Claiborne Parish, Louisiana History and Genealogy
Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
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Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana Index
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Col. Thomas W. Poole, commissioner of immigration, post office 60 St. Charles Street, New Orleans, La. This distinguished gentleman is a native of Alabama, and has reached his present honorable position through sheer force of character and intellect. His birth occurred in Perry County, of that State, in August, 1832, his father being William H. Poole, a native of North Carolina, and his mother, Miss Sarah Johnson, daughter of Starling Johnson. William H. Poole moved from North Carolina at an early day, and settled in Alabama, where he engaged in farming and in the practice of medicine, and where he reared a large family. He made two large plantations in Union County, Ark., and there died, having lived an honorable and useful life. He had formerly served in one of the early Indian wars. He moved to Arkansas about 1843, and died about 1852, his widow surviving him until about 1860. Col. Poole is the only survivor of the family of three sons and nine daughters, and grew to the age of eighteen years in Union County, Ark. He received a superior education from accomplished teachers in the higher English branches, mathematics and languages.

After having taught a short time, he came, in 1851, to Claiborne Parish, and engaged in clerking for his brother, and later engaged in business for himself, in Lisbon, but soon moved to Vienna, Jackson Parish, where he resided until the war. He enlisted in the Confederate service in 1862; was elected captain of Company I, which had 176 men; marched to Monroe, where he assisted in organizing the regiment; was elected major of the same, and entered the regular Confederate service in the Trans-Mississippi Department. At the battle of Mansfield, La., he led his regiment, and for conspicuous gallantry was promoted to the colonelcy of his regiment. He participated in other important engagements: Burwich Bayou, Pleasant Hill, Yellow Bayon (at which latter battle his regiment brought on the engagement), Camp Bisland, Franklin (La.), Bayon Fordash, and numerous important skirmishes. During the war he was neither wounded nor taken prisoner, and at the battle of Mansfield his sword and pistol were shot from his side.

After the war he engaged in merchandising, in Jackson Parish for several years, then sold out, and moved to Carbondale, Ill., but after eight months returned to Homer, La., continuing in business, but after several years, engaged in general stock trading. in September, 1888, under a commission from Gov. Nichols, he took charge of the office of commissioner of immigration, and has done very important service in bringing the resources of the State to the attention of immigrants. His great energy, liberal views, broad mind and congenial character have given him a wide and deserved reputation throughout the State as a public servant. In 1854 he married Miss Elizabeth Wilder, a native of Alabama, and daughter of William H. Wilder; this lady died about the year 1882, after having presented her husband with seven children, of whom only two are living: C. E. Poole (of Homer), and L. E. (wife of L. E. Kemp, of Mexia, Tex.). He married his present wife, Mrs. M. H. Lee, at Arcadia, in December, 1889, she being a native of Alabama, and the daughter of Dr. Hunter, a prominent physician and planter. Col. Poole is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a pronounced anti-lottery man, and is using his great energy and influence to suppress this powerful institution in the State.

Hon. Thomas Price is a native of the State in which he is now residing, his birth occurring in what is now Bienville Parish, October 2, 1829, a son of John Price, a native of Georgia, who came to Louisiana when a young man, and was married to Miss Catherine Andrews, a native of Arkansas. Mr. Price opened a farm here, and resided in this parish until 1851, at which date he removed to Texas, and there passed from life in 1856, his widow surviving him. several years. Thomas remained with his father in this parish until he attained manhood, but in 1849 made the overland trip with him to California in search of gold.

They were eight months in reaching their destination, and .after spending about the same length of time in the gold mines of the west, they came to the conclusion that the wealth, if there, was not for them, and returned home by the Pacific and Central America route to the Gulf of Mexico, which they crossed to New Orleans, thence up the river to their home. Mr. Price was married in 1852 to Miss Martha J. Kirkpatrick, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of Thomas J. and Ann Kirkpatrick, and soon after engaged in farming, a calling he followed for several years, but which he put aside in 1862 to swell the ranks of the Confederate Army, becoming a member of Company G, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry as orderly sergeant in June, 1863. He was promoted to captain of his company, and served in that capacity until the war was over.

He participated in a number of important engagements, among which may be mentioned: Baker's Creek, Peach Tree Creek, second battle of Corinth, and Franklin, Tenn., but was also in a number of engagements of lesser importance, and numerous skirmishes. During one engagement he was wounded in the thigh by the explosion of a shell, was taken prisoner, and was kept at Johnson's Island, Ohio, until the final surrender, then returning to Louisiana, settled down once more to farm work. He was soon elected assessor of Claiborne Parish, and at the expiration of one term of two years he was re-elected. In 1872 his many estimable qualities were recognized, and he was elected by his numerous friends to the State Legislature, and served with honorable distinction in that body during 1873-74. After remaining out of office until 1884, he was once more elected to the General Assembly of the State, and made a pure and intelligent legislator. He has been identified with the Farmers' Alliance, and has taken an active part in the deliberations of that body during the past year. He located on his present farm in 1809 near Haynesville, which consists of about 400 acres, of which about 150 acres are open and under cultivation, well improved with good buildings and a cotton-gin. Mr. and Mrs. Price have a family of five children: Phineas B., William S., Walter Lee, Martha J. and Mollie Jackson. Mr. Price and his wife are Cumberland Presbyterians, and he belongs to the A. P. & A. M.

Jesse S. Pryor is well fitted for the duties of a planter, for he is thrifty, industrious and enterprising. He deserves the greatest credit for the prosperity which he now enjoys, for he is in every sense of the word a self-made man, and has made his own way in life ever since he was twelve years of age. He was compelled to labor very hard for a long time, but, unlike many boys, he did not foolishly spend his earnings, but carefully put them by for a rainy day, using only a sufficient amount to clothe himself, so that, in 1882 he was enabled, with the money he had saved, to purchase the plantation of 320 acres on which he is now residing, 200 acres of this land being under cultivation. He was born in Perry County, Ala., in 1859, and was one in a family of ten children born to Tabithy C. and W. S. Pryor, the names of his brothers and sister being as follows: Robert (living), George and John (who were slain during the Rebellion),Benjamin (living), William, Thomas (deceased), James C. (deceased), Jesse S., Nannie (who died in 1878) and Charles. In 1807 Jesse S. Pryor was brought by his parents to Louisiana, and with them located in Union Parish, where he grew to manhood. He came to Claiborne Parish in 1877, attended school at Arizona for some time, and this parish has been his home to the present; time. He was married in 1886 to Miss Carrie Wade, a daughter of J. T. Wade, a native of Tennessee, who came to Louisiana in 1800. Mr. and Mrs. Pryor have two bright and interesting little children: Blanche and Wallace. They have a good and comfortable home, and, being very congenial in their tastes, are prepared to enjoy life and make the most of their surroundings. Mr. Pryor is a Democrat.

John E. Ramsey, deputy clerk and recorder of, the district court of Claiborne Parish, La., is a native of Alabama, being born in Montgomery September 22, 1831, and is a son of Wilkes Ramsey. The father was born in the Palmetto State, Edgefield District, in 1807, and when but a boy removed with his father to Lowndes County, Ala., where he grew to manhood. He was married in Montgomery County, Ala., to subject's mother, her maiden name being Miss Mary Ann Tankers ley, a native of Tennessee. Mr. Ramsey was a planter while living in Alabama, but in 1838 he removed from there to Union Parish, La., and resided there until 1851, when they came to Claiborne Parish. There the mother died in January, 1803. The father spent, a few years with his children in Texas, and then died in Union Parish in 1888 while there on a visit. They were the parents of seven sons and five daughters, all of whom grew to years of maturity with the exception of one, and six sons and four daughters are now living. John R. Ramsey came to this State and parish with his. father in 1838 when, but seven years of age, and here he reached mature years, receiving but a limited education in youth. Later in life, by self study, he became a well-informed man, and is thoroughly posted on all the current topics of the day. He came to this parish in 1852, engaged in farming and taught school part of two years. He entered the court house as deputy recorder in 1859, and in 1801 he was elected recorder, serving in that capacity until the latter part of 1.806. He was re-elected to that position in 1868, and served continuously until 1879, when the office was discontinued and consolidated with the clerk's office, and Mr. Ramsey was made deputy. He has been in this office now nearly thirty-one years, longer, perhaps, than any other man in the State, and it is hardly necessary to add that he has filled this position to the entire satisfaction of all. He is perfectly familiar with all the business and records of this parish, and is a gentleman who has the confidence and esteem of every one. He was also mayor of Homer, and was a member of the council for several years. Mr. Ramsey was married in this parish, in January, 1854, to Miss Sarah E. Tuggle, a native of Alabama, where she was reared, and the daughter of Thomas H. Tuggle.

Seven children were born to this union: Florence (wife of S. B. Aycock), Susan J. (wife of J. H. Kirkpatrick, who is sheriff of Claiborne Parish), Lizzie E. (at home), Katie E. (also at home), Jeff Thompson, Emmett S. and Wilts Nichols. Mr. Ramsey is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is in the council degrees. He is a member of the L. of H., and an honorary member of the K. of P. Mrs. Ramsey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

William H. Randel, a native of Madison County, Tenn., born October 9, 1841, has ever been occupied in tilling the soil, and the manner in which he acquired his present estate denotes him to be a man of original and progressive views. His parents, Tilmon and Martha B. Randel, were also Tennesseans, and in 1849 removed to Arkansas, and until December, 1854, were residents of Ouachita County, coming at that date to Louisiana, and locating in Claiborne Parish, where Mr. Randel passed to his long home in 1855, his widow surviving him until 1884, when she, too, passed away. The father was a tiller of the soil throughout his life, and for a number of years prior to his death, was an earnest member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His three sons and two daughters are still living and are the heads of families.

William H. Randel came to this State and parish with his parents in 1855, and here has lived ever since his fourteenth year. Although he was an earnest student while in school, he was compelled to drop his books at an early day and take up work on the farm. In February, 1862, he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served in the Twelfth Louisiana Infantry until the close of the war, being in the battles of Corinth, Baker's Creek, Jackson, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, New Hope Church, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville and numerous skirmishes. He was taken prisoner at Nashville, and was held until the following March, 1865, when he was paroled and returned to his home. He was under tire over 100 times, and was in some heavy skirmishes. After the war he settled down in Claiborne Parish, and was here married on December 19, 1872, to Miss Sallie C. McKinley, who was born, reared and educated in Claiborne Parish. Her father, H. B. McKinley, was formerly from the old North Carolina State. After his marriage Mr. Randel bought his present plantation, and of the 100 acres which he owns, he has 100 acres under cultivation, on which is a commodious, new and substantial residence, besides other good buildings. Mr. Randel had to commence at the bottom of the ladder at the close of the war and by his own exertions has accumulated what he now has, and is considered one of the substantial agriculturists of Ward 3. He and his wife have a family of six children: Hugh Tilmon, Martha, Ardelia, Etta, William and Sallie W., the parents of these children have long been members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Randel is a member of the A, F. & A. M.

John Boeder, a well-to-do planter of Claiborne Parish, La., was born in Christum County, Ky., October 27, 1818, and is a son of William Boeder, a South Carolinian, who was reared in that State, and was there married to Miss Sarah Evans, a native of South Carolina also. They were pioneers of Kentucky, to which State they moved in 1810, and he was the second man to take a wagon across the Tennessee River, locating in Christian County. He afterward went back across that river into Caloway County, and there remained until his death in 1845, having been a farmer and blacksmith throughout life. His widow survived him until 1876, when she, too, passed away. Of a family of sixteen children born to them, three daughters and thirteen sons, four sons are all that survive: Martin (of Kentucky), John, Jacob (of Texas), and Elbert (of Missouri). In the State of Kentucky John Feeder was reared to manhood, and there he was married to Miss Frances Short, also of that State, and there he spent the first ten years of his married life. In 1851 he moved with his family to Louisiana and settled in Claiborne Parish, where he now resides, having always lived on the farm which he now occupies, which he has made himself, converting it from a wilderness into a valuable plantation. He has over 533 acres in one body, but, at one time was the owner of over 1,000 acres, but gave some to his sons and sold some. He now has about 200 acres under cultivation, well adapted to raising all the products of the South.

In 1864 he enlisted in McNeal's regiment and served until the close of the war, then returning home. He lost his first wife July 21, 1865, she leaving him with a family of eight children to care for. He was married December 13, 1870, to Miss Martha Hunt, a native of Missouri, reared and educated in Greene County, a daughter of Elijah Hunt. Five, children blessed this union. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church and are well known and highly honored throughout, this section of the country for their many amiable qualities. The names of Mr. Feeder's children by his first wife are: William (who died in New Orleans, October 23, 1861, while serving in the Confederate Army), Martha (wife of T. N. Bolin, of this parish), Amos (in Arkansas). Elizabeth (wife of E. D. Waters), George, John (both married and living near their father's home), Jane (wife of William Beau), Emma (wife of John McElroy) and Luella (wife of Sidney Mixon. The children of his last union are: Minnie A. (wife of Jeff Rowe), Sallie, James Marion, Elva E. and Effie. He has thirty-five grandchildren. Although he received no advantages in his youth, he took up a course of study fitter his marriage and now has a fair business education, and is a well-informed man on the general topics of the day.

William Sellers, M. D., is a practical physician and surgeon of the village of Summerfield, where he has done much to alleviate the ailments to which the human body is heir. He was born near Columbus, Ga., October 6, 1845, being the fifth of ten children, seven of whom are now living: E. T. (a cotton planter of Union Parish, La.), Amanda (widow of S. C. Kennedy, who was a planter of this parish), Mattie (deceased), three other daughters residing in Texas (their husbands being planters), R. N. (a resident of Texas) and Dr. William. The youngest two daughters died within the last few years. The parents of these children, Thomas F. and Nancy (Threadgill) Sellers, were born in North Carolina, the former being a planter by occupation, and now deceased, his widow being a resident of Louisiana. Dr. Sellers acquired a good knowledge of books in the common schools, which he attended until he entered upon the study of medicine. After some preparation he entered the medical department of the Louisiana State University., at Now Orleans, now known as the Tulane University (this being in 1868), and in 1870 graduated with distinction in a class of about, seventy-five pupils. He immediately commenced practicing at Summerfield, and as his skill, ability and knowledge of his profession have become widespread, he has built up a large and lucrative practice throughout this parish. In connection with this he carries a full line of drugs in the village, and at all times he is prepared to respond to the call of the sick and afflicted. He was married on January 29, 1874, to Miss Etta Lowry, a native of Louisiana, born in 1855, and received her education in a seminary of Arizona, La. To their union six sons and two daughters have been born; Eula T. (who is taking a full course in music at Mount Lebanon, La.), William T. (deceased), Benjamin B. Robert M., Fannir D., Paul T. (deceased), Joe J., and Fordyce H. (an infant).

In March, 1803, Dr. Sellers enlisted in Company I, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, and was ordered at once to the front, under Gen. Joe E. Johnston, and took part in battles as follows; Jackson (Miss.), Resaca (Ga.), Atlanta, Kenesaw Mountain, and was with Hood's expedition in Tennessee, and was afterward at Kingston and Bentonville, N. C., the latter being the last engagement of the war. He has always been a fervent Democrat, and although he has not been a very active politician, he has always endeavored to support worthy men. He is a member of the Masonic lodge of Summerfield, the K. of P. of Homer, and his wife is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the former place. They have done their share in contributing to benevolent enterprises which were worthy of their consideration, and though they have long been residents of this section, familiarity has not in their case bred contempt; in fact, quite the contrary, and their friends and well-wishers are unlimited. The Doctor is interested in planting to some extent, being the owner of a good plantation, the principal product of which is cotton.

William A. Sherard is a merchant and planter at Sugar Creek, La., but was bora in Anderson District, of the Palmetto State, April 28, 1822, to James and Jane (Robinson) Sherard, of the same State. In 1849 they removed to Louisiana and settled in Claiborne Parish, and here Mr. Sherard, as he had before, devoted his attention to farming, making his home in Ward 6 until his death, which occurred about 1869, his wife's death occurring six years prior. William A. Sherard was the eldest of their two sons and four daughters. At the age of fourteen he left his native State find went to Alabama, growing to mature years in Chambers County, there receiving also a good practical education.

After he had farmed in Alabama for some time he came to Louisiana, and in December, 1851 took up his abode in Claiborne Parish on the place where he now lives, which then consisted of 600 acres, 200 acres of this land he has greatly improved in many ways, for besides putting a goodly portion under cultivation he has erected substantial buildings, among which may be mentioned his store which he erected in 1877. His first small stock has increased to large proportions, is admirably selected, and as he is the soul of honesty, and disposes of his goods at very reasonable rates, he has an excellent trade which is constantly increasing. He has a good mill and cotton-gin on his farm, and to this as well as to his farming operations he gives the best of attention. He first enlisted in the Confederate Army, in' 1863, in Zachery's battalion, but was soon transferred to the Crescent Eegiment, with which he served until the war was over. While a resident of the State of Alabama he was married on September 20, 1849, to Margaret J. Harkness, who was born in Georgia, but was reared in that State and Alabama, her father being Robert W. Harkness. He served his country in Georgia, first as high sheriff and later in the State Legislature. Mr. and Mrs. Sherard have two children: James W. (who is married and is associated with his father in the store) and Mary E. (the widow of D. L. Youngblood). She and her two children, William C. and James D., now make their home with her father. Mr. and Mrs. Sherard are Methodists in belief, and being a genial, hospitable and sincere couple they are held in high esteem by all who know them.

Albert J. K. Sims. This substantial and representative agriculturist was born in Jackson Parish, La., June 1, 1849, to George and Cornelia (Robinson) Sims, who were born in Georgia and Alabama, respectively, their marriage taking place in the former State, whore the father was reared to maturity. After farming some time in Georgia, be removed to Alabama, thence to Louisiana about, 1847, and located in what is now Lincoln Parish, coming, about two years later, to Claiborne Parish, opening a farm near Homer on which he made his home until his death, about 1878, his widow surviving him. He was a son of George Sims, a Georgian of Scotch descent. Albert J. K. Sims is one of his parent's nine children, four of whom became the heads of families. One, son was killed in the army, another died while in the service, but two came through alive. Four sons and two daughters sire living at the present time, five of whom are residents of this parish. Albert J. K. is the sixth child, and in the parish where he now lives he grew to mature years, but received a very limited education, being principally self-educated. He was married December 10, 1875, to Miss Maggie Wroten, who was born in Arkansas, to Dr. Wroten, now deceased. After his marriage Mr. Sims purchased the place on which he is now living, and now owns about 400 acres of land in three farms, all near each other, and has about 275 acres under cultivation, on which is one of the most substantial and comfortable residences in the parish. He has also an excellent cotton gin, barns, and has made other substantial improvements. He and his wife have a family of five children; Fannie, Glover, Roberta, Oto Karo, Grover Cleveland and Exa Etta. They have three children deceased: Mary Madosa, and two unnamed.

Hugh Taylor. In no part of Louisiana is agriculture in a more flourishing condition than in Claiborne Parish, and here Mr. Taylor is considered one of the leading tillers of the soil. He has resided here ever since his birth, which occurred July 3, 1859, to William and Ann (Brown) Taylor, who were born in Alabama and Georgia, respectively, their union taking place in this State, whither Mr. Taylor had come when a young man find his wife when fifteen years of age. After residing on a farm in Ward 7 for several years, Mr. Taylor sold out and bought land in Ward 2, on which he made his home until his death, in 1860, his widow surviving him at this writing. Three of their children grew to mature years, the immediate subject of this sketch and his sister, who is single, being the survivors. Hugh grew to manhood in this parish, and received a good education in the Arizona High School. After completing his studies he took charge of the old home farm, which consists of 520 acres, with about 250 acres under cultivation, of which place he is now the owner on this plantation he raises on an average of seventy bales of cotton annually, but besides this he owns 220 more acres of land in two different tracts in Ward 2, each place being partly under cultivation. in the summer of 1889 he erected a saw mill and cotton gin on his place, in which Mr. Cleveland has been a half owner since 1890. He was married in this parish November 12, 1888, to Miss Mollie Collier, a native of this parish, who was reared and educated here, a daughter of Ples Collier, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have one daughter. Mary Anna, an infant, aged ten months.

James H. Taylor, merchant of Haynesville, La., needs no introduction to the people of Claiborne Parish, for he has resided here from his birth, and has been connected with its mercantile affairs since 1872. Although his name has never been thrust before the public for purposes of notoriety, he has been one of the county's most successful business men. He was born on September 22, 1849, to Henry Taylor, a native of the Palmetto State. The latter was left an orphan in his early youth, and, when a lad of fifteen years, went to Georgia, where he grew up. Some time in 1846 he moved to Union County, Ark., remaining there until 1848, when he was married to Mrs. Nancy Roberts, a daughter of John Adams, of Dallas County, Ala., and soon after his marriage came to Louisiana and located near Haynesville, this being in the latter part of 1848. He here opened up a large farm, and, prior to the war, was the owner of about 100 slaves. He continued to conduct his plantation for a number of years after the close of the war, but is now retired, and makes his home with his son, James H., being about seventy-five years of age. His wife died in 1884, two sons surviving her: James H. and Joe (now a merchant of Louisville, Ark.). James H. has spent his life in this parish, and received an education far beyond what is usually given a farmer's boy, being first an attend ant of Haynesville Academy, then Homer College, and lastly Opelousas College, receiving a thorough training in the common and higher English branches, and the languages. After completing his studies he followed clerking in Haynesville for a short time, but in 1872 erected and stocked his present store building, being alone in business until 1870, when his brother became his partner.

They continued in business here up to 1888, when the firm was dissolved, and he has since been alone. He has a large room, 30 x 72 feet, and his stock of general goods is exceptionally well selected. He is one of the oldest merchants of the place, and, in addition to his large stock of general merchandise, he handles a considerable amount of cotton. He is the owner of three fine plantations, comprising in all about 1,200 acres, a large portion of which is under cultivation. He is a successful business man, and has shown himself to be strictly honorable in every worthy particular, a secret, no doubt, of his success. He was married in this parish in February, 1877, to Miss Hattie E. Phipps, who was born and educated here, a daughter of Isaiah Phipps, one of the pioneers of the State. To Mr. Taylor and his wife five children have been born: Carrie E., Carl, Henry Chester, Mary Glenn and Ethel. Carl died in infancy.

Thomas Taylor is a merchant of Haynesville, La., and is regarded by all as an honorable, upright and prosperous business man. On March 25, 1802, he was born in Claiborne Parish, to James C. Taylor, a Georgian, who went to Alabama, when a young man and a short time after to Louisiana, afterward making his home in Claiborne Parish, where he was married to Miss Sarah E. Castleberry, a native of Alabama, who came to Louisiana, with her brother, who was one of the pioneers of this parish. Mr. Taylor settled in this parish about 1846, opening a mercantile establishment at Haynesville, in 1848, and gave the name to the town, remaining here in business until his death in 1886. Three of his sons and one daughter grew to mature years, all of whom are still living and the heads of families. Thomas Taylor obtained a good education in Haynesville Academy, two years having been spent in a school in Virginia. After completing his studies he returned to his home in Louisiana, and followed clerking for his father until the death of the latter, when he bought out the heirs to the business, and has since conducted affairs alone, continuing to hold the large and lucrative trade, which his father had established. in connection with his general merchandise he carries a good stock of drugs and medicines, which brings him in a good sum annually. He was married in Queen City. Tex., on March 25, 1884, to Miss Ivy Brown, a native of the Lone Star State, being there reared, educated and married. Her union with Mr. Taylor has resulted in the birth of three children: Wima D., Austin E. and Tupp. Mr. Taylor is a wide-awake young business man. and possesses that shrewd business tact, which was characteristic of his father's career.

W. J. Taylor is a prominent and well-known man of this section who has won life's battles, and by energy and pluck, which are so necessary to success in any pursuit, he has become a successful merchant of Homer, besides being the owner of a large amount of real estate. His career has been a varied one and will, therefore, prove more interesting than the, average, consequently a few facts connected with his earlier career will not be out of place. He was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., on the French Broad River, December 22, 1822, son of William and Polly A. (Lincomfelter) Taylor, who were born in Tennessee, in 1794, and Berks County, Penn., respectively. Their union resulted in the birth of twelve children, three daughters and nine sons, of whom the subject of this sketch is the sixth and the eldest of the family living at the present time. His brothers and sisters are as follows: Elizabeth (widow of George Hedrick, who was an agriculturist, of Oklahoma), Rufus M. (who is married and is a successful farmer of East Tennessee), Bradford (who is married and a very wealthy farmer of Jefferson County, East Tenn.), Albert G. (commissioner and justice of the peace of that county, is also married and resides there, being also a wealthy tiller of the soil), Rufus (who is as successful as his brothers in Jefferson County, and follows the same calling, and Polly Ann (who is the wife of Argyle Taylor, a farmer of Parkville, Platte County, Mo.

The father of these children could quite distinctly remember Gen. George Washington. and Gen. Andrew Jackson was often a guest at his father's house in Tennessee. Mr. Taylor was exceptionality well educated for a man of his day, was a skillful and competent civil engineer and was at one time a member of the State Legislature of Tennessee, and proved himself an able legislator, devoted to the interests of the people. He died in 1833, at the age of fifty-three years, his death being mourned by all who knew him. His father, Parmenos Taylor, was a colonel in the Revolutionary War, under the famous Gen. White, whose daughter lie afterward married. Gen, White was a native of Scotland, and Mr. Taylor became a colonel under him in the above mentioned war. He afterward served in the War of 1812, under Gen. Zachary Taylor, and in an engagement in which he participated, he was severely wounded in the left shoulder. An interesting anecdote is told of how he once caught a counterfeiter. He was an excellent and expert mechanic, and as the counterfeiter had some dies for stamping which were not quite perfect he was advised to take them to Mr. Taylor to have them perfected. He did so, but Mr. Taylor suspecting the business in which he was engaged, took him to a piece of bottom land which he owned and which was in an out-of-the-way place, divested him of all his counterfeit money, then told him to go to splitting rails. Instead of doing this the counterfeiter showed Mr. Taylor his heels, and as a counterfeiter, those parts knew him no more. The maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch,

Jacob Lincomfelter, was a native of Hanover, Germany, a farmer by occupation, and emigrated from his native land, settling in Berks County, Penn., after which he moved to East Tennessee, where he spent the rest of his days. His wife, was born in County Cork, Ireland. , The immediate subject of this sketch, W. J. Taylor, obtained a meager education in the old subscription schools, but possessing a large fund of common sense he prepared himself for a practical and useful life, and at the age of seventeen years, without a dollar in his pocket, he began the battle of life for himself. He, however, possessed a large stock of energy, enterprise, determination and muscle, and these judiciously used, are a sufficient capital for any young man, and so Mr. Taylor found it. for he immediately began to carve out his own career. The same year he was married to Miss Margaret Lychlyter, who was born in Tennessee, in 1821, being a daughter of Fred Lychlyter, who was a native of Hanover, Germany, and a practical farmer by occupation.

Mrs. Taylor was educated in the common schools and her union with Mr. Taylor was celebrated in Jefferson County, Tenn., in 1840, their removal to Cass County, Mo., taking place the following year. At that time the country was thoroughly undeveloped, the nearest neighbor being twelve miles away. Mr. Taylor was very fortunate in his speculations in real estate in this county, and when the county seat was laid out, he purchased land near the town, which afterward greatly increased in value, and made him a wealthy man. He sold at one time 300 acres at $19 in gold per acre, and moved to the town where he opened a mercantile establishment, a livery stable and a hotel, conducting all three successfully for about sixteen years.

During his stay in this State he crossed the plains to Santa Fe twice, but made Missouri his home until the famous border warfare opened, at which time be was completely robbed of all he. possessed, and has ever since felt very bitter toward the miscreants who robbed his family of their subsistence. He moved soon after to Fayetteville, Ark., where he opened a hotel and mercantile establishment, but two years later went to Van Buren. Ark., where he left his Negroes and family to make a trip to Mexico to engage in the general blockade. While he was gone Gen. Blount, of Kansas fame, robbed his family of the property they had again accumulated, but of this Mr. Taylor knew nothing until his return after an absence of three mouths, to find that his family had departed for Dardanelle, Ark. He then ran the blockade between Little Rock and Memphis, Tenn., rejoined his family, and took his wife, children, and Negroes to Austin, Tex., running the blockade off Port Lavacca, Tex. After residing for some time in Cherokee County, Tex., he came to Shreveport, La., thence to Homer, where his home now is. During the Rebellion he was once sentenced to be shot, but by a rehearing of his case at Austin, Mo., his sentence was remitted. He is an extensive land owner, being the possessor of nearly 500 acres of excellent laud, of which there are about 240 acres admirably adapted to the culture of cotton. He is the senior partner of a large and flourishing mercantile store in Homer, the annual sales of which amount to about $40,000, and he also has a fine residence in the town valued at about $3,000.

 He and his wife expect to make this place their future home, for here the most of their properly has been acquired since the war, and here they have built up a wide circle of friends. He has always been an active politician, supporting Democratic principles, and his first presidential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren. Socially be belongs to the I. O. O, P., and the Masonic order, and his wife is an earnest member of the Hard Shell Baptist Church. He was married to her in 1809, after the death of his first wife, she being a Mrs. Susan (Killgore) Bailey, a native of Georgia. His union with his first wife resulted in the birth of the following children: L. R. (who is a self-made man; he was sent to school by his father until the Rebellion, when he entered the ranks and carried his musket under Capt. Jackman, of Missouri, throughout the entire war without receiving the slightest, wound. At the end of the war he returned home to find his father completely ruined financially by Jay Hawkers. He immediately commenced doing for himself as a tinner and started in business for himself in Farmersville, Union Parish, La., and was here married to an admirable lady, Miss Nettie Gilbert. He was nominated by the Democratic convention as clerk of the parish court, which was equal to a unanimous election, but his father wisely persuaded him to go to Texas to seek his fortune, which he did, and there he has established for himself fame and fortune. He possesses many admirable qualities and is held in high esteem by all who know him. He is now clerk of the district court, at Port, Worth, Tex.), the next child is a daughter, Frances (wife of Walter Ward, a merchant of Homer), Rufus P. comes next (he is associated with his father in the mercantile business in Homer, and is an excellent, capable business man, and a shrewd financier; he married Miss Rebecca Piatt), Samantha (is the wife of A. T. Lovelette and resides in Homer), and Ella (is the wife of T. P. Day, who is a loan broker in fine circumstances, in Fort Worth, Tex.). a daughter, Nora (died at the age of twenty-six years, in Fort Worth, Tex., the wife of James Day, a machinist), and three children died in infancy. In the mouth of June, 1800, the mother of these children passed from life, after she am! her husband had lived happily together for twenty-six years. She was a faithful and loving wife and mother, and a beautiful monument now marks her last resting place in Homer Cemetery, which was erected to her memory by her husband and children.

Rufus F. Taylor is well find favorably known in Claiborne and surrounding parishes as an honorable and fair-dealing merchant, and as the establishment of which he is manager is large find well appointed, he commands a large share of the trade throughout this section. He is sole manager of the house, which is known as Taylor & Son, and in the conduct of affairs has shown that he is thoroughly capable and a man of keen business foresight. For a full genealogy of his family see sketch of his father, W. J. Taylor. J Mr. Taylor was so fortunate as to receive excellent advantages in his youth, and was an attendant of the Homer High School, where he learned lessons which have admirably fitted him for the practical duties of life. At the age of eighteen years he began life for himself as a clerk in a mercantile store in. Homer and in this town he has since made his home, being well known by his brother tradesmen as a keen, practical and successful business man. He was born October 10, 1802, and was married near Shreveport, La., March 15, 1887, to Miss Rebecca Piatt, a native of Louisiana, and to them a sweet little daughter has been born, Nora Aline, aged two years. Mr. Taylor has always identified himself with the Democratic party and has strenuously upheld its principles, his first presidential vote being cast for Grover Cleveland. Socially he belongs to Homer Lodge of the I. O. O. P . and lie and his wife are liberal contributors of their means to laudable enterprises, she being a consistent and earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South of Homer. They expect to be permanent residents of the town where they now live, for here they are well fixed, financially, and have numerous friends and acquaintances.

Virgil V. Thompson. The social, political and business history of this section is filled with the deeds and doings of self-made men, and no man in Claiborne Parish is more deserving the appellation than Mr. Thompson, for he marked out his own career in youth and has steadily followed it up to the present, his prosperity being attributable to his earnest and persistent endeavor, and to the fact that he has always consistently tried to follow the teachings of the Golden Rule. Although now a resident of Ward 1 of this parish he was born in Georgia in 1822, being one of the following family of children: Sebron[Seaborn] J., Thomas B., H. Judge, John C. , Jasper, Virgil V., William H., Laft,[Joseph Lafayette] Robert E., Louise, Martha, Mary A. and Margaret J. The parents of these children, Charles and Margaret (Clark) Thompson, were born in South Carolina and North Carolina, respectively, the former's birth occurring on June 30, 1774, the latter being a daughter of William Clark. Virgil V. Thompson grew to manhood and was married in his native State to Miss Talitha C. Smith, by whom he became the father of three children that grew to maturity: Virgil (now a resident of this parish), William W, and Alice A. (the last two being still single and living at home).

Mr. Thompson came to Claiborne Parish, La., in the spring of 1847, and immediately located on his present property. Prior to the war he owned but a few slaves and farmed on a limited scale, although he was financially in good circumstances. At that time he was an old line Whig, but since the war he has been identified with the Democratic party. While he is not a very active politician, he never fails to cast his vote. Socially he is a member of the A. P. & A. M. and in his religious views is a Methodist, joining about 1836, his wife, who died February 10, 1878, also joining at that time, and ever afterward living an earnest Christian life.

George R. Wafer, farmer. Arizona, La. It is doubtless owing entirely to the industrious and persevering manner with which Mr. Wafer has adhered to the pursuit of agriculture that he has risen to such a substantial position in farm affairs in this parish. Born in Claiborne Parish, La., on June 29, 1856, he is one of six children, five sons and one daughter, two sons now living, born to the union of T. M. and Amanda (Malone) Wafer, both natives of Georgia. T. M. Wafer went to Alabama when a child with his father, J. T. Wafer, who was a native of South Carolina, but whose father was a native of the Emerald Isle, and was there reared to manhood. He has been twice married, the first time when quite young. and the second time to the mother of our subject. He settled in Claiborne Parish, followed farming, and there his death occurred in 1804. He was an exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal Church, was well educated, and was a very influential citizen. He was a fine orator, and it was mainly due to his power of eloquence that Claiborne Parish voted against secession for delegates to the State Convention, be having advocated to stay in the Union. He was a council Mason, and was very prominent in Masonic affairs. George B. Wafer received a good education in the best schools of Claiborne Parish, and after completing his studies, engaged in stock trading and farming, at which he was very successful. He still continues to cultivate the soil and although but a young man, he is the owner of a fine farm, and his farming operations are conducted in a manner indicative of a progressive, thorough agriculturist.

Rev. T. M. Wafer, brother of the above mentioned gentleman, was born in Claiborne Parish on July 31, 1864 and received a good education in the schools of Arizona. In 1886 he began teaching school and was licensed to preach in the Methodist Episcopal Church South in 1889. He has been a member of that church since thirteen years of age, and is a young man of great piety and a true Christian in every sense of the term. He is a teacher in the Arizona school, and in that capacity ranks among the best educators in the county. He was married in his native parish on December 6, 1888, to Miss Laura Corry, a native of this parish, where she received her education, and the daughter of J. W. Corry. One child has been born to this union, Albert. Mrs. Wafer is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The two brothers and the mother reside together in Arizona.

Henry C. Walker, merchant. Homer, La. One of the most successful business men in the town of Homer today is Mr. Henry C. Walker, who established his business here in 1890, and who, by his pleasant and agreeable manner, has won the confidence and respect of the people. He is a native of Louisiana, his birth occurring in West Feliciana Parish, August 29, 1845, and is a son of Dr. W. P. Walker. the father was born in the Old Dominion, was reared and educated there, but was married in Louisiana to Miss Frances C. Skillman, a native of the Creole State, and the second wife of Dr. Walker. Dr. Walker settled in Louisiana at an early day, and was in the active practice of his profession for a number of years. He was a surgeon in the Confederate Army during the war. His wife died in 1858 and he in 1880. Their family consisted of four sons and four daughters, our subject being third in order of birth of the second union. He received a good English education, and after completing his schooling was engaged in clerking for a few years. After this he embarked in merchandising (1868) at Atlanta, La., continued there about a year, and then moved to Montgomery, where he was in business for ten years. From there he removed to Columbia, La., sold goods there until 1890 and then came to Homer, where he has since been in business. He carries a new and complete stock of goods, dry goods, groceries, clothing, etc., and is receiving his share of the patronage. Mr. Walker is familiar with his business in all its details, and is one who will make his way to the front. He is a Democrat in politics and has held several official positions, serving as clerk of Grant Parish for one term and a member of the school board in Caldwell Parish for twelve years.

 He was also superintendent of education for four years. Mr. Walker's marriage occurred in Grant Parish, February 3, 1870, to Miss Emma McCain, a native of Alabama, but who was reared and educated in Grant Parish, La. She is the daughter of H. B. McCain, and her death occurred June 11, 1878. There are three sons by this union: Milton E., Robert M. and William P. Mr. Walker was married the second time September 1, 1880, in Caldwell Parish to Aliss Zoe Redditt, a native of Caldwell Parish, where she was reared and educated, and the daughter of Lafayette Redditt. To this union has been born one son, Henry C. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Mr. Walker is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the K. of P. and the I. O. O. P . having served officially in all of the organizations. Thomas A. Watson, farmer and president of police jury, Athens, La. This name is not unfamiliar to those in the parish for he who bears it is numbered among the highly respected citizens of this community. He was born in Mississippi, in what is now Lincoln County, on March 2, 1844, and is the son of Rev. James Watson, a native of Louisiana, of East Feliciana Parish, and Amelia (Bickham) Watson, also of Louisiana and of Washington Parish. Both parents were in hearing of the battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. They removed to Mississippi about, 1836, located in what is now Lincoln Parish, and there the father ministered to the spiritual wants of his fellow man. He was minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a pioneer preacher of Louisiana and Mississippi. He returned to Claiborne Parish, La., in 1850, and there his death occurred four years later. His widow survived him until 1864. They were the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters, all of whom grew to mature years and became beads of families with the exception of one son who died in the army. Two brothers and three sisters are living at this writing.

Thomas A. Watson came with his parents to Louisiana when a lad of six years and was reared in Claiborne Parish, receiving a limited education. Since growing up he has by his own efforts acquired a fair business education, and is considered a well informed man on almost any subject. In 1861 he enlisted in the Second Louisiana Infantry, served in that until February, 1863, and was then discharged. He re-enlisted in the Third Louisiana Cavalry, served as a non-commissioned officer, and was in active duty until cessation of hostilities. He participated in the seven days fight at Richmond, was at Cedar Run, Gettysburg and in several severe skirmishes. After the war he returned home to Claiborne Parish, the following year engaged in farming, and has been engaged in this occupation in the parish since that time. He also handles machinery, putting in steam gins and saw mills. He has been on his present farm since 1871 and of the 200 acres in his possession, 150 are improved. He has a good residence and outbuildings, and as a man of industry and enterprise he has no superiors. He was left an orphan at an early age, and has had to make his own way in life, and that he has done it in a successful manner is but too plainly evident. He was appointed a member of the police jury in 1879, served one term, and was reappointed in the spring of 1888, being elected president of the board, which position he now holds. Mr. Watson was married in Jackson Parish, now Lincoln Parish, in June, 1865, to Miss Mary A. Marsalis, a native of Mississippi, born in Amite County and reared in Claiborne Parish, where she received her education. She is the daughter of Patterson Marsalis. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Watson have been born ten children; William P., Edward L., Eugene A., Ida P., Griffin, Fuller, Aurelia, Lenor W., Burton B. and Anna A. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Watson is steward of the same. He is a Master Mason and has served as senior warden. He is also a member of the Farmers' Alliance, vice-president of Parish Union, and president of his own subordinate union. He has been identified with the order since its organization in this parish, and is the correspondent of the order for the same.

Robert P. Webb, attorney and notary public, also real estate and insurance agent of Homer, La., needs little or no introduction to the people of Claiborne Parish, for he is well and favorably known to all. He was born in Pickensville, Ala., on June 23, 1840, and was seventh in a family of eight children, five of whom are now living: Amanda (married the late A. J. High, who was a planter, and now resides in Dallas, Tex.), Susan (married the late John B. Langford, who was a planter, and now resides in Jefferson County, Ark.), Laura (married Dr. J. F. Moody, a successful physician and surgeon, and now resides in Louisiana), and Rufus J. (married, and resides in Athens, La., where he is engaged in planting.) The father of these children was born in North Carolina, in 1801, and died on April 27, 1877, at the age of seventy-six years. He was reared in Middle Tennessee, and was an extensive planter by occupation.

The mother was a native of Virginia, born in 1802, and was educated in the common schools. She died in May, 1876, at the age of seventy-four years. Robert P. Webb passed his early days in the common schools, where the fundamental principles of learning were given him. Later he took a higher course of educational training in the high school at Eureka, Miss., which fitted him for the practical life, which he has since led. At the age of nineteen years he started out for himself as a cotton planter, and on November 2, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Ann Rowsey, a native of Tennessee, born in 1838. She was educated in select schools, and is a lady of culture and refinement. The result of this union was the birth of ten children, two of whom are deceased: Willie (in infancy), and Eugene P. (at the age of twenty-six years). The latter was a promising young man, and would have made his mark in the world had he been spared. Those living are: William C. (is married and engaged in farming, in Athens, La.), Frank P. (married, and is a planter of Athens, La.)Pinckney (is a contractor and builder on railroads, and resides in Homer, La.), Berry (is an agriculturist, and resides in Athens), Addie May (resides at home, and is one of the teachers in the Athenaeum Institute), Conrad (resides at home, and is attending school), Conquert (at home), and Otto Proctor (at home). Mr. Webb enlisted in Claiborne Grays, in September, 1861, and entered the ranks as first lieutenant, in the Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers. His regiment was ordered from Camp Moore, La., to New Orleans, where it was organized. It was then at once ordered to Corinth, Miss., and, by the way, this was the first regiment sent to this place. Mr. Webb's regiment participated in the following engagements: two days fight at Shiloh, and the battle of Farmington, where Mr. Webb served on Gen. Mark's staff. After the reorganization of the army under the conscript act, he was ordered to the Trans-Mississippi Department, and back to his own State. Under the command of Gen. Blanchard, Mr. Webb was put in charge of a detachment of twenty-five cavalrymen, to gather in conscripts, and was thus engaged for eleven months.

Then he obtained an order to raise a cavalry company, which, when raised, was assigned to the Fifth Louisiana Cavalry, but served but little in the regiment, as his company was on detached service most of the time. His, as well as other companies, carried the prisoners captured at Mansfield to the stockade near Tyler, Tex., and returned to Gen. Taylor's command, having carried the 1,500 prisoners, captured at Pleasant Hill, to the stockade above mentioned. Immediately on his return to Gen. Taylor, he was ordered to relieve Taylor's Courier Company, and followed up that General's headquarters from Natchitoches to Alexandria. At the time Mr. Webb was ordered to raise the company of cavalry, or after he performed this service, he was commissioned captain. He had charge of the courier line for Gen. Taylor, between Natchitoches and Alexandria for two months, which serves fully to show that he was a faithful and efficient soldier. Capt. Webb continued faithfully in the discharge of his duty until the close of the war, when his regiment was disbanded in De Soto Parish, and he returned to his plantation. He has affiliated with the Democratic party, and later was the main founder of the Greenback Labor party, in North Louisiana. He was very active in this particular, and his work stood out with great prominence. He was a formidable candidate on the Greenback ticket, as State senator of the four parishes: Bossier, Bienville, Claiborne and Webster. He was an elector on the National Greenback ticket, on the nomination of Gen. Weaver.

Capt. Webb is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been since 1860. He is a Master Mason. Mrs. Webb and family are ardent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, at Athens, La. The Captain is the owner of about 2,000 acres of good land in Claiborne and Bienville Parishes, and it is called one of the finest plantations in North Louisiana. He is an able member of the bar of Claiborne Parish, and his general business acumen and tact have placed in his bauds an amount of business in insurance which excels any other business man or attorney in this part of the State. His legal business is flourishing, and he is also a large shareholder in the Claiborne Agricultural Fair Association, being president of the same. His home is in Athens, La., where he is surrounded by his family and his interests, which place him in a conspicuous place and in excellent circumstances. Capt. Webb remained with the Greenback party until the nomination of B. P. Butler for President, when he renounced all affiliations with this party, and espoused the principles of the Democracy.

Alexander Weil has an extended acquaintance throughout this section of the country, for be has been a worthy resident of Claiborne Parish since 1850, but, at the present time is a resident of the city of New Orleans. He was born in Albersweiler, Rheinish Bavaria, Germany, November 5, 1830, being the sixth of a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, born to Hirsch Weil and Charlotte (Levy) Weil, the former born in Germany and the latter in Alsace, France (now Germany). The father was a wine merchant, and for six years was a soldier in Spain under Napoleon Bonaparte. He and his wife are now deceased, both having been intelligent and well educated people. Their children are as follows: Esther (died at the age of sixty years, wife of L. Levy, a grain dealer), Aaron (who is a wine merchant of Germany), Yetta (deceased), Samuel (of New Orleans), Michael (deceased), Alexander and Caroline (residing in Germany). The early educational training of Alexander was received in the public schools of Germany, and at the age of twelve years he entered college where he remained two and a half years, taking a full course of general instruction which has admirably fitted him for the practical life he has led. He came direct from his native land to Homer March 19, 1850, via New Orleans, and commenced life in America as a merchant, a calling he followed until the opening of the war, and during this time proved himself a successful business man. He was married in Carlsrue, Baden, on February 7, 1807, by the United States Consul to Miss Henrietta Wolf, a native of Alsace, but who was reared in Rheinish, Bavaria, She was born in 1846, and received a finished education in Germany. To her union with Mr. Weil five daughters have been born: Carrie S., Lillie (deceased), Camille. Omega and Blanche.

At the opening of the Rebellion Mr. Weil enlisted in the Claiborne Guards and was assigned to the Second Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, which were ordered to Virginia at once, under Gen. McGruder, and he afterward took part in the battles of Bethel Church, Dam No. 1, seven days' fight around Richmond and Malvern Hill, where there was a terrible slaughter of men. Here Mr. Weil was compelled to use six different guns and his clothing was riddled with bullets, but notwithstanding this fact, he came out of the battle unharmed. He was also at the second battle of Manassas, Antietam, being wounded in the right leg in the last named battle while attempting to take the flag from a comrade who had fallen. He was sent to the hospital at Richmond, from which place he was furloughed home, where he remained until his wound healed, when he at once went to the front again, joining his regiment near Fredericksburg, Va. The next engagement in which he took part was the Wilderness, after which he went up the Shenandoah Valley, and took part in the engagement at Harper's Ferry, being afterward at Gettysburg, where he was again severely wounded, this time on the left side of the head. This wound was pronounced fatal, but his wonderful nerve and indomitable will brought him through, and he now carries in his watch charm a large piece of the ball which was the means of almost terminating his life. Six pieces were taken from his head. He was so severely wounded that he was taken prisoner and was kept at David's Island, where he remained two months. He was then paroled, returned home, and once more turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, but during the twenty-four subsequent months he was much troubled with his wound which remained open. He has always been a stanch Democrat, and his first presidential vote was cast for James Buchanan, the "bachelor President."

He has been chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of Claiborne Parish for many years, and at one time was a formidable candidate in the race for representative of his parish, and as he was in the political arena as a candidate only one week, his opponent defeated him by only a small majority. He has been one of the prominent councilmen of his town for several years, and socially is a member of Homer Lodge No. 152, of the A. P. & A. M., and he also belongs to the A. L. of H , a very prosperous organization in Claiborne Parish and in the State of Louisiana. He is a valued and honored member of the well known Jewish order of I. O. B. B. He also belongs to the order known as the Army of Northern Virginia. He and his family belong to the Hebrew Church of New Orleans, and are well known in social circles both in that city and in Homer. As a business man his success has been almost phenomenal, and he is now well to do. He is special agent of the well known and honored life insurance company, the Manhattan Company, of New York City, and has the full confidence of his employers. For some time after the close of the war his health was so poor that he decided to take a tour to Europe, and while there much of his time was spent at the famous watering places: Weisbaden and Baden Baden. He remained in the old country one year, and when he returned to the land of his adoption he brought his bride with him.

Felan S. White, M. D., Lisbon, La. Dr. White, a physician and surgeon of more than ordinary ability, is a native-born resident of Claiborne Parish, and was educated in Lisbon Academy. After finishing his literary education he read medicine with Dr. H. A. Lewis, of Lisbon (now of Grapevine, Tex.), and entered the University of Louisville, Ky. in 1878, graduating in the class of 1880. He subsequently commenced practicing at Lisbon, within two miles of his birthplace, find there he has continued ever since, actively engaged in his chosen calling. His father was a native of Georgia, born in 1808, and all his life has been devoted to agriculture. He left his native State when but eight years of age, removed to Alabama, and there remained until 1853, or about that time, when he removed to Claiborne Parish, La., where he now resides. The mother was born in Alabama, but she is now deceased. Both parents received a common-school education.

Dr. White commenced practicing when twenty-four years of age, and his practice now extends over a wide territory. In politics he has always closely adhered to the Democratic party, and his first presidential vote was cast for S. J. Tilden, while he was a student at Mississippi College. The Doctor has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for fourteen years, and is an exemplary young man in every respect. He is well liked by the public and the medical brotherhood. At, present he thinks of locating at Lisbon, whore he has been known from childhood, and where all have had an opportunity to judge of his character and qualifications.

Stephen A. White, has passed a career of usefulness, and being an industrious and progressive farmer, strictly honorable in every respect, he commands the esteem of all. He first saw the light of day in Montgomery County, Ala., January 4, 1850, being born to William M. and Martha (Tubervill) White, who were born, reared and married in Georgia, moving from that State to Alabama at an early day where Mr. White farmed for a number of years. In the fall of 1809 they came to Louisiana, and after spending about one year in Bienville Parish, they took up their abode in this parish on a farm on which Mr. White spent the rest of his days, dying in 1889. His widow survives him and is an active lady of sixty years.

Stephen A. White was nineteen years of age be fore leaving the State of Alabama, but remained with his father until twenty-one years of age when he commenced farming for himself, that being an occupation with which he was thoroughly familiar. He purchased land and began opening a farm in this ward, but at the end of four years purchased the property on which he is now residing, which comprises 800 acres of fine land, all in one body, with about 400 acres open and 300 under cultivation. He has a substantial and comfortable residence, also a new mill and cotton-gin, and although he commenced making his own way in the world with but lit tie means and not much education, he has been phenomenally successful, and by contact with the world and much reading at odd times, he is one of the most intelligent men of this section, his ideas on all matters of importance being shrewd and sound. He raises from fifty to seventy five bales of cotton annually, and his plantation yields abundantly of other Southern products. He was married here, in December, 1874 to Miss Mary A. Knox, a Louisianan, born and reared in Claiborne Parish, and a daughter of J. A. P. Knox. Her union with Mr. White has resulted in the birth of three children: Keeny, Maud and Ruth. Mr. White and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is steward, and he is a member of the Farmers' Alliance and is treasurer of his local lodge.

James K. Willet, retired merchant, Homer, La. It cannot be expected in a work of this kind, where but brief biographical sketches of prominent men of the parish are presented, that a lengthy, laudatory article should be written of each one, and yet at times there are met. with some who have been so closely and intimately identified with the parish, and whose names are so familiar to all, that it is only just to dwell upon what they have done, and the influence of their career on others, not as empty words of praise, but the plain statement of a still plainer truth. Mr. Willet, was originally from Sumter County, Ga., his birth occurring on November 23, 1853. and is a son of Acial A. Willet, a native of New York State. The latter moved to Georgia with his father when a lad of nine years, grew to manhood there, and was there married to the mother of our subject, her maiden name being Miss Elizabeth White. The mother was born in the Old Dominion, but was reared principally in Georgia.

Mr. Willet was a planter and merchant in Sumter County, Ga., and there he still resides, retired from active business. He was a soldier through the late war from the first to the last, and has been a member of the Masonic order for a number of years. James K. Willet received a good education in Sumter County schools, and then clerked in his father's store for a number of years, thus receiving a thorough, practical business education, under the tuition of his father. In 1875 he went on a farm, remained there for a couple of years in an adjoining county, and during the year 1876 (Centennial year) he visited different, cities of the North, including New York, Philadelphia, and spent a few months in New York State, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In 1877 he came to Claiborne Parish, La., and engaged in cultivating the soil until 1879, when in October of that year he began merchandising at Homer. This he continued for a number of years, and up to January 1, 1889, he was very successful, and had accumulated a comfortable competency. He has since been occupied in settling up old business, and is also engaged to some extent in the brokerage business. Mr. Willet was one of the first to give his support to the establishing of the Homer National Bank, and is a stockholder and director of the same. on December 18, 1877, he was married to Miss Many L. White. a native of Georgia, who was reared and received her education in Louisiana, she being the daughter of Joseph M. White, one of the pioneers of Homer. The union of Mr. and Mrs. "Willet has been blessed by the birth of one son, Acial M., a lad of ten years.

Mr. and Mrs. Willet are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Willet is a member of the K. of P. He has filled many official positions in this organization, and is at present master of exchequer. He is also one of the stockholders and directors of the Claiborne Agricultural Fair Association and was elected its first treasurer. John. W. Willis, a retired agriculturist of Claiborne Parish, La., was bora in Louisa County, Va., in 1824, the third of eight children born to his parents, Joshua and Barbara A. (Winston) Willis, the former of whom was born in Virginia in, 1796. He was one of four sons and several daughters of Reuben Willis, who either came from Ireland or was a direct descendant from Irish parents. Joshua Willis grew to maturity in Virginia, and although he was but, sixteen years of age, he served in the War of 1812. In 1818 he was married to Miss Winston, also a Virginian, and a daughter of John Winston, and to them the following children were born: Mary O. (wife of Eli Harris, whose home was in this parish until she died, in 1860, leaving, besides her husband, a family of nine children), Patsey G. (became the wife of James M. Thomason, of this parish), John W. (is the subject of this sketch), Thomas N. (is a resident of Arizona, La.), Ann (is the wife of W. C. Moorland, of Bienville Parish, La.), Americans (who is married and is a planter of Ouachita Parish, La.), James A. A. (is deceased), Sallie (was the wife of J. E. Birch, and is now deceased), and Leonora (wife of M. T. Nicholson, also residing here), John W. Willis came to Claiborne Parish, La., with his parents, in the winter of 1848, and with them located about six miles east of where Homer now stands. This region at that time was sparsely settled, and the woods abounded in wild game, which John W. was very fond of hunting. He was married in 1859 to Miss Cicely A. Nicholson, a daughter of W. B. Nicholson, formerly from Alabama. To them six children were born, four of whom were reared to maturity: James C., Ella (wife of A. G. Nelson), Ida (wife of T. H. Brown), and John Gladden (a resident of Arizona, La.). Mr. Willis is a fervent Democrat, and for some time has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-fifth Louisiana Infantry, and served until the close of the war, then returned to Claiborne Parish and devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1888, since which time he has been in the drug business with his son, James C., who is a practicing physician. The latter was born in 1865, and received a good education in the college at Arizona. At the age of seventeen years be began reading medicine with Dr. D. J. Calhoun, of Arizona, and at the age of eighteen years he was sufficiently prepared to enter the medical department of the Vanderbilt University, of Nashville, Tenn., from which he was graduated in the spring of 1887. He immediately located at, Arizona, where he remained until 1889, when he engaged in the drug business, in connection with which he has a splendid medical practice. He was married in January, 1888, to Miss Mattie B., daughter of Dr. J. P. Taylor, of Claiborne Parish, and by her he has one. child, Lillian M., who is now nearly two years old. The Doctor is connected with the Knights of Pythias, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Walton Wilson, as a planter of Ward 6, Claiborne Parish, La., needs no introduction to the people of this section, for he has during his residence here won a name for himself as a tiller of the soil. Rankin County, Miss., is the place of his birth, and there, he first saw the light of day in 1839, being one of two children born to his parents, the other member of the family being Eliza A., wife of A. A. Ponder, of Smith County, Tex. The father, A. M. Wilson, was a North Carolinian, born about 1815, a lawyer by profession, who died in Claiborne Parish, La., in the summer of 1841, at the untimely age of twenty-six years. He came here the same year of his death, thinking to better his financial condition, but was cut down by the reaper, Death, when entering upon a career of great usefulness. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah A. Stevens, was born in Mississippi, a daughter of Isaac Stevens, and is now living with her daughter in Texas. Walton Wilson grew to maturity and received a common-school education in Claiborne Parish. When the war broke out he determined to do his share to swell the ranks of the Confederate Army, and enlisted in Company A, Ninth Regiment Louisiana Volunteers, in 1862, but being sick during the summer, he saw but little service until the -battle of Fredericksburg, after which he participated in the following engagements: Second battle of Winchester, battle of Gettysburg, second battle of Manassas, the battle of the Wilderness, and numerous skirmish tights at various times. After Lee's surrender he returned to his home in Louisiana, and has since given his attention to farming, being now the possessor of 260 acres of fertile and valuable land, of which 100 acres are under the plow. Being a natural mechanic, he picked up the carpenter's trade at odd times, and has now a beautiful house built by his own hands. His marriage, which occurred in the fall of 1860, was to Miss Cieily Honeycut, a daughter of James and Sarah A. (Stevenson) Honeycut, natives of North Carolina and Missouri, respectively, the birth of the former occurring in 1800. He was one of the first settlers of this parish, and reared a family of seven children, all of whom are deceased except Mrs. Wilson and a sister, Julia, a resident of Winn Parish. Eight of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are still living: Eliza (wife of I. H. Stevens), Mary L. (wife of I. A. McKee), Sarah (wife of A. H. Box), Albert M., Sadie S., A. L., J. Gilbert and Myraposie B. Mr. Wilson and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the Farmers' Union. He was appointed postmaster of Aycock in the spring of 1887, and the office was removed from Enterprise to his residence, where it has since been, Mr. Wilson-making a faithful and zealous official. He is now fifty years of age.

Charles D. Yancey, farmer, Homer, La. Claiborne Parish is acknowledged by all to be one of the best agricultural portions of the State, and as such its citizens are men of advanced ideas and considerable prominence. A worthy man among this class is found in the person of Mr. Yancey who was born in the Old Dominion, Mecklenburg County, August 21, 1841, and is the son of Alexander and Mary A. (Elam) Yancey, natives also of Virginia. The Yancey family is of old Virginia stock, and dates back several generations. Charles Yancey, grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the Revolution, and Daniel Elam, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was also of old Virginia stock. Alexander Yancey attained his growth in his native State, has been a planter all his life, and now lives at an advanced age in Mecklenburg County. His wife died about 1883.

Charles D. Yancey is one of a family of three sons and five daughters that grew to mature years, and all became heads of families. He received an ordinary education in Mecklenburg County, and this he has greatly improved by study and observation. In 1861 he enlisted in the Fourteenth Virginia Infantry, and served in that until wounded and taken prisoner. He was promoted from private to sergeant and was a participant of the battle of Seven Pines, Malvern Hill, second battle of Manassas, Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg and Gettysburg, where he received a gunshot through the body, and was wounded in both arms and one leg. He was then taken prisoner and held at Baltimore about one month, when he was paroled. He joined the regiment in October following and remained with the same until the termination of the war. He was paroled at Appomattox Courthouse. Then returning home he remained there about a year and then came west to Louisiana, locating in Claiborne Parish, where he has since resided. For about three years he was engaged in carpentering and clerking, and was married in the house where he now lives December 16, 1869, to Miss Velinda Taylor, a native of Alabama, but who was reared in Claiborne Parish, find the daughter of Hugh Taylor. Mr. Taylor was one of the pioneers of Alabama, and his death occurred July 9, 1874, when seventy-four years of age. After marriage Mr. Yancey located near his present property, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and later bought out the Taylor heirs. In 1877 he located on his present property, consisting of 950 acres of land, all in one body, and 500 acres under cultivation. He devotes the principal part, of his land to cotton, and raises, on an average, eighty bales annually. He has been quite successful in all the occupations in which he has been engaged, and his advanced and progressive ideas have not only resulted in his own good, but is of benefit to those with whom he comes in contact. He is a stanch Democrat and is well supported in his political views by his wife. Mr. Yancey has served in numerous county conventions, and was a former member of the K. of P. Mrs. Yancey is a member of the Home Missionary Baptist Church. Both are among the most respected of the parish. Corrected too late for alphabetical insertion.

Larkin R. Lay, farmer, Homer, La. The entire life of Mr. Lay has been one unmarked by any unusual occurrence outside the chosen channels to which he has so diligently and attentively given his time and attention. He was born in Fayette County, Ga., on June 23, 1836, and his parents, David and Epsie (Landrum) Lay, were also natives of that State, the mother born in Jackson County. Both parents died in Georgia when our subject was a mere child. The latter came to Louisiana with an older brother in June, 1847, grew to manhood in Claiborne Parish, and received a good education in the country schools and at Mount Lebanon College. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the Second Louisiana Infantry, and re-enlisted in 1863 in the Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry, with which he remained until the close of the war. He was in the siege of Vicksburg, at Port Gibson, and was in several skirmishes. After the war he returned to his home (May, 1865), and in the year following was engaged in clerking at Lisbon. In the fall of 1866 he was married to Miss Margaret J. Garrett, a native of Alabama, and the daughter of Col. John L. Garrett. the following year he engaged in farming, and this has been his calling ever since. He commenced life for himself with limited means, and in addition to his own family has reared all the children of Col. Garrett with the exception of one older son. Mr. Lay is now the owner of about 1,200 acres, all in a body, and has about 600 acres cleared. He has made many improvements and has a good residence, He and Mrs. Lay are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and are highly esteemed citizens. He served as a member of the police board for four years, and socially he is a member of the K. of P. To his marriage have been born ten children: William L. (who is grown up and married), Jim Nic, L. E , Jr., D. M., Lizzie C , Annie Mag, Katie P., M. B., L.

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