners and made his way in life, reaching a point of substan- the confidence that the people have in him. His tiality and influence of which any man might be business amounts annually to about $60,000, and proud. He has a large circle of warm friends by his trade extends over a large part of Louisiana, whom he is highly respected and esteemed.

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His

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Texas and Arkansas. Mr. Daniel was married on business amounts to about $50,000 per annum. He February 11, 1886, to Miss Mary F. Collier, of ships each year 1,200 to 1,500 bales of cotton and Shreveport, La In polities Mr. Daniel is a Dememploys three men.

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ocrat. He takes a great interest in local politics, Lark 0. Daniel, attorney, Robeline, La. Mr. and his influence for his party is not only exerted Daniel is a young legal practitioner, who is steadily in its private councils but also upon the stump.

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The par.

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He is a young man whose brilliancy, push and pro- tilda Valery, Julie and Lestan. His second wife gressiveness can not but enable him to achieve died January 18, 1889, in full communion with the marked success. Though he is now but twenty- Catholic Church. Alexander Louis Deblieux was four years of age he has already won a place in commissioned auctioneer in 1823 and 1825, quarlegal circles, and in the commercial world of which termaster of the Eighteenth regiment of militia in any man might be proud.

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1825, and postmaster at Natchitoches in 1818. E. E. V. Deblieux, one of the foremost planters V. Deblieux is a veteran of the Mexican War, in and wide-awake merchants of Natchitoches, was which he served as second lieutenant. born in this city January 11, 1820, being the son Marcus L. Dismukes, attorney at law, Natchiof Alexander L. and Euphrosine (Tauzin) Deblieux. toches, La. Mr. Dismukes is a leading member His father was a Frenchman by birth, but was of the bar of Natchitoches Parish, and a member raised in this country, coming when eleven years of the firm of Jack & Dismukes. He was born in old to Augusta, Ga., remaining in that State until Shelby County, Tenn., on January 26, 1851, and 1800, when he immigrated to Louisiana. In 1815 is a son of Thomas H. and Mary Jane (Hager) he was first sergeant in a muster roll, which Dismukes, natives of the Old Dominion, the father marched to New Orleans. After the disbandment born in 1802 and the mother in 1812. of this organization he returned home and entered ents moved to Arkansas in 1854, and settled in into the mercantile business, receiving, in the Columbia County, where the father carried on meanwhile, an appointment to the United States agricultural pursuits for some time. He died in

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. Mail Department, which he held for four years. Favette County, of that State, in 1879, but his He made a visit to France in 1837. On his return widow is still living and makes her home at Louisto America he again settled in New Orleans, open- ville, Ark. Marcus L. Dismukes, the fifth of ten ing a commission business there, wbich he con- children born to the above union, seven of whom ducted for two years, when he returned to Natchi- are still living, received his education in the comtoches, remaining here till his death in 1869. To mon schools and under the tuition of Prof. Willhim and wife (who was also a native of Louisiana) iam C. Jack, who is one of the most scholarly men were born six children, two of whom are living of this country. Mr. Dismukes began teaching at and reside in Natchitoches Parish. The mother of the

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age of nineteen

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years

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and continued that occuthis family died in 1812. The senior Deblieux pation until 1877, when he came Natchitoches. was actively alive to the growth of his parish, Here he began the study of law in the office of being particularly interested in the upbuilding of William H. Jack, and was admitted to the bar in churches, schools, and society in general. He and

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He began practicing his profession here in his wife were believers in and worshipers of the 1881, and in the following year formed a law partthe Catholic faith. The principal of this sketch nership with William H. Jack which now conreceived his early training in France and Louisiana, tinues. He has been successful from the very

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beand being left to his own resources, in 1837 he ginning and now ranks among the prominent lawsettled upon an 800-acre plantation, and is now the yers of Natchitoches Parish, or this part of the owner of 600 acres, and engaged in planting and State. In politics he adheres to the Democratic merchandising. May 22, 1819, he married Aurora

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party. Mr. Dismukes was married in 1880, to Metoyer, of Louisiana, who died September 25, Miss Katie C. Jack, a native of Arkansas, born 1853, leaving to his care the following family: in 1857, and the daughter of Prof. W. C. and Alexander L. and Aurora (deceased).

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Catherine (Welborn) Jack To Mr. and Mrs. Dis

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. again married, in 1857, to Julie Prudhomme, also mukes have been born four children: Mary, Ada of Louisiana, and to this marriage have been born Ruth, Marcus L., Jr. and Charles H. Mr. Disnine children, eight of whom are living: Marie mukes is a member of the A. 0. U. W., L. of H., (deceased), Leon, Camille, Jefferson, Stella, Ma- and K. of P., Natchitoches Lodge No. 86. Jack

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He was

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& Disnukes is one of the leading law firms of in 1871. The father came to Natchitoches from Northern Louisiana.

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the West Indies in 1812, having gone to the latter Jared S. Dixon, merchant and planter, Natchi place from France in 1794, on account of the toches, La. Among the many prominent and suc- French Revolution. By occupation he was a mer- cessful citizens of Natchitoches Parish, who are chant. His marriage to Miss Pauzin took place on not only prosperous in their business relations, but April 5, 1815. In the fall of 1814 he left here who are esteemed and respected for their many with a military company (although not then natur- good qualities, stands the name of Jared S. Dixon. alized), to go to New Orleans, to join Gen. Jackson, He was originally from Bossier Parish of this State, and

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upon bis arrival there he was selected by that his birth occurring on May 6, 1960, and is the son general to guard the Crescent City. Charles F.

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. of J. M. and Lizzie (Dalrymple) Dixon. The fa- Dranguet, the youngest of six children, only two ther was born in the southern part of Louisiana in of whom are living, first attended school in Natchi- 1827, and died at Franklin, La., in 1863, from the toches, and later entered the St. Vincent College, effect of wounds received while in the army. He at Cape Girardeau, Mo., where he continued until was a member of the Third Louisiana Cavalry. 1851. He then returned home and taught school, The mother was a native of South Carolina, born which he limited to twelve pupils, all boys, who in 1810, and died at Collinsburg, La., in 1876. were well advanced.

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During this time he was Of the two children born to their union, Jared studying law under John Blair Smith and Judge Dixon is the elder in order of birth. He received J. G. Campbell, and was admitted to the bar in a good education in the common and public schools. 1859, after which he immediately entered upon his In 1885 Mr. Dixon came to this portion of Natchi. practice in partnership with Col. William M. Levy. toches and began opening a plantation eleven miles This continued until the breaking out of the war, northwest of this city. He established his store in when Mr. Dranguet joined the Second Louisiana 1886. He now cultivates about 1,000 acres of land, Cavalry, Confederate States Army, as a private in and is making a success of agricultural pursuits as Company C, and about three months later was well as his mercantile business. He is a Demo- elected second lieutenant of Company D, Second crat in politics, and in 1877 was instrumental in Louisiana Cavalry. He served in this until the establishing Egypt post office of which he was ap- close of hostilities. Afterward he resumed the law pointed postmaster. Egypt is now connected with practice, and this he bas since continned. In 1871 Natchitoches by telephone, which was built by Mr. he was appointed district attorney of what was Dixon, in January, 1890. In 1882 he joined then the Seventeenth Judicial District, by H. C. Rocky Mountain Lodge, K. of P., in Louisiana, and Warmoth, and in 1874 he was also appointed par- was transferred to Dixie Lodge and subsequently ish judge of Natchitoches Parish, In 1876 he was to Natchitoches Lodge No. 89, of which he is now elected mayor of the city of Natcbitoches, and filled a member. He is one of the substantial men of that position ably and well. In politics he adheres the parish.

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to the Deniocratic party. He was married in 1859 Charles F. Dranguet, attorney, Natchitoches, to Miss Eliza Greneaux, a native of this parish, La. Mr. Dranguet, one of the prominent legal born in 1810, and to them were born nine children: lights of Natchitoches, is a native of this city, his Eliza, Benjamin F., Charles F., Jr., Laura, Lelia, birth occurring on April 10, 1834, and is the son Louis A., Edgar M., Stella and Oscar. Mr. Dranof Benjamin F. and Victoria Celeste (Pauzin) guet is a member of the Catholic Church, and is a Dranguet. The father was born in Rouen, Nor representative of one of the old families of Natchimandy, France, on April 6, 1777, and died in toches. The father of Mrs. Dranguet, Judge C. Natchitoches on April 6, 1837. The mother was E. Greneaux, was born in Natchitoches in 1804, born in the city of Natchitoches, or the port of

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was parish judge, then clerk of the court, and was Natchitoches, on December 25, 1795, and died here afterward appointed treasurer of the State of

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urer.

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one.

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Louisiana for three years, at the end of which is also a Democrat without question, was among time he was without opposition elected State treas- the first who endeavored to secure a railroad to

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He died in Natchitoches in 1858. He was Natchitoches, being treasurer of the Natchitoches thoroughly a self-made man, and a very popular Railroad Construction Company, and is now treas

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urer of the State Normal School located here. He J. A. Ducournau, the oldest merchant now re- is a gentleman retiring in his disposition, and one siding in Natchitoches, was originally from France, who spurns notoriety. He is honest to a cent, and

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.

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a his birth occurring on December 24, 1815, and he bis word is as good as his bond. is the son of John B. and Mary (Rival) Ducournau, Louis Dupleix, register of United States Land both natives of France. The father was born in Office, Natchitoches, La. Mr. Dupleix was born in 1785 and died in his native country in 1853, and France on September 29, 1820, and is a son of Yoes the mother was born in 1793, and also died in and Marguerite (Lawalle) Dupleix, natives also of France in 1823. From 1828 to 1845 the father France, where they died at a good old age. Louis was a resident of Louisiana, residing in the Cres- Dupleix is the third of six children, three now liv. cent city and at Natchitoches. He was a well- ing, born to the union of the above worthy couple. educated man and a true French gentleman, J. He was educated in his native country at Dupleix A. Ducournau is the only living representative of Institution in Bordeaux wbich school was founded his father's children. He was educated in France, by his father. He came to the United States in and in 1834 emigrated to the United States, where 1841 and for a year and a half resided in New he was for some time a resident of New Orleans. Orleans, after which he removed to La Fayette ParIn 1839 he came to Natchitoches and the same ish, residing there about six years. In 1818 he year engaged in merchandising at the corner of came to Natchitoches and here he has since resided, Front and Church Streets, where he continued esteemed and respected by all. While a resident until the conflagration of 1881, when he was of La Fayette Parish he was engaged in various ocburned out. He then purchased his present busi- cupations, teaching, merchandising and planting, ness house on Front Street, and has since continued and after coming to this city he still carried on in business in this place, a period of over fifty merchandising and farming, carrying on the same years, with the exception of only a short time dur

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After this for three or four years he ing the war. He has experienced all the troubles was engaged in the newspaper business and owned and business depressions of more than half a the Natchitoches Union and the Natchitoches century, but has always been able to pay 100 Times. Later he again returned to agricultural cents on the dollar, which fact proves him to be pursuits, continued this one year, and then emone of the best and most careful business men in barked in the commission business in New Orleans. the South. He was united in marriage in 1819 to After this he followed farming until 1872, when he Miss Appoline Castenado, a native of New Orleans, was appointed register of the United States Land and the result of this union was two children: Office at Natchitoches by Gen. U. S. Grant. This Estelle (who was married to A. J. Plauche), and position he held under the administration of Grant, J. A. D., Jr. The last named was born in Natchi- Hayes, Garfield and Arthur, and on May 19, 1890, toches, and educated at Spring Hill College, Ala- he was appointed to the same position by Presibama, and in 1881 became a member of the firm of dent Harrison. Mr. Dupleix was married in 1843 J. A. Ducournau & Son. He was married in 1883 to Miss Clemence Dugas, a native of La Fayette Parto Miss Lelia Sompayrac, a native of this parish, ish, La. Her death occurred in 1886.

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In poliThey have two children: Lucile and Louis. Mr. tics Mr. Dupleix was formerly a Whig, but is now Ducournau, Jr., is a Democrat in politics, a mem- a Republican. He is well educated, and is an upber of the city council, and socially is a member right honorable gentleman. of the American Legion of Honor. Our subject Thomas Jefferson Flanner has been a resident

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for a year.

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a

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It

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ner

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of Natchitoches Parish, La., from his birth, which ever since. It is situated on both the Breville occurred March 27, 1854, and his earnest and sin- Bayou and Texas & Pacific Railroad and Cane River cere endeavor to succeed in life, especially in the and the Natchitoches Railroad, and its improveoccupation of farming, is well worthy the imita- ments are of the best, being one of the most comtion of the rising generation. His father, Dr. T. plete in this respect of any plantation on the J. Flanner, whose name was the same as bis own, river, for over $10,000 worth of improvements was born at Newbern, N. C., and his mother, have been put upon it in the last four years. whose maiden name was Pauline Roubien, was is well stocked with the best breeds of horses and born in the parish of Natchitoches, La, upon the cattle, among the former there being some excelplantation now occupied by the subject of this lent specimens of thoroughbred trotting horses and sketch. The parents were married in 1850 and among the latter some magnificent specimens of had three children as follows: Joseph, Thomas the Jersey and Devonshire varieties. Mr. FlanBoyce (deceased) and Thomas Jefferson. The was married in 1880 to Miss Daisy Sers, who father of these children died in the latter part of was also born in Natchitoches Parish. They have 1853, when the foul epidemic of that year was at had five children, as follows; Josephine, Thomas its height. Dr. Flanner sacrificed his life at bis J., Leo, Ricardo and Eugene of whom Thomas J., post of duty a few months before the subject of Leo and Ricardo, are dead. Mr. Flanner is a memthis sketch was born. His widow survives him ber of the K. of P. order and the A. L. of H., and makes her home with her youngest son, and in his political views is a conservative DemoThomas Jefferson. The latter spent his early life crat. In 1888 he was offered the nomination by in his native town of Natchitoches, in the schools his party for the State Legislature, and although of which he received his early education. At the this would have been equivalent to an election, he age of eleven lie accompanied his mother to New declined. He is a shrewd, intelligent, broadOrleans, where he spent six months in a Jesuit col. minded man who possesses great force of charlege, after which he entered Springhill College, acter and much executive ability, and his views on another Jesuit institution, which he attended one political questions, as well as all the popular topyear. At the age of thirteen years he made a ics of the day, are considered sound. pleasure trip to Europe, remaining abroad for nized throughout this section of the State as a some six months, after which he returned to man whose opinions are worthy the attention and America and entered Georgetown College of the consideration of all. He is strongly opposed to District of Columbia, remaining in the same for ring rule and corruption in every form, and by one year.

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He then completed a course in the putting forth his greatest efforts against all such commercial college of J. G. Lord, of New Or- he bas wielded a powerful influence for good. He leans, after which he took a course in book-keep- is well known throughout this section of the State ing in Soule Commercial College of the same city. and the confidence and respect of all citizens are For one year following this he was employed as bis. book-keeper in a wholesale and retail hat house, Valery Gaiennie, deceased, owned one of the and for six months clerked in a crockery establish- largest and best farms in Natchitoches Parish. ment, both of New Orleans. He was then in the He was born in New Orleans, June 2, 1816, and employ of an exchange broker a short time, after removed to this parish in 1835, at the age of which he engaged in the pursuit of produce nineteen, with his father, Gen. Francois Gaiennie, broker, continuing thus six months. In 1877 he adjutant general of Louisiana Militia, where he returned to the parish of Natchitoches and took continued his farming pursuit. January 27, 1813, charge of the Reform plantation, sixteen miles Miss Heloise Metoyer, a native of this parish and southeast of Natchitoches, which he subsequently daughter of Benjamin and Aurora (Lambre) Metpurchased and which he occupied and managed oyer, became his wife, their union being blessed by

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He is recog.

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1

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the following children: Amanda, Mathilda, Denis, now worth about $22,000, all of wbich has been Louise, Aurora, Heloise, Emeline and Valery, the earned by good business ability, industry and farthird and last being deceased. As he is one of the sightedness. He was appointed postmaster of St. representative citizens of this parish he was nomin- Maurice, in 1886, and is still filling the position in ated to the office of police jury (before the war of a very satisfactory manner. His marriage took 1861, an office of honor without salary). He died

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He died place in 1875, and was to Miss Anna K. Harrison, April 1, 1877, leaving a sorrowing family and many who was born in Caldwell Parish, La., in the warm friends to mourn their loss. His widow is a month of January, 1856, and has borne her husvery energetic woman, and after his demise under- band four children: Harry P., Emma J., Sarah S. took the management of the plantation, and has and E. Lillian. Mr. Gamble is a Democrat in polbeen very successful, now owning 700 acres of land, ities and is one of the enterprising residents of 250 acres under cultivation, and a farm well the parish. stocked. Her grandfather came to Louisiana at Louis B. Gay, dealer in wines, liquors and cithe time the French took possession, they being gars, is a native of Sabine Parish, La., born Janamong the pioneers' of the State.

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The family are uary 22, 1853, son of Louis B. and Elizabeth all members of the Catholic Church.

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(Nash) Gay, the birth of the former occurring in E. J. Gamble, merchant and planter, of St. Georgia, and his death in Sabine Parish, where Maurice, La., is an excellent example of what can bis mother also died. The latter's father, Valenbe accomplished through energy and perseverance, tine Nash, was one of the old settlers of Sabine for he has won his way, to his present position Parish, and has now attained to the advanced age through his own unaided efforts. He was born in of ninety-five years, being one of the most highly White County, Tenn., December 13, 1852, to esteemed residents in this section. Owing to the Charles R. and Emily F. (Cameron) Gamble, the early death of his parents Mr. Gay was reared by former of whom was born at Meigs County, Tenn., his grandfather, Nash, and was given the advanin 1829, and died at Sparta, Tenn., in 1859. His tages of the common schools in his youth. In wife first saw the light of day in White County, 1880 he started out for himself, and opened a genTenn., in 1834, and is now making her home in eral mercantile establishment at Many, La., being Putnam County, Tenn. E. J. Gamble is the eldest in partnership with his brother, the firm name beof their four children, two being now alive; was ing L. B. and F. C. Gay. In 1881 they removed reared to the arduous duties of the farm, but was to Robeline, and here continued their business, given the advantages of the common public schools, taking A. H. Hogue as a partner, the name of the later completing bis education, and spending two | firm being Hogue & Gay Bros. After remaining years at Chatata Seminary, in Tennessee, where he associated for two years they dissolved partner made the best of his opportunities. He became ship, and for five years Mr. Gay has followed self-supporting at the age of thirteen years, but his present calling, at which he is doing well. He continued to earn his own living in Tennessee until keeps a large and excellent line of goods, and his 1873, when he came to Louisiana upon a borrowed house is at all times orderly and quiet. In 1880 capital of $15, settling in Natchitoches Parish, his marriage with Miss Lulu Fox was celebrated, where he has since made his home. He is the she being a native of Alexandria, La., and an inowner of a good plantation in Ward t, and has under telligent and pleasant ludy. Their family consists cultivation 275) acres, but the most of his attention of four children, whose names are as follows: Lais given to general merchandising, at St. Maurice, fayette, Louis B., Nena and Howard. As a Demohis establishment being opened to the public in crat Mr. Gay has always supported the men and 1886. It is excellently managed, is well fitted up measures of that party, and socially be belongs to and has an extensive and lucrative trade. He has Natchitoches Lodge No. 89, of the A. F. & A. M., truly been the architect of his own fortune, and is and also belongs to the K. of P.

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Thomas Gregory, general merchant, Provencal, turned home and gave his attention to farming, alLa. Mr. Gregory is one of the influential citizens though during a portion of the time was connected of Provencal. He comes of a long line of Vir- with the sheriff's office of Lunenburg County. In ginian ancestors, his father, Richard C. Gregory, 1870 he removed to Yazoo County, Miss., where he and his grandfather, also Richard C. Gregory, were resided until 1880, being engaged as a school teachboth natives of the Old Dominion. The father er, book-keeper, and as the partner of Col. R. M. was born in Lunenburg County and was married in Johnson, in mercantile pursuits. In 1880 he came about 1835 to Miss Martha Hamlin, a native of Not- to Louisiana and located in the parish of Natchitoway County, Va. Her father, John Hamlin, was toches. In 1881 he formed a partnership with J. a native of Virginia. Mrs. R. C. Gregory is a sister H. Stephens, in merchandising at Provencal, and of the late Dr. Charles Hamlin, of Natchitoches, the firm continued for nine years or until DecemLa. The Gregorys were originally from England ber 31, 1889. They founded the town of Provenand the Hamlins from Wales. Of the nine cbil- cal, and so long as they were in business there they dren born to Richard C. and Martha (Hamlin) were its principal merchants. In politics he is a Gregory, four sons and three daughters are now Democrat, and is one of the prominent men of living. The names of the children in the order of Provencal, having the respect and confidence of all. their births are as follows: Mary, Octavia, Thomas, Charles E. Greneaux is a prosperous and sucAgnes, Richard W., Charles, William S., Mattie cessful general merchant of the city of Natchiand Plummer. Those deceased are Mary and toches, and as he was born here on June 11, 1860, Charles. The parents of these children are aged and here has spent his life, his many admirable respectively eighty and seventy-six years, and both qualities are known and appreciated, and his repuare still living, residing in Lunenburg County, Va. tion as a man of business has remained untarThomas Gregory was born in Lunenburg County,

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nished. His parents, L. A. and Amelia (Lemee) Va., May 3, 1812, was reared in Lunenburg and Greneaux, were born in Natchitoches, La., in Nottoway Counties, and from the age of seven to 1835 and 1837, respectively, the former's death nineteen years he attended the best schools and aca- occurring in New Orleans, La., in 1861. His granddemies of those counties. He prepared himself father, Judge C. E. Greneaux, was a native of for the University of Virginia, which he intended Louisiana, who was at one time State treasurer of to enter, but by the time he was fully prepared Louisiana, and an able and talented man. He the Civil War had broken out and he threw aside died in Natchitoches about 1858, at a ripe old age. his books, resigned his hopes for a collegiate edu- Charles E. Greneaux is the younger of two sons cation and entered the service of the Confederate born to his parents, and is in every sense of the army, enlisting in Company G, Eighteenth Vir- term a self-made and self-educated man, In Janginia Regiment, Gen. Pickett's brigade, of the uary, 1881, he began the general mercantile busicelebrated Pickett's division A. N. Va., known as ness in this city, and as he conducts affairs on the Nottoway Grays, in 1861. Out of the 105 strictly honorable principles, and keeps a firstmen which composed his company but one es- class establishment, he has built up a trade that caped being either killed or wounded. Mr. Greg

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Mr. Greg. extends throughout the surrounding country. He ory served in the first battle of Manassas, battle has always been prominent in the affairs of the of Gaines' Mill, Frazier's Farm, Seven Pines, the parish, and on the Democratic ticket, of which he second battle of Manassas, and the battle of South has long been a supporter. He was elected to the Mountain or Boonsboro, Md., the last being on Sep- office of secretary and treasurer of the city of tember 14, 1862. There he was severely wounded, Natcbitoches in 1888, and discharged his duties and upon recovering he was transferred to the com- with faithfulness and undoubted ability. He is missary department, in which he served at Black- one of the directors of the Red River Ledge Comstone, Va., until the end of the war.

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He then re- pany, interested in the Cotton Seed Oil Mill and

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the Bank of Natchitoches, and at all times gives (where he was captured, taken to New Orleans, the support of influence and money to enterprises held there four months and then exchanged). Bewhich he considers worthy and that he thinks will fore the war he was cousidered quite wealthy, but benefit his section. He is captain of a company of on returning home, found not only his home de. Natchitoches State Militia, and he and his most stroyed, but himself in debt $18,000, which by bard estimable wife are worthy members of the Catholic work he has managed to pay, and also to accumuChurch. She was formerly Miss D. M. Piper, who late his present fortune. October 15, 1866, he was born in Louisiana in 1858, and to her union was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, and with Mr. Greneaux two children have been born: | January 19, 1869, he took for his second wife Miss Alma and Irma.

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Eugenie Chapin, also a native of Louisiana. He Joseph Henry. Of the many foreigners who and his family are worthy members of the Catholic emigrated to this country, none is more worthy of Church, is one of the most influential citizens of mention than the above named gentleman. He this parish and was chosen Senator of his State. was born in county Londonderry, Ireland, Jan- He is at present known to be one of the largest taxuary 24, 1828, his parents, John and Martha

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payers of this parish, and has settled on each one (Chriswell) Henry, being also natives of the Emer- of his children a large plantation. ald Isle. They were married in 1826, were the J. C. Henry, a prosperous planter of Natchiparents of seven children, of which our subject is toches Parish, was born in this parish December 9, the only one now living. His father was very well 1859, his father being Joseph Henry, who was born educated, having graduated from Dublin Univer- in county Londonderry, Ireland, January 24, 1828. sity, Ireland, and emigrated to New York in 1839, (See sketch of father). Our subject, after attaincoming from there to Texas in 1841, where he died | ing his majority, began the world for himself by shortly after, his widow following him in 1879. settling on a plantation of 150 acres, 100 of which They were both members of the Cumberland Pres- were under cultivation, and by his indomitable will byterian Church. Joseph Henry was educated at a is now the possessor of 750 acres, 450 being thorprivate school, and at the age of fifteen years be- oughly cultivated and stocked, and in connection gan clerking for a firm in Natchitoches, remaining with these is the owner of a gin and grist-mill plant with them until 1855, when he began business for equipped with all the modern improvements. In himself with a stock of $10,000, and in 1858 he 1884 he was married to Emeline Gaiennie, a nasold out, his stock being valued at that time at tive of Louisiana, and to them have been born five $30,000. Later he turned his attention to farm- children: Martha C. (deceased), Mable, Bessie, ing, has been

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very successful, and now owns 4,000 Cora (deceased), and Joseph H. Socially he affil. acres of good land, of which 2,000 acres are under iates with the K. of P. lodge; officially holds the cultivation. His farms are well stocked; contain office of justice of the peace, and is identified with three cotton-gins and mills, and all the latest im- the school board of Ward 1. In religion, he and provements. January 22, 1856, he was united in family are communicants of the Catholic Church, wedlock with Miss Ausita Roubieu, a native of this and he is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, beState, and a lady of considerable wealth, born Jan- ing president of Breazeale Union.

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Their union has been blessed with John H. Henry, a prominent young business four children: Joseph, Cora, John H. and Samuel man of Derry, Natchitoches Parish, La., was born J., all living and residing in this parish. During in the city of Natchitoches on July 18, 1862, and the late unpleasantness between the North and the is the son of Hon. Joseph Henry of the same parSouth he enlisted as a private in Company B, ish (see biography). His boyhood was spent in Second Louisiana Cavalry, under the command of his native town, and at twelve

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he enGen. Taylor and Col. W. G. Vinson, participating tered the Abingdon Male Academy of Virginia, in the battles of Frankland, La., and Henderson Hill i which he attended three years. At the age of six

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uary 30, 1832.

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years

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of age

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teen he entered the St. Louis University, a Jesuit of Griffin, Ga., and the principal street in that city institution, which he attended three years, and from bears his name. He died beloved and honored, in which he graduated with honors at the age of twen- his native State in 1852. The inscription upon his ty. Returning home he was, for a short time, en tombstone expresses the whole story—“A good gaged at farming with his father, and in October, man." The mother died in 1849. James H. Hill, 1883, he went to New Orleans, where he entered the fifth of seven children, three of whom are now the employ of the firm of R. M. Walmsley & Co., living, received his primary education in the comcotton factors and commission merchants. He mon schools, and later attended Marshall College, continued in the employ of this firm eighteen Georgia. He came to Louisiana in 1858, located months and there laid the foundation for a good in De Soto Parish, and there continued until the business education. In 1884, desiring to engage breaking out of the war, when he joined the Army in a pursuit more agreeable to his health, he re- of Northern Virginia, under Gens. Lee and Jacksigned the position and again returned to his home, son, and continued with this until the close of hoscarrying with him a fine recommendation from bis tilities. He was captured only three days before employer Mr. Walmsley. He was at this time the final surrender, and released in June, 1865. about twenty-one years of age, and upon the aniver- Returning to Natchitoches Parish after the war he sary of his twenty-first birthday his father pre- embarked in the receiving, forwarding and whole. sented bim with a plantation, wbich is located on sale grocery business, at Grand Coteau, La., which Red River, in Ward 4, which was then valued at business was successfully conducted for six years, $5,000 and which he still owns. For three years when he purchased a plantation on Red River, following this he was engaged in farming in con- with a view of making a fortune out of cotton, at nection with his father. In February, 1889, he 25 cents a pound. This he continued for ten years, and his father established a general store at Derry, but the fortune came not. Then he embarked in Natchitoches Parish, and our subject has ever since the merchandising business, and recognizing the given his attention to its management. He carries great need of improved machinery in farming, a $1,000 stock of plantation supplies, and enjoys a undertook to introduce them in his locality. In very large patronage. Mr. Henry is a member of this he was successful. He abandoned farming in the Catholic Church, and in politics he is Demo- 1879, and engaged in his present occupation, in cratic. He is a young man of good habits, and the meantime establishing the largest commercial though his career has not been long he has the re- house ever opened in Robeline. This, however, spect and esteem of all. By a judicious manage-proved unsuccessful, being established in 1883, and ment of his father's present, he has increased his closed in 1887. Since the last-named year Mr. possessions until it is now double what it was.

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He

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Hill has been representing the great Gullet Gin possesses a courteous and accommodating manner, Company, of Amite City, La., as traveling salesand is a gentleman highly popular with all classes. man, and through his influence said company has

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James H. Hill, of the firm of Hill & Jones, been handling all lines of machinery. In four years' dealers in machinery, and agents for life, fire and sales this company has not lost over one per cent in accident insurance, also dealers in real estate, is a bad debts, through the sales made by Mr. Hill. native of Spaulding County, Ga., his birth occur- The firm of Hill & Jones now represents the great ring May 15, 1843. His parents, John G. and Gullett Gin Company, of Louisiana; the Mutual Emily (Lake) Hill, are natives of Georgia also, the Life, of New York, and the following five insurfather born in 1812, and the mother in 1818. By ance companies of New Orleans: Mechanic's & occupation the father was a life-long merchant, and Trader's, Mutual, Sun, Crescent and the Home. was commonly known as “Black Jack Hill.” He The Red River Hedge Company, organized Sepwas a Mason of high rank, and one of the leading i tember 1, 1890, at Natchitoches, unanimously men of Georgia. He was one of the first settlers elected Mr. Hill as general manager of that com.

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pany, contrary to his wishes, on account of so much In January, 1890, he removed to his present place other business. In politics Mr. Hill has been a .

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of business, and has since done exceptionally well life-long Democrat, and in 1885 declined the office in both his callings. On June 1, 1889, he formed of clerk of the Eleventh District Court, at the hands a copartnership with S. E. Russ, Jr., and the firm of Gov. S. D. McEnery, on account of the death has since been known as Russ & Hollingsworth. of Clerk G. W. Kearney. Mr. Hill is at present They have under their supervision about 1,700 a member of the parish school board, and for about acres of land, and are doing an extensive and payfive years was a member of the jury commission of ing trade, for they are live, energetic business men. the parish of Natchitoches, appointed by Judge D. Mr. Hollingsworth was married on November 30, Pierson. Mr. Hill is one of the best business men 1881, to Miss Anna A. Hollingsworth, and by her in this section. He was married in 1868, to Miss has two children: Clarence W. and William R. On Mary R. Hyams, daughter of Col. Samuel M. and April 18, 1890, he was appointed postmaster of AlEmily (Prudhomme) Hyams, and niece of Ex-Gov. len, which place is about sixteen miles from NatchiHyams. To Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born nine toches, and has held the same, although a warm children: Rosa, Samuel H., Adeline S., Bertha L., Democrat in his views. As a man of business he Cora L., James H., Eswell, Flowers and Matilda. has done remarkably well, and as his property has Samuel H. is not twenty years of age, and is book- been earned by his own efforts, he deserves much keeper in one of the largest wholesale houses in credit for his tact and enterprise. Shreveport, viz. : N. Gegg & Son. Miss Rosa is a E. E. Honmett, one of the seven children who graduate of the State Normal School, and is now blessed the union of Robert E. and Celia (Barker) one of the most successful teachers in the parish. Honmett, was born in Red River Parish, July 24, Mr. Hill has been a Mason for twenty-five years, 1849, the former a native of Maryland and the and is a member of Phoenix Lodge No. 38. He is latter of Texas. The father emigrated to this State also a member of the A. L. of H. and Natchitoches at a very early day, settled in Red River Parish, Lodge No. 89, of K. of P. He is one of the lead- where he opened up a farm. He was justice of ing men of this part of Louisiana.

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the peace for fifty-six years, held the office of William R. Hollingsworth. The mercantile deputy sheriff, and being one of the enterprising interests of this section bave for some time been and progressive men in this vicinity, took an active ably represented by Mr. Hollingsworth, who has part in the building up of churches, schools, and also been engaged in conducting a plantation all enterprises for the advancement of education

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. General merchandising, of course, necessitates the and society. Socially he affiliates with the Masonic carrying of a varied assortment of goods, and Mr. order, Bethamy Lodge No. 241, is a Master Mason Hollingsworth carries a stock, the variety of which and a member of the Farmers' Alliance. His wife can not fail to satisfy every want of his pa- dying in 1856, he married Miss Dorphey Davis; trons. He was born in De Soto Parish, of this they have eleven children. Himself and wife worState, October 15, 1836, being a son of W. W. and ship at the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our Sarah (McCracken) Hollingsworth, both Alabam- subject was educated at home, and at the age

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of ians, the former dying in De Soto Parish during twenty-one years decided to start out on his own the war, his widow still surviving him, being a res- responsibility, with nothing but energy and good ident of Alabama. William R. is their only child, will, and by perseverance has worked his way up and during his boyhood he was given a com- until he now owns 140 acres, eighty acres improved mon-school education, acquiring a thorough knowl- and a farm well stocked, owning some fine Shortedge of the common branches.

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In 1874 he began

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horn cattle. November 9, 1869, he was joined in to make his own way in the world, and two years wedlock with Miss Parlee Jones, a native Missislater came to Natchitoches Parish, and in addition sippian, born in 1844. To this union were born to planting, opened a mercantile establishment. eleven children, seven living: Roger H., Lucy E.,

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a

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a

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a

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Eugene R, Clara L., Albert T., Callie I. and Ex-Lieut. -Gov. Henry M. Hyams, who then resided Leola M. He has held the office of justice of the in Rapides Parish, at whose home the mother was peace for two years, himself and wife are members visiting. A few years after Mr. Hyams returned of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he from the Mexican War he removed from his farm is a liberal contributor to all public enterprises for to Natchitoches, and it continued to be his home the improvement of his country.

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throughout the rest of his life. He was a lifeHenry M. Hyams, clerk of the district court for long Democrat, and took a very active and influenthe parish of Natchitoches and one of its promi- tial part in political affairs, and for some time held nent citizens, has resided here the greater portion the office of clerk of the district court (the same of his life, and it is but justice to say that there is being now held by his son), sheriff, recorder and not a man in the parish who possesses greater the office of register of the United States Land personal worth, or who is more substantial or pro- Office. He was the owner of large plantation gressive in his views than he. He is a son of interests and a large number of slaves. By the Samuel M. and Emily E. (Prudhomme) Hyams, able management of his possessions he amassed a who were born in Charleston, S. C., and Natchi- fortune, but the greater part of this he lost during toches Parish, La., respectively, and grandson of

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the war.

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In the beginning of the Rebellion he Samuel M. and Eliza (Levy) Hyams, the former organized a company in his home parish, and in having been born in London, England. The mother this connection it should be stated that it was the of our subject was the daughter of John Baptiste largest company organized in the State. At New Prudhomme, a native of France. The parents of Orleans it was divided into two companies, which Henry M. were married December 1, 1836, and be- were lettered F. and G, and became part of the came the parents of the following children: Henry Third Louisiana Infantry, commanded by Col. M., Emily E. (wife of Charles N. Prudhomme, of Louis Hebert. Mr. Hyams was made lieutenantNatcbitoches Parish), Mary R. (wife of James H. colonel of the regiment, and served about two Hill, of Robeline, La.), and Jackson D. (who was years, participating in two of the hardest-fought married to Miss Aurore Gaiennie, with whom he battles. He was then retired from the service on now resides on the Red River in Natchitoches account of ill health, this, however, being contrary Parish), these being the only ones now living. to his wishes, as he did not wish to leave his post Those deceased are Samuel M., John P., Eleazar of duty, but his constitution was unable to bear L. and Kosciusko. Samuel M. Hyams, the father the constant privations and hardships of war, and of the immediate subject of this sketch, accompa- reluctantly returned to his home.

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. His combined nied his parents from South Carolina to New energies were devoted to the Confederacy, which Orleans when about fifteen years of age, and there doubtless, had not a more enthusiastic supporter. received a collegiate education, and studied civil | By his side in the service were bis sons, Samuel engineering For a great many years thereafter M., who was adjutant of his regiment, and John he was United States deputy surveyor, and while P., who was placed upon the colonel's staff. After engaged in this capacity he surveyed almost the the war Col. Hyams turned his attention to the entire State of Louisiana, and while following that practice of law, and owing to native ability he pursuit met and married Miss Prudhomme, of acquired a large practice, which he successfully Natchitoches. He soon after purchased a tract of managed until his death in 1869.

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He was a Royal land three miles from Natchitoches, and upon it he Arch Mason, and as a man and citizen was above resided for several years, converting it into a farm. reproach. His widow survives him, being now He served as captain under Gen. Taylor and Col. seventy-six years of age. The subject of this Peyton in the Mexican War, and it was while he sketch spent his boyhood in Natchitoches, and at was thus employed that the subject of this sketch tbe

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age of fourteen years he entered the Louisiana was born August 8, 1816, at the home of his uncle, State Seminary, a military school at Alexandria, which was presided over by W. T. Sherman, and intelligent and efficient superintendent of public which he attended one year, a member of the instruction of Louisiana. He is a descendant of a freshman class. He left school for the purpose of long line of illustrious ancestry, and worthily fills entering the Confederate army, but upon return- his position in this line. At the commencement ing home was persuaded by his father to remain at of the Revolutionary War, one of the worthy and home two years longer on account of his youth. patriotic citizens of Charlotte, N. C., was Patrick In 1863 he entered the military service of the Jack, his great grandfather a native of the Emordnance department under Maj. Gaines, but in erald Isle, who emigrated to America about 1730, , 1864 became a volunteer, enlisting for sixty days, and “pitched his tent" in the Old North State. during which time he held the rank of second His lineage is traceable to noble ancestors, one of sergeant, but acted as first sergeant. He subse- whom was a ministerial sufferer in the reign of quently spent some time with Lane's Texas Cav- Charles II, in 1661. Col. William H. Jack is one alry, and later, at the suggestion of his father, of the most distinguished and talented lawyers of joined the Third Louisiana Infantry under com- the South, and one of the most eloquent of her mand of Col. Samuel D. Russell, receiving the gifted bar. He first saw the light of day in Wilkes appointment of sergeant-major of the regiment, in County, Ga., June 4, 1836, being the second son which capacity he served until the war terminated. of Prof. William C. and Catherine Clara (WellHe returned to his old home in Louisiana, and for bone) Jack, the former of whom was born in Wilkes some three or four years he was employed as dep- County, Ga., October 8, 1808, and died in Natchiuty clerk of the Supreme Court, deputy district toches, La., in November, 1886, having been a clerk and deputy recorder. December 1, 1868, he distinguished educator of this State. The mother was married to Miss Mathilde A. Gaiennie, of this of the subject of this sketch was born in Athens, parish, a daughter of Valery and Eloise (Metoyer) Ga., September 23, 1818, and passed to her long Gaiennie, by whom he is the father of the follow- home in the State of Arkansas in July, 1860. ing named children: Eleazar L., Valery G., Emily William H. Jack came from Arkansas to Louisiana Eloise, Mattie A., Denis J. and Mary Lucile, all of in 1860, being then twenty-four years of age. After a whom are living, the eldest of the family being considerable amount of preparation, both in the comtwenty one years of age and the youngest eleven. mon and civil law systems, he began the practice After his marriage Mr. Hyams turned his attention of law in Natchitoches, where he has attained the to farming, a pursuit he followed on Red River highest rank in his profession, his reputation for until 1885. In June of that year he was appointed ability, zeal and earnestness being fully recognized by Gov. McEnery, clerk of the district court for not only in Louisiana, but in the adjoining States. Natchitoches Parish, and was nominated by his For several years he was associated in the practice party for the same office in December, 1887, and of law with Judge David Pierson, and for legal elected in April, 1888, his present term expiring in ability and thorough knowledge of law, this firm 1892. Politically he has been a life-long Demo- had not its superior in the State. Mr. Jack's crat, and has been one of his party's most active very superior mental endowments were practically and enthusiastic supporters in this part of the recognized in 1863, when he was elected to the State. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, is State Legislature, serving during 1863-64, and chancellor commander of the K. of P., and belongs | while a member of that body he was chosen chairto the A. L. of H. He is a Catholic in his relig- man of judiciary committee, and although he was ious views.

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the youngest member of the House, and was known Hon. William Huston Jack. As an example as the “boy member” he showed that he had the of the usefulness and prominence to which men of intellect and sound views that, as a usual thing, character and determination will attain, we have ! only mature years bring. During the dark days but to chronicle the life of Mr. Jack, who is the i of reconstruction and the Radical-rule period in

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Louisiana, Mr. Jack took a prominent and lead. tative men of his State, true to his convictions and ing part against “Carpet-bag Government” and earnest and sincere in all bis deeds, a man to be alien usurpation, and was inspired by no other respected and loved. He has been twice married, motive than a love of country and a patriotic desire havivg six children by his first wife (Mary C. to see the government of his State restored to the Whitfield), none by the last. His eldest daughter, hands of her people. During this period he was Ida Lillian, is the wife of Judge W. P. Hall.of Mans- one of the advance men of the Democratic party, field. His second, Ada Whitfield, is the wife of M. and his qualities of leadership were never more H. Carver, Esq., of Natchitoches. His eldest son, significantly displayed than in the arena of politics. John W., is practicing law in Dallas, Tex., and He has been prominent in the councils of his party, bis second son, William H., is secretary in the super- and was one of the chief instigators of the famous intendent's office at Baton Rouge. The other two Natchitoches revolt against the Kellogg govern- children: Whitfield and Mary Kate, reside with ment, and the mover of the Natchitoches resolu- him at Natchitoches. He was married to his pres- tions, which required the Republican office holders ent wife, Miss Ella G. McIntyre, an accomplished to resign their trust into the hands of the people, lady of Minden, La., about seven years ago, and in and desist from further encroachments on their their home true-hearted, yet unostentatious, hospi- rights. The struggle against heavy odds was long tality is displayed. and doubtful, but in 1876 the smoke of political Edmond W. Jackson is a merchant and the conflict drifted away, which fact was owing to the owner of Maude plantation, which is just below skill and determination of such leaders as Mr. Natchitoches, on the left bank of Cane River, and Jack In 1874 he was elected district judge, but comprises 200 acres of fine farming land. This Gov. Kellogg refused to commission him on ac- gentleman was born in Monroe County, Ga., on count of an alleged informality in the notice of the May 19, 1848, to Warren and Maria (Davis) Jack- election, but really for political reasons and pur- son, both Georgians, the father being drowned in poses.

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In 1880 and 1884 he was chosen as one of Sabine Parish, La., in 1869, when about forty the presidential electors for Louisiana, and has al- years of age, having been a planter by occupation. ways been deeply interested in State and National The mother died in De Soto Parish, La., in 1859, politics, and is regarded as one of the ablest, most the year following her arrival in Louisiana. Ed active and indefatigable leaders of the party in this mond W. is the youngest of four living children, State if not in the South. In 1890 he was ap- and was reared on a farm, receiving a commonpointed by Gov. Nicholls, superintendent of public school education. In 1869 he began life for himinstruction of Louisiana to succeed Judge Breaux, self as manager of his uncle's (Monroe Chapman) promoted to the supreme branch, and his address plantation, on Red Bayou, where he remained one delivered July 25, 1890, at Shreveport, before the year, the following year clerking for an uncle (H. Lonisiana Educational Association, was a masterly J. Davis) at Pleasant Hill, La., receiving for his and scholarly effort, and shows him to be in this, services $250 per annum. After remaining at this as in all matters, a thorough master of the situa- point until 1874, he then removed to G. W. Robtion, and fully equipped to admirably discharge ' inson's plantation, on Red River, where he rethe duties of this responsible position. In May, mained for eleven years, a portion of the time re1880, he was elected president of the Baptist State ceiving $1,200 per annum as compensation. FolConvention of Louisiana, which body represents | lowing this he was engaged in business for himself

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1 about 37,000 members, and this position has been for some time in the same neighborhood, leasing conferred upon him by unanimous vote, at the sev- the plantation of Mrs. Tally D. Brown, but in the eral annual elections since 1880. The present fall of 1889 he purchased his present plantation, finds this distinguished lawyer and orator enjoying and at the same time opened a general mercantile the enviable position of being one of the represen

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establishment on the bank of Cane River. He

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has made his own way in life, and the property he boyhood. He first attended the common schools has secured has come to him through his own un- of Graves County, Ky., and Bienville Parish, La., tiring efforts. He is a Democrat, and a member of and afterward entered an academy of Arcadia, Phoenix Lodge No. 38 of the A. F. & A. M. Miss which he attended one year, and a similar instituLucretia Maude Foster became his wife in 1873, tion at Mount Lebanon, of the same parish one her birth having occurred in Alabama in 1855. year. In 1838 he took up the study of medicine The following children have been born to them: under the preceptorship of his brother, Dr. John Eugene M., Edward F., William W., Joshua A., M. Jackson, of Columbus, Ky., and remained with Howard H. and Sallie B.

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him a year and a half. In October, 1859, he

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, Richard Ervin Jackson, M. D., is an able and entered the medical department of the University scholarly physician of Natchitoches Parish, but of Louisville, and in it attended one course of now resides in Ward 9, on Red River, sixteen lectures. In the fall of 1860 he entered the New miles southeast of the city of Natchitoches. He Orleans School of Medicine, in which he attended was born in Graves County, Ky., September 23, his second course of lectures, and from which he 1836, to Hardy and Sarah (Little) Jackson, who graduated in the spring of 1861. He at once were born, reared and married in Davidson County, located at Montgomery, La., but a month later Tenn., the former being a son of John Jackson, the Civil War broke out and be entered the Conand the latter a daughter of John Little. Upon federate service, serving until the close. During his father's side Dr. Jackson is the descendant of the first three years he acted as assistant surgeon, an emigrant from Ireland. His parents were the first eighteen months of that time being in the married in 1822, and soon after removed from hospital service. During the last year he held Tennessee to Graves County, Ky., becoming early the rank of surgeon. .

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He served the Southern settlers of that county. Hardy Jackson was twice cause with devotion, and until the struggle was married and his first marriage, which was to Miss ended he consecrated his whole energy to the triLittle, resulted in the birth of five children, all umph and perpetuity of the Confederacy. At the sons, of whom the subject of this sketch was the close of the war he again located in Montgomery, third. They are named as follows: John Milton, where he was

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an eminently successful medical James Hardy (deceased), Richard Ervin, William practitioner until 1876, when he removed to a Left wich (deceased), and Robert Lockeridge. The farm about a balf mile below Montgomery, on the mother of these children died in 1812, and about opposite side of the river in Natchitoches Parish, two years later their father was married to Mrs. which place be purchased in 1872, and which he Nancy Rutland, a widow who was a sister to his has ever since occupied as bis home. It contains first wife. To them two children were born: 250 acres of exceptionally fertile land, and is in a Eliza Ann and Isaac, the latter dying in infancy. fine state of improvement. Besides this he owns Eliza Ann now resides near Anson, Tex., and a tract of eighty acres on the opposite side of the with her lives her mother who is once more a river in Grant Parish. Since 1876 he has managed widow, Mr. Jackson passing from life in 1862. his plantation and practiced his profession, followThe subject of this sketch spent his early boyhood ing the latter calling more for the accommodation in his native county, and at the age of nine years, of his neighbors than from choice.

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He is a very or in the fall of 1845, he accompanied his father able and successful physician, being especially and stepmother to what is now known as Lime- skilled in surgery, and did he desire it he could stone County, Tex., and a year later they removed have an extensive and paying practice. He, to Louisiana, locating in Bienville Parish, five however, prefers to devote the greater part of his miles from the town of Arcadia. It was there that

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attention to the management of his farm, this the father passed from life, and it was also there pursuit being more agreeable to his tastes and that Richard Ervin spent the remainder of his health. His marriage, which occurred on Novem

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ber 22, 1866, was to Miss Aurelia Townsend, who Mr. Jones' residence is a large and commodious died October 3, 1877, leaving four children: Mil one, being 130 feet long by 80 feet wide. The dred (born October 1, 1867), Albert Sidney (born yard in which it stands contains a fine cedar grove, October 2, 1868), Elmo Murray (born November and overlooking, as it does, the beautiful Cane 19, 1869), and Jennie Perrin (born November 28, River, it is one of the most beautiful country seats 1873). On November 14, 1885, the Doctor was in the parish. It is also well improved in the way married to Miss Lelia Pierson, of Natchitoches, of fences and tenement houses. Mr. Jones is the who is his present wife.

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His first wife was a mem- owner of another plantation four miles farther ber of the Methodist Church, and he and bis pres- down the river, which is valuable and in a good ent wife are members of the Baptist and Episcopal state of improvement. In the month of December, Churches respectively. Dr. Jackson is a member 1844, he was united in marriage to Catherine Clifof the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a ton, who was born in Rapides Parish in 1829, devoted member of the Democrat party. From and to them thirteen children have been born: the year 1880 until 1884 he served as a member Laura (born December 14, 1815), William C. (born of the State Legislature, having been elected by December 24, 1847, and died August 17, 1870), his party in the fall of 1879 as one of the repre- Jerry M. (born October 14, 1819), Maria L. (born sentatives for Natchitoches Parish. Besides this October 15, 1851), Rachel (born November 7, 1853, he has held several other minor positions, among and died March 10, 1857), Matthew (born Novem them being that of police juror. The Doctor is ber 2, 1858), Martha (born October 8, 1960), Cathpleasant and agreeable in his manners, and he and erine (born July 15, 1863, and died May 26, 1861), his estimable wife have a large circle of warm Cora born December 18, 1865), Carroll (born Febfriends.

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ruary 22, 1867), Floresten (born April 12, 1869), Carroll Jones is a plantation owner of the parish Mary (born August 30, 1872), and Louis T. (born of Natchitoches, La., but first saw the light of day February 5, 1875).

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February 5, 1975). Mr. Jones, bis wife and chilin Sumner County, Tenn., April 4, 1815. When

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dren are

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consistent members of the Catholic he was seven years old he was brought to Louisi- Church, and in politics he is a Republican. He is ana, and the remainder of his boyhood and his an honorable man, a liberal, upright citizen, and his early manhood were spent in Rapides Parish.

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In

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home is recognized as one in which true hospitality his early manhood, although his principal pursuit is extended. has always been farming, he did considerable trad. James W. Jones, president of the Farmers' ing and speculating in live stock, and some of the Alliance of Natcbitoches Parish, was born in borses he raised were the finest in the United Georgia, December 18, 1838, and passed bis boyStates, being thoroughbred race horses that made hood and youth under the parental roof. In 1859 names for themselves. He was successful in both he came to Louisiana, and settled in what is now farming and the live-stuck business, and became Grant Parish, where he made his home until 1887, one of the leading plantation owners of Rapides when he moved to his present place of residence in Parish. In 1869 he came to this point and located Natchitoches Parish, one and a half miles from the on his present plantation in Ward 9, eighteen miles city. In 1861 he joined Company C, or what was southeast of the city of Natcbitoches, which then known as the Winn Rifles, rose to the position contained about 1,200 acres of land, but since that of second lieutenant, and was a brave and efficient time he has made adjoining purchases until he is officer, serving until the close of the war. now the owner of 1,500 acres. This plantation is wounded at the battle of Vicksburg. Since the war splendidly situated, extending across the Cane be has been engaged in farming and has made a River, and is sufficiently high to prevent overflow. success of this occupation, as a glance over his well. For this reason it is very desirable, as well as for kept place will clearly indicate to the beholder. the fact that the improvements are first class. He took a leading part in the Grange movement,

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He was

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and bas always taken the same kind of interest in other engagements. After the war he returned to the Farmers' Alliance movement. In July, 1890, his trade, and has assisted in putting up nearly he was elected president of the last-named organi. all the best brick buildings of this city. He was zation of this parish, and is eminently fitted for married in 1871 to Miss Josephine Raggio, a na- that position. He was married in the year 1863, tive of Natchez, Miss., and they are the parents to Miss Annie M. Dobbs, who was born in Mari- of four children: Ellen, John, Hamlin and Paul. etta, Ga., in 1842. They have five children who Mr. Keyser was formerly a Whig, but bas been a are named as follows: Rowena, Lillie, James R., Democrat since the Rébellion. He is a Mason, Hattie and Ernest W. Mr. Jones is a close ad- a K. of P. and is also a member of the A. L. of herent to Democratic principles, and socially is a H. He is one of the reputable citizens of this member of the Masonic fraternity, Phoenix Lodge parish, No. 38, of this city. He joined this society in Joseph H. Kile, brother of George W., whose Montgomery, La., and for about four years was sketch follows this, and a son of S. W. Kile, is Master of Lodge No. 168, of that place. He and also a native of Natchitoches, La., his birth occur- Mrs. Jones are members of the Baptist Church. ring on May 18, 1852. He was educated in the Mr. Jones was the eldest of four children, three schools of Natcbitoches, and subsequently attended now living, born to James and Harriet (Cooper) the State University at Baton Rouge, La. On Jones, natives of Georgia and Virginia, respectively. November 24, 1876, he was married to Miss Cece- The father died in his native State, in 1839, when lia Buvens, a native of Natchitoches, and to about thirty years

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of age,

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and the mother also died this union have been born seven interesting chilin that State, in 1847, when about twenty-eight or dren: Lucile, Joseph F., Alice E., Camille L., thirty years of age. The maternal grandfather of Daisy C., May Pearl and Alma. In politics Mr. our subject, Rev. John W. Cooper, was a minister Kile, like his brother, affiliates with the Demoin the Baptist Church for about thirty-five or forty

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cratic party.

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Socially be is a member of the years. He died in Georgia, in 1819, at the age of A. L. of H., Tioga Council No. 587, and is a K. seventy years.

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of P. of Natchitoches Lodge No. 89. Mr. Kile is Joseph C. Keyser, brick contractor, Natchito- manager of the Natchitoches Opera House. ches, La. The parents of Mr. Keyser, J. C. and George W. Kile, grocer, Natchitoches, La. Elodiscia (Centina) Keyser, were natives respect- Among the most important industries of any comively of Philadelphia, Penn., and Florida, and the munity are those which deal in the necessaries latter was born in 1795. The father went to of life, and next to bread and meat, nothing is Florida at an early date, was there married, and

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more necessary than groceries. Natchitoches has died there of yellow fever in 1835. The mother many first class establishments doing business in still resides in Louisiana. Joseph C. Keyser (the this line, prominent among the number being that youngest of six children, five of whom are now conducted by Mr. Kile. This gentleman is a living, born to the above mentioned worthy native of Natchitoches, born on October 5, 1854, couple), first saw the light of day in Escambia and is a son of S. W. and Eliza B. (Power) Kile, County, Fla., April 2, 1835. He received a com- natives of Kentucky and Ireland, the former born mon-school education, and in 1850 came to Louis. in 1822 and the latter in 1823. The parents iana. Since 1858 he has had his home in Natch- moved to Natchitoches at least forty-five years ago, itoches. He began learning the brick mason's and were aniong the most eminently respected cititrade in New Orleans in 1852, completed it, and zens of that city. The father was a man of push in 1861 he joined Company G, Third Louis- and energy, and as he started out in life with iana Infantry, participating in the following en- limited means, he had need of all his faculties to gagements: Wilson Creek, Pea Ridge, Corinth, succeed. . He was ever a hard worker, and believed luka, the siege of Vicksburg and in numerous in having all around busily employed. In his

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death, which occurred in 1888, Natchitoches lost day, he was admitted to the bar. He at once beone of her best men. Too much could not be said gan practicing his profession in Farmerville, where in his favor and naught against him.

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He was a

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he continued successfully until November, 1886. member of the Masonic fraternity, Phænix Lodge In 1878 he was elected judge of Union Parish, No, 38. He learned the trade of blacksmith in St. and he continued in that capacity until 1880, when Louis, and followed this during the early part of the office was abolished throughout the State. It his life, but later engaged in merchandising. The is a coincidence worthy of note that his grandfather mother is still living, and has been a resident of was the first judge of the parish and he was the Natchitoches for nearly fifty years. Their family last one. He also served in several other imporconsisted of nine children, only two now living. tant capacities while a resident of Union Parish, George W. Kile, the third in order of birth, of the among them being that of parish attorney, which above mentioned family, was reared and educated he held for several years. He was retained by the in bis native city. His life has been that of a parish authorities as attorney in several very imfarmer for the most part, but he now has been portant cases, and discharged his duties in so admerchandising for about four years. He is up- mirable a manner that he won respect from all. righit in all his dealings, and is deserving of the In 1886, desiring to engage in an occupation more large and constantly increasing patronage of which beneficial to his health, he came to this parish and be is in the enjoyment. As can be seen, the fam- located upon the Cashmere plantation, eight miles ily has been long and favorably known here. They southeast of Natchitoches, situated on the Natchiare, and always have been, stanch Democrats. toches Railroad and Cane River. He formed a

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Judge George A. Killgore is a well-known and partnership in the raising of cotton and live stock honored citizen of Natcbitoches Parish, and has with Judge Alexander B. George, and with him is resided here but a few years.

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He was born in also joint owner in the Cashmere plantation, which Union Parish, La., June 7, 1855, being the son of is one of the most beautiful country seats in the George A. and Eliza A. (Taylor) Killgore, the for- State. Judge Killgore was married in February, mer a native of Georgia, and a son of Robert and 1879, to Miss Mollie Smith, who died in November, Julia Killgore, and the mother a native of Ala- 1879, and in December, 1882, he wedded Miss bama, and a daughter of Judge John and Jane Mittie Morton, his present wife, by whom he has Taylor. The marriage of George A. and Eliza A. three children: George Morton, Robert Oliver and Killgore was consummated in 1846, and resulted Kathleen, of whom the eldest child died at the age in the birth of five children: Mattie, Nettie, Mary, of one and one-half years. Judge Killgore and

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: John and George A., of which familý Mary died his wife are members of the Baptist Church, and in infancy. George A. spent his boyhood in his the former is a member of the K. of P. and the native parish, attending the public schools until A. L. of H. He is a stanch member of the Demothe age of fifteen years, then entered the Louisi- cratic party, and he and his wife bave a large circle ana State University at Baton Rouge, which he at- of friends, among whom they are very popular. tended two years, or until the institution was sus. D. R. Knight. Prominent among the leading pended. Soon afterward be entered Soule College, men of Natcbitoches Parish, La., and among those of New Orleans, from which he graduated in 1874, deserving special notice for their public spirit and completing, in addition to other studies, a course energy, is the gentleman of whom this notice is in commercial law. Returning to his home in given. He has been closely identified with the Union Parish, he took up the study of law prop- progress and development of this section for many erly under the preceptorsbip of Hon. George H. years, and no more whole souled gentleman can be Ellis, of Farmerville, remaining with him two found than he. He was born in Georgia, January years, completing a full legal course, and in July, 5, 1836, to Speer and Nancy (Carey) Knight, the 1876, or just one month after his twenty first birth- / former of whom died in Florida in 1844, and the

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mother in Louisiana in 1869. D. R. Knight is the after this he began surveying, which he still conyoungest of their ten children, only two of whom tinues. Since February, 1890, he has also been survive. In childhood be went with his parents to engaged in the drug business, having registered Florida, where he lived until 1854, when he came by examination before the board as a pharmacist at to Louisiana and settled in what was then Rapides New Orleans, on August 11, 1890. Mr. Lacoste Parish, removing in 1885 to his present place of has spent much time and money in fitting himself residence near Robeline. He followed the occu for the duties of life, and, on the whole, he may pation of farming alone until 1889, when he added well be satisfied. He is a member of the Roman his saw-mill and cotton-gin, the two latter enter- Catholic Church, and in politics is a Democrat. He prises being very remunerative and the best ar- is a well-educated and popular man.

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The parents ranged establishments of the kind in the parish. of our subject were born in Louisiana, the father Mr. Knight is an energetic and straightforward in St. James Parish on March 6, 1823, and the man in every respect, and is genial and pleasant in mother in Natchitoches Parish on January 1, his intercourse with his fellow-men. His marriage 1923. Both are now deceased, the mother having took place in 1869, the maiden name of his wife died on September 1, 1880, and the father on June being Viola Eddleman, who was born in Missis- 18, 1890. They came to this city about 1810, and sippi, and to their union a family consisting of for about forty-seven years the father was a promifour children has been born: Ellen, Thomas, nent druggist here.

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He was

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a man universally Maude P. and Daniel. Like the majority of the respected. residents of this parish, Mr. Knight is a Democrat, Alexis E. Lemee, receiver of the land office of and he has shown bis approval of secret organiza- Natchitoches, La., is a prominent and honored citi tions by becoming a member of Sabine Lodge of zen of that place, and fully deserves the respect the A. F. & A. M.

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and esteem which he commands from all classes. Adolph L. Lacoste, civil engineer and druggist, He was born in the city in which he now resides on Natchitoches, La. This prominent and successful February 18, 1845, and has grown up among her business man was born in Natchitoches, La., No. people, winning the respect, liking and good will of vember 27, 1848, and is the eldest of three living all with whom he has come in contact, but, notwithchildren born to the union of Timothy and Olaudine standing the old saying that "familiarity breeds

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“ (Faure) Lacoste. He first attended school in this contempt,” his case bas proved the exception to city and here remained until fifteen years age, the rule. His parents, Alexis and Eagenie (Lamwhen he went to Europe. From August, 1864, arlaire) Lemee, were born on the island of St. until August, 1868, he was a student at Bordeaux Domingo in 1801 and in Baltimore, Md., respectLyceum, from which he graduated in 1867 with ively, the former removing from his native island the degree of B. A., and in 1868 the degree of in 1825 to the United States, and was married in Bachelor of Science was conferred upon him. Baltimore, Md., about 1830, soon after which they After this he returned home, and, after remaining removed to New Orleans, La., locating the followthere eight months, went back to Europe, where, ing year in Natchitoches, where Mr. Lemee spent in 1871, he was admitted to St. Etienne Mining the rest of his life, and where the mother is now School, from which he graduated in July, 1874. living, an aged and venerable lady. For a great

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. Until December of that year he was a draughts- many years after locating in Natchitoches the man with an architect, and then he was for six father was cashier of the Union Bank of that place, years civil and mining engineer in the coal mine of a branch of a bank of the same name at New Or. Epinac, France.

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He returned to his native home leans. He died in 1852. His wife was born in in January, 1881, and here he has since resided. 1806, was a daughter of Gen. John Lamarlaire, His first work on returning home was engineering who was a member of Gen. Jackson's staff at the the construction of the Natchitoches Railroad, and battle of New Orleans. The subject of this sketch

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of

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was the tenth of eleven children, seven of whom April 20, 1870, he married Miss Desiree Morse, are living, the eldest being sixty and youngest who was born in Natchitoches in April, 1844, forty-five years of age.

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Their names are as fol- being a daughter of Peabody Atkinson Morse, a lows: Ida, Eugenie, Emma, Adolphe, Amelie, St. native of Haverhill, N. H. Mr. and Mrs. Lemee Ange, Cecile, Fanny, Antoinette, Alexis E. and have had six children as follows: Alexis M. (born Celina. Eugenie, Emma, St. Ange and Celina are in February, 1871), Peter E. (born in May, 1873), deceased. Alexis E. Lemee entered Georgetown Eloise (born in May, 1870), Daisy (born in OctoCollege, D. C., when fourteen years of age, in ber, 1877), Effie (born in October, 1879, and died which institution he pursued a classical course in October, 1881), and Amelie (born in December, for three years, completing tho junior year, He 1881). Mr. Lemee is a life-long and devoted then left college for the purpose of entering the member of the Democratic party, and is a member army, and in March, 1862, was mustered into of the Roman Catholic Church. Company G, Twenty-sixth Louisiana Regiment, Dr. Joseph A. Leveque. Among the widely with the rank of sergeant, which company was known and most successful physicians of the parish commanded by Capt. Octave V. Metoyer. He is Dr. Leveque, who was born in West Baton served until the close of the war, taking part in the Rouge, La., January 6, 1832, his father being battles of Chickasaw Bayou and the siege of Vicks- Joseph A. Leveque, who was born in Assumption burg, besides numerous other engagements of less Parish, La., and his mother, Doralise Landry, a importance. He was twice promoted while Vicks- native of West Baton Rouge, she being Mr. burg was being besieged, first to the rank of first Leveque's first wife, and the mother of six chilsergeant, and second to the rank of lieutenant. At

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At dren by him, their names being Joseph A., Lizo,

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, the surrender of Vicksburg he was captured, but Louis (deceased), Aloysia, Samuel and Justinian was paroled twenty-four hours later, and returned (deceased). When Joseph A. was a lad of ten home.

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In 1864 he joined the Trans-Mississippi his mother died, after which his father married Department, with which he served until peace was again, his wife being Miss Bazilide Landry, a sisfinally declared, being mustered out of service as ter of his first wife. They have four children as acting adjutant of his regiment. He returned to follows: Evelina, Celeste, Benjamin, and May, his Louisiana home, and in 1866 was appointed and are now making their home at Lake Charles. clerk of the Supreme Court of Natchitoches, in The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood in which capacity he continued until 1870. Three his native town in the schools of which he received years later he was elected mayor of the town, and his early education. At the age of eleven years after serving one year was appointed by President he entered St. Vincent's College of Cape GirarGrant receiver of the United States Land Office at deau, Mo., in which he completed a full classical Natchitoches, in which capacity he bas since served, course, graduating at the age of eighteen. He at discharging his duties in an able and dignitied once took up the study of medicine, and for three manner, complete satisfaction being given to all years was under the preceptorship of Dr. Auzi concerned. In 1876 he was elected treasurer of Martin, of West Baton Rouge, after which he enNatchitoches Parish, in which capacity he served tered the Medical Department of the University until 1884, elected eight successive times. He is of Louisiana, at New Orleans, in which he atpresident of the Bank of Natchitoches, and is also tended two courses of lectures. He next entered prominently identified with numerous other enter- , the Pennsylvania Medical College of Philadelphia, prises, being a large stockholder in the Home Co. from which he graduated in 1855, at once entering operative Cotton Seed Oil Company, Limited, of upon his practice in the parish of Iberville, La., which he is secretary and treasurer. He is also a where his home continued to be until 1866. stockholder in the Natchitoches Railroad Company, 1861 he joined the Confederate army, for twelve

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, being secretary and treasurer of this company also.

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. months, acting as first lieutenant of the Fourth

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In of age.

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ern cause.

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Louisiana Volunteers, participating in the battle

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Charles H. Levy was given excellent adof Shiloh. In 1862 he was appointed surgeon of vantages in his youth, and was educated in the Col. Favrot's battalion, continuing to hold this Virginia Collegiate Institute at Portsmouth, Va. position until the close of the war, discharging his In 1855 he was so fortunate as to secure the

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apduties in a loyal and patriotic manner to the South- pointment to an apprenticeship at the Government

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In 1866, on account of the prevailing Navy Yard at Gosport, by Secretary of the Navy J. high water in the parish of Iberville, the Doctor C. Dobbin, and during this service, in addition to came to this parish and located on Cane River, attending to his duties, he attended a night school twelve miles southeast of Natchitoches, where he in Portsmouth, for the purpose of perfecting himhas built up a large and paying practice. He self in mathematics, preparatory to entering the has been remarkably successful in the treatment Engineer Corps of the United States navy, and in of the cases that have come under his care, and 1957 was examined by a board of naval engineers fully deserves the widespread reputation he has at Philadelphia, with very satisfactory results, and gained. His marriage took place in 1863, his wife was appointed third assistant engineer in Novem being Miss Theresa Kirkland, who was born in ber, 1857, and in January, 1858, was ordered to West Baton Rouge in 1811, to Vincent and Pauline the steam frigate “Colorado,'' to be attached to (Hebert) Kirkland. The Doctor and his wife are the West Indies or Home Squadron. He remained the parents of two children: Lucy and Joseph M. in the navy until June, 1861, in the meantime Dr. Leveque and his wife are members of the being appointed to the position of second assistant Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat in his views. engineer. He resigned his position in the United In every circle in life he has discharged his duties States navy in 1861, and went South, receiving in a manner becoming a good and law-abiding the appointment in June, 1861, of second assistant citizen, and by his honorable, upright course he engineer of the Confederate navy, being promoted bas won many warm personal friends.

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in 1863, to first assistant engineer, and the followCharles H. Levy. What is usually termed genius ing year to chief engineer in the Confederate navy. has little to do with success of men in general. He held this position very creditably until the close Keen perception, sound judgment and a deter- of the war, after which he came to the Pelican mined will, supported by persevering and contin- State, and settled in Natchitoches, which place has uous effort, are essential elements to success in any since been his home. From 1866 until 1879 he calling, and their possession is sure to accomplish was engaged in farming, but in the latter year he the aims hoped for in youth. Mr. Levy possesses was elected to the position of justice of the peace these attributes in an eminent degree, and a brief by the Democratic party, of which he has been a history of his career will not come amiss.

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member all his life, and this office he has held with born in Norfolk County, Va., August 18, 1837, and credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all conwas the youngest of seven children born to his

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cerned up to the present time. He has been an parents, of whom only three are living. His father, active member of his party in this parish, meriting, John B. Levy, was a Virginian by birth, but in by his untiring services, the honorable recognition 1870, thinking a change of scene would be bene- which he has received. He has always been a man ficial, in more ways than one, to himself and wife,

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of great self reliance, eminently fitted to stand he came to Natchitoches, La., but the following alone, and his intelligent and charitable views on year removed to Texas, his death occurring at all subjects have won him friends innumerable. He Long View, in the Lone Star State, in 1877, when belongs to Natchitoches Lodge No. 89, of the K.

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, about eighty-nine years of age. His wife, whose of P., and he and his worthy wife are members of maiden name was Emeline Butt, was a pative of the Episcopal Church. His marriage, which took the Old Dominion, and passed from life at Long place in 1868, was to Miss Emily A. Pierson, who View, Tex., in 1875, when about seventy two years was born in Natchitoches in 1849, a daughter of

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!

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He was

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years old.

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Aaron H. and Margaret G. (Martin) Pierson.

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To

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bined with a large and select stock of goods of the Mr. and Mrs. Levy six children have been born: most reputable manufactures, together with the Lelia, William M., Charles H., Mahlon H., Clyde reasonable prices at which he disposes of them, P. and Myrtle E. Mr. Levy and his wife are have contributed largely to his success.

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He was noted for their hospitality and kindly feelings to born in France, January 15, 1853, to Leon and ward all, and their home is a favorite resort for Harriet (Liberman) Levy, who were also born in their many friends.

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that country, and there the mother died in 1883, at Henry M. Levy, dealer in general merchandise, the age of sixty years, the father being still a Natchitoches, La. Mr. Levy, a successful and resident of his native land and is nearly sixty-five popular business inan of Natchitoches, is another

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Leopold, the eldest of their four of the many prominent citizens of this parish who children, was educated in France and came to the is of foreign birth, baving been born in Russia on United States in 1869, and for some time lived in April 14, 1813.

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His parents were also natives of New Orleans. In September, 1869, he came to that country and both died there, the mother in Natchitoches and from that time until 1883 was a 1813 and the father later. Henry M. Levy came clerk in a general mercantile establishment, but in to the United States when but eleven years of

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age, March, 1883, opened an establishment of his own, spent a short time in New York City, and then in the management of which he shows that he is a came to Louisiana, where he settled in New Or- i capable man of business. He was married in leans.

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There he resided nearly all the time until July, 1885, to Miss Justine Dreyfus, who was born 1858, when he came to Natchitoches and until in Liberty, Tex., in 1865, a daughter of Alphonse 1861 worked on the farm. He joined the first and Julia Dreyfus. By her he is the father of company that left Natchitoches to enter the army two bright little children: Harriet and Moise. during the war and was with Levy's company, Mr. Levy has supported Democratic principles Second Louisiana Infantry, and was in active ever since he commenced voting, and expects to service until cessation of hostilities.

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continue so to do. He is a member of the A. L. wounded at both Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.

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of H. He deserves much credit for the

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way

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he In 1866 he began merchandising in this city, and has gained his present property, for he is in every in 1867 formed a partnership with Edward Phil- sense of the term a self-made man. The first lips, this continuing until April 7, 1887. In 1889 four months of his residence in this State were he began the business again in this city, and is spent in working for his board and clothes, but carrying it on very successfully at the present now be has an excellent establishment of his own time. Mr. Levy was united in marriage to Miss and gives every promise of becoming a wealthy Esther Phillips, a native of Liverpool, England, born in 1846, and their family consists of nine Edwin M. Lindsey, merchant, Robeline, La. children: Bertha, Annie, Samuel, Edna, Edgar, In Pointe Coupee Parish, La., on December 28, Leola, Bessie, Paul and Mary. Mr. Levy is 1852, there was born to the union of Hugh and strictly Democratic in his political views. He is Emily (Handy) Lindsey, a son, whom we now take a member of Phoenix Lodge No. 38, A. F. & A. as the subject of this sketch. He was the only M., the A. L. of H. and the K. of P., Natchi . child born to this union, and when yet a little toches Lodge No. 89. He is also a member of the child his father died, and his mother married Hebrew Society, I. O. B. B. Mr. Levy is one of 0.

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Thomas B. Waters, by whom she had one child, the oldest merchants of the city.

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William H. Waters, now a resident of Catahoula Leopold Levy is one of the leading general Parish, La.

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Parish, La. Thomas B. Waters died in 1869, but merchants of Natchitoches Parish, La., and has his widow is still living and now makes her home succeeded in establishing a safe and remunerative with her son, the subject of this sketch. The trade, for his close attention to business, com- mother was a native of Morehouse Parish, La.,

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He was

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man.

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and the father was born in Wilkinson County, Miss. been very great, was born in Austria on December When Edwin M. Lindsey was but a small child he 8, 1835, and came to America in 1853. Since then accompanied his mother and stepfather to Rapides he has made two trips to his native country, one in Parish, La., in which he spent his early boyhood 1867 and the other in 1878. He settled in Natchion a farm.

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In 1862 the family removed to Cen- toches Parish in April, 1853, and it has been his tralia, Ill., and thence in the latter part of 1864, home ever since. For thirty years he was engaged to Cape Girardeau, Mo., from there in 1865, to in merchandising in Cloutierville, and he built up Rapides Parish again and located in Pineville. a reputation as an honest, reliable business man Two years later the family removed to Catahoula which extends far and near. He now resides be Parish, and there the stepfather died in 1869 as tween four and five miles below Cloutierville, where above stated. The home of Mr. Lindsey continued he owns a fine plantation of 500 acres, 300 acres to be in that parish until 1884, and from 1872 to of which are under cultivation. He is also the 1876 he was employed as steamboat pilot on the owner of several other smaller tracts of land in Ouachita River and its tributaries. From 1876 to this parish, and he is now one of the wealthy and

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. 1879 he was engaged in the saloon business in substantial planters of the parish. Upon his Jonesville, Catahoula Parish, and in the last named home plantation he is conducting a plantation year he established a plantation store twelve miles store, to accommodate his tenants, and he is a

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, west of Jonesville. This he conducted until the proper representative of the prosperous, enterfall of 1884, when he sold out to his half-brother prising citizens of this community. He has a and removed to Robeline. Here he at once estab. happy home, where a devoted wife and eleven inlished a general store, and his entire attention has telligent children brighten his days. He and wife since been given to its management. He has been and family are members of the Roman Catholic very

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successful, and is considered one of the lead- Church, are estimable citizens, and are alive to all ing business men of the place, possessing a first- issues of the day. It is unnecessary to add that class store and a large patronage. His present

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Mr. Marinovich is a man of progressive spirit, store, which he erected in 1885, is a good frame clear perception, and that his fellow-citizens owe building 24x66 feet, and besides this he owns him a debt of gratitude for the advanced state of another good business property in Robeline, which agriculture in this locality. is 20x50 feet, and which he now rents. On De- James R. Mayben, although still a young man cember 15, 1885, his marriage to Miss Rena Rachal, is one of the successful planters of Natchitoches of Sabine Parish, was solemnized, and to them Parish. He is a native of Louisiana, born in have been born two children: Clarisse and Mag- Winn Parish on October 25, 1864, his parents, dalene who are aged, respectively, four and two James 0. and Nancy (Jones) Mayben, being nayears. In politics Mr. Lindsey is a Democrat, and tives of Alabama and Georgia, respectively. in 1885 he was elected a member of the city coun- Seven children blessed their union, all, at the cil of Robeline, which position he has filled con- present writing, residing in this State. The father tinuously ever since, having been re-elected five pursued farming up to the breaking out of hostilitimes to that position. Ever since a member of ties, in 1861, when he joined the Twenty-second the same he has been its secretary and treasurer. Louisiana Regiment and served his country faithHe is now serving his sixth consecutive term, which fully throughout the war. He and his wife worfact is evidence enough of bis faithfulness as a ship at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. public servant, and of his high standing as a citi James R. received his education in the private

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He and wife are very highly respected by schools of this county. Deciding, at the age of all who know them.

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twenty years, to start out for bimself, he rented Antoine Marinovich, planter, Cloutierville, La. land, and by energy and perseverance has worked Mr. Marinovich, whose success as a farmer has his way up until he now owns 160 acres of good

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zen.

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a

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land, forty acres of which are improved. On Katie, William B., Edna L. and Lewis. Under the February 3, 1886, he was united in marriage to reign of Gov. Moore, Dr. Mumford held the posi- Miss Mary E. Brown, one child, Ala M., having tion of sergeant of militia, and was also examining blessed their union. He is a member of the Ma- surgeon. His family are members of the Methodist sonic lodge, being a Master Mason, and has held Episcopal Church South. office in the same. He is a very liberal man, and Samuel Nelken, general merchant, Natchitoches, contributes to all public enterprises to assist in the La. For many years Mr. Nelken has been a prom- advancement of the good of his parish.

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inent resident of Natcbitoches Parish, and has enJames H. Mumford, M. D., is one of the lead joyed the reputation of being an intelligent and ing physicians of this section of the country, and as honorable business man. He was born in Poland a practitioner of the healing art" has done not a

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“ '

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in 1847, and is a son of Wolf and Augusta Nelken, little to alleviate the sufferings of the sick and who were natives of Poland, and who passed their afflicted throughout this section. He was born in entire lives in that country. Mr. Nelken remained Onslow County, N. C., February 10, 1827, to ' in his native country until about nine years of age, Zadoc and Elizabeth D. (Shockford) Mumford, and then came to the United States, locating in both of whom were born in the Old North State, Natchitoches in the fall of 1866. Here he has their union being blessed in the birth of seven chil- since made his home, and is a man universally esdren, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eld- teemed. He began selling merchandise through est. The family emigrated first to Alabama in out the country, continued at this for about two 1834, and after a residence of about four years in years, and then clerked for two more years. In Russell County, they came to Louisiana, the father the fall of 1870 he began merchandising for him. opening a large farm in De Soto Parish, upon which self, and this he has continued for a period of he resided abont six

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At the end of that twenty years, meeting with fair success. Aside time he moved to Red River Parish, where he from his mercantile interests he is also the owner opened another plantation, but a few years later of about 1,000 acres of valuable land, and also moved back to De Soto Parish, opening a mercan- 1,500 acres of timber land. He started out in life tile establishment in Logansport, his capital at that for himself with limited means, but by his industime amounting to about $1,000. This enterprise try and good business acumen he is now comfortproved very unfortunate for him, financially, for he ably fixed.

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He is a stockholder in all the public was soon after burned out at a loss of about $3,000, enterprises of the city, was a member of the city but be afterward managed to retrieve his losses in council and school board, and is in every sense a a great measure. He died here in 1876, being a representative citizen.

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representative citizen. He was married in 1872 member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and to Miss Sarah H. Abram, a native of Poland, born the Masonic fraternity at the time of his death. in 1855. They have eight children: Augusta, James H. Mumford was educated in the schools of Wolf, Fannie. Abram, Emanuel, Gettie, Lillian Louisville, Ky., entering the Kentucky Medical and Bessie. In politics Mr. Nelken is a Democrat. College in 1848, and receiving his diploma in 1850, Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity his preceptor being Dr. S. A. Scruggs. He im- (Phoenix Lodge No. 38), Knights of Pythias mediately returned home, and has since devoted his (Natchitoches Lodge No. 89) and the American attention to the cause of humanity, and has built Legion of Honor. He is also a member of the up a reputation for ability second to none in this I. O. B. B., a Jewish order. section of the country. In 1851 he was married to Solomon Nelkin, merchant, Provencal, La. Mr. Miss Georgia Woodhouse, she being a native of Nelkin has built up an excellent reputation as a Georgia, and to them eight children have been business man, and is a solid and reliable trades. born: James E. (who is a practicing physician of

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He was born in New York City on August Sabine Parish), Georgie E., Mary W., Harriet G. 26, 1860, and his early life was spent in his native

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years.

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a

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a

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man.

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city, where he received his primary education in tling in Cloutierville, but dying in Natchitoches, the public schools. Throughout his youth, when September 3, 1873, being a physician, merchant and

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, not in school, he was employed much of the time planter. His wife was Miss Marie Lolette Rachal, as a clerk, and when twenty-two years of age, or who was born in the parish of Natchitoches in 1810, in 1882, he came to Natchitoches Parish, where and died here September 20, 1843. Jules Honfor two years he clerked for his brother, Samuel orat Normand is the eldest of two sons and four Nelken, in Natchitoches. In 1883 Samuel Nelken daughters born to his parents, three of which fam established a branch store at Provencal, and of ily are now living. In 1810 Jules entered the this our subject became manager about a year Royal College of Borbon in Paris, France, where later. In January, 1888, Mr. Nelkin became the he spent seven years, then returned to this country, successor of Samuel Nelken, by purchasing from and for two years taught a public school in the him both the stock of goods and the building in lower part of Natchitoches Parish, the French lan which it was located. He has been its sole propri- guage taking the place of the English. From etor since, and he has done an immense amount of 1850 to 1855 he was engaged in farming in this business, being now one of the principal merchants parish, after which he went to Cuba, where, until of Provencal. He carries an $8,000-stock, and 1869, his attention was given to planting, the does an annual business of about $35,000. During photograph business, and to managing a hospital. the past year he shipped 350 bales of cotton. In 1866 he returned to bis old home, bringing with November 21, 1888, he had the misfortune to lose him seventy-five Chinamen to work on different his store by fire, the building being entirely de- plantations in this parish, but went back to Cuba stroyed and the stock partially. He at once and remained there, as above stated, until 1869. secured another building, placed in it what goods He then came back to Louisiana, purchased three he had saved, and continued business with but plantations in Natchitoches Parish, and was actslight interruption. In the early part of 1888 he ively engaged in planting and merchandising until began upon the site of his former store the erection 1875, when he discontinued the former occupation of his present fine business store, and in the course and carried on the latter business exclusively in of a few months it was ready for occupancy.

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It Cloutierville until 1884. He has been a resident is a substantially built structure, 30x90 feet, and is of Natchitoches since 1889, and is now conducting a credit to the town. As soon as it was completed one of the best hotels in this section of the State. Mr. Nelkin opened up in it a large stock of general His marriage, which took place on September 25, merchandise, and he now has a large patronage. 1849, was to Miss Elizabeth Aurelia Anty, who was He is a young man of good babits, and his courte

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born in this parish August 30, 1833. To them six ous and accommodating manners, together with his children have been born-Maria, Cecilia, Aurelia, desire to satisfy the public, has enabled him to ac- Julia, Jules H. and Francois M. Mr. Normand is quire both a good trade and a large circle of friends. a Democrat. In politics Mr. Nelkin is a Democrat.

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He is a

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William W. Page, merchant, Robeline, La. pleasant young man, and possesses every qualifi. What is usually termed genius has little to do with cation for a successful business career.

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the success of men in general. Keen perception, Jules Honorat Normand is the popular proprie. sound judgment and a determined will, supported tor of Normand's Hotel at Natchitoches, La., an by persevering and continuous effort, are essential establishment that is admirably conducted, and has elements to the success of any calling. That Mr. a large patronage from the traveling public. Mr. Page has these elements to a marked degree is perNormand was born in Cloutierville, La., October ceptible to all with whom he comes in contact. He 22, 1827, to Dr. F. M. Normand and wife, the is a native of Natchitoches Parish, La., born nine former of whom was born in France, October 4, miles west of the city of Natchitoches, on Decem1800, and came to the United States in 1824, set- ber 17, 1852, and was one of six children born to

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John L. and Elizabeth C. (Holden) Page, who owe dence in Robeline, which he erected in 1885. He their nativity to Amite County, Miss. The par- also owns considerable land in both the parishes of rents were married in Natchitoches Parish, La., in Natchitoches and Sabine. He is a man in whom 1851, and the children born to this union were the public has implicit confidence, and whose word named as follows: William W., Emily J., John is considered as good as his bond. Being one of L., Jr., Elizabeth C. (deceased), and two sons who the native sons of Natchitoches

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, he has an extensive died in infancy unnamed. The father of these acquaintance throughout the parish, and by all children was a farmer by occupation, and died in who know him he is very highly thought of. 1864, at Fort Darousa, La., whither he had gone Harry Percy, civil engineer and surveyor, was to superintend the construction of breastworks. born in Ireland, May 4, 1839, and is the second His widow is still living, and resides in Natchi- son of Gilbert Percy, LL. D., of County Lutrim, toches Parish, her present home being in Robeline. Ireland. The family moved to Canada in 1819, The home of William W. Page has been in Nat- but in 1861 he came to Louisiana, bis father and chitoches Parish thus far all his life. He received mother returning to Ireland, where they still rein the schools of the parish a knowledge of the side. He joined the Second Louisiana Infantry ordinary branches of learning, and throughout his as private in 1861, and was discharged at Richboyhood and youth, when not in school, he labored mond, Va., as a sergeant, and shortly after was on the farm.

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At twenty-one years of age he em appointed lieutenant of engineers, a position he barked in farming for himself, and carried this on held to the close of the war; since that time be for about ten years.

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He was married on January has been engaged in surveying and civil engineer28, 1874, to Miss Jennie E. Carter, of this parish. ing. He was married in 1863, to his cousin MarIn 1883 Mr. Page moved to Robeline, where he has cella Chaplin, second danghter of Hon. Judge ever since given his attention to merchandising, Chaplin, and has two children living: Richard and and where he is classed among the leading busi- Maude. He votes the Democratic ticket at all

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His business building, which he erected times, and he and family attend the Episcopal himself, is 22x65 feet, and is one among the best

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Church of which he is a conscientious member. in the place.

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It is splendidly stocked with all Edward Phillips, general merchant, Natchikinds of general merchandise, and is recognized toches, La. Mr. Phillips is a native of Liverpool, by the public as an excellent place to trade. Mr. England, born on November 12, 1843, and came Page is courteous and pleasant to all, and this, to- with bis parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Bailey) gether with his desire to satisfy the public, has Phillips, to the United States in 1818. He located enabled him to build up a large patronage.

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His with them in Natchitoches in 1819, and received store is one of the largest and best in Robeline, his education in the schools of that city. In 1861

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, and not one of her merchants are more widely he joined Company G, Third Louisiana Infantry, or favorably known. Mr. Page is one of the pio- Confederate States Army, and served until the neer merchants of the city, and is the only one

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close of the war. He was captured at Vicksburg, who is a native-born citizen of the parish.

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Mr.

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and was paroled at Shreveport. After the war be Page's marriage resulted in the birth of six chil began merchandising in this city, and this he has dren, as follows: John L., William R., Otho O., since successfully continued.

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0.

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From 1867 to 1887 Luther, Irene, and an infant daughter unnamed. the firm was known as Levy & Phillips. Mr. Of these named John L., William R. and Otho 0. Phillips is a very successful merchant and enjoys are deceased. In politics Mr. Page is a Democrat, an extensive acquaintance and patronage within and in January, 1884, he was elected a member of the town and surrounding neighborhood. His the city council of Robeline, being re-elected to nuptials were celebrated in 1871, with Miss Joanthe same position in January, 1890. Besides his na Lachs, a native of Vicksburg, Miss., born in business property Mr. Page owns a first-class resi- 1853. They have an interesting family of four

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ness men.

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was

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children: Robert, Rena May and Violet. Harold, five who refused to sign the ordinance of secession a son, was drowned in Cane River in 1884, and after it was adopted by the convention. In April, our subject came very near losing his life in the 1861, he joined the army and was elected captain same fatal spot. Mr. Phillips is a stockholder in of Company C, known as the “Winn Rifles," and the Natchitoches Cottonseed Mill, and is one of was attached to the Third Louisiana Infantry, comthe leading citizens of the city. He has been a manded by Col. Louis Hebert, who afterward was member of the Masonic fraternity, Phoenix Lodge made major-general, participated in the battle of No. 38, since 1866, and is also a member of the Oak Hills, Mo., Elkhorn, Ark., and other minor

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, L. of H. The father of Mrs. Phillips, Simon engagements. He then followed Gen. Price to Lachs, was born in Prussia about 1826. He came Corinth, Miss., and was then in the battle of Iuka, to the United States when in his teens and died Miss., where he was wounded and captured. In in New Orleans in 1872. Her mother was born in 1863 he was promoted to the rank of major of his Germany in 1836, and died in Memphis, Tenn., regiment, and subsequently to lieutenant-colonel of in 1873. Edward Phillips was the eldest of six the same; then later, in the siege of Vicksburg, children, three of whom are now living. One where he was again wounded, he was part of the brother, Henry, was drowned in Cane River, near time commanding officer of the regiment. After where the father lost his life on July 27, 1866. being exchanged he reorganized the regiment and Thus three members of the family lost their lives surrendered at Shreveport, in May, 1865. The in this fatal river. His father was born in Prussia, following year he was elected district attorney of and his mother in Liverpool, England, in 1826. the then Ninth Judicial District, composed of NatShe now resides in Coushatta, La.

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cbitoches, Rapides, Sabine and Winn Parishes, by Judge David Pierson, of the Eleventh Judicial the soldier vote, and held that position until the reDistrict, born in Stewart County, Ga., construction, in 1868, or until the adoption of the August 30, 1837, and is a prominent citizen of this constitution of 1868. From 1868 to 1876 he was parish, respected and esteemed for his sterling in- engaged in the practice of law in partnership with tegrity, sober, sound judgment, broad intelligence W. H. Jack, under the firm name of Jack & Pierand liberal, progressive ideas. He is a man whose

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Judge Pierson removed to Natchitoches in career has been above reproach. His parents, Will- 1866 and in 1876 he was elected judge of the Seviam H. and Mary (Collins) Pierson, were natives of enteenth Judicial District, having been nominated South Carolina, the father born in 1808 and the without his knowledge and while in Canada for his mother in 1810. The family came to Louisiana in health. The Seventeenth District was composed 1847, and settled in Claiborne, now Bienville Par- of De Soto, Red River, Natchitoches and Sabine ish, where the father followed agricultural pursuits Parishes. He held this honorable position until for many years. The mother died in 1848, in Lou

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the adoption of the constitution of 1880, when he isiana, and the father received his final summons was elected judge of the Eleventh Judicial District, in Natchitoches, in 1886. Judge David Pierson is being re-elected in 1884 and 1888. His term will one of ten children born to this union, four of whom expire in 1892, after nearly sixteen consecutive are now living. He received an academic educa

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years on the bench. The Judge was married in tion at Mount Lebanon Academy, Louisiana, bav. 1866 to Miss Sidney A. Pipes, a native of West ing spent three years there, and then began the Baton Rouge Parish, born in 1917, and they have study of law, being admitted to the bar of Louis- the following children: Clarence, Alice, Maude and iana in 1859. The same year he located at Win- May. Judge Pierson is one of the leading men field, La., and practiced his profession at that place. and one of the prominent characters of North LouIn 1861 he was elected a delegate to the State Se- isiana.

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He was a delegate to the National Democession Convention, from Winn Parish, was the

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cratic Convention that nominated Mr. Cleveland youngest man in that convention, and was one of at St. Louis, Mo., in 1888, representing the Fourth

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son.

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1

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1

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Louisiana Congressional District; also president of De Soto Parish, and thence to Natchitoches, La., the Democratic convention for the Fourth Congres- and there his death occurred in 1873. The mothsional District, iu 1884, at Shreveport. He served er was born in Alabama, and died in Natchitoches as the president of the first board of administrators Parish, in 1869, when about forty-five years of age. of the Louisiana State Normal School, located Mr. Porter is the youngest of seven children, only under an act of the Legislature, at Natchitoches, three of whom are now living, and is a self-eduand to his efforts and excellent judgment is due,

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cated man.

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He studied law and was admitted to to a large extent, the success of that institution. the bar in 1882, after which he immediately began He bas represented the parish of Natchitoches in the practice of his profession at Natchitoches. In several Democratic State conventions, and in 1874 1883 he established the Democratic Review in that was president of the executive committee of the city, but this he sold in 1887, and for about a year White League of the parish, under the name of was editor of the Shreveport Daily Democrat. In “ Tax Reform Association,'' and as such the recog. 1884 his marriage with Miss Violet A. Lachs, a nized leader of the revolution that prevented the native of New Orleans, was consummated, and to collection of the 79 mills local taxes, and over- them have been born two children: Charles V. Jr., threw the corrupt carpet-bag government. His and Harold. Mr. Porter is a Democrat in his poname has often been mentioned by the press of litical views and socially is a member of the K. of North Louisiana, in connection with the office of P. He is a pleasant, courteous gentleman, and has governor of the State. He has never suffered a de

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many warm friends, He was elected chairman leat, either for nomination or election, before the of the Democratic Executive Committee of Natchipeople, for any position to which he has aspired. toches Parish in 1887, which position he resigned In all the relations of life, public or private, his

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the following year. character for honesty and integrity has been un- Jacques Alphonse Prudhomme. . In no part of questioned, without blot or stain. Beginning life Louisiana is agriculture in a more flourishing conanew after the close of the war, with no capital save dition than in Natchitoches Parish, and here Mr. a sound mind and body, and the esteem and confi- Prudhomme is a leading tiller of the soil, and a dence of his fellow-soldiers, he has reared and ed- prominent and honored citizen. He resides on ucated a family, attained high rank in his profes- Oakland plantation, thirteen miles from the city

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, sion, held honorable positions, accumulated enough of Natchitoches, which was owned by his father to make a comfortable home, and is now ready to and grandfather before him, the latter baving en retire upon a record alike honorable and brilliant. tered it from the Government. It has been his

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Charles V. Porter, attorney at law, Natchi- home since 1867, and is a desirably situated and toches, La. As a leading citizen of Natchitoches in valuable plantation. He, as well as his parents, its professional, business and social life, lending and grandparents on both sides, was born in Natchistrength to her bar, tone to her finance and grace tocbes Parish, La., his birth occurring on the planto her society, Charles V. Porter commands atten- tation on which he now resides, April 17, 1838, his tion from the pen of the historian who would wish father, Pierre Phanor Prudhomme, being also born to do the town of Natchitoches justice.

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on this plantation, June 24, 1807, the birth of his born in De Soto Parish, La., on January 1, 1857, wife, Suzanne Lize Metoyer, occurring on the Me and is a son of Jacob C. and Sarah A. (Garrett) toyer plantation, which adjoins the Oakland plantaPorter. The father was born in Georgia, about tion on the south, November 22, 1818. The paternal 1813, came to Louisiana, and settled in Shreve- grandparents, P. Emmanuel and Catherine (Lam port at an early day, when there were but two or bre) Prudhomme, were born in this parish, the forthree business houses in the city. He was one of mer's birth occurring in 1762, he being a son and the early merchants of Shreveport, and a citizen of the third child of Jean Baptiste Prudbomme, who Caddo Parish until about 1836, when he moved to emigrated to the United States from France, and

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He was

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located in Natchitoches Parish, La. The maternal several battles, until April, 1863, when he was grandparents were Benjamin and Aurore (Lambre) severely wounded. He then returned home, but in Metoyer. The parents of Jacques Alphonse Prud- the month of June, 1863, rejoined his command, and homme were married December 21, 1837, and had remained with it until July, 1861, participating in a family of five children born to them, of whom he a number of engagements, among which was the was the second, two sons and one daughter now battle of Mansfield. In July, 1864, he was relieved living. The names of the five children are as fol- from duty, on account of his wounds, and was aslows: Catherine Adaline, Jacques Alphonse, Marie signed to the position of enrolling officer of the Emma, Therese Henriette and Pierre Emanuel. parish of Natchitoches, continuing in this capacity Catherine Adaline died at the age of forty-two, until the end of the war, serving the cause he esand Marie Emma when fourteen years of age. The poused faithfully until the close of the war. .

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Mr. mother of these children passed from life May 19, Prudhomme was married September 6, 1864, to 1852. Their father served as a member of one of the Miss Marie Eliza Lecomte, a native of Natchitoches State constitutional conventions, and for two terms Parish, a daughter of Ambrose and Julia (Buard) was a member of the State Legislature. In 1830 Lecomte, who were also born in this parish. Mr. he was captain of a company in the Eighteenth Prudhomme and his wife have eight children, as Regiment, of the State Militia. He died October

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.

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follows: P. Phanor, J. Lecomte, Edward C., Marie 12, 1865. The subject of this sketch spent his Cora, Marie Atala, Marie Julia, Marie May and boyhood on the old home plantation, where he was Marie Noelie. Mr. Prudhomme and his wife are born, and in April, 1853, entered the collegiate consistent members of the Catholic Church, and in Commercial Institute, of New Haven, Conn., which politics he is a stanch Democrat. In 1876 he was he attended until October, 1856, then returned a candidate of his party for the office of representahome. In November of the same year, he entered tive, and received the full vote of the whites and a the University of Virginia, at Charlottsville, which portion of the colored men. He is a member of he attended two years, then entered the University one of the most prominent families in the State, of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, which he at- and is broadminded, liberal and intelligent, one tended two years, graduating as a Bachelor of Sci- who has the utmost confidence and respect from all ence in June, 1860. He then returned home, and classes. remained upon the plantation until the following Peter Emanuel Prudhomme, is a well-known October, when he became employed as a civil en- and highly respected citizen of the parish of Natgineer upon the central stem of the Mississippi & chitoches, his birth occurring on Oakland plantaPacific Railroad, and was thus engaged until May, tion, thirteen miles southeast of the city of Nat. 1861. He then entered the Confederate service, chitoches, on January 8, 1814, a son of Peter Phain Company H, Third Regiment Louisiana Infan- nor and Susan Lize (Metoyer) Prudhomme, a more try, and served in that company in the battles of complete history of whom is given in the sketch of Oak Hill and Elkhorn, until March 7, 1862, upon J. A. Prudhomme. Peter E. has resided all Lis which day in the latter battle he was wounded by a life on the plantation on which he is now living, piece of shell, and shortly after was captured, and the only change in his residence has been from Eight days later he effected his escape, and re- one side of Cane River to the other. At fifteen turned home. In July and Angust he assisted Col.

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years of age, or in 1859, he entered Georgetown W. W. Breazeale in organizing a battalion of five College, D. C., and continued a student in

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a companies of cavalry, of which he was made ad- that institution until the breaking out of the Rejutant. This battalion, with MeWater's battalion, bellion, returning home in March, 1861, with the formed the Second Louisiana Regiment of Cavalry, intention of entering the Confederate army, and and of it he was made adjutant September 21, 1862, shortly after returning home he became a member continuing in that capacity and participating in of the Prudhomme Guards of the Twenty-sixth

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He was

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Louisiana Regiment, as a corporal, and continued man, and he and his family rank among the best with the same command until the end of the war. citizens of the parish, and are very highly respected. He was taken prisoner with the surrender of Vicks- He is at present a member of the parish school burg, but was at once paroled, and after rejoining board, having been appointed by the governor on his command was promoted to orderly sergeant, May 1, 1889. serving as such until the war terminated.

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Samuel P. Raines, ex-sheriff and farmer of a brave and loyal soldier to his cause, and after the Natchitoches Parish, is one of the substantial, war returned home. Miss Marie Julie Buard be- enterprising citizens of the same, and a man who came his wife on January 25, 1866, her birth hav- is held in high esteem by all acquainted with ing occurred on Cane River, six miles below Nat- him. He was born in Alabama on January 11, chitoches, on April 13, 1845, a daughter of Jean 1840, and is a

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1840, and is a son of James A. and Mary E. Baptiste and Marie Desiree (Hertzog) Buard, both (Brian) Raines, the father born in Virginia in 1816 of whom were born in the parish of Natchitoches. and the mother in South Carolina the same year. The parents of Mrs. Prudhomme had a family of The father is still living, and is a resident of ten children, of whom she was the sixth, their Natchitoches, but the mother received her final names in order of birth being as follows: Jean summons in Alabama in 1841. Samuel P. Raines, Baptiste, Aspasie, Albert, Emile, Emelie, Marie Ju- the oniy child born to the above worthy couple, was lie, Cecile, Felicie, Marie and August Emanuel. early trained to the arduous duties of the farm Those living are Emelie, Marie Julie, Cecile, Feli- and received the ordinary education of the councie and Auguste Emanuel. The father of these try boy. He came to Natcbitoches in September, children died on October 14, 1853, and the mother 1853, and he has continued the occupation to on November 9, 1865. In 1867 Oakland planta- which he was reared and which bas been his life's tion was divided, and that portion east of Cane work. In March, 1862, he joined Company F, River fell to the subject of this sketch. In Sep Twenty-seventh Louisiana Confederate States tember, 1870, he located upon this portion, and Army, and served until the surrender. this very desirably situated plantation has since wounded at the battle of Vicksburg. Returning been his home. It is above the point of overflow, home he continued tilling the soil, and by his proand among numerous improvements that have been gressive ideas and great industry is acknowledged made is a good residence, 40x40 feet, eight cabins to be far above the average in his chosen calling. and a good store, in which is kept all kinds of He is a Democrat, and in 1879 he was elected plantation supplies. The plantation is well fenced sheriff of this parish, which position he beld one and in a good state of cultivation. Eight children term. He is now the owner of about 1,100 acres have been born to Mr. Prudhomme's union, their of land. He was married in 1868 to Miss Elizanames being as follows: Jean Baptiste Ovide beth Kieffer, a native of France, and both he and (born October 24, 1866), Pierre Felix (born March wife are members of the

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the Methodist Episcopal 26, 1867), Susanne Lize (born November 16, 1869), Church South. He is a Mason, a member Joseph Edwin (born September 12, 1871, and died Bethany Lodge No. 223 of this parish, and is also October 4, 1882), Emma Laure (born Angust 23, a member of the K. of P., Natchitoches Lodge 1873), Marie Adeline (born July 4, 1875), Ray- No. 89. He is a stockholder in the Red Hedge mond Emile (born April 1, 1880), and Felicie Ce. Company and the Natcbitoches Cotton Seed Oil cile (born September 16, 1882). Mr. and Mrs. Mill. He is one of the leading farmers of this Prudhomme and children are consistent members i parish, and his home is ten miles from the city of the Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat in northeast. politics, being the present police juror for Ward J. J. Rains is a prominent merchant and 9, a position he has held for twelve consecutive planter of Ward 5, this parish, and was born in years. He is an upright, worthy and honorable Warren County, Tenn., October 22, 1825, the son

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He was

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of

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of James and Elizabeth (Jackson) Rains, natives the private schools of this parish, and at the age of North Carolina. He was the ninth of their of nineteen years started out on his own responsiten children and the only one now living. The bility with $900. Through energy and good man

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. father was a farmer by pursuit and emigrated agement he has succeeded in increasing his busifrom North Carolina to Tennessee in 1811, locat- ness, and is now worth $25,000. May, 1874, his ing in Warren County, where he resided until his marriage to Miss Louisa Betran, a native of Louisdeath, October 19, 1818. His widow survived iana, took place, and this union was blessed with him until 1856. He was a man interested in the the following children: Bertha, Esther, Ida, Jowelfare of his county, and took an active part in seph, Perl, Samuel, Stella, and an infant who died the building of churches, schools and society in unnamed. Socially, he is a Master Mason, belongs general. Himself and wife were worthy members to the Masonic order, Bethie Lodge No. 223, and of the Baptist Church. Our subject was educated has represented the same in the Grand Lodge four in the country schools of his native county, and or five times. Isidore Raphiel was born in this ať an early age started out on his own responsi- city August 11, 1819, and at the age of twentybility. At the age of fifteen years and three two years entered his brother's business, investmonths (or January 22, 1811), he was united in ing therein $1,000. Miss Johanna Raphiel became marriage with Miss Martha Whitlock, also a native his wife August 15, 1879, and they now have one Tennesseean, the little town of Marthaville de- child, Howard. He is a member of the K. of P. rived its name from her in 1853. Their union and Masonic lodge, and bas held the office of secwas blessed with the following children: James retary in the last named. He is one of the enterP., Nancy (deceased), George D., Isaac, John F., prising and progressive men of this part of the Salenia, Sarah, Thomas J., Jennie and Perry C. country. Besides the merchandising business this In 1850 he removed with his family to Louisiana firm owns 650 acres of excellent farm land, 300 and was at that time $20 in debt, but by hard acres of which are in a good state of cultivation, and work and perseverance has accumulated quite a worked by sixteen families. The farms are well fortune, owning 1,380 acres of land, besides hav. stocked. Howard and Bertha (Levy) Raphiel, the ing settled on each of his children a plantation of parents of Howard and Isidore Raphiel, emigrated from 320 acres to 640 acres, and also conducts a to this country in 1819 from Europe, and settled merchandising business under the firm name of in Natchitoches Parish. Of their seven children, Rains & Small, doing a business of $3,500 an- four are now living: Howard, Isidore, Lewis and nually. Being one of the representative citizens Anna (now Mrs. Sibersky). The father followed of this parish be bas held the position of post-merchandising until he was called from his earthly master for thirty-five years, has been parish as- home, June, 1887. His widow still survives him. sessor for five years (resigning at the end of that The entire family are believers in the Jewish faith. time), and was elected a member of the police jury. J. P. Readhimer emigrated to this State from He and his family worship at the Missionary Bap- Charleston, S. C., where he was born October 20, tist Church, of which he is deacon, and is a liberal 1825. His parents, Peter and Harriet (Blewer) contributor to all public enterprises for the ad- Readhimer, were also natives of the above-named vancement of the good of his parish. He is six- city, and of a family of eight children seven are ty five years of age, in good health and the prond still living, six residing in this State, one having

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, grandfather of sixty-six grandchildren.

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remained in his native bome. The father was a H. Raphiel & Bro., merchants, Campti, La. cabinet-maker by trade, and he and his wife worH. Raphiel, the senior member of the above named shiped at the German Lutheran Church, and were tirm, is an European, born January 11, 1845, esteemed and respected by all. He was called from and came to this country with his parents when his earthly home in 1845, bis widow still survivfour years of age. He received his education in

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ing him, is eighty years of age, and resides with

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ -15.

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1

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one of her children in this parish. Our subject age, receiving in the meantime a good education. received his education in Charleston. At the age of In 1883 he began the study of medicine under nineteen years be accepted a position as clerk, re- the direction of Dr. J. E. Wall, of Carthage, mained there three years, when he received a sit- Panola County, and remained with him one year, uation as passenger conductor on the S. C. R. R., after which, in the fall of 1884, he entered the which he held until 1865, and in 1868 emigrated to medical department of the University of Louisville, Louisiana, locating in Winn Parish. Here he Ky., from which he graduated on March 1, 1886. entered the merchandising business, and later, in He then began practicing his profession in Caddo connection with this, undertook farming and mill- Parish, La., and six months later he removed to ing, continuing until 1875, when he decided to Boyce, La., thence to Provencal, where he has had come to Natchitoches Parish, and has remained a paying practice since August, 1887. On Janu here since following the same pursuits very suc- ary 13 of that year he was wedded to Miss Ida cessfully. He was married in South Carolina in Madora Irvine, daughter of Edward Irvine, the old 1855 to Miss Annie Casie, but shortly after their steamboat captain familiar to the citizens of Tenremoval to Louisiana she died, leaving five chil- nessee, Louisiana and Texas. Capt. Irvine was a dren to mourn their loss. In 1878 he took for his native of New York, but he removed to Texas in second wife Miss Amanda Gaiennie, a native of 1813, and in 1869 located in Shreveport, La , this State, and two children have blessed this where he died March 9, 1879. The mother of Mrs. union --- Ephriin and James. They are worthy Roquemore, before her marriage, was Miss Harriet members of the Catholic Church. Socially he Rebecca Watson, She is still living, her home behe affiliates with the Masonic order, belonging to ing in Hot Springs, Ark. She has living ten chil. Jefferson Lodge No. 5, of Charleston, S. C., and dren-five sons and five danghters-all of whom is a Master Mason.

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have reached maturity. Mrs. Roquemore was born Dr. Andrew Jackson Roquemore, physician, in Jackson, Tenn., June 3, 1861, and her marriage Provencal, La. Few, if any, industrial or pro- to Dr. Roquemore has resulted in the birth of fessional pursuits have within the last years made two children: Ruthie Lee (born October 16, 1987), such rapid strides as that of the profession of and James Edward (born March 6, 1890). Dr. medicine, and among the leading physicians of Roquemore and his amiable wife are members of Provencal and vicinity, who have availed them the Baptist Church, and he is Democratic in his selves of all the new ideas and put them in prac. political principles. The Doctor devotes his whole tice, may be mentioned Dr. Roquemore. He was attention to the practice of his profession, for born in Panola County, Tex., on September 6, which he possesses much ability and has met with 1860, and is the son of James and Matilda Roque- good success, more, who were natives of Georgia, but who were Henry Safford, parish assessor. married in Texas about 1855. Dr. Andrew J. and perhaps the most of the representative citiRoquemore is the third of four children, who are zens of this section, Mr. Safford is a native of the named as follows: Malcom, Jule and James L., parish, his birth having occurred in the city of

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The first two are deceased, but James Natchitoches, November 25, 1860. Henry and L. is still living and is a physician of Panola Harriet (Airey) Safford, his parents, were born in County, Tex., at a place called Jumbo. Dr. Beach . Island, S. C., and Natchitoches, La., the Roquemore was but three years of age when his former being a son of Henry and Eliza (Burr) Saf mother died, and but ten when he lost his father. ford, and was reared to manhood in Georgia, grad He then went to his grandparents, Moses and nating from Oglethorpe University of that State. Martha Boynton, who resided near Pine Hill, In early manhood he removed to Louisiana and lo. Panola County, Tex., and made his home on the cated in Natchitoches, where he was married about farm with them until he was twenty-four years of 1858, and where he pursued the practice of law

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Like many,

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all sons.

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throughout the remainder of his life, dying in he worked for bis father on the farm, and, July March, 1883. His wife was a daughter of Thomas 14, 1866, he was united in the holy bonds of matriL and Annette (Whitcomb) Airey, the former a mony, with Miss Annette Airey. One child was native of Baltimore, Md., and the latter of Mont- born to them, Alex H., who passed away August pelier, Vt., and in 1873 Mrs. Safford passed from 11, 1887, at the age of twenty years. Our subject life. Henry Safford is the second of four children now owns 2,500 acres of land, 300 acres of which born to his parents, their names being: Annette are under cultivation, the farms being well stocked Eliza, Henry, Harriet Rebecca, and Whitcomb and containing cotton-gins and grist-mills. He Burr. Henry spent his boyhood and youth in this was chosen, and is the present representative of his town, which place has been his home all his life, parish, which goes to show how much he is re. with the exception of a few years after the death spected. He has always taken an active part in of his mother, which were spent in the northern the building up of churches and all educational part of the parish and at Mount Lebanon, La. matters. He is a member of the Catholic, and his When about nineteen years. of age, he returned to ! wife of the Episcopal Church. Natchitoches, and for several years he attended to McDaniel Scarborough is a tiller of the soil of the management of bis father's estate, and later Ward 6, Natchitoches Parish, La., and his plantaon, for two years he was engaged at farming. In tion comprising 400 acres is well improved and the 1878 he was elected to the office of assessor of the seventy-five acres which Mr. Scarborough has sucparish, and his present term will not expire until ceeded in putting in a tillable condition is very fer1892. He makes a good officer, and is discharg tile. He was born in Darlington District, S. C., ing his duties in an acceptable manner. In politics October 13, 1823, being sixth in a family of seven be he is a Democrat, and is strongly opposed to the children, two now living, born to the marriage of

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, rechartering of the State lottery. He is a sub- Noah Scarborough and Margaret Josey, both of stantial citizen, and has a large circle of warm whom were born in the Palmetto State, the former friends.

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in 1777, and the latter in 1797, their deaths occurA. E. Sompay rac, representative of Natchi- ring in Georgia, in 1849 and 1839 respectively. toches Parish, is a native Louisianian, born in this The immediate subject of this biography came to parish November 7, 1813, his parents, Ambros B. Louisiana in 1819, and first settled in Jackson Parand Roseline (Deblieux), also natives of this State. ish, but after some time becoming dissatisfied with They were united in wedlock in 1812, and their his location he moved to Natchitoches Parish, and union was blessed by six children: Alex, Aline and for twenty-five years resided on Spanisb Lake, afFronie, now living. Our subject's father was a ter which he came to his present place of residence, farmer by occupation, and cultivated 600 acres of which is situated about three miles south of Robegood land, always took an active part in the im- live. Mr. Scarborough gave four years of the best provement of his parish, and assisted in the part of his life to service in the Confederate army, building up of churches, schools and the societies,

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but gave them willingly, for he was a stanch Southin the early days of Louisiana, and died in April, erner, his only regret being the defeat of the cause. 1890. A. E. Sompayrac was educated at Alexan- Like so many of the progressive and successful dria University of Louisiana, but soon after the men of this parish he has made his own way in the breaking out of the late war in 1861 he dropped world, and the plantation on which he resides has his studies and took up the Confederate cause, been earned by hard labor since the Rebellion. He joining Company K, Twenty-seventh Louisiana, is a Democrat, politically, and is now a demitted and was in the siege of Vicksburg, where he was Mason. In 1850 Mrs. Eleanor (Culpepper) Harcaptured, paroled and transferred to the west side

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grove, who was born in Georgia, in 1828, became of the Mississippi River, and at the time of sur- his wife and in time the mother of his four children: render, was at Mansfield, La. On returning home, Daniel C., Anna, Aelo and Georgia.

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Daniel C. Scarborough, district attorney for the Mr. Scarborough is a Democrat through and Eleventh Judicial District, was born in Jackson . through in bis political views, and socially he is a Parish, La., October 5, 1852, and is the eldest of member of Phenix Lodge No. 38, A. F. & A. M., a family of seven children born to the union of and a charter member of Natchitoches Lodge No. McD. and E. M. (Culpepper) Scarborough (see 89, K. of P., of which he was the first chancellor. biography), the father a native of South Carolina, Although a thoroughly self-made man, he bas born in 1823, and the mother of Georgia, born gained an honorable place among his brother pracabout 1828. The former now resides in Natchi titioners, and is one of the leading lawyers of this toches Parish, and there the mother died in 1887. part of Louisiana. The paternal grandfather, McJosie Scarborough, N. F. Scopini, a leading planter of Ward 3, died in South Carolina. Daniel C. Scarborough Natchitoches Parish, was born in this parish April was reared upon the plantation and worked on the 19, 1885, being the second child of eight born to same for his father until twenty-one years of age, Francis and Nolete (Pero) Scopini, who died in when he began educating himself. In 1873 he 1840. The father emigrated from Italy to Louisentered Shreveport University and remained there iana in 1816, locating at Campti, and busied himself until July, 1875, when he returned to Natchitoches with farming, which he followed for ten years, and Parish and taught school for nine months. Then then went into the merchandise business, renainin connection with teaching he read law and con- ing in this until his death in 1854. While in the tinued his former pursuit until April 4, 1876, when old country he served as a soldier in the war behe came to Natchitoches. Here he entered the law tween France and England, being taken prisoner office of Jack & Pierson; worked for them during by the English, and on his release he came to the day and read law at night, being admitted to Louisiana. After coming to America he joined the the bar July 4, 1878, at Monroe, La. He then ! Masons, being an honored member of a lodge

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, a came home and formed a law partnership with of that order. Our subject was educated in the Hon. William M. Levy, with whom he continued private schools of the country, and when arriv until April, 1880, when Mr. Levy was appointed ing at the age of twenty-five started out in life to a position on the supreme bench, in which posi- for himself, entering into the mercantile business, tion he died in 1884. Mr. Scarborough then with a capital of $1,000. Continuing in this busiformed a partnership with Judge L. B. Watkins, ness for fourteen years, and controlling a stock of who in 1886 was appointed to a similar position, $18,000, he sold out to settle on his present 7,000. and who is now one of the State supreme judges. acre plantation, 800 being well cultivated and In November, 1879, Mr. Scarborough was elected stocked; he is also the owner of four gins, one beto his present position, re-elected in April, 1884, ing situated on the plantation. On Jannary 29, and so great was his popularity that he was elected 1852, our subject wedded Miss Ellen Lattier, a a to that position for the third time in 1889. His Louisianian by birth, being born in Rapides Parish, present term will expire in 1892. His strong, good and to them have been born two children: John sense, his knowledge of human nature, his calm F. and Mattie (now Mrs. Atria Robor, and the conservatism and his genuine legal ability were mother of one child, Norbert F.) In religion he soon perceived, and he has gained the general con- and family worship with the Catholic Church. fidence of the people. Since 1886 the firm of Cyrus S. Searing, real estate agent and sur Scarborough & Carver bas existed, and is well and veyor, Natchitoches, La. The principal necessity favorably known in this part of the State. Mr. to the success of the real estate business, and the Scarborough was married January 4, 1880, to Miss safest and surest forms of investment, is to have Lucy Paxton, a native of Louisiana, and to them reliable agents who are thoroughly posted on their have been born an interesting family of four child city and locality. Such a one has Natchitoches dren: Zama, William P., Daniel C. and Immogene. possessed in Mr. Searing, who has resided in this

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1

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are:

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parish since 1886. He was born in Mobile, Ala., cocu, and where he resided for a period of thirtyon December 25, 1854, and is the son of Robert B. one years, engaged in farming and saw-milling. and Artemesia 'A. (Sibley) Searing. The father He served in the Crescent Regiment during the was born in Newark, N. J., in 1821, and died in last two years of the Civil War, and was a faithful New Orleans in March, 1890. The mother was and efficient soldier. In the fall of 1871 he re. born in Alabama in 1839, and now resides in New moved to Harrison County, Tex., where he purOrleans. The parents settled in Alabama about sued the vocation of a farmer and stock-raiser, and 1818, and in 1861 came to Louisiana, settling in continued this until his death in 1876.

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He was a New Orleans, where the father resided until his Democrat in politics, and was a man who had the death. He was a cotton merchant by occupation, and confidence and respect of all who knew him. His purchased extensively for the mills of Europe. Cy. widow survived but two years, her death occurring rus S. Searing, the eldest of five children, three of in 1878. Joseph Henry Stephens was the second whom are living, first attended the New Orleans in a family of eleven children, seven of whom High School, and in 1870 entered Ronoake College grew to maturity, and three sons and three daughat Salem, from which he graduated in 1873. Hethen ters now living The names of the eleven children returned to New Orleans and engaged in business in the order of their ages are as follows: James J., with his father, with whom he continued until Joseph H., William B., Lawrence W., George W., 1879. He then began civil engineering and survey. Irene, Alice, Laura C., Eliza A., Louisa J. and Waliny, in which he has since been engaged, and his ter G. Those living, besides our subject,

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Lawwork has been principally by contract for the rence W., Laura C., Eliza A., Lonisa J. and Walter United States Government. He removed to Nat- G. Joseph H. Stephens attained his growth on chitoches in 1886, and in connection with his for- his father's farm, in this parish, and his first mer occupation, he is deep in the real estate busi- educational training was obtained in a private

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He was married in 1887 to Miss Fanny S. school. Later he attended a French school three Gillispie, who was born in Natebitoches in 1869, years, and when in the sixteenth year of his age, or and who is the daughter of Dr. George E. and in the spring of 1864, he entered the service of the Fanny Gillispie. They have one child, Cyrus S., Confederate army, in Company B, Bird's battalion, Jr. In politics Mr. Searing is a Democrat, and he and served in the courier service until the end of is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mrs. Sear- ' the war. He then returned home, and for two ing is a member of the Catholic Church.

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years afterward was engaged in the saw. mill busiJoseph Heury Stephens, a prominent and influ ness in connection with his father. In 1868 he ential business man of Provencal, La., and the purchased a saw mill of his own, and gave his present mayor of that city, was born in the parish attention to saw milling until 1878. In the fall of of Natchitoches, about fifteen miles southeast of that year be removed to Natchitoches, engaged in the city of Natchitoches, September 12, 1817. He merchandising, and carried on a successful busiwas the son of Joseph G. and Mary E. (Vascocu) ness there until 1881. In that year he was enStephens, the former a native of Darlington Dis- gaged in the same business at Provencal, which trict, S. C., born August 22, 1818, and the latter a town had just been founded, and, as the partner native of Red River Parish, La., born in 18233. The of Thomas Gregory, he continued merchandising father left his native district, with an uncle, at tif- until December 31, 1889, under the firm title of teen years of age, and accompanied him to Missis

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Stephens & Gregory. They had an immense busisippi, locating near Vicksburg, where he made his ness, and ranked among the leading merchants home with his uncle for six years. When about of the parish. In the winter of 1885–86 they twenty-one years of age he came to Louisiana, and erected a fine business building, which is 32x110 located in Natchitoches Parish, where he was mar- feet, and which they still own. It is a substanried at the age of twenty five tu Miss Mary E. Vas- tially built structure, and is the best building in

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the town. Mr. Stephens was married May 7, 1871, mother of these children died in 1878, after which to Miss Isabella C. Whitfield, a native of Arkansas, the father married Miss Emma J. Pierson, and and danghter of George W. and Mary (Johnson) they now reside at Many, La. He has two chilWhitfield. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens are the parents i dren by this union, Lillian P. and Mary A., both of six children, as follows: Edwin Lewis, Ida L., living. Joseph D. Stille, the father of our subGeorge W., Joseph Henry, Isabella and Sudie ject, is an old and honored citizen of Many, La., Belle. Mr. Stephens is a member of the Masonic and for a great many years he has been a merLodge, and also of the A. L. of H. In politics he cbant of that place. When William B. Stille was is a Democrat. He was elected mayor of Provencal five years of age his parents removed to Sabine in 1888, and is the present competent incumbent. Town, Sabine Parish, Tex., where the father was In the same year he was appointed by the governor engaged in merchandising, and where our subject justice of the peace, and he has also beld that office spent his youth.

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spent his youth. He secured a good commonever since.

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In the fall of 1888 he was also ap- | school education, and at the age of fifteen years pointed a member of the school board of the parish : he entered the employ of R. B. Stille & Co., one of Natchitoches, and he has likewise held this posi- of the leading mercantile firms of Many. About tion ever since. He has, therefore, for the past one year after he entered its employ, his uncle, R. two years, held three official commissions from the | B. Stille, died, and our subject's father, James D. governor of the State. Mr. Stephens is a broad.

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Stille, succeeded the firm of R. B. Stille & Co., minded, liberal-hearted man, and one who possesses continuing the business ever since. After his much executive ability. Being a native of Natcbi.

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. uncle's death William B. Stille entered the employ toches, he is widely known throughout the parish, of his father, and continued with him in the same and by all citizens he is recognized as thoroughly store as clerk and book-keeper until March, 1889. reliable in every respect, and one whose opinions At that time, with the means he had thus earned, are worthy the attention of all. He is entirely self- he removed to Robeline, where he engaged in busimade, and the position he has won does him credit. ness for himself. Immediately after locating in The eldest son of Mr. Stephens, Edwin Lewis, this place, he purchased a lot and upon it he completed a commercial course from Keatchie Col- ! erected a business building, which is 2x70 feet, lege at fourteen years of age, and is now a mem- and which is not only one of the neatest, but one ber of the junior class in the Louisiana State Agri- of the most substantially built buildings in the city. cultural and Mechanical College or University, in In this he placed a first-class stock of general merwhich institution he has already been the recipi- chandise, and on July 15, 1889, he opened it up ent of merited honors. Besides his literary train- to the public. Though it has been but little more ing, he is a skillful operator. Miss Ida L. Stephens than a year since it was opened, Mr. Stille has al

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a the eldest daughter of Mr. Stephens, is now a stu. i ready built up a good patronage, and now ranks dent in Keatchie College.

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among the foremost business men. Mr. Stille William B. Stille, mercbant, Robeline, La. i was married on October 9, 1889, to Miss Ione Mr. Stille deserves honorable mention as one of M. Yarbrough, the only daughter of Maj. J. J. the prominent young merchants of Robeline. He : Yarbrough, of Mansfield, La. They have one first saw the light of day in Sabine Parish, La., child, a son, born September 4, 1890. Mr. Stille his birth occurring on August 4, 1860, and is is strongly Democratic in his political principles, the son of Joseph D. and Hattie B. (Smith) Stille, and when a resident of Sabine Parish he held the the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter office of constable for four years, filling that posia native of Virginia. To the parents were born tion ably and in a satisfactory manner. six children--five sons and one daughter-all living young man of good habits, and posseses every qnali. and named as follows: Anna E., William B., Jo- fication necessary for a successful business career. seph D., Walter D., Elliott 0. and Norrie A. The He is careful and painstaking with his patrons, and

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He is a

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is one whose word and judgment are thoroughly 1824, and now resides here. Gervais L. Trichel, reliable.

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| the eldest of eleven children, four of whom are A. N. Timon, one of the successful farmers of now living, was educated in the schools of NatchiWard 3, this township, is a native Mississip- toches. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Third pian, born in Wilkerson County April 13, 1847, the Louisiana Infantry, Confederate States Army, and ,

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, son of John and Mary (Jackson) Timon, the father upon the re organization of the company in 1862, a native German, and the mother from Tennessee. he was elected first lieutenant of Company D, The father emigrated to Mississippi from Germany which position he held until cessation of hostiliwhen quite young, and was here married in 1830. ties. He was wounded at the battle of Iuka, This union was blessed with seven children, five Miss., and was made a prisoner of war at the siege still living. He followed the merchandising busi of Vicksburg. Returning to Louisiana after the ness the greater portion of his life, and died in war he engaged principally in farming, and this 1851, his widow dying in 1853. She was a member he continued until 1880, when he became deputy of the Baptist Church. A. N. Timon received his sheriff of Natchitoches Parish. This position he education in the private schools of Mississippi, and held for four years, and in April, 1884, he was at the age of fourteen years started to work on a elected to the position of sheriff. Four years later farm, remaining there three years, when he took he was re-elected to the same office, his present up the Confederate cause, and enlisted as a private term expiring in 1892. Mr. Tricbel is a capable with the sixty-day troops, which disbanded after a and efficient officer, and a popular man and citizen. short time. Later be entered Company D, Twen. He was united in marriage to Miss Emma E. ty-first Mississippi, under Capt. Brandon, and was Owen, a native of Mississippi, in Jackson Parish in the engagement at Berryville, where he was in 1865, and the result of this union has been four wounded very severely, carried to Mount Jackson, children: Annie Celeste, Martha Estelle, Lelia was there furloughed and returned home, where he Ethel and Vivian Oleida. Mr. Trichel is a memwas at the time of surrender. He then accepted a ber of the Masonic fraternity, Lake Village Lodge position as manager of a farm, and January 29, No. 196, and a charter member of Natchitoches 1879, was united in wedlock to Miss Alberta Chap Lodge No. 89, K. of P. He is a Democrat in man, a native Louisianian, and their union was politics, and is one of the most popular and acblessed with two children: Benjamin F. and Sarah commodating men in the parish. L. Our subject now owns 1,500 acres of land, Charles E Trichel, deputy sheriff of Natchi 1,000 under cultivation, and 500 acres rented, which toches Parish, and a representative of one of the he superintends himself. His farm is well stocked, old families of this portion of Louisiana, was born and contains five gins and one grist-mill.

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He is a

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in Natchitoches Parish, on December 25, 1850, very liberal man, and contributes largely to all and is a son of Leonard and Zelia (Perot) Trichel. public enterprises,

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He was the fourth of nine children, and his early Gervais L. Trichel, sheriff of Natchitoches / impressions were at ouce directed toward the chanParish, La., is a native-horn resident of this parish, nels of agricultural pursuits. He received a fair and the confidence which the people have in him education in the common school, and continued to is therefore intelligently placed, for they have till the soil until 1882, since which time he has known him from infancy, and have had every op- held his present position. He is eminently suited portunity to judge of his character and qualifica- to the position and fills it to the satisfaction of all. tiops. He was born on December 21, 1842, and His marriage occurred in 1878, to Miss Josephine is a son of Leonard and Zelia (Perot) Trichel, na- E. Bullard, who was born in Mississippi in 1859, tives also of Natchitoches Parish, La. The former and the fruits of this union have been three chilwas born in 1819, and was a farmer by occupation, dren: Charles M., Clarence E. and Annie C. Mr. he died here in 1887. The mother was born about Trichel is a Free Mason, a member of Phoenix

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Lodge No. 38, and is also a charter member of the eminent lawyers of the State, he was born here Natchitoches Lodge No. 89, K. of P. In politics on December 24, 1856, to J. M. B. and Caledonia he affiliates with the Democratic party.

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(Marrs) Tucker, who were born in Tennessee in J. C. Trichel. The mercantile interests of this : 1828 and 1838, respectively. The father was also section have been ably represented since the close a talented lawyer, and in early manhood came to of the war by Mr. Trichel, who is also devoting this section, and at the time of his death, which some of his time and attention to agriculture. In occurred in Natchitoches, January 20, 1890, he was addition to this he has been honored with the the oldest member of the Natchitoches bar. AI position of president of the police jury of Natchi- though he possessed brilliant attainments, he was toches Parish, a position he is filling with marked very retiring in his disposition, and his ability only ability. He was born here on October 22, 1832, showed itself in its full force wben he was studying to J. B. and Cephalide (Perot) Trichel, who were or discussing some knotty point of law, or when he also born here, the death of the father occurring in was pleading his cases. His widow survives him, the year 1839. The paternal grandfather of Mr. being a resident of this town. Of a family of eight Trichel was also born in this parish, and died here children born to them, the subject of this sketch is about the year 1790, being a member of one of the the second, and only seven are now living. Like oldest families of the State. Mr. Trichel passed from the majority of the youths of his day he was given life in 1831. J. C. Trichel is the eldest son in the advantages of the common schools, and later family of seven children, of whom two survive. He determined to follow in his father's footsteps and received the advantages of the common schools, make the profession of law his calling He first and in 1850 entered the mercantile establishment began his studies in 1877, and in October, 1882, of Walmsley Bros., as clerk, and continued in that he graduated before the Supreme Court of Louisiposition for seven years, after which he became a ana, at Shreveport, and immediately began prac. member of the firm, and continued as such until ticing in his native city, forming in 1885 a co-part the business was broken up by the opening of the nership with W. G. McDonald, which existed un Rebellion. In April, 1861, he joined Company G, til 1887. Mr. Tucker was then alone one year and Third Louisiana Infantry, Confederate States in the month of October, 1888, formed his present army, and served until the war closed, being a partnership with Ex-Attorney-Gen. M. J. Cuntrue and faithful soldier to the cause he espoused ningham, they constituting one of the strongest After the cessation of hostilities he resumed gen- and most talented law firms in this part of Louisi. eral merchandising, of which establishment he is ana at this time. They have been employed in still the proprietor, and farming also received his many important cases, but on all occasions have attention. He is an uncompromising Democrat, shown marked ability in their management. and in 1884 he was elected by the party he has so Tucker has always been devoted to his calling and long represented, to the position of police juror for as he has shown that he is a man of unswerving inWard 1. He is now president of the police jury tegrity, and as he possesses many admirable traits of this parish. He is a stockholder in the Cotton of character, he is well liked and popular both at Seed Oil Mill, and the Red River Hedge Company.

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home and abroad. He is a Democrat of the unHe was married in 1865 to Miss Kate Johnson, who compromising stripe, and is ready at all times and was born in this parish, and by her is the father, under all circumstances to defend his views and of four children: J. C., Gilbert P., Kate Lee and to champion what he thinks to be right. He has Evelina. Mr. Trichel is a member of Natchitoches been the promoter of his own success, and as he Lodge No. 89, of the K. of P., and A. L. of H. started in life with limited means his success com

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John M. Tucker is an attorney at law of Natchi- mands respect from all. Socially he is a member toches, La., and needs no introduction to the peo- ! of Natchitoches Lodge No. 89 of the K. of P. ple of this region, for, in addition to being one of Richard B. Williams belongs to that independ

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Mr.

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He was

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ent and intelligent class, the planters of Natchi- Meanwhile, before leaving Winnfield, Mr. Williams toches Parish, La., and is possessed of much purchased two large tracts of land, each of which genuine merit and strength of character.

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contained more than 300 acres, one lying on Red born in Perry County, Ala., September 18, 1829, River, in Grant Parish, just above Montgomery, and is a son of John and Elva (Edmonds) Will- and the other on the opposite bank of the river, iams, both of whom were born in Georgia, the in Natchitoches Parish. After transferring his former in 1807. He was a son of John Williams, mercantile interests to his son, he turned his at. his wife being a daughter of Signor Edmonds, her tention to farming, and has followed that pursuit birth occurring in 1812. Her union with Mr. ever since. He continued to reside in Montgomery Williams took place about 1828, and to them until 1881, when he came to this parish, locating eight children were born, their names in the order on Highdie plantation, which he had purchased in of their birth being as follows: Richard B., Sa. 1880, which contains over 1,000 acres. Here he rah A., John D., Frances, James E., Martha, resided until 1888, when he removed to a point Nancy and George. Sarah A., Frances and Mar nearly two miles farther down the river, and tha are deceased. The parents of these children directly opposite the town of Montgomery. Since died in Vernon Parish, La., where they settled in 1880 he has made several purchases of land, un1859, having reached a ripe old age. The subject til his plantation reached the enormous size of of this sketch was reared to manhood in his na- 4,000 acres, in 3,300 acres of which his son, J. H., tive parish, and throughout this time he worked has a half interest. No better land can be found on his father's farm in summer time and attended on Red River, for the soil is very productive, school during the winter. In 1843 the family and above the point of overflow. He has made moved to Bibb County, Ala., and in 1848 to extensive improvements since locating on his presUnion Parish, La., starting on November 28, and ent farm, one of which is a handsome residence. after a long and toilsome journey reached their His barn is also a fine structure. His marriage destination in February, 1819. Mr. Williams re- has resulted in the birth of four cbildren: James mained in Union Parish for about ten years, dur. Henry, William Thomas, Malinda Annette and ing the first eight of which he farmed and the John Alexander. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are last two clerked in a store. His marriage took members of the Baptist Church, and he is a Demoplace in Union Parish on February 20, 1854, to crat. He is a gentleman of much intelligence, Miss Helen M. Wade, who was born in the State and being strictly honest, and possessing kindly of Tennessee on October 14, 1835, being a daugh and agreeable manners, no planter on the Red ter of Dr. Absalom Wade. In 1859 Mr. Williams River is more widely or more favorably known. removed from Union Parish to Winnfield, Winn Received too late for alphabetical insertion: Parish, and there, after clerking two years, he was George Easterbrook came to Louisiana in the elected to the position of parish recorder and par- spring of 1883, and settled near Colfax. He was ish treasurer, which offices he filled acceptably for born at Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devonshire, Engten years.

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For a number of years during his land, on June 9, 1812, and is consequently in bis residence in Winnfield he was engaged in mer- forty-ninth year. He is a descendant of a long line cantile pursuits, but in 1872 be resigned his offi. of old yeomen, for whom the old country was for cial positions and removed to Montgomery, Grant hundreds of years famous. His father, the late Mr. Parish, La., where he kept a mercantile establish- Daniel Easterbrook, quitted farming life when the ment for two years, at the end of which time he subject of this sketch was a child, and after becomturned his store over to his son, J. H. Williams, ing possessed of the necessary qualifications, was apwho has conducted a successful establishment ever pointed to the onerons position of manager of the since, and is now one of the principle merchants oldest brewing concern in the famous brewing cenand most prominent business men of the place. ter in England, Burton-on-Trent, from which is

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sues the world-renowned Bass and Allsopp Ales. lively interest in all matters agricultural, and not. There his sons George and John (the latter now withstanding that his abilities with his pen fit him residing in Texas), were first initiated into the for very different duties in life, he asserts that he mysteries of brewing. A severe and long contin- never feels so contented or at home as when on the ued attack of acute rheumatism, obliged George plantation. After several attempts had been made to look to another profession for a livelihood. He to induce him to accept the position of stenogchose that of shorthand reporting, and as a stenographer to the district court of Natchitoches (a rapher, he, almost constantly in a delicate state recent law rendering it obligatory on all clerks of of health, performed very severe and arduous labor court to attach such an official to their several on the London Press. In 1875, at the request of courts), he has finally accepted the position. his brother-in-law, Mr. William Palmer, he pur- Formerly he was engaged in assisting his brother chased for that gentleman an extensive saw-mill to manage the business of the Farmers' Union outfit, and accompanied it to St. Petersburg, Rus- store at Colfax. Mr. Easterbrook married, in 1865, sia, where in the face of great obstacles, chiefly his cousin, Miss Amelia A. Palmer, of Hennock, caused by the frightful severity of a winter season Devonshire, and Melrose Hall, London, by whom in those polar latitudes, he succeeded in erecting he has had several children, the only one of whom and running it. Residing there during several now living is the son referred to above, George years, he of necessity made himself familiar, not Augustus Easterbrook, born at Ashburton, Devon, only with the habits and customs, but also with July 12, 1873. Mr. Easterbrook has an unbounded the peculiarly interesting and intensely poetic belief in the future of Louisiana, as the garden language of the northern barbarians, a sad feature spot of the world, and in that of our country genof whose life has recently been eloquently portrayed erally, and is in particular proud of it as a great to America, and the whole civilized world, through representative of the dominant Anglo-Saxon race. the pages of The Century, by the caustic but truth- He hopes and believes that the common interests ful pen of Mr. George Kennan. Returning to of humanity are certain to be helped by a longLondon, Mr. Easterbrook turned his attention to continued union of interests, on both sides of the the working of the bankruptcy laws in the United Atlantic. He loses no opportunity of familiarizing Kingdom, and managed an important department bimself with all matters, political, social and re

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, in a large bankruptcy house and mercantile agency, ligious, affecting the welfare of the citizens of the based on somewhat similar lines to those of the commonwealth, into which he has thrown his lot. well-known American institution of Bradstreet. He is, to use the words of Burns, “a chiel among us There his mercantile education may be said to taking notes, and faith he'll prent 'em.” His Jethave been completed.

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In 1883 he was obliged to ters to the old home of his fathers have induced leave England, and he came to Lonisiana in search several other Englishmen to come to Louisiana of a warmer climate, and one better suited to the with their families, to settle. They are all imbued health of his son, whose constitution suffered in with the law-abiding principles, ingrained in the the too-bracing atmosphere of England. He is best of the emigrants from Europe, i. e., the very fully satistied that by taking this course he has class whom the American people are discovering to succeeded in his object. Mr. Easterbrook takes a be the best suited for transplantation on our soil.

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CHAPTER VII.

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CLAIBORNE PARISH, NATURAL FEATURES-STREAMS, TOPOGRAPHY AND STATISTICAL MATTER-PIONEERS, LAND ENTRIES AND OLD Towns—IMPORTANT ACTS OF THE POLICE JURY—THE COURTS AND

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POLITICS-MILITARY RECORD-THE PRESS, EDUCATION-MEDICINE-AGRICULT- URE-RAILROADS-HOMER CITY--SMALLER VILLAGES OF THE PARISH-

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INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY SKETCHES.

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LAIBORNE PARISH is decidedly rolling and even mountainous on the divide between the D'Arbonne and Black Lakes. The soil of the

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The population in 1880 was 18,858–8,544 white and 10.314 colored. In 1870 there were 9,630 whites and 10,608 colored or 20,240; and in 1860, 8,996 whites, 7,848 slaves and 4 free colored or 16,818. In 1850 the total population was 7,471,

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uplands is from 18 to 27 2,522 slaves; in 1840, 6,185, including 2,295

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inches in depth, is free from slaves; and in 1830, 2,764 including 215 slaves. rock and may be cultivated readily. The population in 1890 is placed at 21,011 and The area is 765 (corrected 778) square the number subject to military duty at 2,831. The miles of which 60

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square

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miles are red State census taken in June, 1890, credits the parlands. In 1879–80 there were 126,000 ish with 8,909 white citizens—4,560 males and acres in cultivation of which 46,567 4,319 females; and 12, 101 negroes—6,108 males were in cotton; 42,920 in corn; 471 in and 5,993 females together with 7,377 children of sweet potatoes and 99 in sugar cane.

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all colors, the blacks showing a small majority. The cotton acreage yielded 19,568 bales The total, 28,387 includes 1,111 inbabitants of

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(or .42 bales per acre) 600 pounds seed Homer. cotton or 200 pounds of cotton lint. J. Y. David- The real estate is assessed at $823, 254 and the son. of Homer, placed the capacity of red lands at personal property at $805, 415 or a total of $1,628,1,000 pounds of seed cotton per acre of fresh land 669. The value of live stock is placed at $341,and 700 pounds per acre of ten years old land. 034. The total acreage is estimated at 497,920 To uplands he credited a capacity of 1,200 pounds, acres, of which 65,000 are in cultivation-27,780 and after twenty years, 800 pounds of seed cotton under cotton, 24,460 under corn, 3,870 under oats per acre.

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and remainder under other crops. In 1889 there

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were 10,380 bales of cotton produced; 265, 350 Brinson and Arthur McFarland at John Murrell's bushels of corn and 29,950 bushels of oats.

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house, and Jean B. Fashier opened a store close It is estimated that there are 1,500,000,000 feet by as agent of Harrison & Hopkins, of Natchiof yellow pine lumber, and probably an equal toches. A year later John Murrell was appointed amount of hardwood, including cypress, various postmaster for the new office in Allen's settlement. kinds of oak, hickory, etc. There are thirty-six In 1824 a cotton-gin was constructed by Thomas sawmills in the parish.

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Moore for Adam Reynolds (on the present Harper The mineral interests of the parish are repre- farm), which became the property of Russell Jones sented by deposits of iron ore in considerable quan- in 1825. .Lee & Killgore opened a store near Murtities, so nearly pure ore that steel may be made rell's in 1825, vice Fashier, who drank heavily and from it very cheaply. During the war a Confed- fied. The preachers, Stevenson, McMahon and erate officer, under instructions to search for iron Ross conducted a camp-meeting near Isaac Miller's ore, made a trip through this parish and reported cabin in 1825, the first within the wide domain of rich deposits of lead, but the site has not since ancient Claiborne. Shortly after the establishment then been discovered.

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of the seat of justice at Russellville, Lee & Killgore The storm of April, 1880, moved the church removed their store thither. In 1829 a road was building at Colquitt, 14 miles north of Homer, opened from Russellville to Minden Lower Landand damaged or destroyed all the small buildings ing, and in 1830, $1,500 was expended on Lake in its track.

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Bisteneau. In June, 1889, an alligator or gar is said to At Russellville in 1835-36 James M. McMahon have carried off a small colored boy, who was swim- was postmaster. Col. Berry thinks that L. E. ming in the Corni, near Summerfield. The boy ,

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Pratt was subsequently postmaster at Overton. was never heard of again.

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On the removel of the parish offices to Overton In April, 1881, a party of 300 persons went in- Russellville was deserted as related in the sketch to the forest at Dyke's mills, to search for the of that village. About 1826 the first slaves were seven-year old son of W. H. Randle. After two introduced here, and the cultivation of cotton endays the boy was found in Dorcheat swamp, twelve tered on extensively. Sac Pennington Gee, of miles from home.

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Ward 6, was the largest slave owner in 1860, own. In 1818 the only houses or cabins between Long ing about eighty slaves. Gen. J. L. Simmons, Prairie in Arkansas Territory and the old town of who resided near the line of Webster Parish, Natchitoches were those just completed by a man claimed seventy; J. W. Andrews, T. H. Tuggle, named Bosell, who in June moved down to the Sa- J. C. Blackman, Horace Blackman, James Blackbine River country, and another was the home man, T. A. Heard, Joshua Willis, R. M. Browning, of Isaac Alden and Mrs. Johnson. Both cabins Dr. Bush, the Maddens, Wiley Thornton, G. S. were on the hunter's trail eight miles east of Min- Barrow, Josiah and Josephus Barrow, John Wil. den, near the present line between Claiborne and son (near Arkansas line), the Tigners, W. F. MoreWebster. Murrell's Cemetery was established in land, James Dyer, Thompson Wood, Thomas Wa1822 by the burial of one of the poor Dutch immi. fer, J. T. Wafer, W. B. Nicholson, W. A. Obier, grants, Miller. In 1821 John Allen and Mary Hol- Marshall Kinabrew, Morgan Hall, G. W. Maddox, comb introduced matrimonial customs here; while James A. Turner, Hugh Taylor, Joseph Shelton, in 1822 Jenny Long and William Crowley went Henry Taylor, Richard White, J. M. White, J. R. down to Natchitoches to have the old, old church Walker, John Walker, John L. Tippitt, J. J. sanction their proposed union of hearts. In this Duke, Harmon Patton, Jonathan Knox, Capt. Cole year also John Murrell employed James Ashburner man, Michael L. Casson, John Murrell, Jr., LittleConley to open a school, the pay being $15 per ton Fuller, James M. Morrow, R. M. Kennon, T. month. A Baptist society was organized by James H. Brown, John Cooksey, William and Allen Hill,

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John Kimball, Wilkes Ramsey, Gennbeth Wynne, ley, John Browning and William Moglin, in 1835– Samuel Smith, J. L. Godley, W. W. Goodson, J. 37. In 1836 James Dyer entered lands on Sec- J. Blackburn, B. C. Jobuson, Ephriam Penning- tion 3 and Robert L. Killgore on Section 6 in 1837. ton, J. M. Wafer, Thomas Hightower, J. S. Corry, December 4, 1830, James Lee entered for the par- James L. Dial, B. C. Frazier, James C. Egan, ish of Claiborne 144. 454 acres on the northwest Phineas Gleason, Nathan Brown, Dinsmore Neely, quarter of Section 6; Charles Hayes on Section 8, John Neely, Ben Reynolds, A. R. Thompson (killed in 1832; Jesse L. and Erastus Long, in 1833; in a railroad accident in 1869 or 1870), Bryan James W. Wright, in 1836; Daniel Carragan, in

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, O'Bannon (who died in 1890), D. W. Gladden, J. 1832, and Stephen Pate on Section 9, in 1838. D. Dansby (killed in 1881), A. A. Phillips, J. M. Francis W. Turpin, W. R. McAlpine and John Prestidge, the Grigsbys, Dr. T. E. Glass (moved to Stamps located on Sections 32 and 33 in 1837, Texas in 1863), William McCree and others nained while the east half of the southeast quarter of among the early land buyers were slave owners. Section 29 was entered for the town of Lexington. Hall Frazier, a slave of John Frazier, bought his Township 19, Range 7, was entered on Section 4 freedom twice, and established a mercantile house at by John Wilson in 1835. James Crow, Reuben

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a Minden, and a water-mill on Cross Creek in Clai- Drake and John Bausket, Bartley M. Shelton, borne, and moved to Winn Parish, where he died Jasper and Tom Gibbs, Lewis Harrison, Elizabeth some five years ago.

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So far as Mr. Ramsey re- Henderson, Chandler Lewis Carney Cargile Robmembers, he was the only free colored resident in ert Madden, Samuel G. and Daniel Graves, Tom Claiborne in 1852, and was himself a slave own- Leatherman, T. B. Goldby, F. M. Bradley, R. H. er, having purchased one slave from Leatherman, Barrett, T. C. Scarborough and Samuel A. Kirby who had previously sold his farm here for two located lands throughout the township in 1836–37. slaves.

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Daniel Gray entered the first lands on Section 24 Among the ordinances of Homer, adopted in in 1832. 1855, is one pointing out the duty of patrol ,

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James M. Morrow entered several tracts in captains. Section 3 of this ordinance ordained Township 19, Range 8 in 1839-40 and Richard that each captain of patrol should cause the bell of M. Kennon in 1848. the Homer Hotel to be rung every night at 9 Township 20, Range 6, was first entered by o'clock to notify the negroes to repair to their Jethro Butler on Section 22, Thomas Brown on homes, and all negroes caught out from their Section 12 and John Avers on Section 14 in 1832. homes after said time without a pass from his or In 1836-39 a number of settlers purchased lands her owner shall be flogged by the patrol. White here, among whom were John P. Smith, Samuel persons caught conversing with negroes under sus- Clark, J. M. Bigham, Samuel Butler, Thomas picious circumstances, or found round kitchens or Henderson, Joe and Ben Brown, John Williams, negro quarters after the stated hour were to be J. G. Austin, Drewry Thompson, W. A. Drake, brought before the mayor and tined. Groups of Ransom Butler, William Dyer and Joseph Burns, negroes, over three in number, found the

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In 1833 Samuel Walker located on

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Section 35. square on Sundays, were to be dispersed.

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The first entries in Township 20, Range 7, were The first private purchasers of United States John Merrill or Murrell on Section 5 in 1835; W. lands in Township 19, Range 6,, were Arthur B. Hargis, Section 12; Blakeley Edins, Section McFarlane and William Ashbrook on Sections 18, 26, and Tillinghast Vaughan on Section 36, in 19, in 1831; William Lee, P. P. Brinson and 1836. William Crowley, in 1832-33; William Hill, J. The entry of Township 20, Range 8, dates Casey, H. Barber, Robert Henderson, Alex T. back to 1837, when Russell Jones, William Hobbs, Nelson, Keziah Brinson, Elias Welborne, Hardy W. Jacob Peacon, William Harkins, Quintain Dines, Miller, William P. Robinson, James C. C. McCau- Ben Nugent, Jesse and Louis Nullion, James

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on

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1

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Hiler and John Murrell entered their lands.

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In

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more than one private owner prior to 1853, when 1838-39 Fred Miller, Jacob Wittle, Fred Bot. Hugh Taylor, J. F. McGinty, John E. Weeks, zong, Morris Miller, Steve Butler, J. W. Miller Jesse Connor, Samuel Cook, George W. Fuller, and W. Melton made entry.

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Dave Cripps, James A. Turner, Isaac Oakes, R. Township 21, Range 6, was entered largely in M. Been, Jonas Short, J. J. Wise, John Herring 1836–37. Among the buyers in the first named and W. H. Brittain made their selections. In year were R. L. Killgore, John Smith, Thomas 1848 William F. Moreland entered a half section Wafer, Daniel Sears, William Crowley, James on Section 1. Between 1853 and 1858 the lands Dyer, John L. Dyer and Ben Goodson. In 1837 passed into the hands of private owners.

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. came Volney Stamps, William C. Mylene, D. S. Township 22, Range 8, was sold between the Humpbries, Daniel McDougall, George W. Peets, years 1848 and 1859. Robert C. Russell bought William M. Givin and Caleb Goodson. The first on Section 1 in 1848; Miles Beaufort was a large entry was made in February, 1835, on Section 25 buyer in 1850. Patrick O'Connell bought on Secby Joshua Willis. In 1848-19 William C. More- tion 19 in 1841; John McCarty, Section 21; JonaJand, Antony Pate, Martin Able, John L. Tippett, than Knox, S. S. C. Wilson, Section 22; Michael Dumas Patterson, Allen Woods, A. B. Colton, E. L. Casson, Section 32; William M. and ClaiS. Hamilton, Thomas P. Hamilton, William Berry borne Gryder, Section 35 in 1839, and Silas Taland W. Giles entered some lands here, while ten bert, Section 36 in 1838. In 1850–51 a large area years before this Ben and T. W. Green entered was purchased by residents. their lands.

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Township 23, Range 6, was opened in 1839, but Township 21, Range 7, was opened for entry not until 1819 was there any impression made on in 1839, when Mary and Burrey Bradley located this section of the wilderness by the immigrants. on Section 3, George Demors and son on Section In July, 1839, Abram Foster entered 78. 44 acres on 4 and Catherine Hews on Section 27. From 1849 Section 8, and here a halt was called until 1819. to 1859 immigrants flocked hither, and before the During the ensuing ten years the township passed war the whole township may be said to have passed from the ownership of the United States. into the hands of private owners.

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Township 23, Range 7 west, was first entered in Township 21, Range 8, was first entered in November, 1838, by Joseph Copeland on Section 1838 39 by William M. Gryder, Section 1; Silas 3, and secondly in December, 1840, on Section 34 Talbert, Section 2; Hugb and Hiram Gryder, Sec by Franklin Short. In June, 1849, he purchased tion 10; Martin Wood, Section 18; John Ho). a second small tract on Section 35, and Morgan comb and Fred Grounds, Section 20; William Franks on Section 12. In 1850 a large number of Harkins, Section 27; Wash. E. Edins and Bam- settlers and speculators descended upon this townster Edins, Section 29; George and Conrad ship Grounds and George A. Bell, Section 30; Vincent Township 23, Range 8, was proclaimed in 1839 Walker, Section 32, and John B. Hendley and --James Ward making the first entry on Section John Murrell, Section 30. Like the former town- 10, in December of that year.

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Cornelius McAuley ship it was bought up principally during the ante- entered land on Section 31 in 1847. Isaac L. bellum decade.

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Leonard, J. C. Garlington, Peter McDonald, Township 22, Range 6, was offered for sale in James C. Beck, J. W. Camp, J. P. Sale, W. T. 1839, when Charles Y. Long entered a tract on Leonard, James C. Taylor, Rediek Aycock, Lewis Section 3; Jesse Lee, Section 23; John B. Wal- Moore, Joel G. Patrick, William E. Hughes, A. J. lace, Section 24, and John Gwion, Section 35.

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Watters and perhaps a few others located lands The township was mainly purchased within the here during the years 1850-56.

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Russellville the second seat of justice (Murrell's Township 22, Range 7 west, did not claim being the first), was settled as early as 1825 by the

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,

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years 1849–58.

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Killgores and others named in the chapter on zier lands. Col. Lewis was also here and all the pioneers. A rude court-house and ruder jail were parish officers. A Methodist Church, known as erected, and R. L. Killgore's store opened. The Ashbrooks, was erected in 1830; in 1839 the Mission- place was named in honor of Samuel Russell, who ary Baptists held meetings in the schoolhouse; in urged the location as the proper place for the seat 1851 the first Presbyterian society of the parish of justice. There, in 1835, the murderer Hal- was organized near here at old Midway, but soon thouser was hanged, and in the old jail several after moved to Athens. On November 7, 1849, the of the white and black desperadoes of the period academy or school building, in which were the of- were confined. The only evidence of the place fices of the parish, was burned with all the val being ever a village is the old Killgore House, uable records and documents, the only things of still standing in the clearing. The owner died in value destroyed. In 1830 the grounds were re- 1871 and his widow in 1883. On December 4, conveyed to Wilson, and he was also granted a 1830, is made a record of the purchase, by James sum of money in consideration for the burning of Lee for Claiborne Parish, of 144.454 acres on the his school house. The fire was considered at the northwest quarter of Section 6, Township 19, time to be carried out by conspirators, who desired Range 16. In 1829 the first road was opened from the destruction of part of the records, and to carry Russellville to Minden Lower Landing at the head out their desire destroyed all. New Athens is east of navigation on Bayou Dorchette. About this time of the old town on the Louisville & Northwestern R. C. Killgore and James Lee moved their little Railroad. stores to this point from the old Fashier store, The site of the town of Lexington, east half which they occupied in 1825 near Murrell's house. of the southeast quarter of Section 29, Township Later a water-mill was constructed on Berry Creek, 19, Range 6, was entered in 1837. and gins and horse-power mills were in use in the

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Lisbon was an important point over forty years neighborhood. In 1836 the parish seat was re- ago. Near by, in April, 1819, at Thomas B. Wafremoved to Overton and Russellville soon after er's house, a Methodist society was formed. The fell into decay. In 1858 Salem Cumberland Baptists built a large meeting-house there a few Presbyterian Church was established near the de- years ago (1885–86). In the village and adjacent serted town.

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thereto, resided several pioneer families. Masonic The history of the town of Overton is given in Lodge No. 130, organized here in 1857, ceased in the pages

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devoted to Webster Parish. Owing to 1886. the unhealthy location and the general desire for Forest Grove was founded a few miles west of change, Overton was deserted in 1846, and Athens Lisbon, by Frank Taylor and others, such as Dr. selected as the official center of the parish.

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Scaife, Milton Barnett. Prior to 1850, Contractor Athens was selected as the seat of justice in John C. Blackman built a Methodist church-house 1846. Charles L. Hay settled on the present near Maj. Dyer's house, six miles east of Homer. Keener farm in 1825. Thomas Leatherman, the This building was moved to Arizona in 1866. Butlers, Crows and others hitherto named, were Scottsville stood north of Forest Grove, on the identified with this section. In 1832 the first camp- banks of the Corni, and flourished for years at the ground was established close by. In 1846 the supposed bead of navigation of that stream. But school building and a large area of ground were navigation never came. Yet such men as Maj. donated for parish seat purposes by Jobn Wilson. Browning, Dr. Bush, Thomas Hart and the Stan The flowing spring was a consideration in adopt- leys gave it life and vigor for years. Dawson ing this site. Kiser kept a small general store, Lodge No. 138, A. F. & A. M., was organized here Saunders P. Day was tavern-keeper, Arthur Mc- at an early date, and ceased in 1873. Colquitt, Farland filled the dual position of postmaster and Gordon, Haynesville, Summerfield, Homer, AriBaptist preacher, John Kimball lived on the Fra- zona, Tulip, Aycock, Blackburn, Cane Ridge,

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2

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Dykesville, Holly Springs, Langston, Millerton character of the village in the bottoms, the offices and Ward's mill are the centers of the old settle- and records were moved to Athens in 1846. In ments of the parish as now constituted. Terryville 1848 the public building and records at Athens was the name given to an old center existing before were destroyed by fire, and the same year the seat the war.

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In 1854 a Masonic lodge, No. 127, was of justice was established at Homer (named by organized there. This ceased to exist in 1861. At Frank Vaughan), on lands entered by the parish or Holly Springs another lodge (No. 211) was char- granted by Allen Harris and Tillinghast Vaughan. tered in 1870, and continued work until 1879, while A very primitive board building was at once erected, Flat Lick, where one of the earliest church or- and there, in September of that year, Judge Roland ganizations took place, claimed a Masonic lodge Jones opened court, with Allen Harris, sheriff, and from 1868 to 1883,

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W. C. Copes, clerk. During the winter of 1849-50 Claiborne Parish, the first subdivision of Natchi- a substantial brick building was erected for public toches Parish, was established by an act of the Legis. purposes, and therein, in the fall of 1830, the same lature, approved March 13, 1828. The boundaries judge, sheriff and clerk opened court. extended from a point on the east bank of Red The oldest record of the police jury is dated River, fifty miles northwest of Natchitoches village, November 12, 1819, the records of twenty-one at the northern line of Township 13; east on that years having been destroyed with the court-house line to the line between Ranges 3 and 4 west, along at Athens, November 7, 1849. At this time Thomas

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4 the range line, forming the western boundary of Henderson was juror from Ward 1; John Bopp, Ouachita Parish, to the south line of Arkansas No. 4; James B. McFarland, No. 5; Reuben D. Territory; thence west to Red River, and down the Madden, No. 6; Silas Gamon, No. 7. F. Lyman river to the place of beginning. Within the original was clerk. A copy of ordinance, published in the Minboundaries of old Claiborne, were the parishes of den paper shows that on July 1, 1848, the boundBossier, detached in 1843; Jackson, in 1845; Bien- aries of seven wards were fixed, J. Kilborne being ville, in 1818; Webster, in 1871, and part of Lin- then president, and F. Lyman, clerk. In Novemcoln in 1874.

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ber, 1819, Allen Harris was collector, and on DeThe police jury also organized at John Mur- cember 18, James Kilborne was appointed agent rell's bouse in 1828, and held meetings at Murrell's to sell lots at Homer, and in April following, the for some time, or until the offer of Samuel Russell exchange of property between T. Vaughan and the of a site for the seat of justice was accepted. parish was ratified. At this time a donation of This place was called Russellville, in honor of the five acres near James M. Wynne's farm was made donor. Chichester Chaplin was parish judge. to the town of Homer by the parish for cemetary

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The first court held at Russellville was presideid purposes. In June, 1850, the new jury organover by Judge Overton, Isaac McMahon still being ized, with James B. McFarland, of Ward 5, presisheriff, while William McMahon, who had taken dent; Thomas Henderson, of No. 1, Reuben WarCochran's place, was clerk.

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ren, of No. 2, Joslin Jones, of No. 3, Robert C. After the removal of the great raft in 1835 the Adams, of No. 4, Tatum M. Wafer, of No. 6 and head of navigation was extended to a point near Silas Gamon, of No. 7 being the members. The the Minden Lower Landing on Bayou Dorchette. president was empowered to make a deed of one The aspirations of the place fifty-five years ago acre to each incorporated religious society at were lofty, and, as a result, the parish seat was Homer. In September a reconveyance of all lots transferred thereto in 1836, and the name Overton at Athens, formerly donated to the parish by John conferred upon it, evidently in honor of Judge Wilson, was ordered. Ward 8 was established in Overton. For ten years the police jury and courts 1852. At this time James Patterson, Reuben met here, but owing to a desire for a more central Warren, Jackson Sikes, W. B. Scott, J. G. Barlocation, and in consideration of the unhealthy nett, James M. Dorman, Dinsmore Neely and

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CLAIBORNE PARISH.

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385

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1

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Adolphus Johnson represented the eight wards,

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the jury.

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President Dinsmore was authorized to respectively, with William T. Hadley, clerk. James subscribe for 4,000 shares ($100,000) to the stock of A. Millican was treasurer. In 1853 one change the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Texas Railroad, and is noticed in the personnel of the jury. E. A. D. levy a tax of two per cent for five years to meet this Brown represented Ward 5. W. B. Scott was outlay. This ordinance, with the date of voting on it, chosen president, and N. W. Peters, clerk. In was to be advertised in the Advocate and Democrat. June the sum of $150 was ordered paid to John E. B. Whitson was appointed treasurer, Jater B. F. Wilson in compensation for the burning of the . Cunningham was nominated as medical student, and Claiborne Academy at Athens, which was used for T. G. Warren, collector. In 1858 John R. Ramcourt-house purposes up to November 7, 1819. In sey represented Ward 5, and Thomas D. Meadows, September Bonaparte T. Payne was sent as student Ward 8, being the only changes. The Minden to the Louisiana Medical College by this parish. Bridge Company was incorporated to build a bridge In January, 1854, action in re the defalcation of at Murrell's Point, and the expenses for 1859 were Allen Harris in $3,396.25 was taken, and a rigor- estimated-($6,405). T. C. Barnett was chosen ous prosecution ordered. James B. McFarland medical student in October, and at this time the was also censured for neglect of duty while presi- court-house was declared unsafe, and measures dent of the jury. The jurors in June were C. J. were taken to build a new house.

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In February, Thompson, James S. Brandon, Albert Wilbanks, 1859, the question of providing shelter and attendR. C. Adams, Dinsmore Cargile, Andrew Thomp- ance for small-pox patients was disposed of, and son, Dinsmore Neoly and A. Johnson. L. F. R. the suits against Ex-Treasurer Millican were susReynolds was chosen clerk, but Peters continued pended. In January, 1860, J. R. Ramsey signs in that office. Nicholas Corry was chosen medical the record as clerk, G. W. Oliver was appointed student. In January, 1855, a committee was ap- parish attorney and J. R. Ramsey, treasurer. In pointed to receive the court-house from the con- March of that year the following names of jurors tractors. Cotter & Killgore, C. J. Thompson, appeared:

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appeared: Seaborn Gray, W. L. Oakes, N. W. William F. Moreland, I. Lucius Leonard, Isaac Peters, J. H. Curry, John Kimball, D. Neely and Murrell, D. Cargile, A. R. Thompson, D. Neely and T. D. McAdams. J. G. Warren was president. A. Thompson qualitied as jurors in Jung, and The organization of June, 1861, shows John G. elected B. D. Harrison clerk. T. Vaughan was Warren, president; B. D. Harrison, clerk; J. S. then, as he had been for years, parishi attorney. Bush, No. 1; W. L. Oakes, No. 2 (later J. M. PresIn 1856 Harrison resigned, and W. H. Elliott was tidge); J. W. Norton, No. 3; Isaac Murrell, No. 4; chosen clerk, and Sheriff Warren, collector. In A. H. Payne, No. 5; J. A. Parker, No. 6; J. G. June W. T. Hardee took Cargile's place as juror, Warren, No. 7, and C. H. Tait, No. 8. At this and B. D. Harrison was chosen clerk. The Clai- time $800 was appropriated for ammunition, and borne Advocate was given the printing contract at Leak & Co. appointed purchasing agents; $500

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In September James Kilborne was appropriated for the relief of soldiers' famrepresented Ward 3 and John S. Carleton Ward 6; ilies; 1.15 of 1 per cent was levied for military Joseph Jones was selected medical student; T. J. purposes, and the appointment of I. Murrell, J. Hightower was appointed treasurer, vice Millican; M. Morrow and E. K. W. Ross, as a sub-commitSyke's ferry was established, and the estimate of tee of the State Relief Association, was confirmed. expenditures for 1857 placed at $8,500). In Jan- On September 3, the court-house committee renary, 1857, the act relating to the formation of ported the building complete (the total cost being school townships was passed.

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$12,304.30); scrip was ordered to be issued, and In June, 1857, William McDonald, J. M. Pres- W. J. Blackburn appointed parish printer. In Jan tidge, G. J. Wise, Isaac Murrell, W. T. Hardee, uary, 1862, the sum of $30,000 was appropriated John S. Carleton, D. Neely and A. Johnson formed

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1 for defensive

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purposes; in March an additional

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$125 per year.

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sum of $10,000 was granted in bonds and $50 5, 1867, and the record is signed by Burk Coleand $25 bounties authorized. Dr. Bush and

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man, successor of B. D. Harrison. Sheriff Kirkpatrick were appointed agents to nego- In June, 1869, Thomas D. Meadows presided, tiate all bonds, and it may be stated that the jur- with R. E. Thompson, 0. A. Smith, Jackson Sikes, ors gave up ordinary public business, as the citi- J. H. Curry, John Kimball, W. W. Taylor and zens did their business, to forward the interests of John McClish, members, and W. W. Brown, clerk. the Confederate cause; military and relief meas- In 1870 D. W. Harris, of Ward 7, took the place ures occupied their whole attention. In June, E. of McClish, and in 1871 B. F. Reed took Taylor's A. D. Brown, of Ward 5, W. B. Gill, of Ward 7, and place. T. J. Hightower was treasurer and D. W. J. L. Williams, of Ward 8, were the new members. Harris, clerk. In August, 1871, the legal jurors John W. Hayes was appointed treasurer, and scrip chosen to take the places of those deposed qualiof all denominations from 5 cents to $10 was fied with W. C. Martin, D. Cargile, W. L. Oakes, ordered to be printed, the total issue not to ex- D. W. Harris and T. D. Meadows, members, there ceed $20,000. In September the estimate for the being three wards abolished. In February, 1872, year 1862 63 was placed at $97,160.54, exclusive a committee was appointed to settle with the new of $17,989.46, provided for. An additional issue parish of Webster; the members were James W. of scrip for $10,000 was authorized and plans Wilson, W. C. Martin, W. L. Oakes and T. D. for a jail building adopted. In January, 1863, Meadows. The Webster committee comprised T. the war resolutions were adopted. In February B. Neal and W. A. Drake. In June B. D. Harriscrip for $5,500 was issued, and in September son was appointed clerk and W. J. Blackburn colthe recorder and treasurer were authorized to take lector. During the fall of the year this jail was measures for the removal of moneys and records destroyed by fire. In January, 1873, W. L. Oakes in case of invasion. In January, 1864, the mem- was chosen president, J. H. Simmons, A. C. Barbers of the jury were Seaborn Gray, J. M. Prest- ber, George Shaw and J. F. Heard formed the new idge, R. Warren, I. Murrell, J. B. McFarland, board. John S. Young was appointed attorney and William Mitcbam, W. B. Gill and J. L. Williams. D. W. Harris was treasurer. The jurors for 1875 The contract for building the jail was sold to J. elected E. W. Cox president; J. J. Glover repreC. Blackburn for $800, and scrip for $7,500, was sented Ward 1; Elliott Gray, Ward 2; J. H. Chap ordered to be printed, B. D. Harrison agreeing to pell, Ward 3, and E. Sparks, Ward 5. In 1875--76 supply the paper and do the printing for $300. J. R. Ramsey was treasurer. On June 4, 1877, In June, Josiah Watts, Ward No. 5, Thomas C. J. H. Chappell, president; J. J. Glover, W. S. Weir, No. 6, and Elijah Sparks, No. 8, appear as Copeland, A. L. Atkins and J. F. Ford met at new jurors. In September, the bonds and serip Homer. J. H. Simmons was appointed treasurer, outstanding amounted to $52,637, against which D. D. Harrison clerk, W. W. Arbuckle physician, the sum of $21,000 was on the treasurer's hands. J. R. Ramsey (recorder) straymaster. Later J. T.

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. In July, 1865, R. A. Hargis, John W’ilson, R. War- Tigner, H. A. Lewis and E. W. Cox appear as ren, I. Murrell, B. C. Frazier, A. R. Thompson, jurors. In 1878 S. R. Richardson was parish phy- . J. T. Fortson and J. J. Duke were appointed sician, and J. C. Moore treasurer. The names of police jurors by the governor. On the death of Milton Hulse, A. T. Nelson, T. A. Watson, J. M. R. Warren, G. M. Elliott was elected.

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Dunn, W. G. Coleman, A. L. Harper, W. S. Copetember, 1866, the newly elected jury comprised J. land and J. H. Curry appear as jurors in June, F. Hightower, T. J. Moore (president), Jackson 1879, but by January, 1879, R. H. Cleveland had Sikes, J. H. Curry, T. B. Wafer, J. L. Madden, J. taken Dunn's place. In June, 1880, the jurors E. Goodson and J. J. Duke. Several acts mark were R. J. Hart, W. L. Oakes, W. S. Copeland, this administration, such as road laws, destruc. John Miller, Jr., J. W. McFarland, S. W. Howard, tion of scrip, etc. The last meeting was held June L. R. Lay and T. D. Meadows; J. R. Ramsey was

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In Sep

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appointed clerk. In December, 1880, the majority ball, W. DeMoss, John Dore, Isaac Miller, A. T. of voters in Wards 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8 opposed the Brantley, Edwin Foster, Stephen Pate and James granting of license for the sale of liquor. In Jan- L. Dial were the grand jurors. William B. G. uary, 1883, the parish was out of debt and the tax Egan was appointed district attorney, vice the levy reduced to 6 mills. In 1881 B. R. Neil, Shelby absent John S. Gilbert. William C. Copes took Baucom, E. W. Cox, J. E. Gandy, J. F. Heard, J. the oath as clerk, and Waddy T. Cleveland as M. McKinzie, R. T. McClendon and S. Kerlin deputy clerk. In November, 1850, Roland Jones, were members of the police jury.

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of the Seventeenth District, presided. The sheriff, The members of the police jury in February, Allen Harris, appointed A. G. Willbanks, deputy. 1885, were" Samuel Kerlin, B. R. Neil, No. 2 In May, 1851, Judge Bullard was present, WillShelby Baucom, E. W. Cox, J. E. Gandy, J. T. iam L. Burton, district attorney, being absent. Heard, J. M. "McKinzie and R. T. McClendon. Eugene J. H. Jones was appointed, and took the In April of this year, J. W. McFarland was ap- old time oath which denounced in measured terms pointed commissioner for the parish at the New dueling and other chivalric methods of that day. Orleans World's Fair; the purchase of lot and A large number of civil cases and a small criminal contract for building jail entered into by a com - list was the rule, up to November, 1851, when mittee of the jury were ratified. An election on Judge Jones was present. Both lists appear large, the question of prohibiting the sale of liquor was and this ordinary business with the record of ordered, and the establishment of a poor farm naturalization of foreigners occupied the court's authorized. On August 24, 1886, the 5 mill attention. The grand jury's address pointed out tax aid to the Arkansas & Louisiana Railroad the material growth of the parish, the zeal of Company was carried, the vote being 1,371 for, citizens in bringing to justice all criminals, and and 1,247 contra. In July, 1887, the sale of the the pride of the people in the new court-house. old jail building and lot was confirmed. In July, While gratified at all this, the jurors were severe 1888, T. A. Watson was elected president, rice J. in their references to the log-hut or cabin, then M. McKinzie. The jury comprised the president forming the parish prison. In May, 1852, Judge and ex president named T. W. O'Bannon, B. R. Bullard was present, vice Jones; John Young was Neil, J. A. Aycock, T. T. Lowe, R. A. N. Wynne appointed to act as district attorney. Several and B. J. Bridges. In July, 1889, the jurors con- indictments were returned against Giles and John

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sidered the title of Claiborne to the old town of Crownover, for exciting insubordination among

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Lexington, and asked the representatives of the slaves, resisting patrols and admitting whites into parish to introduce a bill granting the police jury negro quarters. In November of that year Frankpower to sell the old town site.

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lin Taylor was excused from jury service on the The oldest record of the district court of Clai. grounds that he was a school director." In Sepborne, now in possession of District Clerk Fergu- tember, 1853, Andrew Lawson took his seat as son, is dated May 27, 1850, or almost twenty-two judge of the Seventeenth District. The admission years after Judge Wilson opened the first court of Alfred Goodwill to citizenship was one of his within the house of John Murrell (eight miles east

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first acts. of Minden) at the Allen settlement. Then Robert In March, 1854, Harmon A. Drew was judge Cockran was clerk and Isaac McMahon, sheriff. of the Seventeenth District; J. D. Watkins, dis In May, 1850, Charles A. Buillard, of the Sixteenth trict attorney, and D. Henry Dyer, clerk. A A District, presided in the absence of the judge of number of indictments for retailing without license this, then in the Seventeenth District.

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James were returned. In March the report of the grand Dyer, John Bopp (chief of the Dutch colony), R. jury was ordered to be published in the Claiborne Butler, Ed Duggins, R. W. Nelson, Nathan Brit- Advocate. Under the system of judicial interton, Phineas Gleason, Charles Hayes, John Kim- change, H. M. Spofford, of the Eighteenth Circuit,

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took Judge Drew's place here in July, and to view of this order and of a then recent decision him Chris Chaffe, a second member of the En- of the Supreme Court, Judge Watkins ordered the glish colony at Minden, confessed his intention of discharge of all the jurors summoned for that becoming a citizen after four years' residence at term. In October court was opened and a return Minden. Thomas Reeves, of Homer, John C. made of a constitutional jury. At this time S. D. Loye and William and Stephen Life followed this Spann signed the record as clerk; A. Ragland as example. In March, 1855, the grand jury re- deputy sheriff (R. T. Dawson being sheriff); J. R. ported on the unsafe condition of the court-bouse Ramsey, recorder, and N. J. Scott, parish judge, and the insecure state of the jail. In September

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all elected that year. Thomas T. Land, of the Eighteenth District, was In April, 1869, Gov. Warmoth's commission to present, but in January, 1856, Judge Drew re. John L. Lewis, as judge of the Eleventh District, sumed his place. In September, 1836, R. W. was read in court. N. J. Sandlin was district Richardson, of the Twelfth District, was present, attorney On the opening of the fall term of with Reuben Warren, sheriff, and D. H. Dyer, court, October 20, 1869, the case of the State vs. clerk. In July, 1857, W. B. Egan was judge, J. L. Lewis was presented. The new judge deand in October David Cresswell, of the Eight- livered an opinion which resembled somewhat the eenth District, presided in some special cases. alleged resolution of the Pilgrims in 1620, as it In April, 1858, John H. Cunningham was ad- pointed out “The land belongs to the saints, and mitted to the bar, and took the customary oath. we are the saints.” This opinion explained that John G. Warren served as sheriff until H. W. in April, 1869. Judge Drew (who was commissioned Kirkpatrick qualitied, in 1860. At this time, B. parish judge in 1869, by Warmoth, was at logger: R. Coleman was district clerk and E. L. Dyer, heads with N. J. Scott, who was elected in 1868 deputy clerk. The April term of 1861 was opened to the same office) refused to try the case against by Judge W. B. Egan on the 1st and closed on Lewis, when it was continued to the present term. the 2d. There was another short term in Octo- Parish Judge Scott was present in October, 1869, ber, and at that time No. 17, as applied to the but the presiding judge (Lewis) refused to recogdistrict, was written 11th, to correspond with the nize his authority or call upon him, as, on May act of the Legislature. From October 21, 1862, 9, 1869, he (Scott) surrendered the office of parto April 18, 1864, there is no record of court. ish judge to H. A. Drew. Having shown so On April 19, 1867, Judge Egan adjourned court much, he proceeded to dispose of the docket. sine die, but on September 25 of that year Judge In November, 1869, Parish Judge Scott took the J. D. Watkins, of the Eleventh District, opened place of Lewis ad hoc, and refused to entertain a the fall term. John Kimball was sheriff, and M. motion for a non-suit, but tried the case and

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gave Callahan, clerk. The latter was succeeded in judgment for the commonwealth. An appeal was 1866 by Hyder A. Kennedy, while John Kimball at once entered, but before it could be disposed was succeeded by L. J. Kimball, and he, in of Gov. Warmoth commissioned James Constan1867, by J. A. Witter. In October Judge Wat- tine Egan judge of the Eleventh District on kins received an order from W. T. Gentry, ask- March 18, 1870. In April Green Smith was found ing that the jury list be restricted to registered guilty of murder. In October, 1870, W. Jasper voters, found on tables of assessment. In 1868 Blackburn was parish judge; Prince Spencer was S. D. Spann was clerk; J. A. Witter, sheriff, and

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found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to James T. Story, successor of Beck, was recorder. three years in the penitentiary. In April, 1871, On the opening of the May term of this year, At- J. S. Young was parish judge, and W: F. Aycock, torney-Gen. B. J. Lynch transmitted to the sheriff. The trial of Troy Harrison for the murclerk a copy of Special Order No. 203, issued by

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der of J. M. Burns (January 1, 1871) was comGen. Hancock, of the Fifth Military District. In menced. In April, 1873, J. E. Trimble presided

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as judge, with John A. Richardson, district clerk; January, 1873, a negro named Henry Moore, as. N. J. Scott, parish judge; W. F. Aycock, sheriff, saulted and murdered Mrs. Kidd, who resided near and J. R. Ramsey, recorder. In April, 1877, Athens. A number of white men hunted down Judge E. M. Graham opened court here; H. W. the brute, gave him a fair trial and hanged him. Kirkpatrick was sheriff ; Drew Ferguson, clerk On July 31, 1879, a negro named Martin, killed (succeeding S. D. Spann), and J. R. Ramsey, re- one white girl and assaulted another.

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The people corder, who served until January, 1880, when the gave pursuit and, capturing him, hanged bim with office was merged into the district clerk's office.

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little ceremony.

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A few similar crimes mark the The report of the grand jury referred to the small record of the last decade. In September, 1889, number of bills presented, crediting the peaceable Deputy Sheriff Brown arrested Adams, who escondition of affairs to the unquestionable establish- caped from the penitentiary in May, and coming ment of the lawful government of Louisiana, and to Ward 1, married a young woman near Lisbon; he to the wise administration of Gov. Nichols. The murdered his father-in-law in Winn Parish in 1887, jurors were not so happy in their fall expressions, and received a life sentence. as, on October 20, the report deals with the horri- On the inside of the cover of the court record ble murder committed near Homer. In the fall 1857-67, is the first roll of attorneys known to of 1879 resolutions on the death of Robert T. I have been made in connection with the bar of Vaughan appear on the record, signed by John Claiborne.

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The names given are as follows: TilYoung, J. S. Young and E. H. McClendon. Al- linghast Vaughan,* J. M. Thompson, in Texas; len Barksdale was district attorney in September, Henry Gray, Bienville; John Young, now senior 1880, and J. H. M. Taylor, sheriff. The district member of the bar; J. D. Watkins, Webster; A. was now known as the Third. In June, 1884, B. George, appellate judge; G. W. Oliver, * A. C. Judge John Young presented his commission, and Hill, Texas; N. J. Scott, Bienville; G. M. KillDistrict Attorney E. H. McClendon qualified for gore,* Col. John S. Young, Shreveport; F. that office. On August 27, 1888, Judge Allen Vaughan,* J. R. Monk, L. B. Watkins, supreme Barksdale was present, having been elected in court; J. G. McKinzie, Webster; W. B. Egan,* April of that year.

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Micajah Martin,* Texas; James C. Egan, judge of The first homicide in the parish was that of Fourth District; J. W. Wilson,* W. F. Blackman, Bryant, by his brother-in-law, Sapp. The latter judge at Alexandria; W. E. Paxton.* T. E. Pax

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| , fled to the Indian nation and escaped the law. ton,* G. L. Jones, * Joseph Pierson, * David PierShortly after, Sloan, a trader from north of the son, at Natchitoches; and H. L. Pierson, at NatchiState line, was murdered by John Halthouser, at toches. The lawyers admitted since 1867 are Roba point eight miles east of Minden. This led to ert T. Vaughan,* J. W. Young,* Drayton B. the trial of Halthouser in 1835, and his execu- Hayes, * John A. Richardson, E. H. McClendon, tion at Russellville in 1835 by Sheriff Dyer. Then J. E. Hulse, J. W. Halbert, J. E. Moore and C. followed the assault on Miss Demos, a girl of W. Seals. eighteen years, by one Lambright Not content In 1868 W. Jasper Blackburn, so well described with assaulting her, he murdered her in the most by W. H. Scanland and William Meadows (colored), cruel manner, left some evidences of his guilt, were delegates to the Constitutional Convention was arrested, but while waiting trial escaped from from Claiborne. Although the scheme was ignored the jail and fled to Texas.

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by the whites, Claiborne placed Judge Taliaferro During the occupation of the country by the at the head of the Democratic ticket, and Col. Mccarpet-bag element, murders were ordinary affairs, Donald, who beat the Know-nothings in 1854, at and even down to the present time the parish the head of the local ticket. The Warmoth circle far from being freed of those passionate men, who, of Republicans, of course, carried all their points. in their rage, think nothing of human life. In

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*Deceased.

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*

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W. W. Bennett, a physician, and C. B. Pratt were tutional convention, the State and parish offices chosen to represent Claiborne in the Legislature; were vacated, and an election ordered to fill the R. T. Dawson, sheriff; S. D. Spann, clerk of dis- vacancies. John B. Phillips and A. L. Atkins trict and N. J. Scott, parish judge. A district judge, were chosen representatives. Messrs. Watkins and J. L. Lewis, was counted in, but ultimately James Vance were re-elected senators; J. H. M. Taylor, C. Egan was appointed to that position. Two sheriff, and Drew Ferguson, district court clerk. years later the new constitutional heroes had made

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Judge Graham of Lincoln, and Attorney Barksthemselves generally odious. In 1870 J. C. Mead- dale were re-elected. In 1884 Thomas Price and ows (colored), or Meadoes and J. (S. Killen were W. J. Leslie were chosen representatives; J. C. elected representatives; John S. Young, parish Brice and J. C. Vance, senators; John Young, disjudge and W. F. Aycock, sheriff. In 1872 the trict judge; E. H. McClendon, attorney, while the Liberal and Democratic tickets were in the field, sheriff and clerk were re-elected. opposed to the Republicans. The former merged

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In 1829 James Dyer was elected member of into the Fusion ticket, with John McEnery at the the Legislature from Claiborne, and it was he head, wbile Kellogg led the Republicans. W. J. who, in 1830, won an appropriation of $1,500 for Blackburn, Republican, and J. W. McDonald, * Dem- the improvement of Lake Bisteneau, one Leaveocrat, were counted in by their party as senators; right taking the contract. Berry A. Wilson was William F. Moreland and Thomas Price were elect

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chosen representative in 1830. ed to represent_Claiborne; Aycock was re-elected In 1851, 1860 and 1864 Col. J. W. Berry was sheriff; J. A. Richardson was chosen district clerk, elected representative. In 1854 Capt. W. G. N. J. Scott, parish judge; R. P. Vaughan, district Coleman, a soldier of the Creek War and of the attorney, and J. R. Ramsey, recorder. Two Legis- Mexican War, was one of the Democratic candilatures assembled at New Orleans. " A. B. George dates for the Legislature, opposing the Knowwas a senator throughout the days of terror, but un- nothings. He and J. W. McDonald were elected like McDonald, who wisely preferred compromise by large majorities. with the rulers to resistance, he did not enter the Col. John Kimball was representative in 1857– Republican Senate until all hope was lost to the 50. Sack Pennington Gee was representative in McEnery party. Gen. John S. Young and H. C. 1839. Mitchell were representatives in 1874, and aided W. F. Moreland was representative. R. L. in securing control of the House for the Democracy. Killgore was parish judge for eight years and subTwo years later Gen. Young was re-elected, with J. sequently representative. J. Duke members of the House; H. C. Mitchell In 1856 there were 857 votes given to Buchanan was in the senate; H. W. Kirkpatrick was chosen and 700 to Fillmore in Claiborne. J. W. Berry sheriff; Drew Ferguson, district clerk; E. M. Gra received 852 and Isaac Murrell 678 for representaham, district judge; Allen Barksdale, district at- tive. torney, while

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Messrs. Scott and Ramsey were In 1859 Moore received 907 and Wells 528 chosen parish judge and recorder, respectively. In votes for governor; Landrum 957 and Jones 90 1878 Judge J. D. Watkins of Minden, and John for Congress; Young 684 and Moreland 938 for C. Vance, of Bossier, were elected senators; W. C. senator; Martin 936, Kennedy 546, J. W. Berry Martin and J. H. Hay, representatives; William F. 753, and Dyer 744 for representative; Whitson Moreland and Rev. J. T. Davidson, members of 806, Cleveland 354, and Tatum 442 for clerk; Constitutional Convention; Kirkpatrick was re-elec- Kirkpatrick 842 and Weldin 789 for sberiff, and ted sheriff, and John A. Richardson was chosen Simmons 874 for assessor, against 744 recorded parish judge. Owing to the decrees of the consti- for Cross. #l'ol, J. W. McDonald died in December, 1888. He was born in

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In 1860 Breckinridge received 896, Bell 719, North Carolina in 1814, and was brought to Louisiana in 1871.

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and Douglas 106 for President. J. L. Lewis, of

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il

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Claiborne, signed the secession ordinance of 1861. the Guards, with J. B. Parham, John S. Young

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In 1863 J. W. McDonald was chosen senator; and W. C. Leslie, lieutenants. Going into service J. W. Berry, representative; H. W. Kirkpatrick, at Richmond and on the James River, the winter sheriff; B. R. Coleman, clerk; H. C. Walker, was passed at historic Yorktown. Early in 1862 assessor, and H. L. Cox, coroner.

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the company re-enlisted and elected A. S. Blithe, The Claiborne elections of November, 1865- | captain, with Cager, Martin, Reams and Cotton Egan received 763, A. A. Abney 512, and Pearce lieutenants, and Charles Cheatham, sergeant. The 504 votes for senator. W. F. Blackman and W. F. company served under Lee at Gettysburg, and Moreland 642 votes each for representative, defeat- were with him at Appomattox. In May, 1865, ing Drew and Murrell on one ticket and Blackburn the survivors returned to Homer. and Martin on a third ticket. Senator Abney died The Moore Invincibles or Company A, Ninth in February, 1867.

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Louisiana Infantry, were organized in May, 1861, There were 1,588 votes cast for Nicholls (D.) and mustered in at Camp Moore, Louisiana, June and 427 for Packard (R.), candidates for governor 13, 1861. In January, 1862, the men re-enlisted in 1876. In 1879 L. A. Wiltz (D.) received 1,725 for the war.

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In 1861 R. L. Capers was captain and Taylor Beattie (R.) 444; McEnerny (D.) with Alfred Blackman, Rydon Grigsby and W. received 2,175 and Stevenson (R.) 596 in 1884; F. Blackman, lieutenants; Tom Bowling, Merrill while in 1888 Nicholls (D.) received 2,397 and Roland and Frank Montgomery, sergeants. On Warmoth (R.) 768. The number of voters regis

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The number of voters regis- . reorganization Rydon Grigsby was chosen captain, tered in April, 1888, was 5,117—2,512 being, and served until killed at Sharpsburg; W. W. Arwhite. Fifty-three whites and 2,404 Africans buckle, surgeon. Montgomery, the first lieutenant, could not write their names.

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lost a leg at Harper's Ferry; Thomas Bowling, the The census of 1840 gives the names of Jethro ' second, was wounded at Gettysburg, and WillButler, aged eighty-eight, and Benjamin Goodson, iam Mills, third lieutenant, at Harper's Ferry, aged eighty-two, residing in Claiborne. They where he died. First Sergeant William Dansby were pensioners of the Revolution.

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was killed at Petersburg; Lieut. Napoleon HenIn September, 1877, there were four survivors derson at Harper's Ferry. of the War of 1812 in Claiborne: Maj. Joshua The Claiborne Rangers, organized in June, 1861, Willis, eighty-three years; Alex. McDonald, eighty- were mustered in in July as Company B, Twelfth five; James Story, ninety-five, and Morrow Maddox, Louisiana Infantry. In August, the command was seventy-six years.

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dispatched to the front and later moved from CoIn November, 1877, a convention of Mexican lumbus, Ky., to New Madrid, Mo. From March to veterans brought together Capt. W. G. Coleman, May, 1862, it formed part of Fort Pillow's garriJ. G. Heard, Joseph Heard, Jesse Aycock, T. P. After a year of brisk service, the men are Hamilton, B. D. Harrison, J. R. Smith, John found before Vicksburg, and in May, 1863, sufCook, M. H. Lippmins, J. A. Witter, Ob. Owen fered heavily at Baker's Creek. After the surand J. M. Blackburn. The Soldiers' Association render of Vicksburg, Company B engaged in the was organized August 10, 1878, with W. L. Oakes, eight days' fight at Jackson. In 1864 it formed president, and A. T. Nelson, secretary.

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part of Johnson's corps, and in the fall of that The “ Claiborne Guards” of the Second Lou- year was attached to Hood's army in Tennessee. isiana Infantry, was organized at Homer in April, During the winter the men suffered more from cold 1861, with John Young, captain; J. B. Parham, and bunger than from the enemy. In February, J. M. Andrews and John S. Young, lieutenants. 1865, the regiment rejoined Johnston's army in On muster in at New Orleans Capt. Young was

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North Carolina, and on April 26, 1865, surrendered commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Second at Greensboro in that State. On June 7, the Louisiana. J. M. Andrews was elected captain of survivors arrived in Claiborne.

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.

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Company G of

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Twelfth Louisiana Infantry was also a Claiborne | From April, 1862, to April, 1863, the command was command, organized March 4, 1862, with Thomas at Pollard, Ala., but came to Vicksburg too late to Hightower, captain; Zachariah Grigsby, T. Bridge- aid the defenders. At Missionary Ridge, New man and James Potts, lieutenants, and Thomas Hope Church, Kenesaw Mount, Florence, NashPrice, sergeant.

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ville and other fields this company did service, and The fortunes of this command are almost iden- up to May 4, 1865, when the surrender to Gen. tical with those of Company B. Prior to the Ba- Canby at Mobile, Ala., was recorded, Company C, ker's Creek affair, the people of Homer sent continued to win laurels. clothing to the men by their agent, Linchicum; Company E., Thirty-first Louisiana Infantry, but the welcome additions to 1,000 wardrobes was organized in April, 1862, and in June took up made the knapsacks too heavy to be carried into a position in the swamp opposite Vicksburg, being battle, and so they were left in a secure place until atllicted with measles in sixty-five cases and fever victory would perch on the regimental flags. This in forty cases. Camping at Tallulah or Delhi and was not to be, and with the loss of victory came the fiasco at Milliken’s Bend occupied the attention the loss of the much-prized clothes from friends of the men up to November, 1862, when one or at home. The Arcadia Invincibles formed a part two raids were executed without results. Tbe of this regiment. The Claiborne Invincibles, or memorable ride from Vicksburg to Jackson and Company H, Seventeenth Louisiana Infantry, was return to Vicksburg, on flat cars, resulted in the organized in October, 1861, with William A. Mad- death of forty men from pneumonia. On Decemdox, captain; John G. Heard, G. M. Killgore and ber 26, Company E took part in its first battle at J. A. Simmons, lieutenants. From November, Chickasaw Bluffs. Again at Port Gibson, and on 1861, to February, 1862, the command was in the retreat from Baker's Creek to Vicksburg, other camp near New Orleans.

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In February, 1862, the military experiences were gained. After the surregiment was at Corinth, in April at Shiloh (where render the men returned to their homes, but in Capt. Maddox was wounded), and at Vicksburg | January, 1864, were convened at Vienna, and in from May 7, 1862, to July 4, 1863. On May 21 June at Minden, parole camps being established Company H, was reorganized at Edwards, Miss., there. Further service was contined to the line of with G. M. Killgore, captain; M. C. Leake, A. L. the Red River, until the Appomattox affair ended Harper and J. D. Hamiltun, lieutenants, and soou

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the hopes of the Confederacy, and enabled the after was present at Chickasaw Bluff.

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Leake was

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tired troops to return home on May 23, 1865. The wounded on May 30 and died June 5, 1863, when i officers were, captain, Shelby Bancum; lieutenants, Lieuts. Harper and Hamilton were promoted, D. W. Gladden, James M. Cleaver and Thompson and J. H. Hay elected third lieutenant. Capt. Scott; sergeants, W. F. Wallace, E. Sanders, W. Killgore died July 27, 1863, while en route home. T. Williams, J. J. Howerton and R. D. Hightower. In April, 1864, the exchange took place at Pine. Company G, Twenty-fifth Louisiana Infantry, ville. A. L. Harper was chosen captain, with was organized in February, 1862, with Seaborn J. D. Hamilton, J. H. Hay and Walter Hall, lieu- Aycock, captain; P. C. Harper, W. J. Leslie and tenants. After this its duties were confined to Thomas Brown, lientenants, and John Cook, serservice on the Red River.

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geant. The latter succeeded Brown, as lieutenant, The Claiborne Volunteers (Company C, Nine- within a sbort time. At Corinth, Shiloh, Farmteenth Louisiana Infantry), with A. H. Kennedy, ington, Perryville and Murfreesboro the command captain; John Spears, S. A. Hightower and J. W. received its first practical lessons in warfare. At O'Bannon, lieutenants, was organized in August, Jonesboro, Ga., Capt. Aycock was killed, and W. J. 1861. In September they were mustered in at Camp Leslie took his place. In Tennessee the command Moore. Like Company H, Seventeenth Louisiana was in active service with Hood's army, and after Infantry, this was present at Corinth and Shiloh. the surrender at Appomattox, was still in arms and

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guarded the commissariat at Meridian, Miss., until Minden Iris being the first. In 1851 B. D. Harthe property was transferred to the United States rison, of Talladega, Ala., came to the present seat quartermaster, thus being the last Confederate of justice, and in June of that year established troops east of the Mississippi.

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the Advocate, with Frank Vaughan editor. J. M. Company D, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infan Thomasson subsequently held the chair. W. S. try, was organized in May, 1862, with M. O. Curstis purchased the office in 1855, and carried on Cheatham, captain; James Simmons, Warson publication regularly until the tocsin of war soundand J. Thompson, lieutenants, and J. L. Tippet, ed throughout the land. Some time after Curstis sergeant. On May 15 it was mustered in at Mon- bought the Advocate another candidate for jourroe, then moved to camp near Vienna, and thence nalistic honors and emoluments appeared in the into the Mississippi bottoms. Later the Twenty- new town, but its life was very short. In 1859 the eighth was sent into the Teche country, and there, inevitable Blackburn, W. Jasper, established the at Franklin, encountered the Federal troops. Homer Iliad. This was at a time when ideas of Sergt. Tippet was killed there, and a number of secession began to take shape, and to the useless private soldiers fell. At Yellow Bayou Lieut. Sim task of changing such ideas Blackburn directed his mons was killed, and at Mansfield and Pleasant energies. He fought the secession policy up to Hill the command lost a small number.

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the begioning of the war, and denounced it until Company F, Fifth Louisiana Cavalry, or Clai- be and the Iliad had to disappear. A reference to borne Partisan Rangers, was organized by R. L. other pages will point out clearly his adventurous Capers, captain; John S. Young, N. J. Scott and life during the days of civil strife. After the war G. A. Gordon, lieutenants, in June, 1862. MeN. was closed he and the Iliad reappeared, and conBrown was first sergeant. In August this and five tinued in the flesh here until 1877, when the other commands formed the First battalion of Par- Guardian was founded. tisan Rangers, with Samuel Chambliss, lientenant The Claiborne Guardian was established by colonel, and R. L. Capers, major. John S. Young Phipps & Seals in 1877; B. D. Harrison had some was promoted captain of Company F. Before the connection with the office; Drayton B. Hayes was close of the year the battalion was raised to regi- editor until his death, in 1885, when J. E. Hulse mental strength, with R. L. Capers, colonel. John took his place.

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In 1886 D. W. Harris was proS. Young was subsequently commissioned major prietor. B. D. Harrison died in April, 1889, after

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, and afterward lieutenant-colonel.

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It was organ

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a continuous residence of thirty-eight years at ized as a cavalry regiment in February, 1863, with Homer. The Guardian was issued for the last

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Its operations were confined mainly to time on June 30, 1890, O. P. Ogilvie & Co. purto the country between the Quachita and Missis- chasing the Journal from J. E. Hulse, May 8, sippi Rivers, and later against Banks, on Red and consolidating the two papers June 18, under River. In 1865 G. A. Gordon was captain of the title The Guardian Journal. In 1889 Mr. Company F; A. W. Palmer, J. H. Carr and J. R. Ogilvie purchased the Phipps interest in the GuarMonk, lieutenants, and McN. Brown still held the dian, and subsequently Charles Shaeffer purchased rank of first sergeant, immovable in notions of pro- Seals' interest. The Louisiana Weekly Journal motion as he was in political faith.

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was issued January 13, 1886, by J. E. Hulse and There was one Louisiana Cavalry company in B. D. Harrison, and continued publication until the Eighteenth Tennessee Cavalry Battalion, Com the consolidation of 1890. pany E, commanded by Capt. Junius Y. Webb, The Southern Agriculturalist was established seventy-eight strong.

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in 1890 as the organ of the Farmers' Alliance of The Claiborne Advocate was the first newspaper this parish. Number 10 of Vol. I was issued July issued within the present boundaries of the parish, 31, 1890, with G. H. Dismukes editor and proprieand the second within its ancient boundaries—the tor, and J. E. Goodson publisher. The Agricult

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761 men.

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1

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uralist knows no man. It espouses the cause of the Haynesville, University of Louisiana, 1870; Thomas farmers, according to its faith, without fear, and Florence Patton, Lisbon, University of Louisiana, handles its enemies without gloves.

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1881; Jesse Marion Ledbetter, Summerfield, ChariThe Greenback Dollar was published some years ty Hospital Medical College, New Orleans, 1876; ago at Haynesville, but collapsed after a short term. Henry Alvin Longino, Haynesville, Missouri Med. In June, 1879, J. G. Warren resumed publication ical College, St. Louis, 1880; Marcellus Franklin of the Greenback Dollar, and at that time the Alford, Summerfield, University of Louisville, Ky, Western Protestant ceased to exist.

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1879; Luther Longino, Minden, Webster Parish, The Haynesville Star was issued in 1889, and Missouri Medical College, St. Louis, 1882; Tandy reached No. 22 of Vol. II on August 1, 1890. Linton Appleby, Homer, Southern Medical Col. John M. Henry is editor.

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lege, Atlanta, Ga., 1883; George Richard McSome years before the war the system of private Henry, Homer, College of Physicians and Surgeons, schools was introduced here, and is to-day observed; Baltimore, Md., 1882; Montrose Day, Haynesville, however, the common-school system is not un- Missouri Medical College, St. Louis, 1881; Thadknown. The enrollment of white pupils in the deus Henry Pennington, removed to Arcadia, Bien

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, schools of Claiborne for 1877 was 1,111; for 1878, ville Parish, University of Louisiana, 1856; Albert 1,416; for 1979, 1, 159; for 1881. 1,716; for 1882, Richard Bush, Gordon, College of Physicians and 1,843; for 1883, 1,875; for 1884, 1,739; for 1886, Surgeons, Baltimore, 1883; Joseph William Day,

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; 2,052, and for 1887, 2,199. The enrollment of Homer, Graffenburg Medical Institute, Alabama, colored pupils for 1877 was 1,050; for 1878, 762; 1857; Joe Glenn Gladney, Arcadia, College of for 1879, 1,254; for 1881, 1,040; for 1882, 1,024; Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, 1886; James for 1883, 1,070; for 1884, 785; for 1886, 1,530, Madison Walthall, Gibsland, Bienville Parish, and for 1887, 1,605. In 1890 the returns show Hahnemann Medical College, 1887; Robert Mcover 7,000 children, of whom the blacks are in the Alpine Bromfield, Athens, Louisville Medical Colmajority.

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lege, 1888; Charles P. Cargile, Ward's Mill, AtThe physicians of the parish, with location and lanta Medical College, 1886; Addley H. Gladden, date of diploma, are recorded as follows: Silas Homer, Tulane University of Louisiana, 1888; Turner, Homer, Iowa State University, 1865; Will- James Buck Alexander, Holly Springs, American iam Henry Hines, Summerfield, Jefferson Medical Medical College, St. Louis, 1889; James Freeman College, Philadelphia, 1839; John Elmore Mead- Pace, Athens, Memphis Hospital Medical College, ows, Homer, Medical College of State of Georgia, 1889; Andrew Jackson Pennington, Blackburn, Auglista, 1857; William Williams Arbuckle, Homer, Medical College of Alabama, 1878; Curtis Albert Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 1845); Bailey, Athens, Louisville Medical College, 1890. Stephen Moore Dickens Webb, residence Flat Lick Frank Henry and Sterling R. Richardson regis P. O., Minden, Webster Parish, University of tered under the act providing that physicians who Pennsylvania, 1854; William Wirt Culpepper, practiced for five years prior to 1882 were fully Athens, New Orleans School of Medicine, 1870; qualified. John Davidson Calhoun, Arizona, New Orleans The Claiborne Agricnltural Society may be said School of Medicine, 1969; Alfred Castillo Simmons, to have permanently organized in 1871. The first Lisbon, Atlanta Medical College, 1860; William fair of the old association was successful, but the Sellers, Summerfield, University of Louisiana, 1870; five succeeding meetings were failures. The sev Joseph Atkinson, Homer, Medical College of Ala enth fair was held in 1877 and proved successful. bama, Mobile, 1872; Richard Groves Gantt, Haynes- In 1889 the Claiborne Fair Association purchased ville, Medical College of South Carolina, Charles- grounds, and at once entered on the work of prepton, 1881; William Madison Baker, Arizona, Uni- aration for the fair of 1890. At that time R. P. versity of Louisiana, 1874; Hugh Monroe Longino, Webb was president; F. C. Allen, vice president;

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J. W. Holbert, secretary; J. K. Willet, treasurer; The Louisiana North & South Railroad ComJ. H. Simmons and T. Bridgman, with the offiers pany elected directors in July, 1889, G. G. Gill named, directors.

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(treasurer), S. Y. Gladney, J. A. Richardson (atThe Farmers' State Union is one of the strongest ' torney) and W. G. Darley, of Homer (assistant organizations in Louisiana, J. W. McFarland is secretary), W. B. Colbert, A. D. Hammett and W. secretary; R. L. Tannehill, of Winn, treasurer; L. Kidd, of Gibsland, being the local directors. T. J. Guice, of Grand Cane, State lecturer; W. H. Maj. Beardsley sold one-half bis interest in the Bass, of Pleasant Hill, chaplain; and G. L. P. road between Homer and Gibsland prior to this Wren, or Minden, member of executive commit- date, but retained the management. In August tee. Claiborne Farmers' Union was organized in the work of constructing the road south to BienApril, 1887, with C. J. Cargile, president, and J. ville was entered upon, and in 1890 regular train W. McFarland, secretary. The Farmers' Union ,

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'

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service between this new town and Gibsland was Co-operative Commercial Association, of Claiborne, established. The offices of the company are at was incorporated October 3, 1889, with the follow- Gibsland. ing named directors: S. A. White, R. T. McClen- In the history of Caddo Parish references are don, B. B. McCasland, John C. Murphy, A. T. made to the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Texas RailNelson, J. S. Burnham, C. A. Gandy, T. T. Lowe, road. and J. W. Melton. Early in December, 1889, a Homer is situated 16° west of Washington, in store was opened at Homer, under the manage. Latitude 32° 46' north, on the divide between the ment of A. T. Nelson. In January, 1890, there D'Arbonne and the Corni. The entry of the town were 120 stockholders and $25,000 paid-up capital. site of Homer was made July 24, 1848, the east

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In July, 1882, S. Y. Gladney and J. A. Rich- half of the southeast quarter and the northwest ardson went to Hope, Ark., to meet Maj. Beardsley, quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 23, of the Arkansas & Louisiana Railroad, and confer Township 21, Range 7, by the police jury, while

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, with him on the subject of building a road from Tillinghast Vaughan entered, on the same date, the Hope, via Haynesville and Homer, to the Vieks- southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of same burg, Shreveport & Pacific Railroad. In February, section, which he was compelled subsequently to

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& 1886, the railroad question was revived, and Beards- exchange, under threat of removing the parish seat. ley suggested a 5-mill tax for ten years, on the This exchange was promptly made, and the town valuation of 1886. In August a meeting was held was surveyed by B. McCloskey. The sale of lots at Homer, to further the interests of the road, J. T. followed (before the fire at Athens), H. Robertson, Boone, W. B. Prothro, H. F. Scheen, Gladney, J. C. Cunningham and E. H. Fuller buying on the Richardson, Clingman, Bridgman, Nelson, Gill and north side; B. F. Sanders, W. Dyer, S. P. Day Hammett, the directors being present. The tax was

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and A. Whitehead on the south side; C. C. Gryder, approved on August 24.

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Grooms & Co., B. L. Rye and J. Atwell, on the On January 15, 1890, the stockholders of the east side; T. Mitchell, R. Browning, J. Taggart Lonisiana North & South Railroad, at a meeting and J. Beopple, on the west side-- all fronting the held in Homer, decided to sell the property and public square. Tillinghast Vaughan purchased Lots franchises of the road to the Louisiana & North- 83 and 86, in Block E, and William Berry, the western Railroad Company. The construction of corresponding lots in Block D, while A. B. Catton the road to Gibsland cost about $120,000, of which purchased south of Berry.

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J. Nettlerode purthe sum of $10,000 was contributed by citizens of chased the present Hulse property, and S. P. Day Claiborne and Bienville Parishes. The new com- purchased four lots where now stands Mrs. Mc. pany assumed all obligations, and took out a new Cranie's brick block. T. Henderson purchased the charter containing the names of about 160 of the lots north and east of the old jail. Fuller, Foster members of the old stockholders in this company. and S. Gamon purchased the north front lots of

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corner.

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the block north of the court-house, and W. B. Dyer, come hither until the war was over, but the TransW. C. Ridgeway, W. Prichard, J. B. McFarland, Mississippi battlefields claimed many of Homer's W. McDonald, G. W. Martin, J. Merze, J. Gwinn, citizens and few returned to realize the political S. Nelson, A. Hise and Wynne were the other and social changes which a few years had effected. original lot purchasers. The name was suggested The first postmaster of Homer is not rememby Frank Vaughan. William H. Maxey at once bered by the old settlers, but as McFarland was erected a log house on the southeast corner of the master at Athens when the seat of justice was square, and a temporary building for parish office moved, he may have moved here also. W. C. was constructed east of Maxey's house and a hotel Crutcher, who was postmaster in 1852, kept bis erected where is now the residence of Mrs. Mc- office in his drug store. M. Callahan was postCranie. .

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master subsequently; J. P. Smith came next as After the location was adopted R. W. Capers United States postmaster, in 1866. Augustus Lovelbuilt a storehouse on the northwest corner of the lette, a Federal soldier was commissioned after the square. This was a log cabin, wainscoted with

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war. W.J. Taylor, R. T. Vaughan, J. A. Witter with boards sawed at Eldorado, Ark., forty miles away. S. Y. Gladney, deputy; Miss Lou Martin, 1870–71; The old Claiborne Hotel, a two-story house, stood D. W. Harris, 1871-86; W. W. Brown, 1886 S9; north of the court-house; then the larger Maxey Mrs. E. V. Boring, in July, 1889, now incumbent. Cheap Cash Store on the site of the pioneer cabin, The location of old-time business houses is aland next the three cute Germans, Samuel, Michael ways worthy of attention. At the southeast corand Alexander Wiles, opened a little business ner of the public square was William H. Maxey, house. A. McCranie built on the southeast corner and on the extreme southwest corner, Dunston & and established a large trade. B. D. Harrison

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Danshy. Reams & Clegg were at the northwest opened a newspaper office in 1851, and the same

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Between these points were many houses year the Masons of the village organized. J. C. of less note, but all appeared to do a lively and Blackman's house stood where R. W. Collier's successful business. Repeated failures of crops, dwelling now is, but the old building was removed however, brought about disaster, and honse after a point west, and in 1886 was occupied by J. M. house failed or closed. Jonathan Ferguson asWhite; Green's house on the hill is occupied sumed control of the old Planter's House, and did by the Widow Vaughan; on the site of Green Tay. a thriving business for a number of years.

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In lor's dwelling stands that of J. K. Willet; the log time Gill & McCranie dissolved copartnership and tavern has given place to Mrs. McCranie's dwelling; sold their brick house to Otts & Barrow, but Mcthe Bonning House, Thomasson's house, Col. Cap- Cranie, too full of business to stop work, erected a er's house and Tillinghast Vaughan's house are all spacious and handsome wooden store on the north, . standing as reminders of Homer's early days; but i west corner, where prosperity seemed to bless every the temporary court-house, as well as the first per- venture he made there. The business of Duston & manent building erected for parish purposes, have Dansby was closed, owing to the death of the disappeared. Up to 1861 every one of the buildings former, and their fine brick house was disposed of named had happy associations, but then the terrors to J. C. Blackman and Hugh Taylor (good Uncle of civil war spread over the place and the peace Hugh), which firm, for some years, did a fine busof this Louisiana Auburn was offered up as a sac- iness. On the death of Uncle Hugh the firm closed rifice to the god of arms. Every home sent forth and the business went into the hands of George a soldier, and when the refugee families from the Taylor and H. C. Mitchell, who did a fine business Mississippi Valley came hither to seek shelter from until burned out in April, 1871. G. G. Gill did at the storms, they found only non-combatants, stoical good business at the corner store now occupied by while enthusiastic, silent and thoughtful. The W. G. Taylor. Reams & Clegg having closed out riflemen and artillery of the North did not

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North did not, their business, the old Caper's House, where so

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men.

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much business had been done, now became vacant. license tax as follows: Retail grocers, $300; dry

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On December 22, 1876, fire destroyed the north goods, $30; livery stables, $25; family grocery, and west sides of the square. To replace the $50; confectionery stores, $25; hotels, $25; drug houses burned was now the object of the business i stores, $30, and dentists, $25. In 1867 H. L.

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The McCranie brick store took the place of Cox was elected mayor, and the license tax was the old frame house; W. J. Barrow also built a reduced to less than one-half in most cases. J. good house and G. G. Gill built on the site of R. Ramsey succeeded Cox the same year, and Col. Caper's store. While this fire destroyed sey- served until the election of J. Ferguson in 1868. eral buildings, the heavy snow, which followed, W. J. Reams succeeded Callahan as clerk, both crushed the Methodist honse of worship and neces- serving in 1869, when the first book of ordinances sitated restoration or rebuilding. The fire of Au

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.

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closed. gust 20, 1890, destroyed the old livery stable of In 1877 J. Ferguson was mayor, and B. D. J. T. Otts and F. N. Allen.

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Harrison, secretary. In 1878 W. J. Leslie, Dr. Early in December, 1877, Dr. Cunningham's S. Y. Webb, Dr. Meadors, John Cook, Col. J. S. house on Third Street was burned. It was the Young, George Davis, B. T. Ledbetter and Bob fifth of a row of dwellings on this street, the other Tarkinton were school directors. In 1879 Mayor four being saved by the citizens.

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Ferguson presided, with M. R. Bryan, clerk. fol. The fire of July 27, 1889, originated in the lowed in 1880 by J. A. Richardson and J. H. SimWhitter saloon, the front of which had been torn mons, mayor and clerk, respectively. In 1881 E. down to make way for the A. K. Clingman brick H. McClendon was mayor, and in 1881–82 J. R. block. The south side of the square was swept Ramsey signed the records as clerk. In April, 1882, away except T. J. Longino's brick block. The John E. Hulse was elected mayor. flames leaping across the street reduced the Hamil- In 1885 E. L. Johnson was elected mayor, and ton and W'. W. Brown buildings to ashes, but were in 1886 J. D. Ferguson.

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A. E. Welder was actarrested at the Johnston jewelry store.

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ing clerk, vice Ramsey, at the greater number of The first set of ordinances was adopted Sep- meetings up to July of the last named year. Waltember 12, 1857, and signed by W. S. Custis, ter Ward was mayor in 1887–88, while S. J. Mafmayor, and W. Crutcher, clerk. In 1856 J. M. fett succeeded J. R. Ramsey as clerk in 1888. Thomasson was mayor, succeeded in 1857 by John The officers in June, 1890, were: J. E. Hulse, W. Penpall, who in November gave place to W. S. mayor; R. W. Collier, George Gill, A. E. Wilder, Custis. In this year B. D. Harrison succeeded C. 0. Ferguson, J. T. Otts, selectmen; R. L. Crutcher as clerk. In 1858 N. J. Scott was chosen Richardson, clerk; Thomas Harris, marshal, W. F. mayor. Ordinance No. 39, adopted in June, pro Bridges, treasurer. vided that all coffee-houses be permitted to keep The Methodist Episcopal Church in Louisiana, their back doors open and sell on Sundays until may be said to date back to 1823, when eighty-nine 9 m., and from 5 to 9 o'clock P. On white and ten colored members represented the May 17 Surveyor E. B. Whitson, with Chain Car- denomination in the State. From 1829 to 1833 riers H. L. Cox and E. A. Walker, marked the William Stephenson preached throughont this secboundary lines of the town. Micajah Martin was tion. In 1827, however, a class was organized in appointed clerk in 1859, and E. L. Dyer in 1860. the Hood settlement with John Burnham, leader; In 1861 G. W. Price was mayor and James Potts, this was followed by Ashbrook's class near old clerk, followed in 1862 by F. Vaughan, mayor, and Athens, but not until after the organization of the B. D. Harrison, clerk. In 1864 A. McCranie pre- Louisiana Conference in 1846 did the people of sided

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as mayor, with M. Callahan, clerk, and in the wilderness receive the new faith. 1866 N. J. Scott was elected chief magistrate. At A society was organized at Homer, in 1849 or this time Ordinance No. 16 was adopted, tixing the 1850, within the log house which stood where is

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A.

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M.

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places.

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now Dormon's blacksmith shop. Later a house was constituted in 1812; Union Church on Dorfor worship was erected in rear of the present chette, in 1852; Pilgrims' Rest, in 1853; Cool house, and this was used until December, 1876, Springs, in 1862; Crystal Springs, in 1874, and when the big snow crushed it in. In 1877-78 the then followed the white and colored churches of house now in use was erected.

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modern times. The Cumberland Presbyterian society was or- The Homer Male College (Methodist) was inganized at Homer, and another at Shongaloo, in corporated in 1855 and in 1856 work on the buildthe fifties. The Homer Association dissolved in

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ings was begun, but for some reason the rooms stanter, but a stronger society was organized at were not opened for educational purposes until Mount Pleasant, and still another at Pleasant 1859. The presidents were Rev. Baxter Clegg, Grove, near Alexander's mill. During the war assisted by J. W. Stacy and J. B. Gutter in 1859, the building at Mount Pleasant was destroyed by followed by Rev. W. D. O'Shea in 1860, who confire. Salem, near the site of old Russellville, ul. ducted the school until 1803, when R. M. Seavey timately became the seat of Cumberlandism, with came; it was closed in 1865. In 1869 Rev. H. churches at Haynesville, Salem and four other T. Lewis, assisted by Messrs. Borden and Wills,

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| reopened the institution. Rev. J. E. Cobb was The Presbyterian Church dates back to Mr. president in 1870, with Messrs. A. C. Calhoun, J. Banks' address at Overton, in 1838, and to Allen's W. Nicholson and E. M. Corry assisting, and Rev. settlement in 1839. In 1851 the first organization F. J. Upton, collecting agent. The latter colwas effected near Athens, although a preacher and lected subscription notes aggregating over $10,school teacher of this faith resided at Homer then. 000, but their collection was quite another affair In 1852 Rev. J. F. Davidson arrived and found and even the interest on a great part was refused. one other Presbyterian here. Up to 1872 services In 1873 Rev. J. L. Bonden presided, followed by were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, but Baxter Clegg, Dr. T. B. Gordon and R. A. Smith, in that year their own building was completed. who was president when the institution was sold

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The Missionary Baptist Church dates back to under execution in 1878. Contemporary with the June 11, 1825, when a society was organized south male was the female college. of new Athens. Fourteen years after the place of The Homer Masonic Female Institute was esmeeting was fixed at the old academy at old Athens, tablished in 1839 as successor of the Homer and lost many of its members by that move. In Female College, with Prof. Wilcox in charge. 1839 the three remaining members, with others, The Masonic lodge owned the property and direorganized under the name New Hope Church.

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rected the policy of the school. Prof. Sligh and In 1820 or 1827 Black Lake society was formed Mrs. Sligh were teachers here for many years. at John Murrell's. In 1872 the name and location The Homer Masonic Male and Female College of Ebenezer Church was changed to Homer, S. dates back to 1885, when the plan of county edu Harris, being then pastor, and J. A. Millican, clerk. cation was adopted, and President Davidson placed In October, 1867, the organization ceased, but in charge. Then the Claiborne Male and Female was revived four years later by A. Harris, who was ! College and the Masonic Institute appear to have succeeded as pastor by H. Z. Ardis. From 1873 been separate institutions for a short time until the to August, 1877, the pulpit was vacant, and then consolidation of two years ago when Claiborne J. W. Melton was called as pastor. Friendship College was adopted as the title. The faculty Church was organized in 1817, at James Wise's comprised Mrs. Lawrence, M. A., and Prof. Marhouse; in 1856 the Rechabite Church near Haynes- tin, A. M., associate principal; Miss Mary Furville was organized as New Friendship out of this

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man, M. A., instructress in elocution and French; society; the old Friendship church-house was

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Miss A. M. Teskey, M. A., in the art department; burned, and the society dissolved. Gilgal Church J. W. Connell, A. M., commercial department.

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*

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*

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The brick building of olden days was restored, a 1877), and B. D. Harrison, Sec., 1874-76; J. R. new boarding hall erected and the Masonic Insti. Ramsey, W. M., 1877-90, and B. D. Harrison, tute building repaired and refitted,

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Sec., 1877-89. On the latter's death John A. The Athenian Institute and Business College Richardson was appointed temporary secretary and was presided over in 1888 by R. P. Webb, with E. subsequently elected secretary. The cause of losH. Payne, secretary; T. J. Caldwell, treasurer; ing the old charter was due entirely to the fanatW. W. Culpepper, A. H. Wilburn, A. H. Cald- ical action of a few members, when resolutions well, J. W. Hilbun, H. L. Awbrey, N. D. Smith bearing on the death of Allen Harris were conand B. P. Smith, directors. In November of that sidered. year the officers named were called upon to refute Homer Council No. 1, U. F. of T., was a strong the charges agaiust Rev. L. A. Traylor.

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organization here in 1877. The Grand Council of Taylor Lodge No. 109, A. F. & A. M., was North Louisiana was also organized here. chartered in 1851, and continued in existence until Davidson Council 444, A. L. of H. was organized 1858, when the charter was surrendered. Later, November 20, 1881, with the following members: in 1858, Homer Lodge was chartered. This lodge Drew Ferguson, commander; A. Weil, M. H. Lipwas organized U. D. with D. H. Dyer, worshipful mins, * 1888; W. W. Arbuckle,* J. R. Ramsey, master; J. M. Tilley, J. T. Brooks, J. S. Burn. | W. W. Brown, D. W. Harris, Nancy L. Harris, * ham, J. F. Leak, Secretary; G. W. Price (died in , 1883; B. D. Harrison, E. J. Harrison, G. W. 1881), E. B. Whitson and W. P. Brown, officers · Vaughan, J. E. Hulse, R. R. Hightower, J. H. M. in order of rank, and James A. Millican, J. C. Taylor, Sallie Jones, Betty Ferguson, L. J. Brown, Blackman and E. H. Fay, unofficial menubers. W. C. Price, D. P. Taylor, E. G. Hightower, The meeting of April 22, 1858, was held under P. E. Lipmins, W. P. Carter, * 1886, and G. W. charter No. 152. Master Dyer was re-elected with Day. The names marked are deceased, and to E. B. Whitson, secretary; J. M. Thomason was their representatives $10,000 was paid. J. R. chosen master for 1859, and in January the new : Ramsey has served as commander since 1882. charter of the Female Collegiate Institute was con- Lodge 27, K. of P., was instituted July 5, 1881, sidered; John S. Young, R. F. Fancher, Wiley B. with J. R. Ramsey, P. C. ; Drew Ferguson, C. C.; Gamon, J. G. and G. W. Warren, John Young, T. S. Sligb, A. E. Wilder, J. W. Holbert, J. K.

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, W. A. Carr, J. J. Brown, John Greer, S. M. Willet, M. C. Lawrence, W. Ward, James T. Otts, Brown, W. H. Maxey, S. P. Gee and other mem- | J. Floyd Key, B. A. Bridges, A. K. Clingman, Barbers of old Taylor Lodge were admitted members ney McHenry and John Brown, filling the other of the new lodge. In 1860-61 G. M. Killgore offices. The office of chancellor commander has

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' (died during the war) was master, and W. P. been filled by A. E. Wilder, F. C. Greenwood, E. Brown, secretary, until J. W. Stacy was ap- H. McClendon, G. G. Gill, J. A. Richardson, C. O. pointed. The death of E. B. Whitson is noticed Ferguson, E. R. White and A. E. Wilder, the preson February 16. A. C. Hill was master, and B. R. ent commander. The Endowment Rank was orColeman, secretary in 1862, followed in January, ganized immediately after with G. G. Gill, first 1865, by H. W. Kirkpatrick, worshipful master, president, followed by Drewry Ferguson. G. G. and W. C. Crutcher, secretary, and they, in 1866, Gill is now president, with Walter Warıl as secreby F. A. Jones, worshipful master, and A. Weil, tary. secretary. The masters and secretaries elected The Y. M. C. A. was organized June 10, 1990, since 1867 are named as follows: F. A. Jones, with C. W. Seals, president; Dr. Pollard, vice

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and B. R. Coleman, Sec., 1867; A. C. Hill. president; P. A. Tatum, secretary, and J. K. WilM., and J. R. Ramsey, Sec., 1868; F. A. Jones, let, treasurer. Lila M. Gill, Ada Mercer, Agnes M., and J. R. Ramsey, Sec., 1869-72; R. T.

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McCorkle and J. A. McCorkle were appointed a Vaughan, Sec., 1872; J. W. Todd, M. (died in committee to select books.

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M.,

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.

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The Homer National Bank was organized in In 1889 the Benevolent Asssociation of Confed November, 1889, with W. P. Otts, president; J. erate Veterans was organized, composed of former W. Holbert, vice-president; C. 0. Ferguson, cash residents of the States of Georgia, Maryland, Alaier; T. Bridgman, P. Loewenberg, J. H. Sim- bama, Mississippi and other Southern States. The mons, J. W. Holbert, J. K. Willet and Drew

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following officers were elected to serve during the Ferguson, directors.

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first year: J. T. Baker, president; P. A. Awbrey, The Interstate Building & Loan Association vice-president; J. H. Carr, recording secretary; was organized in March, 1890, with J. K. Willet, J. W. Brooks, corresponding secretary; J. F. Mcpresident; A. K. Clingman, vice president, and Farland, treasurer. R. P. Webb, secretary, treasurer and attorney. Arizona, six miles east of Homer, may be said

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The Southwestern Building & Loan Association to have been founded in 1866. Soon after the was organized in March, 1890, with A. K. Cling- war a magnificent cotton factory was erected at man, president; J. C. Willis, vice-president; R. P. this place, capable of employing a large number Webb secretary, and they with Joe Palmer, W. A. of hands. Its inconvenience to easy and rapid Walker, John P. Awbrey and J. L. Ferguson, transportation, with other trouble, caused it to formed the board of directors.

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cease operating after a few years. It is now owned The Otts House is the modern hotel of the town. by the Jobn Chaffe estate, and is motionless. Ari. The old Homer House and the old Claiborne House zona, for a number of years, was the seat of Ari. are referred to as belonging to a past age.

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The zona Seminary, a very popular and flourishing brick for the proposed Clingman hotel was burned school under the principalship of J. W. Nicholson, in 1890, by Mark Lee. The projector of this .

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now professor of mathematics in the State Unihonse established the Clingman nurseries in 1873. versity at Baton Rouge. Notwithstanding the

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Athens is an old name given to a new town on discontinuance of the factory, and the decadence the Louisiana & Northwestern Railroad. It claims of its school, Arizona has held many of its old a population of about 250, six business houses, a citizens, the Willises, Wafers, Nicholsons, Drs. Masonic hall, one saw-mill and planer, one steam Calhoun and Baker, Dutcher, Corrys, etc.

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Here gin and grist-mill, blacksmith and woodshop, a Beacon Lodge No. 220, A. F. & A. M., was hotel, three religious denominations (Baptist, Meth- chartered in 1872, and existed until 1886. Hitber odist and Presbyterian) and excellent school in the Forest Grove Methodist Episcopal Churchcharge of Prof. J. M. Davis, good depot buildings house was moved in 1886. and telegraph office, and a few modern dwelling Haynesville, formerly known as Taylor's houses.

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It is surrounded by a bealthy and pro Store, dates back to 1848, when J. C. Taylor esductive country, the soil and climate being ad tablished bis business here. Prior to that date, mirably well adapted to the raising of all the prod. 1813, Hiram Brown had located close by, also J. ucts peculiar to the country, and especially to C. Wasson and L. S. Fuller, in 1844. In 1816 the successful growth of fruits and vegetables. The Miles Buford and Samuel Boyd cast their fortunes country is well watered and timbered. Sngar cane in this settlement, and in 1819 Henry Taylor came is grown in large quantities, and the manufacture

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among them.

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Yearly the settlement increased in of molasses is practiced on an extensive scale. numbers, and farms, large and small, were opened. The farmers are also turning their attention to the In consequence of this increase in population and raising of mules and horses, principally the former. agriculture, William W. and J. L. Brown began a The first fire was that of March 2:3, 1890, which de- mercantile business next door to Taylor. Sam stroyed the Baker store, and a portion of his stock Kirkpatrick and Dr. Wroten opened a drug busiof merchandise. The old Masonic lodge, Athens No. 14., organized at the old town in 1856, is still

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The country was full of game, and deer skins in existence with beadquarters in the new town. and bear hams were staple articles of trade. But

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ness.

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ with the rush of emigration that began in 1850 settlers of this vicinity are the Watsons, Marsalises, and which continued up to 1860, new ideas came, Whites, Gandys, Fomby, Leslie and Hays, with new wants and new industries. Agriculture began others named in the list of first land buyers of the in earnest, and in a few years large farms were township. A steam saw and grist mill, a steam opened in every direction, the public lands were cotton.gin, a school. house, a commodious Methodist all entered, roads opened and prosperity was ex- meeting-house, and a number of steam cotton-gins hibited all through the region. After the war the and saw-mills in the immediate neighborhood make Greenback Dollar and the Western Protestant up the industries, no less than five or six steam were issued here.

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Other little journals were pro- whistles being in easy hearing of the village. A A jected; but the present Star of 1889–90 shows lodge of Masons, known as Tulip Lodge No. 187, signs of permanence. The Methodist Episcopal was organized in 1867, and still works under the Church at this place is one of the old classes of charter of that date. The Methodist Church is the the D'Arbonne Circuit. Haynesville Lodge 178, final development of a series of organizations that A. F. & A. M., was chartered in 1861.

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went before it. In 1847 or 1848 William McCue Summerfield, situated in the northeastern por- settled near the Dansby place, and, with the assisttion of the parish, is a thriving village of about ance of others, built a log house in which was or120 inhabitants. It was settled by W. R. Kennedy ganized a small membership. As others began to in 1868, by the erection of a wood and blacksmith move into the neighborhood, Rev. James Watson, shop, and a business house. It now has four | Josiah Watts, M. Kenebrew, William Oliver, and stores dealing in general merchandise and planta- others, in order to have the church more centrally tion supplies, several drug stores, a saw and grist located, it was taken down and moved two miles mill, and several mills in the vicinity, all run by farther south. It there took the name Walnut steam. It has four churches (Methodist Episcopal Grove. About 1855 a large frame building was Church South, Methodist Protestant, Missionary erected about half a mile east to take the place of Baptist and Primitive Baptist). Hebron Mission- the log bouse, and to it was given the name of ary Baptist Church was organized near this village Pisgab. Here it continued until 1872, when the in 1848 by R. A. Hargis and Richard Young. On class was dividedl, one section being attached to August 29, 1882, a Baptist society was reorgan- Homer and the other to Tulip, where a new house ized here by Elder Burt, the old society at Hebron was built at a cost of $1,500. being also in existence. In 1815 a Methodist Colquit is still known, the storm referred to in society was organized in the Corni Bluff vicinity, the first chapter shaking it into life. Around this which in time merged into the Summerfield so- place settled the Tignors, Grays and Wilsons, and ciety, whither house of worship was erected there. here, in 1856, Cool Spring Lodge No. 149, A. F. & In 1812 the Methodist Protestant denomination A. M., was organized, continuing work until 1881. organized in the parish, and Presbyterianism was Methodist and Baptist societies were organized organized in 1851. Summertield Lodge No. 210, there at an early day. Gordon was founded by Dr. A. F. & A. M., was chartered in 1870, and now Gordon

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years

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before he moved to Texas. It is still bears the number 88. There are twenty-three a small business center. members reported.

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Antioch P. O. was established in August, Tulip, in the southeastern part of the parish, 1889, with J. B. Williams, master.

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Forty years was an important trade center until the completion before a Baptist society was organized here, and in of the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Texas Railroad in December of that year Seaborn J. Fuller was 1884, when Arcadia, in Bien ville Parish, competed chosen pastor. It was a strong Baptist settlefor the trade of the district. Here, for many years, ment, such pioneers as the Fortsons, Lees, Haye, P. Marsalis & Sons carried on a large general Johnsons, Williams, Browns, Applewhites and store without serious opposition. Among the old Sterlings being members of the society of 1852.

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men.

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the en

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Zacheus F. Adkins is of Georgian nativity, the native of Alabama, and Martha (Hackney) Keener, year of his birth being 1816, but since he attained also of that State. To them seven children were his eighth year he bas been a resident of Louisi- born, of whom are living: Clyde, Bessie L., H. L., ana, being brought thither by his parents, Colum- Ray E. and Floyd L. Politically, at all times, bus and Ginsey (Alexander) Adkins, the former Henry L. has affiliated with the Democratic party, born in South Carolina, in 1818, and the latter in and is ever anxious to vote for capable and worthy Georgia in 1825. The paternal grandfather, Zach

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By a liberal use of the brain and brawn, eus Adkins, was in all probability born in the with which nature has bestowed him, he has be. State of Virginia, as was also the mother's father, come the owner of a plantation of 260 acres, of Hiram Alexander. Zacheus Adkins, whose name which 200 are under cultivation. He and his wife heads this sketch, was educated in the schools are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, of this parish, and at the early age of nineteen and are among the first-class and substantial resiyears he was united in the bonds of matrimony to dents of this section, for besides being liberal in Miss Mollie McKinzie, a daughter of Lacy McKin- their contribution to worthy enterprises, they are zie, and they have reared a worthy family of seven hospitable, kind and obliging. children: Ula G., Eddie E., George W., Alice M., James T. Baker is a gentleman who has rapidly Lena A., John F. and T. Abbie. Mr. Adkins has and surely made his way to the front among been engaged in the milling business since 1869, ergetic business men of this community, and has and the work which he does has been remarkably built up a large business that is constantly on the successful, the patronage which he bas attracted to increase. His birth occurred in Chambers County, this place for milling purposes being steadily on Ala., December 25, 1813, to Leroy and Mary the increase. If close application and study of the (Cook) Baker, both of whom were Georgians. wants of his customers will serve to make a per- They were married in Alabama, and there followed manent success, Mr. Adkins has most assuredly de- farming up to 1856, when they moved to Louisiserved the success which has attended his efforts.

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ana, and opened up a farm in Claiborne Parish. He has at all times endeavored to please and keep Mr. Baker enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Louisiana with other institutions of a like nature, and in this Infantry, and served as sergeant until the close of he has succeeded admirably. In addition to his the war, being killed at Spanish Fort after the mill, he owns a valuable and well-tilled plantation surrender of Gen. Lee. His widow survived bim a of 240 acres. He has always been a stanch sup- number of years, then she too passed away. J.T. porter of Democratic principles.

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Baker is the eldest of their four sons and two Henry L. Awbrey is a leading planter of Clai- daughters, and has been a resident of this parish borne Parish, La., but was born in Heard County, since his thirteenth year. In 1861 the clash of Ga., in 1818, being one of the following family of arms caused him to cast aside personal considerations children: Amelia (wife of George W. Beck of to espouse the Confederate cause, and served with Ward 5), Henry, Elizabeth (wife of F. T. Henry, the Twelfth Louisiana Lufantry until the close of of Homer, La.), John P. (a resident of this parish), the war, being regimental musician. He was in Charles C. (also residing here), and Mary (wife of the fight at Belmont, Mo., Island No. 10, Fort B. G. Taylor, of Ward 5.) The father, Philip Pillow, second Corinth, Bakers' Creek, and was in A wbrey, was a Georgian, born in 1818, a son of the Atlanta (Ga.), campaign uncler Gen. Johnston, William Awbrey, of Georgia also. The wife of afterward being with Hood at Franklin and Nash Philip Awbrey was Miss Frances Fomby. Henry ville, Tenn. His last engagement was at Benton, L. A wbrey came with bis parents to Claiborne N. C., and he afterward surrendered and was paroled Parish, La., in 1857, and here secured a common- at Greensboro, N. C. He returned to Claiborne school education. He was married in 1876, to Miss Parish, La., and engaged in milling and lumbering, Elizabeth Keener, a daughter of J. F. Keener, a continuing up to 1880, when he changed his busi

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ness and clerked in Athens for about three years. Barnes has two half sisters: Annie C., wife of W. A. At the end of this time he purchased an inter- Adkins, of Athens, and Ella Y., wife of W. R. est in a mercantile establishment, but in 1885 Kimball, of Brookston, Tex. William G. Barnes began doing business alone, remaining at Old was educated in the schools of Georgia and Arkan. Athens

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up to 1887. He then built the store build. sas, and in 1864 enlisted in the Confederate Army ing where he now is, and put in a complete stock under Capt. Tyler, serving faithfully until the war of general merchandise, and the trade which he closed. In July, 1869, he took as bis companion has succeeded in obtaining is in every respect sat- through life Miss Pamelia McDonald, of Columbia isfactory. He increases his stock of goods from County, Ark., by whom he became the father of time to time, and now has one of the most com- two boys: John W. and Crayton H. Mrs. Barnes plete general mercantile establishments in this died in February, 1875, and the following year section of the country. His marriage, which took Mr. Barnes espoused Miss Cordelia Adkins, in this place December 5, 1869, was to Miss Victoria Mar- parish, and their union has resulted in the birth of salis, a Mississippian, reared and educated in this three children: Geneva V., Voselli A. and Rena parish, and a daughter of P. Marsalis. To Mr. A. Politically Mr. Barnes is a Democrat, and from Baker and his wife five sons and four daughters 1882 until 1886 served in the capacity of justice of have been born: Leon (a clerk in his father's store), the peace. He is managing a good plantation of Reese, Enos, Claude, Terrel, Jennie, Addie, Ger 250 acres, which he owns, and in connection with trude and Carrie Bel). Mr. Baker and his wife are this has been engaged in the mercantile business members of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1887, and now has a well-stocked drug store. South, and he belongs to the Masonic order, and His wife is an earnest Christian lady, and is a memis junior deacon of his lodge. He is postmaster of

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He is postmaster of ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Athens, having served since 1882.

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John K. Barrow, merchant and farmer, Homer, William G. Barnes, like a number of the resi- La. Mr. Barrow is only another of the many dents of Athens, La., is a merchant and planter, prominent citizens of Claiborne Parish, La., who and has met with fair success in both enterprises. owe their nativity to Alabama. He was born in His birth occurred in Heard County, Ga., in 1847, Chambers County on March 18, 18:18, but grew to he being the elder of two children born to his manhood in Claiborne Parish, whither he had parents, the other child being Mary E., wife of J. moved with his parents in 1857. He received a W. Cobb, of Athens. John W. Barnes, their common-school education and then flung aside his father, was born in Georgia, about 1821, and was books to enter the army, serving about four months there married to Miss Elizabeth Brown, whose in the latter part of the war.

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He then went on a birth occurred in that State in 1828. The father farm with his father and took charge of the same resided in his native State until his death, which until the death of the latter. He remained on the occurred in 1849, after which his widow married farm until after the death of the mother, and was Rev. H. H. Phillips, a prominent minister of the married here in October, 1879, to Miss Sallie W. Missionary Baptist Church. The paternal grand- Barnett, a native of Louisiana, Claiborne Parish, father of the subject of this sketch was William and the daughter of William Barnett. After this Barnes, a native of South Carolina, who was one union Mr. Barrow and family remained on the of the earliest settlers of Western Georgia, and his homestead up to 1888, when they moved to their maternal grandfather was Ezekiel Brown, whose present property. He still owns the old homestead wife was Charlotte Barnhill. The family removed and has abont 1,700 acres in both farms, 700 acres from Georgia to Columbia County, Ark., in 1861, improved. He has excellent buildings and good and in 1869 located in Claiborne Parish, La.,

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where orchards on both places. He built a store and emMr. Phillips died in July, 1975, having been a min- barked in merchandising in the fall of 1889, and ister of the gospel for about thirty-five years.

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Mr. carries a stock of dry goods, groceries, etc. He has a good trade and is a successful business man. a section of land with 200 acres under cultivation, Located near his store he has a steam saw-mill and he was immensely wealthy prior to that time. gin. To his marriage have been born three living Upon the bursting of the war cloud, which had children: Aubyin W., Ida M. and John G. They threatened the country for some time, he espoused lost two children in infancy. Mrs. Barrow is a the Confederate cause, and became a member of a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In company called the Moore Fencibles in April, height Mr. Barrow is six feet, four and a half 1861, and was a participant in the first battle of inches. He was the youngest son of nine daugh- Manassas Junction. He then served on detached ters and four sons, three sons and seven daughters service west of the Mississippi River until the close now living, born to the union of Josiah and Louisi

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of the war.

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He was a member of the old Whig ana (Bass) Barrow, both natives of Georgia. The party until its dissolution, then becoming a Demoparents were married in that State and removed crat, with which party he has at all times affiliated, from there to Alabama, thence to Louisiana in . being very active and successful in its support, but 1857, and located in Claiborne Parish, near where ' has held aloof from office, although positions have our subject now resides,

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The father opened a been frequently tendered him. He is strictly tem large farm and remained here until his death in perate in all his habits, and is a strong advocate of 1871. He served in one of the old Indian wars. prohibition. Socially be belongs to the A. F. & His widow died in 1877.

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A. M., and he and wife are consistent members of Alfred Blackman. A worthy history of Clai the Methodist Episcopal Church, having been so

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, borne Parish, La., could not be given without from childhood. His wife was born near Selma, mentioning the name of Mr. Blackman, as, for Ala., to Daniel H. and Emily (Goodwin) Norwood, the past forty years, he has been a prominent resi- natives, respectively, of North Carolina and Aladent of this section of the country. During this bama, she being one of their twelve children, of long period his good name has remained untar

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whom only three are now living; ber sisters, Mrs. nished, and he has well and faithfully performed Browning and Mrs. White, being residents of Nor every duty which has fallen to his lot.

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walk, Fla. Mr. Blackman inherits Welsh and born in Lancaster District, S. C., in 1823, but in Irish blood of his ancestors, who came to the 1830 was taken to Georgia by bis parents, and in United States at a very early day, settling in Vir Harris County, of that State, he attained manhood ginia. He was the youngest in a family of six and acquired a practical education. In 1818 he children, all of whom grew to maturity. a

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His was elected to the position of sheriff of that county, parents were born in Virginia and North Carolina and was a faithful servant of the people until his in 1782 and 1787, respectively. The following are removal to Claiborne Parish, La., in 1850. In El the names of his brothers, the only ones of the Dorado County, Ark., he was married in 1854 to family whom the subject of this sketch can re. Miss Margaret K., a daughter of Daniel Norwood, member: Jonathan, Joseph, Nathaniel and John. an eminent divine of the Methodist Episcopal 'Members of this family served in the Revolution Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Blackman a family of ary War, John holding the rank of colonel under

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. six children were born- five sons and one daughter: Francis Marion. James W., Edward W., John L. (a resident of

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William D. Bonner, merchant, Homer, La. Nevada, Tex.), Henry M. (married and a resident Mr. Bonner, a native of Louisiana. was born in of Fort Worth, Tex. ), Iola (wife of John M. Brown, Bossier Parish on August 21, 1858, and is a son of of Homer, La.), and Alfred H. (who is now a stu- William S. Bonner, who was born in Morgan Pardent in the medical deparment of the Vanderbilt ish, Ga. The father was reared in his native parUniversity of Nashville, Tenn.). Mr. Blackman, i ish, and was married there to Miss Mary E. Darat the opening of the war, was the owner of sixty | den, also a native of Georgia. They removed to slaves, and although he is now the owner of about Louisiana in 1859, located in Bossier Parish, and

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He was

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а

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1

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here the father tilled the soil for one year.

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From Roberston, of Ashley County, Ark.). William B. there they moved to Claiborne Parish, located in Boykin was born in North Carolina in 1803, and Ward No. 4, and there bought an improved was the only son in a family of eight children born farm, where they still reside. The father was a to John W. Boykin, who was also probably born soldier in the Confederate Army from the begin- in the Old North State, being an active participant ning to the end of hostilities. He is a prominent in the War of 1812. Mr. Boykin's wife was born member of the Baptist Church. Of the six chil. in North Carolina in 1813, and was one in a family dren born to this union -- three sons and three of eight children. The subject of this sketch came daughters-three sons and two daughters are now to Claiborne Parish, La., with his parents in 1819, living, and all but one are mrrried. William D. and took up his abode at Homer. Here in 1862 Bonner passed his boyhood and youth on the farm he enlisted in the Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infanin Claiborne Parish, and received a fair education try, Company D, and served until 1863, when he in the country schools. When nineteen years of was wounded at the battle of Pleasant Hill, his age he left home, engaged in clerking in Homer right jaw being broken, the bullet that so disabled for a number of years, and in the fall of 1888 he him passing through his neck. He then returned embarked in mercantile pursuits for himself. Mr. home, and, although he had been reared as Bonner carries a large stock of general mereban- planter, he turned his attention to merchandising, dise, including dry goods, clothing, groceries, opening a store in partnership with a Mr. Cooksey glass and queensware, furniture, etc., and has (deceased) in 1865. He has followed this calling built up a good trade. He is a gentleman highly ever since, with the exception of a short time in esteemed for his many intrinsic qualities, is a first-? 1878, when he sold out, but in 1880 he re estab. class business man, and is frequently compliment lished bimself in business, opening at his present ed on the neat and tasty arrangement of his store stand, and by excellent business ability and fore. and stock. Mr. Bonner was married in Webster 'sight he has a large and constantly increasing Parish, La., on November 8, 1878, to Miss Esther patronage.

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. In the year 1858 he was united in Garland, a native of Louisiana, born in Webster ' marriage to Miss Jeanette Cooksey, a daughter of Parish, where she was reared and educated, and Robert Cooksey, by whom be became the father of the daughter of Wash. Garland. Mr. and Mrs. four children, only one now living, Lillias F. He Bonner bave one son, Willet M., who is but one was called upon to mourn the death of his wife in

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Both are members of the Methodist December, 1860, and in December, 1870, he es. Episcopal Church Sonth.

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poused Miss Martha Tomlinson, by whom he has Allen B. Boykin. As a man of business Mr. three children: Allen T., Kate W. and John W. Boykin's name and fame is coextensive with Clai- Mr. Boykin has at all times been identified with the borne Parish and the surrounding country. Almost Democratie party, and has taken a moderately actevery step of his career has been illustrated with ive part in the political issues of the State. He acts of liberality and kindness, and in every inter- bas always bitterly opposed the lottery system est of his section he has taken an active part, and

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which has cursed Louisiana for so many years, and has done all that man could to aid in a higher de- has warmly expressed his views on other important velopment. He is a native of Greene County, Ala., questions of the day. He has shown his approval his birth occurring in 1831, he being the eldest of of secret organizations by joining the A. F. & A. M., five children born to William B. and Willie (Rich- and in his religious views is a member of the Misardson) Boykin. The names of their children are sionary Baptist Church, while his wife is a Preshyhere given: Allen B., Penelope R. (wife of John terian. Cook, of Moody, Tex.), Mary J. (wife of W. P. Perry D. Braselton. One of the neatest and Otts, of Homer, La.), John W. (who is now a resi- best kept plantations in the parish is that owned dent of Richland Parish, La.) and Sarah E. (Mrs. and operated by Mr. Braselton, which contains

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year old.

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1

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has a good trade and is a successful business man. a section of land with 200 acres under cultivation, Located near his store he has a steam saw-mill and he was immensely wealthy prior to that time. gin. To his marriage have been born three living Upon tbe bursting of the war cloud, which bad children: Aubyin W., Ida M. and John G. They threatened the country for some time, he espoused lost two children in infancy. Mrs. Barrow is a the Confederate cause, and became a member of a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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In

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company called the Moore Fencibles in April, height Mr. Barrow is six feet, four and a half 1861, and was a participant in the first battle of inches. He was the youngest son of nine daugh- Manassas Junction. He then served on detached ters and four sons, three sons and seven daughters' service west of the Mississippi River until the close now living, born to the union of Josiah and Louisi

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of the war.

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He was a member of the old Whig ana (Bass) Barrow, both natives of Georgia. The party until its dissolution, then becoming a Demoparents were married in that State and removed crat, with which party he has at all times affiliated, from there to Alabama, thence to Louisiana in being very active and successful in its support, but 1857, and located in Claiborne Parish, near where has beld alouf from office, although positions have our subject now resides. The father opened a been frequently tendered him. He is strictly temlarge farm and remained here until his death in perate in all his habits, and is a strong advocate of 1871. He served in one of the old Indian wars. prohibition. Socially he belongs to the A. F. & His widow died in 1877.

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A. M., and he and wife are consistent members of Alfred Blackman. A worthy bistory of Clai- the Methodist Episcopal Church, having been so borne Parish, La., could not be given without from childhood. His wife was born near Selma, mentioning the name of Mr. Blackman, as, for Ala., to Daniel H. and Emily (Goodwin) Norwood, the past forty years, he has been a prominent resi natives, respectively, of North Carolina and Aladent of this section of the country. During this bama, she being one of their twelve children, of long period bis good name has remained untar. | whom only three are now living; her sisters, Mrs. nished, and he has well and faithfully performed Browning and Mrs. White, being residents of Nor every duty which has fallen to his lot.

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walk, Fla. Mr. Blackman inherits Welsh and born in Lancaster District, S. C., in 1823, but in Irish blood of his ancestors, who came to the 1830 was taken to Georgia by bis parents, and in United States at a very early day, settling in Vir Harris County, of that State, he attained manhood ginia. He was the youngest in a family of six and acquired a practical education. Iu 1818 he children, all of whom grew to maturity.

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His was elected to the position of sheriff of that county, parents were born in Virginia and North Carolina and was a faithful servant of the people until his ' in 1782 and 1787, respectively. The following are removal to Claiborne Parish, La., in 1850. In E the names of his brothers, the only ones of the Dorado County, Ark., he was married in 1854 to family whom the subject of this sketch can Miss Margaret K., a daughter of Daniel Norwood,

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member: Jonathan, Joseph, Nathaniel and John. an eminent divine of the Methodist Episcopal Members of this family served in the RevolutionChurch. To Mr. and Mrs. Blackman a family of ary War, John holding the rank of colonel under six children were born five sons and one daughter: Francis Marion. James W., Edward W., John L. (a resident of

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1

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William D. Bonner, merchant, Homer, La. Nevada, Tex.), Henry M. (married and a resident Mr. Bouner, a native of Louisiana, was born in of Fort Worth, Tex. ), Iola (wife of John M. Brown, Bossier Parish on August 21, 1858, and is a son of of Homer, La.), and Alfred H. (who is now a stu- William S. Bonner, who was born in Morgan Pardent in the medical deparment of the Vanderbilt ish, Ga. The father was reared in his native parUniversity of Nashville, Tenn.). Mr. Blackman, ish, and was married there to Miss Mary E. Darat the opening of the war, was the owner of sixty 1 den, also a native of Georgia. They removed to slaves, and although he is now the owner of about Louisiana in 1859, located in Bossier Parish, and

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He was

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re

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here the father tilled the soil for one year. From Roberston, of Ashley County, Ark.). William B. there they moved to Claiborne Parish, located in Boykin was born in North Carolina in 1803, and Ward No. 4, and there bought an improved was the only son in a family of eight children born farm, where they still reside. The father was a to John W. Boykin, who was also probably born soldier in the Confederate Army from the begin- in the Old North State, being an active participant ning to the end of hostilities. He is a prominent in the War of 1812. Mr. Boykin's wife was born member of the Baptist Church. Of the six chil- in North Carolina in 1813, and was one in a family dren born to this union three sons and three of eight children. The subject of this sketch came daughters--three sons and two daughters are now to Claiborne Parish, La., with his parents in 1849, living, and all but one are mrrried. William D. and took up his abode at Homer. Here in 1862 Bonner passed his boyhood and youth on the farm he enlisted in the Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infanin Claiborne Parish, and received a fair education try, Company D, and served until 1863, when he in the country schools. When nineteen years of was wounded at the battle of Pleasant Hill, his age he left home, engaged in clerking in Homer right jaw being broken, the bullet that so disabled for a number of years, and in the fall of 1888 he him passing through his neck. He then returned embarked in mercantile pursuits for himself. Mr. home, and, although he had been reared as a Bonner carries a large stock of general merchan- planter, he turned his attention to merchandising, dise, including dry goods, clothing. groceries, opening a store in partnership with a Mr. Cooksey

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a glass and queensware, furniture, etc., and has (deceased) in 1865. He has followed this calling built up a good trade.

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He is a gentleman highly ever since, with the exception of a short time in esteemed for bis many intrinsic qualities, is a first- 1878, when he sold out, but in 1880 he re estab. class business man, and is frequently compliment

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lished bimself in business, opening at his present ed on the neat and tasty arrangement of his store stand, and by excellent business ability and fore. and stock. Mr. Bonner was married in Webster sight he has a large and constantly increasing Parish, La., on November 8, 1878, to Miss Esther patronage. In the year 1858 he was united in Garland, a native of Louisiana, born in Webster marriage to Miss Jeanette Cooksey, a daughter of Parish, where she was reared and educated, and Robert Cooksey, by whom be became the father of the daughter of Wash. Garland. Mr. and Mrs. | four children, only one now living, Lillias F. He Bonner have one son, Willet M., who is but one was called upon to mourn the death of his wife in

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Both are members of the Methodist December, 1860, and in December, 1870, he esEpiscopal Church South.

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poused Miss Martha Tomlinson, by whom he has Allen B. Boykin. As a man of business Mr. three children: Allen T., Kate W. and John W. Boykin's name and fame is coextensive with Clai- Mr. Boykin has at all times been identified with the borne Parish and the surrounding country. Almost Democratie party, and has taken a moderately actevery step of his career has been illustrated with ive part in the political issues of the State. He acts of liberality and kindness, and in every inter- has always bitterly opposed the lottery system est of his section he has taken an active part, and

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which has cursed Louisiana for so many years, and has done all that man could to aid in a higher e- has warmly expressed his views on other important velopment. He is a native of Greene County, Ala., questions of the day.

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questions of the day. He has shown his approval his birth occurring in 1831, he being the eldest of of secret organizations by joining the A. F. & A. M., five children born to William B. and Willie (Rich- and in his religious views is a member of the Misardson) Boykin. The names of their children are sionary Baptist Church, while his wife is a Presby. here given: Allen B., Penelope R. (wife of John terian. Cook, of Moody, Tex.), Mary J. (wife of W. P. Perry D. Braselton. One of the neatest and Otts, of Homer, La.), John W. (who is now a resi- best kept plantations in the parish is that owned dent of Richland Parish, La.) and Sarah E. (Mrs. and operated by Mr. Braselton, which contains

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year old.

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a

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a

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about 280 acres, and although it is not as large as Thomas W. Brooks is a merchant of Old Athens, some, 150 acres are under cultivation, and yield a La., and a short time since was so fortunate as to larger annual income than many larger places. secure the agency of the celebrated Ames Engines He was born in Jackson County, Ga., June 2, and Boilers, Eagle Gins, Boss Press, Brennan & 1827, to Jacob and Mary (Bryson) Braselton, natives' Co.'s saw.mills, Bradford corn-mills, Jones' Scales, of North Carolina and South Carolina respectively. Perkins' shingle machinery, wood-working maThe former was reared in the Palmetto State, chinery, cane-mills and evaporators. He also deals and after his marriage there he removed to Georgia in the Melchior gin saw cleaners, which are warabout 1809, being one of the first settlers of Jack- ranted to gin wet cotton in any condition, together son County. Being the owner of a number of with a full line of machinery, saws, shafting, pulslaves, he opened up a valuable plantation, and on leys, belting, etc. Polite and prompt attention is this property reared a large family. For forty given to all customers, and all goods are sold at years a doctor never entered his doors in his pro- reasonable rates. Mr. Brooks was born in Talfessional capacity, but at last Mr. Braselton suc- bot County, Ga., February 16, 1846, to Allen cumbed to the destroyer-death-and passed from Brooks, a native of Georgia, who was married life about 1819, having been a worthy member of there to Miss Maria Bullock. Mr. Brooks was a the Baptist Church for many years. His worthy farmer of his native State until his death, which widow survived him for four years, then she, too, occurred about 1855, after having served in one of passed from life. Their family consisted of six the early Indian wars. Thomas W. Brooks was sons and three daughters, of whom the subject of reared in Talbot and Stewart Counties, and after this sketch was next to the youngest, he being the the death of his father, moved to town with his only survivor of the sons. His youth and early mother, where he received a thorough English edumanhood were spent in Jackson County, Ga., and cation, which has thoroughly fitted him for the there he received ordinary school advantages. In practical life he has led. In 1861 he came to Louisi1847 he removed to Floyd County, of the same ana, and from the parish of Claiborne enlisted State, and there continued to make his home until in the Fourth Louisiana Cavalry, Company F, in 1869, opening up a farm with his brother, but for 1863, serving until the close of the war and parhis father. He first hired a substitute for the ticipating in some smart skirmishes. He then reConfederate Army, but in 1863 became a member turned here and after following farming until 1867, of the Floyd Legion of State Troops, with which he began blacksmithing and repairing, following he served until the close of the war, being in some this calling up to 1889, at Old Athens. In Oclight skirmishes. After the war he went back to tober of that year he opened his present estab. his farm, but in 1869 sold out and removed to lishment and carries a very complete line of shelf Louisiana, locating on the farm on which he is and heavy groceries besides the stock of goods now living in Claiborne Parish. On his property above mentioned, and is doing a good business as are erected good buildings, his residence being . be fully deserves to do. He was married here on beautifully and healthfully located. Wbile a resi. February 28, 1866, to Miss Victoria Bridges, who dent of Floyd County, Ga. be was married to was born and reared in Georgia, a daughter B. N. America E. Camp in 1819), she being a native of Bridges, and by her he is the father of seven chilthat county and a daughter of Harrison Camp. dren: Ida (wife of E. E. Monzingo), Barney, Zadie Mr. and Mrs. Braselton have seven children living: ( wife of W. F. Fincher), Elma, Virgil V., Judge Oscar F., Mattie (wife of William Nelson), Josie, Shepherd and Prentiss. Mr. Brooks was elected Harrison, Judson V., Raymond and Brown.

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Ola

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to the position of justice of the peace in April, died in 1874 at the age of seven years, The 1887, a position he held four years; socially is a mother of these children is a worthy member of the member of the A. F. & A. M. , and he and his wife Methodist Episcopal Church South.

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1

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are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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care

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Samuel F. Brown has been identified with the 1877, she leaving him with three little children to progress and development of Claiborne Parish, for: Arthur L., Annie W. and Nettie M. La., for many years and is especially well known His second marriage was to Miss Mollie 0. Thomathroughout this region as a dealer in general mer- son, by whom he has two children: James L. and chandise at Haynesville, where he was born in Ruth Garnet. Mr. Brown has always been a 1835, being one of tifteen children, all of whom Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the grew to maturity, with the exception of one. His Methodist Episcopal Church South. brothers and sisters are as follows: Mary A. (wife John F. Brownfield is a tiller of the soil who of William De Moss, of Bossier Parish), William enjoys the reputation of being progressive and inW. (who resides in Homer, La.), Jackson J. (who telligent in his views, and well posted on all public died in Cleburne, Tex., leaving a family), Abra- matters. He was born on the farin on which he is ham N. (a resident and planter of Haynesville, now residing July 1, 1855, being a son of John M. La.), John L. (also a planter of this parish), and Sarah E. (Simontor) Brownfield, and grandson Elizabeth (wife of W. R. Fortson, of Antioch, of John Brownfield and Felix Simontor. The parLa.), Thomas M. (a planter of Ward 3), Julia A. ents of John F. were born in Georgia, and there the (of Dallas, Tex.), George W. (who died in Mon- father grew to manhood, going afterward to Alaroe, La., during the war), Isaac N. (a furniture bama, where he was married, his wife having been dealer of Arcadia, La.), Andrew J. (who died when reared in that State. After farming in that State for a lad), Charles H. (a resident of Homer, La.), some six years, he, in 1854, came to Louisiana and Henry C. (named by Henry Clay, himself, resides purchased the farm in Claiborne Parish, on which on the old home place in Ward 7 of this parish), the immediate subject of this sketch is now resid and Sarah F. (wife of Joseph E. Barrow, of Okla- ing He cleared and improved this plantation, and homa). The father, Nathaniel Brown, was born prior to the war was the owner of a number of in Tennessee in 1804 and was a son of Leonard | valuable slaves.

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a soldier of the ConBrown, probably a native of Virginia, the latter : federate Army during the Rebellion, serving from being a participant in the Black Hawk War. Na 1863 until the close of hostilities, and while in the thaniel came to Claiborne Parish, La., in 18333, service showed the pluck, endurance and determinafrom Tennessee, and located six miles south of tion of his Scotch ancestors. He was a prominent Haynesville, where he made a farm on which member of the Presbyterian Church, and died in he resided until 1840, at which time be located September, 1865. His father was a North Carofive miles north of Homer, where he improved a linian. His widow survives him at this writing, is plantation of about 900 acres. He aided in the sixty three years of age, but is yet hale and hearty. founding of Homer, and here reared his family John F. Brownfield is the second of four sons and and gave them the advantages of the common three daughters, three sons and one daughter now schools. He has been a member of the Christian living. The eldest son, Henry C., being a man of Church since 1830, his wife being also a member, superior mental endowments, was president of her death occurring in 1882 at the age of seventy Homer College, but was taken sick and died while one years. Her maiden

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Elizabeth filling that position. By profession he was a civil Weakes and she was born in Indiana. At the age engineer. John F. Brownfield attended the vil

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. of twenty-one years Samuel F. Brown began life as lage school, and at the age of seventeen years was a planter, a calling he followed two years, at left in charge of the home farm, and has continued which time he lost his right hand and since 1865 its manager ever since, being now its owner. has given his attention successfully to merchan- ! About 200 acres of land are open, and 100 are dising in Haynesville. In 1873 his marriage with under cultivation. He is one of the best and Miss Nettie Thomason, of Arizona, was celebrated, i thriftiest planters in his ward, and has always been but he was called upon to mourn her death in interested in politics, serving as a delegate to State

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He was

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name

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was

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as

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and parish conventions on different occasions. He a family of physicians, descendants of whom are is a member of the Baptist Church, belongs to the scattered all over the Union. Dr. James S. Bush Farmers' Alliance, and has been president one year came to Louisiana at a very early date and settled in his local order.

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about twenty one miles east of Homer, removing William 0. Bullock, a well-known citizen of about twenty-five years later to Trenton, where he this section of the country, was born in Franklin died about 1868. The lady who became his wife County, Ga., September 22, 1805, being a son of was Miss Margaret S. Neyland, a native of MissisWilliam and Spicy (Bowman) Bullock, the former sippi and a lady of unusual refinement and intelliof whom was born in Virginia in 17733. He lo- gence.

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She died in 1868 at the age of forty-seven cated in South Carolina early in life, but at a later years. Dr. A. R. Bush received his early educaperiod moved to Georgia, where he married, and tion in the schools of his native parish, afterward soon after moved to Pike County, Miss., in which taking two courses of lectures in the medical pro. place he reared his family. In the State of Mis- fession at Cincinnati, and graduating from the sissippi William 0. Bullock grew to maturity, and College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore. there he was married in 1829 to Miss Sarah, He practiced medicine at Gordon for some time, daughter of Samuel Aikin. Although

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Although quite a and in 1988 located at Homer, which has since large family was born to them, only four of their been his home. Miss Georgia A., daughter of children are now living: Zemariah, Miranda, Percy Jesse C. Madden, became his wife in 1884, and to and Monroe. Beyond a doubt Mr. Bullock is the their union three children have been born: Jesse oldest living early settler in Claiborne Parish, for M. P., Aylmer and Dayton H. The last two he located where he now resides in 1834, his land named are twins. being then heavily covered with pine trees. His Thomas J. Caldwell is a merchant and planter, estate comprises nearly one section of land and residing in Ward 5, Claiborne Parish, La., but his about 200 acres are under cultivation.

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He is a

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native birthplace is Conecuh County, Ala., where he strong Democrat, his first vote being cast in 1826, first saw the light of day in 1835. His parents are and since that time he has never failed to vote in Andrew and Elizabeth (McNeel) Caldwell, the birth a presidential election. His good wife died in of the former occurring in Jones County, Ga., in 1862, and he has remained faithful to her memory 1803. His father was James Caldwell, probably a ever since.

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He joined the Methodist Episcopal Georgian, and his grandfather was Andrew CaldChurch at the age of fourteen years, and from that well, who was born in Ireland, and came to America time until the present he has been a conscientious! at an early day. Andrew Caldwell, the father of member, doing all he could to advance the cause of Thomas J., was in the war with the Creek Indians, the Master. Socially he is a member of the A. F. in 1835. He and his wife became the parents of & A. M., having joined that order about 1870. the following family: James (now a resident of He deservedly bears the reputation of an honest Central Arkansas, near Camden), William (of Bienman, the noblest work of God, and has always ville Parish, La.), Mary (wife of Z. Tilly, of Bienbeen progressive in his views, and thoroughly in- ville Parish), Andrew (died in infancy), Thomas J., telligent and well posted on all public matters. Columbus C. (now a resident of Claiborne Parish),

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Dr. A. R. Bush is a native of the same parish George (died in infancy), Elizabeth (wife of George in which he now resides, his birth occurring in the Crowley, of Bienville Parish), Lucinda (lived with

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There were only three children in his Thomas J., died October 28, 1890), John D. (who parents' family: James E. (who was killed in our resides near Liberty Hill, Bienville Parish, La.), great Civil War), Aylmer (now a resident of Sum- Alec H. (a resident of Ward 5, of Claiborne Parmertield, La.), and the immediate subject of this ish), and Andrew J. (who died in Arcadia, in 1886). notice.

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The father, Dr. James S. Bush, was born Thomas J. Caldwell remained in the State of Alain the State of New York about 1811, and came of bama until he was sixteen years of age, then came

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year 18.52.

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to Louisiana with his parents, but his early edu- ish, a daughter of Thomas Leatherman, one of the cation was obtained in the former State. Upon

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Upon pioneers of this section, now a man of seventy the opening of the Rebellion he enlisted in Com- years of age. After his marriage Mr. Caldwell pany E, of the Twenty-seventh Louisiana Infantry, rented land for a few years, then purchased an under Capt. R. W. Campbell, and the first engage- eighty-acre tract of raw land, which he comment in which he took part was at Vicksburg. He menced to improve, but soon sold, then buying served tbree years, at the end of which time he re- the plantation on which he is now residing. Alturned home, without having received a wound. though the most of the land was unopened, he set The year following the close of the war he was to work at once to improve it, and now has one of united in marriage to Miss Louisa J. Leatherman, the finest plantations, for its size, in the parish. a daughter of Thomas Leatherman, and unto them Of the 320 acres which he owns, he has 125 acres a family of ten children has been born, six of under cultivation, on which is a comfortable resi. whom are living: Tucker W. (died at the age of dence and other good buildings. As an illustrafourteen years), Louella (died when three years of tion of Mr. Caldwell's ability as a financier it may age), Thomas J., James E., Elmore, Edna (died be stated that he began life with no means, but is at the age of three years), Maggie L., Bee, Nina now in good circumstances. He and his most and Lizzie M. Mr. Caldwell comes of a line of worthy wife are members of the Missionary BapWhigs, but is, himself, an active advocate of De- tist Church, and are parents of five children: mocracy. He and his wife are members of the Mis. Floyd K., Alexander C., Alpha P., Willie Couret sionary Baptist Church, and are substantial and i and Howard P. honored residents of the locality in which they are David A. J. Carathers. In the State of Ala. residing. Mr. Caldwell does a general merchandis- bama, in 1836, there was born to Jonathan and ing business, at Old Athens, besides managing his L. (Goodwin) Carathers, a son, the subject of this plantation, which consists of about 1,800 acres, of sketch, being one of a family of four children. which some 500 acres are under cultivation, excel- Both parents were born in Tennessee, but after lently adapted to raising all the products of the residing in Alabama for some time, they, in 1845, South, there being about 100 bales of cotton raised came to Camden, Ark., and three years later to annually.

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Claiborne Parish, La. In 1861 they went to the Alexander H. Caldwell is an industrious, en- Lone Star State, and in Tarrant County the terprising planter of Claiborne Parish, and as he father died in 1873, at the age of seventy-two has at all times endeavored to make life a success, years. He was the fourth in a family of twelve he commands the respect of every worthy citizen. children, the father of whom, Jonathan Carathers, His birth occurred in Choctaw County, Ala., was born in the Emerald Isle, and be and three April 20, 1847, to Andrew Caldwell, a brother of brothers came to America, and during the RevoThomas Caldwell, whose sketch appears in this lutionary War served in a company under Gen. history.

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Alexander H. Caldwell came to this Washington, coming safely through that struggle, State with his parents in 1851, and in the parish and afterward settling in Tennessee, In Claiof Bienville he grew to manhood and obtained a borne Parish, La., David A. J. Carathers enlisted common school education. He remained with his in Company K, in 1861, but at Huntsville, Ala., father until he was twenty-seven years

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of age,

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he was captured, with the most of his company, and in 1874 removed to Claiborne Parish, and i but he succeeded in making his escape, and afterengaged in farming in Ward 5, being first asso ward rejoined the Confederate Army, this time ciated in this work with a brother. In this par. , enlisting in Company F, Ninth Louisiana Infantry, ish he was married on March 2, 1879, the maiden and served the canse he espoused faithfully and name of his wife being Mattie Leatherman, who

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well until the close of the war. He was wounded was born, reared and educated in Claiborne Par. ' in the battles of Sharpsburg, Winchester, and at

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1

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1

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They

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Rappaharnock Station, being captured at the last in May, 1886, and both are members of the Misnamed place and sent to Washington City. Mr. sionary Baptist Church. He has always been a Carathers was one of the few Confederate soldiers Democrat. who saw the Goddess of Liberty raised. Upon the Jasper J. Chandler. By close attention to the termination of the war he immediately returned to business affairs of life, and by earnest and per-1 Lisbon, and this place has since been his home. sistent endeavor, coupled with strict integrity, Mr. His marriage to Miss Sarah E. McCasland took Chandler has become a well-tu do planter of Claiplace in 1869, and has resulted in the birth of borne Parish, La. He began life for himself with

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. eight children: Lee J., J. Clay, Benjamin F., no capital whatever, with the exception of a pair Minnie, Julia, Mack, J. David and Laura.

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of ponies, but is now in independent circumstances, are both members of the Missionary Baptist and upon his valuable and well-improved plantaChurch, and socially he belongs to the A. F. & tion of 520 acres, he has just completed the erecA. M. and the I. 0. O. F. He has always been tion of a fine steam cotton-gin. He was born in an ardent Democrat, and has served as bailiff Calhoun County, Ala., in 1851, being the fourth in from 1867 to 1872, and has also been justice of a family of ten children, their names being as folthe peace from that time up to the present. Mr. lows: Newton (now a resident of Lincoln Parish, Carathers is quite well fixed, financially, and be. La.), Frances (wife of M. Baxter, also of Lincoln sides owning a nice residence and seventeen acres Parish), Reuben (who died at the age of eighteen of town property he has a good plantation of 400 years), Jasper J. (the subject of this biography), acres.

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Sarah (wife of Joel Clay, of Lincoln Parish), Polly Charles 0. Cargile, M. D., is a physician of (widow of John Stewart), Susanna (wife of J. Mofmore than ordinary ability, and at an early age fett, of Winn Parish, La.), Maria (wife of J. Hamdisplayed an eagerness for study and a desire for mick), and Venola (wife of Dr. Tarqnin), the last a professional life. He was born in Chambers two being residents of Lincoln Parish. The father County, Ala., in October, 1861, being the eldest and mother of this family were Stephen and Nancy of seven children born to Charles J. and Ellen A. (Warren) Chandler, both of whom were Georgians. (Barrow) Cargile, both of whom were Georgians. Jasper J. Chandler came to Louisiana with his Their children are: Charles (., Jimmie W. (wife

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parents when but nine years of age, and located in of Sim. Smith, of Shiloh, La.), Ida A., John A. Lincoln Parish, where he attained manhood, and (deceased), Era R., Joel J. and William T. The where, in 1872, he was married to Miss Maggie father was born in Georgia, in 1838, and was the Bailey, a daughter of G. Bailey. Of a family of eldest in a family of six children.

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His parents five children born to them, four are now living. were natives of North Carolina. The immediate Politically Mr. Chandler has always voted the subject of this sketch was brought to Claiborne | Democratic ticket, thus standing firmly by the prin Parish by his parents in 1867, and here he has / ciples he has always believed in. since resided, his early literary education being Richard H. Cleveland, planter, Homer, La. received in Summertield and Shiloh. In 1883 he This prominent and much esteemed citizen was entered the old Atlanta (Ga.) Medical College, originally from Franklin County, Ga., his birth from which place be graduated in 1886, his atten- occurring on June 28, 1823, and was fourth in a tion since that time being devoted exclusively and family of nine children, who are named as follows: sticcessfully to the practice of his profession. He Araminta (became the wife of George Garner, of also managed a plantation of about 200 acres, and Franklin County, Ga., but is now deceased),

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,

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, although he is still a young practitioner, he has James M. (resides in Stewart County, Ga.), Willshown much skill in the treatment of his cases, and iam (died in infaney), Martha (became the wife of fully deserves the large practice which he com- C. Allen, of Georgia), Louisa (married Jack Willmands. He was married to Miss Artie M. Mason, / iaus, of Georgia), Oliver C. (resides in Stewart

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County, Ga.), Benjamin F. (was killed in the bat- which he is now the owner has been obtained by tle of Richmond during the war), John G. (was sup- his own unaided efforts he deserves the greatest posed to have been slain in the Mountain Meadow credit for his stability, perseverance and energy. massacre), and Harriet (became the wife of Thom- He is at the present time constructing a hotel at as Johnson, of Stewart County, Ga., but is now Homer, which is to be 60x130 feet, two stories in deceased). The father of these children, Benja- ; height, and built of brick with an iron front. It min Cleveland, was born in Franklin County, Ga., will be admirably fitted up, and every convenience about 1788, and was a son of John Cleveland, who which the traveling public can desire will be at their was a native of Virginia. The mother, whose disposal. He was married in 1879 to Miss Delia maiden name was Amelia Hooper, was also born in Tankersley, a daughter of J. O. Tankersley, of Franklin County, Ga., and was the daughter of Homer, and an interesting little family of three Richard Hooper, who was an old Revolutionary children has been born to their union: Annie, soldier. Richard H. Cleveland received a com - Arthur Brandon and Minnie Terrelle. Socially mon-school education in Georgia, and later started Mr. Clingman is connected with the A. F. & A. M., out in life as a planter. He was married, in 1846, to the I. 0. O. F. and the K. of P. He and his wife Miss Sarah A. Frost, daughter of Johnson Frost, are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal of Troup County, Ga., and the fruits of this union Church, and have the unbounded respect of all were ten children, viz. : W. H. (who died in 1882), who know them throughout this section, for, be. . Josephine H. (now Mrs. H. L. Featherston, of sides being liberal in their donations to all worthy Homer, La.), John G. (is a resident of Texas), enterprises, they are kind, hospitable and public and tbe following children are deceased: Benja- spirited. The intelligent manner in which he has min L., Judge T., James J., Henry F., Emma C., conducted his nursery, and his desire to please Sallie R. and Richard H. During the war Mr. and satisfy his patrons, bas met with the best of Cleveland was a detailed farmer, and managed returns, and Mr. Clingman can look forward to a three big plantations, the proceeds to be sold at prosperous and pleasant future. He was one of a scheduled prices to soldiers. Politically he bas family of twelve children, nine of whom lived to been a Democrat from boyhood, and cast his first maturity, born to A. B. Clingman, who was born presidential vote for James K. Polk. He has been in the Old North State, but who located in Arkan- a member of the Masonic fraternity for more than sas at an early day, and there reared his family. forty years. He owns a plantation of 860 acres, The latter spent his youthful days in Huntsville, and has as good a one as is to be found in North- N. C., being one of four children of Peter Cling- west Louisiana.

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man, who was a wealthy German of that place, A. K. Clingman needs no introduction to the engaged in the mercantile business.

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A. K. Cling people of this community, for he is the owner of man had five brothers in the Confederate Army, a magnificent plantation near the town of Homer, one receiving a wound at Murfreesboro, from which La., about 300 acres of which are under cultiva- he died, and two of the others were taken ill and tion, and on which is one of the finest nurseries in died. The other brother has died since the war, this section of the country, comprising about 250), - A. K. and two sisters being the only ones of the 000 trees and plants. He was born in Clark family now living. Gen. T. L. Clingman, a County, Ark., where he grew to maturity and cousin, was a member of the United States Senate received a good common-school education in various for eight years, and before he was twenty-one years schools of the State, but in 1873 left the land of of

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age he was elected a member of the State Legis. his birth to take up his abode in Louisiana, and lature, and has been in public service almost ever since that time has been devoted to the interests since. He resides at Ashton, N. C. A. K. Clingof Homer and Claiborne Parishes. His work here man's father was a practicing physician, who died has prospered in every way, and as the property of

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in Arkansas at the age of seventy four years.

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a

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He was

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Benjamin Ryan Coleman, parish surveyor and tion be filled three years, and in 1882 was applanter, was born on May 12, 1832, in Edgefield pointed assistant engineer on the fifth residence of District, S. C., and is descended from Revolutionary the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Pacific Railroad, and ancestry, his great grandfather, Benjamin Ryan, a helped to build twelve miles west of Arcadia., and native of Virginia, being a captain under Gen. in 1880 and 1890 he was census enumerator. He Marion. His father, W. G. Coleman, was a cap-, is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, a tain in the Mexican War from Alabama, and was Council Mason, a member of the I. 0. 0. F, and at one time a member of the Legislature of Louisiana. in his political views is a Democrat of the Jeffer The latter was married to Miss Frances A. John- sonian stamp.

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He is a clear and rapid penman, son, of South Carolina, a daughter of William S. is skillful with his pencil, is a fine amateur musiJohnson, whose parents were Virginians.

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cian, and is well versed in parliamentary usages. a learned man, very intelligent, and was a contrib- One of his greatest gifts is his knowledge of woodutor to Nicholson's Encyclopedia and the secil- craft and surveying, being one of the most compe lar press of Sonth Carolina. Mrs. Coleman, the tent of North Louisiana, where he is universally mother of the subject of this sketch, died when he and favorably known. He is the possessor of an was but eight years old, leaving three younger abundance of humor and good nature, and has for children. He was educated in Edgefield Academy a number of years been a contributor to the newsuntil he was thirteen years of age, then moved papers of his parish and State. He has been sucwith his father to Perry County, Ala., where he cessful in the accumulation of worldly goods, and labored on the farm, and attended the best schools now has a beautiful home and a fine plantation. in the county for seven years.

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In 1850 he moved He holds commissions from every governor of to Claiborne Parish, La., and was married three Louisiana for thirty-five years past.

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He has lived years later to Miss Fidelia N. Melton, of Perry a very active life, and with the assistance of a County, Ala., a daughter of William Allen Melton, splendid library which he possesses, and the newsa native of South Carolina, and one of the first papers that he reads, he keeps fully apace with families of the State of Alabama. They have this progressive age. Possessing the proverbial lived thirty-seven years together, and the issue of hospitality of those of his nativity, be is loved by their marriage has been eleven children, six of all, and has the esteem and respect of the commuwhom are living. In his twenty-first year he was nity at large. elected school director from his ward, and from that Prof. Thomas A. Coleman is a native of Clai. time until 1859 he was engaged in school teaching borne Parish, La., born February 9, 1857, and as and planting, being then appointed clerk of the he has lived here all his life he is thoroughly well district court, to fill a vacancy caused by the death known, and commands the respect and esteem of of Enoch B. Whitson. At the end of four years

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all. His father, Ben R. Coleman, was a native of he was re-elected, but at the close of the war was South Carolina, who removed to Alabama when a removed from office by J. Madison Wells, Radical, iad of thirteen years, going with his father, Will governor of Louisiana. He was then appointed iam G. Coleman, and settling in Perry County. notary public in partnership with J. R. Ramsey, The latter was also born in South Carolina, was of was enabled to support his family for twelve Irish descent, and was a captain under Gen. Scott months. The loss of his slave property and posi- in the Mexican War. About 1850 he removed to tion as clerk left him poor indeed, but he soon Louisiana, and settled in what is now Claiborne turned to his first occupation of teaching and farm Parish, which he represented in the State Legising, at which he niade a fair living In 1872 he lature, dying here in 1888, at the age of eightywas appointed parish surveyor, which position be three years, baving been a very active and promis holding at the present time. In 1876 he was inent man throughout his entire life.

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Ben R. elected minute clerk of the Legislature, which posi- Coleman was a young man

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on coming to this

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parish, but had been married in Alabama to Miss Richard W. Collier is the only survivor of a family Fidelia Melton, a native of Alabama, and a sister of four children. He was reared in Homer, reof Rev. John Melton, of Lisbon. After his mar- ceived a good English education at Homer College, riage he settled on a farm near Homer, and here and after completing his studies clerked for Mr. still makes his home. Although he was given G. G. Gill, one of the most successful merchants of some advantages for acquiring an education in his Claiborne Parish. He continued with Mr. Gill youth, he is principally self-educated, and is well for about eight years, and during that time laid the posted on all the general questions of the day. foundation for a successful business career. Mr. He served as a clerk of the court for two terms of Collier began business for himself as a member of four years each, and at the present time is parish the firm of Bridgeman, Collier & Co., in Decemsurveyor, and at all times and in every duty in life ber, 1888, and this firm continued in business for he has shown that he is a man of far more than

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about one year.

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Then Mr. Collier succeeded to average intelligence and culture. Prof. T. A. the business of the firm. He carries a large stock Coleman was educated in Arizona and Baton of general merchandise including dry goods, groRonge, and was appointed professor of mathe- ceries, clothing, hardware, queensware, furniture, matics in Homer College, in which capacity he notions, etc. He has a large store, neatly arserved with ability for one session. He was mar- ranged, and has the reputation of good goods and ried here on January 23, 1887, to Miss Ida Sim- fair dealing. He has established a large and inmon, a daughter of one of the prominent farmers creasing trade, and is prominent in business cirof the parish, who was educated at Homer Insti- cles. His marriage to Miss Lula M. Taylor, a tute. After his nuptials were celebrated he settled native of Claiborne Parish, was consummated on on the plantation of 600 acres which he now owns, May 27, 1883, and the fruits of this union were and by industry has succeeded in putting 300 three children: Eldred B., Lillian and Blanche. acres noder cultivation, raising annually about Mrs. Collier was reared and educated in this sixty bales of cotton. He and his wife have one county, and is the daughter of J. M. Taylor. Mr. danghter, Laura D., one year old. They are Collier has held several local positions of trust and members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he honor, and is at present a member of the town belongs to the Farmers' Union, and for three years council.

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He is a young man of sterling worth has been its secretary.

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and ability, and one of the leading business men Richard W. Collier, merchant, Homer, La. of Homer. Among the younger merchants of Homer who have William Wirt Culpepper, M. D., is a Georgian worked their way to the front and who to-day en- by birth, born in Houston County, October 8, 1831, joy enviable reputations as first-class business men to Charles S. and Nancy (Cunyus) Culpepper, who is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Clai. were born, reared and married in Georgia, removborne Parish, near Homer, October 30, 1860, and ing to Louisiana about 1850, and settling in Jackhis parents, B. C. and Nancy L. (White) Collier,

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son Parish.

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The mother having died in 1818, the were both natives of Georgia, where they were

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father married again and reared a family by his educated. The elder Collier moved from Georgia last wife. He passed from life in 1872. Dr. to Louisiana about 1850, and located in Claiborne William Wirt Culpepper attained manhood in JackParish, where he was engaged in planting up to son Parish, La., and in 1861, left home to enlist the breaking out of the late Civil War.

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in the Confederate Army, becoming a member of one of the first to respond to his country's call, the Second Louisiana Infantry, and served until he and enlisted in the Confederate Army, where he received his discharge for disability from a wound served faithfully until his death, being killed in which he had received. He was in the engagethe engagement at Mansfield in 1863. Mrs. Coll

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.

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ments at Great Bethel Church and Malvern Hill, ier survived him several years, but is now deceased. and on the last day of the seven days' fight he was

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He was

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a

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wounded in the right knee by grape shot and at the

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age of seventy-three years.

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Mr. J. W. permanently disabled. After being in the hospital Dawson's father was a cousin of Gen. Toombs, of for some time he was furloughed home, where he Georgia, and his brother, Toombs Dawson, is a was afterward elected sheriff of Jackson Parish, resident of Claiborne Parish, La., and is a welland this position be held for about two years. known and thrifty planter. The paternal grand

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. Soon after arriving at mature years he began the father was a Virginian, and the maternal ancestor study of medicine, and took his first course of lect- was a Georgian. John William Dawson attended ures at New Orleans in 1855, and had practiced the select schools of this parish in his youth, but some prior to the opening of the Rebellion. He the Rebellion broke in upon bis scholastic life, and once more began practicing, after finishing his he was forced, much against his will, to relinquish duties as sheriff, going soon after to Rapides Par- ; his school work. On April 21, 1861, he joined the ish, where he remained some three years. In 1869 Claiborne Guards, Second Louisiana Infantry Volhe again went to New Orleans and took a second unteers, when only seventeen years of age, and was course of lectures, and in the spring of 1870 was sent to Virginia, the first twelve months being graduated as an M. D., locating soon after in Web- spent at Yorktown under Gen. McGruder. He ster Parish, where he remained for some ten years. afterward took part in the following battles: On January 7, 1880, he moved to Claiborne Par- The first battle of the war at Bethel Church, Mal. ish, and has been practicing in the vicinity of vern Hill, seven days' fight around Richmond, Athens ever since, and has become widely and fa- Winchester, and the battles in the Valley of Vir vorably known in his social life as well as profes. ginia, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Sharpssional capacity. In connection with his practice burg, Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Mine-run, the be has of late years also carried on a farm, at Wilderness (where he was wounded in the right which he is doing well. He was married in Jack- hand), the siege of Petersburg and the retreat to son Parish, on February 14, 1865, to Miss Anna I. Appomattox Court House, where he heard the last Barnes, a native of Mississippi, but reared in Louisi. cannon of the Rebellion fired. He secured as a ana, by her father, James Barnes. She died in relic a piece of the apple tree under which Gen. 1873, leaving two sons: James Curran and William Lee surrendered, and at that place he bade an Tell. The Doctor's second marriage took place in affectionate farewell to his beloved and honored 1870, to Miss Anna Isabelle Hise of this State and chieftain, who, when trying to bid bis faithful parish, a daughter of Aaron Hise, by whom he has followers farewell broke down and wept.

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At the four children: Charles Stewart, Joseph Hiram, surrender of Lee, the company to which Mr. DawVernon Hise and Winfred Wirt. The Doctor and son belonged, numbered only eleven men which, his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist on starting out had been 120 strong. The names Church, and he is an A. F. & A. M.

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of those who surrendered at Appomattox are: John William Dawson is a cotton planter, and Capt. A. S. Blythe, Sergt. W. C. Hightower and for the last eighteen years bas been a general Privates J. C. Meadows, J. A. Reed, T. J. Monk, merchant at Lisbon, Claiborne Parish, La., and W. C. Cooksey, F. P. Coleman, P. A. Williams, like many, and perhaps the most of the represent- C. B. Harrison, Orderly Sergt. J. W. Dawson, ative citizens of this parish, he is a Georgian. and a colored man by the name of Stark Glover, His birth occurred in Heard County, about forty who acted as cook. Mr. Dawson returned home miles from the city of Atlanta, April 13, 1842, via Fortress Monroe and New Orleans, and for and he was the fifth of a family of ten children some time gave his attention to farming, and as a four sons and six daughters-born to Robert and result has a valuable plantation comprising 600 Sarah A. (Toombs) Dawson, natives of Georgia. acres, 250 of which are tillable land, and the prodThe father was an agriculturist by calling, a well- ucts from this and the proceeds of his mercantile known local politician, and died near Lisbon, La., establishment furnish him with all the necessi

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a

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ties, and many of the luxuries of life. He has 1860, then removed to Louisiana, and proceeded always sustained the principles of Democracy, and to open up a farm in Claiborne Parish near the although he has never been a very active politician, State line, on which he is now living. He has 500 he has never failed to cast his vote, but took care acres of land, the greater portion of which is under that it should be for men of worth. He belongs cultivation, well improved with a commodious and to the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of Lis. substantial residence and good outbuildings. In bon, bis wife having also been a member prior to 1803 he enlisted in Company F, of Col. McNeel's her death, and for the past twenty-two years he regiment, in which he served until the close of the has devoted himself to church work, being always war, his service being confined principally to Louis- a liberal contributor to enterprises which he thought iana and Arkansas. He and his wife reared eleven deserving On November 24, 1870, he married children to maturity, ten of whom are living at the Miss Matilda 0. Willis, who was born in Claiborne present time: L. N. 0. W. (now deceased), Alonzo Parish, La., in 1850; but after a happy married H. (a sketch of whom appears in this work), R. P., life of twenty years her Master called her and 0. H. V., Emma E. (wife of James Moore of Ho- found her ready. She died on July 2, 1890, hav- mer, La.), J. S., William Y. (a sketch of whom ing been a noble and faithful wife and mother, also appears herein), Mary L. (wife of Dr. S. C. and is now sleeping in Lisbon Cemetery, where a Waller of Welcome, Ark.), Sallie (wife of B. T. beautiful monument marks her last resting place, Collier), and Izona E. Mr. Dawson has been a a tribute to her memory by her sorrowing hus-Mason for forty years, and his wife is a member of band. To them six sons and four daughters were the Baptist Church. born, three of the ten dying in infancy, leaving

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Alonzo H. Dawson, farmer and merchant, also seven living: Mollie Maude, John W., Nannie ginner and manufacturer of lumber, was born in V., Linus P., Aubiu, Sallie Will and Tillie Blanche. Chambers County, Ala., April 12, 1850, and is Mr. Dawson has many warm friends in this section, the son of O. H. P. Dawson. The latter was and here, surrounded by his children, he expects ! born in the Palmetto State, but was reared in Ala to spend the rest of his days.

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bama, where he was married to Miss Sarah A. Oliver H, P. Dawson has for years been prom- Spinks, a native of Georgia. Mr. Dawson folinently before the public as a leading agriculturist lowed farming in Alabama until 1859, and then loof Claiborne Parish, La., but was born in Edge

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cated in Claiborne Parish, La. He made a large

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. field District, S. C., April 14, 1824, to Capt. Lem- farm near Haynesville, and there he and his estimuel G. and Polly (Glanton) Dawson, who were able wife now reside, somewhat advanced in

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years, born, reared and married in South Carolina, re- but still hale and hearty. Mr. Dawson served in moving about 1827 to Alabama, and resided in the late war. Alonzo H, Dawson and six brothers Chambers County until his death in 1848, being and four sisters, of the above-mentioned couple, one of the first settlers of the eastern portion of came with his parents to Louisiana in 1859, rethat State. He served in the War of 1812, was in ceived a common-school education in Claiborne some of the engagements with the Indians, and in Parish, and remained under the parental roof un1836 was captain of a company, being afterward til twenty-seven years of age. He then started drilling officer and major general of militia. His out for himself as an agriculturist. He located in widow survived him until 1876, when she, too, Ward No. 7 in 1882, bought a steam saw-mill and passed away. Oliver H. P. Dawson grew to man- í engaged in the lumber, also gin business, which hood in Chambers County, Ala., receiving the ad- he has continued up to the present time. He also vantages of country schools, and on January 20, bought a farm in this parish in 1885, and has built 1846, was married to Miss Sarah A. Spinks, a native a nice, neat dwelling house, besides improving it of Georgia, being reared and educated in that State. very materially in other respects. He has about Mr. Dawson continued to farm in that State until 700 acres, all in a body, and has 500 of this under

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cultivation. Mr. Dawson makes a specialty of ship about 600 bales. Mr. Dawson was elected cotton, averaging about 100 bales annually. He postmaster of Haynesville in the fall of 1888. commenced empty handed, and what he has ac- Dr. J. W. Day is an able and a highly successcumulated is the result of his own industry and ful medical practitioner of Dykesville and the surperseverance. He was warried in this parish in rounding country. He is a Georgian, born in 1834, 1878, to Miss Virginia C. Taylor, a native of to Nathan and Martha E. B. (Cole) Day, both of Georgia, and the daughter of Jonathan Taylor. whom were born in South Carolina, the birth of Mrs. Dawson was reared and educated in this the former occurring about 1806. He was a son parish. The fruits of this union were three liv. of Jonathan Day, who is supposed to have been ing children: Gulliver W., Lafayette and Ernest. born in England, but who came to America in They lost one, Fred, in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. early life and afterward took sides with the colonDawson are members of the Methodist Episcopal ists in their struggle for liberty with the mother Church, and he is one of the trustees in the same. country. The wife of Nathan Day was a daughHe was formerly a member of the Farmers' Union. ter of Samuel Cole of South Carolina, and to her In 1885 he started a store here, and has been in union with Mr. Day two children were born: Sarah the mercantile business ever since. He carries a M. (who became the wife of John L. Hurst, of general stock and is doing a fair business for a Rosston, Ark., and died in 1887, leaving a family country store. He is a good business man, and is of ten children), and Dr. J. W. Day. The latter energetic and enterprising.

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attained manhood in this parish, and was given the William Y. Dawson is a member of the mer- advantages of the common schools, in which he cantile firm of Longino & Dawson, of Haynes made rapid progress in his studies, as he was quick ville, La. He was born in this parish on June to grasp at new ideas, possessed a retentive mem30, 1861, being the youngest son of O. H. P. ory, and at all times applied himself to bis tasks. Dawson, a sketch of whom precedes this. His In 1857 he graduated from the Augusta Medical education was obtained in Haynesville Academy, ; College, but prior to this had been married in and after remaining with his father until he was 1853 to Miss Nancy J. Calloway, of Georgia, and twenty-one years of age, he took a commercial with her came to Claiborne Parish in 1860, where course in the Little Rock Commercial College, re- they have reared two of three children that have turned to Haynesville, October 22, 1882, and there been born to them: James N. (a planter of Webengaged as book-keeper for W. P. Longino. In ster Parish) and Montrose (a practicing physiJanuary, 1888, he became a partner, purchasing a cian in partnership with his father). Bennie Z. is half interest in the entire business. When Mr. I deceased. The Doctor was an old-line Whig until Dawson first entered as salesman for Mr. Longino the opening of the Rebellion, since which time he the business amounted to about $3,000 per annum, has been identified with the Democratic party. but by the untiring energy and business integrity | Socially he belongs to the A. F. & A. M.,

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the of Mr. Dawson, they now do a business of $50,000 K. of P. and L. of H., and Mrs. Day is a worthy per year, and have established a reputation for fine member of the Missionary Baptist Church. goods and fair prices second to none in the parish. William W. De Loach is a planter of Claiborne Theirs is one of the most substantial firms of this Parish, La. He is one of the most successful agportion of the State, and as Mr. Longino has re- riculturists of this region, and one whose honesty tired from active duty, Mr. Dawson bas the full has never been questioned. He is a Georgian, management of the establishment, and well does he

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born in Crawford County, March 31, 1832, to John discharge his duties.

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It is to his able management and Elizabeth (Sawyer) De Loach, both of whom that the business has been increased to its present were born in South Carolina, after tbeir marriage admirable proportions, and in connection with this removing from Crawford County, Ga., to Harris business they handle cotton, and this year will County of that State, thence to Louisiana, in 1847,

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are

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an

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being one of the pioneers of Claiborne Parish. He lished this live and progressive journal on May opened up a farm two and a half miles south of 29, 1890, and in the brief space of three months where Homer now'stands, and here made his home it reached a circulation of about 800.

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He is a until 1862, when he moved to the northwest portion native Tennesseean, born on March 13, 1853, beof the parish, and afterward died at the residence ing the eighth of ten children-six sons and four of a son, in 1889, at the age of eighty-six years. danghters--of whom there seven living: He served in the war with the Creek Indians, and Paul (who is married and is an agriculturist and at the time of his death had been a resident of school teacher of Columbia County, Ark.), ElizaClaiborne Parish for forty-five years.

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His first beth (widow of B. M. Jones, formerly a merchant wife died when the subject of this sketch was an of Searey, Ark.), Sallie (wife of Judge R. H. Howinfant, and he was afterward married again. W. ell, of Lewisville, Ark.), Thomas (who is a BenW. De Loach came to this State and parish when edict and a well known physician and surgeon a lad of sixteen years, and here attained manhood, of Walnut Hill, Ark.), Mark (who is an attorney receiving a common school education.

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After re

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at law and a partner of Hon. W. H. Jack, of maining with his father until he attained his major- Natchitoches, La.), George H. (the subject of ity, he was married in August, to Miss M. E. Shaw, this sketch), and Sue (wife of P. A. Robertson, a a danghter of John Shaw, and a native of Greene pharmacist of Searey, Ark.).

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pharmacist of Searcy, Ark.). The father of Mr. County, Ga., where she was reared and educated. Dismukes was a native of Virginia, and was After his marriage, until 1855, Mr. De Loach was agriculturist up to the time of his death, which ocengaged in overseering, but at the end of that time curred when he was about seventy-five years of came to his present place of abode, where he has age. He (as well as his widow,who yet survives him) since made his home. Although he commenced was educated in the old-time subscription schools, life with very limited means, he has become the and although the latter has attained to the adowner of a good plantation of 320 acres, but now vanced age of seventy-six years, she is yet hale has only 160 acres, as he has given the rest to bis and hearty. George H. Dismukes obtained his children, having at the present time 70 acres under first educational training in subscription schools, cultivation. His residence and buildings are all ex- but being fond of his books he improved the op cellent, and he is now prepared to spend the rest of portunities given him, and at the present time is a his days in enjoying the goods his means will pro- first-rate scholar. At the age of twenty years he vide. In 1862 he enlisted in the Thirteenth Lou- began teaching school, a calling that received his isiana Battalion, serving until the war ceased, par undivided attention for about four years, the birch ticipating in some skirmishes and scouting. He being wielded by him in the State of Arkansas. and his wife have six children: E. F. (wife of He then started out as a merchant, but after a short Thomas Holt), John A., Mollie (wife of D. G. time resumed teaching, and finally went into the Owens), George M., M. W. and Irene. Mr. and newspaper business at Magnolia. Ark., which

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, Mrs. De Loach are members of the Missionary Bap. place was his home for twelve months. He estabtist Church, and he has served as church clerk for lished the Columbia Echo, but afterward went to a number of years. He is a Master Mason, a mem- Haynesville, La., and gave to the public the ber of the Farmers' Union, and as a neighbor and Haynesville Star, but later disposed of it and citizen is all that could be desired.

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came to Homer, where he could be more centrally George H. Dismukes needs no special intro- located in the agricultural region, and here, on duction to the inhabitants of Claiborne Parish, La., May 29, 1890, the first number of the Southern for he is the well-known editor and proprietor of Agriculturist was issued, of which he is sole prothe Southern Agriculturist, a weekly paper, which prietor and manager at the present time. He has is ably edited, and published in the direct inter- shown sound judgment in choosing his present ests of the agriculturist Mr. Dismukes estab- field, and the outlook augurs well for his success.

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Thus far this sketch has shown very plainly that borne Parish, and was born on February 10, 1857, Mr. Dismukes is truly a self-made man, and that and is a son of J. M. and Martha J. (Sherard) he had to encounter many of the adversities which Dormon, the father and mother were natives of usually fall to the lot of men who have made their | Alabama. J. M. Dormon was reared to mature own way in the world. Upon entering upon an years in Alabama, and after his marriage (1816) independent career, his sole capital consisted of a moved to Louisiana, where he settled in Claiborne pair of willing hands, backed by an active and in- Parish. He was a farmer and manufacturer, and telligent mind and a sufficient amonnt of energy resided in this parish until his death in September, to make a proper use of the talents given him. He 1880, at the age of fifty-five years. During the bas met with some hard luck since entering upon war he served one year in the army and then came the journalistic sea, for while at Haynesville, La., ' home, where he worked under government contract, bis first-class printing outfit was consumed by fire, manufacturing cotton and wool cards for the workthis misfortune befalling bim two months after ing up by hand of cotton and wool for clothes. starting. Mr. Dismukes bas always upheld the After the war he began farming, and carried on a principles of Democracy, and his first presiden large plantation in Ward No. 6. Previous to the tial vote was cast for Samuel J. Tilden. He has war he was the owner of a goodly number of been active in his own way as an editor, in sup. slaves. He served in several local offices, and later porting measures he deemed most wise and bene- moved to Arcadia, where he resided several years ficial to the people's interests, and his influence engaged in manufacturing and repairing wagons, has been felt by all with whom he has come in etc. He was the owner of a number of patents of contact. While a resident of Nevada County, his own invention, the most valuable being three Ark., he, in 1880, made the race for representative patent plows. For years the plowman of North of his county, and proved formidable in the field, Louisiana, he did more than any other one man to although defeated. He is a member of the Farm- introduce improved farming implements into North ers' Alliance, and is a strong supporter of the Louisiana. His widow survives him.

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He was principles of that order. On March 9, 1890, he very liberal with his means, assisting in every way was married to Miss Sallie C. Lewis, who was the soldiers' widows during the war, and would, no born in Arkansas in 1853, her education being re- doubt, bave been very wealthy had he been less ceived in a seminary of Mount Holly, Ark. Her liberal. He raised a family of nine children--six father was an agriculturist and an honorable, up- sons and three daughters--seven of whom are now right man. Mrs. Dismukes is a devout and ear- living. Of these William W. Dormon is the fourth nest member of the Presbyterian Church, and she in order of birth. He attained his growth in Clai. and Mr. Dismukes expect to make the town of borne Parish, received a fair business and English Homer their future abiding place, where they education at Arcadia, and after completing bis already have many warm friends.

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studies learned the blacksmith's trade. He then William W. Dormon, manufacturer of wagons, opened a blacksmith and repair shop, and added to and general dealer in buggies, carts, harness and this until he now carries a large stock of buggies, shelf hardware, Homer, La. The industries of carriages, wagons, hardware, barness, etc., and Homer are principally of an important character, now bas a good business. He has an engine and ably and successfully carried on, the products be- machinery for manufacturing purposes, and also ing such as to have secured for this southern town does a large repair business, and employs ten men. a reputation of which any might well be proud.

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He is an excellent manager, and one of the enterProminent among the industries here is the manu- prising men of the town. His nuptials with Miss facture of wagons, the name most prominently D. P. Barrow, a native of Claiborne Parish, were identified with that industry being that of William ' celebrated on January 4, 1883, and they have two W. Dormon. This gentleman is a native of Clai- children: Anpa and Willie. Mrs. Dormon was

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educated here, and is a graduate of Homer Col. being also the owner of one section of land in Co. lege. She is the daughter of Rev. Josephus and lumbia County, Ark. He was called upon to enter Elizabeth Barrow, the father a minister of the the service in 1864, but served only a short time. Primitive Baptist Church previous to his death. Politically he was an old line Whig, until the ReHe was a prominent man, was a large slave owner, bellion, but since that time he has been a simonand was a member of the Louisiana Legislature. pure Democrat, at all times supporting the men Mr. and Mrs. Dormon are members of the Baptist and ineasures of that party, taking an active part Church.

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in putting the best men forward for office. His Col. James J. Duke is possessed of those ad ability, and thorough and sound knowledge of the vanced ideas and progressive principles regarding general topics of the day were recognized in 1876, agricultural life which seem to be the chief pre- and he was elected to the State Legislature from rogative of the average native of Georgia. He was this parish, and proved himself to be an able and born in Morgan County, December 9, 1819, being competent legislator, having the interests of the one in a family of nine children, their names being people strongly at heart. Socially he is a Royal as follows: Bailey C. (died in Louisiana), Ferdi- Arch Mason, and has been since 1850, his union nand (died, and left a family in Georgia), Gibson with the Methodist Episcopal Church dating from (also died, and left a family in that State), Seburn 1836. Through good management and energy, J. (left a widow and children in Georgia). Col. Mr. Duke has become the owner of his present James J. (comes next in order of birth), Elizabeth property, and he may well be classed among the J. (who married David Zachariah, of Georgia, is self-made men of bis day. As his views on all also deceased), Martha A. (married William Brown- matters are sound, and as he is undoubtedly honoring, of Georgia, and is now deceased), Polly A. (is able in every particular, and kind and generous now Mrs. J. B. Tally, of Atlanta, Ark.), and Lucy in disposition, he has the universal esteem of all. M. (is now Mrs. Dr. E. W. White, of Roanoke, His wife, who died in 1877, was a lady of much Randolph County, Ala.). The father of these chil- intelligence, and was a true Christian the greater dren, Henry Duke, was a Georgian, born about part of her life, 1780, his father being Thomas Duke. In the State John M. Dunn is a planter of Ward 2, of Claiof his birth Col. James J. Duke grew to maturity, borne Parish, La., but was born in Howard County, and there met and was married to Miss Atlanta F. Mo., in 1833, being the youngest of nine children Tate, the nuptials of their marriage being cele- born to James and Martha (Morrison) Dunn, native brated in 184, she being a daughter of James Kentuckians, the birth of the former occurring Tate, a native of Virginia. They were very hap- about 1800. He was a son of James Dunn, who pily mated, and in due process of time, a family of was born in Ireland, but who came to America ten children gathered around their hearthstone: in an early day. John M. Dunn received a good Roan (who passed from life while an infant), Mary common-school education in Benton County, Mo., F. (now Mrs. J. W. Cooksey, a widow, of Clai- and on starting out in life for himself began fol. borne Parish), Martha L., Elizabeth A. (wife of lowing that calling to which he had been reared William Meadows, of Lisbon, La.), Robert G. (died --that of farming and stock trading. He had ac in infancy), James P. H., Lucy M. (Mrs. T. Mead- cumulated a good competency and was in good ows of Summerfield, La.), Josephine (who died at circumstances until Fremont's army reached his the age of thirteen years), Eugenie G. (at home), place, when they destroyed a great deal of valuable and Zolly C. (who died, leaving a widow and one property and drove off bis stock, leaving him badly child). Col. Duke came to Claiborne Parish, La., crippled, financially. In 1864 he went to California, in February, 1862, and located on the fine and ex- where he followed mining until 1866, then for

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, tensive plantation on which he is now residing, his some time was engaged in lumbering in Nevada, acreage extending over more than four sections, he after which he visited Mexico, following mining

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here also. He was in Mexico at the time Maxi- Mr. Ferguson was married in Homer in April, milian undertook to establish his government in 1872, to Miss Bettie Otts, a native of Greene that country. From this country he returned to County, Ala., and the daughter of William P. Otts, Missouri, and after remaining there until 1868 he whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. came to Claibourne Parish, La., where he has be- Ferguson was educated principally in Mount Leb- come the owner of a fine plantation of 600 acres, anon College. Mr. Ferguson is a member of the about 300 acres of which are under cultivation and Baptist and his wife a member of the Presbyterian devoted to the usual products of the South. Polit- Church. ically he has at all times affiliated with the Demo- Christie 0. Ferguson, cashier of the Homer crat party. He is a happy old bachelor, who has National Bank of Homer, La., is a thoroughly capa the respect and good will of all who know him. ble and experienced banker, and a short sketch of

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H. M. Drew Ferguson was born in Drew Coun- his highly honorable career is given below. He ty, Ark., April 16, 1848, and is a son of Jonathan was born in Drew County, Ark., on December 17, Ferguson, a native of Chester County, S. C., and 1855, and is the youngest of a family of nine sons Sarah (Hyatte) Ferguson, also a native of that and three daughters that grew to mature years. county and State, the father of Irish and the He passed his boyhood and youth in Homer, re mother of German descent. The elder Ferguson ceived a liberal education in Homer College, and removed from South Carolina to Mississippi, re. was then engaged in clerking for about eight years. sided there about two years, and in 1846 went to In 1881 he engaged in merchandising under the Arkansas, locating in Drew County. In 1864 be firm name of Camp Davidson & Ferguson, general removed from Arkansas to Louisiana and settled merchants, and after two years Mr. Ferguson sucin Claiborne Parish, twelve miles north of Homer, ceeded to the business himself, and continued the and after residing there for two years removed to same up to 1890, when he sold out. He then that town. He now makes his home with his son, engaged in the banking business as above stated. Drew Ferguson. He is a Royal Arch Mason and is a On May 4, 1881, he was married to Miss Amelia prominent member of that body. Although eighty Wilder, a native of Jackson Parish, La.,

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who was seven years of age, time has dealt kindly with Mr. reared and educated at Homer, and who is the Ferguson, and he is in comparatively good health. daughter of J. B. Wilder, of Magnolia. Mr. and His wife died December 8, 1881, in her sixty-ninth Mrs. Ferguson lost one'son, Guy O'Neal, whose year. They were the parents of a large family of death occurred in 1886, at the age of four years. children-nine sons and three daughters-all of Mr. Ferguson is one of the present board of alder

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-- whom grew to mature years.

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Six sous served in men, and has served for a number of terms. the Confederate Army, and three never returned. has also held several other official positions. Mr. H. M. D. Ferguson enlisted in his fifteenth

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year and Mrs. Ferguson are members of the Methodist (in 1863) and served in the Trans-Mississippi De Episcopal Church, and socially Mr. Ferguson is a partment until the close of the war. Coming to member of the I. (). O. F. and the K. of P., hav. Claiborne Parish, Mr. Ferguson entered Homer ing held official positions in the former organizaCollege, where he remained for nearly two years. tion. He is a man of superior business capacity, After this he engaged in various business pursuits and on the organization of the Homer National until November, 1876, when he was elected clerk Bank, he was elected the cashier, a position to of the district court, which position he has held to which he is eminently fitted. He is a gentleman the present, his term of office expiring in April, of social habits, and is popular with his friends, 1892. Mr. Ferguson is a Royal Arch Mason, having who are legion. joined that organization in 1877, and is also a William J. Field was brought up to the life of member of the Knights of Pythias, an Odd Fellow a farmer by his father, and has continued that and a member of the American Legion of Honor. calling with care and perseverance up to the pres

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He

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ent time, a business to which he seems naturally | tributing all in their power to the entertainment. adapted. Almost from his birth, which occurred on Although Mr. Field's chances for acquiring an October 1, 1828, he has resided in this parish, his education were very meager, he improved every parents, Lewis and Mary (Duty) Field, coming opportunity, and he is now considered one of the thither in 1834. The former was born in Chester intelligent men of the parish, and one of its most District, S. C., in March, 1799, and in his native substantial citizens. In July, 1861, he enlisted State grew to manhood, participating in the War in the Twelfth Louisiana Infantry, and after being of 1812, being with Jackson in the battle of New in active service for one year, was detailed to work Orleans. After receiving his discharge he went to .

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in a blacksmith shop, which trade he had learned Arkansas, and in that State was married, his wife in his youth, and this occupation received his atbeing a native of East Tennessee, and a daughter tention until the war closed. His work was in of Solomon Duty, an Englishman by birth. After ! Arcadia, Bienville Parish, and after the war he con. the removal of Mr. Field to this State and par

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tinued there for a number of years. In 1873 he ish he opened up a fine plantation, and for sold his shop and moved to the farm where he now some time was a member of the police jury, and resides, which was in a very dilapidated condition. held the position of magistrate, besides some other He immediately commenced to improve this land, local offices. He was a man of fair education, a ! and now has 610 acres of as good land as there is great lover of good books, and was also very fond in the parish, with about 125 acres under cultivaof hunting and trapping, the country at that time tion, on which he has built a large, substantial affording ample scope for the cultivation of that residence, and good outbuildings. He also owned taste. On one occasion he, with a number of other 800 acres of land in Lincoln Parish, but divided lovers of the chase, was gone on a hunting expedi- this among his children, all of which property he

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' tion in Arkansas for eighteen months, and he often earned by hard work and good management, after pictured in vivid language the thrilling encounters the close of the war. He was married in Union he had with wild animals and Indians. His wife Parish, November 1, 1854, to Miss Celia Autrey, had two or three brothers killed by the Indians. a Perry County, Alabamian by birth, and a daughShe survived her husband several years, dying in ter of Absalom Antrey, one of the pioneers of the 1847. The paternal grandfather of the subject of State. The following children were born to Mr. this sketch, Thomas Field, was of English descent, and Mrs. Field:

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and Mrs. Field: William L., Della (wife of born in South Carolina, passing from life in the Thomas Rodgers), Thomas J., George W. (a clerk

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) State of his birth, an honored and respected citi- in Arcadia, also assistant book-keeper and a fine

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William J. Field was born near where he is mathematician), Frank F. and Bettie. Mr. Field now living, while his parents were on a visit here i is a Royal Arch Mason, in which he has attained from Arkansas, but he located here permanently to the chapter.

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He is a

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man whose reputation with them in 1834, and here also grew to manhood. has ever remained unblemished, and the respect He was also a hunter in his younger day, the which is accorded him by all classes is fully deabundance of will game in the vicinity, no doubt, served. adding to the taste he had inherited from his Walker P. Fomby is actively engaged in confather, and many are the bears, panthers and hun- ducting his extensive plantation and in managing dreds of deer, which fell a victim to his trusty rifle. bis saw-mill and cotton-gin in Ward 6 of Claiborne The country at tbat time, was almost a complete Parish. His birth occurred in Troup County, Ga., wilderness, heavily covered with timber and under- in 1815, to Richard and Anis (Lee) Fomby, who brush, and log rollings or house raisings were held were born in Wilkes County, Ga., in 1802, and with great rejoicings, by the settlers, who were Virginia, respectively, becoming the parents of the pining for something “exciting," settlers for fif- following children: Frances (wife of P. A. Aw teen miles around being in attendance, and con- brey, of this parish), Henry (who died since the

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zen.

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Of a

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.

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war, from a wound received while in the service), county in North Carolina in his younger days, but Mary (wife of Joe Boyd, of Hope, Ark.), Clement aside from this held no other public office, being (wife of Bart Jeans, of Ark.), Amanda C. (widow content to devote his time to tilling the soil. He of Sam Clark, a resident of Atlanta, Ga.), Carrie died about 1877, aud his wife in 1813. (wife of C. Baker, of Randolph County, Ala.), family of four sons and four daughters born to Rowena (widow of Samuel Kite, of Indian Terri- them, the daughters and two sons only are living, tory), Charles M. (a merchant of Magnolia, Ark.), W. H. Gandy, the immediate subject of this biog Walker P., and Lou (who was the wife of Winston raphy, being one of the latter. He

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grew

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to man Wood, of Atlanta, Ga., and is now deceased, leav- hood in Alabama, had the advantages of the com ing at the time of her death two children: Carrie mon schools, and after attaining manhood was and Lou). The paternal grandfather, Thomas married there, in 1851, to Miss Edith Thornton, a Fomby, was born in Virginia, and traced his an- daughter of Elisha Thornton, a very prominent cestry back to England. The maternal grand- man of Greene County, in which Mrs. Gandy was father, Noah Lee, was also born in. Virginia, was born, reared, educated and married. The fall active in the Revolutionary War, and traced his succeeding their marriage they came to Claiborne ancestry back to the same source as Gen. Robert Parish, La., where Mr. Gandy opened up a large E. Lee. Walker P. Fomby reached man's estate tract of land, being the owner of a number of and received a common-school education in Geor- slaves. He has been a resident of his present gia. In 1863 he enlisted in Company A, Ninth property since 1857. In August, 1862, he joined

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, Louisiana Infantry, and while participating in the the Confederate Army, and was detailed to oversee battle of Gettysburg he was captured, and after the farms of families in the neighborhood, doing being held a prisoner four months was exchanged, no military duty. He is a warm Democrat, takes after which he joined the army at the battle of the an active part in parish politics, and has been a Wilderness, in 1864. He removed to Arkansas in delegate to its conventions a number of times. He 1865, and two years later was married to Miss and his wife have the following family: John E. Georgia Knox, of Claiborne Parish. Mr. Fomby (a sketch of whom appears below), C. A., J. A., began life for himself as a planter, and is now the W. B., W. N., Edith (a school teacher of the owner of about 1,000 acres of land, 700 of which parish) and Anna May. All the sons are married. is under cultivation. He and his wife are the He and his wife are members of the Cumberland parents of eight children, as follows: Walter, Ed

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Presbyterian Church, and he has attained to the die, Effie, Henry, John L., Richard, Madge and highest rank in the I. O. O. F. He has been an Valentine. The family attend the Methodist Epis- elder in his church since 1858, and has taken an copal Church, and politically Mr. Fomby is a Dem- active part in church matters. ocrat.

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John E. Gandy is a son of the gentleman W. H. Gandy is a worthy tiller of the soil of whose sketch appears above, and was born in this Claiborne Parish, La., and of the 300 acres of parish in 1852. In his early youth he attended fine land which he now owns he has 300 acres the different schools of the parish, and being an under cultivation, nicely improved, with good intelligent, wide-awake youth, possessing a good buildings of all kinds and a good cotton.gin. He memory, he made excellent progress in his studies, was born in Greene County, Ala , July 26, 1828, a and at the age of twenty-one years was perfectly son of John and Elizabeth (Holland) Gandy, both capable of successfully tighting the battle of life of whom were born in North Carolina, their mar- alone. He was married, December 15, 1880, to riage taking place there, and their removal to Ala Miss Mary A. McConnell, and hy ber he bas bama dating 1818. They opened up a large farm become the father of three bright and interesting in Greene County of that State, and there reared little children named Joseph H. D., Dovie and their family. Mr. Gandy served as sheriff of his Conway. Mrs. Gandy is a daughter of Joshua

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a

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McConnell, a native of Georgia, who, at the time he held it until nearly eighty years old; feeling then of her marriage, was residing in Cleburne, Tex. unfitted to longer discharge the duties of the office Mr. Gandy, like the majority of boys, followed in he resigned. Upon his resignation the Legislature his father's footsteps, and has always given his of South Carolina made him a present of $10,000 attention to agriculture, being now the owner of for the many services he had rendered the State. about 520 acres of land, nearly half of which is The above was a son of Dr. Thomas Gantt, of under cultivation. This property is the result, White's Landing, Prince Georges County, Md., who mainly, of honest and persistent toil, and shows was born August 18, 1736, and died in 1807. He what can be accomplished when a man of energy was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, but is at the helm. He has always supported the doc- whether an officer or private is not known. His trines of Democracy, and in 1884 was appointed a immediate progenitor was Dr. Thomas Gantt, of member of the police jury, a position he held with Prince Georges County, Md. He married Rachel, ability until 1888. He and his wife are members the daughter of Col. John Smith, by whom he had of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and are issue. He was one of the signers of the declarahighly respected throughout this section, as worthy tion of rights by the freemen of Maryland Province citizens and friends.

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in 1775, as was also his brother, Edward. The doc., Richard G. Gantt, M. D., was born in Green- ument is still hanging in the executive chamber, at ville, South Carolina, December 12, 1837, he being Annapolis, Md. Dr. Gantt, the immediate subject the eldest of five children born to his parents, those of this sketch, grew to maturity partly in Abbeville following him in order of birth being S. Josaphine' and in Charleston, S. C. His literary education Ridgeway (deceased, formerly of Elbert County, was completed at the Furman University, and his Ga.), Mrs. Elizabeth Y. Blackwell, of Elberton, medical at the Medical College of the State of South Ga., Ann Eliza (died in infancy), T. Lawrence (ed-Carolina, in Charleston, where he graduated in itor of the Banner Watchman, of Athens, Ga.). The 1861. In August, 1857, he married Mattie Sale, father, Thomas W. Gantt, was born at Edgefield, a daughter of Adolphus J. and Eliza N. Sale, a South Carolina, in 1815. After graduating in the woman noted in her youth for her great beauty, South Carolina College, at Columbia, he entered and in her riper years for her sound judgment, her the office of Col. C. G. Meminger, as a student of untiring energy and her complete devotion to her law, and was admitted to the bar in 1836. In the family. To them were born eight children: Ann same year he married Miss F. Emma Groves, E. Fell (died in infancy), Thomas Wilding (died in the youngest daughter of Joseph Groves, of Abbe- 1878), Sylvanus Sale (died in 1884), Halbert Alsville District, South Carolina, a man of wealth and ton (now a practicing physician with his father, in culture. Thomas J. Gantt, the father of Thomas the town of Haynesville, La.), Neva, Richard W., was born in Edgefield, South Carolina, in 1788, Groves, Mattie Helen, and Fell Fletcher (the young moved to Columbia when quite young, was admit- est). The Doctor enlisted at Charleston, S. C., ted to the bar and began the practice of law in May 1, 1861, in the Frist Regiment South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina. Early in life he was Volunteers. His regiment was ordered immediately elected register in equity, which office he held for to. Richmond, Va. After the time was up for thirty-nine years, and was re-elected for another which he had volunteered, six months, he returned term when he died suddenly in 1802.

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His father, to Charleston and soon after joined the Nineteenth Hon. Richard Gantt, was born in Prince Georges Regiment South Carolina Volunteers. He particiCounty, Maryland, August 12, 1767. He moved pated in all of the battles in which his command to South Carolina when quite young, and was a was engaged except the battle and retreat from lawyer of marked ability. Early in life he was Missionary Ridge; at that time he was at home on elected one of the judges of the court of general a fifteen days' leave of absence, it being the first sessions and common pleas. This being a life office, he had had since he entered the service. At the

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of age.

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expiration of his furlough he met bis command at years, and a son, Bedford H., died when six years Dalton, Ga., taking part in all of the battles in

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Mr. Garland was appointed postmaster which it was engaged, until he was wonnded in a at Dykesville in 1859, and he and his wife are skirwish about four or five miles southeast of Mari members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in etta, which incapacitated bim from further mili which he is one of the stewards. tary service. Prior to the war Dr. Gantt was con- P. Gibson, JI. D., is a young physician of aeservative in politics, and voted for Bell for the knowledged merit in this parish, and is especially presidency. Since that time he has been an un. well known in the vicinity of Millerton, La, where swerving Democrat

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he has been located since 1959. He has already William J. Garland is a successful mercbant done much to alleviate the sufferings of humanity and postmaster of Dykesville. La. He was born in this section, and to his talent and knowledge of in Sumter County, S. C., May 9, 1951, to Edward his profession the gratitude of hundreds is due. and Ann Nora (McKay) Garland, both born, reared He was born in Haynesville, La., in 1562, to John and married in the Palmetto State. After resid-, and Naney (Taylor) Gibson, who were born in ing in South Carolina engaged in planting until the Georgia in 1920 and 1510 respectively, the former opening of the war, Edward Garland entered the being a son of William Gibson also a native of Confederate Army, and while in the service died Georgia, and the latter a daughter of Matthias C. in Virginia. His widow is still living, and makes Taylor, also of that State. To John Gibson and her home with her son, William J., the subject of bis wife the following children have been born: : this sketch. The latter is one of three sons and Dr. P. Gibson (the subject of this sketch), Georgia four daughters that grew to maturity, all of whom (wife of Henry Taylor of Homer), Lizzie (wife of are now the heads of families. William J. at- James Foster of Shongaloo, La.), William (a stutained his nineteenth year in his native county, dent of Vanderbilt University of Nashville, Tenn.). and upon bis removal to Louisiana in 1969, locat- Ida and James. Dr. P. Gibson was sent to the ed on a plantation in Claiborne Parish, where he common schools as soon as be attained a suitable spent a few years. In 1888 he purchased an in- age, and being of a studious and ambitious disterest in the store where he is now doing business, position he made excellent progress in his studies, and in 1989 became sole proprietor, and carries an and became a well-informed and intelligent young excellent stock of general merchandise, bis trade

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He engaged in teaching and was principal being large and constantly on the increase. He of the Haynesville Normal Institute for three years. came to this parish empty banded, and first worked Owing to declining health he gave up this position as a farm band, next farmed on rented land, and for the pursuit of medicine, but during his career in this manner saved enough to purchase a small as teacher he built up one of the best schools place, wbich be successfully managed from 1870 in Northern Louisiana, showing great genius for to 1986, and then sold out his land, at that time mathematics, of which he was professor while conamounting to several hundred acres, all the result nected with the Normal Institute. Being imbned of his earnest endeavor to succeed in life. His with a desire to make the science of medicine his wife, Miss Lydia M. Garland, was born and reared calling throngh life, as stated, he entered upon his in this parish, and on August 11, 1973, their union studies in the Memphis Medical College, and from took place. Her father. W. W. Garland. was .

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this institute was graduated in 1959 since which born in South Carolina, and was one of the pioneer time he has been a resident of Willerton, where he residents of this section, and a man of substan- has built up a commendable practice, carrying in tial and business-like attainments. The following this connection a line of drugs. Since 1888 he has children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Garland: been married to Miss Ada Waller, a daughter of Nobie, Edward, Hubbard, Cora, Katie and Nannie. L. T. and Georgia (Roe) Waller of State Line. A daughter, Maggie May, died at the age of eleven Ark. Mrs. Gibson is a Missionary Baptist.

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man.

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This en

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He was

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G. G. Gill, merchant, Homer, La.

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saddlery, sasb and blinds, doors, etc. He is doing terprising and thorougbgoing business man was an exceedingly good business, and has deservedly born in Hall County, Ga., on February 15, 1814, gained a reputation as a straightforward, enterand is a son of Hon. Josiah H. and S. R. (Sim- prising business man. He devoted his entire time mons) Gill, natives of Chester District, S. C., and and energy to his business, conducts his affairs on Virginia, respectively. The father was a merchant strict principles, and the success crowning his and planter, and moved from Hall County to Floyd efforts is but a natural consequence.

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To day he is County, Ga., where he engaged in business for a the owner and at the head of the largest retail busnumber of years at Cave Spring. He afterward iness in Northwest Louisiana, Mr. Gill, an active moved to Louisiana (1868), located in Homer and worker for the cause of education here, bought out embarked in merchandising, which he carried on the old college at a sheriff's sale, and forming a until his death, which occurred in 1878.

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stock company succeeded in getting the college in a prominent man, and served as a member of the a flourishing condition. He has given the college Legislature in Georgia. He was also prominent and the cause his hearty support, and is at the in Masonic affairs. His wife died in 1855. He present time president of the board of directors. was twice married, his second wife being the i He is a member of the K. of P., and an active mother of our subject, and of the four children member of that order. Mr. Gill was married in born to this union that grew to mature years G. G. December, 1870, to Miss Lizzie E., daughter of J. Gill was the second in order of birth. Only two M. White, who was born in Sumter County, Ga., brothers and one sister are now surviving G. G. and who was reared and educated in Louisiana. Gill attained his growth in Georgia, and in March, The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gill are named 1862, he enlisted in the First Georgia Cavalry, as follows: R. Shelton (aged sixteen), Ernest, serving until the close of the war, first as private Clarence and Edgar. One daughter died in early and then as orderly sergeant. He participated in childhood. and the oldest, Lilla Mai Gill, died Sepseveral important battles, first Richmond, Ky., tember 21, 1889, at the age of seventeen years. Murfreesboro, Chickamanga,' Knoxville, and from Mr. and Mrs. Gill are worthy and esteemed memDalton to Atlanta. He was then at Savannah, bers of the Methodist Church. then at Raleigh, and surrendered at Kingston, Ga. John E. Gray enjoys the reputation of being a Mr. Gill received a good education at Cave Spring substantial and progressive planter and an intelliInstitute, and remained in Georgia up to 1867, gent and thoroughly posted man on all matters of when in September of that year he moved to L01. a public, as well as private nature. Although isiana, locating at Homer, where he clerked in a young in years he has shown sound judgment in store with a half brother, W. B. Gill, who estab. the management of his business affairs and is now lished business there in 1853. The Gill House is in independent circumstances. He is a native of the oldest established house in this towa. Mr. this parish and was born in October, 1863, being Gill continued with his brother up to 1870, when the sixth of nine children, the other members of he and his father bought out the brother's one-half the family being: Joseph (a resident of Ward 2), interest, and continued the business here. Since James S. (a resident of Magnolia, Ark.), Mary then there have been a number of changes, and Mr. (now Mrs. John Gibson, of this ward), Mattie Gill took the entire business in January, 1878. (wife of Will Gibson, also residing here), Sallie He has a large two-story brick business house, also (wife of D. P. Owens), and Ludie, Irene and Waltwo warehouses, and carries a very large and com- ter (residing with John E.). The father of these plete stock of goods. He is doing an immense children, Albert Gray, was born in Georgia in business, and is also buying and dealing in cotton. 1826, and after reaching maturity in that State He carries a large stock of general merchandise, moved to Alabama, where he was married to Miss including drugs, furniture, hardware, barness, Harriet E. Barrow, a native of that State, and

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sons.

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He

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daughter of Josiah Barrow, and in 1854 moved the old Indian wars (1815), but was not called to with her to Claiborne Parish, La., where he en- active service. His wife died in June, 1879, in gaged in planting, owning at the time of his her eighty-third year. Their family consisted of death in 1886, about 900 acres of land. He served eleven children, all of whom grew to years of disin the Southern Confederacy under Gen. John cretion, and became heads of families, but two Young, was an old-time member of the A. F. & Two brothers and two sisters are living at A. M. and for many years he and his wife were the present time. F. C. Greenwood grew to manmembers of the Missionary Baptist Church. His hood in Arkansas, received a limited education, father, James Gray, was a North Carolinian, and and is mainly self-educated since grown up. was one of two brothers who served in the War of

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was early taught the duties of the farm, and in 1812, afterward settling in Georgia. The family 1859 he came to Louisiana, locating in Jackson are of Irish extraction, but for several generations Parish. He entered the Confederate service in the bave been residents of America. The subject of first company from that parish in 1861, went to this sketch and all his brothers and sisters, except New Orleans, and was put in the Second Louisiana the eldest two, were born on the old homestead on Infantry, with which he served until the close of which he is now living. He was married in Jan- the war. He participated in the battles of Malvern uary, 1888, to Miss Maggie E. Wilson, a dangh- Hill, Cedar Mountain, Second Manassas, Gettysburg, ter of James and Arabella (Keeton) Wilson, and battle of the Wilderness, Chancellorsville, and was to them one child has been born, Arabella. Mr. taken prisoner at Spottsylvania Court House on Gray and his wife are members of the Missionary May 12, 1864. Mr. Greenwood is proud of his Baptist Church, and politically he is a Democrat. army record, and went through the war up to the He is the owner of the old homestead, which com- time of bis capture, without even a personal repriprises 512 acres, 200 of which are under cultivation, mand. He was wounded four times, being shot in and on this he does a general farming.

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the arm and shoulder, and wounded in the breast Frank C. Greenwood, book-keeper of Homer by a bayonet. He also received a bad wound in National Bank, like many other prominent citizens the head at Gettysburg. He was held a prisoner of Louisiana, owes his nativity to Alabama, having at Point Lookout, Ma., and Elmira, N. Y., until

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, been born in Cherokee County on June 4, 1838, the close of the war, and was then paroled, and and is the son of William K. and Polly (Morgan) came home in April, 1865. After returning to Greenwood, natives respectively of Georgia and Jackson Parish, La., he resided there several years,

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, Kentucky. The father went to the Blue-Grass and was married there on June 14, 1865, to Miss State when a young man, and there met and mar Alice A. Otts, a native of Alabama, who was reared ried Miss Morgan, after which they removed to and educated in Jackson Parish, and who is the Georgia, where the father was engaged in tilling daughter of Joel B. Otts. Mr. Greenwood then the soil for a number of years. They then moved farmed in Jackson Parish for several years, after to Alabama, locating in Cherokee County, and here which he engaged in book-keeping there. In 1869 the father continued his former pursuit for one he moved to Union County, Ark., remaining there

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From there they removed to Talladega two years, and then removed to the Lone Star County, but at the end of seven years they re- ; State, Sabine Pass, where he tarried for about two moved to Arkansas, and located in Union County. years, after which he returned to Arkansas, Union Here the father followed agricultural pursuits Comty. In January, 1878, he came to this par- . until his death, which occurred in December, 1880,

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ish, engaged in book-keeping here, and when the when in his eighty-eighth year. He beld several Homer National Bank opened in 1890, he took his local offices in the county where he resided, and place as book-keeper. Mr. Greenwood is a strong was a stanch Democrat, although he took no very Democrat, but never takes an active part in poliactive part in politics. He volunteered in one of tics. He and wife are members of the Methodist

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year.

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Episcopal Church South, and he is recording he was a well-educated young man ere he entered steward of the same. Socially he is a member of the dental college, for he had received thorough the Masonic order, being a Master Mason, and training in the Meridian Male and Female Academy serving as secretary for a number of years. He is of Meridian, His father is a renowned physinow demitted.

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He is also a member of the K. of cian in the prosperous town of Meridian. He P. Mr. Greenwood is a pleasant gentleman to served in the Rebellion with distinction and meet, and is held in high esteem by all who are bravery, which received for him encomiums from favored with his acquaintance.

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his countrymen.

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His wife, whose maiden name Hiram Gryder, now a planter of Claiborne Par- was Miss Geraldine Nuckolls, was a Tennesseean, ish, La., is a Danville Kentuckian, born March 4, who died in 1872, after which Dr. Harper married 1806, the second of seven children born to William Miss Lelia Nuckolls, a sister of his first wife, by and Mary (Perry) Gryder, who were also born in whom he had seven children. He has attained a the Blue-Grass State; their children being as fol- prominent position as a medical practitioner in lows: Nancy (now living in Claiborne Parish, La.), his portion of the State, and being possessed of Hiram, Jennie (a resident of Arkansas, and the engaging manners, and a brilliant mind, coupled widow of Jonathan Knox), Hugh, Clay, Mary (wife with unquestioned integrity, and habits of strict of W. C. Martin, of Webster Parish), and John. morality and sobriety, it is not to be wondered at Mr. Gryder removed to Tennessee when a boy, and that his career has been one of distinction and sucto Arkansas in 1818, where he resided until 1820, cess. Dr. George A. Harper began his independent when he came with his people to Claiborne Par- career as a salesman in a drug store at the age of ish, La., which place has since been his home. He eighteen years, and after following this until he was married in 1834 to Miss Mary Hayes, by whom reached his twentieth year, he began the study of he became the father of six children: Ellen, Martin, dentistry, and finally graduated as has been menMartha (wife of Henry Johnson), Hugh, Robert

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tioned above. As he possesses numerous admirand Margaret. Upon Mr. Gryder's arrival in this able traits of character, a bright future is before region he found the country a wilderness, the bim. He was the leader of his class in the mechanwoods inhabited by wild game of many kinds and ical execution of his work whilst in college, and

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, Indians. However, pioneer life had no terrors for otherwise became distinguished while preparing him, and he went to work immediately to make a himself for his profession, being an earnest and home for himself, and in this has succeeded well. painstaking student. He entered upon his prac He bas never in his life seen a railroad, and it tice in Homer in 1887, and has already acquired a must be confessed does not care to, but in other widespread reputation as a dental surgeon. He respects he is enterprising, and is quite deeply in- is an honored member of the K. of P., of Homer, terested in political matters, being a stanch Demo- La., and has always affiliated with the Democratic crat. He has been a member of the Christian party, and at all times has endeavored to endorse Church since thirty-two years of age, and has men of principle and honor, although he is not an always been deeply interested in the cause of active partisan, except in the matter of voting. Christianity. For many years he has been a Dr. Harper has always been a young man of much member of the Masonic fraternity.

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principle, of that moral and personal integrity, George A. Harper, D. D. S., is a skillful prac- and clear well-balanced, active intelligence, for titioner of the pleasant little city of Homer, La., which all his people have been noted. He holds and is a native of Claiborne Parish, his birth oc- a warm place in the estimation of his numerous curring here in 1864, being one of three children. friends and patrons, and promises to be a valuable Dr. Harper is a graduate of Vanderbilt College of adjunct to the citizenship of any locality in which Dentistry of Nashville, Tenn., his education in this he may make his home. institution being completed in the year 1887, but William D. Harper, M. D. The people of

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Claiborne, as well as the surrounding parishes, are practice is sufficiently large to keep him fully em- familiar with the name that heads this sketch, for ployed the year round. Personally, he is liberal, for many years he has been successfully occupied generous and high-minded, the soul of honor, and, in the prosecution of his chosen profession at this although he has views of his own, with the moral place. He has shown himself eminently worthy courage to express them, he is not in the least ag. of the confidence and trust reposed in him by all gressive. classes, and has unquestionably shown that he is a Hon. James H. Hay. Within the limits of physician of decided merit. He is the youngest Claiborne Parish, La., there is not a man of greater of the following family: James D. (who gradu personal popularity than Mr. Hay, for he is a citi- ated from the Philadelphia Medical College in zen of substantial worth, and progressive spirit. He 1852, and practiced his calling at Minden until is now a resident and merchant of the village of 1878, at which time he died. He was regarded as Summerfield, and by reading the following sketch a leading physician of Northern Louisiana, and of his career it will be seen that his time has not his memory still remains green in the hearts of his been uselessly or idly spent. He was born in the numerous acquaintances and friends.), Albert G. State of Georgia September 29, 1838, but since he (who graduated from the New Orleans Medical was eight years of age he has been a resident of College in 1867, and is now one of the most suc- Claiborne Parish, La., his early education being cessful physicians of Minden), Sarah (widow of N. received in the old subscription schools, afterward Young, of Magnolia, Ark.), Mary K.(widow of Judge taking a complete course in Mount Lebanon Col- W. B. Edgar, deceased, of Homer), Annie (wife of lege, Bienville Parish. Ere he completed his John W. Todd, of Magnolia, Ark.), Margaret (who course he enlisted in the Confederate Army, becom- died in infancy), Samuel B. (who died at the age ing a member of Company H, Seventeenth Louis- of twenty-eight years), and Dr. William D.

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iana Infantry Volunteers, and was mustered into These children were born to Samuel B. and Annie service in 1861. He was assigned to the Army of S. (Jones) Harper, the former of whom was born Mississippi under Brig. Gen. Ruggles and Gen. in Georgia in 1796, and the latter in North Caro- Pemberton, and was a participant in the battles of lina. Samuel B. Harper was one of five children, Shiloh and siege of Vicksburg, after which, in and after the death of his father his mother mar- 1863, he returned home and was not again an ried again, her husband being a Mr. Bonner. Dr. active participant in the war. He has always been William D. Harper received the advantages of the a Democrat in principle and precept, and has always common schools of Claiborne Parish, and at the strenuously upheld the principles of his party, bis age of thirty-one years he entered the Tulane first presidential vote being cast for Stephen A. Medical College at New Orleans, from which place Douglas. He represented Claiborne Parish in the he was graduated in 1885. Since then he has State Legislature at one time, and at the time of successfully followed his chosen profession in the his nomination there were six candidates, but it was place of his birth, and has acquired an enviable finally decided that there should be two nominated, reputation for the conscientious discharge of his and Mr. Hay and W. C. Martin were the successduties. He was married in 1874 to Miss Nobie ful ones, being duly and unanimously elected, Carr, a daughter of W. A. Carr, a resident of ' although Mr. Hay's term in office was of short Homer. Two children have been born to the: duration, He is a member of the Masonic fraterRolla C. and Mary Kinnie. The Doctor at all nity at Summerfield, La. He is a careful, method. times affiliates with the Democratic party, and, so- ical business man, fully awake to all the interests cially, is a member of the K. of P. His wife is a

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He carries a complete line of dry worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. goods, boots, sboes, hats, caps, hardware, a full Until recently the Doctor practiced at Flat Lake,

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line of staple groceries, and in fact all the combut in May, 1890, be located in Homer, where his modities which go to make up a first-class general

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of his patrons.

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store, his annual sales amounting to about $10,000. being the third of nine children-five sons and four His parents were born, reared and married in the daughters--- born to James F. and Mary F. (AlState of Georgia, and both are now deceased, the mond) Hightower, who were born, reared, educated father having been a planter by occupation. To and married in Georgia, the father being a farmer them four sons and three daughters were born, of by calling, both being now deceased. Their chilwhich family four are now living: James (the sub- dren are as follows: Thomas Jefferson (deceased), ject of this biography), William F. (who is a planter America (deceased), Calvin F., James A. (married, of this parish), Samuel (who follows the same occu- and a planter of Claiborne Parish), Virginia (depation here, and is married), and Theodocia (wife ceased), Jackson P. (married, and a planter of of B. P. O'Bannon, who is a prosperous planter of this parish), Fannie (wife of Joseph A. Ganiss (a this parish).

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planter of Arkansas), Mary Lida (deceased), and James D. Henry has been a resident of Clai- Irby H. (married, and a planter of Grayson Counborne Parish, La., from his infancy, for he was ty, Tex.). Calvin F. Hightower obtained a pracborn here in 1828, being the son of Henry S. and tical education in the district school of this parish, Lovie (Burnham) Henry, who were born in North and ever since he has been a firm friend and sup. Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, the former porter of all good educational institutions. After coming to Louisiana in 1827, and locating in Clai- he had attained his majority he commenced to borne Parish. Here James D. attained man's es- make his own way in the world as a farmer and tate, and as soon as he had reached a suitable age planter, and although his principal capital conhe was put to school, being an attendant of the sisted of a pair of willing hands and a good concommon school of Claiborne Parish in his early stitution, he has been successful, and he is now youth, where he acquired a practical education. the owner of 1,000 acres of good land, of which In 1857 his marriage to Miss Catherine Madden 500 acres are in a fine state of cultivation, all of was celebrated, and after their union had been which property is the result of his own hard toil blessed in the birth of four children, two of whom and good management. Miss Mary J. Taylor, are living the mother died, the date of her death who was born in Alabama, on May 25, 1855, bebeing 1865. The following year he united his fort- came bis wife on October 28, 1874, she being a unes with those of Mrs. Margaret A. Madden, í daughter of Daniel Taylor, a successful planter. widow of J. D. Madden, by whom he became the She was reared principally in Louisiana, her edu father of four children, three being still alive. In cation being received in the common schools, and 1862 Mr. Henry enlisted in the Confederate Army, ber uvion with Mr. Hightower bas resulted in the and served with fidelity until the cessation of hos- birth of eight children: Martha Frances (who died tilities. His first battle was at Franklin, La., but at the age of nine years), James D. (who died was afterward in a number of hotly-contested en- when seven years of age), John F. (aged eleven gagements. He has the distinction of being the years), Edna C. (aged nine years), Thomas A. (de third eldest native resident of Claiborne Parish, ceased). Franklin T. (aged five years), Jonnie Vida and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, (aged three years), and Mamie Elsie (the baby of as is also his wife and eldest daughter, who is at the bome). Mr. Hightower has always upheld the home. He belongs to the Farmers' Alliance, and principles of Democracy, and is a stanch member is the owner of a plantation of 370 acres, 123 of of the Farmers' Alliance. They expect to make

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' . which are cleared and under cultivation.

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Homer their future abiding place, where they are Calvin F. Hightower. Claiborne Parish, La., surrounded by all that go to make life comfortahas long had the reputation of being a fine aricult- ble and pleasant. Mrs. Hightower is an earnest ural region, and here Mr. Hightower holds a lead member of the Baptist Church, and her husband ing place among the well-to-do and prosperous has always been a liberal contributor to the same. planters. He is a Georgian, born May 13, 1849, James A. Hightower is now successfully follow

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ing the calling to which he was reared, and which W. Belcher, of Arkansas), Levena (wife of Thomas has been his life work, a calling that for ages re- Coleman), Bryant W., and Martinia (wife of John ceived undivided efforts from many worthy indi- W. Hollowman. W. Strickland Hood came to this viduals, and one that always furnishes a good liv. parish in 1851, and here has since made his home, ing to those who are persevering and energetic. from here enlisting in 1862, in Company D, Eight He is a native of Harris County, Ga., born in the eenth Louisiana Infantry, serving until the suryear 1850, and when ten years of age was brought render, the most of his service being confined to to Louisiana, by his parents (for a history of whom the State of Louisiana, on detail duty. He was see sketch of C. F. Hightower), and near the town married to Miss Mary L. Brown in 1855, and to them of Homer he grew to maturity, receiving a good the following four children have been born: James practical education in the common schools of his B., William T., Joseph B. and M. Lulu. Mr. native State and Louisiana. After attaining the Hood owns 300 acres of good land, the half of age of twenty-four years he came to the conclusion which is under cultivation, and in the conduct of that it is not good for man to live alone, and act- this property he has shown that he is a man who ing upon this belief he was married to Miss Georgie thoroughly understands his business, for thrift Lowery, a daughter of Larkin Lowery, their union and industry are his watchwords. He has been a in time resulting in the birth of seven children: member of the A. F. & A. M. for many years, and Bettie (now in school at Summerfield), Willie, is now a member of the Farmer's Union, and his Genie, Irby, Mattie L., Larkin and Ettie. Mr. wife, as well as himself, belongs to the Missionary Hightower's agricultural operations have resulted Baptist Church. very satisfactorily, and he is now the owner of a William A. Johnston, merchant and jeweler, fine plantation consisting of 800 acres, 200 of Homer, La. In Moore County, N. C., in Septemwhich are cleared and under cultivation, yielding ber, 1853, there was born to the union of R. T. abundantly the usual crops of the south. Politic- and Flora (McFarland) Johnston a son, whom we ally Mr. Hightower has at all times affiliated with will now take as the subject of this sketch. He the Democrat party, and as a man and citizen his was the eldest of six children - four sons and two career has been one of more than usual interest, for daughters--all living with the exception of one son, to his own indomitable energy he owes his success and received a liberal education in the schools of in life. He and his wife are members in good Louisiana. He began learning the silversmith's standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. trade in 1874 at Vienna, Lincoln Parish, La.,

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W. Strickland Hood. The agricultural affairs of under T. W. Speer, one of the best workmen in Claiborne Parish, La., are ably represented, among

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this line in the State. Mr. Johnston came from others, by the subject of this sketch, who is a son Vienna to Homer in 1874, engaged in business for of Bryant Hood, who was born in Washington himself in a small way and was doing unusually County, Ga., and died in 1886, at the age of eighty well when, in 1877, failing health caused him to years.

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The grandfather, William Hood, was a sell out. In July, 1880, be commenced working resident of Georgia all his life, in which State he here for other parties, continued at this for sixteen was also born.

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W. Strickland Hood was born in months, and then worked one year for himself. Coweta County, Ga., in 1832, and removed with After this he entered a general store, including his parents to Chambers, Ala., where he grew to jewelry, and remained with the same up to 1886, maturity and received a common-school education. when he bought out the jewelry department and He was the second of the following named children: continued the business. Mr. Johnston now carMartha A. (is the deceased wife of Joseph Swine), ries a large stock of watches, clocks and jewelry, W. Strickland, Mary (the deceased wife of William and does a good business in his line. He also has Watson, of Claiborne Parish), Frances (widow of a large and increasing repair business, He is a Fred Dugan), Susanna (is the deceased wife of G.

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No. 1 workman, and his repairing receives prompt

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9

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r

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ala.

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He was

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attention, being executed in the best manner and chandise, and are doing an excellent business. guaranteed substantial and durable.

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He is a

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Mr. King is deputy postmaster, but has had full natural mechanic. He owns his own business charge of the office since 1880. He was married house, and since 1887 has been in his own build- here on December 29, 1887, to Miss Willy Thomas, ing. He is a charter member of the K. of P., and a native of Claiborne Parish, La., and a daughter of has beld several official positions in the order. M. B. Thomas. His parents were born in North Carolina, and there Reuben H. Knighton has been engaged in merthey were united in marriage. They moved from chandising at Langston, La., since February, 1890, their native State to Arkansas in 1857, located in and although he.is young in years, he has in this Hempstead one year, and in 1858 moved to Louisi- short time built up a paying trade. His birth

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They located in Union Parish, engaged in occurred in this parish in 1866, to Joseph O. planting and there they reared their family. The Knighton and wife, the former being born in Misfather died May 26, 1887, and the mother followed sissippi about 1835. To them five children were him in August, 1890. They were worthy and much born, their names being: Reuben H., Annie E. esteemed citizens.

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(wife of Len Langton, of Langston), Joseph E., John H. King is a member of the mercantile James B., Virginia and Dan W. Reuben H. firm of King Bros., of Blackburn, La.

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Knighton grew to maturity in Claiborne Parish, born in Tallapoosa County, Ala., March 1, 1857, La., and is a self-educated young man. Although his brother, Frank T., the other member of the he was reared to the occupation of planting, he firm, being born in the same State and county, gave up this calling, and at the above mentioned November 22, 1854, to William S. and Elizabeth date turned his attention to merchandising, and by (Adair) King, the former of whom was born in honesty, sincerity of purpose and a desire to please Georgia and the latter in Alabama. When a lad his patrons, he is doing a prosperous business. of six years the father was taken by his parents to He comes of good old Jacksonian Democratic stock, Alabama, where he attained man's estate and was and at all times supports that party and the men married, coming, in the winter of 1865, to Louisi- which it puts forward for office. ana, purchasing an improved farm in Claiborne | respect a worthy young gentleman, and is an Parish, on which he is still residing, being now earnest member of the Missionary Baptist Church. sixty-two years of age.

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He served in the Confed- Len Langton, his brother-in-law, was born in Ouaerate Army, and at Cedar River was badly wounded chita County, Ark., in April, 1861, a son of Moses in the hip and had his left arm broken, which per. G. W. Langton, who was born in Georgia in 1821, manently disabled bim. He is one of a family of bis father, who also bore the name of Moses, being eight brothers that served in the Confederacy, and an Englishman. The latter was a veteran in the all came through the service alive, one brother Revolutionary War, and came to this country with losing a foot in an engagement. The family of three brothers and aided the cause of the colonists.

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. William S. King consists of four sons and two The male members of the family have at all times daughters, all of whom are living in this parish. been traders and merchants up to the present, and John H. King grew to maubood here, and received this occupation now receives the attention of Len a fair business education, mostly by self applica- Langton, who is associated with Mr. Knighton in tion. After attaining his majority he remained business. He was married in 1887 to Miss Annie with his father for several years, and in November, E. Knighton, by whom he has two children: Lonny 1880, he and his brother opened their present and an infant. The former died in infancy. establishment, but commenced in a small way

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with Jesse Marion Ledbetter, M. D. The profes very limited means. Since then they have added sion of the physician is one of the noblest to which very materially to their stock of goods, and now a man can devote his life, that is if he makes a carry a large and complete stock of general mer- proper use of the talents given him, and this Dr. Led

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He is in every

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a

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better has most assuredly done. He is a resident of ardent and consistent members of the Primitive Summerfield, La., but was born near Harpersville, Baptist Church for many years. They are now Scott County, Miss., February 3, 1854, being the deceased and are sleeping their last sleep in the youngest of the following ten children: Benjamin T., cemetery of Summerfield. Dr. Jesse M. LedbetMary (wife of T. J. Denson, a druggist and pharma- ter first attended the common schools, after which cist of Harpersville, Miss.), Lou (the wife of J. K. he took a partial course in Springhill Institute Whitehead, deceased, of Harpersville, Miss.), Dora (which afterward became known as Cooper's In(wife of J. H. Dorsett, a planter of Scott County, stitute), and still later entered the State University Miss.), W. S. (a resident of Summerfield, La.), at Oxford, Miss., an institution he attended two William S. (who was married to Miss Mattie Mor. years, when he commenced the study of medicine. gan, a resident of Mississippi, and during the He graduated at the Charity Hospital Medical Collast ten years of his life he has been with the lege with distinction, after which he entered upon Doctor in mercantile business in Summerfield, but his practice at Ludlow, in Scott County, Miss., prior to this he had been a planter. He entered where he remained two years, then removed to the war with the first company that left Scott Summerfield, La., in 1878, where his home has been County, Miss., in 1861, and served till the close of up to the present time, winning golden opinions for the war), A. A. (an eminent physician and sur- himself from all who have secured his services. Some geon of Hallettsville, Lavaca County, Tex.), W. of his time has also been given to cotton growing, and H. (a planter of Grayson County, Tex.), Toressa of this work he has made a decided success.

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For C. (wife of P. T. Talbot, who is a banker, real es- a period of ten years he has been associated in the tate broker and dealer in general merchandise at mercantile business with his brother, William S., San Marquis, Tex.), McPherson B., and Dr. Jesse at Summerfield, where they have a very large and M. (the subject of this sketch). Benjamin T. paying business. The Doctor commenced life for eldest in the family, was married to a Miss Vander- himself at the age of twenty-two years without a hurst, and died at the age of fifty-two years. He dollar of capital, and although he had rather a was a leading politician of Northwestern Louisi- hard road to hoe for some time, he at last gained a ana, and his influence was plainly felt throughout foothold and is now in good circumstances.

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His this region. At his death he was surveyor-gen- wife, whom he married November 15, 1877, and eral of the State of Lonisiana, having been ap- whose maiden name was Joannab Barrow, was pointed by President Cleveland. McPherson B., born in Alabama, but was reared in Louisiana, ninth in the family, was married to Miss Nannie and to their union two children have been born: Calloway. He was a finely educated young man, Wiltz McP. (aged twelve years), and Marion A. and at the time of his death, which occurred when (aged ten). Mrs. Ledbetter's father was a minishe was thirty-two years of age, he was associated ter of the Primitive Baptist Church, but was also in the mercantile business with the Doctor and a cotton planter, and for several terms represented William S., and was joint proprietor with the for- his county in the State Legislature of Alabama. mer in a drug store, and was in very independent Dr. Ledbetter is a Democrat, and at all times sup

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a circumstances. He and his brother, Benjamin, ports the principles of Jeffersonianism, being an now sleep beside their mother and father in Sum

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active partisan and using his influence for the mertield Cemetery. The father and mother of election to office of men of principle and honor. His these children, William and Casandra S. (Black) first vote was cast for Hon. S. J. Tilden for the Ledbetter, were born in Georgia, the former being presidency, and in 1888 he was a delegate to the a farmer in early life and a merchant of Summer. State convention held at Baton Rouge. He is a field, La., during his declining years. Both member of the K. of P. of Homer.

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He is the parents were liberally educated and were support. owner of about 1,000 acres of land, and besides ers of all good scholastic institutions, being also his interest in the mercantile establishment above

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mentioned, he is the owner of a large roomy, S. (was killed in a skirmish in Virginia during the typical Southern residence in the village of Sum- Rebellion), Mary M. (married a cotton planter and merfield. All this property has been accumulated resides in Claiborne Parish), Elizabeth N. (married by business tact and acumen, but his business is a cotton planter and resides in the Lone Star so diversified that he has no time for leisure. He State), James S. (died at the age of twenty-five and his wife have lived very happily together. Mrs. years), Enos H. (is an attorney at law at Homer, Ledbetter is a worthy member of the Primitive La.), Robert T. (resides in Claiborne Parish), IsoBaptist Church, and her husband has always been phena (deceased), Sarah A. (married Mr. McCasa liberal contributor to this as well as other land, a cotton planter, and resides in Claiborne churches.

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Parish), Nettie (resides with her parents on the James McClendon, cotton planter, Lisbon, La. old homestead), Thomas (died in childhood), and The history of every community is made up, so Isaac H. Mr. McClendon was a member of the far as its more interesting features are concerned, Home Militia for three months during the war, of the events and transactions of the lives of its being too old to serve in the regular army. In prominent, representative citizens. In any worthy i his early political days he was an old-line Whig, history of Claiborne Parish, an outline of the but after the Democratic party was organized he life of the subject of this sketch should by all joined that He has never been an active politimeans be given. Mr. McClendon was born in cian, and has ever aimed to support men of princi Georgia in January, 1816, and was the eldest of ple, rather than strict party measures. He served fourteen children-nine sons and tive daughters as justice of the peace in Alabama six years, and six of whom are now living-three sons and three filled the same position in Louisiana for four years. daughters: Abram (is a cotton planter of Ala | He lost his dear companion in life after a pilgrimbama), Thomas H. (is a minister in the Methodist age of life's journey for many years, her death oc Church in Louisiana Conference, and resides at curring on March 8, 1878. Her remains are inSicily Island, La.), Frances (married a Mr. White, terred in Lisbon Cemetery, where at her head stands a cotton planter, and resides in Texas), Sarah. a monument erected by her loving and devoted Antoinette (is a widow and resides in Texas, where husband. She was for many years a member her husband was a cotton planter), and Sophronia of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was an

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, C. (married a Mr. White and resides in Texas). active worker in the Sunday school. Mr. McThe parents of these children were natives of Clendon is also a member of that church, and is Georgia, and the father was a cotton planter. He deeply interested in Sunday-school work. They was a soldier in the War of 1812.

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Both are now always contributed to all religious purposes which deceased, and their remains are interred near Lis. were worthy of their consideration. · Mr. Mcbon, La. James McClendon received his educa- Clendon is the owner of about 1,100 acres of tion in the old log-cabin schoolhouse of former land, and makes cotton and corn his staple comtimes, and has since improved very materially by modity. He has all that life calls for, and he and observation and study. He is a friend and sup- his daughter, Miss Nettie, and his son, Isaac H., porter of all good schools. He commenced active / reside near Lisbon, enjoying all the comforts of a business life for himself at the age of twenty-two temperate life and the respect of their many years, and was married in Heard County, Ga., in friends and neighbors. 1838, to Miss Louisa Ann Tait, a native of Georgia, Squire James M. McKinzie. From this brief born in 1820. They moved to this parish in 1818. and incomplete view of the life record of Mr. Mc Of their union have been born twelve children- Kinzie, it will be seen that his life from earliest seven sons and five daughters – five of whom are youth up has not been uselessly or idly spent. He deceased. They are named as follows: Charles bas always been familiar with the details of plantW. (died at the age of forty-seven years), Abram ing, and as he has made this his life occupation, he

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has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods. in 1883, and the mother many years previous. Mr. He was born in Limestone County, Ala., in 1825, Machen served in the War of 1812, was under being one of the following family of children: Gen. Jackson, and participated in the battle of David, Andrew, Lacy, Nicholas A., John T., James New Orleans, also many other important engageM., Sarah, Levina and Mary E. Their father, ments. Frank L. Machen and an elder brother Alexander S. McKinzie, was a Kentuckian, born are tbe only survivors of the above mentioned fam about 1799, to David McKinzie. James M. Mc- ily. His youthful days were spent on the farm in Kinzie received a common-school education in TenColumbia County, Ark., and in addition to a good, nessee, where his parents had moved when he was practical education received in the common school an infant, and here he attained man's estate and he received a thorough training at Brownwood In was married in 1846, to Miss Isabella M. McCann, 'stitute, La Grange, Ga. After leaving school be a daughter of Thomas McCann. . To them a fam. enlisted in the Confederate Army in May, 1861, in ily of ten children has been born, eight of whom Company G, Sixth Arkansas Infantry, as a private, grew to maturity: Alexander B., Mary E. (wife of and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, S. S. Taylor), Sarah M. (wife of James A. Awbrey), serving in that capacity until the close of the war. Thomas D., Martha J. (wife of C. J. Kinder), He was in a great many engagements of the Army Anna G. (wife of J. A. Lowe), Leona J. and George of the West, among the most important being R. An infant and James A. are deceased. Mr. Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Perryville, McKinzie came to Claiborne Parish, La., in 1830, Franklin, and a great many of less importance. and has since devoted his attention to agriculture, He never lost a day nor was be absent from bis being now the owner of a good plantation of about command during the entire time he was in service. 300 acres.

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He is a Democrat, politically, has held He surrendered at New Salem, N. C., in May, the office of justice of the peace for about fourteen 1865. Returning to Arkansas after the war he years, and for the past six years has been a mem- was for two years on a farm, and in the fall of 1868 ber of the police jury. Socially he has been a he was engaged in clerking in Columbia County, member of the A, F. & A. M. since 1838. He is where he continued for two more years.

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He then an active member of the Christian Church, and went to Nevada County, clerked there from that since 1955 bas been an elder in the same. Among time up to 1883, and then purchased an interest in his acquaintances and friends the respect shown the present firm of Denman & Co., continuing at him is in full keeping with his well established Prescott up to 1888. In September of that year reputation for hospitality and sincere cordiality. the firm established this branch house at Homer, To know him is to have a high admiration for him, and Mr. Machen has taken charge of this house. for be is possessed of those sterling characteristics He carries a full and complete line of shelf and which make a true man, and in his intercourse heavy bardware, tinware and machinery of all with those around him he has won a host of warm kinds, and also handles gins, feeders and confriends.

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densers. He is doing a general hardware, machinery Frank L. Machen, a member of the firm of and implement business, and has already estabDenman & Co., merchants at Homer, La., owes lished a large and increasing trade. Mr. Machen bis nativity to the Palmetto State, his birth oc- is a thorongh business man, and one of the entercurring in Newberry District, February 25, 1836, prising merchants of Homer. He was married in and is one of five children- three sons and two Columbia County, Ark., in February, 1868, to daughters--born to the union of John and Leah Miss Mary S. Gladney, a native of Tennessee, who (Renwick) Machen, natives also of South Carolina. | was reared and educated in Columbia County, The parents removed from South Carolina to Ar- Ark. Mr. and Mrs. Machen are members of the kansas in 1854, located in Columbia County, and Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he is a made their home on a farm, where the father died : member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Royal

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He was

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Arch Mason. He is also a member of the I. 0. 0. three months, after which he removed to Camp F. fraternity

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Douglas, where he remained three months, being Jesse C. Madden is a prosperous dealer in gen- then exchanged. He was next engaged at Chickaeral merchandise at Gordon, and he is no less suc- mauga, at which place he was wounded, and it may cessful in the occupation of planting, to which be here stated that he was never in an engagement occupation he also gives his attention.

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that he did not receive a wound of some nature, born in Harris County, Ga., in 1837, being the although they were not serious. At Atlanta, July seventh in a family of eight children, the other 28, 1864, however, he lost his left hand, which members being: Martha (wife of Jonathan Chester ended his services in the field. He has always been of Tallapoosa County, Ala., deceased), Josiah (who interested in the welfare of the Democrat party, was a resident of Independence County, Ark., but and bas always taken an active part in putting for is now deceased), Lewis R. (now a resident of Scott ward good true men for office. In Mississippi he County, Miss.), Mary (wife of William Baldwin held the office of county treasurer and tax assessor of Washington County, Tex.), Elias J. (a resident from 1866 to 1869, and discharged his duties with of Scott County, Miss.), Ezekial C. (of Craighead undoubted ability, and the entire satisfaction of County, Ark.), and William (now residing in Gor- all. He is a member of long standing of the Primdon, La.). The father, Elias Madden was born in itive Baptist Church, and is a worthy, honored and South Carolina about 1794, and died in Harris useful citizen of this parish. He has been a resiCounty, Ga., in 1839, a son of Richard Madden. dent of Louisiana since December, 1880, and al His brothers and sisters were: Ezekiel (who died ready owns a well stocked and well patronized store in South Carolina), Elias, Dennis (who died in and a plantation of over 500 acres. Washington County, Tex.), Nellie (wife of Wesley Dr. John E. Meadors, well known throughout Cox of Choctaw County, Miss.), and Sophia (wife Claiborne Parish, La., was born in Chambers .

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. of John Burns of Tallapoosa County, Ala.). The County, Ala., in 1836, and was one of six children immediate subject of this biography grew to ma- who grew to maturity, the other members of the turity in Tallapoosa County, Ala., and in his early family being Nancy S. (wife of Dr. J. F. Leak, boyhood moved to Scott County, Miss., having re- who is now deceased), Mary S. (the deceased wife ceived a common school education in his native of Thomas H. Brown, of this parisb), Camilla P. State and Mississippi, his studies being pursued by (wife of James M. Calloway of Harrison County, the firelight at home. Having come to the conclu- Tex.), Hon. James (who is a resident of this parish, sion that “it is not good for man to live alone” he and has represented the Third Congressional Dis. was married in 1860 to Miss Lydia A. Slaughter, trict in the State Senate one term), and Achsah a daughter of Joseph Slaughter of Leake County, H. (wife of Dr. J. P. Taylor, also of this parish). Miss., and in time a family of ten children gathered the father, Washington Meadors, was born in the about their hearthstone: Mary (wife of W. R. Man- “Palmetto State" April 15, 1798, a son of Jason ning of Gordon, La.), Georgia A. (wife of Dr. A. Meadors, who was a veteran in the Revolutionary R. Bush, of Homer), Joseph E. (a resident of Ari- War in which he held the rank of colonel. Washzona, La.), Susan (who died in infancy), Mattie B. ington Meadors was married to Rachel Bonds, (at home), Jesse R. (in business in Arizona), Sallie born in Newberry District, S. C., in 1804, a (who died in infancy), Robert C. (at home), Vir- daughter of Mr. Stark, who was the son of the ginia (at home), and Lelia (the baby, who was born famous John Stark, of New Hampshire, of whom

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( in 1882).

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At the opening of the Rebellion Mr. it is said made the remark: 6. We will beat them Madden enlisted in Company I, Twenty-seventh to-day or Molly Stark will be a widow. Dr. Mississippi Regiment of Walthall's brigade, and his Meadors

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grew to naturity in Alabama, and in first encounter was at Perryville, Ky., at which 1857, having graduated from a well-known mediplace he was taken prisoner, and was kept there cal college of Georgia, he came to Claiborne Par

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а

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1

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ish, La., and since 1858 has been a practitioner of gained a fair competency, and died in 1864. He this region, quite a number of his first patients was a self-made man, was honest and industrious, being still his patrons. In 1860 he married Miss and improved every opportunity presented to make Mary A. Traylor, a danghter of Green S. and an honest living. The mother died in 1854. Thomas Martha (Allison) Traylor, of Troup County, Ga., D. Meadows was educated in the select schools both of whom came to Lonisiana and died in of Georgia, and was admirably fitted for the pracClaiborne Parish. To the Doctor and his wife tical life he leads. He engaged in school teachfive children were born: James G. (in 1862, is ing for a time, and is an ardent supporter of the a graduate of Washington & Lee University of cause of education. He started out to fight life's Lexington, Va.), Emma Lee (became the wife of battles for himself at the age of twenty-one years J. E. Cockrell, who is a son of Senator Cockrell, with very little capital, but with a strong deterand is now judge of the Eleventh District of minatiou to succeed. He first engaged in agriTexas), Annie, John T. and Prentiss. The Doctor cultural pursuits, and his business acumen, which has always been a Democrat, and is an active has been his stock in trade, has placed him in partisan in the selection of good men to fill the independent circumstances. He was married, Auoffices of both State and parish. He and his wife : gust 30, 1850, to Miss Mary A. Hilley, a native of are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Elbert County, Ga., born in November, 1834, and and socially he is a member of the K. of P. of to them have been born fourteen children, ten of Homer. That he has always been the friend of whom are living: John (resides in Winn Parish), education goes without saying, and he sent bis : Joseph (a talented attorney and a business man of children to colleges of Virginia and Pennsylvania, integrity, died at Hope, Ark., October 12, 1890), in which institutions they acquitted themselves with Alonzo (a Baptist minister and a prominent eduhonor. The Doctor is one of the oldest and most cator, resides at McNeal, Ark.), Ada (resides in successful of the physicians of the parish, and as Homer, and is the wife of Prof. J. T. Nelson, who an honorable, upright man has not his superior. is another educator of note), Asbury (is a graduate

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Thomas D. Meadows, planter, Lisbon, La. Mr. I of Peabody College at Nashville, Tenn., and now Meadows was born near La Grange, Troup County, resides in Donaldsonville, La., where he is princiGa., June 7, 1830, and was the eldest in a family pal of the schools), Mat (is a salesman at Minden, of four children, who were named as follows: La.), Beulah (resides in Claiborne Parish, and is Eliza (married Mr. Martin in Georgia, a planter, the wife of J. D. Cook, who is a farmer), Viola and died in Ward No. 1, Claiborne Parish, La., ' (resides on the old homestead), Ira (resides at home, when forty-five years of age), Joseph (resides in and is at present a student at Homer, La.; he is Haynesville, La., and is principal of the high a bright boy), Lizzie (is also a student at Homer, school at that place. He was educated in Georgia), La.). Mr. Meadows was a member of the famous and Susan (married J. T. Chapman, an orange “ Claiborne Guards” of the Seventeenth Louisiana grower, and now resides in Florida; she is the ' Infantry Volunteers, which was paroled at Vicksyoungest of the family). The parents of our sub burg, La., July 4, 1863. He was discharged on ject were both natives of Georgia, and both re- account of sickness at Camp Moore. Politically ceived a common school education. The father he was an old-line Wbig, and he finally espoused was born in 1807, and was an agriculturist by the principles of the Democratic party, because occupation.

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He figured very conspicuously in there was nothing better to affiliate with. He cast local politics, and was one of the leading citizens his first presidential vote for Gen. Winfield Scott. in his locality. He moved to Troup County, set- He has never missed an election since his majority, tled in a little cabin in a wild and undeveloped and has advocated his principles strenuonsly and part of the country, and remained there until late with vigor. Mr. Meadows has been a member of in life, when he moved to Heard County. He the police board for sixteen years, and he was

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days.

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president of the board several years, thus showing wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal in what prominence be is held. He is not a bitter Church. partisan by any means, but takes the fearless James W. Moore. This, in brief, is the sketch stand that both parties are very corrupt. He is a of a man wbose present substantial position in life Master Mason, and he and wife are members of the has been reached entirely throngh his own perse- Missionary Baptist Church at Antioch, which they verance and the facts connected with his opera- have aided in a very substantial manner. Mr. tions and their results only show what a person Meadows is the owner of 1,800 acres of land in with courage and enlightened views can accom- Claiborne Parish, and he is also the owner of a plish. His reputation for honesty and integrity nice residence in Lisbon, La. He has spent a has been tried and not found wanting; his finan- large sum in educating his children, and may well cial ability has been more than once put to the be proud of bis and their success. In Claiborne test, but never without credit to himself. His Parish, where his interests are located, and where general mercantile establishment comprises a neat he is surrounded by his many warm friends, Mr. and well-selected stock of goods, and besides this Meadows expects to pass the remainder of his he has an excellent plantation of 283 acres, sev.

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enty-five acres of which are good tillable land. Hugh Miller is the proprietor of a well-con- Mr. Moore was born in Claiborne Parish, La., ducted mercantile establishment at Millerton, La. July 15, 1838, being the sixth of seven childrenHe was born in Marion County, Ala., in 1855, be- six sons and a daughter: Perry (who is married ing one in a family of eleven children born to John and is a merchant of Claiborne Parish), John T. and Cassie (Guyton) Miller, who were born in Ala- (deceased), Mollie (wife of J. F. Cox, a planter bama and South Carolina, respectively, the former and lumberman of Bienville Parish), Charles (a being a son of John Miller, a native of Ireland, merchant of Homer), James W., William (who who came to America at an early day and settled resides in Homer), and a baby boy that died in in the Palmetto State. Hugh Miller came to this infancy. The parents of these children were born State and parish in 1870, with his parents, and lo. l in Georgia, the father being a planter and dying cated in the neighborhood of Athens, where they there at the age of fifty years, his widow still surmade their home for two years, then came to near

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viving him. James W. Moore, educated in the where Hugh is now doing business, and here the schools of Lisbon, has ever been the patron of edfather passed from life in January, 1890, being ucational institutions of all kinds. He started out still survived by his widow. Hugh opened his for himself a poor boy, but as has been seen, he has present establishment to the public in 1883, on a been successful, and his present prosperity he not very extensive scale, and now has a store well owes to his own indomitable will and energy. stocked with an excellent line of goods. In 1878 Miss Fannie Ragan became his wife in 1886. Her he was married to Miss Mary E. Neil, and by her

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birth occurred in Lincoln Parish, La., in 1868, is the father of the following children: Olive N., and her education was obtained in the common Banny E., Iler, H. Carl, Clyde and Clarence, the schools.

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. To her union with Mr. Moore two chi)baby. In his political views Mr. Miller has long dren have been born: Lois (ayed two and one half been a Democrat, and at all times supports the years) and Gertrude (aged eleven months). Mr. men and measures of that party. Although he is Moore is a Democrat, and he and wife are worthy a young man, he is rapidly making his way to the and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal front among the energetic business men of this Church of Lisbon, La., and both are workers in community; and althongh only thirty-five years of the Sunday-school. age he has built up a large and paying patronage,

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Hon. William F. Moreland, planter, Homer, and by attending strictly to each minor detail of La. No name is justly entitled to a more enviable his chosen calling can not fail to succeed. His place in the history of Claiborne Parish than the

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one that heads this sketch, for it is borne by a Lexington, Va., and professor of physics in Wash gentleman who has been usefully and honorably ington and Lee University of that place), Isaac N. identified with the interests of this parish and with a resident of Claiborne Parish). William W. (marits advancement in every worthy particular. He ried and residing on the old home place), F. Kate was born in Putnam County, Ga., September 26, (at home), Ida S. (also at home) and Lelia M. (now 1816, and although past the age usually allotted to Mrs. James G. Meadows, of Tennessee). Mr. man, he is in possession of a competency fully suf,

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Moreland has been a conspicuous man in the interficient to warrant him in passing the remainder of ests of his parish, and was elected to the Legislathis days in peace and comfort. He was the sev. ure in 1859, serving four years.

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After the war he enth in a family of eleven children, who are named was re-elected to the House and served until the as follows: Joseph (died in Claiborne Parish in reconstruction. He was again elected to that po1852), Ann (married Samuel Reed, of Troup Coun- sition in 1874 and served one term. In 1879 he ty, Ga., where she died), Elizabeth T. (became the was a member of the Constitutional Convention, wife of Thomas Hightower, of Claiborne Parish, and since that time he has declined office of any and is now deceased), Martha (became the wife of kind.

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He was for many years an active member Charnold Hightower, of Mouroe County, Ga., and of the Masonic fraternity, and has been a worthy died about 1828), Sarah (became the wife of Henry member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South West and died in Troup County, Ga.), Susan (mar- since 1810.

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He is progressive in his ideas and ried Tbomas Bustin and died in Troup County, tendencies, and has been a representative man in Ga.), Isaac (died in Houston, Tex. ), Jane B. (mar- the community. ried Seburn J. Thompson and died in Mississippi), Hon. Alfred T. Nelson, of Homer, La., is a naMary B. (married John C. Henderson, of Putnam tive of Georgia, bis birth occurring in Campbell County, Ga., and died in Macon County, Ala.), County on June 19, 1835, his father being Lieut. and Amelia (married Thomas C. Miller and died in James F. Nelson, a native of Virginia, and a La Grange, Ga.). The father of these children, | prominent man. The latter went to Georgia with Isaac Moreland, was born and reared in Dinwiddie his parents when a child, and there grew to manCounty, Va., and was a son of Thomas Moreland, hood and married Delilah Camp, a native of Georwho owned the land where a portion of Petersburg | gia. He followed the occnpation of farming in now stands

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The Moreland family were originally Georgia, and there reared his family, moving to from England. The mother of the above men- Claiborne Parish in 1854, where he made a farm tioned children, Nancy (Turner) Moreland, was and resided until his death, in 1872. He served born in Dinwiddie County, Va., and was a class- as deputy sheriff and sheriff of Campbell County, mate of Gen. Winfield Scott's in his early educa | Ga., for twelve consecutive years, with great

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credit tional career. Experience has been Mr. Moreland's to himself, and also officiated in other public posischool, and that he has made the most of it can not tions of trust and responsibility. He acquired his be questioned. He was thrown upon his own re- title of lieutenant by having served in one of the sources practically, taking care of his own affairs old Indian wars in Georgia. His widow yet surat the age of fourteen, and came to Claiborne vives him. Of the children which she bore her Parish in 1853, locating where he now lives. He husband, six grew to mature years.

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Alfred T. was was first married in 1839 to Miss Susan L. Ferrell, the third in order of birth, and grew to manhood in daughter of Bennett Ferrell, of Jackson County, Georgia, receiving only a moderate education, but Fla. She died in Macon County, Ala., in 1849. considerably improved in subsequent years.

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On In January, 1872, Mr. Moreland was married to September 4, 1854, in Floyd County, Ga., he marMiss Elizabeth White, daughter of James White, ried Miss Permelia C. Camp, an estimable lady of of Sumter County, Ga., and unto this union were that State, and afterward, in the same year, moved born six children: Sidney T. (now a resident of to Louisiana, settled in Claiborne Parish, and en

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gaged in farming, continuing until the war. March telligence and wit of his ancestors. The subject 4, 1862, he entered the Confederate service, in of this sketch resided in Tennessee until 1848, Company G, of the Twelfth Louisiana Regiment of when he came with his parents to Claiborne

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G Infantry, and served with the same until the end Parish, La., where his father died in 1858, and of the war.

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He participated in many bloody en his mother in 1861. James W. Nickelson was gagements, among which were the second battle given the advantages of the common schools, and of Corinth, Baker Creek (Miss.), Resaca (Ga.), the continued his studies until he started out in life for Atlanta campaign, Franklin (Tenn.), Nashville and himself as a farmer, after he had attained his maseveral engagernents in North Carolina, and was jority. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he present at the surrender at Jonesboro, N. C., in espoused the cause of the Confederacy, and became 1865. He reached his Louisiana home in June, a member of Company A, Twelfth Louisiana In1865, and the following year engaged in farming, fantry, with which he served until the close of and has continued the same with marked success the war, being in the engagements at Belmont, ever since. His farm is in Ward No. 7, six miles Shiloh, Coffeeville, Port Hudson, Baton Rouge, from Homer. His efforts as a husbandman have Grand Gulf, Jackson, and surrendered at Vicksbeen highly successful. He began with 160 acres, burg, after which he joined Price, remaining with to which he has since added until he now owns him until the war closed, being assistant forage about 1,400 acres, and, in addition, has given his master. After his return home he was married in children good and extensive farms. He has been 1863 to Miss Sarah A. Snider, a daughter of Will. one of the most successful farmers of the parish. iam and Jane A. Snider, and their union has In 1888 Mr. Nelson was elected to the State Legis- been blessed in the birth of nine children, six of lature, and represented his parish with distinction, whom are still living. Mr. Nickelson is a warm being on some of the most useful committees. He Democrat, and has taken an active part in the has taken strong grounds against the Louisiana selection of good and worthy men to fill the vari Lottery, and is a prominent Democrat. He served ous offices of the State and parish. He has been a as president of the Farmers' Alliance of this par- member of the A. F. & A. M. for many years, ish for two years, and was elected merchant of the and his wife is a member of the Missionary Bap Alliance's co-operative store of this parish. This tist Church, and is an earnest and truly consistent store was opened in the fall of 1889, and is large, Christian. well established, well conducted and prosperous. Dr. Thomas N. Nix, the subject of this sketch, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, with their family of seven was born in Georgia in 1851. In 1858 he with children six sons and one daughter--moved to his parents moved to Columbia County Ark., the town of Homer in the fall of 1889. The chil- where his parents now reside. Being remote from dren (who are all grown) and the parents are all school he was reared with but little education, but members of the Methodist Church, Mr. Nelson be. at the age of majority, being determined to work ing steward, He is a man of more than ordinary ont for himself a practical education, he applied intelligence and force of character, and deservedly, himself so well that he was admitted as teacher from his high social qualities, stands among the into the public schools of his State, spending three most prominent citizens of the parish. He is a years

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in this work. He then gave his attention to member of the Masonic and K. of P. fraternities. the science of dentistry. After some time devoted

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James W. Nickelson was born in Jackson to the study of this science, he began practice as County, Tenn., in 1833, being the ninth of ten early as 187- and this calling has since received children born to Nicholas and Mahala (Ferrell) his attention. He has been associated with some Nickelson, who were natives of North Carolina, the bright lights in his profession, and has acquired father's birth occurring in 1760. He was a direct for himself a name among the professional men of descendant of Irish parents, and possessed the in- North Louisiana, and as a dentist is certainly very

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skillful, and a master of his profession. He has former of whom was born in Alabama, and the latresided in this locality sufficiently long to win a ter in Georgia John L. Oakes began the battle host of friends, and to build up about him a large of life for himself as a planter with but $500, but and appreciative practice. He was married to in the eleven years that have passed he has accuMiss Alice Warren, October 27, 1880. Mrs. Nix mulated about 1,300 acres of land, 600 of which are is a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, under cultivation, a fact that speaks louder than Dr. Nix, of the Missionary Baptist Church, and words can do as to his ability as a financier. He they are liberal supporters of these churches.

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Dr. has the distinction, young as he is, of being the Nix is one of fifteen children born to Larkin Nix, most extensive planter in the ward, and one of the whose birth occurred in County, Ga., in 1813. most extensive in the parish. His example of in

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. Larkin Nix has lived a quiet farmer's life. He dustry and earnest and sincere endeavor to succeed was in the Indian War of 1836, and he killed and in life, especially in the direction of planting, is scalped a large Indian, who helped to murder and well worthy the imitation of men older than himscalp his brother, William Nix and family. He self, as well as the rising generation.

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He was volunteered, went into the Southern Army of the married to Mrs. Mollie Collier, a daughter of late Civil War, and was flag bearer for his com- Richard Cleaver, in 1885, and by her is now the pany.

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He had one son, Henry Nix, who gave up father of two children: Lawrence and Tullis. Mr. his life for the lost cause. John Nix, the father and Mrs. Oakes are members of the Missionary of Larkin Nix, was born in Edgefield, S. C., in Baptist Church. the year 1761. He was large enough to be cuffed Reuben L. Oakes is in every sense of the word about and abused by the tories in Washington's a self-made man, for the property which he now day. He was an active participant in the early has, has been acquired by his own exertions since Indian war, especially the War of 1812, under starting out in life for himself. He was born in Gen. Floyd. In 1858 he moved to Columbia this parish in 1862, to Reuben Oakes, a native of County, Ark., with his son, Larkin Nix, where he Alabama, who came to Claiborne Parish in 1849, died in 1868, at the advanced age of one hundred a more complete record of whom is given in the and seven years.

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Dr. Nix's father, aged seventy- sketch of John L. Oakes. Reuben L. has resided seven, and mother, aged seventy, are still living out all his life in this parish, and his first knowledge their Christian lives on the old homestead in Co. : of the “three R’s” was acquired in the common lumbia County, Ark., where they settled in 1858. schools. He was always diligent, and improved Dr. Nix has recently embarked in a mercantile ' bis opportunities to the utmost, becoming a wellventure, doing business with C. B. Broad- informed young man.

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When he had attained his way, N. Y. He has efficient men to run this business twenty first birthday he united his fortunes with and will continue the practice of his profession. that of Miss Ida Bridgeman, of Homer, and began

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John L. Oakes is a man whom nature seems to his career as a planter, his capital at that time behave especially designed to be a planter, for he has ing very meager indeed. He did not become dismet with more than the average degree of success couraged when obstacles presented themselves, but in pursuing that calling, and owing to his desire to continued to steadily pursue the “even tenor of his keep out of the beaten path, and to his adoption of way," and the magnificent plantation, which connew and improved methods, together with industry sists of 1,100 acres of land, which he now owns, is and good judgment, he is now a well-to do citizen. the result of hard and persistent toil, and shows He was born in this parish in 1856, being a brother what a young man of intelligence, energy and pro of Reuben L. Oakes, a sketch of whom appears in gressive views can accomplish when he so desires this work, and Lucy, now Mrs. Langford, both In 1888 he established a mill, which he has conresidents of this parish. They are the children of ducted with remarkable success in connection with Reuben and Margaret (Scarborough) Oakes, the planting up to the present day. The most of his

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ broad acres are cleared, and a goodly portion under Parish that year, and soon after was in the fight cultivation, the annual income from the same being at Belmont, but after the first year's service he large. The admirable manner in which everything was sent back to Louisiana, and served in this is kept about his place shows that a man of sound State until the close of the war. He has been a judgment and unswerving energy is at the helm, Democrat of long standing, having cast his first and here, where he has always lived, his many es presidential vote in 1848, and since locating in the timable qualities have acquired for him a popular parish, in 1852, he has held the position of justice ity not derived from any factitious circumstances, of the peace and police juror a great portion of the but a permanent and spontaneous tribute to his time. Socially he has been a member of the Mamerit. He and his wife have two bright and in- sonic fraternity for many years, in which he has teresting children: Guy and Daisy. He is a Dem- taken all the degrees of the council. He and his ocrat in his views, and at all times supports the estimable wife have been members of the Missionmen of that party.

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ary Baptist Church since 1816, and as citizens and Washington L. Oakes is one of the progressive, neighbors are highly esteemed by all who know intelligent and enterprising agriculturists of Clai- them. Mr. Oakes has resided on his present farm borne Parish, La., and was born in Perry County, of 1,000 acres since 1852, and has 400 acres of Ala., in 1827, and there grew to maturity, being land under cultivation, all of which is admirably the fourth of his parent's ten children: Elizabeth adapted to raising all the products of the South.

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: (deceased, was the wife of Isaac Harkines, of Perry James W. O'Bannon is a dealer in general County, Ala.), Eliga M. (now a resident of Clai- merchandise at Summerfield, La., but also gives borne Parish, La.), Haney (widow of Isaac Hark- considerable attention to agriculture, being a wellines), Washington L., Reuben M. (died during the to-do and successful man of business. He was

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. war, leaving a widow and family), Susan (widow of born in this parish in 1840, being the second of Thomas Brittain, of Nacogdoches County, Tex.), twelve children, ten of whom are living, born to Isaac C. (died during the war, leaving a widow and Bryant O'Bannon and N. E. O'Bannon, nee Nolen, two children), Frances (died at the age of eighteen born in South Carolina, the birth of the father oc

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, years), Nancy W. (now Mrs. John Naremore, of curring in Mississippi. The father was the eldest Claiborne Parish), and John L. (lied a prisoner at in a family of nine children born to Dorson B. Fort Delaware, during the war). The father of, O'Bannon, a native Virginian, and a soldier in these children, Isaac Oakes, was born in Georgia, the Revolutionary War, serving throughout the in 1797, being the youngest of the following chil- entire struggle with the mother country. All of dren born to his father, who also bore the name of James W. O'Bannon's brothers and sisters reside Isaac: Thomas, Reuben, Jobn, Jonathan, Nancy, in this parish with the exception of Jennie, now Persiller and Loucy. The grandfather was born Mrs. William Scarborough, who resides at Putnam, about 1758 and at the age of eighteen years be- Tex. James W. grew to maturity here and accame a Revolutionary soldier, and served through quired a good practical education at Mount Leb out the struggle that followed. He was born in

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In September, 1861, he enlisted in the Virginia. The maiden name of the mother of the army, and his regiment, the Ninteenth Louisiana immediate subject of this sketch, was Amy Martin, belonged to the only Louisiana brigade of the a daughter of Claiborne Martin, who was a Virgin- Army of Tennessee (Confederate), and served as a

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Washington L. Oakes received a common lieutenant until May, 1865, taking an active part education in the schools of Alabama, but after he in every battle in which his regiment participated had attained his twentieth year he began farming with the exception of Murfreesboro, Teun., and not for himself, and in 1852 was married to Miss Mar- receiving a wound during the war. His command tha A. Scarborough. In 1861 he enlisted in Col. surrendered in May, 1865, at Meridian, Miss., and Scott's company that went out from Claiborne this closed his military career. His brigade was

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anon.

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ian.

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3

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was

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first commanded by Gen. Dan W. Adams, and af. Caddo Parish, near Shreveport, where he opened ter the battle of Chickamauga by Gen. Randall Lee up a large farm, which he successfully conducted Gibson. After returning home he entered school ,

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up to the date of his death in 1868, baving been once more at Mount Lebanon and remained there the owner of a number of slaves prior to the war. until April, 1867, when he began devoting his at- He was a man of good parts, his business qualititention to farming and followed this exclusively cations being of a high order. His widow survived until 1873, when he opened a mercantile establish- him about one month, when she, too, passed away, ment, and to the successful conduct of these two thus leaving Oscar P. an orphan at the age of four enterprises he has since given his time. He carries

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year's. He remained with an older brother up to a stock of merchandise valued at from $2,000 to the age of twelve years, receiving the advantages $6,000, and has established a reputation for hon- of the schools of Greenwood, La., and Curran, I?l., esty and fair dealing throughout this section of the but when he had attained his thirteenth year he country. His plantation consists of 400 acres, the entered a printing office at Shreveport, and thor: most of which is cleared, and on this land he raises oughly learned the printer's trade, and worked in about forty-five balos of cotton annually. He is an the mechanical department for several years.

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He active Democrat in his political views, at all times one of a company that started a daily in supports bis party, and socially is a member of the Shreveport, and of this he was manager for abont K. of P. lodge at Homer. He was married in the

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one year.

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In 1889 he bought an interest in the month of December, 1868, to Miss Lizzie Williams, Guardian Journal, being first associated with Mr. a daughter of J. H. Williams, of Claiborne Parish, Seals, but a short time afterward purchased this and to them six children have been born: J. Graves, : gentleman's interest and took entire control of the N. Isabella, James P., Sarah E., B. L. and Ran

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paper, and is now engaged in publishing one of dall Gibson. Mr. and Mrs. O'Bannon are mem - the breeziest and brightest papers of which the bers of the Missionary Baptist Church at Summer- State can boast. He makes a specialty of job work, field, Claiborne Parish, La.

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and can show as fine specimens of work as can be Oscar P. Ogilvie is the editor of the Guardian found in large cities. His paper is published in Journal, at Homer, La., and is one of the public- the interests of Homer and Claiborne Parish, and spirited and able newspaper men of this section. as he is one of the youngest newspaper men in the He has been familiar with journalistic work from State, he deserves the commendation of all for the early boyhood, and the paper which he is now en- admirable manner in which he conducts his paper. gaged in publishing is one of the best and neatest He has greatly enlarged and improved the Guar local papers in the State of Louisiana.

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dian Journal, and as he is a man of superior busileft an orphan in his early childhood, but even at ness qualitications and excellent habits, be is bound that day be evinced sterling traits of character, and to make a name for himself in the journalistic with the energy and perseverance that has ever world. He is a member of the National Typocharacterized his efforts, he worked his way on. graphical Union, and was formerly a member of ward and onward until he is now acknowledged to the Shreveport Typographical Union, and served be one of the leading journalists of the State. He as president of that organization. was born in Caddo Parish, La., on October 2, 1861,

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William P, Otts, president of Homer National but his father, W. J. Ogilvie, was a native of Bank, Homer, La., was born in the Palmetto State, Georgia, but of Irish descent. He grew up in his

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He grew up in his Spartanburg District, September 19, 1814, and is native State and was married there to Miss Lucy a son of William Otts, a native also of South CaroJ. Patterson, a native of Kentucky, who was reared Jina. The father was married in that State to and educated in that State. After Mr. Ogilvie | Miss Delilah Brewton, of South Carolina, and had farmed in Georgia a few years he moved with after farming in that State for a number of years his family to Louisiana, and about 1812 settled in he removed to Alabama in 1831, and located in But

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He was

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ler County. His death occurred there in 1837. He as master and has filled other official positions. was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was private He represented his lodge in both Alabama and secretary of Gen. Thomas Moore. He was a man Louisiana. Although he has never taken an active of fair education, and served his district as sur- part in politics, he is a strong Democrat and has veyor, and also filled other positions. His wife voted that ticket for fifty years. Mr. Otts is a also died in 1837. Of their family, which consisted man of good judgment, is enterprising and pro- of nine sons and four daughters, all of whom grew gressive, and is one of the leading business men of to mature years, only our subject and two sisters northwestern Louisiana. now survive. The former passed his youth in Asberry W. Palmer, planter and ginner of Alabama, received a limited education, but has Gordon, La. Worthy reference to the agricult- improved this to a great extent by study since ural affairs of Claiborne Parish would be incom- growing up He began clerking in Alabama, con- plete without due mention of Mr. Palmer, among tinued at this for several years at old Fort Dale, others engaged in tilling the soil, for he is not only and then removed to Greene County, of that State, prominent in that respect, but as a citizen and where he cultivated the soil for a few years. In neighbor, is held in the highest esteem. He was born 1832 he removed to Lonisiana, Jackson Parish, in Greene County, Ga., March 22, 1824, to Amasy engaged in merchandising at Vienna, and there and Ann (Gaston) Palmer, who were born in Ala-

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, remained up to 1868. In the last of October of bama and Georgia, respectively, their marriage that year he removed to Homer and engaged in taking place in the former State, moving after- mercantile pursuits, at which he was very success- ward to Greene County, Ga., where they spent the ful until 1877. At that time he sold out and rest of their lives, the father's death occurring in embarked in live stock and brokerage business and 1830. Asberry W. Palmer was the youngest of on the organization of Homer National Bank in their six sons and two daughters, and after the December, 1889, he was chosen its president. death of his father, he, in 1833, moved to Ala- This bank opened for business in March, 1890, bama with his mother, and with her settled in Rus- and has a capital stock of $30,000 paid up capital sell County, where he grew to mature years, and and opened in a flourishing condition. Mr. Otts was married on December 24, 1847, to Miss Mary was married in Greene Connty, Ala., on September : E. Parker, a Georgian. He farmed in that county 2, 1841, to Miss Catherine H. Wilder, a native of a year or so, then followed the same occupation in Greene County, Ala., where she was reared and Macon County, but in 1858 came to Louisiana, and educated, and the daughter of William Wilder. located on the farm where he now resides, at that Mrs. Otts died on February 4, 1889, and was time being the possessor of some money and sev- buried in the Homer Cemetery. Mr. Otts has eral slaves. He continued to manage his planta- four daughters by this union: Elizabeth Jane tion up to the opening of the war, and in 1864 en- (wife of Drew Ferguson), Laura F. (widow of Dr. listed in the Confederate Army, and served until Averyt), Alice A. (wife of Dr. Griffin, of Rushton, the war terminated, being present at the shelling La.), and Mary D. (wife of Frank Allen, of Homer). of Harrisburg and in some skirmishes. Mr. Otts' second marriage occurred at Burke Sta. turned to bis plantation at the close of hostilities, tion, Iberia Parish, La., on July 11, 1959, to Mrs. and is now the owner of 740 acres of land, of Mary J. Reid, å widow and a native of Alabama. which about 150 are under cultivation, nicely im She was reared and educated in Minden College, proved with a good residence and barns. He and Louisiana, and is a lady of culture and refinement. his wife have reared a family of nine children to Mr. and Mrs. Otts are members of the Presby- , maturity: Mary Ann (the deceased wife of Alvert terian Church, and Mr. Otts is a member of the 'Glass), Martha A. (wife of Sebe Mattox, of Fort Masonic fraternity, having joined that order about Worth), Minnie (wife of A. Glass), William M., 1848. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and has served 'Jeff D., Octavia, Josephine (wife of C. Greer),

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He re

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success.

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Milo P. and Emma L. Mr. Palmer and his wife and his horses are all of the best driving grade. This | are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is an excellently managed establishment, for Mr. and for a number of years he has been a prominent Palmer is a young man who possesses fine business official in the same. He has been a Mason since qualifications, and, as he has always shown himself before his marriage, having been made such in Ala- to be the soul of honor, he has the full confidence bama.

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of his patrons. He has a business acumen which is Joseph Palmer needs no special introduction to sure to win for him signal success, and besides his the people of Claiborne Parish, La., for he bas property in Homer, which amounts to about $6,000, resided }ere all his life, bis birth having occurred he has a fine and valuable farm about twelve miles here Febrnary, 1866, he being the sixth of eight from the city limits. His residence in the town is children-four sons and four daughters--the names handsome and commodious, and was put up at a of the other members of the family being as fol- cost of about $1,000. Mrs. Palmer is a devout lows: Mattie (wife of U. S. Marshall, resides in member of the Presbyterian Church, and she and Texas), Minnie (residing in Minden, her husband Mr. Palmer have always contributed liberally of being retired from business), William (married and their means to what they thought worthy of their a well-to-do cotton planter of Claiborne Parish), consideration. They move in the first social Jefferson (married, is a resident of this parish, but circles of Homer, and have numerous warm, perhas retired from business), Octavia (also resides sonal friends, who wish them every bappiness and here, her husband being a successful cotton planter), Milo (is single and is a salesman in Mc- Isaiah Phipps is a practical farmer, one who Korkle Bros'. dry goods store in Homer), and Emma believes that it is beneficial to have all his farming Sue (who is a student in a music conservatory, and operations conducted in a manner so thorongh as expects to take the full course). Mr. Palmer re- to not slight one department of labor in order to ceived his early training in Minden, but afterward bestow more work on some other portion. He was took a full commercial course in a college at Little born in Perry County, Ala., December 9, 1820, to Rock, Ark., which admirably fitted him for the John Phipps, who was born, reared and married in practical duties of life, and all his life has been a Georgia, the last event being to Miss Mary Ann warm friend and supporter of educational institu- Crenshaw, a Georgian also. They emigrated to tions of all kinds. He commenced life for himself

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Alabama after their marriage, where the father at the age of nineteen years as a salesman in a was an active and fairly successful tiller of the soil dry goods store, and for three years he had a good until his death, which took place about 1842. He

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, and Incrative position, after which he took a course was a soldier in the Creek War, and was afterward in the stndy of law. He was married to Miss Ida

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captain of a company of militia. His widow sur May Gladney, who was born in Louisiana, April vived bim until 1880, when she passed from life in 6, 1868, her education being received in the Female this State. Isaiah Phipps grew to manhood in College of Homer, La., their union being cosum- Alabama, marrying there, at the age of pineteen mated January 15, 1890. Mr. Palmer is a Demo

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years, Miss Mary Veazey, an Alabamian by birth, crat in principle, but has never taken a particularly and in that State they continued to reside and active interest in politics except to always cast his farm for a number of years, removing to Louisiana vote for men whom he considered honorable and in the fall of 1853 and locating in this parish on trustworthy. He is a member of the K. of P. a farm. He purchased a fine plantation, and with lodge of Homer, which is a very flourishing

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very Hourishing the aid of a number of slaves which he possessed and active organization, and numbers about eighty: he opened the greater portion of this large planta members.

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He is the owner of a first class livery : tion. Although he lost his slaves during the war barn in Homer, which is well supplied with most he has been successful, and is now the owner of excellent equipages ready for use on short notice, 1,600 acres of land, all in one body, about 800 of

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1

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which is open land. He raises from fifty to ninety mediately joined the State Guards, but about three bales of cotton annually, but the most of his culti- months later entered the regular Confederate servvated land he rents out. In 1862 he enlisted in ice. He was in the engagements at Dry Wood, Col. McNeil's regiment, and served until the war Mo., and Elk Horn, Ark., in the last named enwas over, being a participant in several important gagement receiving gunshot wounds in the thigh engagements in Louisiana and Arkansas, returning and heel, wbich permanently disabled him, and he at the close of the war to his home. He has al was soon honorably discharged. In the spring of ways supported the measures of Democracy, and 1863 he had so far recovered that he determined has taken an active part in the political campaigns to re-enlist in the service, and until the close of the of his parish. In 1875 his wife died, leaving a war served in the Thirty-fourth Arkansas Infantry. family of ten children, all of whom are now living He first held the rank of sergeant, but was afterwith the exception of two. In 1878 Mr. Phipps ward promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, wedded Mrs. Margaret Oakes, an Alabamian. She the duties of which he was filling when he received has three children, who are now grown, by her his final discharge. He was in the engagements former husband. Mr. Phipps and his wife are at Helena, July 4, 1863, Jenkins' Ferry, April 30, members of the Baptist Church, and he belongs to 1864, and also in a number of skirmishes. After the Masonic fraternity.

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surrendering at Marshall, Tex., he located in BosMoses J. Pittman is a man of more than ordi- sier Parish, La., where he farmed the following nary energy and force of character, and no agri- ten years. January 7, 1866, he was married to Miss culturist of this region is deserving of greater Mary E. Sligh, a native of Louisiana, reared and success in the conduct and management of his educated at Minden, and a daughter of George B. plantation than he. His birth occurred in Dallas Sligh. After tilling his large plantation in Bossier County, Mo., on December 23, 1837, but his fa- Parish until December, 1876, he came to Claiborne ther, James H. Pittman, was a native of the Parish and purchased land in Ward 5, a considerHoosier State. The latter was a son of John Pitt | able portion of

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able portion of which was improved. He has man, a native of Ireland, and when a young man purchased different tracts from time to time, and went to Illinois, and was there married to Miss now has about 1,600 acres, all in one body. He Julma Martin, a Knox County Tennesseean by has cleared up 150 acres, and has otherwise greatly birth. For some time after their nuptials were improved his property. He commenced his indecelebrated Mr. Pittman followed the plow in pendent career empty handed, but the property he Sangamon County, Ill., but about 1835 moved to now has, has been accumulated in Bossier and Dallas County, Mo., of which he was one of the Claiborne Parishes, and he is now considered, and pioneers. He made a farm there on wbich he re- justly so, one of the wealthiest planters of this secsided until the opening of the Rebellion, when be tion, He raises on an average 125 bales of cotton helped to swell the ranks of the Confederate Army, , annually, but other Southern products are given and died while in the service in 1863. His widow considerable attention. He has always been a still resides in Dallas County, where she reared a Democrat in politics, but has never been an aspifamily of five sons and three daughters, the sub. rant for office, although he has often been solicited ject of this sketch being third in order of birth, to make the race for the Legislature. He and wife and all are now living with the exception of one are members of the Baptist Church, and have a

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Moses J. Pittman was given a fair country. family of three sons: Thomas S., Nicholas Wade school education, and made the most of his oppor- and James H. A daughter, Augusta, died at the tunities, but as he had learned the details of farm age

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Mr. Pittman has on his land a labor of his father, he began devoting his attention fine steam, saw and grist mill which adds much to to this calling, and was actively engaged in follow- bis annual income. It may with truth be said. ing the plow when the South seceded. He im that there is not a more public-spirited or honor

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of four years.

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son.

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able man in the parish than Mr. Pittman, and by wounded nor taken prisoner, and at the battle of every action he has shown that he has the interests Manstield his sword and pistol were shot from bis of his fellow-man, and country at heart.

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side. After the war he engaged in merchandising, Col. Thomas W. Poole, commissioner of immi- in Jackson Parish for several years, then sold out, gration, post office 60 St. Charles Street, New and moved to Carbondale, Ill., but after eight Orleans, La. This distinguished gentleman is a months returned to Homer, La., continuing in native of Alabama, and has reached his present business, but after several years, engaged in

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, honorable position through sheer force of character general stock trading

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. In September, 1888, and intellect. His birth occurred in Perry County, under a commission from Gov. Nichols, he took of that State, in August, 1832, his father being charge of the office of commissioner of immigra- . William H. Poole, a native of North Carolina, and tion, and has done very important service in bringhis mother, Miss Sarah Johnson, daughter of Star- ing the resources of the State to the attention of ling Johnson. William H. Poole moved from immigrants. His great energy, liberal views, broad North Carolina at an early day, and settled in Ala- mind and congenial character have given him a bama, where he engaged in farming and in the wide and deserved reputation throughout the State practice of medicine, and where he reared a large as a public servant. In 1854 he married Miss family. He made two large plantations in Union Elizabeth Wilder, a native of Alabama, and daughCounty, Ark., and there died, having lived an hon- ter of William H. Wilder; this lady died about the orable and useful life. He had formerly served in year 1882, after having presented her husband one of the early Indian wars. He moved to Ar- with seven children, of whom only two are living: kansas about 1813, and died about 1852, his widow C. E. Poole (of Homer), and L. E. (wife of L. E. surviving him until about 1866. Col. Poole is the Kemp, of Mexia, Tex. ). He married his present only survivor of the family of three sons and nine wife, Mrs. M. H. Lee, at Arcadia, in December, daughters, and grew to the age of eighteen years 1889, she being a native of Alabama, and the in Union County, Ark. He received a superior

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a

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daughter of Dr. Hunter, a prominent physician education from accomplished teachers in the higher and planter. Col. Poole is a member of the MaEnglish branches, mathematics and languages. sonic fraternity, and himself and wife are members

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, After having taught a short time, he came, in 1851, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. to Claiborne Parish, and engaged in clerking for nounced anti-lottery man, and is using his great his brother, and later engaged in business for him- energy and influence to suppress this powerful in self, in Lisbon, but soon moved to Vienna, Jack- stitution in the State. son Parish, where he resided until the war. He Hon. Thomas Price is a native of the State in enlisted in the Confederate service in 1862; was which he is now residing, his birth occurring in elected captain of Company I, which had' 176 men; what is now Bienville Parish, October 2, 1829, a marched to Monroe, where he assisted in organiz- son of John Price, a native of Georgia, who came ing the regiment; was elected major of the same, to Louisiana when a young man, and was married and entered the regular Confederate service in the to Miss Catherine Andrews, a native of Arkansas. Trans Mississippi Department. At the battle of

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Mr. Price opened a farm here, and resided in this Mansfield, La., he led his regiment, and for con parish until 1851, at which date he removed to spicnous gallantry was promoted to the colonelcy Texas, and there passed from life in 1856, his of his regiment. He participated in other impor- widow surviving him several years.

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Thomas retant engagements: Burwich Bayou, Pleasant Hill, mained with his father in this parish until he atYellow Bayou (at which latter battle his regiment tained manhood, but in 1849 made the overland brought on the engagement), Camp Bisland, Frank trip with him to California in search of gold. lin (La.), Bayou Fordasb, and numerous important They were eight months in reaching their destinaskirmishes. During the war he was neither tion, and after spending about the same length of

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He is a pro

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of age.

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time in the gold mines of the west, they came to the Jesse S. Pryor is well fitted for the duties of a conclusion that the wealth, if there, was not for planter, for he is thrifty, industrious and enterthem, and returned home by the Pacific and Cen- prising. He deserves the greatest credit for the tral America route to the Gulf of Mexico, which prosperity which he now enjoys, for he is in every they crossed to New Orleans, thence up the river sense of the word a self-made man, and has made to their home. Mr. Price was married in 1852 to his own way in life ever since he was twelve years Miss Martha J. Kirkpatrick, a native of Tennessee,

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He was compelled to labor very hard for and a daughter of Thomas J. and Ann Kirkpatrick, a long time, but, unlike many boys, he did not and soon after engaged in farming, a calling he foolishly spend his earnings, but carefully put followed for several years, but which he put aside them by for a rainy day,” using only a suffiin 1862 to swell the ranks of the Confederate Army, cient amount to clothe himself, so that in 1882 he becoming a member of Company G, Twelfth Louis- was enabled, with the money he had saved, to pur. iana Infantry, as orderly sergeant. In Juve, chase the plantation of 320 acres on which he is 1863, he was promoted to captain of his company, now residing, 200 acres of this land being under and served in that capacity until the war was over. cultivation. He was born in Perry County, Ala., He participated in a number of important engage- in 1859, and was one in a family of ten children ments, among which may be mentioned: Baker's born to Tabithy C. and W. S. Pryor, the names of

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, Creek, Peach Tree Creek, second battle of Corinth, his brothers and sister being as follows: Robert and Franklin, Tenn., but was also in a number of (living), George and John (who were slain during engagements of lesser importance, and numerous the Rebellion), Benjamin (living), William, Thomas skirmishes. During one engagement he was (deceased), James C. (deceased), Jesse S., Nannie wounded in the thigh by the explosion of a shell, (who died in 1878) and Charles. In 1867 Jesse S. was taken prisoner, and was kept at Johnson's į Pryor was brought by his parents to Louisiana, Island, Ohio, until the final surrender, then re- and with them located in Union Parish, where he turning to Louisiana, settled down once more

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grew to manhood.

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He came to Claiborne Parish to farm work. He was soon elected assessor of in 1877, attended school at Arizona for some time, Claiborne Parish, and at the expiration of one and this parish has been his home to the present term of two years he was re-elected. In 1872 bis time. He was married in 1880 to Miss Carrie many estimable qualities were recognized, and he Wade, a daughter of J. T. Wade, a native of was elected by his numerous friends to the State Tennessee, who came to Louisiana in 1860. Mr. Legislature, and served with honorable distinction and Mrs. Pryor have two bright and interesting in that body during 1873-74. After remaining little children: Blanche and Wallace. They have out of office until 1884, he was once more elected to a good and comfortable home, and, being very con the General Assembly of the State, and made a genial in their tastes, are prepared to enjoy life pure and intelligent legislator. He has been iden- and make the most of their surroundings. Mr. tified with the Farmers' Alliance, and bas taken Pryor is a Democrat. an active part in the deliberations of that body John R. Ramsey, deputy clerk and recorder of during the past year. He located on his present the district court of Claiborne Parish, La., is a farm in 1869 near Haynesville, which consists of native of Alabama, being born in Montgomery Sepabout 100 acres, of which about 150 acres are open tember 22, 1831, and is a son of Wilkes Ramsey. and under cultivation, well improved with good The father was born in the Palmetto State, Edgebuildings and a cotton-gin. Mr. and Mrs. Price field District, in 1807, and when but a boy re have a family of five children: Phineas E., Will . moved with bis father to Lowndes County, Alai, iam S., Walter Lee, Martha J. and Mollie Jackson. where he grew to manhood. He was married in Mr. Price and his wife are Cumberland Presby- Montgomery County, Ala., to subject's mother, terians, and be belongs to the A. F. & A. M. her maiden name being Miss Mary Ann Tankers

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ley, a native of Tennessee. Mr. Ramsey was a

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of the K. of P. Mrs. Ramsey is a member of the planter wbile living in Alabama, but in 1838 he Methodist Episcopal Church. removed from there to Union Parish, La., and re- William H. Randle, a native of Madison Counsided there until 1851, when they came to Clai- ty, Tenn., born October 9, 1811, has ever been ocborne Parish. There the mother died in January, cupied in tilling the soil, and the manner in which 1863. The father spent a few years with his chil- he acquired his present estate denotes him to be a dren in Texas, and tben died in Union Parish in man of original and progressive views. His

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par1888 while there on a visit. They were the par- ents, Tilmon and Martha B. Randle, were also ents of seven sons and five daughters, all of whom Tennesseeans, and in 1819 removed to Arkansas, grew to years of maturity with the exception of and until December, 1854, were residents of one, and six sons and four daughters are now liv. 'Ouachita County, coming at that date to Louisiana, ing John R. Ramsey came to this State and and locating in Claiborne Parish, where Mr. Ranparish with his father in 1838 when but seven dle passed to his long home in 1855, his widow suryears of age, and here he reached mature years, viving him until 1884, when she, too, passed away. receiving but a limited education in youth. Later The father was a tiller of the soil throughout his in life, by self study, he became a well-informed life, and for a number of years prior to his death man, and is thoroughly posted on all the current was an earnest member of the Cumberland Prestopies of the day. He came to this parish in byterian Church. His three sons and two daugh1852, engaged in farming and taught school part ters are still living and are the heads of families. of two years.

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He entered the court-house as dep- William H. Randle came to this State and parish uty recorder in 1859, and in 1861 he was elected with his parents in 1855, and here has lived ever recorder, serving in that capacity until the latter since bis fourteenth year. Although he was an part of 1866. He was re-elected to that position earnest student while in school, he was compelled in 1868, and served continuously until 1879, when to drop his books at an early day and take up the office was discontinued and consolidated with work on the farm. In February, 1862, he enlisted the clerk's office, and Mr. Ramsey was made dep- in the Confederate Army and served in the Twelfth uty. He has been in this office now nearly thirty- Louisjana Infantry until the close of the war, be. one years, longer, perhaps, than any other man in ing in the battles of Corinth, Baker's Creek, Jack the State, and it is hardly necessary to add that he son, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, has filled this position to the entire satisfaction of New Hope Church, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville all. He is perfectly familiar with all the business and numerous skirmishes. He was taken prisoner and records of this parish, and is a gentleman who at Nashville, and was held until the following has the confidence and esteem of every one. He March, 1865, when he was paroled and returned was also mayor of Homer, and was a member of to his home. He was under fire over 100 times, the council for several years. Mr. Ramsey was

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. Mr. Ramsey was and was in some heavy skirmishes. After the war married in this parish, in January, 1834, to Miss he settled down in Claiborne Parish, and was bere Sarah E. Tuggle, a native of Alabama, where she married on December 19, 1872, to Miss Sallie C. was reared, and the daughter of Thomas H. Tuy. McKinley, who was born, reared and educated in gle.

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Seven children were born to this union: | Claiborne Parish. Her father, H. B. McKinley, Florence (wife of S. B. Aycock), Susan J. (wife of was formerly from the old North Carolina State. J. H. Kirkpatrick, who is sheriff of Claiborne After his marriage Mr. Randle bought his present Parish), Lizzie E. (at home), Katie E. (also at plantation, and of the 100 acres which be owns, home), Jeff Thompson, Emmett S. and Wilts

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he has 100 acres uuder cultivation, on which is a Nichols. Mr. Ramsey is a member of the Masonic commodions, new and substantial residence, besides fraternity, and is in the council degrees. He is a other good buildings. Mr. Randle had to com member of the L. of A., and au honorary member mence at the bottom of the ladder at the close of

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기

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are:

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the war, and by his own exertions has accumulated children blessed this union. He and his wife are what he now has, and is considered one of the members of the Baptist Church and are well known substantial agriculturists of Ward 3. He and his and highly honored throughout this section of the wife have a family of six children: Hugh Tilmon, country for their many amiable qualities. The Martha, Ardelia, Etta, William and Sallie W. names of Mr. Reeder's children by his first wife The parents of these children have long been William (who died in New Orleans, October members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 23, 1861, wbile serving in the Confederate Army), and Mr. Randle is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Martha (wife of T. N. Bolin, of this parish), Amos John Reeder, a well-to do planter of Claiborne (in Arkansas), Elizabeth (wife of E. D. Waters),

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a Parish, La., was born in Christian County, Ky., George, Jobu (both married and living near their October 27, 1918, and is a son of William Reeder, father's home), Jane (wife of William Bean), Emma a South Carolinian, who was reared in that State, (wife of John McElroy) and Luella (wife of Sidney and was there married to Miss Sarah Evans, a Mixon). The children of his last union are: Minnie native of South Carolina also. They were pioneers A. (wife of Jeff Rowe), Sallie, James Marion, Elva of Kentucky, to which State they moved in 1816, E. and Effie. He has thirty five grandchildren. and he was the second man to take a wagon across Although he received no advantages in his youth, the Tennessee River, locating in Christian County, he took up a course of study after his marriage He afterward went back across that river into Cal- and now has a fair business education, and is a oway County, and there remained until his death well-informed man on the general topics of the in 1815, having been a farmer and blacksmith day. throughout life. His widow survived him until William Sellers, M. D., is a practical physician 1876, when she, too, passed away. Of a family of and surgeon of the village of Summertield, where sixteen children born to them-three daughters he has done much to alleviate the ailments to which and thirteen sons four sons are all that survive: the human body is her. He was born near ColumMartin (of Kentucky), John, Jacob (of Texas), and bus, Ga., October 6, 18+.), being the fifth of ten Elbert (of Missouri). In the State of Kentucky i children, seven of whom are now living: E. T. (a John Reeder was reared to manhood, and there he cotton planter of Union Parish, La.), Amanda was married to Miss Frances Short, also of that (widow of S. C. Kennedy, who was a planter of State, and there be spent the first ten years of his this parish), Mattie (deceased), three other daugh married life. Iu 18.51 he moved with his family ters residing in Texas (their husbands being to Louisiana and settled in Claiborne Parish, where planters), R. N. (a resident of Texas) and Dr. he now resides, having always lived on the farm William. The youngest two daughters died withwhich he now occupies, which he has made him in the last few years. The parents of these chilself, converting it from a wilderness into a valuable i dren, Thomas F. and Nancy (Threadgill) Sellers, plantation He has over 533 acres in one body, were born in North Carolina, the former being a but at one time was the owner of over 1,000 acres, planter hy occupation, and now deceased, his

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,

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, but gave some to his sons and sold some.

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widow being a resident of Louisiana. Dr. Sellers has about 200 acres under cultivation, well adapted acquired a good knowledge of books in the common to raising all the products of the South. In 1864 schools, which he attended until he entered upon

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.

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, he enlisted in McNeal's regiment and served until the study of medicine. After some preparation he the close of the war, then returning home. He entered the medical department of the Lonisiana lost his first wife July 21, 1865, she leaving him State University at New Orleans, now known as with a family of eight children to care for. He the Tulane University (this being in 1868), and in was married December 13, 1870, to Miss Martha 1870 graduated with distinction in a class of about Hunt, a native of Missouri, reared and educated seventy-five pupils. He immediately commenced in Greene County, a daughter of Elijah Hunt. Five practicing at Summerfield, and as his skill, ability

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a

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He now

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At the age

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and knowledge of his profession have become wide years prior. William A. Sherard was the eldest spread, he has built up a large and lucrative prac- of their two sons and four daughters. tice throughout this parish. In connection with of fourteen he left his native State and went to this he carries a full line of drugs in the village, Alabama, growing to mature years in Chambers and at all times he is prepared to respond to the County, there receiving also a good practical edu call of the sick and afflicted. He was married on cation. After he had farmed in Alabama for some January 29, 1874, to Miss Etta Lowry, a native of time he came to Louisiana, and in December, 1851. Louisiana, born in 1855, and received her educa- took

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UP his abode in Claiborne Parish on the place tion in a seminary of Arizona, La. To their union where be now lives, which then consisted of 600 six sons and two daughters have been born: Eula acres, 200 acres of this land he has greatly imT. (who is taking a full course in music at Mount proved in many ways, for besides putting a goodly Lebanon, La.), William T. (deceased), Benjamin portion under cultivation he has erected substanB.. Robert M., Fannie D., Paul T. (deceased), Joe tial buildings, among which may be mentioned his J., and Fordyce H. (an infant). In March, 1863, store which he erected in 1877. His first small Dr. Sellers enlisted in Company I, Twelfth Louis- stock has increased to large proportions, is admiriana Infantry Volunteers, and was ordered at once ably selected, and as he is the soul of honesty, and to the front, under Gen. Joe E. Johnston, and took disposes of his goods at very reasonable rates, he part in battles as follows: Jackson (Miss. ), Resaca bas au excellent trade which is constantly increas (Ga.), Atlauta, Kenesaw Mountain, and was with ing. He has a good mill and cotton-gin on his Hood's expedition in Tennessee, and was afterward farm, and to this as well as to his farming operaat Kingston and Bentonville, N. C., the latter be- tions he gives the best of attention. He first en ing the last engagement of the war. He has al

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I

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listed in the Confederate Army, in 1863, in Zachways been a fervent Democrat, and although he ery's battalion, but was soon transferred to the has not been a very active politician, he has always Crescent Regiment, with which he served until the endeavored to support worthy men.

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He is a mem

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While a resident of the State of ber of the Masonic lodge of Summerfield, the K. Alabama he was married on September 20, 1819, of P. of Homer, and his wife is a devout member to Margaret J. Harkness, who was born in Georof the Methodist Episcopal Church of the former ! gia, but was reared in that State and Alabama, ber place. They have done their share in contributing father being Robert W. Harkness. He served his to benevolent enterprises which were worthy of i country in Georgia, first as high sheriff and later their consideration, and though they have long in the State Legislature. Mr. and Mrs. Sherard been residents of this section, familiarity has not

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bave two children: James W. (who is married and in their case bred contempt; in fact, quite the con- is associated with bis father in the store) and Mary trary, and their friends and well-wishers are un- E. (the widow of D. L. Youngblood). She and limited.

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The Doctor is interested in planting to ' her two children, William C. and James D., now some extent, being the owner of a good planta make their home with her father. Mr. and Mrs. tion, the principal product of which is cotton. Sherard are Methodists in belief, and being a

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William A. Sherard is a merchant and planter genial, hospitable and sincere couple they are held at Sugar Creek. La., but was born in Anderson in high esteem by all who know them. District, of the Palmetto State, April 28, 1822, to Albert J. K. Sims. This substantial and repre James and Jane (Robinson) Sherard, of the same sentative agriculturist was born in Jackson Parish, State. In 1819 they removed to Lonisiana and La., June 1, 1819, to George and Cornelia (Robsettled in Claiborne Parish, and bere Mr. Sherard, inson) Sims, who were born in Georgia and Alaas be bad before, devoted his attention to farming. bama, respectively, their marriage taking place in making his home in Ward 6 until his death, which the former State, where the father was reared to occurred about 1869, his wife's death occurring six | maturity. After farming some time in Georgia,

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war was over.

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܀

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重

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he removed to Alabama, thence to Louisiana about vivors. Hugh grew to manhood in this parish, and 1847, and located in what is now Lincoln Parish, received a good education in the Arizona High coming, about two years later, to Claiborne Parish, School. After completing his studies he took opening a farm near Homer on which he made his charge of the old home farm, which consists of home until his death, ahont 1878, his widow sur- 320 acres, with about 250 acres under cultivation, viving him. He was a son of George Sims, a Geor- of which place he is now the owner. On this plan gian of Scotch descent. Albert J. K. Sims is one tation he raises on an average of seventy bales of of his parent's nine children, four of whom became cotton annually, but besides this he owns 220 more the heads of families. One son was killed in the acres of land in two different tracts in Ward 2, army, another died while in the service, but two each place being partly under cultivation. In the came through alive. Four sons and two daughters summer of 1889 he erected a saw-mill and cotton- are living at the present time, five of whom are gin on bis place, in which Mr. Cleveland has been residents of this parish. Albert J. K. is the sixth a half owner since 1890. He was married in this child, and in the parish where he now lives he parish November 12, 1888, to Miss Mollie Collier, grew to mature years, but received a very limited a native of this parish, who was reared and educat- education, being principally self educated. He ed here, a daughter of Ples. Collier, now deceased. was married December 10, 1875, to Miss Maggie Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have one daughter, Mary Wroten, who was born in Arkansas, to Dr. Wroten, Anna, an infant, aged ten months. now deceased. After his marriage Mr. Sims pur- James H. Taylor, merchant of Haynesville, La.. chased the place on which he is now living, and i needs no introduction to the people of Claiborne now owns about 100 acres of land in three farms, Parish, for he has resided here from his birth, and all near each other, and has about 273 acres under has been connected with its mercantile affairs since cultivation, on which is one of the most substantial 1872. Although bis name has never been thrust and comfortable residences in the parish. He has before the public for purposes of notoriety, he has also an excellent cotton-gin, barns, and has made been one of the county's most successful business other substantial improvements. He and his wife

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He was born on September 22, 18:19), to have a family of five children: Fannie, Glover, Henry Taylor, a native of the Palmetto State.

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. Roberta, Oto Karo, Grover Cleveland and Exa Etta. The latter was left an orphan in his early youth, They have three children deceased: Mary Madosa, and, when a lad of fifteen years, went to Georgia, and two unnamed.

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wbere he grew up.

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Some time in 1816 he moved Hugh Taylor. In no part of Louisiana is agri- to Union County, Ark., remaining there until 1818, culture in a more fourishing condition than in when he was married to Mrs. Nancy Roberts, a Claiborne Parish, and here Mr. Taylor is considered daughter of John Adams, of Dallas County, Ala., one of the leading tillers of the soil.

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He has re

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and soon after his marriage came to Louisiana, and sided here ever since his birth, which occurred July located near Haynesville, this being in the latter 3, 1859, to William and Ann (Brown) Taylor, who part of 1818. ,

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part of 1818. He bere opened up a large farm, were born in Alabama and Georgia, respectively, and, prior to the war, was the owner of about 100 their union taking place in this State, whither Mr. slaves. He continued to conduct his plantation for Taylor had come when a young man and his wife a number of years after the close of the war, but when tifteen years of age. After residing on a is now retired, and makes his home with his son, farm in Ward 7, for several years, Mr. Taylor sold James H., being about seventy five years of age. out and bought land in Ward 2, on which he made His wife died in 1984, two sons surviving her: his home until his death, in 1860, bis widow sur. James H. and Joe (now a merchant of Louisville, viving him at this writing. Three of their children Ark.). James H. has spent his life in this parish, grew to mature years, the immediate subject of this and received an education far beyond what is sketch and his sister, who is single, being the sur- usually given a farmer's boy, being tirst an attend

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men.

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ant of Haynesville Academy, then Homer College, completing his studies he returned to bis home in and lastly Opelousas College, receiving a thorough Louisiana, and followed clerking for bis father un training in the common and bigher English til the death of the latter, when he bought ont the branches, and the languages. After completing heirs to the business, and bas since conducted his studies he followed clerking in Haynesville for affairs alone, continuing to hold the large and a short time, but in 1872 erected and stocked his lucrative trade, which his father had established. present store building, being alone in business un | In connection with bis general merchandise be cartil 1876, when his brother became his partner. ries a good stock of drugs and medicines, which They continued in business here up to 1888, when brings him in a good sum annually. He was marthe firm was dissolved, and he has since been alone. ried in Queen City, Tex., on March 25, 1884, to He has a large room, 36x72 feet, and his stock of Miss Ivy Brown, a native of the Lone Star State, general goods is exceptionally well selected. He being there reared, educated and married.

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, . Her is one of the oldest merchants of the place, and, union with Mr. Taylor has resulted in the birth of in addition to his large stock of general merchan- three children: Wima D., Austin R. and Tupp. dise, he handles a considerable amount of cotton. Mr. Taylor is a wide-awake young business man, He is the owner of three fine plantations, compris- and possesses that shrewd business tact, which wils ing in all about 1,200 acres, a large portion of characteristic of his father's career. which is under cultivation. He is a successful W. J. Taylor is a prominent and well-known business man, and has shown himself to be strictly man of this section who has won life's battles, and honorable in every worthy particular, a secret, no by energy and pluck, which are so necessary to doubt, of bis success. He was married in this success in any pursuit, he bas become a successful parish in February, 1877, to Miss Hattie E. Phipps, merchant of Homer, besides being the owner of a who was born and educated here, a daughter of large amount of real estate. His career has been Isaiah Phipps, one of the pioneers of the State. a varied one and will, therefore, prove more inTo Mr. Taylor and his wife five children have been teresting than the average, consequently a few born: Carrie E., Carl, Henry Chester, Mary Glenn facts connected with his earlier career will not be and Ethel. Carl died in infancy.

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ont of place. He was born in Jefferson County, Thomas Taylor is a merchant of Haynesville, Tenn., on the French Broad River, December 22, La., and is regarded by all as an bonorable, up- 1822, son of William and Polly A. (Lincomfelter) í right and prosperous business man. On March 23, Taylor, who were born in Tennessee, in 1794, and

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1862, he was born in Claiborne Parish, to James Berks County, Penn., respectively. Their union C. Taylor, a Georgian, who went to Alabama, when resulted in the birth of twelve children--three a young man and a short time after to Louisiana, daughters and nine sons -of whom the subject of afterward making his home in Claiborne Parisb, this sketch is the sixth and the eldest of the family where he was married to Miss Sarah E. Castle- living at the present time. His brothers and sis. berry, a native of Alabama, who came to Louisiana, ters are as follows: Elizabeth (widow of George with her brother, who was one of the pioneers of Hedrick, who was an agriculturist, of Oklahoma), this parish. Mr. Taylor settled in this parish Rufus M. (who is married and is a successful farmer about 1876, opening a mercantile establishment at of East Tennessee), Bradford (who is married and Haynesville, in 1848, and gave the name to the a very wealthy farmer of Jefferson County, East town, remaining here in business until his death Tenn.), Albert G. (comunissioner and justice of the in 1886. Three of bis sons and one daughter grew peace of that county, is also married and resides to mature years, all of whom are still living and

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there, being also a wealthy tiller of the soil), the heads of families. Thomas Taylor obtained a Rufus (who is as successful as his brothers in Jefgood education in Haynesville Academy, two years ferson County, and follows the same calling), and having been spent in a school in Virginia. After Polly Ann (who is the wife of Argyle Taylor, a

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He was

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farmer of Parkville, Platte County, Mo.). The fa- ever, possessed a large stock of energy, enterprise, ther of these children could quite distinctly remem- determination and muscle, and these judiciously ber Gen. George Washington, and Gen. Andrew used, are a sufficient capital for any young man, Jackson was often a guest at his father's house in and so Mr. Taylor fonnd it, for he immediately beTennessee. Mr. Taylor was exceptionally well gan to carve out his own career.

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The same year educated for a man of his day, was a skillful and he was married to Miss Margaret Lychlyter, who competent civil engineer and was at one time a was born in Tennessee, in 1821, being a daughter member of the State Legislature of Tennessee, and of Fred Lychlyter, who was a native of Hanover, proved himself an able legislator, devoted to the Germany, and a practical farmer by occupation. interests of the people. He died in 1833, at the Mrs. Taylor was educated in the common schools, age of fifty three years, bis death being mourned and her union with Mr. Taylor was celebrated in by all who knew him. His father, Parmenos Tay- Jefferson County, Tenn., in 1840, their removal to lor, was a colonel in the Revolutionary War, under Cass County, Mo., taking place the following year. the famous Gen. White, whose danghter he after- At that time the country was thoroughly undeward married. Gen. White was a native of Scot- veloped, the nearest neighbor being twelve miles land, and Mr. Taylor became a colonel under him away. Mr. Taylor was very fortunate in his

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specuin the above mentioned war. He afterward served lations in real estate in this county, and when the in the War of 1812, under Gen. Zachary Taylor, county seat was laid out be purchased land near and in an engagement in which he participated, he the town, which afterward greatly increased in was severely wounded in the left shoulder. An value, and made him a wealthy man. He sold at interesting anecdote is told of how he once caught a one time 300 acres at $19 in gold per acre, and counterfeiter,

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an excellent and expert moved to the town where he opened a mercantile mechanic, and as the counterfeiter had some dies establishment, a livery stable and a hotel, conduct for stamping which were not quite perfect he was ing all three successfully for about sixteen years. advised to take them to Mr. Taylor to have them During his stay in this State be crossed the plains perfected. He did so, but Mr. Taylor suspecting to Santa Fe twice, but made Missouri his home the business in which he was engaged, took him to until the famous border warfare opened, at which a piece of bottom land which he owned and which time he was completely robbed of all he possessed, was in an out-of-the-way place, divested him of all and has ever since felt very bitter toward the mis. his counterfeit money, then told him to go to split.creants who robbed his family of their subsistence. ting rails.

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Instead of doing this the counterfeiter He moved soon after to Fayetteville, Ark., where showed Mr. Taylor his heels, and as a counter- he opened a hotel and mercantile establishment, feiter, those parts knew him no more.

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The ma

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but two years later went to Van Buren, Ark., where ternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, he left his negroes and family to make a trip to Jacob Lincomfelter, was a native of Hanover, Ger- Mexico to engage in the general blockade. While many, a farmer by occupation, and emigrated from he was gone Gen. Blount, of Kansas fame, robbed his native land, settling in Berks County, Penn., his family of the property they had again accumu after which he moved to East Tennessee, where he lated, but of this Mr. Taylor knew nothing until spent the rest of his days. His wife, was born in his return after an absence of three months, to County Cork, Ireland. The immediate subject of tind that his family had departed for Dardanelle, this sketch, W. J. Taylor, obtained a meager edu- Ark. He then ran the blockade between Little cation in the old subscription schools, but possess

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Rock and Memphis, Tenn., rejoined his family, ing a large fund of common sense he prepared him and took his wife, children, and negroes to Austin, self for a practical and useful life, and at the age Tex., running the blockade off Port Lavacca, Tex. of seventeen years, without a dollar in his pocket, After residing for some time in Cherokee County, he began the battle of life for himself.

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He, how

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Tex., he came to Shreveport, La., thence to Homer,

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He was

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where his home now is. During the Rebellion he with his father in the mercantile business in Homer, was once sentenced to be shot, but by a rehearing and is an excellent capable business man, and a of his case at Austin, Mo., his sentence was re- shrewd financier; he married Miss Rebecca Platt), mitted. He is an extensive land owner, being the Samantha (is the wife of A. T. Lovelette and repossessor of nearly 500 acres of excellent land, of sides in Homer), and Ella (is the wife of T. P. Day, which there are about 240 acres admirably adapted who is a loan broker in fine circumstances, in Fort to the culture of cotton. He is the senior partner Worth, Tex.), a daughter, Nora (died at the age of a large and flourishing mercantile store in of twenty-six years, in Fort Worth, Tex., the wife Homer, the annual sales of which amount to about of James Day, a machinist), and three children $10,000, and he also has a fine residence in the died in infancy. In the month of June, 1866, the town valued at about $3,000. He and his wife ex- mother of these children passed from life, after she pect to make this place their future home, for here and her husband bad lived happily together for the most of their property has been acquired since twenty-six years. She was a faithful and loving the war, and here they have built up a wide circle wife and mother, and a beautiful monument now of friends. He has always been an active poli. : marks her last resting place in Homer Cemetery, tician, supporting Democratic principles, and his ' which was erected to her memory by her husband first presidential vote was cast for Martin Van and children. Buren. Socially he belongs to the I. 0. 0. F., and Rufus F. Taylor is well and favorably known in the Masonic order, and his wife is an earnest mem- Claiborne and surrounding parishes as an honorber of the Hard Shell Baptist Church.

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able and fair-dealing merchant, and as the estab. married to her in 1869, after the death of his first lishment of which he is manager is large and wife, she being a Mrs. Susan (Killgore) Bailey, a well appointed, be commands a large share of the native of Georgia.

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His union with his first wife trade thronghout this section. He is sole manager resulted in the birth of the following children: L. of the house, which is known as Taylor & Son, R. (who is a self-made man; he was sent to and in the conduct of affairs has shown that he is school by his father until the Rebellion, when he thoroughly capable and a man of keen business entered the ranks and carried his musket under foresight. (For a full genealogy of his family see Capt. Jackman, of Missouri, throughout the entire sketch of his father, W. J. Taylor. ] Mr. Taylor war without receiving the slightest wound, was so fortunate as to receive excellent advantages the end of the war be returned home to find his in his youth, and was an attendant of the Homer father completely ruined financially by Jay Hawk- High School, where he learned lessons which have ers. He immediately commenced doing for himself admirably fitted him for the practical duties of as a tinner and started in business for himself life. At the age of eighteen years he began life in Farmersville, Union Parish, La., and was bere for himself as a clerk in a mercantile store in married to an admirable lady, Miss Nettie Gilbert. Homer and in this town he has since made his He was nominated by the Democratic convention home, being well known by his brother tradesmen as clerk of the parish court, which was equal to a as a keen, practical and successful business man. animous election, but his father wisely persuaded He was born October 10, 1862, and was married him to go to Texas to seek his fortune, which he near Shreveport, La., March 15, 1887, to Miss (d, and there he has established for himself fame Rebecca Platt, a native of Lonisiana, and to them and fortune. He possesses many admirable quali a sweet little daughter has been born, Nora Aline, ties and is held in high esteem by all who know aged two years.

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Mr. Taylor bas always identified him. He is now clerk of the district court, at himself with the Democratic party and has strenuFort Worth, Tex.), the next child is a danghter, ously upheld its principles, his first presidential Frances (wife of Walter Ward, a merchant of vote being cast for Grover Cleveland. Socially he Homer), Rufus F. comes next (he is associated

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belongs to Homer Lodge of the I. 0. 0. F., and

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At

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he and his wife are liberal contributors of their George R. Wafer, farmer, Arizona, La. It is means to laudable enterprises, she being a con- doubtless owing entirely to the industrious and sistent and earnest member of the Methodist Epis- persevering manner with which Mr. Wafer has adcopal Church South of Homer. They expect to be hered to the pursuit of agriculture that he has permanent residents of the town where they now risen to such a substantial position in farm affairs live, for here they are well fixed, financially, and in this parish. Born in Claiborne Parish, La., have numerous friends and acquaintances.

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on June 29, 1856, he is one of six children – five Virgil V. Thompson. The social, political and : sons and one daughter-two sons now living, born business history of this section is filled with the to the union of T. M. and Amanda (Malone) deeds and doings of self-made men, and no man Wafer, both natives of Georgia. T. M. Wafer in Claiborne Parish is more deserving the appella- went to Alabama when a child with his father, J. tion than Mr. Thompson, for he marked out bis T. Wafer, who was a native of South Carolina, own career in youth and has steadily followed it but whose father was a native of the Emerald Isle, up to the present, his prosperity being attributa- and was there reared to manhood. He has been ble to his earnest and persistent endeavor, and to twice married, the first time when quite young, the fact that he has always consistently tried to and the second time to the mother of our subject. follow the teachings of the Golden Rule. Al He settled in Claiborne Parish, followed farming, though now a resident of Ward 1 of this parish and there his death occurred in 1864.

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He was an he was born in Georgia in 1822, being one of the exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal Church, was following family of children: Sebron J., Thomas well educated, and was a very influential citizen. B., H. Judge, John C., Jasper, Virgil V., William He was a fine orator, and it was mainly due to his H., Laft, Robert E., Louise, Martha, Mary A. power of eloquence that Claiborne Parish voted and Margaret J. The parents of these children, agaiust spcession for delegates to the State Con Charles and Margaret (Clark) Thompson, were vention, he having advocated to stay in the Union. born in South Carolina and North Carolina, respect- He was a council Mason, and was very prominent ively, the former's birth occurring on June 30, 1774, in Masonic affairs. George R. Wafer received a the latter being a daughter of William Clark. good education in the best schools of Claiborne gil V. Thompson grew to manhood and was mar- Parish, and after completing his studies, engaged ried in his native State to Miss Talitha C. Smith, in stock trading and farming, at which he was by whom he became the father of three children

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very successful.

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He still continues to cultivate that grew to maturity: Virgil (now a resident of the soil and although but a young man, he is the this parish), William V. and Alice A. (the last owner of a fine farm, and his farming operations two being still single and living at home). Mr. are conducted in a manner indicative of a progresThompson came to Claiborne Parish, La., in the sive, thorough agriculturist. Rev. T. M. Wafer, spring of 1817, and immediately located on his brother of the above mentioned gentleman, was present property. Prior to the war he owned but born in Claiborne Parish on July 31, 1861, and a few slaves and farmed on a limited scale, al. received a good education in the schools of Arithough he was financially in good circumstances.

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In 1886 he began teaching school and was At that time he was an olul-line Whig, but since licensed to preach in the Methodist Episcopal the war he has been identified with the Democratic Church South in 1889. He has been a member party. While he is not a very active politician, he of that church since thirteen years age,

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and is a never fails to cast his vote. Socially he is a mem- young man of great piety and a true Christian in ber of the A. F. & A. M., and in his religious views every sense of the term. He is a teacher in the is a Methodist, joining about 1836, his wife, who Arizona school, and in that capacity ranks among died February 10, 1878, also joining at that time, the best educators in the county. He was married and ever afterward living an earnest Christian life. | in his native parish on December 6, 1888, to Miss

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zona.

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of

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1

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Laura Corry, a native of this parish, where she i but who was reared and educated in Grant Parish, received her education, and the daughter of J. W. La. She is the daughter of H. B. McCain, and Corry. One child has been born to this union, her death occurred June 11, 1878. There are Albert, Mrs. Wafer is also a member of the three sons by this moion: Milton R., Robert M. Methodist Episcopal Church South. The two and William P. Mr. Walker was married the brothers and the mother reside together in Arizona. | second time September 1, 1880, in Caldwell Parish

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Henry C. Walker, merchant, Homer, La. One to Miss Zoe Redditt, a native of Caldwell Parish, of the most successful business men in the town of where she was reared and educated, and the Homer to-day is Mr. Henry C. Walker, who estab- daughter of Lafayette Redditt. To this union lished his business here in 1890, and who, by his has been born one son, Henry C. Mr. and Mrs. pleasant and agreeable mauver, bas won the confi- Walker are consistent members of the Methodist dence and respect of the people. He is a native Episcopal Church South, and Mr. Walker is a of Louisiana, his birth occurring in West Felici- member of the A. F. & A. M., the K. of P. and ana Parish, August 29, 1815, and is a son of Dr. the I. 0. 0. F., having served officially in all of the W. P. Walker. The father was born in the Old organizations. Dominion, was reared and educated there, but was Thomas A. Watson, farmer and president of married in Louisiana to Miss Frances C. Skillman, police jury, Athens, La. This name is not unfaa native of the Creole State, and the second wife miliar to those in the parish for he who bears it is of Dr. Walker Dr. Walker settled in Louisiana at

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numbered among the highly respected citizens of an early day, and was in the active practice of his this community. He was born in Mississippi, in profession for a number of years. He was a sur- what is now Lincoln County, on March 2, 1814, geon in the Confederate Army during the war. and is the son of Rev. James Watson, a native of His wife died in 1858 and he in 1886. Their Louisiana, of East Feliciana Parish, and Amelia family consisted of four sons and four daughters, (Bickham) Watson, also of Louisiana and of Washour subject being third in order of birth of the ington Parish. Both parents were in hearing of second union. He received a good English educa- the battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. tion, and after completing his schooling was en They removed to Mississippi abont 1836, located gaged in clerking for a few years. After this he in what is now Lincoln Parish, and there the faembarked in merchandising (1868) at Atlanta, La., ther ministered to the spiritual wants of his fellow. continued there about a year, and then moved to ! He was minister in the Methodist Episcopal Montgomery, where he was in business for ten Church and was a pioneer preacher of Louisiana years.

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From there he removed to Columbia, La., and Mississippi. He returned to Claiborne Parish, sold goods there until 1990 and then came to La., in 1850, and there his death occurred four years Homer, where he has since been in business. He later. His widow survived him until 1861. They carries a new and complete stock of goods, dry were the parents of nine children- four sons and goods, groceries, clothing, etc., and is receiving five daughters--all of whom grew to mature years his share of the patronage.

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Mr. Walker is famil- and became heads of families with the exception iar with his business in all its details, and is one of one son wbo died in the army. Two brothers and who will make his way to the front.

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He is a

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three sisters are living at this writing. Thomas Democrat in politics and has held several official A. Watson came with his parents to Louisiana positions, serving as clerk of Grant Parish for one when a lad of six years and was reared in Claiborne term and a member of the school board in Caldwell Parish, receiving a limited education. Since

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grow Parish for twelve years. He was also superintend

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He was also superinteni ing up he has by his own efforts acquired a fair ent of education for four years. Mr. Walker's business education, and is considered a well in marriage occurred in Grant Parish, February 3, formed man on almost any subject. In 1861 he 1870, to Miss Emma McCain, a native of Alabama, enlisted in the Second Louisiana Infantry, served

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man.

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in that until February, 1863, and was then dis. eight children, five of whom are now living: Amancharged. He re-enlisted in the Third Louisiana da (married the late A. J. High, who was a planter, Cavalry, served as a non-commissioned officer, and and now resides in Dallas, Tex.), Susan (married was in active duty until cessation of hostilities. the late John B. Langford, who was a planter, and He participated in the seven days' fight at Rich- now resides in Jefferson County, Ark.), Laura mond, was at Cedar Run, Gettysburg and in (married Dr. J. F. Moody, a successful physeveral severe skirmishes. After the war he re- sician and surgeon, and now resides in Louisiana), turned bome to Claiborne Parish, the following and Rufus J. (married, and resides in Athens, La., year engaged in farming, and has been engaged in where he is engaged in planting.) The father of this occupation in the parish since that time. He these children was born in North Carolina, in also handles machinery, putting in steam gins and 1801, and died on April 27, 1877, at the age of saw-mills.

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He has been on his present farm since seventy-six years. He was reared in Middle Ten 1871 and of the 200 acres in his possession, 150 are nessee, and was an extensive planter by occupaimproved. He has a good residence and outbuild . tion. The mother was a native of Virginia, born ings, and as a man of industry and enterprise he in 1802, and was educated in the common schools. has no superiors. He was left an orphan at an She died in May, 1876, at the age of seventy-four early age, and has had to make his own way in life, years.

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Robert P. Webb passed his early days in and that he has done it in a successful manner is the common schools, where the fundamental prinbut too plainly evident. He was appointed a mem. | ciples of learning were given him. Later he took ber of the police jury in 1879, served one term, a higher course of educational training in the and was reappointed in the spring of 1888, being high school at Eureka, Miss., which fitted him for elected president of the board, which position he the practical life, which he has since led. At the now holds. Mr. Watson was married in Jackson age of nineteen years he started out for himself as Parish, now Lincoln Parish, in June, 1865, to a cotton planter, and on November 2, 1859, he Miss Mary A. Marsalis, a native of Mississippi, was united in marriage to Miss Martha Ann Row. born in Amite County and reared in Claiborne sey, a native of Tennessee, born in 1838.

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She was Parish, where she received her education. She is educated in select schools, and is a lady of culture the daughter of Patterson Marsalis.

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To the mar and refinement. The result of this union was the riage of Mr. and Mrs. Watson have been born ten birth of ten children, two of whom are deceased: children: William P., Edward L., Eugene A., Ida Willie (in infancy), and Eugene P. (at the age of P., Griffin, Fuller, Aurelia, Lenora V., Burton B. | twenty-six years). The latter was a promising and Anna A. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are members young man, and would have made his mark in the of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Wat- world had he been spared. Those living are: Willson is steward of the same, He is a Master Mason iam C. (is married and engaged in farming, in and has served as senior warden. He is also a Athens, La.), Frank P. (married, and is a planter member of the Farmers' Alliance, vice-president of Athens, La.), Pinckney (is a contractor and of Parish Union, and president of his own sub. builder on railroads, and resides in Homer, La.), ordinate union. He has been identified with the Berry (is an agriculturist, and resides in Athens), order since its organization in this parish, and is Addie May (resides at home, and is one of the the correspondent of the order for the same. teachers in the Atheneun Institute), Conrad (re

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Robert P. Webb, attorney and notury public, sides at home, and is attending school), Conquert also real estate and insurance agent of Homer, La., , (at home), and Otto Proctor (at home). Mr. Webb needs little or no introduction to the people of enlisted in Claiborne Grays, in September, 1861, and Claiborne Parish, for he is well and favorably entered the ranks as first lieutenant, in the Nineknown to all. He was born in Pickensville, Ala., teenth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers. on June 23, 1810, and was seventh in a family of ment was ordered from Camp Moore, La., to New

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9

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His regi

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Orleans, where it was organized. It was then at and has been since 1860. He is a Master Mason. once ordered to Corinth, Miss., and, by the way, Mrs. Webb and family are ardent members of the this was the first regiment sent to this place. Mr. Methodist Episcopal Church South, at Athens, La. Webb's regiment participated in the following The Captain is the owner of about 2,000 acres of engagements: two days' fight at Shiloh, and the good land in Claiborne and Bienville Parishes, and battle of Farmington, where Mr. Webb served on it is called one of the finest plantations in North Gen. Mark's staff. After the reorganization of Louisiana. He is an able member of the bar of the army under the conscript act, he was ordered Claiborne Parish, and bis general business acumen to the Trans-Mississippi Department, and back to and tact have placed in his hands an amount of his own State. Under the command of Gen. business in insurance which excels any

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other Blanchard, Mr. Webb was put in charge of a de- business man or attorney in this part of the State. tachment of twenty-five cavalrymen, to gather in His legal business is flourishing, and he is also a conscripts, and was thus engaged for eleven months. large shareholder in the Claiborne Agricultural Then he obtained an order to raise a cavalry com- Fair Association, being president of the same. pany, wbich, when raised, was assigned to the His home is in Athens, La., where he is surrounded Fifth Louisiana Cavalry, but served but little in by his family and his interests, which place bim the regiment, as his company was on detached in a conspicuous place and in excellent circumservice most of the time. His, as well as other stances. Capt. Webb remained with the Greencompanies, carried the prisoners captured at Mans- back party until the nomination of B. F. Butler for field to the stockade near Tyler, Tex., and returned President, when he renounced all affiliations with to Gen. Taylor's command, having carried the this party, and espoused the principles of the 1,500 prisoners, captured at Pleasant Hill, to the Democracy. stockade above mentioned. Immediately on his re- Alexander Weil has an extended acquaintance turn to Gen. Taylor, he was ordered to relieve throughout this section of the country, for be has Taylor's Courier Company, and followed up that been a worthy resident of Claiborne Parish since General's headquarters from Natchitoches to Alex 1850, but at the present time is a resident of the andria. At the time Mr. Webb was ordered to city of New Orleans. He was born in Albersweiler, raise the company of cavalry, or after he performed Rheinish Bavaria, Germany, November 5, 1830, this service, he was commissioned captain. He had being the sixth of a family of seven children-four charge of the courier line for Gen. Taylor, between sons and three daughters -- born to Hirsch Weil and Natchitoches and Alexandria for two months, which Charlotte (Levy) Weil, the former born in Gerserves fully to show that he was a faithful and ef.

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many and the latter in Alsace, France (now Gerticient soldier. Capt. Webb continued faithfully many). The father was a wine merchant, and for in the discharge of his duty until the close of the six years was a soldier in Spain under Napoleon war, when his regiment was disbanded in De Soto Bonaparte. He and his wife are now deceased, Parish, and he returned to his plantation. He has both having been intelligent and well educated affiliated with the Democratic party, and later was people. Their children are

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as follows: Esther the main founder of the Greenback Labor party, in (died at the age of sixty years, wife of L. Levy, a North Louisiana. He was very active in this par- grain dealer), Aaron (who is a wine merchant of ticular, and his work stood out with great prom- Germany), Yetta (deceased). Samuel (of New Orinence. He was a formidable candidate on the leans), Michael (deceased), Alexander and Caroline Greenback ticket, as State senator of the four (residing in Germany).

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The early educational parishes: Bossier, Bienville, Claiborne and Web

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training of Alexander was received in the public ster. He was an elector on the National Green- schools of Germany, and at the age of twelve back ticket, on the nomination of Gen. Weaver.

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years he entered college where he remained two Capt. Webb is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a half years, taking a full course of general

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He was

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instruction which has admirably fitted him for the remained two months. He was then paroled, repractical life he has led. He came direct from his turned home, and once more turned his attention native land to Homer March 19, 1850, via New to mercantile pursuits, but during the twenty four Orleans, and commenced life in America as a mer- subsequent months he was much troubled with his chant, a calling he followed until the opening of wound which remained open. He has always been the war, and during this time proved himself a a stanch Democrat, and his first presidential vote successful business man.

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married in was cast for James Buchanan, the “ bachelor PresCarlsrne, Baden, on February 7, 1867, by the ident.” He has been chairman of the Democratic United States Consul to Miss Henrietta Wolf, a i Executive Committee of Claiborne Parish for native of Alsace, but who was reared in Rheinish, many years, and at one time was a formidable canBavaria. She was born in 1846, and received a didate in the race for representative of his parish, finished education in Germany. To her union and as he was in the political arena as a candidate with Mr. Weil five daughters have been born: only one week, his opponent defeated him by only Carrie S., Lillie (deceased), Camille, Omega and a small majority. He has been one of the promiBlanche. At the opening of the Rebellion Mr. nent councilmen of his town for several years, and Weil enlisted in the Claiborne Guards and was socially is a member of Homer Lodge No. 152, of assigned to the Second Louisiana Infantry Volun- the A. F. & A. M., and he also belongs to the A. teers, which were ordered to Virginia at once, under L. of H., a very prosperous organization in ClaiGen. McGruder, and be afterward took part in the borne Parish and in the State of Louisiana. He battles of Bethel Church, Dam No. 1, seven days' is a valued and honored member of the well known fight around Richmond and Malvern Hill, where Jewish order of I. O. B. B. He also belongs to there was a terrible slaughter of men. Here Mr. the order known as the Army of Northern Virginia. Weil was compelled to use six different guns and He and his family belong to the Hebrew Church of his clothing was riddled with bullets, but notwith- New Orleans, and are well known in social circles standing this fact, he came out of the battle un. both in that city and in Homer. As a business barmed. He was also at the second battle of Ma- man his success has been almost phenomenal, and nassas, Antietam, being wounded in the right leg he is now well to do. He is special agent of the in the last named battle while attempting to take

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well known and honored life insurance companys the flag from a comrade who had fallen.

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the Maubattan Company, of New York City, and sent to the hospital at Richmond, from which place has the full confidence of his employers. For he was furloughed home, where he remained until some time after the close of the war bis bealth was his wound healed, when he at once went to the so poor that he decided to take a tour to Europe, front again, joining his regiment near Fredericks- and while there much of his time was spent at the burg, Va. The next engagement in which he took famous watering places: Weisbaden and Baden part was the Wilderness, after which he went up Baden. He remained in the old country one year, the Shenandoah Valley, and took part in the en- and when he returned to the land of his adoption gagement at Harper's Ferry, being afterward at he brought his bride with him. Gettysburg, where he was again severely wounded, Felan S. White, M. D., Lisbon, La. Dr. this time on the left side of the head. This wound White, a physician and surgeon of more than orwas pronounced fatal, but his wonderful nerve and dinary ability, is a native born resident of Claiindomitable will bronght him through, and he now borne Parish, and was educated in Lisbon Acadcarries in his watch charm a large piece of the ball emy. After finishing his literary education be which was the means of almost terminating his read medicine with Dr. H. A. Lewis, of Lisbon life. Six pieces were taken from his head. He (now of Grapevine, Tex.), and entered the Uniwas so severely wounded that he was taken pris-versity of Louisville, Ky., in 1878, graduating in oner and was kept at David's Island, where he the class of 1880. He subsequently commenced

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He was

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practicing at Lisbon, within two miles of his this ward, but at the end of four years purchased birthplace, and there he has continued ever since, the property on which he is now residing, which actively engaged in his chosen calling. His father comprises 800 acres of fine land, all in one body, was a native of Georgia, born in 1808, and all his with about 400 acres open and 300 under cultivalife has been devoted to agriculture. He left his tion. , He has a substantial and comfortable resinative State when but eight years of

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age,

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removed dence, also a new mill and cotton-gin, and although to Alabama, and there remained until 1853, or he commenced making his own way in the world about that time, when he removed to Claiborne with but little means and not much education, he Parish, La., where he now resides. The mother has been phenomenally successful, and by contact was born in Alabama, but she is now deceased. with the world and much reading at odd times, he Both parents received a common-school education. is one of the most intelligent men of this section, Dr. White commenced practicing when twenty-four his ideas on all matters of importance being years

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of

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age, and his practice now extends over a shrewd and sound. He raises from fifty to seventywide territory. In politics he has always closely five bales of cotton annually, and his plantation adhered to the Democratic party, and his first yields abundantly of other Southern products, presidential vote was cast for S. J. Tilden, while He was married here in December, 1874, to Miss he was a student at Mississippi College. The Mary A. Knox, a Louisianian, born and reared in

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. Doctor has been a member of the Missionary Bap- Claiborne Parish, and a daughter of J. A. P. tist Church for fourteen years, and is an exemplary Knox. Her union with Mr. White has resulted in young man in every respect. He is well liked by the birth of three children: Keeny, Maud and the public and the medical brotherhood. At Ruth. Mr. White and his wife belong to the present he thinks of locating at Lisbon, where he Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is stewhas been known from childhood, and where all have ard, and he is a member of the Farmers' Alliance had an opportunity to judge of his character and and is treasurer of his local lodge. qualifications.

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James K. Willet, retired merchant, Homer, Stephen A. White, has passed a career of use- La. It can not be expected in a work of this kind, fulness, and being an industrious and progressive where but brief biographical sketches of prominent farmer, strictly honorable in every respect, he men of the parish are presented, that a lengthy, commands the esteem of all. He first saw the lauditory article should be written of each one, light of day in Montgomery County, Ala., January and yet at times there are met with some who 4, 1850, being born to William M. and Martha have been so closely and intimately identified (Tubervill) White, who were born, reared and with the parish, and whose names married in Georgia, moving from that State to miliar to all, that it is only just to dwell upon Alabama at an early day where Mr. White farmed what they have done, and the influence of their for a number of years. In the fall of 1869 they career on others, not as empty words of praise, came to Louisiana, and after spending about one but the plain statement of a still plainer truth. year in Bienville Parish, they took up their abode Mr. Willet was originally from Sumter County, in this parish on a farm on which Mr. White spent Ga., his birth occurring on November 23, 1853, the rest of his days, dying in 1889.

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His widow sur

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and is a son of Acial A. Willet, a native of New vives him and is an active lady of sixty years. York State, The latter moved to Georgia with Stephen A. White was nineteen years of age be his father when a lad of nine years, grew to manfore leaving the State of Alabama, but remained hood there, and was there married to the mother with his father until twenty-one years

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of age

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when of our subject, ber maiden name being Miss Eliz he commenced farming for himself, that being an abeth White. The mother was born in the Old occupation with which he was thoroughly familiar. Dominion, but was reared principally in Georgia. . He purchased land and began opening a farm in

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Mr. Willet was a planter and merchant in Sumter

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are so fa

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а

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years.

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This re

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County, Ga., and there he still resides, retired daughters of Reuben Willis, who either came from active business. He was a soldier through

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from Ireland or was direct descendant froin the late war from the first to the last, and has been Irish parents. Joshua Willis grew to maturity in a member of the Masonic order for a number of Virginia, and although he was but sixteen years

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James K. Willet received a good educa- of age, he served in the War of 1812. In 1818 tion in Sumter County schools, and then clerked he was married to Miss Winston, also a Virginian, in his father's store for a number of years, thus and a daughter of John Winston, and to them receiving a thorough, practical business education, the following children were born: Mary 0. (wife under the tuition of his father. In 1875 he went of Eli Harris, whose home was in this parish unon a farm, remained there for a couple of years in til she died, in 1860, leaving, besides her husband, an adjoining county, and during the year 1876 a fanily of nine children), Patsey G. (became the (Centennial year) he visited different cities of the wife of James M. Thomason, of this parish), North, including New York, Philadelphia, and John W. (is the subject of this sketch), Thomas spent a few months in New York State, New Jersey N. (is a resident of Arizona, La.), Ann (is the and Pennsylvania. In 1877 he came to Claiborne wife of W. C. Morland, of Bienville Parish, La.), Parish, La., and engaged in cultivating the soil Americanus (who is married and is a planter of until 1879, when in October of that year he began Sallie (was the wife of J. E. Birch, and is now

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Ouachita Parish, La.), James A. A. (is deceased), merchandising at Homer. This he continued for a number of years, and up to January 1, 1889, he deceased), and Leonora (wife of M. T. Nicholwas very successful, and had accumulated a com- son, also residing here). John W. Willis came to fortable competency. He has since been occupied Claiborne Parish, La., with his parents, in the in settling up old business, and is also engaged to winter of 1848, and with them located abont six some extent in the brokerage busines. Mr. Willet miles east of where Homer now stands. was one of the first to give his support to the es- gion at that time was sparsely settled, and the tablishing of the Homer National Bank, and is a | woods abonnded in wild game, which John W. stockholder and director of the same. On Decem- was very fond of hunting. He was married in ber 18, 1877, he was married to Miss Many L. , 1859 to Miss Cicely A. Nicholson, a daughter of Wbite, a native of Georgia, who was reared and W. B. Nicholson, formerly from Alabama. To received her education in Louisiana, she being the them six children were born, four of whom were daughter of Joseph M. White, one of the pioneers reared to maturity: James C., Ella (wife of A. of Homer. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Willet G. Nelson), Ida (wife of T. H. Brown), and John has been blessed by the birth of one son, Acial Gladden (a resident of Arizona, La.). Mr. Willis M., a lad of ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Willet are is a fervent Democrat, and for some time has been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Willet is a member of the K. of P. He has In 1862 he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-fifth filled many official positions in this organization, Louisiana Infantry, and served until the close of and is at present master of exchequer. He is also the war, then returned to Claiborne Parish and one of the stockholders and directors of the Clai devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits unborne Agricultural Fair Association and was elected til 1888, since which time he has been in the drug its first treasurer.

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business with his son, James C., who is a pracJohn W. Willis, à retired agriculturist of ticing physician. The latter was born in 1863, Claiborne Parish, La., was born in Louisa County, and received a good education in the college at Va., in 1824, the third of eight children born to Arizona.

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. At the age of seventeen years he began his parents, Joshua and Barbara A. (Winston) reading medicine with Dr. D. J. Calhoun, of AriWillis, the former of whom was born in Virginia zona, and at the age of eighteen years he was in 1796. He was one of four sons and several | sufficiently prepared to enter the medical depart

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ment of the Vanderbilt University, of Nashville, 260 acres of fertile and valuable land, of which Tenn., from which he was graduated in the spring 100 acres are under the plow. Being a natural of 1887. He immediately located at Arizona, mechanic, he picked up the carpenter's trade at where he remained until 1889, when he engaged odd times, and has now a beautiful bouse built by in the drug business, in connection with which he bis own hands. His marriage, which occurred in has a splendid medical practice. He was married the fall of 1860, was to Miss Cicily Honeycut, a in January, 1888, to Miss Mattie E., daughter of daughter of James and Sarah A. (Stevenson) Hon. Dr. J. P. Taylor, of Claiborne Parish, and by her eycut, natives of North Carolina and Missouri, rehe has one child, Lillian M., who is now nearly spectively, the birth of the former occurring in two years old. The Doctor is connected with the 1800. He was one of the first settlers of this par. Knights of Pythias, and he and his wife are mem- ish, and reared a family of seven children, all of bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. whom are deceased except Mrs. Wilson and a sis

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Walton Wilson, as a planter of Ward 6, Clai ter, Julia, a resident of Winn Parish. Eight of the borne Parish, La., needs no introduction to the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are still people of this section, for he has during his resi- living: Eliza (wife of I. H. Stevens), Mary L. dence here won a name for himself as a tiller of (wife of I. A. McKee), Sarah (wife of A. H. Box), the soil. Rankin County, Miss., is the place of Albert M., Sadie S., A. L., J. Gilbert and Myra i his birth, and there he first saw the light of day

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posie B.

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Mr. Wilson and his wife are members of in 1839, being one of two children born to his, the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he belongs parents, the other member of the family being to the Farmers' Union. He was appointed post

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. Eliza A., wife of A. A. Ponder, of Smith County, master of Aycock in the spring of 1887, and the Tex. The father, A. M. Wilson, was a North Car- office was removed from Enterprise to bis resi olinian, born abont 1815, a lawyer by profession, dence, where it has since been, Mr. Wilson makwho died in Claiborne Parish, La., in the summer ing a faithful and zealous official. He is now fifty of 1811, at the untimely age of twenty-six years. years of age. He came here the same year of his death, thinking Charles D. Yancey, farmer, Homer, La. Clai. to better bis financial condition, but was cut down borne Parish is acknowledged by all to be one of by the reaper, Death, when entering upon a career the best agricultural portions of the State, and as of great usefulness. His wife, whose maiden name such its citizens are men of advanced ideas and was Sarah A. Stevens, was born in Mississippi, a I considerable prominence. A worthy man among danghter of Isaac Stevens, and is now living with this class is found in the person of Mr. Yancey, her daughter in Texas.

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Walton Wilson grew to who was born in the Old Dominion, Mecklenburg maturity and received a common-school education County, August 21, 1841, and is the son of Alex in Claiborne Parishi. When the war broke out he ander and Mary A. (Elam) Yancey, natives also of determined to do his share to swell the ranks of

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Virginia. The Yancey family is of old Virginia the Confederate Army, and enlisted in Company A, stock, and dates back several generations. Charles

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, Ninth Regiment Louisiana Volunteers, in 1862.

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Yancey, grandfather of our subject, was a soldier but being sick during the summer, be saw but in the Revolution, and Daniel Elam, the maternal little service until the battle of Fredericksburg, grandfather of our subject, was also of old Virafter which he participated in the following en- ginia stock. Alexander Yancey attained bis growth gagements: Second battle of Winchester, battle of

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in his native State, has been a planter all his life, Gettysburg, second battle of Manassas, the battle

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and now lives at an advanced age in Mecklenburg of the Wilderness, and numerous skirmish fights at County. His wife died about 1883. Charles D. various times. After Lee's surrender he returned Yancey is one of a family of three sons and tive to his home in Louisiana, and has since given his daughters that grew to mature years, and all beattention to farming, being now the possessor of came heads of families, He received an ordinary

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The en

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education in Mecklenburg County, and this he has Corrected too late for alpbabetical insertion. greatly improved by study and observation. In Larkin R. Lay, farmer, Homer, La. 1861 he enlisted in the Fourteenth Virginia In- tire life of Mr. Lay bas been one unmarked by any fantry, and served in that until wounded and taken unusual occurrence outside the chosen channels to prisoner. He was promoted from private to ser- which he has so diligently and attentively given geant and was a participant of the battle of Seven his time and attention. He was born in Fayette Pines, Malvern Hill, second battle of Manassas, : County, Ga., on June 23, 1836, and his parents, Harper's Ferry, Sbarpsburg and Gettysburg, where David and Epsie (Landrum) Lay, were also natives he received a gunshot through the body, and was of that State, the mother born in Jackson County. wounded in both arms and one leg. He was then Both parents died in Georgia when our subject taken prisoner and held at Baltimore about one was a mere child. The latter came to Louisiana month, when he was paroled. He joined the regiment with an older brother in June, 1847, grew to man- in October following and remained with the same hood in Claiborne Parish, and received a good until the termination of the war. He was paroled education in the country schools and at Mount at Appomattox Court-House. Then returning home Lebanon College. In April, 1861, he enlisted in he remained there about a year and then came west the Second Louisiana Infantry, and re-enlisted in to Louisiana, locating in Claiborne Parish, where i 1863 in the Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry, with he has since resided. For about three years he was / which he remained until the close of the war. He engaged in carpentering and clerking, and was was in the siege of Vicksburg, at Port Gibson, married in the house where he now lives December and was in several skirmishes. After the war he 16, 1869, to Miss Velinda Taylor, a native of Ala- ; returned to his home (May, 1865), and in the year bama, but who was reared in Claiborne Parish, following was engaged in clerking at Lisbon. In and the daughter of Hugh Taylor. Mr. Taylor the fall of 1866 he was married to Miss Margaret was one of the pioneers of Alabama, and his death J. Garrett, a native of Alabama, and the daughter occurred July 9, 1874, when seventy-four years of of Col. John L. Garrett.

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I

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. The following year he age.

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After marriage Mr. Yancey located near his engaged in farming, and this has been his calling present property, engaged in agricultural pursuits,

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ever since.

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He commenced life for himself with and later bought out the Taylor heirs. In 1877 he limited means, and in addition to his own family located on his present property, consisting of 950 has reared all the children of Col. Garrett with acres of land, all in one body, and 500 acres under the exception of one older son. Mr. Lay is now cultivation He devotes the principal part of his the owner of about 1,200 acres, all in a body, and land to cotton, and raises, on an average, eighty has about 600 acres cleared.

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He has made many bales annually. He has been quite successful in all improvements and bas a good residence. He and the occupations in which he has been engaged, and Mrs. Lay are members of the Methodist Episcopal his advanced and progressive ideas have not only Church Sonth, and are highly esteemed citizens. resulted in his own good, but is of benefit to those He served as a member of the police board for four with whom he comes in contact. He is a stanch years, and socially he is a member of the K. of P. Democrat and is well supported in his political To his marriage bave been born ten children: Willviews by his wife. Mr. Yancey has served in nu- iam L. (who is grown up and married), Jim Nic, merous county conventions, and

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former L. R., Jr., D. M., Lizzie C., Annie Mag, Katie F.. member of the K. of P. Mrs. Yancey is a member M. B., L. L. and Lena. of the Home Missionary Baptist Church. Both are among the most respected of the parish.

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was

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ CHAPTER VIII.

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SABINE PARISH-AN OUTLINE OF THE STATISTICS OF THE PARISH–POPULATION-ERA OF SETTLEMENT- INCIDENTS OF INTEREST, EARLY RESIDENTS-SLAVES HELD-POLICE JURY AND COURTS OF JUSTICE—THE LOCAL BAR-OFFICERS, ETC.- MILITARY ORGANIZATION-JOURNAL- 18TS-MEDICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES-TOWNS OF MANY AND

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FORT JESUP-INDUSTRIES AND IMPROVEMENTS-MEMORIALS.

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*H

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We hail thee, land, whose beauty won

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Our fathers in their golden years; A shout for greater days begun,

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A sigh for sleeping pioneers. - Anon.

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ABINE PARISH is bounded men subject to military service, The population in

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on the north by the parishes 1880 was 7,344, of which number 5,486 were of De Soto and Natchitoches, white and 1,858 colored. In 1870 there were on the east by Natchitoches, 1,592 white and 1,847 colored, and in 1860, 4,115 on the south by Vernon and white and 1,713 colored. In 1850 there were on the west by the Sabine 3,347 whites and 1,168 slaves. River. The country is one of There are several kinds of land in Sabine, but

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rolling oak-uplands with a those in cultivation are what are generally termed long-leaf pine district in the south uplands. Even the extreme uplands, a light gray eastern corner. The total area is sandy soil, produce well, and the hammock and 1,008 square miles, of wbich the creek bottom lands are very fertile, yielding, with central prairie occupies 200; the proper cultivation, all that can be well gathered. long-leaf pine 150 and the oak-up- The parish is literally threaded with streams of land 658 square miles. There were

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pure water, some of considerable size and others 18,524 acres cultivated in 1879–80, smaller. of which 5,952 acres were under The bayous San Patricio and St. Miguel run

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cotton; 7,971 acres under corn; 191 from the north center of the parish through Wards in sweet potatoes and 85 acres in sugar cane. 5, 6, 7 and to the abine River. Bayou Cie or There were 2,313 bales of cotton produced, or. 39 Scie is a short stream flowing into St. Miguel. bale per acre, of 555 pounds of seed cottou or 185 Bayou La Nana runs from Ward 4, through Ward pounds of cotton lint. In 1889–90 the producing 3, into the Sabine River, as also does Bayou Toro. area and the products were nearly doubled. The Bayou Negreet runs into the Sabine. population in 1890 (State census) is 10,529, com The White Sulphur Springs, in the northwest prising 4,216 white males and 3,983 females, 1, 101 ern corner of Sabine, one and one-half miles from colored males and 1,229 females. There are 684 the Sabine River and thirty miles from Mansfield,

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have been visited by invalids from the earliest ruins of burned buildings are noticeable. On times. Two miles east of Many are other medic. every side souvenirs of Spanish occupation are inal springs, while the sulphur springs near Bayou brought to light, and as years pass by history and San Patricio and the tar spring win some favora fable people the Sabine country with the extremes ble notice. The saline springs and salt works in .

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of good and bad in the Spanish character. the southwestern townships were developed during On November 14, 1795, Jacinto Mora was the war.

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granted 207,360 acres on the east side of the A fair lime rock is found in the Fort Jesup Sabine River, twenty-five leagues distant from the neighborhood, and in very early days a lime kiln village of the Lady of the Pillar, of Nacogdoches,

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, was constructed there. In 1823, when the United Tex., known as Los Ormegas. In July, 1805, this

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. States troops cleared the land for the fort, this tract was sold by Mora to Ed Murphy, William kiln was discovered, and therein was burned the Barr, Samuel Davenport and L. Smith, and in De lime used in building the foundations of the houses. cember the tract was legally conveyed and the Not far from the salines, iron ore is found, while | name Santa Maria Adelaida de Ormegas given to lignite exists in several localities.

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The Le Nana grant to Ed Murphy (twelve miles Deer are still here and the skilled hunter is square) was made in 1797, and both grauts were generally rewarded for his labor. The bear and recognized by the United States in 1847. panther are visitors, but the catamount is a resident. The nentral strip between Spanish and French In January, 1890, Louis Buvens killed a large America was settled at a very early day. Many catamount near Many, and hunting this animal has stories are related of the inhabitants of this ancient become a favorite pastime. The rattlesnake and No Man's Land, filling it with desperadoes of all moccasin are the only dangerous reptiles here, but i races and later by regulators and moderators. snake bites are seldom heard of. In August, 1890, Samuel Davenport, in his evidence before the Land two children of Mrs. F. Williams, residing near Commission in 1824, stated that the neutral terri. Many, were found playing with a large rattle- tory comprised ali the country east of the Sabine snake. In July, 1888, there was not a mortgage and west of the Calcasieu River, Bayou Kisatchie to on record in this parish, but during the last few the mouth of Bayou Don Manuel, southeast of the years a few mortgages, given as security for lands, latter bayou, Lac Terre Noir and Arroyo Honda are on record.

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and south of the Red River to the northwest line The settlement of this division of the State of Louisiana. He was a resident of Nacogdoches, dates back to the second decade of the eighteenth | Tex., from 1798 to 1813. Jose M. Mora and century, when the great trails from the rapids of Gregoria Mora the tax collector were born there, Red River and from the post at Natchitoches were ' and John Carter, another witness, resided at opened into Mexico.

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Natchitoches. In November, 1824, the Rio Honda Nolan's Trace, between Alexandria and San claimants presented evidences of settlement. In Antonio, parallels the Natchitoches and San An 1797 a square league was granted to Jose M. tonio trace, four miles south.

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The great camp

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Mora, sixteen leagues from Natchitoches, at a ground at Fallen Springs, four miles south of place known as The Head of the Name of God. . Many, is still remembered as the place where many The residents on the Rio Hondo in 1805 were murders and robberies were committed, and to-day John Yocum, M. Yocum, James Wilson, Philip searchers come bither to explore for lost treasures. Winfree and A. Winfree in Township 4, Range There is now in possession of Leo Vandegaer a 12; James Walker, Nicholas Jacks and Hugh Mc || part of a silver cross, found by W. G. Lewing, Neely in Township 5, Range 11; Jacob Leahy, four miles southeast of Many in 1888, and a part of Thomas Arthur, Thomas Gray, C. Anthony and a counterfeiter's outfit found near Carter's Ferry Benjamin Winfree in Township 5, Range 12: some years ago.

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Where the cross was found | Green Cook in Township 5, Range 13; Edmund

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Quirk, William Quirk, Thomas Gray and Joseph follows: R. L. Armstrong, 17; S. L. and Allen Montgomery in Township 6, Range 12; Samuel Arthur, 13; Wade Anderson, 8; T. A. and Mary Holmes and Benjamin Morris in Township 0, Armstrong, 11; J. H. 0. Antony, 14; Minerva Range 10; John H. Thompson and Benjamin Allen, 9; W. M. Antony, 14; John G. and Francis Billis, Township 7, Range 10; Jose Antonio Man Buvens, 12; A. Barr, 11; M. L. Branch, 50; Theo. chac, Township 7. Range 12; Jacques Lepine, G. Boyd (succession), 31; D. A. Blacksher, 11; David Case and widow La Lena Paded, Township G. B. Burr, 8; Beck and Harris, 21; M. W. Burr, 7, Range 13; Manuel Gonzales, Jean Baptiste Pe. 7; Wallis Cooper, 7; C. Carroll, 10; Nathan and rot, Andrew Bassum, Thomas Wilson, Jose Maria Mary Cook, 21; James Cook, 19; F. M. Carter, 12; Procella (heirs of James Denney and Manuel Bus- Maria Childers, 60; W. W.

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Maria Childers, 60; W. W. Chapman, 37; Rebecca

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, tamento), Township 8, Range 10; Louis Latham, Conerly, 14; A. M. Campbell, 23; John Caldwell, F. Gonzales and Jose Reus, Township 8, Range 11; 19; John Carroll, 7; Joseph C. Coleman, 9; F. Antonia De la Sarda, Jose Estrader, Peter Patter Dutton, 10; E. C. Davidson, 24; J. D. Estes, 15; son, John Cortez, Widow Ganissieu Parrierd, Town- W. H. Edierson, 21; Milton Evans, 7; L. P. Ed. ship 8, Range 12; Robert McDonald, Louis Latham, erington, 21; W. C. Faircloth, 17; J. M. Gibbs, Henry Quirk, Henry Stoker, Dennis Dios, William 15; Daniel R. Gandy, 17; Lydia Godwin, 23; E. P. Davidson, Manuel Cherion, James Kirkham, A. Hainsworth, 8; Mrs. Reinbotias (Succession), 36; Hugh McGuffin and Maria Sanchez, Township 8, Allen Holland, 23; Matthew Jones, 12; D. O. Hay, Range 10; Michael Early, John Litton and Asa | 7; John Kennedy, 6; Isaac Kirk, 6; S. G. Lucius, Backum, Township 9, Range 12; Francisco Ro.: 7; Blueford Lewing, 11; Joseph Lynch, 6; John salis, Jose Bascus, Jose Antonia Rodriquez, John i Maximillian, Sr., 6; Louis May, 14; Joseph F. Maximillian and the Widow Interest Toval, Town. | Montgomery, 25: P. P. Massey, 8; Mark McAlpin, ship 8, Range 12, and Guilliam Bebee. Township 8; John McGee, 14; A. S. Neal, 16; Voluntino 8, Range 13. In 1819-24 the above named Nash, 10; C. E. Nelson, 7; R. Oliphant, 6; Care proved their claims, and after the survey of 1832 Palmer, 7; Mary Province, 9; M. L. Price, 8; located their claims anew. The only relies of the Ann E. Pullan, 28; Job Presley, 244; Mary Quirk, first homes on the Rio Honda were explored four 17; F. Rollins, 6; Isaac Rains, 14; Solomon Roys. years ago by Surveyor Vandegaer. In 1811 the ton, 6; John R. Smart, 30; V. P. Smart, 10; Mrs. sales of the Yates & McIntyre lands in Sabine Susan B. Smart, 7; John P. Sibley, 17; D. W. reached importance. Thomas Ford, J. Tynes, Self, 6; R. B. Stille & Co., 10; Joseph D. Stille, Williamson Maines, Jobn Scritchfield, Mary Lang: 24; John H. Stephens, 8; T. B. Stephens, 6; M. ford, B. Dally. James Lesley, W. H. Edmundson, K. Speight, 20; Stepben Smith, 6; Nancy Stoker, Hosea Presley, William M. Polk, William and B. 26; William Stoker, 6; W. W. Sibley (adminisK. Ford, Henry Hall, N. H. Bray, Samuel Eldridge, · trator), 19; R. L. F. Sibley, 10; Mrs. Mattie Smith, S. S. Eason, W. G. Painter, J. G. Sibley, Eliza- 8; John H. Thompson, 28; M. B. Thompson, 16; beth McDonald, C. Cherrington, Peter Buvens, J. C. B. Thompson, 6: John A. Thompson, 12; B. R. Anderson, John Graham, A. Arthur and D. G. Truley, 19; Jesse Wright, 33; E. A. Winfree, 8; Ethredge were among the first buyers of the lands | Nancy Williams, 0); H. L. Williams, 14; L. G. of those speculators.

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Walters, 8; Madison West, 21; James A. Woods, The number of slaves in Sabine Parish in 1861 1+ and C. P. Waldrop, Sr., 19. In 1864 another was 1,729, valued at $814,450, while the total as- assessment was made, by the Confederate officials, sessed value of all property was only $1,466,610. when W. W. Chapman was found to possess sixtyOn this valuation a Confederate States war tax,

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nine slaves, valued at $32,200. Aaron S. Neal amounting to $7,331. 19, was collected, Thomas had twenty one slaves taxed, while the greater Franklin being supervising assessor. The owners number of owners named above held their slaves of six or more slaves in that year are named as and paid the war tax as levied that year.

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Sabine Parish was established March 27, 1843, In June, 1860, J. A. Weeks, H. W. Scoggins, when Gov. Mouton signed the act defining its J. J. Horton and E. M. Cassel, qualified as jurors. boundaries and providing for its government.

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In March, 1861, the question of disbursing the The first record of the police jury is dated share of the $30,000 appropriated by the State toJune 19, 1843, when the minutes of an adjourned ward the relief of the sufferers from floods and meeting are recorded. T. Arthur, B. P. Biles, droughts was considered, and President Speight W. Estes, J. Lebo, R. B. Stille, J. R. Smart and was authorized to draw upon the State treasurer A. Lavell were present as jurors; John Baldwin, for $1,500. treasurer, and S. S. Eason, secretary; John Lebo On May 6 the police jury held the next meetpresided. A road from Hugo Wallace's house to ing, but beyond the provision made for the distrithe parish site was authorized. On June 20 a bution of corn, from depots at Cobble Landing and resolution postponing the sale of town lots at the Grand Ecore, little else was done. In June the original seat of justice was carried--the cause election of Allan Holland, G. G. Garner and Silas being the dissatisfaction expressed at the location. Roberts is recorded. M. K. Speight was chosen The question of location was then taken up, and president and A. R. Mitchell clerk. The office of the Legislature petitioned to pass an act empow- examiner of teachers for public schools was abolering the people to select a seat of justice in July, ished, but restored next day, and A. R. Mitchell 1841. The Herald and the Reporter of Natchi. chosen examiner. E. C. Davidson was re-elected toches were selected as advertising mediums. E. treasurer, and in August W. H. Boyd was chosen F. Presley was appointed assessor, John Q. Mc- to represent Ward 10. Donald, constable, and in September the following On August 13, 1861, steps to raise moneys for named administrators of public schools were ap- military purposes, and for the equipment of vol pointed: Thomas Ford, D. R. Gandy, N. J. unteers, were taken, and $1,250 appropriated to Alford, Hosea Presley and Voluntine Nash. In

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the Sabine Volunteer Company. Of this. $230 May, 1844, J. A. McLanaban replaced Arthur as was appropriated for Capt. J. T. Jordan's comjuror; Hosea Presley was elected treasurer, Nathan pany, then being organized. Acknowledgments iel Fashier, constable and George W. Thompson, were tendered Gov. Moore for bis kindness in as. surveyor. The line between Sabine and Rapides suming for Sabine Parish the cost of uniforms was ordered to be surveyed. In July, 1844, the and equipment, for the Sabine Rities, and to N. H. jury considered that the electors bad approved Bray for equipping the Sabine Rebels. Twelve the original location of the seat of justice, and hundred dollars was appropriated to Capt. Smart's named Many in bonor of Col. Many, then command- company in October, 1861. At this time $500 was ing at Fort Jesup. In November, John Ayres, B. granted to Capt. McAuretor's company, then at the P. Biles, A. Brown and James Kinner, qualified as front. jurors with the latter president; the deed to the

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In January, 1862, the employment of a drillparish site was approved, and a building committee i master was authorized. In April, 1862, the sum appointed. In 1867 R. K. McDonald, M. Fulerod, 18.15

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of $7,500, in parish warrants, J. B. Elam, T. G. S. Godwin and A. H. Redding This was to be issued in scrip of $1, $2.50, $5, $10, qualitied as jurors A. Brown was president.

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$20 and $25. A further grant of $7 per month to In 18 16 J. B. Elam was president; in 1848, the wives and mothers of soldiers was made, while Joseph McNeely; in 1849, Daniel Richey; in 1851, to each child of men in service a grant of $2 per H. S. White; in 1852, Matthew Jones; succeeded month was given.

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J. A. Weeks succeeded Mitch by Moses K. Speight; E. F. Presley, secretary. ell, as clerk, at this time. Messrs. Weeks, Sam

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In July, 1839, the new jail was received from Webb, Garner, Munson, Scoggins, Gibbs, F. M. the contractor, Marion F. Carter, and the balance Chambliss, Holland and Speight were members of of the $1,500 ($105) was ordered to be paid to him.

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was authorized

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the jury.

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In June, 1862, the estimate for the current C. P. Darnell appear as jurors. An item of $37 year was placed at $6,940. Isaac Wright and for advertising in the Red River News, and $15 for Roberts were elected jurors in August. The war

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rent to the trustees of the Methodist Church appear rants for $1,025 issued to Capt. Isaac Wright's, at this time. In January, 1870, Jeff. J. Salter Sabine Independents in April, 1861, were canceled was appointed collector; in June, Alfred Lout and in June; a further issue of $10,000 in scrip was Thomas Wiley were new members of the jury, and authorized in October, and the estimate of expenses two State cadets and two medical students were for 1863 placed at $13,940. Bounties amounting selected by the jury to attend the respective colto $2,486 and Volunteers' Family Relief, to $3,311 | leges. The State-appointed police jury qualified were ordered to be paid. A statement was re- October 2, 1871. John Caldwell was chosen presquested from Capt. D. W. Self, relating to the ident, with M. P. Hawkins, Alfred Litton, Thomas disbursement of the funds set apart for equipping A. Armstrong and D. W. Self, members; W. W. his company; another issue of $10,000 in scrip McNeely was elected clerk, James F. Smith, was authorized, and a small payment is recorded to treasurer, and E. F. Presley, attorney. At this S. L. Holland, captain of the Sabine Guards, and time the Methodist Church house was rented for in June, 1863, warrants for $7,210 were issued to court-house purposes at the rate of $65 per year, the ten members of the police jury for the use of and W. W. McNeely was granted a small sum as families of volunteers. There is no record of rent for his office up to that date. In July, 1872, transactions in 1864. On August 1B, 1865, M. K. the question of settlement with the new parish of Speight, of Ward 2, was continued as president; Vernon was discussed. R. W. Sibley was chosen N. H. Bray, represented Ward 1; A. R. Mitchell, parish physician, J. B. Vandegaer, parish treasurer, No. 3; L. Barbee, No. 4; W. Ferguson, No. 5; and in October, F. A. Fuller, surveyor. J. F. Benjamin Boyd, No. 6; H. S. Kennedy, No. 7; H. Garner was assessor at this time and R. F. Walters, W. Scoggins, No. 8; A. C. Leach, No. 9, and Sam- sheriff, succeeded by Alfred Lont. In December, nel Webb, No. 10. J. F. Smith was chosen clerk, 1872, Edmond Duggan was president with John E. C. Davidson, re-elected treasurer, and M. K. Carroll (died in 1873), J. H. Tynes, Alf. Litton Speight, Jr., collector. This election was set aside (resigned in 1873), and James M. Gibbs, Sr., memand Davidson resigned, and N. H. Bray chosen bers; R. W. Sibley was chosen clerk.

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In July, treasurer. In June, 1866, John Parrott repre

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1873, J. H. Caldwell was appointed treasurer. sented Ward 3; R. L. F. Sibley, No. 4; Jacob The question of building a court house was defiTyler, No. 6. and William Vines, No. 10. nitely settled in October, when a one per cent tax on W. McNeely was chosen clerk. In October, H. the assessment of 1872 was authorized for buildW. Scoggins was re-elected from Ward 8, and V. ing purposes. R. B. Stille, W. H. Aldredge, John A. Montgomery was collector and sheriff. The Davis, A. Hogue and A. Harris were appointed a jury of 1868 comprised Messrs. Speight, Bray, building committee. An item of $112 for advertis Kennedy and Tyler, with the newly elected mem- ing in Red River News appears on the records of bers-Harmon Carter, Edmund Duggan, Will this period. iam Junk, John Jacobs, W. A. Youngblood and In July, 1874, R. G. Brown qualified, vice John Tynes; E. C. Davidson was chosen parish | Carroll, but the appointee vice Litton did not pre. attorney. In June, 1969, M. P. Hawkins quali- sent himself. On January 4, 1877, M. K. Speight, fied as juror from the Fourth and John Franklin Sr., Edmond Duggan, R. G. Brown, H. H. Culfrom the First Ward. On June 7, 1869, the treas- len and S. T. Sibley formed the board. Speight urer ceased to be custodian of the school fund, from was elected president; R. A. Forbis was elected which the sum of $309 was due him. This bal- treasurer (to fill vacancy); James F. Garner was ance he requested the jury to insure payment of. assessor and collector. In January, 1876, Edmund In October, 1869, the names of A. R. Addison and Duggan was elected president, and the estimate of

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parish taxes placed at $4,240, A tax levy of 14% wild proposition of the Index people. In May, . }

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. , mills was made, but this was increased to 29 mills | 1880, W. W. Arthur was chosen president, and J. immediately after, the latter 111-mill levy being H. Mitchell, clerk (succeeded in January, 1881, by submitted to a vote. In October, 1876, the trus- R. W. Sibley). On May 5, 1980, J. T. Lunt en tees of the Baptist Church were granted $25 as tered into a contract to erect the court-house for rent for their house during the year 1875. Iu $2,500, and had it completed the following year. January, 1877, R. M. Armstrong was president; The old jail and lot were sold to A. H. Hogue in

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, Wade Anderson, D. W. Carroll, G. W. Addison August for $112.50 In August, 1881, W. T. Aland J. M. Gibbs, Sr., were jurors. On June 4, ford represented Ward 3, vice D. W. Carroll. In the ultimatum of the board of school directors, January, 1882, A. W. Estes was appointed clerk, asking that a tax for common school purposes not rice Sibley (resigned); specifications for a jail exceeding 2 mills, be levied.

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E. F. Presley, building were adopted, and, on March 7, the conthen secretary of the school board, drafted this

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tract was sold to J. T. Lunt for $1,600. In requisition. F. D. Self, then State tax collector, August, 1882, H. S. Kennedy represented Ward 7. was enjoined from collecting until a satisfactory In June, 1883, J. M. Stoddard qualified as bond would be entered into. On June 7, 1877, E. juror from Ward 7, and he with Messrs. Arthur, F. Presley was elected treasurer, and, in October, Stringer, Alford, Vandegaer, Darnell and Farmer

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, attorney, and on July 2 the parish was redis- of the first six wards, and W. L. Shull of Ward 8, tricted into eight wards, under authority of the act formed the board. The new member was chosen of April 10, 1887. This act of July 9 did not

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president in January, 1884, succeeded in June by come into force immediately, for, up to January 1, R. A. Forbis, of Ward 4, who with T. J. Stringer, 1879, the same jurors managed parish affairs.

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On Ward 2, W. T. Alford, Ward 3, J. W. Conerly, January 6, W. W. Arthur, Ward 1, president; T. Ward 1, Henry Ferguson, Ward 7, William Aten, J. Stringer, Ward 2: D. W. Carroll, Ward 3; Dan- Ward 8, H. H. Cassel, Ward 6, and John Graiel Vandegaer, Ward 4; W. H. Farmer and H. H. ham, Ward 7, formed the board at that time. In Callens, Ward 7; C. B. Darnell, Ward 5; and W. June, 1884; A. W. Estes was elected treasurer, vice L. Shull, Ward 8, formed the post-reconstruction W. W. McNeely, who filled that position since jury. R. W. Sibley, clerk, and E. F. Presley, 1879.

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The prohibition ordinance was recorded in treasurer, were continued in office.

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In August, January, 1885; in April, the name of W. M. Webb 1879, the court-house building project was revived as juror, and the death of H. Ferguson are re and an ordinance for a 3 mill tax for three years corded. In April, 1886, W. T. Alford was elected adopted. This ordinance was sustained on De- president, rice Forbis, resigned. Alford was suc

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1 cember 2 of that year, and plans for a building ceeded in January, 1888, by Jehu Graham; but in were received.

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W. W. McNeely was appointed June of that year the newly elected jury organized, treasurer, and P. P. Bridges was elected juror, with R. A. Forbis, president, A. W. Estes, clerk vice H. H. Callens, deceased. The new member

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and treasurer, and the following named members: was chosen president. At this time the old mer- H. S. Elzey, T. J. Stringer, H. M. Gandy, W. M. cantile building known as Baldwin's Store was oc- Webb, H. H. Cassel, J. M. Fuller and William cupied by the county officers, the reut being $i per Tyler. At this term a tax of 7 mills for parish, month. In January, 1880, the proposition of Edi and 2 mills for school purposes was antborized. I tor Presley, of the Southron, to do the public print- The levy for 1890 is 6 mills for State, and 6 mills ing at a discount of tifty per cent on the legal rate

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for parish purposes. of advertising, was met by the radical one of J. H. The first record of the district court is dated Caldwell & Co., of the Sabine Index, to do the

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December 25, 1813.

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George R. King, of the Fifth same work gratis and pay the parish 30 cents for District presided; Samuel S. Eason was clerk; the privilege. The jurors agreed to accept the Silas Shelburn, sheriff: A. W. Rogers, deputy

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sheriff; William Stoker, coroner; E. F. Presley, to preside here until 1869, when Judge John Osassessor, and John Baldwin, treasurer. Robert B. burn was commissioned judge of the Ninth District Stille, H. Presley, John S. Wells, R. K. McDon- and presided until November, 1873. For the two ald, Joseph McNeely, A. Bradley, Patrick Rogers, succeeding years there is no record of court, nor and Joseph White were justices of the peace. The

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. was there a regular term of court held. In Novemtirst grand jury comprised Henry Hall, Robert ber, 1875, Judge Chaplin was present and transBrown, Nicholas Jacks, Thomas Ford, Daniel Mc- acted the business of the court here until July 5, Neely, John Martin, Redmond Carter, Daniel R. 1877, when David Pierson, of the Seventeenth Gandy, Hosea Presley, Cornelius Dallashide, Rob- District appointed John Davis, R. A. Forbis, Will ert B. Stille, William Langton, Lesley Barbee, iam M. Antony and Daniel W. Carroll jury comGeorge W. Edwards and Solomon Royston. Seven missioners, and ordered the sheriff to call a special teen civil cases were continued to the 26th, when jury for the term of September. W. P. Hall was a few were disposed of. On December 27 ten in district attorney. The district is now known as dictments were returned, three for larceny, six for, the Eleventh; Judge Pierson still presiding with

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; assault and battery, and one for selling liquor to a D. C. Scarborough district attorney. The docket slave. On December 28 Francisco Negrovemis, a has always been very light on the criminal side. native of Catalonia, Spain, renounced allegiance to | On May 10, 1878, Porter Brown was hanged here that country's monarch, and Nathan H. Bray gave for aiding Ben Goodloe to murder Dr. H. W. notice of his intention to treat the ruler of Great Evans. Joseph Elijah Brown was hanged April Britain and Ireland in the same manner. In May,

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12, 1889, for a more serious crime. Other crimi. 1844, James Campbell of the Tenth District opened nals have been summarily punished by the people, court. Daniel R. Gandy was sheriff, and Elias F. and not a few have been sent to prison under life Presley, deputy sheriff. At this time the prisoners sentences, The old bar comprised W. L. Tuomey, had to be taken hither from Natchitoches for trial, Joseph B. Elam, Chichester Chaplin, Chester as Sabine had no jail. In December, 1815, C. Chaplin, Jr., W. T. Hamilton, S. H. Waples, E. Chaplin qualified as district attorney, to succeed | C. Davison, A. R. Mitchell (now residing in Vernon W. L. Tuomey. James Taylor presented the com- Parish), J. F. Smith (died in 1890), E. F. Presley mission of Gov. Johnson, in November, 1846, as (now residing at Many), R. A. Hunter (now of judge of the Sixteenth District, and in May, 1817, 'Alexandria), George Head, T. C. Armstrong (now Judge E. R. Ollcutt, of the Seventeenth District of Sodus), W. D. Carter (now of Sherman, Tex.), presided, vice Judge Taylor of this district. In | Amos L. Ponder (came in 1886), and W. G. McAugust, 1830, Charles A. Bullard of the Sixteenth Donald (who settled in Many in 1890). District was present. He presided here until Sep- ! The journal of the parish court dates back to tember, 1853, when Chichester Chaplin took his July 3, 1813, when William R. D. Speight, parish place, with William T. Hamilton, district attorney. judge, presided. On July 7 the suit of G. Lan

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: . In November, 1851, Judge Land, of the Eighteenth drum vs. J. E. Roca was presented and C. A. Bul. District interchanged with the district judge, and lard was appointed curator ad hoc to represent appointed A. R. Mitchell, district attorney. S. the absent defendant. S. S. Eason was clerk. In H. Waples was admitted to practice law here in March, 1816, the district judge acted as judge in April, 1836, and some years later E. F. Presley probate affairs. In July, 1819, E. F. Presley began practice.

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signs as clerk, and R. A. Gay as recorder. Some From November, 1961, to April, 1863, there time after the abolition of the first parish court, was no attempt made to hold court. Judge Chap. G. Landrum, above named, killed Judge Speight lin presided. i

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He was again present in November, opposite the hotel. In October, 1868, M. D. Ed 1864. In April, 1866, Judge William B. Lewis, mondson opened the parish court with W. W. Mcof the Ninth District, opened court and continued Neely clerk. In March, 1871, W. W. McNeely

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!

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presided as judge, and held this office until Febru- of Sabine to participate in the Mexican War were: ary, 1877, wben J. C. Armstrong qualified. He John L. Lockwood, W. B. Dupree, John Jones, was judge up to 1880, when the office was abol- James Craig, Hugh Dowden, L. C. T. Sanders, ished under the new constitution.

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James Sanders, W. H. Hollaway, Jordan MunThe principal officers of the parish since 1843 son and W. S. Summers. Of the number the two are named as follows: District clerks --- S. S. last named are dead. Easom, 1843; Hosea Presley, 1846; E. F. Presley, Capt. McArthur's company was the first com1846; Eli Self, 1852; J. A. Weeks, 1855; J. C. pany raised in Sabine Parish for the Civil War. Sibley, 1838; J. D. Stille, 1861; W. W. McNeely, This was followed by Capt. J. T. Jordan's com1865; R. W. Sibley, 1873; W. W. McNeely, 1884; pany (North Louisiana Cadets), Capt. N. H. Bray's W. E. McNeely, 1890.

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company, Capt. Smart's company, Capt. Isaac Sheriffs--Silas Shellburn, 1813; D. R. Gandy, Wright's Sabine Independents, a militia company, 1844; K. J. McLemore, 1850.; R. A. Sibley, 1851; . Capt. D. W. Self's volunteers and Capt. S. L. Alex Barr, 1860; Alfred Lout, 1873; Bailey Lout, Holland's Sabine Guards. All the men of Sabine 1883; Frank D. Self, -; D. W. Self, ; J. capable of military duty were in the field. W. Conerly, 1888.

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In 1865-66 Capt. Carey was commandant at Treasurers---Hosea Presley, 1843; John Bald- Many. He was comparatively mild in his treatwin, -; R. F. Sibley, 1853; W. D. Stephens, ment of the whites, and few, if any, complaints of 1850; E. C. Davidson, 1856; N. H. Bray, -; his administration are made. The early anti-seJames F. Smith, 1871; J. B. Vandegaer, 1872; J. cessionists, such as E. F. Presley and the Stilles, H. Caldwell, 1873; W. W. McNeely, 1879; John won for their secession neighbors a measure of Vandegaer, ; A. W. Estes, 1884; R. A. Forbis, security, which would otherwise have been absent. 1875; E. F. Presley, 1877.

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The Sabine Southron was issued May 2, 1878, Assessors-E. F. Presley, 1843; Charles Elam, by W. P. Hutchison. His salutatory pointed out

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; K. J. McLemore, -; G. E. Ward, 1850; his true Democratic principles. On September 7, L. B. Gray, 1850; D. W. Self, 1860; J. H. Cald- 1878, E. F. Presley and Henry Potts issued their well, 1877; W. W. MeNeely, 1880; Leo Vande. salutatory as editors and proprietors, but from gaer, J. A. Tramel,

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1879 to September 4, 1890, Mr. Presley was owner Representatives - W. B. Stille, C. Chaplin,

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,

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and editor. On the date mentioned he sold the J. H. Stephens, E. C. Davidson, John R. Smart, office to his sons, E. F. Presley, Jr., and H. M.

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Hicks, E. F. Presley (1862-64), R. B. Stille, Presley J. F. Smith, R. M. Armstrong and D. W. Self. The Sabine Index was established in 1879 by In January, 1861, E. C. Davidson signed the ordi- Levi Stewart, J. H. Caldwell, John Blake and nance of secession as delegate from this parish. others. They were all contributors and opponents

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Surveyors-G. W. Thompson (1813), Peter of the Southron. This opposition was carried to Munson, John J. Biles, Carroll Miller and Daniel the extremes referred to in the page devoted to the Vandegaer.

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transactions of the police jury, but like all extrem Recorders-R. A. Gay, 1815; John Baldwin, ists they exhausted themselves in little over a year. 1851; John Davis, 1866; John B. Vandegaer, In September, 1890, the establishment of an 1872 -77; A. W. Estes, 1877, followed in 1880 by anti-lottery journal was seriously entertained. R. W. Sibley, who, as district clerk, became ex- The white pupils enrolled in Sabine in 1878 officio recorder under the constitution of 1879. numbered 870; in 1879, 897; in 1883, 512; in

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Coroners-H. P. Welsh, 1816; N. H. Bray, 1884, 820; in 1885, 2,196; in 1886, 1,993 and in 1851; V. A. Montgomery, 1872, and Dr. J. C. 1SS7, 2,313. The colored enumeration for the Armstrong, who has held the office for many years.' same years is shown as follows: 150, 181, 315,

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The soldiers who went from the present parish 160, 333, 604 and 345. In the report made by

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Supt. Amos L. Ponder (January, 1890), the parish The lumber manufacturing industries are few is credited with 3,330 school children, Ward 4, con- . and insignificant compared with the great field and taining 772 of the total number. In 1850 William advantages which the parish offers. The saw-mills D. Stephens was superintendent of free schools, are Leach's, on Mill Creek; Nash's mill and James and in 1851 E. A. Campbell held this position. Leach's mill, in Ward 1; Peters,' in Ward 4; C. B.

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The physicians of the parish since 1840 are Darnell's, in Ward 5; Robert's, in Ward 3; Palnamed as follows: Henry McCullen (the first physi- | mer's, in Ward 2; Pugh & Son's, in Ward 6; Taycian at Many), James C. Armstrong, Dr. Goodloe lor & Galloway's, in Ward 7; Shuel's, in Ward 8. (who resided on the west side of the Sabine), Dr. The settlement of the town of Many and Fort West (died in Texas), Dr. Cater (died in 1869), Dr. Jesup dates back to the thirties. It was a wilderMarch (died in 1878), Dr. Nelson, Dr. Coleman, ness when Fort Jesup was an important military Dr. Thigpin, Dr. Elliot Smith, and during the war, post, and was unknown when the Spaniards settled Dr. Word, Dr. Collins (killed at Robeline, in 1888), westward on the Sabine and eastward on Bayou Dr. Addison, Dr. Mills, Dr. Smart, George Dallas i Adayes. Twenty years after Fort Jesup was esArmstrong, John Rolly Franklin, Thomas Alexan- tablisbed polities suggested the establishment of der Armstrong, Samuel Houston Cade, Thomas Sabine, De Soto and Bossier, and brought a new Welsh Abington (1861), Rezin Lawrence Arm- , town into existence in each of the three divisions. strong, Jr., James Everett Mumford, Joseph Many was one of those creations, and to it was Walker Speight, J. M. Middleton, John Nash, given the name of a popular officer at old Fort Thomas Tramell, F. W. E. Truly, W. R. Curtiss, Jesup. N. C. Stone, L. W. Watkins, Joseph Edward Wall, On May 17, 1843, W. R. D. Speight, I. W. John Foster, Joseph David Heard, John James Eason, G. W. Thompson and S. S. Eason donated Hatcher, Armistead Greenwood Dunn, Reddich to the parish of Sabine forty acres adjoining the Walter Sibley. Wiley Strickland Leggett.

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line of Peter Buvens lands, beginning at the forks The Farmers' Co-operative Association, of the of the road east of Hosea Presley's house and Farmers' Union organizations, known as Central, along the Speight road. The plat, as surveyed Spring Ridge, Union, Wallace. San Patricio, Bayou December 21, 1844, by George W. Thompson, Scie, Sardis, Oak Grove, Progress, Magnolia, Red shows the public square and eight streets. The Land, Buffalo, Rocky Springs, Red Bayou, Holly first commissioners of the town were John Bald Springs and Emmanuel, organized November 22, win, Alex Biles, M. Fuleroud, Henry Earls and 1888, with the object of establishing a place of John Waterhouse. On December 31, 1844, they business or supply store at Pleasant Hill.

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sold Lots 1 and 2 in Block 7, to Robert Parrott The Sabine Farmer's Supply Company was in and William Edmundson for $39.50.

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Lots were corporated November 19, 1888, at Fort Jesup, with also sold to J. B. Stoddard, P. H. Dillon, William

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, R. A. Forbis, John McIlvain, Van Peters, P. E. Taylor, S. S. Eason, John Baldwin and later to L. Peters, T. J. Smith, J. R. Franklin, George T. Levinson, L. M. Rogers, B. K. Ford, C. Chaplin, Daily and W. R. Alford, directors.

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T. McCarthy, H. McCallen, A. Hall, T. George, The Farmers' Commercial Co-operative Asso- S. J. McCurdy, Tabitha Baldridge, J. B. Elam, ciation was chartered March 11, 1889, with the G. E. Ward and B. Carpenter. In 1819 Balu

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ollowing nained directors: John S. Carroll (presi. win, Stille and Ward, commissioners of Many, dent), F. J. Davis (secretary), A. C. Lamberth deeded to John Caldwell, John D. Tucker and (treasurer), W. S. Brown, J. M. Seever, J. W. Robert A. Gay for use of the Masonic society, Gandy, D. P. Gandy, G. W. Miller and J. H. known as Hamill Lodge, and to Abram Roberts, Parrott. The capital stock was placed at $15,000, William D. Stephens, Robert D. Wright, William and the place of business in Ward 3. The store i Maines and Henry McCallen, trustees of the Methwas located at Robeline.

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odist Church South society Lots 19 and 20, in Block 7. The consideration was $20, and they · Father Joseph Margil. The Church of Las Cabezas, erected a two-story building, the lower Hoor to on Bayou Scie (Vallecillo), is another old church, be used for religious, and the upper for Masonic, about equi-distant from Many as that at Robeline. purposes. In October, 1852, D. R. Gandy donated Then followed another church on Bayou Scie, called to Antony McGee, Noah Martin and other trustees Nuestra Senora de la Guadelupe (the log buildings of the Baptist Church eight lots in Block 11. were standing in 1880), and in 1880 the Church of

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The first house built on the site of Many was Nuestra Senora del Sagrado Corazon was erected, the log house of John Baldwin, located where J. by Father Aubree. The Church of St. John at D. Stille's residence now stands, Additions were

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Many was erected by him in 1870, at a cost of made to this bouse from time to time by R. B. and about $2,000, on lands (14 acres) donated by W. William Stille, who purchased the lot and house H. Jack, of Natchitoches, F. Giauque, of Cincinfrom Baldwin, and resided there up to 1879, when natti, and Daniel Vandegaer. Among the members J. D. Stille purchased it. The old buildings (log of the church at Many, in 1870, were the families and frame) were torn down in the fall of 1890, to of John Davis, John Buvens, Francis Buvens, John give place to the present house. This building was B. Vandegaer and Daniel Vandegaer, and to those the hotel in Baldwin's time, and was used as such families the building of the neat house of worship up to its removal.

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must be credited. The present congregation numThe first store building, erected by John Bald- bers about 250. win, is still standing fronting the public square, The school (denominational) was established in and used as a cotton-house by J. D. Stille. The September, 1887, with Miss Emma Curry, teacher, second log house was constructed by Dr. McCallen. This lady presided here until 1889, when Miss It was his drug store and office and also Stille's Aimee Hertzog, the present teacher, came.

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The general store, although the whole concern was only enrollment shows forty pupils. 1,728 cubical feet over a clay floor.

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Fort Jesup was established as a frontier post in The first postmaster was John Baldwin, followed 1823. The adjutant's office was erected on the diby R. H. Stoddard. Henry McCallen came next. vide between the Red and Sabine Rivers, near the Later William B. Stille was appointed and held Natchitoches and San Antonio road, and here many the office until 1870, when Robert B. Stille was of the officers, who in later years took part in the appointed. The latter died while a delegate to the Mexican and Civil Wars, held command. Old constitutional convention of 1879, and John B. Rough and Ready, Jefferson Davis, James Shields, Vandegaer, the present master, was commissioned. Capt. May (the wild rider), Col. Many, Capt.

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In May, 1878, G. W. Small was mayor, and Bragg, Gen. Grant and the gallant Phil Sheridan, John Blake, clerk of the town of Many. J. B. were here, either as commandants or visitors. Vandegaer, A. H. Hogne, R. B. Stille and J. F. Shawnee Town and other trading villages were esSmith were councilmen. In 1880 J. B. Vandegaer tablished outside the military reservation, along was chosen mayor, and served until the council the Mexican trace, all making a settlement which ceased to meet. Under the charter he is still mayor. became notorious from the Atlantic to the Pacific. J. D. Stille and Daniel Vandegaer were also mem- Terrible tragedies were enacted in this vicinity in bers.

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early years, and a thousand stories connect it with Many Lodge No. 97 was a prosperons lodge the romantic period in history. Sabine Lodge from 1850 to 1872, when the charter was surrend- No. 75 (Masonic) was chartered March 4, 1830. In ered. Kisatchie Lodge, at Mount Carmel, in 1859 1874 the life members were J. C. Armstrong and continued in existence. Little Flock Lodge at Leslie Barbee, past-masters, and J. H. Martin. Wineburg, in 1867, surrendered charter in 1878.

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The members were T. A. Armstrong, W. Y. Bain The Church of San Miguel, at Adayes, within bill, J. H. Bozeman, T. Beck, S. D. Crump, S. M. a mile of Robeline, was presided over in 1715 by Crump, J. Clark, A. E. Cassidy, C. B. Fleming,

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career.

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a

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M. P. Hawkins, A. Harris, W. M. Lynch, J. T. and was one of the first Baptist ministers of NorthLynch, J. J. Mimms, J. F. March, R. F. Royston, western Louisiana, having emigrated to what is J. R. Rogers, W. Stoker, H. P. Welch, J. W. now Sabine Parish, about 1825, his death occurWalker and J. W. Winn. The large Masonic hall ring here in 1829, after a successful ministerial was erected in 1877-78. Fort Jesup Masonic In

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He had been a soldier in the War of 1812. stitute was chartered May 5, 1887, by Lodge 75). The subject of this sketch is the eldest of eight On the spot where the college stands, Gen. Taylor sons and two daughters, four of the family now had his quarters, and the water well, excavated by living, all of whom were reared in the wilds of bis orders, is to-day the supply well of the college. Sabine Parish, receiving such educational advanThe directors of the institute in April, 1890, were tages as the primitive state of the country at that J. F. Smith, president; J. M. Franklin, vice-presi day afforded. In 1851 the daughter of Aaron L. dent; L. Barbee, treasurer; T. J. Smith, W. D. and Penelope Neil became his wife, her name beBroughton and J. F. Vidler. T. R. Hardin was ing Mary Alice. Mr. Neil was born in Mississippi then president of the college.

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in 1808, and his wife in Alabama, their deaths ocSodus is a modern railroad town in the north- curring in 1872 and 1861, respectively, both pass. east corner of the parish. Here are the Gooch, ing from life in Mississippi, in which State they Davis, and Farmers' Co-operative Company's stores, had spent the greater part of their lives. Mrs. and Dardy's hotel. Several substantial dwelling

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Several substantial dwelling. Antony was born in that State, and her union with houses have been erected, and the town gives every Mr. Antony has resulted in the birth of ten chilevidence of progress.

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dren: Thomas R., George C., Marion S., Charles W., Mary E. (wife of J. C. Salter), Mileberry (wife

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of C. M. Morris), being the only ones now living. Willian M. Antony, farmer and cotton-ginner, Since his marriage Mr. Antony has resided in of Ward 2, of Sabine Parish, La., was born in the Ward 2, and since 1860 has been a resident of his town of Negreet in 1827, being a son of Chris. present farm, wbich comprises 1,300 acres of land, topher and Mileberry (Cook) Antony, who were about 200 of which are cleared, on which is erected born in Virginia and Georgia, the former in 1781, a good steam cotton gin, all of which property

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-is and the latter in 1805. When a small lad C. the result of his own and his worthy wife's efforts. Antony was taken to Kentucky by his parents, and He was a police juror for some time prior to the in that State he remained until about grown, when I war, and for a short time served as lieutenant in he went to Arkansas and was married in that State. the Louisiana State troops and in the Second In 1821 he removed to Texas, and a year later to Louisiana Cavalry, but was soon after detailed to what is now Sabine Parish, La., and here married look after matters at home. He has been a memhis second wife in 1826. He made his home in this ber of Little Flock Lodge No. 180, of the A. F. & parish until his death in 1841, being one of its , A. M., for some time, but since 1866 has been a very oldest American settlers at the time of his member of that order, holding the rank of worshipdeath. At first the nearest trading point was ful master since 1868. He and his wife are MethNatchitoches, and the region, which was very

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odists. heavily covered with timber, was teeming with L. Barbee, one of the pioneers and prominent wild beasts and Indians. He was the only one of citizens of Sabine Parish, was born in Wake his family who ever came to this State. His father County, N. C., January 16, 1812, and is a son of was Martin Anthony (the name being formerly Mark and Tempey (Garner) Barbee, who were of Anthony), a native German, who came to America English and Scotch descent, respectively. The prior to the Revolutionary War, in which he and parents were both natives of Virginia, the father his eldest son, Jacob, took part. The mother's born in 1776, and they both emigrated to North father, Rev. William Cook, was born in Georgia. Carolina when young. There they were married,

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1

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and there the father passed the closing scenes of eight children born to his parents, Charles R. and his life. He was a farmer by occupation. They Martha J. (Pace) Brown, natives of Tennessee, the were the parents of six children, three of whom former born in Maury, and the latter in Montgomare now living: Polly (born in 1804), and Dorcas

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ery County. Charles R. Brown went with his (born in 1810). Leslie, the youngest of this fam- | parents to San Augustine, Tex., while that State ily and the subject of this sketch, passed his was a part of Mexico, but they were forced to youthful days in North Carolina, received a fair leave on account of political troubles, and he education, and became familiar with the duties of crossed the Sabine River to then Natchitoches the farm at an early age. In 1831 he emigrated to Parish, a part of which afterward was organized Greene County and Sumter County, Ala., and fol- into Sabine Parish, and remained there until his lowed agricultural pursuits, and was overseer of a death in 1852.He was born in 1815. The mothlarge plantation until 1842, when he emigrated to er came with her parents to Texas, and from thence what is now Sabine Parish, The country at that moved to Louisiana, and there married Mr. Brown, time was wild and unsettled, and the few settlers and here the mother died in 1865. She was born were miles apart. He lived in this manner until in 1820. After the death of her husband she mar1860, when he engaged in the mercantile business ried Wade Anderson, a well-known citizen of the until 1887, but also engaged in tilling the soil. He community at that time. He was an old settler, moved to Fort Jesup, where he purchased another and his death occurred on May 11, 1890, at the farm in 1860. He subsequently embarked in the age of seventy-seven years.

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Robert G. Brown mercantile business, and carried this on for eight- passed bis boyhood and youth in Sabine Parish een years very successfully. He is also a mechanic, and in March, 1862, he enlisted in the Twelfth or what may be termed a “ Jack of all trades," and Louisiana Infantry, and served in Mississippi, Al. is successful in whatever he undertakes. He is now abama, Georgia and Tennessee. He was in the retired from business and is living on the fruits of following battles: Champion's Hill, Jackson, Corhis labor. Although in bis seventy-eighth year, intb, Dallas, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, and then his memory is wonderful and his physical strength obtained a furlongh to come home. After return

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1 very good. He is unusually active for a man of ing to the army be joined the Nineteenth Louis bis age, and bids fair to live many years more. He iana Infantry, and was with this until the close of was postmaster at Fort Jesup for about eight years, hostilities. He came bome without any means was a member of the police jury for two years and whatever, and had to assist in providing for his represented Sabine Parish in the Legislature of mother and step-father for several years.

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He also 1878-79. He has been a prominent citizen all his attended school some and besides studied at home. life, and is probably the oldest man now living in In fact he has always been a student, and is a wellSabine Parish. He was married in 1838 to Miss Ar- informed man on any subject. He started out in genene Pillian, a native of Georgia, and the fruits life for himself as a farmer, and this vocation he of this union bave been six children: Caroline (wife ) has carried on ever since. In 1873 he opened a of M. P. Hawkins), Mary J. (wife of William Mc- i store in San Patricio, and has in connection with Neely), William H., Joseph L., Nellie (wife of W. his farming interests carried this on successfully A. Ponder), and Nettie (wife of A. L. Ponder). Mr. ever since.

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The post-office, San Patricio, through Barbee is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Mr. Brown's efforts, was established in 1878, and a charter member of Fort Jesup Lodge. He is he has been postmaster of the same since. He has also a worthy member of the Cumberland Presby been police juror for four years, and was justice of terian Church.

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the peace one term. He has operated a steam gin, Robert G. Brown, a native-born resident of saw and grist-mill for ten years.

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He is the owner Sabine Parish, was born near where he now re. I of 450 acres of land, but one time was the owner ides, on February 18, 1844, and is the second of l of a great deal more. In 1873 he was married to

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of age.

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He was

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Miss Mary Pye, a daughter of John Pye, and a Henry H. Cassel, police member and farmer, native of Sabine County, Tex. To this marriage San Patricio, La. Mr. Cassel, whose success in

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, have been boru six children: Robert L., Mary E., life is mainly due to his own industry and perseDempsey P., Jesse D., John E. and Winnie L. verance, coupled with a pleasant, genial disposiMr. Brown is a member of the Baptist Church and tion, is a native of Choctaw County, Miss., where takes a decided interest in the Sunday school work. he was born May 23, 1843. His parents, Eli M. In politics he is a Democrat, and is decidedly an and Sarah S. (Latham) Cassel, were natives of anti-lottery man, belonging to the Anti-lottery North Carolina and South Carolina, respectively. League. He is an enterprising citizen.

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The parents were married in Mississippi, and reIsaac N. Carter, farmer and cotton-ginner of sided in Choctaw County of that State until 1852, Ward 3, was born in Natchitoches Parisb, La., in when they came to Louisiana, locating in Sabine 1856, to Harmon and Martha A. (Estes) Carter, Parish. The father died there, at the residence of natives of Mississippi, who came with their parents our subject, in 1865, when about sixty-five years to Natchitoches Parish, La., some fifty years ago,

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He was left an orphan at an early age, where they became acquainted and married. When and was reared by George Barnhardt, sheriff of the subject of this sketch was quite small they came bis native county. He left there when sixteen to this parish, and settled at Negreet, where Mr. years of age, engaged in tilling the soil, and this Carter died, in 1873, and his wife in 1871, mem- continued up to the time of his death. bers of the Baptist Church, and the former a farmer police member soon after coming to this parish, by occupation. He was also a lieutenant in the and this continued for many years.

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He was a deConfederate Army during the Rebellion, serving vout member of the Methodist Church, and was throughout the entire war. His father was one of class leader and steward in the same.

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It was the very earliest settlers of Natchitoches Parish, thought that he was a member of the Masonic fraand there he passed from life. The maternal ternity, and it is known that he was a life-long grandfather, William Dawson Estes, was also one Denuocrat. The mother is still living, and makes of its earliest settlers, and is still living in this her home with her son, Henry H. She was sevState.

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The subject of this sketch was the fifth enty-eight years of age last August, and is a mem child born to his parents, three now living, and as ber of the Missionary Baptist Church. Henry H. he was compelled to labor hard at farm work in Cassel, the fifth in order of birth of the eight chilhis youth, he received but little schooling. At the dren born to his parents, passed his schooldays in age of eighteen years he began the battle of life Sabine Parish, and in 1861 he enlisted in Company for himself, and in 1874 was married to Miss Ann A, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry, serving until the E. daughter of Louis and Susan Schubrooks, the surrender of Gen. Lee. He was in the following batformer of whom was born in Belgium, and died in tles: Corinth, Baker's Creek, Jackson (Miss.), the Rapides Parish, La. His wife's birthplace was the Atlanta campaign, Franklin and Nashville. He was State of Alabama, her death occurring in Sabine then taken sick at Charlotte, N. C., and there reParish. Mrs. Carter was born here, and her union mained until the close of the war, when be returned with Mr. Carter has resulted in the birth of five home, and resumed his farming, which he has since children. Mr. Carter has resided on his present continued. He had three brothers in the army, farm of 2995 acres for the past fifteen years, and who served until the close, and one was wounded everything about his place shows thrift, enterprise at the tbree days' fight around Atlanta, Ga. Mr. and energy. By his efforts he has accumulated the i Cassel is the owner of 640 acres of land, and has property which he now owns, and is acknowledged

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about 100 acres under cultivation. He was a memto be one of the most progressive agriculturists of ber of the school board for four years, and has now his ward, and has, on his plantation, a good, steam been elected police member two terms. Mr. Cassel cotton-gin and compress mill.

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was married July 8, 1869, to Mrs. Mary J. Baugh,

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a native of Shelby County, Tex., and the daughter children, William, Luther and Owen.

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He is a of Robert and Mary (Golden) Baugh. Four living member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and children were born to this union: Minnie, Effie, socially is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Thomas A. and Perry E. Three children are de- the Farmers' Union. ceased: Robert (who died when seven years of Dr. William R. Curtis is a physician and surage), Mary E. (when a little over two years), and geon of acknowledged merit throughout this secan infant daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Cassel are tion, and in the treatment of the cases which bave members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and come under his care he has shown a thorough he is deacon and treasurer of San Patricio Church. knowledge of his profession, and undeniable skill. In his political principles Mr. Cassel is strictly He was born in St. Landry Parish, La., in 1832, Democratic

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to William and Sarah (McAlister) Curtis, natives J. W. Conerly, sheriff and collector, Many, La. of Mississippi and North Carolina, respectively, The public services of Mr. Conerly since 1888 have their marriage taking place in the former State, been characterized by a noticeable devotion to the from wbich they moved to St. Landry Parish, La., welfare of this parish, and his ability and fidelity and in 1834 to what is now Sabine Parish, where in his present position have made a lasting impres- Mr. Curtis died in 1863, still survived by his sion on this sphere of public duty. He was born widow, who is now eighty-two years of age. They in Pike County, Miss., on November 23, 1847, and were members of the Baptist Church for many is a son of Dr. John R. and Elizabeth (Tynes) years, and Mr. Curtis was a successful planter. Conerly, natives of North Carolina. When but His father, William Curtis, was born in Mississippi, children (in 1820) the parents emigrated to Mis- and died in Sabine Parish, La., when the subsissippi, and were married in Pike County of that ject of this sketch was a small boy, having been a State. In 1814 they moved to Louisiana, and lo- tiller of the soil, and a soldier during one of the cated in Sabine Parish (now Vernon), where the early Indian wars. He was of Dutch descent. father died. He was a physician and practiced his! The grandfather, John McAlister, was born in profession through life. The mother is still living Maine, of Scotch-Irish parents. He was a meron the homestead in Union Parish. Of the twelve chant by occupation, a soldier in the War of 1812, children born to their marriage six sons and six being uder Jackson, at New Orleans, and passed daughters five are now living: Jane, Harriet, from life in Sabine Parish, La. Dr. William R. Susan and Martha. There was one child by the Curtis was the third of nine children, and his mother's second marriage, R. T. Wright, a police youth was spent on a plantation in the wilds of juror of Vernon Parish. J. W. Conerly passed Sabine Parish, receiving such education as the his boyhood and yonth in Lonisiana, and received country at that early day afforded. At the age bis education in the common schools of that State. of nineteen years he began the study of medicine, Early trained to the duties of the farm, he contin- and in 1855 graduated from the Eclectic Medical ned this occupation after starting out for himself College of Cincinnati, Ohio, since which time bis until his election to the office of sheriff'. In 1872 practice has been contined to this section. He is he removed to Sabine Parish, purchased a farm of one of the oldest physicians in the parish, and his 160 acres, principally under cultivation, and here he name has become almost a household word, for in remained until 1888, at which time he was elected to his professional capacity he has entered many bis present position. He was a member of the police doors. He was married first in 1863 to Miss Mary jury for four years previous to this. In 1870 he was

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Montgomery, a daughter of Joseph and Lavina married to Miss Virginia Conerly, a native of Ala

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Montgomery, early settlers of Sabine Parisha from bama, who bore him two children: Thomas and

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Mississippi, their deaths occurring in this State. John. Mr. Conerly was married the second time, Mrs. Curtis was born in Sabine Parish, and died in 1882, to Miss Mary Bush, and they have three one month and two days after her marriage. The

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9

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He was

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Doctor's second marriage took place in December, pasture. Mr. Forbis turns his attention almost 1866, his wife being Emily, daughter of Daniel entirely to raising horses and cattle. Of the latter and Nancy Moore, natives, respectively, of Vir- he has fine Holstein stock, and also has some fine ginia and Missouri, but in 1836 removed from i horses. He is an enterprising citizen, and has Texas to Sabine Parish, where they spent the re- been magistrate, constable, parish treasurer, and mainder of their days. In this parish Mrs. Curtis for six years was a member of the police jury, was born, and in 1881 her death occurred, she be being president of the same for five years. In ing an earnest member of the Baptist Church. fact he has been in office for twenty years. He She left a family of three sons and one daughter. was married in 1859 to Mrs. Kezia Biles. They By his own efforts the Doctor is the owner of 300 have no family. Mr. Forbis takes a pride in his

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a acres of land, and has an abundance to provide for his official life, and has done all in his power to dewants during his declining years.

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He served as velop the country. He has been a member of the assistant surgeon in the Confederate Army for four Masonic fraternity since November, 1857, Sabine years, being a member of the Seventeenth Louis- Lodge No. 75. Christopher C. Forbis, brother iana, and operated in Mississippi, Tennessee and of our subject, was but an infant on coming to Louisiana. He is a member of the A. F. & A. this country and is interested with the latter on M., and is also a member of the Baptist Church. the farm.

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R. A. Forbis, planter, Fort Jesup, La. Mr. ; Rev. J. M. Franklin, merchant, and pastor of Forbis has attained considerable prominence in the the Methodist Episcopal Church South, P. O. Fort material affairs of Sabine Parish, for he is a man Jesup, was born in Natchitoches Parish, La., (now of excellent parts, and has shown good judgment Vernon Parish) on September 14, 1836, and is a and tact in the management of his estate.

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son of J. W. and Elizabeth Meyers) Franklin, born in Hardin County, Tenn., on December 23, natives of Tennessee and Mississippi, respectively. 1828, and is a son of John and Mary (Dill) Forbis, The parents were married in the Creole State in natives of Kentucky and Alabama, respectively. 1834 and located in what was then Natchitoches

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, The parents emigrated to Louisiana in 1839, lo- Parish on a tract of land wbich they afterward cated in what is now Sabine Parish, near Fort entered. They lived in three parishes and never Jesup, and purchased a tract of land on which moved. They were first cut off in Sabine, then they lived for some time. He then purchased and Vernon and in the last they reside at the present moved on the place where his son, R. A., now re- time. The father bas followed agricultural pursides, and there his death occurred in 1868. suits all his life, and has never held nor has he The mother died in 1813. He had been married sought office. When he first came here the counthree times and was the father of ten children, six try was unsettled and wild beasts were numerous. sons and one daughter now living. Of these our Many an exciting adventure has he had with subject was the eldest son. He was about only wild animals, and he at one time killed a bear with ten years of age when his parents moved to Louis- his knife. The bear was hugging his dog to death iana, and received such an education as the schools and he stepped up and stabbed it throngh the of that day afforded. The country was in a prim . lungs.

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lungs. He was very fond of his dogs, and took a itive condition and wild game of nearly all kinds great delight in hunting bears, etc. Of the twelve abounded. He attained bis growth on a planta children born to his marriage, ten are now living tion, and in April, 1862, he enlisted and served and are beads of families: Mary (wife of J. P. until the surrender. He was in all the principal Mitchell), Nancy (wife of E. Kay), John (a engagements and was a brave and gallant soldier. Methodist Episcopal minister and representative Since the war he has lived where he now resides, of Vernon Parisb), Eliza J. (wife of A. Dixon), and he and his brother own about 1,000 acres with Elizabeth (wife of P. B. Kay), Lydia (wife of H. 250 acres under fence, the most of which is in W. Presley), Thomas, Luticia and Melissa (twins).

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ones

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The first married John Kane and the second be- in the same, except to throw his influence to the came the wife of Robert Wright. J. M. Frank- man he thinks will make the best officer. lin, the eldest of the above-mentioned family, was Harvey M. Gandy is a worthy tiller of the soil, reared and educated in what is now Vernon Parish; and is a member of the police jury from Ward 3. was brought up on the farm, and at the age of He is a native of Bibb County, Ala., born in 1847, twenty-two began the study of the ministry. He and is a son of Harvey M. and Mary Caroline went through the regular course, graduated, and ' (Martin) Gandy, who were born in Georgia and was ordained in 1872 as an elder. He moved to North Carolina, their marriage and subsequent Fort Jesup in 1870 and has been a resident of the deaths occurring in Bibb County, Ala., in 1847 and same ever since.

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In 1887 he founded the Fort : 1854 respectively, both being worthy members of Jesup Masonic Institute, which is now on a pay- the Baptist Church at the time of their deaths, ing basis with an average attendance of about Mr. Gandy being a successful tiller of the soil. sixty pupils. He was a liberal donator to the in. His father, John Gandy, was a Georgian, and died stitution, both in money and time, and is a repre- in Bibb County, Ala., when the subject of this sentative man of the parish. In 1862 he enlisted sketch was a small boy. He was of Scotch-Irish in Company E, Shelby's battalion, which after- descent, a farmer and a minister of the Baptist ward consolidated with the Crescent.

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He at one

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Church. The mother's father, Robert Martin, time belonged to the medical department, doing was born in North Carolina, and died about 1852 ! hospital duty or being ward master. Since the war in Bibb County, Ala., a planter by occupation. he has been engaged in his ministerial duties and The subject of this sketch is the youngest of six is doing much good. For a great many years he children, and he and a brother, D. P., are the only carried on farming and was very successful in this ! now living. He was reared by an uncle, occupation. He was first married in 1856 to Miss Wiley R. Gandy, of Bibb County, but received but Melissa M. Connelly, who bore him one son, John little early schooling. At the age of fourteen he R., who is a practicing physician of Fort Jesup. left the shelter of his uncle's roof and joined ComHis second marriage was in 1870 to Mrs. Martha pany B, Forty-fourth Alabama Infantry, Army of A. Tally, and they have six children living: Mamie Virginia, and was in all the leading battles in L., Mittie P., Hattie, Thomas G., James W. and which his regiment participated, being with Long Henry L., all of whom are attending school but street at Chickamauga, where he was ounded, Mamie L., who is married. They lost one child, and incapacitated for duty for some months. He Ella. Mr. Franklin is a Royal Arch Mason and was captured twice, but was paroled immediately has been a member of that organization for thirty- each time, and at the close of the war surrendered three years, taking a great interest in the same. as sergeant with Gen. Lee at Appomattox Court His father and all his brothers were Masons. Mr. House. He returned immediately to Alabama, Franklin has been postmaster since 1888 and is and in 1868 came to Sabine Parish, being married one of the prominent med of Sabine Parish, hav- here in 1872 to Miss Mary J., a daughter of Elijah ing assisted materially in the development of the Self, she being born in this parish and dying

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He has also taken a decided interest in eleven months after her marriage. Mr. Gandy's educational and religious affairs, and is a hard second union took place in 1874, his wife being worker in both causes. His work will ever be Mary Caroline Sibley, a daughter of William and fresh and green in the memory of the people of Minerva Sibley, who were born in St. Helena Parish, Sabine Parish. His wife is an estimable lady La., the former dying in Sabine Parish, La., in and co-worker with him in all laudable enterprises. 1883, and the latter in 1887. Mrs. Gandy was Mr. Franklin is the leading light of Fort Jesup, born in Sabine Parish and died in 1886, having and is a man of great influence in his community. borne a family of six children, four living. Mr. Politically he is a Democrat, but takes no interest Gandy's third marriage took place in 1888 to

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same.

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Winnie, daughter of J. A. and Matilda Addison, Georgia campaign and Atlanta, Ga. He then rethe former born in St. Helena and the latter in turned to Mississippi through Georgia, and as soon Sabine Parish, their marriage taking place here, as he could get money enough he returned to Louwhere Mrs. Addison died and Mr. Addison is en- isiana. He was married in 1866 to Mrs. Mary gaged in tilling the soil. Mrs. Gandy first saw Elizabeth Chamblers, of this parish and the widow the light of day in this parish and bas borne Mr. of L. M. Chamblers, who was killed durivg the war. Gandy a daughter. The latter has resided on his To Mr. and Mrs. Latham were born the following present farm of 650 acres since 1868, and has 250 children: Sallie (wife of Robert Graham, a farmer acres cleared, nearly all of which he has accom- of Sabine Parish), Charlotte (at home), Lorenzo L. plished by bimself. For two years he has been a (at home), Thomas (deceased), Rebecca, Joseph member of the police jury, and for many years and Jesse. Mr. and Mrs. Latham are members in has been a member of the Baptist Church, in good standing in the Methodist Church and he is which he is a deacon.

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a steward in the same. In politics he is Demo

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1 Joseph M. Latham, a prominent man and one cratic. He is one of the representative citizens of who is in the foremost ranks to advance any Sabine Parish, and always supports and advocates cause for the good of his parish, is a native of East all good enterprises to aid in developing the coun Tennessee, his birth occurring on December 27, try. 1830. He is the son of Lawrence and Elizabeth James M. Leach is a farmer, general merchant (Smotherman) Latham, natives, respectively, of ' and ginner of Ward 3, Sabine Parish, La., and as North Carolina and Alabama, this worthy couple an honest, worthy and law abiding citizen he has baving been married in the last-named State. not his superior in this section of the country. He They moved from there to Tennessee, thence to ' was born in Bibb County, Ala., in 1832, to WillClarke County, Miss., and there received their final iam and Sarah (D Leach, who were married in summons, the father dying at the age of seventy- tate, coming, in 1860, to Sabine Parish, Mrs. six, and the mother at the age of fifty years.

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Mr. Leach passing from life here five years later. Mr. Latham was a very successful agriculturist, and Leach is still residing here, engaged in farming, was a man eminently respected. He was a mem- and is, as was his wife, a member of the Baptist ber of the Methodist Church, and in politics was a Church, and was all through the Confederate Army. Democrat, although formerly a Whig. He was He is a member of Mount Carmel Lodge of the married twice, twelve children having been born A. F. & A. M., aud is now living with his second to his first union and four to the last. Joseph M. wife, by whom he has six children. James M. Latham was reared to manhood in Choctaw Coun- Leach was the third of seven children, and as he ty, Miss., and left that State in 1852. coming to was reared to a farm life he did not receive much Louisiana, after which he spent one year in Texas. schooling in his youth. Being thoroughly familiar He rambled all over the State of Louisiana, and at with farm life, he began following that calling for last settled here, satisfied to make this his future himself at the age of twenty-one years, and in home. He started out for himself in poor circum- | 1871 was married to Miss Nancy Frances, daughter stances, but had the perseverance and energy to of William and Hannah Leach, a distant relative. succeed, and is classed among the substantial men Mrs. Leach, as well as her parents, was born in of the parish at the present time.

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He is the owner Alabama, but in 1870 she was brought by them to of 180 acres of land, and has a good portion under Sabine Parish, and here they are still living. To cultivation. In 1861 he joined the Twelfth Lou- James M. Leach and his wife a family of three sons isiana Infantry, Company A, and served all through and three daughters has been born. When first the war in a faithful and efficient manner.

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He was

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married he settled in the woods, on his present in the following battles: Fort Pillow, Cold Water farm, nine miles southwest of Many. It comprises (Miss.), Jackson, Baker's Creek, Grenada, the 280 acres, and everything about the place indicates

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a

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that a man of energy, enterprise, thrift and indus- raiser, San Patricio, La. This gentleman is a son try is at the helm. He also owns and operates a of John and Narcissa (Waldrof) McDonald, the good cotton-gin, and for the past three years has father a native of Scotland, who came to this counbeen conducting a general mercantile store with try with his parents when an infant, and the good results. Midkiff post-office was established mother a native of Louisiana. The father followed at his store a short time since, and of this he is agricultural pursuits all his life, and was married postmaster. He is a member of the Baptist to the subject's mother in Louisiana, where his Church, and his wife is a Methodist.

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death occurred when Claiborne was but a boy, and J. F. Lucius is general manager of the mercan

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when he was but forty years of age.

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The mother tile firm of Mrs. M. Lucius & Co., of Negreet, La., is still living, and after the death of Mr. McDonthe firm having been in existence since 1887. The ald, she married De Brun Bossier, a Frenchman, annual business done by this firm amounts to $18,- who died in the army.

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She is now living with her 000, their stock of goods being large, and patrons son, Claiborne. By her first marriage four chil.

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" receive prompt and fair dealings. James F. Lu- dren were born, only one besides our subject now cius was born in this parish in 1860, to Samuel G. living: Mrs. Eliza Dukes, wife of Samuel Dukes, and Martha (Moss) Lucius,who were born in South of Sabine Parish. Claiborne P. McDonald is a Carolina and Alabama in 1811 and 1830, respect- native-born resident of this parish, his birth ocively, their union taking place in this parish in curring on January 10, 1815, and here he secured 1850, where the father died in 1867, the latter a fair education. However, before he had tinished portion of his life having been spent as a planter. his education the war broke out and he flung aside He taught school and followed the mercantile busi- his books to enlist, joining Company B, Twentyness previous to his marriage. While a resident of eighth Louisiana Infantry, in 1862. He remained Alabama he was once a member of the State Legis- with this company until the surrender, and was lature, but after coming to Louisiana took little promoted to sergeant. After the war he attended interest in politics. His widow survives him, and for school for some time and then turned his attenmany years has been a member of the Baptist tion to farming and stock-raising. By good manChurch. She is the daughter of Marcellus Moss, agement and industry he has been very successwbo was killed by a mule in Texas in 1818. The ful, and is now the owner of 340 acres of good subject of this sketch, J. F. Lucius, was the land, with 100 acres under cultivation. In 1873 fourth of seven children, three sons and one daugh- he was married to Miss Jane C. Pye, a native ter now living: George W. (of Vernon Parish, of Sabine County, Tex., and the daughter of La.), Achsah (wife of M. S. Antony), James F. and

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John Pye.

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Five living children are the fruits of Robert J. James F. Lucius was reared on a farm, this union: Georgie, Blancbard, Fletie, Josephine, and in addition to attending the common schools, Mary Adaline and Laura Agnes, all daughters.

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for some time an attendant at Milam, Those deceased are John P. (who died at the age Tex. In 1879 he and his brothers began rafting of four years), and Ada (at the age of three years). on the Sabine River, but at the end of three years Mrs. McDonald is a member of the Methodist they opened a mercantile business at Columbus, Church and a lady of culture and refinement.

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Mr. La., which they continued in the name of G. W. McDonald is a member of the Farmer's Union, and Lucius until 1885, when they removed to their is secretary of the local lo lge.

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is secretary of the local lo lge. In politics he affili present place of business, they now being the lead ates with the Democratic party, and is a promi. ing merchants of this section of country.

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nent man of the parish. nection with their general merchandise business they Joshua Malcolm Paul, planter, San Particio, handle cotton largely, and are in all respects a live La.

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Mr. Paul is a typical Louisiana farmer, sub. and wide awake business firm.

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stantial, enterprising and progressive, and such a Claiborne Paris McDonald, planter and stock man as wields no small influence in the community

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was

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In con

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teen years

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where he makes his home. He was originally from the mother died a number of years ago.

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To their Shelby County, Tex., born on October 26, 1850, marriage were born nine children, five of whom and was reared and educated there. When nine- are now living. Of these Meredith is the eldest

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of age

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he started out for himself as a son, and was about ten years of age when he came farmer, and is now the owner of 700 acres of as with his parents to Sabine Parish. He was pringood land as is to be found in the parish. He is cipally educated in this parish, and having been one of the most extensive planters in Ward 6, and reared to the arduous duties of the farm, he conalthough he started with limited means, he is now tinued the same until 1884, when he put in a sawin very comfortable circumstances indeed. He was will plant and steam gin where he now resides, and married in 1879, to Miss Elizabeth Holt, of Sabine bas since carried on the milling business. In June, Parish, who died in 1884. She was the mother of 1888, he had a post-office established at this place, eight children, four now living: Alice, John, Hen- and this is known as Rolly, which is located six rietta and Ozella. Those deceased were William, miles east of Many. He is the postmaster. Mr. at the age of six years, and Joshua at the age of Peters bas about ten men in his employ. His sawfour years. Two others died in infancy. In 1886 mill engine is thirty-horse power, and is in use the Mr. Paul's nuptials with Miss Susan Lynch, a na- year round. He gins a great deal of cotton, and, tive of Natchitoches Parish, were celebrated, and in fact, does a very extensive business, supplying they have two children: Banks and Laura. Mr. the whole parish with lumber, He also owns 220 Paul is a member of the Methodist Church, and acres of land, but pays no attention to farming, dehas been steward in the same. He is a member of voting his whole time to the lumber business and the Alliance, and in politics is Democratic. He

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He | the cotton gin. He gins about 200 bales of cotton raises considerable stock, cattle, hogs and horses, annually. He has made all the improvements on but in farming makes a specialty of no one occupa- his place since 1884, and these are all of a first tion. Mr. Paul is the eldest of five children born class order. He was married in 1871, to Miss Mary to Samuel B. and Mary (Schamburger) Paul, the J. Presley, a native of Sabine Parish, and they are father, a native of Georgia, and the mother of the parents of eight children: Amanda, Ida, Eu

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Alabama. They moved to Alabama at an early gene, Elias, Mary J., Samuel, Lulu and Meredith, | date, from there to Texas in 1849), and in 1861 to i Jr. Mr. Peters is a member of the Farmers' Alli

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Sabine Parish, locating near where our subject now ance and is treasurer of the same. resides. The father was a successful tiller of the Moses K. Speight is a successful farmer and soil. While in Shelby County, Tex., he was justice stock-raiser of Ward 2, and is a brother of Dr. J. of the peace several years. He was a member of : W. Speight, in whose sketch a short history of his the Baptist Church, and in politics was a Demo- parents is given. He was born in Henry County, crat. He died in 1880, at the age of about fifty- Ala., in 1815, and is now living on the farm on eight years, but the mother is still living and is which his parents settled on coming to this country. fifty-seven years of age.

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She is a member of the He was the fifth of their eight children, and in Baptist Church

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his youth was given fair advantages for acquiring Meredith M. Peters, lumberman, Rolly, La. an education, but in 1861, at the age of sixteen, Mr. Peters is a native Virginian, his birth occurring put aside his books to espouse the Confederate in Sussex County, December 6, 1818, and his par cause, becoming a member of Company A, Sixth ents, Matthew T. and Elizabeth (Champion) Louisiana Infantry, Army of Virginia, and fought Peters, were natives also of the Old Dominion. at Winchester, Cross Keys, and in the engagement The parents emigrated to Louisiana in 1858, located at Port Republic lost his left arm, June 9, 1862, in Sabine Parish, about fifteen miles south of which closed his career as a soldier. After spend Many, and purchased a farm, where they resided ing some weeks in the hospital, he returned home, for several years.

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The father is still living, but and was here married in the month of December,

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1

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1863, to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Alanson and from life in Alabama. The subject of this sketch Mahala (Anderson) Barr, who were born in New was the youngest of five sons and three daughters, York and Indiana, respectively, their marriage be- four of which family are still living, and he was ing celebrated in the Lone Star State. Previous reared on a farm, receiving a good academic eduto this, however, they had resided in Sabine Parish, cation in Louisiana and Texas. In 1879 he began this being as early as 1836, and both died in this the study of medicine with Dr. S. H. Cade, and in parish, he in 1866, and she some ten years before. 1883 graduated from the Alabama Medical College Mrs. Speight was born in Augustine, Tex., and she at Mobile, after a two years' course. He has since and Mr. Speight are the parents of eight children, practiced in the neighborhood of his birthplace, his five sons and two daughters of whom are living. patronage being very extended. Naonie E., the Mr. Speight's farm comprises 720 acres, of which daughter of John and Margaret Godwin became about 70 acres are cleared. In addition to his farm bis wife in 1887. The father was born in Geor. work he has been justice of the peace ten or twelve gia, and the mother in Claiborne Parish, La., the years, has taught school, and has done a general former moving from his native State to Louisiana, collecting business. He is a member of the Farm- in 1838, and the following year to what is known as ers' Alliance, and he and his wife are Baptists. Sabine Parish. He and his wife are still living, Dr. Joseph W. Speight is a practicing physi- and since 1854 he has been postmaster of Colum

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, cian and surgeon at Columbus, La., and is one of bus. Mrs. Speight was born on the farm on which the very foremost of the professional men of Sa- she and the Doctor are now living. He is a membine Parish. His ability is acknowledged by his ber of Little Flock Lodge No. 180, of the A. F. & professional brethren, and to bis skill and talent A. M., and is secretary of Lodge No. 136, of the the gratitude of hundreds is due. He was born Farmers' Alliance. He is a Baptist and his wife a near where he now lives in 1852, to Moses and Methodist. The Doctor is the owner of 240 acres Martha (Smith) Speight, their births occurring in of fine land, and the income from this, together Macon, Ga., and Alabama, in 1812 and 1816, re- with his practice, amounts to a handsome sum anspectively, their marriage being consummated in nually-$2,500. Moses K. Speight, his brother, the latter State. About 1815 they emigrated to enlisted in the Confederate Army, at the age of Louisiana, and settled on a woodland farm, near sixteen years, and made a brave soldier, and was where Columbus post office now is, here spending in many engagements, losing his left arm at the the rest of their lives, the former dying in 1876, battle of Port Republic. and the latter in 1863, she being a member of the Joseph D. Stille, merchant, Many, La. One Methodist Episcopal Church.

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Mr. Speight was

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among the important establishments in this city for many years a justice of the peace, was president is that conducted by Joseph D. Stille, who is nuwof the police jnry for a number of years, and so- bered among the influential business men of the cially belonged to Little Flock Lodge No. 180, of place. He was originally from New Jersey, bis the A. F. & A. M.

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While a resident of Georgia, birth occurring in Gloucester County, March 1,1828, Joseph W. was the clerk of a county of that State, and when about ten years of age he went to Philaa position to which he was elected at the age of delphia; when he was about tifteen years of age seventeen years, and be three times represented he was apprenticed to Charles Alexander, of the Henry County, Ala., in the State Legislature. Al- Philadelphia Daily Chronicle, Weekly Messenger, though he was left an orphan at an early day, he Vade Mecom and Godies' Lady's Book. In fact, was a man of much intelligence and possessed busi- Mr. Alexander was at that time the best known ness qualities of a high order. The paternal grand publisher in the east, but he died a drunkard. father, Johu Speight, was of German descent, and Mr. Stille served until twenty one years of age, died in Georgia, a planter. The maternal grand and at the same time had two brothers, Morton A. father, Sion Smith, was also a planter, and passed and John, who served an apprenticeship in the

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same office. Morton A., after serving his time, property in Many, besides valuable land in Texas. became manager of the Mount Holly Herald, New He raises some stock of a high grade, Jersey cattle, Jersey, worked in various places, and was a fine etc., and is the wealthiest citizen of Sabine Parish. newspaper man. He died in Philadelphia. John Mr. Stille was married in 1855 to Miss Hattie B. became foreman of the Saturday Courier, of Phila- Smith, a native of Warren County, Miss., and the delphia, and continued with the same until the sister of Senator Smith, who died recently in Sabine paper was merged into other purposes.

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Afterward Parish. The fruits of this union were the followhe was connected with the Philadelphia Press, ing children: Annie E. (wife of N. A. Williams), where he was engaged at the time of his death. William B. (merchant), Joseph D., Walter D., William, another brother, died in Many, La. He Elliott O. and Norrie A. Mr. Stille was married came here in 1837, was a very prominent poli the second time in 1882 to Miss Julia E. Pierson, tician and leader of the Whig party for years, a native of De Soto Parish, and they have two doing more for Sabine Parish than any two men children: Lillian and Mary A. Mr. and Mrs. Stille in it. He was a member of the Legislature at are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, various times and mayor of Many at the time of its and he is a member of the Masonic and I. (). O. F. incorporation. Robert B., the eldest brother, orders. While he was living in Philadelphia Mr. came to Sabine Parish at the same time as Will- Stille was associated with all the principal actors iam. Previous to coming here he was a clerk in of that day, viz.: Warren, Weems, Hathaway, Booth,

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, New Orleans. He was surveyor of the Old Fort and William E. Burton, the celebrated comedian. in that city in 1849, and was for some time in the J. B. Vandegaer, merchant, Many, La. Mr. auditor's office. He was also a politician and bit- Vandegaer is an example of the success attending terly opposed to secession. Joseph D. remained hard work and honest dealing, and his trade is in Philadelphia for some time and was on the solidly established and reaches over the surround Catholic Herald, of that place, for a number of ing country. He is of foreign birth, having been years. He occupied various positions until 1849. born in Braband, Belgium, on March 20, 1835, when he left New York and came to Many, Sabine and is a son of Gaspar and Johanna (Broweer) Parish, and became the junior partner in the firm Vandegaer. The parents left the land of their of R. B. Stille & Co., remaining with the same un

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birth in 1855, took passage on a sailing vessel at til the Civil War. He was appointed clerk of the Antwerp, and landed at New Orleans after a sixty court and afterward elected, filling that position four days' voyage. ,

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They immediately went to for six years, but at the same time was interested Rapides Parish, La., settled on Spring Creek, and in mercantile pursuits. In 1856 be removed to there the father died in 1861. The mother is yet Texas, and after the death of his brother, Robert, living, and resides in Sabine Parish. The father in 1869, he moved back to Many. He was admin- was a blacksmith by trade and carried it on the istrator of the estate of R. B. Stille, and at the principal part of his life. They were the parents sale bought all the property of the deceased, both of eight children, six of whom now survive: Arpersonal and real, and became the successor of R. nold, Teresa, Felicitie, Melanie and Daniel. J. B. Stille & Co, He has since continued the mer- B. Vandegaer, the third in order of birth of the cantile business. He was councilman for Many a above mentioned children was reared in Belgium, number of years, and bas been president of the and received his education in the common schools school board since 1884. In fact Mr. Stille may of that country. He learned the blacksmith's trade be called the father of public enterprise, having of his father. He was twenty years of age when been identified as a prominent citizen since 1850. coming to this country, and he remained in He is the largest real estate owner in the parish. Rapides Parish until 1859, when he moved to He owns about 13,000 acres of land, mostly agri. Many, carrying on his trade at that place until cultural land, and also owns two-thirds of the 1867. He was three years in the late war and served his adopted country faithfully and well. Mr. Webb, one of the leading and prosperous citiHe afterward gave up his trade and engaged in zens of Sabine Parish, La., was born in Marengo merchandising, which he has since carried on very County, Ala., and is the son of Seaborn and Eliza successfully. He has a large stock of goods, and beth (Pruitt) Webh. Seaborn Webb came from the firm is J. B. Vandegaer & Son. Mr. Vande- South Carolina to Alabama with his parents at an gaer has been postmaster since 1878, was recorder early date, was married in that State, and in 1870 of the parish for four years and treasurer for one moved to Louisiana, settling in De Soto Parish. term. He was also president of the school board Later he moved to Sabine Parish, where his death for six years, and has been prominently identified occurred in 1881. He was born on December 25, with the interests of Sabine Parish for years. He 1815, and his wife, who was born on February 8, bas also been justice of the peace for eight years, 1816, died in 1867. After her death he married filling all the duties incumbent upon that office in Adaline Breazeale, of Alabama. She is still living. a satisfactory manner. He took a trip to Europe The father was a successful farmer, but lost very in 1887, and on his homeward voyage he was heavily during the war. He was a life-long Demon the ill-fated ship “Knickerbocker” that was ocrat. The Webb family was of Irisb descent. caught in a terrible storm between New York and W. M. Webb (one of the three children born to i New Orleans. For two days and nights the ship the first union), M. F. (a farmer of Sabine Parish), was at the mercy of waves, the whole crew giving and Mrs. Sarah J. (wife of Dr. J. E. Wall, of her up as lost, and it was reported abroad that she Logansport, De Soto Parish). W. M. Webb spent was lost.

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Mr. Vandegaer's experience during that his school days in Alabama, and came with his time was one that he will ever remember, and one father to Louisiana in 1870. He commenced that he does not care to repeat. It was a very farming in De Soto Parish, and was also engaged narrow escape.

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He was married in 1859 to Miss in merchandising at Greening's Ferry for eighteen Maria J. Buvens, a native of Belgium, by whom he months. . Since coming here he has also been enhas three children: Leo (a partner in the store gaged in merchandising for some time. He has and a prominent young man), Felicitia (deceased) been a member of the police jury five years, and and William H. Mr. Vandegaer with his wife and has been chairman of the finance committee two family is a member of the Catholic Church. The

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years. He has also been a member of the school paternal grandparents of our subject also came

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board for two years.

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He is the owner of 652 acres over to this country in 1858, and located in Rapides of land, principally valuable timber land, but bas Parish, where they both received their final sum- some under cultivation. On October 20, 1881, he

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Leo Vandegaer was assessor of Sabine i was married to Miss Mary Ophelia Hooker, who Parish for five years, was a census taker in 1880, was born near Texarkana, Miller County, Ark. was clerk of the court for about six months, and The fruits of this union are three children, viz. : has been clerk in the sheriff's office since a boy. Isaac B., Thomas Cleveland and Carrie B.

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In his He has been twice married and has one child by political views Mr. Webb is a stanch Democrat, bis first marriage, Maggie, and one child by his and is always working for the success of that party. second. He is also a notary public.

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He was postmaster at Darnell's Gin for three W. M. Webb, police juror, Darnell's Gin, La. years and still gets his mail at that place.

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mons.

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ CHAPTER IX.

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WINN PARISII-NATURAL HistoRY AND STATISTICS-PERIOD OF SETTLEMENT-PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLICE JURY - CRIMINAL OPERATIONS — ELECTION AND POLITICAL NOTES – ASSOCIATIONS AND

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SOCIETIES—WINNFIELD)--ST. MAURICE-VILLAGES-INDIVIDUAL SKETCHES.

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**

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Volcanoes throw up stones, and Revolutions cast up men. - Victor Hugo.

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A noble deed is a step toward heaven.- Holland.

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acre.

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HIS parish is bounded on in rice. There were 3,002 bales of cotton pro

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the west by Saline Bayou, duced, averaging 585 pounds of seed cotton, or Saline Lake and Red River; 195 pounds of cotton lint. The cotton grows from on the south by the north four to six feet in height. W. T. Jones, of Winnline of Grant Parish, on the tield, states that fresh land will yield about 1,000 east by Little River, and pounds of seed cotton per acre, and after fifteen

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north by the southern lines years will still continue to yield 800 pounds per of Jackson and Bienville Parishes. The greater part of Winn is a The pine lands present an area of great trees, long-leaf pine forest, containing a capable of supplying all the mills of the country great quantity of excellent timber. for some years, or a large number of extensive The lands roll heavily, and par- mills in their midst for a quarter of a century. take of a hilly character. There Within five miles of Winnfield, near the old are many flats here, marked by Mathis house on the Natcbitoches road, is what is salt springs, such as Price's Lick,

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known as the Marble Quarry. It is a beautiful Drake's Salt Works on Saline variegated stone of the lime-rock variety, and,

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Bayou, Cedar Lick near Winn- when burned, makes an excellent white lime. The field, * the Kyiche Creek bottoms, Pendarvis' Prairie

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quarry was developed by Samuel L. Houston. in the fork of Dugdemona River, and Bayou Castor The rock is found here in sufficient quantity to and other places. Of the total area, 970 square yield lime for the whole State. In the Coochee miles, the long-leaf pine country covers 850 square Hills, near the south line, a marble is found which miles, the oak uplands 90 square miles, and prai- takes a very fine polish. The asphalt lands, south rie patches 30 square miles. In 1879 there were of Winnfield, are extensive and the mineral is said 22,548 acres in cultivation, of which 7,379 acres to be as good as the Swiss asphalt. Along the were in cotton, 8,588 acres in corn, 250 acres in bayous--Saline and Dugdamona---are the salt sweet potatoes, 41 acres in sugar-cane, and 4 acres springs, some of which were developed before and

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* The publishers have thought best to follow the orthography of during the war. The Drake well (artesian) was the Postoffice Department. The name is often, and quite properly,

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drilled at least forty years ago, and Drake estabspelled with only one “n."

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lished his saw and grist mills there. He also savages, found pleasant and profitable hunting cleaned out Saline Bayon and shipped salt and .grounds along the rivers and on the highlands of lumber to the Red River and thence to market. this parish until the jingle of the surveyor's chain

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The silver mine, near Winnfield, the property of signalled the approach of what is termed civilizaWilliam H. Jack, is said to be rich in ore. In tion. Toward the close of the third decade of 1881 William H. Boult discovered in Section 19, this century a

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new race appeared, and within a Township 11, Range 3, near the limekiln of war period, not exceeding twenty years, spread their days, a large cave. John Matthews, the owner of 'claims over the greater area of productive lands, the land, states that before the mouth of this cave drove out the Indian and the animals which he lowered in 1871, the heaviest rock would be re- hunted simultaneously, and won complete control moved therefrom during the night.

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of the territory of the Dugdemona. The population in 1880 was 5,846, or 4,797 The section of Winn in the Natchitoches Land white and 1,049 colored. In 1870 there were District, as established in 1838, comprised all from 4,044 white and 909 colored, and in 1860, 5,481 Township 9 north, Range 4 west, up to Township whites and 1,354 slaves and 41 free colored, or a 13 north, Range 5 west, and in the Ouachita Land total of 6,176. The population in 1889, according District from Township 10 north, Range 1 east, to assessor's statistics, was 8,387, while in 1890 to Township 13 north, in that range, with Towuthe United States census enumerators found only ship 11, in Range 2 east, and Townships 10 to 13, 7,082 inhabitants.

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in Range 1, west; Townships 10, 11, 12 and 13, The parish is well watered by the tributaries in Range 2 west, and the same townships in Range of Little River, flowing southeast, namely Bean ! 3 west. coup Bayou, Caney Creek, Dugdemona, meander- The early land buyers in eastern Winn (part ing through the northeast balf of the parish, 1 of Ouachita and New Orleans Land District) were:

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: Big Jatt and other streams in the southwest quar- ; John Cooper, T. F. Smith, John A. Roberts, T. J. ter flowing into Jatt Lake, and several small Farnell (killed during the war), Daniel Boyett, streams flowing into Saline Bayou and lake. The John G. Whitehead, Menan Monk, James Crawbayous bounding the parish on the east and west ford, Jack S. Hewett, George C. Couch, A. J. are navigable streams, except during the seasons Nelson, J. L. W. Brittain, T. J. Haddock, Thomas of low water.

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Davis (murdered during the war by bushwhackers), When Bienville and St. Denys returned to the Adam Tyrone, Allen McCarthy, Joseph Peters Fort of Biloxi they found that the country through (Samuel Herrin and John Tyrone entered lands in which they intended to travel was under water, so 1810), R. D. Wall, Isaac, George, Christian and that they turned to the village of the Ouachitas. Adam Riser (Christian Riser was killed about Here they learned that the greater number of the 1861), W. Lee (1850), Charles W. Bullock (1811), tribe had gone to the Natchitoches. Going thither B. J. Boyett (killed about 1861), Allen Jenkins they met six Natchitoches carrying salt to the Co. (1840), Jacob Riser (1839), Joseph West, William roa Indians of the Yazou. After this visit the and James Kelly, Reddick Blake, S. N. West, James troubles with the Choctaws and other Indians Rentz, Richard Cole (1840), Charles Peters, Leroy began, the tribes became movable bodies of nuen, Harvey, Squire E. Hart, Henry and D. G. King, women, children and camp followers.

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Jacob E. Willis, Lemuel Bullock (1840), Willis and The earliest settlements in this division of Pleasant Smith, W. A. Griffin, Thomas W. RamLouisiana were made on Red River and on the sey, Matthew Devoe, George Starks (killed during Saline, years before the country was surveyed, as the war), George H. Woodruff, D. A. Mills, Wade told in the history of Natchitoches and Rapides. A. Wright, D. M. Wharton, James T. Gilmore The Indians of the Pascagoula and Choctaw tribes (died during the war), George W. Harvey, Matas well as bands of Tunicas and other resident | thew Devore, Edwin Holley, Egbert H. De Loach,

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1

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(came in 1836), Zatter Johnson, Joseph Williams, G. Teagle, Nathan Balton, A. C. Banks, W. J. John Cockerham, William Caves, James A. Car Teddlie, D. J. Warner, J. D. Buttell, Syl. G. Milam, roll, Jesse F. Gullidge, Harbin Smith, Edmund Elisha Walker, James W. Holston, R. L. Stovall, Price, Absalom and Alex Wall, Bryant Smith, David Caldwell, David Hagler, William Stone, Thomas and James Richardson, Martin Smith, John O. Morris, Alphonso Stinson (representative William T. Beall, J. M. Lang, William T. Bell, in the seventies), Goodrich Terrill, A. C. Davis, J. S. I. Collins, C. N. Mercer, Marshall Jones, Sr., M. Wasson, John Welch, T. Moffitt, Samuel L. Hugh W. Holmes, J. L. McGinty, George W. Dean, J. T. Milam, A. E. Hardee, Joseph Sass Dyess (killed at Mansfield), Joshua P. Willis, (1839) and Christian Lewis. James M. Thornton, Joseph B. Adams (ex-sheriff In 1838 the first land entries were made in the succeeded in 1887), Henry Rolen, Willis McCarthy, eastern (Natchitoches District) townships of the Shadrack Emmons, Lemuel Alford, J. H. Beavers, parish. The first buyers in Township 9, Range 4, T. James, William Caves, J. L. Clark, John R. were Robert H. Rogers, J. R. Brady (1850), J. T. Bradley, George M. Sowers, George Bohanon, Hickman (1851), Benjamin F. Butler and T. S. Zack Boyd, J. E. Lucas, Dan Southern, William Woodward (1855). In 1840 Benjamin Metoyer Hatten, R. Tatum, Ben Thompson, Elisha W. entered lands in Township 9, Range 5; Joseph Sims, Wilson Thomas, B. G. Adams, A. J. Per- Thompson, Jared J. Brady, Willis B. Neal, T. G. kins, L. L. Thomas, Jacob Shelton (killed by John McCracken, Onezireme Rachal. Lemuel McGee, Dove in 1870), Ed Eagles, Hollon Miller, Bryan William Prothro, Wolcott A. Strong, Lorenzo De Bailey, C. E. Slocumb, James Arrington, James Soto, William H. Strong, Charles Noyret, John P. Swindle, Adoniram Lyons, Thomas D. Milling Waddell, Jean B. Prudhomme (1839), Edward (an old merchant of Winntield), James Durham, Hughson, A. J. Upshaw, J. S. Hooter, Maj. Lyon, William Applewhite, William T. Mathis, George R. L. Eubank, Diana Spencer, Haynes Wad W. Gray, Q. A. Hargis, John Rayborn, Leander | dell (1839), Richard W. Hertzog (1839), Ambroise Walker, H. M. and Nathan Bolton, Spencer Wyatt, Lecompte (1839), James Harper (1810). Town- E. P. Martin, Darling P. Morris, J. T. Teagle, ship 10, Range 6: Ambroise Sompayrac (1839), M. G. Jackson, Richard B. Williams, D. William Peter McDaniel (1811), McCally Franks (1810),

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son, James Brock, C. G. Campbell, Andrew J. Samuel Hobart (1839), William O'Neil, James | Kelly, John H. Bilbs, Jacob Langston, A. D. Ratcliff, William Miles, J. W. W. Durbin (1859),

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Reeks, 'Reuben Drake (owner of salt works), Sam- , J. A. Rains, James Irvin (1857), Pernoce Rade- uel Earnest, T. A. Jourdan, Dr. I. B. Payne, Luca schich, William Carter, Allen Cockerham, H. W. Radescich, D. M. Tannehill, Pleasant Mulligan, J. Shows, Solomon Aswell, Franklin Kelly, Ever- M. Smith, F. Shumake, A. J. Welton, T. L. Terry, ett Bates, J. B. Lowe, James L. Williams, Jo- George Starks, J. J. Hearn, J. E. Tison, G. W. siah H. Lacey, Marshall Frazier (1838), J. J. Horn, W. M. McDonald, A. Violett, John T. Mur- Liles, William Cloud, Elizabeth Brantley, Will- rell, James R. Bevill, Dave Peoples, J. C. Comp- . iam E. Tanner, Allen P. Morris, Abbott Mixon, ton, Jesse Womack, G. J. L. Brown, William J. A. Robeson, Cassa McCarthy, Conrad Starkes, Crump, William Holten, L. M. Hatten, Elisha Abram Brady, William Barnes, W. I. Kidd, C. B. Pepper, Albert Churchill, J. D. Denegre, Michael Parsons, J. J. Green, G. W. Harville, Robert Un. J. Gaar, M. L. Cottingham, J. M. Grant, W. R. derwood, J. G. Elliott, Wiseman Box, J. M. Gaar, J. S. Dickenson, I. Parker, Christian Lewis, Hodges, William Ross, William Hogan, Zachius E. P. Foster, E. Pranett, Thomas Johns, W. Wil- Lard, Joseph Hadden, Noah Cloud, A. K. Hagnie, son, Ben, John and William Albright, S. M. Shil. John Babers and G. D. Clifton. lings, S. S. Stevens, Mason Jones, R. A. Key, W. Winn Parish was established under legislative Pennywell, J. McGee, B. McMillan, B. F. Smith, authority in 1851, and organized in 1832. The T. S. Collier, J. B. Lemoine, T. F. Swofford, J. first meeting of the police jury was held in a log

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L

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urer.

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building erected for court-house purposes in 1851-- During the fall of 1883 the small-pox ex52. Subsequently a more pretentious house was tended into this parish. Dr. J. F. Kelly was aperected, and in it the sessions of the police jury pointed executive officer of the board of health; and district court were held until 1868, when fire quarantine was established, and $100 granted for destroyed both building and records. Another the relief of sufferers from the epidemic. W. A. public building was erected, but the same fate Little was treasurer in 1883-84. S. M. Smith, J. awaited it, for, on January 12, 1888, this house M. Jones, J. G. Whitehead, W. J. Sowers, F. M. and the records of twenty years were destroyed. McCain, Jacob Rowe and J. J. Peters were jurors E. W. Edwards, the first clerk, served from 1852 in 1884, and W'. H. Morris succeeded John Stinson to 1856, when John A. Dixon succeeded him. later that year, with S. M. Smith, J. I. Holmes, John L. Walker followed, and in 1865 was recom- J. M. Jones, W. A. Strong, J. W. Jones, J. R. missioned, with R. B. Williams, recorder, and Bird and J. D. Williams. In 1878 the total assessJohn C. Brown, sheriff. R. D. Wall was assessor ment was $238,821, and in 1883, $472,475. In from 1852 to the beginning of the war; R. C. January, 1885, J. L. Durbam was a member of the Jones in 1860-67, and W. Shoemaker in 1868. jury. The present police jury comprises Edward Messrs. Simms, C. Riser, M. Jones and Stovall | Eagles (president), J. M. Peters, R. D. Wall, I. were among the early members of the police jury | Porter, A. J. Franks, J. G. Ti]], W. Y. McCain R. B. Williams was parish treasurer up to 1870. and John Stinson; Henry Bernstein is clerk. The James M. McCain filled the position of district parish tax levy is 4 mills, and State levy, 6 mills. clerk for a short time, and in April, 1868, R. C. John Wamack was the first representative from Jones was commissioned. The last named has Winn Parish; J. William Walker (1859) was elected filled that position down to the present time. In before the war. David Pearson was delegate from 1870 he also held the position of treasurer until Winn to the convention of January, 1861, and he succeeded by J. T. Wallace. W. A. Little, R. E. voted against secession, and W. H. Hough repre. Milling and J. C. Roberts have served as treasur sented Winn, Catahoula and Caldwell in the Seners in the order named, and in 1888 J. M. Jen- ate. Messrs. Waddill, Dr. D. C. Fouts, Alphonse nings was appointed. A. C. Banks followed W. Stinson, W. A. Strong, George A. Kelly (1876). Shoemaker as

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S. M. Brian was then J. M. Jones and J. M. McCain, who was elected chosen, then G. L. Stinson, next R. L. Jackson, in 1988. George A. Kelly served as senator for who was succeeded by the present assessor, J. T. some time, until succeeded by Senator Boatner. Wallace. In 1876 R. L. Tannehill was elected In 1860 this parish recorded 354 votes for Brecksheriff, and D. Dunn recorder. The sheriff was inridge, 200 for Bell and 210 for Douglas. re elected in 1878.

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J. M. Jones was chosen rep- The vote for governor in 1876 was as follows: resentative; J. F. Kelly, senator, and W. J. Wil- Francis T. Nicholls (D.) 556, S. B. Packard (R.) son, parish judge.

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78; in 1879, Louis A. Wiltz (D.) 720, Taylor Beat The oldest record of the police jury in existence i tie (R.) 2; in 1884, S. D. McEnery (D.) 812, John

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) is dated October 4, 1880. S. M. Smith was then A. Stevenson (R.) 12; Francis T. Nicholls (D.) president; J. G. Whitehead, W. B. Everett, F. M. 1,196, Henry C. Warmoth (R.) 83. The voters McCain, J. W. Jones, J. T. Wallace and John registered in April, 1888, numbered 1,375. Or this Stinson, jurors, and J. T. Wallace, clerk. In | number 1,194 were Caucasians. Of the Cauca1881 J. J. Peters and Jacob Rowe were members. sians there were 338, and of the Africans, 146, that Among old claims granted were those of J. J. Peters could not write their names. (1876). W. D. Smith (1879) and A. W. Pearre

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The first lawyers of Winn were David Pearson, (1870), for services as police jurors. R. C. Jones )

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Daniel Kelly and Beldon, who settled in the parish was treasurer in 1881.

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In 1882 W. J. Sowers prior to the war. Afterward came William Roberts, represented Ward 3, and J. T. Wallace was treas- who resided in the parish for a few years. S. M.

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assessor.

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1

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Brian, W. A. Little and M. F. Machen settled here The Southern Sentinel (second) was issued Sepbefore the days of reconstruction vanished. In tember 29, 1883, by B. W. Ashwood, at Winnfield. later years R. E. Milling and J. C. Roberts be- The paper was to be issued on the 22d, but owing to came members of the local bar. Crockett Jones the non-arrival of press and material, the first studied law at Winnfield and Natchitoches, but has paper was not printed until the 29th.

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On January not yet been admitted to the bar.

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25, 1884, R. E. Milling and W. A. Strong were A few heavy criminal cases have been tried ! editors, with Mr. Milling, S. M. Brian, J. B. Willis, here, but the criminal calender is generally light B. W. Ashwood, T. J. James, R. L. Jackson, A. in the number and character of cases brought be. | L. Jones, Dr. J. F. Kelly, R. L. Tannehill, J. M. fore the courts.

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Williamsop and W. A. Strong, members of the The era of the West Gang was a dramatic one Winnfield Publishing Company, owners. In March, in many respects. In 1868 the murders and rob. I 1884, S. M. Brian was editor. J. T. Wallace took beries by this gang became so numerons, that the charge in March, 1885, and was succeeded in Janupeople were driven to take coercive measures.

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W.

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ary, 1887, by C. K. Jones. J. Wilson, who lived in the Atlanta neighborhood, The Winn Parish Democrat was established in suspected the Wests and others of being engaged December, 1887, by J. T. Wallace and C. M. Beval. in some mysterious work, and this suspicion led to 0. T. Bird purchased Mr. Beval's interest in July, positive belief in the criminal character of the men. 1888, and in December, 1889, E. A. Mathis suc. Early in 1868 the arrest of the Dean family, by

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1

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ceeded Mr. Bird. J. T. Wallace was editor until the self-appointed officers of the gang, raised a September 26, 1890, when the office was purchased storm of indignation. The people from Atlanta by H. L. Brian, and the last number of the Demoturned ont under J. A. Maybin, to effect the capt- crat issued. ure of the desperadoes; while men from Winufield The Winn Parish Comrade was issued October and other points marched toward the West settle- 3, 1890, by Hardy L. Brian, who continued the ment, under their leaders. John A. West, Gros- volume and issue number of the Democrat. The venor Thompson, Ingram and four of their comrades Comrade is devoted to the interests of the farmers, were shot down; Lawson Kimball escaped, but was and is in fact, the organ of the Farmers' Union in afterward banged in Texas, while Bill Kimball was

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this parish. killed by Gen. McLaughlin. Frane and Gilchrist Company C (Winn Rifles), Third Louisiana were considered members of this robber gang, but Infantry, was mustered into the Confederate servtheir end can not be ascertained. It is said that some ice with the regiment in May, 1861, with D. Pierleading citizens of Natchitoches were interested in son, captain (promoted lieutenant-colonel); Asa the success of West and his comrades, and an ex- Emanuel, first lieutenant; W. C. Lurry, second pedition was planned to abduct them from the lieutenant; W. Strather, second junior lieutenant; town, and give them a trial before the people's N. M. Middlebrook, first sergeant; A. W. McCain, court in the pine woods. Wiser counsels prevailed second sergeant; W. H. Alford, third sergeant, and the people were content with the dispersal or and J. Copeland, fourth sergeant. McCain was death of the robbers.

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killed at Inka September 19, 1862, and Alvord at The first newspaper published in Winn Parish, Elk Horn, March 7, 1862, while First Sergeant was the Southern Sentinel, issued October 4, 1860, Middlebrook was wounded at Oak Hills and at by J. L. Walker, as the champion of Douglas in Vicksburg, but recovering was elected captain May this section of the State. The large vote polled 8, 1862, and W. T. Fagan, second lieutenant. for the Sentinel's nominee in the parish points out The deaths among members of this company, rewhat could be accomplished to avert war, were the ported up to the close of 1863, are given as fol moderate men of both parties to join hands. After

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lows: A. W. McCain and W. H. Alvord, already the campaign this paper ceased publication. referred to;. W. Bulger, died at Camp McCullock,

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urer.

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building erected for court-house purposes in 1851

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During the fall of 1883 the small-pox ex52. Subsequently a more pretentious house was tended into this parish. Dr. J. F. Kelly was ap erected, and in it the sessions of the police jury pointed executive officer of the board of health; and district court were held until 1868, when fire quarantine was established, and $100 granted for destroyed both building and records. Another the relief of sufferers from the epidemic. W. A. public building was erected, but the same fate Little was treasurer in 1883-84. S. M. Smith, J. awaited it, for, on January 12, 1888, this house M. Jones, J. G. Whitehead, W. J. Sowers, F. M. and the records of twenty years were destroyed. McCain, Jacob Rowe and J. J. Peters were jurors E. W. Edwards, the first clerk, served from 1852 in 1884, and W. H. Morris succeeded John Stinson to 1856, when John A. Dixon succeeded him. later that year, with S. M. Snuith, J. I. Holmes, John L. Walker followed, and in 1865 was recom- J. M. Jones, W. A. Strong, J. W. Jones, J. R. missioned, with R. B. Williams, recorder, and Bird and J. D. Williams. In 1878 the total assessJohn C. Brown, sheriff. R. D. Wall was assessor ment was $238,821, and in 1883, $472, 475. In from 1852 to the beginning of the war; R. C. January, 1885, J. L. Durbam was a member of the Jones in 1866-67, and W. Shoemaker in 1868. jury. The present police jury comprises Edward Messrs. Simms, C. Riser, M. Jones and Stovall Eagles (president), J. M. Peters, R. D. Wall, I. were among the early members of the police jury Porter, A. J. Franks, J. G. Till, W. Y. McCain R. B. Williams was parish treasurer up to 1870. and John Stinson; Henry Bernstein is clerk. The James M. McCain filled the position of district parish tax levy is 4 mills, and State levy, 6 mills. clerk for a short time, and in April, 1868, R. C. John Wamack was the first representative from Jones was commissioned. The last named las Winn Parish; J. William Walker (1859) was elected filled that position down to the present time. In before the war. David Pearson was delegate from 1870 he also held the position of treasurer until Winn to the convention of January, 1861, and he succeeded by J. T. Wallace. W. A. Little, R. E. voted against secession, and W. H. Hough repre. Milling and J. C. Roberts have served as treasur- sented Winn, Catahoula and Caldwell in the Seners in the order named, and in 1988 J. M. Jen- ate. Messrs. Waddill, Dr. D. C. Fouts, Alphonse nings was appointed. A. C. Banks followed W. Stinson, W. A. Strong, George A. Kelly (1876). Shoemaker as

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S. M. Brian was then J. M. Jones and J. M. McCain, who was elected chosen, then G. L. Stinson, next R. L. Jackson. in 1888. George A. Kelly served as senator for who was succeeded by the present assessor, J. T. , some time, until succeeded by Senator Boatner. Wallace. In 1876 R. L. Tannehill was elected In 1860 this parish recorded 354 votes for Brecksheriff, and D. Dunn recorder.

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The sheriff was inridge, 260 for Bell and 240 for Douglas. re elected in 1878.

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J. M. Jones was chosen rep. The vote for governor in 1876 was as follows: resentative; J. F. Kelly, senator, and W. J. Wil- Francis T. Nicholls (D.) 556, S. B. Packard (R.) son, parish judge.

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78; in 1879, Louis A. Wiltz (D.) 720, Taylor BeatThe oldest record of the police jury in existence ' tie (R.) 2; in 1884, S. D. McEnery (D.) 812, John is dated October 4, 1880. S. M. Smith was then A. Stevenson (R.) 12; Francis T. Nicholls (D.) president; J. G. Whitehead, W. B. Everett, F. M. 1,196, Henry C. Warmoth (R.) 83. The voters McCain, J. W. Jones, J. T. Wallace and Johu

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registered in April, 1888, numbered 1,375. Or this Stinson, jurors, and J. T. Wallace, clerk. In number 1,194 were Caucasians.

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Of the Cauca 1881 J. J. Peters and Jacob Rowe were members. sians there were 338, and of the Africans, 146, that Among old claims granted were those of J. J. Peters could not write their names. (1876), W. D. Smith (1879) and A. W. Pearre

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The first lawyers of Winn were David Pearson, (1876), for services as police jurors. R. C. Jones Daniel Kelly and Beldon, who settled in the parish was treasurer in 1881. In 1882 W. J. Sowers prior to the war. Afterward came William Roberts, represented Ward 3, and J. T. Wallace was treas- i who resided in the parish for a few years.

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assessor.

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S. M.

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Brian, W. A. Little and M. F. Machen settled here The Southern Sentinel (second) was issued Sepbefore the days of reconstruction vanished. In tember 29, 1883, by B. W. Ashwood, at Winnfield. later years R. E. Milling and J. C. Roberts be- The paper was to be issued on the 22d, but owing to came members of the local bar. Crockett Jones the non-arrival of press and material, the first studied law at Winnfield and Natchitoches, but has 1

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paper was not printed until the 29th.

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On January not yet been admitted to the bar.

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25, 1884, R. E. Milling and W. A. Strong were A few heavy criminal cases bave been tried editors, with Mr. Milling, S. M. Brian, J. B. Willis, here, but the criminal calender is generally light i B. W. Ashwood, T. J. James, R. L. Jackson, A. in the number and character of cases brought be- L. Jones, Dr. J. F. Kelly, R. L. Tannehill, J. M. fore the courts.

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Williamson and W. A. Strong, members of the The era of the West Gang was a dramatic one Winntield Publishing Company, owners. In March, in many respects. In 1808 the murders and rob- 1884, S. M. Brian was editor. J. T. Wallace took beries by this gang became so numerous, that the charge in March, 1885, and was succeeded in Janupeople were driven to take coercive measures. . ary, 1887, by C. K. Jones. J. Wilson, who lived in the Atlanta neighborhood, The Winn Parish Democrat was established in suspected the W'ests and others of being engaged December, 1887, by J. T. Wallace and C. M. Beval. in some mysterious work, and this suspicion led to 0. T. Bird purchased Mr. Beval's interest in July, positive belief in the criminal character of the men. 1888, and in Decenber, 1889, E. A. Mathis sucEarly in 1868 the arrest of the Dean family, by ceeded Mr. Bird. J. T. Wallace was editor until the self-appointed officers of the gang, raised a September 26, 1890, when the office was purchased storm of indignation. The people from Atlanta by H. L. Brian, and the last number of the Demoturned ont under J. A. Maybin, to effect the capt- crat issued. ure of the desperadoes; while men from Winnfield The Winn Parish Comrade was issued October and other points marched toward the West settle- 3, 1890, by Hardy L. Brian, who continued the ment, under their leaders. Jobn A. West, Gros- volume and issue number of the Democrat. The venor Thompson, Ingram and four of their comrades Comrade is devoted to the interests of the farmers, were shot down; Lawson Kimball escaped, but was and is in fact, the organ of the Farmers' Union in afterward hanged in Texas, while Bill Kimball was this parish. killed by Gen. McLaughlin. Frane and Gilchrist Company C (Winn Rifles), Third Louisiana were considered members of this robber gang, but Infantry, was mustered into the Confederate servtheir end can not be ascertained. It is said that some ice with the regiment in May, 1861, with D. Pierleading citizens of Natchitoches were interested in son, captain (promoted lieutenant-colonel); Asa the success of West and his comrades, and an ex- Emanuel, first lieutenant; W. C. Lurry, second pedition was planned to abduct them from the lieutenant; W. Strather, second junior lieutenant; town, and give them a trial before the people's N. M. Middlebrook, first sergeant; A. W. McCain, court in the pine woods. Wiser counsels prevailed second sergeant; W. H. Alford, third sergeant, and the people were content with the dispersal or and J. Copeland, fourth sergeant. McCain was death of the robbers.

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killed at Iuka September 19, 1862, and Alvord at The first newspaper published in Winn Parish, Elk Horn, March 7, 1862, while First Sergeant was the Southern Sentinel, issued October 4, 1860, Middlebrook was wounded at Oak Hills and at by J. L. Walker, as the champion of Douglas in Vicksburg, but recovering was elected captain May this section of the State. The large vote polled 8, 1862, and W. T. Fagan, second lieutenant. for the Sentinel's nominee in the parish points out The deaths among members of this company, rewhat could be accomplished to avert war, were the ported up to the close of 1863, are given as fol

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) moderate men of both parties to join hands. After i lows: A. W. McCain and W. H. Alvord, already the campaign this paper ceased publication.

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referred to;. W. Bulger, died at Camp McCullock,

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Ark., in July, 1861; J. Sholurs, J. Crew and H. The public school system of this parish is sim- Bonnet, in August, 1861; B. Cockerham, George ilar to that of neighboring divisions of the State- Dunn, John Teagle, W. Collum, at Fort Smith, in very primitive. June, 1861; H. M. Crew, killed at Iuka September The white pupils enrolled in Winn Parish in 19, 1862; W. F. Davis, died at Corinth in May, 1877 numbered 281; in 1878, 452; in 1879, 887; 1862; W. A. Hallamon, killed at Vicksburg; B. F. in 1880, 290; in 1882, 598; in 1884, 930; in 1883, Philpot, killed at Iuka; G. W. Philpot, died at 778, and in 1887, 1,094. In 1877 there were Mount Vernon, Mo.; W. R. Smith and T. J. Ted sixty colored pupils enrolled; in 1878, 52; in 1879,

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. alie were killed at Vicksburg.

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117; in 1880, 44; in 1884, 16; in 1885, 139, and Capt. J. C. Dixon's company of Twelfth Lou- in 1887, 44. A slight increase marks the three isiana Infantry was organized in the fall of 1861. past years, while a shortening of the terms of Capt. Dixon was promoted major.

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school is also noticed. A few.private schools exist Capt. Cooper's Company F of Twenty-seventh in the parish. The school board of Winn in Feb. Louisiana Infantry, Capt. William Stovall, Dr. Wes- ruary, 1886, comprised J. J. Dickerson, president; ley Cockerham and John Watson were lieutenants; J. M. Able, secretary; C. P. Mathis, W. H. MorGeorge A. Kelly, John Albright, Wade E. Wright ris, A. L. Jones and J. L. Durham, members; S. and William Price, sergeants; Capt. Cooper was M. Brian, R. E. Milling and J. T. Wallace were major at surrender, and William Stovall, captain. appointed an examining committee. The present The company was mustered in 1862 at New Or

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school board comprises James Smith, J. R. Till, leans, 100 strong, but owing to losses at Vicksburg J. W. Wasson, D. H. Shumake, C. A. Neal and a and other places only forty men reported after the few of the old members. fall of Vicksburg.

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The physicians of Grant Parish who registered In the Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry were under the act of 1882, were Thomas (). Harrison, St. three companies from Winn. Company E was Maurice; Charles A. Neal, Atlanta; John H. Mor commanded in May, 1802, by J. T. Lewis, who ris, Newport; Neal J. Little, Atlanta; Joel G. was killed at Mansfield in 1864, and J. W. Barnes Gulledge, Flat Creek, removed; William S. King, took his place. G. W. Dyass (died) was first (suc- Hickory Valley, removed; John W. Robertson, ceeded by J. W. Robertson), Jesse Gulledge (suc- Gaar's Mill; John McDonald, Gansville; John W. ceeded by R. C. Jones) and Joel G. Gulledge (suc- Shumaker, Flat Creek; Drury D. White, Hickory ceeded by D. M. Stone), lieutenants. The strength Valley; Spencer McDaniel Smith, Winfield; Al. at organization was ninety, of whom little over

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bert G. Satcher, Bermuda; David B. Williams, thirty returned after the war.

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Flat Creek; Robert F. Morgan, Atlanta; Thomas Capt. Bradford's company of the Twenty- W. Mask, Winnfield. eighth was partly raised in this parish. Company The physicians, with diplomas, who registered K was organized in May, 1862, with William under the same act are named as follows: Francis Walker, captain, promoted to colonel; Darling N. Brian, University of Louisiana, 1884; John F. Morris was subsequently captain; James Walker, Kelly, New Orleans School of Medicine, 1867: Austin Banks and Edwards, lieutenants. The : Charles S. Smith, Louisville Medical College, 1885; company suffered severely, so that of the original Charles K. Wilcox, University of Louisiana, 1873; company about twenty-tive men returned. This Samuel S. Godfrey, Louisville Medical College, company served on the “Diana” gunboat, where 1885; David H. Caldwell

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, Memphis Medical Col. many members were killed.

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Company G was lege, 1887; John S. McBride, Louisville Medical commanded by Capt. David Hardy with Lients. College, 1886; Wesley B. Mask, Hospital Medical Sharp, Joseph Robins and Charles Fitz.

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There College, Memphis, 1888; Thomas J. Milam, Hoswere several desertions from Companies E and K pital Medical College, Memphis, 1889. to the Union ranks.

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Agricultural Associations found a permanent

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home in Winn Parish early in the seventies. The The post office dates back to the beginning of Grange, then established here, has been carried the town. During the war, postal service was down to the present time.

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partially suspended, but in September, 1886, the Silver Steel Grange of Gansville, was organ- United States reopened the office with Absalom ized in 1874, and is still in existence. The old Wade in charge. grange at Gaar's Mill joined the modern Alliance. The Winnfield Male and Female school, was preSo strong was the Winnfield representation in the sided over in 1885, with Prof. E. Davies, princiState during the year 1883, that the State Grange pal; Mrs. E. Davis, assistant teacher, and Mrs.

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, met at Gaar's Mill in 1883, and at St. Maurice in Ida Milling, department of music. The trustees 1881.

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are Dr. J. F. Kelly, president; W. A. Little, secThe Winn Parish Farmers' Union was char- retary; W. J. Sowers, R. L. Tannehill and S. M. tered November 28, 1888, the directors being R. Brian. This school gave place to the public school L. Tannehill, W. A. Smith, S. R. Newsom, J. H.

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1

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three years ago, when W. A. Neighbors was apCrawford, H. C. Mixon, H. L. Brian and J. B. pointed teacher and presided until W. T. Brian Wood. This is now

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now a powerful organization, was appointed in 1890. Miss Smith taught a short politically and commercially.

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term of school here. In October, 1885, Shiloh Winnfield is contemporary with the parish; Baptist Church at Yankee Spring School-house for here the seat of justice was established, when (called so on account of the murder of Lieut. Butts, the parish was organized. The town is in the by the West gang) was constituted with eight midst of one of the greatest pine forests of the members by C. V. Terrall. In July, 1884, the continent; but immediately surrounding it are W. C. T. U. was organized, with Mrs. M. E. some good plantations, while tributary to it are a Bevill, president; Mrs. R. C. Jones and Mrs. W. few large and prosperous agricultural sections. C. Little, vice-presidents; Miss Helen Kelly and

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The oldest institution of the parish is Eastern Miss Kate Jennings, secretaries, and Miss Maggie Star Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M. This lodge Kelly, treasurer. This organization ceased work was chartered February 12, 1858, and among its after a short time. Early in the last decade Robert charter members were men who were prominent in E. Milling established his grist-mill and cottonthe civil and military history of the parish. Will gin. In the fall of 1883 R. C. Tannehill pur iam Walker, Asa Emanuel, G. W. Hicks, C. B. chased this industry and made additions thereto. Parsons, William Luckey, J. W. Stovall, E. W. St. Maurice, at the confluence of Saline Bayon Edwards, Samuel Earnest, Benjamin Ussery, Philip' and Red River, is one of the old settlements of Bernstein, John A. Mathis, James Brock and Joseph the parish. A post office was established here in 1. Green. This lodge now claims fifty-two mem- 1859 with D. H. Boult, Sr., master; Mr. McClarbers, and owns half of the Kelly building, in the ren followed, then R. Walker, and next Isaac Kel. upper part of which is the Masonic hall. The lum, who was master in 1873-74. J. M. Hickson past-masters named follows: William held the office in 1875; Mrs. Simms held the office Walker, 1860; John A. Dixon, 1861; W. J. Ed- for some time, C. L. Boult followed in 1883, and wards, 1862; J. L. Bridges, 1863; J. R. Bevill, 1 held the office until H. T. Carr was appointed in 1861-70; J. A. Dixon, 1871; Joshua P. Cook, 1886. Mr. Carr served until E, J. Gamble was 1872; S. M. Brian, 1873; Denis Mackie, 1874; S. commissioned in 1886. The land on wbich St. M. Brian, 1870-81; S. M. Smith, 1982; W. E. Maurice stands was entered by the Prothros in Little, 1885; R. E. Milling, 1886, and Joseph 1837, and shortly after, William Prothro erected Smith, 1887. J. T. Wallace elected in 1888 is the old store-house, owned now by Mr. Gamble, now master.

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Temperance, literary and social or- and used as a freight-house. The lands were sub. ganizations have sprung up and disappeared, leav- sequently purchased by Carroll & Buult. About ing Eastern Star Lodge in possession of the field. 1868 Carroll became sole owner, and sold to H. M.

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are

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as

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He was

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Prothro, but regaining possession sold to the New Henry Bernstein is one of the brilliant and York Lumber Company in 1882-83. The improve promising young attorneys of the Pelican State. ments made by this company in the Saline and the He possesses advanced liberal and progressive prospect of St. Maurice becoming the great depot, ideas, and whilst pursuing the practice of his prosaw-mill town and supply point, for the pineries, fession takes an active interest in every move that caused a boom here in 1883. The great enter- tends to the development of bis State. prises of the company did not succeed, but the born in Winnfield, La., December 8, 1863, being a great pineries still offer great rewards to judicious son of Philip and Rosalie (Marks) Bernstein, who lumbermen.

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were born in Germany, and now live in NatchiNewport in the northeast corner, Flat Creek, toches Parish, La., having come here in 1840. near the eastern line; Beach Creek, Prairie Home, Mr. Bernstein is the second of eight children born and Tunica in the southeastern townships; Carthage to his parents, of whom seven are living.

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He was and Atlanta on the Montgomery road, Pine Ridge given educational advantages far beyond the averin the northwestern corner, Gaar's Mills and Hick- age, graduating in 1878 from the Boys' Central ory Valley in the center of the north half of the High School of New Orleans. In that city he beparish, Phillips and Conley are small centers of gan the study of law, in 1885, and graduated from settlement. At Beach Creek, Atlanta and Mount the law department of the Tulane University in Zion are private schools, each claiming a fair at- May, 1886, and on the 26th of that month and tendance, while at or near the other villages the year was admitted to the bar. In the month of common school is found.

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April, 1887, he located in Winntield, and of this The Atlanta Male and Female Institute was place has become a well-known attorney, for be established in 1870, the State granting $5,000 to has been very skillful in the management of the erect buildings. In 1884 the sum of $1,000 was cases which have been given to him.

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He has granted to repair the buildings. Prof. George eminently succeeded in getting a large share of the was the first teacher. In 1886-88 A. M. Wailes business and the confidence of the business men in presided, followed in 1888 by H. L. Brian, who this section, and has all the work he can properly established a graded system. In September, 1889, attend to. Since July, 1888, he has been clerk of Prof. Joseph Paul, the present principal, took the police jury, and in his political views is a charge. There were 150 cbildren enrolled, but in stanch supporter of Democratic principles. He September, 1890, the school opened with fifty belongs to the following social orders:

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Eastern pupils. Mrs. M. C. Thrasher was assistant, suc- Star Lodge No. 151, of the F. & A. M. of Winn ceeded by P. K. Abel. J. T. Drewett is president field, and Caldwell Lodge No. 91, of the K. of P., and Dr. Neal, secretary,

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of which he is a charter member. Mount Zion Male and Female College, near the Morris Bernstein is the pioneer merchant of south line of the parish, is under the patronage of Winnfield, La., and by his superior management the Protestant Methodist Church.. C. C. Harris and shrewd, yet honest, business tactics, he has is president of the board of trustees. Beach Creek been very fortunate, and he has done much to ad Academy, near Flat Creek post office is conducted vance Winntield's reputation as a business center. by R. J. Wilson. The proposed route of the He is of German nativity, born in Prussia in the Houston Central & Arkansas Railroad is on the month of October, 1834, but becoming tired of the eastern, and that of the Louisiana Northern Rail. rather humdrum existence he was leading in bis road on the western, side of the parish. The con- native land, he determined to come to America in struction of the two roads named will change the search of adventure and his fortune.

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He first whole parish from a pastoral one to a great manu- landed in the United States in 1849, but in 1852 facturing center, as millions of feet of the finest became a resident of Winnfield, and opened a genpine await the lumberman and the manufacturer. eral mercantile establishment, to which he has

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a

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а

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since devoted his attention, and has been for a parish officials in the State of Louisiana. By the long time the leading merchant of the parish. He faithful performance of every duty he has won a has always identified himself with every interest of host of friends, and has proved himself to be his adopted country, and is especially interested in a beau ideal public officer, being punctual, methodthe affairs of Louisiana and Winn Parish. He ical, faithful and honorable. Mr. Jones is han always given his support to the Democratic true Democrat, and is a member of Eastern Star party, at all times voting for the men and meas. Lodge No. 151, of the A. F. & A. M.

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He was ures of that party, and socially bas for a long time married on May 2, 1867, to Miss Susan Crockett, been a member of the F. & A. M., at the present who was born in Shelby County, Ala., on Notime being a member of Eastern Star Lodge No. vember 6, 1816, being a distant relative of the fa131. During the Rebellion he served for some mous pioneer hunter and distinguished citizen, time in Company K, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Vol- Davy Crockett. To Mr. Jones and his wife one unteer Infantry, Confederate States Army, and was a child has been born: Crockett K., born at Winnbrave and faithful soldier in fighting for the cause field, La., on June 28, 1868, and is now a memhe espoused. He is one of the oldest and best ber of the well known firm of Hill & Jones, at known residents of the parish, and like the major- Natchitoches, and is one of the leading business ity of his countrymen he is a far-seeing, intelligent men of this section. Robert C. Jones is an earnand honorable man of business.

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est member of the Methodist Church, and his Robert C. Jones is the efficient and popular wife is as earnest a Baptist. Although this parclerk of the district court of Winn Parish, La., ish has long been well and justly noted for the and since entering upon the duties of his present sterling honesty and superior capability of her office he has won many warm and faithful friends. public officials, Mr. Jones has, in every respect, He is a native of Dallas County, Ala., his birth oc- sustained this reputation, and his office is a model curring on March 28, 1830, to J. B. and Elizabeth of order. (Boucher) Jones, who were born in South Carolina John F. Kelly, M. D., is a name that has beand Alabama, respectively, the former's birth oc come familiar throughout this section of the councurring in 1800, and his death in Jackson, Miss., try, for he has entered the doors of many of in 1868. His wife died in her native State when its inhabitants in his professional capacity, and about thirty-two years of age. Robert C. Jones · wherever he has been his agreeable and pleasant came to Louisiana and settled some thirteen miles countenance has brought sunshine with it, and his northeast of Winnfield, in the parish of Winn. well-known, thorough knowledge of his profession Here, prior to May, 1862, he was engaged in teach- has secured the confidence of all. He was born ing school, but at that date put aside all personal iu Smith County, Miss., July 16, 1836, to Archi . considerations and cast his lot with the fortunes of bald and Margaret (McGill) Kelly, who were born war, joining Company E, Twenty-eighth Louisiana in the Old North State. The father died in Volunteer Infantry, Confederate States Army, and Caldwell Parish, La., in 1848 at the age of sixtyserved until the closing scene in the bloody and five years, and the mother in Winnfield, La., when lamentable War of the Rebellion. Returning sixty-seven years of age. The grandparents of home, he once more engaged in teaching the young Dr. Kelly came from Scotland, and in 1846 the idea how to shoot, continuing until 1866, when he Kellys settled in Louisiana, taking up their abode

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, , was elected to the position of assessor, which in Caldwell Parish, at which place the Doctor was office he filled with satisfaction to all for two educated. He began the study of medicine in

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. years. So competent and faithful was he known 1857, in the office of Dr. C. C. Meredith of that place. to be that in 1868 he was elected clerk of the dis- The winter of 1860–61 he spent in the University trict court, a position he bas held continuously up of Louisiana, but in May of the latter year he to the present time, and is now one of the oldest joined Company I, Third Louisiana Infantry, and

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served throughout the war, being on detached in the fall of 1863 at Fortress Monroe, his widow duty a part of the time. As assistant surgeon at surviving him until 1877, when she, too, passed the fall of Vicksburg he was left in charge of the away, her death occurring in this parish. She sick and wounded of his regiment, and there re- was born in 1825, being only eleven days younger mained until November, 1863. After the war he than her husband. Mr. Tannehill is the second returned home and entered upon the practice of of seven children, only two of whom are now livmedicine, a calling to which he bas devoted hising. Mr. Tannehill came to Louisiana in 1856 attention ever since, with the exception of a short and for two years lived in Bienville Parish, but on time, during 1867 he graduated at the New Or January 1, 1859, Winn Parish became his home, leans School of Medicine. In politics he is a and has continued so to be up to the present time. Democrat, and in 1872 was elected to the State He resided on a farm, six miles north of Winnfield, Senate from the Twenty-fourth Senatorial District, until the fall of 1874; when he was elected sheriff being re-elected in 1878. He made a faithful, of this parish and has held the office for a period trusty and intelligent legislator, and did all in his of ten years, a fact that speaks louder than words power to prove himself worthy the responsible can do as to his popularity and efficiency. Prior position to which 'he had been 'elected, and with to his election he was engaged in farming, but the best results. He was married in 1865 to Miss he afterward removed to Winnfield and is Lillie A. Wade, who was born in Tennessee in president of the Farmer's Union of Winn Parish, 1847, and has borne him five children: Maggie, an organization which has been in existence since Kate, Daniel W., John L., and Angus H. Dr. August. 1886, and is now in a flourishing condiKelly is a member of Eastern Star Lodge No. 151, tion. From August, 1887, to 1890 be was treasof the A. F. & A. M., and he and his wife are urer of the State Union. Since the expiration of members of the Baptist Church.

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his term of office in 1885 he has been farming and Richard L. Tannehill, an ex-sheriff of Winn is in a prosperous condition, financially. He was Parish, La., was born in Bibb County, Ala., married in 1876 to Miss Maria E. Sellinger, a March 11, 1818, but since he attained his ninth native of Louisiana, born in 1860, and to them year he has been a resident of this parish. His the following family of children has been born: parents, David M. and Nancy (Murphy) Tanne

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George M., Herbberd N., Clarence E., Richard L.. hill, were born in Alabama, the father being a Ena, Lena, Bessie and Ella M. Mr. Tannehill is soldier in the Confederate Army. He was capt a Democrat, and is a member of Eastern Star ured at Snyder's Bluff, Miss., and died in prison Lodge No. 151, A. F. & A. M. of Winnfield.

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:

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CHAPTER X.

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*

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GRANT PARISIT-LOCATION AND NATURAL FEATURES-INCIDENTS OF INTEREST-PARISH ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS—THE GREAT RIOT-THE POLICE JURY-LAW AND LAWYERS-ELECTIONS AND POLITICS-SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES-TOWNS AND VILLAGES-SOCIETIES AND

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ASSOCIATIONS-LIFE RECORDS AND BIOGRAPILY.

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The best teachers of humanity are the lives of great men. – Prof. Foirler.

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RANT includes a small sec total number of inhabitants was 6,188 or 3,320 tion of the Red River bot- Caucasians, and 2,868 Africans. In May, 1890, tom or 50 square miles, and Assessor M. E. Swafford made the following of the central prairie region, statistical review: “White males, 2,359; white fe-

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110 square miles; while the males, 2,318; colored males, 1,631; colored females; • long-leaf pine bills embrace 1.581; Indian males, 4; Indian females, j; making |

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182 square miles. The total the total population of the parish 7,928. There area is 6-12 square miles.

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The culti- are 837 white voters, and 356 colored voters. The vated area in 1880 was 24,094 acres, total number of schoolable children is found to be of which 11,1), acres were in cotton, 2,329, of whom 1, 417 are white, and 882 colored. yielding 5,158 bales; 657 pounds of The population of the town of Colfax numbers 152, seed cotton or 219 pounds of cotton and that of Montgomery 168.” The United States lint; 8,177 acres in corn, and 22 in census returns published in October 1890, places sweet potatoes. Ten years later, 1890, the population at 8,532.

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the cultivated area is found to be ex- In March, 1887, a number of Indian relics, such tended twenty per cent, and the production of staple as flints, pottery, etc., was unearthed on the main crops increased in proportion. The garden lands street of Colfax, by Lindsey, who was excavating of Red River Valley are found here. From a point

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a ditch.

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Among the old Creoles and their slaves, above Colfax, extending thirteen miles down the a belief existed that Spanish treasure was buried in river, the land was never submerged. The mp- Indian Hill, two miles east of the present town of

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| lands show several tine farms; while the greater Colfax, and in another bill three miles north of the part of the parish, now clothed in pine or hard- town. R. C. Cameron, who gave the subject some wood, is capable of producing the grains of Louisi- attention, writes, in February, 1887, that indicaana in large quantities. Even the great pine for- tions of old placer mines existed here, the waters est is yet awaiting the lumberman to yield up its of Rocky Bayou and Bayou Darro being used for wealth of timber.

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washing. Indeed, Mr. Cameron found what he The population in 1870 was 4,515, made up of

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пр termed gold, but the discovery was ridiculed until 2,101 Caucasians and 2,414 Africans. In 1880 the April, 1887, when Claussen & Lynch, assayers, of

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{ New Orleans, showed $19.8C in silver and $179.81 the “Rump House" passed the bill by a vote of 59 in gold per ton of sand. In 1830 a Spaniard, nam- against 2. Col. E. G. Randolph opposed the meas ed Raphael, told Edourd Gillard that there was ure, and the attempt never succeeded. The origi gold in the hills. Both went thither, and collecting nal bill was introduced by W. S. Calhoun, then a a small quantity of earth and rocks, shipped it to , representative, S. C. Cuney (colored) and Henry Washington, D. C., for ' assay. The report was | Lott (colored), representatives, and Senator George favorable, and Gillard took 150 slaves to the bill Y. Kelso assisted Mr. Calhoun in pushing forward and made several excavations. The prospect was the bill in the House and Senate. not favorable, and the mine was abandoned. Mrs. The officers appointed in March, 1869, by War Cora Lacour recollects hearing her father and moth, were W. B. Phillips, parish judge; D. W. others speak of this venture.

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White, sheriff; Robert C. Register, clerk; Robert The storm of May 7, 1882, crossed Red River, Morris, recorder; S. B. Shackelford, assessor; 0. at Capt. Sharp's plantation, carrying away a sec T. Batier, surveyor; G. J. Chevallier, Samuel tion of the roof of his house, blew away Mrs. Wal- Cuney, S. Williams, Ralph Wells and Thomas L. ter's house, at Bell's saw-mill and destroyed one | Smothers, justices of the peace and tive constables. or more other houses. Mrs. Walter's three

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year The police jurors were L. H. Levy, Sheppard Will old child and Mrs. William Carter's ten-year old iams, T. M. Wells, A. V. Ragan and N. H. Griffin. daughter, were killed. The hailstorm of April, Before the middle of April, Sheriff White was or1883, destroyed the cotton and corn around Col dered to leave the parish, and the era of strife was fax. In April, 1885, a windstorm destroyed prop- introduced. erty in this vicinity.

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In 1870 the parish judge, sheriff and clerk were The small-pox epidemic of October, 1883, ex- elected, with F. E. Layssard, recorder. Repre. tended to sixty persons in Grant Parish, of whom i sentative Henry Kerson and Senator Alexander nine died.

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represented the parish at this time. In October, 1813, Placide Bossier related the In October, 1871, the deputy sheriff, Shelby, istory of the purchase, by Louis C. de Blanc, for and Rufus K. Houston were arrested at Culfax,

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Colin Lacour, from the Pascagoula Indians, below charged with being connected with the death of the mouth of Rigolet du Bon Dieu; Philip Green Capt. White, who was killed at Rock Island by a settled on Catahoula Prairie. Thomas Hubbs, mob. Capt. Ward, a negro from Ohio, commanded John Hebert, Jr., Marshall Jones, Hugh Mulho)- the militia, and assisted in abducting the prisoners, land, William Miller, Alex. Fulton and Benjamin in opposition to Judge Osborn's wishes and those Ritchey came in during the first few years of this of Thomas C. Manning, the attorney for the priscentury. In 1803 the Appalaches, then residing twenty-tive miles above the Rapides (Alexandria), Daniel Shaw was appointed sheriff and Phillips were induced by Col. Fulton and William Miller register, and Layssard, re-elected. W. Ward, a to sell their lands for $3,000. In 1811 this sum colored man, was representative and Alexander, was still unpaid, and the two speculators made an senator, in 1872, but the officers elected were C. C. attempt to prove that the deed was given for debts Nash, sheriff; R. B. Walker, clerk; Charles Smith, contracted by the Coushatta tribe.

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There were recorder, and A. Cazabat, parish judge. Thomas twenty five lodges of Appalaches in 1814.

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Johnson (colored) was then juror from Ward 1. The act establishing Grant Parisb was approved Shep. Williams was the Republican appointee for March 1, 1869. In March, 1877, E. J. Barrett, of parish judge. Rapides, introduced a bill to extend the lines of

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The terrible riot of April 13, 1873 (Easter Sunthis parish so as to include Pineville. Robert day), will never be forgotten.

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It originated in Hunter, alias “Ten Mile Bob,” another repre- the fact that Gov. Kellogg appointed two sets of sentative of Rapides, aided this proposition, and officials with the view, it is alleged, of bringing

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oners.

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on the

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about just such a result. On April 1, a meeting making the total of negroes killed, ninety-five. of Caucasians was called to consider their condi- The battle was over at 4 o'clock P. M. tion. On that morning 200 armed negroes came The year 1873 was given up to political warfare into town, and the Caucasians did not meet. The and dreadful riots. Two sets of parish officials were white officers held the court-house, but were soon deliberately commissioned by Gov. Kellogg with driven off by the Radicals, who installed their set the object of creating the very troubles which dis of officials. During the succeeding five days Col- graced that Easter day of 1873, and gave to Lou fax was filled by negroes, who threatened to kill isiana its darkest historical page. The State offi the white males and hold the white females for the cials did not try to mete out justice, but by whole. purpose of creating a new race. The whites fled sale arrest essayed to scare the people into subjecand the work of rapine began. In the house of tion, but their plans were faulty, for the first man Judge Rutland the negroes found a coffin contain- arrested, Gen. Cosgrove, of Natchitoches, had nothing the remains of his child, which they cast outing to do with the riot. In 1874 W. R. Rutland of the house. On April 5 a body of 200 white men was parish judge with register clerk J. O. Grayson from adjoining parishes encamped within two miles collector, and Layssard recorder. The new judge of Colfax, and sent a demand for the surrender of abandoned the Republican party after the riot and the court-house and offices, but this demand was became a Democrat. The seventeen days' trial of refused and the negroes entered at once

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the Grant County prisoners (ninety-eight were in construction of a line of defenses.

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Capt. C. C.

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dicted). Dumas Lemoine, P. Lemoine, Thomas Nash, the sheriff elect, and leader of the whites, Hickwan, Alfred Lewis and T. Gibbons, in the repeatedly told them that they should surrender or United States Court and under the Kuklux law, they would be attacked, and the climax was reached ended March 20, 1874. The jury disagreed, but on the 13th, when the colored women and children the prisoners were refused liberty on bail. A were removed and the black warriors manned the second trial resulted in the conviction of W. J. works. At 10 A. M., that Sunday, 125 whites opened Cruiksbank, John Hadnot and William Irwin, and the attack on the fort, then held by 250 negroes - - even this verdict was set aside by Justice Bradley. twenty-five white men held the horses. Skirmish This ended the prosecution but not the tribula ing continued until 3 P. M., when thirty men, led tions of the people, for troops were within calling by James A. Daniels, crept up behind the works distance to enforce the mandates of the oppressor and opened fire, the main body attacking in front. and assist in the extortion of exorbitant taxes. The negroes fled, 100 took refuge in the brick In 1876 Thomas Allison was president of the stable (then used for court house purposes), and police jury: Thomas Johnson, W. B. Richardson, kept up a fire on their assailants.

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The only

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N. P. Hawthorne and S. C. Cuney were jurors. approach to this was from one end, and even then In Augnst of this year S. B. Shackelford was there was no opening.

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Five white men were al- appointed treasurer, vice W. L. Richardson, deready wounded, Hadnot, Moses and Harris seri- posed. The latter succeeded C. H. Mumford, ously. The whites made a torch which they placed who succeeded F. E. Layssard. A. V. Ragan in the hands of a negro prisoner to set tire to the was surveyor; A. Lemee, clerk; Daniel Fletcher, eaves and roof. The flames spread, the negroes sheriff; Alfred Shelby, coroner, and Capt. A. D. desired to surrender, and the men named rushed Ward, supervisor of registration. On January 9,

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! up to make terms of capitulation quickly. They 1877, M. N. Swafford and James Daniels quali were shot down. The enraged whites then killed fied as jurors, and on January 22 C. W. Fitz and each negro as he rushed from the burning build- Randolph Rives qualified. W. L. Richardson ing, while fugitives were ridden down and killed. was appointed attorney; A Lemee, clerk; A. L. Forty negroes were made prisoners and protected Grow, treasurer, and James Daniels, president. until night, when twenty of them were killed, ' In February W. J. Tison qualified as juror, and

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а

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C. C. Nash was tax-collector. In May, 1877, the nated to the town and parish all of Block 11, benew or Nicholls' school board was appointed. C. tween D and E and Second and Third Streets, the C. Dunn was president; J. W. Odum, secretary, i condition being that the seat of justice be continued with Joshua Kemp. J. B. Eagles, A. L. Grow, J. at Colfax. The donation was accepted on January 3, P. Lincecum and C. W. Gillett, members. In 1881. In April, 1881, S. B. Shackelford was June George H. Ropes was appointed parish at- elected treasurer, and the contract for building a torney. In July F. L. Craig and Matthew Nu- court-bouse was sold to H. McKnight for $2,500. gent, Jr., presented their commissions as jurors S. C. Curry was president in 1881, R. O. Kelly and R. S. Cameron was appointed clerk, vice A. took the place of M. Nugent, and a petition to Lemee. A good deal of attention was given to suspend work on the court-house building was re

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! financial affairs; some questionable claims against 'ceived, but not granted. In November, 1881, the the parish were held over and nothing but cur- compromise with Contractor McKnight was ef rent debts paid from the taxes. Later that year i fected; George W. Lane offered lots in the town the question of removing the seat of justice from for sale, and the returns of the election on the Colfax was seriously considered, although the Cal question of probibiting the sale of liquor were boun donation of twenty-one acres of land for canvassed, showing 143 votes for and 167 against court-bouse purposes, within the town was an es- prohibition, Wards 2, 3 and 4 voting for; Wards tablished fact. On June 2, 1878, the temporary 1, 6 and 7 against, and Ward 5 not voting. On court-house (the Shackelford store, where McNee. January 4, 1882, the court- house was received by ly's stable now is), was burned, with all the rec- the police jury and the offices moved to the new ords. Courts were then held in what is now the building on January 5. Union store. A statement of parish collections In February, 1883, Judge A. V. Ragan was was presented in 1878, showing that Bullitt, the commissioned assessor, vice Hickman, resigned. Republican tax collector in 1871, paid in $300; S. C. Curry presided over the jury, with M. F. Grayson (Democrat), in 1872, $7,500; Wells (Re- Machen, clerk, and W. L. Richardson, treasurer. publican), in 1873, nothing; Radetzhe (Republi On April 3, Messrs. Curry, J. B. Welmut, C. C. can), in 1876, $863; Mumford (Democrat), in 1873, Nash, A. L. Grow and W. L. Richardson, the $6,800; Gray (Republican), in 1876, $863, and committee appointed in April, 1881, to superintend Nash (Democrat), in 1877, $7,307. In November the building of a court-house reported the work the following-named jurors were elected: Thomas acceptable to them, and recommended the acceptJohuson, J. B. Lewis, Joshua Kemp, M. Nugent, ance of the building by the police jury. At this Jr., J. M. Brian, B. Chillette and S. C. Cuney. time the jail building was ordered to be moved The latter was chosen president in January, 1879; to the southeastern corner of the square.

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In 1882 A Cazabot, attorney: R. S. Cameron, clerk, and the assessment was $481,646.35, increased to $721,S. B. Shackelford, treasurer. On June 2, 1878, 193. 48 in 1883. The latter sum embraced $126, the court house was burned, with the dwelling, 526, the assessed value of the New Orleans & Pacific store, billiardroom and saloon of L. E. Toorey. Railroad in this parish. The tax levy for parish All the public records were destroyed.

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purposes was 10 inills. Juror M. E. Swafford 1980, the following named police jurors were ap- presented bis commission in July. In January, pointed: A. L. Grow, W. J. Tison, Joshua Kemp, 1884, Messrs. Curry, A. L. Grow, W. J. Tison. Matthew Nugent, I. M. Brian, F. M. Sharp and M. E. Swafford, Robert Kent and F. M. Sharp. S. C. Curry. Thomas Hickman was

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formed the jury; R. O. Kelly was reported deM. F. Machen was chosen clerk and attorney. In ceased. In April, 1884, Job A. Hargis was May, 1880, the question of establishing the parish chosen clerk; W. L. Richardson, treasurer; H. seat near the mouth of Bayou Nantachie was sug. McKnight, parish commissioner to New Orleans gested. In November, 1880, Mrs. M. A. Lane do- Exposition. In June, 1881, the governor appointed

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In April,

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assessor.

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coroner.

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the following named police jurors: E. G. Ran- In February, 1879, a jury confirmed Judge

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, , dolph, D. R. Morris, J. E. Smith, Matthew Ragan's title against the claim of McKnight, while Nugent, Jr., M. E. Swafford, J. T. Wilson and J. the second jury declared Fletcher (Rep.) sheriff, W. Land. Thomas Hickman subsequently was vice Jeter (Dem.), but Fletcher never qualfied. chosen to represent Ward 1, and W. J. Tison, A. In 1879 B. F. Brian (Ind.) was elected senator; L. Grow was elected president in July. W. B. H. V. McCain, representative: Aristide Barbin, Garrett was assessor and register. In August the district judge; E. G. Hunter, district attorney; S.

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r, following citizens were commissioned members of B. Shackelford, district clerk: C. H. Teal, sheriff, the school board: W. B. Hickman, W. D. Irwin,' and Dr. P. Goode, coroner. N. L. Robertson, M. Nugent, David Bass, J. T. The elections of May, 1884, show 1,315 votes Wilson, C. C. Nash, J. W. Land and W. G. Deal. for George A. Kelly, 1, 220 for C. H. Teal, 636 for On August 23, 1884, there were 235 votes cast for R. B. Walters, and 403 for B. F. Brian, candidates license and 372 against, and the police jury pro- for senator in the district comprising Grant, Winn claimed prohibition in Wards 1, 6 and 7. Asses and Catahoula. W. P. Guynes received 396, H. sor Ragan placed the value of real estate, personal G. Goodwyn 367 and J. B. Lewis 257 votes for property and railroad property at $781,337. In representative of Grant Parish. W. F. Blackman July, 1887, A. P. Collins and W. N. Creed were received a majority in Grant, Rapides and Avoymembers of the jury, and John P. Hadnot, clerk. elles for judge of the Twelfth District. H. L. The total assessment, as reported by Assessor Gar- Daigre was elected attorney; S. B. Shackelford, rett, amounted to $658,500. M. F. Machen and clerk; Philip Goode, sheriff, and W. T. Williams, H. P. Gray were members in April, 1888. In

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On the night of the election the clerk's June of this year, jurors' commissions were issued office was entered, the ballot boxes broken open to C. C. Nash, W. D. Irwin, B. F. Moore, H. M. and the ballots burned, the peculiar inethod of votHutson, W. H. Matthews, Seneca Bloxom and H. ing on the proposed constitutional amendments V. McCain; C. C. Nash was chosen president and being assigned as the cause for the outrage. On W. C. Roberts, clerk. In November, 1889, G. S. May 7 H. G. Goodwyn notified W. P. Guynes that Johnson resigned the office of surveyor and G. H. he would contest his claims as representative. McKnight was appointed.

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The elections of 1888 show 2,451 votes for J. In November, 1876, a Democratic majority vote B. Boatner, 1,333 for Brian and 232 for Prichard, was cast for J. B. Boatner, senator; E. G. Ran- in Grant, Winn and Catahoula, forming the Twen dolph, representative; W. F. Blackman, district ty-fourth Senatorial District. C. C. Dunn (Dem.) judge; E. G. Hunter, district attorney; A. V. Ra- was elected representative for Grant, receiving gan, parish judge; C. R. Nogent, sheriff; H. C. 529 votes against 25 recorded for W. P. Guynes Walker, district clerk; W. H. Hadnot, recorder (Rep.); W. F. Blackman (Dem.) was elected judge (H. McKnight, the former recorder, refused to of the Twelfth District; James Andrews, district recognize Hadnot), and Dr. P. Goode, coroner. attorney; S. B. Shackelford (Ind.), clerk; M. A. Companies C and I, of the Third United States Dunn (Dem.), coroner, and Joshua Kemp, Jr. Infantry, under Maj. Bolger, garrisoned Colfax (Dem.), sheriff. Nicholls received 582 and Warduring the election.

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moth 418 votes for governor. In October, 1878, the first gathering of colored In 1876 there were 514 votes cast for Nicholls men, to listen to Democratic orators, was held at (Dem.) and 1,449 for Packard (Rep.). In 1879

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Wiltz (Dem.) received 351 and Beattie (Rep.) 106 The elections of 1878, in Grant, show majorities votes. In 1884 McEnerny (Dem.) received 508 for Dr. Kelly, senator; James C. Neely, represent- and Stevenson (Rep.) 636; while in 1888 Nicholls ative; A. V. Ragan, parish judge; H. M. Jeter, (Dem.) received 582 and Warmoth (Rep.) 402 votes. sheriff, and Philip Goode, coroner.

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There were 1,283 registered voters, 722 being wbite.

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Raven Camp

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Lemee.

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C. C. Nash was tax-collector. In May, 1877, the nated to the town and parish all of Block 11, benew or Nicholls' school board was appointed. C. tween D and E and Second and Third Streets, the C. Dunn was president; J. W. Odum, secretary, condition being that the seat of justice be continued with Joshua Kemp, J. B. Eagles, A. L. Grow. J. at Colfax. The donation was accepted on January 3, P. Lincecum and C. W. Gillett, members. In 1881. In April, 1881, S. B. Shackelford was June George H. Ropes was appointed parish at- elected treasurer, and the contract for building a torney. In July F. L. Craig and Matthew Nu- court-house was sold to H. McKnight for $2,500. gent, Jr., presented their commissions as jurors S. C. Curry was president in 1881, R. 0. Kelly and R. S. Cameron was appointed clerk, vice A. took the place of M. Nugent, and a petition to

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A good deal of attention was given to ' suspend work on the court-house building was refinancial affairs; some questionable claims against ceived, but not granted. In November, 1891, the the parish were beld over and nothing but cur- compromise with Contractor McKnight was ef rent debts paid from the taxes. Later that year i fected; George W. Lane offered lots in the town the question of removing the seat of justice from for sale, and the returns of the election on the Colfax was seriously considered, although the Cal question of prohibiting the sale of liquor were houn donation of twenty-one acres of land for canvassed, showing 143 votes for and 167 against court-bouse purposes, within the town was an es- prohibition, Wards 2, 3 and 4 voting for; Wards tablished fact. On June 2, 1878, the temporary 1, 6 and 7 against, and Ward 5 not voting. On court-house (the Shackelford store, where McNee- January 4, 1882, the court house was received by ly's stable now is), was burned, with all the rec- the police jury and the offices moved to the new ords. Courts were then held in what is now the building on January 5. Union store. A statement of parish collections In February, 1883, Judge A. V. Ragan was was presented in 1878, showing that Bullitt, the commissioned assessor, vice Hickman, resigned. Republican tax collector in 1871, paid in $300; S. C. Curry presided over the jury, with M. F. Grayson (Democrat), in 1872, $7,500; Wells (Re- Machen, clerk, and W. L. Richardson, treasurer. publican), in 1873, nothing; Radetzhe (Republi- On April 3, Messrs. Curry, J. B. Welmut, C. C. can), in 1876, $863; Mumford (Democrat), in 1873, Nash, A. L. Grow and W. L. Richardson, the $6,500; Gray (Republican), in 1870, $863, and committee appointed in April, 1881, to superintend Nash (Democrat), in 1877, $7,307. In November

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the building of a court-house reported the work the following-named jurors were elected: Thomas acceptable to them, and recommended the acceptJohnson, J. B. Lewis, Joshua Kemp, M. Nugent, ance of the building by the police jury. At this Jr., J. M. Brian, B. Chillette and S. C. Cuney. time the jail building was ordered to be moved The latter was chosen president in January, 1879; to the southeastern corner of the square. In 1882 A. Cazabot, attorney; R. S. Cameron, clerk, and the assessment was $481,646.35, increased to $721,S. B. Shackelford, treasurer. On June 2, 1878, 193.48 in 1883. The latter sum embraced $126,the court-house was burned, with the dwelling, 526, the assessed value of the New Orleans & Pacific store, billiard room and saloon of L. E. Toorey. Railroad in this parish. The tax levy for parish All the public records were destroyed. In April,

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purposes was 10 inills. Juror M. E. Swafford 1880, the following named police jurors were ap. presented his commission in July. In January, pointed: A. L. Grow, W. J. Tison, Joshua Kemp, 1884, Messrs. Curry, A. L. Grow, W. J. Tison. Matthew Nugent, I. M. Brian, F. M. Sharp and M. E. Swafford, Robert Kent and F. M. Sharp, S. C. Curry Thomas Hickman was

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formed the jury; R. 0. Kelly was reported de M. F. Machen was chosen clerk and attorney. In ceased. In April, 1881, John A. Hargis was May, 1880, the question of establishing the parish chosen clerk: W. L. Richardson, treasurer: H. seat near the mouth of Bayou Nantachie was sug. McKnight, parish commissioner to New Orleans gested. In November, 1880, Mrs. M. A. Lane do- Exposition. In June, 1884, the governor appointed

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assessor.

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coroner.

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the following named police jurors: E. G. Ran- In February, 1879, a jury confirmed Judge dolph, D. R. Morris, J. E. Smith, Matthew Ragan's title against the claim of McKnight, while Nugent, Jr., M. E. Swafford, J. T. Wilson and J. the second jury declared Fletcher (Rep.) sheriff, W. Land. Thomas Hickman subsequently was vice Jeter (Dem.), but Fletcher never qualfied. chosen to represent Ward 1, and W. J. Tison, A. In 1879 B. F. Brian (Ind.) was elected senator; L. Grow was elected president in July. W. B. H. V. McCain, representative; Aristide Barbin, Garrett was assessor and register. In August the

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In August the district judge; E. G. Hunter, district attorney; S. following citizens were commissioned members of B. Shackelford, district clerk; C. H. Teal, sheriff, the school board: W. B. Hickman, W. D. Irwin, and Dr. P. Goode, coroner. N. L. Robertson, M. Nugent, David Bass, J. T. The elections of May, 1884, show 1,315 votes Wilson, C. C. Nash, J. W. Land and W. G. Deal. for George A. Kelly, 1,220 for C. H. Teal, 656 for On August 23, 1884, there were 235 votes cast for R. B. Walters, and 403 for B. F. Brian, candidates license and 372 against, and the police jury pro. for senator in the district comprising Grant, Winn claimed prohibition in Wards 1, 6 and 7. Asses. and Catahoula. W. P. Guynes received 396, H. sor Ragan placed the value of real estate, personal G. Goodwyn 367 and J. B. Lewis 257 votes for property and railroad property at $781,337. In representative of Grant Parish, W. F. Blackman July, 1885, A. P. Collins and W. N. Creed were received a majority in Grant, Rapides and Avoymembers of the jury, and John P. Hadnot, clerk. elles for judge of the Twelfth District. H. L. The total assessment, as reported by Assessor Gar- į Daigre was elected attorney; S. B. Shackelford, rett, amounted to $658,500. M. F. Machen and

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M. F. Machen and clerk; Philip Goode, sheriff, and W. T. Williams, H. P. Gray were members in April, 1888. In

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On the night of the election the clerk's

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1 June of this year, jurors' commissions were issued office was entered, the ballot boxes broken open to C. C. Nash, W. D. Irwin, B. F. Moore, H. M. and the ballots burned, the peculiar inethod of votHutson, W. H. Matthews, Seneca Bloxom and H. ing on the proposed constitutional amendments V. McCain; C. C. Nash was chosen president and being assigned as the cause for the outrage. On W. C. Roberts, clerk. In November, 1889, G. S. May 7 H. G. Goodwyn notified W. P. Guynes that Johnson resigned the office of surveyor and G. H. he would contest his claims as representative. Mcknight was appointed.

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The elections of 1888 show 2,451 votes for J. In November, 1876, a Democratic majority vote B. Boatner, 1,333 for Brian and 232 for Prichard, was cast for J. B. Boatner, senator; E. G. Ran- | in Grant, Winn and Catahoula, forming the Twendolph, representative; W. F. Blackman, district | ty-fourth Senatorial District.

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ty-fourth Senatorial District. C. C. Dunn (Dem.) judge; E. G. Hunter, district attorney: A. V. Ra- was elected representative for Grant, receiving gan, parish judge; C. R. Nugent, sheriff; H. C. 1 529 votes against 125 recorded for W. P. Guynes Walker, district clerk; W. H. Hadnot, recorder

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W. H. Hadnot, recorder (Rep.); W. F. Blackman (Dem.) was elected judge (H. McKnight, the former recorder, refused to of the Twelfth District; James Andrews, district recognize Hadnot), and Dr. P. Goode, coroner. attorney; S. B. Shackelford (Ind.), clerk; M. A. Companies C and I, of the Third United States Dunn (Dem.), coroner, and Joshua Kemp, Jr. Infantry, under Maj. Bolger, garrisoned Colfax (Dem.), sheriff. Nicholls received 582 and Warduring the election.

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moth 418 votes for governor. In October, 1878, the first gathering of colored In 1876 there were 514 votes cast for Nicholls men, to listen to Democratic orators, was held at | (Dem.) and 1,419 for Packard (Rep.).

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()In 1879 Raven Camp

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Wiltz (Dem.) received 351 and Beattie (Rep.) 106 The elections of 1878, in Grant, show majorities votes. In 1884 McEnerny (Dem.) received 508 for Dr. Kelly, senator; James C. Neely, represent and Stevenson (Rep.) 636; while in 1888 Nicholls ative; A. V. Ragan, parish judge; H. M. Jeter, (Dem.) received 582 and Warmoth (Rep.) 102 votes. sheriff, and Philip Goode, coroner.

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There were 1,283 registered voters, 722 being wbite.

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Of the whites 254 could not write their names, and A boy eighteen years old was killed there; thence of the Africans only +14 failed in being able to the party proceeded to the seed store of Torrey & write their names.

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La Croix, and fired several shots into the building. The first court was opened in the fall of 1869, In December, 1880, the same gang burned the with Judge Osburn presiding. The bar was repre- Smith store. sented by W. L. Richardson, W. R. Rutland and In September, 1881, A. Shelby, one time ReRufus Houston, with a number of lawyers from publican sheriff of Grant, assaulted Judge Barbin adjoining parishes. In 1877 Judge Blackman was in the court. The Judge beat off his assailant, district judge; M. F. Machen was then a resident fined him $50, and continued the business of the lawyer. A few years later Thomas Thorp and J. court as if there were no disturbance. C. Wickliff were enrolled as resident lawyers. Wilson Saunders, who murdered Frank H. Judge Aristide Barbin presided here in 1882, and | Page (white), May 7, 1884, was hanged at Colfax, that year Judge Blackmau was appointed addi- July 11, 1884, by Sheriff Goode, Rev. Felix tional judge of the Twelfth District.

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Boyd, a colored preacher, accompanied the murIn 1884 Judge Overton succeeded Judge Bar- derer to the place of execution. This was the first bin, while Judge Blackman was elected and re- legal execution in Grant Parish. When the river elected in 1888. A. V. Coco was elected additional bank at Rock Island caved in, in January, 1885, judge in 1888.

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the grave and bones of Page disappeared with it. This parish was placed in the Fourth District

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There were five petitions for divorce presented in 1890, with Jackson, Winn and Caldwell. B. M. at the May term of the district court, a greater Hulse was admitted to the bar in 1887, but returned number, it is said, than marks the history of the to Homer the following year. The present parish court for the decade before. bar comprises W. L. Richardson, Andrew Thorp, Near Colfax in April, 1864, a detachment of W. C. Robert and M. F. Machen.

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De Polignac's command under Capt. Bradford The contract to build the new brick jail for fired on the retreating Federal transport from a Grant Parish was awarded to Messrs. William masked battery, blowing off the steam cap, and Skeeles and J. C. Fletcher, for the sum of $2,970), scalding to death 130 negroes and one white man. in September, 1890. The building is to be 24x38 The transport was captured, and every possible feet, with three rooms below and one above, and aid given to the unfortunate men, but all died. the walls are to be thirteen inches thick.

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Next day a second transport was captured at this In August, 1876, Sheriff D. C. Paul arrested point, one of the crew was killed and the pilot Richard Owens for the murder of William Bascus, wounded. June 7, 1875), and Elias Grinstead, for that of A.

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The pioneer journal of Grant Parish, the ColJ. Tracy, in December, 1871.

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The former was fax Chronicle, was issued July 8, 1876, by J. M. captured in Scott County and the latter in Law- Sweeney. In his salutatory he asks the question, rence County, Miss.

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Are the people here the first, or will they be the J. H. Ransdall, clerk of the district court, was last, who will suffer at the hands of their fellowfired upon by Rolla Maddox (September, 1876), in man?

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The Chronicle is an independ the hall of the court house. Early in October, ent paper, owing no allegiance to any political Frank Biossat, of Cotille, was killed by the Light- party.” A notice of preparations in the Demo foot brothers, during a dispute over a store account. cratic and Republican camps appears, and the flat In October, 1880, the mulatto, C. Renden, was tering statement made that there was not then, or banged by a mob for assaulting and killing his for two months before, a prisoner in the parish jail. half-sister. In September, 1880, a body of Regu | On November 9, 1877, Ragan and Nash appear as lators fired into the cotton-seed store of Israel owners and H. G. Goodwyn, publisher, they hav Smith, a negro, located five miles south of Colfax. ing purchased the office from Mr. Sweeney.

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*

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*

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The People was established at Colfax by T. M. practice were Charles R. Nugent, Colfax; Uriah Wells in August, 1884. It advocated the election Riley, Big Creek; William B. Buckalew, Jatt; of Blaine for President and Blanchard for con- Robert M. Deen, Jatt; Quincy A. Hargis, Mont gressman.

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The material was formerly used in the gomery, and Christopher C. Thompson, Fishville. office of We the People at Alexandria.

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The physicians who filed abstract of diplomas are The People's Banner, the McEnery organ in Williain G. Deal, Milton A. Dunn, Thomas J. Grant Parish, was issued in the fall of 1887, at Ada, Harrison, William T. Williams, William B. Stall by G. H. Harvill. It continued publication for

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It continued publication for , ings, John A. Hamilton, Philip Goode, Robert L. about one year.

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Randolph and Henry H. McCain. The enrollment of white pupils in Grant for The first important land transaction on the part the years 1877 to 1887 inclusive is as follows: 717, of negroes in Grant Parish was that of November, 848, 506, 133, 708, 704, 470, 588, 925, 696 and 1880, when H. McKnight paid $2,000 for 285 acres. 821. The colored enrollment for the same years He was associated with Jesse Fredrick, W. J. show: 159, 226, 270, 116, 315, 290, 163, 489, 319, Matthews, Sandy Wilkins, Andy Harris, William 418 and 313. In 1888 there were 876 children at- Allen, Andy Nelson and William Brown. In Jantending public schools, and in 1889 there were 854. uary, 1881, six negroes purchased 585 acres of the The Educational Society of Grant was organ

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Patrovitch lands for $2,500. ized in October, 1885, with Mayor H. V. McCain, A negro woman died on the T. K. Smith planpresident; Mrs. Josie Ragan and Prof. Caloit, tation in January, 1884. Her name was Elsey,

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. secretaries.

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formerly a slave belonging to Capt. J. D. Allen. The Co-operative Farmers' Union of New Hope, She was a girl when the Declaration of Independa branch of Texas Alliance, was organized in Feb. ence was proclaimed. ruary, 1887, with A. G. O'Neal, president; H. R. ,

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The explosion of the Meredith Calhoun gin, O'Neal, vice president; Henry Trussell, secretary, owned by John McNeely (three miles south of and J. W. Neal, treasurer. Headquarters were at Colfax, on December 5, 1889, resulted in the death Montgomery. Prior to June, 1887, there were eight of eight persons, namely: Boatswain Wallace, aged lodges organized by A. G. O'Neal, and on May 28, sixty; Tom Givens, sixty; Violet White (colored the Parish Union was formed with Rev. J. B. Wood, woman), sixty; Easter White (colored woman), representing Montgomery Union; A. G., H. R. and i eighteen; Washington Jones, nineteen; George W.W.O'Neal and Q. A. Hargis, New Hope Union; Miles, twenty; Clarence Smith, seventeen, and J. W. Land and M. L. Spikes, Shady Grove Union; Robert Robinson, twenty-four years, all colored. J. T. Wilson, G. W. Hadnot and G. G. Fletcher, There were thirteen wounded or scalded. The Summerfield Union; G. H. Harvill and W. D. boiler sheds and gin house were dismantled. The Irwin, Ada Union; I. N. Folden, S. C. Harvill boiler was in use before the war in the Calhoun and -- Jackson, Buelah Union; Rev. J. B. Wood gin-house

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was chosen president; W. L. Richardson, vice- In March, 1889, Emanuel White and his wife, | president; A. G. O'Neal, secretary, and J. W. Nancy, old colored persons, residing at Cypress

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Land, treasurer. In April, 1889, G. W. Bruce Grove (five miles from Colfax), were burned up was elected president; W. P. Guynes, secretary, | with their cabin. and R. A. Brooks, treasurer.

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In November, 1878, at the bursting of the steam The Colored Farmers' National Alliance and gin at Aug. Keller's, seven miles below Colfax, Co-operative Union was organized October 26, Tenny Lewis was cut in two, and Engineer Jack 1889, with J. A. Woodward, superintendent; C. son's head blown off. Mills, clerk, and John Harrison, treasurer.

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Colfax is located on the right bank of the The physicians of the parish who registered ancient Rigolet du Bon Dieu, which, in 1836, under the act of 1882 on the strength of long-time

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robbed the old channel of its waters and became

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men.

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itself the bed of Red River. The population in did not consider the question. Col. Randolph, May, 1890, was 152, according to the assessor's re- however, had the bill passed in the Nicholl House. turns, but the United States enumerators are said The commissions issued to the mayor and councilto have credited the town with a much larger num- men of Colfax, arrived March 19, 1878. Previ. ber of inhabitants. The valley above and below ously S. B. Shackelford, was chosen mayor; Judge Colfax is one of the most productive in the coun- W. L. Richardson, Dr. Phillip Goode, C. H. Mumtry, and becomes still more valuable, in that it ford, A. A. Dean and H. G. Goodwyn, councillies far above the highest water mark recorded.

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On March 23, this council elected C. H. The first postmaster at Colfax was S. E. Mumford, secretary and treasurer, and H. M. Jeter, Cuney. He was followed by Peter Boland. C. marshal. The latter resigned in October, and H. Mumford was postmaster from 1874 to 1880; Samuel La Croix was appointed. In December, Arthur Simonin, served from 1880 to June, 1885, 1878, A. Simonin and W. S. Calhoun presented when Mrs. A. L. Grow was appointed.

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their commissions as councilmen. In September, The first store was opened at Colfax by W. S. 1880, H. McKnight was mayor, C. C. Nash, W. L. Calhoun, in 1867, using the front of the brick Richardson, and R. S. Cameron councilmen, and building erected in 1858, for the purpose. S. B. H. G. Goodwyn, marshal. W. L. Richardson Shackelford built his store in 1868, the same which was mayor in 1881, with Messrs. Nash, McNeely, was used for court-house purposes from 1873 to Shackelford, Mumford and Dr. Deal, councilmen. 1878, when it was burned. L. H. Levy opened In November, 1882, the mayor was re-elected, with

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, the third store in 1869, in a brick stable built by C. C. Nash, J. H. McNeely, L. McNeely, J. B. Meredith Calhoun, which was burned in 18733, Wilmot and H. McKnight, councilmen. In No. while used for court-house purposes.

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S. B. vember, 1884, James B. Tucker, was elected mayor; Shackelford, L. H. Levy, and Mrs. Mary H. Cal- J. Kemp, Jr., William Knotzsch, James M. Rhorer, houn, were joint owners of the fourth store, as Dr. D. A. Smith and N. C. McNeely, councilmen. successors of S. B. Shackelford. Peter Boland. All were young men, and to them some of the a negro, built the fifth store-house and continued older inhabitants gave the title, “The Kid Counbusiness there until April, 1873. S. C. Cuney opened cil." W. L. Richardson was elected mayor in a store south of Colfax. C. H. Mumford estah. November, 1886, with J. H. McNeely, C. H. Teal, lished a store in what is now part of the Calhoun C. C. Nash, Robert Le Sage and H. G. Goodwyn, warehonse; A. A. Dean, now of Fairmont, opened councilmen. C. C. Nash was chosen mayor in a store in 1877; C. C. Nash, C. H. Teal, John H. 1888, with J. H. McNeely, J. V. Le Sage, H. G. McNeely, Joshua Kemp, Lewis & Price, J. V. Le Goodwyn and C. H. Teal, councilmen. George Sage, La Croix & Price, and Mrs. Mary I. Grow, fol- H. McKnight is treasurer of the town. J. P. Lewis lowed in the order named. There are no failures succeeded Lofton as marshal. in fact.

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The Southwestern Loan & Building Association The Casey store was established in 1878, but of Colfax was organized in October, 1890, with J. some time afterward L. A. Torry entered the mer- Kemp, Jr., president; H. G. Goodwyn, vice-presi cantile circles. In 1870 A. L. Grow and Nash & dent; R. S. Cameron, secretary and treasurer; W. Hoyne, had stores at Rock Island below Colfax, C. Roberts, attorney; C. H. Teal, R. R. Jeter, A. and subsequently the Wilson store was established Grow, Dr. A. L. Johnson and Henry Thompson, there. Opposite Colfax were the mercantile houses directors. Mr. Goodwyn was chosen local agent. referred to in the history of Rapides and Natchi. In February, 1883, Contractor 0. A. Bullock toches.

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began the erection of the public school at Colfax, Charles Thomas, the colored representative, in- on lands donated by the Methodist Society or part troduced a bill in April, 1877, for the incorpora of Block 15, purchased previously for their chureb tion of the town of Colfax; but the Packard House building

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a

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A.

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Cloutierville Lodge No. 103 was moved to the The Catholic Church, near the Hickman planmouth of Cane River in 1868, and thence to Col- tation, located on lands donated by the Citizens' fax in 1876. Dr. S. 0. Scruggs was the first mas- Bank of New Orleans in 1869, is attended from ter after the first removal, and S. B. Shackelford, St. Francis Xavier's Church of Alexandria. . The second master. A. L. Grow was presiding at the Hickman, Bush, Rohrer, Brownell, Layssard and time of the removal to Colfax. The charter was Lacour families being among the old members of surrendered in 1882, owing to politics and mis- the congregation. cegenation among members, and it has never been The Summerfield Baptist Church was organized restored.

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July 24, 1886, by Rev. A. J. O'Quinn. The Methodist Episcopal Church South of Col- Bloxom was elected clerk and J. W. Dean and fax was organized December 5, 1881, by Rev. S. Senica Bloxom, deacons. There were ten mem H. Whatley, with the following named members: bers at organization, to which number sixteen adHoward G. and Luella D. Goodwyn, Wilson L. ditions were made on July 28. Richardson, wife and daughter, Mrs. Asenath Montgomery may be said to be the oldest vilRichardson. M. F. Machen, Mrs. F. F. Dean, lage in the parish. In 1866 Maj. H. V. McCain Mrs. Elizabeth McKnight, Mrs. Mattie M. Duffy, established his mercantile house here, now the Mrs. Dollie D. Hargis, Mrs. Rebecca Jeter, Mrs. house of McCain & Brother. The fire of FebAnnie R. Machen and Mrs. Nettie Torrey. Three ruary 7, 1888, destroyed the stores and stocks of members were received in 1882; four in 1883; one A. W. Bells, Philip Bernstein and J. W. Ethredge. in 1884; fourteen in 1889 and twenty-five in 1890. The total loss was $5,000. No insurance was carIn 1884 Rev. R. A. Davis was pastor; in 1887 ried. Montgomery Lodge 168, F.& A. M., claimed J. I. Hoffpauir and in 1890 Rev. R. M. Walker. the following named officers in 1881: W. H. Strong, The church lot, east of the Goodwyn property, J. H. Williams, B. E. Woods, J. M. McCain, H. was purchased in 1890 from H. G. Goodwyn for V. McCain, Marion Shumate, R. W. Horn and

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the nominal sum of $50. J. H. McNeely, A. A. Samuel Holloway. This lodge was chartered in | Dean, W. L. Richardson and H. G. Goodwyn were 1861, as No. 177. Corner Stone Lodge 213, of

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appointed a building committee; C. E. Kimber Lewisville, was organized in 1871, and continued was appointed builder, and on October 12, 1890, until 1885. A lodge of the same name, but numthe first church building in the town was com- bered 204, is in existence at Gansville. pleted and dedicated. The total cost, including The Protestant Methodist Society, of Mount furnishings and organ, was $2,021.50, all of which Zion Church, six miles from Montgomery, was an was paid before the dedication.

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important local organization in 1878. Rev. H. M. St. Luke's English Protestant Episcopal Mis. Ragan, the circuit preacher, was succeeded that sion at Colfax was founded October 30, 1881. year by Mr. Morrison. There is a college at that April, 1882, Mrs. Lane donated five acres for point, presided over by Mr. Harris. Allison's Chapel church purposes.

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On July 1, 1882, services were (Methodist Episcopal), six miles east of Colfax, was discontinued, the grant being provisional, lapsed established in September, 1879. The Montgomery on account of the society not building.

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Academy was established in November, 1883, with In August, 1890, the Catholic congregation of W. J. Calvit, principal, and Mrs. Josie Ragan, Colfax placed in Le Sage's Hall a neat altar and assistant. eighteen pews to be used during religious services Fairmount post office was established in April, until the completion of their church building 1879, with George W. Hickman, master; while at Father Maynard visits Colfax monthly. Among the same time Dr. R. M. Dean was appointed mas. the families forming the congregation are the ter of the Big Creek office. In August, 1883, the Shackelfords, Teals, Le Sages, Ferraldos, Valleys, Nantachie post office was suspended, and a new St. Germains, Moreaus and Gavanovitchs.

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office established at J. C. Calhoun's plantation.

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In

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Hadnot office was established in 1886, and in Jan- years of age. He was of Scotch-Irish descent and uary, 1887, Mrs. L. A. Hadnot was appointed post- in all probability served the American cause in the mistress.

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War of the Revolution. William Taylor, the materIn the history of Rapides and Natchitoches, the nal grandfather, was a North Carolinian, and died pioneer period of what now constitutes the parish in Georgia, a farmer. The subject of this sketch is fully noticed, the claims of early settlers defined, is the fourth of eleven children, and received his the wanderings of Red River set forth, and some education in the common schools. In 1861 he put notes on its navigation given, such as the burning aside all personal considerations to serve the Con of the “Southwestern,” in March, 1874, and the federacy, enlisting in Company F, Twenty-seventh opening of the Rigolet du Bon Dieu.

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Georgia Infantry, serving in the Army of Virginia In the first half of this century the era of great and fighting at Pineviile, Cold Harbor, Second

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, plantations was introduced here. Meredith Cal- Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam (where he houn claimed 1,000 slaves, He owned lands with was wounded), Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Freda river frontage of seven miles, extending back so ericksburg, the seven day's fight around Richmond, as to embrace 14,000 acres, of which 5,000 acres Petersburg, and was then sent to Charleston, S. C., were in cultivation; the Baldwins, opposite Cotile and assisted in the defense of Fort Sumter. Fort Landing; the Layssards, the Gillards, Thomas Gregg, etc. From there he went to Florida, where and Peter Hickman were also large planters. The he was in one fight, after which he returned to VirHickmans were the former owners of the greater ginia, and surrendered with Gen. Lee, then re. part of the lands purchased in 1810 by Calhoun. turned home. After the war he spent two years The present brick store (McNeely's) was built for in Mississippi, in 1868 went to Texas, and in 1869 warehouse purposes in 1858, by W. S. Calhoun. came to Winn Parish, La., where he was married

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The war changed the manners and customs of the same year to a lady with whom he bad been the people, and for years large areas were allowed acquainted in Georgia, Mary, daughter of William to lie fallow. In later days a desire to bring the and Tabitha Taylor, who were born in Georgia, old plantations into use has been manifested, and coming to Winn Parish in 1859. Mr. Taylor died by degrees, the forests, which have grown up since on the farm on which Mr. Barfield is residing, 1863, are being cut down to make way for great about 1880, his wife being now a resident of Natchcotton fields.

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itoches Parish, Mrs. Barfield was born in Macon County, Ga., and is the mother of thirteen children, seven of whom are living.

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Mr. BarEnoch J. Barfield has been a prosperous plant- field resided near Alexandria until 1870, and since er of this parish for about twenty years, but was then in Grant Parish, and on his present farm since born in Macon County, Ga., in 1812, to Jesse and

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1889, it comprising 360 acres, all of which is the Senith (Taylor) Barfield, who were born in Duplin result of his own industry, His wife is an earnest County, N. C., in 1813, and Georgia in 1819, re- member of the Baptist Church. spectively. Their marriage was celebrated in Ma

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Joseph Billis, like so many of the residents of con County, of the latter State, and there they are this parish, is an agriculturist and merchant still residing, the father engaged in tilling the soil. He was born in France in 1810 to Joseph and He was with Gen. Scott in the Mexican War for a

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Angelic (Marty) Billis, who spent their lives in short time, and as a man and citizen possesses their native land, the mother being still alive. The many admirable traits.

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He is a son of Roger and father died in June, 1890, a worthy tiller of the grandson of Barty Barfield, both of whom were

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soil.

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The subject of this sketch is the second of born in South Carolina, the former dying in the six children, but he was the only one of the family War of 1812, and the latter passing from life in

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to come to the United States.

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He was reared in Georgia, when the subject of this sketch was eight his native land on his father's farm, receiving a

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1

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He was

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common school education, and served seven years 1878, when eighty-five years of age. The father of in the French Army, and in the last war (in 1870) our subject, Dr. Pardon Brownell, was a noted between France and Germany. In 1871 he came physician of East Hartford, Conn., and graduated to Louisiana, where he had relatives living, and with honors at Yale. He was a brother of Bishop here has since made his home, being one of the Brownell, of Hartford, Conn. Dr. Edward R. leading planters of Grant Parish. His tract of Brownell was a member of the Hartford Club for land embraces 785 acres, and all but 100 acres, a number of years, and during the war his symwhich is cleared and under cultivation, is heavily pathies were with the Union. He was a direct covered with timber. He has 640 acres in another descendant of Capt. Church, who captured King tract, and since 1875 has managed a mercantile : Phillip, the great Indian chief, and also of the establishment with good results, keeping a full Brownell that fought at Bunker Hill, Mass. His and choice stock of plantation supplies. All of mother was a daughter of Capt. Charles De Wolf, this property is the result of his own unaided ef. 1 of Revolutionary fame. His brother, Harry Howforts, for which he deserves much credit.

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ard Brownell, was quite a poet and historian. His at one time postmaster of Nautacha, is a Catholic little volumes have long been out of print, and yet in his religious belief, and socially is a member of in 1865 Oliver Wendell Holmes styled him the Lodge No. 47 of the K. of P. at New Orleans.

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1

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Battle Laureate of America. His war lyrics, printed Dr. Edward Rogerson Brownell (deceased) was in Gen. Hawley's paper, attracted Farragut's attenone of the representative citizens of Rapides Parish tion, and for several years he was the Admiral's now known as Grant Parish, La., and a physician secretary. He was with Farragut at Mobile Bay, of decided ability. He was born in East Hartford, August 5, 1864. To Dr. Edward R. Brownell and Conn., in 1825, and received his education in the wife were born six children-two are dead and best colleges of his native State, graduating from four living: Francis E. (represents the ConnectiYale. He then studied medicine, graduated in : cut Mutual Life Insurance Company at Atlanta, that State, and when a young man came to Louisi. Ga.), Clarence D. W. (is a resident of Providence,

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This was prior to 1819. He located where R. I., and is attending to his father's estate), Mrs. Brownell now resides, and then again attended Charles H. and Lucia E (are at home). Dr. E. medical colleges at New Orleans, where he received R. Brownell died December 30, 1889, and in his another diploma. After this he practiced his pro death the children lost a kind father, the mother a fession in Louisiana until 1864, when he returned loving husband and the parish an excellent citizen. to East Hartford, Conn., but made that State his He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and home only during the summer months, as he was was respected and esteemed for his many good compelled on account of ill health to spend the qualities of mind and heart. Mrs. Brownell was winter in a warmer climate. He traveled a great born in New Orleans, December 23, 1838, and is a deal through Europe, the West Indies and South lady of culture and refinement. Although left America, and came in contact with many noted desolate by the death of her companion, who men and statesmen. He was married August 23, shared with her the sorrows of life, she can say as 1873, to Miss Pamela Layssard, daughter of Mala- many good Christians before her have done: “Tby fret Layssard and grand-daughter of Bolon Lays- will be done.'' sard, a native of France, who came to this country William Newton Creed, planter, Colfax, La. when Louisiana was yet a Territory, settling in ! Mr. Creed is eminently a self-made man, and Rapides Parish, and his son Malafret Layssard set- what he has won in the way of this world's goods tled in Grant Parish, where he followed planting. is wholly due to his enterprise, thrift and honesty. Malafret Layssard was but seventeen years of age He is a native of this State, born in Lincoln Parish during the War of 1812, and served as lieutenant on October 31, 1851, and his parents, William H. of his company.

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His death occurred in January, | and Sarah Ann (Kelly) Creed, are natives of Ala

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ana.

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age.

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bama. The parents moved to Lincoln Parish, La., and Clara (twins). Mr. and Mrs. Creed are memat an early day, thence to Jackson Parish, and bers of the Baptist Church, and in politics he is a there the mother's death occurred in 1856. In stanch Democrat. 1868 the father married Mrs. Mauray, of Lincoln Samuel C. Curry is a lumberman, farmer, and Parish, and in 1882 they moved to Grant Parish, one of the directors of Mount Zion College, his where the father died when fifty-six years

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of birth having occurred in Abbeville District, S. C., He had followed farming all his life, and although in 1824, Isaiah and Mary (O'Neal) Curry, bis he lost the major part of his property during the parents, were born in Lincoln County, Ga., in Civil War, he went to work with renewed vigor 1800 and Norfolk, Va., respectively, their marriage afterward, and was soon doing remarkably well, having taken place in South Carolina in 1823. being quite wealthy at the time of his death. He They removed to Barber County, Ala., in 1833, kept store in Lincoln Parish for some years in con- and in 1852 came to Louisiana, settling in Winn nection with his farming interest, and was a man Parish, after which they moved to Natchitoches of great business acumen. Of the five children Parish, where they died in 1866 and 1863, respectborn to the first union, three are now living, and ively, both members of the Protestant Methodist our subject is the eldest in order of birth: John Church. Mr. Curry was a well-to-do farmer, and L. (is a resident of Navarro County, Tex.), and in every respect self-made, industrious and enerSarah Ann (is the wife of John Bronson, of Lin- getic. He was a member of Cloutierville Lodge coln Parish, La.). William N. Creed spent his of the A. F. & A. M., a son of Isaiah Curry, who was school-boy days in Lincoln Parish, and when born in Scotland, but came to America prior to eighteen years of age he started out to make fame the Revolution, settling in Georgia, where he died and fortune for himself as an agriculturist. He

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a farmer. Two brothers came to this country remained in Lincoln Parish until 1880, and then after he did, and followed the occupation of teachcame to Grant Parish, locating in the wood ten ing. The maternal grandfather, John O'Neal, miles west of Colfax, where he has 320 acres of was born in Ireland, and also came to America land, with sixty acres under cultivation. He when a young man prior to the Revolution, spend served three years as police jury, and filled that I ing the rest of his life in Virginia, dying there position with credit to himself and the people. while in his prime.

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Mrs. Curry was bis only child, Ip 1882 he commenced the milling business, con- and to her union with Mr. Curry eleven children ducting a gio, grist and saw mill for some time, were born-nine sons and two daughters. and also engaged in merchandising. The latter subject of this sketch and his brother, Whitfield business he has carried on for five years, and car- A., are the only ones of the family now living. He ries a $2,000-stock of general merchandise. When was reared on a farm, receiving but little schoolbe started out for himself he had but 50 cents, ing, and in 1847 was married to Rebecca, a and was in debt $10. By industry and good busi- daughter of Owen Aldridge, who was killed in ness ability he has surmounted every difficulty, and Flannagan's massacre during the Texas Revolu is at the present time very comfortably fixed in. tion. She was born in Georgia, and died in Ala

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. deed. In 1869 he was married to Miss Beatrice bama in 1852, leaving one son, George W. In Kelley, a native of Union Parish, La., and to the 1854 Mr. Curry came to what is now Grant Parish, assistance of this pleasant companion Mr. Creed and was married here four years later to Maria attributes a great deal of his success. To this J. Hicks (see sketch of I. N. Hicks). She was marriage eight interesting children have been

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born in Coosa County, Ala., and has borne her born: Minnie Lee (wife of Richard Newton, re. husband nine children, six of whom are living. sides near her father), Mabel (resides near home

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Since the war Mr. Curry bas resided on the old and is the wife of Burrill Mundy), George L. (at Hicks plantation, and is the owner of abont 3,000 home), William A., A. B., Henry M. and Clarice acres of fine timber land, the result of his industry

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The

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and perseverance.

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About fifteen years ago he The father has followed farming all his life, and built the first saw-mill in this vicinity, and has has been moderately successful. He was a soldier operated it ever since, its capacity being 6,000 feet in the Florida War, and helped get the Indians reper day

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In connection with this he also runs a moved to the reservation, west of the Mississippi cotton-gin and grist-mill. Many years ago he was River. He is a strong Democrat in his political a mechanic and machinist, and these callings now principles. He is now seventy-four years of age, come in good play. He has been justice of the and his wife is sixty-eight, and both are enjoying peace twenty-two years, police juror twenty-four comparatively good health. The Dean family is years in Winn Parish, but after Grant Parish was of English descent. Their children are named in organized he was made police juror of this parish, order of their births as follows: Mary R., Eliza J., and served until a few years ago, during eight Albert A., George M. (a farmer of this parish), years of his service being president of that body. Franklin B. (a farmer of this parish), and Burkett

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He has always taken a prominent part in political (also of this parish). Albert A. received his edu1 and general matters, and is well-known and es- cation in Catahoula and Rapides Parishes, and

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teemed. In 1861 he joined Company D, Twelfth when nineteen years of age he turned his attenLouisiana Infantry, and operated in the Tennessee tion to mercantile pursuits. This business he conArmy as a mechanic and foreman of a wagon de- tinued in Colfax, La., from 1874 to 1880, when he partment, serving in this capacity until the close of moved to Fairmount, where he has since been car

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be the war, taking part in the Georgia and Atlanta rying on the same, but is also extensively engaged in campaign, surrendering with Johnston's army at plantiug. He is the owner of a half section of Jonesboro, N. C. He was not wounded nor capt- land, near Colfax, and has about 213 acres under ured during his service. He has been a member cultivation. He commenced working for himself of the A. F. & A. M. since before the war, and with limited means, but has been successful, and is since the war has been a member of Montgomery considered one of the young, but rising merchants Lodge No. 168. He is a member of the Farmers' and planters. In 1876 he selected Miss Clara R. Alliance, and was instrumental in founding Mount Price, daughter of R. Price, of Rapides Parish, Zion College, and is now one of its chief support- and to this marriage have been born seven chil

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His wife is a member of the Protestant dren: Hattie E., George H., Albert M., Leonadas Methodist Church.

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B., Ollie L., Garland, and an infant unnamed. Albert A. Dean, merchant, Fairmount, La. Mr. and Mrs. Dean are members of the Methodist Among the many enterprises of a town or parish Episcopal Church South, and are influential memthat of merchandising takes a prominent place, bers of the same. Mr. Dean is one of the trustees dealing as they do in all the necessaries of life. of Alexander High School, which is under the Among those prominently engaged in this occupa- auspices of the above-mentioned church. In politics tion is Mr. Dean, who is one of the substantial men Mr. Dean is a Democrat. of the parish. He was originally from Panola John Walker Dean is a farmer of Grant Parish, County, Miss., born June 21, 1854, and was one La., but was born in Talladega County, Ala., in of eight children, six now living, born to Allen B. 1853, being a son of Seaborn and Perlina (Milam) C. and Dorcas Jane (Alexander) Dean, natives of Dean, the former of whom was born in Autanga Georgia and Alabama, respectively. The parents County, Ala., in 1823, his marriage taking place were married in Alabama, resided there for a short in Talladega County, Ala., in 1817. In 1855 he time, and then moved to Mississippi, where they removed to Jackson Parish, La., and the next year made their home until 1854. They then removed settled in Winn Parish, where he made his home to Louisiana, settled in Catahoula Parish, and until 1889, since which time he has resided in from there they moved to Rapides Parish, in De

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Grant Parish with his

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son, John Walker. His cember, 1866. In 1885 they came to Grant Parish. father, Jarret Dean, was probably born in North

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ers.

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Carolina, and died in Talladega County, Ala., in ents when children, where they grew to maturity 1847, having been in one of the early Indian wars. and were married. Mrs. Dunn was called to her Perlina (Milam) Dean was born in South Carolina long home in 1852, but Mr. Dunn still survives about 1827 to Bartlett and Lizzie Bell Milam, also her, having resided near Montgomery since 1859. of South Carolina, and worthy residents of that Although a merchant for many years he is now a State. The subject of this sketch is the third of planter, and is a successful and intelligent one. seven children born to his parents, five of whom His shrewd and far-seeing views on all matters of are living: Mary F. (wife of J. D. Williams), a public nature have been recognized by his Susan L. (wife of M. K. Holston), John Walker, numerous friends in this section, and by them he Ardella (wife of Thomas Jackson), and Emma has been several times elected to represent Grant (wife of Wyatt Jackson). John Walker was reared Parish in the State Legislature, and is its present on a farm, obtaining a limited country school edu- representative. He is a prominent member of cation, and at twenty-five years of age began work- Montgomery Lodge No. 168 of the A. F. & A. ing for himself, two years for wages and afterward M., and during the Rebellion was a soldier in the independently. His marriage took place in Winn Confederate Army, being a member of the TwenParish in 1879, and was to Mrs. Elizabeth Hol- ty-seventh Louisiana Infantry. He was wounded ston, a daughter of David M. and Mary A. (Gard- at Vicksburg, after which he did camp duty prinner) Smith, who were born in Georgia and Ala- cipally. John A. Dunn, his father, was a Georgian, bama, respectively, were married in the latter and after spending some time in Mississippi, came State, and in 1855 emigrated to Winn Parish, La., to what is now Lincoln Parish, moving afterward where they made their home until 1888, moving to Texas, where he died, having been a prominent then to Ward 6, Grant Parish, where they expect · Baptist divine. He delivered the first sermon to make their future abiding place. Both are mem- ever given at Lampasas, Tex., and possessed all bers of the Baptist Church, and he belongs to the wit, shrewdness and intelligence of his Irish Montgomery Lodge No. 168 of the A. F. & A. M. ancestors. Isham Smith, the mother's father, was Mrs. Dean was born in Talladega County, Ala., and also one of the early residents of what is now Lindied in August, 1889, & worthy member of the coln Parish, La., and was a tiller of the soil. He Baptist Church. She bore a family of seven chil- died in Winn Parish about 1868, having been a dren, six of whom survive her. Mr. Dean was a participant in one of the early Indian wars.

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Dr. resident of Winn Parish until 1885, when he M. A. Dunn is the only surviving child by his moved to four miles above Colfax, which place was father's first wife, and his education was received bis home until 1890. He then moved to two and in the common schools. In 1872-73 he entered one-half miles below Montgomery, on a 300-acre the medical department of the University of tract, known as the Christia farm.

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This property

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Louisiana, and in 1874 graduated from the Uniis valuable, and has been purchased by Mr. Dean versity of Louisville, Ky., after which he entered with money earned by the sweat of his brow. He upon his practice in Montgomery, La., where he belongs to Summerfield Lodge of the Farmers' continued until 1884, since which time he has Alliance, and is a worthy and honest son of the been a resident of Colfax, and has given considersoil.

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able amount of his attention to farming since that Dr. M. A. Dunn has devoted a number of years time, his land being situated four miles north of to the practice of the healing art, but gives much Colfax. From 1888 he was

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coroner of Grant attention to farming also, in both occupations Parish for two years, and socially is a member of meeting with good success. He was born in Lin- Montgomery Lodge No. 168 of A. F. & A. M. cola Parish, La., in 1851, to Hon. C. C. and

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He was married in Sarah (Snuith) Dunn, both Mississippians, who 1874 to Miss Rosa K., daughter of James H. and were taken to Lincoln Parish, La., by their par- Susan Reitzell, who were born at Baton Rouge,

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and the Farmers' Alliance.

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He was

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the former being killed at Atlanta, Ga., during also born in that county in 1828, and the latter in the war while serving in the Twelfth Louisiana, Butler County, Ala. They were married in 1850, and his wife died during the war also. Mrs. Dunn and made their home in Alabama until 1873, was born in Rapides Parish, La., and is a worthy when they came to Grant Parish, where they are member of the Methodist Church.

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still residing. The father was tax assessor in AlaHenry Easterbrook, business manager of the bama when he left that State. He served four Farmers' Union Co-operative Association Store, months in Company H, First Georgia Artillery, at Colfax, was born at Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, Fort Haines, Ala., in 1863, and also in other ways England, April 22, 1856, and was educated in Lon- assisted the Confederate cause. He is a member don, first in the private schools and subsequently of the A. F. & A. M. , and is a son of John and in the City of London Middle Class School, an in- Jane (Chitty) Ethredge, who spent their latter stitution founded originally for the purpose of giv- years in Alabama. Mrs. Ethredge was a daughter ing a first-class education to the sons of men in of Elias and Polly Presley, who died in Butler mercantile positions, afterward extended so as to County, Ala. James W. Ethredge is the eldest of offer similar advantages to the daughters of the five children born to his parents, and obtained his upper middle class also. After finishing his edu early education in the common schools. cation he entered the house of Blumberg & Co., of married in 1873 to Alpha J., daughter of John Cannon Street, London, one of the largest handlers and Rebecca Barker, the former dying during the

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1 of dry goods and notions, strictly first class, in the war while in a Northern prison, the latter being city. There he had ample opportunity of becoming still a resident of Georgia. Mrs. Ethredge was thoroughly acquainted with business management, born in this State, and has borne her husband one and for several years he enjoyed the confidence of son and four daughters. Immediately after their his employers and the respect of the numerous staff marriage they came to Grant Parish, La., and setof employes with whom he was daily brought in tled on a woodland farm, being now the owners of contact. In the fall of 1883 he left London for | 180 acres of fertile farming land, of which 100 the States, joining George and Richard, his brothacres are river bottom land. In addition to this ers (the latter now in business in Shreveport), in Mr. Ethredge is the proprietor of an excellent October of that year.

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Here he has divided his grist mill and cotton.gin. He started in life for time between farming and teaching. In April, bimself with nothing, but now commands a com1890, he was selected manager of the Alliance Store fortable competency. He is a shrewd and far at Colfax, a position he still occupies. He has seeing financier, and gives every promise of one built

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пр a considerable trade for the Union, whose day becoming wealthy. He and his wife are Methinterests he has strictly at heart. He has been in odists, and for over two years he was constable of Louisiana about seven years, and during that time Ward 7. he has made his way into the confidence of all with H. G. Goodwyn, editor and proprietor of the whom he has had dealings. As a teacher he has · Chronicle of Colfax, was born in St. Mary's Parish an excellent reputation, and he is a man of intelli- on April 10, 1850, and is a son of Rev. P. M. and gence and reliability. He was married in London, Angeline (Moore) Goodwyn, natives, respectively, in 1882, to Miss Alice A. Norris, by whom he has of Indiana and Kentucky. The father was born three children: Harry Roland (born October 8, near New Albany, November 20, 1820, emigrated 1884), Maud Alice (born August 2, 1987), and to Louisiana about 1837, and located in New Or Benjamin Daniel (born March 15, 1890).

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leans, where he became a member of the MethJames W. Etbredge is a farmer, miller and odist Episcopal Aunual Conference. He was a ginner of Ward 7, Grant Parish, La., but was minister all his life, and his time and services were born in Conecuh County, Ala., in 1852, to Lewis spent in building up the cause of Christianity. and Jane (Presley) Ethredge, the former being He was one of the prominent ministers of the State

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three years.

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as well as one of the early ones. He was ordained | ley) Grandchampt, the former born in Bordeaux, in the Mississippi Conference in 1842, which at Frauce, in 1811, and the latter in Natchitoches, La., that time included the State of Louisiana. In in 1818. Mr. Grandchamp came to the United 1843 he was appointed to Caddo Circuit, then to States in 1824 on a French man-of-war as a lieutenthe Yazoo Circuit, and in 1848 to Alexandria. The ant, but after landing at Florida Keys he deserted. following year he was appointed to Opelousas, and He clerked for some time in Atchafalaya Bank of in fact held appointments from one end of the New Orleans after which he came to Natchitoches, State to the other. He was a circuit rider for where he was married. About 1843 or 1814 he went thirty-two years in Louisiana, and occupied a super to the West Indies where he spent about four years annuated position in the ministry for about twelve as a book-keeper, serving also as an architect. He years. He died on November 24, 1884, leaving a then returned to New Orleans, where he died in widow and two children by the last wife. H. G. | 1851, his wife passing from life in Natchitoches Goodwyn is the only child living of the first mar- Parish, in 1866. They were Catholics. Mr. Grandriage. He was reared to manhood in the different champt was fairly prosperous in his business vent circuits to which his father was appointed, and re- ures, and as a man and citizen his good name was ceived his education as he could get it. In 1866

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above reproach. The mother's father's (John B. he went to Camden, Ark., entered the Herald Adley) birth occurred in St. James, Miss., but office as an apprentice, and there remained about was married in Natchitoches Parish, La., where he

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He was afterward on the Red River followed the occupation of planting until he was Post, at Louisville, from 1870 to 1871, and then assassinated in 1834. Ernest Grandchampt is the traveled a few years in his profession. In Janu. eldest of eight children-three sons and five daughary, 1874, he went to New Orleans, reinaining until ters -and received a good French and English ed 1877, and working nearly all the while on the New i ucation at New Orleans. He was married in 1854 Orleans Bulletin, of which Dan Byerly was pro- to Mary 0., daughter of Athanas Du Pre of Natcbi. prietor, and Page M. Baker, editor. In Novem, toches, she being also born there, her death occur ber, 1877, he came to Colfax and took charge of ring in 1865, leaving one son, Victor. Mr. Grand the Chronicle as editor and publisher. Two years champt's second marriage took place in 1886, to

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, later he purchased the outfit, and bas since con Mary E., daughter of Onezime Rachal, who was tinned its publication successfully.

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born and spent his life in the city of Natchitoches. paper man Mr. Goodwyn is one who understands Mrs. Grandchampt was born there and is the mothhis business thoroughly, and has had experience. er of one child by Mr. Grandchampt. The latter The paper is thoroughly established, and its crisp followed carpentering and building in different and trenchant editorials command an ever widen parishes until a few years since, when he began ing area of circulation.

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Mr. Goodwyn was mar- giving his attention to farming, having been a res ried on February 22, 1881, to Miss Luella Lewis, ident of his present farm since 1875, it being situdaughter of A. C. Lewis, an old resident of Grant ated six miles below Montgomery. He is a CathParish, and the fruits of this union have been six olic. children: Angeline, Alfred, Gertrude, Elizabeth W. 0. Harrison is a general merchant, cotton Ethel and Keener. Mr. Goodwyn has been a buyer and planter of Montgomery, La., and as a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since merchant has been established in this place since 1865.

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1879, his annual sales amounting to about $30,000. Ernest Grandchampt has an excellant planta- He was born in East Baton Rouge Parish, La., betion of 330 acres, and although it is not as large ing the second of nine children born to Dr. Thomas some, it is so admirably tilled that the profits as 0. and Elizabeth (Sullivan) Harrison, who were are large. Mr. Grandchampt was born in Natchi

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also born in that parish, there making their home toches in 1834 to John B. and Mary Azelie (Ad., until 1857, when they removed to Ouachita Parish,

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As a

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news

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1

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and the same year to Montgomery where they until her death, in 1871. C. D. Hickman was one spent many years of their lives, but are now resid- of eight children born to his parents, only three ing in Winn Parish. The Doctor has practiced besides himself now living: Thomas J., William medicine for about forty years, and is still engaged P. and James P. C. D. received his education in his efforts to relieve the suffering of others, be- principally in St. James Parish, and wben sixteen ing one of the foremost physicians of Central

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years

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of

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age he started out as a planter. At the Louisiana. He graduated from Jackson (La.) Col- age of twenty he began working for himself, and lege, and both in his practice and in his business is now the owner of 500 acres of land, with 250 investments he has been very successful financially. acres in the home place, all in Grant and Rapides Socially he belongs to Montgomery Lodge No. 1 Parishes. In 1875 he was married to Miss Effie 168 of the A. F. & A. M., and he and his wife in- Baillio, daughter of Sostan Baillio, of Rapides herit Scotch and Irish blood from their ancestors. Parish, La. By this union were born nine living W. 0. Harrison was educated principally in Mont- children: Hamilton, Charles D. Jr., Kenneth J., gomery, and at the age of sixteen began clerking Mary, Converse, Fred, Hugh, Ethel and Robert. for himself, continuing for seven years, after which Those deceased were named Thomas and Nena, he rented land and farmed for four years. He is both of whom died when quite young. The family now, however, the owner of 1,168 acres of good are members of the Catholic Church. river land, all of which has been earned by his own George W. Hickman, planter, Fairmount, La. efforts. He was married in 1875, to Miss Elmena, This prominent citizen was born eight miles from daughter of Judge A. V. and Harriet G. Ragan, Alexandria, in Rapides Parish, La., March 19, who came from Tennessee to Winn Parish, La., in 1842, and is the son of William P. and Mary Ann 1859, afterward moving to Montgomery, where they (Baillio) Hickman, natives of North Carolina and both died. Judge Ragan was judge of Grant Rapides Parish, La., respectively. William P. Parish for four years and also justice of the peace Hickman moved from his native State to Hempsome years.

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He was a prominent Mason, and he stead County, Ark., and from there to Louisiana, and his wife were Methodists. Mrs. Harrison was at a very early day. He opened the farm on which born in Ouachita Parish, and bas borne Mr. Harri- Colfax now stands, and was a successful planter. son six cbildren. She is a Methodist, and he is a He resided principally in Louisiana, but wanted a member of the A. F. & A. M.

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place to spend his summers and educate his chilCharles Dennis Hickman, planter, Fairmount. dren, and went to Kentucky to buy a place, but Prominent among the successful and representa- before he was suited his death occurred, in the tive citizens of Grant Parish stands the name of town of Shelbyville, Ky., July 4, 1812, the same Mr. Hickman, who is a gratifying example of what year the subject of this sketch was born. The may be accomplished in the voyage of life when a mother is still living, is seventy-six years of age, determined hand is at the helm. He was born on and is a member of the Catholic Church, in which the plantation where he now resides, in Grant Par- faith she has reared her family. They were the ish, March 21, 1848, and is the son of Thomas J. parents of six children, only three now living: and Emma (Gaiennie) Hickman, natives of Ken- Mrs. J. M. Rhorer, John W. and George W. (who tucky and Louisiana, respectively. The father is the youngest), William P., Jr. (died in South moved from Kentucky to Arkansas, and at an early Louisiana, during the war; be was in the commisday to Rapides Parish, La., where he was extensively sary department, and died from exposure), Mrs. engaged in planting. He was one of the wealthiest T. K. Smith (died recently), and Thomas (died men in the parish, owning an immense amount of when quite young). George W. Hickman received real estate. He died with yellow fever, in Rapides his education in Parker's school, in Rapides Parish, Parish, in 1856. After his death his widow mar- I and at St. Vincent's College, at Cape Girardeau, ried Col. Blanchard, and resided in Rapides Parish

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Mo. After this be attended the Louisiana Military

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9

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War.

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Academy, at Pineville, La., when Gen. Sherman Ala., his father being killed by Tories, while servwas its president, and early in 1862 he joined Com ing on the American side in the Revolutionary pany D, First Louisiana Cavalry, in which he

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Peter Bird, the maternal grandfather of the served until taken prisoner at Winchester, Ky. He subject of this sketch, died in Grant Parish, about was retained at Camp Chase, Ohio, first, then at 1868, where he had made his home for about ten Fort Delaware, and was exchanged a short time years. He was in one of the early Indian wars. before the close of the war. He participated in To Rev. James H. and Moley Hicks the following the battle of Richmond (Ky.), Murfreesboro, and children were born: Mariah J. (wife of S. C. Curseveral smaller engagements. He was in active ry), John W. (of Winn Parish), Sarah E. (wife of duty all the time, and often escaped death in a Felix M. McCain), and Isaac Newton (who was miraculous manner, at one time baving his hat shot reared on a farm, obtaining a country school edu- 1 through, and at another time a ball went through cation. In 1861 he joined Company C, the first his cartridge box. After the war Mr. Hickman re

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company to leave Winn Parish, Third Louisiana turned to Louisiana, and commenced his career as Infantry, and served in Arkansas and Missouri, a planter. He is the owner of 500 acres in all, and fighting at Oak Hill, Elk Horn, and many others. has 350 acres under cultivation, the land being | Just prior to the fall of Vicksburg, he was transabove overflow on the Red River. This is called ferred to Company D, Twelfth Lonisiana Infantry, Fairmount plantation, and is beautifully situated, and operated in Mississippi, Georgia, and Nortli containing a fine residence, etc. In 1868 Mr. Hick- Carolina, being at Baker's Creek, Franklin, Ten. man was wedded to Miss Rosa Baillio, a native of nessee, Nashville, having prior to this been the Rapides Parish, and the fruits of this union are ten Atlanta campaign, afterward going back to Frank children, viz.: W. P., Mary Stella, Annie, George lin with Johnston's army. At Bentonville, N. C., J., Ora Emily, Gervais, John Ashton, Effie Julie, August 19, 1864, he lost his right eye, and still Jennie Elanie and Sadie H. Mr. and Mrs. Hick- carries Yankee lead in his head, Prior to that he man are members of the Catholic Church, and in had never missed a roll call, but the loss of his eye his political views Mr. Hickman affiliates with the ended his service. He returned home, and Novem Democratic party.

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ber 16, 1865, was married to Laura, daughter of Isaac Newton Hicks, a worthy farmer of this Henry B. McCain, whose sketch appears in another

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a parish, was born in Coosa County, Ala., in 1838, part of this work. Mrs. Hicks was born in Talto Rev. James H. and Moley (Bird) Hicks, who ladega County, Ala., and is now the mother of were born and resided in Bibb County, Ala., until three sons and three daughters, all living. He has 1875, when they came to what is now Grant Parish, lived on the old McCain homestead for the past settling on a woodland farm, which they greatly eleven years, being the owner of 350 acres of ferimproved, and on which the father resided until tile land, three miles northeast of Montgomery, his death in 1866, his wife being still a resident of He is a leading citizen of this section, and he and the old plantation. He was a Protestant Method- his wife are prominent members of the Protestant ist minister during the last twelve years of his life, Methodist Church. in every respect a self made man, and a well-to-do James A. Hyde is a general merchant and farmer. He was among the first American settlers farmer of Ward 1, Grant Parish, La., but was born of this section, and at that time his nearest post- in Coosa County, Ala., in 1853, to Hartwell and office was St. Maurice. He organized the first Sarah (Little) Hyde, who were born in North Carchurch of his denomination in this section, but did olina and Alabama, respectively, their marriage a great deal toward the upbuilding of all churches,

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taking place in the latter State, where they made His father, Jonathan Hicks, was reared an orphan their home until about 1854, then came to what is in North Carolina, having no relatives of his knowl- now Grant Parish, La., settling on an unimproved edge in the country. He died in Bibb County,

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farm near Montgomery. Here they are still resid

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ten years

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gave

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ing, the father being about sixty years of age, and

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, age began working for himself in a wagon factory, the mother fifty-one, both members of the Method- where he thoroughly learned the trade, but did ist Church. Mr. Hyde served about two years in not follow it long. For some

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he the Confederate Army, in Louisiana, and inherits his attention to carpentering in Tennessee and Scotch-Irish blood from his father, Stephen Hyde, Kentucky, but has since been engaged in sawwho was a soldier in one of the early wars. The milling. In 1882 he came from Tennessee to mother's father, James Little, died in Alabama, a Grant Parish, La., and since 1886 has been the farmer by ocenpation. The subject of this sketch proprietor of his present mill, which has a capacity

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, is the second of nine sons and five daughters, of 10,000 feet per day. · He also runs a planingtwelve of whom are living, and, although he was mill, grist-mill and cotton-gin, and is the owner of reared to the duties of plantation life, he was given about 1,500 acres of fine land, about 240 acres bethe advantages of the schools of Montgomery. At ing river bottom land, of which 100 acres are unabout the age of twenty-three years he began farm- der cultivation, all of which has been earned by ing for himself, and in 1884 opened a mercantile his own efforts. He was married in Tennessee in establishment in Ward 6, but has been located at 1875, to Miss Lou, daughter of John and Lou his present stand since 1887, and this, as well as Manstield, her birth occurring in Tennessee, in bis 160 acres of good river land, has been earned | which State she was left an orphan when very by his own efforts. He was married, in 1879, to : young.

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Four children have been born to her Margaret, a daughter of James and Sarah A. Ket- union with Mr. Johnson. The latter is a member soe, the former born in Georgia, in 1832, and the of Montgomery Lodge No. 168 of the A. F. & A. latter in Alabama, in 1830, their removal to Grant M., and although he is a Baptist his wife is a Parish, La., being in 1875, of which they are still member of the Christian Church. residents. Mr. Ketsoe served in the Confederate Joshua Kemp, Jr., sheriff and collector, ColArmy from 1862 until the close of the war, in the fax, La. Mr. Kemp, the popular sheriff and repArmy of Tennessee. Mrs. Hyde was born in But- resentative citizen of Grant Parish, was born in ler County, Ala., and has borne ber husband five what is now Grant Parisb, La., on January (, children, four of whom are living. She and Mr. 1859, and is a son of Joshua, Sr., and Eliza (ParHyde are worthy members of the Methodist sons) Kemp, both natives of Louisiana. Church.

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ternal grandfather, Joshua, was born in Louisiana, Sam Johnson, a lumberman, farmer and winner and was one of the first settlers of Rapides Parish. of Ward 6, Grant Parish, La., was born in the He was a surveyor, and helped to sectionize the City of Brotherly Love, Penn., in 1819, bis par- country. His death occurred in Rapides Parish. ents, Joseph and Anna (Allen) Johnson, being The great-grandfather was a native of Scotland born in Canada and South Carolina in 1823 and and an early emigrant to Louisiana. Joshua Kemp, 1820, respectively, their marriage taking place in Sr., father of our subject, is a planter and stockPennsylvania. They afterward moved to Tennes. raiser in Ward 3, Grant Parish. He has a large see, in which State Mr. Johnson died about 1878, stock farm and is a prosperous planter. He has bis widow passing to her long home in 1880, both been a member of the police jury. Joshua Kemp, being worthy members of the Christian Church. Jr., the second, and eldest son now living of eight Mr. Johnson was a merchant and farmer, and a children, six of whom are living, was reared and son of James Johnson, who died in Canada.

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educated in Grant Parish. He assisted his father Hugh Allen, the mother's father, died in the Pal on the farm until grown, and then went to Colfax, metto State. The subject of this sketch was the where he engaged in merchandising. This was in eldest of eight children, and is the only one now 1882, and he has remained there ever since. He living. He was reared to a farm life principally was elected sheriff in 1888, was a member of the in Tennessee, and when about sixteen years of town council for several years, and was one of the

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The pa

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1

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of

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jury commissioners. He was married in 1890 to business he now conducts was established by him Miss Emily A. Normand, a native of Louisiana. five years ago, and he has built it up to an enviaMr. Kemp is a member of the K. of P., and is one ble position by upright and honorable dealing, also of the young, but much-esteemed residents of the by keeping nothing but the best and most reliable county. He fills the office of sheriff in a satisfac | goods. Mr. Le Sage was born in Louisiana on tory manner, and is admirably suited to the duties September 22, 1853, and is the son of Andrie and of the same, as indeed he would be to any office Marion (Rancebeau) Le Sage, natives, respectively,

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(, calling for bravery and fidelity.

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of Louisiana and Kentucky. The father was a S. M. La Croix, merchant, Colfax, La. There printer by trade and followed this for twenty is nothing so markedly shows the strength and

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years or longer. He was a member of the Cathoprosperity of the trade of Colfax as the number of lic Church, and was noted for his deeds of charity. large concerns engaged in the mercantile business. During the war he went to Corinth, Miss., after Prominent among them is the well-known estab- that battle and there nursed the sick and wounded. lishment of Mr. La Croix. This gentleman was He died in Louisiana in 1875 when forty-five years born in Rapides Parish, near Alexandria, La., on of age, and his wife died in Florida, whither she November 5, 1850, and is a son of Isaac and Theo

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had gone for her health. They had two sons in docia A. (Vance) La Croix, natives of Mississippi the Confederate Army, Andrie, the eldest, being and Louisiana, respectively, and of French descent. sergeant-major and serving east of the Mississippi The grandfather, John La Croix, was a prominent River. The grandfather, Andrie Le Sage, was a planter and one of the first settlers of Avoyelles native of France, and came to Louisiana as a surParish. His death occurred in Rapides Parish. veyor. He located on a place near New Orleans, Isaac La Croix was also a planter, and was a mem- and died while on a surveying trip when but fifty ber of the police jury for several years. He also

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years age. Joseph V. Le Sage was the fifth of died in Rapides Parish. S. M. La Croix, the eld- eight children born to his parents. He received a est son living of eight children, six of whom sur- good practical education in the schools near home, vive, attained his growth and received his educa- and when fourteen years of age started out to tion in the last named parish. In 1877 he came fight life's battle for himself. In 1885 be came to Colfax, followed agricultural pursuits for two to Colfax and embarked in the drug business, years, and also tilled the position of constable, to which he has since carried on. While at home he which he bad been elected in 1878, and which was deputy sheriff for a number of years. In he still retains.

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In 1880 he was appointed dep- 1877 he was married to Miss Olitia Carnahan and uty sheriff and jailer, and this position he has to them have been born four children: Andrie, filled in a creditable manner for five years. He Charles A., Louis C. and J. V., Jr. Mr. Le Sage is was town marshal for four years, and then re- a member of the K. of P., and in politics affiliates signed. In January, 1889, he engaged in the re- with the Democratic party.

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He and wife are tail grocery business, and is still carrying this on. members of the Catholic Church. Mr. La Croix is a self-made man, baving started Alfred W. Lewis, planter, Fairmount, La. here with no capital, but is now living here in Although but a young man, Mr. Lewis has made ease, having accumulated a competency. He was bis way to the front ranks among the energetic married in 1873 to Miss Susan Dean, by whom he farmers of Grant Parish, and owing to the attenhe has four children living: Lela, Willie, Charles tion he has always paid to minor details, he has and Ella. Mr. La Croix owns considerable town accumulated a fair share of this world's goods. property, and this is quite valnable.

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He is a native-born resident of the parish, his birth Joseph V. Le Sage, druggist, Colfax, La. occurring February 29, 1800, and he is the son of Holding the leading place among the druggists of Alfred C. and Martha E.(Starnes nee Cannon) Lewis, Colfax is the above mentioned gentleman. The who were also well known here, The father was

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ܕ •

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and was

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born in North Carolina in 1812, and died in Grant ing of the war, discontinued this calling in order to Parish on December 16, 1888. He came to Louis- join Company D, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry, Con jana in 1840, and was successfully engaged in federate States Army, and held the position of capttilling the soil in this State until his death. He ain until June, 1864, when he was promoted to was magistrate for six years, and was a member of the rank of major, a position he held until the close the Catholic Church. He was married three times, of the war, operating in the Army of Tennessee. our subject's mother being his second wife.

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His He was in nearly all the engagements from Colum- first wife was Ann Chesson, his second, Mrs. Mar- bus, Ky., to Franklin, Tenn., and was twice wound- tha E. (Cannon) Starns, who was a widow, and his ed, first in the arm in front of Atlanta, Ga., and in third was Mrs. Julia Farond. Alfred W. Lewis 1864 he lost his left leg at Franklin, Tenn., passed his school days in Grant Parish, and when , captured; was kept a prisoner at Camp Chase and nineteen years

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of age

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he started out as an agri- Johnson's Island, Ohio, until August, 1865, when culturist, having perhaps naturally inherited a he was released and returned home, to once more taste for that occupation, his ancestors before him engage in mercantile pursuits in Montgomery, his for many generations having followed that calling. establishment being in active operation ever since, He is the owner of 150 acres of land in Red River he being now the oldest merchant in the place. He Parish. In 1885 he selected Mrs. Rosa Layssard was married November 1, 1866, to Lizzie, daughter as his life companion, and to this marriage have of Lawrence Dyson, who, with his wife, died in been born two children: Nena and Amber Lee. Helena, Ark., when Mrs. McCain was very small. Mrs. Lewis was the daughter of B. W. Bullitt She was reared by an uncle, Harbert Walker, in and widow of Archer Layssard. Mr. Lewis is a Bossier Parish, La., her birthplace. She has borne Democrat in his political views, and he and his her husband ten children, nine of whom are living. wife are worthy members of the Catholic Church. From 1879 to 1882 Maj. McCain represented Grant

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Maj. H. V. McCain has been a resident of Parish in the State Legislature, being chairman of Grant Parish, La., for the past thirty-one years, the enrolling committee, and for three years be and his earnest endeavor to make a proper use of has been a member of the police jury from Ward 7, the talents given him, and his efforts to succeed in ' Grant Parish, both positions being filled with fine life deserves the respect of all. He was born in executive ability.

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He is a member of Montgomery Coosa County, Ala., in 1838, being the eldest of Lodge No. 168, F. & A. M. , and for one year was six sons and five daughters born to Henry B. and junior grand warden of the State of Louisiana, for Rebecca (Pool) McCain, who were born in Tennes. 'four years was district deputy grand master of the sse and Alabama, about 1812 and 1819, respective Eleventh Masonic District of Louisiana, and was ly, their marriage taking place in the latter State, worthy master of his lodge several years. He is where they resided until their removal to Louisiana, well and favorably known throughont this region, in 1859. The father died in Montgomery, La., in, and he and his wife have long been members of the 1883, survived by his widow, both being members Methodist Episcopal Church. of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Henry B. H. McKnight (deceased) was born in Maine on McCain was a farmer, a calling be learned of his June 6, 1835, and was reared and educated in St. father, James McCain, who was of Scotch descent, John, New Brunswick. His parents passed their but a native of North Carolina. Adam Pool, the entire lives in New Brunswick. The father was a maternal grandfather, was a teacher, of North Car- ship builder, and was well and favorably known olina, in which State be was born and passed from to all seafaring men. H. McKnight left the pa life. Maj. H. V. McCain was educated in Wewoka rental roof when in his seventeenth year, went to Academy, Alabama, and after coming with his par- Australia and roamed about for several years. He ents to Grant Parish, La., he began life for himself finally came to Louisiana and located in what is as a clerk in Montgomery, La., but upon the open- now Grant Parish, on a plantation. He enlisted

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in the Civil War, served three years, and was then mon schools. Reared to the duties of the farm he discharged on account of being an officer and his continued the same until twenty-three years of age, company being disbanded. He was a lieutenant when he began clerking in a dry goods store in in Westbrook Guards. He was twice wounded, once Grant Parish. This he coniinued for some time, at the battle of Belmont, and again at the battle and in 1880 he opened a store in Colfax, with H. of Shiloh. After being discharged he went to New McKnight under the firm title of McKnight & McOrleans, where he remained until after the surren- Neely. This business was continued for six years, der, and then returned to his farm. He followed when Mr. McNeely bought out McKnight and milling and ginning for a livelihood, and in 1876 he took in D. A. Smith as a partner. They remained moved to Colfax, where he was appointed recorder in partnership for about a year, and then Mr. Mcof mortgages. He served one term and filled the po. Neely bought his partner's interest in the store at sition in a capable and highly efficient manner. He Colfax, and started a branch store at Boyce, with was a very prominent man, and wielded no small in- Mr. Smith in charge. Subsequently Mr. McNeely fluence with those acquainted with him. His death bought out the entire stock and is now running occurred in August, 1886. He owned at that time both stores, one at Boyce and the other at Colfax. a large planting interest which the widow and sons He carries one of the largest and most complete still retain, and about 600 acres of this land are in stock of goods kept in Colfax, and is a prominent alluvial soil along Red River. Socially Mr. Mc- business man. The same may be said of his store Knight was a member of the Masonic fraternity. in Boyce. Aside from his mercantile interests he He was married in 1860 to Miss Elizabeth Dean, is the owner of about 1,000 acres of land in Grant who bore him eleven children, all living: Olive A. Parish, and he also deals in live, stock, horses, cat(wife of John McNeely), Ella E. (wife of R. S. Cam- tle and mules. He has also in connection with his eron), George H. (surveyor of Grant Parish), Susie business a livery stable at Colfax, where there may M. (wife of N. C. McNeely), Thomas P., Anna, be found always good conveyances. Mr. McNeely Robert E., Joseph, Willie L., John C. and David was married in 1880, to Miss Olive McKnight, M. Mrs. McKnight is a member of the Methodist daughter of H. McKnight, and to them have been Episcopal Church.

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She is a woman of intelligence, born four children: Hunter, Howard, Claude and and is possessed of excellent business qualifications. Ivey. Mr. and Mrs. McNeely are members of the

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J. H. McNeely, merchant, Colfax, La. The Methodist Episcopal Church. general mercantile trade of Colfax is represented Capt. Columbus C. Nash, merchant, Colfax, La. by honorable business men, who are full of enter- Among those men of brain, energy and foresight, prise. Among those who hold a leading position who have become prominent in their different in this line is Mr. J. H. McNeely, who is a native callings, stands the name of Capt C. C. Nash, who of Natchitoches Parish, La., born in April, 1851, is one of the successful merchants of Colfax. He and is a son of Nicholas G. and Evaline (Nash) was born in Sabine Parish, La., July 1, 1838, and McNeely, natives. respectively, of Louisiana and

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is a son of Valentine and Mary (Anderson) Nash, South Carolina. The parents were married in the who emigrated from Mississippi to Sabine Parish former State, and afterward located in Natchi

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in 1838, being among the pioneers of that region. tocbes Parish, near the county seat. The father There the mother died, but the father is still livwas a planter, and followed this occupation the ing in Sabine Parish at the unusual age of ninety principal part of his life.

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He died in the winter

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six years, and is probably the oldest man in the of 1864, while in the Confederate service. The parish. Capt. C. C. Nash went to Virginia among

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, mother died in 1875. They had a large family of the first troops that volunteered in the late Civil children, only two of whom are now living, one be- War, and was a member of the Sixth Louisiana sides our subject, Ludlow. J. H. McNeely was

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Regiment, in command of Company A of that regi. reared in Natchitoches and educated in the com- ment. He was in twenty-three prominent engage

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a

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ments in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, La., in 1810, to Martin and Polly (Hatcher)

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, and was captured at the battle of Chancellorsville. Phillips, who were born in Barnald and Edgefield Three weeks later he was released, and subse- District, S.C., in 1795 and 1803, respectively, quently recaptured near Culpeper Court House, their marriage taking place there, and in 1838 went at the beginning of the battle of the Wilderness. to Texas, staying but a short while and returning He was confined in prison at Johnson's Island until to Louisiana, making their home for about one after the cessation of hostilities. He was a brave year in Sabine Parish.

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Tbe following year they captain, and has a fine war record, but his bravery removed to what is now Winn Parish, settling in has not all been confined to war practice, as will the woods where they improved a good farm and be seen later on. In 1870 he located at Colfax, spent the rest of their lives, Mr. Phillips dying in Grant Parish, as a merchant, and being at all times 1858, and the mother in 1880. He was a mechanic an outspoken and partisan Democrat, he incurred and lumberman, and after the organization of the bitter enmity of the corrupt officials who then Winn Parish was a police juror of the same until held sway under Republican rule, and in the fol- his death. His father, Capt. Thomas Phillips, lowing fall he was arrested and taken to New Or- was born in Barnald District, S. C., in 1772, and leans, charged with being a Kuklux. He remained died there abont 1837, a mechanic by trade. His in prison until the following spring (1872), and then father, William Micager Phillips, of French decame back to Grant Parish. He was elected sher- scent, came to America and took part in the Revoiff in April, 1873. At the instigation of Gov. W. P. lutionary War, afterward settling in South CaroKellogg, aided and abetted by corrupt Republican lina. The mother's father, John Hatcher, was officials, a riot was incited among the negroes of born in Virginia, but prior to the Revolutionary Grant Parish, under the leadership of Ward, Phil- War went with his parents to Edgefield District, lips, Shaw and others, who took forcible possession S. C., where he spent his declining years, engaged of the court-house and parish records, and sup- in tilling the soil. Benjamin H. Phillips is the planted the legally elected officials. Capt. Nash youngest of nine sons and six daughters, two sons recognizing this act as a high-handed outrage and four daughters now living, and was reared in against the liberties of a free people, and intended the wilds of Winn Parish with but little schooling. only to make political capital to bolster up the In 1863, when but seventeen years of age, he tottering power of Kellogg, raised a posse of about joined Company D, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry, 150 citizens, and drove the mob, numbering about and became a member of the Army of Tennessee, 450, from the intrenchments which they had erect- and for some time fought at Resaca, Ga., in all ed in front of the courthouse. This gallant act the engagements to Atlanta, Ga., and back with is recognized by the people of the State as one of Hood as far as Tuscumbia, Ala., where he was the main events which led to placing the State taken sick and spent about two months in the hosgovernment in the hands of the whites. Since pital. Upon recovering he joined Johnston's army the restoration of peace in Grant Parish Capt. in North Carolina, and surrendered with him at Nash has resumed the mercantile business, and Greensboro, N. C., afterward returning home. lives a quiet and uneventful life. He owns the He attended school for some time, then turned bis ground on which his store and residence stands, attention to farming, and in 1869 was married to which is the identical spot on which the negroes Miss Nancy, daughter of Allen and Mary Wheeler, had intrenched themselves. He married the only who were born, reared and married in Georgia, daughter of R. B. Williams, of Montgomery, La., and about 1842 removed to what is now Winn ParMarch 6, 1879, and is the happy father of an in- ish, afterward to Tyler County, Tex., and back to teresting family

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Natchitoches Parish, La., where his wife died durBenjamin H. Phillips, a lumberman and farm - ing the war. In 1876 Mr. Wheeler went back to er, was born in Natchitoches (now Grant) Parish, the Lone Star State, dying there the same year.

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Mrs Phillips was born in Winn Parish, and by Grant Parish. She was born in Perry County, Mr. Phillips'became the mother of three sons and Ala., and was a lady whom all esteemed, admired four daughters, one of the former being deceased. : and respected. In 1856 Mr. Plunkett came to Mr. Phillips has been engaged in saw-milling near- Alexandria, and the next year to where he now ly all his life, having built and operated several lives, settling in the woods, but until he could mills. In 1888 he built his present mill, which is erect a house he and his family lived in a tent. a saw.mill, planer and grist mill combined. In For a few years just prior to the war he lived near addition to this he owns 1,600 acres of fine land, Montgomery for the purpose of educating his chil1,000 acres of which are pine land, and the rest dren, and is now one of the oldest settlers of this river bottom land and very fertile. This property section. He has spent a number of years as a has been acquired by his own efforts during the carpenter and blacksmith, and socially is a memlast eight years, a fact that speaks louder than ber of the A. F. & A. M. He has long been a words can do as to his business ability, intelligence Methodist. and perseverance.

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Col. E. G. Randolph, planter, Fairmount, La. Joseph M. Plunkett has met with success in the South Carolina has given to Grant Parish many calling of a planter, owing to his desire to keep estimable citizens, but she has contributed none out of the beaten path and to his industry and more highly respected, or for conscientious disgood management. He was born in Guinnette charge of duty in every relation of life, more County, Ga., in 1824, bis parents, Richard and I worthy of respect and esteem, than the subject of Lavinia (Mason) Plunkett, being born in North this sketch. Col. Randolph was born in Fairfield Carolina and Edgefield District, S. C., respectively, District, in 1829, and is a son of Beverly H. and their marriage taking place in the latter State in Marie (Bulephant) Randolph, natives of Virginia, 1820. From there they moved to Georgia about the former born in New Kent, and the latter in 1821, and in 1857 came to what is now Grant Norfolk, Va. The father was a cabinet-maker by Parish, where Mr. Plunkett died in 1858, and his trade, and carried this on in South Carolina until widow the following year, both having been Method.: 1875, when he moved to Bossier Parish, La., and ists for many years.

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He was a mechanic, for a settled near Red River. The mother received her short time was in the War of 1812, and was a son final summons in the Palmetto State. Col. E. G. of James Plunkett, who died a farmer of Georgia. Randolph was reared in his native State, received The father of the latter worked his way from Ire- his education in Mount Zion College, and has also land to the United States when a young man and read law and studied medicine. After finishing took up his abode in Georgia. James Mason, his education, he began speculating in real estate, the maternal grandfather, died in South Carolina, and otherwise, and in connection was also engaged a farmer. Joseph M. Plunkett is the younger of in merchandising for some time in South Carolina. two brothers, James L. dying during the Rebellion In 1852 he emigrated to Bossier Parish, La., at Alexandria. The former attended the common bought land there the following year, and there schools, and when twenty-one years old began the made his home until 1875, when he came to Grant battle of life for himself, being married in Alabama ' Parish, where he has since resided.

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He is the in 1846 to Sarah, danghter of Mason and Elizabeth owner of 1,000 acres of land on Red River, but bis Day, the former a native of South Carolina, and principal farming interest is back on the Bayou, the latter of Georgia, their deaths occurring in four miles west of the river, where he has 3,000 Perry and Coosa Counties, Ala., respectively. Mrs.

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During the Mexican War he was in the Plunkett died in the month of March, 1888, a Palmetto Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, as worthy member of the Methodist Church, after a non-commissioned officer, and served all through having borne a family of eight children --three that war.

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He was with Gen. Scott at Vera Cruz, sons and five daughters living, all residents of and in fact was in all the engagements in which

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acres.

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1

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He was

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his famous regiment participated. Early in 1861, | The paternal grandparents were among the early Col. Randolph organized the first company in Bos- settlers of Louisiana, and the grandfather was a sier Parish, was made captain of the same, and on successful planter. Some of the ancestors of the the organization of the Ninth Regiment of Louisi- Richardson family were in the War of 1812. ana Infantry, he was made lieutenant-colonel, and Moses B. Richardson was parish surveyor of St. later colonel. He was in Virginia with his regi- Helena for about thirty years, and was also a ment, when he received the commission of colonel, planter and mechanic. He died in Rapides and and the balance of the time he was stationed at his wife in Grant Parish. They were the parents Shreveport. He was paroled on June 8, 1865. of fonr children, who lived to maturity: SylvesWhile in the Mexican War, the Colonel was clerk ter E. was a lieutenant in the Civil War, and of the regiment, and was color guard.

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died at Baton Rouge during the war; he was tendered the thanks of the State of South Carolina,

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1

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captured at Port Hudson and died while on his and presented with a silver medal for his gallantry way from prison. The others, in order of birth, and bravery on the field of battle, being wounded are named as follows: W. L., W. B. and Lillie at the battle of Cherubusco. On the establishment A. E. Judge W. L. Richardson was reared in of the Nicholls Government, in 1877, he repre St. Helena, received his education there. and sented Grant Parish for two years in the General in 1857 removed to Rapides Parish, where he Assembly. Previous to the war, in 1854, he was made his home until the creation of Grant Parmarried to Miss Mary E. Thompson, a native of ish, in 1869. He was the first man to locate at South Carolina, and to them were born nine chil- Colfax after its organization, and he has resided dren, five of whom survive: Edward H. (an at- in this parish ever since. He was judge of the torney at Shreveport, La.), R. L. (a physician at same for some time, was also parish treasurer for Alexandria, La.), John (a planter in Grant Parish), about eight or ten years, and was treasurer of the Beverly H. (in New Orleans), and Sallie G. (at 'school board for same time. He owns about 1,000 home). Col. Randolph is both a Mason and an acres of land, and has about 200 acres under culOdd Fellow, and in politics is an uncompromising tivation. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C. Democrat. He comes of a good old tighting stock, Twenty-seventh Louisiana Regiment, and served his grandfather, William Randolph, having been a until 1864, when he was elected recorder of colonel of a Virginia Regiment, in the Revolution- Rapides Parish, and so he was discharged, returnary War, and his father a soldier in the War of 1812. ing home to take care of his office. He was captThe Colonel himself, as has been seen, has not been ured at the fall of Vicksburg, but was paroled backward in that direction. The Randolph family i and sent home. The Judge was married in 1879 is of English descent, and on the Bulephant side to Miss Elizabeth Christian, by whom he has two the Colonel is of French ancestry. His grand children: Robert W. and Zachariah A. The Judge father, Bulephant, came from France with French , is a member of the Farmers' Union, is president of soldiers, to take part in the Revolution.

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! Colfax Union No. 104, and is one of the trustees Judge W. L. Richardson, planter, Colfax, La. and stockholders of the Commercial Association of No name is justly entitled to a more enviable

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Farmers. He is a member of the Masonic fraplace in the history of Grant Parish than the one ternity, having advanced as high as the Royal which heads this sketch, for it is borne by a man and Select Master degrees. He is also at present who has been usefully and honorably identified the parish superintendent of public schools and with the interests of this parish, and with its ad ex officio secretary of the school board. He and vancement in every worthy particular. He was Mrs. Richardson are members of the Methodist born in Livingston Parish, La., on December 19, Episcopal Church South, and he has been presi1831, and is a son of Moses B. and Asenath (Dis. dent of the board of trustees in the church for a mukes) Richardson, natives, also, of Louisiana.

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number of years.

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1

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33

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а

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Capt. Francis Marion Sharp was born in Union No. 168 of the A. F. & A. M., himself and wife County, S. C., in 1825, but since 1854 bas been a being worthy members of the Baptist Church. resident of Louisiana. He is the second of two Patrick H. Smith is accounted a prosperous sons and two daughters born to James and Lavina agriculturist of Grant Parish, La., and like the ma(Giles, whose mother was a Mitchell) Sharp, who jority of native North Carolinians, he is progressive were born, reared, married and spent their lives in in his views and of an energetic temperament. Union County, S. C., being well-to-do farmers, He was born in Robinson County in 1831, to Daniel and in their religious views members of the Pres and Susan (Brown) Smith, they being also natives byterian Church. The grandfather, William Sharp, of that county. The father was born in 1798. In was born of English parents and died in South 1835 he removed to Talladega County, Ala., where Carolina The mother's father, John Giles, was he died in 1855, and his wife in 1876, both memin all probability born in that State and died in bers of the Presbyterian Church, the former a Union County, a farmer. Capt. F. M. Sharp is farmer by occupation. He was tax collector of the only one of his father's family now living; he that county for two years, and was a son of Patrick received a moderate school education in the coun- Smith, a Revolutionary soldier of Scotch descent, try schools.

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When he was about eight years of who lived and died in North Carolina. The mothage bis father died, and at the age of twenty he er's fatber was Hugh Brown. Patrick H. Smith began doing for himself, managing his mother's is the fifth of eight sons and three daughters, and farm, which he continued to do for four years. although reared to a farm life, he succeeded in ob He then went to Alabaina, thence to Georgia and in taining a good common-school education. At the 1854 to Arkansas, coming the same year to Louis- age of twenty-one years he began teaching school, iana. Here he was married in 1859 in Natchi.

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an occupation he continued to follow until the toches Parish to Martha Ann, daughter of Isaac | opening of the Rebellion. In 1857 he came to Carradine (who was born in Mississippi, married in Jackson Parish, and in 1861 joined Company G, Texas and served as a soldier throughout the Texas 'Twenty-fifth Alabama Infantry, Army of TennesWar against Mexico and died in Natchitoches Par- see, and was in the fights of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, ish, La., where he and his wife, M. E. Carradine, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Atlanta, were staying a short time for their health). Mrs. where he was wounded and subsequently sent to Sharp was born in Sabine County, Tex., and has retired camp, Landerdale Springs, Miss., where he borne Mr. Sharp seven children, three sons and two received his papers retiring him from the army. daughters now living. The Captain resided in At that time he held the rank of sergeant. After Natchitoches Parish, until 1860, then came to the war he resumed teaching for one year in AlaMontgomery, where he was in business for a few bama, then returned to Louisiana, and was married years, but since the war has managed bis present in Grant Parish, in 1872, to Mrs. Mary Smith, a plantation of 600 acres, of which 125 are cleared

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daughter of John William Huthmance, a native of and under cultivation, all having been earned by England, who merchandised in Pope County, Ark.,

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, his own efforts. In 1862 be joined Capt. Hardy's tanght school in Shiloh and Vienna, La., and was company, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry, as

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editing a paper at Winnfield, La., at the time of his second lieutenant, and after serving for a short death. Mrs. Smith was also born in England, and time in camp in Northern Louisiana he resigned her union with Mr. Smith has resulted in the birth his position and came home, where he and some of three sons and one daughter. Since the war others raised a company and entered the Louisiana they have resided on their present farm of 160 State service, in which he held the rank of first acres, Mrs. Smith being the owner of 108 acres of lientebant, being afterward promoted to captain. land. Mr. Smith is an industrious and honorable He has been constable and deputy sheriff of Grant gentleman, and all whom he knows respect and es Parish, and is a member of Montgomery Lodge teem him. He is a member of the Farmers' Union.

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a

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C. H. Teal, merchant, Colfax, La. Among the votes. He has been in the mercantile business enterprising business houses of this town, whose since 1880 and has an extensive and lucrative trade. operations are worthy of record in a work of this He is also the owner of 350 acres of alluvial land kind, is that of Mr. C. H. Teal, who is classed on Red River, adjacent to the town of Colfax, and among the first-class merchants of Colfax. He has 1,000 acres of fine pinery. He is now enwas born in Natchitoches Parish, La., in 1851, gaged in stock farming, and has a fine pasture. and his parents, John and Amelia (Barlow) Teal, He started the hay enterprise in Grant Parish, were natives of Louisiana. Their paternal ances- | which he finds very lucrative. In fact Mr. Teal tors emigrated to Louisiana from Tennessee at an is one of the leading men of this section of the early day, probably about 1828, and located in State, and is identitied with all its public enterNatchitoches Parish. The paternal grandfather 'prises.

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prises. He was married in 1873 to Miss Cora Mclocated there about the same time and owned the | LaCour, by whom he has two daughters: Mary and Tessier place in 1850 as it now stands. He fol Louise. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, lowed planting up to 1860, when he sold out and baving joined that organization in Rockport, Tex. engaged in merchandising, which he carried on until Albert G. Thompson, a prominent citizen and his death. John Teal, father of our subject, emi. | extensive planter on Red River, is a native of Lougrated to Texas in 1855, selling his plantation and isiana, his birth occurring in Pointe Coupee Parish, slaves, and moved to Refugio County, Tex., where October 14, 1848, and is the son of A. B. and Isahe bought wild land. He has since been engaged in beila (Gayle) Thompson, natives of Mississippi and the stock business, and still resides there, being Louisiana, respectively. They are now living and considered one of the big stock men of the Lone the father is a successful planter, although he lost Star State. To his marriage have been born nine heavily by the war, having his cotton burnt and his children, eight of whom are living at the present slaves taken

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away. He came to Louisiana about time. The first death that occurred in the Teal 1846, and has been a resident of that State ever family was in 1885, when John H., son of C. H. since. He is now se

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seventy-six years of

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age

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and the Teal, received his final summons. The family then mother ten years younger.

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Albert G. Thompson nunubered over forty persons. C. H. Teal, the is one of the three children born to his parents: Mrs. eldest of the nine children born to his parents, was Alice Lombard is the widow of J. C. Lombard, and principally reared in Texas, and educated in the Mrs. Mary Wilcox resides in West Feliciana Parcommon schools of that State. The portion of the ish, La., and is the wife of George Wilcox, a sucState they were then living in was for the most cessful agriculturist of that parish. Albert G. part prairie land, and neighbors were few and far Thompson became a soldier in the Confederate between.

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In 1875 C. H. Teal located in Grant Army, in March, 1862, enlisting in the Pointe Parish, engaged in planting, and also established Coupee Battery, at Fort Pillow, Tenn., and contina stock depot on Lillie Bend plantation, which he ued to serve in the artillery till the close of the war, carried on in connection with planting until 1880. May, 1865. He received a good education in St. He then moved to Colfax and became sheriff of Mary's College, Kentucky, and supplemented the Grant Parish, under the new constitution, holding same by an attendance at Washington and Lee Cul the position for four years .

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At that time there was lege, Virginia, where he remained until in the sen some feeling among the parishes forming that dis- ior class. At the time he commenced to teach trict, as to which parish was entitled to the nomi- school in West Feliciana Parish, where he renation. Mr. Teal consented to be put up by (his) mained a few months, and then taught in AlexanGrant Parish in the contest, all delegates hav- dria one session. After this he came to Grant Paring withdrawn from the convention, and each ish, La., bought 1,200 acres of land which was parish run its own favorite son. He was then put then unimproved, and immediately commenced makup for the Senate, but was defeated by thirty-six ing improvements.

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ഀ He has been industrions and

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the war.

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saving and is now in very comfortable circumstances. Company F, in which he served until the close of Everything about his place indicates to the beholder

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Afterward he commenced to work for the presence of a thrifty and enterprising owner. himself as a farmer, and this has been his chosen Mr. Thompson is a Democrat in his political prin calling ever since. He has been unusually successciples, and is one of the county's best citizens. ful, and is the owner of 1,400 acres of land in this

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William J. Tison, a representative citizen of parish and 200 acres in Rapides Parish, 300 acres Ward No. 2, Grant Parish, was born in Rapides in Grant Parish being under cultivation.

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For Parish, La. (now Grant Parish), on August 15, twelve

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years he was a member of the police jury, 1840, and is the son of William and Sarah (Roe) filling that important position with satisfaction to Tison, natives of Georgia and Louisiana, respect- all. In 1865 he was wedded to Miss Elizabeth ively. The father was born in 1812, and was but La Croix of Rapides Parish, who died in 1874. six

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years of age when he came to Louisiana with She was the mother of six children, two now livhis father, William Tison, who made his advent ing: Euretta (wife of John Rice, a farmer of into this state in 1818. The father of our subject Grant Parish), and James E. (at home); William

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| was a raftsman on Black and Little Rivers for

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V. (died at the age of thirteen), and the remainder many years. He died in 1863. The mother was died while quite young.

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In December, 1874, Mr. born in 1825 and died in 1865. Both were mem- Tison married Miss Laura E. Saletus of Grant bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, Parish, and they are the parents of eight children, and he was a Democrat in his political views. Six five now living: Laura 0., Maude, Alice, Armor children were the fruits of their union: Rosana A., and Willie W. Mr. Tison is a Democrat in poliSarah Eliza, Neoma, Job H., Susan and William tics, and aims to support men of principle. He J. The latter secured a fair education in Grant and Mrs. Tison are members of the Methodist Parish, La., and when yet a boy, or in 1864, he Episcopal Church South. enlisted in the Twenty-seventh Louisiana Infantry, i

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ CHAPTER XI.

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RAPIDES PARISH-LOCATION, TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, PRODUCTIONS, POPULATION, STREAMS, WILD ANI- MALS-SETTLERS AND INCIDENTS-DUELING- ACTIONS OF THE POLICE JURY-OFFICERS-ELECTION RETURNS-LOCAL COURTS AND BAR-THE PRESS-SOCIETIES AND ASSOCIATIONS-MILITARY AFFAIRS—CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES-EDUCATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS BODIES AND PROCEEDINGS – NOTABLE OCCURRENCES ---- LODGES FACTORIES

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AND OTHER BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS-PERSONAL AFFFAIRS.

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**

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Bright and glorious is that revelation; Written all over this great world of ours; Making evident our own creation In these stars of earth-these golden flowers.- Longfellour.

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*

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HIS parish forms a part of 622 acres were in cotton, yielding 17,990 bales; Central Louisiana, but still 29,366 acres in corn, 1,875, in sugar cane, 2 acres belongs to the southern tier in rice and 232 acres in sweet potatoes. The botof the parishes of the terri- tom lands of Rapides are said to form the most tory known as Northwestern productive portion of the Red River Valley. Louisiana. It embraces the The returns of Assessor Haworth for 1890 give

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congressional townships and the following statistics: Total assessment, $3,493,fractional townships known as 1, 300;* total poll tax, $1,984; barrels of molasses, 2, 3, 4 and 5, north, and 1 and 2 6,565; bogsheads of sugar, 3,350; barrels of sugar,

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i south of the base line, in Ranges 5,188; bales of cotton, 17,930; bushels of corn, 1, 2, 3 and 4 west, and 1 and 2 160,320; bales of hay, 25,800; bushels of potatoes, east of the second principal merid 35,260. ian. Alexandria, the seat of just- The total population in 1880 was 23,563, or ice, is in Latitude 31° 18' north 9,512 white, and 14,051 colored. In 1870 there and Longitude 15

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15° 22' west, | were 7,742 whites, and 10,267 colored; in 1860, eighty feet above sea level, and on the border of the sugar-pro

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* In 1860 taxes were paid on 377,099 acres. Of this area there

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were 294,021 acres uncultivated; 13,460, under cane, produced 12,800 ducing country, of which the southern townships' hogsheads of sugar and 23,090 barrels of molasses : 37,460 acres under 9,711 whites, 291 free colored, and 15,358 slaves, and one-half inches with tusks six inches in diame | or a total of 25,360. In 1850 the population was ter. In the middle of the last century great herds 11,360 slaves, 181 free colored, and 5.037 whites; of buffalo visited Louisiana annually, and mention in 1810, 10,511 slaves, 378 free colored, and 3,243 is made of this animal as well as of others by early whites; in 1830, 5,329 slaves, 113 free colored, explorers, excerpts from whose letters on this sub and 2,133 whites; in 1820, 2,491 whites, 85 free ject are made in this work. The deer is still here colored, and 3,489 slaves; in 1810, 996 whites, 123 with the wolf and the bear. During the war sevfree colored, and 1,081 slaves, or a total of 2,200 eral immigrants came in from the Trans- Mississippi in 1810.

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cotton, yielded 13,809 bales; 31,731 acres under corn, produced 674,587

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bushels, and co acres of rice yielded heavily. There were 14,339 The lands of Rapides comprise the long leaf slaves, valued at $7,535,871, while the real estate was valued at $8,pine bills, 900 square miles, the oak uplands, 123

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130,203. The assessed value of horses was $154,136; of carriages,$54,

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964; of moneys, at interest and in trade, $195,000; of stock in steamsquare miles, and the alluvial, or Red River bottom

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boats, $2,500, and of unseated real estate, $13,085, or a total valuation

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of $16,683,645. The number who paid trade or profession tax, 126, lands, 475 square miles. In 1879-80 there were

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and the number of poll-tax payers, 1,997. J. J. Swan was then as76,149 acres of land in cultivation, of which 25,

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form a part.

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sessor.

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p

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The population in May, 1890 (assessor's States, such as the mink, otter, and smaller anireturns), was 24,539, of whom 2,000 were subject mals, and the pantber, which migrated years ago, to military duty. In June, 1890, the United States revisits his old screaming grounds. In July, enumerators found 27,635 inhabitants in the par- 1890, P. J. Sleet, of Bayou Papides, purchased a ish. The number of children of school age is white mocking bird, caught near his store. This 9,127, of whom 4,915 are of African descent, there rare songster has pink eyes. being 2,488 colored males, and 2,427 colored fe- At the McEnery quarry, above Boyce, a good males.

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quality of building stone is found. This rock Red River flows in a general southeasterly when broken makes excellent macadam, and bas course through the northeastern half of the parish. been used by the city of Shreveport in making The stages of bigh water in this river, at Alexan- | roadways. Even for bridge piers it is well adapted dria, since 1872, are shown as follows: April 29, and it is intended to use this rock in the piers for 1872, 33.30 feet; June 19, 1873, 30.20 feet; May the proposed bridges over Red River at Alexandria. 10, 1874, 34 feet; April 27, 1875, 23.90 feet; April The back lands, beyond the valley of the Red 17, 1876, 32.80 feet; May 15, 1877, 25. 10 feet; River, are clothed in large pine, while the alluvial March 16, 1878, 27.05 feet; May 26, 1879, 19.20 lands, north of Latitude 31°, are devoted to cotton, feet; April 12, 1880, 21.80 feet; March 20, 1881, while south of that degree to sugar cane. Great 24.75 feet; March 17, 1882, 34.85 feet; March 20, bay fields covered with a mixture of native and 1883, 26. 20 feet; May 30, 1881, 35.25 feet; May Bermuda grasses are common and produce largely. 19, 1885, 30.90 feet; June 17, 1886, 27.90 feet; The proposed railroads are the Kansas City, March 24, 1887, 14.90 feet; March 27, 1888, Watkins & Gulf Railroad, from Lake Charles to 29.60 feet, and on February 5, 1889, 29.90 feet. Alexandria and thence northwestward through In June, 1886, the river rose to 36. 16 feet, and Sabine, De Soto and Caddo; the Houston Central, flooded the town, while on May 19, 1890, the water from Alexandria via Monroe to Arkansas City, rose 36.85 feet, but did not flood the town, the

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partly built; the Louisiana & Northern, from Alexlevees being raised and guarded day and night by andria through Winn, Bienville and Claiborne the citizens. The fifty-hours rain of June, 1886, Parishes to Camden, Ark., partly built; and the caused a rise of 25 feet, and 13 inches in Red 'Trinity, Sabine & Red River Railroad, from New River, at Alexandria. It was the heaviest contin

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Trinity, on the Ouachita, to Ogden, Tex. The nous rainfall ever known here.

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bridging of the Red River at Alexandria may be The headwaters of the Atchafalaya and of the accomplished in 1891. Calcasieu rise bere, and several streams, such as A plat made by the Spanish commission in Oc. historic Bayou Boeuf and Bayon Rapides, flow at tober, 1803, shows the location of the Beluxy, Pas random throngh as fertile a conntry as exists.

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cagoula, Old Yonahny and Choctaw villages. In In the fall of 1860 M. Maillefert (who in 1857 ' 1813 there were three large claims in Rapides, on was contractor for deepening the channel at the

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Bayou Boeuf, above Bayou Clear, derived from falls, near Alexandria) discovered the remains of titles from the Indians, approved by Spanish a mastodonic animal, the teeth of which were four

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governors, viz. : Joseph Gilliard's 16,000 acres from

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the Pascagoula Indians, of which 9,300 acres were In Rapides, on the Opelousas and Avoyelles confirmed; Miller & Fulton's 46,600 arpents on (right bank of Bayou Boeuf) road, was an Indian Bayou Boeuf, from the Choctaws, and another village up to 1802.

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village up to 1802. In 1803 Thomas Long and claim of 11,230 rpents, or 9.487 acres, from the Littleton located there. Appalaches and Tensas Indians. The conveyance In 1816 James and Sarah Jeune claimed 800 from the Tensas was approved by Manuel de Sal arpents (original Spanish concession) in Bayou cedo, governor.

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Miller and Fulton were traders Rapides, as granted in 1802 by Intendant-Gen. at the post of Rapides as early as 1803. In March, Juan Ventura Morales. John Hebrard claimed 1813, there were 184 claims. Cæsar Archinard was 3,200 superficial acres on Black River, as granted commandant of the post of Rapides, in 1798; Rich- by Gov. Estevan Miro iu 1786. Claims were also ard Claiborne was judge of Rapides in 1811, and made by Dawson Hull, Bernard Gaynard, Pedro Valentine Layssard, surveyor and military com- Lamero (1791), Jacques McAnulty (1798), on Baymandant. The latter, in his testimony of January, ou de Canne, Cyprian La Cour (near the Cuney 1812, in re the Gilliard claim, states that the Pas. lands), William Miller (at falls of Row Gully Ba cagoula Indians were given permission to form a you), Madam Burney, Baptiste Valerie and John settlement in the place known as Les Ecores du Henderson (Bayou Cote), Hugh Bailey, Jean L. Rigolet du Bon Dieu, at the confluence with Red and Mary La Croix, Mark Powell, Hugh Coyle, F. River. De Blanc was then chief, and the permit Arro (Pointe Maigre), John, James and Ignatius was issued to him by Joseph de la Pena, of the Tear (Bayou de Cordille), John Holley (Bayou Natchitoches post. The chief resided on a hill near Hemphill), Jesse Kirkland (Avoyelles Prairie), Rigolet du Bon Dieu, while several clearings were Edmund Fabey (mouth of Sandy Bayou), Pierre made between Bayou Phillipe and the chief's house. Baillio (opposite mouth of Bayou Marteau), Xavier In March, 1795, the Pascagoula lands were sold, Robichaut, Dr. Green and Victor Babin (Catahoula and Layssard was ordered to settle with the tribe at ' Prairie), Milling Wooley and Charles McKernon Catahoula, but the Indians moved that year to the (at the ferry on road from Avoyelles to Alexandria), Choctaw lands (settled by them in 1778), on Bayou Augustin and Francis Bordelon, Joseph Gaspard, Boeuf. Michael La Prerie, who was born at the Joseph Renois (Bayou Rapides), Valerie Dozat, post of Rapides, in 1774, substautiated the evidence Joseph Gautier, Joseph Roy, Urban Plauche, P. of the surveyor. The Appalache Indians (Chief Dupre, C. Fouche, Joseph Firmin (Avoyelles Luis) had their villages on the southwest side of Prairie), Louis Huffman (Red River), William LaRed River, below and adjoining the Pascagoula cey (Catahoula Prairie), Celestin Moreau, Jacques territory. In May, 1802, the sale to Miller & Ful. Des Hotel (Bayou Rouge Prairie), Mark Elishe, ton of the lands of the Choctaw, Pascagoula and Ludling, Gideon Walker (Avoyelles Prairie), AnBeluxy Indians, on Bayou Boeuf, was certified by drew Ryan, James McAnulty, John Breard, W. Chicacha, Puschus, De Blanc, brother of Grand Raimon, T. Passano (L. Isle de Racourcie), WillChief Mingo, and Melad. The Choctaws who iam L. Collins (Bayou Rouge, where an old docsigned the petition asking permission to sell their tor settled in 1784), Henry and J. P. Decotte, lands so as to pay their debts, were Mataha (chief Michael Barry (Avoyelles Prairie), George Rowe of Beluxy), Slopahibahi (second chief), Legrose (where the Indians lived, on Bayon Boeuf), John Frize, Cachounabe, Lagrosselette, the son of Ocean, Shuits (Red River), Gabriel Martin (Bayou Rap Thomas Cachounabe, Cachenot, Le Bon Casseur, ides), David Duplechin (Bayou du Lac), R. T. Peti Peti, son of La Culotte, son of Gros Femme,

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Sackett (west branch of Cotelle Bayou), Benjamin Holop Finan, Petoche Laine, Atiape, Chapeau Ca , Miller, W. Seroggs (White Bluff), Stephen Fluke, milia, Dalsida and son of Culotte le Jeune. This John Sandres, Henry Palmore (Red River), Jean petition was drawn up at the house of Nicholas Latlord (cut off), Thomas Bays, James M. Mane. Chatelin, for the Indians.

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due, J. M. T. Husk (Red River), Martin Despal

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lier, Val Layssard, Joseph Lanoir, Baylon Lays- A thousand novels could be written on facts sard (Bayon Rapides), while near by were the suggested by those names.

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Ten thousand pages lands of Nicholas Walshe and Alex Fulton, John could not contain the incidents, connected with the Myers (Bayou Marteau), Robert Wilson, J. White lives of the men named. One incident, however. (Black River), William Hargrove, Littleton Long may be related here. The duel of September 19, (Bayou Boeuf), George Wolf, Ann Wade (three 1827, resolved itself into a free fight between the miles below Alexandria), Beverly Chew (Bayou Currys, Wells and Bowies on the first part and Rapides), James Levins (Sicily Island), Richard the physicians, Maddox and N. Wright and the and Matthew Earls (Catahoula settlement), Ben- Blanchards and Col. Crane on the second part. jamin Lindsey (Prairie Boeuf), Morris McLaugh. The affair took place at the sand bar at Natchez. lin (Little River), Paul Cavener (Island of Bayou The duelists, Dr. Maddox and Samuel Wells tired Lamoure), John Hickland, D. McClure, John two shots and settled the point of honor without Watson (Burnt Prairie), William Beasley (Bayou injuring one another. Afterward Curry and Crane Boeuf), Joseph Procelle, (Bayou Cotie), Charlette resolved to settle old feuds, Maj. Wright went to Ledoux (Charlette Prairie; ber house was built in the assistance of Crane, who had inflicted a slight 1794), Alex Freeland (Little Lake), Robert and wound on Bowie; but was encountered by Bowie, Joseph Tanner, W. Pierce, Paul Robert, Stephen and cut in two by the dreadful knife in the hand of Jackson, John Grimble (Bayou Boeuf), Henry the desperado. In later years Crane and Bowie

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, Burger (Bayou Cannes), Jean B. Leonard (Avoy- met in New York under most peculiar circumelles Prairie), Angelic Des Hotel, Jean de Lavarre stances and were afterward friends until Bowie (cut-off), John P. Farkin, John Harrison (Sicily was killed, while drunk or sleeping, at the Alamo, Island), Nicholas Gallien (Red River), N. Teunas, March 6, 1836. William Murphy, Joseph Poiret (Bayou Boeuf), Rapides Parish was established in 1805, and James Say (Wiggins Creek), Barns Clark (Bayou officers appointed to administer its affairs. Its Row Gully), Nicholas G. Vedricin (Red River), original territory, while not nearly so extensive as John Cooney (Bayou Boeuf), John Moore (Red that of Natchitoches Parisb (also formed that

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) River). Benjamin Ritchie (Bayou Cotie), David year), was large indeed and, up to 1808, when Lard (Bayou Rapides), Ed Dorsey, James Nelson Avoyelles was detached, complete in her ambitions (Bayou Mason), Bosra, the Indian, claimed lands and proud of her size and power. The incisive on Avoyelles Prairie, between the plantations of metliods of the legislature of 1807-08 were not reHypolite Trion and Joseph Carmouche, confirmed ceived with anything approaching applause by the to him in 1786 by Jacques Gaynard, commandant people of the upper portion of the parish. The at the post of Avoyelles, by instructions from Gov. i division of the territory was opposed by Repre Miro.

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sentative Johnson without success. For several Maturin Babin inhabited lands on the south

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years the parish judge was, in fact, administrator side of Bayou Catahoula as early as 1800. John of public affairs, and in most cases attended to Hebert, then aged fifty-seven years, testified to judicial business. Thomas C. Scott, who was this fact, and was believed, while one John Rut. , parish judge in 1833, was succeeded shortly after ledge, a witness for John Carroll, and a professional by John H. Johnson. In 1836 William J. Calvitt liar, would not be relied upon by the commission- was sheriff. Judge Henry Boyce, who came from

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, Prior to 1814 a man by the name of Mecom Ireland to Louisiana in 1829, died March 1, 1873. was killed during a dispute over the ownership of In the thirties he was elected judge of this district, lands on Bayou Mason. One Combs was accused and held the position fifteen years, when he was of this crime, but he and Rutledge fled. Fraudu appointed United States district judge for Westlent entries were common and Rutledge and others ern Louisiana, a position he filled up to 1861. In were brought forward to swear to their validity. 1865 he was elected representative, and the Legis

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ers.

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lature elected him United States Senator, but the son, president of police jury; J. N. Rhorer, clerk, National authorities refused to give him the seat. and James Adkins, jailer. Two substitutes for

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. All his contemporaries died before him --Judge persons subject to the conscription law were of Bullard, Richard Winn (who died in 1840), Dun- fered for $6.000. bar, Elgee, Ogden, Flint and other members of There is no official record of the personnel or the old bar of Rapides. The vacancy on the transactions of the jury until 1865, when new Supreme bench caused by the death of William record books were opened, all the old ones having M. Levy was filled by Thomas C. Manning in 1982. been destroyed in the fire of May, 13, 1864. On

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Very little that is authentic can now be learned June 5, 1865, Col. J. H. Coates, of the Eleventh of the district court or of the police jury of ante Illinois Infantry commanded at Rapides, with

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bellum days, for in 1864 the records were de- Capt. Boswick, provost marsbal. An order to all i stroyed. The jurors in 1830 were: L. Baily, ex-Confederates and citizens to deliver up their

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Rigolet, president; Charles C. Cheney; Cheney- arms, was issued June 5. The official appoint ville; Col. T. J. Wells, Spring Creek; William ments were Michael Ryan, district judge; J. H. West, Annacoco; R. Smart, West; William Jus. Cunningham, district attorney: J. A. Newell, clerk; tice, Cotile; G. Lacour, Jr., Plaisance; D. C. J. R. Williams, sheriff; J. N. Rhorer, recorder, Goodwyn, Alexandria; J. M. Sollibellos, Pine and J. C. Rogers, postmaster. Later L. D. CorWoods; W. H. T. Bynum, Rapides; J. Dunham, ley was commissioned assessor, and the following Calcasieu; W. C. C. Martin, Lamourie; J. L. named police jurors were appointed: R. C. HynLawrence, Bertrand Prairie.

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son, Alexandria; G. M. Graham, Bayou Rapides; A decade may be said to have seen all those men A. C. Lewis, Plaisance; Thomas Woodard, Cotile: retired and new men chosen to represent the J. B. Reeves, Lamourie; H. Carlin, Cheneyville,

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1 wards. They were dangerous times when ignor- and William Thompson, Spring Hill. On June 24 ance, passion and prejudice played politics and led

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1

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Col. W. S. Mudgett, Eightieth United States Col men to change their friends, their officials and i ored Infantry, commanded at Alexandria, while their own minds as often as opportunity afforded Gen. Custer had five regiments of cavalry here. J. them a cbance.

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E. Bailey was assistant assessor, and G. E. Bovee, In June, 1960, the police jury elected the fol deputy collector of internal revenue here. In lowing named officers: G. Baillio, president; J. N. , July the town hall was turned over to the civil Rhorer, clerk; D. W. Shaw, officer; M. R. Ariail. : authorities; Lieut. Julius S. Clark and Second attorney; E. B. Price, physician, and E. R. Bios. Lient. A. V. Lovell, of the Eightieth Colored sat, treasurer. The members of the jury of 1859 Infantry were appointed provosts of freedmen for who held over were Neal Davidson, N. Villian, Rapides and Avoyelles. On July 26 the jurors C. W. Boyce, J. P. Eddleman, K. M. Clark, named above, except Graham, with C. V. Ledoux, and T. B. Helm. The new members were J. H. of Pineville: P. Boggas, of Rigolet; M. Paul, Jr., Kynson, A. Rachal, John Davis, S. D. Will- of Calcasieu, and Allen Lewis, of West's Ward. iams, Gervais Baillio, and Ed. A. Neal. There i formed the jury. R. C. Hynson, presided; Frank were 101 syndics and fifty-one captains of patrol E. Forbes, was clerk; John Clements, officer; E. appointed; at this time W. J. Neal was sheriff and R. Biossat, treasurer; R. W. Bringhurst, surveyor, G. Labat, clerk. In January, 1861. G. C. Wood and H. S. Losee, attorney. In September, 1865, was coroner, Allen Lewis was a juror in April, S. Abner N. Ogden, Jr., was appointed commissioner D. Magee was jailer, and C. C. Chaplin was elected to hear testimony in the matter of records destroyed district judge.

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with the court-house in May, 1861. In October, The Louisiana Democrat of June 25, 18152, W. W. Whittington was appointed district clerk, points ont that E. R. Biossat was postmaster, H. rice Newell, resigned; A. J. McCranie was a memM. Labat, Confederate war-tax collector; N. David- ber of the police jury at this time; 11. B. Lewis

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1

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Jr.,

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was commissioned judge of the Ninth District in shortly after recalled on July 18, by the jury. J. January, 1866, and A. N. Ogden, district attorney, R. Andrews then president, with Bennett, Moore, rice Cunningham; P. Conlin was deputy United Robinson, Randolph, Sweat, Walker and Bogan States assessor in April, 1866; A. J. Sypher was formed the board; R. P. Hunter was attorney, and appointed sheriff by Gen. Phil Sheridan, in Au- W. J. Calvit, clerk. In August the Supreme Court gust, 1867, and in December, William Morris was decided that the jurors appointed in 1871 were en appointed assessor, vice P. H. Cavanaugh, resigned; titled to hold office, and they with J. N. Rhorer, J. R. Andrews was tax collector, and in January, president, assembled August 21, that year, Messrs. . 1868, George W. Compton was commissioned Bass, E. J. Barrett, J. Clifton and J. Clements sheriff.

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were members at this time. J. M. Barrett snc The police jury in January, 1868, comprised ceeded E. R. Biossat as treasurer, and J. Mulcahy D. D. Arden, president; C. L. Zimmerman, Allen was clerk. In January, 1873, the jurors elected Lewis, J. J. Myers, S. D. Williams, C. W. Boyce, in November, 1872, took their places namely, J. H. Ransdell, N. Villian; W. W. Whittington, J. A. Williams, president; K. M. Clark, J. P. was clerk.

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In February, C. V. Ledoux was Snellings, A. B. C. Dean and James R. Andrews; appointed sheriff, vice Compton, who refused to H. M. Labat, was chosen clerk; J. M. Barrett, take the test oath. In June, 1866, J. H. Rans- treasurer, and W. W. Whittington, attorney dell was chosen president. At this time the ques The police jurors, elected in November, 1874, tion of building a court-house was presented. In were James R. Andrews, Messrs. Dean, Williams, July Messrs. Arden, Ransdell, Zimmerman and S. B. F. Lambright and J. H. Sorrell, each receiving D. Williams, with the new jurors-H. M. Labat, 1,571 votes against 1,218 recorded for J. W. OsW. P. Glascow, H. McKnight, H. B. Ferguson, A. born, Snelling, Clifton, William Kelsoe and Joseph Duffield and K. M. Clark-qualified as jurors. J. Rhodes. In December the returning board countA. Crawford, was appointed clerk; Lossee, at- ed out the members elect. John Osborn was dis torvey, and E. R. Biossat, treasurer.

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In August, trict judge in 1875; H. L. Daigre, parish judge; a number of citizens were taken to New Orleans, W. C. McGimpsey, parish attorney; Levi Wells, charged with crimes under the Civil Rights Bill. district clerk; D. C. Paul, sheriff; W. H. Simons, In 1867 J. J. Myers was juror, vice Duffield, de- recorder, and M. Legras, assessor.

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In February, ceased. In February, 1869, C. W. Boyce presided 1876, J. H. Ransdell was clerk, succeeding Wells. with T. J. Gill, C. L. Robinson, Moses Bowie, J. W. J. Calvit was juror in November, 1876, and in Fellows, C. M. Calvit, S. D. Williams, Jesse Clif- January, 1877, he as president, with G. W. Bolton, ton, L. C. Sweat and J. W. Martin, councilmen. J. A. Calhoun, W. E. Smith and Thomas Woodward, The report on court house building was tendered qualified. J. W. Gordon was chosen clerk; James by Thomas C. Manning, December 7, 1869, and Moore, treas irer; W. C. McGimpsey, attorney; he with J. C. Wise, William Mills, Joseph Fellows W. M. Thompson, physician, and W. E. Taylor, and J. G. White were appointed a building com- officer of the jury. At this time parish scrip sold mittee; a special tax levy of $10,000 was author- for 50 cents per $1. In June, 1877, tive addiized. The proposal of Bouillot and Mills to erect

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tional jurors qualified under Act No. 57, namely: the building for $19,900 was accepted in May; but F. Seip, S. D. Williams, H. F. Long, B. C. Duke the opposition to giving the officials a chance to and G. Labat. Mr. Seip was chosen president. levy more taxes delayed the work. In June, 1870, In January, 1879, the first freely elected jury the jury ordered an election on the question of since 1865 qualified; F. Seip presided, with E. granting aid to the Back- Bone Railroad Company, Weil, B. Mayer, J. A. Dixon, S. D. Williams, J. and ordered all injunction suits against the board W. Moore, G. W. Bolton, F. A. Blanchard, Isaac of contractors in the matter of the court-house to La Croix and C. J. Barstow members. M. Rosenbe defended. The railroad aid ordinance was thal was elected treasurer.

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In April, 1880, Ben

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1

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jamin Lewis, Gustavus Labat, Joseph H. Hynson tie between T. J. Wells and C. H. Blanchard, and (president), F. A. Blanchard, A. Heyman, J. L. was decided by the parish judge. Rapides was Connella, J. A. Dixon, H. F. Long, R. Perkins represented in the convention of 1845 by R. C. and S. D. Williams were commissioned jurors. E. Hynson, James T. Brent and Joseph Walker. W. Halsey, at one time editor of the Democrat, was In 1850 Ralph Cushman, judge of the Thir- appointed governor's secretary, R. W. Bringhurst teenth District; Charles S. Leckie, sheriff; James was commissioned surveyor, L. C. Sanford ap- Stewart, coroner; M. R. Ariail, clerk, and Allen pointed clerk, and J. J. Neal officer. James P. Tuck, recorder, were holding office as the measure Hickman and J. Y. Haythorn were jurors in No- of their successes at the polls. B. F. Sibley and vember, 1881, and in January, 1882, Maj. Seip I. P. Waddell were senatorial delegates, and A. J. took the place of J. H. Hynson. In July the Isaacs and W. W. Whittington representative del names of J. W. Glass and George L. Wilson ap- egates in the convention of 1852. pear as jurors. In 1885 Messrs. Barstow, Black - The Rapides election of November, 1859, shows well, Griffin, James, Lawrence, Randolph, Swann, 892 votes for T. O. Moore, and 612 for T. J. Wells Thornton, Weems and Thompson were members candidates for governor. J. M. Landrum and M. of the jury; J. R. Andrews, assessor, and L. C. A. Jones received the respective votes for Congress; Sanford, clerk. The tax levy for parish, bridge, J. C. Wise, K. M. Clark and E. E. Smart were judgment and school purposes, was placed at 10 elected representatives; W. J. Neal, sheriff'; G. mills. The jury, as organized July 2, 1888, com- Labat, clerk; C. N. Hines, district attorney; J. J. prise C. J. Barstow, president; C. M. Carruth, W. Swann, assessor, and G. C. Wood, coroner. Dr. S. P. Flower, W. A. Griffin, Joseph Lawrence, J. J. A. Smith was subsequently elected senator. Swann, J. W. Texada, Lewis Texada, E. V. Weems, In January, 1861, John K. Elgee, Thomas C. and B. H. Randolph, clerk. Sanford and Officer Manning, W. W. Smart and Louis Texada were Grogan were re-elected. S. Cullen was chosen elected delegates to the State convention. They treasurer and Dr. Casson physician. A. H. Butler received 771 votes against 395 cast for their oppo- was a member in 1889, vice Weems, and on But- | nents. ler's death William Polk was appointed.

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It was this Elgee who reported from the comJoseph S. Johnson who settled at Alexandria mittee on the adoption of the Confederate flag, and in 1805 was elected representative to the first Ter- he it was who was foremost in demanding the ritorial Legislature, where he sat until 1812, when disruption of the Union in that historical convenhe was appointed district judge. He took an act

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.

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tion of January, 1861. ive part against the English and raised a regiment In the State convention of 1864 the representato defend New Orleans. After the defeat of the tives of Rapides were M. R. Ariail, A. Cazabat, J. British he returned to Alexandria, and served as A. Newell and Thomas M. Wells, while in 1868 judge until 1821, when he was elected congress

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J. L. Barrett and George H. Kelsoe represented man. In 1823 he was elected United States sena- the parish. In the convention of 1879 George W. tor, re-elected in 1825 and 1831. On May 18, Bolton and Robert E. Luckett were representative 1833, while en route to Natchitoches on the steam- delegates. boat “Lioness," a quantity of powder exploded

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Thomas 0. Moore, of this parish, was govwrecking the boat at the mouth of the Bon Dieu, ernor from 1860 to 1864, except for that period in and causing the death of the Senator.

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1862 when Brig. - Gen. G. F. Shepley was military In the Constitutional Convention of 1812, R. governor. James M. Wells, also of this parish, Hall, Thomas F. Oliver and Levi Wells represented was acting governor from 1864 to 1866 and goverRapides. William Dunbar represented the parish nor from 1866 to 1868. in the Legislature of 1839-40.

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Charles W. Boyce was temporary president of In 1810 the election for representative was a

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the Senate in 1864. Aristide Barbin was secre* James Andrews was nominated and voted for contrary to his 1,906, and C. R. Haworth (D.), 1,130 for sheriff.

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tary of the Senate in 1858–59 and Henry B. Judge Kelsoe was re-elected, the only Democrat Kelly, 1865-67. Robert A. Hunter was elected

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upon

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whom success attended. State treasurer in 1855 and served until 1860. In November, 1872, E. C. Davidson, Samuel Louis Bordelon was elected auditor in 1850 and Peters and J. Madison Wells were candidates for served until 1835. Henry A. Bullard was ap. Congress; when the first received 1,928 votes, the pointed justice of the Supreme Court in 1832 and second 976, and the third 228 in this parish. For served until 1813; William Dunbar served in the short term A. Boarman received 1,963 and 1852–53; Cornelius Voorbies, 1854-59; A. N. Og. Harry Lott (Col.), 1,161. William A. Seay and den, 1851-55; Thomas C. Manning, 1863-64, John Osborn received similar votes for district 1873-80 and 1882-86; Felix P. Poché, 1880-90, judge; M. J. Cunningham and N. A. Robinson,

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, and William P. Hyman, 1865-68.

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for attorney: James G. White and George Y. Kelsoe. The elections of November, 1865, show 109 for senator; Louis Texada, J. J. Swapn and J. G. votes for H. W. Allen and 258 for J. M. Wells, P. Hooe, defeated Joseph Conaughton (Col.), Henry candidates for governor; G. M. Graham received Worthy (Col.), and John Mayon (Col.) for represent276 and J. G. Pratt 265 for Congress; John atives; Henry L. Daigre, defeated C. V. Ledoux for Kelsoe, 119, A. D. Coco, 314 and M. Ryan, 224, parish judge; Sosthene A. Baillio, defeated Will for senator, and J. T. Hatch, Henry Boyce and E. iam Hustmeyer for district clerk; D. C. Paul, de T. Lewis were elected representatives. Pardons feated De Lacey for sheriff; W. H. Simons, de were issued about this time to Judge T. C. Man- feated V. W. Porter for recorder, and Giles C. ning, Chief Justice Merrick, Lewis Texada and Wood, defeated W. H. Shadburn for coroner, the Senator Semmes by the President.

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votes being 1,960 (D.), and 1,158 (R.). All who In May, 1866, W. L. Sanford was elected rep- were not elected were counted in, and all who were resentative; J. F. Smith, district attorney; J. R. elected, counted out. Andrews, sheriff, John W. Hickman, district clerk: The elections of 1874 show 1,546 votes for W. J. W. Moore, recorder; J. M. Cavanaugh, as. M. Levy, and 1,233 for George L. Smith, candi sessor, and G. C. Wood, coroner.

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dates for Congress; George W. Stafford, James Maj. Willauer, superintendent of the Freed- Jeffries and R. L. Luckett were elected representaman's Bureau in 1866–67 resigned in November, tives; H. L. Daigre, parish judge: D. C. Paul, 1867.

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sheriff, and Nelson Taylor, coroner.

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United States In May, 1868, the delegates to the New Or.

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troops were present at every polling place. All leans Convention, were A. J. Sypher, A. F. Wild were counted out except Judge Daigre. and William Gottschalk, all non-residents. George The elections of 1876 show 1,625 votes for W. Y. Kelsoe, Harry Lott and W.Crawford (all colored), A. Strong, and 1,752 for E. Honore, candidates were representatives of the parish. Judge Ryan for secretary of State; 1,454 for W. F. Blackman, was elected member of Congress in November, ; and 1,876 for R. A. Hunter, district judge; 1,416 1868, defeating Newsham by a large majority, but for E. G. Hunter, and 1888 for James Andrews,* the latter was given the seat.

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district attorney; 1,584 for Louis Texada, and The elections of November, 1870, show 1,180 1,710 for G. Y. Kelsoe, senator; 1,643 for K. M. votes for James Ryan (D.), and 1890 for James Clark, James Jeffries and G. W. Stafford, and McCleery (R.), candidates for Congress; 1,310 1.833 for W. J. De Lacey (colored), E. J. Barrett votes for Harry Lott, J. B. Lott and William Craw- and Baptiste Drew; 1,379 for W. W. Whittington, ford (Col. Rep.), and 1,163 for William A. Seay, and 1,935 for John Clements, parish judge; 1,620 D. C. Paul and G. W-Stafford (D.), for representa- for D. C. Paul, and 1,696 for H. M. Robinson, tives; John Kelsoe (D.), 1, 702, and A. J. Whittier sheriff'; 1,293 for J. G. P. Hooe, and 1,856 for J. (R.), 1.306 for parish judge; John De Lacey (R.),

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wishes. He refused to accept the commission.

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H. Ransdell, clerk; 1,592 for Mires Rosenthal, and lutions on the death of Judge W. B. Lewis. The 1,725 for V. W. Porter, recorder; 1,510 for Isaac signers were M. Ryan, R. A. Hunter, E. C. Leckie, Roberts, and 1,720 for W. H. Shadburn, coroner. H. S. Losee, James G. White, J. W. Hickman, In September, 1876, George L. Smith was de- and W. W. Whittington. Major Canfield died in clared congressman.

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In 1878. J. B. Elam was February, 1867. Judge Osborn was appointed to elected congressman; James C. Wise and James succeed him. In November, 1869, Judge Osborn Jeffries were chosen representatives; J. R. Thorn- opened court with a negro grand jury, Larkin D. ton, parish judge, and I. C. Robert, coroner. Corley, of Banks' Legislature fame, being the only

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In December. 1879, Will A. Strong received a white member. Judge Ryan protested against majority vote for Secretary of State; W. F. Black- this iniquity, but the judge, Osborn, decided in man was elected judge of the district; Edwin G. favor of the jury. The white lawyers and litigants Hunter, attorney; R. L. Luckett, senator; James left court in a body. On the death of Parish Judge C. Wise and J. F. Hathaway, representatives; D. Kelsoe, H. L. Daigre was appointed, and in the C. Paul, sheriff; George 0. Watts, clerk, and Dr. fall of 1872 sought election. From January, 1868, John Casson, coroner.

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to January, 1877, there were fifty-seven murders in In January, 1880, the contest in the matter of Rapides - forty negroes and seventeen Caucasians. the election of judge of the Twelfth District, was Lynch law was first applied in this parish February disposed of by the Supreme Court, Aristide Bar 23, 1877. One Cage stole a horse of Major George bin being declared entitled to the office, and W. F. O. Watts. The owner gave chase, came up with Blackman not entitled thereto.

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the thief on Gov. Moore's upper plantation, but inIn November, 1880, Thomas C. Manning was stead of surrendering, Cage wounded the Major appointed United States Senator, rice Spofford, and fled. Next morning the people started in purdeceased, but for political reasons was denied his suit, captured him at the Lodi sugar house, and he seat in the senate. Later he was appointed minis- | was taken to the jail. That night the jailer, C. M. ter to Mexico.

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Calvit, was overpowered, and Cage abducted and The election of April, 1888, shows 4,656 Demo- hanged below the town. cratic, and 625 Republican votes. W. F. Black - Samuel Travis or Samuel Fled, a colored man, man and A. V. Coco were elected district judges, i was hanged July 8, 1881. He murdered A. J. defeating E. N. Cullom and H. L. Daigre. James | Hanna, a merchant below Alexandria, October 20, Andrews was elected district attorney; F. Seip, ! 1879, was found guilty in February, 1880, and the senator; S. F. Meeker and G. W'. Bolton, repre- sentence was signed by the governor June 24, sentatives; D. T. Stafford, sheriff, George 0. 1881. Nineteen years before, in 1862, a public Watts, clerk, and John Casson, coroner.

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execution took place here. А negro by the name The vote cast in 1876 for governor, shows 1,649 of William Brooks was hung at Alexandria, May for Nicholls (D.), and 1,729 for Packard (R.). In 2, 1884, for the murder of his wife. Quite a gath1879 the figures change materially, Wiltz (D.), ering witnessed the hanging, among them being a receiving 1,941, and Beattie (R.), 899. In 1881 number of negroes from Grant Parish: As usual, there were 1,708 votes cast for McEnery (D.), Brooks professed to be confident that he was going and 1,157 for Stevenson (R.). While in 1888, straight from the gallows to heaven. confessed Nicholls (D.), received 4,678, and Warmoth (R.), the crime for which he was hung. 449.

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The registered voters in April, 1888, num- The present bar comprises R. J. Bowman, bered 7,309, 4,893 being Caucasians. There were

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James G. White, R. P. Hunter, W. W. Whitting 653 white, and 2,180 colored voters, who could not ton, Jr., James Andrews, H. L. Daigre, E. G. write their names.

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Hunter, J. P. Thornton, J. C. Ryan, M. C. MoseOn June 13, 1868, a meeting of the bar of Rap- ley, J. F. Ariail, H. H. White, A. J. Camack, L. ides, presided over by Michael Ryan, adopted reso- L. Hooe and Louis J. Hakenyos. C. L. Ransdell

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a

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bas served as deputy district clerk since June, Biscamp's millinery were well-known institutions 1876. In June, 1888, W. French was commis- at this time, Mrs. Cooper, a daughter of J. D. sioned office deputy.

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McCoy, still residing on Bayou Boeuf, holds a few The Planters' Intelligencer, Vol. IX, No. 46, of the first copies of the Gazette. was issued at Alexandria November 16, 1836 (thus The Red River Republican was established in pointing out its beginning late in 1827), by R. 1838 as the first Democratic organ of Rapides. Smith. The annual subscription was $6. At that Louis Zimm, who died in January, 1870), came time Edward C. Leckie was deputy clerk; John here to take charge. In 1845, when the Western H. Jobpson, parish judge of Rapides; M. Walsh Democrat was founded, Zimm turned himself and & Co. were merchants at Alexandria; S. E. Gun- his journal over to the Whigs and continued to ning and W. T. Crain were merchants, but on the espouse the Whig platform until 1853, when he latter's death, in 1836, Mackay & Amelung suc- ! left Alexandria.

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left Alexandria. He died in January, 1875. Vol. ceeded them; A. L. Barrow was lumber dealer; S. XII, No. 26, of the Republican is dated May 25, S. Carew presided over the academy; R. C. Mar- 1850. tin kept a general store; the Carrolton Branch

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The Red River Whig was established in 1839, Bank was in existence at Hydropolis, Avoyelles by John H. Ransdell to combat the teachings of Parish; Francois Gaiennie was elector on the Whig Louis Zimm. The editor became a local politiand Gen. P. E. Bossier on the Democratic tickets; cian in later years, and his name occurs often in E. H. Flint & Co. were dealers in wagons; Sand the

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pages devoted to the transactions of the police ford & Page, book dealers; W. K. English, gro jury. He died in November, 1869. cers; Normand & Boult, hardware dealers; M. The Western Democrat, Vol. V, No. 50, was Mahony, J. A. Crawford, -- Henry, R. C. Barry issued by Martin C. Smith, June 5, 1850. At & Co., merchant tailors; J. L. Crain & R. A. i this time A. McNutt was police juror from Bayou Hunter had just ceased business; the office of the

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L. Bailey Discount and Deposit bank of the N. 0. Gaslight / Hapides and favored the levee project.

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presided over the jury; M. R. Ariail was district & Banking Company was presided over by Cashier clerk; William Grove's School, Rev. Elijah W. R. Leckie; the Wasbington Tavern was kept by Guion's Female Academy, and Pine Grove AcadR. G. Leckie; J. M. Gordon purchased Walsh & emy or Digges' Academy of J. W. Ricks were in Co.'s stock in November and opened his store; D. existence. It was issued first in June, 1815, by C. Goodwyn was deputy sheriff and itinerant David Martin, a printer, poet, scholar and good Methodist preacher; J. B. Scott, clerk of probate judge of whisky. To him is credited the old song and L. M. Shepherd, auctioneer. A few copies of “ Erin is my Home.”

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It was edited in 1859-60 this ancient journal were found at Mr. Hynson's by E. W. Halsey and published by T. H. Brad house, known as Kent plantation.

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ley. In 1864 E. R. Biossat purchased the office. Alexandria Gazette, Vol. V, No. 52, is dated At this time A. B. Rachal, who has since been January 12, 1833. (It was first issued in January,

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, connected with the paper entered the office. 1828.) R. Smith & J. D. McCoy were publish- The Pictorial Democrat, printed on wall paper, ers; the act of March 16, chartering the Alexandria was issued April 8, 1863. Admiral Farragut was & Cheneyville Railroad appears in this issue, at the mouth of Red River at this time. E. R. Stephen Rosseau was then cashier of the Union Biossat was editor. Bank of Avoyelles; Baldwin & Dunlap carried on The first number of the Louisiana Democrat the Rapides Academy; the stores of Slocum & Co., issued after the war is dated June 14, 1865. It J. B. Calland, Anderson & David, the Eagle Hotel

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was given up to military orders. E. R. & E. A. of S. E. Bell, the grocery of Lowe & Co., the gen- Biossat were proprietors of the Democrat up to eral store of M. Walshe, the dentistry office of S. the close of 1872. In 1875 Mr. Rachal, who en Edgerton at Culberson's hotel, and Mrs. E. B. tered the office in 1863, took the place of E. A.

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This was

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Biossat as publisher. In October, 1880, James in 1879, Frank Connelly being editor. R. Waters became editor and Henry L. Biossat, a most aggressive newspaper, generally correct in publisher. Eugene R. Biossat, the veteran editor, its denunciations, but so often erroneous in state- died in January, 1881. His mother, who settled ment, that it was forced to surrender to an older at Alexandria in 1817, died there in 1867.

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and more conservative paper. In the fall of 1858 T. G. Compton, one time The Daily Town Talk was established March assistant editor of the Red River American (C. W. 17, 1883, by E. H. McCormick and Henarie M. Boyce's journal), established the Reporter at Alex- Huie. This was continued as a morning news- andria.

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paper until January, 1885, when the daily issue The Constitutional, Vol. I, No. 1, was issued at ceased, and a tri-weekly issue was instituted. In Alexandria August 4, 1860, by C. W. Boyce and January, 1886, the tri-weekly ceased, and the Benjamin Turner.

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Weekly Town Talk (established in December, The Southern Sentinel, Vol. I, dated June 20, 1884) was left to hold the field. In 1888 Mr. 1863, is printed on wall paper. The issue of Sep

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The issue of Sep- | Huie retired from the firm, selling bis interest to tember 26 of that year is also printed on a poor R. C. Jarreau and Miss Laura Huie. They, with class of wall paper, one page of closely printed Mr. McCormick, are the present owners of this matter telling the necessities of war times. T. G. journal. The circulation is 1,300, and the office Compton was editor, and the present Mayor Craw- gives employment to six men. The present office ley foreman. The price was $8 per annum in Con- building was erected in 1887-88. Within it is the federate, Louisiana or Rapides scrip only. Will- first steam printing outfit introduced into Central iam J. Neal was sheriff and J. A. Calvitt deputy. A Louisiana, and from this office the first eight page notice of the death of many slaves engaged in the paper was issued in Central Louisiana. building of Fort De Russy is given, and an adver- The Headlight, of Boyce, Rapides, was estabtisement for twenty negro' men to work in the lished in 1887, by J. S. Van Ingen and John W. Seminary Hospital was inserted by J. S. Fish, Rhorer. The rays from this journal did not flash

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. surgeon of Taylor Hospital. The Democrat of across the world, and even in Northern Rapides it this period was also printed on wall paper.

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failed to enlighten the people on their duties toThe Rapides Tribune was issued October 3, ward the local newspaper. 1868, by W. F. McLean. On the 15th of that The Alexandria Daily Times was issued in month the office was demolished and the material September, 1890, by the Times Publishing Comcast into Red River. He purchased a new outfit pany. Col. E. B. Wheelock, general agent of the and returned to Alexandria on November 15, when Texas & Pacific Railway, is president; Col. A. D. the office was again destroyed. McLean was stoned, Battle, the veteran editor of Shreveport, is editorJudge Osburn's dwelling was damaged, and he and in-chief; Guy Arunstrong, who graduated out of Parish Judge Barlow, both elected in April, 1868, the Picaynne's news department, is city and news on the Republican ticket, were subjected to abuse; editor, and T. N. Miles is business manager. The C. W. Boyce, formerly president pro tem. of the office building was erected specially for publishing Senate, was beaten, and other citizens assaulted.

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purposes. The mechanics employed on this buildThe Alexandria Gazette (new) was established ing were all colored tradesmen of New Orleans. in 1809.

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The Vidette was issued in October, 1890, as the The Caucasian was issued March 27, 1874, by official journal of the Farmers' Alliance. Messrs. G. W. Stafford, R. P. Hunter and W. F. Black- A. D. Lafargue and J. A. Tetts were the editors.

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On March 20, 1875, the valedictory ap- The number of white pupils enrolled in Rappeared. The journal, as its name denotes, was ides in 1877, was 507; in 1878, 1,093; in 1879, purely a white man's journal to its close.

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920; in 1880, 236; in 1881, 1,073; in 1884, 997; We, The People, was established at Alexandria in 1885, 1,314; in 1886, 1,028; in 1887, 1,314.

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man.

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а

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The colored enrollment for the same years was 331, 678, 557, 108, 158, 153, 598, 525 and 680. In 1889 there were 3,887 white children of school age, and 4,605 colored children, while in 1890 the respective numbers were 4,212 and 4,915. The attendance, however, is very limited.

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The school board for 1890 comprises Jonas Rosenthal, president; N. L. McGinnis, C. M. Shaw, T. S. Smith, Samuel Blum, James P. Hickman, H. F. Long, N. L. Hathorn and L. B. Baynard. In July of this year the members considered the Legislative act of 1890, which donated the building, known as the Charity Hospital at Alexandria, to the State Board of Education for educational purposes, and resolved that the State board should be petitioned to turn it over to the parish board for similar purposes.

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The Rapides Teachers' Association was organized in September, 1990, with John W. Brill, pres ident, M. P. Erwin, vice-president, and John P. McGee, secretary.

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The physicians who registered under the act of 1882, and placed their diplomas on record, are named as follows: John Casson, Francis W. Marshall, John A. Dunn, Stephen H. Rushing, David H. Tucker, Julius A. Johnston, William L. Van Horn, James E. Keator, Hiram D. Cooper, Samuel F: Meeker, James A Cruikshank, George E. Freuch, Samuel T. Birdsong, Smith Gordon, Ed ward B. Price, Charles T. Radcliffe, Jesse E. Col. lins, Americus Cockerille, Ralph Kilpatrick, Hen ry F. Myers, Thomas W. Compton, James R. Coats, James T. Phillips, Ira Bowman, Robert L. Luck ett, James S. Fish, James T. Keator, and Allen Patrick. Messrs. Gibson Myers, James H. So Relle and James H. Postorn registered as physicians of long practice.

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The Rapides Agricultural Fair Association was incorporated June 28, 1873. with power to consolidate with the Rapides Jockey Club. There were forty six members.

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Drs. R. L. Luckett, E. A. Cockerille, with J. C. French, Julius Levin, M. Heyman, E. M. Wells, W. F. Blackman, W. W. Whittington, Jr., and J. S. Butler were elected directors.

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The first grange in the parish was organized in

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April, 1874, with J. H. Hynson, T. S. Smith, J. W. Prescott, E. M. Wells, J. C. French, F. Seip, Joseph Fellows, D. W. Hynson, Mrs. Fannie M. Wells, Mrs. Kate Hynson, Miss Nellie Fellows and Mrs. Clara Flowers, filling the respective offices.

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The Rapides Parish Farmers' Union elected the following named officers in July, 1887: John J. Swann, president; 2. P. Squires, vice-president; D. B. Hogan, treasurer; John A. Dixon, secretary; Linn Tanner, lecturer; P. A. Swann, chaplain; --- Harper, doorkeeper, and W. L. Tanner, sergeantat-arms.

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From the very beginning of settlement the people of Rapides have been represented in war. Away back in 1730 or 1731, the very few inhab. itants fled before the Indians to seek refuge at Natchitoches. There the men entered the ranks of St. Denys, and conquered the Indians. On the western line, in after years, they pushed forward their cotton fields to stay the advance of the Mexi. can and so on up to 1815, when Sprigg, Hooper and others went down to New Orleans to aid in de. feating the British. Only in 1879 did a widow of one of the veterans of 1812 die here—Marcia, the widow of John Carnahan. In the Mexican War, R. A. Hunter was adjutant in Col. Marks' regiment, and other citizens served in the ranks.

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The Civil War brought into the field every man capable of bearing arms. From April, 1861, to the surrender of Appomattox, and indeed to a later period, Louisi. anians were in the field. Even when the superior officers of the Western Confederate Army agreed to surrender at Shreveport, the measure was condemned by the men, and many regiments declared their resolution to fight until the last man fell.

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In December, 1860, the Fulton Guards were organized at Alexandria with John Kelsoe, captain: M. A. Grogan, first, and W. S. Ridge, second lieu. tenant; J. M. Martin, R. C. Heatherwick, L. A. Cameron and J. W. Osburn, sergeants; B. J. Har tiens, W. G. Lloyd, B. Bogan and William H. Rogers, corporals. Col. Fulton presided over the meeting to organize; James De Lahuuty was sec. retary, and Rosemond Legras, treasurer.

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The Moore Guards, under Capt. Kelsoe, left for the front in April, 1861.

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!

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The Rapides Minute Company was organized at following named officers in June, 1861: P. F. Lamothe's Bridge December 12, 1860, with J. W. Keary, captain; John Burgess, W. H. Oliver and Texada, captain; A. M. Gordon and C. R. Hay- John R. Murphy, lientenants; and Samuel Roberts, worth, lientenants; J. G. Bledsoe, F. Gremillion first sergeant. The Cheney ville Home Guards and and C. Innis, sergeants; R. Cruikshank, F. M. the riflemen were presented with flags by the ladies Duffel, J. A. Fray and A. Vandegaer, corporals; of the town. Moses Rosenthal, ensign and Dr. L. Magruder, Kirby Smith writing from Alexandria, La., to surgeon.

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Richmond, April 25, 1863, says: “ The Federal The war meeting of April 23, 1861, was presided Army under Gen. Banks is within one day's march over by Gen. Montford Wells, with C. N. Hines, of Alexandria. Gen. Taylor is falling back toward secretary. Messrs. Ryan, Manning, Canfield and Natchitoches. The Red River below Alexandria Kelsoe were orators, and M. Walshe, H. Robertson, will soon be in possession of the enemy." WritL. Texada, K. M. Clark and M. Ryan, the mem- ing from Shreveport, July 10, he refers to his arbers of a committee to procure quarters for men rangements with Maj.-Gen. Taylor to concentrate who come into town to enlist.

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the Louisiana troops opposite Vicksburg. Capt. S. A. Smith, M. D., organized a com Gen. N. P. Banks reporting to Gen. Grant pany in May, 1861. James C. Wise, J. W. Tex. from Alexandria, May 12, 1863, says: " We believe ada and Thomas C. Manning were lieutenants; R. that a force of about 7,000 of the enemy has left S. Jackson, Dr. A. W. Davis, W. K. Johnson and Arkansas River to join Kirby Smith at Shreveport, J.C. Grimes, sergeants; Neal Davidson, Jr., George and intend to come down to Grand Ecore, above W. Stafford, Ben B. Burgess and B. Weiss, cor- Natchitoches, where a strong position is being forporals, and A. Cazabat, ensign. This was the tified. There is undoubtedly a Texan Column on second company organized for the war in Rapides the road to join them. My advance is now sixty Parish, but disbanding May 20, the greater num. miles above Alexandria. The only course for me, ber of members joined the Rapides Invincibles. failing to co-operate with you, is to regain the Mis

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, The Rapides Volunteers (Invincibles) organized sissippi, and attack Port Hudson, or move against May 21, 1861, with Lee Crandall, captain; Henry the enemy at Shreveport.

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, Huie, A. W. Davis and W. K. Johnson, lieuten- The invasion of Red River Valley by the Fedants and R. S. Jackson, first sergeant.

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eral troops under Banks is referred to in the hisThe Alexandria Independent Cavalry was or- tory of De Soto and other northern parishes. At ganized in January, 1861, with J. S. Severns, the close of February, 1864, Mouton's brigade was captain; J. C. Wise and John Bogan, lieutenants. at Alexandria, De Polignac's at Trinity, Walker's In February the title Southern Guards was given division at Marksville, with eight heavy guns, two to the command. The Moore Guards were organ- field pieces and a section of Vincent's horse in and ized and Sergt. R. M. Kilpatrick was commis. I around the unfinished Fort De Russy; Harrison's sioned major of the Rapides Regiment of Militia. mounted regiment near Monroe. On March 12,

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On May 25, 1861, a military company (The 1864, Adm. Porter's nineteen gunboats entered Home Guards) was organized with John P. Eddle- the Red River and 10,000 Federals entered the man, captain; G. A. Smith, J. T. Hewett and J. valley. At Simmsport the troops debarked on the S. Duncan, lieutenants; E. M. Calcote, J. A. Clif. 13th; on the 14th, under Gen. A. J. Smith, they ton, William Roberts and A. F. Jones, sergeants; captured Fort De Russy, killing and wounding ten Charles K. Oakes, H. Johnson, J. M. Lacy and F. members of the garrison, while the ritle pits below M. Miller, corporals. The total strength was nine- were taken by Federals from the gunboats, under

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Phelps. On March 15, 1864, Porter's advance The Cheneyville Riflemen, the third company

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boats appeared before Alexandria, where one organized in Rapides for the war, elected the grounded on the falls and was burned. Shortly

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ty-six.

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SOD.

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afterward the general advance was made and trans- Alexander Fulton, who platted Alexandria, was ports and gunboats moved up the river, keeping the first merchant. He was followed by John Caspace with the troops up the valley. Banks going In 1812 Martineau & Landreau opened their up was a very different man from Banks going store; then the stores of L. Levesques, M. Labat, down. His splendid army was beaten at Mansfield and Antoine Biossat were established. The two and Pleasant Hill. Since their passage going up latter came with Rochambeau and took part in the the river had fallen, and on getting back to the Revolution. Isaac McNutt, William Wilson, Charles falls on their retreat it was found that there was T. Scott and J. H. Johnson were old time lawyers. not sufficient water to admit the gunboats and Hypolite Beauboeuf, who died in September, transports, and there was danger of capture by the 1879, came from France to Alexandria in 1820 Confederates in pursuit. In this dilemma an en- with letters to Commandant Archinard. He entered gineer connected with the fleet, by the name of the store of Landreaux & Martin and later that of Bailey, constructed a dam of rocks and earth in Laferiere Levesques, but afterward beame a planter the nature of a jetty at the lower falls, just above and resided on his lands until his death. the town of Alexandria, and on the opposite side Thomas H. Hooper came in 1810, was one of of the river. This confined the waters and raised Capt. S. W. Gordan's company at New Orleans in the river at that point sufficient to admit the pas- 1815, married the widow of Alexander Fulton a sage of the fleet, and thus saved it.

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The burning

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few years later, and settled down in the Pine of Alexandria on May 13, 1864, is generally at- Hills. tributed to the Federals, but there are citizens Horatio S. Sprigg was here before the battle of there to day wbo relieve Gen. Banks of all

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respon New Orleans, but returned to Alexandria after the sibility and point to his great effort to save the battle and with Archie P. Williams and George Y. town. There are others who claim that a few men Kelsoe, became the owners of great properties. In of Gen. Smith's command were the real incendi- 1828 he was elected general of the militia. F. R. aries, while others maintain that the incendiaries Amsden, who in 1839 settled here and was assessor were natives and burned with an object. Whoever for ten years, died in August, 1880. William is guilty, the crime of destroying twenty-three Mills, known as “the old governor," died in De blocks or squares of a young city, was a most das- cember, 1880. Pleasant Hunter and family settled tardly one.

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at Alexandria prior to 1820. Robert A. Hunter, Alexandria, in latitude 31 ° 18' north and in who was brought here in infancy, died in July, longitude 15° 22' west, is located on the Red 1889, after a residence of sixtynine years.

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In River, at the month of Bayou Rapides, eighty feet 1838 be was State treasurer; twelve years before above sea level. It is distant from New Orleans this he was adjutant in Col. Mark's regiment 196 miles by railroad and 350 miles by river, and (Mexican); was United States marshal at the be from Shreveport 130 miles by railroad and 330 ginning of the war, and was among the first to volmiles by river. The population is about 3,000. unteer for service in the Confederate Army. The site is a beautiful one. Though almost level Robert C. Hynson, who died October 4, 1975, as a floor, its streets are never disagreeably muddy settled at Alexandria in November, 1818, as clerk nor are there standing pools of water to generate for Bryant & Martin, then the leading merchants. disease. The soil is sandy and rapidly absorbs In 1821 the firm of Wright & Hynson was formed. rainfall. Westward it is ten miles to the hills and

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Maj. Wright was killed by James Bowie in the thence to the Sabine River are magnificent piner- "Sand Bar Fight" in 1827, and Hynson conies, while the soil is productive and adapted to the tinued the business until its settlement in 1828, raising of grain, vegetables and cotton. Immedi- when he took John B. Heno's place as cashier of ately opposite, or on the right bank of the Red the Bank of Louisiana here. On the removal of River, is the village of Pineville,

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the bank from Alexandria in 1846, the deceased retired to Kent plantation. The Alexandria Li- rick Kelly and B. Glatt were elected councilmen, brary Society was chartered in 1924.

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by 326 votes against 56 votes cast for the RepubThe Alexandria Amateur Thespean Society lican nominees. On September 29, 1868, an act in

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! played "She Stoops to Conquer” November 17, corporating the town of Alexandria and repealing 1836. Messrs. Shepherd, Gordon, Brown, Mackay, all older acts was approved, under this act. J. W. Dr. Crawford, Curtis, Brewer, Wilmoth, C. Leckie, Osborn was elected mayor; I. J. Howard, E. R. Boniole, Boult, Bringhurst, Bryce and Wood Biossat, Julius Levin, I. C. Miller and S. J. Johnbeing the actors.

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son, councilmen; John C. Rogers, treasurer, and In May, 1853, David Martin was proprietor of W. J. Rogers, controller, in January, 1869. W.F. the Western Democrat; L. F. Parker was princi- McLean was appointed mayor by Warmoth, but cipal of the Boys’ Institute in the Pine Woods; refused to act until November 15, 1868, when the D. C. Goodwyn was secretary of Rapides Lodge, riot took place, and scared him out of municipal I. O. O. F., No. 35, with rooms in Judge Ariails' life. John M. Barrett was clerk in 1869-70. In ice house; E. & J. C. Johnson and S. K. Johnson January, 1871, R.

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January, 1871, R. M. Kilpatrick was nominated were druggists; E. R. Biossat was proprietor of for mayor; B. C. Duke, treasurer; J. M. Barrett, the Alexandria House; John Bogan of the Wash- controller; L. Gossens, with Messrs. Biossat, ington, and A. M. Hollowell of the Missouri Honse; Levin, White and Johnson, councilmen. In JanCharles H. Flower was captain and J. C. Wise, nary of this year the Stone Wall Hook & Ladder sergeant of the cavalry company; Henry B. Kelly Company was organized, and Thomas Crawley was and Ralph Cushman were candidates for district fire marshal. January, 18733, R. L. Fox was chosen judge, with A. J. Isaacs and J. H. C. Barlow in mayor, and A. L. Hilton, clerk. Edouard Weil the field for district attorney.

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was elected mayor in 1875, with B. C. Duke, treasR. Legras was mayor in Jime, 1860. Relief urer; A. Hilton, controller; James Bouillotte, E. Fire Company No. 1 and Hope Company No. 2 R. Biossat, M. Rosenthal, M. Legras and W. W. were active organizations at this time. In January, Whittington, Jr., councilmen, and Thomas Craw1861, the following namell councilmen were elected: ley, marshal. D. C. Paul was mayor in 1877-78, M. R. Ariail, H. Robertson, R. C. Hetherwick, with Messrs. Bouillotte, Biossat, Rosenthal, WhitW. B. Hyman and G. W. Barrett. I. T. Jewett : tington and Jacob Irving, councilmen. W. W. was treasurer; John Clements, constable, collector Whittington served as mayor for a short time. and wharfinger; C. W. Boyce, printer, and A. Ca- | Samuel Fellows was chosen mayor in 1879, and zabat, secretary

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In August, 1865, Gov. Wells A, B. Rachal, controller, with Lonis Gossens, E. appointed John Frazer, mayor; Jacob Irving, * R. Biossat, Jonas Rosenthal, Dennis Kelly and W. Jacob Walker,* Isaac Levy, E. B. Price* and E. W. Whittington, councilmen. James Andrews, Jr., R. Biossat, councilmen. In December H. S. Losee was elected mayor in 1881, wbile N. L. McGinnis and Joseph Fellows were appointed additional and W. 0. Damon, with three members of the old councilmen. The names marked above thus board, were elected councilmen. elected in January, 1861, with John Bogan and In 1882 the town charter was repealed and the James D. Osborn, councilmen, and H. S. Losee, city charter granted. W. C. McGimsey was mayor mayor. In July, 1867, the first town tax since in November, of this year. He was re elected in 18.57 was levied. It amounted only to $1,600. January, 1883, with A. B. Rachel, comptroller, and Eugene R. Biossat was mayor at this time. In ! B. C. Duke, treasurer. H. S. Gossens, J. J. January, 1867, he, with Jacob Walker, W. 0. Da Peterman, N. L. McGinnis, Jacob Irving and J. mon, Joseph Fellows, Julius Levin and Edouard Rosenthal were elected councilmen. William Leckie Weil formed the council. The elections of April, was a member in August, vice Irving. The plank1868, resulted in the return of Mayor Biossat. road ordinance was considered at this time. In Joseph Fellows, W. S. Ridge, J. W. Osborn, Pat January, 1883), Thomas Crawley, was commissioned

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, ,

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*

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were

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The mayor

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mayor; E. Weil, J. F. Garner, L. B. Baynard, D. ; In 1818 John Casson donated to what was Kelly and J. Rosenthal, councilmen.

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known in 1860 as District No. 4 a square of land and J. Rosenthal were re-elected in 1887, H. S. in the Casson Addition to the town of Alexandria. Gossens, E. J. Sullivan, N. L. McGinnis and Jacob Two years later a large brick building was erected Irving being the new members. In October of thereon, called the College of Rapides, the State this year, the 5-mill tax in aid of the Little Rock and individuals contributing moneys to the extent & Arkansas Railroad was adopted by 148 votes, of $20,000 toward its erection. The building was a representing $228,099. Joseph Fellows, Julius A. ruin in 1860. Johnson and R. W. Bringhurst ere elected coun- The State Seminary was founded in 1855, on cilmen in 1889. H. M. Huie was chosen marshal grants of land made by the State, from 1806 to and collector, and G. M. Ratcliffe succeeded A. B. 1827, for seminary purposes.

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This school was Rachal as secretary, who served for the previous | opened January 2, 1860, with Col. W. T. Sherman, decade. The present council comprises the three superintendent. In April, 1861, Col. Sherman relast councilmen named, with Messrs. Gossens and signed his position as president of the college, and Irving, Mayor Crawley, presiding. In June, 1889, Col. George W. Lay took his place. Sherman Judge Blackman held that the city was indebted confessed, at Judge Ryan's house, that he could to the Sonthern Artesian Well Company, in the not reside in a State which opposed the Union. sum of $1,500. Their contract was to sink an Col. Lay resigned in May, together with Maj. F. artesian well, which would give a natural flow of W. Smith, leaving Profs. Vallas, Boyd and St. at least 15,000 gallons per day, or a pumping ca- Ange in charge. Later Capt. Boggs was appointed pacity of 30,000 gallons for the sum named, and superintendent; but, on June 30, that year, the this the company carried out, but Mayor Crawley building was closed to students, and not reopened besitated to sign city warrants anthorized by the until April 1, 1862, when Col. William E. M. Lin

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ouncil, hence the suit. In the fall of 1890, As- field took charge. In April, 1863, Prof. William sessor Williams reported that the total amount of A. Seay, succeeded Col. Linfield, but on the 232 assessments for this year were $18.818.20; last of that month the seminary was closed, owing to year $12, 250, showing an increase of $6,568. 20. the advance of the Federals under Banks. During The taxes were this year $2,881.82; last

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year the session of 1863 there were 112 cadets enrolled. $2,535.19, showing an increase of $1,355.64. The Rev. J. T. Bellier was professor of ancient lanamount derivable from licenses for the year is glages until his death, in 1869. During the war $3,000; while the city taxes amount to $6,000. the building was gutted by fire, but early in 1865

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T. G. Compton was postmaster in 1810-41; was restored, and reopened October 2 that year. Lonis Zimm, the printer, was postmaster from : On October 20, 1869, the building was burned, 1815 to 18533; E. R. Biossat was postmaster in entailing a loss of $135,000. In later years the 1861. In June, 1863), J. C. Rogers was recom- wbole enterprise collapsed, but now an effort is mended for postmaster; but in September, Levi being made to bave the seminary or some kindred Wells, a son of Gov. Wells, was appointed. Rev. State collegiate institute back again. Thomas S. Bacon was postmaster in September, The present Catholic schools of Alexandria are 1866, when the office was reopened by the United in charge of the Sisters of Divine Providence, with States, and he retained the position until ap- Sister Mary Joseph, superioress since Septem pointed agent of the Freedman's Bureau for Winn ber, 1887, The convent and school buildings Parish. In June, 1875, John De Lacey was com- commenced at that time were completed in Sep missioned master. In 1880. Connelly was ap- tember, 1890.

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The average attendance is 100. pointed, but in January, 1881, De Lacey was re- Sister M. Blandino is now superioress and princi instated. In 1889 E. J. Barrett succeeded Col.

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pal. Thomas P. French, as postmaster.

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The storm of April, 1861, blew down the Alex

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CON1

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andria market-house (just completed), carried away 1880, the Legras building, Moses Aaron's store, part of the roof of the Ice House Hotel, destroyed the Baptist Church and parsonage, the Grange the buildings known as Parkers' Institute (then store and Thomas Cokeley's house were burned. converted into a clothing factory by J. S. Calhoun. In February, 1887, the town engine house was The hail storm of April, 1870, destroyed many win- burned. dows in the city.) The flood of May and June, 1866, Judge Cushman, of Alexandria, who died of swept over the levee above Alexandria on May 30, .yellow fever September 17, 1855, was the first and early next morning the embankment gave way. victim of the disease at that point. There were With the exception of twelve or thirteen houses, forty persons under its influence at that time, but the whole town was flooded. Tbe walls of Good- the type was not so malignant as in 1853. Fif- man's saloon, Henarie's and John Weil's stores; teen deaths were reported prior to September 25. Irving's brick house, opposite the town hall, and In October, 1867, yellow fever attacked the every brick building in town sustained damages or Germans of Alexandria as it did in 1853, carrying caved in, including the Ice House Hotel, which off five persons in town prior to October 23. The lost ten feet of its northwest corner in the current. disease visited the town in 1837, 1839, 1817, J. A. Williams' warehouse was washed away, and 1853 and 1835. From October 1 to November 1, the buildings of Sullivan and J. Walker were 1867, there were 140 cases of fever. lowered. On June 29, 1867, the levee opposite The first record of the Catholic Church of Al- the old court-house gave way, flooding the town. exandria is dated 1817, 100 years after the church During the evening the crevasse was stopped, and was established at Natchitoches and about 103

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years by morning the waters disappeared. The over- after that of Pineville. Father Anduze, of Natchflows of 1884 and 1890 are referred to in the first itoches, appears to bave been resident priest at part of the history of Rapides.

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the time. From this period to 1834 or 1835, one The fire of May 13, 1964, was started by the of the priests of the church at Natchitoches retroops in or about where Baur & Weil's store now sided here at times and visited the mission regustands on Front Street. Front Street was de- larly. In 1834 35 the present church building stroyed to the point where the Morgan Railroad erected, Father D'Haurd being resident depot now stands and back from the river to priest. Rev. F. Van de Vilde, S. J., subseqnently Fourth Street, or about twenty-three blocks. The first bishop of Little Rock, Ark., was here in Catholic Church was saved by Father Bellier, who 1837. Rev. Flavius Henri Rossi was curè and Rev. stood guard until a prospect of safety appeared. J. Chambige, C. M. K. T., were here in 1838, fol

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The explosion at Seip's saw-mill in February, lowed by Rev. Robert Doogan, C. C., in 1810. In 1870, resulted in the death of a Scotchman named 1849 Rev. M. F. Mazzuchelli came. In 1851 Rev. David Irving (engineer), and a negro fireman. H. Figary was pastor and served the church solely The fire of March, 1874, destroyed the Peterman until October, 1855, when Rev. L. Gergaud was building

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appointed assistant priest. During this year the The Alexandria tire of November, 1979, was curè and Pere Gergaud, as well as other priests, the most destructive known since its destruction performed prodigious work in attending to yellow by the Federals. It originated in the oil room of fever sufferers. The venerable T. P. Beliier came Julius Levin's grocery store, where a colored man in October, 1859, and in May, 1864, defended the was filling a kerosene lamp. The fire spread to church building, single-handed, against the Fed. Mrs. E. S. Hetherwick's dry-goods store, entail- eral Army. Stranger than this, he succeeded. ing a loss of $18,000; Julius Levin's four build. Father T. B. Avenard was appointed curè in An ings and stock amounted to about the same sum;

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gust, 1967. He remained until his death, in 1883. Fred Scheu's brick building was also destroyed Rev. Jerome J. Brès was appointed assistant in and other buildings damaged. On October 15,

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1882. Rev. L. Menard was here in March,

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was

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1

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tary of the Senate in 1858–59 and Henry B. Judge Kelsoe was re-elected, the only Democrat Kelly, 1865-67. Robert A. Hunter was elected upon whom success attended. State treasurer in 1855 and served until 1860. In November, 1872, E. C. Davidson, Samuel Louis Bordelon was elected auditor in 1850 and Peters and J. Madison Wells were candidates for served until 1855. Henry A. Bullard was ap- Congress; when the first received 1,928 votes, the pointed justice of the Supreme Court in 1832 and second 976, and the third 228 in this parish. For served until 1815; William Dunbar served in the short term A. Boarman received 1,963 and 1852–53; Cornelius Voorhies, 1854-59; A. N. Og | Harry Lott (Col.), 1,161.

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Harry Lott (Col.), 1,161. William A. Seay and den, 1854–55; Thomas C. Manning, 1863-64, John Osborn received similar votes for district 1873-80 and 1882-86; Felix P. Poché, 1880-90, judge; M. J. Cunningham and N. A. Robinson, and William P. Hyman, 1865-68.

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for attorney: James G. White and George Y. Kelsoe, The elections of November, 1865, show 109 for senator; Louis Texada, J. J. Swann and J. G. votes for H. W. Allen and 258 for J. M. Wells, P. Hooe, defeated Joseph Conaughton (Col.), Henry candidates for governor; G. M. Graham received Worthy (Col.), and John Mayon (Col.) for represent276 and J. G. Pratt 265 for Congress; John atives; Henry L. Daigre, defeated C. V. Ledoux for Kelsoe, 1199, A. D. Coco, 314 and M. Ryan, 224, parish judge; Susthene A. Baillio, defeated Will for senator, and J. T. Hatch, Henry Boyce and E. i iam Hustmeyer for district clerk; D. C. Paul, deT. Lewis were elected representatives. Pardons feated De Lacey for sherift; W. H. Simons, dewere issued about this time to Judge T. C. Man- feated V. W. Porter for recorder, and Giles C. ning, Chief Justice Merrick, Lewis Texada and Wood, defeated W. H. Shadburn for coroner, the Senator Semmes by the President.

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votes being 1,960 (D).), and 1,158 (R.). All who In May, 1866, W. L. Sanford was elected rep- were not elected were counted in, and all who were resentative; J. F. Smith, district attorney; J. R. elected, counted out. Andrews, sheriff; John W. Hickman, district clerk; The elections of 1874 show 1,546 votes for W. J. W. Moore, recorder; J. M. Cavanaugh, as. M. Levy, and 1,233 for George L. Smith, candi sessor, and G. C. Wood, coroner.

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dates for Congress; George W. Stafford, James Maj. Willauer, superintendent of the Freed Jeffries and R. L. Luckett were elected representaman's Bureau in 1866-67 resigned in November, tives; H. L. Daigre, parish judge; D. C. Paul, 1867.

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sheriff, and Nelson Taylor, coroner.

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United States In May, 1568, the delegates to the New Or. ! troops were present at every polling place. All leans Convention, were A. J. Sypher, A. F. Wild were counted out except Judge Daigre. and William Gottschalk, all non-residents. George The elections of 1876 show 1,625 votes for W. Y. Kelsoe, Harry Lott and W.Crawford (all colored), A. Strong, and 1,752 for E. Honore, candidates were representatives of the parish. Judge Ryan

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for secretary of State; 1,154 for W. F. Blackman, was elected member of Congress in November, and 1,876 for R. A. Hunter, district judge; 1,416 1908, defeating Newsham by a large majority, but for E. G. Hunter, and 1888 for James Andrews, the latter was given the seat.

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district attorney; 1,384 for Louis Texada, and The plections of November, 1870, show 1,180

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1,710 for G. Y. Kelsoe, sepator; 1,613 for K. M. votes for James Ryan (D.), and 1890 for James Clark, James Jeffries and G. W. Stafford, and McCleery (R.), candidates for Congress; 1,310

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1,833 for W. J. De Lacey (colored), E. J. Barrett votes for Harry Lott, J. B. Lott and William Craw. ; and Baptiste Drew; 1,379 for W. W. Whittington, ford (Col. Rep.), and 1,163 for William A. Seay, and 1,935 for John Clements, parish judge; 1,620 D. C. Paul and G. W'-Stafford (D.), for representa- for D. C. Paul, and 1,696 for H. M. Robinson, tives: John Kelsoe (D.), 1, 702, and A. J. Whittier

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sheriff'; 1,293 for J. G. P. Hove, and 1,856 for J. (R), 1.306 for parish judge: John De Lacey (R.),

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* James Andrews was nominated and voted for contrary to als 1,906, and C. R. Haworth (D.), 1,150 for sheriff,

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I wishes. He refuse to accept the commission.

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*

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기

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1

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H. Ransdell, clerk; 1,592 for Mires Rosenthal, and lutions on the death of Judge W. B. Lewis. The 1,725 for V. W. Porter, recorder; 1,510 for Isaac signers were M. Ryan, R. A. Hunter, E. C. Leckie, Roberts, and 1,720 for W. H. Shadburn, coroner. H. S. Losee, James G. White, J. W. Hickman, In September, 1876, George L. Smith was de. and W. W. Whittington. Major Canfield died in clared congressman.

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In 1878 J. B. Elam was February, 1867. Judge Osborn was appointed to elected congressman; James C. Wise and James succeed him. In November, 1869, Judge Osborn Jeffries were chosen representatives; J. R. Thorn- opened court with a negro grand jury, Larkin D. ton, parish judge, and I. C. Robert, coroner. Corley, of Banks' Legislature fame, being the only

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In December. 1879, Will A. Strong received a white member. Judge Ryan protested against inajority vote for Secretary of State; W. F. Black- this iniquity, but the judge, Osborn, decided in man was elected judge of the district; Edwin G. favor of the jury. The white lawyers and litigants Hunter, attorney; R. L. Luckett, senator; James left court in a body. On the death of Parish Judge C. Wise and J. F. Hathaway, representatives; D. Kelsoe, H. L. Daigre was appointed, and in the C. Paul, sheriff; George 0. Watts, clerk, and Dr. fall of 1872 sought election. From January, 1868, John Casson, coroner.

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to January, 1875, there were fifty-seven murders in In January, 1880, the contest in the matter of Rapides - forty negroes and seventeen Caucasians. the election of judge of the Twelfth District, was Lynch law was first applied in this parish February disposed of by the Supreme Court, Aristide Bar- 23, 1877. One Cage stole a horse of Major George bin being declared entitled to the office, and W.F. | O. Watts. The owner gave chase, came up with Blackman not entitled thereto.

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the thief on Gov. Moore's upper plantation, but in In November, 1880, Thomas C. Manning was stead of surrendering, Cage wounded the Major appointed United States Senator, rice Spofford, and fled. Next morning the people started in purdeceased, but for political reasons was denied his suit, captured him at the Lodi sugar house, and he seat in the senate. Later he was appointed minis was taken to the jail. That night the jailer, C. M. ter to Mexico.

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Calvit, was overpowered, and Cage abducted and The election of April, 1888, shows 4,656 Demo- hanged below the town. cratic, and 625 Republican votes. W. F. Black, Samuel Travis or Samuel Fled, a colored man, man and A. V. Coco were elected district judges, was hanged July 8, 1881. He murdered A. J. defeating E. N. Cullom and H. L. Daigre. James Hanna, a merchant below Alexandria, October 20, Andrews was elected district attorney; F. Seip, 1879, was found guilty in Febrnary, 1880, and the senator; S. F. Meeker and G. W. Bolton, repre- sentence was signed by the governor June 24, sentatives; D. T. Stafford, sheriff, George 0. - 1881. Nineteen years before, in 1862, a public Watts, clerk, and John Casson, coroner.

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execution took place here. A negro by the name The vote cast in 1876 for governor, shows 1,649

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of William Brooks was hung at Alexandria, May for Nicholls (D.), and 1,729 for Packard (R.). In 2, 1884, for the murder of his wife. Quite a gath1879 the figures change materially, Wiltz (D.), 1 ering witnessed the hanging, among them being a receiving 1,941, and Beattie (R.), 899. In 1884 number of negroes from Grant Parish: As usual, there were 1,708 votes cast for McEnery (D.), Brooks professed to be confident that he was going and 1,157 for Stevenson (R.). While in 1888, straight from the gallows to heaven. He confessed Nicholls (D.), received 1,678, and Warmoth (R.), the crime for which he was hung. 449. The registered voters in April, 1888, num- The present bar comprises R. J. Bowman, bered 7,309, 4,893 being Caucasians. There were James (t. White, R. P. Hunter, W. W. Whitting053 white, and 2,180 colored voters, who could not ton, Jr., James Andrews, H. L. Daigre, E. G. write their names.

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Hunter, J. P. Thornton, J. C. Ryan, M. C. MoseOn June 13, 1868, a meeting of the bar of Rap- ley, J. F. Ariail, H. H. White, A. J. Camack, L. ides, presided over by Michael Ryan, adopted reso

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L. Hooe and Louis J. Hakenyos. C. L. Ransdell

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a

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bas served as deputy district clerk since June, Biscamp's millinery were well-known institutions 1876. In June, 1888, W. French was commis- ' at this time. Mrs. Cooper, a daughter of J. D. sioned office deputy.

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McCoy, still residing on Bayou Boeuf, holds a few

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1 The Planters' Intelligencer, Vol. IX, No. 46, of the first copies of the Gazette. was issued at Alexandria November 16, 1836 (thus The Red River Republican was established in pointing out its beginning late in 1827), by R. 1838 as the first Democratic organ of Rapides. Smith. The annual subscription was $6. At that .

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Louis Zimm, who died in January, 1875, came time Edward C. Leckie was deputy clerk; John here to take charge. In 1845, when the Western H. Johnson, parish judge of Rapides; M. Walsh Democrat was founded, Zimm turned himself and & Co. were merchants at Alexandria; S. E. Gun. his journal over to the Whigs and continued to ning and W. T. Crain were merchants, but on the espouse the Whig platform until 1853, when he latter's death, in 1836, Mackay & Amelung suc- left Alexandria. He died in January, 1875. Vol. ceeded them; A. L. Barrow was lumber dealer; S. XII, No. 26, of the Republican is dated May 25, S. Carew presided over the academy; R. C. Mar- 1850. tin kept a general store; the Carrolton Branch The Red River Whig was established in 1839, Bank was in existence at Hydropolis, Avoyelles by John H. Ransdell to combat the teachings of Parish; Francois Gaiennie was elector on the Whig Louis Zimm. The editor became a local politiand Gen. P. E. Bossier on the Democratic tickets; cian in later years, and his name occurs often in E. H. Flint & Co. were dealers in wagons; Sand the pages devoted to the transactions of the police ford & Page, book dealers; W. K. English, gro jury. He died in November, 1869. cers; Normand & Boult, hardware dealers; M. The Western Democrat, Vol. V, No. 50, was Mahony, J. A. Crawford, Henry, R. C. Barry issued by Martin C. Smith, June , 1850. At & Co., merchant tailors; J. L. Crain & R. A. this time A. McNutt was police juror from Bayou Hunter had just ceased business; the office of the Rapides and favored the levee project. L. Bailey Discount and Deposit bank of the N. 0. Gaslight presided over the jury; M. R. Ariail was district & Banking Company was presided over by Cashier clerk; William Grove's School, Rev. Elijah W. R. Leckie; the Washington Tavern was kept by Guion's Female Academy, and Pine Grove AcadR. G. Leckie; J. M. Gordon purchased Walsh & emy or Digges' Academy of J. W. Ricks were in Co.'s stock in November and opened his store; D. ; existence. It was issued first in June, 1815, by C. Goodwyn was deputy sheriff and itinerant David Martin, a printer, poet, scholar and good Methodist preacher; J. B. Scott, clerk of probate judge of whisky. To him is credited the old song and L. M. Shepherd, auctioneer. A few copies of Erin is my Home.”

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It was edited in 1859-60 this ancient journal were found at Mr. Hynson's by E. W. Halsey and published by T. H. Bradhouse, known as Kent plantation.

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ley. In 1864 E. R. Biossat purchased the office. Alexandria Gazette, Vol. V, No. 52, is dated At this time A. B. Rachal, who has since been January 12, 1833.

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(It was first issued in January, connected with the paper entered the office. 1928.) R. Smith & J. D. McCoy were publish- The Pictorial Democrat, printed on wall paper, ers; the act of March 10, chartering the Alexandria was issued April 8, 1863. Admiral Farragut was & Cheneyville Railroad appears in this issue. at the mouth of Red River at this time. E. R. Stephen Rossean was then cashier of the Union Biossat was editor. Bank of Avoyelles; Baldwin & Dunlap carried on The first number of the Louisiana Democrat the Rapides Academy; the stores of Slocum & Co., issued after the war is dated June 14, 1865. It J. B. Calland, Anderson & David, the Eagle Hotel i was given up to military orders.

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E. R. & E. A. of S. E. Bell, the grocery of Lowe & Co., the gen- · Biossat were proprietors of the Democrat up to eral store of M. Walshe, the dentistry office of S. the close of 1872. In 1975 Mr. Rachal, wbo enEdgerton at Culberson's hotel, and Mrs. E. B. tered the office in 1863, took the place of E. A.

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1

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Biossat as publisher. In October, 1880, James in 1879, Frank Connelly being editor.

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This was R. Waters became editor and Henry L. Biossat, a most aggressive newspaper, generally correct in publisher. Eugene R. Biossat, the veteran editor, its denunciations, but so often erroneous in statedied in January, 1881. His mother, who settled

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,

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ment, that it was forced to surrender to an older at Alexandria in 1817, died there in 1867.

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and more conservative paper. In the fall of 1838 T. G. Compton, one time The Daily Town Talk was established March issistant editor of the Red River American (C. 17, 1883, by E. H. McCormick and Henarie M. Boyce's journal), established the Reporter at Alex- Huie. This was continued as a morning newsandria.

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paper until January, 1887, when the daily issue The Constitutional, Vol. I, No. 1, was issued at ceased, and a tri-weekly issue was instituted. In Alexandria August 4, 1860, by C. W. Boyce and January, 1886, the tri-weekly ceased, and the Benjamin Turner.

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Weekly Town Talk (established in December, The Southern Sentinel, Vol. I, dated June 20, 1884) was left to hold the field. In 1888 Mr. 1863, is printed on wall paper. The issue of Sep- Huie retired from the firm, selling bis interest to tember 26 of that year is also printed on a poor R. C. Jarreau and Miss Laura Huie. They, with class of wall paper, one page of closely printed Mr. McCormick, are the present owners of this matter telling the necessities of war times. T. G. journal. The circulation is 1,300, and the office Compton was editor, and the present Mayor Craw- gives employment to six men. The present office ley foreman. The price was $8 per annum in Con- building was erected in 1887-88. Within it is the federate, Louisiana or Rapides serip only. Will- first steam printing outfit introduced into Central iam J. Neal was sheriff and J. A. Calvitt deputy. A Louisiana, and from this office the first eight page notice of the death of many slaves engaged in the paper was issued in Central Louisiana. building of Fort De Russy is given, and an adver- The Headlight, of Boyce, Rapides, was estabtisement for twenty negro men to work in the lished in 1887, by J. S. Van Ingen and John W. Seminary Hospital was inserted by J. S. Fish, Rhorer. The rays from this journal did not flash surgeon of Taylor Hospital. The Democrat of across the world, and even in Northern Rapides it this period was also printed on wall paper.

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failed to enlighten the people on their duties toThe Rapides Tribune was issued October 3, ward the local newspaper. 1868, by W. F. McLean. On the 15th of that The Alexandria Daily Times was issued in month the office was demolished and the material | September, 1890, by the Times Publishing Comcast into Red River. He purchased a new outfit .

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pany. Col. E. B. Wheelock, general agent of the and returned to Alexandria on November 15, when Texas & Pacific Railway, is president; Col. A. D. the office was again destroyed. McLean was stoned, Battle, the veteran editor of Shreveport, is editor Judge Osburn's dwelling was damaged, and he and in-chief; Guy Armstrong, who graduated out of Parish Judge Barlow, both elected in April, 1868, the Picayune's news department, is city and news on the Republican ticket, were subjected to abuse; editor, and T. N. Miles is business manager. The C. W. Boyce, formerly president pro tem. of the office building was erected specially for publishing Senate, was beaten, and other citizens assaulted.

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purposes. The mechanics employed on this build The Alexandria Gazette (new) was established ing were all colored tradesmen of New Orleans. in 1869.

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The Vidette was issued in October, 1890, as the The Caucasian was issued March 27, 1874, by official journal of the Farmers' Alliance. Messrs. G. W. Stafford, R. P. Hunter and W. F. Black- A. D. Lafargue and J. A. Tetts were the editors.

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On March 20, 1875, the valedictory ap- The number of white pupils enrolled in Rap. peared. The journal, as its name denotes, was ides in 1877, was 507; in 1878, 1,093; in 1879, purely a white man's journal to its close.

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920; in 1880, 236; in 1881, 1,073; in 1984, 997; We, The People, was established at Alexandria in 1885, 1,314; in 1886, 1,028; in 1887, 1,314.

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man.

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at-arms.

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The colored enrollment for the same years was April, 1874, with J. H. Hynson, T. S. Smith, J. 351, 678, 555, 108, 158, 153, 598, 525 and 680. W. Prescott, E. M. Wells, J. C. French, F. Seip, In 1889 there were 3,887 white children of school Joseph Fellows, D. W. Hynson, Mrs. Fannie M. age, and +,605 colored children, while in 1890 the Wells, Mrs. Kate Hynson, Miss Nellie Fellows and respective numbers were 4,212 and 4,915. The Mrs. Clara Flowers, filling the respective offices. attendance, however, is very limited.

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The Rapides Parish Farmers' Union elected the The school board for 1890 comprises Jonas following named officers in July, 1887: John J. Rosenthal, president; N. L. McGinnis, C. M. Shaw, Swann, president; Z. P. Squires, vice-president; T. S. Smith, Samuel Blum, James P. Hickman, D. B. Hogan, treasurer; John A. Dixon, secretary; H. F. Long, N. L. Hathorn and L. B. Baynard. Linn Tanner, lecturer; P. A. Swann, chaplain; In July of this year the members considered the Harper, doorkeeper, and W. L. Tanner, sergeant Legislative act of 1890, which donated the building, known as the Charity Hospital at Alexandria,

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From the very beginning of settlement the to the State Board of Education for educational people of Rapides have been represented in war. purposes, and resolved that the State board should

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Away back in 1730 or 1731, the very few inhab. be petitioned to turn it over to the parish board itants fled before the Indians to seek refuge at for similar purposes.

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Natchitoches. There the men entered the ranks The Rapides Teachers' Association was organ- of St. Denys, and conquered the Indians. On the ized in September, 1890, with John W. Brill, preg. western line, in after years, they pushed forward ident, M. P. Erwin, vice-president, and John P. their cotton fields to stay the advance of the MexiMcGee, secretary.

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can and so on up to 1815, when Sprigg, Hooper The physicians who registered under the act of and others went down to New Orleans to aid in de. 1882, and placed their diplomas on record, are feating the British. Only in 1879 did a widow of one named as follows: John Casson, Francis W. Mar- of the veterans of 1812 die here--Marcia, the widow shall, John A. Dunn, Stephen H. Rushing, David of John Carnahan. In the Mexican War, R. A. H. Tucker, Julius A. Johnston, William L. Van Hunter was adjutant in Col. Marks' regiment, and Horn, James E. Keator, Hiram D. Cooper, Samuel other citizens served in the ranks. The Civil War F: Meeker, James A. Cruikshank, George E. brought into the field every man capable of bearFrench, Samuel T. Birdsong, Sunith Gordon, Eding arms. From April, 1861, to the surrender of ward B. Price, Charles T. Radcliffe, Jesse E. Col. Appomattox, and indeed to a later period, Louisilins, Americus Cockerille, Ralph Kilpatrick, Hen anians were in the field. Even when the superior ry F. Myers, Thomas W. Compton, James R. Coats, officers of the Western Confederate Army agreed James T. Phillips, Ira Bowman, Robert L. Luck to surrender at Shreveport, the measure was conett, James S. Fish, James T. Keator, and Allen demned by the men, and many regiments declared Patrick. Messrs. Gibson Myers, James H. So Relle their resolution to fight until the last man fell. and James H. Postorn registered as physicians of In December, 1860, the Fulton Guards were long practice.

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organized at Alexandria with John Kelsoe, captain; The Rapides Agricultural Fair Association was M. A. Grogan, first, and W. S. Ridge, second lieuincorporated June 28, 1873, with power to con- tenant; J. M. Martin, R. C. Heatherwick, L. A. solidate with the Rapides Jockey Club. There Cameron and J. W. Osburn, sergeants; B. J. Harwere forty six members. Drs. R. L. Luckett, E. tiens, W. G. Lloyd, B. Bogan and William H. A. Cockerille, with J. C. French, Julins Levin, M. Rogers, corporals. Col. Fulton presided over the Heyman, E. M. Wells, W. F. Blackman, W. W.

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meeting to organize: James De Lahuuty was sec. Whittington, Jr., and J. S. Butler were elected retary, and Rosemond Legras, treasurer.

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The directors.

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Moore Guards, under Capt. Kelsoe, left for the The first grange in the parish was organized in front in April, 1861.

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The Rapides Minute Company was organized at / following named officers in June, 1861: P. F. Lamothe's Bridge December 12, 1860, with J. W. Keary, captain; John Burgess, W. H. Oliver and Texada, captain; A. M. Gordon and C. R. Hay- John R. Murphy, lieutenants; and Samuel Roberts, worth, lieutenants; J. G. Bledsoe, F. Gremillion first sergeant. The Cheney ville Home Guards and and C. Innis, sergeants; R. Cruikshank, F. M. the riflemen were presented with flags by the ladies Duffel, J. A. Fray and A. Vandegaer, corporals; , of the town. Moses Rosenthal, ensign and Dr. L. Magruder, Kirby Smith writing from Alexandria, La., to surgeon.

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Richmond, April 25, 1863, says: “The Federal The war meeting of April 23, 1861, was presided Army under Gen. Banks is within one day's march over by Gen. Montford Wells, with C. N. Hines, of Alexandria. Gen. Taylor is falling back toward

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, secretary. Messrs. Ryan, Manning, Cantield and

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,

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Natchitoches. The Red River below Alexandria · Kelsoe were orators, and M. Walshe, H. Robertson, will soon be in possession of the enemy.

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WritL. Texada, K. M. Clark and M. Ryan, the mem- ing from Shreveport, July 10, he refers to his arbers of a committee to procure quarters for men rangements with Maj.-Gen. Taylor to concentrate who come into town to enlist.

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the Louisiana troops opposite Vicksburg. Capt. S. A. Smith, M. D., organized a com Gen. N. P. Banks reporting to Gen. Grant pany in May, 1861. James C. Wise, J. W. Tex: from Alexandria, May 12, 1863,

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, says: “ We believe ada and Thomas C. Manning were lieutenants; R. that a force of about 7,000 of the enemy has left S. Jackson, Dr. A. W'. Davis, W. K. Johnson and Arkansas River to join Kirby Smith at Shreveport, J.C. Grimes, sergeants; Neal Davidson, Jr., George and intend to come down to Grand Ecore, above W. Stafford, Ben B. Burgess and B. Weiss, cor- Natchitoches, where a strong position is being forporals, and A. Cazabat, ensign. This was the tified. There is undoubtedly a Texan Column on second company organized for the war in Rapides the road to join them. My advance is now sixty Parish, but disbanding May 20, the greater num- miles above Alexandria. The only course for me, ber of members joined the Rapides Invincibles. failing to co-operate with you, is to regain the Mis

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The Rapides Volunteers (Invincibles) organized sissippi, and attack Port Hudson, or move against May 21, 1861, with Lee Crandall, captain; Henry the enemy at Shreveport. Huie. A. W. Davis and W. K. Johnson, lieuten The invasion of Red River Valley by the Fedants and R. S. Jackson, first sergeant.

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eral troops under Banks is referred to in the hisThe Alexandria Independent Cavalry was or- tory of De Soto and other northern parishes. At ganized in January, 1861, with J. S. Severns, the close of February, 1864, Mouton's brigade was captain; J. C. Wise and John Bogan, lieutenants. , at Alexandria, De Polignac's at Trinity, Walker's In February the title Southern Guards was given division at Marksville, with eight heavy guns, two to the command. The Moore Guards were organ

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field pieces and a section of Vincent's horse in and ized and Sergt. R. M. Kilpatrick was commis- : around the unfinished Fort De Russy; Harrison's sioned major of the Rapides Regiment of Militia. mounted regiment near Monroe. On March 12, On May 23, 1961, a military company (The 1864, Adm. Porter's nineteen gunboats entered

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25 Home Guards) was organized with Job P. Eddle- the Red River and 10,000 Federals entered the man, captain; G. A. Smith, J. T. Hewett and J. valley. At Simmsport the troops debarked on the S. Duncan, lieutenants; E. M. Calcote, J. A. Clif- 13th; on the 14th, under Gen. A. J. Smith, they ton, William Roberts and A. F. Jones, sergeants; captured Fort De Russy, killing and wounding ten Charles K. Oakes, H. Johnson, J. M. Lacy and F. members of the garrison, while the rifle pits below M. Miller, corporals. The total strength was nine- were taken by Federals from the gunboats, under ty-six.

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Phelps. On March 13, 1864, Porter's advance The Cheneyville Ritlemen, the third company boats appeared before Alexandria, where one organized in Rapides for the war, elected the grounded on the falls and was burned. Shortly

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son.

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afterward the general advance was made and trans- Alexander Fulton, who platted Alexandria, was ports and gunboats moved up the river, keeping the first merchant. He was followed by John Cas. pace with the troops up the valley. Banks going In 1812 Martineau & Landreau opened their up was a very different man from Banks going store; then the stores of L. Levesques, M. Labat, down. His splendid army waz beaten at Mansfield and Antoine Biossat were established. The two and Pleasant Hill. Since their passage going up latter came with Rochambeau and took part in the the river had fallen, and on getting back to the Revolution. Isaac McNutt, William Wilson, Charles falls on their retreat it was found that there was T. Scott and J. H. Johnson were old time lawyers. not sufficient water to admit the gunboats and Hypolite Beauboeuf, who died in September, transports, and there was danger of capture by the 1879, came from France to Alexandria in 1820 Confederates in pursuit. In this dilemma an en- with letters to Commandant Archinard. He entered gineer connected with the fleet, by the name of the store of Landreaux & Martin and later that of Bailey, constructed a dam of rocks and earth in Laferiere Levesques, but afterward beame a planter the nature of a jetty at the lower falls, just above and resided on his lands until his death. the town of Alexandria, and on the opposite side Thomas H. Hooper came in 1810, was one of of the river. This confined the waters and raised Capt. S. W. Gordan's company at New Orleans in the river at that point sufficient to admit the pas- 1815, married the widow of Alexander Fulton a sage of the fleet, and thus saved it. The burning | few years later, and settled down in the Pine of Alexandria on May 13, 1864, is generally at- Hills. tributed to the Federals, but there are citizens Horatio S. Sprigg was here before the battle of there to day who relieve Gen. Banks of all respon New Orleans, but returned to Alexandria after the sibility and point to his great effort to save the battle and with Archie P. Williams and George Y. town, There are others who claim that a few men Kelsoe, became the owners of great properties. In of Gen. Smith's command were the real incendi- 1828 he was elected general of the militia. F. R. aries, while others maintain that the incendiaries Amsden, who in 1839 settled here and was assessor were natives and burned with an object. Whoever for ten years, died in August, 1880. William is guilty, the crime of destroying twenty-three Mills, known as “the old governor,

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died in De blocks or squares of a young city, was a most das. cember, 1880. Pleasant Hunter and family settled tardly one.

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at Alexandria prior to 1820. Robert A. Hunter,

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.

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, Alexandria, in latitude 31 18' north and in who was brought here in infancy, died in July, longitude 15°22' west, is located on the Red 1889, after a residence of sixty-nine years.

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In River, at the mouth of Bayou Rapides, eighty feet 1838 he was State treasurer; twelve years before above sea level. It is distant from New Orleans this he was adjutant in Col. Mark's regiment 1965 miles by railroad and 350 miles by river, and (Mexican); was United States marshal at the be from Shreveport 130 miles by railroad and 350 giuning of the war, and was among the first to vol mjies by river. The population is about 3,000. unteer for service in the Confederate Army. The site is a beautiful one. Though almost level

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Robert C. Hynson, who died October 4, 1575, as a floor, its streets are never disagreeably muddy settled at Alexandria in November, 1918, as clerk nor are there standing pools of water to generate for Bryant & Martin, then the leading merchants. disease. The soil is sandy and rapidly absorbs In 1921 the firm of Wright & Hynson was formed. rainfall. Westward it is ten miles to the hills and

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Maj. Wright was killed by James Bowie in the thence to the Sabine River are magnificent piner. "Sand Bar Fight” in 1827, and Hynson conies, while the soil is productive and adapted to the tinued the business until its settlement in 1828, raising of grain, vegetables and cotton. Immedi- when he took John B. Heno's place as cashier of ately opposite, or on the right bank of the Red the Bank of Louisiana here.

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On the removal of River, is the village of Pineville

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the bank from Alexandria in 1846, the deceased

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a

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retired to Kent plantation. The Alexandria Li- rick Kelly and B. Glatt were elected councilmen, brary Society was chartered in 1824.

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by 326 votes against 50 votes cast for the RepubThe Alexandria Amateur Thespean Society lican nominees. On September 29, 1868, an act inplayed “She Stoops to Conquer” November 17, corporating the town of Alexandria and repealing 1836. Messrs. Shepherd, Gordon, Brown, Mackay, i all older acts was approved, under this act. J. W. Dr. Crawford, Curtis, Brewer, Wilmoth, C. Leckie, Osborn was elected mayor; I. J. Howard, E. R. Boniole, Boult. Bringhurst, Bryce and Wood ,

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Biossat, Julius Levin, I. C. Miller and S. J. Johnbeing the actors.

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son, councilmen; John C. Rogers, treasurer, and In May, 1853, David Martin was proprietor of W. J. Rogers, controller, in January, 1869. W.F.

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, the Western Democrat; L. F. Parker was princi- McLean was appointed mayor by Warmoth, but cipal of the Boys’ Institute in the Pine Woods; | refused to act until November 15, 1868, when the D. C. Goodwyn was secretary of Rapides Lodge, riot took place, and scared him out of municipal I. 0. 0. F., No. 35, with rooms in Judge Ariails? life. John M, Barrett was clerk in 1869-70. In ice house; E. & J. C. Johnson and S. K. Johnson | January, 1871, R. M. Kilpatrick was nominated were druggists; E. R. Biossat was proprietor of for mayor; B. C. Duke, treasurer; J. M. Barrett, the Alexandria House; John Bogan of the Wash- controller; L. Gossens, with Messrs. Biossat, ington, and A. M. Hollowell of the Missouri House; Levin, White and Johnson, councilmen. In JanCharles H. Flower was captain and J. C. Wise, wary of this year the Stone Wall Hook & Ladder sergeant of the cavalry company; Henry B. Kelly Company was organized, and Thomas Crawley was and Ralph Cushman were candidates for district fire marshal. January, 1873, R. L. Fox was chosen juge, with A. J. Isaacs and J. H. C. Barlow in mayor, and A. L. Hilton, clerk. Edouard Weil the field for district attorney.

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was elected mayor in 1875, with B. C. Duke, treasR. Legras was mayor in June, 1860. Relief urer; A. Hilton, controller; James Bouillotte, E. Fire Company No. 1 and Hope Company No. 2 R. Biossat, M. Rosenthal, M. Legras and W. W. were active organizations at this time. In January, Whittington, Jr., councilmen, and Thomas Craw1861, the following-named councilmen were elected: ley, marsbal. D. C. Paul was mayor in 1877-78, M. R. Ariail, H. Robertson, R. C. Hetherwick, with Messrs. Bouillotte, Biossat, Rosenthal, WhitW. B. Hyman and G. W. Barrett. I. T. Jewett

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I. T. Jewett tington and Jacob Irving, councilmen. W. W was treasurer; John Clements, constable, collector Whittington served as mayor for a short time. and wharfinger; C. W. Boyce, printer, and A. Ca- Samuel Fellows was chosen mayor in 1879, and zabat, secretary In Angost, 1865, Gov. Wells A. B. Rachal, controller, with Lonis Gossens, E. appointed John Frazer, mayor; Jacob Irving, R. Biossat, Jonas Rosenthal, Dennis Kelly and W. Jacob Walker,* Isaac Levy, E. B. Price* and E. W. Whittington, councilmen. James Andrews, Jr., R. Biossat, councilmen. In December H. S. Losee was elected wayor in 1881, wbile N. L. McGinnis and Joseph Fellows were appointed additional and W. 0. Damon, with three members of the old councilmen. The names marked above thus were board, were elected councilmen. elected in January, 1866, with John Bogan and In 1882 the town charter was repealed and the James D. Osborn, councilmen, and H. S. Losee, city charter granted. W. C. McGimsey was mayor

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, mayor.

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In July, 1867, the first town tax since in November, of this year. He was re-elected in 18,77 was levied. It amounted only to $1,600. January, 1883, with A. B. Rachel, comptroller, and Engene R. Biossat was mayor at this time. In B. C. Duke, treasurer. H. S. Gossens, J. J. January, 1967, he, with Jacob Walker, W. 0. Da Peterman, N. L. McGinnis, Jacob Irving and J. mon, Joseph Fellows, Julius Levin and Edouard

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Rosenthal were elected councilmen. William Leckie Weil formed the council. The elections of April, was a member in August, vice Irving. The plank1868, resulted in the return of Mayor Biossat. road ordinance was considered at this time. In Joseph Fellows, W. S. Ridge, J. W. Osborn, Pat- January, 1885, Thomas Crawley, was commissioned

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mayor; E. Weil, J. F. Garner, L. B. Baynard, D. In 1818 John Casson donated to what was Kelly and J. Rosenthal, councilmen. The mayor known in 1860 as District No. 4 a square of land and J. Rosenthal were re-elected in 1887, H. S. in the Casson Addition to the town of Alexandria. Gossens, E. J. Sullivan, N. L. McGinnis and Jacob Two years later a large brick building was erected Irving being the new members. In October of thereon, called the College of Rapides, the State this year, the 5-mill tax in aid of the Little Rock and individuals contributing moneys to the extent & Arkansas Railroad was adopted by 148 votes, of $20,000 toward its erection. The building was a representing $228,099. Joseph Fellows, Julins A. ruin in 1860. Johnson and R. W. Bringhurst were elected coun- The State Seminary was founded in 1855, on cilmen in 1889. H. M. Huie was chosen marshal

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grants of land made by the State, from 1806 to and collector, and G. M. Ratcliffe succeeded A. B. 1827, for seminary purposes.

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This school was Rachal as secretary, who served for the previous opened January 2, 1860, with Col. W. T. Sherman, decade. The present council comprises the three superintendent. In April, 1861, Col. Sherman re last councilmen named, with Messrs. Gossens and signed his position as president of the college, and Irving, Mayor Crawley, presiding. In June, 1889, Col. George W. Lay took his place. Sherman Judge Blackman held that the city was indebted confessed, at Judge Ryan's house, that he conld to the Southern Artesian Well Company, in the not reside in a State which opposed the Union. sum of $1,500. Their contract was to sink an Col. Lay resigned in May, together with Maj. F. artesian well, which would give a natural flow of W. Smith, leaving Profs. Vallas, Boyd and St. at least 15,000 gallons per day, or a pumping ca. Ange in charge. Later Capt. Boggs was appointed pacity of 30,000 gallons for the sum named, and superintendent; but, on June 30, that year, the this the company carried out, but Mayor Crawley building was closed to students, and not reopened hesitated to sign city warrants authorized by the until April 1, 1862, when Col. William E. M. Lin council, hence the suit. In the fall of 1890, As- field took charge. In April, 1863, Prof. William sessor Williams reported that the total amount of A. Seay, succeeded Col. Lintield, but on the 232 assessments for this year were $18.818. 20); last of that month the seminary was closed, owing to year $12,2:30, showing an increase of $6,368.20. the advance of the Federals under Banks. During The taxes were this year $2,881.82; last year the session of 1863 there were 112 cadets enrolled. $2,535.18, showing an increase of $1,355.64. The Rev. J. T. Bellier was professor of ancient lan amount derivable from licenses for the year is guages until his death, in 1869. During the war $3,000; while the city taxes amount to $6,000. the building was gutted by fire, but early in 1865

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T. G. Compton was postmaster in 1810-11; Was restored, and reopened October 2 that year. Louis Zimm, the printer, was postmaster from On October 20, 1869, the building was burned, 1817 to 1853; E. R. Biossat was postmaster in entailing a loss of $135,000. In later years the 1861. In June, 1865, J. C. Rogers was recom- whole enterprise collapsed, but now an effort is mended for postmaster; but in September, Levi being made to have the seminary or some kindred Welis, a son of Gov. Wells, was appointed. Rev. State collegiate institute back again. Thomas S. Bacon was postmaster in September, The present Catholic schools of Alexandria are 1866, when the office was reopened by the United in charge of the Sisters of Divine Providence, with States, and he retained the position until ap- Sister Mary Joseph, superioress since Septem. pointed agent of the Freedman's Burean for Winn ber, 1887. The convent and school buildings Parish. In June, 1875, John De Lacey was com- commenced at that time were completed in Sep missioned master. In 1880. Connelly was ap- tember, 1890. The

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average

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attendance is 100. pointed, but in January, 1881. De Lacey was re- Sister M. Blandino is now superioress and princiinstated. In 1889 E. J. Barrett succeeded Col.

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pal. Thomas P. French, as postmaster.

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The storm of April, 1861, blew down the Alex

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H

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andria market-house (just completed), carried away 1880, the Legras building, Moses Aaron's store, part of the roof of the Ice House Hotel, destroyed the Baptist Church and parsonage, the Grange

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the buildings known as Parkers' Institute (then store and Thomas Cokeley's house were burned. converted into a clothing factory by J. S. Calhoun. In February, 1887, the town engine house was The hail storm of April, 1870, destroyed many win. I burned. dows in the city.) The flood of May and June, 1866, Judge Cushman, of Alexandria, who died of swept over the levee above Alexandria on May 30, yellow fever September 17, 1855, was the first and early next morning the embankment gave way. victim of the disease at that point. There were With the exception of twelve or thirteen houses, i forty persons under its influence at that time, but the whole town was flooded. The walls of Good- the type was not so malignant as in 1853. Fif man's saloon, Henarie's and John Weil's stores; teen deaths were reported prior to September 25. Irving's brick house, opposite the town ball, and In October, 1867, yellow fever attacked the every brick building in town sustained damages or Germans of Alexandria as it did in 1853, carrying caved in, including the Ice House Hotel, which off five persons in town prior to October 23. The lost ten feet of its northwest corner in the current. disease visited the town in 1837, 1839, 1847, J. A. Williams' warehouse was washed away, and 1853 and 1855. From October 1 to November 1, the buildings of Sullivan and J. Walker were 1867, there were 110 cases of fever. lowered. On June 29, 1867, the levee opposite The first record of the Catholic Church of Althe old court-house gave way, flooding the town. exandria is dated 1817, 100 years after the church During the evening the crevasse was stopped, and was established at Natchitoches and about 10.5 years by morning the waters disappeared. The over: after that of Pineville. Father Anduze, of Natchflews of 1884 and 1890 are referred to in the first itoches, appears to bave been resident priest at part of the history of Rapides.

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the time. From this period to 1834 or 183, one The fire of May 13, 1964, was started by the of the priests of the church at Natchitoches retroops in or about where Baur & Weil's store now sided here at times and visited the mission regustands on Front Street. Front Street was de- larly. In 1834 35 the present church building stroyed to the point where the Morgan Railroad erected, Father D'Haurd being resident depot now stands and back from the river to priest. Rev. F. Van de Vilde, S. J., subsequently Fourth Street, or about twenty-three blocks. The first bishop of Little Rock, Ark., was here in Catholic Church was saved by Father Bellier, who 1837. Rev. Flavius Henri Rossi was curè and Rev. stood guard until a prospect of safety appeared. J. Chambige, C. M. K. T., were here in 1838, fol

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The explosion at Seip's saw-mill in February, lowed by Rev. Robert Doogan, C. C., in 1810. In 1870, resulted in the death of a Scotchman named 1819 Rev. M. F. Mazzuchelli came. In 1851 Rev. David Irving (engineer), and a negro fireman. H. Figary was pastor and served the church solely The fire of March, 1874, destroyed the Peterman until October, 1855, when Rev. L. Gergaud was building

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appointed assistant priest. During this year the The Alexandria fire of November, 1979, was curè and Pere Gergaud, as well as other priests, the most destructive known since its destruction performed prodigious work in attending to yellow by the Federals. It originated in the oil room of fever sufferers. The venerable T. P. Bellier came Julius Levin's grocery store, where a colored man in October, 1859, and in May, 1864, defended the was filling a kerosene lamp. The fire spread to church building, single-handed, against the Fed. Mrs. E. S. Hetherwick's dry-goods store, entail- eral Army. Stranger than this, he succeeded. ing a loss of $18,000; Julius Levin's four build- Father T. B. Avenard was appointed curè in An ings and stock amounted to about the same sum; gust, 1867. He remained until his death, in 18S3. Fred Scheu's brick building was also destroyed Rev. Jerome J. Brès was appointed assistant in and other buildings damaged. On October 15,

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1882. Rev. L. Menard was here in March,

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was

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on

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The congre

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a

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1883. In June, 1877, Father Menard was ap- Davidson's house. The parish was reorganized, pointed assistant. Since that time Revs. J. J. April 2, 1866, with Dr. George E. French, S. W., Brès, R. Dumas and Rev. J. B. Linague have served and Dr. Diffenderfer, J. W. In 1868 a meeting as assistant priests. The Jesuits and other regu- was held at the ice-honse, to consider the question lar priests visit Alexandria at intervals.

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of building a church-house; in 1869 Mr. McCoy The Church of the Sacred Heart, of Pineville, was appointed rector; but was succeeded in 1870, was dedicated September 29, 1878. St. Aloysius, by Rev. Sprnille Burford. In October, 1871, the at Fairmount, Grant Parish, was dedicated in new church was completed, but on May 24, 1872, a March, 1878. St. Martin's Church, Kanomie, was tornado swept it away. The rector left the place dedicated on July 27, 1879. It was subsequently in charge of Rev. A. N. Ogden, who was chosen (in 1886) moved to Lecompte and blessed by rector in April, 1873. On May 25, 1874, the corner. Bishop Durier on October 6 of that year. St. stone of the third building was placed, and the John's Church, Big Island, was dedicated house was completed in October following. Rev. April 5, 1880.

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St. Peter's Church, Harrisonburg, Herman C. Duncan was called as pastor in April, was dedicated on October 15, 1882.

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1880, and in October, 1881, Rev. Ralph H. Pros gation at Alexandria is about 500, and of the eccle- ser was appointed assistant, followed in 1888 by siastical parisb 1,200.

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Rev. R. S. tuart. The building was consecrated St. James Church (Protestant Episcopal), Alex- May 27, 1883. In April, 1881, the Bishop Wil andria, was organized May 5, 1844, and was at- mer Memorial Chapel at Kanonie, where a church tended by preachers from Natchitoches until 1816. house was built in 1879, was received into the In November, 1847, Rev. A. D. McCoy was ap parish the same year St. Philip's Mission at Lodi pointed first rector, and under his direction the was established, and in November, 1883, the be. society was legally organized, with Dr. John P.

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gionings of All Souls Mission Church on the ChaseDavidson, S. W.; Dr. S. A. Smith, J. W.; S. W. land plantation, near Lecompte, were made. Gordon, Dr. T. H. Maddox, M. Wells, Willis Bon- St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal Church, Alex ner, O. W. Nally, Carey H. Blanchard, Jobu K. El

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andria, was organized June 1, 1873, when a San gee, J. Chambers, H. Machen and G. Harris, vestry-day-school, composed of colored children, gathered men. In April, 1819, the contract for manufactur

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under the superintendency of John M. Barrett. It ing the brick for the proposed bouse of worship, was then known as St. James Mission. In August, was sold to the Ariails, at $7 per thousand; but the 1883, St. Mark's Guild was organized. corner-stone was not placed until November 1, 1851, The Methodist Episcopal Church South may be and the building was not used until April 9, 1854, said to bave been established here early in the nor consecrated until June 13, 1854. At this time forties. Philo M. Goodwyn was appointed Meth there were thirty-seven white and 165 negro com- odist preacher on the Caddo Circuit in 1813, and municants. In 1855 Revs. F. H. Holiman and N. served the church in this section of Louisiana un C. Pridham preached here, a bell was introduced til superannuated in 1872. He died November 17,

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In November. 1837, Rev. Caleb Dowe 1882. During the war the old church building was appointed rector, vice Rev. McCoy, and through was destroyed, but a few years his exertions the number of communicants was in- sured the Methodists of this circuit erected a subcreased to fifty-nine white and 274 colered. In -tantial bouse of worship, which continued in use 1819 a silver eucharistic service was purchased. until September 7, 1890, when the new church During the advance of the Federals, this service building was dedicated by Bishop C. B. Galloway, was placed in charge of Father Bellier, of St. Fran- of Jackson, Miss., assisted by the pastor, Rev. B. cis Xavier's Catholic Church, and during the second F. White. invasion in May, 1861, when the town was burned, The Baptist Church of ante-bellum days is a this silver service was hidden in the cistern at Dr.

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memory at Alexandria. Rev. W. A. Robert was

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this year.

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after peace

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was in

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i

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1

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pastor of the church from its organization up to Hilton, filling the respective offices. In 1889 G. May, 1861, when he resigned.

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W. Bolton presided over the chapter. Welchton Baptist Church was constituted in Alexandria Lodge No. 33 was instituted March August, 1890, with fifty-two members, by E. O. 9, 1882, with a large membership. The success of Ware and Rey. J. T. Barrett.

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this society here has been phenomenal, its present Uncle Cupid Piper, an old colored preacher strength being about 100 members. eighty-three years of age, who was greatly re- Endowment Rank, K. of P., was instituted spected by white and black in Grant and Rapides September 7, 1882, by Dr. Scott, of Shreveport, Parishes, died in September, 1886. He was the ; with J. M. Hetherwick, P.; C. A. Schnack, V. P.; pastor of Loyal Hill Baptist Church on Bayou T. M. Biossat, Sec. and Treas.; R. C. Rogers, Rapides, which had over 300 members. His abil. Chap.; Sol. Hess, G.; Jacob Geiger, I. G. and ity was superior to the average colored preacher, Fred Scheu, Sent. as his morals and character were. For two or

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The A. L. of H. was organized January 25, three years before his death he was totally deprived 1882, with the following named officers in legion of sight, but continued to preach.

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order: Daniel Dupre, J. W. Gordon, A. P. Will Columbian Lodge No. 23, A. F. & A. M., was iams, F. S. Flower, T. M. Bios-at, Dr. Dupre, C. chartered in 1819, and continued work up to 1849. Goldenberg, G. H. Wilson, Jacob Geiger and T. Even in 1828, when so many of the Masonic bodies J. Severns. The trustees were C. Goldenberg, C. passed out of existence, old Columbian Lodge per- Flower and J. Geiger. Messrs. Watts, Watson, severed. Cheneyville Lodge, known as Hiram No. Nasits, Blackman, Mathews and Hess were unoffi39 was chartered in 1828 and existed until 1819. cial charter members. Alexandria Lodge No. 15 was chartered in 1836, Rebecca Lodge No. 240, I. O. B. B., was orand still holds its charter. Oliver Lodge No. 93 ganized in May, 1875, with E. Weil, P.; Jonas

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, was chartered at Alexandria in 1849), but ceased Weil, V. P. ; Moses Mayer, Sec. : Charles Goldenwork in 1850. Henderson Lodge No. 108, of Cotile, berg, F. S.; Moses Rosenthal, Treas. ; P. H. Os existed from 1851 to 1862. Murray Lodge 156 wald and Sol. Hess, Monitors; Julius Carpar, W.; was chartered at Alexandria in 1856, but sur- Henry Hayman, Guardian; A. Hayman, I. Jackrendered charter in 1837. Gordy Lodge,of Cheney. son and B. Hershman, Trustees. ville, No. 142 was chartered in 1835), and is still a The I. C. B. U. was organized in March, 1980, working body. Rapides Lodge 167, at Huddles- with L. V. Marye, P.; John P. Grogan, V. P.; A. ton, existed from 1839 to 1881. Fellowship 226, B. Rachal, Rec.; J. B. Rachal, F. S.; X. Rans. chartered at Hinestown in 1873, is now located at dell, Marsbal; P. Thomassy, S. at A., and P. Spring Creek and claims fifty members. Solomon Kelly, Treasurer. Lodge No. 100, of Pineville, chartered as No. 200 The K. of H. were organized at Alexandria in 1874, now claims fourteen members.

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in May, 1888, with M. Bloom, Ben Turner, Summit Council No. 12, R. & S. M., was con. H. W. S. Lund, J. F. Ariail, C. Greenwood, L. B. stituted March 18, 1889), with H. C. Duncan, Baynard, A. Jarrean, I. Weil, L. Weinburg. L. C. Thomas Clements, G. ll. Bolton, Julius Levin, E. Giffe and J. A. Johnston filling the offices. The B. Pendleton, G. A. Staples, J. M. Barrett, W. trustees were S. Cullen, E. J. Hardtner and W. 0. Damon, A. Pettengill, and A. Hilton, filling the D. Smith. respective offices.

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In November, 1882, the New York Lamber Keystone Chapter 41, R. A. M., held its first Company commenced the erection of their large annual election in March, 1888. H. C. Duncan, saw-mill near the mouth of Bayou Rapides. OwG. W. Bolton, D. C. Paul, Joseph James, J. J. ing to mismanagement, this mill is now idle.

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, Ferguson, G. A. Staples, A. Pettengill, Joseph T. The Red River Oil Works date back to 1883, Hatchy, Julius Levin, E. B. Pendleton and A. when a company was incorporated, with John C.

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tre

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Wickliffe, C. H. Teal, Henry A. Biossat, Henry A. Minden was completed in April, 1876, when the Boyce, O. W. Watson, John W. Miller and Frank lessee and operator, Langford, took charge here. A. Blanchard, directors.

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The Alexandria Street Railroad Company was On February 5, 1887, the first meeting to con- organized in June, 1881, with N. L. McGinnis, sider the erection of a compress was held; M. C. William Hustmyre, Simon Cullen, Julius Levin, Moseley presided, with E. H. McCormick, secre- Jay S. Fish and W. F. Blackman, directors. Uotary. A committee was appointed to solicit sub- der the new order of affairs the street.car system scriptions. On June 27, 1887, a meeting, presided of the city has been extended, and the close of the over by J. A. Williams, with E. H. McCormick year 1890 saw it completed from the depot to Secand H. L. Biossat, secretaries, decided upon ond Street, and thence to the lower town. establishing a cotton press' and warehouse at Alex- The pame of the Ice-House Hotel was changed andria. Next day this question was discussed, to Exchange Hotel in January, 1872, by Maj. A. and the town council decided to grant the company H. Mason and Capt. Hooe, who became proprietors a site on Casson Street, and exemption from town that month. In 1876 T. Hochstein leased the taxes for a decade. On July 9, E. B. Wheelock house; Messrs. French & Hynson subsequently advised the newspapers that the company was leased the house, and others followed. J. F. Ariai) organized, the capital subscribed and the

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press

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is now proprietor, and D. H. Mayo, manager. purchased. To this company the leading men of Pineville is one of the oldest settlements in the Alexandria or of the county donated $7,500, State. Here, about 1711, when the church at and the work of construction was entered upon. Adayes was erected, a mission chapel was built, The buildings, press, etc., were completed, and the near where is now the grave of Commandant first cotton was compressed September 17, 1887. Muellion in the old Catholic cemetery. The The capacity is sixty bales per hour. In April, Spaniards then claimed Red River as the boundary, 1887, Julius Levin, L. V. Marye, N. L. McGinnis, and, in this instance, laid claim to church property A. Pettingill, R. W. Bringhurst and G. W. Bol- across the river. ton were elected directors. Theus N. Miles has Old Mannel, who died in September, 1879, was served as superintendent from the beginning. born a slave at Pineville, at the house of Post

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The Bank of Louisiana was established here in Commander Emmanuel Meuillon. Judge Willthe second decade of the century, and, as related iam Miller married a daughter of this commander in other pages, transacted business up to 18.16. and moved to Philadelphia in 1820. Gen. Meuil For over forty years the town and district were lon and his wife, Jennette, who came in 1781, are without banking facilities, but the Rapides Bank buried in the Catholic cemetery at Pineville. ing Company came to remedy this. G. W. Bolton Near by are the graves of John B. Heno, William is president; Charles Owen, cashier, and J. W.

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F. Dent, George Rich, John M. and Tabitha Jett, Bolton, assistant cashier. The directors are G. W. Auguste Baillio, John R. Mead and many other Bolton, Thens N. Miles, Benjamin Turner, E. B. pioneers are buried there. Wheelock, Pearl Wright, James Jeffries, John A. Pineville in 1858 was a hamlet of fifty or sixty Williams, B. Ehrstein and H. W. S. Lund.

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inhabitants. Between 1830 and 1835 John David The new South Building & Loan Association of and F. Poussin established their stores there. They Alexandria, organized October 10, 1890, with the came from France and prospered here among

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the following directors: S. Cullen, president; W. P. pines. During the war the Confederate forces Flower, vice president; J. W. Bolton, secretary destroyed the pine forest and built huts where and treasurer; John C. Ryan, attorney; D. S. Fer- giant trees stood before. After the surrender the ris, W. Polk, Jr., Col. G. W. Bolton, Gen. G. 0. place became the rendezvous for Federal troops. Watts, Col. Battle and T. N. Miles.

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During the stay of the Federals a large number of The telegraph line between Alexandria and business houses was established.

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Capt. B. Tur

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lo

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ner, a native of the town, is one of its early mer- The Lutheran Benevolent Society of Pineville chants. In 1878 he was a leader in the successful was organized October 18, 1878, with H. J. Wright, direction of the Democracy. In 1874 E. J. Bar- president; H. Robinson,

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Robinson, secretary, and Mrs. rett represented the parish and was prominent in Martha Taylor, treasurer. commercial circles here. In 1879 he was post- Solomon Lodge No. 221, A. F. & A. M., was master. G. W. Bolton referred to in the general organized at Pineville, in March, 1874, with G. history, was also engaged in business, 1. A. W. Bolton, John L. Walker, Louis Abadie, C. H. Griffin, S. Barrett, M. T. Dozier, E. J. Hardtner, Dozier, W. A. Griffin, Rev. A. N. Ogden, T. D. J. W. Johnson, R. Aaron, A. Gueringer, C. H. Johnson, W. L. Morgan and E. J. Hardtner, offi Dozier, Patrick Barrett, L. T. Fitztum, W. H. cials in order of rank. Chapman, N. Laurence, A. David, Maurice Aa The National Cemetery of Pineville was estab ron, N. Christian and L. Laurence were mer- lished in 1867, and Mr. Craft appointed superin chants here in 1879. In 1880 the new store of tendent; he remained until Gerald Fitzgerald was Ben Turner was completed.

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appointed superintendent in 1870, and he served The tire of June 23, 1867, destroyed Mrs. until 1876, when J. W. Benshoof was appointed. Poussin's buildings. The officers and troops, He was followed by Frank Barrows, and he, in stationed here under Lieut. -Col. Bates, saved the 1886, by Seryt. R. C. Taylor, Eighteenth United other buildings from the tire. The fire of January

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The fire of January States Infantry. The total interments number 16, 1878, destroyed M. T. Dozier's two stores and 1,309, up to October 1, including the bodies trans dwelling and Turner's Hall, the property of Ben ferred from Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, Tyler, Texas Turner.

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and other points where Federal soldiers fell. The Above the town are the two forts, Buhlow and

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area, ten acres, was formerly a part of the Poussin Randolph. erected in 1863-64. The National

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.

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estate, Cemetery is also located here. In 1880 the Sis- Pineville post-office was established in 1871, ters of Mercy purchased a tract of six acres from, with E. J. Barrett, master. He was succeeded by and were given two acres by, E. J. Barrett, near A. David, and in 1890, Mrs. Ada Houston was the church of the Sacred Heart for the purposes commissioned. of erecting school and convent buildings. The The first election of municipal officers for Pinechurch building was erected in 1978.

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ville, under the new charter, was held May 6, 1878. The English Protestant Episcopal Church W. A. Griffin was elected mayor, N. Lawrence, G. (Mount Olivet Chapel) was organized in April, W. Bolton, E. J. Barrett, Louis Abadie, and W. 18:57, and the yhurch-house completed June 29, H. Chapman, councilmen. In May, 1880, Auguste 1859. In 1856 Mrs. McCoy and others organized Jarreau was elected mayor, G. W. Bolton, Ben a Sunday school. In 1861-64 Rev. Anthony Turner, Stephen Barrett, E. J. Hardtner and J. Vilas, of the seminary, assisted the regular W. .

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Moflitt, councilmen. Charles Stuckey suc preacher, except for that period in 1861 02 when ceeded mayor Jarreau. In May, 1886. Joseph the seminary was closed. About 1864 some per- Hoy was elected mayor, Ben. Turner, R. Aaron, E. sons took possession of the church and used it for J. Hardtner, L. Abadie, and E. J. Barrett, counschool purposes until a vestry was organized and cilmen. In May, 1890, E. J. Barrett was chosen claimed the property. On September 1, 1873, the mayor, with Messrs. Bolton, Smith, Boyce, Aaron society organized as St. Peter's Church and main and Turner, councilmen. tained an independent existence until April 199, When the present postmaster settled at Boyce, 1880, when it became a part of St. James Parish. the post office was located at Bertrand, two and

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The Baptist Church has a large membership at one half miies below, on the river. Jordan Gibthis point. The churches of the colored Metho- son was master. On the removal of the office to dists are numerous throughout the parish.

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Cotile Landing (now Bovce), M. Boissat was ap

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pointed master. He surrendered his commission, councilmen in January, 1888, vice Shumate and M. and the office was established at the house of F. N. Carnahan. In June, 1888, John L. Young, M. Amsden, four miles up Cotile Bayou, with the Leigh Alexander, James I. Davis, M. N. Carnaban owner in charge. On Mr. Amsden's death his and W. A. Holton, with Mayor Neal, formed the daughter took charge, and so continued until R. council; W. H. Simons was treasurer and J. S. R. Robinson was appointed. W. H Simons was Henderson, marshal. In 1889 J. D. Johnson was appointed master in 1883, and removed the office elected mayor, and F. M. Brian, E. H. Kelsoe and back to Cotile Landing. On May 18, 1883, the

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On May 18, 1883, the H. A. Thompson councilmen, vice Young. Alexan office was named Boyce, in opposition to the senti- der and Davis, with Messrs. Miller and Holton ment of a majority, but as the station was already holding over. J. H. Davison was appointed mar called Boyce the postal authorities coincided with shal, and the secretary and treasurer re-elected. the minority and hence the present name. The During this year a 5-mill tax for ten years was change was further justified by the fact that the voted in favor of the K. C. L. & G. R. R. Co. pioneer family of that name settled here and car- In June, 1890, the mayor was re-elected with ried on their landage plantations here. Patrick all the councilmen of 1889, except H. A. Thomp Boyce was the first merchant at Cotile Landing, son, whose place was given to W. L. Via. On Mr. and the Johnson store was established later. Iu Kelsoe's resignation in September, H. A. Thomp1966 H. A. Thompson established a store on the son was appointed to fill vacancy. Tbe secretary, river front. In 1874 he established one on the treasurer and marshal were also re-elected. The Bayou Cotile, three miles distant from the present tax levy for 1890 approximates $500, but a surtown, and in 1988 re-established his house here.

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plus is generally recorded at the close of each Henry A. Buissat built the mammoth store on the year. river front in 1870, the same which was burned in Enterprise Lodge 3552, K. of H., was organized 1882 or 1883. A. E. Watson's store was April 21, 1890, with the following bamed mem menced at Hoyville, in 1876 or 1877. In 1892 J

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J. bers: Joseph D. James, dictator; J. D. Johnson, W. Miller established his store here in the old P. D.; J. E. Thomas, reporter; W. T. NewBoyce building J. T. Carnahan erected a store- man, F. R.; George T. Neal, T.; F. H. Neal, house some time later, and afterward purchased F. H. Dagley, J. M. Plummer, M. H. Lester, the Boissat property.

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William J. Neal, David A. M. D. Weeks, M. F. Weeks, Dr. F. M. Brian Smith, Marion Shumate, Stetham & Hickman, Al. (Dr. J. H. Wilkinson, deceased, $2,000 payable to exander & Johnson, John McNeely, W. A. Holton, his mother from insurance in this lodge), S. W. Kelsoe & Sandidge, George E. Abat and Odom, Curtis, D. J. Hydrick, E. H. Kelsoe, J. T. Sancame here subsequently. In 1892 the town was didge, B. K. Hunter and R. A. Keys.

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There are surveyed for Henry Boyce. The sbipment of cotton twenty seven members. The lodge room is in the by rail and boat amounts to abont 3,000 bales Thomas store building, but it is the purpose of annually

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the Knights to build a hall this year. The meeting to organize the council of Boyce St. Philip's Protestant Episcopal Church at under the charter of May 7, 1887, was held June Boyce was established December 9, 1883. Services 14, when the officers elected June 11, qualified, were held in the hotel until 1886, when the society namely, W. J. Neal mayor; J. D. Johnson, David

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got permission to meet in the Methodist Episcopal A. Smith, Martin Shumate, Meridy N. Carnahan Church. and W. H. Simons, councilmen; R. M. Jones, The English Protestant Episcopal Church at clerk; J. A. Thomas, treasurer, and E. H. Kelsoe, Cotile and Lamothe's dates back to 1871, when

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Ordinances were adopted July 6, and in Protestant services were first held on Bayou RapiAugust authority was given to build a calaboose. J. des, and in 1877 St. Johns' Chapel was erected on W. Miller and J. T. Carnatro were appointed the Castile Plantation,

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In March, 1887, services

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com

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marshal.

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were discontinued there, and in April the chapel James Andrews, district attorney of the Twelfth building was removed to Lamothe's bridge, and Judicial District was born in Rapides Parish, Feb. services held therein on May 21, 1888.

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ruary 23, 1847, being a son of Hon. James Rogers Cheney ville in latitude 31" north and longi and Lucretia M. (Davidson) Andrews, natives of tude 15 west, is one of the oldest towns in Rapides. | South Carolina and Georgia, respectively, the forIt was chartered by the Legislature in 18:36. In mer a planter by occupation, and a man who took 1816 Beulah Baptist Church was organized at this much interest in the political history of this localpoint with three members, being the second Prot ity, serving in the State Legislature through the estant or Baptist society in Louisiana, the first be- administration of Gov. Thomas (. Moore. He ing that at Calvary in Bayou Chicot in 1812. In was a son of Michael Andrews. James Andrews, 1889 Eiverview Baptist Church was organized here the immediate subject of this sketch, was the fifth by Rev. E. O. Ware. In the history of this parish, of eight children--four sons and four daughters of Alexandria City and of A voyelles, references are of whom two sons and two daughters survive. He made to the military and civil history of this old grew to mature years on his father's plantation, town. In 1855 Gordy Lodge, A. F. & A. M., was and at the age of seventeen years entered the Con. established here succeeding Hiram Lodge, which federate Army, and served faithfully until the close surrendered in 1819 after twenty one years' work. of the war.

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In 1969 he began teaching the young Lecompte or Lecomte is another ancient town idea, and at the same time read law and was ad. of which a good deal has been written. One of mitted to the bar from the office of T. C. Manning the first railroads constructed in the United States (afterward Chief Justice Manning) in 1871, after was that from Alexandria to this point a primitive which he began practicing his profession in Alex road sixteen miles long. In 1886 the Catholic andria. He served as mayor of the town in 1880 Church building of Kanomie was moved to Le 82, but in September of the latter year resigned to compte Here also is the Circuit Church of the accept the position of assessor of Rapides Parish, Methodists, which, in connection with Boyce and being appointed by Gov. S. D. McEnery, a posi other circuit churches, claims 110 members. In tion be held until 1884, at which time he was re 1888 the Baptist society was organized here by appointed. He resigned this office in 1888, and in Rev. E. (). Ware.

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April of the same year he was elected district atMoorland is the name given to the railroad torney, the duties of which oftice he is now disdepot below Alexandria. The store of Weems & charging, proving himself a faithful, efficient and Hayes and the large brick building, known as the satisfactory public officer. His marriage which sugar mill, point out the place as one of trade. occurred in this parish in 1874 was to Miss Laura Here the true introduction to the sugar plantations Holt, a native of this parish, a daughter of John is made, for large fields of cane and several sugar

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and Catherine (Walker) Holt, and a grand-daugh mills tell the traveler from the north that he is ter of Gov. Joseph Walker of Louisiana. They entering the richest sugar country in the world. have living three children: Laura Holt, James

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The other post office villages of the parish are Rogers and Elmore Lewis. Babb's Bridge, Bismarck, Crane, Godwin Gum, Capt. C. E. Ball, a leading citizen of Pineville, Hinestown (where Fellowship Lodge 226, now 98. was born on Blue-Grass soil, Union County, in was chartered in 1873), Halloway, Lamourie

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Lamourie | 1827, and was reared and educated in the common Bridge, Lena, Lloyd's Bridge (where H. N. Fris. schools of that State. He served an apprentice bie was postmaster in 1866), Milder, Milford, Po sbip at the blacksmith's trade in Louisville, followed land. Weil and Welchton. Some of these are of this trade for a short time, and when eighteen later origin and some are old, extending back many years

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of age

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became engineer on a steamboat. years in the past, and all are surrounded by His career as a steamboat man continued from thrifty people and good citizens.

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1818 to 1861, and he was well known from Louis

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ville to New Orleans. In 1856 he was married in Virginia, and owned a farm near Morganfield, Ky., Rapides Parish, La., to Miss Pauline Talley, a where he lived to be quite aged. The maternal native of that parish, and the daughter of Joseph grandmother, who was Miss McKee, was a native L. and Jane (Chevallier) Talley, the mother of of Cork, Ireland. Capt. Ball is wonderfully pre. French extraction. Mr. Ball abandoned the served for a man of his age, and has hardly a gray steamboat business in 1861, just as the Civil War hair in his head. He is pleasant and sociable, and broke out, and farmed and managed a mill in a man one likes to meet. Rapides Parish during that exciting period. He Capt. C. J. Barstow, planter and president of was not a secessionist, but went with his State. the police jury of Rapides Parish, was born in the He was second lieutenant of Bingam's company of Nutmeg State in 1829. When about the age of scouts in Richard Taylor's brigade, and served nineteen he came South, located in Alabama, where about three months, participating in the battles of he remained two years.

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He then went west, and Mansfield and Pleasant Hill and a number of was in California about two years and a half, after skirmishes. He never moved out of the parish. which he located in Louisiana, where he ran a He afterware engaged in saw-milling, and has steamboat on Red River. He was the owner of a been in this business ever since. He commenced steamboat at about the breaking out of the war, in a small way and handled pine lumber until a and in 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate Army, short time ago. He now has cypress shingles. Crescent Brigade from Rapides Parish. He re The capacity of his mill is 60,000 feet per day, mained with this brigade until it was broken up after and he employs twenty-two hands in his timber which he came home and operated the railroad from and mill. He ships to all points where there Alexandria to Lecompte, from 1863 to 1864. Hethen is a demand, Kansas City, Dallas, Omaha, etc. bought an interest in the “Grand Duke" steamer, He is the father of the following children: Lewis but she was seized by the Confederacy. Mr. Bar. E., Elizabeth J., Vary B. (died at the age of stow then went to New Orleans, and was a memtwenty- 1-seveu years), Caroline F. (wife of Ed Hop- ber of the firm of Eaton & Barstow, wholesale kins, of Pineville), Robert Lee Ball, Amelia E.,

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grocers, until 1872. After this he was engaged in John W., James F., Joseph Talley, Sallie R. planting in St. Landry Parish for a short time, and Julius J. Mr. Ball has been a Democrat and in 1872 he went to Rapides Parish, where he since the war, but before that he was a Whig. continued planting, on the Waverly place. This His first presidential vote was cast for Zachary he still carries on, and has 1,-100 acres in all.

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He Taylor in 1818. He is the son of Taswell and raises cotton and corn and formerly sugar.

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Mr. Elizabeth (Dyre) Ball, the father born in the Old Barstow was elected police juror in 1878, and Dominion. The elder Ball emigrated to Ken served in that capacity until the new constitution tucky before it became a State, was with Daniel went into effect. He was again appointed in 1881, Boone, and had a scar across his hand made in a

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reappointed in 1888, and holds that position at the hand to hand encounter with an Indian. He how

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present time. He has been president of the same ever killed the Iudian. VIr. Ball was six feet two for some time. He was married in this parish to inches in height, and was powerfully built. He Miss M, Stella Smith, who bore him five children. died in Union County, Ky, at the age of forty The name Barstow is English. Capt. Barstow is four years.

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Grandfather Ball moved to Kentucky much esteemed, and is a very popular man of this with the family and was a farmer by occupation. | parish. The mother of our subject was orn in Union A. D. Battle, editor of the Daily Times, was County, Ky., and of the four children born to her born at Powelton, Ga., January 6, 1829. His par. marriage, only one is now living, The mother ents moved thither from North Carolina about died at the age of seventy-eight years. The

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1820, and thirteen years later settled in Hinds maternal grandfather, William Dyre, was born in

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County, Miss., where they resided until 1810, when

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man.

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the family moved to Shreveport, La.

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Col. Battle

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i He was originally from Alabama, his birth attended school there for a short time, and in 1843 ' occurring in 1856, and is a son of T. H. and Mary entered Centre College, Danville, Ky. On return A. (Sylvesta) Bedsole, natives of Alabama. The ing to Shreveport in 1846, he entered the office of father was a farmer and merchant, and removed to the Cardo Gazette, as assistant editor, then owned Vernon Parish, La.. where he now resides. He by H. J. G. Battle. In 1953 he married Miss was quite a prominent citizen of Alabama. He is a Mary J. Parsons, and buying an interest in the member of the Masonic fraternity, N. H. Bray

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, Oakland plantation, settled there.

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In 1859 he re- Lodge No. 208, and both he and wife are members turned to Shreveport, and entered the cotton trade; of the Missionary Baptist Church. T. L. Bedsole was elected assessor and collector of the city, and was educated in the common schools of Alabama. in 1860 he rented the house of Rev. J. F. Ford, In 1879 he was married in that State to Miss Re- opposite the Presbyterian Church, and established becca Norton, daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Norton, the Battle House. In April, 1861, Mrs. Battle and afterward, in 1880, removed to Rapides Parish, died, and Mr. Battle entered the Red River where Mr. Bedsole was engaged in farming until Rangers, as lieutenant, under Capt. Nutt, and was the spring of 1886. He then removed to Lena, captured with the command at Arkansas Post, and embarked in the mercantile business, and this he brought to Ohio; thence to Fort Delaware, and has since continued very successfully. He is a hekil prisoner until the exchange, at City Point, promising young business man, and will make his Va., in May, 1863. On returning to Shreveport mark in the world. He is a member of the Ma- he assumed his position with that part of the com sonic fraternity, N. H. Bray Lodge No. 208. His mand who escaped capture, but shortly after re marriage was blessed by the birth of five children - signed. He was appointed C. S. clerk of the dis- two sons and three daughters. trict court of the C. S., which position he held George W. Bennett, merchant, Bennettville, La. until the end of the Confederacy. In 1869 he took This prominent business man was born in Rapides charge of the Southwestern, and a little after es- Parish, La., on his present plantation, on February tablished the Shreveport Times. In 1882 he was 22, 1851, and is the son of Ezra and Sarah P. (El- elected senator for Caddo, and in 1884 was ap- dred) Bennett. The father was born in New York pointed parish assessor. A reference to the gen- State, was reared and educated there, and when a eral history of Caddo and of Shreveport will point young man emigrated to Louisiana, where he out, more particularly, his connection with public | tanght school for some time. He then moved to affairs. In 1867 he married Miss Carrie Boney, a Cheneyville, and here his death occurred. Of danghter of William G. Boney, present clerk of his seven children three sons were in the Confed- the district court, and to this marriage four chil., erate Army, and one son, H. L., was killed by the dren were given, of whom two reside in Shreve. bursting of a cannon in Alexandria. George W. port and two at Alexandria. Mrs. B. A. Holmes, Bennett, the youngest of the above mentioned of Los Angeles, Cal., and William Battle, now of fainily, and one sistor, are the only ones now liv. Shreveport, are children of the first marriage. In ing. The father died in 1878, at the age of sixty September, 1890, the family moved to Alexandria, five years, and the mother received her final sum where Mr. Battle was appointed editor of the mons in 1868, when fifty-six years

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of age.

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Grand- newly established Daily Times. H. J. G. Battle father Bennett was reared and educated in York was colonel of militia prior to the war, and like his i State, while Grandfather Eldred was born in North brother, was engaged in newspaper work, until his , Carolina and was

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Carolina and was a pioneer of Rapides Parish. death, in 1872.

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The latter cleared the plantation on which our sub- T. L. Bedsole, merchant, Lena, La. Mr. !ject now resides, and which was then covered with Bedsole is a member of the firm of C. W. Ainsley canebrake. He died here at the age of seventy & Co., and is a wide awake, enterprising business years.

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Although the parents of George W. were

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1

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@

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early settlers of Rapides, at the time that be re- and ability surpassed by few, if any, public of quired an education they could ill afford to educate ficials. His birth occurred in Harris County, Ga., him, and the principal part of his schooling was December 10, 1811, being a son of John Calhoun obtained by bis own efforts. He started out for and Achsah G. (Maddox) Blackman, the former a himself in 1871, on a very limited capital, and in native of the Palmetto State, and the latter of Alaan old shanty, but his good business qualities were bama. John C. Blackman was a minister of the soon recognized, and he soon had a good trade. Methodist Episcopal Church, but also followed His honest and upright treatment of his customers planting, and in the capacity of a minister of the inspired all with confidence in him. He now bas gospel, he became well known throughout North not only one of the largest, but also one of the ern Louisiana, to which State he had come in safest enterprises in the country. He has a large 1851, making a home for himself and family at

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a trade among his tenants, and by an original scheme, Homer, in Claiborne Parish, where he resided unfurnishes checks to them all with which to buy til after the war. He took an active interest in the goods, charging each person with checks and ac- political affairs of this locality, and was a man cepting them as money.

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The checks are valued whom all revered, respected and loved, for in every just as coin, and are virtually plantation money. respect he was a true Christian, and at all times His system is so perfect he dispenses with at least endeavored to follow the teachings of the Golden one book-keeper by its use. He has erected a spa- Rule. His death, which took place in his sixty cious store building, and does an annual business eighth year, was at Shreveport, in 1873, of yellow of over $30,000, carrying an average stock of fever, and that of Mrs. Blackman, aged sixty-seven $8,000. He also has a fine residence and all the years, in 1884, in Alexandria. They were much conveniences to make life pleasant and agreeable. regretted by all with whom they had acquaintance. Mr. Bennett received very little assistance from His father was a member of the Masonic fraternity, his parents, financially, but he has bought the old in which respect he followed in the footsteps of his bomestead and is now occupying it. There stands

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There stands progenitors, and be helped to found Homer Col. in the front yard of his old residence a mammoth lege, and was especially active in church and all pecan tree, the nut from which it grew having public enterprises, during the early history of Claibeen planted by Mr. Bennett's mother in years borne Parish. Of the family born to him, two past. Mr. Bennett is now the owner of over 1,600 children survive: Asa Olin and Wilbur Fisk. The acres of land.

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He bought a large tract round grandfather, William Blackman, was a native of Cheney ville depot, which he has blocked out in the Old North State, and was married to a Miss small farms and lots and sold to good advantage | Williams, also of North Carolina. The Black

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both to himself and to the buyer. This town is man family in America is traced to the settlement I called Theoda, after his wife. He stands in the in Massachusetts, of a man by that name who came

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front rank as a good business man of Rapides from Scotland, to found a home for bimself in the Parish. He was married in 1875 to Miss Theola New World. His descendants were active particiTower, a native of Chrystal Springs, Miss., and to pants in the War of Independence, and also took them have been born the following children: Au- part in the War of 1812, members of the Maddox nie M., Lena M., Emma P., Myrtle T., Fred W. family being in the Seminole War. The former and Virginia M.

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were of large stature, long lived, and were very Hon. Wilbur Fisk Blackman is a man of more , tenacions in their religious faith, that of Meththan ordinary energy and force of character, and is odism. The immediate subject of this biography, now filling one of the most important and respon-Wilbur Fisk Blackman, attained to man's estate in sible offices in the county, that of julge of the Claiborne Parish, La., and completed a fine literTwelfth Judicial District, and is discharging the ary and classical course in Homer College, La. duties of this position with an energy efficiency (which his father bad helped to found), and was

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graduated from that institution, leaving the same until the close of the war. He afterward turned day to join the Confederate Army, becoming a his attention to clerical work, being engaged in member of the Moore Fencibles, which was com- a mercantile store in Homer, and during this time posed of the most talented and noblest young men read law at leisure moments, and in October, 186.), of Claiborne Parish, He was elected second lien- as he had always taken an active interest in polities, tenant of that company, at the age of eighteen and was thoroughly posted on all the general years, and was attached to the Ninth Louisiana topics of the day, he was nominated for the Legis- Regiment of Infantry, under Col. Dick Taylor, lature, and was elected for the years of 1866and subsequently Maj. Gen. Dick Taylor, and served : 1867, receiving the highest number of votes on the until 1862 in the Army of Virginia, after which ticket. This was the last white man's Legislature he resigned and returned home. At the battle of in the State. In November, 1865, he entered the Mansfield, on April 8, 1864, he led his old regi. ' law department of the State University of Louisi- ment, the Twenty-eighth Lonisiana, in the charge. ana, and in addition to attending lectures, also The fire from a largely superior force of the Federal faithfully and efficiently discharged his duties as infantry was centered on his brigade, and so great legislator. In March of 1865 he was admitted was the carnage, that the Eighteenth and Crescent to the bar by the Supreme Court at New Orleans, Regiments were staggered, and the Twenty-eighth, and commenced practicing in Claiborne Parish. Louisiana Regiment, with a great loss seemed for · During the reconstruction period, so dark and a moment to waver, when he ran bis horse through gloomy, he was actively engaged in keeping his the ranks, grasped the colors, and called on his party alive, and in 1868 he was nominated for the soldiers to follow him. The murderous tire con- State Senate, serving faithfully and in a highly tinued. Two hundred and fifty of his soldiers fell, satisfactory manner from that time until 1872, be either killed or wounded, in the space of 150 having the honor of being both terus he served yards behind his colors, but the ranks closed up, the youngest member of both the House and Senate. and on went the column until within a few yards In 1868 he was nominated by his party in the New of the Federal lines, when they gave way before his Orleans Convention, as presidential elector for the victorious troops. The colors were riddled and his State at large, and cast the electoral vote for Sey clothes were rent in many places by the enemy's mour & Blair, against Gen. Grant. In 1873 he bullets, but he miraculously escaped personal in sought a new field of work, located in Alexandria, jury. Gen. Henry Gray, his brigade commander, and commenced the active practice of his profes in his official report of this battle, paid a high sion, and

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sion, and was very successful, and three years later, tribute to the conspicuous gallantry of Maj. Black , in 1876, received the nomination for judge of the man and Gen. Dick Taylor, in his published rem | Twelfth Judicial District, and was elected to that iniscences of the war, pays an eqnally high compli position, the district being composed of the par ment to his gallantry and efficiency as an officer. ishes of Rapides, Grant and Vernon, and has served He afterward enlisted in Company D. under continuously up to the present time, with the exCheatham, and upon the organization of the Twen ception of two years. He has always been a strong ty-eighth Regiment, he was appointed adjutant' party organizer, is an eloquent and forcible orator, by Col., afterward Gen. Henry Gray, in which and has been frequently urged to run for Congress, capacity be served in the Trans. Mississippi De but has always declined. His marriage, which ocpartment, until his promotion to assistant adju- curred in Rapides Parish, on September 14, 1869, tant general, of Mouton's Louisiana Brigade of was to Miss Ellen M. Wells, a daughter of MumInfantry, composed of the Twenty eighth, the fot Wells, by whom he has two sons and two Eighteenth, and the Crescent Regiments, Louisi: ; daughters: Wilbur W. Blackman (who married ana Volunteers. After the battle of Mansfield he Miss Sallie H. Fish), Jeanette Dent (wife of Julius served as assistant adjutant general of the brigade F. Ariail, attorney at Alexandria), Ellen M. and

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ac

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war.

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lohn Calhoun (who are at the present in school). the father born in Georgia in 1810, and the mother The family worship in the Episcopal Church, and in Louisiana in 1823. Mr. Davidson received his are highly honored people in the community in education in Louisiana, and was not only a very which they reside. The wife of Judge Blackman successful farmer but a very prominent man in is connected with several of the oldest and most both local and State politics. He was tendered respected families in Louisiana.

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She is an the nomination for State Senator, but declined the complished woman, is domestic in her taste, and honor, preferring a private life. His death oc her home indicates refinement and culture to a curred in 1865. Mrs. Davidson is still living, and great degree Our space will not permit a history makes her home with our subject. She is a very of her progenitors.

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prominent member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Carey E. Blanchard, planter, Boyce, La. One and Mrs. Blanchard are also worthy members of of the prominent planters in this portion of the that church. They are the parents of four chil country is Mr. Blanchard, who was born on the dren--two sons and two daughters-all at home. same place where he now resides, on December 14, Mr. Blanchard was the eldest of four brothers, and 1846, and is a son of Carey H. and Frances (Crain) the second, N. C., is now a member of Congress Blanchard, the father born in Virginia in 1805, and from the Fourth District, having represented this

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1 the mother in Louisiana in 1821. The father re- district for twelve years. He is one of the most ceived his education in the Old Dominion, and prominent members of the House from the South. wben a young man came to Louisiana with his The third brother, F. A., is a planter, as is also mother, his father having died some time previous. the fourth brother, C. H. He was a colonel in the State Militia prior to the Hon. G. W. Bolton, of Rapides Parish, is a

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He was married four times, once after the Georgian, born in De Kalb County, September, 1.5, death of the mother of our subject, she having 1841, coming at the age of sixteen years with his been his third wife. Both he and his third wife parents to Union Parish, La., where he remained were members of the Episcopal Church, and both working on a farm and attending such schools as died in Rapides Parish, the mother in 185.) and the the country afforded until the beginning of the war father in 1861. Carey E. Blanchard supplemented between the States. It was his desire to attend a common-school education by a course in the State college, and take a full classical course, and after Seminary of Learning and Military Institute near ward study law as a profession, but the war preAlexandria, La In the fall of 1804 he enlisted in vented the accomplishment of his purpose which Company G of a Texas regiment, but was never in has been a source of regret to him ever since. He active service. The regiment was disbanded on the received a high-school education, and at the age

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of way to Galveston.

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At the breaking out of the war twenty years enlisted in the Twelfth Louisiana Inthe family had 800 acres under cultivation, with fantry, Confederate Army, served continuously in about eighty slaves to work it, a cotton gin, sugar that regiment in Kentucky, Tennessee and Missismill and saw-mill. good buildings, and about 800 sippi, and in the early part of the year 1964 his bales of cotton on hand, when Bank's Army came regiment with the division to which it was attached through, burning everything. The family was was transferred to the Army of Tennessee at Dalleft destitute, and experienced many bardships. ton, Ga.. was in all the engagements from there to They built a small cabin, cultivated what land Atlanta. After the capture of Atlanta by Gen. they could, and thus kept from want. In 1876 Sherman his regiment took part in the campaign Carey E. Blanchard began farming for himself on into Tennessee under Gen. Hood. He had the the home place, where he has since resided, and bone of his right arm badly shattered by a miniewhere he is well and favorably known.

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ball while on the retreat after the battle of Nash. married in 1865 to Miss Mary L. Davidson, daugh ville, and soon after the retreat commenced, and ter of Maj. Neal and Martha (Hunter) Davidson, after lying in a private house owned by a widow

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a

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He was

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war.

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John Calhoun (who are at the present in school). the father born in Georgia in 1810, and the mother The family worship in the Episcopal Church, and in Louisiana in 1823. Mr. Davidson received his are highly honored people in the community in education in Louisiana, and was not only a very which they reside. The wife of Judge Blackman successful farmer but a very prominent man in is connected with several of the oldest and most both local and State politics. He was tendered respected families in Lonisiana. She is an ac- the nomination for State Senator, but declined the complished woman, is domestic in her taste, and honor, preferring a private life.

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His death oc her home indicates refinement and culture to a curred in 1865. Mrs. Davidson is still living, and great degree. Our space will not permit a history makes her home with our subject. She is a very of her progenitors.

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prominent member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Carey E. Blanchard, planter, Boyce, La. One and Mrs. Blanchard are also worthy members of of the prominent planters in this portion of the that church. They are the parents of four chil country is Mr. Blanchard, who was born on the dren--two sons and two daughters-all at home. same place where he now resides, on December 14, Mr. Blanchard was the eldest of four brothers, and 18.16, and is a son of Carey H. and Frances (Crain) the second, N. C., is now a member of Congress Blanchard, the father born in Virginia in 1805, and from the Fourth District, having represented this the mother in Louisiana in 1921. The father re- district for twelve years.

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He is one of the most ceived his education in the Old Dominion, and prominent members of the House from the South. wben a young man came to Louisiana with his The third brother, F. A., is a planter, as is also mother, his father having died some time previous. the fourth brother, C. H. He was a colonel in the State Militia prior to the Hon. G. W. Bolton, of Rapides Parish, is a

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He was married four times, once after the Georgian, born in De Kalb County, September, 15, death of the mother of our subject, she having 1841, coming at the age of sixteen years with his been his third wife. Both he and his third wife

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parents to Union Parish, La., where he remained were members of the Episcopal Church, and both working on a farm and attending such schools as died in Rapides Parish, the mother in 1857 and the the country afforded until the beginning of the war father in 1961. Carey E. Blanchard supplemented between the States.

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. It was his desire to attend a common school education by a course in the State college, and take a full classical course, and after Seminary of Learning and Military Institute near ward study law as a profession, but the war preAlexandria, La. In the fall of 1864 he enlisted in vented the accomplishment of bis purpose which Company G of a Texas regiment, but was never in has been a source of regret to him ever since. He active service. The regiment was disbanded on the received a high-school education, and at the

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of way to Galveston. At the breaking out of the war twenty years enlisted in the Twelfth Louisiana Inthe family had 800 acres under cultivation, with fantry, Confederate Army, served continuously in about eighty slaves to work it, a cotton gin, sugar- that regiment in Kentucky, Tennessee and Missis mill and saw-mill. good buildings, and about 800 sippi, and in the early part of the year 1864 bis bales of cotton on hand, when Bank's Army came regiment with the division to which it was attached through, burning everything.

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The family was

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was transferred to the Army of Tennessee at Dalleft destitute, and experienced many hardships. ton, Ga., was in all the engagements from there + They built a small cabin, cultivated what land Atlanta.

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After the capture of Atlanta by ( they could, and thus kept from want. In 1870 Sherman his regiment took part in the cap Carey E. Blanchard began farming for himself on into Tennessee under Gen. Hood. the home place, where he has since resided, and bone of his right arm badly shattered wbere he is well and favorably known.

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ball while on the retreat after the ba' married in 1863 to Miss Mary L. Davidson, dangh- ville, and soon after the retreat ( ter of Maj. Neal and Martha (Hunter) Davidson, after lying in a private house or

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age

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He

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He was

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lady at Brentwood, Tenn., without medical atten

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рау. In all his business transactions strict integtion for three days, he was taken prisoner and car- rity rules and governs, and to his unswerving ried to the hospital in Nashville, where he was kept devotion to principles of honesty and fair dealing until he had recovered from the wound received in he attributes his success in life. He was one of battle. From there he was transferred to prison : the chief organizers of the Rapides Bank, and has at Camp Chase, Ohio, and thence to Point Look been its president since its organization, having out, Md., where he was released on parole af- accepted the position without previous experience ter the close of the war. During the entire term in banking at the earnest solicitations of many of of service in the army Mr. Bolton belonged to that the stockholders, about half of whom lived in New class quite numerous then but very scarce now. Orleans and knew him personally. This has beHe was a private soldier. Returning to the home come to be a solid institution, and though comof his parents in North Louisiana without anything mencing business in September, 1888, is now pay to begin life upon, with maimed arm unfitting him ing handsome dividends to the stockholders, and for manual labor, he at the solicitation of his friends the shares though rarely offered for sale readily taught school for one year, after which he entered command a premium. He has never sought politthe store of Dr. A. Wade in Winnfield, La., as a ical office, but has several times filled important clerk, was offered and accepted an interest in public positions. In 1876 he was elected a member the business shortly after, and remained there for of the police jury of Rapides Parish, at a time when three years, when the firm decided to extend their its financial affairs were in great confusion, and business by establishing another house at Pineville, parish warrants would not command more than La., and he moved there to take charge of same, fifty per cent of their face value, a heavy debt also leaving the business at Winnfield in charge of existed against the parish. The present excellent Thomas D. Milling, who had been taken into part

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financial condition of the parish is largely owing nership. Dr. Wade died in August, 1870, when to the reform methods introduced by him and his the business was continned by Milling & Bolton, associates during the time he served as police juror. which firm successfully wound up the affairs of the His labors at the time in the interests of the parish old partnership, passed safely through the finan- pointed him out as a proper person for member of cial troubles of 1873 and succeeding years, until the State Constitutional Convention, to which he the death of Mr. Milling, in 1879, when Mr. Bolton was unanimously elected in 1879, and rendered val closed up the affairs of the partnership, and contin- uable service in assisting in the foundation of the ued the mercantile business on his own account at present State constitution. He was conspicuous Pineville, La. In closing the affairs of this part. in his efforts to maintain the honor and credit of nership he was very successful, as each one of the State, wben so many desired to repudiate oblithem only had a few thousand dollars at the be- gations that should be considered sacred, his party ginning, ten years prior, yet so well were its affairs having previously pledged itself to uphold the managed that on a final settlement and lignidation credit of the State he felt in honor bound to carry he paid to the heirs of his deceased partner over out those pledges. He was likewise conspicuous $20,000 for half interest in the partnership. He for his opposition to a renewal of the charter of the is now engaged in the mercantile business at the Louisiana State Lottery, and opposed incorporating same place, occupying three large rooms stored such an article in the constitution. Had his views full of goods, with annual sales of from $50,000 to prevailed then, the State would have been spared $60,000, and gradually increasing. His stock is the terrible contest now going on in Louisiana, valued at about $15,000, and all his goods are pur- looking to an extension of the charter of the lotchased for cash, his invariable custom of late years tery. In 1888 he was again brought forward as a has been to buy no goods except for cash, and ! candidate for the Legislature, and having received never owes any man without having the money to the nonination by a unanimous vote of the Parish

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ enues.

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Democratic Convention, he was elected by a large majority of the votes of the people. During the sessions of Legislature in 1888 and 1890 he rendered valuable service in many respects and particularly as chairman of the house committee on appropriations to which position he was appointed on account of his acknowledged financial ability. He at once became one of the prominent members of the House of Representatives, and the present excellent financial condition of the State is largely due to his efforts in the management of its rev

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During the session of 1890 he was one of the acknowledged leaders in opposition to any action being taken by the Legislature looking to a renewal of the charter of the Louisiana State Lot. tery. He has never sought political office, and in every public political position his course of conduct has been guided by a sincere desire to discharge duties incumbent on him with the strictest fidelity and integrity. He has always been noted as a very public spirited citizen, doing all in his power to further worthy enterprises, which have been started, and has donated liberally of his means in their support. He was married in Winn Parish, La., to Miss Tennessee Wade, daughter of Dr. A. Wade and Malinda K. Wade, nee Porter. His wife is a cousin of Ex-Gov. Porter of Tennessee, and is a worthy helpmate to the subject of this sketch, her mother being still alive, and aged eighty-three years.

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To Mr. and Mrs. Bolton have been born ten children, three of whom, Lottie, Albert and George W., are dead, seven living: James W. (assistant cashier in the bank, a bright young man twenty one years old), George F. (a youth of good business habits and qualifications, who assists his father in his business), Franklin P. (now at college), Porter, Ida and Roscoe (attending the village school), and lastly little Bertha (the pet of the family). Mrs. Bolton, being a thorongh housewife, labors faithfully to rear her children so as to be useful members of society, and to her prndent management of household affairs much of Mr. Bol. ton's success in life is due. His father is still liv. ing in Union Parish, aged eighty-two years, was a school teacher in early days, and raised his chil. dren on a farm. He is of English descent, but bis

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wife who died at the age of seventy-nine years was Irish, her mother having come from the Emerald Isle. Mr. Bolton, the subject of this sketch, has long been a member of the Baptist Church, is also one of the charter members of Solomon Lodge, F. & A. M., Keystone Chapter No. 44, R. A. M., also of Summit Council, R. & S. Masters. He was elected senior grand warden of the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Louisiana at the session February, 1890. In the church and societies he has ever been an active and useful member. In the community generally he is considered one of the most successful business men and financiers in this section, and all the stockholders of the bank of which he is president trust most of the business of the same to him, in fact a reasonable degree of success has attended all his efforts, and he enjoys the unreserved confidence of all who have business transactions with him. He is gentlemanly, accommodating and courteous, and is very popular with all, not only in a business way, but also as an official. As stated in the early part of this sketch, he was prevented from acquiring a collegiate course which he so much desired, owing to the war, the close of which left him without any means to begin life with, or to carry out his former intentions so that he may be said to be in a large measure a selfmade man.

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His portrait graces this volume. James Borron, planter, Boyce, La.

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The subject of this sketch needs little or no introduction to the people of Rapides Parish, La., for bis mercantile firm in ante bellum days (Ar. Miltenberger & Borron) transacted business with many of the largest planters of Rapides and Natchitoches Parishes, and he has resided thirty-one years in Natchitoches Parish and twenty years in New Orleans, and is one of the most highly esteemed residents of Boyce, and one whose integrity and honesty of purpose are unquestioned. He was born in Woolden Hall, England, in 1822, and his parents, John A. and Mary (Geddis) Borron, were natives of Lancaster, England and Edinburgh, Scotland, born in 1772 and 1791, respectively. Mr. John A. Borron was educated at Cambridge College, England, and later was largely interested in manufactories in different parts of that country. He was judge

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HOSTES

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of the court of assizes. He received a gold medal

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DuQuesne (now Pittsburgh). Washfrom the Duke of Bridgewater for engineering the

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ington was his aide-de camp then, and Bridgewater Canal. Afterward he traveled for

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took command after he fell. John two years in the United States, and then returned

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Arthur Borron, nephew of Gen. Bradto London, where his death occurred in 1846.

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dock and father of the subject of this James Borron was educated in New Castle, North- sketch, was a man of great enterprise and attainumberland, England, and, in 1839, when about ments, as well as vast business capacity, who had a sixteen years of age, he removed to New Or- cotton-mill and glass works in Lancashire, salt and leans. He was seventy-one days in making the trip pottery works in Cheshire and Stafford, besides across the ocean, and after arriving in New Orleans managing lead mines in Scotland for the Marquis was engaged in the Foreign Commission House of of Bute, Becleugh and Hopetum. When in New A. & J. Dennistoun & Co., who did the largest York, on his way home to England, he made valubusiness in New Orleans. He remained there able suggestions to the engineers of the “Croton thirteen years, and then took charge of the busi- Aqueduct," which was then under construction, ness of Aristid Miltenberger, and in 1857 was made complimentary notices of which were published in a partner. He remained in business there until the New York Press. the breaking out of the war. In 1858 he married Col. Ainslie, C. B., deceased, a nephew of our Miss Maria L. Bonner, daughter of Maj. Willis subject's mother, was thus referred to by the GlasBonner, a native of Rapides Parish, and one of the gow Herald: “The remains of the late Col. Ainslargest planters in that portion of the State. After lie, C. B., were interred in Haddington churchyard

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, marriage and the beginning of the Civil War in yesterday in the presence of a large assemblage of 1861, Mr. Borron removed to Rapides Parish and mourners, the chief of whom were Mr. R. Ainslie took charge of his wife's plantation. The war (of Elvinston), Miss Ainslie, Maj. -Gen. Anderson, disabled bim very seriously, financially.

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C. B. and Mrs. Anderson, etc. Col. Ainslie was a resides at Ainslie place, near Boyce, about fourteen child of the regiment, having been born at Futtimiles above Alexandria. His marriage resulted in gur, in the East Indies, in 1811, his father being the birth of eight chlldren-five sons and three Col. Ainslie, of the Madras army. He entered the daughters: James H., Elizabeth, Stella (now Mrs. army at an early age, and joined the Ninety-third Kelsoe, of Boyce), Louise (now Mrs. Halliburton, Highlanders, in which he rose to the chief comof Rapides Parish), Willis Arthur (of Boyce), Will- mand, and led the regiment in some memorable iam Roscoe, Edward A. and Paul G. (the last three engagements, where he distinguished himself by at home). Mr. and Mrs. Borron are members of such conspicuous bravery as to gain for himself the Episcopal Church, and are esteemed by all ac- the commandership of the Bath. He was in every quainted with them. The family of Borron is one sense a splendid specimen of the British soldier, of considerable antiquity in England. A copy of full of martial spirit, yet modest and unassuming genealogical record now in possession of Mr. Bor- in all his actions. As a comrade in arms remarked, ron dates back A. D. 1634, in the reign of King he never said “Go on, boys,' but 'Come on.' He Charles I., but emblems of the crest of the Borron led the Highlanders up the Heights of the Alma,' arms, in the Herald's office, London-lamb and and later in the campaign it was he who formed banner, with corona or holy halo above the cross his regiment into the historic “thin red line' at would indicate a much more ancient origin, prob Balaclava to resist the heavy onset of Russian ably the Crusades. The pioneer or first member of cavalry. He was deeply attached to bis regiment, the family in the country, upon record of history, and his men regarded him with devotion and affecGen. Edward Braddock, uncle of John Arthur tion, a brother officer having once said that “his Borron, commander of the colonial forces, was Highlanders would have followed him anywhere, killed fighting French and Indians, near Fort even to the ends of the earth.' He sold out of the

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He now

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6

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\r

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66

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THE GOLD MEDALLIST.

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army a good many years ago, being succeeded in burgh, Scotland He was also an author of some the command of the Ninety-third by Gen. Bur- note, principally scenes in India, “ Auren Zeebe, or roughs. Since his retirement Col. Ainslie has lived Tales of Alraschid,” Ernest Campbell” and a quiet and unobtrusive life in Edinburgh. He "Antipathy," being among his works. He emiwas a regular frequenter of the United Service grated to Boonville, Mo., about 1836, and was Club, of which be was the senior member, having drowned in the Missouri River. His sons, George been admitted fifty years ago.

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It is understood Ainslie, ex-member of Congress for Idaho, and that by his death the life-rent of the property Mark Ainslie, both now reside in that State, and which he enjoyed from his aunt, the late Miss their grandehildren in Ohio and Tennessee. The Walker, of Drumsbeugh, goes to the trust fund for children are wealthy, their uncle, Col. William the benefit of the Episcopal Church in Scotland. Ainslie, having left them a large estate. Our subCol. Ainslie was married to Joanna, only child of ject took no part in the Civil War, regarding it as Maj. Gen. Falls, late of the Ninety-third High- a most cruel fratricidal strife, in which he as an landers. He is survived by his widow, but leaves alien had do right to interfere. The war brought

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no . no family.”

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financial ruin to himself and house. He was robbed The following taken from a Toronto, Canada, and plundered of a large amount of valuables, inpaper refers to our subject's niece, Miss Ainslie cluding marriage presents to his wife, family souveBorron:

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nirs, etc., to say nothing of the loss of all mules,

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horses, and about 270 bales of cotton burned to The work of Miss Borron is arranged by itself, ashes, for which he got no compensation. Shortly and it was the center of attraction, Miss Ainslie afterward he saw in New Orleans (Angust, 1864), Borron, the young lady who has won the gold that cotton sold at $2.05 a pound, or about $1,000 a medal, is the daughter of Mr. Borron, ex M. P. of bale in greenbacks. He passed through the lines of the district of Algoma, and the niece of Mrs. Ains. both contending armies at this time in order to lie, of Ainslie Woods, Hamilton. She has pursued make claim against the government for indemnity, her studies chiefly at the art schools in Toronto and to oblige a friend, conveyed in a belt aronn and Hamilton. While gratefully acknowledging his body $12,000 in United States treasury notes, her obligations to other teachers, Miss Borrop for parties in New Orleans, an undertaking that

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, attributes the measure of success she has achieved, might have cost him his life, but he delivered it especially in drawing from the antique, chiefly to safely. The longevity of this family is remarkable. the excellent taste and admirable instructions of John Arthur Borron attained the age of seventy-two Mr. Cruikshank, of this city. Born at Sault Ste. years, the aggregate of his six children now living Marie, and a resident at various times not only of (two dead) is 188---total of the eight children 660 that rising town, but of Port Arthur and upon years. Of these six surviving children one lives in the Manitoulin Island, Miss Borron's success will Missouri, one in Ohio, one in Louisiana, two in doubtless be hailed with pleasure by a large num- Canada, one in London, England. The sons of ber of friends and acquaintances in all parts of the latter are mostly in Australia. Though their the district of Algoma, as well as by her fellow- lots are cast in different portions of the earth, far students in Toronto and Hamilton, and by the apart, may their career be “onward and upward,"' people of Collingwood, where Mr. Borron's family carrying aloft the standard of Christianity and a at present reside.

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The exhibition of pictures will good name. Our subject is the youngest of his be open free to the public for a week.

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father's sons living, and will be sixty-nine years or the Ainslie branch of the family, John Ains- July 9, 1891, fifty-one years of this period in Lou lie (brother of Col. William Ainslie, of the Ninety- isiana, including twenty years' permanent residence third Regiment Highlanders), married our subject's in New Orleans, 1839-59, passing safely throngh sister, Mary. He was a barrister or W. S., Edin

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many terrible visitations of yellow fever and chol

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era.

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This ex

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66

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He is now hail and hearty, without ache or was to Wisconsin, thence to Illinois, from which pain, and can follow active pursuits on the farm State he started to Texas in 1851, but after reachwith little fatigue, although exposed to the blaze ing Alexandria, La., his finances were at such a low of the sun. His tive boys are also stalwart and ebb that he was compelled to remain here, and beactive, working with him on the farm.

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gan working at his trade, that of a wheelwright. plodes the assertion that “the South is not adapted After following this calling until 1832, he began to white labor.”

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overseering for C. C. C. Martin, remaining with Ira Bowman, M. D. Although a young man, him until 1835, when he began working in the Dr. Bowman is already quite well known to the same capacity for Ralph Smith, working on the people of this section, for since entering the practice R. R. R. R. from Alexandria to Lecompte, conof medicine in 1886, he has made many noted tinuing eight years. He was not in active service cures, and his practice at all times has been suc- during the war, but was a receiver of tithes for the cessful. He was born in Clinton, La., in 1861, Confederate Government in Texas. He returned but the principal part of his literary education was to this State after the close of the war and settled received in Baton Rouge, under the able instruc- near Lecompte, engaged in farming but had very tion of Prof. McGruder, after which he entered bard luck, got discouraged, and went to the hills, the pharmaceutical department of the Vanderbilt where he lived fourteen years, being engaged in University of Nashville, Tenn., from which he was the raising of cotton, corn and stock. At the end graduated. After working as a pharmacist for two of this time he returned to Lecompte, and puryears, he once more entered Vanderbilt University, chased 100 acres of land which he has since been this time graduating from the medical department engaged in cultivating. He was married in 1856,

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| in 1886. He soon after came to Lecompte, and to Miss Esther S. Moore, who was born near Cheney. here has built up a paying practice, owing to his ville in 1832, and to them seven sons and seven strict attention to business, his ability and intelli- daughters have been born: Kenneth (who died at

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Dr. Bowman is much in love with his pro- the age of twenty-eight years), Jester (who also fession, aside from the money which it brings in, died at that age), Mary (who died after becoming for bis practice extends among the poorer classes grown). Alice (who died in Indiana), and Daniel as well as the wealthy. He is reasonable in bis (who died at the age of five years). Those living prices, courteous and gentlemanly at all times, are Susie, Ralph, John, Eunice, Hull, Lillie, and may truly be said to be the rising physician of Evie, Octavia and Arthur. Mr. Brewer became a this locality. He is a member of Alexandria Lodge member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, when of the A. F. & A. M. His parents, R. J. and eighteen years of age at Schenectady, N. Y., and Cornelia (Germany) Bowman, were born in South has reared his children to be a credit and honor to Carolina and Georgia, respectively, but the former the community He is a son of Lewis and Mary received the principal part of his rearing in Louisi- (McClure) Brewer, both natives of New York, and

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He studied law in the city of New Orleans, the former an old-line Whig. becoming an able practioner. He built the house Dr. F. N. Brian, physician and druggist, in Lecompte and is also the owner of other valu

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Boyce, La.

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It is to the skill and science of the able property

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druggist that suffering humanity looks for alleviaDaniel Brewer, of New York nativity has, from tion of pain. The physician may successfully dithe date of his birth in 1824, resided in a number agnose, but it is the chemist who prepares the of different States, but the most of his time has remedy. When, therefore, as in the case of the been spent in New York and Louisiana, his resi. i gentleman whose name forms the subject of this dence in the former dating to 1848, the common sketch, the two professions, namely that of the schools, of which favored him with a good educa- physician and druggist, are combined, how doubly tion. His first removal from the place of his birth important becomes the establishment conducted by

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gence.

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ana.

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1

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Dr. F. N. Brian. This gentleman was born in but is also a member of the K. of H., Enterprise Caldwell Parish, La., on March 7, 1860, and is a Lodge No. 3552, at Boyce. He is a member of son of Francis and Saloma R. (Cosser) Brian, na- the Missionary Baptist, and his wife a member of tives of South Carolina and Mississippi, and born the Episcopal Church. in 1805 and 1822, respectively. Mr. Brian was Robert Wilton Bringhurst. A lifetime of well educated in South Carolina, and in 1838 re- hard, earnest endeavor, in pursuing the various moved to Louisiana, where he engaged in planting occupations in which he has been engaged, coupled on quite an extensive scale. He was the owner of with strict integrity, honesty of purpose and lib- seventy-five slaves at the beginning of the war, erality, has tended to place Mr. Bringhurst among and was quite wealthy. He was a Royal Arch the highly honored and successful men of Rapides Mason, and was a member of the Missionary Bap- Parish. He was born in Alexandria, La., Decem- tist Church. He died on February 25, 1860. .

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ber 13, 1810, and was a very sedate and precocious Mrs. Brian, who is a member of the same church, youth during his early years. At the age of nine is still living and makes her home with her son, years he was put to school and was taught the Dr. F. N. Brian. The latter completed a classical .

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rudiments of his education in his native town, but education at A. & M. College, at Baton Rouge, at the age of twelve years he was enrolled as a La. After leaving school he went in a drug store day scholar in the Rapides High School, under for two years at Winnfield, La., and then attended the tutorship of Luther Fay Parker, and at fourthe medical department of the University of teen years

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of age,

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in company

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with an elder Louisiana (now Tulane College), at New Orleans brother, he was sent to Alexandria, Va., High for three years, completing his course and receiv- School, which was under the able management of ing a diploma in March, 1884. After this he con- Caleb S. Hallowell, a Quaker of much erudition tinued to practice at Winnfield three years, or un- and strict discipline. His career in this institutil April, 1887, when he removed to Boyce, where tion was marked by rapid progress, for he not only he has since resided. He is now considered the applied himself diligently to his studies, but he leading physician of this section, and has a lucra- possessed an active mind, quick to grasp new ideas, tive practice. In the whole list of professions and a retentive memory, and although he was suf

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, there are no two usually kept distinct that admit ficiently mischievous not to be termed a mollycod . of more satisfactory blending than that of the dle, he was not in the least vicious, and was conphysician and druggist, and Dr. Brian, in his dual sequently a favorite with his instructors. From capacity, has been very successful. He is medical this school he was graduated and sent to Union examiner for the New York Mutual Life Insurance College, Schenectady, N. Y., where he entered the Company, and also for the K. of H. at this place. sophomore year in the civil engineering depart He is also local surgeon for the Texas & Pacific ment under the immediate instruction of Prof. Railroad. On December 25, 1882, he was married William M. Gillespie, and at the age of nineteen to Miss Geneva Dickerson, daughter of W. H. years, in his second term, he graduated as a civil and Elizabeth (Jackson) Dickerson, natives of engineer. He then returned to his native home South Carolina and Louisiana, respectively. Mrs. and State and was at once appointed assistant enBrian died in July, 1885, and the Doctor was mar- gineer on the New Orleans, Opelousas & Great ried the second time on July 5, 1888, to Miss Western Railroad (now the Texas & Pacific), then Clemie Jones, daughter of Matthew and Cecelia

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under construction, the building of which was (McElroy) Jones, who were born in Tennessee and

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soon put a stop to by the opening of the RebelLouisiana, respectively. Mr. Jones was a planter lion. The beginning of a life full of ambition and and stock raiser; he died in 1863. Mrs. Jones is impatient to enter upon the real duties of life was still living in Boyce. Dr. Brian is a member of nipped in the bud, and the hardening scenes of the Masonic fraternity, Eastern Star Lodge No. 151, four years' service as a soldier totally changed the

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plans of his life. Although repugnant to his who was born in Germantown, Penn. (now Philanature to become a soldier, in 1861 he enlisted in delphia), died, and was buried with Masonic the Confederate service in the Army of Tennessee, honors. He possessed a wise Christian mother, at Corinth, Miss., and very soon after became at. who was Mary E., daughter of Capt. William tached to the engineers' corps under Gen. Rug. Waters, one of the early pioneers to Louisiana gles. In 1863 he was assigned to service in the from Mason County, Ky., who devoted herself to engineers' department west of the Mississippi the education of her five sons, and nobly did she River as second lieutenant of engineers in the Red fulfill every duty. She died in 1880, in full comRiver Valley, afterward becoming first lieutenant munion with the Methodist Episcopal Church. of engineers with Gen. Sterling Price, and was The Bringhursts are of German descent, a memacting chief of the engineers' department of ber of the family coming from Germany to this Arkansas at Camden. Notably among his engi- country many years ago and settling in Pennsylneering accomplishments were the Sugar Cooler vania. The family are noted for their excellent pontoon bridge across the Atchafalaya River over constitutions, their longevity and morality. The which Gen. Taylor's army crossed, Yellow Bayou subject of this sketch was married New Orand Boota Bayou bridges, Cane River pontoon leans November 25, 1805, to Miss Judith Taliabridge, the fortifications at Doolie's Ferry and at ferro Leckie, and their happy union thus far has Fulton, Ark., and the pontoon and equipage for been blessed in the birth of nine children, eight of Gen. Price's march to Missouri. Mr. Bringhurst's whom are now living. Mr. Bringhurst's motto is, military career closed at Navasota, Tex., after “Be true to God, to his fellow-man and to him. which he returned home and was commissioned self. Be sure you are right and then

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go

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ahead.'' parish surveyor almost immediately, a position he Capt. William J. Calvert, a grandson of the filled with satisfaction to all. He engaged in late Gov. Joseph Walker, of this State, is the planting, but has also been United States deputy superintendent of the city schools of Alexandria,

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, surveyor and real estate agent. In 1869-70 he

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La. His entire life has been passed in Rapides owned and operated a saw-mill, but this occupa- Parish, for here he was born June 11, 1810, and tion not proving at all remunerative he abandoned he has always enjoyed the reputation of being honit and has since given his attention to the above est and upright in every respect, fully deserving mentioned calling. His life, up to the present

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His life, up to the present the good opinion with which he is regarded by all time, has been very active, therefore a healthy one who know him. His parents, William J. and Minand although he is now forty-nine years of age he erva M. (Walker) Calvert, were also born in this is in full vigor of manhood, and is blessed with a State, and the former was a planter by occupation, fair amount of this world's goods, fully sufficient aud an active man in public matters. At his death, to keep the wolf from the door. He always in which occurred in the latter part of 1839, he was dorses every word and act that leads to progres- serving in the capacity of parish sheriff'. His sion and civilization, is a man of very superior father, Anthony Calvert, was a Mississippian, a

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a natural endowments, which have been strength. planter, and was a lineal descendant of Leonard ened and enriched by the highest culture. His Calvert (Lord Baltimore). Capt. Willian J. Calmind is clear, concise and well poised, and being vert first acquired a thorough knowledge of the of quick perception, what might cost others bours common branches in the schools at home, but afterof study he reaches at a bound, and the reasons ward supplemented this with a regular collegiate for his views are always clear and well defined. course at Emmetsburg, Md., in Mount St. Mary's He is highly esteemed in social circles, and being College, but while attending this institution, the kind, generous and hospitable, he wins many mutterings of war began to resound through the friends and rarely loses any.

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At the age of

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land, and he immediately returned to his home, twelve years, his father, Augustus L. Bringhurst, and joined the Confederate Army, serving throughout the entire war. He entered as a private, but house as our subject, and the mother in Baton the year following his enlistment he was made capt- Rouge. Reuben H. Carnal was reared in Rapides ain of a company he assisted in raising. After Parish, was a large slave owner before the war and the war he followed clerking for some time, and an extensive sugar planter. He was a heavy loser also acted as book-keeper with different firms, but during the war, but managed to raise his family afterward turned his attention to planting, and in a comfortable manner after the war.

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He was a still later began teaching school. He made a wise graduate of the Philadelphia Medical College, and and successful educator, and was a strict discipli- during the war he served as a physician. After in narian. He is a member of the A. 0. U. W., and heriting his father's plantation he did not practice for two terms bas been a police juror, a portion of his profession again until the time of the war, and the time acting as president of that body. He was through that period only. The mother of our married in Baton Rouge, to Miss Lavinia Rentrop, subject is living and resides on the plantation. of St. Mary's Parish, daughter of Valsin and Hen- Of the nine children born to their union, our sub. rietta (Knight) Rentrop, and of their union three ject is the eldest, and all but one are now alive. sons have been born: William J., Elmer Z. and The main store building in which our subject does Charles M, Mr. and Mrs. Calvert are regular com- business is 65x25 feet, one warehouse of the same municants in St. Francis Xavier Church.

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size, and two other warehouses. He carries a J. B. Carnal, general merchant, Lecompte, La. stock of goods valued at about $15,000. He is an Mr. Carnal is an example of the success attending instance of a truly progressive Southern gentle hard work and honest dealing, and his trade is man, public spirited, enterprising and has made solidly established and reaches over the surround- all he has by his own individual efforts.

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In poli ing country. He carries an excellent and select tics he is Democratic. stock of general goods, and is pleasant and agree Daniel C. Clark is a general merchant of Le. able to his patrons as well as to all with whom he compte, and although he has had to make his own comes in contact.

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He is a native of Lecompte, way in the world, and is now only in the prime of La., his birth occurring in 1857, and received his life, he has done well financially, and is now in inde education at Pass Christian College, Miss. After pendent circumstances. He was born in this par this he went to Baltimore, Md., and was first isb in 1855 to Dr. Kenneth M. and Martha T. engaged in a stationery and then a shirt-house for (Carnal) Clark, and in this parish received bis some time, and then came to Lecompte, where he early education and rearing, afterward entering the remained on the farm with his father. He first Christian Brothers College of Mississippi, in which became connected with mercantile pursuits in his institution he remained for over two years.

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He father's plantation store and in the store of Mr. remained with his parents until he was grown, at Hardy. He continued in this store, getting a which time he entered the mercantile business, a share of the protits, and then purchased a store, calling be is still successfully pursuing, employing

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, , which he carried on for five years. He then moved

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one clerk.

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He owns the building in which he does his stock of goods to Lecompte. He started with business besides other property, and is a gentlenjan limited rueans and has built up his present busi- who has always supported the men and measures of dess by his own exertions, doing an annual business the Democratic party, although he does not aspire of $60,000. He keeps a book-keeper, three clerks to office. His mother was born in Rapides Parish, and a porter besides himself. He does a good La., in 1827, and received her education in Baltijobbing trade with the county merchants. He is

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more, MA., and in New Jersey. At about the age a good business manager and is competent in every of seventeen, her education being completed, she way to take charge of the large trade which he returned to Louisiana, and here met and married now enjoys. He is a son of Reuben H. and Louisa Dr. Kenneth M. Clark, their union taking place in (Brunat) Carnal, the father born in the same

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this parish in October, 1852. Dr. Clark was born,

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reared and educated in the Old North State, but in this section, and no business men have a better after his removal to Louisiana he began prac- reputation for fair dealing and honest goods. C. ticing medicine in the pine wood for several years, C. Cleveland was married in 1876 to Miss Mary continuing for several years after his marriage. Sneed, daughter of Clinton Sneed of this State, In 1872 he removed to Lecompte and being a phy- and to them has been born one child, a daughter. sician of much merit he soon acquired it wide. Both Mrs. Cleveland's parents are deceased. spread reputation and a very large practice, accumn- A. G. Compton, a prominent citizen and a suclating thereby an excellent property. He was left cessful planter of Rapides Parish, is a native-born at home to practice his calling during the war, and resident of this parish, his birth occurring in 1832. was following this as his life work when death His parents, John and Amelia (Baillio) Compton, overtook him May 8, 1882. A family of eight were natives of Maryland and Louisiana, respectchildren in time gathered about their hearthstone, ively, the former born in 1769. The father left their names being as follows: Walter, David, Bet. his native State in 1799, came to Louisiana, and sey, Reuben, Smith, Kenneth, Clane and Rosa. was engaged in planting the remainder of his The mother of these children is residing in LA- days. At the time of his death, which occurred in compte, La., and is a daughter of Reuben and 1856, he was one of the most extensive and wealthElizabeth (Williams) Carnal, both of whom were iest planters in the parish, being worth at least born in North Carolina, moving to Louisiana after $1,000,000. He was in the War of 1812, and partheir marriage and making their home here the ticipated in the battle of New Orleans. The rest of their lives, the father being a successful mother died in 1859. A. G. Compton was eduagriculturist. The grandfather, Carnal, died be- cnted principally in Virginia and Kentucky, and fore Mrs. Clark was born, and her mother's father, graduated from Center College at the close of Gen. William Williams, was an extensive slave 1853. After completing his education he returned owner and cotton planter of North Carolina and to Louisiana, and devoted his time to the managewas of Scotch descent. The Clark family are ment of his estate. In 1855 he was married in members of the Episcopal Church.

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Harrodsburg, Ky., to Miss Bettie, danghter of Maj. C. C. Cleveland, of the firm of Cleveland Bros., Joseph Taylor, a native of Kentucky, an eminent lawgeneral merchants of Lena, La., is a successful yer and a man of State reputation. Her mother's business man, and one who is making great bead- maiden name was Georgiana Timberlake. Mr. way in mercantile affairs. He was born in Rapides Compton is a public-spirited citizen, but is averse Parish, La., in 1851, and is a son of Benjamin and to mixing up with political squabbles. He is a Martha (Carosca) Cleveland, natives of the Bayou

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member of the Farmers' Alliance at Alexandria, State. Benjamin Cleveland removed with his par- and is a man of sound practical judgment. His ents to Rapides Parish, La., while young, and fol marriage resulted in the birth of two children lowed agricultural pursuits for a livelihood. He son and daughter. Mrs. Compton died in 1860, died in 1864, but his widow is still living, and and nine years later Mr. Compton married Miss makes her home at Lena. C. C. Cleveland received Martha, daughter of Dr. Thomas H. Maddox. a good liberal education in Rapides Parish, and in Three children were the fruits of this last union. 1886 entered into partnership with his brothers, Mr. Compton is deeply interested in educational Thomas and Eli, in the mercantile business in matters, and his children are all favored with every Lena.

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This they have since continued, and are advantage for a good schooling. meeting with great success, their annual business J. L. Connella. Personal popularity, it can being about $25,000. They carry a large and fine not be denied, results largely from industry, perstock of dry goods. groceries, queensware and gen- severance and close attention to business, which a eral supplies, and bave built up a prosperous trade. person displays in the management of any particuThey are considered the shrewdest business men lar branch of trade, and in the case of Mr. Con

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a

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cause.

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nella this is certainly true, for whatever work he tinued until 1869, when he was married to Mrs. had to do he did with all his heart. He was born Jessie B. Jones, a daughter of Alexander Edgar. in Montgomery County, Ala., on February 14, At the time of his marriage he was a professor in 1810, to Levin M. and Sarah A. (McQueen) Con- Soule's Commercial College at New Orleans. Mr. nella, who were born in Maryland and South Car- Connella is a well-known man throughout this olina in 1800 and 1815, respectively. The father section, for be has taken a deep interest in public was born in Chestertown, Md., on February 20, affairs, and is ever ready to help in a deserving 1800, and the mother in Montgomery County, Ala.,

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He bas, several times, declined a nomination on September 23, 1815. He was left an orphan in to the State Legislature, at the bands of the Demohis early boyhood, and when about fifteen years

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of cratic party; is one of the foremost and active leaders age he removed to South Carolina, in which State of that party in Rapides Parish, and is considered he received the most of his education, marrying a splendid orator by those who have heard him on there, on March 19, 1818, Miss Sarah A. Cooper,

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the stump.

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He has an enviable reputation as a of South Carolina, who died on February 15, moral, straightforward man, and he may well be 1834. That year he moved, with his three chil. proud of the position he occupies in the estima. dren, to Montgomery County, Ala. On July 25, \ tion of the citizens in this locality. 1837, he married Miss Sarah A. McQueen, and in Thomas Crawley, mayor of Alexandria, La. 1847 came to Ouachita Parish, La., where he The above name is familiar to the people of Rapides raised a large family, and died on November 7, Parish, for it is borne by a man who has taken a 1871, his widow passing from life in Ouachita Par- prominent interest in her affairs, who has been ish on September 13, 1876, both being members

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honest and upright and whose life has been withof the Baptist Church. While a resident of out reproach in his intercourse with bis fellow-men. South Carolina his attention was given exclu- He was born in the parish of Drogheda, August sively to farming, but after his removal to Alabama 28, 1849, and is a son of James and Anne (Boylan) he conducted a mercantile establishment in con- Crawley, who emigrated from their native land of nection with his agricultural pursuits. J. L. Con- Ireland to America about 1850, the father dying nella obtained the greater part of his education in while en route. The widowed mother finally drifted this State, and completed his knowledge of books to Rapides Parish, La., and here the subject of this in Howard College, Marion, Ala. After leaving sketch grew to mature years, his early educational college he began pedagoguing in Louisiana, and, advantages being not of the best. While still a in June, 1861, be enlisted in Company A, Third lad he entered the office of the Red River Ameri. Texas Cavalry, Confederate States Army, and can and began learning the printer's trade, com: served in the Trans. Mississippi Department, taking pleting his knowledge of the work in the office of part in the battles of Wilson's Creek (Mo.), Au- the Constitutional, afterward becoming identitied gust 10, 1861, and Chustahnahlah (Ind. Ty.), on with the Democrat. His ability, intelligence and December 26, 1861, being wounded by a gunshot, executive ability soon began to be recognized, and and being unable to participate in the battle of in 1870 he was elected to the office of city marshal Pea Ridge, which occurred a few weeks later. and collector, a position he held about eight years, He was

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so seriously disabled that he was dis- discharging bis duties in a manner that showed charged. He had recovered sufficiently, however, that the people's confidence in him was not misby 1864 to re-enlist in the service, and was as- placed. Between 1880 and 1884 be conducted the signed to duty in the quartermaster's department, We, the People for some time, but in January, in which he served until the war was over. He , 1885, was elected to the position of mayor of Alex was at Marshall, Tex., at the time of the surren- andria and has held the office continuously since, der, and was paroled at Alexandria. After his a fact that speaks louder than words can do as to return home be resumed teaching, which he con- his popularity and executive ability. He served as

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chief of the fire department for some time, and was Daigre, of whom it is but just to say that his good a delegate to the last gubernatorial convention at name is above reproach, and that he has won the Baton Rouge. At present he is a member of the confidence and esteem of all who know him. His executive committee of the parish, and it can with life, like that of the truly self-made man, bas been truth be said that no man takes a deeper inter- quite interesting, and a few facts connected with est in the progress and development of the same his early career will not be out of place. He was than he.

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born in Pointe Coupee Parish, La., December 23, Dr. James A. Cruikshank is a practicing physi. 1832, to Louis and Isabella (Jewell) Daigre, the cian and planter of Rapides Ward, and was born in former of whom was born in Paris, France, about this parish in 1839, being a son of Dr. Robert and 1807, and the latter in Virginia, about 1812. The Martha E. (Texada) Cruikshank, who were born in father was educated in his native city, and shortly Maryland and Louisiana, in 1810 and 1821, re- after he left school and before he arrived at years spectively. The father was a graduate of Wash 1 of maturity, he came to the United States and setington College, Maryland, and also graduated from tled in Louisiana, and the remainder of his life was the medical department of the university of that i devoted to planting The maternal grandfather of State, and after completing his course, came to the subject of this sketch was a native German, Rapides Parish, La., and devoted his time to the and both his parents were Catholics, his father practicing of his profession, and also to planting. dying in Louisiana,

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dying in Louisiana, in 1839, and his mother in He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and 1852. Judge Henry L. Daigre received his edudied in 1880, his widow still surviving him, making cation in La Grange College, Oldham County, Ky.,

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. her home with the subject of this sketch, who and after leaving school he read law with Alfred graduated from the same literary and medical in- Hennen, of New Orleans. He was admitted to the stitutions that his father had. He has been one bar before the Supreme Court of that city, in 1857, of the leading practitioners of Rapides Parish since and practiced his profession until the opening of that time, and his success has been acknowledged the Rebellion, when he organized Company H. by all, his home being sixteen miles west of Alex. Col. John Scott, First Louisiana Cavalry, was asandria. During the Rebellion he was assistant signed to the Tennessee Department, and was in surgeon in the Crescent Regiment, and after his many important and bloody battles, serving faithreturn home, was married, in 1866, to Miss Isa- fully until the close of the war, being mustered bella, daughter of Josias and Elizabeth (Cruik- out as captain, although he had entered as second shank) Ringgold, both of whom were born in Mary- lieutenant. He received two quite severe wounds, land, the former being an extensive farmer in Kent one in the groin, and the other in his right hand, County. Mrs. Cruikshank died in 1883, and in but was unfitted for duty for about only two months. .1890 the Doctor was married to Julia, a daughter He was paroled at Baton Rouge, in the spring of of Frank and Cecelia (McIntosh) Dunnam, both 1865, and the following year removed to Alexannatives of the Creole State. Dr. Cruikshank has, dria, where he has since resided. He was married for many years, served as a member of the school in October, 1866, to Miss Sarah Corinne Ringgold, board, and is now a member of the Parish Demo- a daughter of Jacob and Harmeline (Baillio) Ringcratic Executive Committee. Of his first union gold, the father being a cousin of the distinguished

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a two sons were born: Robert J. and James A. Maj. Ringgold, of Mexican War fame. In 1871

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Judge Henry L. Daigre, attorney at law, ab- Mr. Daigre was appointed parish judge, to fill an stractor and land agent of Alexandria, La. The unexpired term, and the following year he was magnitude of the business in which Mr. Daigre is elected to this office, and has served six years. engaged, and the activity of the market, has en- Since that time, however, he has devoted his atlisted the services of many of the most responsible tention exclusively to the practice of his profession, men in this section, and among the number is Mr. coupled with real estate, and has met with well

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a

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i

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deserved success. He is a member of Oliver Lodge he remained for eight months. He then joined Gen. No. 81, of the A. F. & A. M., of Alexandria, and Taylor, and was honorably discharged at the close. he and his family, which consists of his wife and P. V. David is a grocer of Pineville, and does ten children-six sons and four daughters- belong a large annual business, his trade, although now to the Catholic Church.

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very large, being continually on the increase. He Andrew David, postmaster at Pineville, La., was born in this parish in 1857, was reared here, and one of the representative citizens of the place, and as a result he is known over a wide extent of is a native of Rapides Parish, La., his birth occur- territory, and as a man of business not a shadow ring in 1812, and is a son of John and Sarah A. has been advanced derogatory to his reputation. (Bradley) David, the father a native of Bordeaux, In his early youth he attended the common schools, France, and the mother of Tennessee. The father acquiring a good practical education, and con came to America about 1825, located first in Natch- tinued to make his home with his father until the itoches Parish and subsequently in Rapides Parish, death of the latter in 1883, when he started out in where he received his final summons.

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He was a

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life for himself, opening up a grocery establishmerchant and was engaged in this business at the ment. He opened his present business house in time of his death. His wife, whom be married in August, 1889, and his establishment is well fitted this parish, is still living, and resides with her sons up, and his stock of goods large and select. He in this place. Her children, nine in all three

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owns two good business houses and one dwelling daughters and six sons-seven now living, the eld- house in Pineville, and also has an interest in the est boy and girl both deceased. Andrew David old family estate. He has established a safe and attained his growth in Rapides Parish, received remunerative trade, and by close attention to busihis education in the common schools, and has been ness, together with the reasonable prices at which engaged in merchandising from early boyhood he disposes of his goods, bas built up his present About 1880 be engaged in business for himself and commercial standing. He was reared a Catholic, runs a general store. He is also the owner of a is a Democrat in politics, and takes an active in farm near the city. He was married in New Or- terest in the different affairs of this parish. For leans, October 24, 1866, to Miss Ann Hyman, a a history of his parents see the sketch of Andrew native of Rapides Parish, born in December, 1819, David. and died in 1882. Seven children were the fruits George Dorman bas, during life, followed a of this union, six now living: Dolores, John W., number of different occupations, but since 1874 Thomas E., Gertrude, Robert A., Julia M. and his attention has been devoted to planting and Agnes (deceased). Mr. David's second marriage

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Mr. David's second marriage stock raising on the land on which he is now rewas to his sister-in-law, Miss Elizabeth Dorothy siding:

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siding. He has adhered closely to this calling, Hyman, and to them have been born four children, has given striet attention to every detail, and is as follows: Elizabeth D., Hyman P., Lydia A. ,

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now considered one of the representative men of (who died September 3, 1890, at the age of three the parish. He was born in Connecticut in 1836, years, one month and nine days), and Nellie Sibina. to James and Mary Towville) Dorman, both of Mr. David and family are members of the Roman whom were also born in the Nutmeg State. The Catholic Church. Mr. David was made postmaster father was a farmer. He died in 1870, and his of Pineville, La., in August, 1885, during President wife in 1869. George Dorman was a bright and Cleveland's administration, and he still holds that enterprising youth, and at the early age of fourposition to the satisfaction of all.

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In 1861 he en

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teen years he left the State of his birth and emitered the Confederate Army, and served until the grated westward, but after a residence of one year close, participating in two engagements during in Iowa, he removed to the Lone Star State, where that time: Belmont, Mo., and Shiloh. After the he remained five years.

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At the end of this time last named battle he returned to his home, where he came to Rapides Parish, La., and at different

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times has engaged as engineer on steamboats, al. treasurer. He was one of the original stockholders so in saw, sugar and grist mills, etc. As above of the Rapides Bank. stated he has been a planter since 1874, and as Ven. Herman Cope Duncan, Alexandria, La., is this calling is quite congenial to him it will no descended from a long line of illustrious Scotch an- doubt be his future occupation. His marriage was cestry, his paternal great grandsire being a leading celebrated in the year 1859, to Miss Ellen Wilson, promoter of the scheme to place Charles Edward, a daughter of David Wilson, and a family of ten the last of the Stuarts, on the united throne of children have been born to them, four of whom England and Scotland, and because of his promi- are living three sons and one daughter.

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Mr.

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nence, after the disastrous battle of Culloden, he Dorman is president of the Farmers' Union, was banished and his estates confiscated. Upon Neighbors Lodge.

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reaching America he settled in Massachusetts, and Blakeley C. Duke, merchant, is a native of while there took part in the “Boston Tea Party." Georgia, his birth occurring in Heard County on Subsequently he removed to Central Pennsylvania, June 18, 1830, his parents, Bailey Clack and Eliz- and afterward to Washington, Mason County, Ky., abeth (Burgess) Duke, being also born in that several of his sons becoming distinguished in the State. The father was a planter and trader by Black Hawk War. His son, David Duncan, at one occupation, and a soldier in the Indian War. The time resided near New Madrid, Missouri Territory, ancestors on both sides were prominent people of and here Greer Brown Duncan, the father of the Georgia, and it is presumed were of Scotch Irish subject of this sketch, was born, bis birthplace descent, and Protestants in religion. In 1812 being afterward annexed to the State of Kentucky Bailey Clack Duke removed with his family from by the violent earthquake of 1811, which changed Memphis, Tenn., and made a home for them in the course of the Mississippi River. Greer Brown Avoyelles Parish, La., where he died in 1848, his Duncan was educated in Augusta College, Ken wife having borne a family of two sons and three tucky, and upon completing his course he studied daughters. Blakeley C. Duke grew to manhood law with Judge A. Kinney, of Terre Haute, Ind., on his father's plantation, but at the age of eight- and was admitted to the bar of that place in Deeen years engaged in mercantile pursuits as clerk cember, 1830. Subsequently he removed to New in a store in Marksville, and completed a fine Orleans, and, owing to his fine mental qualities, knowledge of the business. In 1832 he came to he obtained a high rank in the social and political Alexandria, and after clerking for several years for circles of that place. His universally successful other firms, he engaged in business for himself in defense of the property owners against the claims 1882, and his subsequent career is an example of of the celebrated Myra Clark Gaines, and his advothe success attending hard work and honest deal. cacy of the rights of the cities of New Orleans and ing His trade is solidly established, and reaches Baltimore in the matter of the McDonough estates, far over the surrounding country. He served tended to add greatly to his distinction. Daniel throughout the Rebellion, in the Confederate Webster said, in addressing the Supreme Court of Army, and after the war was over he returned the United States in the former suit, that the

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arguhome without a cent with which to commence ment used by Mr. Duncan was so exhaustive that anew, but, as above seen, he succeeded, and is now he could add nothing to it.

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Mr. Duncan was a far beyond the reach of want. He was married prominent member of the vestry of Christ Church here to Miss Harriet Leckie, a daughter of William of New Orleans, a prominent organizer of the dioLeckie, Esq., and by her is the father of two sons cesan councils, and a representative of the diocese and one daughter: Charles Scott, Leon and Susie. in the general (national) convention. On October The family worship in the Episcopal Church, and 1, 1845, he was married to Mary Jane, daughter of he has been a member of the school board of Alex- Herman Cope, of Baltimore, who was for many andria, was police juror, and is the present city years treasurer of the general (national) convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Their

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Their by the diocesan council in 1876, after he had left only child is the subject of this sketch, who was the diocese, which will speak for themselves: born August 12, 1846. He was left an orphan at “Whereas the Rev. Herman Cope Duncan, late an early age, his mother dying January 9, 1856, registrar and historian, obtained and arranged a and his father June 25, 1858. He was prepared most complete and valuable collection of historical for college at the Episcopal Academy of Phila- documents, to be placed among the archives of delphia, Penn., and graduated with honors in the this diocese, Therefore be it Resolved, that this University of Pennsylvania in 1867. Having giv- council tender to its late registrar and historian its en up the profession of law, for which calling he sincere thanks for his long, efficient and untiring had begun to fit himself, he decided, in his junior service in that capacity.” In 1877 he resigned years at college, to prepare himself for the minis- the charge of Calvary Church, and entered upon a try, but deferred his application to be received as missionary life in the Florida Parishes of Louisi a candidate, however, until the latter part of 1867, ana, spending twenty months in this work, filling entering the Philadelphia Divinity School in Sep- eleven appointments each month. During this tember of that year. He soon discovered that he

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time he was instrumental in causing to be built could make greater progress by pursuing his three churches in Tangipahoa Parish.

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Grace studies in private, and he accordingly applied for Church at Hammond being one of the most ornate, and received an honorable discharge, and by dili- rural churches in the State, was the result of a gence succeeded in passing his examinations near- stimulus of $500 procured by him from an unly two years ahead of his class. He was ordained known lady friend of New York City. Previous to deacon by the Bishop of Louisiana, J. P. B. Wil- this the people had felt unable to accomplish any mer, D. D., in the Church of the Transfiguration, thing, but with this help they succeeded in raising New York City, October 25, 1868, and the same a sum sufficient to build a church valued at $3,500. year was placed in charge of Emmanuel Church, His mission work at this and other places was sucNew Orleans, where he officiated fifteen months. cessful in laying the foundation for that permanent During this time he succeeded in paying off a large growth of the church which is now being largely debt of the parish, his congregation also rapidly realized. . In 1873 he was elected a director of the increasing in numbers. In 1870 he was made Protestant Episcopal Association, the diocesan! secretary of the diocesan council, to wbich position board of endowment funds. He was at once electhe was elected each subsequent year until he left ed secretary of the board, and while holding this the diocese in 1875, and on his return, in 1881, office succeeded in inspiring a renewed zeal in the was once more elected, and is still holding that conduct of the board where before there had been position After one of his elections the council

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so great a want of it that a meeting bad not been adopted resolutions declaring "That the thanks of

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held for several years. this council are eminently due and are hereby In 1874 he returned to his old field of labor in tendered to Rev. Herman C. Duncan for the faith- the Sixth District of New Orleans. In the mean ful and able manner in which he has discharged time a new parish, called St. Mark's Church, had his duties." In December, 1870, he took charge been developed from Emmanuel Church, and of of Calvary Church, New Orleans, where he had to 'this he took charge. The parish was overwhelmface another large indebtedness, which he also ingly in debt, but he succeeded in reuniting the greatly diminished during his ministrations, In two parishes under the name of St. George's this parish, on January 22, 1871, he was ordained Church, and be left it, at the time of his resignation priest by the bishop of Louisiana, and in April of in October, 1877, unencumbered. In April, 1875, the same year he was elected registrar and historian Mr. Duncan was elected trustee of the Church Edof the diocese. As to his administration while in nication Society of Louisiana, and in the same year this office, the following resolutions were adopted a member of the board of missions of the general

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a

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(national) church. In November, 1875, he re- tion of the church, being re-elected continuously moved to Illinois, becoming rector of the Bishop up to the present time. On the division of the Whitehouse Memorial Church of Chicago, which diocese in archdeaconal districts in 1889, he was position he held for some nine months, when he re- elected one of the four archdeacons of the diocese. turned to New Orleans and took temporary charge of In 1896 he was appointed secretary of the ComChrist Church, the parent parish of the southwest. mission on Christian Unity of the National Church, Here he remained during the summer, and was and as such is charged with the conduct of the ne.. then called to the rectorship of Grace Church, of gotiations to that end, with the several Christian Kansas City. He was personally unknown to any

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bodies of the land. In 1888, after about twenty of the parishioners of this charge, and was elected years' work in collation, he published the history entirely upon the ground of his reputation. He of the diocese of Louisiana. accepted the invitation and entered upon his duties In 1870 he was elected a fellow of the New Orin October, 1876, and was almost immediately leans Academy of Sciences, and subsequently was thereafter appointed by the bishop of the diocese, made chairman of the scientific section of philology, dean of the Missionary District of Kansas City, in which position he filled the usual lecture require embracing the counties of Jackson, Platte, Clay, ments. He is past master of Jefferson Lodge No. La Fayette, Cass and Johnson. He organized the 191, of the A. F. & A. M., of New Orleans, and is Convocation January, 1877. Grace Church en ' past most eminent high priest of Kansas City Chapjoyed a great degree of prosperity during his ad- ter. He organized, and was thrice illustrious masministration. Mr. Duncan was elected trustee of ter of Palace Council No. 21, Royal and Select St. Paul's College, Palmyra, Mo., September 26, Masters, of Kansas City, and prelate of Kansas 1878. He resigned the rectorship of Grace Church, City Commandery No. 10, and past grand prelate Kansas City, March 3, 1880, and entered on his of the Grand Commandery, K. T., of Lonisiana. duties as rector of St. James Church, Alexandria, He has beld the office of grand chaplain of the La., April 17, 1880. This church comprehends, Grand Council of the State of Lonisiana, and subbesides the congregation of the parish church prop sequently also the same position in Missouri. He erty, Chapel congregations at Pineville (Mount Oli- was elected grand principal conductor of the works vet), Lamothe's Bridge (St. John's), Kanomie of the Grand Council of Missouri in 1879, was ap(Bishop Wilmer Memorial), and Boyce (St. Pbil. pointed chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana ip's). During Mr. Duncan's rectorate, a large in 1881, and has continued in that office to date.

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, debt has been paid off St. James' Church, a rectory He organized, and was elected high priest of Keybuilt, a tower to the church erected and many other stone Chapter, Alexandria, in October, 1887.

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He improvements made, the church consecrated. . was grand scribe of the Grand Chapter of Louis. Mount Olivet Chapel has also been enlarged and iana in 1886; deputy grand high priest in 1887, consecrated; St. John's Chapel rebuilt, the Me- and grand high priest in 1888, to which he was remorial Chapel rebuilt and both consecrated; St. elected in 1889 and 1890. He organized, and was Philip's Chapel built, the latter after designs of elected master of Summit Council, R. & S. M., in Mr. Duncan's own drafting. To date, September 1888; grand principal conductor of the work of the 13, 1890, there have been, during Mr. Duncan's Grand Council of Louisiana in 1886, and grand rectorate, 615 baptisms; 200 persons have been master in 1889, being re-elected in 1890. presented for confirmation; 313 persons have been elected junior grand warden of the Grand Comadded to the communicant list, and the number of mandery of K. T. of Louisiana, in 1889, receiving confirmed persons in the parish has been increased bis re-election in 1890. He was elected chancellor from 198 to 347. In 1881 he was elected secretary

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commander of Alexandria Lodge of the K. of P. of the diocese, which office he still holds, and in in 1885, and first master of Pelican Lodge of the 1883 was elected to the triennial general conven

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A. 0. U. W. in 1884, to which latter office he has

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He was

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He is progres

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is.

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been continuously re-elected up to date. During the assent of the reason, the approval of the conscience, existence of the McEnery government, from 1872 and the sober judgment of the intellect. to 1876, Mr. Duncan was chaplain of the Senate M. L. Dunnam, planter, Boyce, La. Mr. of Louisiana. In 1878 he was elected chaplain Dunnam is one of the most successful agriculturof Company A, Jackson County (Mo.) National ists of the parish, and his career is a fair example Guards. He was married January 9, 1883, to Miss of what may be accomplisbed when a determined Maria Elizabeth Cooke, in St. John's Church, will is brought to bear on any desired object. He Washington, La., and the issue of their marriage started out in life seventeen years ago with very

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. has been two children, a daughter (who died at little besides about thirty acres of unimproved birth, in 1884), and Greer Assheton (who was born land, and is now the owner of 200 acres of exMarch 31, 1887). Mrs. Duncan is the daughter of cellent land, all under a good state of cultivation the late Thomas Alfred Cooke, M. D., and of Fran- and well improved. Few men in this section have ces Pannill. Dr. Cooke was a son of Thomas and been more successful as planters. Catherine Byrd (Didlake) Cooke, of Gloucester sive and thorough in the management of his farm, County, Va., and Mrs. Cooke was a daughter of and it needs but a glance over his possessions to David and Frances Assheton (Wikoff) Pannill, the indicate to the beholder the quality of farmer that he latter being the grand-daughter of Ralph Assheton, Mr. Dunnam was born in Rapides Parish, a provincial councillor of Pennsylvania, and the La., in 1846, and is the son of Francis J. and C. first lawyer to settle in that province. He was a A. (McIntosh) Dunnam (for further particulars of descendant of Sir John de Assheton, of Assheton- parents see sketch of M. J. Dunnam). He reunder. Lyne, Salford Hundred, Lancashire, Eng- ceived a common-school education in his native land, who was made a Knight of the Bath at the parish, and since leaving school has been deeply coronation of Henry IV. The mother of Frances interested in agricultural pursuits. In 1863 he Assheton Wikoff was a daughter of Frances Asshe- was taken prisoner by a party of jayhawkers and ton and Stephen Watts, who was fifth in descent turned over to the Federal officers, who sent him from Sir Thomas Watts, Lord Mayor of London in to New Orleans, where he was in prison six 1600. Mr. and Mrs. Watts removed to Louisiana months. After being liberated he enlisted in the in 1774, and Mr. Watts was afterward recorder of Third Louisiana Cavalry, and served on detached deeds of the “ English Settlement,” on the Missis- duty until the cessation of hostilities.

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His marsippi River. In character, Mr. Duncan displays riage to Miss A. R. Shaw, danghter of John and much individuality, and it is self evident that he M. 0. (Laird) Shaw, took place in 1874. Her copies from no one, but hews out his own path. parents were born in Scotland and Mississippi, re . The legal acumen necessary to abstruse investiga spectively, and Mr. Shaw is now farming in tion, he has evidently inherited from his distin

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Rapides Parish. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dunnam are guished father, and tenacity of purpose and bold- members in good standing in the Methodist ness of enterprise he possesses in an eminent degree. Church.

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Church. They are the parents of seven children -his record showing that he has remarkable execu- two sons and five daughters. tive ability. His power to achieve great things lay Dr. M. R. Fisher, a well-known dentist of this in his power to concentrate his thoughts, and to section, was born near Evergreen, Avoyelles Par his intense resoluteness, which made him proof ish, La., on February 12, 1856, to J. W. and Mary against all confusing and diverting influences. He E. (Peyton) Fisher, who were born in Louisiana formed at the outset of his career a solemn pur- and Florida, respectively. The father attained pose to make the most and best of the powers manhood in this State, and was given the advanwhich God had given him, and to turn to the best

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tages of Granville College, of Ohio, but afterward account possible every outward advantage within devoted bis attention to planting, continuing until his reach. This purpose has carried with the

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the opening of the war, at which time be left the

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is.

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been continuously re-elected up to date. During the assent of the reason, the approval of the conscience, existence of the McEnery government, from 1872 and the sober judgment of the intellect. to 1876, Mr. Duncan was chaplain of the Senate M. L. Dunnam, planter, Boyce, La Mr. of Louisiana. In 1878 he was elected chaplain Dunnam is one of the most successful agriculturof Company A, Jackson County (Mo.) National ists of the parish, and his career is a fair example Guards. He was married January 9, 1883, to Miss of what may be accomplished when a determined Maria Elizabeth Cooke, in St. John's Church, will is brought to bear on any desired object. He Washington, La., and the issue of their marriage started out in life seventeen years ago with very has been two children, a daughter (who died at little besides about thirty acres of unimproved birth, in 1884), and Greer Assheton (who was born land, and is now the owner of 200 acres of exMarch 31, 1887). Mrs. Duncan is the daughter of cellent land, all under a good state of cultivation the late Thomas Alfred Cooke, M. D., and of Fran- and well improved. Few men in this section have ces Pannill. Dr. Cooke was a son of Thomas and been more successful as planters. He is progresCatherine Byrd (Didlake) Cooke, of Gloucester sive and thorough in the management of his farm.

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, County, Va., and Mrs. Cooke was a daughter of and it needs but a glance over his possessions to David and Frances Assheton (Wikoff) Pannill, the indicate to the beholder the quality of farmer that he latter being the grand-daughter of Ralph Assheton, Mr. Dunnam was born in Rapides Parish, a provincial councillor of Pennsylvania, and the La., in 1846, and is the son of Francis J. and C. tirst lawyer to settle in that province. He was a A. (McIntosh) Dunnam [for further particulars of descendant of Sir John de Assheton, of Assheton

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parents see sketch of M. J. Dunnam). He reunder Lyne, Salford Hundred, Lancashire, Eng. ceived a common-school education in his native land, who was made a Knight of the Bath at the parish, and since leaving school has been deeply coronation of Henry IV. The mother of Frances interested in agricultural pursuits. In 1863 he Assheton Wikoff was a daughter of Frances Asshe- was taken prisoner by a party of jayhawkers and ton and Stephen Watts, who was tifth in descent turned over to the Federal officers, who sent him from Sir Thomas Watts, Lord Mayor of London in to New Orleans, where he was in prison six 1600. Mr. and Mrs. Watts removed to Louisiana months. After being liberated he enlisted in the in 1774, and Mr. Watts was afterward recorder of

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Third Louisiana Cavalry, and served on detached deeds of the English Settlement,'' on the Missis- duty until the cessation of hostilities. His marsippi River. In character, Mr. Duncan displays riage to Miss A. R. Shaw, danghter of John and

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• much individuality, and it is self evident that he

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M. O. (Laird) Shaw, took place in 1874. Her copies from no one, but hews out bis own path. parents were born in Scotland and Mississippi, re The legal acumen necessary to abstruse investiga- spectively, and Mr. Shaw is now farming in tion, he has evidently inherited from his distin

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Rapides Parish. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dunbam are guished father, and tenacity of purpose and bold

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nuembers in good standing in the Methodist ness of enterprise he possesses in an eminent degree, Church. They are the parents of seven children his record showing that he has remarkable execu- two sons and five daughters. tive ability. His power to achieve great things lay Dr. M. R. Fisher, a well-known dentist of tbis in his power to concentrate his thoughts, and to section, was born near Evergreen, Avoyelles Par his intense resoluteness, which made him proof isb, La., on February 12, 1856, to J. W. and Mary against all confusing and diverting influences. He

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E. (Peyton) Fisher, who were born in Louisiana formed at the outset of bis career a solemn pur- and Florida, respectively. The father attained pose to make the most and best of the powers manhood in this State, and was which God had given him, and to turn to the best

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tages of Granville College, of account possible every outward advantage within devoted his attention to plant his reach. This purpose has carried with the the opening of the war, at

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given the ad

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ta od

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plow to take up arms in defending the Southern enlisted as a private, but so faithful was be in the cause, serving throughout the entire struggle. | discharge of his duties that he was tirst made Like most other planters of the South, he suffered second sergeant and later second lieutenant. immense losses during this time, and after return- After the war he was engaged in the saw-milling ing home he began teaching school, a calling he business for some time, was then overseer of a followed for some years in St. Landry Parish, plantation near New Orleans for Morris Tasker & proving himself an able educator. His wife died Co., of Philadelphia, and carried on this plantain Evergreen in 1871, and in 1880 Mr. Fisher re- tion until 1882. He then took charge of Lunemoved to Texas, in which State he was married to burg plantation near Lloyd's Bridge, has 800 Mrs. Clampitt, of Melican, Tex. He continued acres of sugar cane and cotton, and is a man one the occupation of teaching school in this State un- can trust and rely upon. He was married in 1880 til his death, which occurred in 1884. The early to Miss Laura Miller and the fruits of this union education of Dr. M. R. Fisher was received in the are four children: Elouise, Joseph, Jr., Mary E. private schools of Louisiana, but after attaining his and Laura. The excellent business ability of Mr. fourteenth year his attention was given to planting Fitzpatrick is recognized by all who know him, and in Avoyelles Parish, to which occupation he de. bis integrity, expediency and push have placed voted his entire time until 1882, when he began

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him in the front ranks as a business man. He is private studying of dentistry, with the intention of sober and industrious and an American in all his making it a profession, but continued to operate ideas of life. In politics he affiliates with the the plantation until 1887. He then entered the Democratic party, and takes an interest in county Pennsylvania Dental College of Philadelphia, from affairs. which institution he was graduated in the month James W. Garrett, merchant, Lena, La. Mr. of March, 1889, with high honors. He then prac- Garrett is one of the prosperous merchants of ticed his profession at Big Cane, La., until June,

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ine, La., until June, Rapides Parish, and by his superior management 1890, when he removed to Alexandria, where he and rare business ability and efficiency he has has built up a practice which is very flattering to done not a little to advance the reputation the his ability. He is He is a man of remarkably fine county enjoys as a commercial center. His

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parphysique, a fact which is, no doubt, owing to the ents, William (. and Marinda (Lamden) Garrett, active life he has led, as well as to inheritance. were natives of Tennessee and South Carolina, reHe is remarkably handsome, and his countenance spectively, the father a planter of Alabama, and bears the impress of that intellectual and social re- both menbers of the Missionary Baptist Church. finement that marks the true gentleman. He has The mother is now residing in Winn Parish, La. acquired a State reputation as a dentist, and is a James W. Garrett was born in Alabama in 1832, man whom all delight to honor.

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and when twenty years of age removed to MissisJoseph Fitzpatrick, manager of Luneburg sippi, where he was engaged in carpen'cring for plantation, Lloyd's Bridge, La. This excellent some time.

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He removed to Louisiana in 1861, and and much esteemed citizen is of foreign birth, one year later enlisted in Company F, Twentyhaving first seen the light of day in the Emerald seventh Louisiana Regiment Infantry. He operIsle in 1812, and he came to the United States ated principally at Vicksburg, Miss. In October, when but a lad. He was reared to manhood in 1862, he was injured in a railroad accident and Alexandria, and at the breaking out of the war he sent home on thirty days' furlough. He was at enlisted in the Confederte Army, serving four

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home at the time of the surrender on expired furyears and two months in the Second Louisiana i longh. After this he taught school for a short Brigade. He participated in the battles of Mal time and from 1869 to 1886 was engaged in plantvern Hill and Richmond, all of Gen. Lee's cam- ing, four miles west of Lena, in Natchitoches Parpaigns and was at Appomattox Court House. He ish, where he remained until the last mentioned

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а

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date and then located in Lena, where he has since the city aldermen for several years, and has also been successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits. been marshal and collector of the same.

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He is a He is a Mason, a member of Robertsville Lodge. a

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member of the Stonewall Hook & Ladder ComIn 1856 he married Miss Susannah, daughter of pany of the fire department of the city, and has in Elijah and Tolitha (Phillips) Edwards, and the many other ways shown his interest in the welresult of this marriage was ten children-three fare of the place. Miss Julia Sterksc, a native of sons and seven daughters-one son and five daugh- Alexandria, became his wife, she being a daughter ters now living The parents of Mrs. Garrett of Joseph and Theresa (Hagendornk) Sterksc. were born in Georgia and died in Misssissippi. Personally Mr. Gossens is liberal, generous and

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Henry Stewart Gossens. The occupation which high-minded, and he is undoubtedly the soul of is now receiving the attention of Mr. Gossens has honor and kindness of heart. His life has been been his chief occupation the greater part of his full of kind and generous deeds, and it can be life, and it is but the truth to say that he is thor- truly said of him that he never violated a friend. oughly posted and well informed, and his labors in ship nor forgot a kind action done him.

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. this direction have contributed very materially to Gen, G. Mason Graham is a well-known and the reputation Alexandria has as a business center. highly successful planter of Rapides Parish, and as He was born in this city on June 10, 1857, to a man and citizen has not his superior throughout Louis and Sarah (Stewart) Gossens, who were this section of the country. He was born in Fair. born in Belgium and Mississippi, respectively. fax County, Va., on August 21, 1807, to George In early life the father was a printer, which trade and Elizabeth (Hooe) Graham, the former born in he learned in this city, but he subsequently turned Prince William, and the latter in King George his attention to merchandising, and was giving his County, Va., in 1761 and 1759, respectively. The undivided attention to this occupation, when bis father graduated from Columbia College, New death occurred in 1882, at the age of fifty-seven York, and after leaving college practiced law in years.

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He had always been interested in the prog- Prince William County, Va., until his marriage, ress and development of this section, and after which he devoted his whole time to his farm in also quite active, politically, and filled many muni- Fairfax County In the War of 1812, he was capcipal offices in the city. He was a keen, practical tain of the Fairfax Light Horse Company of State man of business and succeeded eminently in getting Militia, on the close of which James Monroe, Seca large share of the business and the solid confi. retary of State, and acting Secretary of War under dence of her leading men. Socially he was James Madison, called him to his assistance in the Mason. His widow and two sons, Louis F. and War Department as chief clerk, in which capacity the subject of this sketch, survive him. The lat- he served with the principal burden of the War ter grew to manhood in this section, receiving his Department on his hands until the inauguration of scholastic advantages in Alexandria, and bis knowl- Monroe as President. He was then made acting edge of mercantile life was acquired in his father's Secretary of War under a special act of Congress store, he taking entire control of the establishment for that purpose, and served until succeeded by

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the death of the former. It has greatly : John C. Calhoun. In 1818 Monroe appointed advanced in standing and patronage since being him a commissioner to wait upon Gen. Lallemand, under his management, and he has built up an who had a French colony armed and under the enviable reputation for safe, thorough and reliable French flag in Texas, to ascertain his reasons for transactions in the affairs of every-day life, and such actions. Mr. Graham started upon this jourhas added much to the commercial standing of the ney accompanied by a single servant in June of place. He has followed in his worthy father's

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the same year, from Washington City, and reached foot-teps, and has ever taken a prominent part in the Saline River, where he learned that Gen. Lalpublic matters, and has served his ward as one of lemand had removed to Galveston Island. At the

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was

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מנו

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He re

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Calcasieu River he met with two men in command daughter of Capt. Nathaniel and Georgiana of a small schooner engaged in smuggling supplies (Blanchard) Wilkinson, of Rapides Parish. Mr. from Lafitte into Louisiana. He engaged them to Graham was so unfortunate as to lose this wife altake him to Galveston Island, where he negotiated so, her death occurring in 1855, and Oct. 2, 1867, with both Gen. Lallimand and Lafitte, inducing he was married to Mrs. Stich, of King George's them to break up their respective establishments County, Va., who is living on her farm in that and retire from the territory within a reasonable State and county. Gen. Graham was in command length of time, during which they were each, and of Company E, Third Louisiana Regiment, in the their respective followers, to be granted the pro- Mexican War, but when this regiment was distection of the United States Government.

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banded, after three months, he was invited to join turned to Washington in the autumn of the same a brigade of the regular army, as volunteer aide-deyear, and was made president of the branch of the camp on the staff of Col. John Garland, and with United States Bank in Washington City, and in this command was in the battle of Monterey. Mr. 1823 was appointed by President Monroe, commis. Graham's cousin, Richard Graham, who in the sioner of general land office, and while in this Fourth United States Infantry as first lieutenant, position he died on August 10, 1830. Gen. G. received a mortal wound in this battle, and Gen. Mason Graham, the immediate subject of this

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Grabam remained with him till after his death, sketch, attended school in Washington City, until when he returned home to look after his interests 1823, when Mr. Calhoun, Secretary of War, gave on his farm. This calling received his attention him a warrant as cadet at West Point, where he re- until the war between the States which resulted in a mained until April, 1826, when he resigned to at- complete wreck of his property, since which time tend the University of Virginia, remaining in this he has not been engaged in any business. In 1866 institution till January, 1828, when he removed to he was appointed adjutant-general of the State by Rapides Parish, La., to take charge of a cotton Gov. Wells, holding this position until the fall of plantation owned by his father, in partnership with 1868, when, being partially paralyzed from in Judge Josiah Johnston, on the Bayou Boeuf at the juries received from a fall of bis horse, he remouth of Bayou La Mourie, now the property of . signed the position, and has since lived a retired Mrs. Snowden, dangbter of Ex Gov. Madison Wells. life. He is the father of four children: Duncan Gen. Graham was in control of the farm, as part- J. (who is engaged in farming in Rapides Parish, ner with Judge Johnston, as his father's adminis- with whom the General makes his home), Fergus trator until 1833, when the Judge lost his life by R. (clerk in a wholesale and retail agricultural and the blowing up of the steamboat “ Lioness," on mining machinery and hardware store in Duran. Rel River, after which the former existing partner- go, Colo.), Amy B. (wife of David T. Stafford, ship was dissolved, and the property divided. Mr. present sheriff of Rapides Parish), and Caroline Graham sold his portion and the same year pur- , H. (who resides with her father and brother in Rapchased a farm on the river below Boyce, about two

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ides Parish). In 1853 Gov. Herbert appointed Gan. miles, October 2, 1834, he was married to Miss Graham amember of the board to superintend the Esther B.. eldest daughter of Richard Smith, building of a seminary of learning and military

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B. cashier of the branch of the United States Bank at academy opposite Alexandria, provisions for which Washington, and after his marriage resided on the had been made by the United States Congress, and farm until the death of his wife in December, of this board he was elected viee-president, Gov. 1835, when he sold out, and the following six

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Wells being president ex officio. After the build

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years were spent in traveling around. In 1842, ing of the institution, a board of supervisors for in partnership with the late Gen. Horatio S. Sprigg, the purpose of putting the school in operation, he purchased 1,500 acres of land where he now and for its general government was appointed, and resides, and in 1847 was married to the eldest of this Gen. Graham was also made vice-president,

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and through his influence the present Gen. W. T. and to the satisfaction of all. He is still living in Sherman was made its superintendent. The Gen- Boyce. Mrs. Neal was a finely educated lady, and eral continued a member of the board until July, a graduate of South Hadley Female Iustitnte, 1883, when, feeling the encroachments of age and its Mount Holyoke, Mass. She received her final attending disabling effects, he resigned. His efforts summons in 1873. Both our subject and wife are for the advancement of learning in his State while members of the Methodist Church, and are the holding this position were manifest, and he con- parents of four children, all girls. siders this the most beneficial work of his useful Adolph Hartiens is a prosperous, substantial public life. Being a man of indomitable will- citizen of this parish. He was born in Alexandria, power and splendid physique, he bore the hard- in 1848, to Charles A. and Mary C. (Gossens) ships and privations of war well, and no braver Hartiens, the former having been born in Ham soldier or

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officer ever trod the crimson turf of a burg, Germany, and the latter in Belgium, about battlefield. His many admirable qualities of heart fifty miles from Antwerp. After coming to Alexand head have endeared him to many, while his andria, La., Mr. Hartiens was engaged at different brilliant mind, and many other superior natural times in merchandising and book-keeping, and for endowments, ranked him as the peer of the ma- some years he filled the position of constable with jority with whom he came in contact.

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He at once credit. He died in December, 1819, bis widow impressed one as a man of great strength, depth surviving him and residing in this parish. Adolph and grasp of mind, and his leading characteristics Hartiens was fortunate enough to secure a comare extreme frankness, honesty of purpose, in- mon-school education in Rapides Parish, and after domitable will and integrity. Such men as Gen. assisting his mother until 1862, he went on board Graham are model American citizens.

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a steamboat as assistant engineer, and in 1867 J. E. Grissom, planter, Boyce, La. Mr. Gris- took charge of an engine, and in this business consom, another prominent planter of Cotile Ward, tinued until 1887. In this year he was married to has followed this occupation for some time, and Miss Mary C., daughter of William and Mary has accumulated considerable property. To the (Duval) Osborn, the father being surveyor of this Creole State he owes his nativity, having been parish for several years. He died in 1865. His born here in 1852, and his parents, William and wife is a niece of Capt. M. Welch, who was born Catherine (Norrell) Grissom, were both born in in Ohio, in 1804, and came to this parish in 1819, Mississippi, the father in 1820, and the mother in making the journey from Natchez to Alexandria in 1819. Mr. Grissom received a common-school edu- a keelboat. He was for some time in an extensive cation in Mississippi, and was married there in mercantile business at this point, but afterward be. 1838. In 1851 he removed to Louisiana, and there came captain of a boat on Red River, and its tribfollowed agricultural pursuits for years. He is at utaries for nine years, in 1846 purchasing the present living with his son, our subject. He is a a place on which the subject now resides, on which member of the Methodist Church, of which his he was engaged in sugar-making until the opening wife, who died in 1889, was also a member. J.

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of the war.

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From Banks' invasion he suffered a E. Grissom received the educational advantages of complete loss of property, and is now living on the the common country school of Louisiana, and from Welch plantation, which is conducted by Mr. 1878 to 1887 was engaged in merchandising at Hartiens. Both the latter and his wife are mem different places in Rapides Parish. Since that bers of the Catholic Church. They are the parents time he has farmed on the place where he now re- of two children: Sidney and William Welch. Mr. sides near Boyce. In 1878 he was married to Miss Hartien's mother is now a Mrs. Mace, and is re. Ida M. Neal, daughter of William J. and Annie siding near her son. B. (Werlein) Neal, both natives of Louisiana. Mr.

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Edwin Gardner Hunter, attorney at law of AlexNeal was sheriff of Rapides Parish for twelve years, andria, La., was born in this parish September 16,

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1852, being a son of Robert Alexander and Sarah ana abont 1816. The immediate subject of this Jane (Ford) Hunter, the former of whom was born sketch is the youngest of three sons and one in Mississippi and the latter in Kentucky. Robert daughter, the brothers being Benjamin K. and A. Hunter was, in his earlier life, a planter by oc- Robert P., and in the parish of Rapides he obcupation, and was a man of much intelligence and tained a good practical education, which he afterwas thoroughly posted on all the general issues of ward supplemented by a collegiate training, after his day. He served all through the Mexican War, which he studied law in the State Law School, coming out as colonel of his regiment, and upon the from which he was admitted to the bar in August, breaking out of the Civil War he entered the service 1873. He served ten years as district attorney, of the Confederate Government and did active and and has also practiced his profession since 1881. honorable service in the ranks, having declined a He was married here to Miss Lucy Texada, daughcommission. He was wounded and captured at ter of Louis and Pleasant (Hunter) Texada, pio. Baton Rouge, and was kept a prisoner in New Or- neers of Louisiana, and to them the following leans for eleven months. After the war he completed family has been born: Edwin Ford, Allen Tex the study of law, to wbich he had previously paid ada, Sarah Eliza, Pleasant (who died in youth), some attention, was admitted to the bar and prac- Thomas Frith, Louis Hall and Minnie Mag. Mr. ticed successfully for several years. He was born Hunter is a member of the Methodist Church and at Natchez December 20, 1812, and died in Alex- belongs to the A. 0. U. W. His wife is a member

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O. andria July 5, 1882, being buried in Pineville of the Episcopal Church. Cemetery, his death being lamented by, not only D. W. Hynson is one of the residents of Rapides bis immediate and sorrowing family, but by all Parish, La., and he is now industriously and inwho knew him. He was always active in political telligently engaged in looking after his plantation, matters, and served as a delegate to all the con- This parish has always been his home, for he was ventions of his time, being a delegate from bis born here in August, 1845, to Robert C. and Mary district to the famous Baltimore Convention. He (Hunter) Hynson, the former of whom was born in represented his district in the Senate also, subse- Maryland, in 1795, and the latter in this parish quently became State treasurer, and filled other about 1811. In the State of his birth the father responsible official positions with marked ability. grew to manhood and received a good business His leading characteristics were extreme frankness, education, and for several years thereafter was enhonesty of purpose, indomitable will and energy, gaged in a counting house in Baltimore. Becomand being full of generosity and charity he rarely ing tired of the East, he determined to seek a home suspected others of sordid or improper motives. for himself elsewhere, and in 1817 came to AlexHe was outspoken and bold in his denunciations of andria, La., where, very soon after his arrival, he wbat he considered to be wrong.

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There was no

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began merchandising, as a member of the firm of compromise in his nature. He formed his opinions | Wright & Hynson, but his partner was killed in deliberately, and when they were formed nothing 1827, in the famous Sand Bar duels, in which Mr. could change him. His wife was born December Hynson's father-in-law, Dr. Thomas H. Maddox,

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9, 1815, died in October, 1852, their marriage hav- was also a principal. Subsequently Mr. Hyoson ing taken place March 10, 1831, The paternal became cashier and manager in a branch of the grandfather, Pleasant H. Hunter, was born in Vir- Bank of Louisiana, located at Alexandria, and after ginia, and after a sojourn of a few years in Missis- severing his connection with this bank he pursippi, he came to Louisiana, this being about the chased a valuable plantation, on a portion of which year 1815, and here he followed merchandising and the subject of this sketch is residing. Mr. Hynson planting. The mother was a daughter of Jesse held many positions of trust in this parish, and in and Dula (Price) Ford, the former a Kentuckian 1845 was elected a delegate to the State Constituand a farmer by occupation, who settled in Louisi- tional Convention. In 1875 he made a tour north

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ness.

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visiting relatives, but in October of that year he man, and is always ready to help a deserving cause. died very suddenly in St. Louis, his widow passing He is a member of the K. of P., at Alexandria, from life on March 24, of the following year, both and the A. O. U. W., Pelican Lodge No. 16, of having been devoted members of the Methodist Alexandria. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hynson are memChurch. In 1863 D. W. Hynson left school to bers of the Episcopal Church. respond to the call, and for some time was a mem- R. H. Irvine, of Alexandria, was born in Bastber of the Second Louisiana Calvary, after which : rop, Tex., in 1862, and remained in that State he was in Squires' Battalion of Artillery, and until 1869, when he came with his parents to served for two years. In 1869 he first began to Shreveport, La., in the fall of that year. The follow the occupation of planting for himself on parents located in Shreveport, La., and there our the place where he now lives. Miss Delia Maddox subject remained in the public schools until nearly became his wife November 21, 1877, and to them grown, when he returned to Texas. He first went two children have been born: Mary Elise and to Gonzales and kept a hotel there and at HarRobert C. Mr. Hynson belongs to Oliver Lodge wood, Tex., his sister being with him in this busiNo. 84, of the A. F. & A. M., of Alexandria, and

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After this he commenced trading in horses, also the A. 0. U. W. of that place. His wife is a and as he had followed this business from the time member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and he was nine years of age, he was well posted on all is a daughter of Dr. Thomas H. and Delia (Miller) matters pertaining to it. He paid license to trade Maddox, the former of whom was a distinguished all the time he was in Shreveport, and after quitting physician of this parish, having received his med- the hotel business he again returned to the stock ical education in a college of Edinburg, Scotland. business as an employe. Later he went to the He was born in Maryland in 1792, and died in this Black Hills, followed the stock business for four parish January 18, 1888.

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consecutive years, and was the leader in any

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haz Pin H. Hynson, planter, Alexandria, La Mr. ardous undertaking. He had many narrow escapes Hynson was born in the house where he now re- from death during his career as a cow.boy, and sides in Rapides Parish on April 21, 1833, and is has been over the plains four times where Gen. a son of Robert C. and Mary (Hunter) Hynson. Custer was massacred. He shipped cattle to differ He attended school for a year in St. Louis, but the ent companies in Chicago, and was in the stock principal part of his education was received in business nearly five years, becoming thoroughly Louisiana, having attended school in New Orleans familiar with the whole western country. After for two years, and the Louisiana State University this he was in the saloon business at Provencal, for three years. Of the seven living children born La., for two years, and then went to Boyce, to his parents be is sixth in order of birth. After where he kept saloon and hotel for three years. leaving school in 1872, he began planting on the While there he was married to Miss Maggie Barplace where he now resides, the homestead of the bia, a native of Pineville, and of French descent. old Hynson plantation, and here he has continued

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After marriage Mr. Irvine abandoned the saloon He was married in 1885 to Miss Sallie business and embarked in the grocery business, Brady, who became his wife on September 22, of which he still continues. He owns town property that year.

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Her father, John C. Brady, was born in Boyce and Alexandria, and with his wife owns in Ireland and came to New Orleans when a young a 320-acre plantation, forty acres of land joining

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He married Miss Sallie Lacy, mother of the town, and besides valuable city property. In Mrs. Hynson, at Bayou Sara, and was at the time politics he is a stanch Democrat. Mrs. Irvine is a engaged on a steamboat on the Mississippi River, member of the Roman Catholic Church. The par as captain. Mrs. Brady was born in Albany, N.

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ents of Mr. Irvine, Capt. E. and Harriet R. (Wat Y., and when a child removed with her parents to son) Irvine, were born in County Tyrone, Ireland, Louisiana Pin H. Hydson is a public-spirited and Tennessee, respectively. The mother was a

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man.

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church member all her life, and was a Christian in ceased, was the wife of J. J. Broom, of Rapides every sense of the word.

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The father was a ship Parish, and left four sons and four daughters), carpenter by trade, and followed steamboating on David (who is married, and has five sons and two the Mississippi River and tributaries for thirty daughters), Jeanette (who married James Daniels, years.

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He was the second or third man of the Red and has six daughters and one son), Margaret (who River with a steamboat. He built the “ Old Mo- married Louis Aberdie, of Pineville, by whom she hawk” steamer in St. Louis, Mo. The mother is has one son and two daughters), Jacob (who has a still alive, and visits among her ten children now son), and Robert (at home, unmarried). The other living. She is young and spry for her years, and menubers of the family are deceased. Mr. Irving has twenty-one grandchildren.

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is one of the substantial citizens of Alexandria, and Jacob Irving is now living retired from the has served as alderman of his ward for eleven active duties of life, but formerly kept an extensive different terms. and well-patronized meat market. He was born E. H. Kelsoe, of the firm of Kelsoe & Sandidge, near Loch Maben, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, July at Boyce, began business at this place in 1887 as 17, 1814, and although the “sons of Scotland” one of the firm of J. H. Dawson & Co. In the are fairly well represented in Rapides Parish, they, spring of 1888 they dissolved partnership, and our with characteristic modesty, do not assume to bril- subject bought the other partner's stock, the latter liancy on the forum, yet bold conspicuous places in retiring. In June of 1889 he formed a partnermany pursuits, which makes Rapides Parish a sub- ship with Mr. John T. Sandidge, and this firm stantial star in the galaxy of Lonisiana's many in- has continued ever since, under the title of Kelsoe teresting parishes. His parents were David and & Sandidge. E. H. Kelsoe, like many of the Mary (Wright) Irving, and on both sides of the prominent citizens of Rapides Parish, owes his family tree there are to be found people of good nativity to Alabama, bis birth occurring in 1860, size, bardy constitutions, long. lived, and tenacious and is a son of James A. and Sarah (Presley) Kel. of their religious faith, that of Presbyterianism. soe, born in Georgia in 1832, and Alabama in Jacob Irving was the eighth child of a family of 1836, respectively. The father followed the life six sons and seven daughters. David, a son of the of a planter in Alabama, and removed to Grant family, came to America and settled at Chillicothe, Parish, La., in 1875, where he now resides. He Ohio, about 1830, and there left a family. William, is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and Mrs. another member, came here about 1825 or 1826, Kelsoe is a worthy member of the Baptist Church. but eventually located in Rapides Parish but left

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H. Kelsoe secured a fair education in the comno family. Jacob came thither in 1831, and after mon schools of Alabama and Georgia, and after spending one year at Natchez, Miss., he came to finishing, began clerking in a general mercantile Rapides Parish, La., and began life as a butcher, house in Montezuma, Ga. From there he went to following it successfully until about 1880, when he Montgomery, La., farmed one year, and again retired from that business. He was married in clerked in a store from 1877 to 1879. He then 1836 to Miss Martha Besan, a native of Lousiana came to Boyce, where he entered the employ of and of Rapides Parish and a daughter of John

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daughter of John the firm of which he afterward became a partner. Besan. To them seven sons and eight daughters He spent the summer of 1885 in Georgia, but rehave been born: Mary (who married Alphonse turned in December of the same year. In March, Cazabat, both being now deceased, leaving one 1885, he was married to Miss Mary A. Borron, son and three daughters), Stephen (who was mar- danghter of James and Maria (Bonner) Borron, ried, died in 1867, and left three daughters), John natives of England and Louisiana, respectively. (the father of a son and daughter), Judith (wife of Mr. Kelsoe has served as town council for some William Cruikshank, of Alexandria, by whom she time, and is a prominent citizen. ,

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He is a member has three sons and four daughters), Elizabeth (de- , of the K. of H., Enterprise Lodge No. 3552.

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Mrs. Kelsoe is a member of the Episcopal Church. born in Minck, Poland, April 19, 1850, to Leon Their family consists of three children, all daugh- and Etta (Halpirind) Levin, worthy people of that ters.

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place, who reared their children well. Joseph re D. R. Knight, Jr., is a member of the general ceived his scholastic training in his native land and mercantile firm of W. J. Knight & Bro., of Le- afterward engaged in the manufacture of tar and compte, and was born in the parish of Vernon, La., turpentine, and this occupation continued until his in 1866, in which place he remained until fifteen removal to the United States in 1874, first taking years

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of age,

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at which time he removed to Texas, up his abode in Philadelphia, after which he entering school at Burkville Blum Male and Female sought the city of New Orleans, where it had been College, which institution he attended three years,

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, his intention to settle from the first. He engaged bis time while in tbat institution not being idly or in business immediately, and carried on a successful uselessly spent. He then began clerking in a mer- work throughout the country, but from 1875 until cantile establishment belonging to his brother at 1884 was engaged in the general merchandise Elmwood, La., and after remaining with him one business at Jeanerette, La. He then sold his inyear and saving his means, he was again enabled terests there on account of the yellow fever, and to enter school, this time being an attendant of came to Alexandria, where he has managed his Robeline Literary School in Natchitoches Parish, present business with very satisfactory results up to attending one year. The following six months he the present time. He was married in Kenneytaught the "young idea," but at the end of this ville, La., in 1880, to Miss Agnes Levy, a native time, after another term of school, he determined of that place, and a daughter of Leopold and Dora to enter business, and in 1888 established hini- (Ball) Levy, natives of Posen and Berlin, Germany, self at Lecompte with a stock of goods valued at respectively, their marriage being consummated in $600, the room he occupies being 26x50 feet. His New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Levin have a son stock is now valued at some $4,000, and he at all and daughter: Lillie and Lazar Joseph. He and times employs a clerk. His business is established his wife are menibers of the Hebrew Church, and on a cash basis and amounts to about $10,000 are worthy citizens of the town in which they are nually. He is also extensively engaged in buying now residing. Mr. Levin's father was a wine cotton, which he ships chietly to St. Louis and manufacturer and distiller, and was a man of ample New Orleans markets, and it will thus be seen that means, becoming prominent in the locality in which he is a shrewd and capable business man, with a he resided. bright future before him. He owns two lots, two Julius Levin is a native of Prussia; he was born separate buildings, a restaurant being conducted at Regenwalde, July 7, 1833. His parents are in one of them. Both lots are well situated, the Jacob and Fannie (Dans) Levin, worthy people of one which be occupies being in the most central the same place. He comes of a mercantile family, part of town. Politically he is a Democrat. His his sire and grandsire having been successful and parents. J. C. and Anu (Stevens) Knight, were extensive merchants. He grew to manhood in his born in Alabama, the father dying in that State native city, and upon reaching a suitable age, he when the subject of this sketch was a child. He was placed at school at Deush Crone, West Prus. was of English descent and a merchant, planter, sia, where he completed his literary training. He cotton ginner and miller by calling.

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left school in his sixteenth year.

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The sterling Joseph Levin. In detailing the leading pur- principles of the better class of citizens of that suits which are carried on in Alexandria, ani) which country had been well and deeply inculcated in together combine to make up the town's commer- him, and when he entered mercantile life, he decial importance, it would be an error to omit men- termined to follow the honest and lofty traditions tion of the establishment conducted by Mr. Levin,

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of his race.

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He first entered a dry-goods estahwhich was founded in 1884.

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Mr. Levin was lishment at Stolp, and completed his knowledge of

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an

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1

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that calling at Hamburg. In 1852 he came to the and after returning from school he remained with United States, spending one year in Galveston, his father at Alexandria until 1889. He and his Tex., and Mississippi. In 1853 he came to Alex. father then located the Lemourie Shingle Mills at andria, La., he at once went into business, in \ Lemourie, Rapides Parish, La., and here they have

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1 which he was successful as well as popular, and since continued. Mr. Levin is a bright and sucwhen the Civil War broke out, he had accumulated cessful business man, and all his operations are cona handsome competency. At his adopted country's ducted with dispatch and decision.

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He is a man call, he laid aside all personal interests and joined of education, of high literary taste, and his home the Confederate Army. From the close of the war is made pleasant by many of the best books the until 1880, he carried on a prosperous mercantile times offer. As he is very fond of reading, his business, when he retired and invested his means library is filled with all the standard works. The in lumber milling. In this new business he again Lemourie Mills turn out 110,000 shingles per day applied that close attention and active mind which and sbip to all parts of the country, although Inhad always made all bis undertakings a certain dian Territory gets most of them. The firm owns success, and to-day he has his place in the front about 16,000,000 feet of cypress timber, and is rank of the lumber manufacturers and dealers of enlarging the Lemourie Mills to greater capacity. the State. He has an extensive yard and planing They are wide awake, thoroughgoing business mill in Alexandria, supplied by his saw-mills on men, and have all the requisites necessary to make the north side of Red River, and connected by a success of whatever they undertake. switches to the main track of the Texas & Pacific Harold W. S. Lund. Among the best known Railroad. He is a large railroad supplier, as well mercantile houses in Alexandria, La., is that beas exporter of Texas and the Indian Territory. longing to Harold W. S. Lund, which was first He was married in this city, to Miss Christine established in January, 1884, as Lund & Warren, Dupuy, * a native of Louisiana, and a daughter of J. D. Warren continuing with him until February, Nomine and Mary Dupuy, also natives of this State; 1890, when Mr. Lund purchased the entire stock

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son and four daughters have been born to and conducted the business for his own account. them: Julia (wife of Charles Goldenberg), Fannie Mr. Lund was born in the city of New Orleans, (wife of Augur Suss), Jacob, Flora and Johanna La., on March 25, 1836, being a son of Neil H. (cricket). Mr. Levin and family are followers of and Mary Ann (Seiler) Lund, the former a jeweler the Jewish faith. Mr. Levin has risen to the council by trade, and a native of Denmark.

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When a of the Masonic fraternity; he has been a menzber young man he came to America, and spent some of the city council, was president of the school time in New York City, but subsequently settled board, and he has always been identified and one in New Orleans, where he married and reared one of the leaders in all moves and organizations tend son, the subject of this memoir. The grandfather ing to improve and extend Alexandria. He is one Lund was a sea captain, and commanded and owned of the original stockholders of the Rapides Bank. vessels in the Danish merchant marine. During

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Jacob Levin, Jr., manager of Lemourie Shingle ' the many years be traversed the ocean he made a Mills at Lemourie, La., is a native of Louisiana, number of voyages to the United States, but born in Rapides Parish in 1864, and the son of eventually died in his native land. The wife of Julius and Christina (Dupee) Levin. The father Neil H. Lund, Mrs. Mary Ann Lund, was born in was born in Germany, but came to America when New Orleans, and is now making her home with

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He is now

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an extensive property her son, H. W. S. Lund, in Alexandria. She is a owner and mill man of Alexandria, La. Jacob daughter of Antony Seiler, a German of WurtemLevin was educated in the University of Louisiana, burg. H. W. S. Lund grew to manhood in the

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city of his birth, completed a good education there, * The father does not agree with the son in the spelling of this

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after which he engaged in clerical work in a whole.

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one

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quite young

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name.

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See the next sketeh.-Ed,

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was

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a

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a

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sale grocery house, on a commission basis, and of Rapides Parish. He

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married in New there spent six years, from 1873 to 1879. After Orleans in May, 1879, to Mrs. Sophie Carnal. spending the following year clerking in other Col. N. L. McGinnis is the proprietor of a towns, he, in 1880, opened up a general store in livery stable, wagon shop and feed store in Alex Covington, La., which he conducted with good andria, and in the management of his affairs has results until December, 1883. In the month of shown excellent judgment and keen business foreJanuary, 1884, he bad come to Alexandria, as sight. He is a Tennesseean, born August 3, 1829, above stated, and here he has since been. He to C. H. and Malinda (Moore) McGinnis, natives, carries an excellent and select stock of general respectively, of Virginia and North Carolina, their goods, and his trade is solidly established. Mr. birth occurring in 1799 and 1804. Mr. McGinnis Lund was married in New Orleans, in July, 1890, was taken to Grainger County, Tenn., when a boy to Miss Isabella Bain, who was born in that city, a by his parents, but he subsequently went to Mon daughter of George Bain, Esq., a native of Scot roe, and from there to Hardin County. Later he land. Mrs. Lund is a member of the Presbyterian went to North Carolina, and while in that State, Church, and he is a member of the K. of P., and clerking in a store belonging to an uncle, be was presiding officer of Alexandria Lodge No. 3110, of married in 1820. In 1839, as he had always the K. of H.

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interested himself prominently in politics, he was Edgar Hammond McCormick, editor and pro- elected a member of the Lower House of the State prietor of Town Talk of Alexandria, La., was Legislature of Tennessee, and served continuously born near St. Louis, Mo., October 6, 1836, to until 1847, when he removed to the State of MisAugustus G. and Jane E. (Hammond) McCormick, sissippi, in which State he was engaged in farm the former of whom was born in Ohio and became ing for four years, after which he went to Bastrop an editor by calling. He was son of John County, Tex., where he gave his attention to farmMcCormick, a native of Pennsylvania. The earlying and made his home until his death, which history of the McCormick family in America dates occurred in 1884. His widow survived bim until back prior to the Revolutionary War. The male 1859, when she, too, passed away. N. L. McGin members of the family were noted for their large nis received an academic education in Tennessee stature, hardy constitutions and longevity. Jane and Texas, and after leaving school he was enE. (Hammond) McCormick was a danghter of gaged in farming for some four years, then began Joseph K. Hammond, a Pennsylvanian and a resi merchandising in Lexington, Tex., where he con dent of Mauch Chunk, where he was actively tinned in business until the breaking out of the engaged in the Jumber business. Edgar H. Mc

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He then organized Company H, Second Cormick spent his youth and early manhood in St.

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Texas Infantry, of which he was captain in MisLouis, and at an early day adopted the printing sissippi and Tennessee, taking part in the battles business as his calling through life, graduating of Shiloh, Inka, Farmersville, Corinth (in which from the case in the office of Barnes and Beynon, battle he was promoted to the rank of major for of that city, after which he worked as a compositor gallant conduct), Grenada and Chickasaw Bayou for several years in St. Louis, and was also pro- (where he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, but prietor of a printing office there for two years. had commanded his regiment continuously from He remained in that city until 1882, at which time the battle of Corinth until the close of the war). he came to Alexandria and started the

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He was taken prisoner at Vicksburg, was paroled, Talk,” which is a breezy, Spicy and interesting returned home and was afterward exchanged. His journal, the editorials especially commanding uni- regiment was then reorganized at Houston, Tex., versal attention. He is vice dictator of Alexan- and he was in command of the city of Galveston dria Lodge No. 110, of the K. of H., and is looked at the time of the surrender. After the war Col. upon as

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one of the most enterprising citizens McGinnis returned to Texas, and for some time

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war.

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“ Town

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of

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was engaged in farming and trading in stock. a soldier of the Confederacy), and Constance (the has been a resident of Alexandria since 1868, daughter who is dead, was the wife of B. P. Abat, where his attention has been given to mercantile a merchant, of New Orleans). The children that operations in connection with the above mentioned are living are: Angelica (wife of Dr. R. L. Luck callings. He was married here, •in 1872, to Miss ett), Edward Vincent, Armand De Brues, Octave Val McKinney, a daughter of Jesse McKinney, a Charles and Louis Victor. The latter was reared native of Alabama, now deceased. He has had and educated in the city of New Orleans, his knowl- six children by this and a former marriage: Laura edge of books being acquired in the Jesuit Col (wife of H. Huckaby, of Lee County, Tox.), Ada lege, after which he entered mercantile life, as a (wife of J. S. Reat, also of that place,) and James clerk in New Orleans, and when about twenty-four H. By his present wife: Albert Lee, Robert J. and years age, became a cotton factor. He was mar Mollie V. (at home). Mr. McGinnis is a member of ried in January, 1861, to Miss Zepherine De Gen- Oliver Lodge No. 81, of the A. F. & A. M., of eres, a daughter of Henry and Nora (Dulany) De Alexandria, and he was at one time deputy grand Generes, by whom he has three sons and six daugh master for the State of Texas in the I. O. O. ters: Henry F., Louis V., Jr., Zuline, Lena, May, F. He also belongs to the K. of P. at Alexan- Lelia, Alice, Zepherine and George. January 10, dria, and he and his estimable wife are worthy 1886, Mrs. Marye was called to her long home, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church having been an earnest menber of St. Francis South. He has served as a member of the town

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Xavier Church at Alexandria, La., for many years council of Alexandria for six years, and now prior to her death. She is now sleeping her last sleep belongs to the parish school board.

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in Rapides Cemetery.

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In 1872 Mr. Marye came Louis Victor Marye was born in Fairfax County, to Red River, and engaged in business in Alex Va., April 7. 1836, a son of Auguste and Octavia andria, as notary public and insurance agent, and (De Generes) Marye, the former of whom was a has been successfully occupied with these callings banker by occupation, and a son of Pierre Augnste

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ever since.

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He assisted in organizing the AlexMarye, a native of Rouen, France, and a refugee andria Compress Company, and also organized the from San Domingo at the time of insurrection. bank at this place, serving as its cashier for the After coming to the United States he settled in first twelve months. He has been a leading spirit Baltimore, Md., where he reared a family of two in bringing railroads to the town, and has aided in sons and one daughter, by his second wife, Miss many other ways in the advancement and developRenaud De Chateaudun, who also refugeed from ment of his adopted city and parish. He has latSan Domingo during the Revolution of 1790. lerly given some attention to real estate, and gives Auguste Marye grew to maturity in Baltimore, and every promise of becoming wealthy in that calling, after reaching manhood, came south, as far as Vir- for he is a keen and practical business man, and ginia, where he married and reared a family. He an excellent financier. He has held the office of then left his adopted State, and located in New justice of the peace, and has always been a member Orleans, where he occupied a position as clerk in of the Roman Catholic Church. He, like nearly a bank, but subsequently came up Red River, and all the members of his family, possesses an excelin 1810 located in Avoyelles Parish, where he es- lent constitution, and is dark complexioned, these tablished a bank, and where he passed the rest of being characteristics of his French ancestors. his life, dying in 1816, in full communion with the They are also decidedly musical in taste. faith of the Roman Catholic Church, the religion S. F. Meeker, M. D., is a native of West Feof his forefathers. He left a family of five sons liciana Parish, La., where his birth occurred in the and two daughters, of whom four sons and a dangh- year 1836, but when a child he left his birthplace ter survive, their homes now being in Rapides Par

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with his father, and was reared to manhood near ish. Auguste (the son deceased, died at Corinth, as the city of Baton Rouge. His advantages were

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excellent in his youth, and he was graduated from made their home until after the war, then returned Oakland College, Miss., in 1856, and in the fall of to Louisiana, and here Mr. Meeker passed from the same year began the study of medicine under life at the age of eighty-two years.

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The mother's Dr. Day, of Baton Rouge, and Dr. Natt, of father was a native of Reading, Penn., and reNew Orleans. He then attended three courses of moved to Louisiana in 1770, and was one of the lectures in the University of Louisiana, at New pioneer physicians around Baton Rouge. The Orleans, and graduated with the degree of M. D. maternal great-grandfather of the subject of this in 1859. The same year he made a trip north, sketch, Richard Carpenter by name, was from but in the fall of 1860 located in Rapides Parish, Providence, R. I., and was a Quaker. He resided near Lecompte, and from this place joined the Con- twenty miles below Baton Rouge, and died there, federate Army in May, 1861, becoming a member having been engaged in planting, at which he ac,

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be of Company H, Eighth Louisiana Regiment, and quired considerable wealth. Dr. Meeker inherits remaining on active duty until June 6, 1865. He English, Scotch and Welsh blood of his ancestors went out as a private, but was examined after the and is a man of strong characteristics. Although battles around Richmond, and was assigned to the he is no office-seeker, he is very popular with all, Seventh Louisiana as assistant surgeon in time to and was put in office in order to carry a point in participate in the battle of Chantilly. He served legislation, which he has accomplished. . in the capacity of assistant surgeon until Septem- Joseph H. Meeker, brother of Dr. S. F. Meeker, ber, 1864, when he was appointed surgeon on Gen. member of the legislature, of Rapides Parish, La., Hayes' staff, after which he was transferred to although a man of middle age, is well preserved, the Trans-Mississippi Department, and was at and is a representative citizen of the parish. Natchitoches until the close of the war. The four Thongh reared and educated elsewhere (see biog following years he was engaged in planting in raphy of Dr. S. F. Meeker), he is a genuine Rapides Parish, but bas since devoted his time to Southern gentleman and Louisianian by adoption. the practice of the healing art, in which he has He is a man wbose face at once indicates his true met with Hattering success. He was elected a mem- American breadth of conception and consequent ber of the State Legislature in 1884, serving in so liberality. He will command the respect of his admirable and capable a manner that he was re- associates regardless of the situation, and has many elected in 1888. He was married in 1860 to Miss

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strong personal friends. In Louisiana, the bome Elizabeth Compton, a native of this parish, and of of his adoption, he has become one of the well-toa family of eight children born to them, six are do sugar planters of Rapides Parish.

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He was living: Matilda, Elizabeth, Joseph H., John, married in Louisiana. They have one child, whom Howard and Lonise. Dr. Meeker is a son of they have taken great care to educate. Mr. Meeker Moses L. and Matilda (Flower) Meeker, the former takes practical charge of the sugar mill and of the of whom was born in Elizabeth, N. J., but upon sugar, of which they make a large amount. He is reaching manhood went west and became associ- liberal in his religious views, is a member of no ated in business with Longworth & Smith, produce church, but is a strong supporter of Christianity dealers of Cincinnati, Ohio, the latter being the and education. He is liberal and open-hearted in first United States Senator from Ohio. Mr. Smith, all worthy movements, and extends a helping hand of this firm, used some money belonging to the to all public enterprises that tend to better the company in the interest of Aaron Burr, and so re. welfare of his parish.

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His family are members of pugnant were the Burr sentiments to Mr. Meeker the Roman Catholic Church. that he sold out and came to Louisiana, taking up Rev. Father L. Menard is the present pastor of bis abode in West Feliciana Parish, where he met the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, and married Mrs. Matilda (Flower) Finley. In and was born in the city of Rennes, Brittany, 1857 they settled near St. Louis, Mo., where they France, in 1854, in which place he obtained excel

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man

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sons

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lent scholastic advantages, and prepared himself merchant of Alexandria, and is a whose for the ministry in St. Martin's College. Thus earnest and sincere endeavor to succeed in life is becoming thoroughly equipped for the noble work well worthy the imitation of the rising generation. he had in view, he decided to come to America, He was born in the Keystone State, August 31, which he did in 1875, and in 1877, he received his 1833, being a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Levan) ordination from Archbisbop Perche, of New Orleans, Miller, the former of whom was a native of Penn

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a and was put in charge of his present flock, but for sylvania and removed to Ohio when the subject of the first five years served as its vicar, but has since this sketch was about six months old, and later been its priest. He has done untold good in bis : settled in Delaware County, Ohio, where he car

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, present capacity, is a truly able divine, and has the ried on farming until his death, which took place

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, full love, confidence and respect of his parishioners. in 1818, leaving, besides his widow, seven

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Theus Norvelle Miles, the superintendent of and one daughter to mourn their loss. The mother the Alexandria Compress & Warehouse Company, died in 1889. The subject of this sketch grew to is an active and progressive business man. He manhood in Ohio, and at the age of fifteen years was born at Jackson, Miss., March 18, 1850, being began learning the tinner's trade in Delaware and a son of Gen. William R. and Frances (Mayrant) there completed his knowledge of the business. Miles. His father's ancestors came to this country He left Ohio at the age of seventeen and went to from England, with Lord Baltimore, wany of New Orleans and in that city worked at his trade their descendants being now in Maryland, Ken- until 1856, when he came up Red River and spent tucky and Missouri. His mother's ancestors were a year and a half at Mansfield and about the same French Huguenots, who settled in South Carolina length of time at Natchitoches, at the end of which before the Revolutionary War. There the family time be came to Alexandria, working for a number now reside. Theus Norvelle Miles was educated of years as a journeyman, but the coming clash of at Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala. Upon leav- arms caused him to throw aside his tools, and for ing this institution he turned his attention to cot- three years he aided to the best of his ability the ton planting. Afterward he went into the com- Confederate government, proving himself to be a press business, and has, since 1887, followed the trusty and efficient soldier. After the war latter calling, in Alexandria, which has proved re- over he returned to Alexandria, and in 1866 enmunerative, and has added much to the reputation gaged in business as a tinsmith and subsequently which Alexandria enjoys as a place of business. He added hardware to his original stock, also agricult was married in the city of New Orleans, to Miss ural implements, and has since done a lucrative Alice Herrick, a daughter of Richard Herrick, business, He was married in Natchitoches in Esq., and Mary (Newman) Herrick, of that city, 1859 to Miss Levinia Rowlson, a native Louisianand to them two daughters have been born: Fran- ian, by whom he has four sons and four daughters: ces Mayrant and Mary Newman. Mr. Miles and his | Ambrose (in the saw-milling business in this city), wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Laura C. (wife of Joseph Fitzpatrick, a planter), Mr. Miles has ever shown himself to ve a wide- May E. (wife of Emil Tasted, of New Orleans), awake and enterprising business man, and is one James, William, Josepbine, Levinia and John. of the directors of the Rapides Bank, and was alsɔ Mr. Miller and bis family worship in the Episcoone of its organizers. He is vice-president of the pal Church. He has served in the city council Alexandria Street Railway Company, is a stock

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and has been a member of the school board, provholder and director in the Daily Times, and has ing painstaking and zealous in the discharge of otherwise done all in his power to promote the in

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his duties. terests of the town. He is a member of the Alex- T. G. Morgan, planter, Boyce, La. Georgia andria Rod and Gun Club.

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has given to Louisiana many prominent citizens, Isaac Carol Miller, is a prosperous hardware but she has contributed none more worthy of re

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was

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mar.

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spect and esteem than the subject of this sketch. County, Ga., January 26, 1853, and, although He was born on November 21, 1824, and is a son his father died when he was young, his mother was of Thomas Morgan, who was also a native of an intelligent and accomplished woman, and posGeorgia. The father spent his whole life engaged sessing sufficient means, wisely kept her son at in farming in Georgia, and was one of the largest school, giving him the advantages of some of the and most prominent farmers in Chattooga County, finest educational institutions of which the State of He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church Georgia could boast. Until he attained his sevenand died some time before the Civil War. T. G. teenth year he remained in his native State, but at Morgan received the ordinary education of the that time he came to Louisiana, and has since country boy in Georgia, and when nineteen years' prominently identified himself with the State of his of age he began working for himself, raising the adoption. After coming to this State he taught first year two bales of cotton, which he hauled 150 school for a short time in Webster Parish, but the miles to Wetumpka, Ala., and sold for 4 cents following year commenced the study of law in the per pound. After coming back he hauled his office of that eminent jurist, Judge A. B. George, bacon to Rome, Ga., and sold it for 45 cents per of Minden, La., and after three years of faithful pound. He afterward operated a jng factory, and study was thoroughly fitted to be admitted to the in connection with it continued his farming opera

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bar. Owing to the fact that Louisiana did not altions. In this he was quite successful, and ac- low a license before one had attained his majority, cumulated considerable property. He was Mr. Moseley was advised by his distinguished pre. riel in 1845 to Miss Arminda, danghter of John ceptor to review and further perfect himself in his Martin, of Cherokee County, Ala. Mrs. Morgan studies, which advice he faithfully followed, after died in 1875. In 1862 Mr. Morgan enlisted in a which he took a course of lectures in the law deTennessee Cavalry Regiment, Capt. Ragan, of partment of the University of Louisiana, at New Col. McKinzey's regiment, of Scott's brigade, and Orleans, from which institution he was graduated was principally engaged in gnarding Cumberland with the degree of LL. B., in 1874. During this

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Gap. He was in no battles, and surrendered near time he received the inestiniable benefit of the 1 Lafayette, Ga. He returned to Louisiana in 1872, library and council of Hon. E. John Ellis. After

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and shortly afterward purchased the farm where graduating, with the independence that had ever he now resides on Red River, about fifteen miles characterized his actions through life, he returned above Alexandria. He is now justice of the peace. to Minden, opened a law office, and there, amidst His family consists of five living children-three able and experienced competition, he passed sons and two daughters.

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through the hardest ordeals incident to a lawyer's Mat. C. Moseley, attorney at law, of Alexandria, life, ordeals that would bave discouraged a less in La. It can not be expected, in a work of this kind, domitable will. With hinu a resolution once formed where but brief biographical sketches of prominent is a fixture, and he kept steadily at his desk, and citizens of the parish are presented, that a lengthy in the management of the cases that came in his laudatory article of each one should be written, and way, showed such a high order of talent and yet at times there are some who have been so inti- ab:?ty that he soon won a widespread reputation, mately and closely identified with the parish, and and is now enjoying the reward of bis close appli whose names are so familiar to all that it is only cation and the diligent pursuit of his studies. just to dwell upon what they have done, and the While in this place he became distinguished by influence of their career upon others, not as empty winning some very difficult and intricate cases, words of praise, but the plain statement of a still handling them with ease, grace and power, and plainer truth.

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Mr. Moseley, who is a talented made his case perceptible and plain to the most or young lawyer of this section, is one of these gen- dinary understanding by his smooth, logical and tlemen. He was born near Cedartown, in Polk convincing reasoning He is an eloquent and

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r

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His suc

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pleasing orator, and won golden opinions for him the General Assembly of the State, and proved him self in the estimation of all by the delivery of one self a capable, zealous and competent legislator. of the most ornate and brilliant speeches ever given His father, Thomas Moseley, was a Virginian by in the town of Minden, on the occasion of a Knights birth, and a planter by occupation. The family of Pythias celebration. After remaining in Minden are poted for their large statures, hardy constitu until 1883, he became possessed of a desire to seek tions and strong will power. Many became emi a more lucrative field for his labors, and according- nent in the different professions. The wife of the ly came to Alexandria, where he has since made Hon. Benjamin T. Moseley, whose maiden name his home, and here, as at Minden, has made a rep- was Mary Ann Callaway, was a Georgian by birth, utation for ability, zeal and earnestness.

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and a daughter of James Madison Callaway and cess in several cases of homicide is well known to Catherine Rebecca (Johnson) Callaway, an old most of the residents of the State, and in the man- Georgian family. Mrs. Moseley is now a resident agement of other important cases he has been very of New Orleans, making her home with a son, Dr. successful. At present he is one of the attorneys Benjamin T. Moseley, an eminent physician of that for the Texas & Pacific Railroad Company, but city. She is a true Christian in every sense of the does not confine himself alone to railroad cases, en- word, and possesses kind and pleasing manners. joying a large practice at several bars. He has L. W. Murdock, of the general mercantile firm held only one office, that of attorney, for Webster of Lecompte, La., is a native of A voyelles Parish, Parish, to which position he was appointed in 1877, his birth occurring there in 1856, also attaining by Gov. Francis T. Nicholls, in the discharge of manhood there, the rudiments of his education which duties his usual zeal and earnestness were being obtained in the country schools. Upon at brought to bear. In appearance Mr. Moseley pos- taining his majority he left the home plantation sesses a tine physique and is handsome and distin- and engaged in mercantile pursuits as a clerk in guished. He comes of one of the most brilliant A voyelles Parish, his attention being given to this families of Georgia, two of his maternal uncles calling here and in St. Landry Parish for five achieving distinction in the world of letters, Rich- years, engaging in the business on his own resporsi- ard Malcolm Johnson, now of Baltimore, Md., be- bility in the latter parish in 1883. In January, ing the author of the life of Alexander H. Stephens. 1886, he came to Lecompte with his stock of His paternal uncles also acquired a name and fame goods, and opened his present establishment with in the literary world, his father also possessing a a sınall capital, and has since done business on a deep and scholarly mind. His manners are easy and strictly cash basis, as he had previously lost money engaging, and this, coupled with a mind of undoubted by doing a credit business. Although he rented brilliancy, and with unquestioned integrity and strict the building in which he did business the first morality, nothing seems to be wanting to make his year, he purchased an establisbment of his own life a brilliant success in legal, political or social cir the second year, and for some time was in part- cles. His father, Hon. Benjamin Thomas Moseley, nership with a former partner in St. Landry Par.

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. was born in Greene County, Ga., and there, in later ish, W. C. Scott. Since the fall of 1888 he has years, became a member of the bar. He graduated been sole proprietor. He is a keen and practical from the University of Georgia, at Athens, and also business man, and the stock of goods he now car- graduated in law from the Vuiversity of Virginia. ries is valued at from $15,000 to $18,000, his For a number of years, during the latter part of his annual business amounting to from $70,000 to life, he abandoned law and accepted a professorship $75,000. His store is 47x87 feet, his goods occu- at Covington, Ga., and filled the chair of mathema- pying two floors, and four clerks are given em- tics for several years with distinction. While practic-ployment during the summer months, and about ing law in Greensboro, Greene County, Ga., he was six during the winter. His trade is rapidly on the chosen to represent the citizens of that county in increase, which fact speaks louder than words can

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а

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a

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He was

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do as to the quality of goods he keeps, and to his Church. Mr. Neal is a member of the K. of H., honesty and fair dealing with his customers. His Enterprise Lodge No. 3552, at Boyce, and he is success is remarkable, for the most of his property also a member of the A. F. & A. M., Fellowship has been acquired in the last few years, and he is Lodge, at Hineston. He is a member of the now the leading merchant of Lecompte. He was Methodist and his wife a menuber of the Episcopal married in Cheneyville, this parish, to Miss Clara Church. Ewell, their union taking place in January, 1888, C. W. Owen, merchant, Cheney ville, La. It He inherits Scotch and French blood from his is difficult for any one unfamiliar with mercban. father and mother, William H. and Alzena (DeMont) dising to form a correct estimate of the magnitude Murdock, the former born in Louisiana, a planter, of the trade in Cheneyville. Among those whose

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. and died while serving in the Confederate Army, knowledge, courage and resolution have met with in Virginia, in 1863. The mother died when the 'signal success may be mentioned Mr. C. W. Owen, subject of this sketch was born.

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who is one of the prominent merchants of the Frank H. Neal, planter, Boyce, La. Mr. Neal town. Although he has been here but one year, is a native-born resident of the parish, his birth he has already won a large patronage. occurring on the plantation where he now lives, born in Alabama, and there his youth and boyhood four miles west of Alexandria, in the year 1852, were spent. He was educated in New Orleans, and is the son of Merida and Ann (Henderson) and became agent for the Southern Pacific Rail. Neal, born, respectively, in Washington County, : road Company at this point in 1880. This posi . Ga., in 1799, and Rapides Parish, La., in 1823. 'tion he held for ten years, and was joint agent for The father received bis education in Georgia and the Union Pacific and Texas Pacific Railroads, be. Louisiana, and was engaged at different times in ing their agent at New Iberia two years of that farming on rented land and managing a planta- time. He married Miss Claudia Pierce, dangbter tion for Mrs. Bayard, of Rapides Parish. After of Hon. S. S. Pierce, of Avoyelles Parish, La., several years be purchased, in partnership with and to this union have been born two children: Richard Winn, a place, on which our subject now Claude P. and Chauncey H.

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Mr. Owen engaged makes his home. After the death of Mr. Winn in merchandising shortly after his marriage, and his interest was purchased by Mr. Neal, and be- this bas occupied his attention ever since. He is came a fine property. He served as a member of a Master Mason, and in politics is Democratic. the Legislature from Rapides Parish one term He is the son of John and Susannah (Frasier) (1847 and 1848), and died in the parish in 1856. Owen, the father a native of Georgia, but who re. The mother died in 1878. Frank H. Neal finished sided in Mobile, Ala., the principal part of his his education at the State Seminary, near Alexan- life. He was a steamboat man, and was the owner dria, and since then has been actively engaged in of several steamers. The maternal grandfather tilling the soil, being the present owner of one of : was a French Huguenot. the finest farms in this section.

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He has never as- Maj. E. B. Pendleton of Alexandria, La., is pired to public office, but takes great interest in one of the most extensive cotton planters of Rapall matters pertaining to the advancement of his ides Parish, and is now residing on the old Bailey State, and especially the locality in which he re. plantation four miles from Alexandria, on Bayou sides. He was married in November, 1874, to | Robert's Road. The Bailey plantation was the Miss Martha J. Texada, daughter of Thomas and home of the lamented Gen. Bailey, the father-inMartha J. (Gordon) Texada, who were natives of law of our subject. It is one of the most picturRapides Parish, La.

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Mr. Texada died in 1872, esque places on Red River, and the stately old but Mrs. Texada is still living and makes her mansion is one of the landmarks that escaped dehome in Rapides Parish, near the home of our struction during the late Civil War. The spacious subject. She is

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a member of the Methodist | yards are filled with trees and shrubbery, the rar

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re

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son.

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est that cultivated taste could desire or money of Fauquier County, Va., and descendants from purchase, and the massive pillars still bear witness some of the best families in that State. The faas to the grandeur of its former days. Maj. Pen- ther was a member of the Legislature of his coundleton was born in Caroline County, Va., in 1828, ty. He was in the theater at Richmond that and when about twenty years of age traveled to the burned causing such destruction of life, and jumpPacific slope by way of Cape Horn, going as sut- ing from a window assisted in saviog the lives of ler of Company A, United States Light Artillery, many people. The mother was a daughter of the commanded by Col. Magruder. He located at San well-known orator and statesman, Patrick Henry. Diego, and there remained until 1857, engaged in Mrs. Bailey married Gen. Bailey in 1835. He general business. He was also treasurer of the was also a native of Virginia, born in Lexington, county in which he located for a term. In the last in 1804, and reared and educated in his native mentioned year he returned on a visit, was induced State. He was occupied at different times as a to stay and entered business in St. Louis, Mo., merchant and farmer. Some time prior to the war maining there until the breaking out of the war. he moved south taking with him a large number of From there he went to New York City, thence to negroes, first settled in Mississippi, and in 1858 Baltimore, Md., and later, on the underground purchased the plantation in Louisiana, where Mrs. railroad to Richmond, Va. He put up at Mrs. Sur- Bailey now resides. After the war he was alınost ratt's Tavern, which was kept by the lamented totally wrecked financially, and died in 1878; his Mrs. Surratt who was hanged for being implicated widow still survives him, although old in years, is in the killing of President Lincoln. He was well ac- well preserved, and a most brilliant and entertainquainted with Mrs. Surratt and her daughter and ing conversationalist. To Mr. and Mrs. Pendle

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John Surratt drove our subject a considerable ton were born these children: Eugene, Allen B. distance on the underground railway. At Rich- (of Laclede National Bank, St. Louis), and Alice. mond, Va., Maj. Pendleton met his uncle Gen. Two children, Florence and Hattie, are deceased. Magruder and joined his staff as chief commissary, The Major as well as his wife is a member of the serving in the Lone Star State. He fought in the Episcopal Church. He is recorder of Summit battle of Galveston, and when Gen. Magruder was Council No. 12, and scribe in Keystone Chapter ordered to Arkansas in 1864, the Major was or- No. 44, A. F. & A. M. His parents, John L. and dered to Richmond, Va., as bearer of dispatches. Elizabeth (Magruder) Pendleton, were natives of He was captured en route, taken to New Orleans, the Old Dominion. The mother was a sister of thence to Fort La Fayette, and then to Fort Dela- Gen. Magruder, and a sister also of Capt. George ware, where he was subsequently released by order Magrnder of the navy (for genealogy see sketch of Gen. Grant. John Mitchell, the Irish patriot, who of Judge Thompson). had two sons in the Confederate Army, crossed the Col. William Polk. No name in the annals of ocean to America, and was with Maj. Pendleton on the country is more highly honored, or held in the underground railway, to Richmond. After the more profound esteem than that of Polk. It dates war Maj. Pendleton spent some time in Canada and with prominence far back in American history. New York, and resumed business in St. Louis dur- The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was ing 1866 and 1867. In 1867 he married Mrs. Eliza- Col. William Polk, of Raleigh, N. C. He served beth Pickett, laughter of Gen. William Bailey, and with prowess in the Revolutionary War, and was withdrew from the firm in St. Louis taking charge one of the July members of “The Order of Cinof his father-in-law's plantation, where he resides at cinnatus," of which George Washington was pres.

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, the present time. Mrs. Gen. William Bailey, the ident, and Knox, secretary Gen. Thomas G.

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. mother of Mrs. Pendleton, was born in Alexandria, Polk, the eldest son of Col. William Polk, was Halifax County, Va., in 1818, the daughter of the father of Col. Polk. He was a graduate of Alexander and Sarah Butler (Henry) Seott, natives Yale, and a man of ability. Col. Polk was gradu

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ated from Chapel Hill, and came from North Caro. line of Scottish kings. He was a direct descendant lina to Tennessee with his parents in his early of Lady Egdia Stewart, daughter of Princess Mar boyhood. Later on he emigrated to Louisiana, garet, and sister of King Robert II. Margaret and for several years was connected in the culture was aunt of the Earl of Lennox, who was grandof cane, with his distinguished uncle, Bishop Polk. father of King James IV. and direct ancestor of He made his mark in the State, as a man of ability, Queens Elizabeth and Victoria of England. The and soon amassed a fortune, being at the breaking American Polk family is called in Scotland, “The out of the war one of the largest slave owners in Clan of High Officers." the State. He cared little for the political arena, B. Pressburg is a merchant and hotel keeper of was conservative, disapproved of secession, but Lecompte, La., and like the majority of bis counwhen he saw it was inevitable, was heart and soul trymen he is intelligent, honest, thrifty and induswith the South. He sustained heavy losses, but trious. He is of Hebrew birth, born in Russia, in has become one of the successful planters of 1846, but was reared and educated in Germany. Rapides. Since the war he has built up a lovely In 1865 he came to the United States, and landed home, and is one of Rapides' honored citizens. He in New York City, but immediately came west and married Miss Lamar, of Georgia, a name also of began peddling in Michigan, his headquarters National fame, and a family that bas given to the being at Grand Rapids. He remained in that country men of prowess, and women of culture. State until 1867, when he came to New Orleans Col. Polk has three children born and reared in and followed the same occupation thronghout the Rapides Parish: Alice (a woman of exquisite surrounding country, until 1869, at which time be loveliness, married Mr. W. P. Flower, a prominent went to Alexandria, where he peddled until 1872

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. sugar planter of the parish), Eloise (married Mr. By 1870 he had by economy saved enough money D. S. Ferris, of New York, a young man highly to enable him to open a store on a small scale, and connected), and William Polk, Jr. Mrs. Ferris

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with a partner operated it until 1871, when they and her husband reside on the plantation; sbe is a broke up, and he once more shouldered his pack woman of rare culture and refinement, and is a and went on the road, continuing until the fall of devoted wife and daughter, making the home one 1872, when he began building a store on Bayou of pleasantness and peace, for her husband and Boeuf, on the Widow Martin plantation, opening bis parents. William Polk, Jr., or Willie Polk as he establishment the same year.

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In the spring of is familiarly called, is a young man who is slightly

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1873 be was married to Miss Henrietta Jackson, passed his majority, and a rising politician of the who died on April 23, 1879, leaving two children: State. He was educated in the best schools of the Israel and Jacob.

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On May 26, 1880, Johannah State, and is brilliant and ambitious. He is a

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Borngesser, a native German, became his wife, and member of the police jury of Rapides Parish, and

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their union has been blessed in the birth of four is an active participant in all public affairs of his children: Elgar. Tennie, Henry and Solomon. parish and State.

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He is looked upon as a subject Mr. Pressburg lived on the Martin place until of future bonors outside of his parish, and the out

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1882, then came to Lecompte, and placed his goods look for him is full of promise.

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The following in the brick store building belonging to J. A. is a description of the coat of arms of the Polk Stevens. In addition to this, he was in the gristfamily: On a shield of green, a cross of gold milling business and operated a gin-house, and in between three bugles of silver. The “crest”

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1883 was agent for the Wells Fargo Express Comgreatest of herallie honors-“wild boar transfixed with an arrow,” the device--" Boldly and firmly!''

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pany. In the fall of that year he was appointed postThe coronet on the shield represents the royal

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master of Lecompte, a position he held under Pres. Stewarts of Scotland.

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idents Arthur and Cleveland, but being a Democrat, The founder of the Polk

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he was thrown ont of office when Harrison became family in America inherited the blood of a long President.

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In 1884 he purchased a lot on which

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he erected him a residence, also a storehouse, ad- native State, he was taken to Mississippi at a very joining the same and other real estate.

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The same

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early day, and later came to Louisiana. He was a year of his purchase, he began selling goods in his tanner by trade, and became a magistrate near Leown building, and in 1885 began keeping hotel, compte. He and his wife became the parents of his establishment being especially fitted up for the i five children who grew to maturity, and one that accommodation of traveling men, a large sleeping died in infancy. Benjamin H. Randolph was apapartment being built to the house in 1889. In pointed a member of the police jury from Spring connection with his hotel he runs a livery and hack Hill Ward in 1884, and after serving out his term line to the depot. He does a creditable business was reappointed by the governor. and his merchandise comprises a stock valued at Christopher Lewis Ransdell, deputy district from $5,000 to $6,000, the store-room being 37x60 clerk. He was born in the parish in which he is feet, with an upstairs. This is managed by clerks, now residing June 1, 1855, being a son of John while the most of his attention is given to the suic- Hickman and Amanda Louisa (Terrell) Ransdell, cessful management of his hotel.

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He is a progres

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the former of whom was born in Frankfort, Ky., sive gentleman, and is active in attending to the being reared to the profession of journalism, gradwants of his patrons.

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uating in that calling from the office of the LouisBenjamin H. Randolph is a prominent saw ville Courier, which afterward became the Couriermiller of Rapides Parish, La., and in this parish, Journal. In the early history of Rapides Parish, where he was born in 1848, all his interests and La., he came thither, and for a time conlucted the affections are centered. As he grew up, bis educa- Red River Whig, but subsequently engaged in tion was acquired in the common schools of this merchandising, and still later turned his attention region, and his knowledge of life was only such as to planting and was following this calling at the could be gained while working on his father's time of his death, which occurred in 1869, he beplantation At a later period he learned the trade ing accidentally killed. He was a son of Chris. of carpenter and builder, and for some years fol- topher Ransdell and Martha (Hickman) Ransdel), lowed the saw-milling business, operating a mill in the latter a daughter of Parson William Hickman, this parish, at which he made considerable money. | a member of the well-known Hickman family of In 1878 he engaged exclusively in the mercantile Kentucky, who accompanied Daniel Boone to that

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, business at Bismarck, continuing until June, 1889, State and left an undying name and fame upon the but a credit business almost ruined him, there pages of the bistory of the Blue-Grass State. being some three or four thousand dollars he could On both sides of this family they are found to be never collect. He is the owner of 700 acres of connected with Revolutionary War times, the Hickland, a small portion of which is under cultivation. man family being particularly famous during that He is associated in the saw-milling business with time. Christopher Lewis Ransdell is the sixth Joseph Meeks, their establishment turning out child and fourth son in a family of five sons and about 5,000 feet per day, the demand for their four daughters born to his parents, of whom four lumber being greater than they can supply. His sons and two daughters are now living. marriage took place in this parish, and was to Miss to manhood on his father's plantation in this parSarah G Simpson, by whom he has five children: ish, receiving meager educational advantages on Sarah, Mary, James, Florence and Robert. Mr. account of the war; was sworn in as deputy parish Randolph is a Democrat. He is a son of William clerk on his twenty-first birthday, a position he has and Esther (Hadley) Randolph, the former born in very acceptably filled ever since, being faithful, New York and the latter in Mississippi. William efficient, and a true and trusty officer. Randolph is a descendant of John Randolph, of riage, which occurred in the city of New Orleans Roanoke, famous in the early history of this coun- in December, 1887, was to Miss Cordelia, daughter try, and although his early life was spent in his

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of Joseph and Cordelia (Bowles) Hoy, of Rapides

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He grew

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His mar

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Parish, natives of Ohio and Louisiana, respective. forming, in 1884, a partnership with A. Hartier, ly. Mr. Ransdell is vice chancellor of Alexandria with whom he has since been associated, their anLodge No. 3, of the K. of P., and he and his fam- nual business amounting to $15,000. Mrs. Rogers ily worship in the Roman Catholic Church.

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is a member of the Baptist Church.

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Mr. Rogers H. M. Rogers belongs to the successful general is the father of six children: Charles (in Texas), mercantile firm of Rogers & Hartier, of Welchton, Florence, Daisy, Fannie, Henry and Una, all of La., and as a man of business is keen, shrewd and

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whom are receiving excellent educational advantenterprising He was born in Rapides Parish, ages as they grow up. La., in 1845, to David and Clara (Curtis) Rogers, Moses Rosenthal. Among the many enter who were born in Ireland and Louisiana in 1812 prises necessary to complete the commercial reand 1818, respectively, but when a boy the father sources of a town or city, none is of more importwas brought to the United States by relatives, his ance than that of the grocer, being one of the main home at first being in the Old North State. He factors in the furnishing of our food supplies. afterward came to the Pelican State, and was Prominent in this trade is the establishment of Mr. here married about 1833, and in this State con- Rosenthal, which was established in 1879, and has tinued to make his home until his death, which

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resulted very satisfactorily. He was born in Alsace, occurred in 1855, he being a member of the Pres. France (now Germany) August 28, 1828, son of byterian Church and the A. F. & A. M. fraternity Isaiah and Sarah (Meyer) Rosenthal, the former a at the time of his death. His widow, who survives merchant of Oberlanderbach. In this town Moses him, makes her home with her son in Alexandria, grew to manhood, and learned the trade of a merand is an earnest member of the Episcopal Church. chant, but in 1846 he decided to come to America, The paternal grandfather was a Presbyterian min- his first landing being made at New Orleans. In ister of Ireland, and the maternal grandfather was January of the following year he came to Alexana cotton planter in Rapides Parish. H. M. Rogers dria, and clerked a few years, but in July, 1819, was attending school when the Civil War broke out, went to Cotile Landing, where he kept a wareand in 1862, when only sixteen years of age, he

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He then opened a store in that dropped his books to enlist in the Confederate neighborhood, which he conducted until the openArmy, becoming a member of Company K, Cres- ing of the war, at which time be sold out and went cent Regiment, afterward taking part in the battle

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into the army, remaining in the service until May of Shiloh. In the latter part of 1862, under the 10, 1865, at which time be was paroled at Meridian, act excluding all persons under eighteen years of Miss., and returned to Alexandria. He then emage from the service, he was discharged and re- barked in general merchandising, which he con turned home. He re-enlisted, however, in 1863, ducted for two years, and in 1879 took up the in the Second Louisiana Cavalry, and this time was grocery business, which has since received bis at on active duty until the war was practically over, tention. He was married in New Orleans, Oetohaving taken part in the battle of Pleasant Hill ber 28, 1867, to Miss Regina Bloom, who was born and numerous skirmishes. He was at Alexandria in Bavaria, Germany, a daughter of Benjamin and at the time of Lee's surrender. The war crippled Sarah Bloom, and to them four sons and five bim badly financially, and after he returned home daughters have been born: Sarah, Gertrude, Paulhe secured work as a steamboat clerk. In 1867 be ine, Benjamin, J., Isaac, Bertha, Esther, Emil and was married to Mrs. Osborne, daughter of Joseph Gilbert Cleveland. Mr. Rosenthal is a Mason of Duval, but his wife died in 1877, and in 1883 he long standing, has served as a member of the city married Miss Fannie, daughter of William and council, and for seven years was parish treasurer. Catherine Mace, natives of Pennsylvania. In 1869 He and his family are members of the Hebrew Mr. Rogers first began planting where he now lives, ¡ Church. and in 1882 opened a mercantile establishment, Stephen Harris Rushing, M. D., is one of the

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house four years.

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.

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most trustworthy physicians and surgeons of Rap- Mason and bas passed through all the degrees of ides Parish, La., and as he has obtained a lib. the chapter. He is a member of the Episcopal eral share of public favor, it is one of the best Church, of which his two eldest daughters are proofs of his skill and care. He was born near also members, but his wife and third daughter are . Wadesboro, Anson County, N. C., October 25, Methodists. In connection with his practice he 1834, being a son of Col. James Madison and carries on planting, and from his earliest child Susan (Rushing) Rushing (not related), the for- hood has been familiar with the culture of cotton. mer of whom was a successful and prosperous cot- Hon. Michael Ryan, retired attorney of Alexton planter and a representative man of his county, andria, La. For many years, or since locating in Both were descended from old and prominent this parish, Mr. Ryan has enjoyed the reputation families, who made names for themselves dur- of being not only a substantial and progressive ing the Revolutionary War, and after its close citizen, but is an intelligent and thoroughly posted devoted themselves mainly to agricultural pur- man in all public affairs. He has always been suits, though many became ministers, professional noted for honesty and uprightness of character. and busines men.

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In about 1835 the parents re- He was born in Durrow, Kings County, Ireland, in moved to Alabama and settled in Sumter County, December, 1812, to James and Catherine (Moore) where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, Ryan, both families having long been well known obtaining in the meantime a good literary educa- near the town of Tollamore. Some members of tion in Tutwiler College at Green Springs, Ala., the family of Ryan became noted divines, and were after which he began studying medicine and grad. men of marked ability and long.lived. In 1839 uated from the University of Pennsylvania at Michael Ryan emigrated, in search of a fortune, to Philadelphia in 1853. The next year was spent in the new world, and as he had received a fine claspracticing on his father's plantation in Sumter sical education in his native land, he soon secured County, but the following year came to Louisiana, the position of professor of Latin in the Spring spending about eight months in practicing in Hill College of Rapides Parish, at the same time Ouachita Parish, after which he traveled until | teaching and reading law, and before he had been 1850, at the end of which time he decided to lo

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a year in the parish he was admitted to the bar and cate at Evergreen, Avoyelles Parish, where he re- began practicing, a calling he followed with the mained until the opening of the Rebellion. He best success for many years, occupying a front immediately enlisted as a private in the Confed rank in his profession. His success in life at the erate Army, but was appointed staff surgeon for bar has been attained rather by the force of native brave Gen. Finley in the Army of Tennessee, in talent and culture than by tact, and his style, both which capacity he served until the surrender. He in speaking and writing, is forcible, smooth and then returned to Evergreen, resumed his practice, convincing. He bas always been a Democrat, active and here remained until 1880, when he came to in local and State politics, and in 1851, on the earnAlexandria, of which place he has been one of the est solicitation of his many friends, he was elected leading practitioners ever since.

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He has a pay

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to the State Legislature, and served two sessions. ing practice in the town and surrounding country, In 1854 he was elected to the Senate, serving four and as he is painstaking and very faithful in the years, and during this time was on the judiciary discharge of his duties he fully deserves his suc. committee, as chairman, holding this position the

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He was married at Evergreen to Miss Fla- last two years. His reputation as a pure and in villa J. Duvall, a native of Louisiana and a de- telligent legislator is the very best. He was marscendent of an honorable Maryland family. The ried in this parish to Miss Maria C. Crain, a native Doctor and his wife have three danghters: Inez of Virginia, and a daughter of Bailey Crain, of May, Mary Eliza (wife of Thomas Moore Biossat), Fauquier County. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan have had and Flavilla Duvall. The Doctor has long been a four children born to them, two of whom are liv.

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cess.

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ing: John C. (an honored member of the Alexan- Assembly of the State, serving two years, and in dria, La., bar), and Kate (wife of Dr. J. W. 1863 be was elected to the State Senate, serving Thompson, of Opelousas). Mr. Ryan has always one year, and again in 1867, being elected to the given close attention to his business, is laborious Lower House to fill the unexpired term of Mr. in research, and has never permitted the interests Lewis. In 1863 he was appointed by Jefferson of bis clients to suffer. He was always thoroughly Davis, provost marshal for Rapides Parish, with prepared in his cases, and rarely taken by surprise, the rank of major, and held this position until the and had the unbounded confidence of his clients. close of hostilities. In 1876 he went back to his During his long years of practice he assisted many old home in Virginia, to take charge of some propyoung men to a thorough legal knowledge. He erty left him by the will of an aunt, and there was elected judge of his district, but resigned this made his home until the death of his wife in 1883, position to accept the nomination for Congress. returning to Louisiana the following year. His

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Hon. W. L. Sanford, farmer, of Rapides Par- wife was a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Williamish, La. No worthy reference to the agricultural son) Compton, born, respectively, in Maryland and affairs of this parish would be complete, without Tennessee. In the early part of the present centmention of Mr. Sanford, among others engaged in ury they removed to Louisiana, where the rest of agricultural pursuits. Besides this he enjoys to their days were spent.

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To Mr. and Mrs. Sanford an unlimited extent the confidence and esteem of fourteen children were born-nine sons and five all who know him, and is one of the influential | daughters: L. C., William, Robert L., Mary A. men of the parish. He was born in what is now (now Mrs. Hickman, with whom the subject of this Hampshire County, West Va., and received the sketch resides), Sarah V. and Louisiana being the advantages of the common-schools of the same. only ones of the family now living. Mr. Sanford His parents, W. T. and Catherine (Crain) Sanford, is the only surviving member of his father's family were also born in that State, the former in 1797, of eight children, and throughout life has been a and the latter in 1796. The paternal grandfather, prominent man in the different communities in Capt. William Sanford, was of English descent, which he has resided, He was a member of the and was an officer in the Revolutionary War. W. board of supervisors, of the State Seminary of T. Sanford was a member of the Methodist Church, Learning and Military Academy, now located at bis wife being a Presbyterian, their deaths occur. Baton Rouge, and after the resignation of Gen. ring in Missouri and Virginia, in 1812 and 1824, Graham as vice-president, he was elected to that respectively. In addition to attending the common position and held it for ten years.

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Under Gov. schools of Virginia, W. L. Sanford was also an Warmoth's administration he was appointed attendant in Missouri, and completed his education superintendent of public education, for the district in St. Charles College, of St. Charles, Mo. After i of North Louisiana, but for various reasons did not leaving this institution he studied law one year, ' qualify for this office. but did not complete the course, and after his B. F. Scott, manager of the Alliance Store of marriage, which occurred in 1813, he purchased Lecompte, La., is a native of Vermont, born in

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' the plantation where he now resides, and bas since 1832, and was there reared and educated until devoted his time in planting. His plantation of about seventeen years of age.

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From there he 670 acres is situated twelve miles west of Alexan

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then went to Ohio, resided in Cincinnati for about dria, and 200 acres are under cultivation and well three years with his brother, wbo was pork-packer, improved. There were no improvements on the and graduated from Bartlett's Commercial College, place when he first located in 1847, but he has now while there. After leaving Cincinnati Mr. Scott one of the most fertile and best cultivated and im

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went to Georgia and taught school for seven years, proved farms in the parish. In 1855 he was elect- during which time he was married to Miss Margaed to represent Rapides Parish in the General ret Aderhold, a native of Georgia, born in the year

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1839, and one of his former students. He came to native of Vermont, was a farmer, a soldier of the Rapides Parish, La., in 1859, taught a country War of 1812, and died in his native State. He school and kept books for W. C. James at the same and wife were members of the Congregational time. He followed this occupation until the year Church. Grandfather Scott was probably a native 1861, and then entered the Confederate Army, of England, and his wife of Germany. Our subCompany G, Second Louisiana Cavalry Regiment. ject paid his people a visit this summer (1890), the He operated chiefly on the Mississippi, under Tay. first time for forty-one years.

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The Alliance store, lor, and served until the close of the war. He of which Mr. Scott is manager, has a good trade participated in a number of prominent engage outside of the Alliance, had an annual business of ments, and was captured by Bank's force before $36,000 last year, and will do $30,000 worth of he got to Mansfield to participate in the fight. He

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business this year.

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Our subject's head is white as was in prison for months and was exchanged, after snow, but his limbs are almost as supple as when a which he joined his command and was with the boy. His health is extremely good; he has not same until cessation of hostilities. He was guarded had a spell of sickness for many years, and now while in prison in Alexandria, before being trans- labors eighteen hours a day. ferred to New Orleans, by one of his own brothers, Maj. Frederick Seip, planter, was born in a citizen of Minnesota, and a soldier under Gen. Rapides Parish, August 5, 1810, and is the son of Banks. Mr. Scott was made sergeant soon after Dr. John and Eliza (Martin) Seip, the father a nahe entered the army, and acted in that capacity all tive of Natchez, Miss., born in 1815. The latter, the way through. Returning home after the war after graduating at the University of Pennsylvania, he again followed his profession of school teaching at Philadelphia, in 1837, returned to Natchez, and continued at this for seventeen consecutive Miss. In 1838 he removed to Rapides Parish, years after the war. He then changed from school La., and purchased a plantation on Bayou Rapides, teaching to farming, and is now the owner of 100 where Maj. Seip now resides. The father died in acres of land.

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He was made manager of the Al- 1857 leaving four children-three daughters and liance store in November, 1888, and still fills that one son. The mother was born in Nashville, Tenn., position. All the Alliance is in the co-operative in 1817. Her father, Thomas Martin, was an Irish union store, 250 members, and our subject is presi patriot, having been compelled to leave his native dent of Lecompte Farmers' Union Lodge, having land on account of his connection with the revolufilled that position for two years. He is a member tion of 1798. The mother is still living and makes of the A. F. & A. M., third degree, and was mas- her home with her son, Maj. Seip. The paternal ter of Fellowship Lodge for twelve or thirteen grandfather of our subject, Dr. Frederick Seip, was years.

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He has also been district deputy grand a very prominent man in his profession, and for master of the Twelfth Masonic District for ten many years his name was a household word in the years. He joined the Masons when he was twenty. city of Natchez. Maj. Frederick Seip received bis one years

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of age,

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and has been a member of that preparatory education in Louisiana and New Jer organization for thirty seven years, and always in sey, and graduated from the College of New Jersey good standing. In politics he affiliates with the at Princeton, in the class of 1860. Returning Democratic party, but is non-partisan. His mar- home in the fall of 1860 he remained there until riage was blessed by the birth of six children: bis enlistment in the Confederate Army, and his Jonathan W., Georgia A., Mary A., Michael A., first service was as a private in the Alexandria Rogene A. and Benjamin Franklin Pierce. He Rifles, Crescent Regiment. He was afterward made was one of ten children-six sons and four daugh- lieutenant of his company, and operated with his ters--all of whom grew to maturity, and five of regiment in Tennessee and adjoining States. After whom are still living, born to the union of Jona- ward he was transferred to the Trans-Mississippi than and Almira (Ward) Scott.

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The father was a Department and served on the staff of Gens. Taylor

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and Buckner, and later on as adjutant and in- and taste. During the war he was quartermaster spector general on the staff of Gen. J. L. Brent at Pleasant Hill, being too old for regular service, with the rank of major, which position he held un- and in 1867 died at Shreveport, having lived a til the close of hostilities. He was at Alexandria

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more than ordinarily useful life. He was born in at the time of the surrender. After the war he de. 1818. His widow still survives him, her birth bavvoted bis time to the plantation, and in 1865 was ing occurred in 1822. P. J. Sleet attended the married to Miss Adelia, daughter of Hubbard and schools of De Soto Parish, but after the death of Adelia (Thomas) Flint. Mr. Flint was a very his father, as he was the eldest son, the duty of prominent citizen and planter of Rapides Parish. supporting the family devolved on bim, and for Mrs. Seip died in 1878, and in 1882 Maj. Seip this purpose he quit school. In 1882 he removed married Miss Emeline, daughter of James and to Rapides Parish and opened a mercantile estabSusan (Martin) Flint. The result of this union lishment, where he is doing a very large and paying was the birth of three children. Maj. Seip has business, the patronage of the surrounding country long been recognized as one of the leading citizens being at his command.

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. He has ever proved himof Rapides Parish. He is a man of broad intelli- self the soul of honor, and this, together with his gence and liberal views, but is not one to push agreeable and accommodating manners, is the himself into public notice. His strong, good sense secret of his success, for be is undoubtedly one of and his fine abilities becarce recognized, however, the most popular business men in this section of and in 1877 he was appointed police juror from his the country. His marriage, which took place in ward, serving ten consecutive years as its presi- | 1872, was to Miss Lucretia E., daughter of John dent. In 1888 the Major was elected to the State and Eliza (James) Reynolds, but three years after Senate, and has proven himself worthy of the trust her marriage she passed from life, leaving Mr. reposed in him by his constituents, having been Sleet with one daughter to care for. In 1876 bis identified with the leading measures brought be- second marriage took place, his wife being Azile, fore the Legislature in both sessions. On the lot- daughter of C. C. and Lorenia (Goff) Wainright, tery measure, which greatly agitated the people native Alabamians, who are now residents of this during the last session of the Legislature, Maj. parish. To his second union four children have Seip took a very decided stand against the lottery. been born two sons and two daughters. Mr. The Eighteenth Senatorial District may well be Sleet is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Fellow. proud of the gentleman who so ably and conscien- ship Lodge No. 117, also the K. of H., and R. A. C. tiously represented them. Although fifty years of No. 11, Alexandria, La. He was the fifth of age Maj. Seip is remarkably robust and youthful in thirteen children born to his parents-five daughhis appearance, and his prospects for a brilliant ters and eight sons-only six of which family are career are yet more brilliant.

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now living P. J. Sleet is one of the prosperous general Dr. Thomas W. So Relle, physician, Lena, La. merchants of Rapides Parish, La., and in the man- Dr. So Relle, one of the many prominent and sucagement of his affairs has shown excellent judg. cessful physicians of Rapides Parish, who have ment and superior ability. He was born in Virginia ministered to the sick and afflicted of that parish, on February 28, 1850, being a son of George A. was born in Alabama, in 1824. His parents, S. J. and Lucy C. (Samuel) Sleet, both Virginians, being and Mary E. (Hardy) So Relle, were born in Georgia reared, educated and married in their native State. and South Carolina, in 1803 and 1806, respectIn 1861 they moved to De Soto Parish, La., and ively. S. J. So Relle came with his parents to throughout the greater portion of his life followed Alabama in 1817, and although he never attended the occupation of an architect and mechanic, there

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school, he studied at home, and became quite tbor. being many handsome and substantial structures oughly educated in the English branches.

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He in this parish that bear testimony to his genius | taught school for some time, and in 1823 was married to Miss Hardy, after which, for a few years, of one year was transferred to Cheneyville, two he followed farming. Selling out his farming in- years later to Moreland, where he remained one terest, he began inerchandising at Wetumpka, Ala., year, since which time be has been in Lecompte, where he continued until 1848, and then removed and has discharged the manifold duties of his presto Texas. There he resumed farming, continuing ent office very creditably.

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ent office very creditably. This is one of the live. at this for two years, and then sold out.

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He was

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liest business places on the road, and the company preparing to open a store at Port Lavacca in 1852, with which he is employed does a monthly business when he contracted yellow fever and died. Mrs. of $5,000, ships 7,000 bales of cotton each year and So Relle had died previous to this, in 1810. Dr. 250 or 300 carloads of sugar.

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All this business is Thomas W. So Relle received a good academic edu- attended to by Mr. Swayze, which keeps him fully cation in Alabama, and afterward attended school occupied. He is very popular with the company, in Baltimore and Norfolk, Va. He then graduated and being a young man of much self reliance, in·

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at, the Eclectic Medical School of Cincinnati, Ohio, dependence and intelligence, he is bound to make and after completing his course, operated at Olney, a success of his life, if he makes a proper use of Ala. In 1815 bis marriage with Miss Miriam Ford, the talents given him, which he gives every promise daughter of Rev. John and Jane (Head) Ford, was of doing. Like his sire and grandsire before him consummated. Her parents were born in South he is a stanch Democrat.

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He is devoted to every Carolina and North Carolina, in 1790 and 1791, interest of his employers, and as his worth and respectively. The father was a minister in the services are fully appreciated, he could get any Baptist Church, and was also quite an extensive position he chose on the road. The liberal salary planter. The father died in 1839, and the mother

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which he receives has not been foolishly squan. in 1863. After marriage Dr. So Relle removed to dered, but with his earnings he has purchased a Mississippi, where he resided at different places in fine tract of land in St. Landry Parish.

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He is a the State for twenty years, although he spent son of C. C. and Susan (Hill) Swayze, the former four years of that time in Texas. He entered the of whom was born in St. Landry Parish, La., and Mississippi State Militia, but was detailed home received his education in Chapel Hill University, to render medical services. In 1869 he removed N. C. He also graduated in law, but never folto Rapides Parish, La., purchased a farm, and lowed the profession, bis attention after leaving practiced his profession twelve miles west of Boyce. college being devoted to his father's sugar interests. In December, 1888, he removed to Lena, where he He was an active Democrat in politics until James has since made his home. He is quite a popular G. Blaine was a candidate for the presidency, when physician, and has a good practice. He is now he became presidential elector and candidate for justice of the peace, and socially, is a member of Congress on the Republican party ticket, being a the A. F. & A. M. Mrs. So Relle is a member of candidate on the sugar issue. He failed in busithe Baptist Church. They are the parents of eleven ness and died in 1890, at the age of fifty-five years. children-five sons and six daughters-four sons His father, C. L. Swayze, was born in Mississippi, and three daughters living, and all, with the ex- but at an early age came to Louisiana, and became ception of one residing in Rapides Parish.

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one of the leading attorneys of the State. C. C. Swayze, joint agent and operator for Tex- an ardent secessionist, a member of the Confederate as Pacific, and the Southern Pacific Railroads at Congress, and was one of the signers of the articles Lecompte, La., was born in Opelousas, St. Landry of secession. He died the year after the close of the Parish, La., in 1867, and in tbat town remained

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C. C. Swayze, Sr. served throughout the Reuntil fifteen or sixteen years of age, learning teleg bellion in the Confederate Army, the most of the raphy in the home office, after which he went to time being under Stonewall Jackson, and was work in the office at Franklin, St. Mary's Parish, wounded in the bloody battle of Gettysburg.

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His for the Southern Pacific Railroad, but at the end widow still survives him, being a resident of Ope

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He was

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war.

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ lousas, and his five children are named as follows: cent Regiment, under Col. Marshall J. Smith, and Caleb (who is in the railroad business at Mobile, was in the battle of Shiloh, but afterward reAla.), Willmer, Lilly (the only daughter), and turned to the Trans-Mississippi Department, being Lionel. This family are all prominent Episcopal commissioned captain in the Eighth Louisiana ians.

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Cavalry in 1863, serving as such until the close of Capt. Joseph W. Texada was born near where the war, taking part in the engagements at Mans he now resides in 1831 to Capt. John A. and Lucy field and Pleasant Hill, besides numerous skir(Welsh) Texada, the former of whom was born in mishes, and surrendering at Alexandria. He and Mississippi about 1789, and the latter in Kentucky his wife are the parents of two children: J. W., in 1794. The father was educated in the common Jr. (who farms with his father), and Davidson Ker. schools of his native State, and when a young Lewis M. Texada, planter, Boyce, La. The man came to this parish, and was married here in Texada family has resided in Rapides Parish, La., 1812, giving his attention to cotton planting soon for many years and is one of the representative fam after his marriage, and continuing it during the ilies of this community. The parents of our subwhole of his life. He was a captain in the State ject, Lewis E. and Pleasant (Hunter) Texada, Militia, which was called out during the War of

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were both born in Rapides Parish, La., the father 1812, and during that time was under Jackson at in 1818 and the mother in 1831, and both reared New Orleans. His father, Manuel Garcia Texada, there. The father completed his literary educa was born in Castile, Spain, but his mother was a tion and graduated in the law school of the UniTennesseean. He died in 1869, and his wife in versity of Virginia, after which he returned to 1815. The subject of this sketch is the eighth of Louisiana and the same year was married to Miss eleven children--eight sons and three daughters-- Annie B. Lyon, of Charlottesville, Va. Mrs. Tex and he and his sister, Mrs. Dr. Robert Cruikshank, ada being an invalid, Mr. Texada could not de are the only ones of the family now living, she vote his time to the practice of his profession and being also a resident of Rapides Parish. Capt. consequently be purchased a farm, where his son, Joseph W. Texada graduated from the college of Lewis M., now resides. Here he carried on agri New Jersey, at Princeton, in June, 1852, and was cultural pursuits and here Mrs. Texada died in a classmate of Don Cameron of Pennsylvania; 1849. In 1850 Mr. Texada married Miss Hunter, Congressman Phelps, of Maryland; James T. Jones, mother of subject. He represented Rapides Parof Alabama (also a congressman); Col. Charles C. ish in both houses of the Legislature several terms, Jones, of Georgia, and others. After his return was one of the leading members, and has an envihome from college he was married to Margaret, able State reputation.

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He was always identified daughter of Dr. John Pintard Davidson, both

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with any measure that was for the good of the patives of the State of Louisiana. Dr. Davidson section he represented. He lacked only three was one of the most eminent physicians of the votes of receiving the nomination for lieutevantState at the time of his death, wbich occurred at

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governor on the ticket with Gov. Wilkes, but was New Orleans in March, 1889, his wife having defeated by the famous New Orleans ring. He passed from life in 1865.

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After his marriage Mr. was a Master Mason, and he and Mrs. Texada Texada devoted his time to planting, and has since were members of the Episcopal Church.

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His been a resident of his present fertile farm. In death occurred in August, 1884.

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Lewis M. Tex1866 he was elected a member of the Lower House : ada is also a native of Rapides Parish, La., and of the State Legislature, serving one term, and he was born in the house where he now resides, in is now a menuber of the police jury of this parish. 1853. He completed his education at Lexington, He is a Royal Arch Jason, and in his religious Va., and since then bas devoted his entire time and faith claims to be an Episcopalian. In 1862 he attention to tilling the soil. In 1880 he was marjoined the Confederate Army as a private in Cres- ried to Miss Blanche Preot, daughter of Prof. Ar

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1

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1

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nand and Elizabeth (Hammatt) Preot, natives re- her father, when she was quite young, removed to spectively of Lyle, France, and Petersburg, Va., Tennessee, and settled near Nashville, where the and born, the first in 1820 and the last in 1830. family remained until Nancy was grown, when her Prof. Preot came to the United States when twen- father, Terry Bradley, embarked on a flatboat, the ty-one years of age and in 1839 was married to primitive mode of traveling on the Western rivers Mrs. Texada's mother, after which, in 1810, he in those days, and, with his family, proceeded took charge of the Buckingham Female College as down the Cumberland and Ohio Rivers into the one of the principals. He was afterward a pro- Mississippi, and, after making short stops at diffessor in Farmville Female Institute and was then erent landings on his route, he debarked at made president. In 1870 he removed to Dan- Plaquemine, where he located for a while with his ville, Va., where he was associated with the Meth- family. Benjamin Turner, the elder, after meet odist and Roanoke Female Colleges until 1873, ing with reverses in business, concluded to remove when his death occurred. Mrs. Preot is now re- to Alexandria, La., coming there in 1838. Shortly siding in North Carolina with her daughter. Mrs. afterward he removed to the pine woods, near the Texada is an accomplished and finely educated town of Pineville, where he died of congestive lady, having attended several different institutions fever on September 17, 1839, leaving a widow and of learning, completing her education it Peters- two daughters: Bithiah and Ava Rilla, his son, burg Female College. In 1888 Mr. Texada was Benjamin, not being born until the December fol. appointed by Gov. Nicholls as a member of the lowing Thus left a widow, with her young and police jury from his ward, and in that capacity helpless children to raise and educate, with no has been of much benefit to the people. He is the means of support save what she acquired by her father of four children, all daughters. Mr. Tex! untiring industry and perseverance, with Christian ada is the second of eight children - four sons and patience she struggled with adversity, and suc- . four daughters.

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ceeded in raising two of the children, Bithiah and Benjamin Turner, the subject of this sketch, Benjamin, the second one, Ava Rilla, having taken is a general merchant of Pineville, La., and was sick and died in 1814. Benjamin, the subject of born near that town, in the parish of Rapides, this sketch, grew to manhood, receiving in his on December 6, 1839. His father, also named youth the advantages of an education obtained Benjamin Turner, was a native of New York City, from public and private schools at Pineville and being the second of three sons, the eldest named Alexandria, his last tutor having been the late H. Samuel, and the youngest Levin. Before he was S. Losee, a scholarly gentleman, who afterward bequite grown, Benjamin left home to seek his fort- came a prominent lawyer of the latter town. At une in the world, and never returned to the the age of fourteen years Benjamin devoted part home of his widowed mother again. His moth- of his time to learning telegraphy, but did not reer's maiden name was Hannah Brower, whose an- main at that business long. During this portion cestry can be traced back to among the first set. I of his life he clerked for his brother in law, the tlers of New Amsterdam, now the city of New late C. W. Boyce, and at the

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late C. W. Boyce, and at the age of sixteen years York. Her husband was drowned in New York he bought a lot of ground and erected a house on Bay, while out on a sailing excursion during a it for himself and mother, which house, after storm, leaving a widow and the three children having undergone several alterations and improve above named. Benjamin, after visiting various ments, he occupies as his residence at this day. places, finally located in Louisiana, and engaged In 1957, his brother in law having quit merchan in the mercantile business at Franklin, Vermilion- dising, became the proprietor of the Red River ville (now Lafayette) and Plaquemine. At Ver- American, a newspaper published in Alexandria, milionville, in March, 1830, he married Miss La., in which office Benjamin went to work and Nancy Bradley, who was born in Kentucky, but learned to be a printer. In 1860, Mr. Boyce bav

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ing disposed of the American, established another this battle, and was severely wounded in the head newspaper in Alexandria, called the Constitu- and left shoulder at about 2 o'clock P. M. in the tional, of which our subject became the publisher first day's fight.

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, and assisted as local editor. At this post he re- After the battle he obtained a leave of absence, mained till July, 1861, when he went to work to and returned to his home, and after remaining at help raise a company for the war from Rapides home some forty days, till lie recovered from his Parish, called the Westbrook Guards, to which he wounds, he rejoined his command, at Corinth. New was elected second lieutenant, which company pro- Orleans having fallen soon after be reached his ceeded via New Orleans to Camp Moore, La., a home, he returned to Corinth by steamer, to Moncamp of instruction, where, after a few weeks'

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roe, thence by rail as far as the high water would training in military duties, it was mustered into permit, nearly all the railroad track between Monthe Confederate service and organized as Company roe and Vicksburg being then under water; thence E, in the Eleventh Infantry Regiment, Louisiana from Delhi to Vicksburg in a skiff, with Maj. Tom Volunteers. This command was shortly afterward Ochiltree, who was bearing dispatches from Gen. ordered to Union City, Tenn., where it remained Sibley to the war department at Richmond. In but a few days, when it was ordered by Gen. Polk, crossing the river to Vicksburg he discovered the then in command of the Army of Tennessee, to first Federal gunboat, which had just hove in sight enter Columbus, Ky., that place being considered from the naval fleet below, and then was witnessed a great strategical point, whose high “iron banks” the preparations which were then just begun for commanded a fine view of the Mississippi, looking that defense which characterizes her as the “heroic toward Cairo. At this place our subject was city."

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city.” On reaching his command at Corinth, he elected first lieutenant, to fill the vacancy occasioned found the Confederate army confronted by that of by the appointment of Lieut. Cazabat to be quar- Gen. Halleck, and picket firing across the lines termaster of the regiment. Shortly after his pro- was of frequent occurrence, amounting in some inmotion he participated with his command in the stances to pretty sharp engagements. Both armies, battle of Belmont, on the opposite side of the however, were very much decimated by sickness at river, in which engagement the regiment gained this point, and in the latter part of May the Consome renown and earned for itself the name of the federate army, Gen. Beauregard commanding, conBloody Eleventh.

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While the battle was raging cluded to evacuate Corintb, falling back to Tupelo, fiercely, and disastrously to the Confederate side, Miss., where it remained for some time, under : the Eleventh was sent across the river in a trans- going a rigid discipline under Gen. Bragg. His port, and by executing a timely flank movement, command was next sent to Chattanooga, where it succeeded in turning the tide of battle, and drove was disbanded, by order of Gen. Bragg, and its the Federals, uuder Gen. Grant, to their gainboats officers directed to return to their homes, and there and transports, on which they hurriedly embarked to await further orders from the War Department. and steamed off up the river to Cairo. After the The Secretary of War ordered the regiment to be evacuation of Columbus, in March, 1862, bis regi. reassembled, and the officers proceeded to Chattament was sent to New Madrid, then to Island No.

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nooga for that purpose, when Gen. Bragg would 10, and Fort Pillow. While camped on the Ten- not allow the order to be executed, and the officers nessee side, opposite Island No. 10, he was pro- again returned to their homes. After remaining at moted to captain, in place of Capt. Westbrook, re- home a short while, Capt. Turner was assigned to signed. His regiment remained but a day or two duty by Gen. Dick Taylor, whose headquarters at Fort Pillow, when it was ordered to Corinth, were then at Alexandria, La., and later on he reMiss., where the Southern armies were

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ported to Gen. E. Kirby Smith, at Shreveport, trating for the great struggle which culminated at

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who put him in charge of the courier lines in Ar. Shilob. He commanded his company gallantly in kansas, under Gen. Holmes, and afterward under

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concen

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in

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Gen. Magruder. While in Arkansas he received : Jr., Charles, Nannette and Walter. The latter authority to get up a company of cavalry, to be died in infancy. The first three were born in New

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! composed of young men under the conscript age, Orleans, and the three younger were born at Pinewhich he succeeded in doing, and his company was

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ville. assigned to the First Battalion, Trans-Mississippi R. L. Walker, planter, Lloyd's Bridge, La. Mr. Cavalry, under Maj. Thompson J. Bird, a com- Walker was born in West Feliciana Parish, La., mand composed of young men from Louisiana, ' 1847, and there was reared and educated. He Texas and Arkansas, in which he served till the entered the Confederate service in 1862, and was close of the war, surrendering at Shreveport, in with Gen. Forrest until cessation of hostilities. He May, 1865.

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After the war Capt. Turner returned was in the battles of Chickamauga, Paducah, Vicksto his home at Pineville, and in the fall commenced | burg and several smaller fights. He had two merchandising in said town. February 6, 1868, horses shot under him, After the war he was enhe was married, in New Orleans, to Miss Julia M. gaged in planting in West Feliciana Parish, until Ball, the eldest daughter of Dr. William Ball and

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i

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1869, and then went to Northern Louisiana, setJulia Wilson Ball, and the year after bis marriage ' tling in Grant Parish. One

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year

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later he came to he removed to New Orleans, and for five years and Rapides Parish, settled on his place, and was overfour months he was with the wholesale drug house seer here for five years.

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He married Mrs. Mary of Ball & Lyons. While there he purchased some M. (Marshall) Compton, and since then has been property at Sherman and Denison, Tex., with a actively engaged in planting. To his marriage have view of going there to locate, but came here in- been born eight children: Ruffin, Fannie, Layson, stead, in May, 1874. He again commenced busi.

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William P., James A., Martha J., Samuel F. and ness at Pineville in August, following, and has Ralph Kilpatrick.

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Ralph Kilpatrick. Mr. Walker planted about 300 been quite successful. In 1880 he erected his | acres of cotton this year, and has 100 acres in the present large, two-story brick building, and three home estate. He is a

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son of William P. and years later he duplicated the building alongside, Frances C. Walker, the former was a planter and thus making a commodious, double, two-story edi- very successful physician of Philadelphia, Penn. tice, occupied by him as a general store. Besides The father was quite an old man at the time of his owning his store buildings and residence, and other death. Both parents were of English descent. property in Pineville, he owns some landed prop- Mr. Walker's principal products are cotton and erty in Rapides and Grant Parishes, as well as in

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He is a prominent citizen, is a thorough Texas. For several years past he has been, and business man, and in connection with his planting is at present, a member of the town council of industry he runs a store on his farm.

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He is a Pineville, was a member of the parish school board, member of the Masunic fraternity. under Govs. Nichols, Wiltz and McEnery, of! George R. Waters is a member of the saw-millwhich he was secretary, and then president; he is ing firm of Waters & Bringhurst, of Pineville, one of the directors of the Rapides Bank, of Alex- La., and although his life has been a somewhat andria, La., and takes a lively interest in all mat- uneventful one, it clearly demonstrates what can ters calculated to promote the welfare of his native be accomplished, when a man is possessed of deparish. He is a member of the K. of H. His termination and energy.

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Mr. Waters was born in mother died January 6, 1888, aged seventy-nine this parish in 1852, and as the greater part of his years and two days, and his only surviving sister, life has been spent here, he is exceptionally well Mrs. Bethiah Bryce, September 22, 1889. His known, and naught has ever been said derogatory family, besides his wife, consists of the following to his character.

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to his character. His parents, William and Mary children: Julia Wilson (who died at New Orleans, J. (Cummings) Waters, were born in this State, when seven months old), William Ball (now attend. and here they were reared and married, the former, ing Tulane University, of New Orleans), Benjamin, however, receiving his finishing education in the

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corn.

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State of Kentucky. He was a saw-miller through afterward settling in Virginia and Maryland. out life, and was a man of much business tact and Charles Sinclair Watts was born in 1801 and died shrewdness. He was an Episcopalian in religious in 1874, his wife's birth occurring two years belief, and died in 1865. His widow survives him, later than his own, and her death in 1887. is a resident of Rapides Parish, and is a member | George Owen Watts was one of tive sous and one of the Catholic Church. George R. Waters at daughter born to his parents, and in his native tended the common schools of this parish, but State he attained to man's estate. He was given at about the age of sixteen years, he engaged in exceptionally good educational advantages, and in the saw milling business, a calling he has been in- 1861 graduated from the West Point Military terested in up to the present time, and in which he Academy, after which he immediately joined the bas done well financially. In 1873 he formed a Federal Army, and was given the position of secpartnership with C. E. Bringhurst, a member of ond lieutenant in the United States Mounted the present firm of Waters & Bringhurst, and they Rifles of Gen. Meade's staff, but August 10 of the now operate a mill which has a capacity of 35,000 same year resigned, his resignation being accepted, feet of lumber per day. Mr. Waters has ever been after which he almost immediately joined the Conpublic-spirited, and is interested in all enterprises federate Army as a private, and was shortly after for the public good. Miss Mary Bradley, a assigned to duty as aide de camp on Gen. Simon B. daughter of Terrell Bradley, became his wife in Buckner's staff, and was detailed to serve in the 1878, and by her he has two sons and four Engineer's Corps, and built a portion of the forts daughters. He as well as his wife are members of at Fort Donelson, and was in charge of the fortitithe Catholic Church. Mr. Waters' father was a cation around Nashville, Tenn. He was next farmer of this ward, and also followed carpenter - assigned to duty in charge of the fortification of ing in Alexandria, this receiving his attention, sub- Fort Pillow, and was afterward ordered to Vickssequently in New Orleans, in which city he passed burg, and served in the second battle of Corinth in from life.

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charge of a Mississippi battalion of infantry which Col. George Owen Watts is the district clerk had been commanded by Maj. Ward, of Panola, of Rapides Parish, La., and is one of the repre- Miss., and after that battle he served as judge sentative men of the same, it being with truth said advocate of court martial at Holly Springs and that no more capable man for the position could be Grenada, Miss. He was next ordered to Gen. found than he. Like all native Kentuckians he is Earl Van Dorn at Columbia, Tenn., and served as of an energetic, enterprising and intelligent dis. his chief of artillery, but after the death of Van position, and in the discharge of his duties he has | Dorn he became inspector-general on Gen. Buckbeen remarkably faithful and competent. He was ner's staff, and was in the battles of Chickamauga, born in Richmond, Madison County, May 17, 1810, Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga, and at Knoxville being a son of Charles Sinclair Watts, a farmer, was inspector-general of Buckner's division. His and a grandson of Charles Watts, a native of

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next service was in Virginia, but July 8, 1864, he England who came to the United States a short

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was once more ordered to Gen. Buckner, of the time prior to, or during, the Revolutionary War, Trans-Mississippi Department, as chief of artilsettling in Amherst County, Va., branches of his lery, but surrendered as colonel of cavalry. After family afterward locating in Westmoreland County, the war he returned to his old home in Louisiana, Va., Pennsylvania and Alabama. The mother of and settled near Alexandria as a planter, and is the subject was Miss Elizabeth Walker, a daughter still the owner of a valuable lot of land near the of Judge William Winston Walker, of Jamestown, town. He has always taken a deep interest in Va., whose ancestors early came to America, they, political matters, and bas been parish assessor by as well as the Watts, taking sides with the colo- appointment of Gov. Nichols, and has been clerk nists during their trouble with the mother country, of the district court for three successive terms,

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which fact goes to show the success with which he penniless, but to-day he is one of the wealthiest has discharged his duties. He was married, in sugar planters of this part of Louisiana. He has 1865, to Miss Annie Elizabeth Ogden, a native of 250 acres of sugar cane this year, and also raises Rapides Parish, La., and a daughter of Judge some cotton. He is the owner of 2,800 acres of Octavius Nash Ogden and Lethenia (Sprague) | land and that portion not susceptible to cultivation Ogden, the former a member of a prominent old is covered with valuable timber-pine, oak and family of South Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Watts

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cypress. In view of the great resource of timber bave two children: Octavius Nash Ogden and at hand, Mr. Weems has become a partner in the Annie Elizabeth. The family are members of the Lecompte Lumber and Shingle Mill, which he and Episcopal Church, and he is one of the vestrymen. partners intend enlarging into a vast concern in He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and the the near future. Mr. Weems was married in 1876, A. 0. U. W. socially.

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to Miss Courtney Wells, daughter of James Madi. E. V. Weems, planter, Lecompte, La. Mr. son Wells, ex-governor of Louisiana. To this Weems enjoys the reputation of being not only a union have been born five children: Emily S., Clara substantial and prosperous sugar planter, but his Mulliken, Lucile S., Lucile E and Courtney name will be remembered in years to come as be

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Wells. Mr. Weems is the son of Dr. W. C. and longing to a public spirited and progressive man A. (Mulliken) Weems, the father, an early phy of this community. He is a native born resident sician of Rapides Parish, and a graduate in mediof this parish, bis birth occurring on May 8, 1817, cine of Philadelphia.' The father died when sevand was reared to manhood here. His educational enty eight years of age, and the mother died in

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. facilities were more than usually favorable, for 1877, wben quite aged. The name Weems, is of after leaving the common schools be entered the Scotch origin, and was formerly spelled Wemyss. Louisiana State University, a military school lo- The Mullikens were of Irish descent, and they cated in Rapides Parish before the war, but de- have a large connection round Washington, D. C. stroyed during that eventful period. Although Grandfather Weems was also a physician. Mr. but a boy in years, he served eighteen months in Weems bas $10,000 life insurance in the Life the Confederate Army, Second Louisiana Regi. Mutual of New York, on the life plan, and has ment, but was in no active engagements. Previous $10,000 on the twenty-year plan in the Pennsylto the time he enlisted, however, he participated in

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vania Mutual. He is a pleasant, sociable gentlethe battle of Mansfield, La. For a sbort period

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.

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man, and a man of industry and enterprise. He after the war Mr. Weems was on a plantation with has given his children, of whom he is justly proud, his father, but in 1873 he became engaged in every advantage for pleasure or profit that money business for himself. Until 1880 he was engaged

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can afford.

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He usually spends the hot months of part of the time as a planter on leased land, and the year at northern watering places with his the rest of the time as an overseer and manager of family, and when business demands his attention property for others. While having charge of the at home, his family goes anyway.

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Mrs. Weenus Gov. Moore estate he demonstrated his superior is at present (1890) spending her summer at Toability as a financier by paying off a heavy debt ronto, Canada. He and family are members of that had been standing against the same. In the Roman Catholic Church, but are liberal in 1880 he bought a half interest in the Cocoa Bend church affairs. Plantation, wbich he has transformed from almost Simon Weil is a German by birth, having been a waste to a model plantation, with a fine resi. born in that country, and like all his countrymen, dence, etc., and which is in a high state of cultiva- he is industrious, thrifty and honest. He is a son tion. Mr. Weems has been a sugar planter since

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of Bernhard and Babette (Feith) Weil, who were 1873, and in sugar, he has made his most | born in that country in 1805 and 1815, respectively. money. Only a few years ago he was practically the father received a good common education in the country of his birth, and for many years was a England, but the English had grown fearful of trustee in the Hebrew Society. He died in Ingen- trouble with the United States, and concluded not heim, Germany, in 1854 or 1855, his widow passing to let the ship go to the Confederate States. Takfrom life in Alexandria, La., in 1889, to which ing advantage of the situation, Mr. Wells entered place she had moved in 1866. Like his father, school in England, afterward France, and at the the subject of this sketch was given the advanta- end of three years returned to his home and friends. ges of the common schools, and wishing to secure For some time after returning home he did little a competence for his old age he decided that except to amuse himself, and being very fond of America would be the best place for the realization both hunting and fishing, be spent much time with of his hopes, and he accordingly came here in his rod and gun by river and lake, and in the wood1859. After a short time he began merchandising lands along the Red and other rivers of Louisiana, at Weil Post-office, on Bayon Rapides, eight miles trying his skill as a marksman and angler. He west of Alexandria, and in connection with manag- / finally determined to turn his attention to some. ing his store also engaged in farming in 1867, and thing more useful, and engaged in planting, and is has followed both callings with success ever since. now one of the most successful men of this calling in He has a fine farm of 500 acres, 250 of which are the parish. He expects to give his whole time to in a high state of cultivation, and on this he raises the raising of sugar cane in the near future, but cotton and corn, the yield of the former being unlike most people engaged in that business, he about 100 bales per year. His mercantile estab. advocated that

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sugar tariff would be detrimental to lishment brings him in some $20,000 each year, in the sugar consumer. His estate comprises some fact, he has proved himself to be a successful finan- 1,600 acres of fine land, admirably adapted to the cier. He is postmaster of the office named in his raising of sugar cane or cotton. He was married honor, and is proving a very competent official. He in 1884 to Miss Florence Blackman, by whom he was married in 1872 to Miss Josephine, daughter has four children: Jeanette, Josephine, Ellen M. of Edward and Athalie (Harnandez) Levi, the and an infant. father being born in France, and the mother in Ex-Gov. James Madison Wells, of Louisiana, Louisiana. Mr. Levi was a member of the Hebrew one of the representative citizens of the State, is Church, but his wife was a Catholic, and both are a native of Louisiana, his birth occurring twelve now dead, the former passing to his long home in miles above the town of Alexandria, in Rapides 1882, and the latter in 1865. To Mr. and Mrs. Parish, on January 8, 1808. He is a son of Levi Weil seven children have been born---six sons and and Mary E. (Calvit) Wells, the fatber born in one daughter. Mr. Weil's brothers and sisters, St. Landry Parish, La., in 1764. The latter numbering five in all, are residents of Rapides grew to manbood in his native parisb, and was a Parish, La

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surveyor by occupation. He located in Rapides Charles M. Wells is residing on a large and Parish in 1798, and was there engaged in planting fertile plantation, near Lecompte, and is one of the

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sugar cane and indigo. He surveyed land here thriftiest and most successful planters in the parish, for the Government, and later was elected to the everything about his place indicating that a man Legislature from bis parish several times. He of intelligence, enterprise and industry is at the was a member of the Constitutional Convention belm. He was born in 1816, and in addition to at

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from this parish to organize and draft the first tending the common schools near his home, he at- State constitution for Louisiana,

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The father died tended the Louisiana University, a military school in 1815; he had just returned from the State near his home, for some time prior to the war, and Legislature, and was a member of that body when in 1864 received a midshipman's birth from Jeffer the English landed for the War of 1812. The son Davis, on board a vessel built for the Confed.

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grandfather Wells was an exiled Irishman because eracy in England. He and a companion went to of his politics, and finally settled in the country

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a

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that afterward became Louisiana. Ex-Gov. James could change him from doing the right thing so far Madison Wells was educated at Middletown, Conn., as he could discriminate between right and wrong. in Capt. Patridge's Military School, and was a He still owns the plantation of about 600 or 700 classmate of Gov. Seymour, of New York. He acres of land. He was married in Alexandria to read law in Cincinnati, Ohio, for some time, and Miss Mary A. Scott, a native of Alexandria, who is returned home without finishing his course to take still living

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still living. They became the parents of fourteen charge of his large slave and landed interest. He : children, nine of whom are still living: Thomas ran his plantation until the breaking out of the M., James Madison, Jr., Jefferson Johnson, Alexwar, and then was a heavy loser from the fact that ander Carnell, and Samuel Scott, were the sons, men owing him were unable to pay off their in- and Mary E. (widow of H. T. Burgess), Courtney debtedness when they lost their slaves. Mr. C. (now Mrs. Weems), Laulette (widow of Charles Wells was an outspoken Union man from the first, Snowdon), and Bessie Gordon, are the daughters. and was opposed to the war, but voted for Doug- The mother of these children is a descendant of las, believing him to be the most available man. the followers of Lord Baltimore, and was of He was personally acquainted with him and believed French Huguenot descent. him to be the great intellect of the times. He Ennemond M. Wells deserves honorable menadvocated bis principles on the stump and else- tion as one of the successful agriculturists of Rap where, and had to leave this parish to save his life. ides Parish, and by his own enterprise and push In a speech made at this place after the declaration he has become a well-to do citizen. He was born of war, he used these words which have since be- in Louisiana on August 3, 1831, the third son of come proverbial: “ The rich man's war and the Montford and Jeannette (Dent) Wells, the father poor man's fight.” He remained here until Bank's being born and reared in this parish, receiving a expedition, and then the latter told him he was in finished education in his youth, afterward becomdanger, after which he moved to New Orleans. He | ing one of the most extensive planters in this secwent to Washington City to talk to President Lin- tion of the State. He was a man who identified coln, and his interview resulted in the President tell- himself with every worthy cause, and his sound ing him that the bottom would soon be knocked out views on all subjects led him to be elected to the at -, and that would end the affair, but good men State Legislature in 1826, å position he ably must perish in the conflict. Mr. Wells was elected filled until 1828. His family has always been a governor of the State in 1864, and acted as mili- very distinguished one, and many of the male tary governor until the close of the war.

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members have played a conspicuous part in Louisremoved from the governorship by Phil Sheridan, iana politics. A brother of Montford Wells, J. on acconnt of dispute about levees. He entered Madison Wells, was governor of the State, and the mercantile business wbile in New Orleans in another brother, T. J. Wells, was the Whig can 1866 and 1867, and be returned to his plantation, didate for governor against T. 0. Moore. He bringing back with hiw many of his old slaves as was an extensive breeder of race horses and was free men.

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He remained on his plantation until the owner of the world famed Reel Lecompte, also the latter part of 1867, and being one of the Prioress and War Path. Mr. Wells' mother was prominent men of the State always elected his a daughter of Hatch Dent, of Maryland, and a choice men for the Legislature. About 1865 he grand daughter of Ennemond Menllion, who was a was appointed by President Grant as surveyor of provincial governor of this country under the first the port in the custom house of New Orleans. He Napoleon. The paternal grandfather of Eunewas a member of the returning board for Louisiana, mond M. Wells, Levi Wells, was a man of proand was president of the State returning board of found intelligence, sound judgment and practical Louisiana at the time of Hayes' election. He ability, and as he possessed executive ability of could not be turned by the use of money; no bribe the highest order, he was elected a member of the

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He was

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!

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State Legislature, and in this capacity served for besides nearly all of their landed property. In many years.

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He was a Government surveyor of 1860 Mr. Wells came to the conclusion that "it is note, and many of his maps of this section and not good for man to live alone,”' and accordingly State are still in use. After locating in Rapides was married to Miss Ida, the accomplished daughter Parish, at Bayou Rapides, in 1878, he turned his of James Fenwick and Laura H. (Overton) Brent attention to sugar and indigo culture. [For fur (see sketch of E. M. Wells), the former of whom ther history see sketch of Ex-Gov. J. M. Wells. ] was born in St. Martinsville, La., in 1815, his Ennemond M. Wells was educated principally in father being a member of an old Maryland family. Alexandria, Va., and in Princeton, N. J., and upon His wife was born in Lexington, Ky., in 1822. the completion of his education he returned to Mr. Brent's father, William J. Brent, represented Louisiana in 1850, and for some years looked after the Fourth Lonisiana District in Congress. Mr. his father's extensive plantation. In 1838 he was Wells has never been an aspirant for office, but married to Miss Fannie M., daughter of Fenwick notwithstanding this has always been interested in and Laura H. (Overton) Brent, the father a native i politics, and at all times has given bis support to of this State, but a descendant from an old Mary- the Democratic party. He and his wife are the land family. Mr. Brent was an eminent lawyer parents of four children, whose names are as foland was a delegate to the State Constitutional lows: Samuel Fenwick, Thomas Overton, Alice Convention of 1817. His father, William J. Maud and T. Jefferson, Brent, was a representative from the Fourth Louis- John Alexander Williams has attained consider iana District to a seat in Congress. Mrs. Brent's able prominence in the material affairs of Rapides father and mother were Gen. Walter and Harriet Parish, La., for he is a man of excellent parts, T. (Winter) Overton, the former of whom repre- and has shown good judgment and tact in the sented the Fourth Louisiana District in Congress management of his mercantile business, and nets a also, and was in command of Fort St. Phillip under fair annual income from his sales. He was born Gen. Jackson at the battle of New Orleans during in Minerva, Essex County, N. Y., September 17, the War of 1812. Since his marriage Mr. Wells 1835, being a son of John and Ann (Harrison) kas given his entire time to planting, is well sup- Williams, the former a native of Ireland, and a plied with worldly goods, and on this property he sea-faring man. He came to America in the early reared his three children: Alice V., Harriet Over- part of his life, and after a number of years loton (wife of David H. Blackman, a son of A. O. cated in New York City, afterward taking up his Blackman), and Montford.

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abode in New Orleans. John Alexander Williams Jefferson Wells. The family to which the sub- was left motherless in his early youth, and in the ject of this sketch belongs is one well known to the city of lew Orleans, under the care of bis father, people of Rapides Parish, as, for many years, one he was reared to manhood and educated. At the or more of its members bave been prominently' age of eighteen years he left that city and came up identified with all its interests. Jefferson was born | Red River, and for eight years made his home at in this parish, in 1834, to Montford and Jeannette ' Lecompte. Four years of this time were devoted (Dent) Wells, and his knowledge of the world of to clerking, and the following four years as a part

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“ books" was acquired in Benjamin Hollowell Acad- ner in a mercantile store, the firm being known as emy, of Alexandria, Va.

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After completing his Sharritt & Williams. In 1861 Mr. Williams came education he returned home and devoted his time

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1

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to Alexandria, then the terminus of the Red River and attention to the management of his father's Railroad, to take charge of the office here, it being magniticent and extensive plantation, consisting of the main one on the line at that time, but the about 2,800 acres of cultivated land, and bad breaking out of the war caused bim to give up this under his control a working force of about 500 position to enter the service, enlisting in the See slaves. These, however, were lost during the war, , ond Lonisiana Cavalry in 1862, as acting sergeant

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major of his regiment, and participating in the for he has met with excellent success in pursuing following engagements: Boute's Station, Donald- that calling, and has been ever ready to adopt new sonville, Texarkana, Bisland and others. He also and improved methods in connection with his work. served for some time as captain and disbursing of- He was born in Snowy Hill, Worcester County, Ma., ficer of the Nitre Mining Corps, and was paroled in 1812, in which State his parents, Judge William at Natchitoches, in April, 1865. After the war he and Sallie (White) Whittington, were also born in began purchasing cotton, continuing until 1866, 1770. Judge Whittington was given a collegiate ed when he went into the warehouse business, which ucation, and was a practitioner of law in Worcester received his attention until 1873, adding to it mer- and adjoining counties for many years. In 1800 cantile business, which he carried on till 1880 as he was appointed district judge, and served con John A. Williams & Co.; from 1880 to 1884 as tinuously until his death, in 1820, making a faithJohn A. Williams, and afterward as Rogers & ful, zealous and conscientious official. He and his Williams, which has continued without interrup- wife, who died in 1819, were earnest members of the tion ever since. Mr. Williams was married in Episcopal Church. W. W. Whittington received a 1860 to Miss Mary Ann McKinney, but her death, thorough academic training at Snowy Hill, and after occurred in St. Landry Parish, she being in full leaving school was engaged in the mercantile busicommunion with the Methodist Episcopal Church ness in Philadelphia for three years. In 1836 he at the time of her death. She left a daughter,

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She left a daughter, removed to Rapides Parish, La., and here two Lizzie, now the worthy wife of W. C. McGimsey, years later was married to Mrs. Ann C. (Holt) of New Orleans. Mrs. McGimsey has two (laughters Manadue, a daughter of William Holt, and after and one son.

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In 1869 his second union took place his marriage he practiced law about six months in in St. Landry Parisb, Miss Clarisse Lastrapes, a

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Alexandria, La., then gave it up to engage in daughter of Alphonse and Mary Ann (Bullard) planting, as this, he thought, would be more con Lastrapes, becoming his wife. Mrs. Lastrapes genial to his tastes. He has an excellent plantawas a daughter of Judge Henry A. Bullard, of tion, about seventeen miles west of Alexandria, on the Supreme bench of the State of Louisiana, and which he expects to make his home the rest of his of the Bullards of Massachusetts-Pilgrim de. life. In 1816 he was elected to the Lower House scendants. Mr. Williams was so unfortunate as of the State Legislature, serving one term, after to lose his second wife by death, she being a which, in 1852, he was elected a delegate to the member of the Episcopal Church, and she now

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Constitutional Convention. He was one of the rests in Pineville Cemetery. She left a daugh- electors for Douglas in 1860, and was a candidate ter, Mary Aline. Mr. Williams' third marriage for election as a delegate to the convention to detook place in 1877, his wife being Miss Celeste cide whether or not the State should secede, he beBaillio, a daughter of the late Sosthene Baillio, ing opposed to that measure. Since the war he has of this parish. They have two sons and two lived quietly on his plantation, but has always danghters: Effie Harrison, Joseph Aloysins, Mar- been deeply interested in, and ready to support, tha Ann and John Alexander, Jr. Mr. Williams with influence and purse, worthy measures for the has been chairman of the executive committee of good of his parish.

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good of his parish. His first wife died in 1819, bis parish for two consecutive terms, was a mem

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and in 1853 he wedded Sopbronia E., daughter of ber of the police jury, and has been a member of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Roberts, she as well as himthe Masonic order for over thirty years.

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He is self being a worthy member of the Methodist Episnow, and has been on the board of directors of the copal Church. His first union resulted in the Rapides Bank since it began business, and is one birth of four children: W. W., Jr. (an attorney of of the principal promoters of the enterprise. Alexandria), Robert H. (a planter of this parish),

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W. W. Whittington, Sr., is a man whom nature Mrs. Sallie G. Smith and Mrs. Anna C. Sanford, seems to have especially designed to be a planter, who also reside here. Five children were born to his last union: John R. (a farmer), Mrs. Emma bench of what is known as the Eastern Shore Hamilton (of Austin, Tex.), Mrs. Eugenia Trimble, District of Maryland. Ann C. Holt (Mrs. WhitClinton R. (a planter) and Mrs. Mand Texada, all tington) was born in Rapides Parish, La., beof this parish.

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ing a daughter of William Holt. Her eldest son Col. J. C. Wise.

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by Mr. Whittington is the subject of this sketch,

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there being three sons and two daughters in the In ancient times the sacred plow employed

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family, two sons and two daughters now living. The kings and awful fathers of mankind,

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He obtained a good early schooling, and suppleAnd some

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.. have held the scale of empire, Then, with unwearied hand,

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mented this by a preparatory course in Maryland, Seized the plow, and greatly independent lived. after which he entered Princeton College, N. J.,

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from which he was graduated in a thorough literMr. Wise was born in St. Mary's County, Md.,

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ary and classical course in the class of 1862. ReNovember 29, 1823, and came to Rapides Parish,

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turning to his 'home at the end of this time be La., in the year 1841. He was appointed sheriff

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went into the Confederate Army as first lieutenant in 1819, by Gov. Walker, to fill a vacancy, after

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of an independent cavalry company, and served which he was re-elected and served as sberiff until

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throughout the remainder of the war. Being a 1860. When it became known that war was inev

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young man of indomitable will-power and good itable, he organized Company B, First Lonisiana physique he bore the hardships and privations of Regiment, Blanchard's Brigade, Huger's Division,

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war well, and no braver soldier or officer ever carArmy of Virginia. In 1862 he was promoted to

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ried a sword. After his return home from the major of the regiment, and in 1864 was appointed

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war he was appointed clerk of the district court of quartermaster-general of the State of Lousiana, by

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his parish, a position he filled from 1866 to 1868, Gov. Henry W. Allen, serving in that capacity un

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and then he engaged in the study of law, being til the war terminated. In 1879 he was elected to

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admitted to the bar in August, 1869. He has been the Legislature, and re-elected in 1882, since

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an active practitioner ever since, and has since which time he has been engaged in planting.

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been justice of the peace and notary public. As a William White Whittington, Jr., is a brilliant forcible and easy speaker he has no superior and and noted attorney of the Pelican State and is a man his wonderful energy bas enabled him to overcome of advanced ideas, and while pursuing the practice at times what seemed insurmountable difficulties. of his profession, takes an active interest in every He was married in this parish in 1873 to Miss move that tends to the development of his State. Emily Walker, a native of Louisiana, and grandHe was born in this parish December 12, 1839, to daughter of Gov. Joseph Walker, of this state. Hon. William White Whittington, Sr., and Mrs.

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They have five sons and two daughters: William Ann C. (Manadue) Whittington, nee Holt, the White, Jr., Mary Margaret, John Milton Sandidge, former of whom was born, reared and educated

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George Purnell, Edward French, Robert Holt and at Snow Hill, Worcester County, Md. [See sketch. Emily Ann.

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Emily Ann. Their eldest child, William W., The paternal grandfather, Judge William Whit- deceased. Mr. Whittington is a member of the A. tington, was a prominent member of the Mary. O. U. W. in which order he has held numerous land bar, and served for years with credit on the offices.

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is

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CHAPTER XII.

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AVOYELLES PARISH-PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION, PRODUCTIONS, GEOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS, ETC.–POPULA- TION-PERIOD OF SETTLEMENT-SLAVE HOLDERS-GENERAL PARISH AFFAIRS—THE POLICE JURY—THE COURTS AND LOCAL BAR-POLITICAL MEASURES AND STATISTICS- NEWSPAPERS-AVOYELLES IN THE CIVIL WAR-EDUCATIONAL STATISTICS

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– TOWNS AND VILLAGES—THEIR SOCIETIES, BUSINESS, ETC.-- RELIGIOUS NOTES-OTHER INTERESTING EVENTS-

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PERSONAL MEMORANDA.

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PHE lands of this parish introduction to the greater fields of the more

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belong generally to the southerly parishes. Rice has also been raised alluvial class. This alluvial here, but this cereal receives little attention in a area equals 747 square miles mixed cotton and sugar country as Avoyelles is. of a total area of 852 square

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Timber is abundant, and tracts of healthy pine miles, and of the balance 40

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are not wanting. All the hardwoods find a home square miles of bluff prairie here, while groves of giant magnolia may be seen and 65 square miles of oak up along the roads or trails. lands. In 1879 and 1880 there The northwestern corner of the parish (parts of were 84,787 acres in cultivation- | Townships 2, 3 and 4 north, in Ranges 2, 3 and 4 23,722 acres of cotton, yielding east) is almost an island, enclosed on the south by 18,355 bales, 1,098 pounds of seed Red River, on the north by Horse Pen Creek, and cotton or 366 pounds of cotton on the ea-t by Little River. The Red River forms lint. A voyelles prairie, of which the northern and eastern boundaries of the parish, Marksville is the center, shows a with the Atchafalaya forming the southern half of general elevation of thirty feet the eastern boundary. Lake Pearl and its feeders,

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above high water in Red River. Big Lake, Long Lake, the deep Bayou Du Lac, Like Rapides, Avoyelles is in the highest sugar and several streams-feeders of the Red and Atchlatitude. In the neighborhood of Bunkie the afalaya, afford a never failing water supply. In great sugar fields begin, forming, as it were, an times of high water, Bayou Du Lac becomes a sea,

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a

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carrying away bridges and cutting off intercourse 8,265 free colored, and 8,482 whites, total 16,747. between the uplands and alluvial districts. In The total population in June, 1890, was 24,978, of 1890 the legislature approved of measures for con- this number 1,976 are liable to military duty. trolling the waters and reclaiming large bodies of About the beginning of the eighteenth centfine land from floods. The proposed levees once ury a few of the Acadians, driven from their constructed, the bridging of all the bayous will be happy homes in Nova Scotia, found a resting place an easy and comparatively inexpensive affair. on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. Later a few of

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The assessor's statistics of 1890 show the value the more adventurous spirits among the immi. of lands to be $1,511,001 including town lots and grants pushed into the wilderness and, it is said, town property; of live-stock, $320,432; of wagons rested in the vicinity of Lake Pearl. There were and carriages, $16,608; of merchandise, $98, 705; evidences of habitation here when the known moneys loaned or in possession, $1,550; bonds, pioneers arrived; but the race and objects of those $500, or a total of $1,978, 796. On the assessment early travelers will never be known. a parish tax of $18,292.31, and a State tax of In 1780 Noel Soilleaux commanded at Avoy. $11,872.74 was levied in addition to $1,800 de- elles Post. In 1786 Jacques Gagnard commanded rived from poll tax. Omissions in original as- at Avoyelles and prevented the occupation of Indian sessment bring the totals up to $1,983,047, $18, lands by whites. Bosra, an Indian of Avoyelles 368.58, $11,918. 19 and $1,800 or a total direct Prairie, succeeded by this means in holding his tax of $35,087.07. Under the act of 1890, creat- land until the title was confirmed by the United ing a levee district, a 5-mill tax of $7,195.20 was States. In 1816 Joseph Juneau claimed lands on levied on that portion of the parish included in A voyelles Prairie (cultivated in 1799), near the the district, and 5 cents per acre on lands subject lands of Joseph Guyot; Bernard Gagnard claimed to overflow, amounting to over $11,000 or about lands adjoining in Rapides Parish: Joseph Tate, $19,000 for levee purposes. The assessor reported F. Tournier (near a bayon entering Bayou Boeuf), 3,167 acres in cane, 28,215 in cotton, 165 in rice, Clement Carmouche (Island of the Hill), Charles 46,353 in corn, 58 in oats, 23 in hay, 703 in pota- Fouchet (Lake Pearl), Antoine Duplechin, Pierre toes, 31 in sorghum, and 600 in pasture. The to- Roberts, Joseph Hooter, Pierre Aymond (Long tal area cultivated is 79,315 acres, uncultivated

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Prairie), W. L. Collins, Richard Vernor, Luke 219,163 acres, and total area 298,478 acres. Lesassier, C. F. Weakley, Thomas Broderick

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The enumeration of white children between six (Bayou Boeuf), Jean Aymond, Louis Pomier (Point and eighteen years shows 2,315 white males and Maigre), Valerie Dozat, Pierre Leglise (Lake 2,230 white females, 2,144 colored males and Parl), Samuel P. Moore (Bayou Rouge), Joseph 2,032 colored females. In 1855 there were 1,025

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Joffrion, Jean Normand (Grand River), Michael tax payers in the parish, the great majority of Aymond (Bayou du Lac), Pierre Joffrion (Bayou de

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, whom owned from one to six slaves, while the mi

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Glaize), Richard Adams. D. Smithson, Jacob nority claimed from 7 to 200. The population of A voyelles in 1810 was 404 slaves, 22 free colored settlers, whose names are mentioned in the history

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Baker, William Innufty, John Stevens and other and 783 whites or a total of 1,209. In 1820 the

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of Rapides all came hither and established their respective figures were: 782, 25 and 1,438, total homes. Up to 1789 the lands on Bayou Boeuf 2,215; in 1830, 1,335 slaves, 33 free colored, and 2,111 white, total 3,481; in 1840, 3,472 slaves, 78 after, and Thomas Broderick took possession. In

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were inhabited by Indians. They removed shortly free colored, and 3,066 wbite, total 6,616; in 1850,

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1810 he sold to Cyrus Weakley. Anthony Cochran, 5,161 slaves, 106 free colored, and 4,059 wbites, total 9,326; in 1860, 7,187 slaves, 74 free colored,

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aged seventy-six years in 1814, testified to the

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Indian occupancy. and 5,908 whites, total 13,167; in 1870, 6,175 free colored, and 6,751 whites, total 12,926; in 1880,

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*Anthony Cochran, seventy-six years old in 1814, testified that this land was occupied by the Indians in 1789.

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Luke Lesassier came in 1807. Jean Amon and John Reed settled above Bailey's 27, Dr. S. J. Whyte 24, Paulin Gauthier* 24, Ferry.' Up to a few years ago an Indian village Widow Valcour Gauthier 24, Belisaire Gauthier stood just back of Marksville, where the band 24, Widow Valerien Gremillion 10, Aimel Joffrion owned 285 acres. The Caucasians gradually en- F. C. W. 9, J. A. Boyer (merchant) 9, Dr. J. C. croached on this remnant of their ancient domain, Ward 11, Y. Callahan 26, W. H. Dellinham 50, and ultimately fenced the red men out. In Sep- N. Humphreys 50, M. B. Rollins 50, James Brewstember the Indians entered suit to reclaim those ter 9, M. A. McMillan 27, J. B. Evans 10, James lands, and appointed Judge Ducote to represent Hunter 10, Rachel S. Kirk 13, Mrs. C. Norwood their interests. Representatives of the greater 134, James E. Howard 31, estate of F. Holmes 31, number of the old families are still here. For the Widow Leufroy Mayeux 22, L. L. Mayeux* 22, dual purpose of history and statistics the slave widow of James Burroughs 19, Joseph Dubroc* holders of A voyelles Parish in 1855 who owned 19, Eugene Gauthier* 10, Leon Gauthier* 17, Leannine or more slaves are named in the following list: dre Lacour 14, Augustin Mayeux* 14, Augustin

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Clair Joffrion 11, Olympe Joffrion 25, Verjuste Mayeux Jr.* 14, James Callahan 68, S. Mershon 28, Francois Gilbert and Jean P. * Bordelon 18, N. R. E. H. Satterfield 77, Jean P. Lemoine* 13, EvarSelser 46, William Clopton 30, Dr. L. K. Branch 20, iste Rabalais Jr. 14, John Furlow 10, George W. D. Armand* 15, E. R. Branch* 10, James B. Grif- Cheney 14, Eliza Murdock 114, John A. Glaize 72, fin 11, C. C. Rush 9, Kimball & Robinson 9, Ce- Abraham Mayeux* 72, Widow Jean Brouillette 13, lestin Gauhtier 12, James Rabalais 12, W. L. Voor- Francois Gaspard 10, Mrs. Antoine Laborde 15, hies 13, William F. Cheney (colonel of militia) 26, Widow Pierre Dupuis 9, Antoine Dauzat Jr. 9, James Bowden 11, Prudent Pearce and Barthelmy Louis Bordelon 19 (Louis Bordelon Jr. *), W. W. Normand 15, Agnes Cappel 21, J. and J. A. Cappel Johnson* 9 (colonel of Avoyelles' Battaliun), Mar19, L. D. Coco 10, Z. G. Riche* 15, Rene Raba- celin Bordelon 11, Vilepoint Moras 11, Celestin lais 22, Hilaire Lemoine* 9, Evareste Rabalais 37, Moreau Sr. * 30, Mrs. W. Edwards 12. Eugene P. Convillion* 9, the widow of Hypolite Couvil. Raynaud (merchant) 10, Antoine Dubertand 10, Edlin 13, Joe Ducote Jr. 13, Jobn O'Quinn 22, mond Saucier* 10, B. T. De Lavallade 9, W. F. Mrs. Frances Casson 11, David Hubbard 19, W. V. Griffin 21, Valery Ledoux* 10, Villegoiviut Moras Gober 27, Widow Julien Goudean 37, Charles Jr. 10, Widow J. B. Lemoine 10, Widow Antoine Moreau 16, Pierre Goudeau 27, R. H. Morrow 27, Borselon 32, Martin Gremillion 17, Villeneuve Roy John Botts 36, William B. Marshall 12, George 9, Fabius Ricards !, J. B. Guillory* 9, Louis Bon Berlin 12, William L. Stewart 23, Dr. R. D. nette 13. Julien Deshautelles 12, Mrs. DeshauWindes 29, Henry Keller* 86, M. Vernon 23, wid. telles 10, Widow Joseph Roy 9, Felix Marcotte 11, ow of M. A. Milburn 28, Alexandre Morrison 32, Dorsin Armand 27, Pierre Lemoine* 16, Don Louis John D. Cheney B. B. 18, E. Q. Griffin 12, James Moreau 9, J. B. Juneau Sr. * 11, Wilson C. RoM. O'Neal* 22, Edwins Epps 9, T. D. Marshall 13, bert (surveyer, killed by Dobbins in 1861) 11, widow A. M. Tanner 53, Randell Tanner* 50, J. William M. and W. B. Prescott* 127, Jean Pierre D. Whittington 50, Maj. Hugh M. Carey* 130, Ducote* 233, Jean B. Lemoine* 10, Widow JoachWidow Frances Burgess 32, G. T. Nelson* 20, Mrs. im Juneau 17, Joseph Joffrion 37, J. B. Raba Sarah Frith 72, Austin Allen 72, John Kirk 72, ,

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lais 16, Judge Louis Bordelon (died about 1861) R. R. Irion 57, Ed Ogden 72, William Cox 72, 13, Widow Belizeverie Ducote 9, Laurent NorPaulin Bordelon 15, Gustave Bordelon* 15, G. T. mand 36, Dr. Jules C. Desfosse 9, Joseph D. Voorhies* 10, Joseph V. Rabalais* 22, successor Coco* 10, Abraham M. Gray 32. William R. Brown of E. Lemoine 22, J. G. Brown 18, Apolinaire | 13, H. M. Havard 23, J. M. Haygood* 10, WillBordelon 20, John S. Callahan 11, Dr. P. W. Cal- iam B. Crenshaw 30, F. M. Haygood* 9, John E. lahan 25, Ones Rabalais killed in 1864 in battle) Frith 21, Widow Eliza Mock 9. Dr. T. J. Spurlock 15, Mrs. Pierre Normand 21, Leandre Bordelon *Served in the Confederate Army.

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*

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1

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29, G. B. Satterfield 14, Dr. Isidore Poiret 10, Gorton was clerk and John Whiting, collector. In Dominiqne Coco 96, T. J. Stafford* (captain) 21, July, Jacob Keller appeared as juror from Ward J. M. Marshall 10, Joseph D. Mayeux 71, R. B. 6. In February, 1822, Adrian Couvillion, C. Marshall (agent) 31, Mrs. Mary Fisher 36, Amos Gauthier, Valery Rabalais, Jean Bonnet, Michael Fisher 13, R. L. Taliaferro* 18, A. G. Pearce 48, Aymond and Michael Perrault were appointed estate of W. M. Lambeth (Leinster plantation, now commissioners to organize patrol districts. In the property of Mrs. Stark and G. W. Sentell) 146, August, John Reed and Marceline Ducuire were and on Dora plantation (now belonging to F. Re jurors. In June, 1823, there is mention made of gard) 33, John Ewell 23, Widow W. A. Johnson 9, the court-house. Henry Boyce and William McJ. Horace Marshall 15, Septimus M. Perkins 18, Farland were justices. Bennett P. Voorhies clerk, Lemuel Miles 17, Joseph Jackson* 13, T. G. Bet- and F. Tournier, F. Bordelon, F. Gremillion, R. tison 13, Ciran Gremillion* 13, Martin Rabalais* Morrow and W. McFarland were named as trustees 30, Marie Ann Normand 14, Widow Pierre Cou- of the pnblic schools of the parish. At this time villion 43, William Hetberwick 22, Jean B. David a record of the payment of $6 to F. Mayeux and 9, Widow Pierre Ricouly 9, William Grimes 32, P. Genhote, for delivering six wild horses, is madle. estate of D. K. Richey 11, Jean Pierre Normand In June, 1824, Joseph Kimball represented Ward 13, William Alexander 22, Francois Roy 17, A. 7, Charles Cappel Ward 4, P. Goudeau Ward 5, D. Coco* (colonel of militia) 14, Dr. Joseph Moncla and Polin Rabalais Ward 3. Charles Cappel was 38, Widow Marc Tassin 17, Constant M. Guille- appointed treasurer. In 1825 John Woods, of bert* 28, Fielding Edwards 9, estate of Timothy Ward 5, C. K. Ham of Ward 6, and M. W. Kim M. Rogers 80, Widow Jean Bonnette 9, Joseph ball of Ward 1, are named. In 1826 Jenkin Moreau 17, estate of Robert Smith 68, estate of Phillips and Reasin P. Bowie were members of the Thomas D. Orr 22, J. H. Casson 26, and estate of jury. In 1827–28 Jaques Barbin presided, with Mrs. Sosthene Couvillion 13.

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Tourner, Coco, Maximillian Broupard, Kimball, With the exception of a few natives of old Aymond, Moreau and J. A. Glaize formed the jury. France and some emigrants from the Southeastern The contest between George Gorton and Reasia States, the families named are all Creole, varying P. Bowie, for the position of sheriff, was carried little in manners and customs from the older Cre- into the courts, and the question of establishing a ole people of more southern parishes.

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new parish on Bayou Boeuf discussed. In 1829 On September 1, 1817, the jurors and justices E. G. Paxton was chosen a juror, and B. P. Voor

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, met at the house of Mark Elishe. Joseph Joffrion, hies, Cornelius Voorbies and Valery Bordelon, asJr., then parish judge; Valery Bordelon, Narcesse

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Roger B. Marshall established a ferry on Mayeux and William Reed, jurors; Urban Plauche, Bayou Boeuf that year. In 1830 Mr. Marshall, Robert Morrow, Benjamin Miller, Evan Baker, Michael Perrault, L. Bowdlon and Michael Ay. Mark Elishe and Francois Touruier, justices, were moud were elected jurors. In March, 1831, the present. The action of August 24, 1816, dividing house of Peter G. Voorbies was quarrantined on the parish into five wards, was confirmed.

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account of disease. Joseph Joffrion, Joseph Roy,

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, The oldest record of the police jury in posses- Dr. Orr and Sosthene Riche were elected jurors in sion of Clerk Field, is dated June 4, 1821. Stephen June. Auguste Marcotte's ferry at junction of

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, Amond of Ward 1, Joseph Rabalais of Ward 2, Bayou Rouge and De Glaze was anthorized. In Dominique Coco of Ward 3, Francois Gremillion of 1832 there were nine wards existing. Z. Bordelon, Ward 4, and Michael Perrault of Ward 5, were William L. Voorhies, George A. Irion and James present as jurors; Joseph Joffrion, Francois Tour- McCauley were elected jurors. In 1833 Samuel nier, Francois Bordelon, James White and Henry Glass, John Botts and R. B. Marshall are named Ogden were also present as justices of the peace, as jurors, and Francis Cullom and Isaac Griffith, and Parish Judge Voorlies was president. George | in 1834. Narcesse Couvillion and Stephen Ay

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sessors.

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mond, who served in former years, were present in 'Brigade. C. Moreau was elected juror in 1818, 1835 as jurors; F. Barlow, William Edwards, F. with Z. St. Romain, L. K. Branch, J. E. Howard F. Oliver and Branch Tauner were new members, (president), R. Dauzat and a few of the old memand C. C. Spalding attorney, in 1836. John bers were jurors. R. B. Marshall presided in 1819, Woods, R. B. Marshall and Hypolite Mayeux were and in May of this year, Laurent Normand, Joseph jurors in 1837. William Bishop attorney, and Mayeux, R. Dauzat, Martin Says, H. L. Nelson, James H. Barbin, clerk. Dr. Milligan was ap- R. R. Irion, Martin Rabalais and Dennis Mcpointed physician in 1838, and in June of this year Daniel were elected. In 1819 A. Barbin was rea new jury was elected, viz.: F. Barlow, H. May- corder, and Martin Gremillion, treasurer, while in eux, Ralph Cushman, F. Gremillion, Evereste 1850 F. B. Coco was recorder. L. D. Lewis, T. Rabalais, Sosthene Riche, Lovel H. Snowden, R. H. Kimball, Z. St. Romain, W. V. Gober and J. R. Irion and Fabius Ricord; while in 1839 Julien E. Howard were elected in 1830. William EdDessbautells and Etienne Plauche represented wards, Felix Marcotte, J. Deshantelles, John Wards 4 and 6. In September, however, Daniel

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In September, however, Daniel O'Quinn were members in 1851, and in June, 1852, Voorhies, D. Coco and Denis McDaniel were elected Marceline Bordelon, B. W. Kimball, W. V. Gober, from Wards 1, 3 and 9, respectively. In 1810 C. George Berlin, J. M. O'Neal, Valery Coco. J. DesD. Brashear, B. B. Simms, J. Deshautelles and R. hantelles, Martin Says and F. Marcotte formed the R. Irion were elected new members, and later G. board. J. J. Goudeau was clerk. Tbe expenses for A. Roberts qualified. In 1841 Valerian Moreau the current year were estimated at $5,221. Martin and W. L. Stewart are named as jurors elect. Rabalais, Jerome Callegari and Ludger Barbin Ernest Bridault was treasurer, and D. Clark, Jr., were new members in July, 1853. E. Joffrion was clerk. In 1842 Pierre Fauquier, Z. Juneau, Z. clerk. T. D. Marshall was elected in October; Mayeux and Julien Goudeau, appear as new mem- Barbin was elected recorder; Morrow, assessor, and bers, and in 1813 R. B. Marshall reappears as a Dupuy, coroner. Hayden Edwards, W. L. Stewart, member of the board, with J. H. Barbin, clerk. St. V. Couvillion and Young Callahan were mem

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The police jury of 1814 comprised Pierre bers in 1854, and L. H. Couvillion, clerk. In 1856 Fauquier, Z. Juneau, Lucien D. Coco, Julien H. Edwards, Marcelen Bordelon, M. Rabalais, J. Deshautelles, Z. Mayeux, Paulin Bordelon, Julien Deshautelles, St. V. Couvillion, E. Rabalais, H. Goudeau, W. L. Stewart and Charles Kibbee. L. Nelson, John Ewell, T. D. Marshall and LeanW. Edwards was collector. In June Messrs. Coco, dre Bordelon formed the jury. In 1858-59 there Deshautelles, Bordelon and Kibbee were members were twelve wards existing, Messrs. Says, William with Pierre Riconly, Fabius Ricord, St. Ville Cou- Edwards, E. Joffrion, Julien Deshautelles, E. K. villion and Chris. Edelin. Robert M. Morrow was Branch, Greg Couvillion, John O'Quinn, R. R. elected in October, and Adrien Couvillion, repre. Irion, B. F. Woods, Leon Gauthier, E. Rabalais sented the new Tenth Ward. In June, 1845, Zenon and J. B. Smith were the jurors. In June, 1859, Lemoine, J. Deshautelles, Cornelius Voorhies and W. H. Bassett, Jr., took the place of Woods. The Charles Kibbee were new members. Parish Judge captains of patrol were John Parks, B. F. Woods, Baillio was president ex officio. George Berlin, Widdleton Glaze, Ben Prescott and J. Furlow. P. Young Callahan and Martin Says were jurors in M. Greinillion was clerk. In June, 1857, the fol1847, with Messrs. Juneau, Lemoine, Deshautelles, lowing named new members took their seats: Morrow, Goudeau, Voorbies and Kibbee. F. B. Pierre Lemoine,ʻZ. Mayeux, G. P. Voorhies and T. Coco was recorder of deeds, and Ed Geneves, sec

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D. Marshall of Wards 3, 4, 6 and 9, respectively. retary of school board. In May, 1847, Laurent About this time the people of Mansura made a Normand, J. Deshantelles, Jerome Callegari and tight to obtain the parish seat, and won 106 votes R. B. Marshall were elected members of the jury. against 505 given for the old seat of justice. In Col. Blanchard then commanded the Eleventh 1837 the jury appropriated $1,000 for the erection

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of the court-house here; in 1838, $5,000; in 1839, At this time Eloi Joffrion presided. F. M. Hay $100; in 1854, $2,000, and in 1836, $500 or $8,600. good, Felicien Goudeau, John Ewell and Martin In 1847, $5,000 were appropriated for a jail build- Says were jurors. In 1873 A. Barbin, M. C. Bur. ing; in 1812, $800 for the office of parish judge; delon and L. D. Coco took the places of Messrs. in 1853, $50, and in 1857, $300, or a total of Haygood, Goudeau and Says. A. H. Bordelon was

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, $14,750 for buildings at Marksville prior to 1858. elected treasurer and E. J. Joffrion attorney. A. In 1860 Valery Ledoux, Leon Gauthier and Evar- Noguez was then sheriff.

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The jury of 1873 organeste Rabalais (Know-nothings), with John Ewell, J. , ized in May, with E. D. McLaughlin (stranger) Cock, G. Couvillion, E. Couvillion, Helaire De- president; F. M. Dumartrail (R.), clerk; P. A. cuire, E. Joffrion, Franc Bettevy, and the presi- Durand (R.), treasurer; H. C. Edwards (R.), atdent, J. P. Deshautelles, Democrats, formed the torney; Dr. E. de Nux, physician; and J. F. jury. In 1861 John P. J. Aymond, Ludger Bar C. Monin (R), A. L. Boyer (R.), Arthur H. bin, J. J. Bordelon, L. K. Branch, John Ewell, L. A. Barbin (Col.) and Louis Peigne (Col.), jurors. Robert, Jr., and Helaire Decuire were jurors; J. L. The estimate of parish expenses was placed at Geneves, treasurer; E. E. Cochrane, clerk. In 1863 $14,800. The Avoyelles Republican was declared the names of O'Quinn, G. Couvillion, H. N. Borde- the official journal. In July this jury repudiated lon and C. Moreau appear. William Nelson was ap. the issues (presumably scrip) of the former jury, pointed public printer. In July, 1865, Joseph S. and warned the people not to receive or purchase Mayer, Aurelean Jeansone, Emile Bordelon, T. J.

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the same.

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In 1874 A. L. Boyer presided and Edwards, John O'Quinn, R. S. Cole, S. Ville Couvil. 1 Martin Says and F. Goudeau were members. lion, P. D. Mayeux, M. V. Plauche and President

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Henry Dupny was chosen treasurer, C. F. HuesNormand were jurors. Louis Beridon was clerk, man was collector and assessor. In December of and L. V. Gremillion, treasurer. In September this year L. D. Coco presided; Fabius Ricord was

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| Henry Dupuy was collector and treasurer. E. J.

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treasurer; A. B. Irion, attorney, and A. D. La Joffrion and E. Rabalais qualified as jurors in fargue, public printer. John C. Grimes, Jerome S66, A. H. Bordelon, as clerk, and Valery L. B. Ducote, P. M. Lemoine and T. T. Dicote Mayeux, treasurer. In July, 1868, the jurors were formed the jury. P. Magleire (Col.), ex-sberiff, T. D. Marshall, L. A. Joffrion, E. J. Joffrion,

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was granted $59.50, while $10 was granted to the John W. Cooper, William J. Compton, Martin Says, new sheriff, W. R. Messick. In August, 1875, A. R. Rabalias, F. B. de Bellevue, A. D. Lafargue, Messrs. L. D. Coco, J. C. Grimes, James Breeler

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. R. Larre (Col.) and F. Coco were jurors.

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(Col.), J. B. Dicote and P. R. Lemoine formed The police jury of 1870 organized June 6 with the board. This jury confirmed claims amount Eloi Joffrion, president; Martin Says, F. B. de ing to $S61.70, and older claims amounting to Bellevue, Jerome B. Ducote, Asa B. Coco, H, O. $16,383.66.3- showing the indebtedness of the parConillion and William M. Ewell, jurors. L. V. ish to be $17,248.361. In March, 1876, the de(remillion was elected clerk; Albert S. Morrow, linquent taxes for the eight years ending in 1873 treasurer, and John T. Craven, constable, and

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were estimated at $18,582.98. At this time the Charles F. Huesman, public printer. The roads five wards were re-established and the estimate of and bridges of the parish clained the greater part i expenditures placed at $14,200. of their time and attention. In June, 1871, A. D. In January, 1877, P. P. Lemoine, Eugene GasCoco was chosen president, the clerk was re-elected; pard, Scott Normand, P. T. Stapleton (mulattoes), John L. Generis was appointed treasurer; Aris. and Isaac Williams (col.), formed the jury; D1tide Barbin, the president; A. L. Boyer, H Ander- | martrail was still clerk, and F. B. Barbin. treasson and Felicien Goudean. The Weekly Register

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In February, the newly elected jury organwas then the official organ. In September, 1872, ized, with John C. Grimes, president; John Ewell, a tax of 12 mills was levied for parish purposes. Edgar Couvillion, James T. Hudson and P. P.

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1

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urer.

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Lemoine, jurors; R. R. Irion, treasurer, and F. his membership on the school board. In June, M. Dumartrail, clerk. The last named was very 1888, the present jury was elected: Isham West, popular, knew all the details of jury work, and held Louis Saucier, whose place was soon after taken the position in hail, rain or snow. The estimate by Simon Siess, Eloi Joffrion, J. B. De Roy, J. E. of expenditure was placed at the small sum of Didier, F. B. Coco, J. F. Griffin, Ceran Gremill $8,875, but in May it was raised to $11,600. To ion, H. C. Kemper and F. M. Haygood, T. T. meet this a 10-mill parish tax was authorized in ad- Fields was elected clerk, and Ludger Barbin, dition to a 2-mill school tax. In July the parish treasurer. Martin Says now holds the place of was divided into ten wards for municipal purposes. West, D. B. Hudson, that of Haygood. 0. P. In addition to the jurors named, five additional Edwards, qualified as clerk, and A. H. Bordelon, jurors were appointed, namely: M. C. Bordelon, as attorney, in March, 1869. Alex Noguez quali Eloi Joffrion, W. W. Johnson, Felicien Goudeau fied as coroner some time after, and J. J. Gou(mulatto) and S. T. Norwood. At this time H. deau, as treasurer; P. J. Normand was clerk at Bielkiewiez was recorder, A. L. Barbin, sheriff, this time as well as deputy recorder. In Decemand W. B. Moore (colored), coroner. In 1878 ber, J. A. Morrow was clerk of the jury; A. G. James H. Ducote was appointed treasurer, and J., Morrow, was treasurer, in 1870; P. A. Durand, in J. Edwards, public printer. J. C. Grimes of 1873; Henry Dupuy, in 1874; F. Ricord, 1875; Ward 1, was re-elected president; E. Gaspard, F. B. Barbin, 1877; R. R. Irion, in March, 1877, Fulgence Lemoine, Alphonse Monin, J. 0. Dumas, and J. P. Ducote, 1878. Among the citizens who Eugene Gauthier, F. M. Haygood, Hyp. Ducote, filled the office of surveyor were Alex Plauche, John Ewell and Thomas D. Wier formed the jury. | 1821; Peter G. Voorhies, in 1832; with James In June, 1879, the parish jail was accepted from McCauley, deputy. In 1837 Francis Oliver filed the builders; H. W. Decuire was then sheriff. In his bond; in 1843, S. D. Jones; W. W. Edwards, April, 1880, the following named jurors took their 1865; W. R. Messeck, 1871, and C. P. Couvillion, seats: Eloi Joffrion of Ward 3, president; Mayo 1884. The assessors were Marceline Bordelon, Duke, Francois Minoret, Paul T. Bordelon, J. B. Edmond Plauche, 1842; Zelun Couvillon, in 1846; Bringal, Pierre F. Goudeau, F. M. Haygood, Leon Gauthier, in 1818; Sosthene Riche and Felicien Gondeau, John Ewell and Thomas P. Louis Mayeux, 1850; Martin Couvillion, 1852; Frith, Jr. A. J. Lafargue was elected clerk, vice F. W. Masters and Louis Beridon, 1865; James Dumartrail, and R. R. Irion, treasurer. The Ware, 1870; G. P. Voorhies, 1877; E. de Nux, Bulletin was declared the official journal. Isham 1880; A. J. Lafargue, 1885; T. S. Denson, West was a juror in 1881, and Simeon J. Borde- 1886; A. V. Saucier, 1890. Ferdinand B. Coco, lon in 1882. On the latter's resignation, in March, qualified as the first recorder of A voyelles, in Oc1883, F. F. Gremillion took bis place. In June, tober, 1846; followed in 1819, by Aristide Barbin; 1884, the new jury organized, with John Ewell, L. V. Gremillion followed Jerome J. Ducote, as president, and G. H. Couvillion, clerk. The rep- recorded in September, 1864; James M. Edwards, resentatives in numeral order of wards were Mar- 1865; L. V. Gremillion, 1865-70; F. W. Masters, tin Says, George L. Mayer, P. D. Roy, vice Eloi 1808; L. Gauthier, 1873; P. A. Durand and Henry Joffrion, J. B. De Roy, Charles Goudeau, Rine Bielkiewiez, 1876, who was serving when the office Bordelon, John R. Brown, Ovide Mayeux, John was consolidated with the clerk's office. Jerome Ewell and A. M. Haas. At this time George L. Calleigari was the first superintendent of schools Mayer was appointed member of the school board in April, 1818, and Adolphe Lafargue, the second and held both positions. In 1886 J. K. Bond and in 1851. J. P. Snelling were appointed, vice Messrs. Brown In January, 1887, Judge Blackman decided and Ewell, and in July, 1887, A. V. Coco took the that Act 104 and the whole action of the people of place of Mr. Mayer, who bad to resign, owing to Avoyelles in re the removal of the parish seat

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man

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were not constitutional, and perpetually enjoined Bishop, John P. Waddill, James S. Edilon, Hen- the removal of the seat of justice from Marksville. derson Taylor and J. H. Cosden. Judge Baillio The first record book of the parish court of Avoy- served until 1845-16, when the office of parish elles was purchased at Paris, France, in 1808, and judge was abolished. On its re-establishment in opened here June 10, that year. Thomas F. 1868 James H. Barbin was elected judge, but on Oliver, then parish judge, deciding that P. Rubelt, his death James M. Edwards was appointed and defendant, should pay P. Mayeux, plaintiff, the re-appointed in 1874; W. W. Waddell, 1873; sum of $197.69. There were only thirty six civil Louis J. Decote succeeded in 1875. Lucien P. suits decided up to December 5 of the fifty-one Normand was elected in 1876, and he was fol- suits entered for trial. In 1812 Kenneth McCru- lowed by William Hall in 1878, who was serving

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was parish judge. On his recusal Judge when the office was abolished in 1880. Claiborne, of Rapides, presided here. Robert Joseph S. Johnston was judge of the Sixth Morrow was clerk of court. In 1813 Alexandre District in 1818. Plauche was parish judge, and J. B. Mitchell, clerk. The first district court for Ávoyelles was Robert Morrow signing as clerk of the parish of opened in June, 1825, by Judge William Murray, Avoyelles. William Hervey qualified as sheriff in of the Sixth District. Charles T. Scott, Henry 1814. In 1816 Cornelius Voorbies was judge, S. Boyce, W. Willson, W. Voorhies, C. Voorbies, H. Herriman, clerk, and Sosthene Riche, sheriff. A. Ballard were then the leading lawyers here.

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In March, 1817, Joseph Kimball filed bis bond In June, 1826, Henry A. Bullard presided as as sheriff.

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He was succeeded by J. Morgan in judge, and during the year Judges Lewis and 1820, and George Gorton succeeded Herriman. Overton held court at Marksville. George Gorton, Josiah M. Cleaveland was sheriff, and R. T. Isaac Thomas, - Lesassier, T. Flint and T. Barry Sackett, deputy, with Joseph Joffrion, F. Fournier

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were attorneys here in 1828. During the fol and F. Bordelon, justices of the peace. Joseph lowing decade Seth Lewis, J. H. Overton, of Kimball was coroner, followed by Louis Gorton in the Seventh District, H. A. Bullard, of the 1824. Julien Deshautelles was elected sheriff. Lonis Sixth District, and John H. Johnson, of the James Barbin qualified as parish judge May 5, 1826. Sixth District, 1830, presided over the courts of Bennett P. Voorhies was clerk of district court, the parish. In 1885 Eleazer G. Paxton was com and C. T. Pemberton, deputy. In 1829 Cornelius missioned sheriff, and served until 1837. In April, Voorhies was sheriff, In 1825 Valery Bordelon 1837, Judge Seth Lewis, of the Fifth District, was major of militia, and in 1827 R. A. Cochran

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opened a term of the district court at Marksville, In 1831 Francois B. de Bellevue Charles D. Brashear presented his commission as took his seat as parish judge, but in December of sheriff, and recommended the appointment of Ele

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1 that year Lonis Bordlelon presided. William Dun. , azer G. Paxton deputy.

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In October E. K. Willbar's bond as district attorney was placed on son, of the Seventh District, was judge. R. Cushrecord in December, 1832. A. G. Morrow was coro. man, John L. Howard, George R. King and C. L. ner in 1830).

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Willard S. Cushman qualified as Swazy were admitted to the bar, and James H. deputy clerk in 1837, and in December James H. Barlow was commissioned clerk. In 1838 Henry Barbin qualified as clerk of the Sixth District, and Boyce, of the Sixth District, presided. Dr. MilliCharles D. Brashear, sheriff. Gervais Baillio

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gan was allowed $37 for medicines and attendance qualified as parish judge, and succeeded Judge given to John Smith, then a prisoner charged with Bordelon in July, 1839; F. Barlow was sheriff, murder. Samuel Small, a forger, William Ander Joseph Guillot, deputy, but in March, 1810, Will. i

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son, a thief, and Archibald Frith, a murderer, were iam Edwards succeeded Barlow and appointed all in prison at this time, guests of Sheriff W. Eugene Caillitian, deputy. At this time the mem Edwards and James H. Barbin, clerk. In March, bers of the bar were Ralph Cushman, William 1843, Fabius Ricord was commissioned sheriff,

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was coroner.

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а

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and in 1845 John Sterling was coroner.

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L. P. May, 1866, J. J. Ducote qnalified as his successor. Normand was deputy clerk in 1846, and G. P. J. J. Goudeau took the oath as clerk in June, Voorhies was sheriff in 1847.

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1866, and served until Amos S. Collins qualitied, In 1819 Ralph Cushman, judge of the Thir- in July, 1868. At this time John W. Creagh was teenth District, presided, with J. H. Barbin, sheriff, but in November, 1866, J. J. Ducote filled clerk, and Lucien P. Normand, deputy clerk. that office. In May, 1869, Henry Dupuy was clerk. Frederick H. Farrar, of the Ninth District, was The successor of Judge Miller was Thomas Butler, judge in October, 1819. The death of William in May, 1872. Alex Nognez qualified as sheriff Bishop, the oldest member of the old bar of Avoy- in December, 1870, and C. T. Normand as coroner. elles, was noticed in April, 1850. Zenin Areaux Thomas H. Hewes presided in May, 1873, with S. was coroner in 1852. In April, 1836, Octavius N. R. Thorpe, district attorney; A. D. Coco, clerk; Ogden succeeded Judge Cushman, and a year later J. J. Goudeau, deputy; A. L. Barbin, sheriff, and E. N. Cullom succeeded him as judge of the E. Jackson, coroner.

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F. Ricord was sheriff in Thirteenth District. About this time an undated 1873. W. R. Messick (killed in New Orleans, in document was filed, binding the following members January, 1877) was installed sheriff in December, of the bar not to plead want of amicable demand 1874, and J. J. Ducote, district attorney. In 1875 in any case before the court: W. W. Waddill, F. T. Gremillion was coroner. Anatole L. Barbin Thomas C. Manning. J. H. C. Barlow, J. L. Gen- was appointed sheriff early in 1877, but in Janeres, Fenelon Cannon (died in the war as captain uary, 1877, W. R. Messick took the oath as sheriff of a company), W. A. Stewart, H. C. Edwards, and W. B. Moore as coroner. John Yoist, judge A. B. Irion, William E. Cooke, E. E. Voorbies, F. of the Seventh District, in May, 1877, appointed P. Hitchborn (said to have served in the Mexican R. R. Irion, Isaac Williams, A. L. Boyer and FulWar), Aristide Barbin, S. L. Taylor and C. N. gence Couvillion, jury commissioners. Charles Hines. In September, 1860, Cannon J. Irion and Gray was sheriff at this time, with L. V. Gremillion, H. Taylor were present as lawyers, and joined deputy. In 1878 Hilaire W. Decuire qualified as with the other attorneys in asking the judge to ad- sheriff, and George Clayton, coroner. In 1880 journ court until December, owing to the great Aristide Barbin was elected judge, and W. F. scarcity of water. The judge acquiesced, and Blackman was appointed additional judge; L. V. court was adjourned. In May, 1861, the grand Gremillion was elected clerk; Leon Gauthier, sherjury assured the court that owing to the war ex- iff, and Dr. Porch, Jr., coroner. Judges Thomas citement, and the fact that recruiting was being Overton and W. F. Blackman were elected judges carried on, it was inexpedient to open court, and in 1884; the clerk re-elected, and Louis A. Joffrion in this view the judge coincided. In February, elected sheriff, and Leo C. Tarleton, coroner; G. 1862, the deaths of Judge Ogden and F. P. Hitch- H. Couvillion, A. E. Gremillion and J. A. Morrow born were announced. In October, 1863, and in were deputy clerks. A. V. Coco was elected judge July and September, 1864, Judge Cullom (now of in 1888, and Judge Blackman re-elected, with A. the Seventh District) held court, and in October, M. Bordelon, clerk, and Clifton Cannon, sheriff. 1865, Henry C. Edwards succeeded him. Hon. A. M. Gremillion and J. A. Morrow are the deputy William H. Cooley, who was killed in a duel at clerks, and the deputy sberiffs are T. J. Armitage New Orleans in 1867, presided in May, 1866, and and A. J. Tailleor. On the death of L. V. Gre. Lucien P. Normand was clerk, but gave place million, in March, 1886, A. J. Lafargue was aplater to Julien J. Goudeau.

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A year after G. Merpointed clerk, and served until the present clerk, rick Miller was judge of the Seventh District, Amos A. M. Bordelon, qualified, in May, 1888. The S. Collins, clerk; J. J. Ducote, sheriff, and F. court of appeals for the Third Circuit was opened Ricord, minute clerk.

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here in January, 1881, with A. B. Irion and J. M. In 1865 Fielding Edwards was sheriff, and in Moore, presiding judges. In June, 1884, John

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Clegg was elected judge of appeals, vice Irion, cember 20, 1860. A. M. Gray presided, with elected member of Congress. In June, 1888, Rob- Fenelon Cannon, vice-president, and F. Ricord, ert S. Perry was commissioned judge of appeals for secretary.

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secretary. A Southern Rights Association was tbis circuit, vice Moore. The members of the then organized. In November 750 votes were represent bar are Aristide Barbin, H. C. Edwards, corded for Breckinridge, 290 for Bell and 7 for J. M. Edwards, E. J. Joffrion, L. J. Ducote, E. Douglas. In January, 1861, A. M. Gray and Gen. N. Cullom, Jr., J. H. Ducote, J. A. Lemoine, G. B. B. Simms represented the senatorial district, H. Couvillion, A. B. Irion, J. C. Cappel, A. J. La- and Col. F. Cannon, A. Barbin and F. B. Coco the fargne (A. L. Bordelon died in July, 1889), Thomas parish, in the Constitutional Convention; Barbin, H. Thorpe and William H. Peterman.

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Cannon and Gray signed the secession ordinance. In February, 1814, a great Whig meeting was Messrs. Couvillion and J. M. Edwards were repheld at Marksville, a committee to attend the con- resentatives in 1865 and A. D. Coco, senator. The vention at New Orieans was appointed, H. Taylor, representation of the parish in the Legislature S. W. Briggs, Pierre Normand, Jr., C. D. Brash- from 1868 to 1878 was confined to a few men, who ear and Young Callahan being members. Gen. escaped much of the opprobrium attached to the P. Couvillion and E. Rabalais represented the par- successful politicians of those dark days. In 1870 ish in the Legislature; W. F. Griffin succeeded L. J. Souer and J. Laurant; in 1872, Pierre Couvillion that year. Bannon G. Thibodeau Mageloire (colored) and L. J. Souer, and later (elected) of the Second, T. Butler of the Third Souer and L. Barbin. In 1878 R. Ducote and F. and Louis Bordelon of the Fourth District, were B. Coco were representatives and T. J. Norwood, candidates for Congress, but J. B. Dawson was senator; E. J. Joffrion and Alex Naguez (colored), elected in the Third and I. T. Morse in the Fourth 1879; E. J. Joffrion and S. S. Pearce, 1880, and D. District. J. H. Hamarson represented the Rap- B. Hudson and T. P. Harmanson, 1884. A. Barides District in the Senate. There were 568 votes bin and J. K. Bond are the present representacast for President in November, 1844, Polk receiv. tives, and 0. 0. Provosty, senator, for Avoyelles ing 374. In November, 1817, J. H. Harmanson and Point Coupee. In 1876 there were 1,485 votes was elected congressman; A. B. Coco and J. cast for Francis T. Nicholls (D.) and 1,563 for S. Deshaulletes were elected representatives; J. P. B. Packard (R.), candidates for governor; in 1879 Waddill defeated J. E. Howard for the Senate. Louis A. Wiltz (D.) received 1,608 and Taylor Taylor received 299 and Cass 359 votes in 1818 Beattie (R.) 1,355; in 1884 Samuel D. McEnery for President. John H. Boyer, R. H. Sibley, J. (D.) 1,853 and John A. Stevenson (R.) 991; in P. Waddill, W. W. Whittington and J. Joffrion 1888, Francis T. Nicholls (D.) 2,425 and Henry C. were delegates to the convention of 1852 from Warmoth (R.) 1,310. The total number of regisAvoyelles and Rapides. In 1853 Michael Ryan tered voters in April, 1888, was 4,946–2,300 bewas elected senator, and G. Berlin and L. Gau- ing white; 721 whites and 2.148 Africans could not thier, representatives. In November, 1856, Avoy- write their names. elles gave 584 votes for the Democrat and 323 for The Villager, Vol. I, No. 18, was issued at the Know-nothing candidate for President. In Marksville, February 3, 1844, by G. A. Stevens, 1861 members of the Confederate House were It was printed in French and English. The Vil elected. Messrs. Couvillion and Joffrion are said | lager (new) was issued March 30, 1814, by A. to have served at Shreveport. In 1859 the Demo- Derivas, who assumed for it Vol. I, No. 1. The crats nominated John O'Quinn and G. P. Voor

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French page bore the title Le Villageois. In Febhies for representatives; E. Joffrion for sheriff;

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ruary, 1859, Alex Barde was publisher, succeeding H. Couvillion for clerk, and W. Reed for assessor. Lemaitre. P. D'Artlys issued his salutatory April Dr. S. A. Smith was elected senator. The first 23, 1859, and A. Barde his valedictory. secession ineeting was held at Marksville on De. The Prairie Star was issued at Marksville as a

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war.

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Whig journal, by E. J. Foster, in August, 1818. In 1825 Valery Bordelon qualified as major of

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Le Pelican was issued May 28, 1839, by P. the Avoyelles Battalion, Joseph Kimball as capD'Artlys as the successor of the Villager, retain- tain; Sosthene Riché, Zeno Bordelon, Valery Boring the volume and issue number; D. A. Bland delon, Zenon Lemoine, Louis Mayeau, Julien was editor.

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Goudeau, Zenon Chattin, Colia Lacour, Hypolite L'Organe Central was issued June 14, 1856, at Mayeau, Celestin Guitholt and Celestin Gauthier, Marksville, by Fenelon Cannon and S. Lewis Tay. as lieutenants, and E. G. Paxton as adjutant. In lor, It was printed in French and English, and 1827 R. A. Cochran was commissioned adjutant. espoused the platform of the Know-nothings. M. Cornelius Voorhies was brigade inspector in 1828; F. Barclay was connected with this paper. On Lewis Gorton, captain.

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In 1839 Francois B. de June 13, 1857, the editors announced the termina- Bellevue was commissioned colonel of the Twentytion of their engagement with the Know-nothing second Regiment, Louisiana Militia. Pierre Couparty, and Adolphe P. Marcotte became editor. villion was commissioned brigadier-general of the In May, 1858, A. L. Gusman, succeeded Marcotte, Eleventh Brigade in 1841. In September, 1845, and carried on this journal to its end before the Gen. Couvillion called on the militia to be ready

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for service in Texas. In June, 1817, a company The Weekly Register was issued in 1867, and of militia, under Capt. c. Moreau and Lieuts.

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,

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. No. 9, of Vol. III, bears date December 3, 1870, H. C. Barlow and F. B. Barbin, paraded at A. D. Coco was then editor and proprietor.

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Marksville in response to the request of a lieutenThe Avoyelles Republican was issued by Alex ant of the Seventeenth United States Infantry. Noguez, during his term as sheriff (1868-72). In 1881 Adolphe J. Lafargue qualitied as colonel.

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The Marksville Villager was edited by A. On Novenber 14, 1860, a meeting was held at Lafargne up to January, 1868, when A. D. La the Baptist Church of Big Bend to consider the fargue and T. J. Edwards took charge.

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political position of the South. It ended with The Villager (third) was issued September 8, the organization of the Independent Volun1877, by T. J. Edwards. O. B. de Bellevue was teer Company. William F. Cheney was elected manager in April, 1879. Later A. D. Lafargue captain; John L. Rogers, Benjamin W. Bond, St. was connected with this journal.

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Ville Couvillion, lieutenants; A. McIntyre, F. The Review was established May 1, 1880. Coco, A. S. Gray, W. F. Griffin and Evariste William Hall is publisher and A. M. Gremillion Couvillion, sergeants; Faustin Bordelon, J. M. editor. Mr. Gremillion has been sole owner since Lewis, Baptist Rabalais and Vergus Bordelon, its beginning

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corporals. The Bunkie Blade was established July 8, 1888, On December 29, 1860, a large secession meet by L. Tanner and G. H. Harvill. In November, ing was held at Marksville, and a plan of military

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, 1888, H. A. Tanner purchased the office, and E. R. organization was outlined. Tanner bought the office from him in January, 1890. The Avoyelles Regiment, organized in April, The circulation is about 600 copies. The Wash. 1861, with A. D. Coco, colonel; F. Cannon, lieu ington hand-press is historical. It was brought to tenant-colonel; B. W. Blackwood, major; Daniel Alexandria by Mr. McLean, and cast into Red Brownson, adjutant-major, Robert Tanner, ofRiver by the people.

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ficer d'ordnance; Alphonse B. Coco, quarterThe Marksville Bulletin was established in 1876 master; W. W. Waddell, treasurer; Dr. L. K. by A. D. Lafargue. J. 0. Domas edited this jour- Branch, surgeon-major, and Dr. Rushing aidenal for some time and was followed by Mr. La- major. fargue. A. D. and A. J. Lafargue were editors. The Atchafalaya Guards, under Capt. Boone, The latter is now editor, with W. R. Howard, pub. left for the front in April, 1961. R. M. Boone lisher. The circulation is 650 copies per week. was captain; J. J. McCrea, J. T. Norwood and T.

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a

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P. Harmanson, lieutenants; E. P. Harmanson, Branch, Jean V. Cantonnet, Cleophas J. Ducote, John C. Jones, W. W. McCranie and J. M. William P. Buck, John A. Hollinshead, William Batchelor, sergeants; D. D. L. McLaughlin, en- E. Montgomery, James Ware, William G. Branch, sign; John E. Phares, M. Shirley, J. C. Kennerly William D. Haas, George R. Fox, Thomas A. Roy, and T. A. Steindorf, corporals. There were 105 while those who registered under the act of 1882, private soldiers enrolled.

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on account of years of practice, were Edward C. The A voyelles Riflemen, under Capt. W. W. M. Bourjal, Mansura; Thedore Ferest, Mansura; Johnson, left in April, 1861, eighty-nine strong: Leon Moncla, Marksville, James A. Daniel, Arthur Cailleteau, T. Jefferson Edwards and Cecil The Louisiana Central Stem of the Mississippi Legare, lieutenants; Ernest Domas, sergeant maj. & Pacific Railroad Company was incorporated in or, and John Craven, port-drapeau. This com- Jnly, 1854, to build a road from the Mississippi, pany disbanded at New Orleans, but many of them below the mouth of the Red River, to Cheneyville entered other commands, A. M. Gremillion and and thence to the boundary of Texas. The incorothers forming Company I, Eighteenth Louisiana porators in Rapides were P. F. Keary, Randall Infantry.

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Tanner, R. L. Tanner, Montford Wells, Henry The Louisiana Swamp Rifles were commanded, Boyce, L. A. Stafford, John Compton, Jr., Charles in May, 1861, by D. N. Dickey. The company H. Flower, W. H. Scott, Jabez Tanner and Henry was recruited in Avoyelles, Pointe Coupee and St. Butters. Landry.

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The incorporators of the Louisiana Central Creoles des Avoyelles, or Avoyelles Creole In- Stem Railroad, in July, 1854, were Hugh Keary, vincibles, was the name given to company Thomas Frith, John Ewell, A. G. Pearce, L. D. organized in August, 1861, by James Griffin.

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Coco, Fenelon Cannon, P. W. Callahan, G. P. The Avoyelles Rangers, organized in Septem- Voorhies, J. I. B. Kirk, B. B. Simms, Joseph ber, 1861, with W. F. Cannon, captain.

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Torras, F. P. Hitchborn, M. M. Matthews, R. B. The Evergreen Riflemen left for the seat of war Marshall, W. C. Robert and J. J. Goudeau all of in September, 1861, under Capt. White.

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Avoyelles. The road was graded to The Burns in In the above named companies a great number

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this parish. of all the men capable of bearing arms was mus- In December, 1843, Charles Duval Brashear tered, but the great majority was mustered into regi- took the oath as mayor of Marksville, with John ments of Louisiana volunteers, while some served P. Waddill, G. A. Stevens, W. H. Duvall, James in regiments of other Confederate States, and one Rey, Jr., and Fielding Edwards, aldermen. In or two in Federal commands.

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August, 1844, C. D. Brashear was mayor; A. BarThe enrollment of white pupils for each of the bin, clerk; J. P. Waddill, W. H. Duvall, J. Rey, eleven years, from 1877 to 1887, inclusive, is as Jr., F. Edwards and William Edwards, aldermen. follows: 923, 679, 817 (no enrollment in 1880), In 1816-47 A. C. Armstrong was mayor; Messrs. 607 (no enrollment in 1882 83 -84), 1,222, 1, 110, Waddill, A. Barbin, F. Ricord, Ed Generes and 1.392. The enrollment of colored pupils for the J. H. Barbin, aldermen. F. P. Hitchborn was same years is as follows: 1,035, 727, 732, mayor in 1830, and P. J. Normand, clerk. Messrs. 12

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338, 969 and 1,941. In McEnery, Brashear, J. E. Frith, T. B. Bar 1888 and 1889 the enrollment shows a large in- bin and L. P. Normand were councilmen. A. crease, but the attendance is materially different. C. Armstrong was mayor in 1851-52, and in July,

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The registered physicians of the parish, who 1852, J. McEnery was chosen mayor, with R. give the date and place of diploma, are James J. Robinson, E. Reynaud, Dr. McEnery, J. B. Mail Robert, Christian D. Owens, Agrippa Gayden, let and F. B. Barbin, aldermen. Elie Connor was John S. Branch, Charles Wier, John D. Everett.

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mayor in 1855–56, with H. Taylor, W. W. WadLeo C. Tarleton, John C. Anderson, Leroy K. dill, B. P. de Lavallade and D. J. Smith, alder

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men.

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In

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1

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Messrs. de Lavallade, J. J. Goudeau, F. B. house was occupied after the war by Adolphe LaBarbin and W. W. Waddill were aldermen in fargue, and was purchased from the Lafargne 1858, and later H. C. Edwards and A. Barde were estate about 1870 by Judge H. C. Edwards, who members, and W. W. Waddill was mayor. tore down the house in 1887 and built bis present 1859 A. Lafargne was elected mayor, and Emile residence on the site. Chaze, A. Barbin, V. Gremillion, Dr. King and In 1851 the Hotel des Planteurs was conducted W. A. Stewart, aldermen. In June, 1800, B. P. by D. Ingonf--the same which Mrs. Normand conde Lavallade and V. 0. King were candidates for

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ducted before the war. John McDonnell carried mayor.

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In 1861 W. W. Waddill was elected on the Avoyelles House in 1856. mayor. Adolphe Lafargue was mayor in 1865, J. The mission of St. Joseph at Marksville was Rulong, J. P. Didier, J. M. Edwards, W. W. , attended from Cocoville for about sixty years up Waddill and B. R. de Lavallade, aldermen. F. B. to June 4, 1889, when the present church building de Bellevue was mayor in 1868, while in 1869 Aris- was blessed by Bishop Martin. Rev. J. Janeau tide Barbin was mayor.

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In 1871 F. B. De Belle- (the last priest at Cocoville) was the first resident vue was mayor; in 1872 A. M. Kilpatrick; A. priest. In 1880 Rev. P. E. Simon succeeded Barbin, 1873; F. B. de Bellevue, 1874; A. B. Irion, Father Janeau, and Rev. 0. L. Bró came in 1882, 1875. A. Barbiu took the oath as mayor in June, and in August, 1885, Rev. A. Chorin, the present 1973-79, and J. P. Didier, 1880. In November, pastor, was appointed. The congregation numbers 1880, Anatole Barbin was elected mayor, and in about 1,000 members. The colored members numJune, 1881, A. L. Barbin took the oath. Aristide ber about 200. M. Gremillion, 1882; A. H. Bordelon, 1883; Alfred The Convent of the Presentation (Daughters of H. Bordelon, 1884-88; Emile Chaze, 1888-90, the Cross) was established here in 1869, with with Theodore T. Fields, J. H. Ducote, Edmond Sister Therese mother superior. A day school was Michel, G. H. Couvillion and E. de Nux, aldermen. also founded at this time, with Sister Anna in

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J. Rey, Jr., was master at Marksville in 1844; charge. The present community comprises six T. B. Tiller (killed Gordon and left), in 1815; Sisters, of whom Sister Therese is superioress. James McEnery, 1818; F. B. Barbin, 1819; J. The number of day pupils averages forty-five, and Rey, 1854, died in 1855; L. V. Gremillion, 1836; of regular pupils fifteen. The convent buildings C. Gilbert; E. Chaze, 1859; Henry Dupuy, 1860; were erected in 1869, and the present sehool buildE. Chaze, 1863; J. T. Didier, 1864; H. Dupuy, ing or exhibition hall was erected in 1889. 1866-69; J. A. Dalsnet, 1969; George L. Mayer,

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The Convent of the Immaculate Conception at 1871-73; H. Dupuy, 1873-82; C. F. Huesman, Mansura was founded, with Sister St. Yoes supeH. Dupuy, 1882; George L. Mayer, 1887; J. M. rioress. The school attached to this convent is atEdwards, 1889-90.

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tended by about thirty pupils. Daniel Webster presided over the Avoyelles Aca- St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church was demy in 1842. In June, 1850, John and Mrs. established January 28, 1881, by the pastor of St. McDonnell conducted this establishment. Thomas James, Alexandria. Rev. Messrs. Prosser McMahon presided over the male academy in 1851. Kramer held services here until 1886 at long inIn September, 18333, Jeannie Haseltine opened the tervals. St. Timothy's Mission at Sunday Home Young Ladies' Iustitute, while the McDonnells | Plantation dates back to the winter of 1880–81. still carried on the Male and Female Academy. The Bunkie, formerly known as Irion, was named Marksville High School was established in 1856 in 1882, by Capt. Haas, after his little daughter. and incorporated in 1858. A. Lafargue, D. A. The first record of the council is dated April 11,

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| Bland and Gustave Brulatour were the professors.

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1885. L. W. Anderson was then mayor; T. B. The Bell Tavern, built of brick by C. D. Brash- Kimbro, J. P. Snelling, Marshman A. Gen, G. W. ear, was conducted in 1830 by T. B. Tiller. The Lynch and M. F. A. Jones, councilmen. J. T.

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men.

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Messrs. de Lavallade, J. J. Goudeau, F. B. house was occupied after the war by Adolphe LaBarbin and W. W. Waddill were aldermen in fargue, and was purchased from the Lafargue 1858, and later H. C. Edwards and A. Barde were estate about 1870 by Judge H. C. Edwards, who members, and W. W. Waddill was mayor. In tore down the house in 1887 and built bis present 1859 A. Lafargue was elected mayor, and Emile residence on the site. Chaze, A. Barbin, V. Gremillion, Dr. King and In 1851 the Hotel des Planteurs was conducted W. A. Stewart, aldermen. In June, 1860, B. P. by D. Ingouf-the same which Mrs. Normand conde Lavallade and V. 0. King were candidates for

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ducted before the war. John McDonnell carried mayor. In 1801 W. W. Waddill

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was elected

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on the Avoyelles House in 1856. mayor. Adolphe Lafargue was mayor in 1865, J. .

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The mission of St. Joseph at Marksville was Rulong, J. P. Didier, J. M. Edwards, W. W. attended from Cocoville for about sixty years 11p Waddill and B. R. de Lavallade, aldermen. F. B. to June 4, 1869, when the present church building de Bellevue was mayor in 1868, while in 1869 Aris- was blessed by Bishop Martin. Rev. J. Janeau tide Barbin was mayor.

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In 1871 F. B. De Belle- (the last priest at Cocoville) was the first resident vue was mayor; in 1872 A. M. Kilpatrick; A. priest. In 1880 Rev. P. E. Simon succeeded Barbin, 1873; F. B. de Bellevue, 1874; A. B. Irion, Father Janeau, and Rev. 0. L. Bré came in 1882, 1870. A. Barbin took the oath as mayor in June,

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and in August, 1885, Rev. A. Chorin, the present 1873-79, and J. P. Didier, 1880. In November, pastor, was appointed. The congregation numbers 1880, Anatule Barbin was elected mayor, and in about 1,000 members. The colored members numJune, 1881, A. L. Barbin took the oath. Aristide ber about 200. M. Gremillion, 1882; A. H. Bordelon, 1883; Alfred The Convent of the Presentation (Daughters of H. Bordelon, 1884-88; Emile Chaze, 1888-90, the Cross) was established here in 1869, with with Theodore T. Fields, J. H. Ducote, Edmond Sister Therese mother superior. A day school was Michel, G. H. Couvillion and E. de Nux, aldermen. also founded at this time, with Sister Anna in

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J. Rey, Jr., was master at Marksville in 1814; charge. The present community comprises six T. B. Tiller (killed Gordon and left), in 1815; Sisters, of whom Sister Therese is superioress. James McEnery, 1818; F. B. Barbin, 1819; J. The number of day pupils averages forty-five, and Rey, 1854, died in 1855; L. V. Gremillion, 1858; of regular pupils fifteen.

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;

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The convent buildings C. Gilbert; E. Chaze, 1859; Henry Dupuy, 1860; were erected in 1869, and the present school build E. Chaze, 1863; J. T. Didier, 1864; H. Dupuy, ing or exhibition hall was erected in 1889. 1866-69; J. A. Dalsnet, 1869; George L. Mayer,

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The Convent of the Immaculate Conception at 1871-73; H. Dupuy, 1873-82; C. F. Huesman, Mansura was founded, with Sister St. Yoes supeH. Dupuy, 1882; George L. Mayer, 1887; J. M. rioress. The school attached to this convent is atEdwards, 1889 90.

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tended by about thirty pupils. Daniel Webster presided over the Avoyelles Aca- St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church was demy in 1842. In June, 1850, John and Mrs. established January 28, 1881, by the pastor of St. McDonnell conducted this establishment. Thomas James, Alexandria. Rev. Messrs. Prosser McMahon presided over the male academy in 1851, Kramer held services here until 1886 at long inIn September, 1853, Jeannie Haseltine opened the tervals. St. Timothy's Mission at Sunday Home Young Ladies' Institute, while the McDonnells Plantation dates back to the winter of 1880–81. still carried on the Male and Female Academy. The Bunkie, formerly known as Irion, was named Marksville High School was established in 1856, in 1882, by Capt. Haas, after his little daughter. and incorporated in 1858. A. Lafargue, D. A. The first record of the council is dated April 14, Bland and Gustave Brulatour were the professors. 1885. L. W. Anderson was then mayor; T. B.

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The Bell Tavern, built of brick by C. D. Brash- Kimbro, J. P. Snelling, Marshman A. Gen, G. W. ear, was conducted in 1830 by T. B. Tiller. The | Lynch and M. F. A. Jones, councilmen. J. T.

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Or assessor.

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Johnson, treasurer, W. H. Eichelberger, clerk and Shaw Randon; Mansura, Nelson Durand; Marks

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Later J. T. Watson was appointed to ville, F. B. Barbin; Morrowville, Joseph Cappel, fill the position vacated by Eichelberger. In July, and Simmesport, J. Kirk. Borodino post-office was 1886, the proposition of the citizens to donate a established in February, 1844, with Ambroise Lajail building was accepted, and under this date cour, master. This office is now known as Moreau. the following item is recorded: “ The mayor was ville. asked to confer with the two colored preachers, and Mansura, mentioned so often in this chapter, is request that they carry on their religious services the oldest of the modern towns of the parish. In in a more respectable manner, and, if they did 1860 Capt. J. C. Joffrion was mayor of Mansura. not, they lay themselves liable to be closed up.” In 1861 Dr. J. Desfasses was mayor; Eloi Joffrion, The mayor resigned, and John D. Ernest was L. Drouin, Charles Dumarquis, Victor Prostdame chosen to fill that position. A. T. Allen's name and S. Siess, aldermen; P. A. Durand was secreappears as councilman in October, and in January, tary; P. Lemoine, treasurer; J. J. Guerineau, col 1888, he was mayor, with A. Gen, A. S. Baker, J. lector, and M. Bibb, constable. Nelson Durand P. Snelling, A. S. Adair and G. H. Stevens, alder- was chosen mayor in November, 1865. David men; L. C. Gremillion, marshal; A. L. Adair was Siess was mayor in 1874; Valery Coco, 1876; F. J. chosen secretary. One of the first acts of the new C. Monnin, 1878; David Siess, 1879; F. J. C. Moncouncil was an order to arrest all persons, who nin, 1880; David Siess, 1881-82; Pascalis D. Roy, would “fire off guns or pistols, regardless of race, 1884, and David Siess in June, 1884; Theo. Forest, color or nationality.” In January, 1890, T. B. 1885; David Siess, 1886-90. The Mansura post. Kimbro was mayor, with W. G. Branch, J. Jordan, office was reopened in September, 1866, with David J. J. Gremillion and A. T. Allen, aldermen. W. Siess, master. S. Aymond was marshal, J. J. Gremillion, secre- The Convent of the Presentation at Cocoville tary, and G. Jackson, treasurer. The marshal re- or Hydropolis, five miles from Normand's Landing signed in October, 1890, and on the 22d of that

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on la Rivuere Rouge, and two miles from Marksmonth, Thomas was nominated for the position. ville, was presided over in 1855 by Sister Marie

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T. B. Kimbro was the first postmaster here; Hyacinthe. This was the mother house of the L. W. Anderson was appointed in 1883, and on order in the United States until the removal to September 18, 1989, John D. Ernest took charge Fairfield, Caddo Parish. of the office. Mr. Ernest purchased lots here in Tbe church of St. Thomas at Moreauville was 1882, when Allen & Gen's store was the only one blessed in May, 1859, by Bishop Martin. here. Marcus Spencer built his store late in 1882, In March, 1880, Isaac C. Johnson was elected and early in 1883 Capt. Haas built a dwelling

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mayor of Evergreen, and was re-elected for each house for the first railroad agent, Moseley. A. T. term, including the election of 1886. Joseph CapAllen has been railroad agent at Bunkie since 1882.

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pel is mayor. The Evergreen Home Institute, a The shipments from September 1, 1887, to August male and female school, was in charge of H. C. 31, 1888, were 7,887 bales. During the season Kemper in 1837. John Ewell, Joseph Cappel, ending August 31, 1889, there were only 4,981 M. M. Matthews, T. P. Frith and J. H. Marshall bales shipped. Four thousand eight hundred and

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were trustees. Among the first houses erected at forty nine bales were shipped from September, , Evergreen was the store building of Alanson 1889, to August 31, 1890, and 3,123 bales from

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Pearce, on whose plantation the town was laid ont September 1, to October 25, 1890.

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prior to the war. The post offices of the parish, The old post offices of Avoyelles were Bayou other than those named, are Big Bend, BordelonRouge, Ewell Burdick, master; Big Bend, B. W.

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ville, Cotton Port, Egg Bend, Eola, Haasville, Kimball; Bordeaux, post master deceased; Flor- Moreauville, Odenburg, Simmesport and Tilden. ida Bend, post-master moved away; Holmesville, Cassandra was an important business village as

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He was

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early as 1827, but now it is seldom heard of. leans, moving with his father to Avoyelles Parish is a memory of the earlier years of this century. in his third year, and here he received such edu

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cation as the schools at that day afforded, his edu

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cation being entirely confined to the French A. T. Allen is the efficient depot agent at Bun language until he was sixteen years of age, when kie, La., and like so many of the energetic and be began learning English. His father, Louis enterprising residents of this section, he is a native James Barbin, moved bither in 1826, and was parborn resident of the State, his birth having oc- ish judge from 1825 until 1831, dying in the latter curred August 24, 1852, in the Parish of Plaque year, his appointment as judge being received mine, to A. D. and Mary A. (Neal) Allen, the for- from the governor.

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Aristides Barbin started in mer a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and the latter of life for himself as a clerk in a general mercantile Louisiana. The paternal grandparents of the store, and a little later was deputy clerk of the subject of this sketch were Germans, and the ma- court under his brother for four years. ternal grandparents were born in Liverpool, Eng. then deputy sheriff until 1859, when he was elected land. A. D. Allen was reared to manhood in i parish recorder, a position he held two terms York State, and for many years was an ocean sail- (eight years), after which he was elected secretary or, but at the time of his death, July 4, 1859, he of the State Senate for four years. Although opwas a branch pilot at the port of New Orleans. posed to secession, he told the people if elected he His demise occurred in Liverpool, England, where would vote for that measure, and eventually did so. he had gone for his health. His widow survives He lost twelve slaves by the Emancipation Proclahim, and is a resident of the city of New Orleans. mation, and during the war served in the Engineer's A. T. Allen was reared in the Pelican State, and Department in Louisiana, being in the battles of

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, received his early knowledge of books in the pub. Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, and at the time of lic schools of New Orleans, in which city he after- Lee's surrender was at Alexandria. Having been ward learned telegraphy. He was an operator in

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admitted to the bar in 1857, he began practicing the Western Union office for a number of years, after the close of the war, and in 1879 was elected and then accepted bis present position in Bunkie, judge of the Twelfth Judicial District of the receiving an earnest petition so to do from the State, serving four years, but at the expiration of people of this location. He bas acted in capacity this time he began practicing law, and continued of depot agent since 1882, and at the present day until April, 1888, a position he still holds. He there is not a business man in this section who was married in 1843 to Miss Azelie Raland, who stands higher in the estimation of the people, or is was born in Avoyelles Parish, La., November 10, more highly esteemed than Mr. Allen. He is a 1829, and has borne her husband the following chil man possessing many sterling characteristics, and dren: Amelia, Eliskah, Helena, Horace, Sarah, Ocis a leader in many matters pertaining to the pub

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tavia and James D. (who died at the age of twenty lic good. Socially he is past high priest of Ever. four years). The mother of these children passed green Chapter No. 41 of Evergreen, La., and a from life on September 10, 1883, since which time member of Evergreen Lodge No. 189, of the A. F.

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Mr. Barbin has wedded Alphina Laurent. He is & A. M. His marriage, which took place in the one of the honored citizens of the parish, and has month of June, 1883, was to Miss Lily E. Pearce, been successful in his financial ventures, being the a daughter of A. G. Pearce, by whom he is the owner of about 1,000 acres of land.

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His father, fatber of three bright and interesting little daugh- Louis James Barbin, was married to Irene Brouters.

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lin, the former was born in New Orleans, and the Hon. Aristides Barbin is a member of the latter in Mobile, Ala. They were reared in the General Assembly of the State from Avoyelles city of New Orleans, and in the State of Louisiana Parish, La., but was born in the city of New Or- passed from life, the father in 1831, at the age of

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fifty-one years, and the mother in 1862, when sixty- ber 31, 1814, to T. G. and Margaret (Dickson) seven years

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of age.

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Nicholas Barbin, the grand- Bond, natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respect father, was born in France, and was the private | ively. The father removed to Tennessee when secretary of Louis XIV. of France, and was com- young, and was engaged in farming until his death missioned by the latter to take charge of the gov- in 1857, his widow surviving him until 1868, when ernment stores in Louisiana, the papers being she, too, passed away. Hon. James K. Bond resigned by Louis XIV. personally. Mr. Barbin moved to Avoyelles Parish with his mother when was married after coming to America, his union twelve years of age, and although he received a being celebrated at the Balize, there being then | good early education in the common schools, be (1731) no city of Orleans, there being present all was debarred from entering college on account of the elite of the government of Louisiana, or Or- the opening of the Rebellion. In 1862 he enlisted leans Territory, Bienville, himself, honoring them in the First Louisiana Cavalry; the same year was with his presence.

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discharged on account of physical disability, but at D. R. Bettison, deputy sheriff and jailer, of the end of about two months he re-enlisted in the Avoyelles Parish, was born in Rapides Parish, La., Second Louisiana Cavalry, and served until the in 1819. He is the son of T. G. and E. S. (Rut- war terminated, being in the Trans- Mississippi ledge) Bettison. T. G. Bettison was born and Department, and in all the engagements of that reared near Woodville, Miss. He immigrated to department with the exception of Mansfield and Louisiana iu 1818, and became a pioneer of Rapi. Pleasant Hill, during which time he was on courier des Parishı, entering a great amount of Government duty. At the close of the war he returned to the land around the present site of Cheneyville. He plantation, and has since devoted his time to its married close to Cheneyville, and lived in Rapides operation, and is now in good circumstances, tinan: Parish till 1850, when he moved into Avoyelles | cially. He has been interested in the political Parish, and lived on Bayou Chopegne till the time questions of the day, and has beld a number of of his death, 1873. Mrs. E. S. Bettison was born official positions, being a member of the police jury in Georgia, and became a resident of Rapides from 1885 until 1888, in April of the latter year Parish, La., while a young lady. She became the being elected to represent this parish in the State mother of sixteen children by her first and only Legislature, his term expiring in 1892. Mr. Bond marriage, and is still alive, residing in Texas. She introduced the bill that created so much excite. is a lineal descendant of John Rutledge, one of the ment in Avoyelles Parish, providing for the resigners of the Declaration of Independence.

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moval of the court-house to the lowlands, He subject grew to manhood in Avoyelles Parish, and and bis most estimable and worthy wife are the received a limited education,. He was married in

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parents of two sons and three daughters. 1878, and remained on the farm till 1882, when be Alcide M. Bordelon, district clerk of Avoyelles entered the livery business in Evergreen, La., where ' Parish, La., was born here in the year 1856, and he remained till 1888, when he came to Marksville here was reared to manhood on a plantation and and there opened the livery business. He reached

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was educated. As a native-born resident of this Marksville with limited capital, but has done well, parish he is looked upon with considerable pride and has accumulated considerable property in the by the people of this locality, for they have short period he has been there. He has been deputy watched his career from bis youth np, and he has sheriff of Avoyelles for six years, and parish jailer at all times shown bimself to be a young man of for nearly three years.

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He married Miss Alla undoubted honesty, and bas displayed ability and Keller at Holmesville, La., and is father of three sagacity of a high order. In 1881 he was united children: D. L., Susan and Bessie.

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in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Noemil Coen, Hon. James K. Bond is a planter of Ward 7, also a native of this parish, and although he was and was born in Shelby County, Tenn., on Decem- elected to the office of clerk of the district court in

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He was

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the spring of 1888, and moved to Marksville, he iness in merchandising, carrying a full stock of is yet the owner of his plantation. He was for goods and doing an annual business of about $30,- four years a magistrate of the Sixth Ward, but on 000. Besides this he is the owner of 810 acres of May 26, 1888, was installed into the office of clerk, land, 200 of which are under cultivation. and will serve until 1892. His union has resulted married in 1870, to Miss Julia Colomes, daughter in the birth of four children: Louis Clinton, Jo- of F. Colomes, a native of France, but who is seph L., Robert Lucius and Daisy Alice.

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Mr. now a resident of Louisiana.

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Mr. Boyer has been Bordelon is one of the most popular men of the president of the police jury, and held other posiparish, and is one of its most efficient public serv- tions of trust in the parish. He has the oldest exants, which fact speaks loudly in his praise, for isting firm in the parish. He is now postmaster at Avoyelles Parish is noted for its able, honorable Moreauville, and is a man beld in the highest esand painstaking officials. He is a genial man, and timation by the public. He is the father of three is a gentleman in every sense of the word, both by children: Albin 0., John H. and Aimee J. instinct and education. His parents, Marceline C. Dr. John S. Branch is a gentleman thoroughly and Ozide (Mayenx) Bordelon, were also born in fitted by experience and study for a superior phy. the State of Louisiana, the father dying in Janu- sician, and since entering upon his practice has ary, 1881, his widow still surviving him. The built up a reputation for skill and ability that is family are Catholics, and the father was for a not merely local, but extends over a wide range. number of years a member of the police jury. He was born in this parish on September 24, 1859,

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A. L. Boyer, mercbant and planter, Moreau to Dr. Leroy K. and Laura E. (Griffin) Branch, the ville, La. Mr. Boyer is one of those enterprising birth of the former occurring in Maury County, and progressive citizens, who is not satisfied to Tenn., August 30, 1816, his father and mother bepursue one occupation through life, but branches ing natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectout and tries his band at other enterprises. He is ively, the former being a soldier in the War of of foreign birth, having been born in Bordeaux, 1812. Dr. Leroy K. Branch removed to the State France, in 1839, and is a son of John H. and A. of Alabama when a young man, and in that State (Joffrion) Boyer, the former a native of France, and Mississippi grew to manhood, but received his and the latter of Louisiana. The father was a very literary education in Greene County, Ky.

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. He extensive planter of Avoyelles Parish, and was also afterward entered the Medical Institute of Louisvery extensively engaged in merchandising, doing ville, Ky. (now the University of Louisville), from a large exporting and importing business. He was which he was graduated in 1810. Shortly after one of the prominent men of Louisiana at the time completing his course he removed to A voyelles of his death, being at one time a member of the Parish, La., where he has since resided and pracLegislature, and also a member of the Constitu- ticed his profession, being now one of the oldest tional Convention of 1855, taking a prominent part and most honored citizens of this section. He has in the convention. He died in 1856. Grandfather been a member of the police jury, and has been Boyer was an officer under Napoleon, and the twice married, first in 1813 to Miss Virginia A. family was very prominent in France. A. L. Boyer Marshall, who died in 1857, and the following year emigrated with his parents to America when nine he wedded Miss Griffin, who was the eldest daugh years of age, settled with them in Louisiana, but ter of the late Hon. W. F. Griffin, who for many afterward went to St. Louis, where he completed years was inseparably connected with Louisiana his education. In 1856, after the death of his politics, baving served a number of terms in both father, he took charge of the business, but lost houses, especially in the Senate. Dr. John S. everything except the real estate, by the war, being Branch is the eldest of their six children, and alleft almost penniless at the close of that memor- thongh reared in Avoyelles Parish, the greater able struggle. He is at present doing a good bus- part of his education was obtained in Evergreen

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Home Institute, at Evergreen, La., and from a A. F. & A. M., of Evergreen. Both he and wife private tutor. In 1881 he graduated from the are consistent Christians, and are worthy members medical department of the University of Louisville, of the Baptist Church at Evergreen. Ky., and subsequently took a course of lectures in S. Callegari is a highly prosperous merchant of Tulane University of Louisiana, locating the fol- Cottonport, La., and here has resided from his lowing year in Evergreen, where he has become a birth, which occurred October 7, 1840, his parents well-known medical practitioner. He possesses being J. and Ellen (Scallan) Callegari, the former a brilliant intellect and as he has shown that he of whom was born near Rome, Italy. He attained is thoroughly versed in medical lore, his patron- manhood in his native country, and was educated age has become very extended. He keeps thor- in Venice, receiving a most thorough classical oughly posted in his profession, and is now one education, his expenses being defrayed by an uncle of the vice presidents of the State Medical So. who was fitting him for a priest. His inclinations ciety. In 1882 the nuptials of his marriage to were not at all that way, and he was never ordained. Miss Lily E. Willis were celebrated, she being a When about thirty years of age he came to daughter of A. B. and Jeanette M. (Robards) America and settled in Avoyelles Parish, La. Willis, of New Orleans.

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where he was for many years engaged in teaching W. G. Branch, M. D. Among the people of school in Mansura and Cottonport, being a planter Avoyelles, as well as the surrounding parishes, the in connection with his teaching. He was for a pame of Dr. Branch has become well known, for time superintendent of the public schools of the be is one of the most active practitioners of this parish. He was a man of remarkable intellectual parish, and has made a reputation for himself as powers, and at the time of his death, which a follower of the “healing art." The Doctor was occurred at the age of eighty-five years, in 1887, born here December 18, 1860, to Leroy K. and he showed but little the ravages of time so far as Laura E. (Griffin) Branch, and in the common and his intellectual powers were concerned. His marprivate schools of this section was prepared for riage, which occurred in Avoyelles Parish in 1834, college, afterward entering the State Seminary at was always a remarkably happy one, the parents Baton Rouge, immediately upon leaving that insti. having the utmost confidence in, and affection for, tution entering the medical department of the Uni each other. The immediate subject of this sketch versity of Louisville, of Louisville, Ky., graduat- was reared in this parish, and was given the ing and receiving his diploma from this institution advantages of the common schools. In 1862 be in February, 1984, He immediately located in enlisted in Company F, Eighteenth Louisiana Karnes County, Tex., but remained there only Regiment of Infantry, was in the Trans-Missis eighteen months, since which time he has been a sippi Department, and took part in a number of practitioner, and a successful one, of Bunkie, La. hotly contested engagements, being at one tine The nuptials of his marriage were celebrated in captured and kept a prisoner for a short time. 1887, his wife being Miss S. O. Bennett, daughter After the war he was engaged as a planter for of Mansel and Sarah O. (Pearce) Bennett, both na- some three years, or until 1869, but since that tive Louisianians. The father, who was a planter, time his attention has been devoted to merchanand for many years parish surveyor, died in 1884. dising at Cottonport, where, by his business tact Dr. Branch is a young physician, who stands well and ability, he has built up a large and paying among the medical brethren of this section, and to trade. He was ma

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narried, in 1875, to Miss Irine his skill and talent the gratitude of hun Ireds is Richi, a daughter of Elphege Richi, a native of due, for he has been the means of bringing many this State and a planter. To them three sons and to health, and conseynently happiness. He is a four daughters have been boru. member of the Louisiana State Medical Society, Clifton Cannon, the popular sheriff of A voyelles and socially, belongs to Lodge No. 189, of the Parish, La., has resided here from his birth,

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May 24, 1856, and the confidence which the ary 26, 1861, Fenelon Cannon affixed his signature people have in him is, therefore, intelligently to the ordinance of secession, he having been placed, for they have known him from boyhood, chosen to represent his parish in the convention. and have had every opportunity to judge of his At the opening of the war he soon raised a comcharacter and qualifications. His education was pany of cavalry, and joined the first cavalry of received in Jefferson College, of St. James Parish, Louisiana, he being captain of Company A, La., wbich institution he attended four years. He First Louisiana Cavalry, being under Col. Scott. is the second son of Fenelon and Mary E. Cannon. He fought on the fields of Kentucky and Virginia. His mother was the only daughter of Maj. John Being in very bad health, he went to Hot Springs, Boots, of Roanoke, Va. Maj. Boots was born on Ark., and there died on Friday, April 10, 1863. April 12, 1781. The date of his birth shows that His wife after seeing two of her sons grown and it was nearly contemporary with that of the Amer- one married, after a long and protracted illness, ican Republic. The child of 1781 has seen a peo died on August 17, 1878, at the age of forty two ple who had been scarcely free two years when he years ten months and seven days. Clifton Canwas born, grow and occupy one of the largest non was married on December 23, 1875, to Miss places in the history of the world. In comparing Annie L. Joffrion, oldest child of Senator E. J. the splendor of the dawn of the American Republic Joffrion, of Avoyelles. Her parents are from with its present vast resources and proportions, he Kentucky and Louisiana. Senator Joffrion was is a happy citizen who can write upon his tomb, born and raised in Avoyelles. At an early age he “I have been the contemporary of Washington." became a member of the Avoyelles bar, and is to

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” In 1812 Maj. John Boots saw the struggle be- day the ablest criminal lawyer of the parish. He tween the United States and England renewed. was a member of the Constitution Convention of He joined the standard of his country under Gens. 1879, and was one of the few members who voted Hull and Harrison, and soon rose to the position of against the re-chartering of the famous Louisiana major, and gained distinction in the struggle. In Lottery. He afterward served in the Legislature 1824 he moved to Avoyelles Parish, La., and there and served with distinction in the State Senate. devoted himself to the culture of cotton.

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He

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Clifton Cannon is the father of five daughters: married October 21, 1832, Miss Mary Custard, Annie May, Eula Irine, Effie C, Edna Ruby and of Mississippi. Thirty four years after bis arrival Ivy. He served as first depnty sheriff from July in Avoyelles, he died on July 22, leaving a large 1, 1875, to May 21, 1888, on which day he was fortune. He left a wife and daughter, who leans sworn in as sheriff, which position he has filled upon the valiant arm of her husband, Fenelon with success.

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Mr. Cannon is the owner of about Cannon. Fenelon Cannon was born in Cadiz, 1,500 acres of land, and is considered a man of Trigg County, Ky., on Friday, November 18,

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He is a member of the Catholic Church. 1825. After receiving his education at the age of His friends in the parish are innumerable, in coneighteen years, he left his native State and located sequence whereof he has on several occasions been in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, La. He there chosen as a delegate to the State conventions, and devoted bimself to the study of the law, and soon is well known throughout his State. became a member of the bar. On Friday, Decem- J. V. Cantonnet, M. D., of Cottonport, La., ber 24, 1852, he was married to Mary Elizabeth was born in the department of the Lower PyrBoots, and from that time he resided in Avoyelles. enees, France, February 14, 1838, and in his youth At the Marksville bar he was considered one of its and early manhood received a thorough literary best lawwers.

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He soon gained distinction in the course in some of the best schools of his native land. State as a lawyer. He also became distinguished After passing the requisite literary examination he as a politician. To them were born four sons: was admitted to the medical schools of Paris, Lester, Clifton, Courtney and Fenelon. On Janu. where he pursued his studies for five consecutive

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means.

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years, and was on the point of taking his final de. French general consul to the United States, is his gree when the Franco-Prussian War broke out, especial friend, and has visited him at his home in and his ability being well known he was appointed Cottonport. Dr. Cantonnet, upon the death of resident physician of the Great Hotel Ambulance, his first wife, married Miss Zoe Crouseilles, an under the famous High Physician Nelaton. He amiable and intelligent lady of French birth. The served in this capacity with distinction, as evinced family are members of the Roman Catholic Church, by his papers, which are signed by High Physician J. C. Cappel, attorney, Marksville, La. J. Nelaton, and also by the American consul general, i C. Cappel is a successful attorney at law of Avoy Jobn Meredith Reid. This Government appoint- , elles Parish, and although quite young in years ment of Dr. J. V. Cantonnet opened to him a field he has already won an honorable place among the of experience, in which he spared no zeal to per- , legal fraternity of the county. He was born in fect by practice all the theories of which he was A voyelles to the union of Joseph and Jane (Cur master, and it also placed him in direct association | rey) Cappel, both natives of Louisiana. The with men of scholarly attainments, among whom he father is a man of no ordinary intelligence, and is wielded a widespread influence. In 1872 he came to esteemed and respected by all. At the present America, and practiced with success during the yel- time he is engaged in mercbandising at Evergreen. low fever scourge of New Orleans, being the lead- The Cappel family are in very easy financial cir. ing physician of four benevolent institutions. Не cumstances, and young men of less energy and located permanently in Cottonport, Avoyelles Par- ambition than our subject would have been conish, and here soon built up a remunerative prac- tent with enjoying themselves in indolence and tice, his patronage now exceeding 300 families. social pleasures. At an early age Mr. Cappel ex His first wife was estimable of women of Spanish bibited a tendency to make something of himself, extraction, Miss Felipa Dominguez, by whom he and was allowed to select a school in which to rebecame the father of three children, whom he has ceive his literary training. He entered Warren taken care to give every possible advantage of high Academy near Boston, Mass., and after complet association and good education.

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There names are

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ing his course there, returned to Louisiana, where, Adele (wife of S. Ducote), Clotilde (wife of J. in 1880, be began the study of law with John N. D. Gremillion), and Henry. The Doctor comes of Ogden, a prominent lawyer of Opelousas, St.

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! a fine old family of France, his father being an Landry Parish, La. He was admitted to the bar, eminent physician widely known in that country, to practice in all the courts, July, 1885, and immedi. and his grandfather, too, was a physician of dis- ately began practicing in Lake Charles, La., retinction. Dr. Donat Cantonnet, the only brother maining there one year. He then removed to of our subject, is one of the most distinguished Marksville, where he has since practiced his proprofessional men of all the splendid city of Pau, fession, having built up a lucrative practice and capital of Lower Pyrenees, France. He has been where he has ingratiated himself in the esteem of recently decorated by the queen of Spain. He is all those with whom he has come in contact. in fact, a real philanthropist, a friend of the poor, Though young in years Mr. Cappel takes a very and as brave as honest, and he, himself, is as thor- active part in politics, and exerts an appreciated onghly familiar with the Spanish language as he influence in public affairs. In June, 1888, he was is with bis native tongue, and speaks English flu- married to Miss Bena E. Brooks, an accomplished ently. He contributes valuable articles in both lady of one of the best families of Baton Rouge, Spanish and French to magazines and periodicals, La. Mr. Cappel's ability as a lawyer has given and is well known, not only among men of his him an enviable reputation, and he starts out profession in America and France, but bas warm with bright prospects for the future. Socially he friends, who have become eminent in letters and

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possesses those genial characteristics which make politics in both countries. Paul d’Abzac, the him a desired guest and an appreciated host.

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Associated with him in business is his brother, Tennessee, respectively. They died in that State, Currey Cappel, a young man well and favorably the former in 1886 and the latter in 1878. They known in his profession. He is a graduate of the were the parents of six children. · The paternal Baltimore Dental College, and has for several grandfather of Mrs. Chamberlain was born in years practiced his profession in this and adjoining North Carolina, and the great-grandfather was parishes. The brothers own and operate a fine born in England. plantation near Evergreen, and own, land in other Judge A. V. Coco, Marksville, La. In these parts of the parish.

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days of money making, when life is a constant Max Chamberlain, planter, Evergreen, La. struggle between right and wrong, it is a pleasure Mr. Chamberlain owes his nativity to Tennessee, to lay before an intelligent reader the unsullied his birth having occurred near Shelbyville on record of an honorable man. Judge Coco was March 1, 1833. He was early initiated into the born in Marksville, on March 21, 1857, and is a duties of the farm, received his education in his son of Hon. A. D. and Heloise (Ledoux) Coco, the native State, and in 1819 he removed with bis father a native of Avoyelles, and the mother of parents to Hot Springs County, Ark., where he re- Point Coupee Parish, La. The father was a planmained for five years. He then came south to ter of this parish and served in many official posiLouisiana, settled near Evergreen with an uncle, tions of trust and honor. He served as sheriff, John Ewell, and at the breaking out of the war he was district clerk for some time, and served in both joined the Confederate Army at Evergreen, in Houses of the Legislature. He is now living a reCapt. Oliver's company, and was in service for tired life. Judge A. V. Coco received a thorough four years,

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He was in the Army of Tennessee, education at St. Vincent's College, Cape GirarBragg's division, and at the end of about fifteen deau, Mo., and graduated in the class of 1877. months was transferred to Louisiana, where he He later received a diploma from the law departremained until the close of the war. He then ment of Tulane University, New Orleans, and after came to Evergreen, located here, and has been

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1

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fivishing his law course he began practicing his manager of a sugar plantation for many years. He profession in Marksville, where he continued until is thoroughly posted in the sugar interest. He is 1988. He then was elected judge of the district now, and has been for some time past, manager court, from the district composed of Avoyelles, of a large cotton plantation, and is the owner of Rapidles and Grant Parishes. He is a man of 400 acres of land. His wife, who was formerly' sound judgment, sterling integrity and broad inMiss Martha Hall, a native of Tennessee, born in telligence. Although he is yet a young man, being 1838, bore him five children: Emma, William, only in his thirty-fourth year, judging from the John, Percy and Max, Jr. Mrs. Chamberlain record he has already made, and the high esteem and three of her children are members of the Bap-, in which he is held by all who know him, he is tist Church. Mr. Chamberlain is a son of Will- destined to figure prominently in State and Naiam and Martha (Ewell) Chamberlain, both of tional affairs. He is one of those whole-souled, whom

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were natives of Tennessee. The father atfable men, whom to know is but to revere. Hondied in Hot Springs, Ark., at the age of sixty-two esty of purpose and rectitude of conduct in the years, and the mother also received her final siun. | discharge of his official duties have placed him mons in that State, Of the eight children born upon a high plane in the estimation of his conto their union, Max Chamberlain and one sister stituents. His marriage occurred in Memphis, are the only ones living. The mother's people

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. The mother's people Tenn., in 1877, to Miss Kate Malone, daughter of came from the Old Dominion, and the father's John and Catherine (Bourke) Malone, natives of people from North Carolina. The maternal grand- Ireland. Mr. Malone was in business in Memphis, parents of our subject, L. Wilson Hall and Lucy and farming in Arkansas. Judge and Mrs. Coco (Ewell) Hall, were born in North Carolina and are members of the Catholic Church.

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a

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years, and was on the point of taking his final de. French general consul to the United States, is his gree when the Franco-Prussian War broke out, especial friend, and has visited him at his home in and his ability being well known he was appointed' Cottonport. Dr. Cantonnet, upon the death of resident physician of the Great Hotel Ambulance, his first wife, married Miss Zoe Crouseilles, an under the famous High Physician Nelaton. He amiable and intelligent lady of French birth. The served in this capacity with distinction, as evinced family are members of the Roman Catholic Church. by his papers, which are signed by High Physician J. C. Cappel, attorney, Marksville, La. J. Nelaton, and also by the American consul general, C. Cappel is a successful attorney at law of Avoy . John Meredith Reid. This Government appoint

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elles Parish, and although quite young in years ment of Dr. J. V. Cantonnet opened to him a field | he has already won an honorable place among the of experience, in which he spared no zeal to per- legal fraternity of the county. He was born in fect by practice all the theories of which he was Avoyelles to the union of Joseph and Jane (Cur: master, and it also placed him in direct association rey) Cappel, both natives of Louisiana. The with men of scholarly attainments, among whom he father is a man of no ordinary intelligence, and is wielded a widespread influence. In 1872 he came to esteemed and respected by all. At the present America, and practiced with success during the yel- time he is engaged in mercbandising at Evergreen. low fever scourge of New Orleans, being the lead- The Cappel family are in very easy financial cir. ing physician of four benevolent institutions. He cumstances, and young men of less energy and located permanently in Cottonport, Avoyelles Par- ambition than our subject would have been conish, and here soon built up a remunerative prac- tent with enjoying themselves in indolence and tice, his patronage now exceeding 300 families. social pleasures. At an early age Mr. Cappel ex

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. His first wife was estimable of women of Spanish hibited a tendency to make something of himself, extraction, Miss Felipa Dominguez, by whom he and was allowed to select a school in which to rebecame the father of three children, whom he has ceive his literary training. He entered Warren taken care to give every possible advantage of high Academy near Boston, Mass., and after completassociation and good education. There names are ing his course there, returned to Louisiana, where, Adele (wife of S. Ducote), Clotilde (wife of J. in 1880, be began the study of law with Johu N. D. Gremillion), and Henry. The Doctor comes of Ogden, a prominent lawyer of Opelousas, St. a fine old family of France, his father being an Landry Parish, La. He was admitted to the bar, eminent physician widely known in that country, to practice in all the courts, July, 1885, and immedi and his grandfather, too, was a physician of dis- ately began practicing in Lake Charles, La., re- . tinction. Dr. Donat Cantonnet, the only brother maining there one year. He then removed to of our subject, is one of the most distinguished | Marksville, where he has since practiced his proprofessional men of all the splendid city of Pau, fession, having built up a lucrative practice and capital of Lower Pyrenees, France. He has been where be has ingratiated himself in the esteem of recently decorated by the queen of Spain. He is all those with whom he has come in contact. in fact, a real philanthropist, a friend of the poor, Though young in years Mr. Cappel takes a very and as brave as honest, and he, himself, is as thor: active part in politics, and exerts an appreciated

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, oughly familiar with the Spanish language as he influence in public affairs. In June, 1888, he was is with his native tongue, and speaks English flu- married to Miss Bena E. Brooks, an accomplished ently

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He contributes valuable articles in both lady of one of the best families of Baton Rouge, Spanish and French to magazines and periodicals, La. Mr. Cappel's ability as a lawyer has given and is well known, not only among men of his bim an enviable reputation, and he starts out profession in America and France, but has warm with bright prospects for the future. Socially be friends, who have become eminent in letters and

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possesses those genial characteristics which make politics in both countries. Paul d’Abzac, the i him a desired guest and an appreciated bost.

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1

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four years.

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Associated with him in business is his brother, Tennessee, respectively. They died in that State, Currey Cappel, a young man well and favorably the former in 1886 and the latter in 1978, They known in his profession. He is a graduate of the were the parents of six children. · The paternal Baltimore Dental College, and has for several grandfather of Mrs. Chamberlain was born in years practiced his profession in this and adjoining North Carolina, and the great-grandfather was parishes. The brothers own and operate a fine born in England. plantation near Evergreen, and own, land in other Judge A. V. Coco, Marksville, La. In these parts of the parish.

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days of money making, when life is a constant Max Chamberlain, planter, Evergreen, La. struggle between right and wrong, it is a pleasure Mr. Chamberlain owes his nativity to Tennessee, to lay before an intelligent reader the unsullied his birth having occurred near Shelbyville on record of an honorable man. Judge Coco was March 1, 1833. He was early initiated into the born in Marksville, on March 21, 1857, and is a duties of the farm, received his education in bis son of Hon. A. D. and Heloise (Ledoux) Coco, the native State, and in 1819 he removed with bis father a native of Avoyelles, and the mother of parents to Hot Springs County, Ark., where he re Point Coupee Parish, La. The father was a planmained for five years.

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He then came south to ter of this parish and served in many official posiLouisiana, settled near Evergreen with an uncle, tions of trust and honor. He served as sheriff, John Ewell, and at the breaking out of the war he was district clerk for some time, and served in both joined the Confederate Army at Evergreen, in Houses of the Legislature. He is now living a reCapt. Oliver's company, and was in service for tired life. Judge A. V. Coco received a thorongh

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He was in the Army of Tennessee, education at St. Vincent's College, Cape GirarBragg's division, and at the end of about fifteen deau, Mo., and graduated in the class of 1877. months was transferred to Louisiana, where he He later received a diploma from the law departremained until the close of the war. He then ment of Tulane L'niversity, New Orleans, and after came to Evergreen, located here, and has been finishing his law course he began practicing his manager of a sugar plantation for many years. He profession in Marksville, where he continued until is thoroughly posted in the sugar interest. He is 1888. He then was elected judge of the district now, and has been for some time past, manager court, from the district composed of A voyelles, of a large cotton plantation, and is the owner of Rapides and Grant Parishes. He is a man of 100 acres of land. His wife, who was formerly sound judgment, sterling integrity and broad inMiss Martha Hall, a native of Tennessee, born in telligence. Although he is yet a young man, being 1838, bore him five children: Emma, William, only in his thirty-fourth year, judging from the John, Percy and Max, Jr. Mrs. Chamberlain record he has already made, and the high esteem and three of her children are members of the Bap- · in which he is held by all who know him, he is tist Church. Mr. Chamberlain is a son of Will- destined to figure prominently in State and Naiam and Martha (Ewell) Chamberlain, both of tional affairs. He is one of those whole-souled, whom were natives of Tennessee. The father | affable men, whom to know is but to revere. Hondied in Hot Springs, Ark., at the age of sixty-two esty of purpose and rectitude of conduct in the years, and the mother also received her final sium- discharge of his official duties have placed him mons in that State, Of the eight children born : upon a high plane in the estimation of his conto their union, Max Chamberlain and one sister stituents. His marriage occurred in Memphis, are the only ones living. The mother's people Tenn., in 1877, to Miss Kate Malone, daughter of came from the Old Dominion, and the father's John and Catherine (Bourke) Malone, natives of people from North Carolina. The maternal grand- Ireland. Mr. Malone was in business in Memphis, parents of our subject, L. Wilson Hall and Lucy and farming in Arkansas. Judge and Mrs. Coco (Ewell) Hall, were born in North Carolina and are members of the Catholic Church.

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E. D. Coco is one of the prosperous general two sons, Dominique (subject's father) and Joseph, merchants and planters of Avoyelles Parisb, La., who died without issue. Dominique Coco, Jr., warand by his business ability and superior manage- ried Miss Zoe Juneau, and to them were born seven ment he has become one of the leading business children-three sons and four daughters-of whom men of the parish. He was born in this parish in our subject is the youngest. He subsequently 1856 to Adolph D. and Eloise (Sheldon) Coco, and married his second and third wives. To the second here attained man's estate, bis literary education marriage were born six sons and one daughter, and being received here and at Cape Girardeau, Mo. to the third union there was born que son. Mr. Upon leaving school he began merchandising in Coco was probably the wealthiest man in the parHamburg, but in November, 1882, he had the mis- ish at the time of his death, which occurred in fortune to have his well-stocked store burned to 1864, not being worth less than a half million of the ground, since which time he has been the agent dollars at the time the Civil War commenced. F. for Coco & Coco, who are the proprietors of two B. Coco prepared for college in the schools of large stores, which have an immense trade. In Avoyelles Parish, and took a two years' course in connection with this they operate a 300-acre plan- St. Charles College, St. Landry Parish, La. In tation, the proceeds of wbich bring them in a ! 1841 he entered the office of the parish judge as handsome sum annually. Mr. Coco is a thorougb his clerk, acting at the same time as notary public. shrewd and capable business man, and his success In 1846 he was elected recorder, the office having in life is assured, for he at all times makes the just been created, and he was the first one to till most of his opportunities, and allows no depart- that position in Avoyelles Parish, serving three ment of his work to be neglected. He is courteous years. Afterwarid he devoted his time to planting. and agreeable in his intercourse with his fellow- In 1862 he was appointed assessor of Avoyelles men, and has hosts of warm personal friends who Parish for the Confederate States, in which capacwish bim well in every undertaking. He was mar- ity he served during the whole war.

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He was ried in 1877 to Miss Caroline M. Coco, a daughter elected a member of the Lower House of the Legisof Anatole Coco, a planter, who died in 1886. To lature in 1879 and served one term, In 1888 he the union of Mr. and Mrs. Coco five children have was appointed a member of the police jury from been born, three daughters and one son of whom Ward 6. In 1852 he was married to Miss Sarah are living: Gracie died in September, 1890, at L. Baillio, daughter of Judge Baillio, who served the age of two and a half years, a sweet and as parish judge in Avoyelles Parish from 1810 to į promising child.

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1849. Judge Baillio was a prominent man and Hon. F. B. Coco, of Moreauville, is one of the died in Alexandria in 1889 at the age of seventyleading planters in this section. The Coco family is eight years. To Mr. and Mrs. Coco were born one of the oldest in this part of Louisiana, and one of three children: Zoe (deceased), Rebecca (now Mrs. the most eminently respected. Dominique Coco, L. S. Coco) and E. D. Baldwin (of Cottonport). subject's grandfather, having made his advent into

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The family are members of the Catholic Church. this country with Gen. Lafayette during the Revo. | Mr. Coco is one of the old landmarks of Avoyelles lutionary War. The name, Coco, is not the real Parish, and is a highly honored citizen, and alfamily name, but a nickname given Dominiqne Bal. I though advanced in years time has dealt kindly clonide (Coco), who was a native of Italy. Shortly with him, for he is still active and vigorous. after the Revolutionary War he came to Louisiana E. B. Coco is a resident of Ward 8, of Avoy. and was engaged for some time in trafficking with elles Parish, La., and is successfully engaged in the Indian tribes on Red River, He married in

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conducting a general mercantile establishment, tive Pointe Coupee Parish, but subsequently removed to miles northeast of Cottonport. He was born in thiis what is now A voyelles Parish, where he was among parish in 1836, to F. B. Coco (see biography) and the first settlers.

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The issue of this marriage was Sarah L. Baillio. E. B. Coco was reared in this

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He was

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parish, and finished his education at the Jesuit family is one of the oldest in this parish. Mr. College, of Spring Hill, Ala. After leaving school Coco and family are inembers of the Catholic he was, for a short time, engaged on his father's Church. Our subject's great-grandfather, Pierre plantation, and subsequently clerked in an uncle's Goudeau, was born in Gneiss, France, and was store, at Moreanville, for some three years. In sent to this country as a physician during the Mex- 1878 he engaged in the mercantile business at his ican War, serving during the entire time. present stand, bis patronage having become large subsequently married, in Pointe Coupee Parish, and lucrative. His stock of gooils amounts to from where L. L. Coco's grandfather, Julian Goudeau, $6,000 to $9,000, and his annual sales reach from was born, and later married Miss Decuire, with $20,000 to $25,000. In addition to this valuable whom he moved to Avoyelles Parish, being among establishment, he has a fine plantation of 400 acres, the very first settlers. which he operates himself. He was married in Philogene Coco is a well-known planter resid- 1875, to Miss Angela Rabalais, a daughter of J. ing near Moreauville, La., and here first saw the V. Rabalais, a native and planter of A voyelles light of day on March 11, 1841, his parents being Parish, La. By his excellent business ability and Dominique Coco and Caroline (Bordelon). He was foresight he has built up a trade, which is one of reared in Avoyelles Parish, La., and in bis youth the largest and most prosperous in the parish. was an attendant of Lafargue High School of Public spirited, liberal minded and generous in Marksville, after which he took a two years' course disposition, he has won success and honor, and his in St. Joseph's College of Bardstown, Ky., where future is full of promise. To himself and wife he received thorough training, and acquired an five children bave been born-three sons and two excellent knowledge of the world of books. At the daughters. He has established a post-office, and age of eighteen years, he began merchandising in named it after bis little boy, Pearce.

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Moreauville, and in this business continued until L. L. Coco, planter, Cottonport, La.

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L. L.

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1861, when he enlisted in Company G, First LouisCoco, a prominent and prosperous planter of Avoy. iana Cavalry, and was a faithful servant of the elles Parish, and a native of that parish, born Confederate cause throughout the entire war, be November 10, 1856, is a son of Lucian D. and ing in the Army of Tennessee, and participating in Julienne (Gondeau) Coco, both natives also of the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Avoyelles Parish. The father was reared in Louis- Shiloh, Corinth, Crab Orchard, Ringgold, Richiana, and educated in Bardstown, Ky. He was an mond, Ky., and the majority of the other battles extensive planter, being the owner of from 6,000 in which his army was engaged. His company to 7,000 acres of land, and was a very prominent was disbanded near Woodville, Miss., after which, citizen. He died September 19, 1879, but the he returned to Louisiana, and with a capital stock mother is still living. Grandfather Dominique of $500 he, in partnership with a brother, resumed Coco was one of the pioneer settlers of Avoyelles merchandising. In 1866 he was married to Miss Parish, L. L. Coco, the second of six children, Eugenie C. Bordelon, a daughter of Leandre in connection with two brothers, Albert D. and Bordelon, a native of Louisiana, and an extensive Jules A. Coco,- operates a plantation, a saw-mill, planter. In 1872 Mr. Coco closed out his business cotton gin and store, and raises annually from 450 and purchased the plantation on which he is now to 500 bales of cotton. He was reared in his residing, his time being since given to its successtive parish, received his education in St. Charles ful operation. He has three fine plantations ag. College, in Grand Coteau, La., and since finishing gregating about 1,500 acres, on the cultivated por his schooling, he has devoted his entire attention ' tion of which, he raises some 300 bales of cotton to his plantation. Miss Angelica Barbin, who be- per year. All the property of which he is now the came his wife November, 1889, is a native of this owner has been obtained by his own efforts, and he parish, and the daughter of Ludger Barbin, whose prides himself upon the fact that what he has is

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na

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entirely free from incumbrance. He is the special plantation, and has accumulated considerable propagent for the Southern Cotton Oil Company in erty. His first wife lived only three years, and in Avoyelles Parish, and being public spirited is deep- | 1836 he was married to Miss Mary Lemoine, ly interested in all enterprises for the good of the daughter of Baptiste Lemoine, who was born in parish. He is a man of fine physique, as are, in Louisiana, and who was a planter by pursuit. To fact, the most of the members of the Coco family,

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the first union of Mr. Couvillion were born two and he also possesses the sterling principles for children, and his second marriage resulted in the which the family are well known. He and his wife birth of thirteen children. He has now forty-four are the parents of nine children-six sons and three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The daughters.

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whole family are members of the Catholic Church. Adrien Couvillion, planter, and one of the old Though of such a ripe old age, Mr. Couvillion is and highly-esteemed citizens of the parish, was active and robust in appearance, and bids fair to born on March 4, 1813, and is the son of Adrien live many years yet. and Celeste (Mayeux) Couvillion.

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The father was C. P. Couvillion, surveyor of Avoyelles Parish, born in Pointe Coupee Parish, La., and when a La., was born in the house in which he now reyoung man he moved to Avoyelles Parish at a sides in Marksville, La., in 1860 to L. H. and time when there were but very few settlers. He Rosa (Cailleteau) Couvillion, they being also born married shortly after coming here, and settled on a in this parish, the former being a local politician of tract of land near where Marksville now stands. considerable note, holding different offices in the He died in February, 1835. Grandfather Amable parish for some eighteen years, a portion of the Couvillion was born in Canada, and was among time being clerk of the court and parish recorder. those who were banished. He removed to Louisi- He died in 1870 at the age of thirty-nine years, ana and settled in Pointe Coupee Parish, where he being still survived by his widow. In the town of received his final summons. Adrien Couvillion Marksville, C. P. Couvillion received his rearing was reared and received a limited education in and early education. After following the occupaA voyelles Parish. He has been a great reader all tion of teacher for two years he gave his attention his life, and has acquired a good practical educa. to surveying and engineering, and is now one of tion, being well informed on all subjects, and par- the leaders of the calling in the State. After holding ticularly public affairs. In 1831 he pre-empted the position of city alderman for two or three terms, land where he now resides, and built a small house, he, in 1882, was appointed parish surveyor, was after cutting out the canebrake, so that he could reappointed in 1884 and 1888, and has since ad cultivate the soil. His marriage to Miss Scholas- mirably discharged the duties of this position. tique Rabalais daughter of V. Rabalais, occurred He has always been a Democrat, and all times on July 10, 1832. The father was a native of this supports the men and measures of that party, parish, and was a planter by occupation. Imme-wielding considerable influence as one of its fol

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, diately after marriage Mr. Couvillion moved onto lowers, His paternal grandfather, Hyppolite Couhis new place, taking all his earthly possessions in villion was a native of this parish, and a member an ox-cart, and his experience in the raw country of one of the oldest and best families of Louisiana. was full of adventure and interest. About the His maternal grandfather was Eugene Cailleteau, year 1820 he saw the first steamhoat, named “ Ar

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a native of the department of Ardennes, and son of kansas," that ever sailed up Red River, and he the Lord (Seigneur) of St. Prix, at the time of the also saw the first steamboat on Bayou De Glaize, in abolition of feudalism in the latter part of the 1810. He has seen the country develop from a eighteenth century. Being a Republican, he left wilderness to its present prosperous condition, and France npon the accession of Charles X., to the bas done his share toward its improvement. Mr.

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throne, and became a naturalized citizen of this Couvillion bas devoted his life to operating his country in 1828

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F. Couvillion, merchant and planter, Bordelon- sick and afflicted. He was born in Auch, France, ville, La. This prosperous business man and suc- in 1842, and is the son of Emeric and Berthe cessful planter is a native-born resident of Avoy- (Gardere) de Nux, natives also of France. The elles Parish, La., his birth occurring in 1812, and father was a descendant of one of the wealthy and is the son of Zelien Couvillion and Doralisse (Bor- prominent families of that country. He and his wife delon) Couvillion, both natives also of Avoyelles 'both received their final summons in their native Parish, La. The father was a planter and school country, the father dying in 1856, and the mother

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, teacher, and followed this occupation in his native in 1866. Dr. E. de Nux received his education at State until his death in 1805. The mother died in Toulouse College and at St. Barbe, Paris, but 1875. Both were members of the Catholic Church. received his medical education in the last named F. Couvillion received a common French school, city. He left his native country for America in education in this parish, and here was reared to ! 1868, located in New Orleans, where he practiced mature years. Though he speaks and writes the his profession for one year, and then, 1869, he reEnglish language correctly, he never attended an I moved to Marksville, where he still continues to English school. He was the eldest of three chil- practice. He is a physician of decided ability, a dren, and after the death of his father be took thorough student of medicine, and his reputation charge of the latter's business. F. Couvillion has is thoroughly established.

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In 1873 he was marbeen a cripple ever since six years of age, and this ried to Miss Annette Derivas, a native of Louisi. accounts for his not having been in the army. Dur. | ana, and the fruits of this union are four children: ing that eventful period, however, although he bad Emeric, Gaston, Henry and Sylvain. Dr. de Nux never seen a shoe made, he caught coons and alli- and family are members of the Catholic Church. gators, tarned their hides, and with his own tools Dr. C. J. Ducoté was born in the town in wbich made 585 pairs of shoes. In 1867 he began mer. he is now residing (Cottonport, La.) on November chandising on a very limited scale, and bas contin-8, 1819, to Joseph and Eliza (Ducotó) Ducoté, ued this business ever since. He is the owner of both of whom were born in Avoyelles Parish of a good plantation and a well stocked store. In this State. The father was given conmon-school 1869 he was married to Miss Leanora Pavey, advantages and made the occupation of planting daughter of John B. Pavey, a native of Illinois, his chief calling through life, but was, for a short but a resident of Louisiana. Mr. Pavey was time, engaged in merchandising in Cottonport. planter. To Mr. and Mrs. Couvillion were born He died when about eighty years of age, in 1882, ten living children-three sons and seven daugh- but his widow is still a resident of Cottonport, and ters--of whom six are now living-five girls and is, as was her husband, a member of the Catholic one boy. Mr. Couvillion is an example of the self- Church. Dr. C. J. Ducoté was educated in the made man, having acquired his all by perseverance Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge, and was and industry, and with little English education to graduated with the degree of A. B. in the class of assist him. He has lately been appointed justice 1871. For the two years succeeding his graduaof the peace by the governor of Louisiana to fill a tion he was principal of St. Joseph's Academy of vacancy in the Sixth Ward, and also elected for Baton Rouge, which school was very flourishing the same office by the popular vote of the ward. under his management.

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In 1873 he entered the He was also appointed by the governor returning medical department of the University of Louisiana, officer of the parish of A voyelles.

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now the Tulane University of New Orleans, from Dr. E. de Nux, physician and surgeon, Marks- which institution he was sent out as an M. D. ville, La. To the people of A voyelles, as well as in 187). During the last year the excellent mansurrounding counties, the name that heads this ner in which be passed his examinations was the sketch is by no means an unfamiliar one, for the means of obtaining him the position of resident owner is ever to be found by the bedside of the student in the Charity Hospital, a position that

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a

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care.

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greatly increased his knowledge of his profession. overseer until 1852, since which time he has deUpon the completion of his course he located per- voted his time to his plantation.

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In 1853 he was manently at Cottonport, and entered actively upon married to Mrs. Martha Lewis, daughter of Jonathe practice of his profession, which calling has than Koen, a native of Georgia, and two children since received his attention. He has met with were the fruits of this union: Penelope (now Mrs. phenomenal success as a physician, and to-day Y. T. Heard) and Virginia. Mrs. Ewell died in stands at the head among his medical brethren. 1860. Mr. Ewell has served a period aggregating He possesses a brilliant intellect, and has the ut- fifteen years as a member of the police jury, and most confidence of all with whom he comes in con- is a public spirited and enterprising citizen. He tact, for he is the thorough master of his profes- and family are members of the Baptist Church, in sion, and meets with the best of success in the which they are active workers and esteemed memmanagement of the cases which come under his bers. He was for many years president of the

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He was married in 1875 to Miss Mary E. board of trustees of Evergreen Home Institute, Day, a dlanghter of Dr. R. H. Day of Baton and was one of the founders of the same. He is Rouge, a practicing physician of that city, and pro- a Blue Lodge Mason at Evergreen Lodge. His fessor of the Polytechnic School of New Orleans. parents, John and Mary (Kennerly) Ewell, were Dr. Ducoté and his wife are the parents of three both natives of Virginia, in which State they grew children: Joseph Richard (attending Spring Hill to mature years, and in which State they were College), and Ethel Lee and Beatrice (attending married. In 1798 they removed to Tennessee, the Convent of Visitation of Mobile, Ala.). Dr. and there the father's death occurred in 1827 Ducoté has accumulated considerable money, and when fifty-six years of age, and the mother's in bis home is a model of modern beauty and comfort. 1862 at the age of eighty-three years.

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years. The father He is a hard student, and keeps thoroughly apace was a farmer and was quite a prominent man. with the progress of his profession, to which fact Grandfather Ewell came to Virginia from Wales, no doubt much of his success is due. He is

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pre- and Grandfather Kennerly came to Virginia from possessing in appearance, and is the picture of Germany. health and physical manhood.

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William M. Ewell, planter, Evergreen, La. John Ewell, planter, Evergreen, La. Mr. No worthy reference to the agricultural affairs of Ewell is a gentleman who has been exceptionally this parish would be complete without mention of successful in his career as a planter, and owing to Mr. Ewell among others, engaged in tilling the his desire to keep out of the old ruts, and to his soil. Besides enjoying to an unlimited extent the ready adoption of new and improved methods, confidence and respect of all who know him, be together with energy and shrewd business tactics, comes of an old and respected family of Virginia. he has acquired an extensive land area, embracing Mr. Ewell was born in Bedford County, Tenn., on at least 2,000 acres, with 650 acres under cultiva- March 20, 1930, and his parents, Leighton and tion. The principal part of his broad acres are Susan (Blanton) Ewell, were natives of Virginia devoted to the culture of sugar cane, and bis i and Tennessee, respectively. Leighton Ewell replantation is one of the finest in the State. He moved with his parents to Tennessee when a boy, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., August 14, grew to manhood, and received his education there, 1814, grew to mature years in that State, and and followed the life of a planter. He died when there received his education. In 1834 he removed about only twenty-five or thirty years of age, leav

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. to Louisiana, and for seventeen years was an over- ing two children, one a sister, besides our subject. seer in different parishes of that State, In 1813

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The latter received limited educational advantages, he removed permanently to Avoyelles Parishi, and but by observation and study he has improved this in 1819 purchased the plantation where he now

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to a great extent. He moved to Avoyelles Parish in resides. He operated a farm and continued as : 1815), and shortly afterward was engaged as over

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seer for a prominent planter in that parish. Later versity of Louisiana (now Tulane University), he embarked in the mercantile business at Ever- from which he graduated in 1815. He then regreen.

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In 1853 he was wedded to Miss P. A. turned to Mississippi and practiced four years in Miles, daughter of Lemuel Miles, one of the pio- Warren County; from there he moved to Dead neer settlers of Avoyelles Parish. In 1861 Man's Bend, in Concordia Parish, La., where he Mr. Ewell gave up merchandising and has since practiced one year, and then moved to New Ordevoted the principal part of his time to plant- leans, where he practiced during the year 1850, ing near Evergreen. In the year 1861 he went out and in the fall of that year he was appointed as a volunteer in Company H, Sixteenth Louis- surgeon on board the steamship “Pacific", plying iana Infantry, operated with the army of Tennes- between New Orleans and Chagres, United States see, and was in all the engagements of the army of Columbia, which position he held until June up to the fall of Vicksburg. He went out as or- 16, 1852, when he settled at Jesuits Bend, La., derly sergeant, and was promoted to sergeant-maj- on the lower coast, where he has since practiced or after the battle of Shiloh. From the fall of bis profession, with the exception of the time he Vicksburg to the close of the war he was engaged served during the war. He was appointed suras the special agent of the treasury department of geon with the rank of major in the spring of 1862, the Confederate States to receive money at Rich- by Gen. Joe Johnston, and placed in charge of the mond, Va., and transmit it across the Mississippi. Gregg Hospital at De Soto, Miss.; was afterward

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. It was paid out at Shreveport, La., and at Mar

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stationed at De Kalb, and subsequently was appointshall, Tex Mr. Ewell was engaged in this busi- ed president of the Conscript Bureau at Aberdeen, ness until the close of the war. Since 1838 he Miss., where he remained until the close of the has been a notary public and magistrate most of

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war, when he returned home in Louisiana. He the time up to the present. For years he has been has been an active member of the Louisiana State mayor of Evergreen, and has always been inter- Medical Society since its organization, and has ested in local politics. He is a prominent Mason,

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served three times as vice-president and once as and has occupied prominent positions in both the president. He was vice-president of the fourteenth home and State lodges for thirty years. He and section of the Ninth International Medical Conhis estimable wife are members of the Baptist gress, which met at Washington in 1877, and is a Church. Their family consists of four children: member of the American Medical Association. He L. B., Susan E. (wife of Dr. J. J. Roberts, Hills- and his worthy wife are both members of the boro, Tex.), William V. and M. B. Mr. Ewell's Episcopal Church. The paternal grandfather, farming operations are conducted in a manner in- Rev. James A. Fox, was a native of Montville, dicative of a progressive, thorough agriculturist, Conn., and was a distinguished Episcopal minis. and he is a man of industry and enterprise.

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ter of the diocese of Mississippi. He was a grad. Dr. George Edward Randolph Fox was born uate of Yale College in the class of 1815, and in De Soto, Clarke County, Miss., September 1, died at his home in Warren County, Miss., at the 1863, and is the eldest son of David R. and Try ripe old age of eighty-eight years.

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He was a phena Blanche (Holder) Fox, the father born in lineal descendant of Charles James Fox. Pinkneyville, Wilkinson County, Miss., 1823, and terual grandfather was of German ancestry, and the mother in Hinsdalo, Berkshire County, Mass., the maternal grandmother was a Cleveland, of the 1834. David Raymond Fox, at the age of four same family as Ex-President Cleveland. Dr. years, was taken to Montville, Conn., where he George E. R. Fox received private schooling at remained five years, when he returned to his

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home until sixteen years of age and then entered the father's home in Warreu County, Miss., where he Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge, where received his education at private school. In 1843 he completed an elective course in 1884. The folhe entered the medical department of the Uni- lowing year he entered the medical department of

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The ma

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Tulane University of Louisiana, from which he is thoroughly honorable and reliable in every transgraduated in 1887. During the remainder of that action, a fact that has become generally known. year he practiced at Grand Island, La., and has He is a Royal Arch Mason, and is a wember of since practiced in Avoyelles Parish. Dr. Fox is a Evergreen Lodge No. 183. In 1883 he was maryoung man of more than ordinary ability, is ried to Miss Annie Taylor, of St. Landry Parish, strictly attentive to his profession, and his success by whom he has three bright children-two sons has been far above the average.

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There are few and one daughter. Mr. Frith is of Scotch and young physicians of the State who are his equal in English descent. surgical operations and general practice. He is a E. Gauthier, merchant and planter, Moreauville, member of the Louisiana State Medical Society.

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La. Mr. Gauthier has long been recognized as Thomas P. Frith. Nowhere in A voyelles Par- identitied with the business interests of the parish, La., is there to be found a young man of more ish, and has always taken an active part in every energy, deterniination or force of character, than measure or enterprise for its good. He was born Mr. Frith possesses, and no agriculturist in this in Mansura, Avoyelles Parish, La., on October 19, section is more deserving of success in the conduct 1827, and his parents, Leon and Amelie (Lemoine) and management of his plantation than he. He Gauthier, were natives of Avoyelles Parish, of bas resided in this parish all his life, for here he the same State. The father was quite an extensive was born on March 24, 1858, to Thomas P. and planter, and was a prominent man in parish affairs. Sarah A. (Cullom) Frith, the birth of the former Both parents were members of the Catholic Church. occurring in the State of Mississippi. He removed The father received his final summons in 1816, to Louisiana at the age of sixteen years, to take and the mother in 1852. E. Gauthier was reared charge of a plantation which his father owned in and received a common-school education in Avoy, Avoyelles Parish, and as bis early advantages were i elles Parish, La. In 1850 he removed from Manvery poor, and he was desirous of becoming a well- sura to the plantation where he now resides. informed man and a useful citizen, he brought a Previous to this, and shortly after the death of number of books with him, and his leisure hours the mother, E. Gauthier, with his brother, Leon, were devoted to their perusal and study. In this purchased the home plantation, which they have manner he continued his studies for a number of improved and kept in a fine condition. In 18619 years, and became as well informed as the majority Mr. Ganthier began merchandising at his present of the young men of his day. After serving in the place of business, and now carries a large and Confederate Army for some time, he was obliged complete stock. He is a thoroughgoing, persever. to discontinue his service on account of ill health, ing and enterprising business man, and is emibut afterward did valuable service at home in de. nently deserving of all business success. He is fending the country from the depredations of held in high esteem in the community. He has stragglers from both armies. He died in 1879, at been a member of the police jury, and is a reprewhich time he was one of the wealthiest men in the sentative citizen of Avoyelles Parish.

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He was parish. His widow survives him and resides at married in 1848, to Miss Adeline Moreau, daughEvergreen. The immediate subject of this biog. ter of Celestin and Anne (Coco) Moreau.

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Mr. raphy was reared in this parish, and received his Moreau was a planter by occupation, and one of early education under the instruction of private the pioneer settlers of Avoyelles Parish. Mrs. tutors and in the Evergreen Home Institute. Upon Gauthier has in her possession a chair, which was completing his education, he took charge of the made for the first white child born in that parish. Frith estate, as manager for his mother, who is To Mr. and Mrs. Gauthier were born the follow administratrix, and as this estate is very extensive, ing children: E. T. (has been with his father in the cares of its management are arduous. Mr. the store for twenty years, and is an excellent Firth is a gentleman of fine business capacity, and business man; he was married to Miss Agnes

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Gaspard), Blanche (is the wife of F. Rabalais), A. E. Gremillion is a notary public of MarksRose (is the widow of F. P. Bordelon, deceased), ville, and as he was born in this parish on January Eloise (wife of B. L. Mayeux), Noemie (wife of L. 23, 1859, his many good qualities have become P. Roy), J. U. and Athalie. Mr. Gauthier and his known, and he is respected and liked by his estimable lady are members of the Catholic Church. numerous acquaintances. He attended the public G. B. Genin, general merchant of Evergreen, schools of the town in his youth, and being intelli

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, La., is one of the successful business men of the gent and industrious he made excellent progress parish, and has done much to add to the commer- in his books, and upon finishing his education was cial reputation of the parish of A voyelles. His well equipped to make his own way in the world. birth occurred in St. Martin's Parish, La., May 6, His ability and steadiness were rewarded in 1880, 1837, and in the schools of Opelousas he received and he was elected to the position of clerk of the

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! the greater part of his education, being reared to parish court, a position for which he was admirthe duties of a mercantile life. At the age of six- ably fitted, for he had been familiar with the work teen years he began clerking for himself in a gen- | from the time he was fourteen years of age, his eral store in New Orleans, in which city he re- first work being done under his father. He has mained until 1861, when he entered the Confed- since held the position, which speaks in an eloquent erate Army, and served four years, being in Vir- manner as to his ability, faithfulness and honesty. ginia under Gen. Lee, and in the first battle of

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He was married in the month oi July, 1878, to Manassas and at Appomattox Court House. He Miss Eliza Firment, and by her has four intelliacted as a private and gunner, and was wounded gent and interesting children: Arthur L., Elline, at Petersburg and Gettysburg, losing his bearing Lionel and Avis. His father, L. V. Gremillion, in the last-named battle. After Lee's surrender was a former recorder of the parish from 1856 he returned to New Orleans, but from 1863 to until 1868, and from 1879 until 1886 was clerk of 1872 was in business for himself in that city. He the court, and was an exceptionally able and effiafterward sold out and moved to Avoyelles Parish, cient official. He was a native of this parish also, locating on the Atchafalava at Simmesport, where and by occnpation was a merchant and planter. he acquired a fair trade. Through his instrumen- He was one of the leading politicians of this sectality he raised the growth of cotton from 718 to ' tion, and was very popular and influential, as all over 7,000 bales per year, and he also took an act- men must be who are honest, intelligent and ive part in building up the Catholic Churches at public-spirited. His wife, Louisa Seallan, was that point, and during his residence there made a born in this parish, and bore her husband seven considerable amount of money. The overflow of children, the immediate subject of this sketch the Mississippi River damaged him so seriously, being the eldest of the family. She is still living financially, that he left Simmesport to seek fresh and is quite hale and hearty. fields for his endeavors, and in 1884 located in Ever- A. M. Gremillion, publisher and proprietor of green, where he has since been doing a large and Marksville Review, is a native of Avoyelles Parish, paying business at his present stand. He occupies La., born in 1841, and as he grew up in his native two rooms, 30x30 feet each, and carries from parish he received his education in the schools of $10,000 to $15,000 worth of stock. He was mar

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the same. He early had instilled into his youthful ried in New Orleans to Miss Amanda Bouligny, nature all the duties of farm life, and continued which union has resulted in the birth of nine chil- at this until the breaking out of the war caused dren: Louise, Charles, Gustave, Corinne, Estelle, him to throw aside the implements of peace to take Mathilde, Edward, Amanda and Beulab. Mr.

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up the weapons of warfare. He enlisted in the Genin and his family are strict Roman Catholics. Confederate Army, Company I, Eighteenth LouisiHis father came to America after the battle of ana Regiment, and was in service for four years. Waterloo and the capture of Napoleon Bonaparte. He participated in the battles of Mansfield, Pleasant

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ 1

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Hill, was in battle with the gunboats and various 1,000 acres with 500 under cultivation. He has a skirmishes. He was captured at Franklin, La., large cotton-gin on his property which he operates and was confined in New Orleans for a month. in connection with managing his plantation and After the war he was engaged in merchandising his general mercantile store. He raises 350 bales for several years, and also taught school for some of cotton each year, and is one of the most pro time. He was assessor and register of the parish gressive men in his views in the parish. He is for two years, was mayor of the town oue term, and now a member of the police jury from Ward 7, and was alderman for six years. By his marriage, is proving an intelligent and painstaking official. I which occurred in 1864 to Miss Hermentine Bom- C. Grimillion, * planter, Moreauville, La. This nette, there were born six children: Alice, Irene, name is not unfamiliar in Avoyelles Parish, for he Rosney, Annie, Mary and James. Mr. Gremill- who bears it is a native-born resident of the par. ion's father, Martin Gremillion, was born in Lou- ish, and is numbered among the highly respected

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- isiana, was a farmer and a resident of this parish citizens of the same. His birth occurred in 1827, from the time he was a boy. He was one of the and he is the son of V. and E. (Rabalais) Grimill- early assessors of the parish. He is now deceased. ion, both also natives of the Creole State. The The mother's maiden name was Clemence Raba- father was a planter. The maternal great grand- lais. The paternal grandfather of our subject was father of our subject, J. B. Rabalais, was the first also born in Louisiana, and was a planter.

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man who settled in Avoyelles Parish, and our sub- J. F. Griffin is a planter and merchant at Big ject's aunt, Celeste Rabalais, afterward the wife of Bend, La. He was born in this parish on Febru- Francois Bordelon, was the first white person boru ary 23, 1854, to James B. and Eliza E. (Phillips) in that parish. C. Grimillion was reared and re- Griffin, both of whom were born in Louisiana, and ceived an ordinary education in his native parish, in this State were reared and educated. The

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and as he was early trained to the duties of the father became extensively engaged in planting plantation, it was but natural, perhaps, that this here, and became widely known and was highly should be his chosen calling in life. He is the respected by all who knew him. He served his

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owner of a fine plantation of about 160 acres, and parish as police juror, and although he was a man raises large crops of cotton.

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He was married in interested in everything for the good of his com- 1819 to Miss Azema Lemoine, daughter of 2. Le- munity, he took no prominent part in political moine, who is a planter and a native of this par. affairs. His brother, William F. Griffin, was a ish. In 1888 Mr. Grimillion was appointed police general in the Confederate Army during the Re- juror from Ward 8, and has filled that position in bellion, and afterward became a very prominent a satisfactory manner up to the present time. He politician of Louisiana, and served in both honses served in the latter part of the war, but was not in of the State Legislature, making an able, incor- any of the large battles, although he was in many ruptible and zealons legislator. J. F. Griffin was

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severe skirmishes. To his marriage have been reared and educated in this State, and in 1875 was born nine cbildren: Amedee, Amanda (wife of united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Ann J. Arcade Rabalais), Celcina (wife of P. Rabalais). Havard, a native of this parish and a daughter of Ezilda (wife of Arcade La Cour), J. D.. Anna Monroe Havard. His wife died the second year of (wife of F. J. Beyt), Clara (wife of D. C. Chalian), their marriage, and in 1877 Miss Effie L. Havard . Mary and Eugene (wife of R. N. Dufour). became his second wife. He first began business! Dr. William David Haas, physician and sur for himself as a planter, and has devoted much of geon, Haasville, La.

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Few, if any, industries of his time to this calling ever since, and although his professional pursuits have within the last few years first efforts as a tiller of the soil were on fifteen made such rapid strides as that of the profession acres of land be has met with more than an aver-

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The clifferent members of this family spell their names differage degree of success, and is now the possessor of ently; see ante.-Ea.

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of medicine, and among the young but very suc- had three horses killed under him at the battle of cessful physicians of Avoyelles Parish, La., who Mansfield. He was with him in the battle of have availed themselves of all new ideas, and put Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, and remained with them in practice, is Dr. W. D. Haas. He was born him until he was killed at Blair's Landing, Red in Rapides Parish, La., in 1867, and is the son of River. After this he went with Gen. Wharton's Alexander M and Mary M. Marshall Haas, the staff, took part in the battle of Mansura, Yellow former a native of Alsace, France. Dr. W. D. Bayou and Simmesport, and returned with the comHaas was reared in the Creole State, attended pri- mand to Houston, Tex., where Gen. Wharton was vate schools in the same, was in Mississippi Military killed in a personal difficulty with Maj. Baylor. Institute for two years, and graduated from Tulane They surrendered at Shreveport. Returning to University, La., in 1883. Immediately upon com- Louisiana he was engaged in business at Cheney. pletion of his literary course he entered Jefferson ville for some time, then followed the occupation Medical College in the city of Brotherly Love, and of a planter, and later engaged in the livery busi graduated from the same in 1887. After complet ness at New Orleans. In 1879 he began business, ing his course he located at Haasville, and here where he now lives, as a merchant and planter, he has since practiced his profession. He is a and is now the owner of 9,000 acres of land in the physician of decided ability, and he has a bright State, including a large cotton and sugar planta

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, prospect before him. He was married, in July, tion. In his store at Haasville, in which he and 1989, to Miss Hattie Haas, daughter of Capt. Sam- the Doctor are equal partners, he does an annual uel Haas, of Bayou Chicot, La. Capt. Haas re- business of about $30,000 or $10,000. moved to Louisiana when about fourteen years of William Hall, although a resident of Marksage, landing in New Orleans with 20 cents in his ville, La., was born in Mobile, Ala., October 3, pocket. Later he joined his brother in the mer- 1842, but at the age of eleven years came to cantile business in Bayou Chicot, and carried this Louisiana, and grew to manhood in St. Landry on until the breaking out of the war, when he en- Parish, where he received an excellent literary listed in Company G, First Louisiana Cavalry. education, and afterward finished his knowledge He was in the army of Tennessee, and took part in of books in a school of Bingbam, N. C., graduatnearly all the bottles from Bowling Green, through ing in the classical course. . He subsequently com East and Middle Tennessee, Alabama and Mis- menced the study of law, but gave up this work to sissippi, either as seout or advanced picket. He enter the Confederate Army upon the opening of was in Nashville when the Federals took posses. i the Rebellion, enlisting from St. Landry Parish in sion, saw them hoist the Union flag on the capi. , Company K, Eighteenth Louisiana Regiment, gotol and heard their band play “Hail Columbia.” | ing out as sergeant and serving in Bragg's Army. He set fire to the bridge across Duckbill River at After the war was over he turned his attention to Columbia, Tenn., and kept Buell's army from teaching, first in Franklin College, Opelousas, La., crossing, giving his regiment time to get away. ' afterward becoming principal of Evergreen Home He was sent home from East Tennessee very il). Institute, holding the position from 1968 until Wbile home Gen. Bank's army passed through the 1875. At the end of this time he came to Marks. State, and Capt. Haas baving regained his health, ville, and while engaged in “teaching the young but still under furlough, volunteered his services idea” at this place was elected parish judge, the to Col. Bagbie, and in the first battle near Opelou- duties of which office he has filled adinirably ever sas captured the commander of the Thirteenth since. He has also been superintendent of public Army Corps, United States Army. After this instruction for Avoyelles Parish, and although the, Gen. Thomas Green, commander of the Texas Cav. schools had become very poor under Republican alry, seeing that he was an expert cavalryman, took rule, he did much to remodel and improve them, him on his staff; and while with Gen. Green he, and they are now in a flourishing condition, and

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are a credit to the parish and to his endeavors. laurels of an upright, honest life, and has the In 1875 he was admitted to the bar, immediately respect and esteem of all with whom he has come opened an office, and has since given his attention in contact. He has always refused to accept any to the practice of law since the judge's office was position of trust, although he has many times done away with on the adoption of the new consti- been solicited to accept the nomination for repretution. He is the owner of some valuable land in sentative to the Legislature and other positions. the parish, and is in very good circumstances He has been content to do good in his own way, financially. In this parish he was married to Miss and all is said when the statement is made that his May H. Campbell, by whom he has three children: life bas been useful and well spent. William Henry, Mamie B. and William W. Mr. J. A. Hollinshead, M. D., of Evergreen, La., I Hall's father was a sugar merchant of Mobile, Ala., is a physician of undoubted ability and a gentleand his grandfather, who was of English descent, man of rare personal qualities. He was born in was born in Winchester, Va. William Hall is one Georgia November 7, 1849, and obtained a good of the public-spirited citizens of the parish, and as literary education in Houston and Baldwin Coun editor of the Marksville Review he does all in his ties. After making up his mind to study medicine power to improve the morals of this section and to he pursued his studies under a preceptor, but subbuild up the community.

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sequently entered and graduated from the Georgia Henry Monroe Havard is a resident of Tilden, Medical College of Augusta, Ga., after which he La., but was born in Adams County, Miss., Feb. emigrated to Louisiana, and at once began pracruary 17, 1812, his parents, John and Joyce (Cal. ticing in Evergreen. Owing to the able and effiliham) Havard, being also born in that State, cient manner in which he has managed the cases being there reared and married, the former receiv- that have come under his care he has built up a ing the advantages of the common schools. He very large and well-paying practice, and being a followed the occupation of farming in his native man of large perceptive faculties and manliness of State until bis removal to Rapides Parish, La., in demeanor, he has won, not only the esteem, but 1822, at which time he purchased a large planta- the admiration of all who know him. His considtion on Bayou Robert, which he successfully eration for the people with whom he comes in conoperated until his death in 1828, bis wife passing tact in the practice of his profession, his gentle from life in 1835. Henry Monroe Havard re- and kindly manners, his genial and cheering presmoved to Louisiana with his parents when a lad, ence and his humanity, inspire perfect confidence and attended the common schools of this State, between him and his patients, and do almost as and as he was of a rather studions disposition, and much as his medicines in bringing about the possessed a desire to learn, he made fair progress desired results. After a breezy and spirited con in his studies, and mpon starting out in life for versation with the Doctor one always comes away bimself an intelligent and well-informed refreshed, for his views on all matters are original young man.

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He was an overseer from the time be and shrewd, and although he is not of a disputawas grown until 1811, at which time be purchased tious disposition he expresses his opinions fearthe plantation on which he is now residing, and

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lessly on all matters, and his logic is ofttimes unbas since devoted his time to its successful con- answerable. He is not only held in high repute as duct. In November, 1818, he was married to a physician, but he has a host of warm personal Miss Laura M. Robison, a daughter of Eli Robj. friends who predict for him a brilliant future. He son, by whom he is the father of four danghters is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is unand two Sons. Mr. Havard is one of the oldest married. and best known citizens of A voyelles Parish, and David C. Howard, planter, Moreauville, La. is one of the few that has seen the country in its In Adams County, Miss., in 1837, there was born development. In bis declining years he wears the to the union of James E. and Joyce (Holmes) How

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was

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He was

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ard, a son, whom we will now take as the subject of there until 1870, and then came to Avoyelles Parthis sketch. His parents were both natives of ishi, La., with his family. He then began clerking Mississippi, and in 1838 they moved from that in a mercantile establishment, and continued in State to Avoyelles Parish, La., where the father that capacity that year, but since then has been purchased a tract of land near where Hamburg is engaged in business for himself. He does an annual now situated. He was a planter during his whole business of about $20,000, and his large and grow life, and was a man of considerable prominence in ing patronage is unquestionably deserved. During the parish, having been a Whig candidate for both the year 1889 he bought 630 bales of cotton, thus houses of the Legislature. He was also for a showing the amount of business that he does. He number of years, president of the police jury, and was elected to the Legislature from Avoyelles Parheld the office of magistrate for many years.

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His ish from 1884 to 1888, was appointed on the police death occurred in 1860. The mother was a mem. jury recently, by the governor of the State, and is ber of the Methodist Church, and died near an active participant in all parish affairs. Natchez in 1858. David C. Howard attained years married in Mississippi (while at home on a furof discretion in Avoyelles Parish, and prepared for lough, during the war, at the time he was wounded), college in this parish. He attended Shelbyville to Miss Laura McMakin, a native of Spartinburg, University, Bedford County, Tenn., and lacked only S. C., and the fruits of this union were fourteen one year of graduating in that institution, when he children, seven now living: Mrs. M. H. Spilker, was obliged to leave school. In 1860 he was mar- Virginia, George, Robert, Bessie, Josie and Julia. ried to Miss A. M. Gray, a native of Mississippi, Mr. Hudson has been postmaster at Eola for seybut a resident of Louisiana, and they moved on their eral years, and is a man of judgment and sound present plantation, which was a part of the Gray practical sense. His parents, William and Elizaestate in 1868. In the beginning of 1863 Mr.. beth (Standifer) Hudson, were natives of Georgia, Howard enlisted in Company B. Eighth Louisiana and were married in Alabama, in 1828, by Dr. Regiment Infantry, and served during the remain- Daniel P. Bestor, a Baptist minister of that State, der of the war.

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His command was disbanded at for whom the subject of this sketch was named. Natchitoches. Mr. Howard is not active in politics The father was a planter, and died in Mississippi though a well-informed man on political affairs. iu 1862, at the age of sixty-two years.

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He was a To his marriage were born four children: W. K., member of the Baptist Church, as was also the C. H., Aloysia and Joyce.

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mother, who died in 1886, at the age of eighty-two Hon. Daniel Bester Hudson, general merchant, years. The paternal grandfather was a native of Eola, La. Mr. Hudson is one of the leading busi- Georgia, and the maternal grandfather was a ness men of Eola, and has been on the police jury

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tive of North Carolina, and was a surveyor by of Avoyelles Parish for some time. He was born profession. Daniel B. Hudson is one of the promi in Lowndes County, Miss., March 2, 1812, and was nent names that make up the strength of the merreared and educated in his native State. In 1861 cantile trade, and he is not only a gentleman of he enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth Mississippi education and learning, but has high social qualiInfantry, and was in Gen. Lee's army, serving un

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ties. He is a leader in politics in his locality. til the surrender. He was in the principal battles Hon. A. B. Irion, one of the representative of the war, and was left on the field badly wounded men of the parish, and a prominent attorney, was at Gettysburg. He finally recovered, and rejoined

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,

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born in Avoyelles Parish, La., on February 18, his command the next spring, remaining with Gen. 1833, and comes of an old and honored family. Lee until the close of the war. He was in Ewell's His great-grandfather, Philip Jacob Irion, was corps, and was taken prisoner only three days be- born in Leichman, Germany, in 1733, was reared fore Lee's surrender, but was held until July of in that country and educated in Strasburg, France, 1865. He returned home to Mississippi, remained after which he returned to Germany. In 1751 be

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he

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na

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was commissioned secretary of commerce, by ating from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Charles Frederic, prince of Baden, and after hav- Hill, in the class of 1855. Afterward he returned ing remained in the service of the Government a to Louisiana and began the study of law, being adnumber of years, he came to America, in order, mitted to the bar in Opelousas in 1857. He then quoting his own words, " to seek a country where located at Marksville, and there began practicing. there was greater freedom of thought and action In 1859 he was married to Miss Caroline King, of than in Germany." Having previously resided a Opelousas, and the daughter of Valentine King, short time in both Holland and England, neither of one of the prominent Lonisiana families. In of wbich met his views of free government, he 1889 he was elected circuit judge of the Third Cir. came to America and located in Culpepper County, cuit of Louisiana, and served one tern. Iu 1884 Va., where he was married to Miss Sarah Poin- he was elected to Congress, from the Sixth Con dexter, on August 12, 1765. She was of one of the gressional District, and served in that capacity for most prominent families in the State, and her death one term. Since that time he has resided on his occurred on October 12, 1794.

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To this marriage plantation at Eola, and has practiced his profes were born ten children, of whom George Anderson sion. Mr. Irion lost his first wife in 1878, and in Irion was ninth in order of birth.

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The latter was 1879 he wedded Miss Alice Mort, of New Orleans. born on August 12, and was reared and edu- He has seven living children by his first wife and cated in the Old Dominion.

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When a young man,

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one by his second. Mr. Irion is a literary man of he was married in Halifax County, to Miss Rebecca marked ability, and has written for newspapers, Hunt, of one of the old Virginia families, and a magazines, etc., articles of superior merit, and all cousin of Mimmiken Hunt, who was the first min. in a happy vein. ister to the United States from the Republic of Eloi Joffrion, planter, Mansura, La. Mr. Joff Texas. Subject's Grandfather Irion was a major rion is one of the largest and most successful cotin the War of 1812, and after that time he removed ton planters of Avoyelles Parish, and as a native to Williamson County, Tenn., thence to Woodville, born resident of this parish he is well and favoraMiss., and subsequently to Avoyelles Parish, being bly known over the length and breadth of it. He one of its pioneer settlers. He bought the tract of was born on February 11, 1832, and is a son of Jo. land upon which Bunkie is now located, cut out seph and Deidami (Rabalais) Joffrion (see sketch the cane, and began planting. He died on bis of E. J. Joffrion]. Eloi Joffrion was reared and plantation on December 16, 1819, leaving three partially educated in Louisiana, after which he children, of whom Robert R. Irion (subject's took a two years' course in Centre College, Ky.,

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' father) was second in order of birth. Robert R. and after finishing his education engaged in plantIrion was born in Halifax County, Va., on August ing. In 1853 he was united in marriage to Miss 22, 1808, and removed to Louisiana with his father, Cleophine Gauthier, daughter of Leon and Eulabut received his education in the common schools lie (Lemoine) Gauthier, both of whom were born of Tennessee and Mississippi. Ou January 6, 1831, in Louisiana. Mr. Gauthier was a planter by oche was married to Miss Anne B. Andebert, a cupation. Mrs. Joffrion lived only eighteen months native of Mississippi and of French extraction. Mr.

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after marriage, and left no issue. In 1857 Mr. Irion devoted his entire time to planting, and was Joffrion married Miss Desdemona Fields, daughsuccessful in this occupation. The Irion family ter of William M. and Ann (Thoru) Fields, nahas always been of Baptist persuasion. The tives of Kentucky and England, respectively. Mr. father died at our subject's residence, in 1888, Fields was reared and educated in Boyle County, and the mother died three years previous to this. Ky., and was a merchant of Dauville. His grandA. B. Irion was reared in Avoyelles Parish, and father was one of the pioneer settlers of the Blue prepared for a collegiate course in the private Grass State. The mother emigrated with her par schools of St. Landry Parish, subsequently gradu

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ents to America when young and settled with them

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in Lexington, Ky. Both are deceased. Iu 1862 grandfather, was the first white settler, reaching Mr. Joffrion responded to the call of the governor the prairie hills of A voyelles in a dugout or of Louisiana for volunteers to defend the city of pirogue, from the parish of Point Coupee. Joseph New Orleans, organized a company and went to Joffrion was a planter, and took great interest in that city. After the fall of New Orleans the com- politics, be served in the Legislature of 1815 as a pany was disbanded and Mr. Joffrion entered the Democrat. The early life of this subject was spent Eighteenth Louisiana Infantry, subsequently being in Mansura, where he attended private and public detailed to take charge of the commissary depart- schools. In 1831 he entered the University of St. ment at Fort De Russy, at the fall of the fort. Louis, Missouri, and remained there until 1855. He was one of twelve men who escaped being capt- In January, 1856, he entered Centre College at ured, this owing to his knowledge of the country. Danville, Ky., and completed a scientific course. He afterward joined a cavalry company, and was On September 24, 1857, he was married to Sue R. made first lieutenant of a company that had con- Fields, daughter of William M. Fields and Ann trol of a courier line from Monroe to Alexandria. Thorne, at Danville, Ky., and returned to AvoyHe was in the battle of Mansfield, and was at Al- elles, his native parish, to locate. Prior to, and durexandria at the time of the surrender. After the ing part of the late war he engaged in teaching war he returned to his plantation, which he found schools. He served in the army west of the Missisin a very dilapidated condition. This, in connec- sippi River. After the close of the war he began the tion with the loss of money invested in slaves, left study of law, and in May, 1868, was admitted to him almost penniless, but he was not the one to sit the bar, receiving his diploma from the Supreme down in despair. He was of a decided character, Court of Louisiana. He then removed to Marksenergetic, and one of those thoroughgoing business ville, the parish seat, and there began the practice men who make a success of whatever they under- of his profession, soon acquiring a large and lucratake. He inherited about $3,000, but to day he is tive practice. He is a very successful criminal the owner of land valued at not less than $10,000, lawyer. By his profession he has acquired consome of the land finely improved, and a large siderable property, his home is spacious and com amount of live stock on hand. In 1859 Mr. Joff. fortable, his wife who has a great fondness for rion was the Democratic candidate for sheriff of flowers, bas ornamented the home surronndings. Avoyelles Parish, and he and his opponent re- with over 800 varieties of roses and many other ceived the same number of votes, necessitating an- pretty flowers and shrubbery. Of his marriage, other election, which resulted in the election of his three children were born-one son and two danghopponent by one vote. Mr. Joffrion has served as ters—the son, E. Bascom Joffrion, was born on a member of the police jury for a period aggre- February 27, 1862, and died on November 24, gating twenty five years, and has been its president 1884. Both daughters are married. Annie L. is during the whole length of time. To bis marriage the wife of Clifton Cannon, and Desdemona F. is have been born five children: Bennett Barton, the wife of C. Uncus Lafargue. The political life Wilber Fields, Joseph William Eloi, Lola Grace of Mr. Joffrion commenced soon after the war and Winnie Pearl.

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closed. Born and reared a Democrat, in 1867 he E. J. Joffrion was born in Mansura, A voyelles was elected a member of the police jury, and by Parish, La., on February 7, 1838. His father, that body was made president. During the existJoseph Joffrion was born in Louisiana in 1802, and ance of the political turmoil which followed in died on July 3, 1872, his mother, Deidami Rab- Louisiana, he battled faithfully for his party. In alais. born also in Louisiana in 1810, djed Au- 1879 he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional gust 28, 1868; both were of French descent, their Convention, and helped frame the present constiancestors being among the first settlers of the

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tution of Louisiapa. In 1880 he was elected to the parish of Avoyelles. Joseph Rabalais, his great. Legislature and served until 1881. In 1986 he

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e was

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was elected to the State Senate, serving until 1887. | Kemper was born in the Blue-Grass regions of He was for three or four terms elected as a coun. Kentucky on December 27, 1831, and is a son of cilman for the town of Marksville, He is now

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Rev. Burdette and Jemima (Thompson) Kemper, president of the school board of Avoyelles. Be- natives also of Kentucky. The father was a Bapsides his law practice he has planting interests to tist minister of considerable prominence. He which he devotes some attention. The gun and died in his native State in 1870, when in his eighty rod are his favorite amusements. Many a deer has ninth year, and the mother died in the same State forfeited its life by passing within the range of bis in 1861. The paternal grandfather, John Kemper, trusty gun, and many a fish has swung in mid air was a native of the Old Dominion and of Gerat the end of his line. Mr. Joffrion is well known man descent. The maternal grandfather, James in his State, and wields a strong influence far be- Thompson, was born in Edinburg, Scotland, but yond the borders of his own parish, and is looked came to this country at an early date. He was upon as one of the leading politicians in this sec- sent by the governor of Virginia to survey and lo tion of the country, and, if he accepts it, will no ! cate lands in Kentucky.

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cate lands in Kentucky. H. C. Kemper was doubt be made the recipient of future honors in reared in Garrard County, Ky., prepared for col the State.

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lege in that county, and subsequently attended J. T. Johnson. Not without justice is Mr. and graduated from Georgetown College in 1838. Johnson conceded to hold a representative position The following year he came to Evergreen, La., to among the prominent and successful merchants of take charge as principal of Evergreen Home InstiA voyelles Parish, La., for on starting out in life tute, and the school flourished and grew under his for bimself his capital was very small indeed, but management. He was married in 1858 to Miss he is now in independent circumstances. He Virginia A. Pearce, daughter of A. G. Pearce, a born in Bedford County, Tenn., December 8, 1851, native of Rapides Parish, La.

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Mr. Pearce grew and in that State was reared and educated. In

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1

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to manhood and received a common-school educa1876 he began merchandising in Bunkie as a clerk, . tion in Louisiana. Though of limited literary but in 1883 began business for himself, and is now education he was a man of extraordinary intellect

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, carrying a stock valued at from $5,000 to $6,000, and was prominently associated with all public en it being exceptionally complete and well selected. terprises, especially local and State politics. He It has always been his aim to conduct a straight- had accumulated a large estate at the time of bis forward business, and that he has always done so death in 1863, when but forty-six years of age, is fully verified when the fact is known that his and was especially prominent in educational mat annual sales amount to from $18,000 to $20,000. 'ters, having been one of the founders and largest He was married in 1881 to Miss Mary Tanner, a stockholders in Evergreen Home Institute. He daughter of Edward Tanner, and socially is a was a respected and esteemed citizen, and at the member of Lodge No. 189 of the A. F. & A. M. of time of his death was without an enemy. After Evergreen. He is one of the foremost citizens and bis marriage Mr. Kemper taught school for one business men of the town, and has at all times con- year, and in 1862 he responded to his country's tributed liberally for the support of every enter- call by enlisting in Company H, Sixteenth Louisi prise for the building up of the parislı, and is con- ana Infantry, and was in the Army of Tennessee. sidered one of its good citizens. He is a son of He participated in the battles of Shiloh and Perry. James and Sallie (Davidson) Johnson, both of ville, and served until 186:3, when his father in law

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whom were Tennesseeans, and in that State the having died, he returned home to take charge of | father was called from the scene of his earthly the interests there. Since the war he has devoted labors in 1863, his widow still surviving him and

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bimself to his large plantation, on which he raises residing in her native State.

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cotton and cane. He is a very prosperous planter. H. C. Kemper, planter, Evergreen, La. Mr. He was made the Democratic caudidate for the

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a

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Legislature against his desire some years ago, and legislature one term, he was appointed tax col lacked only a few votes of being elected. Mr. lector of Avoyelles Parish for one term, and was Kemper has ever since been solicited to accept the previously a candidate for secretary of the State, nomination of State Senator, but has preferred but withdrew for the purpose of harmonizing the living a more retired life, devoting himself to bis Democrats with the Liberal party, being with Senhome interests and to the advancement of the lo. ator Jonas, Gov. McEnery, E. John Ellis and Col. cality. He is at present a member of the police Waggaman. The fusion party was successful, jury or Ward No. 9. Mr. Kemper is a scholarly, and John McEnery was elected, but afterward refined gentleman of more thau ordinary ability, ousted from office by Grant and his soldiers. Mr. and a citizen who is honored and respected. To Lafargue is the fortunate owner of some 3,000 his marriage bave beeu born two daughters: Sidney acres of land, the tillable portien of which he de J. (wife of Dr. P. B. Wright, of Evergreen), and votes to the raising of cotton and corn. He also Annie (wife of W. U. Perkins, of Texas. Mr. owns some valuable town property in Marksville, Kemper and family are members of the Baptist among which is a handsome residence. He was Church, and he is a Mason, Evergreen Lodge No. elected to take charge of the Farmers' Union 189, Evergreen Chapter No. 11, and has been mas paper for the State August, 1890, and when everyter several times. The Kemper family has ever thing is in good working order he will take charge beennoted for its longevity, and for physical of the work at Alexandria. At the age of twentyperfections. One of Mr. Kemper's paternal an- three years he was married to Miss Mary Botts, cestors came to Fanquier County, Va., as early as in Avoyelles Parish, who died leaving three chil 1712.

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dren: Uneas, Oneida and Winonga. His second A. D. Lafargue was born in the parish of union was to Miss Florence Waddill, by whom be Natchitoches, La., May 11, 1815, but was reared in also has three children: Louise, Zepherine and Avoyelles Parish, bis education being received in Ba Douglas. Mr. Lafargue is a man of tiue literary ton Rouge Collegiate Institute, being an attendant of qualifications, and being a fine, forcible and elothis institution when the war opened, and immediate- quent orator, has made many speeches throughout ly cast bis books aside to don his suit of gray, shoul- this section for his political friends, doing much dered his musket, and served for two and one half to furtber their interests and the cause of his party. years under Gen. Kirby Smith, the most of his ser: Adolphe J. Lafargue is an able attorney at law vice being confined to the west side of the Mississippi of Marksville, La., and is also the editor of the River. He bad charge of the courier line here, Marksville Bulletin, one of the breezy newspapers and was at Alexandria at the time of Lee's surren- of Avoyelles Parish. He was born here, October der, and from that place was discharged. After the 3, 1855, to Prof. Adolphe Lafargue, who was born war he returned home and entered journalism, tak- in France, and came to "the land of the free and ing charge of the Bulletin with his father, and the home of the brave" when eighteen years of continuing until the death of the latter, when the age; for some time followed the calling of school. paper was turned over to the present proprietor. teacher in Natchitoches Parish, where he was afterMr. Lafargue has devoted his attention exclusively ward married to Miss Zepherine M. Zorich, a mem to farming since that time, having previously man- ber of the influential family of Rachal. He subseaged bis plantation in connection with his paper for quently became professor of French and matheyears. In 1870 he was elected to represent this parish matics in Jefferson College, St. James Parish, then in the State Legislature, but was counted out by the the State institution, and held this position several Wells Returning Board, but at the succeeding elec

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years.

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After returning and spending a short time tion he was once more elected, and by such a

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in Natchitoches, he came to Marksville, where he strong majority that it was impossible for him to once more engaged in "teaching the young ideas be counted out as before. After serving in the | how to shoot.” Later he became superintendent

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same.

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of public instruction of Avoyelles Parish, bis ap- Parish at the World's Exposition, being appointed pointment to this office being a tribute to his tax assessor of the parish the same year. At the ability as an educator. la 1856 he founded the end of two years he was appointed clerk of the dis Marksville High School, a chartered institution of trict court, and served with distinction until May, a high order, which became widely known as one 1888, when he began the practice of the law in of the leading schools of the kind in the State, and partnership with Judge A. B. Irion, with whom be

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he was largely patronized. In 1860 Mr. Lafargue is still associated. For the past three years be became the editor and proprietor of the Pelican, has been vice president of Louisiana Press Associwhich afterward became the Marksville Villager, ation, having been one of the organizers of the and this be continued to publish with marked

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In 1878 he was married to Miss Annie ability until 1868. He died August 27, 1869, bis Winn Irion, a daughter of Ex. Congressman A. B. death being lamented not only by his immediate Irion of this parish. This lady, who was excepand sorrowing family, but by all who had the tionally talented and refined, died November 27, pleasure of knowing him. His father was Arnaud 1889, at the age of twenty-nine years, her untime. Lafargue, who was born in Orthez, France, Octo ly demise being deeply mourned by all. Four ber 30, 1775, and at the age of fifty years was

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children were born to them- four sons: Walter, married to Miss Marie Heuga, baving previously Edwin Louis, Alvan Henry and Sidney Eustis. In been in the military service of France for twenty- 1884 Mr. Lafargue was appointed colonel of mil. five years, being in the campaigns in Italy in itia, and in 1887 canvassed the State in the interests 1796–97, Germany in 1809, Russia in 1812, Prus- of Gov. McEnery, of whom he is a personal and sia and Bohemia in 1813, and in 1814 and 1815 political friend, in company with Senator Eustis, was in France and Belgium under Napoleon Bona- Ex-Senator Jonas and others. He has had considparte. He at different times received eleven erable experience as a public speaker. He deliv wounds, and on August 30, 1813, received a lance ered an address at the meeting of the National and gunshot wound in the right shoulder, which Press Association, on “The Relations of the Press was very serious and incapacitated him for duty

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to the Country and especially to the South,'' which for some time. He held the rank of lieutenant in was highly commended. He also took a leading the Twenty-sixth Regiment of the line, and rose part in the discussions on “Sectionalism," at the to the rank of captain in the Seventeenth Regi. meeting of the same association the succeeding ment of the line, afterward in the Twelfth, the year at San Antonio, Tex. He delivered addresses colonel of which he became at a later period. before the Louisiana Press Association on “The After retiring from active service he became adju- Duties and Abuses of Journalism,'' The State tant-major of the National Guards of the depart and the Press," and other subjects, which were ment des Basses Pyrenees, and died at the age of also very favorably received. Mr. Lafargue is a seventy-five years. Adolphe J. Lafargue received young attorney of undoubted ability, and as a his education in Jefferson Literary College of St. forcible and convincing speaker bas especially disJames Parish, La., and afterward took up the study tinguished himself. In his journalistic work he is of law, entering the law department of the Louisi- noted for his fearless denunciation of dishonest ana University (now Tulane), at the age of twenty measures, and for his upholding of the right at all years, but as he was too young to receive a license, times, the strength of logic which he brings to bear he entered the journalistic field, as manager of the being forcible and unanswerable. Bulletin, of which he became editor and proprietor T. Lemoine, general merchant, Cottonport, La. some three years later, a position he has since One of the leading characteristics of our coinmer. held.

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He has taken a prominent part in the dif- cial fabric is the size and extent of the mercantile ferent enterprises wbich have been set on foot in trade in all parts of the Union. A vast capital is this parish, and in 1884 represented Avoyelles invested in this important industry, and thousands

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a

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upon thousands of persons are furnished remuner- and Fifty-fourth Tennessee Infantry, and was on ative employment. Among the leading establish- active duty until after the battle of Shiloh, when ments of Cottonport, La., none are more deserving he received his discharge, after which be immediof favorable mention than that conducted by Mr. ately joined the Tennessee Heavy Artillery at T. Lemoine. This gentleman was born in Avoy- · Vicksburg. After the fall of that place he was elles Parish in 1819), and is a son of Z. and Delo- paroled, but when exchanged once more enlisted in phine (Bordelon) Lemoine, both of whom are na- the same regiment, serving actively until the close tives of this parish where they now reside. The of the war, after which he emigrated to Louisiana, father is a successful planter. T. Lemoine grew and was here married in 1867 to Miss Ellen Tanto manhood and received a good practical educa- ner, a daughter of Bladwick Tanner, a native of tion in his native State. At the age of twenty-one Louisiana and one of the early settlers of A voyhe began business at Cottonport as a dealer in gen- elles Parish. After becoming the mother of one eral merchandise on a capital of $1,500, and now daughter Mrs. Marshall died in 1872, and after carries a stock of goods valued at $15,000, with remaining a widower for four years Mr. Marshall annual sales aggregating from $60,000 to $70,000. married Alice, daughter of John A. and Mary C. He has a two story store, 40x60 feet, and a good (Cocke) Glaize, both parents being North Carolinwarehouse. He buys a great deal of cotton.

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He

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ians. By his second marriage Mr. Marsball bas is one of the leading, if not the leading merchant two children. He belongs to one of the F. F. V.'s, of Avoyelles Parish, and is also the owner of a and his paternal great-grandfather was born, reared plantation consisting of 1,500 acres. He was mar- and married in England. On coming to the United ried in 1870 to Miss Rosa Normand, who bore him States he was accompanied by his brother John, the following children: Joseph B. (a student at who was the father of Chief Justice Marshall. Jefferson College), Isabella, Normand, Louis, The paternal great-grandparents were born in Hampton, Corinne, Lola, Ida and Omitha.

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Three Germany. children died young.

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Mr. Lemoine is one of the , George L. Mayer, druggist and merchant, successful business men and leading citizens of Marksville, La. This prominent business man was A voyelles Parish. He superintends every detail in born in New Orleans, August 14, 1819, shortly his establishment and is held in high esteem in the after the arrival of his parents from France, and community.

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was the son of Eugene and Anna (Barbin) Mayer, M. R. Marshall is one of Avoyelles Parish's both natives of Paris, born in 1924 and 1827, resuccessful planters, but was born in Fredericks- spectively. The father was reared and received a burg. Va., May 29, 1825, to Horace and Elizabeth collegiate education in his native city. He was a (Hieskell) Marshall, they being also natives of the fashionable tailor, and followed his trade in Paris Old Dominion. The father was a farmer and mer for many years.

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Grandfather Mayer was born in chant by occupation, and for many years was one Nancy, France. On account of ill health, the of the most prominent citizens of Spottsylvania father emigrated to New Orleans in 1849, followed County. In 1833, while traveling abroad, he was his trade there until 1850, and then removed to lost on the Mediterranean Sea. His wife died in Marksville, where he was actively engaged in busi 1828 at the age of forty-one years.

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M. R. Mar- ness up to the time of his death, from yellow shall spent the greater part of his boyhood days in fever, in 1855, the maternal grandmother, father Virginia, but his education was obtained in the city and uncle all dying of this fatal scourge. George of Brotherly Love. For a number of years

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after L. Mayer prepared for college at Lafargue High leaving school Mr. Marshall resided in Madison School, and immediately after the war he entered County, Ala., after which he removed to Memphis, the St. Louis University, at St. Louis, Mo., where Tenn., where he dealt in cotton until the Rebell- he remained until July, 1867. About this time his ion opened, when he enlisted in the One Hundred step-father died, and his services were required at

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home, and thither he went, taking charge of his on her own efforts for what she possesses. Her mother's affairs, and clerking in the store of J. A. present position in life has been accomplished by Dalsuet, at Marksville. Before clerking be was individual effort, and by constant, earnest indusprinter and deputy clerk for about one year, and try, her career in this respect being one well worthy worked two years in a drug store of his brother-in of imitation. She was born in Marksville, La., law. In January, 1874, Mr. Mayer opened up a to L. P. and Mary (Voinche) Normand, the forstock of general merchandise and drugs, in part- mer a native of Louisiana, and the latter of Paris, nership with his brother, with a capital of about : France. Mr. Normand was a planter by occupation, $600. On the dissolution of the firn, in 1882, they and has at different times been parish judge, and showed an earning of nearly $100,000. Mr. Mayer clerk of the district court. $

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He is still living, but now carries a stock of goods valued at about $8,000, bis wife passed to her long home in August, 1890. and does an annual business of from $10,(00 to The maternal grandfather of Miss Normand was $12,000. He is also the owner of 9,000 or 10,000 ! August Voinche, who was the wealthiest man in acres of land in this parish, besides other property, | Avoyelles Parish before the Rebellion. Miss Norand the value of his real estate is not less than mand was reared, and received a common-school $150,000. In 1871 Mr. Mayer was wedded to ! education in her native town. She is an exceptionMiss Cleophine Frank, daughter of Adolph and ally intelligent, enterprising and well posted lady,

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-, Caroline (Bonette) Frank, natives of Germany and for many years past has been doing business and Lonisiana, respectively. The father is now for herself, first starting out in life for herself as living in Marksville, but the mother is deceased. a milliner. Her establishment is handsomely apMr. Mayer was a member of the police jury for pointed and very attractive, and as her stock is large, three years, from Marksville, and was a member of varied, and disposed of at reasonable rates, she has the school board four years. For many years he a most liberal share of public favor. In connechas been a member of the town council.

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tion with this she is managing a botel, and as she postmaster from 1869 to 1874, and during Presi- at all times tries to please and accommodate her dent Cleveland's administration he filled the same patrons, she has done well financially. She is a position, from 1887 until 1889. He visited the

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woman of marked intelligence, and has that innate Paris Exposition in 1889, and other poiuts of in- air of high breeding which always indicates the terest in France, among which was Nancy and Bar true gentlewoman. Le Duc. He also visited New York City, Wash- Thomas Overton, attorney at law and ex-judge ington City, Atlanta, Ga., and other eastern cities of the Twelfth Judicial District of Louisiana, was of prominence. Mr. Mayer is possessed of a large born in St. Landry Parish, La., in 1836. He is business experience, and occupies a prominent descended from a family which has occupied a position in commercial circles. His social is not prominent place in the history of this country from less marked than his business prominence. He has the early days of the republic. His grandfather a typical home in Marksville, which is adorned served with distinction under Gen. Washington, with all that taste can suggest or money purchase, ! having been an officer of dragoons in the Revoluin which he and family live in the lordly style of tionary War. He participated in many of the try the opnlent southerner.

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His home is the resort of ing scenes of that momentous epoch, and among the intelligence of the country round, as also of others was in the battle of Yorktown, where he strangers of the same class sojourning here. He maintained his reputation as a brave and gallant takes an active interest in all that tends to push officer. The father of the subject of this sketel was forward the material growth of his parish or ad Judge John H. Overton, who was a native of North vance the interests of his people.

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Carolina, but who came to this State at an early Miss Anna E. Normand is an independent and age, where he figured conspicuously as Jawyer, self reliant business woman, and relies entirely np.: judge, and an enterprising, public-spirited citizen.

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He was

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ܝ

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Embracing law as a profession, he soon rose to a 1888, and was noted for his uprightness and improminent rank among Louisiana's most distin- partiality, qualities so desirable in one who wears guished jurists. He was soon thereafter elected the ermine. His decisions were rendered after the district judge, and his eminent fitness for the posi- most thorough and critical examination of the tion was so marked that he was kept in that office matters in contention, and were prepared with for a period of twenty five years. It is said of great care, showing depth of thought and sound him that his decisions were never reversed by the legal reasoning. He has resumed the practice of Appellate Court. Judge Overton took a deep in- the law, and enjoys to a great degree the esteem terest in all public enterprises, and was one of the and confidence of his fellow-men. The future has chief projectors of the Southern Pacific Railroad, yet in store for him a career of continual usefuland was its first president. He died in 1885, at ness and honor before he reaches the fullness of the advanced age of eighty-six years, greatly re- years.

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1 gretted all over Louisiana. Judge Thomas Over- Dr. C. D. Owens, Eola, La. The above menton, after acquiring the rndiments of an education tioned gentleman is one of the most successful in this State, was sent to the University of Virginia, and prominent physicians in this part of Louwhere he completed his studies. Choosing law isiana, and is ever to be found by the bedside of for a profession, he entered the law department of sick and suffering humanity. He was originally the Louisiana University (now Tulane), and was from the Palmetto State, his birth occurring in admitted to the bar in 1860, just as the war of the Charleston on October 26, 1845, and is a son of A. sections was declared. Filled with patriotic ardor, and Eliza M. (Hoffatt) Owens the former a native he accepted from the governor of Louisiana a com- of Ireland, and the mother of South Carolina, mission as captain of a company of infantry in the whither the father removed when a young man. State troops. He served only eight months in that Dr. C. D. Owens, received his literary education at capacity, when he resigned to accept a commission Georgetown College, Columbia, and in 1862 he from Jefferson Davis in the regnlar Confederate graduated from Charleston Medical College. Im Army, and was transferred to the staff of Gen. D. mediately afterward he entered the Confederate H. Hill, of the Army of the Potomac. He after service, was assigned to the Army of Northern Vir ward served on the staffs of Gen. Wharton and ginia, as assistant surgeon, and soon after the Gen. Gregg, of the Trans-Mississippi Department. second battle of Manassas, he was promoted to After the war closed he settled in Avoyelles surgeon, serving with distinction in Stewart's diParish, where he began the practice of his profes- vision until cessation of hostilities. After this lie sion, and where, in 1869, he was married to Miss | located in St. Louis, Mo., practiced his profession Laura Waddill, a lady of talent and refinement, there until 1877, and then removed to Avoyelles and eldest daughter of the late John P. Waddill, a : Parish, La., locating at Holmesville, where he has prominent lawyer of this section in his day. Judge practiced successfully ever since. Dr. Owens was Overton rose rapidly to distinction at the bar by elected president of the State Medical Society in his talents and eloquence, winning a well earned 1888, and is recognized as the most learned and reputation as a learned and able attorney. He i skilled physician in this part of the State. As a leadfilled with great credit the responsible position of ing exponent of general surgery, Dr. Owens is wordistrict attorney of the Seventh Judicial District, thy of mention in a review of our foremost profes which was then composed of the parishes of Avoy- sional men, and he has obtained a liberal share of elles, Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana. He was public favor, the best proof of his skill and care. remarkably successful in his prosecutions. In The Doctor was married in 1878, to Miss Alice B. 1884 he was elected judge of the Twelfth Judicial Winn, daughter of Dr. William A. Winn, a leadDistrict of Louisiana, comprising the parishes of ing physician at the time of his death, which oc Avoyelles, Rapides and Grant. He served to curred in 1877. He was a native of Virginia.

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a

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Mrs. Owens died in 1879 leaving one child-a Evergreen, La. A young but very successful son-Samuel Logan.

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practitioner of Evergreen is Dr. Pearce, who was F. M. Pavey, of Hamburg, La., was born in born in that town in 1867, and who has the confi. Switzerland County, Ind., in 1840, and when a dence of the many among whom his extensive small lad was taken by his father to Illinois, in practice leads him. His parents, W. O. and which State he attained manhood and was educated. Minerva (Fritb) Pearce, were both natives also of He completed his education in Warsaw, Ill., and Avoyelles Parish, and both were descendants at the age of twenty years accompanied his father of prominent families of this section of the State. to Avoyelles Parish, La., and in 1870 opened a The father was attending college at Georgetown, mercantile establishment in Hamburg, his stock at Ky, at the breaking out of the war, and threw

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. that time consisting of about $800 worth of goods. aside his books to join the Confederate Army. He now carries $10,000 worth of stock and has a | He served during the entire war, with the exvery flourishing trade, and in addition to this pros- ception of about ten months of the close, when he percus establishment is the owner of 1,600 acres was very seriously wounded. He has been a of land of which about 900 acres are under culti- planter all his life and is a representative citizen vation, yielding from 400 to 500 bales of cotton of his community, residing at Cheneyville. La. annually. His marriage, which took place in 1870, The mother died in 1877. Dr. A. G. Pearce re was to Miss Octavia Couvillion, a daughter of ceived the most of his literary education at the Zelien Couvillion. To them were born twin girls' Louisiana State University and completed the same in November, 1870, but fourteen days later, to the at Georgetown, Ky. He received his medical eduintense grief of the parents, both died. He and cation and received his diploma from Tulane Unihis wife have reared five orphan children to honor versity, New Orleans, in April, 1890. On June able manhood and womanhood. He is one of the 25 of the same year he was married to Miss Mary truly representative men of the parish, and the H. Winn, daughter of Dr. William H. Winn, who property which he now has has been earned by was one of the most prominent physicians in this his own earnest and determined endeavors. Per section of the State at the time of his death in sonally and in every private relation, and duty of 1877. Dr. Pearce is secretary of the board of life, to much can not be said in his praise, for he trustees of Evergreen Home Institute. He is a is liberal, generous and high-minded, and is the

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young man of exemplary habits and has the ntsoul of true honor. He manifests the instinct and

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most respect of those with whom he has been training of a real gentleman in his daily walk and reared. He is an exception of the old proverb, conversation, and it may be truly said of him that “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own he never violated a friendship nor forgot a kind country.” The Doctor has a bright future before action done him. In this latter regard he is emi. him. nently deserving of mention as above the average Hon. S. S. Pearce, planter, Evergreen, La. Mr. of mankind, and much could be said in his praise Pearce is one of the wealthiest and most successful were he not one of those that would that the left

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planters in Avoyelles Parish, and not only has the hand should not know what the right hand doeth.” respect and confidence of all as a successful busiHis parents, John and Myria (Gibbs) Pavey, were ness man, but is esteemed and held in the highest born in Kentucky and Indiana, respectively, their estimation socially. His parents, Stephen and marriage taking place in the mother's native State. Am G. (Tanner) Pearce, were natives of Georgia After their removal to Warsaw, III., Mr. Pavey and South Carolina, respectively. The paternal engaged in merchandising. The subject of this

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grandfather was a native of Georgia, and the ma sketch inherits French and English blood from his ternal grandfather was a native of South Carolina, parents.

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S. S. Pearce grew to mature years in the Creole Dr. A. G. Pearce, physician and surgeon, State, and received his education at Centenary

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College, Jackson, La. Although he was reared , ever since. He does a retail business of from $50,000 on his father's extensive plantation, he was not to $60,000 annually, a fact that speaks louder than compelled to farm labor, owing to the numerous words can do as to the success which has attended slaves his father always kept. At the age of

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his efforts. He also has an excellent livery stable eighteen years he commenced business for himself in Bunkie, which is excellently equipped with good as a planter, his father and mother both having horses and buggies, and although Mr. Pearce is died previous to this, and this has been bis chief quite young, he has shown that he is a good financalling in life. He has acquired nearly all his cier and possesses more than ordinary business property through bis own efforts, and is a public ability. The management of affairs under his conspirited and enterprising citizen. He was elected trol would do credit to one of much greater experito the Legislature from 1880 to 1882, and politic- ence, and although he gives the most of his ally he is one of the most influential men in this attention to business matters he often finds relief section. When twenty-one years of age he was from his cares in the excitement of the chase and married to Miss Mary E. Bennett, who was but with his rod in the woods and streams in the vicinfifteen years of age, and they have seven living ity. He is a young man of exemplary habits, and children: Sarah A. (wife of S. Tanner) Claudia F. as a result has many warm personal friends. He (wife of C. W. Owen), Mansel K., Jennie, Stephen is a great lover of good horse flesh, and keeps some S., Addie G. and Heber L. Algernon B. died at fast horses of good pedigree. the age of nineteen (1883), and was a promising William M. Prescott, planter, Eola, La. The young man.

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Mr. Pearce's success is unusual, but above mentioned gentleman is worthy to be classed is due largely to bis excellent judgment, and strict | among the substantial and progressive planters of honesty and upright dealings, and the proud posi- Avoyelles Parish. He is a native of St. Landry tion he now occupies as a representative citizen is Parish, La., born November 8, 1819, and is the son a just tribute to his worth.

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of Hon. William M. and Evalina (Moore) Prescott, M. K. Pearce. The general mercantile estab- : the father a native of South Carolina and the lishment of which this gentleman is the proprietor,

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mother of Louisiana. The elder Prescott removed is one of the most popular and successful ones of to Louisiana when seventeen years of age, and folthe kind in Avoyelles Parish, and its proprietor lowed blacksmithing a short time previous to buy. stands high with the general public and his pa- ing the plantation where William M., Jr., now retrons. He does a large local business in and around sides. He began improving his plantation and Bunkie, and is a stirring, wide-awake citizen, de- / was one of the first members of the Legislature servedly popular with every one. He was born in from St. Landry Parish. He was a member of this parisb November 6, 1867, to S. S. and Mary both houses later, He died with yellow fever in E. (Bennett) Pearce, and in the public and private December, 1854. The maternal grandfather, John schools of this parish bis scholastic advantages Moore, was a member of Congress from Louisiana, were received. He took a thorough commercial was district judge and a very prominent man in course in that department of the University of the State. The families on both sides (Prescott Kentucky at Lexington, and in November of 1887 and Moore) were of English extraction. Subject's received his diploma. Upon completing his course great great-grandfather was the first governor of he was employed as a book-keeper in a general Louisiana under the Spanish rule. William M. mercantile establishment for a period of eight Prescott, Jr., attained his growth and received his months, after which he was engaged for a short education in the common schools of Louisiana, and time in traveling in the interests of his father's in 1874 he was married to Marie Celeste Offutt, business. In January, 1889, in partnership with daughter of Col. William Offutt, who was colonel in his father, he opened like establishments in Bunkie the State Militia. Mr. Prescott began business for and Midway, and has been manager of both stores himself as a planter in 1874, and this has been his

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?

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Mrs. Owens died in 1879 leaving one child-a Evergreen, La A young but very successful son--Samuel Logan.

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practitioner of Evergreen is Dr. Pearce, who was F. M. Pavey, of Hamburg, La., was born in born in that town in 1867, and who has the confiSwitzerland County, Ind., in 1840, and when a dence of the many among whom his extensive small lad was taken by his father to Illinois, in practice leads him. His parents, W. 0. and which State he attained manhood and was educated. Minerva (Fritb) Pearce, were both natives also of He completed his education in Warsaw, Ill., and Avoyelles Parish, and both were descendants at the age of twenty years accompanied his father of prominent families of this section of the State. to Avoyelles Parish, La., and in 1870 opened a The father was attending college at Georgetown, mercantile establishment in Hamburg, his stock at ' Ky., at the breaking out of the war, and threw that time consisting of abont $800 worth of goods. aside his books to join the Confederate Army.

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. He now carries $10,000 worth of stock and has a He served during the entire war, with the exvery flourishing trade, and in addition to this pros- ception of about ten months of the close, when he pereus establishment is the owner of 1,600 acres was very seriously wounded. He has been a of land of which about 900 acres are under culti- planter all his life and is a representative citizen vation, yielding from 400 to 500 bales of cotton of his community, residing at Cheneyville, La. annually. His marriage, which took place in 1870, The mother died in 1877. Dr. A. G. Pearce re. was to Miss Octavia Couvillion, a daughter of ceived the most of his literary education at the Zelien Couvillion. To them were born twin girls Louisiana State University and completed the same in November, 1870, but fourteen days later, to the at Georgetown, Ky. He received bis medical eduintense grief of the parents, both died. He and cation and received his diploma from Tulane Unibis wife have reared five orphan children to honor- versity, New Orleans, in April, 1890. On June able manhood and womanhood. He is one of the 25 of the same year he was married to Miss Mary truly representative men of the parish, and the H. Winn, daughter of Dr. William H. Winn, who property which he now bas has been earned by | was one of the most prominent physicians in this his own earnest and determined endeavors, Per section of the State at the time of his death in sonally and in every private relation, and duty of 1877. Dr. Pearce is secretary of the board of life, to much can not be said in his praise, for he i trustees of Evergreen Home Institute. He is a is liberal, generous and high-minded, and is the

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young man of exemplary babits and has the ntsoul of true honor. He manifests the instinct and most respect of those with whom he has been training of a real gentleman in his daily walk and reared. He is an exception of the old proverb, conversation, and it may be truly said of him that “A propbet is not without honor, save in bis own he never violated a friendship nor forgot a kind country.” The Doctor has a bright future before action done him. In this latter regard he is emi- him. nently deserving of mention as above the average Hon. S. S. Pearce, planter, Evergreen, La. Mr. of mankind, and much could be said in his praise Pearce is one of the wealthiest and most successful were he not one of those tbat would that “ the left

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planters in Avoyelles Parish, and not only has the hand should not know what the right hand doeth.'' respect and confidence of all as a successful busi His parents, John and Myria (Gibbs) Pavey, were ness man, but is esteemed and held in the bighest born in Kentucky and Indiada, respectively, their estimation socially. His parents, Stephen and marriage taking place in the mother's native State. Ann G. (Tanner) Pearce, were natives of Georgia After their removal to Warsaw, III., Mr. Pavey and South Carolina, respectively. The paternal

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, engaged in merchandising. The subject of this grandfather was a native of Georgia, and the ma sketch inherits French and English blood from his ternal grandfather was a native of South Carolina. parents.

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S. S. Pearce grew to mature years in the Creole Dr. A. G. Pearce, physician and surgeon, State, and received his education at Centenary

ഀ ഀ

College, Jackson, La. Although he was reared ever since. He does a retail business of from $50,000 on his father's extensive plantation, he was not to $60,000 annually, a fact that speaks louder than compelled to farm labor, owing to the numerous words can do as to the success which has attended slaves his father always kept. At the age

ഀ ഀ

of his efforts. He also has an excellent livery stable eighteen years he commenced business for himself | in Bunkie, which is excellently equipped with good as a planter, his father and mother both having horses and buggies, and although Mr. Pearce is died previous to this, and this has been bis chief quite young, he has shown that he is a good financalling in life. He has acquired nearly all his cier and possesses more than ordinary business property through his own efforts, and is a public ability. The management of affairs under his conspirited and enterprising citizen. He was elected trol would do credit to one of much greater experito the Legislature from 1880 to 1882, and politic- ence, and although he gives the most of his ally he is one of the most influential men in this attention to business matters he often finds relief section. When twenty-one years of age he was from his cares in the excitement of the chase and married to Miss Mary E. Bennett, who was but with his rod in the woods and streams in the vicintifteen years of age, and they have seven living ity. He is a young man of exemplary habits, and children: Sarah A. (wife of S. Tanner) Claudia F. as a result has many warm personal friends. He (wife of C. W. Owen), Mansel K., Jennie, Stephen is a great lover of good horse flesh, and keeps some S., Addie G. and Heber L. Algernon B. died at fast horses of good pedigree. the age of nineteen (1893), and was a promising William M. Prescott, planter, Eola, La. The young man.

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Mr. Pearce's success is unusual, but above mentioned gentleman is worthy to be classed is due largely to bis excellent judgment, and strict among the substantial and progressive planters of bonesty and upright dealings, and the proud posi- . Avoyelles Parish. He is a native of St. Landry tion he now occupies as a representative citizen is Parish, La., born November 8, 1819, and is the son a just tribute to his worth.

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of Hon. William M. and Evalina (Moore) Prescott, M. K. Pearce. The general mercantile estab- the father a native of South Carolina and the lishment of which this gentleman is the proprietor, mother of Louisiana. The elder Prescott removed is one of the most popular and successful ones of to Louisiana when seventeen years of age, and folthe kind in Avoyelles Parish, and its proprietor lowed blacksmithing a short time previous to buy stands high with the general public and his pa- ing the plantation where William M., Jr., now retrons. He does a large local business in and around sides. He began improving his plantation and Bunkie, and is a stirring, wide-awake citizen, de- was one of the first members of the Legislature servedly popular with every one. He was born in from St. Landry Parish. He was a member of this parish November 6, 1867, to S. S. and Mary both houses later. He died with yellow fever in E. (Bennett) Pearce, and in the public and private December, 1854. The maternal grandfather, John schools of this parish his scholastic advantages Moore, was a member of Congress from Louisiana, were received. He took a thorough commercial was district judge and a very prominent man in course in that department of the University of the State. The families on both sides (Prescott Kentucky at Lexington, and in November of 1887 and Moore) were of English extraction. Subject's received his diploma. Upon completing his course great great-grandfather was the first governor of he was employed as a book-keeper in a general Louisiana under the Spanish rule, William M. mercantile establishment for a period of eight Prescott, Jr., attained his growth and received his months, after which he was engaged for a short education in the common schools of Louisiana, and time in traveling in the interests of his father's in 1874 he was married to Marie Celeste Offutt, business.

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In January, 1889, in partnership with daughter of Col. William Offutt, who was colonel in his father, he opened like establishments in Bunkie the State Militia. Mr. Prescott began business for and Midway, and has been manager of both stores himself as a planter in 1874, and this has been his

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war.

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occupation since. He is the owner of 2,000 acres affairs he is equally so in social life, and he is one of land, 800 acres under cultivation, and is chiefly whom it is a pleasure to meet. The Doctor was engaged in raising cotton. Mr. Prescott and the the first Creole graduate of medicine in the Parish. whole family are members of the Catholic Church. Although not active in politics he takes great inHis seven children are named as follows: William terest in local and State affairs. He is an ardent M. (at Baton Rouge attending school), Adaline, Democrat, never having voted any other ticket. Benjamin, Frank, John, Walter and Elizabeth. In 1871 he purchased a plantation, and erected an

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Dr. L. Rabalais, physician and planter, Marks- elegant residence on it. His plantation, consisting ville, La. Marksville and vicinity have a number of of 580 acres, is valued at not less than $20,000, physicians, among whom prominently stands Dr. L. and this he operates himself. He and his estimable Rabalais, a native of Avoyelles Parish, La. He was wife are members of the Catholic Church. She is born in September, 1815, and is a sou of John V. a very intelligent and highly educated lady. and Eugenie (Gauthier) Rabalais, both natives of F. Regard, merchant, Mansura, La. MerLouisiana, and their families being among the chandising is one of the most important enterfirst of this part of the State. The father was prises to be entered upon, and the success of the educated in the common schools of Louisiana, and individual thus engaged is mainly due to his hon devoted his whole life to planting, being a very lesty, enterprise and the confidence which the pub.

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1 extensive planter and large slave owner before the lic has in him. Mr. Regard is of foreign nativity,

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He was very charitable, hospitable and a his birth having occurred in France on May 11, public-spirited citizen. He received his final sum- 1838, and is a son of Germain and Celeste (Prostmons in 1878, and his widow followed him in 1885. dame) Regard, both natives of France. The Both were members of the Catholic Church. Both · father grew to manhood and received his education paternal and maternal grandparents came to this in his native country. He was a planter by occu country and settled under the old French regime, pation. He and wife both died in France, the Dr. L. Rabalais was attending school at St. Joseph's father in 1874 and the mother in 1857. F. ReCollege, Natchitoches Parish, at the breaking out gard passed his boyhood and youth and received of the war, and filled with an earnest desire to aid his education in France. In March, 1839, he the Southern cause, he flung aside his books, and came to Mansura, La., where he has remained the when only seventeen years

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of age

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enlisted in Com- principal part of the time since. During the war pany H, Crescent Regiment, of New Orleans, as a he served about six months in the State Militia. private. He served nearly three years in the Trans- In 1860 he was married to Mrs. Zeline Escude, Mississippi Department, and was in the battles of

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daughter of F. C. Monnin, a native of France, Pleasant Hill, Mansfield and Morgan's Ferry. He Mr. Regard began the mercantile business the surrendered at Natchitoches. In November, 1865, same year of his marriage, at this place, with a he entered Cicilian College, near Elizabethtown, limited capital, and has been very successful. He Ky., and graduated from that institution in 1869. now carries a stock of goods valued at from After this he entered the Medical University at $10,000 to $20,000, and does an annual business Louisville, and graduated from this in May, 1870. of about $23.000. He is a most energetic, enterThe same year he was married to Miss Margaret prising and thorough man of business, and is highly Wathen, daughter of Dr. Wathen, of Breckinridge esteemed, being honorable and upright in all bis County, Ky., a very eminent and well-known man. dealings. He has never taken a prominent part Since that time Dr. Rabalais has practiced bis i in political matters, but is a public spirited citizen. profession in Moreauville, and few men have had and is prominently identified with any enterprise deinonstrated to them in a more worthy manner that has for its object the country's good. He is the appreciation in which they are beld than has

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the owner of 2,000 acres of land, valued at not Dr. Rabalais. Pleasant and agreeable in business less than $51,000, and besides this has his store.

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The result of his marriage was the birth of eight of Avoyelles Parish, La., his birth occurring here children- five daughters and three sons--two mar- in 1837. He was reared in the town of Marks. ried: Leone (wife of E. J. Beredon, of Mansura), ville, his education being also received there, and Elize (wife of Dr. T. A. Roy, also of Mansura), in this town followed the calling of a gunsmith for Emile (a graduate from Bardstown, Ky., and in ten or twelve years, or until he was appointed to the Tulane Medical School), Camille, Sydonie, Ter- the position of assessor in June, 1888, serving in reole, Martha and Joseph. Mr. Regard is educat- this capacity constantly up to the present time. ing his children in good schools, and all are Ro- He was married in 1879 to Miss Helena Brouillman Catholics. He is a sound Democrat. He is ette, of this parish, by whom he has six children: a strong man, weighs 185 pounds, and is about Moore, Merrick, Walton, Lorca, August and Hu five feet nine inches high. He got out naturaliza- bert. Mr. Saucier is a young man very popular tion papers in the decade of 1860. He is a typ. ' throughout this section, for he is genial, kindly ical Frenchman, with dark blue eyes, and is a good and charitable in disposition, and is strictly upright specimen of manhood, His face is a fine one. and honorable in every worthy particular. His

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Thomas A. Roy, M. D., Mansura, La. Dr. parents, Edmond and Hermantine (Barbin) Sau. Roy is a physician of more than ordinary ability, cier, were born in New Orleans, the father being a and his time is devoted wholly to the relief of suf- gunsmith by occupation. He came to Avoyelles fering humanity. He is a native-born resident of Parish when a young man, and he and his wife Mansura, La , his birth occurring on September 22, became the parents of six children. The paternal 1866, and he is the son of Leander F. and Adaline grandfather was also born in the city of New Or(Cainleteau) Roy, both natives of Avoyelles Parish, Jeans, and the family are Catholics in religious La. The father was reared and received a busi- belief. ness education in Louisiana, and was engaged in G. H. Stevens is a merchant, liveryman and mercbandising at this place for many years.

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He hotel-keeper of Bunkie, La., and in the conduct of served during the entire war. He was not active each of these enterprises he has met with wellin political affairs. He was a member of the Cath- deserved success, for he is industrious, painstaking olic Church, and died in 1879. The mother is and economical. He gives strict attention to the still living and is a resident of Mansura. Dr. details of each calling, and is especially well known Thomas A. Roy received an academic education in as a liveryman and hotel keeper, both establishhis native parish, and in July, 1888, he entered ments being liberally patronized by the traveling the Louisville Medical School, graduating with public, commercial men especially being his pahonor in February, 1890. After finishing his trons. He was born in Connecticut in 1819 to M. course he returned home and immediately entered W. and E. B. (Wilmot) Stevens, they being also upon the practice of his profession. His success patives of the Nutmeg State. The father was a has been almost phenomenal, and he is now not well-known business man of Deep River, Conn., only one of the youngest practicing physicians, but but when just in the prime of life, at the age of one of the leading ones of the parish. Dr. Roy is forty-two years, he was called to his long home, a young man of fine intellect, as are the other

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į

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his demise occurring in 1857. His widow was members of his family. He was married in Au- sixty-seven years of age at the time of her death gust, 1890, to Miss Elize, daughter of F. and in 1888. G. H. Stevens was reared and received Zeline (Monnin) Regard [see sketch of F. Regard). a common school education in the State of his Dr. Roy's maternal grandfather was a native of birth, and prior to 1872 devoted his attention to France, and the father of Dr. Roy was of Cana.

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bis trade in Connecticut, that of a machinist, fol dian-French descent, and his father was a native lowing it also in Rhode Island. In the above of Canada.

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mentioned year, on account of poor health, he deA. V. Saucier is the present efficient assessor termined to try a milder climate and came to Louis

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He is pos

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iana, and for several years thereafter was engaged in valuable information can always be gleaned from the construction of railways in this State and Texas, its columns. Mr. Tanner is a young man of enafterward opening a stage line in Louisiana and Ar- ergy, push and intelligence, and has made an excel. kansas, which he managed for six years. He was lent start in life, His paper is strictly moral in its married in 1881 to Mrs. B. H. Mershon, a daughter tone and at all times advocates worthy causes and of R. L. Stribling, and shortly after his marriage he condemns in a fearless and forcible manner all unlocated in Marksville, where he opened a hotel and just or improper measures. livery stable.

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Since 1884 he has followed these Dr. Leo Chester Tarleton, Marksville, La. Dr. callings in Bunkie, and in addition to successfully Tarleton's career as a practitioner and thorough managing these establishments, he also operates a student of medicine has won for him no less a rep. stage and mail line between Bunkie and Marks- utation than has his personal character as a citizen ville, and is now carrying on a general mercantile and neighbor. He has built up a wide practice, business, at which he is doing well.

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and has won the confidence and esteem of the sessed of that untiring energy, vim and business people with whom he has associated. The Doctor push, which is characteristic of the New Englander, was born in the Blue-Grass regions of Kentucky, and although his time is fully employed in attend- on November 8, 1819. His father is Samuel Moore ing to the numerous irons that he bas in the fire, Tarleton, who was also born in the State of Kenhe is none the less painstaking in the management tucky, and resided there as a prosperous farmer of each. He is in every respect self-made, and until the year 1857, when he removed south, and the property of which is now the owner has been settled in the beautiful region of Louisiana, known obtained throngh his own individual efforts.

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as the Teche country, where the celebrated poem, E. R. Tanner is the editor of the Weekly Blade Longfellow's " Evangeline,” was laid, and there at Bunkie, La., it being a bright, newsy and in- he entered the business of sugar planting on a structive journal. Mr. Tanner is a native of this

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large scale.

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He is still living on the Teche. plantState, born in 1864, and is a son of E. L. and Alice ing and merchandising. His parents, Alfred Winifred (Glaze) Tanner, both of whom were also Tarleton and Cecilia Tarleton, moved from Maryborn in this State, being here reared, the education land to Kentucky when they were extremely youthof the father being obtained in the State of Vir- ful, and there spent a long and prosperous life, givia. He was a planter of considerable promi- and raised a number of sons, whose descendants nepce, and was a man of sound and intelligent are now living principally in Louisiana and Misviews. He was called from earth in 1871, at the souri. Dr. Tarleton's mother, Leonora Tarleton, age of forty-three years, but his widow, who was was also a Kentuckian, and was born and raised in educated in Louisiana and Alabama, still survives the city of Lexington. She was the mother of six him, and is, as was her husband, a consistent mem- children, of whom Dr. Tarleton is the eldest, ber of the Episcopal Church. In the public and and be was only sixteen years old when she died, private school of Avoyelles Parish, La., E. R. Tan- in 1866, at the age of thirty-six years. She and per was educated, for some years thereafter being her husband were both members of the Catholic engaged in planting in this parish, an occupation Church.

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Church. Her parents were Leo Tarleton and Mary to which he was reared. In 1888 he began his Ann Breckinridge. They formerly carried on a career as a publisher, and in that year the first large mercantile business in Lexington, but in later number of the Weekly Blade was given to tbe pub. life, after the death of bis wife, he moved south, lic and met with such a warm reception that he has where he resided until his death in 1867. Dr. continued the publication of the same ever since, Tarleton moved with his parents to Louisiana in and since Febrnary, 1890, has been its proprietor. 1857, and has lived ever since within the borders The Blade has a good circulation in three parishes, of this State. His education was principally re and under Mr. Tanner's able management some ceived at the Louisiana State University, at Batur

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son

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He was

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Rouge, from where he graduated in 1873. In the Miss Irene Broutin was born and raised in the city following year he married Miss Cora Cornay, a of New Orleans, and after she was married she daughter of one of the oldest Creole families of St. moved to the parish of Avoyelles, where she lived Mary's Parish, and formerly one of the largest the rest of her life, and raised a large family of sugar planters of the State. From this marriage children. only one

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was born,

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His wife died about T. H. Thorpe is a talented attorney of Markseighteen months after they were married. After ville, La., who has achieved a bigh reputation for his wife's death he began the study of medicine, legal ability at the bar of Avoyelles Parish. He and graduated from the University of Louisiana, was born in Louisville, Ky., in 1849, to Thomas now Tulane University, in March, 1880. Soon J. and Sallie (Roane) Thorpe, the former of whom after taking his degree in medicine he located in was reared and educated in the Hoosier State, reMarksville, Avoyelles Parish, where he has success- moving to Kentucky when a young man. fully practiced his profession ever since. In 1891 admitted to the bar in Louisville, and in that city he was married to Miss Henrietta Convillion, a successfully practiced his profession until bis member of one of the largest and most influential death in 1849. His wife was a Virginian by families in the parish. By this marriage they · birth, a grand-daughter of Chief Justice Roane of have four children, the eldest of whom is dead, Virginia and great-grand daughter of Patrick and whose name was Wilfred Walter. The three Henry. She died in 1859. T. H. Thorpe was others, Rosa Lula, Percival Clarence and Clysse 'the youngest of five brothers, attained manhood Ursula, are aged respectively, seven years, five on Blue-Grass soil, his education being obtained in years and six months. Henrietta Couvillion was the the schools of that State and in Philadelphia, only living daughter of her parents when she mar. Penn., having removed to this city at the age of ried. Her father was L. H. Couvillion, and her sixteen years, at which place he entered the law mother Rosa Cailletean. L. H. Couvillion, though office of E. H. Thorpe & Thomas J. Dwight, at he died before reaching middle age, stood very the same time taking lectures in the Law Univerhigh in the parish, and had occupied responsible sity. In September, 1870, he was admitted to the positions, being clerk of the district court for sev. Philadelphia bar, and there continued to practice

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His father, Hypolite Couvillion, was his profession until 1880, when he removed to a native of the parish of Avoyelles, and a member Marksville, La., at which place he was admitted to of one of the largest and best families of Louisi- the Louisiana bar in January, 1890. He has al

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The Convillions of this parish are all de- ways been a faithful practioner, and is now enjoy scendants of three brothers, who came here from ing the rewards of his dilligence. His desire to esCanada about the year 1795. His mother, Heloise tablish himself in a more lucrative field has been Rabalais, was also of an old and distinguished realized, and he bas made a reputation for him

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a family, who were among the first settlers of Louisi- self for ability, zeal and earnestness. Rosa Cailleteau, was a daughter of Eugene married in 1871, in Philadelphia, to Miss Mary

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, Cailleteau and Irene Broutin, a native of the de- L. Fisher, by whom he has two sons and three partment of Ardennes, France, who was the only daughters. . Mr. Thorpe is one of the leading son of the Lord (Seigmem) of St. Prix, at the members of the Louisiana bar, and is generally time of the overthrow of feudalism in France. He, considered the ablest lawyer at Marksville. He the said Cailleteau, although the son of a zealous is sleeply interested in his profession, and has resupporter of the Bourbons, was himself a Repub.markable tact at elucidation. lican, and bitterly opposed Charles X. which fact J. M. Watson is an industrious, enterprising forced him to seek his home in America. After man of business, and as a general merchant of reaching the American shores he settled in Louisi- Bunkie, La., he has built up a large paying trade ana, and there he married Miss Irene Broutin. He was born in St. Helena Parish, La., in 1815,

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eral years.

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ana.

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He was

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ana.

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and was there reared and educated. For about the dry-goods trade of Avoyelles Parish. They are four years he was engaged as manager of a co. young men of strict business habits, and their pop- operative store in Grangeville, La., but in 1886 be ularity, together with the small margin of profit at gan merchandising in East Feliciana Parish for which they sell, is seen in the crowds that at all himself, and there successfully continued opera- times visit his establishment. They have always tions until February, 1890, when he bought the contributed their share to every public enterprise, general mercantile stock belonging to Harvey & and have at all times labored to advance the best Viers, of Bunkie, La., and at this place has since interests of the parish. conducted a flourisbing business. His earnest and Prof. Charles Campbell Wier, Evergreen, La. sincere endeavors to succeed in life bave resnlted This prominent and very successful educator was satisfactorily, and as a shrewd financier he has not originally from Mississippi. He was born in En. his superior in the parish. His marriage which terprise, in 1866, and is a son of T. D. and Mar-

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, occurred in 1870 was to Miss Lizzie Woodward, garet (Campbell) Wier, both natives of Alabama. who died in 1885, leaving five children--two sons The father was of Irish and the mother of Scotch and three daughters-one child dying at the age 8-0

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descent. The father followed merchandising in of ten years, in 1888. In 1888 Mr. Watson's Mobile until the breaking out of the war, when he second marriage took place, his wife being Miss entered the Confederate Army, and served for four Florence White, and to their marriage a daughter years. After the war he was located for a short and son have been born. Although still a com- time in Enterprise, Miss., where he was a cotton paratively young man he has had an active career, buyer, but in 1867 he removed to Louisiana, where and by his advanced ideas and progressive habits he purchased a plantation near Bunkie, in 1868. has done no little for the mercantile interests of which he has successfully operated ever since. Avoyelles Parish. His parents, Johu and Anna Prof. Wier was reared in the Creole State, pre(Hays) Watson, were Louisianians by birth, and the pared for college in the public and private school father was a prosperous planter of Eastern Louisi. of the parish, and graduated from Keatchie College, ana for many years.

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He died in 1861, at the age Keatcbie, La., in June, 1888. The following Sep. of forty five years, and his widow passed from life tember, he opened a school in St. Landry Parish, in 1890 at the age of seventy three years.

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taught there for one session, and in the fall of 1889, A. B. West is a member of the well-known gen- he was elected principal of Evergreen Home Insti eral mercantile firm of W. A. West & Brother, of tute, at Evergreen, La. Mr. Wier's predecessor

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,

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, Bunkie, La., and both are active and progressive baving died while in charge of the institute, the business men. A. B. West was born in Avoyelles | school bad deteriorated rapidly, and when Mr. Wier Parish, La., September 28, 1868, to Isham and E. assumed charge he had but a few scholars. Now C. (O'Quinn) West, both of whom were born, reared, the school has a large attendance, and is in a educated and married in this State, the former Aourishing condition. This institution was charbeing a planter by occnpation. The mother passed tered in 1855 and is an institution the people of from life in 1883, but the father is still living on Avoyelles may well be proud of. Mr. Wier is a his plantation near Evergreen. A. B. West was gentleman of judgment and ability, and his efforts educated in Keatchie College, Keatebie, La., and in behalf of the school have been highly appre. after leaving this institution was for about two ciated by his patrons. years engaged as clerk.

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About 1888 he opened a Robert Dumville Windes, planter, Eola, La. mercantile establishment in Bunkie, and has since Mr. Windes is a well-to do cotton planter of Avoy carried an exceptionally large and well selected elles Parishı, La., this occupation baving received stock of goods. The gentlemen composing the his attention from early boyhood, his father having firm enjoy a solid reputation, and they require no been uncommonly devoted to agriculture. He is a accompanying sign to tell of their connection with

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native of St. Landry Parish, La., born in 1830.

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.

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and prepared bimself for college in the private and reads German. Being in easy financial cirschools of that State. In 1850 he entered the cumstances, he is enabled to give his chief atten junior class at Center College, Danville, Ky., but tion to literature to the exclusion of money making, left there after six months to begin the study of and though taking a keen interest in general poli law under Judge T. B. Monroe, of Frankfort, Ky. tics, he is not an active politician and has no aspirIn 1852 he received a diploma from the law school ations for office. He has written and published a of Transylvania University at Lexington, Ky., and few things in prose and poetry in local journals, after being admitted to the bar in his own State, but disclaims any pretention to the name and digin 1857, practiced law in New Orleans for a short nity of writer. His parents, Dr. Robert Dumville time. Upon the death of his mother in 1859, he Windes, Sr., and Eugenia Peak Ferguson, were returned home. In the beginning of 1862 he en- natives of Tennessee and Louisiana, respectively. listed in Boone's battery as a private, and later was The father was reared and principally educated in promoted to sergeant. He was at Port Hudson Missouri, whither he had removed with his parents from its first occupation to its surrender, and was in childhood. When nineteen years of age, he here taken prisoner and paroled. Upon being ex- came to St. Landry Parish, where he taught school changed in the latter part of December, he rejoined and pursued the study of medicine, which he had his command and served until the close of hostili. begun under an able physician in Missouri. In ties, being disbanded at Alexandria. Since his re- 1834 he removed to Avoyelles Parish, and purturn home he has operated his plantation, and has chased the property where his son, R. D. Windes been sufficiently successful to keep out of debt and (subject) now resides. He cleared his land and in his place free from mortgages. He has been a life- connection practiced his profession. His death long student of the classics, Greek and Latin, speaks occurred in 1869, his widow having preceded him and writes the French language quite proficiently,

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a

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ten years.

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ISO

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CHAPTER XIII.

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WEBSTER PARISHI — TOPOGRAPHY AND STATISTICS-TIMBER AND GEOLOGY-EARLY SETTLERS AND LAND BUYERS-COURTS AND POLITICS-THE POLICE JURY-TAXATION AND FINANCES—THE BAR- ELECTION RETURNS-JOURNALISM, EDUCATION AND MEDICINE-MILITARY RECORD- MINDEN CITY-BUSINESS-IMPORTANT PROCEEDINGS—SOCIETIES, ETC. —

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SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES-INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY AFFAIRS.

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The public mind is educated quickly by events-slowly by arguments.- New York World.

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EBSTER PARISH is kept, and the negroes never know anything about marked by the bottom wbat the acreage or crop is, which makes the fig. lands of Bayou Dorche- ures unreliable. The average production of cotton at and by Bayou Bodeau. is . 80 of a bale per acre, or 320 pounds of lint, and Between the bayous a this is reliable. level tract extends from The assessed value of real property is $370,682;

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Lake Bisteneau into Ar. personal, $773,952; the State and parish tax is 131 kansas. The total area, as given in the mills, and city tax 3 mills; total, 164 mills. United States statistics of 1880, is 612 The population in 1880 was 10,005, of which squares miles. This is divided into 130 4,323 were white and 5,682 colored. In 1890 the square miles of oak uplands, 137 of number of inbabitants is 12,551, of wbom 1.200 Bayou Dorcheat alluvium, and 15 square are subject to military duty. Of this total there miles of Bayou Bodcau alluvium. In are 6,331 males and 6,200 females, or a total of 1880 there were 42,102 acres in cultiva- 12,551, of whom only 48 are foreign born. There tion, of which 16,101 were under cotton, are 2,469 voters, and 4,451 children between six

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14,824 corn, 385 sweet potatoes and 120 and eighteen years of age. The population of sugar cane. There were 6,235 bales of cotton Minden is 1,320. produced, or .38 bale per acre; 513 pounds of The timber resources are valuable, it being seed-cotton, or 181 pounds of cotton lint. The estimated by a former parish surveyor, who is well true area, as recorded in 1888, is 504 square acquainted with it, at not less than 60 square miles miles.

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of pine, 1,920,000,000 feet; 60 square miles of Parish statistics are very deficient, and the fol- gum, 2,304,000,000 feet, and not less than 2,000,lowing from the records are only given to show the 000,000 of hardwood, including cypress, oak, general situation in 1890: Acres cultivated, 53,- birch, etc. 270; acres uncultivated (taxed), 240,900; acres in The Bayou Dorcheat, which passes through the cotton, 19,420; bales, 15,010; acres in corn, 17, parish from north to south, a distance of over 000; bushels, 160,000 (reported). No record is

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No record is thirty miles, and makes its way into Red River

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through Lake Bisteneau and Loggy Bayou, is Murrell buried one of his boys near his home, navigable for six months in the year for a good class while in 1822 one Fred Villire, Sr., was buried at of Red River boats to a point opposite to and with- the old Murrell plantation. Isaac Murrell was the in two and a half miles of Minden, the parish site, first white child born north of Campti, the date giving boating facilities equal with Shreveport on being March 20, 1819. James A. Conley taught time and freight rates. The construction of the the first school. Hopkins' store, managed by Minden Tap Railroad closes off river trade as Fashier, was soon after established, but in 1823 effectually as low water. Land has no fixed price; Fashier disappeared with Hopkins' money. The from $1 to $10 per acre are about the ruling prices. Baptists erected the first church-house at Flat

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In August, 1885, Prof. Johnson, a Government Lick, but the houses of the settlers named as well geologist; E. R. Boyle, of the Democrat-Tribune, as of the Nelsons near Athens, and Franks in and Prof. Enderle, of the Times Democrat; ex- Brushy Valley, were previously used for religious plored the Red Hills, seventeen miles north of

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purposes.

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In 1826 the first regular cotton crop Minden, and reported the existence of good iron was raised by J. McCrady at Flat Lick. His store ore over an area of ten square miles.

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was there, and his gin-house and press were conThe post offices are Buckhorn, Cotton Valley, structed that year. Russell Jones, Sr., built the Dorcheat, Doyline, Dubberly, Lanesville, Minden second and John Murrell the third gin-house. (C. H.), Pleasanton, Sarepta, Shongaloo, Sikes In 1839 William Dyer was sheriff; Rush Rey Ferry and Timothea. Shongaloo, where a Masonic nolds, deputy; Peets, parish judge, and Copes clerk, lodge was carried on from 1860 to 1886, is one of at Overton. Messrs. Lawson, Evans, Alcott, Scott. the old settlements.

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Drew, Vaughan, were lawyers; Sanders P. Day, botel Isaac Alden is said to have been the first Eng. keeper; Morrow, Berry & Co., Abner Drake, Drulish-speaking settler of Webster. He came in 1811 ry Murrell, John Chaffe, Thompson & Morrow, Y. and located eight miles east of Minden, thus escap P. & J. R. Reynolds, general merchants; Messrs. ing the call issued by Jackson at New Orleans. Pennall, Quarles and McFarland, physicians; Capt. He died after the war of 1861-65. A half-breed, Hiram Wilson ran a steamboat on Lake Bisteneau, Richard Fields, settled near Germantown, twelve and Stephen D. Pitts was a cotton broker, while miles away, at the same time, and they were the five miles from Minden were Davis Long's sulphur only human occupants of the wilderness up to springs. April, 1818, when the Murrells, Wards, Mournens, Old Mrs. Smith, a widow, was the first person Duties and Doolies arrived. They made a tempo- buried in the Minden Cemetery. It appears she rary settlement, but were driven to higher land, was first interred near Murrell's tan-yard, but and in August of that year we find John Murrell, on the suggestion of Veeder the body was transhis wife, six children, a pack-horse, two doys and a ferred to the present grounds. rifle introducing the civilization of the times east of William Wilson, who died August 27, 1886. Minden, beyond the present parish line. During the was said to be the oldest resident of the parish at winter of 1818-19 a settlement was made at Small that time, being ninety-four years old. He was Creek or Flat Lick by the Allens. Dan Moore, a soldier of the War of 1812. William Gryder, Newt. Drew, and perhaps two Jesse Sikes, who settled on Sikes Ferry in 1816, others located there.

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In 1827 a post office was es- is still living in the house which he built in 1820. tablisbed there, under the title Allen's Settlement John Murrell, who came about 1816, is living on the Post-office, with John Murrell master.

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This posi

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old Military Road. When the Texas colony of Indi tion he held until his death in January, 1847. ana passed here, in 1834, they stayed at Murrell's on Isaac Alden was justice of the peace for the terri November 4, 1834, and this pioneer measured the tory north of Campti to Arkansas and from Onachita River to Texas. In the fall of 1818 John The first slaves were brought into the district

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corn.

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about 1820, and within the succeeding thirty four In 1837-39 some entries were made in Township years increased beyond the thousand mark. The 18, Range !, Newitt Drew on Section 5 (Overton), fortunes of war reduced the nominal slave to a Joshua Jones on Section 2, David C. Pratt on Secreality in slavery, and to day thousands of acres tion 5, George R. Reemet on Section 10, Thaddeus of the old plantations are lying out under rank W. and Robert Byas on Section 11. Between 1840 weeds or young forests, making the Caucasian and 1860 almost the total area passed to pri. poor, indeed, compared with the past, and the vate owners. John M. Crawford and John C. freedman poorer still in the uncertainty of his new Cole, who purchased in Township 18, Range 10 in position.

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1840, were preceded as land buyers by Robert and D. Harper, H. L. Martin, J. M. Paxton, James Jobu L. Hodges and Simeon Thompson. Town Crow, Jacob Lewis, the Leonards, Newitt Drew, ship 19, Range 8 was first entered in August, were large slave owners in Webster. The greater 1837, by William and Catherine Lee. In 1838 number of the Caucasians owned from two to ! 39 John and Hiram Given, Jobn Miller, Peter nine slaves, but the large owners were few in this G. Olliver and Ben Rowles purchased here. part of old Claiborne.

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The tirst entries in Township 199, Range ) were Lee Ham, a celestial, was the first of his race made July 12, 1833, Friend McMahon, Jr., on Secto settle at Minden. He came in the fall of 1888, tion 28; July 30, 1833, by Newitt Drew on Section and at once established a little store and restaurant 32; Thomas Young on Section 32, same date: July in a house opposite the old Reynolds Hotel, leased 28, 1833, by Richard Nickerson on Section 244, from T. R. Gerin. John Chuney came later, and on July 30, 1833, by Abel Crownover on Sec others followed, and then came in the inevitable ' tion 5, and by Russell Jones, Jr., on Section 18 in laundryman, John Lee. The almond-eyed citi 1836; Robert Cannon purchased also in 1836; zens are aristocrats in their own way.

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Quinton Dines on Section 21, in 1837; James The first purchasers of United States lands in Hiler, Jacob Peacow, Nancy and Caroline Deck, in Township 17 north, Range 8 west, were Thomas ! 1837; John T. Morrow, Richmond Randle, Wimfry Gray on Section 6, and William Stiles on Section B. Scott, H. McFarland, William Shepherd, James 10, in 1838; Samuel Laird on Section 2, William Berry (Section 13), Charles Ritchey, James Mason, A. Jones on Section 9 and 15, in 1839. In Town Elkin Juggle Jones, Reuben Drake, Mary Deck, ship 17, Range 9, large parcels were purchased in John M. Fallon, Dillinghast Vanghan, Henry 1836; Naney and Mary Saps purchased on Sec. Springer, William H. Drake, William Hoddy, tion 20, in 1837; James Walsh and Richard H. Hiram Wilson, Josiak Wilson, Thomas Young, Thompson on Section 21, in 1836; Dawson and Lewis Million, Jene Million, William S. Pennall, Dorsey on Section 30, the same year; Samuel Charles Y. Long and Phillip Alden, in 1839. Clark on Section 31. In 1843 the first lands in William Berry purchased on Section 33, in NovemTownship 17, Range 10 were sold to Martin Wood ber, 1834. on Section 3. to J. J. and Joseph D. Byran on The first entries in Township 199, Range 10, Section 6, William E. Kellogg on Section 19, Isaac were made by Reuben Drake and John Bauskett Alden on Section 2+, Owen H. Magee and "John on Section 1, John W. Hughes on Section 3, NaGregg on Section 30; in 1844-47 Stephen Apple. than Pickett and William Ferriday on Section 7, white, Martin Martin, Micah Miller, C. A. Kellogg, James Surget on Section 9, Solomon High and and W. B. Young were buyers. In Township 18, Emilius P. Bry on Section 15, Robert Davis on Range 8, buyers came in between 1850 and 1860, Section 17, James M. and Micajah Pickett on Sec but in 1810 John Pressnall owned 38 acres on Sec- tion 20, Andrew Lawson and Peter G. Thompson tion 7, Jephtha Pallen 80 acres on Section 6, and on Section 26, Algernon S. Robertson on Section Joab W. Laird 10 acres on Section 18. Between 1850 29, Harrison Presnall, Duncan McDougall and and 1860 the great body of the land was taken up. John Stamps on Section 36, in 1836.

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1

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Township 20, Range 8 west, was first entered by Francis Lyman. In each of the townships on Section 22 under the act of June 19, 1831, given in this paragraph the State located lands un by Peter Grounds in 1838; Adam and Jacob Miller, der the several acts of Congress. In 1853 Andrew Micah and James W. Miller and Benjamin Nugent J. McDonald located lands on Section 27, Townalso entered lands in 1838; Tandy and John Pate, ship 23, Range 11, and some years later the Gamin 1839. From 1851 to 1858 a large number of bles, Cassons, Daniels, Coyles, Carruths, Reeves, buyers is recorded.

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Johns, Livermans, John and Charles Chaffe. Township 20, Range 9, was first entered in Leriza Taylor, Henry J. Taylor, J. H. Murrell and 1810 by Amoldus Venderhorst Montgomery, on others entered tracts in this township. In 1839 Section 25; Joseph D. Long, Section 31, and Joel Jackson Hash and Timothy Hash entered a oneWaters, Section 1. In 1843 William A. Drake, half section on Section 36. A cotton field, the Section 8; in 1814, Stephen Butler, Section 8, property of Capt. Goodwill, two miles west of Min and Simeon Williamson, Section 32.

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den, near Phillip Thorp's house, marks the site of Township 20, Range 10, was entered by Will. ; Overton. iam Crowley and Mary Brown in 1837, on Section The act establishing Webster Parish was ap. 32; Stephen C. O'Neal, in 1839, on Section 28; proved February 27, 1871. The boundaries er

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, William Crowley, Section 31, wbile Township 21, i tended from Bayou Bodean, on the Arkansas line, Rauge 9, shows: Stephen Butler on Section 1, in south along the eastern bank of that bayou to line 1840; James Shaw, in 1843; James McCarty, in i between Townships 20 and 21, thence east on that 1814, on Section 2; Martin Wood, in 1843, and I line to intersection of line between Ranges 10 and Micah and William Martin in 1840, on Section 24; 11; thence south on that range line to live between Zene Grounds and Willis Doles in 1844 on Sec- Townships 16 and 17; thence east across Lake tion 26; Joel W. Murrell in 1843 on Section 36; Bisteneau, on the same line to line between Ranges Josiah Butler purchased on Section 35 in 1814. 8 and 9; thence north three miles; thence east to

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Township 21, Range 10, was first entered in Black Lake, northerly along western bank of lake 1839, but Thomas A. Glass and Winna Eliza Vest to the confluence of the prongs of Black Lake; were the only owners until 1850, when the immi- thence north and up main prong or Crow's Creek grants began to pour in. In 1851 John Chaffe en- to line between Townships 19 and 20; thence west tered a large area here, and in 1859 Alfred Good- to halfway point on line between Ranges 7 and 8 will purchased several tracts.

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and the line between Ranges 8 and 9; thence Township 21, Range 11, was bought np in north three miles; west to line between Ranges S 1858, 1839 and 1860 in large tracts like Township and 9, north on range line to Arkansas line, and 22, Range 9 west, which passed into private own thence to the point of beginning. The parish was ership from the United States during the same divided into six wards. This territory, as is evi. years. Township 22, Range 10, was first entered

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denced by the boundaries, was detached from the in 1818 by William S. Denman. In 1819 a large parishes of Bossier, Claiborne and Bienville. area was selected by the State of Alabama under In 1837 a division of Claiborne Parish was the act of July 4, 1836, but the greater area was suggested, but the idea met with such opposition sold from 18.72 to the beginning of the war.

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1

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that the dividers gave their attention to obtaining Township 22, Range 11, was taken

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пр in the seat of justice, Newitt Drew favoring Overton, 1839 39, with the exception of the small tracts en- and C. H. Veeder, Minden. Newett Drew suc tered by Samuel Davis on Section 14 in 1852 and ceeded, but in 1810 Veeder influenced the Legis by John W. Strange in 1851 on Section 13. Town- lature to appoint locating commissioners who ship 23, Range 9, was entered in 1859-60, and would favor Minden. The commissioners were go Township 23, Range 10, in 1839 61, with the ex- slow in their action that their terms expired and ception of part of Section 36 pre-empted in 1851 | influences favorable to Overton triumphed, so that

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re

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the court-house was erected there and Minden had cian and W. Mansfield was re-elected clerk. In to remain an ordinary town, and the whole parish September Dr. Harper was appointed physician. a part of Claiborne, Bossier and Bienville until | In January, 1876, the estimate for the year was 1871, when the act of February 27 fixed the orig. reported at $13,625. inal boundaries.

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The tax levy was 27 mills for 1876, 27 school, In 1871 the first police jury was organized in 12 ordinary, 6 road and bridge and 6 court-house. the old town hall, subsequently burned. D. B. L. Q. C. Puckett was tax collector in 1875, and C. Doyle and Dr. G. J. Wise were members of the C. Chaffe, treasurer. Toward the close of 1876 jury, and John G. Warren, clerk. The records of M. J. Moss was acting clerk, but in April, 1877, this period disappeared with the early reconstruc- S. F. Goode was appointed by the new jury. J. tionists, and no memory at Minden is able to give J. Carter was chosen president; Irvin Talton, N. the names of the precise actors in jury affairs. J. Sandlin, W. L. Coyle and James Reagan being The first record of the police jury, in possession of the other new members. T. M. Turner was treasJ. J. Carter, clerk, is dated January 12, 1874. urer, and W. D. McDonald, collector. In NovemSimeon Gray, of Ward 5, was then presiding with ber, 1878, Thomas W. Randle, of Ward 4, signs Alfred McCarty, representing Ward No. 1, Alford the record as president. J. F. Taylor represented Gibson (colored) No. 2, Joseph P. Jackson (col Ward 2, and John Slack of Ward 1, with Sandlin ored) No. 3," and Willis Ford (colored) No. 1. and Talton, formed the board. S. F. Goode was T. M. Turner was clerk, and Dr. Harper, treasurer. e-elected clerk; T. M. Turner, treasurer; M. C. On the date given $312.50 were allowed to eleven Mosely, attorney, and Dr. Harper, physician, for

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$ poor persons in the parish, while a large sum was 1879. The parish printing contract was sold to appropriated to pay sheriffs' and attorneys' fees in George W. Tompkins. In April, 1880, J. J. Car criminal cases for advertising in the Minden Dem ter was elected president, John Slack, N. J. Sandocrat in 1872, for election commissioners in 1872. lin, J. L. Taylor and E. F. Lewis being the mem On January 14 the court-house building committee, bers. W. H. Schneider, of the Democrat, was S. B. Miller, Isaac Murrell (the first male child elected public printer, the election being necessary, born in Webster), John C. Loy, S. W. Culpepper, owiug to the bid of the Tribune being similar in and W. A. Drake, reported their settlement with terms to that of the Democrat. . In July the clerk T. B. Neal, the contractor. The jury granted and treasurer were authorized to purchase a safe. $2,000 to him, and held $100 until some parts of In February, 1881, the report of the liquor elec the contract would be fulfilled. The report of

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tion in Ward 5 was made. This shows 86 votes Collector Gruber for 1873 was presented, showing for sale and 30 against. In May, 1881, Jack$20,084.04 accounted for, of which $15, 106.88 son Sikes took the place of Juror Slack; Sherwere collected. In 1874 the parish printing was iff Reagan was tax collector. In June, 1882, Dr. done by the Herald-J. B. Walthall. In Novem- G. J. Wise appears as juror. At this time the ber, 1874, J. M. Lewis was elected to McCarty's proposition to build a branch railroad south from place on the jury. January 18, 1875, the newly Minden to Vicksburg, Shreveport & Pacific Rail elected jurors were installed: Christopher Chaffe, road line was considered in its relation to the parpresident, William Sandlin, J. J. Wise, William ish. Walton Ford, of the Tribune, was appointed L. Coyle and 0. L. Noles. William Mansfield printer. J. S. Cheshire was physician, and T. M. was chosen clerk, vice Turner, resigned. This Turner, treasurer. In 1884 N. J. Sandlin, of jury estimated the expenditures for the year at Ward 3, was president; G. J. Wise, W. L. Coyle, $12,000, and a tax levy of 28 mills was ordered. H. A. Barnes and M. N. Walker represented the The jurors fixed their own pay at $4 per day and other wards. The liquor election in Ward 3, as 5 cents per mile traveling expenses. In May, reported in September, shows 105 against and 91 1875, Dr. B. T. Mosely was chosen parish physi- for the sale of liquors. In October there were 9

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votes for and 84 against the sale of liquor in Ward a year later the grand jury reported favorably on 2, and 110 for and 13+ against in Ward 4. In the new court house building. In October, 1875, 1885 the same jurors managed the parish affairs. John McKinney and Marshall Henderson were in J. D. McIntyre was treasurer. In December of dicted for the murder of Mercer. On the 15th, this year the jurors relinquished the right of the McKinney was found guilty of manslaughter and parish to cross the railroad at the Douberly side | Henderson guilty of murder. In October, 1877, track, Tbe same jurors were present in July, S. B. Miller, A. J. Colbert, J. M. Doyle and Cal1886. T. M. Turner was chosen temporary clerk; vin Wells were appointed jury commissioners. J. J. Carter was appointed clerk in December fol- Grant Gamble was indicted for killing deer in lowing, vice Goode. The claims against the Vicks 1878, and Anderson Ames for the murder of Clem. burg, Shreveport & Pacific Railroad, which were Franks in April, 1879, and found guilty. The presented on its completion in September,' 1884, petition of G. W. Warren, contesting the election were considered by the jury in April, 1887. At of William D. McDonald as clerk of the district this time the railroad company, through General court, was presented. Gentry was declared elected Attorney Stubb, agreed to an assessment of $3,500 clerk some time later, and resigned the office of per mile and $1 per acre on improved lands sub- jury commissioner, leaving William Reagan to be ject to the understanding that the taxes demanded appointed thereto. In 1879 the number of the for 1887 and 1886 would not bear penalties. This district was changed from the eighteenth to the agreement was accepted to continue in force until second, and R. C. Drew elected judge; J. A. W. 1894. The act amending the act of 1882 for the Lowery, district attorney; J. W. Reagan, sheriff: protection of deer was passed in 1887. In July, and W. D. McDonald, clerk, qualified. In April, 1888, Dr. Wise, Isaiah Ratcliff, James M. Miller, 1880, an indictment was returned against a woman C. B. Heiflin and J. E. Hodges formed the new “ for receiving seed cotton in the night," an inno. jury, with J. M. Miller, president, and J. J. Car- cent affair in itself, but made a crime after the war, ter, clerk.

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The estimates for the year were placed owing to the wholesale ste ng of seed cotton carat $10,900.

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In December the question of providried on. Up to and including this term indict ing a fire-proof record vault was considered favor. ments “for carrying concealed weapons” and ably, and a contract was made with the Diebold “ failure to work the roads” were common, showCompany through Agent Garrettson in February, ing that in the parish, at least, a disposition to 1889, for $1,250). In May this improvement was carry out the laws was manifest. In April, 1880, completed and accepted by the jurors. The liquor the death of the late sheriff, W. N. Collins, was election, as reported November 29, 1889, shows officially noticed, the members of the bar signing

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, 124 votes against and 23 for sale of liquor in the resolutions, being A, B. George, J. D. WatWard 1 (Shangaloo), and 50 against and 36 for in kins, C. E. McDonald, W. G. McDonald, J. F. Ward 1, Sikes' Shop.

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Taylor and T. M. Fort, with District Attorney M. The first district court of Webster Parish, C. Mosely, parish attorney; S. D. Spain, district Eighteenth District, was held November 6, 1871, clerk; William Life, coroner; and George Mc Judge L B. Watkins presiding. The grand jurors Weaver, recorder. In November, 1881, indictwere: J. M. Lewis, Perry Jordan, O. M. Butler, ments for manslaughter were returned against Alex Mashaw, P. P. Bates, W. B. Powell, E. W. J. W. Walker and Webb Gamble; for murder Hodges, W. A. Armour, Jim Robertson, W. L. against Malinda Campbell and William Lemons. Murrell, A. G. Morgan, G. B. Denman, H. A. Gamble

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was acquitted, also Malinda Camp Perrott, Henry Jackson and James H. Smith. Dr. bell. In November, 1881, John Figgins and A. G. Harper was clerk and G. W. Warren, sheriff. E. M. Hawkins, et al., were charged with mur. In 1872 R. B. Taylor was deputy clerk. In Jan- der. Hawkins was acquitted. In April, 1885, uary, 1873, Richard W'. Turner qualified as judge; | James F. Martin was indicted for murder, also

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a

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1 sum.

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Ed McDonald. In this last case a nolle proseque

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in-law's house. Rev. W. B. Scott, a Methodist, was at once entered. In November, 1885, Henry attended him. The murder of Simon Doyle was Jackson was charged with murder. James F. perpetrated July 21, 1881, at Harrison's store, in

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, , Martin was acquitted. November 23 Jackson was the northern part of the parish. On July 21, 1885, found guilty of the murder of R. A. Brittain and Cicero Green and John Figures were killed within sentenced to death. In November, 1886, Hannah the jail at Minden. The latter murdered Bunk Robertson was arraigned on the charge of murder, Coyle, and was awaiting trial, while the former was but the jury failing to agree, a

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new trial was a shrewd desperado who played peek-a-boo with entered, but the charge was dropped. The death

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the law for some years. of Col. T. M. Fort was appropriately noticed in a The Minden mail stage was robbed July 27, series of resolutions drafted by J. F. Taylor, J. E. 1882, near Clark's Bayou. In August the frag Reynolds and J. T. Watkins. A true bill was ments of the letters were found by a negro, and returned in April, 1888, against Noel Jackson for given to Ed McDade, the postmaster at Fillmore. murder. In November, 1888, Judge J. T. Boone In 1876 there were 896 votes cast for Nicholls opened court. In December Jackson was found (D.), and 858 for Packard (R.), candidates for guilty, while William Lemons, formerly men governor. In 1879 Wiltz (D.) received 588 and tioned, was acquitted in February, 1889. March Beattie (R.) 574. In 1884 McEnery (D.) received 6, 1889, resolutions on the death of James F. 588 and Stevenson (R.) 810, while in 1898 Nicholls Taylor were presented by D. W. Stewart and (D.) was credited with 1,506, and Warmoth (R.) adopted. In February, 1890, Ed Oliver was with 325. The registered voters in April, 1888, indicted for the murder of Ed Jones.

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numbered 2,463, of whom 1,146 were Caucasians. The pioneer lawyers were E. Olcott, Tillinghast There were 50 whites and 1,249 Africans who Vaughan, D. L. Evans, G. W. Peets and Andrew could not write their names. Lawson. The present roll of attorneys contains

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In 1871 Frederick Heath was elected reprethe names of J. A. W. Lowry, R. C. Drew, C. E. sentative. He was succeeded by Clarence Pratt, McDonald (now a preacher), D. W. Stewart, J. D. who subsequently fought a duel with Robert Lewis, Watkins (retired), J. T. Watkins, L. K. Watkins, two miles south of Minden, and was wounded. In J. E. Reynolds, R. P. Webb, John Young and J. 1874 W. W. Carlos was chosen and re-elected in A. Murff. The names of J. A. Rich and J. A. 1876. In 1878 J. J. Carter was elected and W. Snider appear on an older register.

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H. Scanland chosen senator. In December, 1879, The parish court was organized April 4, 1871, Irvin Talton was chosen representative, and Judge with S. G. McKennie, parish judge. In November, Watkins and John Vance, senators. G. L. P. 1872, R. B. Taylor was elected, and on February Wren was elected in 1984 and re-elected in 1888, 24, 1873, opened the parish court. He was suc

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when Col. Vance (now assistant attorney general) ceeded by W. L. Franks, February 233, 1875, and and John L. Phipps were chosen senators. he, in turn, by R. C. Drew, in February, 1877. In 1871 E. H. Gruber was appointed assessor who served until the office was abolished, under the and collector, followed by L. Q. C. Puckett; Will constitution of 1879.

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iam McDonnell was appointed collector about Criminal offenses were numerous and serious 1876, and Sanders Richardson, assessor. He served in this parish, particularly during reconstruction until 1879, when Col. Berry was appointed asdays. At Overton there were four negroes hanged, sessor, the sheriff being collector.

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J. W. Reagan in 1836 or 1837, for the murder of their master, being the first sheriff under the constitution of McIntyre. Jacob Busch (white), who cut off a 1879. D. W. Pratt succeeded him in 1888. man's head at Mount Lebanon, was also banged. Webster gave 954 votes to Greeley and 624 to Col. Berry and others pursued this desperado into Grant for President; 987 to McDonald and 611 Arkansas, and captured him in Busch's brother- to Blackburn for senator; 978 to Shultz and 619 to

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Heath for representative; 1,000 to Watkins and uary, 1855, as successor of the Herald, by N. C. 601 to Turner for district judge in the celebrated Blackburn. The office was in a two-story brick contest known as the Grant-Greeley campaign. building where is now the Eagle Eye. In 1876 W. W. Carlos was chosen representative; The Minden Monitor was established before S. D. Spann, clerk, and George A. Palmer, re- the war, it is said, by one Cregg. In June, 1859, corder. In November, 1878, Webster recorded this was the official journal of the city and it conthe following votes: State senator, W. H. Scanland tinued publication until May, 1860, when N. J. (D) 1,128; representative, J.J. Carter 618, G. W. Sandlin purchased the office. Warren 503; parish judge, R. C. Drew 718, W. The Minden Advertiser was founded in May, L. Franks 342; sheriff, W. N. Collins (D.) 767, 1860, by N. J. Sandlin on the ruin of the Monitor. 1. F. Green 355; coroner, William Life; police. On his leaving for the seat of war in 1861 the jury, T. W. Randle, president, Irwin Talton, N. J. office was closed. Sandlin, James S. Taylor and John Slack; treas- The Public Sentiment was established in July, urer, T. M. Turner; clerk, F. S. Goode, and phy- 1866, by Walter Scott and Clarence Pratt, the sician, A. G. Harper. The elections of December, duelist, who died in Texas. This paper contin 1879, resulted as follows: Senator, Watkins 395, ued publication for only a short time. Vance 542; Webb (G. B.) 683, Tilley (G. B.) 716;. The Minden Democrat was established in Au constitution, for 1,063, contra 135; debt ordinance, gust, 1868, by A. G. Tompkins & Bro., with H. for 1,097, contra 109; district judge, Drew 539, A. Drew and A. B. George, editors. In January, Turner 732; district attorney, Lowry 577, Fuller 1879, W. H. Schneider became proprietor. 672; representative, Talton (G. B.) 680, Wise (D.) The Democrat and Tribune were consolidated 526; district clerk, McDonald 644, Warren 635; April 16, 1887, and the title Democrat-Tribune sheriff, Spann 481, Reagan 774; coroner, Har- adopted. per 569, Cheshire 710. In 1888 Vance Phipps The North Lonisiana Index ceased publication received 1,566 votes for senators; Wren, 1,135; at Minden in 1873. The press on which it was Franks, 222, and Hicks, 424 for representative; printed was made at Chris. Chaffe's foundry, was J. T. Boone, 1,558 for district judge; Lowry, removed to Bellevue in 1873, but carried back to 1,575 for district attorney; D. W. Pratt, 1,144 Claiborne in 1878 by Dr. Walthall. The New and G. M. Talton, 681 for sheriff; J. H. Tillman, Herald was also issued here for a short time dur1,200 and G. W. Warren, 613 for district clerk. ing reconstruction days.

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The Minden Ins was the name of a newspaper The Webster Tribune of Minden was estab. published at Minden in 1848. This was undoubt- lished November 6, 1878, by J. M. Scanland. In edly the first journal issued within the area February, 1880, S. M. McCranie and C. E. Mcembraced in Webster Parish, but who the pub- Donald became owners. Later that year S. M. lisher was no one can remember, nor would the McCranie was sole owner,

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In October, 1881, Ins be mentioned had it not been referred to in Walton Fort purchased the office and T. M. Fort one of the old records of Bienville Parish.

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was appointed editor. In 1888 E. L. Berry was The Minden Herald was edited by W. Jasper publisher and W. Stewart, editor of the Tribune. Blackburn* and issued early in the fifties, contin- Cox's Educational Monthly was established in uing until Jannary, 1855.

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1888 by A. L. Cox. The Minden Gazette was established in Jan

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The Eagle Eye is the successor of the Democrat

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| Tribune. On July 10, 1889, G. L. Wren purchased *During the war W. J. Blackburn was arrested for printing ('on

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the office from Moses Fort, but, Mr. Berry's lease federate money for Lambright & ('0. He was tried at Shreveport, when eleven were for death and one against. Mr. ---, a Jew, was not expiring until January 1, 1890, he was de facto Confederate listrict judge, and remembering that Blackburn called

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partner in the office up to that time, when Mr. him a circumcised Jew, was determined to hang him, but through the mediation of friends he was pardoned.

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Wren assumed sole control.

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now

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1

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The names of the registered physicians of the mately entered the Virginian Army. The Minden parish, with location, name of institution, granting Blues organized in April, 1861, with John L. Lewdiploma and date of diploma, are given as follows: is, captain; B. F. Simms, T. B. Tompkies, and W.

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: Dr. Wills, Dr. Penneil, Dr. Williams and Dr. Dan- Blackwell, lieutenants; J. H. Webb (captain for a iel McFarland were the first physicians. Albert short time), B. F. Simms, T. H. Moreland (died in G. Harper, Minden, New Orleans School of Medi- 1889), and G. W. Doffin, sergeants; James Phil cine, 1869; Daniel McFarland, Minden, Cincinnati | lips, M. F. Montgomery, J. P. McKee and J. H. Medical College, 1836; Thomas J. Vance, Minden, Curry, corporals. The full force was ninety men. Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 1838; On June 8, the command left for New Orleans, and James E. Baine, Bushwood, New Orleans School on July 7, left for Manassas with Beauregard's army of Medicine, 1869; William D. Harper, Homer, as Company G, of the Eighth Louisiana Infantry. Tulane University of Louisiana, 1885); John S. In April, 1862, the command re enlisted and elected Cheshire, Minden, New Orleans School of Medi B. F. Simms, captain (died in August, 1862), S. Y. cine, 1856; Samuel M. Grigsby, Doyline, Medical Webb, N. J. Sandlin, and G. L. P. Wren, lieuCollege of Alabama, 1887; James D. Middlebrooks, tenants. At once entering on that campaign which Cotton Valley, Atlanta Medical College, 1882; drove Banks across the Potomac, Company G Charner A. Scaip, Sarepta, Louisville Medical Col- served under Taylor and was present when the lege, 1889; Charles R. Reynolds, Dorcheat, Mem- fiery Meagher dashed against the heights of Fredphis Hospital Medical College, 1889; Dr. T. S. ericksburg. The Minden Blues served their canse Parham of Cotton Valley. The physicians who well until April 9, 1865, when the surrender of the registered in 1881-82, by virtue of over five years' Confederate Army released them from service. practice, are William C. White, Robert Williams The record of casualties shows the following killed and George D. Stoien, all of Minden.

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in battle: B. Bell, William Burnham, C. Burnett, The enrollment of white pupils in Webster for John Bailey, Ed Bailey, James Collins, George 1877 was 127; for 1878, 1,070; for 1879, 6.33; for Collins, Miles Cue, William Crichton, Kit Kimball, 1881, 847; for 1882, 1, 104; for 1883, 986; for Jesse Morris, W. McNeally, Marshal Montgomery, 1884, 688; for 1985, 728; for 1886, 837; and for Russell Montgomery, John Monzingo, James Mc1887, 902. The number of colored pupils enrolled Kee, John Rawles, Ferd. Simmons, Lowry Sim in the years given is as follows: 236, 727, 538, 553, mons, Oscar Simmons, James Segar, Robert Scott, 319, 318, 328, 326, 3996 and 555. Within the last J. S. Williams, Charles Williams and I. C. Walker. three years a marked increase in colored pupils is The troops who died from wounds were Joseph noticeable. The editor of the Eagle Eye, referring Loftin, Perry Murrell, John Murrell and Lafayette to the condition of the schools in August, 1890, Thompson. The men who died during the war says: "The superintendent has visited all the dif. were Capt. Simms, Thomas Berry, George Crichferent public schools in the parish, and qualifies ton, John Geren, George Kimball, Simeon Mur his experience and observation with total dissatis- rell, Gillam Morrow, Abe McKemie, Henry Mon faction. He declares that there are too many zingo, John Pinkard (prison Elmira, N. Y.), Ed schools for the number of children attending. In Pratt and William Rawles. The men who escaped many places school-houses are situated too close with wounds were Miles Beach, Dal Beck, Joseph together, there being instances cited where three Collins, W. 0. Garrison, Stephen Kemp, Thomas school-houses were within a five-mile scope, where- King, C. B. Pratt, R. Rodriguez, N. J. Sandlin, as one in the center of the community would be R. A. Smith, G. L. P. Wren and G. W. Walker. sufficient. Another objection the superintendent Private troops discharged: A. Alumnus, J. Boykin, raises is the paltry salary paid to competent E. L. Burson, Ed Montgomery, William Martin, teachers.”

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Pat Malone, James Mauds, James Nolan, Gus E. Etter went out with Company G, but ulti- Nunn, M. O'Neal, N. Barksdale, G. Boon, Col.

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Butler, B. Bailey, Marion Canfield, M. S. Cox, J. C. Davis, Jacob Gall, J. P. and T. R. Givin, W. A. Crawford, John Crichton, G. Doffin, T. G. N. Giddens, Dr. or Dock Goodson, James GoodDawson, J. Fincher, J. Godley, Rus Gentry, W. son, W. D. and David Green, E. W. Hardy, W. S. Genan, Josh Grounds, John Grounds, D. Had- H. Hargrove, J. W. and R. C. Harris, H. W ley, J. Hutchins, E. J. Hamleton, G. Howell, J. Howard, W. B. Hussy, T. J. William, F. S. Kingery, R. Long, J. Lancaster, John Leary, W. S. Jones, B. F. Johnson, John Langford, J. M. Lewis, P. Lewis, A. L. Lewis, Janson Morris, T. Lewis, Charles Murphy, W. F. McClelland, A. D. Moreland, Pat Murphy, J. Mason, T. Morrow, W'. Mason, W. G. Mosely, S. S. McDaniel, H. Mc. Morrow, William Morrow, J. McIntire, B. McFar- Farland, Capt. Maurice Miller, William, W. D. land, Henry McCoy, - O'Neal, G. G. Pinkard, and T. M. Newsome, Capt. Samuel Newman, James Phillips, Frank Rawles, Al Simmons, Moses, Sergt. Samuel Rochester, Musician G. Rhymes,

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, Ed aud Solomon Strickland, Samuel Shaw and D. M. Sanders, James Seehon, I. C. Stanley (was brother, Walter Scott, Thomas Tooly, Epbriam not mustered in), John Sullivan, J. J. Sprawls, . and Judge Thomas, R. West, M. Walker, N. H. Second-Lieut. Walter Scott, Second Sergt. John Walker and L. B. Watkins. Only seventeen of all Shuttleworth, J. L. Tedder, Second Junior Lieut. enrolled returned to the parish.

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J. A. Walker, B. H. Wren, A. D. Wren, D. C. “The Claiborne Grays,”' Nineteenth Louisiana Wilson, T. J. Winfrey, H. L. Woodard and T. S. Infantry, Company D, was formed in October, Young; two soldiers, Louis Groll and Peter Wernett 1861, at Minden and Athens, the former town giv. were missing in action. ing fifty men and the latter thirty men. On Octo- The Minden Rangers (cavalry) completed or ber 20 the command left en route for Camp Moore, ganization in March, 1862, and early in April re and there, before muster in, was joined by thirty ported for service at Corinth, Miss., with F. D. men. The fortunes of the Nineteenth were shared Wimberly, captain; W. C. Patillo, lieutenant; A. in by Company D, until May 4, 186.), when the G. Harper, second lieutenant, and Joseph Hamil Federal, Canby, forced a surrender. The sol ton, third lieutenant. J. Y. Webbs, the first serdiers of Company D, who died on the field of bat- geant, was promoted captain on the reorganization tle are named as follows: Sergt. D. H. Britt, J. of the company; J. J. Carter, third lieutenant; M. Geren, J. A. Harris, Green Hall, D. M. Lightsy, J. H. Simmons, orderly, and L. B. Watkins, first I. L. McIntyre, A. C. Morris, William Pool, Robert lieutenant The roster contains the following Scott, A. K. Wilson and G. F. Wise. P. L.

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P. P. Bates, John and S. W. Bennett. Minchew was killed by a citizen of Jackson, Miss. Jeff Blackman, Dr. Brantly, D. C. and J. M. Can The men who died of wounds received in battle or

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field, M. Cahill, S. W. Culpepper, William Crocker, from other causes, during service, were W. D. Al- John Clinton, James and Stephen Darby, W. A. lums, Samuel Beaston, D. J. Cannon (suttler of Davis, T. Duford, John Dunn, William Eastland, Nineteenth), C. B. Carr, W. T. Colbert, T. J. R. G. Evans, E. H. Fay, B. F., J. D and Will Hall, E. W. Hans, L. Kemp, W. B. Lewis, F. J. iam Fuller, T. J. Geren, J. G. Grounds, T. J. McIntyre, Micah Miller, C. Shoemet (suicide by Grossway, Sim Gray, John H. Garrett, Thomas drowning), Maj. W. B. Scott, A. L. Wilson and

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Garion, S. Gallagher, Al and William Jones, J. M. W. B. White. Many of the above named died at Kiler, John Lackey, J. L. Lasseur, Jules Lancaster. Tupelo, Miss., in 1862.

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The men who survived James Leary and J. C. Loy. Nathan M. Martin, l the war were J. H. Bonard, D. B. Breazeale, Frank Second Lieut. Alex. Martin, William Mayberry,

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Bridges, A. H. Blackwell, Sergt. T. M. Berry, A. McClendon, J. McArthur, J. G. McKemje, J. J. Second-Lieut. John Brown, D. B. Cargill, Sergt. McKee, Nacy Meeks, A. C. Metchew, G. W. Giles, 0. B. Childress, J. H. Childress, Robert Cooper S. A. Louis, J. J. Abram, White and Thomas (did not serve owing to old age), W. H. Col- Monzingo, Peter and P. Y. Morrow, Daniel Mul lios, W. S. and W. P. Culbertson, J. M. Dance. lins, N. Murphy, Thomas and B Nelson, A. W.

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names:

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Newsome, T. B. Noel, Avery and A. Nolan, A. 1879, on the founder of Minden, says that on July B. Oliver, M. Pierce, Louis Peters, Thomas and 4, 1870, he read the declaration at Bakersville, Cal., Robert Randle, Isaiah and Richard Ratcliff, Dr. as he did fifty years before for his fellow soldiers and J. H. Simmons, William and Milton Smith, of the Revolution. In 1838 J. W. Berry, whose Thos. Stanley, J. J. Stewart, J. D. H., D. M. and N. title of colonel dates back to 1855, revived the B. Taylor, R. E. Thompson, H. H. Ward, Lieut. mercantile interest here. Wilson & Wells, W. A. L. B. Watkins, Irby White, J. C. Wimberly and Drake, Sr., Myers Fisher, John Chaffe, Foster Cicero Wafer. In 1865 Col. Foley, of Illinois, Robinson, Berry & Thompson, Harvey Drake, commanded the colored troops in Webster, and had William Oliver, J. H. & D. Murrell, were also early the camp near J. W. Berry's house, where he or- merchants, dered 100 log houses erected. On the evacuation Early in 1837 C. H. Veeder proposed to Reuof this post Col. Berry had the houses burned, ex- ben Drake a method of settling the differences cept one, in wbich a widow had taken up her which then existed between them in the matter of quarters. Foley's office was in W. A. Drake's title to lands. Both were the principal proprie. dwelling, where the Drake store now stands. On tors. The proposition made was this: “That for one occasion D. W. Canfield was brought up as i 120 acres of the 320 you have attempted to locate witness against a colored soldier, and in his evi. I will give you either 120 other acres near to Mindence used the term nigger. Col. Foley inter- den, I taking my choice, or for the 120 acres I will rupted him, saying, “Mr. Canfield, be careful pay you back the money you have advanced, and I after this to say soldier.” Custom set this caution will wait for your answer until Monday next." at nanght, and he used the ostracized term again, Veeder gave as his reason for this proposition bis but, seeing bis error at once, looked at Foley and desire to escape trouble which might interfere with said, “ Beg your pardon, Colonel.”

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the wellare of Minden, where already he had In the pages of the general history reference is induced Wilson and Wells to place $2,000 worth made to the pioneers of this city. In 1822 the of goods in one building, and where he had gunsmith, Deck, settled near by, and shortly after | erected two buildings at a cost of $600, each of Adam L. Stewart settled here, but the town site the three buildings being on one of the eightyformed, practically, part and parcel of the wilder- acre tracts which Drake had receipts for. The ness up to 1837, when Charles H. Veeder, a native pre-emptors of the same tracts also had some title of Schenectady, N. Y., born there October 1, 1796, to them, and herein consisted the trouble. Those and a soldier of 1812, established his store bere pre-emptors, on proving their claims, would unand determined to make the place the center of doubtedly cause the Drake entries to be canceled trade and justice for Claiborne. In 1838 his influ- and leave a shadow on the title. June 16, 1837, ence won from the State an appropriation to be the troubles were settled. Veeder transferred the used in erecting a building at Minden for academ- west half of the southeast quarter of Section 22, ical purposes, and subsequently aided the preachers Township 19, Range 9 west, or 79,94 acres to in organizing the Minden Academy. His efforts Renben Drake in exchange for the west half of the to rob the malarial town of Overton of the parish northwest quarter of Section 27, Township 19, seat were unsuccessful, and, like the ordinary pio. Range 9, both half quarters bordering on Minden.

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I neer of Western New York, he looked toward the Drake was to bave surveyed the land fronting on horizon and wished to settle there. He did not the parallelogram beginning at Wilson & Co.'s carry out this wish immediately, preferring to see town lot, on which their store stood, to Veeder, more of the Central and Southern States. He Cortis & Co.'s plantation. Veeder was to have the moved to California in 1819, and after a residence first choice, and each was to take alternate lots. A of twenty-six years there died in 1875. Augustus relinquishment to title for the parallelogram was D. Jones, of Farmerville, La., writing April 3, | also provided for, as well as donations for school

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and church purposes. It appears that Veeder had chosen mayor, Drury Murrell, Morris Langhorn, advanced $200 cash, and $300 notes to the pre- William Shields, W. H. Caperton and A. B. emptors. Col. Frazer, Thomas Gibbs, Dr. J. George, aldermen, and the last named was ap- Gibbs and Reuben Drake were the original pro- pointed secretary. prietors. Drury Murrell took Col. Frazer's place, In June the old limits of the town of Warsaw and W. A. Drake purchased Reuben Drake's in- were embraced in Minden, under the act of March terests, while the Murrell and Gibbs estates have 9, 1855; in July John T. Griffin was elected mar. passed into other hands.

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shal; six patrol companies were organized, and the The incorporation of Minden took place in following captains appointed: W. H. Caperton, 1854 and on May 8 of that year the aldermen Isaac Murrell, Henry Carleton, Dave W. Canfield, elect met to organize. J. W. Berry, C. H. Ardis John H. Rich and William Oliver. In December and William Hardy were present and the latter the question of license or no license was decided was chosen clerk. C. H. Ardis presided as the in the affirmative, and a license tax of $150 was mayor elect, Henry Carleton refused to qualify. authorized in April, 1856.

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.

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In May, 1836, A. B. Louis Million, Wiley Clayton and R. A. Green George was chosen mayor, with John Chaffe, J. were appointed to hold a special election for M. Morrow, Dan McFarland, James D. Harper mayor. W. T. Hardee was elected and be with and C. H. Ardis, aldermen; John Chaffe was secre. John Chaffe, J. D. Watkins and the aldermen tary. In November, 1836, a term of excitement named were present on May 22, "at early candle- caused the appointment of seven patrol companies, lighting” within the office of Greene & Harris. the captains being M. O. Cheatham, Willis Gilcoat, J. W. Berry, J. D. Watkins and C. H. Ardis David W. Canfield, David Hardy, John T. Griffin, were appointed a committee on laws, and Chaffe George W. Simms and Wade Barrington. In May and Hardly on survey of Minden city limits. A 1857, F. D. Wimberly took McFarland's place, this new deed from Col. J. L. Lewis and wife, grant- being the only change in the board of aldering the cemetery to the town, was demanded and

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The new member was chosen secretary, and nine ordinances were adopted. In June Louis Ardis, treasurer. G. W. Simms was elected mar. Million was elected constable. On this date a wise

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On this date a wise shal; Col. John L. Lewis presented the claims of motion prevailed; this was an order to the clerk to the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Texas Railroad Comkeep a file of the Minden Herald. In July John pany for depot grounds opposite Minden; Drury Chaffe was appointed treasurer. G. L. Trott Murrell's tan-yard (just west of Dr. Morgan's took J. W. Berry's place as alderman. A patrol house), at Minden, was declared a nuisance, and force was appointed with George W. Cheatham, he was ordered to remove it within thirty days. captain, Heury Carleton, W. W. Barrington, John In November, 1857, there were “fourteen ladders Little and W. H. Carperton, members. The loan and thirty buckets" ordered to be purchased for of the seminary bell was obtained and permission the Hook and Ladder Company. In December other given any or everyone to ring it in case of fire. supplies were authorized, and the following named In October, 1854, A. Landsberg asked to be re- nominated as captains of patrol companies: John lieved of his liquor tax; Williamson Jones was Chaffe, Dr. John McKemmey, M. Montgomery, allowed $:31.62 for surveying the town limits and Dr. D. McFarland, John C. Loy, W. Sbuttle S. W. Davis $2.50 for hanging the bell. Mayor worth, John F. Quinn, J. R. Greggs, Dr. W. RSS Hardee resigned in November, and Henry Carleton man, John Lancaster, Dr. J. H. Murrell, B. T. was elected.

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In January, 1855, the terminus of Griffin, Oscar Sherwin, W. C. Maples, A. LandsDale's Lane was reported as the site for the town berg. D. W. Canfield, A. J. Reynolds, A. Good prison and at the same time the prison was re. will, Ed Etter, Jack Hodges, P. P. Bates, Taylor ported ready for the “inspection and reception of Jones, W. B. Scott, William Life, J. W. Lancasthe allermen.” In May W. Jasper Blackburn was ter, P. Bonner, Ed E. Pratt, C. A. Lucas, T.

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men.

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1

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Moreland, James Yost, Dr. Fleming, M. Genner, was appointed to inquire of Mr. Chaffe whether Jesse Waggoner, Ben Neill, J. W. McDonald, R. he invested $150, appropriated by the old board, A. Lancaster, William Hardy, Chris Chaffe, W. A. in powder, shot and lead; and captains of patrols Smith, W. C. Rockwell, Robert Pennall, Dr. J. W. were appointed. Later the question of loaning Quarles, A. Spencer, W. A. Drake, J. B. Hamil- ; money to the Claiborne Grays was settled by givton, M. B. Sherwin, Henry St. John, Albert Pea- ing $300 on a note signed by J. W. McDonald and body, H. Hursey, N. J. Sandlin, F. Robinson, E. T. Jones. Sam Newman resigned the office of Marion Canfield, Stephen Life, and all of the marshal. In October, 1862, Mayor Lewis with persons hitherto named in this record of the Messrs. Morrow, Randle and George transacted .council

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business; J. H. Murrell being secretary until March In February, 1838, W. A. Drake donated to 5, 1863. the city the Male Seminary property; trees were From March, 1863, to July, 14, 1865, there are ordered planted on the parallelogram. In May, no records. On the latter date Mayor Lancaster, 1858, C. H. Ardis succeeded J. M. Morrow as with J. C. Loye, T. W. Randle, J. G. Lewis, W. treasurer; R. A. Lancaster qualified as mayor, with C. Patello and A. B. George qualified. F. RobinJ. M. Morrow, J. D. Harper, Isaac Murrell, F. D. son was appointed treasurer, vice D. Murrell. In Wimberly and Walter Rossman, aldermen. In September the mayor was authorized to exchange June, 1859, Messrs. Lancaster, Morrow, Harper, A. $15 Confederate money for the new issue of State B. George, W. C. Maples and A. Goodwill, qualified money. In October, 1865, T. W. Randle signs the as mayor

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and aldermen. The latter acted as clerk. record as mayor, and A. B. George as secretary, A. B. George was elected attorney and A. Goodwill but in May they are re-elected as mayor and alder. clerk. The Minden Monitor was then the official man, with Messrs. George, McFarland, Webb and journal. From December 26, 1859, to December, Reynolds, aldermen, and James B. Dugger, mar1860, the aldermen seem to have attended to city shal, In August S. D. Gustinie is a member of affairs regardless of the political troubles of the the board, and holds office in 1867.

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In January, period; trees were planted, the cemetery improved, 1868, Alderman J. Y. Webb, Dr. McFarland, A. J. the police service improved. L. B. Watkins was Reynolds and A. B. George were present. clerk, but A. Goodwill made the record. In March,

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1

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tice of the resignation of Mayor J. Walter Scott 1860, Lancaster was mayor, with C. H. Ardis, F. and Alderman F. D. Wimberly appears at this D. Wimberly, J. Y. Webb, L. B. Watkins and A. time. Goodwill, aldermen; and under the auspices of this In July, 1868, R. A. Lancaster is mayor, folcouncil the ladies of the town gave a concert, the lowed on June 1, 1869, by Thomas W. Randle. proceeds of which were to be devoted tɔ further At this time the pioneer clerk, William Hardy, cemetery improvements. In August, 1860, a com- holds the position which he filled so well in 1854. mittee of vigilance and police was appointed, J. S. B. Miller, Chris. Chaffe, A. J. Reynolds and A. Chaffe, J. G. Lewis, T. W. Randle, D B. Hamil. G. Tompkins, with the mayor and clerk, were all ton, J. Geren, J. C. Loye and A. Goodwill being appointed by Warmoth, then governor. In Sepmembers, and in November the office of captain tember this board purchased a bouse and lot from general of patrol was created; under this order A. Charles Chaffe, for $750, and Reynolds and Randle Goodwill was chosen. On April 25, 1861, the sum were appointed a committee to superintend the of $250 was appropriated to purchase ammunition building of a jail on such lot. K. C. Patton was for the protection of the town. The new board captain of police at this time. In August, 1870, comprised Mayor Lancaster, Aldermen J. H. Mur S. G. McKemie was mayor, with G. W. Warren, rell, J. D. Watkins, T. W. Randle, C. H. Ardis William Hardy, S. B. Miller, C. Chaffe and W. D. and J. C. Loy, the two last named being appointed Shea, aldermen. J. G. Warren was mayor in treasurer and clerk, respectively. A committee

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A committee 1871, and Dr. Harper a member of council, vice

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A no

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Warren. On Warren's resignation, as mayor, in

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ter. The council elected in 1878 was presided May, 1872, John Miller was appointed; Chris over by P. W. Paul, as mayor; the aldermen be. Chaffe, Dr. Harper, S. B. Miller, George Bowles ing Ben Wade, William Life, T. R. Geren, Will. and William Hardy, being aldermen. In July the iam Manly and W. A. Crawford. Marshal Scriber council was asked to donate the town hall lot to the and Treasurer Hardy were re-elected. parish, but the request was peremptorily declined. In May, 1879, the governor issued commis On October 7 a second resolution offered this town sions to P. W. Paul, mayor, T. R. Geren, W. ball to the parish, the consideration being that one Life, W. J. Reams, vice Manly, W. A. Crawford, room in the court-house to be built thereon be re- and T. B. Neal, vice Wade, aldermen; J. W. served for the city.

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Wooley, marsbal, and J. Y. Webb, treasurer., This last resolution failed to be ratified by the The Minden elections of May, 1880, resulted in the voters on October 14, 1872, it receiving only forty- choice of P. W. Paul, mayor; John W. Wooley, seven, while opposed by 106 votes. John L. Hart, marshal; W. Life, W. A. Crawford, T. R. Geren, an appointee of Gov. Warmotb, was then mayor T. B. Neal and W. J. Reams, aldermen, and J. Y. with the aldermen who served in 1872. In Janu- Webb, treasurer. The same officials were re. ary, 1873, $500 reward was offered for the arrest and elected in 1881, 1882 and 1883. In May, 1883, conviction of incendiaries connected with the fire of

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he question of a 5-mill tax, to be levied annualDecember 30, 1872. In March a case of small.pox ly for ten years, to aid in building the Minden was reported, and measures taken to guard against Railroad and Compress Company's road from the spread of the disease. A board of health was es- Minden to the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Pacific. tablished in April with Messrs. Hart, S. B. Miller near John G. Lane's house, was submitted. A and Dr. Harper, members. The new council com- vote was taken June 16, 1883, and resulted in a prised S. F. Goode, mayor; Dr. McFarland and T. majority for the special tax. C. S. Smith was M. Turner, new members, with Messrs. Harper, Mil- mayor at this time, vice Mayor Paul, resigned. In ler and Bowes, of the old council; T. M. Turner January, 1884, the small-pox scare reminded the was chosen clerk, vice William Hardy, who was council of duties almost forgotten, and measures appointed treasurer. On September 10 the ordi were taken to battle with the threatened epidemic. nance to quarantine the town was adopted, and In May, 1884, William A. Crawford was elected continued in force until October 1.

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In 1874 Ely

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mayor, defeating C. S. Smith by a vote of 159 to Bobo took T. M. Turner's place as alderman; 87. John W. Wooley, marshal; T. Crichton, S. Isaac Sylvester was appointed marshal; William B. Miller, H. A. Barnes, W. J. Reams and George Hardy, reappointed treasurer; S. B. Miller, chosen Bowes, aldermen; J. Y. Webb, treasurer, and W. secretary, and T. K. Font le Roy, captain of J. Reams, secretary. Minden elected in May, police. In April, 1875, the purchase of twelve 1885, W. A. Crawford, mayor; W. J. Reams, H. fountain pumps, to be used in case of fire, was A. Barnes, S. B. Miller, George Bowes (colored) authorized. The election of May, 1875, resulted in and T. R. Geren, aldermen; E. L. Berry, marshal, the choice of T. M. Fort, mayor; J. J. Carter, T. and J. Y. Webb, treasurer.

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In May, 1886, W. R. Geren, P. W. Paul, S. W. Onlpepper and William A. Crawford was re-elected mayor; F. H. Drake, Life, aldermen; William Hardy, treasurer, and P. J. T. Mims, N. I. Barnes (acting mayor), R. L. Claffey, marshal. On the organization of the new Shepard (colored) and T. R. Geren, aldermen; G. council T. R. Geren was elected clerk. In June, E. Bailey, marshal; J. Y. Webb, treasurer, and T. 1876, C. S. Smith qualified as mayor, and J. P. R. Geren, clerk. In 1887 E. H. Canfield was Scriber, as marshal, otherwise the officials were

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mayor; Messrs. Barnes, Mims, Geren, W. J. Reams unchanged, and remained unchanged until June,

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and Frank Humphries, aldermen; T. R. Gered, 1877, when T. T. Wooten, T. M. Turner, and

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clerk, and J. O. Monzingo, marshal. Frank Sherman replaced Culpepper, Life and Car- In 1888 A. G. Chaffe was chosen mayor to sue:

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ceed E. H. Canfield; W. J. Reams, F. J. Moess,Eagle Eye and Miller's jewelry store; Berry & F. H. Drake, J. Y. Webb, Jr., and T. R. Geren Warren's general store, where Leary & Crichton's were elected alderman, and A. S. Harrell, marshal. store now is; William Holmes' and Culpepper's In May, 1889, T. Crichton and J. M. Miller, with house, where the Jones' saloon now is, while the Reams, Moess and Geren formed the council, grocery store which occupied the site of the presMayor Chaffe still presiding, and G. W. Adams, ent Hill store was blown up to save the Drake marshal. In February, 1890, Pat Claffey quali- | building. fied as chief of police. The present council or- A year prior to this the brick store of Chaffe ganized June 2, 1890, with J. J. Holmes, mayor; Shea & Loye, which stood on the site of the prosJ. M. Miller, Walton Fort, George Life, T. Crichton ent S. J. Webb store, was burned, but the walls and T. R. Geren, aldermen, and the latter, clerk. were left standing. The restored walls form the At this meeting the committee appointed in April, present building. Gall, the Dutchman was burned 1890, reported, stating that the oldest map of the out, as it was in his building the fire originated. town was compared with the official map, and that Lausburg's saloon was destroyed and some smaller a street, now obstructed by M. S. MacKenzie's houses. On another occasion Gall's store and the cotton yard, is found marked under the name of old Town Hall were burned. Green Street. Acting on this report an ordinance The explosion of powder took place in the providing for the reopening of Green Street was house occupied by Dr. Morgan at present. It was adopted. This ordinance led to the law proceed- then the property of John Chaffe, and to destroy ings now pending between M. S. Mackenzie and this building a negro slave named Armstead, cook the city- Watkins and Watkins representing the for the Chaffe household, stole a keg of powder corporation, and A. J. Murff, the complainant. from the warehouse, and placing it in the parlor The demand for opening has only been made re- (under John Chaffe's bed-room, with an ax on top cently, and the right to vacate is denied by the of the keg), he made a powder fuse and set it on owner of the property.

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fire. In a very little while there was a loud reThe postmasters at Minden since 1837 were port and the ax went through the ceiling and the Myers Fisher, a son-in-law of Veeder; J. W. roof; but left the proposed victim untouched. Berry was appointed in 1839; Baker, 1842. Prior Owing to the windows giving way, the force of the to the Mexican War, W. A. Drake, 1846, was mas- explosion was lost on the house, and comparatively ter, with Harvey Drake, deputy; followed by E. little damage done to property or injury to life. Etter, 1847; Mrs. Yost later, Mrs. Etter, 1853; A meeting of citizens was called immediately, who Trott, before the war; R. E. Lancaster, 1859; Dr. examined the building, and arrested about 100 J. D. Harper, John T. Tompkins, J. C. Wilkins slaves. After a day or two Armstead acknowledged and Dr. Harper. Jobn T. Tompkins was in office the crime, stating that he was urged to this measin 1869, when J. C. T. Chaffe came, then J. C. ure by Chaffe's statement that "a nigger's life was Wilkius was master, J. C. T. Chaffe was appointed no more to him than a chicken's life." Armstead in 1877, and has since been commissioned, and was then regularly arrested and tried before two is now the incumbent under commission issued justices of the peace and a jury. He was found by the Hayes administration.

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guilty, taken north of the present court-house, The fire of December 30, 1872, resulted in the i about three-quarters of a mile and banged by the destruction of the business center from the site of | sheriff. This tree was cut down by S. F. Goode, the present Goodwill Store, south to the Drake wben he took up his residence. Some years before Store, namely Hart's two-story building, formerly this, in 1838, Sam, a slave of James E. Will Wimberly's store; William Oliver's store; F. Rob- iams, was hanged on the same tree for assaulting a inson's store, where is now Capt. Webb's store; S.

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white lady. B. Miller's grocery, where is now the office of the The midnight fire of January 18-19, 1881, at

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Murrell's Point, two and one-balf miles from Min- 1856; William Lee, 1857 (at this time Bates or den, destroyed 1,145 bales of coiton belonging to Gilcoate filled the tyler's office, which was held by Loye, Chaffe and Co., J. Y. Webb & Son, P. S. S. Allen for twelve years); J. W. Berry was Doyle, Leary & Crichton, M. S. MacKenzie, Good- master in 1860 with S. S. Allen, tyler. Harley will, T. B. Neil and resident planters.

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Ratcliff served as temporary master in the absence The fire of December 22, 1888, originated in of Col. Berry. During the War Gen. Polinack's the Chaffe livery stable, and resulted in the destruct- division camped east of Warsaw, and the regiion of all the improvements on his grounds, includ- mental lodge met in the Minden lodge room. ing a new residence. The Taylor Hotel and the Under the present room, three men were tried for dwellings of J. J. and H. M. Carter, J. H. Tillman desertion, convicted and shot. They are buried on and Mrs. Brown were saved through the exertions the Reagan plantation. Their captain was shot at of the people.

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Camden Ark. In 1866 Goodwill, Paxton and Crawford's Hall, 100x30 feet, two stories, was Burnett signed resolutions on the death of R. R. completed in 1878. The Goodwill building, cover- Robey. John L. Hodges' death is also noticed. ing 18,000 square feet, was opened in September, Col. Berry served as master until January 1, 1869, 1880. At the time, this was stated to be the larg. when W. E. Paxton was elected; but Col. Berry est mercantile building in the State.

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was re-elected in 1870, and served until December, Minden Lodge No. 51, A. F. & A. M., was con- 1872, when T. M. Fort was elected. J. J. stituted in 1845 with W. S. Penpall, W.M.; R. L. Carter in 1874-75; P. H. L. Hargrove in 1876; Horn, S. W.; Philo Alden, J. W.; S. P. Day, James F. Taylor, 1877; Thomas 0. Benton, Sec. ; R. J. B. Lowry, Treas. ; R. E. Bates, S. D.; 1878-80; T. R. Geren, 1881-82; J. J. Carter, J. H. Brown, J. D.; S. S. Allen, tyler; John L. 1883-84; T. R. Geren, 1885-90, who presided Hodges, Perry Wimberly, James Ford, J. Hayden, over the lodge in August, 1890. J. W. Berry has James E. Williams and Robert Hodges being served as secretary since January 1, 1873, except members. A charter was issued April 19, 1845, for one year, when Parson McGee kept the records. and under it the same officers were elected. Of The membership is fifty. The lodge building was all named, James Ford alone lives, residing west erected in 1847, from plans by Thomas I. Wierman. of Dorcheat, being the senior citizen in settlement Minden Chapter, R. A. M. No. 17, dates its and age of Ward 3. In September, 1845, the new charter to March 7, 1887. It was first charname of J. W. Berry appears as temporary senior tered February 16, 1853, but worked U. D. for at warden, and in 1846 as temporary worshipful least a year prior to issue of the old charter. The master.

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In point of membership he comes next to first record book of the chapter was destroyed in James Ford. Perry Wimberly, who lived ten miles the fire which burned the Berry store in 1871 or south, was the first violent death, being killed by 1872. The oldest record now existing dates back his son. In December, 1847, Robert Hodges of to 1869, and from it the following items of history Bossier Point, was chosen master. In September, are taken: In 1869-72 D. B. Doyle was H. P.; 1848, the deaths of Titus Kellogg at Sharon Dr. Whitfield's death was noticed in 1872; D. B. Church and T. Sutton are noticed. W. S. Pen Hamilton was H. P. in 1874; D. B. Doyle, 1875; nall, who killed himself, was buried May 13, 1819. S. W. Culpepper, 1876; J. J. Carter, 1877: D. J. W. Berry was master in 1850, and John Little B. Hamilton, 1879; J. C. T. Chaffe, 1880; J. F. is named as pastmaster and as worshipful master Taylor, 1882; D. B. Hamilton was elected in in 1851. Charles Chaffe was master in 1832; A. 1884, and the record for December, 1885, points E. Clemmons, 1853; S. L. Slack, 1854. John out the election of J. C. T. Ohaffe, H. P., and J. Little was killed in Sherwin's steam saw-mill in

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W. Berry, Sec. The latter has served as secretary February, 1854, where is now the foundry. Dr. since 1873. Owing to the decrease in membership H. McFarland was master in 1855; M. Langhorn, the chapter is now sleeping.

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were

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The old Odd Fellow lodge bas long since ceased Academy. The old school was reopened under to exist. One of the old members, Moess, is still its new name in September, 1850, by John Garvin, a resident of this town.

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J. D. Watkins baving charge of the Minden Male Webster Lodge No. 4, K. of P., Minden, was Academy with A. B. George assistant teacher. In instituted in March, 1879, with the following 1853 the title, Minden Female College, was adopted named officers in lodge rank: D. B. Hamilton,*+ and S. L. Slack elected president of the trustees as T. 0. Benton, † J. C. T. Chaffe, † P. H. L. Har- well as principal. During his administration new grove, J. M. McBride, J. C. Loye, W. D. Eng buildings were erected. In 1856 J. F. Ford was lish, J. W. Wortz, † J. Bayondoffert and F. J. chosen president and served until the beginning of Moess. † The other charter members

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H. 1862.

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The boarding-ball and concert-hall were Peiser, J. C. Wilkins, W. D. McDonald,* A. built during his term. Rev. Dr. Bright served Fischer, * W. A. Crawford, A. Zodiag, George from 1862 to 1871, when Rev. T. B. Russell was English, William Kabl, M. G. B. Thomas, S. S. appointed principal. On his resignation, in 1872, Doyle,* Abe Levy, H. Loop and E. Sugden. Miss Mildred Boyle was appointed to that position. The names marked *

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are deceased, while those In 1876 Thomas 0. Benton was placed in charge marked † have been enrolled as past chancellors. as president, serving until February, 1879, when Among the members who filled this position are T. George D. Alexander was appointed to serve until R. Geren, J. J. Carter, T. B. Neal, J. D. McIntyre, 1886. Mayor A. L. Cox was elected president by W. A. Sugg, S. J. Harrell, W. J. Reams and J. the trustees, and served until 1888, when Prof. P. F. Hill. Messrs. McBride, Geren, Sugden, McIn- B. H. Shearer, who presides at present with Prof. tyre, Wilkins and Sugg bave served as K. of R. & Garrison, S. D. Spann, Mrs. Du Bose, Miss WeisS., J. C. Wilkins holding that office for the past ler, Mrs. Shearer and Mrs. Wren forming the seven years.

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There are now (August, 1890), faculty. The average attendance in 1890 is stated twenty-five members with hall in Neal's brick to be about 100. building

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In 1886 T. M. Fort was succeeded as secretary Endowment Rank, Section 321, has lost four by T. R. Geren. Dr. Hamilton, the president of members since organization, viz. : M. C. Smith, the board was succeeded by J. J. Carter. Accord S. S. Doyle, J. T. Tompkins and W. N. Collins. ing to the present record book Dr. Hamilton served

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In 1838 an appropriation of $1,500 was granted from 1976 to June, 1885, when he moved to Shreveby the State, on representations of Charles H. Veeder port. and others, to erect a building for educational pur- The first record of the Minden Methodist Cirposes. The house was completed, named Minden cuit dates back to February 9, 1856, when the first Academy, and Rev. R. T. Boggs placed in charge. quarterly meeting was held at Pleasant Grove The affair was primitive even fifty-two years ago, but Church. Joel Sanders was P. E.; R. R. R. Alexanthe State appropriation gave to it a nominal im- der. P. C. ; David Lawrence, L. E. ; Oats Caraway, portance. Henry M. Spofford succeeded as teacher L. D., and William Hardy, C. L. and R. S. Jacob of the male and female pupils, followed successive- Miller was appointed circuit steward. In 1857 A. ly by Messrs. Burke, a layman, and the preachers E. Goodwyn was preacher, succeeded in 1859 by William Brooks and W. H. Scales. In 1850 the P. M. Goodwyn; R. Randle was P. E. The mixed character, as well as the name changed, classes comprised Minden, Cross Roads, Bossier and the Minden Female Seminary was brought in- Point, Flat Lick and Oak Grove, and the annual to existence. A house was erected for the uses of income was $1,325. In 1860 New Hope Church, a boys' school, W. A. Drake, Sr., subscribing Kinnon's Chapel and Mount Zion classes (four $1,500 toward its construction. In July, 1852, miles northeast) are mentioned.

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,

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. Rev. S. S. Scott W. A. Drake, D. Murrell, J. Gibbs and T. Gibbs was preacher. There was a class at Hickory Grove donated eighty and two-thirds acres to the Male in 1865. John A. Miller was P. E. in 1866, and

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T. B. White preacher in 1867. The income of the 1860; W. Bayliss, December, 1862; W. E. Paxton, circuit was $1,763. Samuel Armstrong was elder February, 1866; H. Z. Ardis, January, 1873; E. in 1868, and S. S. Scott snpernumerary (now of Kirtley, January, 1874; W. H. McGee, February, Texas Conference). In 1869 T. J. Upton was 1877; W. C. Frily, March, 1885; T. B. Harrell, pastor, Pine Grove being then in the circuit.

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N.

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November, 1883, and G. M. Harreli, December 27, A. Cravens preached here in 1870, and S. S. Scott 1885. Mercer Canfield was clerk in 1847 (killed was P. E. in 1871, followed by N. M. Skipworth, at Mansfield), succeeded by D. W. Canfield in P. E., and W. P. Kimball, preacher. In 1873 H. 1819; A. B. George was clerk in January, 1953; 0. White preached here, and Mr. Scott was P. E. John Geren, clerk, September, 1853; E. S. Virnal, J. A. Miller was preacher in 1874, followed by M. ' March, 1854; C. H. Ardis, August, 1855. Clerk C. Manley, the blind preacher, in 1875. At this John Geren died in 1863. John D. McIntyre was time mention of the class at Curry's School-house clerk in 1872; James F. Taylor, clerk, January is made, and also of a class at Oak Ridge. In 1875; S. W. Tullos, 1878; W. P. Leary, Novem 1877 James E. Bradley was preacher, and later J. ber, 1883. H. Stone was P. E. In 1878 Millwood Class is A colored minister of the gospel, of Rehobeth named. Prior to this time G. L. P. Wren generally Church, Mount Lebanon, preached at Minden in served as secretary of the conference. In 1881 J. 1849. A. Parker was P. E., and John A. Miller, preacher; In Mr. Harrell's charge are the churches at A. A. Cornett, P. E., and J. M. Brown, P. C., were Coushatta and Bellevue, as well as at Minden. here in 1882. J. A. Parker was preacher in 1883- The membership at Minden is stated to be 113, 81. In 1885 John T. Sawyer was P. E., and J. J. at Coushatta, 35, and at Bellevue, 20. There Billingsley, P. C., succeeded in 1887 by Robert is a small society at Houghton, of which Mr. Randle, P. E., and Christian Keener, P. C. In Hinson has charge. At Minden is a colored BapDecember, 1885, William Hardy signed the records tist Church, and around the parish seat are many as recording steward for the last time. In Sep

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In Sep. ! colored societies of this faith. Among the old tember, 1886, William A. Sugg signs as R. C. and members now living are Mrs. Drury Murrell and in December, 1886, Walton Fort, the present D. W. Canfield, who are still residents. The R. C., signed for the first time. In 1888 H, 0.

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In 1888 H. 0. building now used as a house of worship was White became pastor, followed by Rev.J. W. Med- erected about 1846–47, but has often been subject lock. The new classes are known as Brushwood, ed to repairs.

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The lumber was obtained from Evergreen and Lane's Chapel (Sibley). The total the Canfield mill. one and one-half miles east. income is about $1,200. The church-house was The building committee comprised James Can erected in 1844, on lots donated by W. A. Drake. field, James Boyes, J. H. Cunningham, John Ge.

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The Baptist society was organized on Decem- ren and J. T. Morrow. The older organizations at ber 29, 181, by Revs. W. J. Larkin, presiding, Overton, Providence, Mount Lebanon, Athens and and L. L. Washburn, clerk; Elizabeth B. Sligh other places are referred to in the history of Clai. (now of Athens), Phæbe Brisel (died at Minden), borne and Bienville Parishes. On Flat Lake. William Drew (died before the war), and Thomas Township 20, Range 8, a little Baptist Church Lovel (died before the war) being the constituent ' building was erected prior to 1814, the Grounds members.

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The pastors of this church, in the or- and others residing in the neighborhood. der of service, are named as follows: G. W. A Cumberland Presbyterian congregation was Baines, 1845 (J. T. Morrow, clerk); James Buys, gathered at Minden in 1849 by Mr. G. N. Clam October, 18-19; A. E. Clemmons, September, 1850; pitt, who addressed them on the special advantages H. Lee, October, 1854; J. C. Foster, January, of that denomination. In 1852 the Givens family 1857; J. B. Hartwell, September, 1857; N. P. settled on the edge of the present parish, all memMoore, June, 1858; W. C. Crain, September, bers of this church. In 1852 a society was organ:

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a

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ized at Shongaloo by Mr.Clampit, and in 1855 W. filled the pulpit, W. D. English and F. H. Drake, B. Scott, a Methodist preacher of Minden, joined the committee. The total cost was $2,500, all of the Presbyterians. H. B. McMahon also aided in which was subscribed prior to April, 1888. The spreading the gospel around old Russellville, and only male members in 1890 are Harvey Drake, F. in 1838 organized a society there known as Salem H. Drake and W. D. English. The total mem Church, and also one at Minden, which was lost bership is ten. The lot was donated by Harvey during the war. In October, 1870, the Salem So- Drake, some years ago, in accordance with the ciety was revived, together with other churches, so wishes of W. A. Drake, although not a member. that by 1877, of the sixteen societies belonging to In early years a few Catholic families settled in the Louisiana Presbytery, eight were in Webster the parish, and from 1857 to 1867 were visited by and Claiborne. In 1878 F. E. Leach was appointed missionary priests from Shreveport. In 1867 a small preacher, with headquarters at Haynesville, while chapel was erected just north of the Baptist Church, in 1880 G. R. Stewart took up his residence at Sa- and here the services of the church are held once a lem. During the war H. B. McMahon, John Nev, month by one of the priests of Shreveport. In ens (a refugee from Missouri, in charge of State 1879 Father Gentille held the services of the papers), and R. M. Searcy were active workers in church at Minden. On July 23 of this year the this section, while preceding the war the names of spirited letter of P. W. Paul in re this church, ap W. Forhenberry and W. Harton appear in connec- peared in the Tribune. tion with evangelistic work.

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The English Protestant Episcopal Society ex- Presbyterianism was introduced at Overton in isted without organization as far back as 1853, 1838 by A. R. Banks, a preacher from Arkansas, when Capt. Goodwill, the Chaffes and other set- who addressed a small congregation in the court tlers of English nativity were visited by ministers house. In 1839 he and John Boggs preached at of their faith. “In 1870 the church-house just east Minden, and by means of conversation won a few of the court-house was erected. Regular services adherents Mr. Boggs made a stay of twenty were held for some time, but in later years the months here, teaching school and preaching. Not visits of ordained ministers are made at long inter- until 1854, bowever, was there an organization vals. here, for on February 12 of that year John E. There are three colored church buildings with Davidson was installed pastor by Revs. J. F. Ford large congregations--one Baptist and two Meth- and S. P. Heline. The first pastor lived near odist. The colored Gentiles hold revival services Athens, Claiborne Parish, that year. From 1856 often, and by this means win great numbers to to 1864 Rev. J. F. Ford was preacher here, bav- their several beliefs. What religion has accom- ing presided over the seminary from 1856 to 1862. plished for those African men and women is a sub- Dr. Bright succeeded him, and he was followed by ject on which their own philosophers hold varied Rev. J. T. Davidson, of Homer, who supplied the views. pulpit occasionally up to his death in 1881, in fact In 1884 a Young Men's Christian Association he was connected with all the Presbyterian Churches was organized here. In 1885 the members elected in the old Claiborne District from his coming in Samuel G. Webb, president; Walton Fort, secre- 1852 to the time of his death. Evangelists Mc. tary, and George S. Carroll, treasurer, shortly Innes in 1876, and Dr. Bright in 1877, did some after the organization fell, and has not been re- effective work. In 1883 Dr. McNeal Turner came vived. to supply the churches.

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Minden has a good trade, shipping 10,000 The church-house at Minden was completed bales of cotton, principally to Shreveport, though and dedicated in 1889, by Rev. Mr. Van Lear, the much

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goes direct to New Orleans. It is only two contract being made in April, 1888, between W. and one-half miles from Bayou Dorcheat, which H. Adams, builder, and Rev. J. T. Sails, who is navigable for light craft, though not used since

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a

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the Minden Tap has connected it with the Vicks- of the following children: Martha, Patience, Eliza, burg, Shreveport & Pacific, five miles away. Polly A., John, William, Joseph, Benjamin and

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The Minden Tap road was completed October James. James I. Allen, was reared to mature 27, 1885. Except $8,000 borrowed in New Or. years, and received his education in the common leans, the people of Minden subscribed the whole schools of Webster Parish. He was the second in

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The Official Railway List gives the gauge order of birth of ten children, viz. : Walter D. as 48}, mileage 5; locomotives 1, and passenger (president of the Masonic Female Institute of Boncars 1. The Vicksburg Shreveport & Pacific ham, Tex. ), Mattie C. (widow of James W. Coyle

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, freight cars are used. The office of superintend- of Webster Parish), Thomas W., Joseph J., Tre. ent was abolished in April, 1888. This was first bia (now Mrs. A. B. Martin of Webster Parish), held by Cecil Fleming, and subsequently by M. Percy Q. (deceased), Pleasant D., Gent and Win. N. Coe. The president chosen in 1886 was Alfred E. In 1882 Mr. James I. Allen was united in Goodwill. The present officers are Thomas Crich- marriage, to Miss Luda W. Adams, also a resident ton, president; F. H. Drake, vice-president; J. J. of this parish, and the fruits of this union have Holmes, secretary; W. P. Leary, treasurer, and been one child, Grover Cleveland. Mr. Allen is R. T. Boyle, agent and auditor. The Tap Rail one of the wide-awake, thoroughgoing business road is remarkably well managed.

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men, and by his pleasant, agreeable mannars he The great Cotton Compress comes next in im- built up a good trade. portance as an industry. No sooner was it coin- Cyrus Baker enjoys the reputation of being a plete than the old town, which lagged for a time, substantial and progressive farmer, and is intelli. resumed her wonted activity. On August 15, i gent and thoroughly posted on public affairs. He 1890, the Crow Brothers sent in the first bale of was born in Walker County, Ala., on October 31, cotton to Minden. It weighed 440 pounds, and 1826, to William and Delilah (Binum) Baker, the was purchased by McKenzie at 131 cents per former a native of South Carolina, and the latter pound. He purchased the first bale twelve times of Alabama. The father removed to Alabama, in the last fourteen years. On August 13, 1888, where he was married, and in that State passed Capt. Webb purchased the first bale from Nat from life, when his son, Cyrus was a child, July Turner, at 11 cents per pound.

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15, 1859, baving been a farmer and carpenter by The blacksmith shop established by Chris occupation. He grew to manhood in Alabama, Chaffe in 1850 is still in existence, the livery stable remaining with some relatives until he was old was started soon after, then the foundry and ma- enough to work, then worked as a farm laborer by chine shop, and next the harness, carriage and re- the month. He removed to Texas in the fall of pair shops. This pioneer mechanic is still a resi 1859, and for some time conducted a blacksmith dent of the town. A printing press was turned and repair shop in Nacogdoches County. In 1862 he out of this foundry before or during the war. The enlisted in Company G, Eighth Texas Infantry, city is not without its inventors, A. S. Harrell's and was in the war until the final surrender, being cotton chopper, and the Webb Compress are evi- in the battles of Mapsfield and Pleasant Hill. dences of progress in invention.

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From the close of the war up to 1869 he was engaged in farming, then moved to Louisiana, and

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located in what is now Webster Parish, and bas James I. Allen, merchant, Sarepta, La. This made two farms since his residence here. Since well-known and prosperous business man is a na- 1881 he has resided on his present farm of 440 tive-born resident of Webster Parish, his birth oc- acres, of which 150 acres are under cultivation, curring in Ward No. 2, on August 3, 1858, and is ' improved nicely with good buildings. He was the son of William Allen, who was born in Walker

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married in Alabama, in 1854, to Miss Elizabeth, a County, Ala., about 1826. William Allen was one daughter of Joshua Henson, she was born in Alabama, and has borne Mr. Baker these children: member of the Legislature, serving two years. So William (who is grown and married), John T., great was his popularity that he was re-elected to Maggie, Cyrus J., Mattie, L. W., Theodocia and the same office in 1856 and re-elected again in 1860, Thomas F. Mrs. Baker and her three daughters being a member of that body when the State se are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ceded. In 1863 he was commissioned colonel of Mr. Baker is an honorable, upright citizen in every Claiborne's regiment and afterward served in Gen. respect, and has kept the name he bears, stainless Gilbert's staff. He entered the service in 1861; before the world.

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was commissioned enrolling officer for Claiborne Col. Joseph W. Berry, assessor, Minden, La. Parish, and afterward served as quartermaster. One among the few remaining early settlers of this He was elected to the Confederate Legislature in part of Louisiana is the man whose name appears 1864, and was a member of that body when the news at the head of this sketch. He was born in Bloom - reached the House of the surrender of Gen. Lee, the ington, Iud., on June 12, 1818, and his father, Legislature adjourning on receipt of this news. In Judge Joseph Berry, was a native of the Old Do- November, 1865, Mr. Berry again engaged in merminion. The Judge comes of old Virginia stock. .

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chandising, which he continued up to 1872, at He moved to Kentucky with his parents, there was which time he met with a very severe loss by fire. reared to manhood, and when a young man went He did not again engage in this business, but carto Tennessee, where he was married to Miss Mary ried on his farm, he and his partner being the ownCampbell, a native of the Big Bend State. He ers of a large tract of land and about fifty-three served in some of the old Indian wars and was slaves previous to the war. In 1880 Mr. Berry was captured by the Indians in Ohio. He served in appointed assessor of Webster Parish and has served Capt. Price's company and Gen. Wayne's com dow for ten years in that capacity. He bas taken mand. In 1812 Mr. Berry settled in Illinois, near a prominent part in politics, has erved as a deleVincennes, and moved to Monroe County, Ind., in gate to numerous conventions and was in the Legis. 1813. He was fairly educated, a man of good judg- lature under four different governors.

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Mr. Berry ment and was a lawyer by profession. He was was married first in Rapides Parish, La, in 1846, to elected judge of Monroe County, Ind., and held Miss Camelia C. Hadley, a native of Louisiana, his first court in a log cabin. In 1834 he started and was reared and educated in that State. Three to move with forty families to the Lone Star State children were born to this union: W. H., F. P. and and died on the road, near Minden, in November of Caroline E. (wife of J. T. Mims, a business man that year. His wife bad died in Bloomington, Ind., of Minden). Mrs. Berry died in October, 1833, and in 1825. Col. Joseph W. Berry remained in his Mr. Berry afterward married a sister of his former native State until sixteen years of age, and received wife, Miss J. E. Hadley, also a native of this a good education at New Harmony College.

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He

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State. There are four children born to this marcame south with bis father in 1831, located in what riage: J. C. (married and is a telegraph operator

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, is now Webster Parish and worked on a farm and at Monroe), E. L., J. L. and Nettie (who is a grad in a saw-mill for about three years.

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In 1837 he nate of Minden College). Mr. Berry is a Royal entered a store as clerk at Overton, the old county Arch Mason, has served as worshipful master of seat, and in 1838 he came to Minden, where he the Blue Lodge ten years and king and scribe of clerked for several years.

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He was here in 1837, his chapter. Mr Berry has been and still is a very and saw this town surveyed and laid off.

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active man. He is well posted on the general gaged in merchandising in Minden in 1841, and questions of the day, is a thorough business man continued in the dry-goods business for thirty-two and is as pleasant a gentleman as one would care years.. In 1851 his superior intelligence and fine to meet. ability became recognized by the numerous friends John T. Boyet has been interested in agriculthe had gathered around him, and he was elected a ural pursuits in this section of the country since

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He en

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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisianaഀ 1

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a

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1859, and is the owner of a fine plantation, which years he bought the farm where be now resides. he has brought up to its present state of farming The home tract consists of 500 acres, with about perfection through his own management and en- 300 hundred under cultivation, and besides a fine ergy He was born in Stewart County, Ga., Sep- new house which is on his place, he has convenient tember 23, 1839, to John Boyet, who was born in and fair outbuildings. He lost by fire a handsome the Old North State. At an early day the latter residence a few years ago, but bas since rebuilt. removed to Georgia with his father, John Boyet, By his own earnest endeavors he has acquired his Sr., and became a prominent citizen of Marion present property, a fact that speaks well for bis County, serving as high sheriff of that county for ability as a man of business. He was married in a number of years. He was a soldier in the War this parish in February, 1867, to Miss Virginia of 1812. John Boyet, the father of the subject Draper, a daughter of Philip Draper. She was of this sketch, grew to manhood in Stewart Coun- born and reared in this parish, and here her chilty, and when a young man went to Marion County, dren have been born, their names being: Sarah V'., where he inarried Miss Eliza Chapman, a native of Eliza, Philip M., Henry C., Maude, Thomas C. Pike County, Ga. After farming in that State for and an infant son. Francis S. died at the

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age

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of a number of years he removed to Louisiana in

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seven years, and two children died in infancy. 1859, and located on the farm on which he now Mr. and Mrs. Boyet are menibers of Fellowship resides in Webster Parish, and on this farm his Church, and are well known throughout this rewife passed from life in 1888. John T. Boyet, gion as hospitable, charitable people, and excellent whose name heads this sketch, grew to mature and obliging neighbors. years in this parish, and up to 1861 made bis home Noah H. Boyet is a merchant and farmer, and with his father. In March, 1862, he enlisted in both callings have been remarkably successful. He the Confederate Army, being mustered into the is a native of Georgia and was born in Marion Twenty-seventh Louisiana Infantry at New Orleans, County on March 23, 1845, coming to this State and served until the war was over, being in a num- and county with his parents in 1859, and from ber of important engagements: Chickamauga, here enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1862, Grand Bluff, Port Gibson, Baker's Creek, Black when but seventeen years of age.

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He served in River and the siege of Vicksburg. He received the Twenty-seventh Louisiana Infantry until the two wounds, one in the shoulder by a piece of shell, close of the war, participating in the siege of Vicks and a gunshot wound in the thigh. After his parole burg and in several skirmishes. After the close of and return home from Vicksburg he began farming, the war he returned to Webster Parish and turned and made one crop, at the end of which time he his attention to tilling the soil, an occupation that received notice of his exchange, was ordered to received his attention exclusively for a number of bis regiment, which he joined in Alexandria, where years. In 1880 be engaged in the dry-goods he was held in reserve until the close of the war. business, bis establishment being near the south After the surrender he returned home, and once line of the parish, but upon the building of the more proceeded to make a living by the cultivation Vicksburg, Shreveport & Pacific Railroad Mr. of the soil. He was without means, but succeeded Boyet started a branch store at Dubberly. In in renting a piece of land, and by this means and 1885 he moved to this place, and here bas followed by working as a farm hand for some three years merchandising up to the present time. He has a he managed to save some means, and purchased a large store room and an excellent line of goods, piece of land on time for $1,500. He was com- which he disposes of at very reasonable rates. He pelled to labor very bard for three years, but at purchased a strip of land near the town, erected the end of that time bis farm was his own. He

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thereon a substantial residence, and has it other then purchased enough more land to make bis wise well improved. Mr. Boyet commenced the acreage 500, and after farming this place for ten battle of life empty handed at the close of the war,

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ness.

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He

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1

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but by the free exercise of brain and brawn and a capacity until cessation of hostilities. After the judicious amount of economy he has accumulated war, or in 1865, Mr. Bright came to Webster a competency. Although his school days were Parish, located in Minden, and was there engaged very limited he has acquired a fair business educa- in surveying and farming for one or two years. tion, and is sufficiently versed in the affairs of He was appointed surveyor of C'aiborne Parish, every-day life to become a successful man of busi- and on the organization of Webster Parish in 1871,

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He was married on January 16, 1868, to he was appointed surveyor of this parish, serving Miss Mary Ann, a daughter of David Lard, she in tbat capacity nineteen years. He has also being a native of Louisiana and of Webster Parish. worked at civil engineering on the construction of Mr. Boyet and his worthy wife have had a family some of the railroads of Northern Louisiana. of eight children born to them: Daniel W., Ben- has also served in a number of offices of trust and jamin, Shelly B., Anna, Lonisa, Elizabeth, James honor in Minden. Mr. Bright was married in B. and Mandil. Mr. Boyet has always been Monroe, on September 10, 1867, to Miss Texanna thoroughly public spirited, and at all times has Phillips, a native of Alabama, but who was reared shown himself to be honorable in every particular, and educated at Baton Rouge, La., at Mrs. Reed's and a keen and far-seeing business man.

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College. She is the daughter of Dr. Phillips. Edward C. Bright, surveyor and civil engineer, Mr. and Mrs. Bright bave two children: Mary E. Minden, La. Mr. Bright is a native of Tennessee, and Johnston E., Jr. One daughter, Aurelia, died his birth occurring at Brownsville, on February 10, at the age of nine years. Mrs. Bright and daugh1810, and his father an eminent divine, the Rev. ter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. J. E. Bright, was a native of Virginia. He was a Mr. Bright is a prominent business man and makes man of superior natural endowments, of classical a specialty of preparing abstracts to title to any education, and was a graduate of Ann Arbor, Mich. ¡ land or any farms in Webster Parish. He was a minister in the Presbyterian Church, and James M. Canfield, planter, Minden, La. A also a prominent educator. He ministered to the lifetime devoted with perseverence and energy to spiritual wants of bis fellow-men until his death in the pursuit of agriculture has contributed very 1878. His wife died the same year.

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He was mar- materially to the success which has attended the ried in Tennessee, to Miss Sarah Bell Slack, a na- efforts of Mr. Canfield, a man of substantial and tive of New Jersey, where she was reared and ed- established worth. He was originally from the ucated, and the daughter of Rev. Elijah Slack who Palmetto State, his birth occurring in Edgefield was a noted cheinist and mathematician. Edward District, in December, 1924. He was a son of C. Bright passed his boyhood and youth in Ten James Canfield, who was also a native of South nessee, secured a good education at La Grange Carolina, and who was a son of John Canfield, also College, where he had advanced to the junior year, a native of that State. The grandfather was of when the breaking out of the war put an end to his direct English descent, and he was a soldier in the studies. He was one of the first to enlist in the war of the Revolution. James M. Canfield came Confederate Army, joining the same on April 17, to Louisiana with his parents in 1830, locating 1861, at Jackson, Tenn., in the Fourth Tennessee near where Mount Lebanon now stands, and reInfantry, Company F, and soon after was promoted mained there until 184+, when he came to Minden. to orderly sergeant, which position he held while in He located in Bossier Parish in 1819, and in 1854 active service. He was in the battle of Shiloh, settled where he now resides. He has followed where he received a gunshot wound in his arm and agricultural pursuits all his life, and has been quite was disabled. He soon after returned to Tennes- successful in this occupation. He was first married see, and thence, in the winter of 1863, to Louisiana. in 1851, to Ann R. Malone, and to this union were In 1864 he again entered the service as assistant born two children. This lady died in October, engineer under Col. Douglas, and served in that 1865, and in July of the following year he married

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a

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E. A. Boseman, who bore him one child and died gin-house, barn, etc., and the place is otherwise in August, 1868. In December, 1869, he married well improved. Mr. Carr is a social and agreeable Sarah Smith, and to this union were born three gentleman to meet, and as a business man is a dechildren. She died in June, 1880. In February,

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cided success. He and his wife have two children: 1882, he contracted his fourth marriage with Car- Benjamin Bearto and Ruby. Three children are rie S. Applewhite, his present wife. No children deceased: Ruth (at the age of four years), William have been born to the latter union. Mr. and S. and Clarence B. (the last two dying in infancy). Mrs. Canfield are worthy and consistent members Mr. Carr and his wife belong to the Methodist of the Baptist Church. For many years Mr. Can. Episcopal Church, and he is vice-president of the field has been identified with the Masonic fraterni. local Farmers' Union, and has always taken a deep ty, but owing to defective hearing he did not interest in the workings of this organization, attend regularly, and was consequently dropped Hon. John J. Carter is a representative citizen, from the rolls. In 1862 be enlisted under Gen. and few men have attained the prominence in a Beauregard, and served until the close of the war. social as well as a business point of view than has During this time his bearing became impaired, Mr. Carter, who is courteous and pleasant in all his and has troubled him ever since. He is wide relations with the public. He was born in Pike awake and enterprising, and is a substantial agri- County, Miss., on May 6, 1832, and his father, culturist of the parish.

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Henry Carter, was born in South Carolina. The Benjamin F. Carr is a native of De Kalb County, latter removed to Mississippi with his parents Ala., his birth occurring October 25, 1818. B. L. when a child of three years, and his father, SamCarr, bis father, was born in North Carolina, and uel Carter, who was also a native of South Carowhen a lad, went to Georgia with his parents, lina, was one of the pioneers of Mississippi, set. where he grew up and married Miss Susan Turner, tling in Pike County of that State as early as 1903. a Georgian. He afterward moved to Alabama, and Henry Carter grew to manhood in that State and after following the occupation of farming there still resides on the old homestead there. He is

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. until the fall of 1848, they came to Louisiana, and eighty-nine years of age. John J. Carter, the settled in what is now Webster Parish, and on the second child and eldest son of four children, only land where the subject of this sketch now resides. two besides our subject now living, grew to manMr. Carr owned numerous slaves before the

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war, hood in Mississippi, and remained with his father and with their help, opened up a very large plan- up to 1857. He received a fair education in the tation, on which he made his home until his death, common and higher schools, and is mostly selfin May, 1879, his widow surviving him a few years, i educated since reaching mature years. He reand dying in 1883. Benjamin F. Carr grew to moved to Louisiana in 1857, settled in what is manhood on this farm, and after attending the now Webster Parish, and engaged in clerking and Pine Grove School-house for some time, supple- book keeping up to the late war. In 1862 he mented this with one year’s attendance in Minden joined the Minden Rangers, an independent com College. In February, 1879, he was married to

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pany, and was promoted from private to lieutenant, Miss E. (), Sandlin, a daughter of William Sand- serving in that capacity until the close of the war. liu, a sketch of whom appears herein, and in this He participated in the fight at Farmersville, Miss., parish Mrs. Carr was reared and educated, being the engagements around Atlanta, and the battle of an attendant of the Minden Female College. Mr.' ! Franklin, Tenn. He was also in the battles of Carr remained with his father on the farm, and in Nashville, Corinth and Iuka, Miss. After the war 1873 took charge of the place, and bas successfully Mr. Carter returned to Minden and engaged in his conducted it up to the present time. He has about occupation of clerk and book-keeper. In 1870 he 1,000 acres of land, 500 being under cultivation.

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became a partner in the firm of T. B. Neal & Co., On this land is an exceptionally good residence, a general merchants, and continued in this business

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ness.

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ure.

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At no

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up to 1878. In that year he was elected to repre- and remained with him until twenty-nine years of sent Webster Parish in the Legislature, and after age, at which time he started out for himself. He the close of his term he returned to Minden. He remained in his native country until 1850, and then has ever taken an active interest in politics of this emigrated to the States, locating at Minden, La., State and parish. He has served as a member of where he has since resided. Here he bas met with the school board, bas been police juror, and held

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varied success.

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He built a shop and started in many other positions of trust and honor. He has business here in 1851, but an enemy burned his held a commission from the governor of the State shop in the same year.• He soon bought out a since 1877, and has taken an active part and has foundry, established himself here, and also built a used his influence to advance the cause of educa- barn in 1854 in order to engage in the livery busi tion. He has worked hard to advance the finan.

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He has been carrying on a successful busi. cial interests of this parish, and has extended a ness here for years.

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In 1880 he met with another helping hand to all enterprises of a laudable nat- : loss by fire, his gin house being burned, and in

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Mr. Carter was married in this parish on 1883 the foundry was burned. In 1887 bis resiJuly 31, 1860, to Miss Amanda J. Murrell, a na- dence was burned. He rebuilt the house the same tive of Illinois and the daughter of Drury Mur. year, but this, too, was destroyed by fire in 1888, rell, one of the pioneers of North Louisiana, set together with his livery barn and office. tling here as early as 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Carter time bas Mr. Chaffe been discouraged, but began have a family of six children, viz. : Henry M., anew with renewed energy and determination, beJessie L. (wife of Isaac F. Carter), Lizzie D., ing better fixed to day than at any past time. He Maud, Mamie and Drury E. Mr. Carter and wife has a large, new, substantial residence, a farm of are members of the Baptist Church. He is a about 500 acres with 300 acres under cultivation, Royal Arch Mason, serving as Worshipful Master the gin is kept busy and he is doing a fair livery of the Blue Lodge and high priest of the chapter. i business. In 1854 Mr. Chatfe took a mail contract He has represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of and started a mail line to Monroe from Minden. In the State, and at this writing is district deputy : 1856 he also took a mail contract from Shreveport grand master. He is also a member of the K. of to Vicksburg, and established a daily line. He P., and has served in all the various official capac- had several mail contracts during the war, and is ities of that order. Mr. Carter is at present book- till in the Government service as a mail contractor. keeper for the Farmers' Union, and is not only a Mr. Chaffe was married in England on May 29, fine scribe and a good book-keeper, but is a social 1819, to Miss Jane Farley, a most estimable lady, and pleasant gentleman to meet.

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who died here in 1867. She was his devoted wife Christopher Chaffe, proprietor of Minden found and helpmate for nineteen years, and was a faithful ry and livery stable, Minden, La. Among the en- and consistent member of the Episcopal Church. terprising, pusbing, thoroughgoing and public To his marriage were born six children, viz. : spirited citizens of Minden aud Webster Parish, Charles (married, resides in Texas), Arthur (mar

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1 the above mentioned gentleman ranks among the ried and resides in Minden), Clarence, Jeanette, first. He is a native of England, born in Devon

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Lizzie and Trebly. Mr. Chaffe and family are shire County on January 8, 1818, and his parents, members of the Episcopal Church. John and Johanna (Skelton) Chaffe, were natives William M. Coyle is one of the pioneers of of the same country. John Chaffe was a black- Northern Louisiana, who has accumulated a comsmith and farmer, and carried on a prosperous petency by hard work and good management in business until his death in 1848. His widow sur. i tilling the soil.

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tilling the soil. He was born in East Feliciana vived him several years, and died in her native

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Parish, La., March 14, 1825, to William and Elizacountry when eighty-two years of age. Christopher beth (Clark) Coyle, the former a native of MissisChaffe learned the blacksmith's trade with his father, ' sippi, and the latter of Louisiana. Mr. Coyle was

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war.

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several years.

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He mar.

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a farmer, but after a short residence in this State is now one of the wealthy and highly esteemed he returned with his family to Mississippi. He citizens of the parish. He was born in the town came back to Louisiana once more in 1836, and of Columbus, Ga., May 27, 1816, and his father, settled in what is now Webster parish, where he Peter Crichton, was a native of Scotland. The opened a farm on which he resided until his death latter emigrated to the States when a young man, in 1856. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, located in Georgia, and was there married to Miss and was a participant in the battle of New Orleans. Marion Grieve, also a native of Scotland. Mr. His first wife died in Mississippi in 1836, but he Crichton was a farmer and merchant in Georgia up afterward married again. William L. Coyle came to 1851, when he moved to Louisiana and located to this State and parish with his father in 1836, in Webster Parish. He was a soldier in the Civil and remained with him until he arrived at mature War, and was killed at the battle of Franklin, La. years. He was first married in 1844 to Miss Nancy His widow survives him at this writing. Thomas Jane Crownover, a native of Louisiana, but she Crichtop grew to manhood in Webster Parish, and died two years after their marriage. Mr. Coyle he, too, entered the army in August, 1863, Eighth purchased the farm where he now lived in 1844, Louisiana Cavalry, and served until the close of the his land now amounting to 600 acres, of which 250 He participated with his regiment in a num acres are under cultivation. Besides this he owns ber of small engagements and skirmishes. After other lands in the county, making some 3,000 acres cessation of hostilities he returned to Minden, all together. He is one of the largest land owners attended school a short time, and then entered a of Ward 2, if not of the parish, and as he began store as salesman, continuing in that capacity for life a poor boy, empty handed, bis present posses

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In 1868 Mr. Crichton found it sions are the result of individual effort.

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necessary to quit the State on account of bis ried his second wife in this parish, she being Miss health and went to California, where he remained Anna Delafield, a native of Tennessee.

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three

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years. In 1871 he returned to Minden and fortunately lost this wife also in 1862, she leaving again engaged in clerking. Later he entered a him with three children to care for. He married warehouse, receiving and forwarding business, and his present wife in Arkansas in 1873, her maiden this continued up to the building of the Shreve name being Cassandra Fain, a native of and reared port & Vicksburg Railroad. Mr. Crichton then in Mississippi. One child was left him by his first embarked in general merchandising under the firm wife: Mary Jane, and the names of those born to name of Lary & Crichton, the present firm. In his second union are Sarah Ann (wife of R. E. 1885, on the organization of the new railroad Cox), John M. (married), and Celestia E. Mr. company, Mr. Crichton took stock in this enterCoyle bas nine grandchildren, one of whom resides prise, and was one of the first directors. He has with him. He has served on the parish board bought more stock in this enterprise from time to has been a member of the police jury for three time, and now is the heaviest holder. He was terms, and is an active member of the Farmers'

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married in Mansfield August 23, 1883, to Miss Union, having served as president of the Parish Katie Jackson, a native of Louisiana, but who was L'njon, and in the same capacity in the local union. reared and educated at Mansfield. The fruits of He and his wife and daughters are members of the this union were tbree children: R. Powell, Thomas, Missionary Baptist Church,

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Jr., and Katie In 1886 Mr. Crichton was elected Thomas Crichton, merchant and president and president of this road, and this position he still manager of the Minden Railroad, Minden, La. holds. He has his road in good shape and on a Mr. Crichton is a fair example of what may be good paying basis, the stock being away above par. accomplished by honesty, industrious habits and

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Mr. Crichton also owns other valuable property, good business management. He started out a and he and his partner own several plantations on poor boy and empty handed after the war, but he Red River bottoms. He is a very enterprising and

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He un

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public spirited citizen, and a gentleman whose John F. Davis was born in Stewart County, social qualities are of the best.

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Ga., January 31, 1858, his father, Jonathan G. Capt. James J. Crow is successfully engaged Davis being a native of the same State. The latter in tilling his farm which consists of 100 acres of was married in Troup County, to Miss Frances A. land, of which 100 acres are in an excellent state Stinson who was also born in Georgia, and in that of cultivation. He has a comfortable residence, State he continued to farm and reside until 1839, and besides the income from his farin derives a when he moved to Louisiana, and settled on the competency from a good grist-mill and cotton-gin farın where bis family now resides, which comprises of which he is the owner. He was born in Dar- several hundred acres of fine farming land.

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He lington District, S. C., June 11, 1837, and al- owned a large number of slaves prior to the war, though his father, John Crow, was born in North and accumulated a large fortune. He died in 1866, Carolina, he removed to South Carolina when a but his widow survives him and resides on the old young man and was married there to Miss Martha homestead with her son. To them four sons and Albright, a native of that State. He removed to two daughters were born, John F. being the eldest Louisiana in 1852, and opened up a large planta- living son of the family. He grew to manhood on tion in what is now Webster Parish, and on this the home farm, received a good education in the plantation resided until his death in 1865, his widow Minden and Homer Colleges, and after the death of still surviving him and residing on the old home- his elder brother, James N. Davis in 1880, he took stead. James J. Crow remained with his father charge of the old homestead and has greatly im until he attained his majority, then began doing proved the place. The farm consists of 1,100 acres

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. for himself. In 1861 he became a member of and about 600 acres of the same are opened and the Twelfth Louisiana Infantry, and was pro- ready for being tilled. John F. owns, individually, moted from the ranks to captain in 1861, and a place of 680 acres about six miles west of the served as such until the final surrender.

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homestead and bas about 140 acres of the land ticipated in the fights at Belmont, Baker's Creek, open and under cultivation.

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He is a prosperons Fort Henry and Shiloh, and was in numerous other and successful farmer, is a good business man, engagements, but of minor importance: Siege and and besides is energetic, enterprising, and public surrender of Atlanta, Spring Hill, Decatur, Colum- spirited, attributes that are very essential in mak bia, Franklin and Nashville. After the war had ing a first-class citizen. He was married in this closed he returned to Webster Parish, turned his neighborhood March 5, 1890, to Miss Flora Hodges, sword into a plowshare and has since given his a daughter of E. W. Hodges, she being born and attention to farming. After the death of his reared in Webster Parish, her education being father he took charge of the home place, and after received in Minden Female College. Mr. Davis managing it in an admirable manner for about and his wife and mother are members in good standeleven years he engaged in saw-milling and the ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. manufacture of lumber, which calling he continued Judge Richard C. Drew, attorney, Minden, for about eight years.

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In 1879 he located on a Ark. Judge Drew is one of those men, too few in farm once more and in 1885 bought his present number, who fully recognize the truth so often property. His marriage, which took place on Feb. urged by the sages of the law, that, of all men, the ruary 18, 1871, was to Miss Emma Odam, who was reading and thought of a lawyer should be the born and reared in Georgia, and both are most extended. Systematic reading gives a more members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. comprehensive grasp to the mind, variety and richCrow is a member of the Farmers' Union, is an en- ness to thonght, and a clearer perception of the terprising and public-spirited gentleman, and a motive of men and the principles of things, indeed strong believer in the future advancement and of the very spirit of laws.

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of the very spirit of laws. This he has found most development of Webster Parish.

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essential in the prosecution of his professional

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He par

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practice. Judge Drew is a native of Webster as master of his lodge and other official positions. Parish, La., born on April 17, 1849, and is the son It is said that success is the best test of merit in of Judge R. M. and Sarah (Cleveland) Drew, na- this life, and Judge R. C. Drew is in every way a tives of Kentucky and South Carolina, respectively successful man.

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There is not a resident in the The father moved to Louisiana when a young man, city who has a larger speaking acquaintance tban and was married here to Miss Cleveland, who was he, and all of his acquaintances respect and are reared in this State. The Clevelands were among

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willing to serve him. Mrs. Drew is a member of the pioneers of the Creole State. Judge R. M. the Presbyterian Church, and is a most estimable Drew received a thorough education in his native lady. State (Kentucky), read law and was admitted to Capt. Thomas W. Fuller. Among the best the bar there. He was a prominent lawyer of known men of Webster Parish is Mr. Fuller, who North Louisiana for a number of years, and was was born in Houston County, Ga., March 1, 1828, in the front rank in his profession. He served as to John M. and Sarah Frances (Walker) Fuller, judge of the parish, and also in the Legislature of the former a native of North Carolina and the latthis State as senator, being a member of that hon- ter of Georgia, their marriage being consummated orable body at the time of his death in 1851. His in the last named State. They removed from widow survived him until 1880. R. C. Drew, the Georgia to Louisiana in 1838, and after a resisubject of this sketch, attained his growth in this dence of one year in Red River Parish, they setparish, received a good education at the Homer tled in Minden, which place was their home until College, and after completing his studies there he their respective deaths in 1854 and 1812. At his began reading law under A. B. George, now judge death he owned a large plantation in Bossier Par of this judicial district. He was admitted to the

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ish, on Red River, on which he made from 300 to bar at Monroe in 1872, and began the practice of 600 bales of cotton each year.

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Capt. Thomas W. his profession in Minden. He was parish attorney Fuller is the only survivor of a family of two sons for Webster parish four years, and in 1876 he was and two daughters that grew to mature years, and elected parish judge of Webster Parish, being his youth and early manhood were spent in Minden, re-elected at the end of his term, and serving four his early education being acquired in the common years in that capacity. In 1879 he was elected schools and Minden College, but was supplemented district judge of this judicial district, re-elected to by a three years' course in the Cumberland Unithis important position in 1884, and has served as versity of Tennessee. After tinishing bis collegiate district judge here for fifteen consecutive years. course he returned to Minden, and after a short Judge R. M. Drew, Judge H. A. Drew and our time spent in the study of law he was admitted subject served as judges of this territory for forty- to the bar in 1819. He then began practicing

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After the expiration of his term of at Bellevue, and during a five years' residence at office Judge R. C. Drew continued the practice of that place he became widely known, and as he har? bis profession at Minden.

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He is an able lawyer, a large and paying practice he saved about $7,000, one of the best in North Louisiana, and he still with which he purchased a farm of 900 acres, takes a deep interest in the political questions of which he has cleared, improved and stocked. In the day. He has served in numerons conventions. 1861 he entered the Confederate Army, becoming Judge Drew was married in Bossier Parish, Novem; a member of a company of Louisiana Cavalry, and ber 15, 1880, to Miss Katie Caldwell, a native of served as captain of a company for three

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years.

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He Louisiana, but who was reared in this State.

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participated in a great many skirmishes, but served was educated and a graduate of a female college as an officer's escort the most of the time. After the at Paris, Tex. Judge and Mrs. Drew have three war he served as district attorney for seven years, children, viz. : Richard C., Katie C. and Harman and his thorough and exbaustive knowledge of law G. The Judge is a Master Mason, and has served | thoroughly fitted him for the successful discharge

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five years.

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She

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of the duties of this position. He has been a the only one besides a sister, Narcissa (who became worthy tiller of the soil for the past thirty-eight the wife of Mr. Goodlove, of Arkansas), now living. years, and boasts that he has never bought either He was reared to mature years in Webster Parish, bread or meat, always raising his own wheat and securing a fair education, althongh he is princi- . corn, cattle and hogs. The propagation of horses

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The propagation of horses pally self educated, and in 1862 he enlisted in the and mules also receives considerable attention at Minden Rangers, an independent company.

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He his hands. About one half of his cultivated land usually served as an escort for some general. He he devotes to the culture of cotton, and from this participated in the bloody fight at Franklin, a num bis annual profits are large. On March 12, 1856, ber of engagements on the Mississippi, including he was married to Miss Margaret Wafer, a daugh- the battle of Corinth, served on both sides in the ter of W. Wafer, of Claiborne Parish Mrs. Ful- river, and was on active duty until the close. Reler was born and reared in this parish and entered turning to Minden after the war he was engaged and graduated from the Minden Female College. in clerking for several years, and in 1885 the This estimable lady died January 25, 1880, leav- present firm of Geren & Moreland was established. ing four children, all of whom are grown and are This firm carries a general stock of merchandise, graduates of good schools and colleges. The large and complete in every detail, and are doing names of the children are: Lettisie (wife of T. H. an immense amount of business. Mr. Geren is a Doyle, a large merchant at Murrell's Point, Web- member of the town council, and secretary of the ster Parish), Margaret. Thomas W., Jr., (now town board, and is also secretary of the school editor of the Minden Signal, a paper published at board of Minden Female College. He has taken a Minden, La.; he is a graduate of Centenary Col great interest and used his best endeavors toward lege, Jackson, La.), and Cornelia, all of whom are promoting the cause of education. Mr. Geren was actively engaged in business. Mr. Fuller is a married in this parish on April 29, 1869, to Miss thorough business man, is an excellent manager Almina Smith, a native of Alabama, but who was and a very pleasant gentleman to meet. He bas reared and educated in Louisiana, and the dangh an extensive library, and now spends his time in ter of J. B. Smith, one of the early settlers of this the companionship of his books.

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parish, To this union have been born three Thomas R. Geren, a prominent and successful children: Lucy Clair (wife of J. F. Hill, a mer merchant of Minden, La., is a native of Louisiana, chant of Minden), James H. (a young man in the born in what is now Webster Parish, on May 9, store), and Watta Hayes. Mr. and Mrs. Geren, 1847), and is the son of John Geren, and the with their children, are members of the Baptist grandson of Thomas Geren, one of the pioneers Church, and Mr. Geren is a Royal Arch Mason, who settled here about 1826. John Geren was born being at the present time worshipful master of in North Carolina, and came to Louisiana with his Blue Lodge. He is also a member of the K. of P., father when but a lad. He was reared in Webster having served through the chairs of that order. He Parish, and was married here to Miss Jane Drew, he is not only held in high esteem as a business a native of Virginia, but who was reared and edu- man, but by his pleasant, agreeable manner bas cated in Tennessee. She was the daughter of won a host of warm friends. Newell Drew, and aunt of Judge Drew, Jr., whose Jasper N. Geren is a tiller of the soil and a sketch appears elsewhere in this work. After his pilot, his post office address being Dubberly. He marriage John Drew opened up a large farm, and was born in Webster Parish, on the farm where he was the owner of a large number of slaves before now lives, November 4, 1918, his father, J. P.

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His death occurred in 1862. His wife Geren, being also a native of this State, his birth had died in 1830. Of the six children born to his occurring in 1817. He grew to manhood in this parents-three sons and three daughters - Thomas State, in what is now Webster Parish, and was

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— R. Geren was the third in order of birth, and is married here when in his twenty-first year (in 1838)

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the war.

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to Miss Margaret Laird, also a native of this State two sons and one daughter, all of whom grew up and and parish, and a daughter of John Laird. Soon are living. The brother, William A. Gray, resides after his marriage Mr. Geren bought land and in Tennessee, and the sister, Matilda J. Gray, located where he now resides, and here has resided resides with our subject. Charles J. Gray came since along in the forties. His farm of about 400 to this State and parish with his parents in 1853, acres is in a good state of cultivation, and on it is attained his growth here, and remained with his a good large residence and fair outbuildings. Mr. father until the latter's death. In 1862 be enlisted Geren is a member of the Farmers' Union, and in the Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry, Company takes an active part in the meetings and business of B, and served until the final surrender. He enthe order. He is a hale, active and well-preserved listed as a private and was promoted to sergeant. man of seventy-three years, and to himself and He participated in the fight of Franklin, La., and wife two sons and four daughters have been born: a number of skirmishes west of the river. After Jasper N., Joseph E., Elizabeth (wife of Capt. Joe the war he returned to Webster Parish and enMorgan), Julia (wife of J. D. Culp), Laconia (wife gaged in farming on the old bome place where the of Joseph Walker) and Ophelia (wife of J. W. family located in 1857. He has been on this plan Baird). Mr. and Mrs. Geren lost two sons after tation ever since, and is the owner of 920 acres they had attained manhood: Rev. John L. (who with 400 acres improved. He has a neat farm was a member of the Baptist Church) and Rev. T. residence, one of the best in Webster Parisb, and D. (who died while a student in the Clinton Theo- aside from the above-mentioned farm be owns a logical Seminary in Mississippi). He is a menuber half interest in a 480 tract. Mr. Gray started out of the Masonic order, and be and his wife and cbil- empty handed after the war, but has been very dren are members of the Baptist Church. Jasper successful in all the enterprises he has underN. Geren grew to manhood on the home farm, and taken. He was married in this county on Decem. remained with bis father until he attained his ber 15, 1875, to Miss Mary E. Davis, daughter of majority and until after the war. He then went Jonathan G. Davis, and sister of John Davis, on the Red River, and has been engaged in boating whose sketch appears

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whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. and piloting for a number of years, or from 1867 Mrs. Gray was born in Georgia and principally to 1890. This

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year he is helping to till the farm. reared in that State, being educated in Minden He is a young man of excellent parts, and at all Female College. To this union were born four times endeavors to make the most of his

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oppor- children: Aylmer H., Charles Griffin, Mary D. tunities.

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and Mattie S. Mrs. Gray is a member of the Charles J. Gray, farmer, Cotton Valley, La. Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gray is a mem Mr. Gray is a native of Tennessee, born in Sumner ber of the Farmer's Union and is treasurer of his County on September 16, 1837, and is the

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local lodge. He has taken an active part in the son of C. H. Gray, a native of Kentucky. The Union since its first organization. latter grew to manhood in his native State, and Dr. Samuel J. Harrell, surgeon dentist of Min. when a young man went to Tennessee, where he den, La., was born in Tolbert County, Ga., Octowas married to Miss Catherine S. Hassell, a native ber 15, 1819, to J. D. Harrell, who was born in the of that State. Tbe father was a farmer by occu- Palmetto State, and was taken to Georgia when pation, but in connection carried on the carpenter's an infant by his father, John Harrell, who was one trade. In 1853 be left Tennessee and removed to of tbe pioneer settlers of Bibb County, in which Louisiana, spending the first three years in Bossier region he opened up a farm and resided until his Parish. In 1857 they settled in what is now Web. death.

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a soldier in the Revolutionary ster Parish, opened up a farm, and here his death

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War, entering the service when he was a young occurred in 1861. His widow survives him at this man of sixteen years, and serving thronghout the writing. Charles J. Gray is the second of a family of

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He also, during his residence in

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entire war.

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He was

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а

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Georgia, served as sheriff of Bibb County. J. D. ness man, is at the head of his profession and is Harrell grew to manhood there and after attaining very social in disposition. His wife has borne him man's estate went to Tolbert County, but was mar. six children: Elwin, Cullen, Samuel J. Jr., ried in Upson County, to Miss Elizabeth Gibson, a Douglas, Stella, and Una Lee (a child of thirteen native of Georgia, born and reared in Upson County. months). He went into a shoe establishment after his mar- James F. Hill is classed among the younger riage and continued in that business for several merchants of Minden, La., but he is none the less years, after which he located on a farm in Marion successful for that, and is rapidly advancing to the County, but removed a few years later to Stewart

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front as

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one of the leading business men of the County, where he resided until his death in May, place. He was left a poor boy, and bas always had 1879, being still survived by his widow. Their fam- to battle bis own way in the world, and by means ily of three sons and four daughters grew to mature accumulated by his own exertions he obtained years, Dr. Samuel J., being their eldest son and a fair practical education. He was born in Jefferthird child in order of birth.

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S. J. Harrell grew

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son County, Ark., September 13, 1862, his father, to manhood in Marion County, and was given good Ezekiel Hill, being a native Georgian. He went advantages in the common and higher schools.

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In to Tennessee when a young man, and was marJanuary, 1873, he came to Louisiana and for about ried there to Miss T. A. Leech, a native Tennesthree years worked in saw mill in Webster seean, soon after which event he moved to ArkanCounty, and on January 25, 1875, was married sas and settled in Jefferson County, where he ento Miss Emma Carr, a daughter of B. L. Carr, gaged in farming for a few years. He enlisted in of Webster Parish, where Mrs. Harrell was born, the Confederate Army in 1861, and served until his reared and educated, being a graduate of Min death, being killed in an engagement in 1863. den Female College. After his marriage Dr. Har After the death of her husband Mrs. Hill moved rell engaged in farming for about four years, at to Benton, of which place ber son, James F., atthe end of which time he was appointed deputy tended the high school, At the age of fourteen sheriff of Webster County, and one year later was years he went to Texas, and was a cowboy in the appointed sheriff to fill the unexpired term. At northwestern part of the State for about three the close of his term of office he began the study of years. At the end of this time he entered a good dentistry, and in 1876 took a course in the dentistry school, and during a one year's attendance of this department of the Vanderbilt University, from institution, he acquried a large fund of useful inwhich he was graduated, having the honor of de formation. In 1880 he came to Louisana and lolivering the valedictory address before a class cated at Minden, where he followed clerking up to of seventy-six dental students, forty of whom 1888, at that time forming a partnership with Mr. were graduates. After completing his course he Crichton and opening a like establishment of their returned to Minden and engaged in the practice of

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Their stock of goods is well selected and his profession and simply on his own merits bas large, and although they are already doing a thriv. built up a very extended patronage. He is a mem- ing business, their trade is constantly on the inber of the State Dental Association. His office is crease. They have established a reputation for good tastefully and handsomely furnished and his work goods, fair dealing and low prices, and this, togethis guaranteed satisfactory. He has used his in- er with their agreeable and accommodating man fluence to advance the cause of education in this ners, have built them up a reputation second to none parish, and is a member of the Board of Educa- in the parish. Mr. Hill was married in Minden,

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. tion of the Minden Female College. Socially he November 29, 1888, to Miss Lucy Claire Geren, a belongs to the K. of P., being past chancellor of daughter of T. R. Geren, whose sketch appears in his lodge, and he and his wife are members of the this work. Mrs. Hill was born and reared in MinMethodist Episcopal Church. He is a good busi- den, and in her youth secured superior educational

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a

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1

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advantages, being a graduate of the Minden Fe-clusively for five years. In 1880 he again engaged male College and valedictorian of her class at in mercantile pursuits, and this has received much commencement, She has since taken a musical of his attention up to the present time, his stock course at Staunton, Va., and is a thoroughly ac- of goods being large and his patronage quite complished and intelligent lady. She is a mem- large. He was married at Minden, La., on De. ber of the Baptist Church. Mr. Hill is a member cember 17, 1873, to Miss Addie Reynolds, a of the K. of P. and is chancellor commander of daughter of A. J. Reynolds, now the proprietor of his lodge. He possesses superior business attain- the City Hotel at Shreveport. Mrs. Hodges was ments, is strictly honorable in every respect, is born and reared in Minden, and was educated in public spirited and enterprising and works for, the Minden Female College. Five children have and is deserving of success.

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been born to their union: Floyd R., Mary L., F. Crawford Hodges, in addition to being an George E., Maggie D. and Andrew J. Mr. and excellent farmer of Webster Parish, La., is also a Mrs. Hodges are members of the Methodist Epissuccessful merchant. He was born in Randolph copal Church South, and he is a Royal Arch County, Ga., on June 1, 1847, to Hon. Edmond Mason. W. Hodges, a native of South Carolina, who re- John E. Hodges. A history of any community, moved to Georgia with his father, Matthew large or small, is made up, to a greater or less deHodges, in an early day, and in that State grew to gree, of the lives of its citizens, and it is apparent mature years, and married Miss Mary McGowan, to any intelligent observer that the history of this a Georgian by birth. Mr. Hodges became well parish is only such as has been made by those who known in Georgia, and for several terms repre- have been identified with its development for some sented his county in the State Legislature. He re. time. Although born in Randolph County, Ga., moved to Louisiana in 1858, and settled in Cotton March 26, 1819, he has been a resident of Web Valley, in what is now Webster Parish, where he ster Parish since 1858, having come here with his opened up a large plantation, being the owner of parents, Matthew L. and Margaret (MIc Willams) some sixty slaves before the war. On this planta Hodges, who were born, reared and married in tion be passed from life in July, 1867, his wife Georgia. They settled on the farm on which the having passed from life some two years earlier. subject of this sketch is now residing, upon their For about one year prior to his death Mr. Hodges removal to Louisiana, both parents dying on this had engaged in the mercantile business in Cotton farm, the mother in 1858 and the father in 1969. Valley. Their family of four sons and three Of the ten children- tive boys and five girls (langhters grew to mature years, but one danghter | born to them, John E. and one sister are at this is now deceased.

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F. C. Hodges grew to manhood date (1890), the only surviving members of the in this parish, and when only sixteen years of age, family. The latter, Mrs. Willis, is a widow and

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, or in 1864, entered the Confederate Army and makes her home with her brother, John E. He served until the close of the war, in the reserve grew to manhood on the farm on which he is now corps, being lieutenant.

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After the termination of residing, and since the death of his father has had the war Mr. Hodges returned home and spent some control of the same. There are over 800 acres in three years in school, then was in his father's mer- the home place, of which 300 acres are under the cantile establishment until the death of the latter, plow, and on this are good buildings and an excel when he spent another year in school. In 1870 lent cotton-gin.

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He owns one-half interest in a he and a brother formed a partnership and en- section of land in Jones County, Tex., and is very gaged in merchandising at Cotton Valley, but at independently situated regarding money affairs the end of one year the brother withdrew and F. He was elected a member of the police jury in Crawford continued alone up to 1877. He then 1888 for a term of four years, and for a long time closed out the business and engaged in farming ex- has taken an active interest in the Farmers' l'nion,

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of which organization he is a member. He is now in the Bank of Minden, and was elected mayor of assistant lecturer of his parish and lecturer of his Minden in May, 1890. Mr. Holmes has been local lodge. Ou March 12, 1879, he was married three times married, his first wife, Miss Mary E. in this parish to Miss Mattie Houston, a daughter Morgan, he wedded in Red River Parish, La., on of Samuel Houston, she being a native of Georgia, December 25, 1875, and she died the following but reared and educated in this parish. They · June.

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June. Mr. Holmes' second marriage occurred in have one child: Samuel Lee, a bright and prom- Minden, to Miss Mary J. Sugden, a native of New ising lad of seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Hodges Orleans, who was reared and educated there. She are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. was a grand niece of Sir Edward Sugden, exHe is clerk of the church of which he is a member. prime minister of England. This most estimable

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Joseph J. Holmes is one of the promineut busi- | lady died in Shreveport, La., on July 15, 1884, ness men, and a representative citizen of Webster and Mr. Holmes married again in Minden on OcParish. He has made a competency by his own tober 15, 1890, to Miss Nettie Miller, daughter of indomitable energy, frugality and excellent busi- James M. Miller, whose sketch appears in this ness acumen. Mr. Holmes was born in Georgia, i history. Mrs. Holmes is a native of Webster Paron October 29, 1819, and his father, William D. ish, and was educated in Minden Female College. Holmes, was also a native of Georgia. The latter He is quite literary in his tastes, and bas written was married in that State, to Miss Martha J. Cul. a number of poems of local merit. He is a mem. pepper, a native also of Georgia, and they after ber of the Episcopal Church. ward moved to Alabama. Two years later, or in Jacob J. Hartman, a well-known tiller of the 1863, they moved to Louisiana, locating in Minden. soil of this parish, was born in South Carolina on He soon after entered the army and was superin. | August 23, 1825, to John G. Gospel Hartman and tendent of transportation for the Trans. Mississippi wife, the former also being a South Carolinian, in Department. After cessation of hostilities he re- which State he grew up and married, Miss Christurned to Minden and continued business there tina Mets becoming his wife. In 1825 they reuntil his death in May, 1884. His wife died in moved to Georgia and settled in Crawford County, 1869. J. J. Holmes came to this State and par- where Mr. Hartman opened up a farm, dying on ish, with his parents in 1863, received a thorough the same in 1838. His widow survived him a numeducation at Minden Male College, and in 1868 he ber of years and came to Lonisiana with her family, engaged in merebandising in Minden, continuing but passed from life in Webster Parish about 1863. at this for about eight years. After this (1877) he Mr. Hartman was one of a family of seven sons built a Tyler Morse Compress, the first of the kind and three daughters that grew to mature years, in Shreveport, and embarked in the cotton busi- four sons and two daughters being alive. Jacob J. there for two years.

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In 1SSi he returned to Min- Hartman grew up a stout healthy boy in Alabama, den, where he has been engaged in the cotton and remained faithfully with his mother until he and mercantile brokerage and insurance business. attained his majority, after which he followed overHe has been a very active business man all his life, seering for about fifteen years in the State of and has been very successful in all his transactions. Georgia. In the spring of 1857 he came to LouisiCommencing with no means, he has been unusually ana, purchased land, and the next year engaged successful, and is to day one of the representative in farming. opening up quite a tract, on which he

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and substantial men of the parish. Mr. Holmes built a house and which he farmed up to the open was one of the first to take stock in the Mindening of the war. He at once joined the ConfederRailroad, of which he is secretary and one of the ate Army, becoming a member of Company A, board of directors. He is also secretary of the Fourth Arkau-as Regiment, under Col. Price, afterMinden branch of the Southern Building and ward under Gen. Kirby Smith till the fall of VicksLoan Association of Atlanta, Ga., and stockholder burg, when he returned to the west side of the

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688

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river and joined Price, participating with this has 1,500 acres which includes six farms, about 300 famous general in his Missouri raid, being in the acres of which are under cultivation. He has a fight at Prairie Grove, Corinth, Murfreesboro, good residence on the home farm, also a cottonKnoxville, and numerous engagements in Missouri gin and other conveniences. He has served one during his term of service. He had removed to term as police juror, as magistrate one term, but Caddo Parish in 1859, and after the war returned is not an active politician. He was married in there, but came the same year to where he now re- Bienville Parish in December, 1861, to Miss Lusides; his farm consisting of 1,400 acres of land rany Williamson, who was born in Georgia, but with some 300 acres fenced and under cultivation, was reared in Louisiana, her death occurring in on which is a good residence and a first class cot- May, 1887, she having been a daughter of James ton-gin and corn grist-mill. This place is thirteen Williamson. To their union five children were miles from Minden and is a valuable property. born: James W. (who is grown and married), Ada He was married in Webster Parish in 1858, to Miss (wife of Hodges Monzingo), Katie (wife of Henry Georgia Ann Deck, a native of Louisiana, and a Morton), Ida L. and William Jacob. Mr. Hartdaughter of Pinkney Deck. By her he became man is a member of the Methodist Episcopal the father of one son, Wesley (who is a married Church, and has been a member of the Farmers' man).

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Mr. Hartman's wife died in 1859, and he Union ever since its organization, being president was afterward married in Bienville Parish to Miss of the local union. He is a Master Mason. Sylvania Wilkerson, a daughter of Greenberry John S. Killen has been earnestly and successWilkerson She was born in Alabama, but was fully engaged in the occupation of planting for reared in Louisiana, and in Webster Parish her

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many years, and his earnest endeavors to make a marriage with Mr. Hartman was celebrated, and success of life is well worthy the imitation of all. has resulted in the birth of four children: Charles, He was born in Darlington District, S. C., FebruWilliam and Lloyd (twins), and Allen B. Mr.

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ary, 5, 1826, his father, Hon. John Killen, being Hartman and his wife are members of the Method. a native of Ireland. In his childhood he came to ist Episcopal Church, and since its organization in the States with his parents, and in Darlington Dis this parish Mr. Hartman has been a member of trict, S. C., he grew up and learned the carpen the Farmers' Union.

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ter's trade. He was married in this State, to Miss William W. Hartman, a brother of J. J. Hart. Louisa Parrott, and with her removed to Georgia, man, whose sketch appears in this work, is also a in 1831, settling on a farm in Houston County, but tiller of the soil, and as such has been successful. also worked some at bis trade.

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He was a soldier He was born in Crawford County, Ga., March 11, in the War of 1812, and for the services be ren1832, and after residing in his native State until dered his country be received two land warrants, 1837, he came to what is now Webster Parish, eighty acres each. The subject of this sketch purchasing land and opening up a good farm. In located on one of these tracts, in Webster Parish. 1862 he joined the Twenty-eighth Louisiana In- | Mr. Killen served as judge of Houston County for fantry, Melton's company, and served until the

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a number of years, and also served in the State close of the war, being in the fights at Mansfield Legislature for one or more terms.

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He died in and Pleasant Hill, Yellow Bayou and a great 1870, having been married three times, John S. many skirmishes. He was badly wounded just at

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He was badly wounded just at ! being by his second wife. The latter grew to man the close of the war by the bursting of a cannon at hood in Houston County, and in the winter of 1818 Alexandria, and was confined to his bed for six

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came to Louisiana, and located in wbat is now Web months, going on crutches for a year afterward, ster Parish, wbere he purchased and opened up a being then but partially recovered. His attention

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farm of 200 acres near Minden, which land be tilled has been given to farming, and be bas been the

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until 1886. He then bought the property which be owner of his present home place since 1867. He

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now owns, one mile west of Minden, and of the 700

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acres of which he is the owner, he has 100 acres ing bis by twenty-eight years.

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Their two sons and fenced and ready for the plow. A part of this farin two daughters grew to mature years, and all are is some of the oldest improved land in the parish, living at this writing. In this parish W. Penn and has been worked upward of sixty years, but is Leary grew to manhood, and when a youth of six yet fertile.

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He has a good residence, gin-house, teen entered the Confederate Army, becoming a wind-mill, and all his machinery for grinding leed, member of Company E, Fifth Louisiana Cavalry, cutting wood, etc., is worked by wind power.

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and served until the close of the war on the west Although his fruit trees are quite young, they are

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side of the river, participating with his regiment in good bearing condition, and as be believes in and company in several skirmishes, but no imporhaving the best of everything, he is willing to tant battle. After the close of the war he rework to bring about the desired result. He bas a turned home, and attended school for a year and a herd of pure bloodled, registered Holstein cattle, i half, six months in Minden College, and the rest of comprising a male animal, four cows and three the time at Mount Lebanon College. After comcalves. He is one of the most progressive men of pleting his studies at this institution he clerked for this region, and possesses sound views on all sub. a number of years, and formed a partnership in jects. Early in 1961 he enlisted in the Confeder 1877 with Isaac Merrill, with bim opening a large ate Army, Capt. Webb's company, Minden Rangers, and well stocked mercantile establishment, which and served until the final surrender. He was mar

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connection lasted up to the date of the latter's death, ried in this parish, October 4, 1819, to Mrs. Sarah : one year later. Mr. Leary next engaged in business A. L. Monzingo, danghter of Jules Monzingo. Sbe with his present partner, Mr. Crichton, which partwas born and reared in Houston County, Ga., and nership is the result of an agreement entered into was a schoolmate of her husband when they were when boys of fourteen years at school. This firm boys and girls. The four children born to this is a substantial and enterprising cne, and they are union are as follows: Louisa P. (wife of Patton doing a paying business, for their store is large and Culbertson), Martha E.( wife of William A. Turner), stocked with an excellent class of goods, and they Ida N. (wife of William Stewart), and Laura A. are strictly honorable in dealing with their custom(wife of Joel Hodges, of Louisiana).

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They had ers.

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They have an extensive trade throughout four sons, but all are now deceased: John W. this section, which they have built up from a very (who died at the age of fourteen years), Barsh (died

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small beginning, and are now accounted among the at the age of eighteen months), Sampy (died when wealthy business men of Webster Parish. Besides about three years old), and William Mack (died : their store they also own several hundred acres of in 1885, aged twelve years). Mr. and Mrs. Killen land in this parish, and have an interest in some are members of the Minden Baptist Church, and

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farms on Red River. On the organization of the he is an active member of the Farmers' Union. Minden Railroad Mr. Leary took stock in this en

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W. Penn Leary, one of the substantial busi- terprise, and was one of the first, and still is a ness men of Minden, La, was born in Houston director. He was elected treasurer of the comCounty, Ga., March 25, 1817, both his parents be. pany in 1886, and in this capacity has since served. ing natives of North Carolina. The father, Cal- He was elected president of the Minden Normal vin Leary grew to wanhood and was married there in 1889, in which capacity he still serves. He to Hepsy Loton, afterward moving to Georgia and

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was married on December 21, 1871, to Miss Flasettling in Houston County, where, for a number via R. McIntyre, a native of Louisiana, who was of years he devoted his attention to farming. In reared in Minden, and graduated from Minden 1819 he moved to Louisiana, and settled in what College. He and his wife bave four children: A. is now Webster Parisb, near Minden, where he

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McIntyre, Mattie P., Leslie G., and W. Penn,

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Jr. opened up a farm, reared his family, and resided The family attend the Baptist Church, of until bis death, in 1882, his wife's death antedat- which Mr. and Mrs. Leary are members.

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Lewis J. Lucky, of the firm of Lucky Bros., a native-born resident of Webster Parish, La., bis merchants of Dubberly, La , was born in Alabana, birth occurring in March, 1816, and is a son of in Hall County, January 19, 1859, to G. W. and John Miller and the grandson of Michael Miller, Sarah C. (Tidmore), Lucky, who were born, reared who emigrated from South Carolina to Missouri and married in Alabama, moving to Georgia in at a very early period. John Miller was born in 1860, settling first in Wino Parish,

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In August, the Palmetto State, but was reared in Missouri, in 1861, he entered the Confederate Army, in which he which State he remained until 1825. He then emserved until the close of the war, being on detached igrated to Webster Parish, La., and was there duty in the commissary department. After peace married to Miss Sarah Wilson, a native of the had been established, Mr. Lucky settled in Bien Blue Grass regions of Kentucky. Mr. Miller ville Parish, La., and on a farm which he purchased opened a large farm bere, owned numerous slaves on coming to this region he resided until his death, before the war, and was one of the representative September 23, 1883, having conducted a country planters. Here he reared his family, and here bis store on his far from 1880 up to the time of his death occurred in 1858. His widow survived him demise. His widow, two sons and three daugh- many years, her death occurring in 1882. James ters survive him, Lewis J. being the youngest of M. Miller, the next to the youngest of nine sons the children. He spent his youth on the farm, and three daughers, five sons and two daughters and although he received a limited early schooling now living, attained his growth in Webster Parishi, he was naturally bright and intelligent, and from and remained on the farm with his mother until 1980 to 1883 he carried on the mercantile business his majority. In the spring of 1863 he enlisted in with his father. After the death of the latter he the Fifth Louisiana Cavalry, and served until the was left with very limited means, but continued to close of the war, participating in the fights of the carry on merchandising in a small way at the old Red River expedition besides numerous skirmishes. stand until 1988, after which he formed a partner- After the war he returned home. In youth he had ship with bis elder brother, and moved to his pres- received limited school advantages, but he ent location, where they built a good store and put man of observation, and bas improved this very in an excellent stock of general merchandise, farm- materially. He was married in this parish in Deing implements, etc. They are now doing a busi. cember, 1865, to Miss Sally Burnett, a native of ness that will average from $25,000 to $30,000

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per this parish, where she was reared and educated, annun.

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As a business man Mr. Lucky has been and the daughter of R. H. Barnett. The follow. quite successful, and is one of the most substantial ing year Mr. Miller settled on a farm near Minden, business men of this section, his establishment be. and engaged in tilling the soil which he continued ing founded on a sound basis. He was married in for a number of years.

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He was one of the first to Bienville Parish December 14, 1881, to Miss Eliza enter the Farmers' Union, joining the organization Harris, a native of Claiborne Parish, educated in in 1885, and serving as secretary for some time. Arizona, and by her has four bright little children: He has always taken an active interest in the busiErnest, (lyde, Gertrude and Lynn Rivers. Mr. ness of the Union, and on the establisbing of the Lucky is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and Union store in December, 1888, Mr. Miller was is junior warslen of his lodge at Dubberly. Mrs. elected by the lodges to take charge of the busiLucky is a menber of the Methodist Episcopal This was established at the present bead Church.

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quarters, and in their large store they carry a stock James M. Miller, merchant, Minden, La. of general merchandise, and are doing a good Among the names which have acquired prominence business.

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business. This enterprise was established with a on the wings of Minden's prosperity is that of the capital stock of $6,000, which has been increased subject of this sketch, who is one of the city's to $11,000 paid up stock. Mr. Miller is a thorough most popular and successful business men. He is business man, and a better manager for the institui

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a

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ness.

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was

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!

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their son.

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tion could not be found. He is a member and born in Alabama, reared and educated president of the police jury, and has held other in Webster Parish, and has borne her husband official positions in the same. He has never as- eight children: Lela May (a graduate of the Minpired for office however, To Mr. and Mrs. Miller den Female Seminary and is now in her second have been born five daughters and two sons.

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| year in the Nashville College, Tenn.), David S., and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Edna Belle, Mary, Samuel, Grace and Burnice. Church. His eldest daughter is the wife of J. J. Mr. and Mrs. Mims are members of the Methodist Holmes, whose sketch appears in this work.

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Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the Farmers' D. Samuel Mims is a planter by occupation, and Union and the Masonic fraternity. like all the successful followers of that calling he James M. Mixon, planter, Cotton Valley, La. is indu-trious, thrifty and persevering. He was This name is not unfamiliar to those in the vicinity born in Darlington District, S. C., May 31, 1816, of Cotton Valley as well as to those in the county, for to D. J. and Maggie (Daniels) Mims, both of be who bears it is numbered among the highly rewhom were born in the same State and district as spected citizens of this community. He was born

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They came to Louisiana in 1858 and in Louisiana, and with his parents located in Clai. settled within the present boundaries of Webster borne Parish, when but a child, growing to manhood Parish and on land on which one of their sons is in that parish. Early in life he went to Texas, now residing in Ward 1. He passed from life followed trading in stock, remaining in that State in July, 1883. His first wife died in South Caro- and Indian Territory until in 1887, when he relina, when the subject of this sketch was a small turned to Claiborne Parish. He immediately en

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. child, he being one of their seven children four gaged with A. K. Clingman as a traveling sales sons and three daughters. He attained manhood

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man in the nursery business, and he bought the in Lonisiana, and in 1564 joined Harrison's cav farm where be now lives in the fall of 18SS. He alry, and served until the close of the war. He had was married to Miss Pinkie Loyd of Lincoln Partwo brothers in the Twelfth Louisiana Regiment, ish, and the fruit of this union has been one child, both of whom died while in the service. D. Sam ('ortez. His father, Thomas Mixon, was a native nel Mims served west of the Mississippi River, of Mississippi, and a son of J. Miquel Mixon, who and although he was in a number of hard skir

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was a native of Scotland.

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Mr. Mixon is a successmishes he was in no regular engagement.

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After ful, enterprising citizen, and one of the thoroughthe surrender he returned home, and until twenty going, prosperous agriculturists of this parish. one years of age remained with his father, but has . The improvements on his place are of a good order since been doing for himself. He purchased a and kept in neat condition. farm in Ward No. 1, which he continued to till up Dr. John W. Morgan, physician and surgeon, to 1872, wben he purchased the place on which be Minden, La. Among the people of Webster and is now residing, on which, at that time, but few surrounding parishes the name that beads this improvements had been made. It is seven miles ' sketch is a very familiar one, for in his professional north of Minden and comprises 500 acres, of capacity he has become intimately acquainted with which 300 acres are under cultivation and fenced. the majority of their inhabitants.

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He was origiOn this land is a substantial residence, a good new nally from Greenville District, S. (., his birth ocsteam cotton gin with improved machinery, good curring on November 7, 1831, and was the son of outbuildings, etc. Mr. Mims has been exception Hon. Nathaniel Morgan, who was a native of the ally successful as a farmer, and the most of his same State and district.

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The elder Morgan was fine property has been accumulated by hard work married in his native State to Miss Linney Westand good management. He was married on Sep moreland, also a native of that State, and both fami tember 13, 1968, to Miss Mary Ellen Stewart, a lies are descendants of Virginian ancestors. Mr. daughter of Dougal Stewart. Mrs. Mims was i Morgan was a farmer and mercbant, and a promi

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4 1

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حول

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son

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and

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nent man in Greenville District, being elected from children: George W., James H. (now a resident that as a member of the Legislature. His death of Johnson County, Ark.), Elizabeth (wife of occurred in 1863, when fifty-four years of age. William G. Hunt), Mary A. (wife of Charles War His widow survives him at this writing. Dr. John ren), William S., Harris B. (of Nashville, Tenn.), W. Morgan was reared in his native district, re- John R. and Patrick H. The father, William ceived a thorough English education, and soon Ogilvie, was born in North Carolina in 1779, after reaching mature years he began the study of and was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was medicine, taking a thorough course of lectures in the of Harris Ogilvie, who moved from the winter of 1855-50 at the Jefferson Medical North Carolina to Tennessee in 1787. Harris College in Philadelphia. The summer of 1856 was the son of Oscar Ogilvie, who was one of be spent studying and practicing with his pre- three brothers who emigrated to America from ceptor, and the following winter he spent at the England, and settled in North Carolina long beCharleston Medical College, from which he grad- fore the Revolutionary War. John R. married, in uated in the spring of 1857. After completing his Tennessee in 1847, and in 1850 went to Texas. studies at this institution he returned to Greenville In 1861 he enlisted in Gen. Hood's regiment, was District, S. C., and practiced his profession there made lieutenant of a company, and was afterward for a number of years.

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In 1861 the Doctor re- promoted to captain. Previous to the late Civil turned to Charleston Medical College and took a War he was one of a company of citizens that orsupplementary course. In 1862 he entered the ganized to protect their homes and property from Confederate Army as a hospital surgeon and re- the depredations of thieves, and bring the law mained about one year, when he resigned on ac- breakers to justice. The organization spread all count of his father's illness. After the death of over the State of Texas and continued to grow the latter, the Doctor took charge of his business, improve in its methods and plans of operation un settled up the affairs and continued the practice of til it developed into tbe organization known as the medicine there. In 1869 he moved to North Caro- Farmers' Alliance. In 1880 he settled in this lina, where he remained about one year, and in State, and being a widower married Judge Baker's 1870 be removed to Georgia, where he continued daughter. Her paternal ancestors came from the practice of medicine for about eight years. In England and landed at Baltimore probably a cent1878 he moved to Louisiana, located in Bienville ury before the war of 1776 and settled in Virginia. Parish at Mount Lebanon, and there continued to At the beginning of the Revolution Stephen Baker practice for a number of years. In 1887 he re- and William Baker, two brothers, were wealthy moved to Minden, and has continued the practice planters residing near Richmond. About this time here since that time. He bas built up a large and William moved to West Virginia, then a wilderness. paying practice, which is increasing steadily and When the king's authority was overthrown in the profitably. He has also been very successful in colonies he favored the patriot cause.

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Not find his business relations. The Doctor was married

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ing it pleasant to live among hostile Indians, led in his native State, on October 29, 1868, to Miss on by the Tories to depredate on the inbabitants, Laura Wilmott Perry, a native of the Palmetto he sent his two sons, John and William, with a State, and the daughter of John Perry. Mr. and large herd of cattle down in North Carolina, and Mrs. Morgan have three children: Nat Stark Mor- he started back to Richmond with his negroes gan, Edna and Alma.

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The Doctor and wife are the rest of the family, but was never heard of any members of the Baptist Church.

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It was thought that he and all his family Capt. John R. Ogilvie, a prosperous farmer in were murdered by the enemy.

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The two sons re. this parish, is the youngest son of William Ogil mained with the cattle in North Carolina until vie and Matilda Blurton, and was born near Nash. they found that they were all being stolen in spite ville, Tenn., in 1826; was one of a family of eight of their efforts to protect them; they became dis

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and

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more.

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He re

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couraged, and abandoned them and joined the : their services. In politics he always evinced more army. William was seventeen years old when he solicitude for the welfare and the happiness of the began his career as a soldier under the famous people than for his own emolument and aggranMarion in South Carolina. Bereft of family and dizement. During the times he held office in the property this boy soldier fought the enemy with two States in which he has lived he has won the a desperation that none but those similarly situ- friendship of many and commanded the respect of ated can tight. The gallant band to which he be his bitterest opponents. While others amassed longed soon struck terror to the enemy.

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large fortunes by political trickery, he left the mained with the army until the war closed. At arena of politics but little better off financially than the close of the war William married Miss Sarah bis grandfather was at the termination of the War Arnet, at Charleston, S. C., and settled in Anson of 1770. Mrs. Ogilvie's maternal great-grandfather County, N. C., where they reared a large family. was a sollier in the Revolutionary War, and served The following are the names of their children: under Gen. Morgan. This family were French William, John, James and Peter were the names Huguenots and fled from the persecutions in of his sons; bis danghters were Sarah, Eilzabeth, France to Holland, and thence to America, landing Jane, Susan and Jennie. He and his wife lived at Charlesten, S. C. His name was Isaac Arlige, and died in Anson County, N. C. His four sons

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His four sons | sometimes called Aldridge. When the war ended came west and lived to a ripe old age, and died, he married at Charleston, S. C., a Miss Millie each leaving a large family. The members of Ashly, born in Wales, England. The Arlige's these families are numbered among the aged of the and Ashly's were among the early settlers of old communities in which they live. Mrs. Ogilvie's . Charleston, S. C. father is the grandson of the veteran, William Dr. Thomas S. Parham, physician, Cotton Baker, and is seventy tive years old and lives a Valley, La. Dr. Parham is a physician of acknowl. quiet life on a small farm. He studied law when edged ability, and is ever found at the bedside of but a youth, and has held several offices of public the suffering and afllicted. He was originally from trust, and was faithful in the discharge of his Georgia, bis birth occurring in Meriwether Counduties both as an officer and as a private citizen. : ty, in 1830, and was the youngest of a family of

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: He held the office of probate judge during the three children: James B., and Elizabeth (now Mrs. stormy period that followed the reconstruction of K. C. Patton, of Webster Parish). The father, the State after the late war. Coming into office Mat. A. Parham, was born in Baldwin County, Ga., amid new surroundings, with no precedent to in 1802, and was a son of Parham, who was guide him, he showed rare executive ability in the a native of the Old Dominion, and a direct descenddischarge of his public duties and in the manage. ant of English parents. Mary A. Cox, the mother ment of the conflicting elements with which he had of our subject, is a native of Georgia. Dr. Thomas to contend at that turbulent period. Several times S. Parham was niarried in 1854 to Miss Susan J. when partisan politics ran high, and there were McGowan, of De Soto County, Miss., and in 1861 riots almost all over the State, his coolness, cour- he and family came to Webster Parish, La. In age and good judgment warded off trouble in his 1862 Dr. Parham enlisted in the Twenty-eighth parish, and peace and quiet reigned. He estab- Louisiana Regiment, but was discharged on aclished good public schools all over the parish count of disability. He attended Louisville Med when he was president of the school board, and ical College, Kentucky, in 1852, and for thirty brought suit against the State school board upon eight years has given bis undivided attention to its refusal to allow the pro rata share of the public the relief of suffering humanity. He is well known funds to the parish. He had much trouble and throughout this section, and in the care and manworry over the suit, but finally gained it, and saw agenent of cases which have come under his attenthat all the teachers were duly compensated for tion he has been remarkably successful. He is the

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a

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of

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the peace.

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father of four interesting children: Harry L., he is thrifty, industrious and public spirited. He Minnie, Sarah and Louie B. Mrs. Parham is a was born in Gwinnett County, September 21, 1927 member of the Methodlist Episcopal Church. The to Joseph and Annis (Johnson) Ratcliff, both of Doctor was formerly an old-line Whig, but since whom were South Carolinians, in which State they the war he has been a close adherent to the Dem

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were reared and educated, the father being a farmocratic party

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er and mechanic by occupation. He moved to David W. Pratt, sheriff, Minden, La. This Georgia at an early day, settled in Gwinnett County prominent and very popular official was born on and afterward in Muscogee County, where he re July 4, 1846, in what is now Webster Parish, sided until 1836, at which time he came to Russell La., and his father, Luther Pratt, was a native of County, Ala., where he resided for eight years. the Bay State. The elder Pratt was a well edu- He moved to Walton County, Fla., for five years; cated gentleman, and when a young man he then to Bienville Parish, La., in 1851, and here emigrated to Louisiana, locating in what is now

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passed from life on October 27, 1857. While Webster Parish. Soon after he was elected dis- a resident of South Carolina he served as cap. trict clerk and served in that capacity for a number tain of a company of militia, and after coming years.

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He married here a New York lady, to Bienville Parish be held the office of justice of Miss Delisa Rathburn, who was reared and edu

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At the time of his death he was sixty cated in New York, but wbo was a teacher in

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four years of age

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Isaiah Ratcliff was reared in Louisiana, prior to her marriage. After serving three States: Georgia, Alabama and Florida, and as clerk for several years Mr. Pratt engaged in when still young he came to Louisiana (in 1819) merchandising at Overton and followed this busi- and settled in what is now Webster Parish with ness at that place and Minden for a number of

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in seven miles of Minden, the first two years years. Subsequently be moved to Homer, resided being spent on a farm. He then turned his atten. there for a few years, and then returned to Min- tion to carpentering and buidling, continuing np den, where his death occurred in 1853. His widow

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to the war, and also worked in a cotton-gin factory died in January, 1888. Of the three sons and for some three and one-half years, baving charge of four daughters born to this union, all of whom the wood mechanical part of the work for some time. grew

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to mature years, our subject and two sisters In 1862 he became a member of an independent are the only survivors. The eldest son, Ed E.

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company of cavalry (the Minden Rangers), and was one of the first to join the army for the Con

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served until the close of the war in Capt. Webb's federate cause, and he died in Virginia in 1861,

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company, which acted as escort for Gens. Armsoon after enlisting Hon. Clarence Pratt, the

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strong, Crosby and W. H. Jackson. Mr. Ratcliff second son, grew to manhood in Webster Parish,

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returned home May 28, 1865, and for some time and was a man of superior mental endowments.

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thereafter was engaged in willing. In 1868 he He was elected and served one term in the Legis. purchased a farm, which he improved, and in 1972 lature, and is said to have been one of its brightest made the purchase of a mill.

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made the purchase of a mill. Later he purchased and most active members, He died in Texas in

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his present farm of 410 acres to which be moved 1869, when in his prime. Fanny, one of the sis.

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his mill, building also a cotton-gin thereon. He ters, died when a young woman, and Helen, who

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was appointed and served nearly ten years as a is now deceased, was the former wife of Ex Sena

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member of the school board and in July, 1SSS, was tor John C. Vane, of New Orleans. Her death

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elected a member of the police jury and served four occurred in 1897. Belle is the wife of Dr. Vance,

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years. He is a member of, and takes an active part of Minden, and Alice is the wife of W. A. Sugg, also

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in, the Farmers' Union, and holds the office of chapof Minden.

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lain of the parish union, and of his own local union. Isaiah Ratcliff is a Georgian by birth, and like He joined the Baptist Church in 1847, and has been the majority of native-born residents of that country a member of it since that time, being now a deacon.

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a

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Mr.

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He is a consistent Christian gentleman, and a man At the expiration of his term he went on a farm possessing many sterling traits of character. He near Minden, just outside the parish. He is the was married in Minden January 12, 1853, to Miss owner of 108 acres of land adjoining town and Caroline W. Harrison, a daughter of W. C. Harri. on this be bas good improvements. He has also

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he son, her birth occurring in Twiggs County, Ga., al served as a member of the police jury and school though she was reared in Louisiana. Mr. and Mrs. boaril, and has done all in his power to promote Ratcliff have ten children: Allen H.; Perry D., the interests of his town and parish. He has Anna (wife of J. W.O'Neal), Elizabeth L. (wife of served as a delegate to Parish senatorial and juJ. M. Rickerson), Mary F. (wife of Wimberly Ba dicial conventions. He was married here on Feb. ker of Bienville, Parish), Leary, Hattie L., Joseph ruary 25, 1569, to Miss Amanda Stewart, a native H., Carrie A. and Bessie Lee. Mr. Ratcliff, his of Alabama and the daughter of David Stewart. wife and all the children with the exception of two, To them have been born four children: E. are members of the Baptist Church.

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Brown (a clerk in Minden), Alice (a teacher in James W. Reagan, farmer, Minden, La. college), Lillie and Augustus. Mr. and Mrs. ReaReagan is a man whom nature seems to have es- gan are members of the Methodist Episcopal pecially fitted to be a farmer, for he has met Church, and the former is a Master Mason. with good success in all his farming operations, William Reagan is a Mississippian by birth, and He owes his nativity to Itawamba County, Miss., first saw the light of day in Itawamba County on born on December 19, 1941, and his father, A. C. August 28, 1816, being a son of Alexander C. Reagan, was a native of Tennessee. The latter Reagan and brother of James W. Reagan, whose was reared in that State and in Alabama, but sketch appears in this history. William Reagan when a young man went with his parents to

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removed with his father to Texas in 1851, and in Mississippi. He was married in that State to Robertson County grew to manhood, enlisting from Miss Rhoda Wood, a native of Mississippi, who

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there in 1962 in the First Cavalry Brigade and died in that State when our subject was a child.

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served until the close of the war, after which he Mr. Reagan moved to the Lone Star State in returned to his home in Texas, but from there re about 1853, settled in Robinson County, and there moved to Louisiana in 1867, locating in Ward 1 of resided until his death in August, ISSS. James what is now Webster Parish, in the month of JanW. Reagan remained in Texas until about eight uary He purchased his present improved farm een years of age and received good common- in February, 1886, and has cleared and improved school advantages. In September, 1861, he en- it to a great extent, it being now one of the finest tered the army, Twelfth Texas Cavalry, Company kept places in the parish. Of bis 410 acres he has K, as a private, and served until the close of the , 100 acres under cultivation. He was married De. war, participating in the fight at Yellow Bayou cember 14, 1869, to Mary Frances Anderson, a and a great many skirmishes and small engage daughter of W. A. and Lucretia Anderson. Mrs. ments, He received a slight wound in the leg at Reagan was born in Arkansas, but was reared in Yellow Bayou. After the war be returned to Louisiana, and has borne her husband six children: Texas, and the following year went on a farm. Mary Marguerite, Webb P., James W., Sallie L., In the winter of 1868 he came to Louisiana and Claude Douglas and John W. Mr. and Mrs. located in what is now Webster Parish, where he Reagan are members of the Methodist Episcopal tilled the soil in Ward No. 1 until elected to the Church, the former being a member of the office of sheriff in November, 1879. In the spring Farmers' Union and lecturer of his local union. of 1880 he moved to Minden, and at the close of He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a his term was re-elected, serving eight consecutive Master Mason in Minden Lodge. He is a man years. He made an efficient officer, and was act- who at all times endeavors to do as he would be ive and fearless in the discharge of his duty. done by, and as a result his friends are numerous.

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He was

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William Sandlin is a tiller of the soil and as previously married in the State of Georgia, to Miss such has won his present valuable estate.

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Elisia C. Brown. After a residence of a few years born in Dooly County, Ga., August 11, 1823, to Jesse in Florida, he went to Wilcox County, Ala.; and Sandlin who was born in the Old North State, but there practiced medicine for a number of years, went to Middle Georgia, at the age of eighteen years also conducting a farm, being quite an extensive and settled in Dovly County, after his marriage in

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slave owner. In 1852 he removed to Louisiana, Lawrence County, to Miss Nancy Faircloth, a and bought a large body of land where the subject native of Georgia. From this State he came to of this sketch now resides, and on this farm made Louisiana in 1858, and on a farm which he opened in his home until he passed from life in 1859, bis Webster Parish, he resided until his death in 1877, widow surviving him until February 13, 1881, when aged seventy- - seven years and a few months. His

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she, too, passed away.

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J. Jackson Stewart grew widow passed from life two years later also, aged to manhood in Wilcox County, Ala., receiving a seventy-seven years. William Sandlin is the eldest of

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fair English education, then came to Louisiana with their six sons and two daughters that grew to ma- his parents in 1852, remaining under the shelter ture years, three brothers and one sister being now of the parental roof until the death of his father. alive. He grew to manhood in Georgia, remained In the spring of 1859 he was married to Miss with his father until grown, and in the month of Theodocia Starr, a native of Texas and after his December, 1852, arrived in the State of Louisiana, marriage he followed the occupation of farming, locating two years later, on the farm on which they continuing up to 1862 when he entered the army, are now residing. The land was in an uncultivated becoming a member of Capt. Webb's Company, condition at that time, but he set himself energet- of Minden Rangers with which he served up to ically to work to improve it, and of his 500 acres he the fall of 1862, when he joined the Sixth Louisiana now has 150 acres under cultivation, a comfortable Cavalry, with which he served until the war terhouse thereon and good cabins for his tenants, He minated, doing courier duty the most of the time. entered the Confederate Army in 1863, was in After hostilities were over he returned to his home Harrison's brigade, and during his entire service in this ward, and after farming until 1872 he went was on the west side of the Mississippi River, some to Texas, where he was engaged in land surveying part of the time being on detail duty. He was at for about one and one-half years, then returned to home when Lee' surrendered, and on his valuable Louisiana. After the death of his father he fell farm he has since remained, winning good opin- heir to the homestead, and has since been actively ions for himself in the estimation of his neighbors engaged in farming it. He is one of the most en as a farmer of perseverance and intelligence. He terprising and progressive of farmers and raises was married in Early County, Ga., October 23, more cotton and other produce off a given number 1815, to Miss Deborah Jones, who was born in of acres of land than any other farmer in this part Florida, but was reared in Georgia, a daughter of of the State. He raises four fifths of a bale of J. T. B. and Lena Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Sandlin cotton to the acre, and that on land that has been have eight children: J. B., J. A., E. H., Octavia tilled for the past fifty years, and sandy upland at

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, (wife of Benjamin F. Carr), Emma J., (wife of Will that. He devotes considerable attention to the iam Montgomery), J. T., S. B. and B. H. Mr. and raising of good stock, and has a herd of about 250 Mrs. Sandlin are members of the Primitive Bap- Merino sbeep, some good high grade Jersey cows, tist Church, in which he is a deacon and an earnest and a thoroughbred registered Jersey bull. worker.

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a member of the Farmers' Union; has been one of J. Jackson Stewart was born in Florida on its most active members and is now vice-president October 27, 1831, his father, Dr. C. F. Stew. of the parish union and president of bis local art, being a South Carolinian. When the latter | union. On September 13, 1868, he lost his first was a young man he went to Florida, having been , wife, she leaving him with two children: Emma

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He is He was

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(wife of R. H. Coombs) and Mary B. (wife of 0. stantial manner with good buildings, etc. H. Cooper, ex-superintendent of public instruction married in Minden, June 8, 1881, to Mrs. Nora in Texas, and now superintendent of the Galveston Killen, danghter of J. S. Killen, a prominent High Schools). Mr. Stewart lost two children:

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farmer and stockman of the parish, and in this Harriet J. (who died at the age of three years), and parish Mrs. Stewart was born, reared and educatC. F. (who died February 9, 1889, a man of mature ed, being an attendant of the schools of Minden, years). Mr. Stewart married his present wife, and a graduate of the Minden Female College. She Miss Mary Susan Coombs, a native of Georgia, has borne her husband four children: Ida N., but reared in Louisiana, a daughter of R. K. Albert Sidney, Chester Graham and Ruth (now Coombs. Mrs. Stewart is a member of the Meth- one year old). Mr. Stewart is a member of the odist Episcopal Church, and is a kindly, charitable Methodist and his wife of the Baptist Church, and and true Christian lady. Mr. Stewart is pleasant

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Mr. Stewart is pleasant he belongs to the Farmers' Union, is secretary of and agreeable in his intercourse with his fellow bis local union, and the K. of P. He is a good men, and is a firm believer in the resources of Lou- farmer and is a public-spirited and enterprising isiana.

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gentleman. William G. Stewart was born within the pres- J. H. Tillman, clerk of the district court, Minent limits of Webster Parish, La., October 25, den, La . The public services of Mr. Tillman 1854, to Dougald Stewart, a native of North Caro since 1888 have been characterized by a noticeable lina, but reared in Georgia. He grew to manhood ,

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devotion to the welfare of the parish and his ability in this State, but was married in Alabama to Miss and fidelity in his present position are fully recog. Mary Culbertson, a Georgian, and after his marriage nized. He is a native of Georgia, born in Sumter farmed in that State for about two years, moving, County August 12, 1819, and when seven years of in 1819, to Louisiana, and settling in what is now age he was left an orphan. He was taken by an Webster Parish, where he bought and opened up a uncle, Joseph Tillman, who resided in Florida, large farm, on which he resided until his death, in and had the advantages of academies and higher November, 1884. He was a soldier in Col. Harri schools of that State. He received a fair English son's regiment, during the Rebellion. His wife education, and remained in that State until 1870, died in this parish when William G., their son, was when he came to Louisiana, locating in what is a child, and he afterward married again.

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The

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now Webster Parish, where he tilled the soil for paternal grandfather, John Stewart, was of Scotch

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He opened up a farm in Cotton lineage, although born in the United States. Will- Valley, and September 5, 1872, was wedded to iam G. Stewart received a good education in the Miss Martha A. Davis, a native of Georgia, and common schools and supplemented this with one the daughter of Jonathan and Frances Davis. year's attendance in Homer College, and upon leav- Seven children have been born to this union: ing this institution was a wide awake and enter- Willie, Henry, Eva, James, Fanny, John and prising young man, well fitted to fight the battle Frank, the last named but two years of age In of life alone. After spending some ten months in i 1888 Mr. Tillman was elected clerk of the district Texas, traveling over the State, he taught one court by a nice majority and against a very poputerm of school, then located at Minden and was lar opponent. Mr. Tillman tills this position in a appointed deputy sheriff and ex officio tax collector, very satisfactory manner, and is the right man in in which capacity he served from 1879 to 1888, the right place. He is a member of the Masonic making an exceptionally faithful and able official. order, and is a Master Mason. He is also a member In 1888 he moved to a farm which he had previ- of the Farmer's Union. He is a very cordial, ously purchased, eight and one-half miles north of obliging and pleasant gentleman, and is held in Minden, and there has a farm of 320 acres, with high esteem by all. He is a member of the Bapabout 150 acres under the plow, improved in a sub- tist Church, and his wife is a member of the

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several years.

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1

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a

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Methodist Church. Mr. Tillman's parents, Henry he is identified with the Missionary Baptist denomand Mary A. (Cowart) Tillman, were natives of ination. Georgia, and the father was a merchant at Haw- Hon. John D. Watkins, attorney, Minden, La. kinsville for a number of years, or until his death No name is justly entitled to a more enviable place in about 1855, when in the prime of his manhood. in the history of Webster Parish than the one that His widow survived him two years, and died at heads this sketch, for it is borne by a man who has Americus in Sumter County in 1857.

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been usefully and honorably identified with the Elder J. Andrew Walker, Dubberly, La. This interests of this parish, and with its advancement worthy and honored minister of the gospel was in every worthy particular. He was originally born in Houston County, Ga., in 1835, and was from Caldwell County, Ky., his birth occurring one of a family of nine children, who grew to ma- on September 27, 1828, and received a thorough ture years. They are named as follows: D. Mor collegiate education in his native State, graduating gan, Benjamin M. (died at the age of twenty-five at Cumberland College, Princeton, Ky. He came years), J. Andrew, Lucinda (now the widow of to this State and parish when a young man, and Robert Woodard), Louisa, Elder Ambrose H., directly after graduating taught school at MinJoseph K., Mark N., and Annie (now Mrs. William T. den for two years, during which time he comWoodard). The father of these children, Neil menced and devoted his spare time to reading law, Walker, was •born in North Carolina, in 1805, and and continued studying after the close of his died in 1853. He was a son of John Walker, who school. He was admitted to the bar in 1854, was probably born in North Carolina in 1786, and and just two months previous to this he was who served under Jackson in the War of 1812. appointed district attorney, filling that position John Walker was a remarkably strong man, and for five consecutive years.

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He held the office of lived to be over eighty years of age. The mother judge of this territory from 1865 to 1869, but was of our subject, Nancy (Kemp) Walker, was born in removed from that position by the courts, after a Washington County, Ga., and was a daughter of long term of litigation, on account of war disabiliBenjamin Kemp. Elder J. Andrew Walker came ties. In 1864 he was appointed enrolling officer at with his parents to Webster Parish, La., in 1818, Monroe, and soon after was made lieutenant-colonel and here was raised to manhood. He is a self- of the battalion. He was also judge advocate of educated man, and began his career as a minister court marshal of the Trans-Mississippi Department of the gospel in 1870, continuing at this nearly for some time. After the war Judge Watkins conever since.

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His marriage to Miss Thamer Pearce tinued the practice of his profession at Minden, occurred in 1859. She died on July 22, 1861. In and in 1880 he was elected to the State Senate, September of that year Mr. Walker enlisted in the serving as chairman of the judiciary committee for Claiborne Grays, afterward known as Company D, four years.

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four years. The year previous to this Judge WatNineteenth Louisiana Regiment, and at the end of kins was a member of the constitutional convensix months' service he was promoted to orderly tion and chairman of a caucus of forty members sergeant, then third lieutenant, then to second, whose report was adopted as the basis for settling and served in that capacity until the cessation of the State debt question. The Judge has always hostilities. Returning bome be engaged in the taken a prominent part in the politics of his State lumber business, afterward changed to farming, and parish. He has served as a delegate to nufrom which be continues to derive the principal merous conventions, and was elector at large for part of his support. He was married, the second the State in 1884, casting his vote for Grover time, in 1863, to Miss Susan E. Pearce, who bore him Cleveland. Judge Watkins is a man of superior two children: Ida (now Mrs. W. M. McBride), and ability, has always kept up with the times in read Lydia (the wife of J. N. Shea!y). Politically Mr. ing, bas shown himself to be a man of strong naWalker comes of old Democratic stock. Religiously : tive intellect, sound judgment, sterling principles, and is one of the most popular legal lights of and by his upright conduct of a short period win North Louisiana. He was nominated, and made the esteem of the public. Of thorough education, the canvass of his district for Congress, was fairly a close student of, and well versed in, law Mr. Watelected, but was counted out by the then famous kins bas at the same time to a more than ordinary returning board. His first law partner was A. B. degree, the natural attributes essential to a successGeorge, now of the court of appeals; and his sec- ful career at the bar and in public. He was born cond, his brother, L. B. Watkins, now of the in the town of Minden, La., on January 15, 1834, Supreme Court of Louisiana. His third and last and is a son of Judge Watkins, whose sketch prelaw partners are his sons, J. T. (see biography) cedes this. He received a most thorough educaand L. K. Watkins. The Judge was married in tion in Minden Male Academy, and after complet Louisiana in 1852, to Miss M. F. Morrow, a native ing his course in that institution he took a most of Georgia, educated in La Grange of that State, thorough course at Cumberland University, Tenn.

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, and the daughter of J. T. Morrow. Judge and Unfortunately, Mr. Watkins was obliged to abanMrs. Watkins have two sons, who are named above, don his class a few weeks before graduating from both of whom are prominent legal practitioners of this on account of the dangerous illness of his Minden. The Judge is a member of the Method brother. He was a brilliant orator, and extempoist, and Mrs. Watkins a member of the Baptist raneous speaker while at school, and has prizes Church. He has been a strict temperance man all offered by the faculty of these institutions for the bis life, and during his long residence in Minden best declamation and orations. These medals were he has never taken a drink at the bar, and never was prizes offered for the bighest degree shown in intoxicated in his life. He has always taken an declamations and orations both at Minden College active part, and used his means and influence, to and Cumberland University. For his superior abiliadvance the interests of Webster Parish and Minty as a speaker, Mr. Watkins was chosen to deliver den. His parents, Col. Thomas G. and Nancy L. the valedictory at the commencement, but owing (Dyer) Watkins, were natives of Virginia and Ken to his brother's illness, as above mentioned, he had tucky, respectively, the father born in 1798. Tbe to give up this bonor and return bome. After latter went to Columbia, Tenn., and thence to Ken completing his studies at college be entered his tucky, in about 1820, being among the pioneers of father's office and read law with him for two years, Caldwell County He was married in that State, being admitted to the bar in July, 1878. He then and followed agricultural pursuits until his death, entered into partnership with his father, and now in 1873. His wife received her final summons in has been in active practice for twelve years. Al1861. Col. Thomas G. Watkins was a prominent though a young man, Mr. Watkins has shown great man in the early history of Kentucky. He served ability as an attorney, and has successfully handled as colonel of the State Militia, and held other im- a number of very important cases.

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Like his father, portant positions. Of the three sons and three he possesses the rare ability of getting at the bot daughters born to this union, Judge John D. Wat- tom and of bringing out every point of importance kins is the eldest, and all are living

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to his case. He has an acute sense of humor, unJohn T. Watkins, attorney, Minden, La. The questioned integrity, and has liberal, progressive subject of this sketch is a native-born resident of ideas. He is a hard worker and a close student. Webster Parish, and as such is looked upon with His brilliant delivery commands and rivets the atgreat pride by the people of the locality as a repre- tention of all and he will, without doubt, before sentative son of a cultured and refined common- long, stand at the head of the bar of Louisiana. wealth. To live an entire life in one community Mr. Watkins was married in Minden, La., on Janand still retain the reputation which Mr. Watkins uary 15, 1879, to Miss Lizzie R. Murrell, danghter enjoys, is by no meads as easy as it is for a stranger of Drury Murrell, of South Carolina, and one of to come into a place where he is entirely unknown the pioneers of this parish. Mrs. Watkins was

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renown.

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born and reared in Minden, and is a graduate of some of the best citizens of Minden, a number of Minden College. To this union have been born whom has since become men of more than local four children, three of whom are now living: Dana,

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This company served first as Gen. Frank Willie Kyle and Mary Ella. Mr. and Mrs. Wat- Armstrong's escort, after that with Gen. W. H. kins are members of the Baptist Church, where Jackson. At the reorganization of the company both were baptized and taken into the church in 1863 Mr. Webb was elected captain, serving in on the same day, several years before their mar- that capacity until the close of the war. During riage.

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the latter part of the service he was on the staff Capt. Junius Y. Webb, merchant, Minden, La. of Gen. Scott, as inspector. He is considered one The business position occupied by Capt. Webb in of the most reliable business men of Webster Parthis community is such, that in depicting the com

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ish. He owns quite a tract of land in this parish, mercial interests of Minden it would be manifestly which is very rich with iron ore, some of which impossible to omit mention of an instituton that the Captain had analyzed, and which showed tiftyadds so materially to the stability and representa- two per cent of iron of a superior quality. It is tive enterprise of that city. Ho is one of the said to be of a quality for the manufacture of steel. oldest merchants and most public-spirited men in Capt. Webb is anxious to have this mineral develWebster Parish. The Captain was born in Ma- oped, but being several miles from the railroad be rengo County, Ala., on July 22, 1832, and is a son has not succeeded in getting the proper parties to of Samuel S. and Ana M. (Dickens) Webb, both take hold with him in its development. To Capt. natives of North Carolina. After his marriage and Mrs. Webb bave been born nine children: Samuel S. Webb moved to Alabama. There he Ida, Samuel G. (a merchant in Minden), Sally, made his bome until 1862, when he came to Louis- Junius, Mildred Watson (wife of Standley Watiana, and died in what is now Webster Parish in son), John, Eva, Rhydon and Stephen. Capt. 1863. His wife died in Mississippi while on a Webb and family, with the exception of the young. visit to a daughter in 1860. They were the par. est child, are members of the Methodist Episcopal ents of six sons and two daughters, all of whom Church. grew to mature years and became heads of fam- David C. Wilson, planter, Dubberly, La. ilies. All the brothers, with the exception of our Prominent among the successful and enterprising subject, were physicians and very successful prac- planters of Ward No. 5, is the subject of this sketch. titioners, being men of superior education. Capt. a man respected and esteemed for his many good J. Y. Webb passed his boyhood and youth in qualities. He owes his nativity to Alabama, bis Alabama, secured a good education in the high birth occurring in Chambers County, in 1842, and schools of bis State, and when quite a young man, s the eleventh of thirteen children born to bis and before arriving at his majority, he engaged in parents. His father, William Wilson, was born the mercantile business at Sumterville. In Oc- on the Emerald Isle, in 1791, and served in tober, 1854, while a resident of Alabama, he was the War of 1812. He came to America with his married to Miss Anna E. Grigsby, a native of the parents when an infant, and settled with them in same State and daughter of Dr. Samuel Grigsby. South Carolina. He died in 1885, at the age of After his marriage Capt. Webb, continued mer- ninety-four years.

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The mother, whose maiden chandising in Alabama up to 1855, when he closed name was Levenia Whitworth, was a native of out and moved to Louisiana, where he began tilling South Carolina, born in 1799, and died in Webster the soil in Webster Parish. In 1838 he located in

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Parish, in 1883. The parents moved to Webster Minden, embarked in mercantile pursuits again, Parish in 1851, and there the father engaged in and this carried on np to the breaking out of the planting. David C. Wilson was reared to mature

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In 1862 he enlisted in an independent cay- years in this parish, and was early initiated into alry company, the Minden Rangers, composed of the duties of farm life. In 1862 he enlisted in

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war.

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Company D, Nineteenth Louisiana Regiment, and boro, Nashville, Spanish Fort, and many skiroperated principally in Mississippi and Tennessee. mishes, in all of which he acted very gallantly." The following is a statement which was given to His first wife was Miss Litha Martin, by whom he him, signed by Lieut. J. S. Brown, May 8, 1865, had two children: Nellie and Hamilton. Mr. Wiland approved by Maj. C. Flournoy. “I hereby son bas two children by his second wife, who was certify, on honor, that D. C. Wilson has never formerly Miss Ophelia Van Landingham. They been absent from his command without proper au- are named Allie and Albert. By his third wife, thority; that he never shirked from duty, but that who was formerly Miss Josie Parham, he has one he has ever remained with his command, discharg. child, Effie Leona.

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child, Effie Leona. Mr. Wilson has a fine planing his duty as a brave and gallant soldier. Hetation of 360 acres, and has about 125 acres cleared. has been engaged in the following battles: Shiloh, · He is a member of the Farmers' Union, and a Jackson, Chickamanga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church New Hope Church, battle of Poor House, Jones- South.

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ERRATA.

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The following corrections were made to the sketches by the subjects and returned too late to be used in the sketches themselves:

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Page 53: Sketch of M. A. Bonner-A large pension was

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granted to the Clevelands, by the Government, for the services of Gen. William Cleveland in the Revolution. “Musser University,” Ga., should be Mercer University.” Second wife's name) should be. Mary Z.,

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and the present wife was Mrs. Mary C. Bates. Page 71: Sketch of W. A. Hendrick-He was born in

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Butts County, Ga., instead of Randolph County. Page 82: Sketch of Marion McMillan—The name Gray,

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near the bottom of the page, should be Graves. Page 227: Sketch of J. Marston--His father was born in

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1793. The word Nashville” before Union Bank should be stricken out. His father died in 1884. “Weston Military Institute" should be “Western

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Military Institute.” Subject started out for himself at the age of twenty-two. He married Miss Emily Hatcher, not Hochard. Of his children, “George should be “Georgia.” William and Georgia died of yellow fever in 1878. Subject was president of the police jury of East Feliciana Parish for eight years, He was not in the Civil War, owing to his having lost bis left arm on the Fourth of July, 1857, w bile firing

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a salute, Page 257: Sketch of W. R. Fonville--Subject did not

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correct and return his sketch, and hence the editor is unable to correct the manifest error in dates, either of

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his marriage or of his wife's death, or both. Page 368: Sketch of H. Raphiel & Bro.--Of his children

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Stella precedes Samuel. “Bethie Lodge" should be “ Bethnia Lodge." Miss Johanna Raphiel became the wife of Isidore, August 15, 1888, instead of 1879. His brother is named Louis not Lewis. The mother of Howard and Isidore is deceased.

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6

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He was

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Leon Gauthier. From the biography of every the planting interests of this section, his operaman there may be gleaned some lessons vi genuine tions being at Borodino, near Moreauville, but worth, for here we discover the secret of success since the month of May, 1892, he has been the or failure.

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In the history of Leon Gauthier, one owner of Cedar Grove plantation on Bayou Des of A voyelles Parish's active and progressive Glaises, two miles above Bordelonville, where he is planters, is found much to commend.

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now living with his family.

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He has held a num born in this parish near Mansura January 19, ber of important official positions, has discharged 1822, to Leo and Emilie (Lemoine) Gauthier, the his duties in a highly satisfactory manner and in birth of the former occurring in 17996 and his every respect has been a bean ideal public officer. death on February 8, 1816, his most estimable In 1851 he was appointed assessor of the parish widow passing from life in the month of Septem- by F. B. Coco, recorder, was elected justice of the ber, 1852, at Borodino. The father was a success- peace in 1852, was elected on the Whig ticket in ful cotton planter, his land being situated on 1853 as a member of the State Legislature from Bayou Des Glaises, at Borodino, and as a man and the parish of A voyelles, in which capacity he law-abiding citizen he commanded the respect of served during 1854 55 at Baton Rouge, La. In all who knew him. Leon Gauthier, whose name 1860 he was elected a member of the police heads this sketch, received an excellent education jury and in 1864 was appointed by Gen. Rindolph in a private school in Mansura, in the parish of as Shreveport Confederate tax collector and in Avoyelles, his instructor being Jerome Callegari. July of the same year went to Shreveport on a On October 22, 1839, he was married to Clarissa small steamer, paying $175 in State currency for Gremillion, but she left him a widower on May, 11, his passage on board the “ St. Crispon.” On this 1857, at Borodino, having borne him four sons and trip, which took three days and nights, he landed two daughters, of which family only one daughter safely at his destination, depositing $125,000 now survives. Her father was Francois Gremill- safely in the bank. During the war period he was ion and her mother. Eulalie Rabalais, both of also public anctioneer, at one time selling a yoke of whom were called to their long home in this par- oxen for $100 in three equal installments. In 1879 ish. Mr. Gauthier's second marriage took place he was appointed tax collector for the parish of Avoyon January 19, 1858, and was to Miss Delphine elles by Gov. F. T. Nichols, and in 1880 was elected Scallan, a daughter of Lous and Adel (Gremillion) sheriff and tax collector on the Democratic ticket Scallan, their deaths also occurring in the parish of for four years, receiving a majority of 184 votes. Avoyelles. By his second wife Mr. Gauthier be . He has been true to every trust during his official came the father of nine sons and three daughters, career, and as a man and citizen has not bis of whom six sons and three daughters survive. superior in this section of the country. Since 1840 Mr. Gauthier has been associated with i

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