Bienville Parish, Louisiana History and Genealogy
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He was at first the only teacher, but now eight teachers are employed, and the enrollment of pupils amounts to 218, the buildings being now three times as large as at first. Prof. Beeson grew rapidly in favor with the people, and his methods, which were the latest and most improved, used by the normal schools and advocates of the new education, were admired by all until his institution was pronounced the foremost school in Northern Louisiana. In 1888 the University of Alabama, seeing his talent and progress, conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of Arts, which was an acknowledgment of his merits.

 In 1887 he was married to Miss Annie Foster, daughter of G. W. Foster, a banker and planter of West Point, Miss. Mrs. Beeson is from an excellent family of Alabama, being related to Chancellor Foster of the Fifth Alabama District, who is also a trustee of the University of Alabama; Rev. J. H. Foster, D. D., professor of astronomy in that institution; Dr. Foster, surgeon of the university, and many other noted personages. She was graduated from the Tuscaloosa Female College of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and was a teacher in the Mount Lebanon University of Louisiana at the time of her marriage. Prof. Beeson was president of the Arcadia Male and Female College for four years, and when the schools in Arcadia were united be was unanimously chosen president of the Female College. He is a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, and is also a Knight in the A. L. of H. At the age of twelve years he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church South, being brought up under Christian influence and Christian parents, and is now superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal (South) Sunday school at Arcadia.

Prof. Beeson has a remarkable record for so young a man, and has already made a name for himself to be envied by all. As he is willing and ready to turn his hand to any work, not being above manual labor, a brilliant future is predicted for him. On starting from home to accept his present position in Arcadia College his father remarked to him: "Well, my son, there is one thing certain; if you fail at teaching school you know how to plow." This remark made a deep impression on his mind, and has often encouraged him in times of doubt. The college, of which he is president originated from the Arcadia Male and Female College in June 1890, by striking "male and " out of the charter. That institution was chartered in 1886, in which year the main building was erected and completed. The board of trustees wrote to the University of Alabama, for a young man suitable to take hold, organize, and build up a college, and J. W. Beeson was immediately and warmly recommended, he being a recent graduate of that institution and in every way fitted for the position. The school opened August 31, 1886, with thirty-eight pupils, Mr. Beeson being the only teacher. After the first week every one saw in him the making of a fine educator, and at the end of two weeks the school had grown so rapidly that another teacher was engaged.

In June, 1887, the school numbered 100 with four teachers, which had far exceeded the expectations of the directors. Prof. Beeson was called the "boy teacher," and was pointed at with ridicule by the enemies of the school, but this state of affairs did not last long for the school continued to grow, and his reputation as one of the ablest educators of the State (notwithstanding his youth) became widespread. He drew so many pupils from the E. A. Seminary, which at that time was an opposition school, and the institution became such a flourishing one under his management, that he was unanimously re-elected its president the following year, and was highly complimented by the board of trustees in a resolution presented to him. During this session the school increased 150 students and six teachers, and from necessity the buildings were doubled in capacity. Everybody was delighted with the management of the school, and new and improved methods of teaching were introduced, by which the cause of education was greatly advanced. At the end of this session the trustees and patrons were so well pleased, that Prof. Beeson was elected president for a term of three years.

During the summer he, his wife and three of his assistants attended the National Normal School at Saratoga, N. Y., where they received instructions in methods and school polity, which very much increased their capacity for usefulness. The next session saw the school increased to 200, it being then found necessary to further increase the building, and a large hall for music, art and recitation was added. An excellent German professor of music was employed, two new pianos were purchased, and a fine art teacher was engaged. The people of Northern Louisiana had begun to look upon this institution as being the foremost college of the State with the exception of the Tulane University at New Orleans, and State University, and the next session brought in 218 students and an excellent faculty. It was at this point that the two schools were united and divided upon the line of sexes and Prof. Beeson has been president of the female college, giving the highest satisfaction in that capacity to all concerned.

He is pronounced by all as being peculiarly adapted to the government of a female college, being possessed of a suavity of manner and gift of winning the respect and admiration of all, which is so necessary to the management of the gentler sex. Prof. Beeson is a hard student, laboring almost incessantly for his own development and a better preparation for his life's work, that of training others for time and for eternity. He is not satisfied with present accomplishments, but is ever striving for improvement. For this purpose he has collected a nice library of well selected books, and is continually adding to it from time to time. A considerable number of these books are works pertaining to his profession, thus showing that he believes in a man being prepared for his work. Prof. Beeson is peculiarly fitted for a teacher. It seems that nature laid him out for this purpose. He has a natural ability for organizing and governing, as if "born to rule;" kind and gentle, yet firm in his manners, he is beloved by all; having a high sense of honor and a conscientious spirit, he is respected and admired by the good; with an eye for the beautiful and a longing for system and order, his surroundings bear something of military precision, indicating the results of his four years course in a military school. Possessing the many admirable traits of character he does, success in life for him is assured; yet it is remarkable that one so young should rise to such high distinction, and that so rapidly.

At this point it would be well to give some, of the recommendations and press notices, in regard to Prof. Beeson's ability as an educator: University of Alabama, President's Office, June 29, 1886. "It gives me great pleasure to testify to the scholarly ability and Christian character of Prof. J. W. Beeson, a graduate of this university. I have known him for several years. He is faithful, energetic, capable, and will be successful. I have perfect confidence in him, and hereby commend him unreservedly. W. S. WYMAN, President." ARCADIA, LA., May 16, 1887.

"We, the board of trustees, fully indorse the IMPROVED METHODS of instruction employed by Prof. J. W. Beeson in the conduct of the Arcadia Male and Female College, and express our appreciation and thanks for the faithful and efficient performance of the entire duties devolving upon him and his most worthy assistants."

The following are some comments of the press:
"Prof. J. W. Beeson has distinguished himself as an educator, and the trustees of the Arcadia Male and Female College have elected him president for the next three years."
La. Advance. "The Arcadia Male and Female College, under the presidency of J. W. Beeson, is one of the most pronounced successes of any institution in Louisiana. The patronage is steadily increasing, and now taxes the utmost efforts of the teachers. Prof. Beeson is an excellent scholar, and seems to be peculiarly fitted for the position he now holds. His assistants are thoroughly competent, and have shown themselves possessed of the teacher's art in an eminent degree. We are glad to know that the directors will continue Prof. Beeson as president. He has shown himself to be not only a very fine teacher, but possessed of an executive ability of a high order. Under his management the college is an assured success." Arcadia Record.

"The Arcadians are justly proud of this institution of learning, which, though in its second year, has a matriculation of 150 pupils. They have in President J. W. Beeson, a genial Christian gentleman and a fine educator. The wisdom and keen perception of the board of trustees, headed by the Hon. A. L. Atkins, has been exhibited in the late action of engagement with Prof. Beeson for a term of three years.''  Shreveport Daily Democrat.

Judge John Thomas Boone is a gentleman well and favorably known to the citizens of Bienville and surrounding parishes and is a lawyer of prominence. Like many others of the representative citizens of the parish, he was born in Georgia, his birth occurring December 28, 1840, and was the third in a family of eight children, five now living, born to Allen and Elizabeth A. (Davis) Boone, the father born in North Carolina in 1812, and the mother in Georgia in 1819. The father followed agricultural pursuits from early boyhood, and is still living near Mount Lebanon at the age of seventy-eight years. They were educated in the ancient log cabin schoolhouse of former days. Of the children now living Judge Boone is the eldest in order of birth, next is Mary E. (who resides in Georgia and is the wife of S. N. Chapman, who is a professional teacher, having taught in one building for twenty-four years), Henry A. (resides in Parker County, Tex., is married and is in the farming and stock business), James K. (resides near Mount Lebanon, married and is a farmer), and Amanda E. (resides near Mount Lebanon, La., and is the wife of J. P. Pye, who is a farmer). Judge Boone was fairly educated in the common schools, but the breaking out of the war interfered sadly with his schooling. He enlisted in Toombs' Bangers, Twentieth Georgia Infantry Volunteers, and was sent to the Army of Northern Virginia under Gen. Beauregard, and after serving for four or five months he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability. When he returned home he resumed teaching with the idea of completing his education with the means thus obtained.

In 1864 he was married to Miss Celeta L. Shipp, a native of Alabama, born November 30, 1847, and who was educated in the common schools and in a female academy at her native home. They became the parents of eight children, seven of whom are now living: Bessie C. (with parents), W. A. (married and resides in Bienville Parish, engaged in farming), Emma (resides in Bienville and is the wife of E. L. Lyles, who is a farmer), John H., M. L. and George Roy; the last three are attending school and Augustus C. who is but four years of age, and is at home. In his political views Judge Boone affiliates with the Democratic party, and has been chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of Bienville Parish for several years.

He is a gentleman who has been influential and active in politics in his parish, and is a jurist whose position as such has been for years recognized. He was elected as parish judge in 1872, served one term, and was then in the law practice until 1888, when he was elected district judge over Bossier, Webster and Bienville Parishes, the Second District of the State. He is much esteemed for his sterling integrity, sober, sound judgment, broad intelligence and liberal, progressive ideas. His decisions are not made without careful and painstaking study of the evidence adduced, and all feel that his judgment can be relied upon. For eight years he was president of the parish public school board of Bienville Parish, and is also a member of the board of trustees of Mount Lebanon College. He is a E. A. M:, and he and Mrs. Boone are worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church of Mount Lebanon, La. The Judge has a plantation of 440 acres of good land in Bienville Parish, and has this well stocked. He has a fine residence, and he and wife expect to make Mount Lebanon their home for the future.

Benjamin G. Brantley, farmer and cotton planter, Arcadia, La. Mr. Brantley is a successful planter of Bienville Parish, and it is, perhaps, not to be wondered at that he should devote himself to agricultural pursuits for in looking back over the career of his ancestors, we find that the majority of them were honest tillers of the soil. Mr. Brantley is the owner of 240 acres of land situated four and a half miles from Arcadia, and everything about the place indicates to the beholder that a firm hand is at the helm. Mr. Brantley is a native of Georgia, born January 7, 1839, and his parents, Larkin and Malinda (Miller) Brantley, were natives also of that State, the former born about 1806, and the latter in 1810. The father can remember the War of 1812, and was called on to defend his home against the Indians. The mother died when about fifty-eight years of ago. Of the twelve children born to their union eight are now living, and are named in order of birth, as follows: Martha J. (resides in Webster Parish, La., and is the wife of C. Turner, a farmer), Rebecca (resides in Collin County, Tex., and is the wife of William Turner, a planter), Cynthia E. (resides in Webster Parish, La., and was the widow of Mr. M. Miller, deceased, who was a planter by occupation), Frances (resides in Collin County, Tex., and is the wife of a planter by the name of Miller), Benjamin G., Mary (resides also in Collin County, Tex., and is the wife of Josiah Miller, who is a planter and county official), W. D. (married and engaged in farming in Claiborne Parish, La.), and Joseph H. (who resides in Fayette County, Tex., is married, and is a farmer, carpenter and joiner by pursuit).

Those deceased are: Philip (who died at the age of twenty-four), Levenia (died at the age of forty-two years), Amanda (died at the age of eight years) and Ophelia (whose death occurred when about four years of age). In addition to a common-school education, Benjamin G. Brantley took a ten mouths' course in Minden Academy, and this has fitted him for the practical life he has since led. When twenty years of age he began for himself as a tiller of the soil, and worked for his father for two years, at the end of which time he enlisted in Wimberley's cavalry, which acted as provost guard and courier of the general's escort. They were sent to Grand Junction, remained there for two weeks, and then were ordered to Corinth, where they participated in both battles. After being in Southern Mississippi for some time, they were engaged in the battle of Courtland, raid of West Tennessee, and in a great deal of fighting along the route. Mr. Brantley was present and saw his command kill Col. Hogg, of the Union army. Mr. Brantley was at Atlanta and in the general siege.

He acted as courier to Gens. Crosby, Jackson, Johnson, Hood and Walthall, and it was a very dangerous position to fill. During his entire army service Mr. Brantley was never wounded or captured, but the terrible privations he underwent for the bare necessities of life would fill a volume. Mr. Brantley was always on hand for work, and the only time he missed was when he was sick for eight months in Mississippi. His company was sent from Atlanta, Ga., to Vicksburg, Miss., to intercept the Union pickets, and many hair breath escapes can Mr. Brantley enumerate, but he was never wounded.

Gen. Hood then took all cavalry troops and endeavored to go to Nashville, Tenn., and Mr. Brantley was in the deadly engagement at Franklin, where he found it almost impossible to prevent his horse from treading on the dead and wounded as he rode over the field. His company returned to Mississippi, and while there heard of the surrender of Gen. Lee. As soon as he received, his parole, he, with the rest of the soldier boys, came home, and found what he had accumulated in the two years before the war was all gone. He then had to start at the beginning again. In 1861 Mr. Brantley was married to Miss Burnet, a native of Louisiana, and to this union was born one child, Mattie, whose birth occurred in March, 1802. She is now residing in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of E. P. Youngblood. Mr. Brantley lost his wife March 29, 1802, and January 9, 1807, he was married to Miss Tallula Adelia Buys, a native of Georgia, born September 28, 1844. Mrs. Brantley received a fine education in Mount Lebanon University, and is a lady known far and near for her benevolent and humane spirit. Mr. Brantley's second marriage resulted in the birth of five children, three daughters and two sons: Alice (resides in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of S. W. Anders, who is a native of Louisiana, and a cotton planter by pursuit), Joseph B. (resides in Fayette County, Tex., and is a carpenter and joiner by trade, although in connection he also carries on farming), Philip (eighteen years of age, is attending Arcadia College), Maggie Myrtle (aged thirteen), and Isora Kate (aged eleven years).

 Mrs. Brantley's father, James Buys, was a native of Alabama, and a physician and surgeon, also a Baptist minister; he died in 1807. The mother, whose maiden name was Rachel McEver, was a native of Georgia. She is also deceased, having passed away in 1880. Mr. Brantley and wife and family are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and are earnest workers in the Sunday school. John A. Brewer is a gentleman well and favorably known to the citizens of Bienville parish and parts of Claiborne also Webster and Lincoln Parishes, and one of the representative agriculturists of his community. He is a native of the former parish, his birth occurring on April 8, 1850, and is a son of John A. and Delilah (Williams) Brewer, natives of North Carolina and Alabama, respectively.

The father born about 1812, was reared in Georgia, where in later years, he pursued the occupation of a farmer. He died at the age of sixty and his wife at the age of sixty-four years. The eleven children born to this union, three daughters and eight sons, are named in the order of their births, as follows: Jarrett (died in infancy), Henry (was a cotton planter and died while in the service), Mary Jane (married to John Roberson and resides in Arcadia, La.), Amanda (resides in Bienville Parish, La., and is the wife of M. Perritt, who is au agriculturist), John A., Joseph (died at the age of eleven), George (a farmer, was married, but died at the age of twenty-eight years), Angeline (lives in this parish and is the wife of C. Chanlor, a farmer), James (died at the age of nine years), Thomas (is married and resides in Bienville Parish, he is a farmer by occupation), and B. H. (who is well educated, is now a resident of Bienville Parish, he is the youngest in the family). The early impressions of Mr. John A. Brewer were at once directed .toward the channels of agricultural pursuits, and his educational advantages were rather, neglected.

However by self application and observation he has fitted himself for the practical life of a farmer, and as he is a friend and enthusiast on school matters, it is certain that his children will have every advantage. He started out for himself when twenty-one years of age as a tiller of the soil and without a dollar to begin with. By hard work, energy and frugality he stands to-day in his community a living example of what may be accomplished when a determined will is at the back of every thing. In December, 1871, Mr. Brewer was married to Miss Amelia Ivy, a native of Alabama, born in 1849, and educated in the common schools of her native State. This union has been blessed by the birth of six children: Oscar (attending the male college at Arcadia and will graduate in the class of 1892), Ora (is attending the female college from which she will graduate in the class of 1891 at the early age of seventeen, she has chosen the occupation of a teacher), Delia (is also attending that college), Bertie (aged eleven), James (aged eight years), and Floyd (the baby of the house).

Mr. Brewer was too young to enter the service, but his ardor was at a fever heat to take up his musket and bear homage to his country. He has always been a supporter of the Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer and the older members of the family all belong to the Missionary Baptist Church, and Mr. Brewer has been superintendent of the Sunday school for four years. The school was organized nine years ago with a membership of about thirty-eight and the present enrollment is ninety-one which is highly commendable to the earnest work of Mr. Brewer and his able assistants.

Mr. Brewer joined the church seventeen years ago, and his work in the same has been of such a character as to stamp him as a God-fearing and sincere Christian. He has held the position of school director for three years, and he is annually spending a large amount of money to educate his children. He is the owner of 320 acres of land lying within three and a half miles of the city limits, is one of the practical cotton planters of his community and stands high in the estimation of the people. His word is his bond and is regarded as such by the representative men who know him.

Capt. James Brice is a gentleman well known throughout the parish of Bienville, La., and his life occupation has been that of au agriculturist. He has always identified himself with every interest of this section, and has ever expressed himself in such admirable terms on all matters that he commands universal esteem. He was born in Indian Territory in April, 1825, being the fifth of eight children, six sons and two daughters, all of whom are deceased with the exception of two. Two brothers died while young, and the others were agriculturists until their deaths. The other member of the family living besides Capt. Brice is Columbus O., who resides in Bienville, Parish and is a farmer by occupation. Capt. Brice's father was born in South Carolina in 1792, who, during the War of 1812, served under Gen. Jackson. He died at the advanced age of ninety years.

The mother was a native of South Carolina also, her maiden name being Margaret Brice. She and her husband were educated in the old subscription schools, and she died in 1856. Capt. Brice received his education in the select schools of Bienville Parish, La., and during this time and afterward he improved his spare moments and thoroughly fitted himself for the practical and useful life he has led. On January 2, 1818, he was married to Miss Maria Miller, who was born in Kentucky in 1829, but at au early day she was brought to this section, and her knowledge of books was obtained in the select schools of Bienville Parish. To their union five children have been born—two sons and three daughters: Thomas E. (who died at the age of six years), Ambrose (who died in infancy), Margaret V. (wife of W. P. Theus, who is a prosperous merchant of Arcadia, La., Margaret E. (who died at the age of eighteen years, was the wife of Dr. Shehee, of Arcadia), and Emma (who died at the age of eighteen months). Capt. Brice organized the Bienville Guards, comprising 120 members, during the early part of the war, and with his company was sent to the Mississippi Valley, near Vicksburg, but afterward returned to Louisiana and was joined to the well-known Twenty-eighth Louisiana Volunteers, which did service principally in Arkansas and Louisiana, taking part in the following engagements: Camp Bisland, Second Camp Bisland, Mansfield, Pleasant Hill (after which they fought in the rear of the enemy all the way to Simm's Port), and Yellow Bayou (which was a hard fought battle and the last in which they participated).

The company and regiment was disbanded at Mansfield May 18, 1865, the members of which returned to their homes. The Captain has always identified himself with the Democrat party, and has been au active politician, especially in local affairs. He is known to stand firmly on the principles which he believes right and just. His first presidential vote was cast for Franklin Pierce, and he has always been known to be a man of sound judgment; he has been elected to the office of police juror of Bienville Parish. He has ably and efficiently served two terms in the Lower House of the State Legislature, being first elected for 1875-76, and re-elected in 1877-78. In 1883 he was chosen State Senator of Louisiana, being elected almost unanimously for the term of four years, representing the following parishes: Bossier, Webster, Claiborne and Bienville. He served with credit and honor to himself and country, and no more faithful or intelligent man was a member of the Legislative body, for he has at all times figured conspicuously in the interests of his section, his views on all important matters being exceptionally shrewd and sound.

He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since he was twenty years of age, and now belongs to the State Board of Education of the A. & M. College, at Baton Rouge, being appointed as such by Gov. Nicholls. His holding of this important position stamps him as a man who has the educational interests of his State at heart, as indeed he has. He has been tax collector of Bienville Parish, which is the most lucrative position he has ever held, this being during the years of 1870 and 1871. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and both are deeply interested in Sunday school work. They expect to make Arcadia their future home, for here the most of their interests are centered. The Captain is the owner of about 3,500 acres of land in Bienville and Claiborne Parishes, the most of which is finely adapted to raising all the products of the South, the average yield of cotton being 150 bales per year. He is a stanch and stable man in character and honor, and is held in high esteem for his sterling worth and integrity.

Thomas J. Burch is a general dealer in merchandise at Arcadia, La., and has also been a mayor of the town. He was born on Blue-Grass soil December 2, 1839, but was reared in Missouri as an agriculturist, being seventh of the following family of children: G. C. (a merchant of Missouri), James H. (a speculator of Missouri), J. S. (an agriculturist of that State), Henry (also an agriculturist there), Edmund (a gold miner of California, D. P. (an agriculturist of Denver, Colo.), Thomas J., W. W. (a farmer of Missouri), George W. (who died in infancy), Nancy H (who died at the age of sixty years, being the wife of George Barnes, a mechanic, carpenter and builder), Mary J. (wife of Samuel Cheatham, a farmer of Missouri), Louisa (died at the age of twenty-four years, the wife of A. J. Smith), and Martha Ann (who died when nine years of age). The father was a native of Calloway County, Ky., and was a farmer by occupation. He could remember some incidents of the War of 1812, and was a soldier in the Mexican War. His wife was also born in Kentucky.

Thomas J. Burch was educated in the common schools, but the opening of the Rebellion prevented him from obtaining a more thorough education. He enlisted as a private in Company A, Ninth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the Trans-Mississippi Department, his regiment and company being engaged in the following battles: Lexington, Lone Jack, Pea Ridge, Saline, Mansfield and Pleasant Hill. As stated above he entered the service as a private, but was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, and had full control and charge of his company until it was disbanded. His company was disbanded at Shreveport, La., in April, 1805, after which Mr. Burch located in Bossier Parish, where he superintended a plantation and carried on a mercantile business until 1871, when he went to New Ringgold, Bienville Parish, and there pursued the avocation of a farmer until 1884, since which time he has resided in Arcadia and has managed a well appointed mercantile establishment ever since.

He commenced for himself after the war without a dollar, but has been quite successful in the accumulation of a competency, his present possessions being the result of his own efforts. He was married in October, 1871, to Miss Mary A. Theus, who was born in Georgia in 1847, her education being obtained in Mount Lebanon Male and Female College, from which she graduated with distinction and honor, being chosen as the valedictorian of the graduating class, her diploma testifying to her accomplishments. Four daughters and two sons have been born to them: Mary C , Anna Lou, John Theus, Rachel and Alice. Ruth died in infancy. Mr. Burch has always been a Democrat, but has never been a bitter partisan. He held the position of mayor of Arcadia for three successive terms, and made a popular and efficient official. While in office he was the motor power in having the Saline swamp drained, which is now near the limits of the town, or rather between the old and new Arcadia. Mr. Burch is a Master Mason, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, being enthusiastic workers in the Sunday school.

Jasper McClure Colvin, merchant, Arcadia, La. Among the many industries in Arcadia that call for special notice, that of merchandising takes a prominent place. The town contains several first class establishments of this kind, and prominent among them is that conducted by Mr. Colvin, who is doing an excellent business, which is constantly on the increase. He is a native of South Carolina, born February 13, 1853, and was the second of eleven children born to John P. and Emma P. (Crosby) Colvin, both natives of the Palmetto State, the former born in 1826 and the latter in 1824. The children are named as follows in the order of their birth: Susan (deceased), Jasper McClure, Samuel, Delia, John, Mina, Lulu, Cora, Ainsley, Beulah and Pitch. The father has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He is still living and enjoys good health. Jasper M. Colvin obtained his early educational training in the common schools of his State, but he has improved the spare moments and has fitted himself in a praiseworthy manner for the practical life he is pursuing. At the age of twenty-one years he started out as a teacher, and after continuing this for one year he began merchandising as a salesman, in which capacity he remained for seven years.

In 1882 he commenced business for himself at Arcadia, La., with a line of general merchandise, and by his enterprising and thoroughgoing manner he has established a lucrative trade. He started out in life for himself with but limited means, but the elements to his success have been energy, honesty and perseverance. He was married in January, 1882, to Miss Lulu Calvin, a native of Louisiana, born in 1800, and they have a family of four children; Willie (a Miss of seven years who is attending school), Mary Lee (died at the age of three years), Jasper (aged four), and Alice (who is two and a half years of age). Mr. Colvin has affiliated with the Democratic party, and his aim has been to support men of principle and honor. He is a man who stands upon his word as his bond, as is shown by his progressive business in' Arcadia. He was a member of the city council seven consecutive years, and is also a director in the Arcadia State Bank, of which the historian has already given a full report in the sketch of Hon. A. L. Aikins. It is seen that Mr. Colvin is associated with the direct interests of his people and home which are the cardinal points of a good citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Colvin are both members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Arcadia, La., and they are liberal contributors to the same. Mr. Colvin is the owner of several farms in Bienville and Lincoln Parishes, and also residence property in Arcadia, La. His general mercantile establishment in Arcadia, has an annual output of about $30,000, especially in 1889. He commenced business in the old town of Arcadia with about $1,800 but he now ranks among the most enterprising and progressive merchants of that town, all the result of energy and good business management. His father was second lieutenant of the Twenty-eighth Louisiana Regiment in the late war.

Edwin La Fayette De Graffenreid, pharmacist, Arcadia, La. Mr. De Graffenreid is one of the promising young men of Arcadia, and has passed seven years of his life as student and pharmacist in that town. He owes his nativity to this State, his birth occurring December 28, 1808, and was the eighth of fourteen children, nine sons and five daughters, born to Doctor and Emily (Ferrand) De Graffenreid, natives of Virginia and Louisiana, respectively. The children are as follows, and are named in the order of their birth: Ella (resides in Ouachita Farish, and is the wife of N. Wood, who is an agriculturist by occupation; Mrs. Wood is a lady of fine accomplishments, and is a seminary graduate), William H. (is single and resides in Ouachita Parish. He is also well educated, being a graduate of the Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge, and is at present agent for his mother), Maude (resides in the last-named parish, and is the wife of Adolph Watkins, who is a mechanic and machinist. He is a rising man in his community, and is well fixed in temporal affairs), Harriet (resides in the same parish and will soon graduate), Alfred E. (resides in that parish also, and is a graduate of Soule Business College at New Orleans.

He is a professional book-keeper, and is employed with Robert Nelson, general merchant of Monroe, La.), Edwin La Fayette, John A. (who resides in Lincoln Parish and is a gentleman of education; he is book-keeper for L. P. Marburg, the largest drug establishment in North Louisiana), Christopher S. (a student at the Arcadian Male College, and will graduate in the class of 1892), Claude C. (is a student in the same school and is bright and well posted for a boy of his years), Allen F. (at home with his mother), and Elmer T. (who is also at home). Two children are deceased. The father of these children was of French descent, and was born in Virginia, April 30, 1830. He graduated as an M. D. and was a pronounced and skillful physician and surgeon. He was noted throughout his entire country, and was looked upon as one of the leading elements in his locality. He was a man of great wealth, and was generous and hospitable to all classes. He died November 30, 1885, in Ouachita Parish, La., and his remains are interred in the same parish. The highest eulogy that could be paid to his memory was, that he was a good man.

The mother was born in 1834, is of French descent, and is a graduate of a female college. She is a lady of rare accomplishments and executive ability. She is now living at her homestead in Ouachita Parish, where she has a large landed estate of 3,000 acres, and where she has comfortable dwellings on her plantations. She will erect a typical Southern home for herself and family soon. Edwin La Payette De Graffenreid is a young gentleman like his distinguished predecessors, who were well-educated people, and who believed in the great boon of education. He is well educated and expects to complete his schooling in the scientific and business course. His primary education was received in the home schools, and later he entered the Arcadia Male College under the able and efficient Prof. B. A. Smith, president, where he remained two years. He is at present engaged in practical pharmacy in Arcadia, La. In politics Mr. De Graffenreid has always been a Democrat in principle and precept, and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Emanuel C. Drew is au intelligent, enterprising and successful young " knight of the scissors," and is now ably editing the Louisiana Advance, one of the spiciest, breeziest journals of this section of the State. He was born in Carroll Parish, La., November 1, 1858, being the youngest of three sons, the other two members of the family being Robert H., who is a resident of Black Hawk Landing, and is superintendent of a large cotton plantation, and Judge Larche C. who resides in Calhoun, Ouachita Parish, La., being the editor and proprietor of the Experimental Farmer, a well known agricultural paper.

Their father, Capt. Newit J. Drew, was a native Louisianan, born in 1831, and was a distinguished soldier during the secession being captain of Drew's battery of light artillery, well known in the Trans-Mississippi Department. He received the best advantages in his youth, being educated under private tutors at first, afterward entering the university at Baton Rouge, and his wife, Ann Chaney, who was born in Carroll Parish, La., in 1834, was educated in Jackson, La., then the Athens of the State. Both parents are still living in the enjoyment of fairly good health. Emanuel C. Drew's early education was perfected at home by his mother, who thoroughly grounded him in the common branches and taught him the principles of business. When he had attained his seventeenth year he began the battle of life for himself as a salesman in a general mercantile establishment, and there he remained until twenty years of age. In the month of December, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Smith, a native of Ouachita Parish, La., whose birth occurred in 1860. She was educated principally in Alabama, but her parents were Georgians and her father a cotton planter.

Mrs. Drew is a lady of remarkable business tact and acumen, and gives much valuable aid to her husband in the work of editing the Advance, her excellent address, affable and industrious disposition being cardinal elements of their success. Mr. Drew began his journalistic career in Minden, La., as editor and proprietor of the Minden Democrat, which he managed successfully through a heated campaign of one year. At the end of that time he purchased the new paper known as the Louisiana Advance, which at that time (1884) had only an eight-quire circulation, but by unflagging energy and Mrs. Drew's fidelity to her husband's interests, the circulation was increased to forty-one quires within one year from date of purchase, besides a large and lucrative job work. Mr. Drew has always been a true Democrat of the Jeffersonian type, in which he followed in the footsteps of his ancestors, and he has ever taken an active part in local politics, being a stanch, eloquent and able advocate of the principles of his party, and all measures which he considers right and just. He is justly proud that he is able to say that no Drew of his family ever scratched a Democratic ticket.

He has never been an officer of any grade, has never aspired to be, being content to use his influence in electing to office those whom he considers more suitable men. He deserves the highest Commendations from his countrymen generally, regardless of politics, for the active and very intelligent manner in which he advertised the northern part of the State, and is now secretary of the North Louisiana Immigration Association. The energy with which he has pushed matters has been remarkable for a man of his years, and the good his work has done is almost untold. He has sent authentically compiled literature to all parts of the Union, and many have become interested in the beauty and richness of Northern Louisiana. Mr. Drew has been district land agent for the V. S. & P. E. E. for four years, and has performed a vast amount of business for them, the accuracy with which every detail has been attended to, stamping him as a man of fine executive ability, persistency and determination. His work for this parish has been most exemplary in every particular, which is a source of great satisfaction to him. He is a member of the K. of P. of Euston, La., and he and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Arcadia, La. They are well established in life, and have a sufficient amount of this world's goods to make them comfortable and happy, and expect to make their home in Northern Louisiana, where a bright and successful future is awaiting many a home seeker. Mr. Drew is secretary of the Louisiana State Land Company, and is also agent for a large land owner of Illinois, and withal, conducts the largest land business in the northern part of the State.

Ira Robutus Ellis, farmer, Arcadia, La. A glance at the lives of many honored men whose names fill this volume will reveal many representative citizens, but none more universally esteemed than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Mississippi, May 15, 1829, and was the second of a family of ten children born to Lemun Bridges and Thresa Margaret (Moffett) Ellis, natives of Georgia, born in 1804 and 1801, respectively. The father was au agriculturist, and represented his county for four years in the Legislature. He was educated in the common schools of his native State, and died at the age of fifty-nine years. The mother died at the age of eighty-seven years. Of the large family of children born to this union, only four are now living, and Ira E. is the eldest in order of birth. Those following are: Nancy (who resides in Natchitoches Parish, La., and was the wife of Thomas Morgan, who is now deceased; he was a farmer), Mary Jane (resides in Texas, and was married to Mr. Rice, who was a farmer, but who is now deceased), and Sallie E. (resides in Cherokee, Rush County, Tex., and is the wife of Jesse Jones, an extensive planter). Ira Robutus Ellis, in addition to a common-school education, attended Montrose College, in Jasper County, Miss., for some time.

He started out to tight life's battles for himself at the age of twenty-five years, as an agriculturist, and also engaged in teaching school. He was married to Miss Susie Parker, a native of Jasper County, Miss., born November 29, 1834, and the daughter of Laud Lot and Elizabeth (Bounds) Parker. Mrs. Ellis was educated in the common schools and Oakbowery Ladies' Boarding School, of an excellent grade. During the late war Mr. Ellis was on detailed service, and was in the army for three months. He was on detailed service. In politics he has always adhered to the Democratic party, and has aimed to support good men. He is an active and energetic man in polities, and in all matters of moment he takes a leading part. He has been tendered offices in the parish, but has declined them all, with the exception of having had the appointment of commissioner of registration of his parish. Mr. Ellis is a Master Mason, at Ringgold, Bienville Parish Lodge No. 122. Mrs. Ellis is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and she and her husband are among the foremost in assisting any and all laudable enterprises. Mr. Ellis has an excellent farm, and everything about the place is a model of neatness and prosperity. He and wife have been residents of Bienville Parish since 1859, and are well known and respected by all.

James Madison Galloway, cotton planter, Arcadia, La. Mr. Galloway who is closely associated with the cotton interests of Bienville Parish, is of Georgian nativity, and dates his birth from December 9, 1835. He was born in Monroe County, and was the eldest of five children, four sons and one daughter, three now living who are named as follows: Jane (resides in Tallapoosa, Ala. and is the wife of Joseph Bradley, who is an agriculturist), and W. Jefferson (resides in Tallapoosa County, Ala., and is engaged in tilling the soil. He is married). The father, Edward Buck Galloway, was a native of North Carolina, and was a farmer by occupation. He died in his seventieth year. The mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Hambet, was a native of Tennessee, and died when about thirty-one years of age. The parents were educated in the common schools, James Madison Galloway's early educational training was commenced in the common schools, and to his own diligence and application was due his later training.

When twenty-one years of age, or in 1857, he commenced at the bottom of the ladder as an overseer, and continued at this until July, 1801, when he enlisted in " The Arcadia Invincibles," and was assigned to the Twelfth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, which was first led by Col. T. M. Scott, a grand, nobleman, who was succeeded by Col. Standifer, who was also an excellent man and the pride of his regiment. They were organized at Camp Moore, then sent to Union City and to Columbus, Ky. Mr. Galloway was given the position of teamster of his company, and during his entire time of service he was punctual to the hour. He was then given the role of forage and wagon-master tor his regiment, and remained in this important and arduous duty until cessation of hostilities. He was a gentleman who was so especially fitted for his position that he soon won the confidence and esteem of his superiors. He often had as many as twenty-five teamsters under him. He filled that position in Tennessee and through the campaign in Georgia. He narrates a terrible ordeal he passed through around the confines of Vicksburg, where he nearly starved to death, but his comrades, as teamsters, stood nobly by him and his superiors were also very kind, doing all in their power to assist him. He owes them a debt of gratitude which he says he never can repay.

He remained during the entire service and was present at the surrender of Gen. Johnston in North Carolina. Returning to his father's home in Alabama to make a visit, he remained there three months, and then wended his way to Northwestern Louisiana, where he has been ever since. On February 13, 1807, Mr. Galloway was married to Miss Elizabeth Andrews, who was born and educated in Louisiana, and was a fine conversationalist. They had three children: E. P. (is married and resides near his father; he is a farmer and cotton planter by occupation), William Y. (resides with his father and is an agriculturist), and J. H (is seventeen years of age and makes his home with his father). After a happy married life of twenty years Mrs. Galloway died on December 18, 1887, and her remains are interred in the Arcadia Cemetery, where at her head a beautiful monument, erected by her devoted husband, marks her last resting place. She was a devout member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and always lived the life of a pure Christian. In 1888 Mr. Galloway was united in marriage to Mrs. M C. (Youngblood) Crowder, who is also a worthy member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Galloway is also a devout Christian, and has aimed at all times to elevate the morals of his surroundings and endeavor to set a living example of justice and uprightness to his children. In politics Mr. Galloway affiliates with the Democratic party, but is not au active politician, but a gentleman who has aimed to support men of principle and honor. He is generous to a fault, and has at all times had the best interests of the parish and the people at heart. He owns about 335 acres of land and a neat and commodious residence. He is one of the most reputable men in the parish.

Alexander Hamilton Gill, a representative citizen of Bienville Parish, La., owes his nativity to Cave Spring, Ga., his birth occurring on June 25, 1849, and was the youngest of six children born to Josiah Henry and Sarah (Simmons) Gill, both natives of South Carolina. The father was born July 24, 1798, and was a gentleman gifted with tine conversational powers and who was the life of any company. He was educated in a practical manner and was a successful merchant by occupation. He died October 10, 1878, in full communion with the Presbyterian Church. His remains are interred in Homer, Claiborne Parish, La. He was a prominent personage in his community and when the illustrious Marquis De La Fayette visited America in 1828 he entered South Carolina with marked attention and honor, Mr. Gill being orderly sergeant of the company of cavalry which escorted the distinguished Frenchman from the Georgia line to the State capital. Mr. Gill was a man most highly honored by his people, and was in fact held in high favor by all acquainted with him. His wife died at the age of forty-five years. Alexander H. Gill received his education in the common schools of Cave Spring. Ga., and is a gentleman whom we may truly designate as a self-made man. He commenced life for himself at the age of eighteen years as a salesman, at first, and as he had no capital to start with he has made all his property by his own exertions.

He commenced selling goods at a low salary with J. H. & G. G. Gill, and during his last year's work with this company he was head salesman and book-keeper. The annual sales amounted to from $00,000 to $65,000. Mr. Gill was married February 6, 1873, to Miss Mary Emma Canfield, a native of Mount Lebanon, Bienville Parish, La., born December 2, 1848, and the daughter of Martin Canfield, who was a native of South Carolina, and who is still living at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Her mother's maiden name was Miss Mary Ann Gibbs, also a native of South Carolina. The latter died at the age of fifty years. Mrs. Gill was educated in Mount Lebanon College. She and her husband are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and have aimed to support all principles of Christianity presented for their worthy consideration. They have nobly done their share toward developing the benevolent features of their church, as they have felt able.

Mr. Gill pursued the occupation of a farmer in Bienville Parish for four years, and then entered the mercantile arena in the fall of 1876, at Mount Lebanon, La. He was engaged in merchandising until 1883, had established a good trade, and although he started with a stock of goods valued at $450, during the year 1880 he sold $10,000 worth of goods, showing decidedly what strides he took from the time of commencing in business until he retired. Mr. Gill is the owner of considerable real estate and property in different parts of Louisiana and Alabama. Since disposing of his mercantile business he has been engaged in tilling the soil, and is also deeply interested in the real estate business.' He is one of the stanch and able men of the parish, and is well known by all for his business integrity and sterling worth. His present residence, at Gibsland, La., is a large, commodious and typical Southern home, one of the most imposing in the town. Mr. Gill is a stanch Democrat, but has never been an active politician.

George W. Griffin, D. D., Mount Lebanon, La. Dr. Griffin is au important personage as an educator in Louisiana. He is now president of Mount Lebanon University, a well-known institution of learning in Northwestern Louisiana, from which have graduated the sons and daughters of some of the best families. The Doctor was born in Southampton County, Va., on May 9, 1827. His parents, William and Virginia (Holems) Griffin, were natives of the Old Dominion. They both lived to be well advanced in years. His father, though too young to be a soldier in the War of 1812, was an eye-witness of many interesting and thrilling events, which he was fond of reciting to his children. He took a lively interest in the Civil War, sending six sons to maintain the cause and rights of the South. His children now living are named in the order of their births as follows: George W., W. H. (resides in New York), W. C. (a merchant in Galveston, Tex.), Kenneth E. (is au attorney at Portsmouth, Va.), John H. C. (an agriculturist in his native State), Matilda and Julia.

Dr. G. W. Griffin received his early education mainly from private tutors, prominent among whom was Prof. Kinney, a very able educator, and subsequently he entered Richmond College, Richmond, Va., where he took a classical course of study. Afterward he started out in life as a minister of the gospel. Yet he was often found in the schoolroom, and it may be said circumstances have so ordered that much of his life has been devoted to teaching. His education has been largely attained in teaching, and he has been frequently heard to say: " When I left school I had learned enough to know that I did not know anything.'' Dr. Griffin is probably the most self-made man in the educational line we have had the pleasure of chronicling, for he started out in life with limited mental attainments, but with a fertile brain, and an industrious disposition. He began preaching and teaching in Virginia, and continued his labors there for five years.

He then went to Columbia, Tenn., as pastor of the Baptist Church. After remaining there for nearly two years he was called to Knoxville, Tenn., and from there went to the Lebanon, Middle Tenn., where he became pastor of the Baptist Church. Soon after this settlement, by a strange combination of events, he was chosen president of Lebanon Female College. This connection continued until 1860. At the beginning of the Civil War Dr. Griffin entered the Confederate army, a chaplain of the Fifth North Carolina Infantry Volunteers, Early's brigade, and his scene of action was mostly around Union Mills and on the Peninsula. On account of ill health he resigned his position in the army, and again entered the schoolroom. The Doctor was married to Miss Ella H. Bailey, on July 13, 1858, and to them have been born ten children, six sons and four daughters, nine now living: W. H , G. W. Jr., Ed O., Irving Manly, Samuel Chester, Cora H. (Jones), Florence (Whitaker), Eolin H. (Levy), and Ella B. Mrs. Griffin was horn in Virginia, on February 17, 1837. After being carefully educated in boarding schools and the Chowan Institute, North Carolina, she in order to a further and more thorough culture, entered the Richmond Female Institute, where she graduated with much distinction under the instruction and guidance of such men as Drs. B. Manly, Jr., and H H. Tucker.

Dr. Manly is now professor of Hebrew and Old Testament interpretation, in the Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky. The Doctor was singularly fortunate in the choice of his wife, for she is a woman of great strength of character and of clear and well defined convictions of duty. She has been a most kind and faithful helpmate in the high and noble sense God designed that a wife should be. Whatever her husband may have accomplished in life, is largely attributed to her. She is to be ranked among those who are justly titled, the best of wives and the best of mothers. In politics Dr. Griffin is clearly and distinctly a Democrat, he feels strongly that the stability and safety of the American Union depend on the prevalence of Democratic principles. No one therefore has ever been able to induce him to desert his party on any mere side issue. He is a gentleman of sound, practical judgment, and decided intellectual ability. His literary life has been active, spirited, practical and aggressive, and as a ready and fluent rostrum speaker he takes high ground. He wields an able pen, as is well known in the famous controversy he had with the eminent and talented Jurist Ewing, of Tennessee, on the fundamental principles of philosophy and religion. Many of the literary lights and critics, as well as able lawyers, well remember the controversy which was continued six months.

Dr. Griffin was pronounced to be the soundest in his logical arguments by men competent to render criticism. He is one of the most thorough analyzers of logic in the schoolroom who has ever been at the head of Mount Lebanon College. His diagnosis of Hamilton's Logic was one of the most scrutinizing, rigid and thorough ever given to a class of young men, and those who were under his tutelage are the ripe scholars in logic to-day. Dr. Griffin has written several papers for publication, one entitled, "From Death to Life," which is designed for the younger element in the churches.

The Doctor is an able minister of the gospel, and his religious work has been on a marked plane of high excellence. In preaching, his analysis is searching and clear, hence he has the attention of the thoughtful portion of his congregation. It is the general verdict that he is instructive to a high degree. He became president of Mount Lebanon College in August, 1889, and in this position he evinced in a marked degree his successful record as an educator. His reputation is not limited to the State of Louisiana, and his star is yet high in the ascendency. The university is in au excellent state of progress, the course of study is severe and rigid, more extended, complete, and of higher character than ever before. The Doctor has very emphatic, well-sustained, and well-grounded conclusions on conscience. In speaking to him upon the subject, he said: " I do not think conscience decides what is the right, but rather that there is a right and a wrong, and that we ought to do the right and avoid the wrong, and as to what is right, the judgment much decide that " Is it not said that faith governs the conscience? '' Yes, but were that true, conscience would be, in its decisions as uncertain and variable as our beliefs or opinions." He added: " Conscience says, there is a right, and we ought, to do it, and there is a wrong, and we ought not to do it. In saying this, it is the voice of God, and is authoritative, but if it involves the question, what is the right? Then it can have no more authority than our beliefs or opinions. The moral judgment says: this is right or wrong. Our judgment may be wrong or right, but conscience is right as it says simply, there is a right which we ought to do, and there is a wrong which we ought not to do." His own original conceptions of teaching are of such a grade and nature as to force us to recognize them as highly important. His ideas of discipline and co-education are harmonious and of a high character. He kindly appeals to the honor of his pupils, and relies upon it. He points out three cardinal points which must be obtained in our instruction, viz.: "Observation," " Inspection " and "Discrimination." These are fundamental principles which must be observed if school training is to be valuable.

Dr. Griffin asserts that there is no successful teaching where there is not a love for teaching. He said to the writer: "Those who teach only for money can not succeed well." He says, the teacher must do more than understand the subject matter of his instruction, he must make his student feel that he has a personal interest in them. The following is copied from the Nashville American, and will interest many: "Dr. G. W. Griffin, formerly of Tennessee, now president of Mount Lebanon University, La., took a prominent part in the convention. He was elected first vice-president, made several excellent speeches, and was appointed to preach the introductory sermon next year. His old friends in Tennessee will be glad to know that he is doing so well. We take the foregoing extract from the Baptist and Reflector, published in this city, and republish it, because there are hundreds of Dr. Griffin's friends in Tennessee, who will be glad to hear from him. The convention referred to was the Baptist State Convention of Louisiana. Dr. Griffin was prominent as a minister and educator in this State for many years, having come here from Virginia in 1856, and with the exception of four years in the Confederate service, lived here until two years ago, when he was elected president of the Mount Lebanon University, the leading Baptist university of Louisiana. His activity, prominence and usefulness in his new field only fulfill the expectations of his friends who know his zeal and ability and his untiring devotion to the cause of his Master and his church.'

Charles W. Hamner, general merchant, Bulah, La. This prominent merchant who is engaged in business on the route between Arcadia and Sparta, was born in the Empire State of the South, on October 8, 1848, and was the eldest of the following children: Susan E. (resides in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of B. F. Roberson), Jesse H. (is married, resides in Bienville, and is a cotton planter and public ginner), Miles E. (is married, and is a planter), Lorenzo P. (is married, and is also a planter), Mary O.(married William B. Bryan, a planter),William D. (is married, and a planter), Fannie V. (married W. B. Stall, who besides planting is also a salesman), and Oliver O. (who is attending college in Tennessee). The above mentioned children, with the exception of the last, are residents of Bienville Parish. The father, William Hamner, was also a native of Georgia, and was born on April 24, 1824. Like the sons who have followed in his footsteps, he was a planter by occupation, and was a man universally respected. He died in 1884. The mother, Sarah Jane (Baten) Hamner, was born in Georgia on November 24, 1828, and is now a resident of Bienville Parish. Charles W. Hamner first attended the private schools of Alabama, and then took a course at Mount Lebanon University, after which he started out to teach the "young idea." On December 19, 1872, his nuptials with Miss Sallie L. Moreland were celebrated.

She was a native of Louisiana, born August 31, 1852, and received a good education at Mount Lebanon University. Her father, William C. Moreland, was a native of South Carolina, and was a Missionary Baptist minister. He was a prominent divine and was noted far and near. The mother, whose maiden name was Ann T. Willis, was a native of Georgia, and is living at the present time in Bienville Parish. The father is deceased. Pour children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Hamner: The eldest died in infancy. William Peale is six years of age, Charles Ernest is four years of age, and Henry Gordon is one year old. Mr. Hamner votes the Democratic ticket, and always endeavors to exercise his franchise for men of principle and honor. He is now a member of the police jury of Bienville Parish. This position is an important one to till, and requires men of judgment and executive ability to successfully conduct the same. He has been the postmaster at Bulah since 1884. He is owner of about 1,000 acres of land, a half interest in a ginning and grist-mill valued at $1,500, and has also a mercantile establishment at Bulah, his annual sales amounting to $10,700. Mr. Hamner is well known for his strict and fair dealing with his customers, and is a man of prominence. Mrs. Hamner is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church at Good Hope.

Green Washington Hartsfield, Arcadia, La. Rev. Hartsfield is a gentleman so well known in Louisiana and portions of adjoining States that no special introduction is necessary. He was born in Muscogee County, Ga., on December 14, 1833, and was seventh in a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters, born to Andrew and Ghasky Hartsfield, natives of North Carolina, the father born in 1792. The elder Hartsfield was an agriculturist all his life. To his marriage were born these children, who are named in order of birth: Mary (died in infancy), John (was an agriculturist, and died at the age of fifty years), Jasper (resides in Texas and has followed the carpenter and joiners' trade until recently, since which time he has been in the agricultural business), James (died from exposure contracted in the Confederate army), Amanda (died at the age of forty years), Sarah (resides in Caddo Parish, and is the widow of Benjamin Shaudoin), Andrew Sydney (was killed while in the Confederate army, and left a widow and two children). Green Washington Hartsfield received his rudimentary education in the common schools of Tennessee and Louisiana, and in 1860 he entered that far-famed institution of learning, Mount Lebanon University, where he remained for nearly three sessions. He was ordained as a minister the year he entered the University, and while in attendance there he preached to different congregations. After leaving the university he continued to serve these congregations until the fall of 1865, when he accepted a call to take charge of the Baptist Church in Mansfield, La., and remained at that point for a period of twenty-three years,, during which time he, served said church as pastor for fourteen years. During that time he also preached in Keatchi, Conshatta and other places in connection with Mansfield.

He filled the pulpit at Coushatta. La., for eight years. His ordination took place in Caddo Parish, La., in 1860. During his sojourn in De Soto and the other contiguous parishes he was secretary of the Grand Cane association for twenty-two years, and is also recording secretary of the Louisiana Baptist State Convention, having filled that important and arduous position for twelve years. He is at present the incumbent of that position. Rev. Hartsfield commenced his ministerial life at the age of twenty-five years with limited means, and every farthing that he had except a little help occasionally, was of his own earnings. He earned most of his first money as a teacher in order that he might pursue his chosen life work intelligently and with satisfaction to himself and to his God. Rev. Hartsfield, in his life work as a minister of the Gospel, is a man who has been characterized as an earnest, indefatigable, tireless and uncompromising worker in the vineyard of the Lord. His life has been replete with the many trials, joys and sorrows with which the lives of all good, true, earnest Christians are fraught. On May 1, 1862, he was married to Miss Eunice (Hasseltine) Brown, a native of Bienville Parish, born December 22, 1841, and the daughter of George W. Brown. Mr. Brown was one of the most successful and prosperous farmers, and his excellent wife, at the age of eighty-four years resides with Rev. Hartsfield and wife, and is a constant benediction to them.

Mrs. Hartsfield was educated in the Mount Lebanon Female College, where she received a finished and thorough course. To the union of Rev. Hartsfield and wife were born nine children, two sons and seven daughters, five now living: Nora G. (resides in Mansfield, La., and is the wife of Henry Youngblood, who is engaged in merchandising, and who is a gentleman of honor and integrity), Mary Helen (resides at home with her parents, she has been a student at the Female College at Arcadia, La., and formerly at Mansfield, La.), George (is attending the Arcadia Male College), Lillian White (is in Arcadia Female College), Edna Hackett (is too young to attend school). Rev. Hartsfield is a Democrat in principle, but supports men of honor and integrity. He cast his first presidential vote for Millard Fillmore. He is a man who has all his life advocated the great Sunday school work. He was president of the Sunday school convention in the parishes of Caddo and De Soto for eight years, and he has been an active and earnest advocate of the temperance work, holding the banner aloft in his work all along the line of his ministerial labor, which stamps him as a valuable and honored man in all communities, besides his bright and effectual pastoral labors.

Rev. Hartsfield has, since the early days of his childhood, imbibed the true principles of Christianity, and has with fortitude, energy and his love of God in his heart, ever unfurled the banner of right and Christian sympathy at all times and places. At present he is the honored and beloved pastor of the Missionary Baptist Church at Arcadia; La., and this pulpit he has filled since January, 1889. The church at Arcadia is a very flourishing organization, and the members are stanch men and women, who stand by the pastor at all times, in supporting and aiding the cause of religion. Rev. Hartsfield is intimately connected with the excellent colleges in Arcadia, and has been chosen at different times to deliver the commencement sermons, literary addresses at Keatchie and Mount Lebanon Colleges. His life work is that of a minister of the gospel, and he covets no higher calling. To be the means of saving souls and helping to advance the cause of Christ is to him honor enough.

His excellent wife has always been an earnest and able helper in aiding her husband in his grand work. He attributes much of his success in life to her constant, help. Mr. Hartsfield is an able newspaper correspondent, having the talent of condensing so as to put a great deal in a little space, and he is also a frequent writer for religious papers. He has been requested by more than one prominent newspaper man to prepare a series of reminiscences of the past for the press.

James Douglas Head, merchant and parish treasurer, Sparta, La. The public services of Mr. Head, since 1888, have been characterized by a noticeable devotion to the welfare of this parish, and his ability and fidelity in all positions of public trust have made a lasting impression upon the sphere of public duty. For a number of .years his name has been closely connected with the history of Bienville Parish, not only officially, but as an honored and much esteemed citizen. He is a native born resident of Louisiana, born July 1,1855, and was the fifth of thirteen children, ten now living, the result of the union of Hon. James Robert and Sophronia (Prothro) Head, natives of South Carolina. The father was born in 1825, and was a farmer and a lawyer. He represented his parish in the Legislature two or three terms, and was also sheriff of Bienville Parish for some time. He was parish judge, and in fact was one of the representative and prominent men of that Parish. He died in 1874. The mother died in 1889, at the age of sixty years.

Their living children are named in order of birth, as follows: D. F. (educated in Mount Lebanon and at Georgetown Theological College; he now resides in Ouachita Parish, and is a clergyman in the Missionary Baptist Church; he is married), Mary A. (resides in South Carolina, and is the wife of James C. Moody, who is a planter), Joshua P. (married and resides in Bienville Parish, where he is engaged in planting), James Douglas, Mittie (resides in Sparta, La. and was the wife of the late E. H. Hightown), Lucy G. (deceased), George E. (educated in the common schools and in the New Orleans Law College, and is now residing in Sparta, where he practices his profession), Al-Lou (resides in Sparta, and is the wife of E. M. Tarver, a druggist at that place), Fannie (resides in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of E. M. Crowson, who is a salesman), W. P. (a pharmacist and salesman at Sparta) and Sophronia (wife of F. M. Mays, an agriculturist). James Douglas Head received his early education under private tutelage and in the schools of Sparta, La., and by self application, thus fitting himself for the practical life he has led and is leading. He is, in every sense of that much abused term, a self-made man, and was obliged to commence at the bottom of the ladder.

To his wife, formerly Miss Martha C. Crowson, he was married February 13, 1878, and to them has been born one child, Linden C., who is ten years of age, and who is attending school. Mrs. Head was born August 17, 1859, and was educated in the common schools and at Sparta. Mr. Head has ever affiliated with the Democratic party, and has advocated those principles. He is now holding the important and very responsible office of parish treasurer, and also treasurer of the parish school fund, being elected to fill these honorary positions in 1888. He is also postmaster and has held that office since 1888. He was justice of the peace in his ward, but resigned that position when elected to his present office. He is a Master Mason of Sparta Lodge No. 108. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist, and Mrs. Head a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Aside from his official positions, Mr. Head is also engaged in merchandising, in Sparta. Pleasant and agreeable in business affairs, he is equally so in social life, and it is a pleasure to meet him.

John Jacob Hiser, machinist, millwright and dealer in hardware and milling supplies at Arcadia, La., is a gentleman possessed of large business experience and one who occupies a prominent position in commercial circles. He resides on his farm of 240 acres, within two miles of Arcadia, and has a good, comfortable home. He was born in Missouri on October 14, 1845, and is the second in order of birth of three children, viz.: Christina F. (who married P. D. Lane, a general trader, and died when forty-two years of age), James F. (who is married and resides in Arcadia, where he follows the blacksmith's trade), and our subject. The father, John Wilkins Hiser, was a native Kentuckian, and died when fifty-seven years of age. He was a farmer and general trader. The mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth F. Heard, was a native of Tennessee, and died when about twenty-seven years of age. Our subject's early educational advantages were such as could be obtained in the common schools in the State of Missouri, and this he has increased very materially by observation and study.

At the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in Company F , Sixteenth Missouri Infantry Volunteers, and was assigned to the Trans-Mississippi Department, under Gen. M. M. Parsons, Second Brigade, Confederate States army. He was in the following engagements: Pleasant Hill, Camden, Saline, etc. For three years he fought bravely in defense of the Confederacy, and wore the gray in honor to himself and the cause for which he took up arms. At the age of twenty years he entered the arena of life as a machinist, with very little means, and spent a portion of his life in Missouri. After the war he emigrated to Louisiana, and as he is a natural machinist and thoroughly at home with all machines, he has been connected with this interest ever since, until about six years ago when he opened up business in Arcadia, making a success in detail of it. Mr. Hiser selected as his life companion Miss Sarah Jane C. Sutton, whom he wedded on December 24, 1808.

She was born in 1852, and educated in the common schools of Louisiana. Her father, S. P. Sutton, was born in Mississippi, and was an attorney and teacher by profession. He is now deceased. The mother, Lucinda (Stewart) Sutton, is living, and is about sixty-five years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Hiser were born eight children: Jay T. (is a farmer and resides with his parents), James P. (is also a farmer), W alter L. (is following the same pursuit), George S. (died at the age of nine months), Lucinda E., Carl J., Mary C. and John. Mr. Hiser is a stanch Democrat of the Jacksonian school, but does not take au active part in politics.

He has aimed to keep out of politics, and, being a practical man, he can not afford to lose his time for small offices. He has been one of the board of trustees, also one of the charter members and one of the founders of the Male and Female College at Arcadia, La. He is an estimable citizen of his parish, and is held in the highest esteem and respect by his friends and people who know him for his true worth. Mr. and Mrs. Hiser are devout members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and do all they can to further any worthy movement presented to them. Mr. Hiser is the owner and sole proprietor of one of the best and most complete cotton-gins and mills in the parish. He has one of the Winship gins and presses, a gin celebrated in the South among the best planters. Mr. Hiser has gotten up a plan, and patent applied for, of a cotton-tramping machine, which is the most complete machine of its kind ever invented before. It takes the place of a man as a '' tramper,'' and is pronounced a signal success by all who see it. The full plant is valued at about $2,000. Mr. Hiser is known all over the parish as a machinist, and has set up all kinds of machinery in different localities.

Francis G. Hulse is a gentleman who has spent the greater part of his life in this and Claiborne Parishes, his birth occurring in the latter, in September, 1859, being the third of five sons born to his parents, the eldest member of the family being John E., who is an attorney of Homer, and is married to Miss Ella Dollard; Birdsey, a traveling man, representing the Farmers & Merchant's Bank, of Shreveport, La., comes next, then the subject of this sketch, and following him is Sidney T., a cotton planter, residing near Athens, La., and Charles Edgar, who died at the age of seven years. Milton Hulse, their father, was born in York State, in 1812, and the most of his life, until the opening of the Rebellion, was spent as a teacher, the remainder of his days being given to farming. He was married to Miss Mary A. Davidson, a native of South Carolina, and both are still living, worthy and honored people. The early educational training of Francis G. Hulse was received in the home circle, after which he entered the public schools, at a later period taking an academic course at Athens, La., where he improved his opportunities to the utmost, and became well fitted for the practical life he has led.

After he had attained his majority he began making his own way in the world, as a school teacher, his wages being spent in attending school, and until he attained his twenty-fifth year he alternately taught and went to school in Texas. He then became a disciple of Blackstone, and after some study, was admitted to the State bar, and for two years was an active practitioner of law. He then came to Claiborne Parish, La., and later moved to Arcadia, where he established the Arcadia Herald, a bright, unique and creditable paper, well calculated to benefit and please his subscribers. The editorial policy of the paper could not be in better hands, and the entire tone of the paper is moral and pure. The first copy of the Herald was issued with a circulation of only 100, this being December 11, 1889, but in less than one year it has increased to 600, which is commendable to the enterprise and push of Mr. Hulse. He has at all times furthered the interests of the Democratic party to the best of his ability, and his first presidential vote was cast for Gen. Winfield S. Hancock.

He has always had the interests of the section in which he lives at heart, and is a devout believer in Christianity and an earnest member of the Presbyterian Church. In March, 1887, he was married to Miss Mary Riley, a native of Texas, who received a high-school education, but after a very short and happy married life, Mrs. Hulse was called to her long home, and is now sleeping her last sleep in the cemetery at Canton, Tex. Mr. Hulse is sole manager and proprietor of the Arcadia Herald, and has already made it creditable to Bienville Parish and to himself. Here, where his business interests are centered, he expects to make his future abiding place, where he is held in high esteem by his many friends and patrons.

James Hardy Jackson (deceased). In many respects the life of Mr. Jackson was an eventful one and fully demonstrated how much may be accomplished and acquired under the most unfavorable circumstances. He had long been connected with the mercantile interests of Arcadia, and at the time of his death was one of its leading merchants. He was born in Feliciana, Grayson County, Ky., February 28, 1833, his three surviving brothers being: Dr. John (who is married and a practicing physician of Columbia, Ky.), Dr. R. E. (who, besides being a practicing physician of Natchitoches, La., is an extensive cotton planter), and E. L. (who resides in Bienville Parish, La., a cotton planter). The father of these children was also engaged in cotton planting, and he, as well as their mother, is now deceased. James Hardy Jackson obtained his early schooling in Kentucky, and at the age of twenty-one years he became a salesmen, at which time he possessed not a dollar. He, however, was a young man of a very energetic temperament, and, being very persevering, he at last began to surmount the difficulties in his way, and to gain a foothold on the ladder of success. Upon the opening of the war he enlisted in the Twelfth Louisiana Volunteer Infantry and was assigned to the 'Army of Tennessee, wearing the gray with honor to himself, his family and friends. During the war he was twice promoted for personal bravery, once to the position of sergeant-major, then to adjutant.

He served throughout the war and was disbanded with his company at Bentonville, N. C., immediately returning home. His marriage, which occurred on October 25, 1866, was to Miss Lucy Madden, a native of Louisiana, and unto them five children have been born: Willie Rutland (who died at the untimely age of fourteen years, was an intelligent and promising lad, and is now sleeping his last sleep in Arcadia Cemetery), Henrietta (passed from life at the age of eleven years), Luella (died when seven years of age), and Luda (who now resides with her mother on the old homestead; she is an intelligent and accomplished young lady, and will graduate from the Arcadia Female College in 1891, after which she will continue her studies in some Eastern college). The youngest member of the family is Lessie Rush, now six years of age. Mr. Jackson was always a warm Democrat, but never neglected his business for politics. He was president of the police jury of Caldwell Parish, and was a member of the I. O. O. F. at Columbia, La.

He was, as is his wife, an ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and always assisted in Sunday school work. He departed this life January 16, 1889, and is now resting beside his children in Arcadia Cemetery, where a handsome monument marks his last resting place, erected to his memory by his sorrowing widow. His death was regarded as a calamity to this region, for he had always been very public spirited and had resided here for a number of years. He possessed many of the cardinal virtues, among which may be mentioned unswerving honesty, kindness of heart and liberality. He was a faithful and affectionate husband and father, and his memory will long be held in grateful remembrance in social as well as business circles. She resides in a typical Southern home, and dispenses hospitality with a liberal hand to her numerous friends in this section, her house being always open to the unfortunate, also to whom she gives liberally of her means. She controls a large mercantile establishment in Arcadia and has shown herself to be an intelligent business woman.

Rev. Joseph Henry Jordan, minister, Arcadia, La. Mr. Jordan, a representative man of the county, has done much good in the world, administering to the spiritual wants of his fellow-man, and by living a life of such constancy and purity as has not failed to have its effect on the rising generation. He is a native of Georgia, born September 17, .1833, near the home of the renowned Alexander Stephens, of historic fame. He was the fifth of seven children, four sons and three daughters, born to John Wesley and Mahala Mathews (Mercer) Jordan, both natives of Georgia, and born in 1800 and 1805, respectively. The children are named in the order of their births: Thomas (died at the age of thirty-seven years, from exposure during the war; he was a clergyman and a member of the Georgia conference), Elizabeth (resided in Georgia, and died when she was about fifty-six years of age), Frances (resides in Georgia, and is the wife of G. C. Edwards, who is now judge of the inferior court of Georgia), George (who died at the age of three years), Joseph Henry, J. W. (who resides in Atlanta, Ga., and is a clergyman in the Methodist Episcopal Church of that city), and Susan (deceased). The father of these children has spent his entire life as an agriculturist, and has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since the age of eighteen years. He is now eighty-nine years of age, and is a man of remarkable energy and fortitude. When eighty-seven years of age he paid a visit to his son in Louisiana.

The maternal grandfather of our subject was a Baptist minister and a brother of the famous Rev. Jesse Mercer, who is the reputed founder of the Missionary Baptist Church, after the division of the Baptist Church. Rev. Jesse Mercer was also the founder of the Pennfield Institute, now in Macon, Ga. The mother of our subject died when about forty years of age. Rev. Joseph H. Jordon received his rudimentary education in the common schools, and finished his literary course in Brown Wood Institute, at La Grange, Ga. He was married when eighteen years of age to Miss Louisa Hall, a native of Georgia, born in October, 1836. She was educated in the Montgomery Female College, at La Grange, Ga. They were married November 11, 1851, and their union has resulted in the birth of seven children—three sons, and four daughters: Eugenia (resides in Arcadia, and is the wife of Dr. W. M. Baker, see sketch), Joseph Homer (resides in Shreveport, La., and is engaged in a clothing and gent's furnishing store; he married a Miss Bouquin, of Shreveport), Rebecca (resides in Arcadia, La., and is the wife of W. H. Ellington, general salesman), Hattie (resides also in Arcadia, and is the wife of Thomas Whitehead, who is in the livery business), John Wesley (resides in Shreveport, La., and is engaged with his brother, Joseph Homer), Robert C. (resides in Arcadia, and is a salesman and book-keeper; he is a graduate of Atlanta (Ga.) Commercial College) and Madgie (attending a female college).

Rev. Jordan enlisted as private in the " Claiborne Invincibles," in 1861, and was sent by the governor to Camp Moore, where they were assigned to the Seventeenth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, under Col. S. S. Heard. His regiment was assigned to the Army of Tennessee, Very soon after the organization of the regiment, Rev. Jordan was appointed as chaplain of the regiment, direct from the private ranks. He was in the battle of Shiloh, Baker's Creek, and finally at the great siege of Vicksburg, where his services ceased. He then returned home to resume his ministerial work. Shortly after his marriage Rev. Jordan engaged as an agriculturist, and continued this occupation to some extent until five years ago. He took great interest in the organization of the Farmer's Grange, and was elected overseer of the first State Grange, second officer of the Grange. He was licensed to preach in 1856, and was expecting to have joined the Georgia conference, but owing to the conference being full he came to the West, where there was a large and virgin field. About the time he was to unite with the Louisiana conference, the war broke out, and he was among the first of the brave boys who wore the gray with honor to themselves and the cause they advocated, who went to the front as already narrated. Rev. Jordan, in his political belief, has affiliated with the Democratic party, and cast his first presidential vote for Millard Fillmore. He is not radical in his views, but exercises his franchise for principle and right at all times and in all places.

During the year 1887 he was elected mayor of Arcadia, on the strong grounds he took against the whisky faction, or element, or rather in keeping the city a clean temperance town. Rev. Jordan is treasurer of the board of trustees of the Arcadia Male and Female College, and he is a gentleman who has aimed to perform his duties at all times to the best interests of his school, and should have the highest commendations given him for his persistency. A man of knowledge, intelligence and principle, he will stand by the schools when they are of as high a standard as the colleges in Arcadia. Rev. Jordan is a R. A. M. He has been a true disciple of the word of God since he was a little boy, and has spent the cream of his life in the service of his Master, having filled the pulpit since 1861. Mrs. Jordan has also been a constant, devoted Christian, and their united help in the religious work has been felt in all localities of which they have been residents. They are now residing at Arcadia, La., where they are surrounded by their loving children and many warm friends.

William L. King, postmaster and merchant of Mount Lebanon, was originally from Alabama, his birth occurring on October 10, 1852, and is the fourth of six children, five now living, born to Thomas Jefferson and Catherine A. (Alabama) King. The father was a native of Alabama, and was a farmer by occupation. He died in 1862. The mother is still living, and is sixty years of age. William L. King received a good practical education, principally the result of his own efforts, and when fifteen years of age started out for himself as an agriculturist. This pursuit he followed for about ten years, and in December, 1875, he selected as his companion in life Miss Julia Baker, a native of Louisiana, born in 1855, and a graduate of Mount Lebanon College. The result of this union was the birth of three intelligent children: Ella (aged thirteen, and attending the Mount Lebanon College), Floyd (nine years of age, also attending college), and Willie D. (aged two years).

Politically, Mr. King is a strong adherent of the Democratic principles, and is a man whose word is as good as his bond. He is a successful business man, and has a large trade, all the result of the honesty and uprightness of his business relations. He and Mrs. King are respecters of all religious teachings, and are in favor of all methods and principles which elevate the rising generation. Mr. King is sole proprietor of the large general store in Mount Lebanon, La., and carries a stock of goods complete in detail. He does a yearly business of about $10,000. Mr. King is regarded by his brother tradesmen and his customers as a man whose word can be relied upon at all times. He is all that much-abused term, " a self-made man," can imply, having started with limited means, and he is to-day one of the most successful business men of the town.

Davis B. Langford, notary public, Gibsland, Louisiana. Mr. Langford was born in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, on July 25, 1801, and is the youngest of four children, who are named as follows: Samuel B. (resides in Claiborne Parish and is an agriculturist and a manufacturer of and dealer in lumber; he is married), Josiah W. (resides in Gibsland, La., is married, and is a jeweler by trade), William H. (resides in Gibsland, La., is married, and is an agriculturist by occupation),and Davis B. (the subject of the present sketch, is unmarried). The father of these children, Elhanan Hamilton Langford was born in South Carolina on March 27, 1820, and is a retired physician and surgeon. He is a resident, of Gibsland, La.. and is hale and hearty. The mother whose maiden name was Sarah C. Hatchings, was a native of the Old

Dominion (Virginia), and was born October 1, 1821, and died at Gibsland. La.. August 10, 1888. The father received his medical education in Macon, Ga., and graduated at the Southern Botanico-Medical College in that city in 1849. Ha followed his profession for about twelve years, after which time he was engaged in agricultural pursuits and milling until the past ten years. Davis B. Langford received his early education in t h e common schools of Louisiana, and by Ms own application obtained a practical education, which fitted him for the life he has led up to the present lime. He commenced life for himself at the age of twenty-one years as a merchant in Gibsland in 1883, and with moderate means and no outside aid, he has been fairly successful. He remained engaged in merchandising for about two years and then relinquished his mercantile pursuits to engage in general collecting and buying, improving and selling real estate. He was appointed by Gov. S. D. McEnery notary public for the parish of Bienville on November 24, 1884, and this position he still fills, having been re-commissioned by the present Gov. F . T. Nicholls.

Mr. Langford, prior to attaining his majority, and before removing to Gibsland, read law under Judge John Young and Hon. J. W. Holbert, both eminent jurists in Homer, La., remaining under this firm's espionage and care as a law student for about two years, and he also read law by himself for some time, but never applied for admission to the bar. He practiced with unusual success in the justice courts four years, and it might here be mentioned that Mr. Langford is a self-made man, and one who has educated himself. He is well posted in surveying has read Latin and is possessed of a fund of general knowledge. He keeps well posted upon all the business topics of the day, and is a gentleman who is enterprising, energetic and pushing. He has the full confidence of his patrons, and since he began his mercantile career, which business he resumed two years since, he has had a large and increasing business. He has always been a Democrat in politics, and has not been an ultra partisan. He is at present, as stated above, notary public for Bienville Parish, and although he has been tendered other positions, municipal and parochial, he has modestly declined them. Mr. Langford is a devout member of the Missionary Baptist Church of Gibsland, Louisiana. He is a young man of sound religious convictions, which are cardinal virtues in any man, be he young or old. He is intimately connected with the Baptist Sabbath-school, and has been secretary of the same for the past two years. Mr. Langford expects to make Gibsland his future home, for all his interests are centered here, and he is surrounded by warm friends. He is a member of the Louisiana Press Association, and is a journalist of merit, being well known by the versatile articles which have, from time to time, been contributed from his pen. Mr. Langford is au ardent admirer of all good educational institutions, and has aided, as much as possible, in the furtherance of all projects to assist the cause of education.

James A. Mays, farmer, Sparta, La. Mr. Mays is one of the esteemed and highly respected citizens of Bienville Parish, of which he has been a resident for forty years, and during that time his name has been above reproach. He was born in Georgia on May 30, 1844, and was the twelfth in a family of thirteen children, of whom there are only three now living, he being the eldest of those: Miranda (resides in Natchitoches Parish, La., and was the wife of Hon. W. S. Rockwell, deceased, who was a planter and who represented his parish one term in the Legislature), Martha (resides in Natchitoches Parish, and is the wife of E. P. Harris, au agriculturist). The father of this family, William C. Mays, was born in Georgia, but when grown moved to Bienville Parish, La., and was treasurer of the same for some time. He was a planter by occupation and died at the age of eighty-three years. The mother, Elizabeth (Williamson) Mays, was also a native of Georgia. She died at the age of fifty-eight years. James A. Mays materially aided a common-school education by diligently applying himself to his books during his leisure time, and thus fitted himself for the duties of active life. He started for himself by donning a suit of ' ' gray, " a n d enlisting in the company, "Claiborne Invisibles," and was assigned to the Seventeenth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, under the supervision of Col. Heard. They were sent to Camp Moore, and from there to Corinth.

He participated in the following battles: Shiloh, Port Gibson (where he was wounded in the right arm and disabled for a short time), siege of Vicksburg (lasting forty-eight days, and where the regiment was surrendered). Mr. Mays was in constant service during the four years he was in the army, except a short time while wounded, and was a faithful and loyal soldier. On September 19,1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Willie A. Pearse, a native of Arkansas, born in 1840, and a graduate of Minden College. To them were born twelve children, nine of whom are now living: Lizzie G. (resides in Sparta, and is the wife of Dr. W. F. Beatty), F. M. (married and is a planter of Bienville Parish), Henry E. (superintendent of a plantation in Natchitoches Parish, La.), William C. (at home), Jim Fritz, Annie G., Drew (a daughter), Gus (a daughter), and George Monk (also a daughter). In his political views Mr. Mays is strictly Democratic, and has been identified with the interests of his parish in every particular. He held the position of tax collector for some time. Socially he is a R. A. M. He is the owner of considerable real estate in Webster Parish, La., and is respected and liked in his own parish. He is held on a high plane of excellence by all in the parish, and here he expects to pass the remainder of his days. Mrs. Mays is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

William Austin Miller. In any worthy history of this parish, the name that heads this sketch will always be given an enviable place among its leading citizens and its self-made men. He is the sole proprietor of the cotton warehouse in Arcadia, and has been for the past five and one-half years, being otherwise interested in the enterprises which go to make the flourishing little city of Arcadia what it is. He was born in Indiana, May 3, 1839, being the younger of two children born to his parents, the elder child being Sarah E., the wife of R. Holmes, a grocer, of Jeffersonville, Ind. Their father was born in Kentucky, in 1811, being a general merchant by occupation, and although he has attained to the advanced age of seventy-nine years, he yet enjoys quite good health. His wife was a Virginian, and is deceased. Capt. William A. Miller attended school in the primitive structures of the Hoosier State, but afterward became a student at Jeffersonville and Leavenworth, finally taking a higher course at Robinson Academy, near Nashville, Tenn., where he obtained a good, practical education by his own hard study and application.

He has always been a warm friend of education, and gives generously of his means in the support of enterprises of that nature. When twenty years of age he began merchandising for himself, in Morehouse Parish, La., but at that time his capital was very small, but notwithstanding this fact, he kept diligently to work, and at the end of two years had accumulated some money. Upon the opening of the Rebellion, he gave up this work, to join the Morehouse Stars, which was 120 strong, and this company was attached to the Twelfth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, and was assigned to the Army of Tennessee. The first brigade general was Villepigne, who was killed, then Col. Scott, who was afterward promoted to brigadier-general.

Mr. Miller was in the following engagements: Baker's Creek, the two weeks' engagement around Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Port Hudson, Resaca, Dalton, New Hope, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. Capt. Miller entered the ranks as a private, but was first promoted to orderly sergeant, serving as such fourteen months, next to second lieutenant. During his service, he received not the slightest wound, and was never taken prisoner. His company was disbanded at Greensboro, N. C , and returned to Louisiana. In 1804 he was married to Miss Sallie P. Thomas, a native of South Carolina, their marriage taking place April 3. She was educated in Judson Institute, Marion, Ala., and two children blessed her union with Capt. Miller: G. B. (who died at the age of two years), and Mary E. (who resides with her father, and is attending the Arcadia Female College). The Captain has always been a Democrat, and Hon. John Bell, of Tennessee, received his first vote for the presidency.

 He is a Master Mason, a member of the K of P., and also belongs to the A. L. of H. He and his wife are ardent members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Arcadia, and do all in their power to assist worthy enterprises. Capt. Miller is a land owner in Florida, as well as in Louisiana, and has a neat, comfortable and pleasant residence in the southwestern part of Arcadia. For years he was clerk and captain on a steamboat, on the Ouachita River and Bayou Bartholomew, and is now vice president of the Arcadia State Bank, an enterprising establishment, just inaugurated under very favorable auspices, with a full corps of able and efficient officers, with a paid-in capital of $30,000.

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