Louisiana AHGP

Part of the American History and Genealogy Project

Larkin R. Lay

Larkin R. Lay, farmer, Homer, Louisiana The entire life of Mr. Lay has been one unmarked by any unusual occurrence outside the chosen channels to which he has so diligently and attentively given his time and attention. He was born in Fayette County, Georgia, on June 23, 1836, and his parents, David and Epsie (Landrum) Lay, were also natives of that State, the mother born in Jackson County. Both parents died in Georgia when our subject was a mere child.

The latter came to Louisiana with an older brother in June, 1847, grew to manhood in Claiborne Parish, and received a good education in the country schools and at Mount Lebanon College. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the Second Louisiana Infantry, and re-enlisted in 1863 in the Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry, with which he remained until the close of the war. He was in the siege of Vicksburg, at Port Gibson, and was in several skirmishes. After the war he returned to his home (May, 1865), and in the year following was engaged in clerking at Lisbon. In the fall of 1866 he was married to Miss Margaret J. Garrett, a native of Alabama, and the daughter of Col. John L. Garrett, the following year he engaged in farming, and this has been his calling ever since. He commenced life for himself with limited means, and in addition to his own family has reared all the children of Col. Garrett with the exception of one older son. Mr. Lay is now the owner of about 1,200 acres, all in a body, and has about 600 acres cleared. He has made many improvements and has a good residence.

He and Mrs. Lay are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and are highly esteemed citizens. He served as a member of the police board for four years, and socially he is a member of the K. of P. To his marriage have been born ten children: William L. (who is grown up and married), Jim Nic, L. E , Jr., D. M., Lizzie C , Annie Mag, Katie P., M. B., L. L. and Lena.

Biographical Sketches| Claiborne Parish

Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana, Southern Publishing Company, 1890