Bienville Parish, Louisiana History and Genealogy
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Dr. William C. Patterson is well known to the people of this and adjoining parishes, not only in his professional capacity, but socially also. He is a native of the Old North State, born November 12, 1824, and was one of a family of five children, three of whom lived to maturity: Himself, Eliza Ann (widow of Mr. Leverette (deceased) and is now residing in Rusk County, Tex.), and John Wetherspoon (who died when about forty-five years of age, having been an agriculturist in Clay County, Ala.). Their father was also a North Carolinian, and when Dr. Patterson was about seven years of age, he died, having followed the occupation of cotton planting. His wife was also born in that State, and was a sister of Hon. L. Bethune, she, as well as her husband, being of direct Scotch descent, both now deceased. They were educated in the old log cabin schools. The Doctor was also educated in the primitive schools of his native State, later taking a general course in the High School Brownwood Institute in Alabama, which was under the guidance of Profs. Taylor and McKinnon. He took a course in languages, and during his school years was otherwise well fitted to enter upon the duties of active life.

Although his youthful days were spent at farm labor, he began the battle of life for himself at the age of twenty-five years, and the following years turned his whole attention to the study of medicine, reading under the renowned practitioner Dr. J. A. Kelley for two years. He then entered the medical department of the University of South Carolina, this being in 1849, and from this famous school of learning and medicine was graduated in March, 1851 in a class of about 350. He at once commenced practicing at Sylacauga, Ala., in which place he remained from 1851 to 1800, coming at the end of that time to Bienville Parish, La., and in this place has resided to the present day.

He was married to Miss E. J. Oden, a native of Georgia, but reared in. Alabama, her education being received in Talladega Institute where she was given a most thorough education. Their union was consummated March 25, 1852, and unto them five children were born: William Henry (who graduated from the Pharmaceutical College of the University of Louisville, Ky., and is now a practical as well as theoretical pharmacist of Dallas, Tex.), Otis Manley (graduated from a medical college of Memphis, Tenn., and is now a practicing physician and surgeon of Arcadia, La.; he was married to Miss Sallie Dorman, of Louisiana, and by her had two little children), George A. (is a well-educated and successful pharmacist of Arcadia), Boyd Graves (lives with his parents and is an attendant of the E. A. Seminary of Arcadia), and Virginia Kate (who was taken sick while at college at Lexington, Ky., and died at the age of eighteen years). At the opening of the war Dr. Patterson organized Company A, Thirtieth Alabama Infantry Volunteers, comprising 100 men, and was assigned to duty under Col. C. M. Shelley and Gen. Barton in the Army of Tennessee. The Doctor was soon after detached as acting surgeon of the hospital at Talladega and during this time there were about seventy prominent Federal officers sent there. He was at Cumberland Gap, Richmond, Ky., Frankfort, Perryville, back to Cumberland Gap, and from there to Vicksburg, where he remained for some six months, the army being quarantined against smallpox.

He was next in the engagements at Warrenton, Port Gibson and Champion's Hill, the Doctor being wounded in both legs in the last named engagement, his left leg being broken. His life was here saved by the kindness of a Federal officer of an Iowa regiment. He was taken in au ambulance to the Federal hospital by this officer, who was a brother Mason, forty-eight hours before any of the other wounded soldiers were cared for. The Doctor has always gratefully remembered this kind act, and although they exchanged names and addresses the Doctor unfortunately lost the address of his benefactor and has never heard of him since, and does not know whether he survived the horrors of warfare or was afterward killed. He remained in the Deaf and Dumb Hospital until he was able to be removed home, and this ended his career as an officer of the Confederate army. He has always been a Democrat in principal and precept and cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce. He lost his first wife in 1879, and she now sleeps in the Arcadia Cemetery, having been an earnest member of the Baptist Church throughout life. The Doctor remained a widower until 1883, at which time he married Miss N. V. Aswell, a native of Louisiana. He is a consistent and earnest member of the Baptist Church, and as he has numerous and warm friends throughout this region and has a paying business, he expects to pass the rest of his days here.

Lieut.-Gov. Benjamin Wiley Pearce (deceased). On October 8, 1870, there died at his residence in Bienville Parish, Lieut.-Gov. Benjamin W. Pearce, a man possessed of a noble, generous heart, and whose deeds of heroism, generosity and manly fortitude will ever live in the minds of his countrymen. He was originally from Georgia, his birth occurring on December If, 1810, and was the eldest of five children, three sons and two daughters, of whom only two are now living. The children were named in the order of their births as follows: Gov. Pearce (deceased), Mary Ann (resides in Auburn, Ala., and was married the last time to Mr. Whitman, a Baptist preacher), William A. (was an agriculturist and died when about thirty years of age), Julia (deceased), and John L. (who is engaged in agricultural pursuits near Arcadia, La.). The parents of these children were natives of Georgia, and were educated in the old common schools. The father was a farmer. Gov. Pearce received the rudiments of an education in the common schools, then attended the University of Charlottesville, Va., for about two years, but on account of failing health he left that institution and entered the college at Tuscaloosa, Ala., finally graduating from the law department.

He was a gentleman whose parents were very wealthy, and he received that culture and refinement obligatory on the part of a Southern gentleman's son. Gov. Pearce was one of the most determined, energetic, and progressive men of his age, and was looked upon as one who would stand most prominent in the annals of his country's history. He commenced life as a finely equipped attorney at law at Wetumpka, Ala., in the year 1840, and on July 21, 1842, he was united in marriage to Miss Anne H. Hall, a native of Alabama, born on July 11, 1823. Mrs. Pearce had received a finished education in the female academy at Montgomery, Ala., but previously had been educated under a governess. The result of this union was the birth of six children, two sons and four daughters: Sarah H. (resides near Bienville and is the wife of H. M. King, who is a cotton planter), Mary Ann (resides in Bienville, and is the wife of Dr. S. B. Du Bose, a practicing physician and surgeon), William J. (is married and resides in Shelby County, Tex., where he is engaged as a planter), Julia (died in infancy), Kate T. (resides in Sparta, La., and on April 3, 1873, she was married to B. P. Edwards, an attorney at law and one of the legal lights of the parish; he is a graduate of Bethel College, Russellville, Ky.), and Stephen D. (married and resides in Euston, La.), the latter is a thoroughly educated gentleman, au attorney at law, and is a journalist of note. Gov. Pearce organized Company C. Ninth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, during the Rebellion, and was appointed captain of the same.

This was ordered first to Camp Moore, from there to Virginia, arriving a few days after the battle of Bull Run, but Gov. Pearce's health gave out finally, and he was honorably discharged, returning home to serve his country in other directions. He was an enthusiastic, energetic, liberty-loving patriot who loved his country and his people, and who did all in his power to further the interests of all. He was a stalwart and stanch Democrat of the true type and an active politician, aiming to use his influence for measures most prominent for the good of his country. He and family moved to Arkansas in 1844, settled in Ouachita County, and there remained for four years. Gov. Pearce became identified with his county as representative to the State Legislature, and was one of the prominent pushers in the woman's rights bill in regard to the rights of property. He remained in Arkansas until 1848, moved from there a short time afterward to Franklin Parish, La., thence to Alabama, where he resided three years, and then in 1851, came to Bienville Parish, settling near the present site of Bienville, where he was engaged as an agriculturist, ginner and miller.

Gov. Pearce represented Bienville Parish in the Legislature for many years, and afterward served as State Senator of Louisiana. In 1802 or 1803 he was elected to the high and exalted position of lieutenant-governor of Louisiana, which was the last office he held previous to his death. Success is the best test of merit in this life. As has been seen, Gov. Pearce has been one of the foremost men of his day in Louisiana, and he was tendered and asked by the people of his State to accept the gubernatorial chair of Louisiana, also tendered the position of United States Senator of that State. He was in independent circumstances before the war, but lost almost his entire fortune during that eventful period, and had to start from the beginning again. In his death Louisiana lost one of her most prominent men, and Bienville Parish an excellent and much esteemed citizen. He lived and died a sincere, active and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, with which he had been connected for over forty years, and was a great Sunday school worker. Mrs. Pearce, who still survives her husband, has, also been a member of the same church for forty years, and is a typical Southern lady, genial, cordial and hospitable. She is held in the highest regard by her many friends and neighbors.

Prof. Francis Watkins Pettway of Arcadia, La. was born in Wilcox County, Ala. November 2, 1808, the second of eight children, five sons and three daughters, whose names are as follows: Mark Harwell (a book-keeper of Knoxville, and a graduate of the University of Alabama), Francis Watkins, John H. (who is a resident of Wilcox County, Ala., and is a student in the University of Alabama, being first captain in the military department, which is a school of high rank; he took the first Shakespeare prize, as did also his brother, Mark H., and the Anglo Saxon prize), Albert Julian, McDaniel, Pauline (deceased), Maida and Laura. The younger members of this family given after John H. are attending the schools of Marion, the boys being in the public schools, and the girls in the female seminary of that place. The father of these children was a Virginian, born in 1843, his vocation throughout life being that of a cotton planter.

He is a finely educated gentleman, having been graduated from the University of Alabama in his early manhood, and has always been a believer in and a supporter of the principles of education, the advantages which he has given his children testifying to this fact. His wife, who was formerly Miss Laura Jones, whose parents were Virginians, was born in Alabama, and was a graduate of the Marion Female Seminary, and an accomplished and intelligent lady. She passed from life in 1885.

Prof. Pettway received his early education under private tutors. Prof. Julian Legate, who was a member of the distinguished South Carolina family being among the number, also Miss Sallie Maxey, now Mrs. Sarah Esker, who is the present secretary of the W. C. T. U. of Alabama, and a lady of culture, intelligence and fine executive ability. From her Prof. Pettway received his impetus to perfect himself in the science of mathematics. In 1885 he entered the freshman class of the State University of Alabama, and while in that institution carried away the honor of first captain and adjutant of the military department, and was appointed by the university faculty as orator of the Peithonian Society, and was also one of the nine orators selected to represent the university at commencement. He was one of the leaders of his class, and as above stated was graduated with the highest honors.

During his junior year it is but just to mention that he was appointed to the first position in the military ranks of his class, which numbered forty-five members. Upon his immediate graduation he entered the National Normal University of Lebanon, Ohio, and took a commercial course of three mouths, carrying away his diploma in book-keeping. He then at once entered upon his duties as professor of mathematics and business in the Arcadia Male and Female College, this being in the year 1889.

He now fills the chair of mathematics and science in the Male College of Arcadia, a position he has held since it adopted its present name in 1890, he being the able assistant of Prof. E. A. Smith, the president. Prof. Pettway is a gentleman of rare scholastic ability and one rarely meets with a young man who possesses such an extended and complete knowledge on all questions as he. He has made his own way in life since he was twenty years of age, and has found that he. is perfectly capable of carving out a career for himself. Like his father before him, he is a Democrat in politics, and has taken considerable interest in the local issue of this parish. His first vote was cast against the Louisiana State Lottery. He is an honored member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, national secret organization of the leading universities of the United States. After finishing his labors in the college at Arcadia La , in 1890, he made a tour of all the principal eastern cities, and through Canada, thence to Glenn's Falls, near Saratoga, N. Y:, where he received general instruction under Prof. White of Cincinnati, who is a great and noted psychologist, author and writer, and under Dr. Metcalf, superintendent of the schools of Boston, and Dr. Woodhull, superintendent of the schools of New York City, these gentlemen being all well known educators. He also took a special course of instruction in the school of elocution under Dr. Butterfield, the renowned preceptor and professor of. the Boston School of Oratory and Dartmouth College. Prof. Pettway is a close student at all times, and his favorite study is the higher mathematics.

He is a gentleman who is thoroughly posted on all literary subjects, and although he has seen only twenty-two summers he possesses brilliant attainments, and is one on whom honors will be rapidly conferred. He is as yet undecided what will be his future calling in life, but whether it be of an agricultural, professional or commercial nature a bright future is predicted for him by all. In consideration of his services as commandant of A. C. C. the title of major was conferred upon him at the commencement of 1889.

Madison Perritt, cotton planter, miller and ginner, was formerly a well known and respected resident of Claiborne Parish, but he is now a permanent resident of Bienville Parish, La., and one of its best citizens. He was born in Alabama on February 18, 1838, and his educational facilities were the common schools where he received a practical education, which he afterward improved by his own observation and study. He started out for himself when he donned his suit of gray and shouldered his musket, enlisting in Company B, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, Scott's brigade, Loring's division, Stuart's corps, Army of Tennessee. Mr. Perritt enlisted in the spring of 1862, and was sent at once to Grenada, Miss. He took an active part in the following engagements: Second battle of Corinth, siege of Port Hudson (two weeks) Resaca, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain, and all around the city of Atlanta, Ga. He was in heavy fighting for about three months, and can relate many interesting anecdotes which occurred while he served the Confederacy. His trials and vicissitudes during this war were very terrible indeed. Time and time again has he made long weary marches when his bare feet were on the ground and left the prints in blood. When he finished the terrible Georgia campaign his regiment was ordered into Tennessee, and the first incident of note was the capture of 300 "Yanks," at Ackmoth and 150 more at Tilden.

Mr. Perritt relates many amusing incidents which occurred at the battle of Nashville. It being his first introduction to that city, and relates them in such an interesting way that it is a great treat to listen to him. From Nashville they were ordered back to North Carolina, and the last engagement he participated in was at Bentonville, of that State. Mr. Perritt has experienced the terrible ordeal of war in all its phases. When in Mississippi he was fifer of his regiment, and still has his old army fife. His regiment was disbanded at Greensboro, N. C., on April 20, 1865, and when the news reached him of the surrender he was under detail as assistant, surgeon. Returning home after the surrender he embarked in agricultural pursuits, and was married on January 23, 1867, to Miss Amanda Brewer, a native of Louisiana, born on June 9, 1847. and educated in the common schools, receiving besides a course of instruction in the seminary at Arcadia. Seven children were born to this marriage, five sons and two daughters: William T. (resides in Bienville Parish, is married, and is an agriculturist,) Mattie D., Allen Drayton (is a farmer and at home), John Clayton, Maggie Elizabeth, Gordon Denton and Madison Floyd. Mr. Perritt has always advocated the principles of Democracy, and although he had the positions of tenure- of office offered to Mm he has wisely and modestly declined. Socially he is a Master Mason, and is also a member of the Farmers' Alliance. He as well as his estimable wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and are active workers in the Sabbath-school. They contribute liberally to all worthy movements. Mr. Perritt is the owner of 240 acres of land, a fine cotton gin, and grist mill valued at 11,500.

He was a resident of Claiborne Parish from 1851 to 1889, and has always been one of the stanch and reliable men of his neighborhood, no matter where his lot has been cast. He is public-spirited, and aims to do all he can to further any good movement. He is the eldest of seven children born to William and Jane (Lloyd) Perritt, the father a native of Jones County, Ga., born on July 17, 1809, and the mother of Alabama, born in 1817. The father was a tiller of the soil, was a participant of the Seminole War, and died at the age of seventy-four years. The mother is still living, is seventy-three years of age, and is still hale and hearty.

Her mother is also living and is now in her ninety-first year. She resides in Lincoln Parish. Onr subject is the eldest of the following children: Henry (married and resides in Claiborne Parish, where he is engaged in cotton planting), Martha (died at the age of two years), Mary (resides in Lincoln Parish, and is the wife of William M. Pierce, a farmer), Delia (resides in Lincoln Parish, and is the widow of John G. Minten, William (married and resides in Claiborne Parish, where he is engaged in farming), Lang L. (married and resides in Claiborne Parish, and is a farmer by occupation), and Julia (resides in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of T. Johnson, a farmer).

James Raborn, cotton planter, Arcadia, La. Mr. Raborn, an energetic and worthy citizen of Bienville Parish, and one of the representative planters in the community, was originally from Mississippi, being born on December 20, 1841. His parents, Sherrod and Sarah (Rippie) Raborn, were natives of Mississippi and Virginia, respectively, the father a planter by vocation. He died at the age of sixty years, but the mother is still living, is a resident of Bienville Parish, and is now eighty-three years of age. Of the nine children born to their marriage, six are now living, and are named in order of birth as follows: Leothe (resides in Bienville, and is the widow of Mr. Derby), Jesse (resides in Indian Territory, and is married), James, Emily (resides in . Texas, and is the wife of Mr. Pierce, who is a planter), Nancy (resides in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of Mr. Blackwood, a farmer, miller and merchant), and Columbus (who is married, and resides in Winn Parish, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits). James Raborn received his early education in the country schools of Louisiana, and when twenty-three years of age he started out as au agriculturist. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Company H, of the Bienville Blues, and was assigned to the Ninth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, under Col. Randolph.

They went to Camp Moore, and from there they were immediately sent to the front to Richmond, Va. His regiment was in the following battles: Fredericksburg, Wilderness, seven days' fight at Richmond, Spotsylvania, Culpepper Court House, three days' battle at Gettysburg, and he acted as sharpshooter at the battle of Antietam. He was at Sharpsburg, Winchester, and at the latter place was wounded in the shoulder by a minie-ball, which is now in his possession. He was confined in the hospital for about six weeks, and when he was convalescent he returned to the service. While in the hospital he was almost famished for something nourishing to eat, and under this pretext he got out and returned to his command.

He was also at the battle of Martinsburg, where 500 of his comrades gave the charging "Tanks" (1,500 strong) so hot a reception that they retreated and left the noble 500. Mr. Raborn was captured at Petersburg, Va., and was taken to Point Lookout, where he was confined for about three months. He was then paroled and returned home, where he resumed his former occupation. In February, 1865, Mr. Raborn was married to Miss Mary Gloer, who was born in Georgia on July 9, 1844, and whose parents were both natives of Georgia. The father was a cotton planter by pursuit, and died when still quite a young man, not being over thirty-two years of age. The mother, Emma (Bostwick) Gloer, is still living, and is seventy-three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Raborn are the parents of four children: T. (resides with her parents, and was educated in the common schools and at Sparta), J. W. (was a student at Arcadia College, but is now attending school at Lexington, Ky.), Lulu May (is fourteen years of age), and Clyde (a daughter, is seven years of age). Mr. Raborn is a stanch Democrat and an active member of that party. He is the owner of 360 acres of land, all the result of hard and honest toil on the part of himself and Mrs. Raborn. They expect to make Bienville Parish their home for the future, and here, surrounded by their many warm friends, they will pass a happy and contented life. Mrs. Raborn is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and her children are all members of the Sunday school.

John Wesley Roberson has been a cotton planter by calling for the past twenty-four years, but during the past few years he has also been the proprietor arid manager of a fine livery stable in Arcadia. He was born in Shelby County, Ala., October 15, 1843, and is the eldest of the following children: J. W., Mary E. (who died at the age of eleven years), George W. (who is married and a leading merchant of Arcadia, see biography), Martha J. (wife of George Glower, an agriculturist), William (a carpenter and joiner of Arcadia), and Adella, wife of William Lolley, a general merchant of Bienville). The father of these children was born in Alabama in 1822, and is still living. He has been a grocer and farmer and is now residing in Arcadia. His wife, who was born in Alabama, is also still living, and both were educated in the select schools of their native State. John Wesley Roberson was an attendant of the common schools during his youth, acquiring a good practical education, and at the age of seventeen years commenced life for himself as a planter, but in the following year enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, and was assigned to the Army of Tennessee, being under Gen. Joe E. Johnston and Gen. Baxton Bragg, and with them participating in the following engagements: Shiloh, Coffeyville, the campaign from Dalton, Ga., to Atlanta; Jonesboro, Franklin and Nashville, where Mr. Roberson was taken prisoner and sent to Louisville, Ky., thence to Indianapolis, Ind., and from there to Columbus, Ohio. Later he was taken to Baltimore, Md., from there to Point Lookout, Md., and then to Richmond, Va., where he was exchanged. At Richmond he was placed on a paroled furlough and was allowed to come west to Selma, Ala., where he remained until the close of the war. He was disbanded sixty miles northeast of Selma and returned home. During his whole military career of four years he was never wounded in the slightest degree and was never sick during the entire service.

His company, which consisted of 104 men, was the first to leave Bienville Parish, but only twenty-four of the number returned to their homes at the end of the war, which facts speak volumes as to the dangers and hardships they passed through during one of the most cruel wars in the annals of modern history. After the return of Mr. Roberson he was married to Miss Mary Jane Brewer, who was born in Louisiana in 1844, to John A. and Delilah (Williams) Brewer, her education being received in the common schools. Their marriage took place on January 18, 1866, and has resulted in the birth of eight children: Edgar C. (who is associated with his father in the livery business), Lena (who is fitting herself for a music teacher), John Henry and Gordie (assisting their father in the livery stable), Hattie, Dallas, Adella (are in Arcadia College), and Mary. Mr. Roberson has always strenuously upheld the principles of Democracy, and east, his first presidential vote for Horatio Seymour. He has been a member of the council of Arcadia for five years, in which capacity he is at present serving.

He is also a member of the board of education, and for many years has been a member of the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife are devout members of the Missionary Baptist Church of Arcadia, La., and are ardent supporters and workers in the Sunday school. Mr. Roberson's livery establishment comprises a full lime of excellent vehicles and horses and is largely patronized by the public who are always sure of having their wishes promptly attended to. This business is worth about $3,000; and besides this he is the owner of a handsome and commodious residence in Arcadia. He and his wife move in the highest circles of the place, and are highly honored residents of this section.

George W. Roberson is a leading merchant of Arcadia, La., and is a brother of John W. Roberson, in whose sketch a history of his parents is given. He was born in Alabama, October 7, 1851, and received his education in the Male Academy of Arcadia, La., and afterward completed a full course in the Soule Business College in the city of New Orleans. He has always supported and befriended all good educational institutions and principles, and is a firm believer in the compulsory education of the rising generation. When he commenced life for himself, it was at the age of eighteen years, and at the bottom of the ladder, for all that he possessed, in the way of capital, was a pair of willing hands, au industrious disposition and good business tact, with which to accomplish the journey through life. He first became a salesman in a general store in Arcadia, and afterward followed the same occupation for two years in Corsicana, Tex., then returned home on account of ill health, soon after engaging in business for himself, on the Ouachita River, at Trenton, but in 1883 established his present business in Arcadia, in partnership with J. L, Baker, who is now one of his associates in business. They commenced operations in a wooden structure 30 x 75 feet, and in 1887 erected on the former site an excellent and commodious brick establishment 33 x 90 feet, which they are now occupying. Their trade extends throughout the parishes of Bienville, Claiborne, Winn, and some from Lincoln. They are liberal purchasers, and have at all times watched the interests and wants of their many patrons, and at all times carry a full line of prints, domestics, boots and shoes, in fact all kinds of dry goods, besides groceries and queens ware, and have been engaged in purchasing considerable cotton. These gentlemen are well known as men of integrity and sterling worth, and fully deserve the large patronage which they command.

Mr. Roberson was married in May, 1881, to Miss Willie Williamson, who was born in Bienville Parish, La., in 1862, her education being received in Mount Lebanon College. They have three daughters: Blanche (aged seven years, an attendant of the Arcadia Academy), Leonie (aged five years) and Georgia (aged three years). Mr. Roberson has always been a Democrat, and has endeavored, at all times, to vote for men of principle and honor, his first presidential vote being cast for Horace Greeley. He is a member of Arcadia Lodge of the A. F . & A. M., in which he is a Master Mason, and for the past ten years he has been an ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, being one of the stewards in the same. He is very well fixed, financially, and he and his partner, besides owning the large business building which they occupy, own the Arcadia State Bank Building, and a valuable vacant lot. Mr. Roberson has a pleasant and commodious dwelling house, and besides is considerably interested in real estate in the parish. He and his wife expect to make Arcadia their future home, where she is an earnest member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and both are highly esteemed.

William C. Robinson, M. A., is at present a member of the faculty of Mount Lebanon University, at Mount Lebanon, La., and holds the chair of ancient languages and mathematics. He was born in the Old Dominion, April 25, 1861, and was second of a family of seven children born to Robert H. and Virginia A. (Vaughan) Robinson, both natives of Virginia. The father is still living, and is engaged in farming. The mother received her final summons at the age of forty years. Their children are named in the order of the births as follows: Mary (married, and resides in Sussex County, Va.), William C , John E. (resides in Virginia), Annie T. (resides at home), George N. (aged fourteen), Nettie and Alice May (deceased). Prof. Robinson was educated by private tutors and in the public schools until he was sixteen years of age, after which he taught school until nineteen years of age In 1881 he entered Richmond College, received a .finished education, and graduated in 1887. The course of study was a severe and rigid one, and his rank was high in his scholastic work. As before stated, Frof. Robinson started out for himself as a teacher when sixteen years of age, and with no financial aid to assist in his career. He was married December 24, 1888, to Miss Etta A. Moore, a native of Virginia, born April 18, 1879, a graduate of Hollin's Female Institute, Va. Prof. Robinson and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, in Virginia.

The Professor is a ripe scholar, and a gentleman of great erudition. He expects to devote his entire life to teaching, and his version of a true teacher is a pure and exalted one. He has received such a thorough education, that he can be called upon to take any department of school work, with credit to himself and his college. He has been connected with Mount Lebanon University since September, 1890, and thinks he may possibly remain in Louisiana as a teacher.

Herman F. Scheen, merchant, Sparta, La. Mr. Scheen is one of the substantial and leading merchants of Sparta, in fact, in Bienville Parish, La., and as such, needs no special introduction to the residents of the same. He has been a resident merchant of Sparta since 1871, is doing an excellent business, which is constantly on the increase, and is a gentleman highly honored and respected in the community. He is a native of Hanover, Germany, was born near the city of Osnabruck, Prussia, February 8, 1852, and is the eldest of seven children, who all reside in the United States, except one sister, who still lives in Germany.

Mr. Herman F. Scheen was educated in the common schools, and increased this by hard and studious application, which has fitted him for the practical life he is at present leading. When twenty years of age he started out for himself, as salesman in a general store, and although he started with little else than an active and fertile brain, and excellent business tact and acumen, he has made a complete success of life, and is, to day, one of the substantial men of the parish. Miss Maggie Lockett, who became his wife November 18, 1880, was born in Louisiana, and was possessed of a fine classical education, being a graduate of Ringgold High School. To this marriage have been born three children, a son and two daughters, only one now living, Marie Louise (aged six years). Mr. Scheen lost his wife in 1886, and later, on February 15, 1887, he was married to Miss Mattie Gowen, a native of Louisiana, born in 1863, and a graduate of Arcadia High School. Two children have been born to this union, a son and daughter: Louise Virginia and Freddie Gowen, the former two years and a half old, and the latter ten months.

Mr. Scheen is a Simon-pure Democrat, in principle and precept, has taken an active part in political affairs, and has stood firmly upon the principles of right and justice. He was chairman of the executive committee (Democratic party), from 1884 to 1888, and was also president of the police jury for the full term, besides tilling out an unexpired term. He was postmaster at Sparta for several years, and take him all in all, he is one of the useful and progressive men of his parish. He is public-spirited, and aims to do all in his power to advance the interests of his people and parish. In his business relations his word is as good as his bond, and is recognized as such. His annual sales amount to from $15,000 to $20,000, which demonstrates that he is wide awake to his interests, as a shrewd, capable man of business. He is also the owner of a large amount of real estate, besides being the owner of property in Sparta. He expects, at the present writing, to reside in Bienville Parish, where his interests are centered, and where he is held in high esteem and regard. He is a member of the Catholic, and his wife a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Scheen has made all he has by strict business principles, honesty and integrity.

Prof. Robert Augustus Smith, the efficient and popular president of the E. A. S. Male College, of Arcadia, La., was born in Houston County, Ga., January 22, 1841, and in the fall of 1848 was brought to Bienville Parish, La., by his parents, Capt. Jesse and Emily Antoinette (Bryan) Smith, and in this State has since made his home, having been a resident of Ouachita, Claiborne and Bienville Parishes. He was the fourth child and second son of a family of nine daughters and six sons born to his parents, and as his father was a successful planter, he acquired a fair knowledge of that calling in his youth. Prof. Smith received a very liberal education, completing the junior course at the Mount Lebanon University, but at the age of eighteen years entered Centenary College. In the meantime his father had taken an active interest in the establishing of Homer College, in the northern portion of the State, and prevailed upon his son to enter the new institution in 1859, which he did, remaining there and completed his education on the eve of the great Civil War between the North and the South. Like the majority of sons, Prof. Smith imbibed the politics of his father, who was a conservative man, and in reply to the query of his son as to how he stood upon the question of secession, said: " My son, I am for the Union so long as there is a Union, then I am for my State."

Again, as to his son enlisting in the army, he said: " Our country is in war, it is our duty to defend her to the last." His parting words to his son, who enlisted in the Confederate States army, in May, after graduating in April, 1861, were: "My son, be a man." These words burned into the very soul of Prof. Smith, and sustained him in danger's darkest hour. In June, 1861, he became a member of Company G, "Minden Blues," under Capt. John L. Lewis, as a private, his regiment, the Eighth, being under Col. Kelly, and his brigade, the Second Louisiana, being under Gen. Harry T. Hayes. He was in the first battles of the Potomac army, Bull Run, July 18, and Manasses, July 21, 1801. Immediately after the last named battle he was stricken with typhoid fever, which lasted seven weeks, but by the kind treatment of the noble Virginian women, he recovered and enjoyed the best of health the rest of his army life. The following winter he re-enlisted in the Confederate army, and came home on a furlough, but returned again to his command in April, 1862. He was elected to the position of second sergeant, and was transferred with his brigade to Jackson's division, in the Valley of Virginia. In this department he remained, participating in all the marches and engagements up to the second battle of Manasses, where he received a gun-shot wound in the left hand, August 27, 1862, which incapacitated him for duty for some time, being in the hospital at Lynchburg, Va. He then obtained a transfer to White Sulphur Springs, Va., where he obtained a furlough, reaching home December 3, 1862, just in time to witness the death of his father, who died at 12:15 o'clock, December 4. After settling up his father's estate, and placing a man in charge, the Professor crossed the river at Natchez, and joined his command at Hamilton's Cross Roads, Va., in April, 1863, to join the campaign into Pennsylvania.

At the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, he was pierced through the body with a minie-ball, which, passing into the region of the spine, paralyzed him for three months. He was taken prisoner and taken to David's Island, N. Y., July 20, where he remained, receiving the kindest treatment, until he was sufficiently recovered to be paroled. He was sent south, to City Point, a paroled soldier, November 12, 1803, and from there was sent to the hospital at Macon, Ga. While on parole in Pulaski County, Ga., he met Miss Anna Gertrude Dunham, a daughter of Judge J. H. Dunham, a well known educator in the State of Georgia, whom he married November 22, 1866. In February, 1864, he was exchanged, but remained on detailed service till August, 1864, when he was transferred to the west side of the Mississippi River, where he was engaged in attending to the business of his mother, and teaching his brothers and sisters and the neighbors children, until the close of the war. In the fall of 1866 he returned to Georgia, and was married as stated above. Until 1872 he remained on the farm, managing his father's estate and teaching school, but March 20 of that year, the old homestead, to which the entire family had become greatly attached, caught fire and was burned to the ground, which was an almost total loss. In the fall of 1872, having been selected to take charge of the Male College at Mount Lebanon, he gave up farm work and has since devoted his time to teaching.

In 1873 the female school was united with the male, under his presidency, and this he managed with great success for four years, when he was elected president of the Trenton Institute, at Trenton, La. After two years he was elected president of Homer Male College his former alma mater, of which he had control for four years, then becoming superintendent of the public schools of the city of Monroe, La. The next year, 1882, he again had charge of the Trenton Institute, but in 1883 he moved to Arcadia, and founded a private institution, which he named and dedicated to the honor of his aged mother, the " E. A. Seminary," the initials representing his mother's first names.

This institution he maintained under the most trying circumstances and bitter opposition from another school. In 1890 the two schools were united under one management, and he became the president of the E. A. S. Male College. Nurtured and trained by God-fearing parents, he grew up a moral and religious man, joining, at the age of fourteen years, the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of which he has since been a devoted member, taking au active part in all church work, especially that of the Sunday school. Having devoted his life to the cause of education, he very early became sensible of the greatness and grandeur of the work in which he was engaged, and he became fully impressed that au education that stopped short of immortality was not of the highest kind. Teaching by example and precept, his success as an educator has been unprecedented, and now honorable positions in every department of life are filled by his many pupils. Farmers, doctors, lawyers, preachers, missionaries and teachers bear testimony to his ability as an educator. In 1865 he was admitted to the lodge of Free Masonry, and for six years served as master of his lodge, and three years as high priest of his chapter. In 1883 he also became a member of the order A. L. of H. He has always been conservative in politics, and while he has never taken an active part in the management of affairs, he has always been to the polls and voted for good and true men. He is a strong advocate of temperance, and never fails to cast his vote against the whisky traffic, whenever an opportunity presents itself.

He is opposed to the lottery also, and, in fact, all kinds of gambling, and has never engaged in any game of chance. To himself and wife a tine family of nine children have been born, five sons and two daughters of whom are now living, and while there are no geniuses among them, they are all sound and well balanced in mind and body, and give every promise of making useful and substantial men and women. Their names are: lone (born July 10, 1808), an infant son (born and died August 11, 1870), Claude (born November 7, 1871), Dunham (born September 27, 1873), Robert (born December 21, 1875, and died April 20, 1880), Anna (born December 29, 1877), Carter (born June 7, 1880), Morgan (born October 21, 1882), and Walker (born November 23, 1880). The eldest two children are preparing themselves for teaching. The mother of these children was the eldest of her parents nine children, and as her father was a noted educator of Georgia, and had been for more than thirty years, she received the care and training that a loving parent would bestow upon his firstborn.

Her education, literary and musical, was liberal and so well grounded that it has always remained bright, and has enabled her to render valuable aid to her husband in the school-room. Her musical attainments have added much to the pleasure and entertainment of her husband and children, and has wielded a potent influence in cementing the ties of affection, and in binding the hearts of the children to their parents and home. James L. Stewart cotton planter and farmer, Arcadia, La. Mr. Stewart has been a resident of Bienville Parish, La., since 1859, and is recognized as one of the stalwart and representative men of the same. His honesty and integrity have never been doubted, and his genial, social disposition has shed its light over many. He was born in Jackson County, Florida, the land of flowers, on September 27, 1827. His parents, James and Sarah (Tucker) Stewart, were natives of South Carolina and Georgia, and born in 1795 and 1790, respectively. The father was a stock-raiser and an agriculturist, and lived to be ninety-one years of age. The mother died in May, 1890. They were educated in the primitive log school house of former days.

Their children are named in the order of their births as follows: Mary T. (deceased, married and was the owner of a large amount of laud in Texas), Lucinda (resides in Lincoln Parish, and became the wife of S. P. Sutton, deceased, who was a fine scholar and a successful agriculturist), Sarah J. (deceased), James L. (resides in Bienville Parish) and Candis (resides in Lincoln Parish and is single). Mr. Stewart received the principal part of his education by the light of the ' 'pine knot,'' when he would spend a considerable portion of each evening poring over his books. In this manner he fitted himself in an admirable manner for the arduous duties of life, and is an example of industry and perseverance, which any young man would do well to follow. He is a gentleman who has been familiar with toil and hard work from an early age, for he started out in life with nothing but a pair of willing hands and an unusual amount of perseverance. After two years spent on the farm he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and this continued for almost twenty years. He was married on October 11, 1849, to Miss Lovey I. Wise, a native of Alabama, born in 1829, and who was reared and educated among the Indians. Her father, Ezekiel Wise, was a native of the Old Dominion and was a farmer. The mother, whose maiden name was Winifred Bullock, was a native of Georgia. Both are deceased.

To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been born seven children, four living and three deceased. Those living are: E. T. (married and resides in Bienville Parish, where he is engaged as a farmer and a tanner), Selesta L. (resides in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of T. J. Land, who is a first-class farmer), Ada C. (resides in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of T. G. Johnson, a farmer), and Willie D. (who resides with his parents, and is an agriculturist by occupation). He is well educated in the common branches. During the war Mr. Stewart was the only one in his parish who had au independent detail, which was an honorary title, and a position which was an arduous and important one. Mr. Stewart has always been a Simon-pure Democrat, and his first presidential vote was cast for James K. Polk. He, with his worthy wife, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal. Church South, and Mr. Stewart has been superintendent in the Sunday school for almost five years. He has also filled the same position in the home schools for three years. He has been remarkably punctual in his Sunday school work, and was the organizer and founder of the Sunday school in Arcadia. He asserts this fact, that during the years from 1885 to 1890, the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school increased from ninety-seven to 200 pupils, and during that time but three of the pupils have died, which is a remarkable record. Mr. Stewart is the owner of 270 acres of good land, and is one of the public spirited citizens of the community.

John B. Talbert is the newly elected cashier of the Arcadia State Bank of Arcadia, La. He was born in Louisiana, May 15, 1856, but during the war was with his mother in Drew County, Ark., being the eldest of five children born to his parents. The next in order of birth was A. A., who was married but died at the ago of twenty-eight years, a widower; he was a merchant in Simsboro, La., being the junior member of Hays, Trussell & Co., which was a well-known firm. The next member of the family was Laura A., wife of John Ponder, a cotton planter of Simsboro, La. Then followed Liller, wife of W. M. Smith, an extensive agriculturist of Vienna, La., and Franklin D., who is a telegrapher in the employ of the V. S. & P. E. E., at Shreveport, La.; he was at one time professor of telegraphy and typewriting in Mount Lebanon College. The father of this family was born in Alabama, and for the past twenty-five years has been a Baptist minister. He resides at present at Simsboro. He was married in 1869 to Mrs. Steward, his second wife, a native of Louisiana, who still lives.' The early education of Mr. Talbert was sadly neglected, principally on account of the Civil War, but at the age of sixteen years he commenced to climb the hill of knowledge, and as he always made it a point to post himself thoroughly on the general topics of the day, is now a well informed and intelligent man.

He was largely assisted by his devoted mother, whom Mr. Talbert remembers with love and respect. At the above mentioned age (sixteen), he began going to school, and by persistent effort he received a sufficient amount of learning to enable him to teach school, finally entering the State University of Louisiana, at Baton Rouge in 1877, taking the scientific course. He remained in this institution two sessions, but during all his previous study he had also been a devoted student, and is now reaping his just reward for his many years of painstaking labor. When he left the University of Louisiana, he took Horace Greeley's advice and went to seek his fortune in the far West, and during a five years' residence in the " wilds " was engaged in civil engineering and teaching school. He visited Western Texas, Colorado, Washington, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Kansas and Nebraska, after which he returned home. He was during his thirteen months of consecutive travel engaged in civil engineering, his experience during this time being of great benefit to him, for he obtained a knowledge of human nature which no books could give him.

After his return to Louisiana in 1884, he began clerking in a store in Monroe, but at the end of two and a half years he came to Arcadia and became a clerk in the extensive mercantile business of A. L. Atkins, while there receiving the position of traveling salesman for the extensive dry goods house of Hargadine & McKittrick, to represent them throughout the State at a large salary, which position he accepted. He was married on November 17, 1889, to Mrs. Euth Gladney, she being a talented and highly educated lady, a graduate of Female Seminary of New Orleans, and of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Mr. Talbert is a stanch Democrat, and socially is a member of the Blue Lodge of the A. P. & A. M. of Arcadia, and the K. of P. He is a Missionary Baptist and his wife is a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church, she as well as her husband, being an earnest worker in the Sunday school. This short sketch of the career of Mr. Talbert will be read with much interest, from the simple fact that he commenced the journey of life at the lowest round of the ladder, without a dollar and scarcely any education, and by his own perseverance has attained a high social as well as business position.

The positions of honor and trust which he now fills, are symbols of his persistency in reaching the desired goal, that of honor and sincerity of purpose. He is interested in merchandising in Arcadia, and is treasurer of the Louisiana State Land Company, which has a capital of $100,000, and he is the honored cashier of the Arcadia State Bank. He and his wife have a beautiful home, and are surrounded with everything to make life comfortable and happy. He was largely instrumental in organizing the above mentioned bank, and through his individual efforts the $30,000 was subscribed, the bank opening its doors to the public September 15, 1890, for which the thanks of the public is due to Mr. Talbert. Francis Marion Thornhill, M. D., Arcadia, La. Dr. Thornhill is a man of decided intellectual ability, is ever ready to obey the call of all classes, and is in truth a physician of thorough learning and experience. He was born in Caldwell Parish, La., September 10,1850, and was third of a family of seven children, six sons and one daughter, who are named as follows: A. G. (married and resides in Texas, where he is engaged in farming), Joseph J. (deceased), Francis M., J. C. (married and resides in Texas, where he is also engaged in agricultural pursuits), Louisa (married Orin O. Gray, who is a farmer of Caldwell Parish), W. H. (resides in Caldwell Parish), C. P. (is the youngest and also a resident of the last-named parish).

The father of these children was a native of Mississippi, born in 1810, was fairly well educated, and is now a successful agriculturist. The mother, whose maiden name was Matilda Blackburn, was also born in the Bayou State, and was educated in the common schools. She is also living. Dr. Thornhill received the rudiments of an education in the common schools, and then attended academy about two years before commencing to read medicine under Dr. C. C. Meredith, at Columbia, La., in the fall of 1868. There he remained until 1870, and in October of that year he entered Tulane Medical College now, but at that time it was called the University of Louisiana.

There he completed the full course of medicine in this far-famed institution, which has a national reputation, graduating in a class of seventy-five in March, 1872. He then at once began practicing at his home in Columbia, La., and remained there in 1882, during the noted flood year, when the whole surface of the parish was under water. There he established a large and extensive practice, but not a paying one, so he wisely changed his base of operations and located in Arcadia, La., in 1882. Here the Doctor has resided since, and he stands to-day, not only one of the leading physicians, but a liberal-minded, public-spirited citizen. The Doctor was married, January 26, 1874, to Miss Anna Meredith, a native of Caldwell Parish, La., who was educated in the female seminary. Only one child was born to this union and that died in infancy. Dr. Thornhill has always been a Democrat in politics, but he has never been a bitter partisan. He has aimed to support men of principle and honor. He is one of the directors of the Arcadia State National Bank, and is a man full of energy and determination. He is a Master Mason of Arcadia Lodge. Like a few others of the prominent men of Arcadia Dr. Thornhill started out in life for himself with limited means, but he had the push and determination to succeed in whatever he undertook, and he now has a large and lucrative practice. He also has a full line of drugs, and is doing well in this business. He is a land owner, and is not only the owner of his residence property, but owns his place of business as well. Mrs. Thornhill is a member of the Baptist Church in Arcadia, La.

Jesse Moore Tilly is still another of the successful and substantial citizens of the parish who were originally from Georgia, his birth occurring July 12, 1825. His parents, William and Hannah S. (Moore) Tilly, were natives of Georgia and North Carolina, and born in 1798 and 1800, respectively. The lather was born in Burke County, and was a physician and surgeon. He died when sixty-five years of age, and his widow at the age of ninety. Of their children, thirteen in number, eight are now living: Jesse M., William M. (is a professional educator, and has taught for twenty-five years in one house; he is married and resides in Alabama), Z. D. (is married and resides in Bienville Parish, where he is engaged in farming), A. C. (married, and resides in Arcadia), N. A. (married, and resides in Texas, where he is engaged in farming), A. S. (makes his home in Bienville Parish), Benjamin W. (is a farmer by occupation, and resides with his family in Bienville Parish), Martha B. (married to Rev. P. A. Fuller and lives in Texas), and Caroline M. T. (married to a farmer, J. P. McCoy, and resides in Bienville Parish). Mr. Jesse Moore Tilly received a fair education in the private schools of Georgia, and by his own self application. He is an earnest and sincere friend of education, and is a gentleman well posted on all the current topics of the day.

He began life for himself at the age of twenty years, as a school teacher, and filled that position for a number of years. He subsequently embarked in merchandising, as salesman and bookkeeper, and finally to merchandising on his own responsibility; was engaged in this for some time, and as he has had to depend on his own individual efforts for support, he has had a varied experience in the details of life. What he has accumulated is the result of his own honesty, perseverance and hard labor. To his wife, formerly Miss E. J. McKee, a native of Mississippi, he was married in September, 1854 and they have one son, Lemidas, who resides in Bienville Parish. After the death of his wife, Mr. Tilly married Mrs. Elizabeth Durbin (Gordie), a native of Alabama, in September, 1867, and six children have blessed this union: Mattie L., Martha J. J., Carrie B., Paul F., William J. M. and Benjamin W. During the Civil War Mr. Tilly enlisted in Company H., Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, and was on detailed service, manufacturing salt, during the whole war, at Price's Salt Works, in Winn Parish.

When he left the service he was almost bankrupt, and he at once began farming, which occupation he has continued successfully ever since. He is a Democrat in politics, and is president of the Farmers' Union or Alliance of Bienville Parish, La., his deepest attention being directed toward the interests of this most worthy organization. He is the recognized leader in all grand movements which are fraught with good for the farmers. On April 13, 1880, the subordinate branch in his home vicinity was organized and he was chosen president, and in June of that year he was installed as president of the parish union, which position he holds with credit to himself and the people. This organization is in direct sympathy with all farmers, and, in fact, all civilians, whose interests are the interests of the people at large. The secret of the organization is "By the People and for the People." The Alliance is in quite a flourishing condition, and is constantly adding to its members. Mr. Tilly is a gentleman well fitted for his position, for he is well posted upon all topics relative to the organization. He and Mrs. Tilly are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, at Bear Creek Society, and are esteemed citizens.

James W. Tooke, parish clerk, Sparta, La. Like many other representative citizens of Bienville Parish, Mr. Tooke owes his nativity to Georgia, his birth occurring May 22, 1834, and was thoroughly educated in the Collingsworth Institute, Talbot County, Ga. When twenty-two years of age he started out as an agriculturist, and was married December 14, 1859, to Miss Mary B. Smith, a native of Georgia, who died December 14, 1800, leaving one child, Walker. This child died at the age of twenty-five years. Mr. Tooke left his farm to enter the Confederate army, enlisting in Company B, Arcadia Invineibles, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, under Col. Thomas Scott.

This regiment was ordered to Columbus, Ky., where Mr. Tooke and three of his comrades joined it. He was in the following engagements: Second battle of Corinth, Champion's Hill, Jackson, and numerous other engagements and skirmishes. Mr. Tooke was detailed as commissary, and was also in the quartermaster's department. He was in constant service for about four years, and during that time never made a visit home. After returning from the war, he resumed his former occupation, and this has been his chief calling in life. He was married, the second time, March 20, 1808, to Mrs. Nannie L. McDonald, a native of Georgia, and one son was born to this union, Burt (who was educated in Mount Lebanon University, and who is now a successful farmer). Mrs. Tooke died June 12, 1871, and Mr. Tooke was married to Miss Sarah C. Bell, a native also of Georgia, born in 1848, their nuptials being celebrated November 20, 1874. The fruits of this union were the births of seven children, four sons and three daughters: J. W., Gussie B., Charles Emery, Thomas Bell, Mary A., Jessie M. and Casper. In his early political life Mr. Tooke was a Whig, and since the Rebellion he has been a stalwart Democrat. He has not been an active politician until recently, and his aim is at all times to support men of principle and integrity.

He is at present, the parish clerk of Bienville Parish, La., being elected to that important office in 1888, and has filled that position in an able and efficient manner. He is a prominent man in the parish, and has tilled many positions of trust, among which are deputy assessor, deputy registrar, clerk of registration, deputy clerk of the district court and deputy tax collector. He also held the office of magistrate for seven years, prior to filling his present position. He has been closely allied with the interests of the parish for years, and is a valuable man in the history of the same. He, as well as his estimable wife, is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Mr. Tooke is Sunday school superintendent of his home school. He has been a resident of Bienville Parish since 1854, and here expects to pass the remainder of his days, among the many who respect and esteem him. He is one of nine children, four now living, named in order of birth, born to his parents, James Jefferson and Sarah (Wimberley) Tooke, natives of Georgia, and born in 1811 and 1814, respectively: James W. (our subject), T. A. (resides in Homer, La., and is a mechanic; he is married), John F. (is married, and is engaged in planting in Mount Lebanon), and Fannie E. (resides in Florida, and is the wife of George E. Walker, a general merchant). Both parents are now deceased, and both were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Thaddeus A. Walker, merchant, Gibsland, La., The parents of Mr. Walker, William G. and Missouri F. (Candler) Walker, were natives of Georgia and both are now deceased. The father was a cotton planter by vocation. Their family consisted of four children, three sons and one daughter, who are here named in order of their birth: Eugene (deceased), Augusta C. (resides in Bienville Parish, but is now transiently at Montana; she married William H. Todd, formerly a merchant but now a journalist), Thaddeus A. (subject of this sketch), and George Love (deceased). Thaddeus A. Walker was born in Harris County, Ga., on May 16, 1848, but was early taught the duties of the farm in Louisiana, where he was reared. His early educational training commenced by private instructions in the Mount Lebanon University, and this has fitted him for the practical life he is leading as a merchant. When but eighteen years of age he started out for himself with but little capital to commence the voyage of life upon, but he has persevered and is today one of the substantial and prosperous men of the parish. He was married on April .13,1876, to Miss Winnie A. Prothro, a native of Louisiana, who was educated in the Mount Lebanon College, near Gibsland. They are the parents of six children, five daughters and one son: Gussie W. (aged thirteen, and is attending the Gibsland College), Pearl (aged twelve is also attending that, school), Thaddeus A. Jr. (aged ten years, attending school), Angle (died at the age of ten months), Viola G. (aged seven years), and Irma C. (aged four years).

Mr. Walker is a stanch Democrat in his political principles, and has been a member of the police jury in Bienville Parish for four years, which is one of the most important positions in the parish. In 1888 Mr. Walker was the motor power in the erection of the Gibsland Collegiate Institution, and had the building upon and under his personal supervision. After the main part was done his work was transferred to the Methodists of Homer District. This is a monument in the life of Mr. Walker which will ever be as a landmark of the devoted work to his country in the great and noble cause of local education. For two years Mr. . Walker was a member of the town council of Gibsland, La. He is a Master Mason of Mount Lebanon Lodge, and was master of the lodge. He has been in the general merchandising business in Gibsland since 1885, and he is one of the leading merchants of the place. He carries a full line of goods, and by his pleasant agreeable manner, coupled with his strict honesty, has won a large and increasing business. He is also the owner of considerable land in Bienville and Claiborne Parishes.

James Payne White, cotton planter, Arcadia, La. Among the prominent industries of Louisiana that of cotton planting has ever taken a leading place, and among those intimately and extensively engaged in this pursuit is the subject of this sketch. Mr. White was born in Georgia, on August 24, 1836, and was one of the eleven children who are now named in the order of their births: Amanda (resides in Claiborne Parish, and is the wife of S. J. Shaw a planter), Nancy (resides in Claiborne Parish, and is the widow of Mr. Medirt, who was a planter), William (resides in Claiborne Parish, married and is a planter), Augustus (married, and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Claiborne Parish), Elijah (married, and is also engaged in farming in Claiborne Parish), Mathias (married, and engaged in tilling the soil in Bienville Parish), Minerva (resides in Claiborne Parish, and is the wife of Mr. Watson), and John (who is married and engaged in farming in Claiborne Parish). One child is deceased. The father of these children was a native of Georgia, and was. au agriculturist all his life. He died at the age of seventy-eight years.

The mother, whose maiden name was Martha Tubberville, was also born in Georgia, and is now living at the advanced age of seventy-seven years. Mr. White received his early education under difficulties for he had not only to go five miles to school, traveling back and forth each day, but school was kept in an old log cabin without even a-floor. He started out for himself at the age of eighteen years and on November 28, 1859, he was married to Miss Celina Winsted, who was born in Georgia, in April, 1839, and was educated in the common schools. They became the parents of seven children: Martha A. (died at the age of nineteen years), Eladisia (died at the age of sixteen years), Willie D. (resides with his parents, and is a farmer and miller by trade), J. P. (is also with his parents), Marcus P. (aged nineteen years, resides with his parents), Minnie Lee (died at the age of six years), and Shelton Eugene (who died at the age of four years. The living children, who are all sons, were well educated in Arcadia Academy.

During the unpleasantness between the North and South Mr. White enlisted in Company D., Capt. Randall's company, and was assigned to the Fifth Louisiana Cavalry Trans-Mississippi Department. He was detailed to act on duty in the commissary and quartermaster's department, and served from 1862 until the close of the war, and during that time was never off duty. He wore the gray with honor to himself and the confederacy. After being discharged at the close of service, he returned to his home and began over again with very little to start with. He however had the determination and grit to persevere and today we find him one of the substantial men of the parish. In politics he has always adhered to the Democratic party in principle and precept. He has been tendered parish offices by his people, but has declined the position from the fact, that a successful farmer can not successfully attend to two things at once. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and was superintendent of the Sunday school for three years, during which time the school was said to be in the most flourishing condition of any in Louisiana. Mr. White is a gentleman who has done a power of good for his community as a Christian. Mrs. White is a devout member of the Missionary Baptist Church. They are the owners of 630 acres of. land, and they also have a ginning, sawing and grist plant valued at $1,800. Mr. White is public spirited, and is one of the representative citizens of Bienville Parish. His word is respected by all.

Dr. George Franklin Wilson, physician and surgeon, Sparta, La., is one of the class of men singled out by nature to show what a man can do when he sets his mind upon accomplishing a certain object. He is a self-made man, and what he has won in the way of this world's goods, and personal achievements is wholly due to his own good fighting qualities. He secured a good practical education in the common schools of Alabama (his birth occurring in Butler, Choctaw County, of that State on October 4, 1861), and he first studied medicine under his uncle, Dr. E. F. Moody, who was one of the most successful and eminent physicians in that part of Alabama, continuing with him two years. He then entered the Alabama Medical College, at Mobile in 1885, and graduated from the same on March 29, 1889. As before inferred, he started out in life at the foot of the ladder and without any visible means of obtaining his education. In order to accomplish the desire of his life he labored on the farm for $10 per month in order to pursue his studies, and by his indomitable will, energy and determination he finally graduated, or finished his education with credit to himself and friends.

Directly afterward he commenced the practice of medicine at Sparta, La. (1889), and here he resides at the present, time. He has established a lucrative and increasing practice, and has the full confidence of his patrons and the community. On December 26, 1889, Miss Lorena Mills, a native of Alabama, born in 1866, became his wife. The Doctor is a stanch Democrat, and has never been an ultra politician. He has aimed to support men whose honesty and integrity are unquestioned, and as deemed best. He is a public-spirited citizen, and does all in his power to advance the interests of his people and parish. He is a Master Mason and a member of Sparta Lodge No. 108. The Doctor and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and they are deeply interested in Sunday school work. They have always contributed liberally of their means to all benevolent purposes, which were worthy of their consideration. The Doctor, as a professional man, has kept thoroughly posted in his medical profession as well as the current topics of the day, and it is a principle of his to perfect his work and calling more and more. Since his residence in Sparta he has had phenomenal success in several departments of his practice.

He is an aspiring young gentleman, and expects to take a post-graduate course at Bellevue Medical College, at New York City, which is the ne plus ultra of all aspiring physicians and surgeons. He and Mrs. Wilson expect to make their home in Bienville Parish, where the Doctor is held in high esteem, not only on account of his successful career as a physician, but for his social qualities. The Doctor's parents, John Thomas and Martha C. (Moody) Wilson, are natives of Alabama, and are now residents of that State. The father is a successful farmer, has been identified with the parish's interests as commissioner, and is now about fifty-two years of age. The mother is also living and is forty-nine years of age. She was well educated in Judson Female College, at Marion, Ala. Of the four children born to their union, three sons and one daughter, Dr. Wilson is the eldest in order of birth, William M. (resides in Alabama, and is engaged in tilling the soil), Roberta (died at the age of sixteen years), and Thomas Moody (is nine years of age and is residing in Alabama).

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