De Soto Parish, Louisiana History and Genealogy
De Soto Parish. LA AHGP
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William X. Moseley, M. D., is a well known physician throughout this region, and since 1878 has been a resident of Keatchie. He was born in Noxubee County, Miss., December 23, 1835, his parents, John T. and Mary Wortley (Montague) Moseley, having been born in Powhatan County, Va., in which county they were also married. In 1830 he removed to the State of Mississippi, but did not bring his family thither until five years later. When a young man he left home, his father being a talented attorney, to go to Richmond, Va., where he worked on one of the leading papers as a printer, but soon after gave up that trade for more congenial work, that of tilling the soil, and afterward turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, then to the banking business, and in later years again became a farmer, the remainder of his days being spent on a plantation, surrounded by his family and many friends. He was a self-made man, was highly educated, and was an able financier. He was charitable, kind-hearted and generous, and his death, which occurred in 1883 at the age of eighty-four years, was lamented by all. From the time he first voted until the last time that he went to the polls he never scratched a Democratic ticket, and was an earnest advocate of secession from first to last. He was a member of the I. O. O. P., and in his religious views was liberal.

His wife died also in 1883 at the age of seventy-four years, she being a member of an old and prominent Virginian family, members of which had become celebrated for their brilliancy as educators and politicians and for their bravery and intrepidity as soldiers. She traced her ancestry back to the sixteenth century. She was a devoted member of the Missionary Baptist Church for many years, and as a wife and mother was faithful, loving and kind. She was highly educated and talented, and retained her fondness for good literature until the day of her death. Although she lived over the allotted age of mortals, she never showed in the slightest degree the ravages of time, and could recite page after page from the best poets. Their union resulted in the birth of ten children, of whom William X. Moseley was the fifth child but the eldest of three sons. He was given excellent educational advantages in his youth, and in 1857 graduated with B, A. degree from the University of Mississippi, after which he at once turned his attention to the study of medicine, and entered the medical department of the University of New York, being graduated in 1859 as an M. D. He practiced his profession near his boyhood's home until the breaking out of the war, when he was one of the first to offer his services to the confederacy, and was attached to the medical department at Richmond as assistant surgeon in Col. Perrin's regiment.

He afterward became surgeon, and being the senior surgeon held that position for some time in Gen. Jackson's brigade, the most of the time being in charge of the surgical wards. Soon after the war he located in Noxubee County, Miss., where he remained until 1872, when he came to Summer Grove, near Shreveport, La., and as above stated in 1878 to Keatchie. He has made his home in this place up to the present time, and has built up an extensive practice both in this State and in Texas. His fame has gone out far and near, and as a consequence he is very frequently called in by other physicians for consultation. He has never figured conspicuously in politics, owing to the fact that his time has been fully occupied with his practice, but he has always voted for the success of the Democracy, and is very bitterly opposed to the re-chartering of the Louisiana State Lottery. In 1874 he was married to Miss Mary V. Crawford, a daughter of Rev. Peter Crawford, who was a well known Baptist minister for many years, and an educator of decided ability. He was one of the founders of the Judson Institute at Marion, Miss., and was the president of other noted schools in Louisiana and Mississippi. He is one of the men who made Keatchie Male and Female College what it now is, one of the first schools in the State. His daughter, Mary V., has been an instructor in this institution for the past thirty years.

Her marriage to Dr. Moseley has resulted in the birth of six children: Mary Wortley, John T , William X., Jr., Annie E., Peter C. and Patty B. Both the Doctor and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a Royal Arch Mason. William G. Mosley. Not without justice, Mr. Mosley is conceded to hold a representative position among the prominent and successful men of this parish. He was born in Bibb County, Ga., August 16, 1833, being a son of James and Polly (Leslie) Mosley, both of whom were born in that State in 1800, and there spent the rest of their lives, their deaths occurring in the same year, at the age of eighty-three years. They had been worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church for many years, and in his political views Mr. Mosley was a Democrat all his life. He was a prosperous tiller of the soil, and on their farm in Georgia they reared a family of four children, three of whom are now living: L. B. (who acted as first lieutenant in Col. Thorpe's regiment, being afterward promoted to captain, and is now a farmer of Taylor County, Ga.), James E. (who was a soldier in the Confederate army, was wounded at Atlanta, and is now farming in Texas), Sidney A. (who was a member of a Georgia regiment, and was killed in the gunboat battle of Charleston, S. C), and William G. The latter was educated in Mount Peter's Springs, Monroe County, Ga., and at the age of eighteen years he commenced to trade for himself, in horses and other stock, but some time after began traveling for Samuel Griswold, of Macon, remaining with him eight months. At the end of this time he opened a mercantile establishment, at a town which he founded and named Eleanor. Although his means were limited when he first commenced for himself, he possessed a good constitution and unbounded ambition, and as a consequence, he has made life a success.

John H. Nabors, farmer of De Soto Parish, La. This gentleman has been a respected resident of this parish since 1866 and is an enterprising and industrious tiller of the soil. He was born in Shelby County, Ala., in 1827, being a son of James M. and Caroline (Henry) Nabors, the former born in North Carolina in 1797, and the latter in East Tennessee in 1810, their marriage taking place in Shelby County, Ala., where the rest of their lives was spent, Mr. Nabors dying in 1853 and his widow in 1857, both having been members of the Methodist Church for many years. Mr. Nabors was a farmer, a soldier in the Creek War, and for fifteen years was a member of the Alabama Legislature, his last term expiring shortly prior to, his death. He was also sheriff of Shelby County two terms, and socially was a member of the I. O. O. P. His father, John Nabors, was born in North Carolina and died in East Tennessee, where he has lived many years. He was of French lineage, and a soldier in the Revolutionary War and lived to a good old age.

The mother's father, Ezekiel Henry, was born in East Tennessee, and from that State moved to Alabama and in 1849 emigrated to Texas, where he died about 1860, having followed the calling of a farmer throughout life, being a soldier in the Creek War. He was also sheriff of Shelby County, Ala., for some years. The immediate subject of this sketch is the eldest of four sons and six daughters, and he and his youngest sister, who resides in Dallas, Tex., are the only ones of the family now living. He was given the advantages of the common schools in his youth, find in 1847 was married in Shelby County, Ala., to Miss Susan, daughter of John V. and Keziah McHenry, who wore born in Virginia and North Carolina, respectively, and were married in Shelby County, Ala. In the year 1851 they moved to Union County, Ark., where they passed from life after the war. Mrs. Nabors was born in Shelby County, Ala., and has borne her husband eight children, four sons being now alive. In 1849 Mr. Nabors moved to Union County, Ark., where he lived until 1866, alter which he came to De Soto Parish, La., and since 1867 has resided on his present farm, which comprises 400 acres, 250 being cleared, and is situated eight miles east of Mansfield.

In May, 1862, he joined Company G, Ninth Arkansas Infantry, and during the two years he fought in Mississippi and Tennessee he took part in the battles of Corinth, Coffeeville, Port Hudson, Baker's Creek, Big Black, Jackson and others. He was then transferred to west of the Mississippi River and became a member of Company G, Second Louisiana Cavalry, and operated in Louisiana until the close of the war, being in all the fighting of the Red River Valley. He has held the office of justice of the peace, is a member of the A. P. & A. M. and is president of Woodside Lodge of the Farmers' Alliance. He and wife have been members of the Methodist Church since 1846.

James W. Nolan was reared to a knowledge of farm life by his father, James Nolan, and like the majority of farmers' boys he has followed in his ancestor's footsteps, and is now one of the leading agriculturists of this parish. He is a native of Wilkes County, Ga., where he was born in 1837, and until eighteen years of age, at which time the father died, he remained under the shelter of the paternal roof, . his mother, whose maiden name was Almedia Florence, having died when he was twelve years old. The father was born in Virginia in 1780, being a son of George Nolan, who was of English descent, a Revolutionary soldier, and died in his native State of Virginia. The mother was born in Lincoln County, Ga., in which State her father, Thomas Florence, was born and spent his life, being a tiller of the soil. James W. Nolan was the first of three sons and three daughters, and received a good education in his youth at Washington, Ga., also spending one term in the University of -Virginia at Charlottesville.

In 1859 he came to De Soto Parish, La., and farmed until the opening of the war. He was married in 1861 to Miss Mary Fannie, daughter of Benjamin W. and Julia Pearson, the former a native of Raleigh, N. C , and the latter of Camden, Ala., their marriage taking place in Montgomery, of the latter State. They came to De Soto Parish in 1840, the father dying in 1876, aged about seventy-two, and the mother still living, at the age of seventy-three years, a worthy member of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Nolan was born at Fort Jessup, Sabine Parish, La., in 1840, and is the third of eleven children, and the mother of thirteen children, ten sons and two daughters living. Mr. Nolan served for a short time in the Confederate army in Shelly's battalion, which was afterward merged into the Crescent Regiment, and hold the rank of sergeant. After the war he spent four years as a merchant of Mansfield, but, has since devoted his attention to farming, being the owner of about 1,800 acres, with 600 cleared. He is also operating a saw, grist-mill and cotton gin, in all of which enterprises he is doing well. He and his wife have been members in good standing of the Methodist Church for a long time, and for many years he has been a member of the A. F. & A. M.

S. A. Pegues is a merchant representing the Farmers' Union Association, his place of business being at Mansfield Junction, where he established himself in February, 1889, his stock of goods being small, but well chosen. He was born in this parish on April 15,1854, his parents being Charles S. and Mary F. (Guy) Pegues, the former a native of South Carolina, and the latter of Alabama. About 1844 they came to Louisiana, and took up their abode about six miles south of Mansfield on a large tract of land which they purchased and entered, being among the early settlers of this region. On this farm the father died in 1875, his widow and five children surviving him, the names of the latter being: Mrs. M. P. Page, W. T , S. A., C. G. P., and Mrs. W. G. Kelley. The father was a member of the police jury for one or two terms, and prior to the war had become a wealthy man, being the owner of about 100 negroes. He served during the latter part of the war. S. A. Pegues attended the common schools of De Soto Parish, and was brought up to plantation life, a calling ho followed until 1888, and although he still follows this calling to some extent he is also engaged in merchandising.

He is also an engineer, a calling he picked up at odd times, as he had a natural taste for mechanics. He owns 240 acres of land, of which 115 are under cultivation, and has on the homestead 500 acres under cultivation, in which he owns a part interest. In 1888 Miss Cora Sutherlin,- a daughter of George H Sutherlin, became his wife and by her he has two interesting little children: Mary L. and S. A., Jr. Mrs. Pegues is a member of the Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the Farmers' Alliance. James M. Peyton, It will be seen from a perusal of this sketch that Mr. Peyton is one of the leading citizens of this section, and although his early days were destitute of much schooling, his vigorous mind so grasped and embraced the opportunities which presented themselves that be is now accounted one of the most intelligent and learned men of this section. He was born in this parish on September 30, 1843, and after assisting his father on the home plantation until 1803, he joined the Third Louisiana Infantry, Confederate States army, and served until the war closed, his regiment disbanding in Shreveport, La. Soon after returning home, feeling the need of a better education, he in 1866 became a pupil of the well known Prof. De Sha, and after leaving his institution he commenced business in Keatchie and has conducted a mercantile establishment ever since.

In January, 1868, he formed a partnership with G. W. Peyton, but their establishment caught fire and was burned to the ground in 1874, after which they re-established themselves in business immediately, and the firm continued as Peyton & Peyton until 1880 since which time James M. Peyton has been by himself. On April 16, 1874, he was married to Lucy C. Ward by whom he has three children: Ward, Wilmer C. and Aline H. Mrs. Peyton is a member of the Baptist Church, and he is a stanch Democrat. W. B. Peyton is a police juror from Ward 1, and having been born in this section he has the interests of the community at heart and is proving himself one of its most substantial residents. His birth occurred on February 14, 1853, to William C. and E. J. (Kennedy) Peyton, natives, respectively of Tennessee and North Carolina. They came to Louisiana during the early settlement of this region and being pleased with the country, and his enterprises meeting with good success, the father remained here until his death, which occurred in 1886, at the age of sixty-seven years, his wife dying in 1880, when sixty-two years old. He was one of the first men to open a store at this point, and being an able financier, succeeded in accumulating a fortune, but afterward lost it. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and in his political views he was a Democrat.

He came to this parish long before the town of Longstreet was dreamed of, which fact shows that he was a very early inhabitant of this section. He and his wife became the parents of children, seven of whom are now living, of whom the subject of this sketch is the fourth. He spent his school days in this parish, and when twenty years of age he commenced to sell goods at Melrose, Tex., but after remaining there two years he came to Keatchie, and has been one of the leading men of the place up to the present time. In August, 1889, he commenced life as a commercial traveler, his business calling him throughout the cities of Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. He was appointed by Gov. McEnery to the office of justice of the peace, and in 1884 was elected to the position and has discharged his duties very ably. In 1884 he also received the appointment of police juror, becoming notary the same year. He has always taken a deep interest in the political affairs of this parish, district and State, and has always been an earnest and active worker for democracy. Miss Eva Hall, of Shreveport, became his wife in 1872, and their union has been blessed in the birth of the following children; C. H , W. B , Jr., G. Lamar and Edgar E. One child, Elma, died in infancy. Mrs. Peyton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Capt. John W. Pitts is a planter and surveyor of De Soto Parish, La., and is one of the most influential men in this section of the country, not only because he has become one of the largest and wealthiest landholders, but because he has taken an active interest in every enterprise for the public weal. He was born in Muscogee County, Ga., July 2, 1839, his father, George E. Pitts, having been born in South Carolina, and his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Leary, in Georgia. The former was of Welsh, and the latter of Irish descent. They came to Louisiana in 1859, and settled on a plantation in De Soto Parish, on which he died in December, 1888, his wife passing to her long home in July of the same year. They left two children: Capt. J. W. and Louisa (wife of W. W. Hunt.) Capt. John W. Pitts was reared in Georgia, and educated in the university of that State, after which he did clerking and a general mercantile business with his father, but after coming to this State with them, be turned his attention to planting, which he continued to follow until the bursting of the war cloud which had so long hovered over the country, when he enlisted in Company F, Nineteenth Louisiana Regiment, and was subsequently made orderly sergeant, then first lieutenant, being finally commissioned captain, which position he held at the time of Lee's surrender.

He went out with the third company that left this section of the country. He was wounded in the battle of Shiloh by a gunshot in his right arm, and was twice wounded at Atlanta, a gunshot striking him in his right hip joint. He was a gallant and dashing officer, and made an enviable record for himself while in the service. He has devoted his attention to his plantation ever since the war, and is now the owner of about 4,000 acres of good land, considerable of which is under cultivation. He rents the most of his land and turns his attention to raising grain and stock, his farm being especially well adapted for this purpose. He deals extensively in mules and cattle, and is a wide-awake and enterprising citizen generally. He was appointed Government surveyor in 1874, and has held the office continuously ever since, with satisfaction to all concerned. He is well known throughout the parish, and no man is better posted on the topography and geology of De Soto Parish than Capt. Pitts, for he has traversed this section over, time and again, in his surveying tours.

He has the reputation, and deservedly so, of being a fine surveyor, and most thoroughly understands every detail of the work. His marriage, which took place in 1870, was to Miss Sallie Thorn, by whom he has three daughters: Anna, Lizzie and Janie B. Paul M. Potts, the subject of this sketch, is a planter and merchant of Pottsville, La., and is an excellent example of the success attending hard work and honest dealing, and the trade which he now commands is solidly established and reaches over a large part of the surrounding country. He was born in Baldwin County, Ala., in 1800, his father, S. M. Potts, being a native of Georgia, and his mother, whose maiden name was Susan Sturdivant, being also born in that State, their marriage taking place in Alabama. In 1867 they removed to Texas, but in 1872 settled in Shreveport, La., and the same year came to Mansfield. Mr. Potts died near Keatchie, in 1885, but his widow survives him, being a member of the Episcopal Church.

Mr. Potts was a farmer, was a public spirited citizen, was interested in the political affairs of the nation, and at one time represented De Soto Parish in the State Legislature. He edited the Mansfield Reporter for some time, and throughout the Rebellion served as captain in the Confederate army. His father, Henry Potts, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and died in Georgia. The mother's father, Robert Sturdivant, was a Georgian, who died in Alabama. Paul M. Potts is the fourth of five surviving children born to his parents, and his education was received in Shreveport, Mansfield and Baton Rouge. After following civil engineering in the interests of different railroads (New Orleans, Texas & Pacific, New Orleans & Mississippi Valley, and the Southern Florida) for some time, he was married in 1884, and the first year after his marriage resided in Florida. His wife, Miss Sarah E. Hollingsworth, was a daughter of Maj. Robert B. and S. E. Hollingsworth, and was born in De Soto Parish, La., and has borne her husband two children: Lillian E. and Robert H. Since 1885 they have resided in De Soto Parish, and he has conducted a plantation and also managed the Phoenix Drug Store in Shreveport.

He is now spending his first year on Red Bayou, where he is engaged in merchandising and farming, the post-office of Pottsville being recently established at his store, of which he is postmaster. His wife' a parents were born in Alabama, but were among the first settlers in Northwest Louisiana, both being members of prominent families. The mother died in De Soto Parish, but Maj. Hollingsworth is still living, and is a resident of Natchitoches. Benjamin B. Powell is a planter and cotton ginner of Ward 7, De Soto Parish, La., and was born in Monroe County, Ga., in 1846, being a son of James and Mary (Hill) Powell, whose native State was Georgia, where they lived until about 1849, when they started to the Lone Star State, Mr. Powell dying while en route, his burial taking place in Rapides Parish, La. His widow went to Texas, and in that State she too, passed from life in 1854, she as well as her husband having been a worthy member of the Methodist Church. The subject of this sketch was the seventh of eight children, but he and a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Hart, are the only ones that survive. He was reared in Harrison County, Tex., and his youth was devoted to farm work and to acquiring a common-school education. In January, 1862, he joined Harrison's regiment of Texas Cavalry, but in the summer of 1862 he was discharged at Tupelo, Miss., on account of his age.

He then returned home and served as a courier from Shreveport to Houston for some months, and later joined Morgan's battalion of Texas troops, with which he served until the close of the war in Louisiana and Arkansas, taking part in many skirmishes. His company was disbanded on the Brazos River, in Texas, after which he returned home and farmed in Harrison County one year, his attention being then turned to the stock business in Kauffman County, Tex., till 1869, when he came to De Soto Parish, where he has since made his home. He is accounted one of the leading planters of this section, and is the owner of 836 acres of land, of which 290 acres are cleared. He raises about sixty-five bales of cotton yearly, and all his property has been acquired since coming into this parish, for at that time his possessions consisted of a horse and $100. He was married in 1872 to Julia, daughter of John and Caroline Robinson, Alabamians, who died in De Soto Parish, whither they had moved at an early day, Mrs. Powell was born here and has borne her husband six children, five now living.

Mr. Powell is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and he and his wife are Missionary Baptists, John T. Prude. As might naturally be expected, mention is made in the present work of many citizens of De Soto Parish, La., now prominent in their different callings, but none more so than Mr. Prude, who is a member of the general mercantile firm of Prude & Hood, at Cook Post office, which was established in January, 1881. Born in Pickens County, Ala., in 1854, he is a son of David W. Prude and Prances P. (Archer) Prude, the former born in Alabama in 1823, and the latter in Georgia in 1833, their marriage being celebrated in the former State, where they resided until 1856, when they came to De Soto Parish, La., and settled about ten miles southwest of Mansfield. The father embarked in the occupation of farming and merchandising, following the latter calling in Mansfield for some years. He was a member of the A. P. & A. M., also a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was a police juror and magistrate at the time of his death in 1879.

His father, Hanan Prude, was born in South Carolina, and died in Alabama, and his mother, Martha Prude, was of Irish descent and died in De Soto Parish. Mrs. Frances P. (Archer) Prude, was a member in good standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and died in 1889. Her father died in Mississippi. John T. Prude, the immediate subject of this memoir, was the third of nine children born to his parents, and his youth was spent on a farm in De Soto Parish, his education being received in the country schools and in Mansfield, La., and Mansfield, Tex. After leaving school he drove cattle and farmed in Dallas, County, Tex., one year, then returned to this parish, and on December 20, 1876, was married in Sabine parish, his wife being Fannie, daughter of Michael and Susan Morris. Mr. Morris is a native of Sabine Parish, and his wife of Wilcox County, Ala. After their union Mr. and Mrs. Morris resided for some years in De Soto Parish, then moved to Sabine, where they both died about 1885 and 1886, respectively. Mrs. Prude's (our subject's wife) birth occurred in this parish, and since her marriage she and her husband have lived on the farm, his attention being also given to merchandising since 1881, and since the establishment of Cook Post office he has been postmaster of the same. He is the owner of about 2,200 acres of land, in different tracts, some of which is covered with valuable timber. In addition to the above mentioned callings to which he is now giving his attention, he deals in cotton and stock. He has one of the finest country homes in the parish, and is thoroughly fixed to enjoy life. His wife is a Missionary Baptist.

David William Hood, a member of the general mercantile firm of Prude & Hood, was born in Pickens County, Ala., in 1849, his parents, C. L. and Ellen (Bradford) Hood, being born in South Carolina and Alabama, in 1818 and 1828, respectively. Their marriage took place in Alabama, but in 1856 they determined to seek a new home, and after a short residence in Catahoula Parish they came, in 1858, to De Soto Parish where the mother passed to her long home, in 1861, Mr. Hood being still alive. The last three years of the war he served in the Confederate army, in Louisiana and Arkansas.

He is a member of the A. F, & A. M., the Farmers' Alliance, and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His father, William Hood, died in Alabama, being of Irish lineage. David W. Bradford, the mother's father, was a South Carolinian, but passed from life in Alabama. Of nine children born to C. L. Hood and wife, the subject of this sketch was the second, and he received the early advantages that are usually given the farmer's boy. In 1878 he married Cornelia, daughter of John J. and Emily E. Gardner, her birth occurring in De Soto Parish, and her marriage resulting in the birth of six children, two now living. Mr. Hood was a successful farmer until 1889, when he became associated in the mercantile business with Mr. Prude, as above stated. He is the owner of eighty acres of good land, and he and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The parents of Mrs. Hood were born in Jefferson County, Ala., and La Fayette County, Ala., in 1820 and 1833, father and mother, respectively, and after their marriage, in 1859, they came to De Soto Parish, La., where they are still living, consistent members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gardner has been police juror for about ten years, and during the two last years of the war he was a member of Company B, of the Crescent Regiment.

Louis M. Rambin is a planter and police juror of Ward 7, De Soto Parish, La., and being a native resident of the parish, he is widely known and highly respected. He was born in 1837 to Francois and Mary Dermase (De Soto) Rambin, who were born in Natchitoches and what is now De Soto Parish, respectively, the father being among the pioneer settlers of the latter place.

He was a merchant and trader in San Antonio, Tex., some years, but afterward returned to De Soto Parish, La., his death occurring here in 1852. During the War of 1812 he was appointed a captain in the Eighteenth Louisiana, and served as a guard on the then frontier of West Louisiana. His father was probably born in New Orleans, and he died in Natchitoches, being one of its first settlers and a very wealthily man. He was a fine amateur musician. The mother of the subject of this sketch died in 1854. Her father, Marcel De Soto, was born in St. Landry Parish, and was at one time governor of the neutral territory, or Riohonda District, in West Louisiana. He died in the parish which was named in his honor. Louis M. Rambin is the youngest but one of fifteen children, and is one of two sons now living.

He was reared on a farm, receiving such schooling as the country at that day afforded, and has spent all his life in this parish, being one of the oldest settlers now residing here. At the opening of the Civil War he joined Company F, Ninth Louisiana Infantry (De Soto Blues), and fought in the Army of Virginia, at Fredericksburg, in the seven days fight around Richmond, and many other engagements. Soon after the battle of Fredericksburg he was made sergeant of the commissary ordinance, and served in that capacity until March 1, 1865, when he was captured by Sheridan's army in the Shenandoah Valley, and was' taken to Fort Delaware, where he was. kept until June, 1865. He was in command of eighty men at the battle of Chancellorsville, whose duty it was to protect and assist Jackson's reserve artillery ordnance train. For that service he was retained in that position until captured. While in the service he was married in Virginia in 1865, to Sallie G., daughter of Joseph and Margaret Young, natives of that State, where they spent their lives. Mr. Young died in the Confederate army soon after the battle of Fort Donelson, in which he participated, and his wife died in 1868. Alter the war Mr. Rambin returned to De Soto Parish, and in 1868 settled on his present farm of 360 acres, at which time but small improvements had been made. His farm is situated about eighteen miles southeast of Mansfield, and he now has 100 acres cleared. In 1876 he was elected justice of the peace, serving two years, and in 1877 he was appointed tax-collector, but at once resigned. In 1879 he was chosen police juror of Ward 7, and has served efficiently ever since. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in his religious views is a Catholic. His union has resulted in the birth of thirteen children, five sons and five daughters of whom are living.

Middleton Hale Rembert. From this brief and incomplete view of the life record of Mr. Rembert will be seen that his life from earliest youth up has not been uselessly or idly spent. He was born in Sabine Parish, La., in 1851, being a son of Dr. Robert A. and Emily (Hale) Rembert, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Alabama, their marriage taking place in the last named State. About 1849 or 1850 they came to Sabine Parish, La., soon after locating in Pleasant Hill, and three years later in Mansfield, where Dr. Rembert died in 1856, having been a successful physician and planter, his widow following him to his long home in 1861, both worthy Christians and members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Middleton Hale Rembert is the youngest of four children born to them, three sons now living, and his early days were spent at farm labor and in attending the common schools near his home, beginning the battle of life for himself at about the age of fifteen years.

In 1874 he was married to Miss Minnie McDonnell, a native of Mississippi, and by her is the father of seven children. Her parents, Alex and Fannie McDonnell, were born in Mississippi and Georgia, respectively, but the former was killed in war, and the latter died in her husband's native State. Mr. Rembert has resided on his present plantation of 120 acres for the past seven years, it being situated one mile west of Pelican, and although his acreage is small, it is so carefully tilled that it yields a larger annual income than many larger tracts. He belongs to the Farmers' Alliance, and he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. Marmaduke Ricks is a dealer in general merchandise, and has been engaged in this business in Mansfield since 1858. He was born in Greene County, Ala., March 24, 1828, and is a son of Josiah and Sallie (Gandy) Ricks, natives of North Carolina, who emigrated to Alabama, being among its pioneer settlers. They died on a farm in Greene County, the mother in 1834 and the father some twenty years later. They were the parents of ten children, six now living: John, Robert F., Marmaduke, Charity, Sallie A. and Petty H. The Ricks family originally came from England, and both the paternal and maternal grandfathers of the subject of this sketch served in the Revolutionary War. Marmaduke Ricks was reared on a plantation in his native county, receiving the advantages of the common schools, and in 1849 came to Louisiana and located in De Soto Parish. At that time his capital was very small, and after working around for some time he purchased a farm, but gave up tilling the soil in 1858 to engage in the mercantile business at Mansfield, which establishment he has since conducted, with the exception of the time spent in the war.

In 1862 he enlisted in the Eleventh Texas Infantry, Company B, and served until the surrender, being in all the principal engagements in which his regiment took part. After the war he returned to Mansfield, again opened business, and is now one of the pioneers of the place, and has witnessed the growth of the country. He was mayor of Mansfield for several years, was appointed police juror in 1888, and has held a number of other local offices. He was first married in 1859 to Miss Mary Williams, by whom he has one child, Willie E., his second union taking place in 1866, the maiden name of his wife being Laura McFarland. Four children have blessed this union: Angy, Mattie, Duke and Ben. Mrs. Ricks is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ricks is a large real estate owner, his property lying in both city and country, and on one of his farms is a mineral well, which he discovered in 1889. A well was dug in 1885, but was re-dug in 1889, going fifty feet deeper. The water was then found to contain valuable mineral properties, but wishing it analyzed, some was sent to Tulane University of New Orleans for that purpose, the analysis showing that it contained ferric (iron) carb., 6.248; calcium (lime) carb., 4.069; calcium sulfate, 39.117; calcium chloride, .725; magnesium chloride, 11.766; sodium chloride, 16.845; sodium sulfate, 12.292; potassium sulfate, 1.978; alumini, .772; silica, .460, and a trace of organic matter. This well was brought to the notice of the medical practitioners, and it is now being prescribed for indigestion and malarial diseases, dyspepsia, etc. Mr. Ricks is now at work clearing off his land, and is putting up a large hotel near this well, which he expects to have in operation by the summer of 1891. The accommodations will be excellent, and conveyances can be easily procured from all railroad depots.

A. V. Roberts, M. D. The people of De Soto, as well as the surrounding parishes, are familiar with the name that heads this sketch, and for many years he has been actively and successfully engaged in prosecuting his chosen profession. His present home is four miles north of Mansfield, but he was born in Huntsville, Ala., December 7, 1825, his parents, Robert W. and Harriet (Allan) Roberts, being born in Delaware and Virginia, respectively. The paternal grandfather was born in America, but his father was a native of Scotland. Sanders Roberts was an officer in the Continental Army during the Revolution, taking part in the battle of Brandywine, and afterward became the possessor of and wore the spurs belonging to Count Pulaski, which were handed down to Dr. A. V. Roberts by his father, but were stolen from him in 1846 while in Philadelphia. Robert W. Roberts was a lawyer by profession, and after his marriage removed to Tennessee, thence to Alabama, afterward to Mississippi, in 1833, in which State he held a seat in the State Legislature from 1837 to 1844, being Speaker of the House for two sessions. In the latter year he was elected to Congress; was reelected in 1846, but after discharging the duties of this term he returned to his home and lived a retired life on his farm until his death, in February, 1865, his wife having passed from life May 6, 1846.

Of three children born to them two are living: Dr. A. V. Roberts and Mrs. Margaret A. Roach. The father was twice married, his first union resulting in the birth of five children, all of whom are deceased. A. V. Roberts, M. D., was reared in Mississippi, and educated himself at Centenary College at Brandon Springs, Miss., and at the age of twenty years he began the study of medicine, and in 1848 graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. After practicing one year in Mississippi he came to Mansfield, La., which place he reached in the month of February, 1849. After practicing here until the war broke out he, in January, 1861, moved to his present residence, where he has followed his calling up to date. He is the oldest resident practitioner of the parish, except two (Dr. James W. Pair, of Mansfield, and Dr. Lockwood Allison, of Kingston, De Soto Parish); has been yery prosperous, and is now the owner of 900 acres of land, 400 being cleared and under fence, 160 acres being fine pasture land. He is interested in stock-raising, and improves his breed each season, all his stock now being of a good grade.

He was married, in 1850, to Lucinda J. Quarles, by whom he has three children living: Susan H. (wife of Walter Johnson), Quarles M. and Inna (wife of A. N. Smith). The mother of these children died in 1873. The Doctor is a member of the Baptist Church, having joined the same in 1844, and for the past thirty years he has acted as its clerk. John C. Ross, planter, Gloster, La. Prominent among the successful and progressive planters of De Soto Parish stands the name of John C. Ross, who owes his nativity to that parish, his birth occurring in 1850. He came of an old and prominent South Carolina family, his parents, John A. and Mary H. H. (Goodwin) Ross, both being natives of that State, the father born in Fairfield District in 1807, and the mother in Richland District in 1816. They were married in that State, but afterward lived for two years in Alabama, one year in Mississippi, and in 1849 came to De Soto Parish, settling in the woods near Gloster, where they improved about 1,000 acres. In 1858 they removed to near Keatchie, where Mrs. Ross died in 1863, and Mr. Ross in 1865. Both were members of the Baptist Church. The paternal grandfather, Abner Boss, was born in Maryland and died in South Carolina. He was a farmer by occupation and served the last two years of the Revolutionary War. He was at one time a member of the South Carolina State Senate. The maternal grandfather, Jesse H. Goodwin, was born in the Palmetto State, and came also to De Soto Parish in 1849. There his death occurred in 1861. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Hopkins, died there in 1853. John C. Boss, the sixth of eight children, received his education at Keatchie and at the Louisiana State Seminary at Baton Rouge.

After this he farmed for a year, then spent three years surveying levees on the Bed River, and then clerked in a store for the same length of time. For three years after this he was in the sheep business in Texas; then clerked in a railroad office at Big Springs, Tex. then steam boated on Red River for three years, and since then has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. For three years he was justice of the peace, and for four years postmaster at Gordon, Tex. He is a member of the Staked Plain Lodge of A. P. & A. M., at Big Spring, Tex. His marriage occurred in the Lone Star State in 1881 to Miss Celestia L., daughter of William and Dorcas Grouch, natives of New York and Texas, respectively. Mr. Grouch died in Texas in 1884, but his widow is still living. He was an engineer by profession. Mrs. Boss was born in Texas, and died there in 1882, leaving one daughter. She was a devout member of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Charles Schuler. The life of this gentleman has been rather an eventful one, and clearly demonstrates how much can be accomplished and acquired under the most unfavorable circumstances. He was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, January 18, 1840, to George and Agatha (Lehmann) Schuler, who came with their family to the United States in 1852, landing in the city of New Orleans, where he died the same year of his arrival at the age of forty-eight years. He was a graduate of a German university, was a government employee, a school teacher, but took part in the revolution of 1849, and afterward came to the United States, his time, after coming to this country until his death, being devoted to teaching his native language and music. His wife died in New Orleans, in 1880, at the age of eighty-three years, both having been earnest members of the Catholic Church. Six of the eight children born to them are now living: Pauline (widow of Ferdinand Zurchmeddan, of Holland, she being now a resident of New Orleans), Matilda (widow of August Leuber, a watchmaker, of Louisville, Ky.), August (is a watchmaker and jeweler, of Cole Creek, Tenn.),. Charles (comes next in order of birth), Josephine (wife of Louis Leonhard, a merchant of New Orleans, but resides in Bay St. Louis, Miss.), and Ernest (of Keatchie, La.). Charles Schuler was educated in Germany, and when a boy of twelve years was compelled to commence the battle of life for himself on account of the early death of his father, receiving for some time $1.50 per month for his services. He was compelled to work very hard for a long time in order to maintain himself and give some assistance to his mother, but nature had endowed him with a good constitution, and he was plucky and persevering, and consequently succeeded in his undertakings, where many other boys would have failed.

Upon the opening of the Civil War he joined the Chalmette Regiment, and while on duty at Fort Jackson was captured April 24, 1802, and paroled but was kept at New Orleans until October, 1862, when he was exchanged and rejoined the Confederate army, attaching himself to the Ordnance Department, but prior to this was with the expedition which resulted in the capture of the Queen of the West and Indianola, two Federal gunboats, by the Confederates on the Mississippi River. He was promoted to first lieutenant in the Ordnance Department, having charge of the ordnance work shops in the district of Western Louisiana, and surrendered at Shreveport in the spring of 1865. He afterward clerked in New Orleans for a few months, then came to Keatchie and worked as a farm laborer for some time, after which he opened a store in the town and was there in business until 1871, when he resumed farming and gradually increased his acreage until he now cultivates 1,500 acres of land. His success has been the result of many a hard day's labor, and consequently is fully deserved. In 1874 he was elected to the Legislature from De Soto Parish, as a Democrat, and during Gov. Nicholl's administration he was president of the parish school board for three years. His marriage, which took place in 1865, was to Mrs. Nancy (Hughes) McBeth, of Port Gibson, Miss. They are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Schuler is a ruling elder, and he is a Mason, and a Democrat, and the owner of 1,760 acres of land, but controls more than this.

S. J. Smart, M. D. Seventeen years devoted to the service of humanity sums up in a line the career, thus far, of Dr. S. J. Smart, who is one of the most successful and best known physicians of this section. He was born in Vernon Parish, La., in September, 1851, being a son of John E. and Louisa (Coward) Smart, the former of' whom was a native of Georgia, born in 1807. When a child he was taken by his parents to Mississippi, where he was reared, after which he removed with them to St. Landry, now Calcasieu Parish, La., then to Vernon, where he has since lived. The father served as a member of the police jury here many years ago, was a representative of Sabine Parish in the State Legislature, and also in the Constitutional Convention of 1856, and was also State senator for a number of terms, during which time he held permanent positions on committees and made an enviable record for himself. Having been an extensive planter he lost heavily in slaves and otherwise during the war.

He worked for wages when twenty-one years of age. Since the war he has regained much of his lost wealth. His views on nearly all subjects were decidedly original, and being of a fearless disposition he expressed his views boldly on all matters of importance, and carried his point, not only on the stump, but in the halls of the Legislature, being known as the bull-dog of the treasury. He still takes an active part in politics as an advocate of democracy, but not as a candidate for office, and in 1886 was chairman of the convention that nominated N. C, Blanchard for Congress. He is a son of John Smart, a Georgian, and in 1828 rode 100 miles from Bigwoods to Apolansas, to vote for Andrew Jackson. The family furnished several soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Smart, our subject's mother, is a Mississippian by birth, and is still living at the age of seventy-seven years. They have been married over fifty years, in fact their married life has extended over sixty-one years, and resulted in the birth of twelve children, two of whom died when quite young. All the sons have become well known men, and have been exceptionally successful in their different; callings: Dr. E. E, (graduated from the medical department of the University of Louisiana when quite young, prior to the war, and afterward represented Rapides Parish in the Legislature, the same time that his father was a member of that body from Vernon Parish; he afterward represented this district as senator, and has also represented Vernon Parish in both Lower and Upper Houses of the General Assembly; he has been treasurer of the last named parish since its organization, and has held a number of local offices of honor).

 W. W. Smart (another son, was in the saw-mill business for a number of years, and also represented Rapides Parish in the secession convention and commanded a company in the Virginia army during the late war; he is now deceased), a sister, Minerva (became the wife of J. M. Sandel; she is now a widow and resides in Texas), Leathy (became the wife of Thomas Richardson, an ex-representative of Vernon Parish, who is now engaged in farming and milling), Maggie (became the wife of J. F. Smith, deceased, who was a member of the State Senate at the time of his death, and became celebrated on account of the stand he took on the subject of the Louisiana State Lottery; he was a noted man throughout this section, and was a very prominent attorney), Andrew (died soon after returning from the war), M. N. (is a farmer of Vernon Parish), Virginia (became the wife of P. W. McGee, and died in Vernon Parish), Missouri (is the widow of L. H. Hadnot, who was a farmer and died in Grant Pariah). Dr. S. J. Smart received the most of his education in Pleasant Hill High School and College, and afterward turned his attention to teaching, and during the time he was a pedagogue he devoted his leisure time to the study of medicine, but afterward became salesman and book-keeper for Smart & Cooper, at Leesville, La. In 1871-72 and 1872-73 he attended the Louisiana University at New Orleans, and was graduated as an M. D. in the latter year.

His early preceptor was Dr. E. E. Smart, his brother. He commenced practicing in Leesville, continuing until November, 1889, when he came to Logansport, and has since been associated in his practice and in the drug business with Dr. W. J. Headrick. He was married November 21, 1873, to Miss Theodosia Burr, a daughter of Murray Burr, of Vernon Parish, an old and prominent family of that section. The Doctor and his wife have three sons: John E., Jr., Murray B., and Edmund E., Jr. Mrs. Smart is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The Doctor has, like the balance of the family, always worked for the success of democracy, but not as a candidate for any office. Spilker Bros., the firm composed of W. C. and C. T. Spilker, established their business in Gloster in 1887, and carry a stock of general merchandise, valued at about $4,000. They are live, energetic business men, and have one of the leading mercantile establishments in the town. Both were born in De Soto County, the former in 1861, and the latter in 1863, and they are the sons of William G. and Lena (Malhusen) Spilker, both of Baden Baden, Germany. The parents, when but children, came to this country, settled in Marshall, Tex., and here, when grown, were united in marriage.

Soon after they moved to De Soto Parish, and they are now living at Keatchie, where Mr. Spilker is engaged in the confectionery business, and is also postmaster at that place. He was a turner by trade. During the stirring times of the late war he served in the Confederate army, principally in the beginning of the war. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife are worthy and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. His father, Theodore Spilker, died in Germany, and the mother in Texas. The maternal grandfather of our subjects, Eev. William Molhusen, a minister in the Presbyterian Church, died of yellow fever, in Galveston, Tex. W. C. and C. T. Spilker were reared and educated in Keatchie, and after leaving school they clerked for a few years in Shreveport and Galveston, Tex. In 1887 they began business for themselves, in Gloster, La. and are among the leading merchants of the place. Their stock of goods is first class and complete, and they are doing a good business, all the result of their honesty and reliability. Aside from their mercantile interest, they are the owners of 1,220 acres of land near Gloster, with about 500 acres cleared, and they are also quite extensively engaged in raising stock. W. C. Spilker was married in 1888 to Miss Carrie Moore, daughter of Nicholas and Carrie Moore, the mother now living in Keatchie, but the father died about 1880.

H. A. Storey. The life of this well known planter affords an example that might well be imitated by the young men of to-day, for on starting out in life for himself he had but little means, but his endeavors were result of good, and he is now a well-to-do farmer of De Soto Parish. He possesses a fine property of 640 acres, with about 400 under cultivation, and has shown much intelligence and shrewdness in its management. His principal crop is cotton, the raising of which he understands thoroughly, but he also raises corn in abundance, and vegetables of all kinds sufficient for home consumption. He raises sufficient stock to successfully conduct his plantation, and his reputation here as a leader of his calling is firmly established.

He was born in Pickens County, Ala., December 21, 1846, to Henry and Jane (White) Storey, natives of South Carolina, who removed to Louisiana in 1856, taking a farm adjoining the present town of Grand Cane, his section of land costing him $10 per acre, a small portion being purchased for $6. This land was partly improved, but to such a man as Henry Storey this was not at all satisfactory until the greater portion was under the plow. He made many very valuable improvements, and here made his home until his death, which occurred on August 16, 1871, his wife dying in 1862, after having borne him a family of ten children, only three being alive at the present time: H. A., Mrs. Ricks and Mrs. Sloan. H. A. Storey was but nine years of age when brought to this State, and owing to the thinly-peopled country and to the scarcity and inferiority of the schools of that day, the education which he received was rather limited. During the latter part of the war he served three months in the Confederate army, but was in no severe battles or skirmishes. Miss Alice L. Eatman became his wife in 1874, and, in time, the mother of his six children: Clarence, Florence, John, Myrtle, Hardee and Earl. He and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In connection with his farming he operates a large cotton-gin and grist mill, doing an extensive and paying business.

George H., Sutherlin, district clerk and ex-officio recorder of De Soto Parish, La., comes of old Virginian stock, his parents, John and Sarah (Conway) Sutherlin, having been born and lived and died in the Old Dominion. The father was an honorable and upright tiller of the soil, and he and his wife became the parents of seven children, only two of whom are living; George H. and a sister, who resides in Virginia. Two sons, N. A. and W. S., were killed during the Rebellion. George H. Sutherlin was born in Pittsylvania County, Va., December 9, 1830, and resided in his native State until he was about sixteen years of age, his education being also received there. In 1846 he left Virginia, and remained in Alabama until 1850, when he came to Mansfield, La., and began earning his own living as a clerk, subsequently opening a store for himself, which he conducted with fair results for some years. In 1862 he became a member of Company B, Consolidated Crescent Regiment, and served in the Trans-Mississippi Department until the final surrender, being afterward transferred from Company B to Company F, in which he was made lieutenant, which company he was commanding at the time of the surrender, having taken part in all the principal engagements in which his regiment participated. He has been a planter and merchant all his life, and now has about 400 acres of his plantation under cultivation, on which he raises cotton and corn principally.

He is one of the prominent men of his parish, and in 1885 was appointed to fill the unexpired term of W. G. Reynolds, as district clerk, and his popularity was proven for he was elected in 1888, and has since held the position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public. He was first married in 1855 to Miss Mary E. McMichael, who left him with a family of three children to care for, two being now alive: William R. and Cora E. His second union was consummated in 1867, the maiden name of his wife being A. 0. Miles, by whom he has one child, E. L. Mr. Sutherlin is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

James L. Terrell has followed, with substantial success the occupation of farming, a calling to which he was reared, his father, Hiram Terrell, having also been a worthy tiller of the soil. The latter, as well as his wife, whose maiden name was Isabella Glass, was born in North Carolina, but their marriage took place in Mississippi, in which State the father died in 1846. Two years later his widow came to De Soto Parish, La., but moved to Texas, in 1864, dying in the Lone Star State in 1869, a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Terrell having also been a member of the same. The latter became well known in Mississippi, for he was a member of the Legislature of that State several different terms, and in the immediate vicinity of his home held the office of justice of the peace, and at one time participated in one of the early wars. His father, Moses Terrell, was of Irish descent and died in Mississippi.

The mother's father, Wm. Glass, was born and spent his life in North Carolina. The subject of this sketch is one of a family of eleven sons and four daughters, and he and two sisters are the only members of the family now living. His education was acquired in the common schools, and in 1842 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Matilda, daughter of Daniel and Charity Sandell, South Carolinians, who died in Mississippi, in which State Mrs. Terrell was born. She has borne her husband four children, three of whom are living: Martha E., Amanda J. (wife of Rufus M. Farmer), and Alice A. (wife of F. M. Brownfield). In 1847 Mr. Terrell came to De Soto Parish, and in 1852 settled on his present farm five miles east of Mansfield, the place at that time having but few improvements. He now has about 400 acres of land in all-with some 200 acres under cultivation, which he has obtained by his own efforts. In 1863 he joined Company O, Second Louisiana Infantry, and served with different commands until the close of the war, his company being disbanded at Natchitoches. He is one of. the well known and respected citizens of the parish. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and he and wife have been members of the Methodist Church for a long time.

J. F. Walker, M. D., planter of De Soto Parish, La., has been a resident of this locality since 1865, but was originally from Upson County, Ga., where he was born October 4, 1835, being a son of J. P. and Nancy A. (Fort) Walker. The father was born in Washington County, Ga., in 1797, and the mother in Wake County, N. C., in 1800. They located in Georgia at an early day, thence moved to Texas in 1860, and in 1865 came to De Soto Parish, La., making their home in the town of Mansfield. Here the father passed from life in 1876, his third wife and five of his thirteen children surviving him. Dr. J. P. Walker was reared in Georgia, in which State he received the advantages of the common schools, becoming familiar with farm life and merchandising. In 1861 he enlisted in Company P, Tenth Texas Cavalry, which was dismounted at Des Arc, Ark., and from there he went to Corinth, Miss., on foot, his regiment participating in all the battles of note in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia, being present at the siege of Atlanta, and was with Hood in his celebrated campaign in Tennessee.

The most of his time, however, was spent in the medical department, as he had previously studied medicine for two years. After the surrender he was engaged in the drug business for two years at .Mansfield, which calling he carried on until 1869, when he sold out and embarked in planting, at which he has since been very successful. He is now the owner of about 3,000 acres of land, 1,200 having been opened, his uplands being the best in the State of Louisiana. Some of his land has been under cultivation for forty years, but still produces one-half bale of cotton to the acre. Dr. Walker is in every sense of the word a self made man, and to his own industry and enterprise is due his success. He was married in 1867 to Miss Josephine E. West, by whom he has nine children: Willie I., George H , Robert E., Rufus O., Lucille N., James J., Reuben B., Eugene N. and Helen B. (twins). Dr. and Mrs. Walker are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In connection with farming he is also engaged in the lumber business, and has a good steam cotton-gin and saw-mill, having been engaged in the latter business for several years.

Joseph Edward Wall, M. D. The name of Wall is one of the most influential in Logansport, and one of the most respected in this community, for he has not only proven himself honorable, honest and upright in every respect but he has proved himself a physician of far more than average merit. He was born in Madison County, Ala., July 21, 1831, to James A. and Rebecca (Jeffries) Wall, both of whom were Virginians, but at an early day became residents of Alabama, in which State they made their home until their respective deaths. The father was a graduate of William and Mary's College, and when a young man studied law, but abandoned this calling for farm work, which he considered would be a more congenial occupation. He was a member of the Alabama Legislature for several terms, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was in the battles of
Horse Shoe Bend and New Orleans.

He died on the 27th of July, and had he lived until the 10th of December he would have been ninety-four years of age. He had never eaten pork in any form, never drank coffee or tea, never drank whisky, and did not use tobacco in any form. The now famous Wall Street, New York, was named in honor of one of his ancestors, an Englishman and a rich banker, being one of the first men to open a bank on that street. The family became well known in the history of Virginia. The mother of the subject of this sketch was also very old at the time of her death and both she and her husband have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, the former being a class-leader in the same for some sixty years. He was a Democrat. To them a family of fourteen children was born, ten sous and four daughters, only four of the family being now alive: Dr. Conrad (a physician of Greenville, Ala.), Dr. A. S. (a physician of Carthage, Tex.), Mrs. B. J. Hamilton (widow of Daniel Hamilton, she being now a resident of Lowndes County, Ala.), and Dr. Joseph Edward Wall, who received his early scholastic training in McAlpine College, Nixburg, Ala.

He commenced the study of medicine in 1850 with William E. Davie, M. D., as his preceptor, and three years later began attending lectures at Nashville, Tenn., but in 1854 graduated from a medical university of Alabama. He at once commenced practicing in Coosa County of that State, but in 1861 became captain of Company D, Sixth Alabama, but was afterward transferred to the medical department; was regimental surgeon of the Twenty-eighth Tennessee Cavalry, to which position he was assigned during the seven days fight at Richmond. He was in the two battles of Manassas, was also at Gettysburg, taking part in many other important engagements. With the exception of the time he had the small-pox he was not sick while in the service and was never wounded, but had a number of horses shot from under him. No braver soldier ever trod the crimson turf of a Virginia battle field, and although his experience was very rough he bravely bore his share of the dangers, hardships and privations of war.

During this time he lost thirty-one valuable slaves, besides other property, and after the close of the war he came to Carthage, Tex., locating soon after in Logansport, where he has made his home the greater part of the time since. He has a very extensive practice, but is also interested in planting and is the owner of a fine tract of timber land in Sabine Parish. while a resident of Alabama he was superintendent of the schools of Coosa County, and at all times has been deeply interested in the cause of education. In 1852 he was married to Miss Fannie Cox, who died in Sabine Parish, La., in 1884, having borne a family of ten children, six of whom are living: Conrad (now of Texas), John (a farmer of Indian Territory), Augustus (a farmer of Sabine Parish, La.), Fannie (wife of O.M. Maars, of this place), Maggie and Tom Dick at home. Those deceased are: Carrie (who died when twenty-seven years of age), Emma, Mollie B., and Kate O'Neal. In 1886 Dr. Wall was married to Mrs. Sarah Darby, of Alabama, a widow, and they have one child, Audra. Dr. Wall is a Mason, a Democrat, a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in his religious views is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Joseph Williams, general merchant and farmer, Gloster, La. Mr. Williams is one of those prominent men who find it to his advantage to introduce some other industry besides farming in his line of occupation, and is to-day one of the prominent merchants of Gloster. He was originally from Jasper County, Miss., his birth occurring in 1842, and is a son of Phillip P. and Rebecca (Collins) Williams, the father born in South Carolina, in 1815, and the mother in Hinds County, Miss., in 1820. The parents were married in the last named State, and moved from there to De Soto Parish, in 1849, settling in the woods near Keatchie, where they improved a good farm. The father was a successful farmer and died on his farm in 1887. The mother is still living. The paternal grandfather, Joseph Williams, was born in the Palmetto State, and died in Mississippi, where he had followed agricultural pursuits for many years. The maternal grandfather, Col. Mores Collins, was born in Georgia, and came to De Soto Parish about 1847, dying there in 1859. He was a farmer by occupation and a soldier in the early wars. Joseph Williams, the eldest of eight children, four now living, and all but one in De Soto Parish, was early trained to the duties of the farm, and received au average common-school education. In 1861 he enlisted in the Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry, in the Army of Tennessee, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and the Atlanta campaign, back to Franklin and Nashville. He surrendered near Meridian, Miss., at the close of the war, as a noncommissioned officer of sharpshooters. After the war he returned to the farm in De Soto Parish, and was married in 1868 to Miss Martha V. Crawford, who was born in Mississippi, and who was the daughter of Rev. Peter and Maria C. (Montague) Crawford), natives of the Old Dominion. The parents were married in Virginia, and moved from there to Marion, Ala., thence to Mississippi, and in 1866 to De Soto Parish, where Mr. Crawford died in 1873, and his widow in 1887. The former was a Baptist minister of prominence, and was founder of the Judson Institute at Marion, Ala., where he was pastor of the church for a number of years. He and wife were both among the prominent educators of the South the principal part of their lives.

Mr. Crawford was president of Keatchie Female College for five years previous to his death, and was a man of mark. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born eight children. They have five daughters living. Since his marriage Mr. Williams has lived near Keatchie, where he has five farms, owning about 4,500 acres of land, all of which is the material result of industry and perseverance.

He followed merchandising on his plantation for about ten years, and in 1889 moved his store to Gloster, where he now has a good trade. Mr. Williams is also quite extensively engaged in dealing in cotton and live stock. Mrs. Williams is a consistent member of the Baptist Church at Keatchie. Mr. Williams is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Keatchie Lodge No. 121, and was a member of the chapter at Mansfield.

J. B, Williams. If, as is self evident, this work would be incomplete without the sketches of the more public spirited and of the successful agriculturists, the biography of the subject of this sketch justly finds a conspicuous place in this volume. He was born in Russell County, Ala., September 3, 1851, to John and Mary (McGee) Williams, natives of Georgia, the former dying in Florida, and the latter in De Soto Parish, La. Of a large family of children born to them, the subject of this sketch was the next to the youngest, and in the State of his birth he was reared to manhood, his education being only such as the common schools afforded. Reared on a farm from his earliest boyhood, he soon became familiar with every detail of the work, and showed good judgment in making this his life work when he came to choose a calling for himself. In the fall of 1877 he came to Louisiana and located in De Soto Parish, purchasing, two years after his arrival, the farm on which he is now residing, which amounts to 470 acres, 300 acres being opened.

 Everything about his place shows that thrift, industry and good management hold full sway, for not only are his buildings and fences in good repair, but his crops are always of the best, and the stock which covers his broad acres are of fine breed. His horses are Hambletonian and Percheron, and he is the owner of a colt, seventeen months old, which is fourteen and a half hands high. He takes much interest in this enterprise, and gives every promise of becoming a noted stockman, his cattle being also of a good grade. His annual yield of cotton is about sixty-five bales. He was married in 1872 to Miss Sophronia Brown, by whom he has seven children: Onie, Mittie, Lizzie, Hilda, Inez, Ollie and Alto. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a prominent and well known man in this parish. He has one brother and two sisters living: Holland (in Florida), Mittie (wife of A. P. Harris), Julia (wife of W. C. Gouldsby, of Florida), and Oliver (died while in the war).

J. M. Williams. A lifetime of hard, earnest endeavor in pursuing the occupation to which he now gives his attention, coupled with strict integrity, honesty of purpose, and liberality in the right directions, have had the result to place Mr. Williams among the truly respected and honored agriculturists of this parish. He was born in Warren County, Ga., in 1818, being the only surviving member of a family of eight sons and four daughters born to Thomas and Mary (Ivey) Williams, the former a Georgian and the latter a native of Virginia. In 1818 they removed from Georgia to Alabama, and settled in Tuscaloosa County, later in Pickens County, where they spent the remainder of their days, the father's attention throughout life being given to farming. He was a stanch Democrat, politically, and for about twenty years was a member of the Alabama Legislature, but also held other offices, and for some time was a colonel in the State Militia. in the State of Alabama, J. M. Williams received his rearing and schooling, but in 1847 he emigrated with his family to Louisiana, making the trip overland with about 100 people and twenty wagons, slaves being also included with the former.

Mr. Williams brought with him about twenty-three negroes, and his trip to this region, being unmarked by any disasters or hardships, was a very pleasant one. Game was in abundance all along the route, and venison and turkey were an everyday affair. He settled with his family in De Soto Parish, near where he now lives, and the farm which he purchased cost him the sum of $8 per acre. In 1851 he moved to where he now lives, and here he subsequently built him a nice frame dwelling-house, in which he expects to spend the rest of his life, enjoying the means his former industry accumulated. The place was at first heavily covered with cane-brake, with the exception of a small 'strip that was under cultivation, but by industry he succeeded in clearing it, and is now the proud possessor of 700 acres of fine land, 300 of which are under cultivation, nearly all being under fence. Besides this he has also given his children good farms.

All cereals and vegetables can be raised on his land, and as grass grows luxuriantly, and there is an abundance of water, it may be said to be a fine stock farm, and to this he adapts a considerable portion of it, his stock being of a good grade. He is one of the leading planters of the parish, and has been a witness to the complete growth and development of this section He has always been a law-abiding citizen, never had a case of any kind in court, never was sued by anybody, and was never a witness but twice, and says that then he did not know anything to tell. Although he is now seventy-three years of age he still enjoys the best of health and physically and mentally shows but little the ravages of time. He was married in 1837 to Miss Charity Brooks, who bore him one daughter, Mary N., his second wife being Miss Elizabeth Cowley, by whom he became the father of one child, Lightfoot, who is residing in Texas. His third union was to Miss Frances J. Ridgeway, and resulted in the birth of twelve children, four of whom are living: Samuel T , Nancy, Dora I. and Ida J. The family worship in the Baptist Church, and are highly honored throughout this section of the country. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have thirty grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

T. J. Williams, Jr., is recognized as a careful, energetic agriculturist of this community, and by his advanced ideas and progressive habits has done no little good for the farming interests hereabouts. Originally from Montgomery County, Ala., he was born in the month of April, 1835, to T. J., Sr., and Evaline (Young) Williams, natives of South Carolina and Georgia; respectively. Their marriage was celebrated in Montgomery County, Ala., and in 1848 they emigrated to Louisiana and located in De Soto Parish, seven miles south of Mansfield, where he entered and purchased a large amount of land, a portion of which was purchased from George G. Haden. He improved the place and remained on the same until his demise, in 1871.

He was married twice, his first union resulting in the birth of six sons and two daughters: Daniel (who was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, was a member of the First Louisiana Regiment), Barnard Y., T. J.. Boling (of Shreveport, La.), Goode B., Mrs. T. B. Spaudling and one who died in early childhood. The immediate subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in this parish, and as he was reared to a knowledge of planting he has followed this all his life. In 1857 he was elected sheriff of De Soto Parish, an office he held six years, and during the latter part of the war he was in the treasury of the Trans-Mississippi Department, and served until the final surrender. He served on the police jury of this parish for six years, and as he has resided here all his life he has had every interest of the section at heart, and has aided, both by influence and money, every enterprise calculated to benefit the same.

He is the owner of 1,200 acres of land in Red River Parish, which is all alluvial bottom soil, and also owns 200 acres of good land in De Soto Parish, but makes his home in Mansfield. His wife, who was formerly Miss Florence Parker and whom he married in 1868, was born in Caddo Parish, and has borne her husband three children: Charles P., Alice C. and Parker C. The family worship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Williams may well be accounted a progressive citizen and a true gentleman in every respect. G. B. Williams has long been prominently identified with the planting interests of De Soto Parish, and the plantation of 1,600 acres, which he is conducting on Bayou Pierre, is one of the finest in this section. Mr. Williams was born in Talladega County, Ala., in 1842, and is a son of Thomas J. and Eveline (Young) Williams, who were born and married in Montgomery County, Ala., making their home in that State until 1848, when they came to Mansfield, La., and here spent the rest of their lives, the mother, who was a member of the Methodist Church, dying in 1851. Mr. Williams afterward married again, and followed farming successfully until his death, in 1872.

He was a soldier in one of the Indian wars, and was a son of John Williams, who was of English descent, born in South Carolina, but died in Alabama, having been a soldier in the Revolutionary War and a planter by occupation. The mother's father, Bowling Young, was also a planter, and died in Alabama. G. B. Williams was the seventh of nine children, and since he attained his sixth year his home has been in De Soto Parish, La., the principal part of his education being received in the schools of Mansfield. Upon the opening of the Rebellion he joined an independent company, and after a short service was placed in Company D, of the Fifth Louisiana Cavalry, being transferred one month later to the North Louisiana Cadets of Capt. Jordan's company, with which he served until 1864, when he was detached to assist in guarding the transfer of specie from Richmond west, which occupied his attention until the close of the war. He was largely on scout duty while with the North Louisiana Cadets, and was in over 100 engagements in all, the principal battles being those of Oak Ridge, Belmont, Fort Donelson, Island No. 10, Shiloh, Corinth, Baton Rouge, Plaine's Store, Port Hudson, Baker's Creek, Jackson, Iuka, Holly Springs, Coldwater, Bolivar, La Grange, Fort Pillow, etc.

He was never wounded or captured. After the war he returned to farming and this has been his life-long occupation, a number of years being also spent in trading in horses and cattle. He has 800 acres of his land cleared, and the buildings on the same are in good condition. In 1875 he was married to Jennie, daughter of James and Jennie Wilcox, her birth occurring in De Soto Parish. Her father and mother were born in South Carolina and Alabama, respectively, but in 1845 became residents of De Soto Parish, where Mr. Wilcox died in 1875, and his wife in 1860. A family of five children has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, two sons and three daughters. Mr. Williams has been a member of the police jury for about two years, and is treasurer of the Bayou Pierre Drainage Commission. He is a member of Woodside Lodge of the Farmers' Alliance, and his wife is a Methodist. Boykin Witherspoon, one of the pioneer planters of Ward 2, and a representative citizen of De Soto Parish, is another of the many prominent residents of the parish who owe their nativity to the Palmetto State, his birth occurring in Darlington District, in 1814. His parents, John D. and Elizabeth (Boykin) Witherspoor, were also natives of South Carolina, the father born on the Pedee River, in 1778, and the mother in Camden, in January, 1787. They were married at the last-named place, May 5, 1808, and afterward settled in Darlington District, where they spent the rest of their days, Mr. Witherspoon dying in 1860, and his widow in 1861. The latter was a member of the Episcopal Church. The father was a graduate of Brown University, Rhode Island, and then read law at Georgetown, S. C , after which he practiced the profession of law with success for twenty years, and then devoted the remainder of his days to his plantation.

He was, for a number of years, a member of the Lower House, and was afterward a member of the State Senate of South Carolina. He was a reserve in the War of 1812. His father, Hon. Gavin Witherspoon, was born in South Carolina, where he spent all his life on a plantation. He was an officer under Gen. Marion in the Revolutionary War, and was also a member of the Legislature at one time. His birth occurred in 1748, and his death in 1834. His father, grandfather of our subject, Gavin Witherspoon, was born in 1712, in Ireland, and died in South Carolina, in 1773, and his father, John Witherspoon, great-grandfather of Boykin, was born in Scotland, near Glasgow, in 1670. The latter was married in 1093, and on account of a rebellion in Scotland, removed to Ireland about 1695. In 1734 he came to Williamsburg, S. C. where his death ocurred in 1737, and where he left a large family. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Samuel Boykin, an able South Carolinian, was prominent in its affairs. Prior to the Revolutionary War, he was Indian agent for the British Government, and served in the Revolutionary War as captain of a company of Catawaba Indians. He was a member of the Provincial Government.

His father was William Boykin, a son of Edward Boykin, who came from Wales to South Carolina in 1685. Boykin Witherspoon, the eldest of two sons and six daughters, five now living, he being the only one in Louisiana, attained his majority in a South Carolina village, and received his primary education at Society Hill, graduating in 1833, from South Carolina College, at Columbia. He was married in 1841 to Miss Elizabeth W. Edwards, a native of Darlington District, S. C., born in 1822, and the daughter of Peter and Jane Edwards, natives, respectively, of South Carolina and North Carolina. Both died in South Carolina, the father in 1822, and the mother in 1835. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Witherspoon were born twelve children, three sons and six daughters now living: Jane, Elizabeth (wife of E. J. Howell), Rebecca (wife of T. G. Pegues), Boykin, Margaret, Florence, Alice, Gavin and Francis Marion. In 1854 Mr. Witherspoon came to De Soto Parish, settled on his present farm in the woods, four miles northeast of Gloster, where he now owns 4,880 acres, with about 1,000 acres cleared. He raises principally stock and cotton. During the war he was captain of a militia company. Mr. Witherspoon comes of an old and prominent South Carolinian family, and is one of the representative citizens of De Soto Parish. Mrs. Witherspoon and all the children, with the exception of Rebecca, are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, the latter belonging to the Presbyterian Church.

Charles S. Youngblood, farmer, has always had the reputation of being, not only a substantial and progressive farmer, but an intelligent and thoroughly posted man in all public affairs. He .was born on the farm on which he is now living in 1857, his parents, Benjamin and Sarah C. (Reynolds) Youngblood, having been born in Mississippi and South Carolina in 1819 and 1831, respectively, both being brought to De Soto Parish, La., by their parents, the former about 1837 and the latter a year or two later, their marriage taking place here in 1851. . Soon after the celebration of their nuptials Mr. Youngblood began merchandising in Mansfield, remaining there some years, during which time he also held the office of sheriff eight years, after which he settled on a woodland farm, where the subject of this sketch now lives. A few years later they moved to Sabine Parish, where the mother died in 1868, and Mr. Youngblood then returned to his old home in De Soto Parish, and here passed from the scene of his earthly labors in 1881.

He was a captain in the Mexican War, and during the Rebellion was detailed to do service at home. He was a member of the A. P. & A. M., a Baptist, and a son of Henry Youngblood, who died in De Soto Parish about fifty years ago, being of Scotch- Irish descent, his wife being now a resident of Texas, aged eighty-nine years. The grandfather, W. Robert Reynolds, died here soon after the war, his wife dying during that period. Charles S. Youngblood was the fourth of six children, and although he was reared a farmer's boy he received better educational advantages than the average, and was an attendant of Saline Valley University at Hemphill, Tex. After leaving school he was engaged in the drug business in Mansfield a short time, but has since resided on the old farm, which his father settled, which consists of 440 acres, of which about 200 acres are cleared. He was married on January 23, 1884, to Miss Willie N., a daughter of Hezekiah and Alabama Barnes, who were born in Alabama, Mr. Barnes also dying there when Mrs. Youngblood was a child. Mrs. Barnes came to De Soto Parish, La., in 1809, and is still living here. Mrs. Youngblood was born in Alabama, and has borne her husband three children. They are members of the Baptist Church, and he is at present serving as constable in his ward.

Born in Pickens County, Ala., December 21, 1846, to Henry and Jane (White) Storey, natives of South Carolina, who removed to Louisiana in 1856, taking a farm adjoining the present town of Grand Cane, his section of land costing him $10 per acre, a small portion being purchased for $6. This land was partly improved, but to such a man as Henry Storey this was not at all satisfactory until the greater portion was under the plow. He made many very valuable improvements, and here made his home until his death, which occurred on August 16, 1871, his wife dying in 1862, after having borne him a family of ten children, only three being alive at the present time: H. A., Mrs. Ricks and Mrs. Sloan. H. A. Storey was but nine years of age when brought to this State, and owing to the thinly-peopled country and to the scarcity and inferiority of the schools of that day, the education which he received was rather limited. During the latter part of the war he served three months in the Confederate army, but was in no severe battles or skirmishes. Miss Alice L. Eatman became his wife in 1874, and, in time, the mother of his six children: Clarence, Florence, John, Myrtle, Hardee and Earl. He and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In connection with his farming he operates a large cotton-gin and grist mill, doing an extensive and paying business.

George H., Sutherlin, district clerk and ex-officio recorder of De Soto Parish, La., comes of old Virginian stock, his parents, John and Sarah (Conway) Sutherlin, having been born and lived and died in the Old Dominion. The father was an honorable and upright tiller of the soil, and he and his wife became the parents of seven children, only two of whom are living; George H. and a sister, who resides in Virginia. Two sons, N. A. and W. S., were killed during the Rebellion. George H. Sutherlin was born in Pittsylvania County, Va., December 9, 1830, and resided in his native State until he was about sixteen years of age, his education being also received there. In 1846 he left Virginia, and remained in Alabama until 1850, when he came to Mansfield, La., and began earning his own living as a clerk, subsequently opening a store for himself, which he conducted with fair results for some years. In 1862 he became a member of Company B, Consolidated Crescent Regiment, and served in the Trans-Mississippi Department until the final surrender, being afterward transferred from Company B to Company F, in which he was made lieutenant, which company he was commanding at the time of the surrender, having taken part in all the principal engagements in which his regiment participated. He has been a planter and merchant all his life, and now has about 400 acres of his plantation under cultivation, on which he raises cotton and corn principally. He is one of the prominent men of his parish, and in 1885 was appointed to fill the unexpired term of W. G. Reynolds, as district clerk, and his popularity was proven for he was elected in 1888, and has since held the position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public. He was first married in 1855 to Miss Mary E. McMichael, who left him with a family of three children to care for, two being now alive: William R. and Cora E. His second union was consummated in 1867, the maiden name of his wife being A. O. Miles, by whom he has one child, E. L. Mr. Sutherlin is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

James L. Terrell has followed, with substantial success the occupation of farming, a calling to which he was reared, his father, Hiram Terrell, having also been a worthy tiller of the soil. The latter, as well as his wife, whose maiden name was Isabella Glass, was born in North Carolina, but their marriage took place in Mississippi, in which State the father died in 1846. Two years later his widow came to De Soto Parish, La., but moved to Texas, in 1864, dying in the Lone Star State in 1869, a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Terrell having also been a member of the same. The latter became well known in Mississippi, for he was a member of the Legislature of that State several different terms, and in the immediate vicinity of his home held the office of justice of the peace, and at one time participated in one of the early wars. His father, Moses Terrell, was of Irish descent and died in Mississippi. The mother's father, Wm. Glass, was born and spent his life in North Carolina. The subject of this sketch is one of a family of eleven sons and four daughters, and he and two sisters are the only members of the family now living.

His education was acquired in the common schools, and in 1842 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Matilda, daughter of Daniel and Charity Sandell, South Carolinians, who died in Mississippi, in which State Mrs. Terrell was born. She has borne her husband four children, three of whom are living: Martha E., Amanda J. (wife of Rufus M. Farmer), and Alice A. (wife of F. M. Brownfield). In 1847 Mr. Terrell came to De Soto Parish, and in 1852 settled on his present farm five miles east of Mansfield, the place at that time having but few improvements. He now has about 400 acres of land in all-with some 200 acres under cultivation, which he has obtained by his own efforts. In 1863 he joined Company O, Second Louisiana Infantry, and served with different commands until the close of the war, his company being disbanded at Natchitoches. He is one of. the well known and respected citizens of  the the parish. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and he and wife have been members of the Methodist Church for a long time.

J. F. Walker, M. D., planter of De Soto Parish, La., has been a resident of this locality since 1865, but was originally from Upson County, Ga., where he was born October 4, 1835, being a son of J. P. and Nancy A. (Fort) Walker. The father was born in Washington County, Ga., in 1797, and the mother in Wake County, N. C., in 1800. They located in Georgia at an early day, thence moved to Texas in 1860, and in 1865 came to De Soto Parish, La., making their home in the town of Mansfield. Here the father passed from life in 1876, his third wife and five of his thirteen children surviving him.

Dr. J. P. Walker was reared in Georgia, in which State he received the advantages of the common schools, becoming familiar with farm life and merchandising. In 1861 he enlisted in Company P, Tenth Texas Cavalry, which was dismounted at Des Arc, Ark., and from there he went to Corinth, Miss., on foot, his regiment participating in all the battles of note in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia, being present at the siege of Atlanta, and was with Hood in his celebrated campaign in Tennessee. The most of his time, however, was spent in the medical department, as he had previously studied medicine for two years. After the surrender he was engaged in the drug business for two years at .Mansfield, which calling he carried on until 1869, when he sold out and embarked in planting, at which he has since been very successful. He is now the owner of about 3,000 acres of land, 1,200 having been opened, his uplands being the best in the State of Louisiana. Some of his land has been under cultivation for forty years, but still produces one-half bale of cotton to the acre. Dr. Walker is in every sense of the word a self made man, and to his own industry and enterprise is due his success. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Josephine E. West, by whom he has nine children: Willie I., George H , Robert E., Rufus O., Lucille N., James J., Reuben B., Eugene N. and Helen B. (twins). Dr. and Mrs. Walker are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In connection with farming he is also engaged in the lumber business, and has a good steam cotton gin and saw-mill, having been engaged in the latter business for several years.

Joseph Edward Wall, M. D. The name of Wall is one of the most influential in Logansport, and one of the most respected in this community, for he has not only proven himself honorable, honest and upright in every respect but he has proved himself a physician of far more than average merit. He was born in Madison County, Ala., July 21, 1831, to James A. and Rebecca (Jeffries) Wall, both of whom were Virginians, but at an early day became residents of Alabama, in which State they made their home until their respective deaths. The father was a graduate of William and Mary's College, and when a young man studied law, but abandoned this calling for farm work, which he considered would be a more congenial occupation. He was a member of the Alabama Legislature for several terms, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was in the battles of Horse Shoe Bend and New Orleans. He died on the 27th of July, and had he lived until the 10th of December he would have been ninety-four years of age.

He had never eaten pork in any form, never drank coffee or tea, never drank whisky, and did not use tobacco in any form. The now famous Wall Street, New York, was named in honor of one of his ancestors, an Englishman and a rich banker, being one of the first men to open a bank on that street. The family became well known in the history of Virginia. The mother of the subject of this sketch was also very old at the time of her death and both she and her husband have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, the former being a class leader in the same for some sixty years. He was a Democrat. To them a family of fourteen children was born, ten sons and four daughters, only four of the family being now alive: Dr. Conrad (a physician of Greenville, Ala.), Dr. A. S. (a physician of Carthage, Tex.), Mrs. B. J. Hamilton (widow of Daniel Hamilton, she being now a resident of Lowndes County, Ala.), and Dr. Joseph Edward Wall, who received his early scholastic training in McAlpine College, Nixburg, Ala. He commenced the study of medicine in 1850 with William E. Davie, M. D., as his preceptor, and three years later began attending lectures at Nashville, Tenn., but in 1854 graduated from a medical university of Alabama. He at once commenced practicing in Coosa County of that State, but in 1861 became captain of Company D, Sixth Alabama, but was afterward transferred to the medical department; was regimental surgeon of the Twenty eighth Tennessee Cavalry, to which position he was assigned during the seven days' fight at Richmond. He was in the two battles of Manassas, was also at Gettysburg, taking part in many other important engagements. With the exception of the time he had the smallpox he was not sick while in the service and was never wounded, but had a number of horses shot from under him.

No braver soldier ever trod the crimson turf of a Virginia battle-field, and although his experience was very rough he bravely bore his share of the dangers, hardships and privations of war. During this time he lost thirty-one valuable slaves, besides other property, and after the close of the war he came to Carthage, Tex., locating soon after in Logansport, where he has made his home the greater part of the time since. He has a very extensive practice, but is also interested in planting and is the owner of a fine tract of timber land in Sabine Parish. While a resident of Alabama he was superintendent of the schools of Coosa County, and at all times has been deeply interested in the cause of education. In 1852 he was married to Miss Fannie Cox, who died in Sabine Parish, La., in 1884, having borne a family of ten children, six of whom are living: Conrad (now of Texas), John (a farmer of Indian Territory), Augustus (a farmer of Sabine Parish, La.), Fannie (wife of O.M. Maars, of this place), Maggie and Tom Dick at home. Those deceased are: Carrie (who died when twenty-seven years of age), Emma, Mollie B., and Kate O'Neal. In 1886 Dr. Wall was married to Mrs. Sarah Darby, of Alabama, a widow, and they have one child, Audra. Dr. Wall is a Mason, a Democrat, a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in his religious views is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Joseph Williams, general merchant and farmer, Gloster, La. Mr. Williams is one of those prominent men who find it to his advantage to introduce some other industry besides farming in his line of occupation, and is to-day one of the prominent merchants of Gloster. He was originally from Jasper County, Miss., his birth occurring in 1842, and is a son of Phillip P. and Rebecca (Collins) Williams, the father born in South Carolina, in 1815, and the mother in Hinds County, Miss., in 1820. The parents were married in the last named State, and moved from there to De Soto Parish, in 1849, settling in the woods near Keatchie, where they improved a good farm. The father was a successful farmer and died on his farm in 1887. The mother is still living. The paternal grandfather, Joseph Williams, was born in the Palmetto State, and died in Mississippi, where he had followed agricultural pursuits for many years. The maternal grandfather, Col. Mores Collins, was born in Georgia, and came to De Soto Parish about 1847, dying there in 1859.

He was a farmer by occupation and a soldier in the early wars. Joseph Williams, the eldest of eight children, four now living, and all but one in De Soto Parish, was early trained to the duties of the farm, and received au average common school education. In 1861 he enlisted in the Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry, in the Army of Tennessee, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and the Atlanta campaign, back to Franklin and Nashville. He surrendered near Meridian, Miss., at the close of the war, as a noncommissioned officer of sharpshooters. After the war he returned to the farm in De Soto Parish, and was married in 1868 to Miss Martha V. Crawford, who was born in Mississippi, and who was the daughter of Rev. Peter and Maria C. (Montague) Crawford), natives of the Old Dominion. The parents were married in Virginia, and moved from there to Marion, Ala., thence to Mississippi, and in 1866 to De Soto Parish, where Mr. Crawford died in 1873, and his widow in 1887. The former was a Baptist minister of prominence, and was founder of the Judson Institute at Marion, Ala., where he was pastor of the church for a number of years.

He and wife were both among the prominent in their lives. Mr. Crawford was president of Keatchie Female College for five years previous to his death, and was a man of mark. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born eight children. They have five daughters living. Since his marriage Mr. Williams has lived near Keatchie, where he has five farms, owning about 4,500 acres of land, all of which is the material result of industry and perseverance. He followed merchandising on his plantation for about ten years, and in 1889 moved his store to Gloster, where he now has a good trade. Mr. Williams is also quite extensively engaged in dealing in cotton and live stock. Mrs. Williams is a consistent member of the Baptist Church at Keatchie. Mr. Williams is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Keatchie Lodge No. 121, and was a member of the chapter at Mansfield. J. B, Williams. If, as is self evident, this work would be incomplete without the sketches of the more public spirited and of the successful agriculturists, the biography of the subject of this sketch justly finds a conspicuous place in this volume.

He was born in Russell County, Ala., September 3, 1851, to John and Mary (McGee) Williams, natives of Georgia, the former dying in Florida, and the latter in De Soto Parish, La. Of a large family of children born to them, the subject of this sketch was the next to the youngest, and in the State of his birth he was reared to manhood, his education being only such as the common schools afforded. Reared on a farm from his earliest boyhood, he soon became familiar with every detail of the work, and showed good judgment in making this his life work when he came to choose a calling for himself. In the fall of 1877 he came to Louisiana and located in De Soto Parish, purchasing, two years after his arrival, the farm on which he is now residing, which amounts to 470 acres, 300 acres being opened. Everything about his place shows that thrift, industry and good management hold full sway, for not only are his buildings and fences in good repair, but his crops are always of the best, and the stock which covers his broad acres are of fine breed. His horses are Hambletonian and Percheron, and he is the owner of a colt, seventeen months old, which is fourteen and a half hands high. He takes much interest in this enterprise, and gives every promise of becoming a noted stockman, his cattle being also of a good grade. His annual yield of cotton is about sixty-five bales. He was married in 1872 to Miss Sophronia Brown, by whom he has seven children: Onie, Mittie, Lizzie, Hilda, Inez, Ollie and Alto. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a prominent and well known man in this parish. He has one brother and two sisters living: Holland (in Florida), Mittie (wife of A. P. Harris), Julia (wife of W. C. Gouldsby, of Florida), and Oliver (died while in the war).

J. M. Williams. A lifetime of hard, earnest endeavor in pursuing the occupation to which he now gives his attention, coupled with strict integrity, honesty of purpose, and liberality in the right directions, have had the result to place Mr. Williams among the truly respected and honored agriculturists of this parish. He was born in Warren County, Ga., in 1818, being the only surviving member of a family of eight sons and four daughters born to Thomas and Mary (Ivey) Williams, the former a Georgian and the latter a native of Virginia. In 1818 they removed from Georgia to Alabama, and settled in Tuscaloosa County, later in Pickens County, where they spent the remainder of their days, the father's attention throughout life being given to farming. He was a stanch Democrat, politically, and for about twenty years was a member of the Alabama Legislature, but also held other offices, and for some time was a colonel in the State Militia. in the State of Alabama, J. M. Williams received his rearing and schooling, but in 1847 he emigrated with his family to Louisiana, making the trip overland with about 100 people and twenty wagons, slaves being also included with the former.

Mr. Williams brought with him about twenty-three Negroes, and his trip to this region, being unmarked by any disasters or hardships, was a very pleasant one. Game was in abundance all along the route, and venison and turkey were an everyday affair. He settled with his family in De Soto Parish, near where he now lives, and the farm which he purchased cost him the sum of $8 per acre. In 1851 he moved to where he now lives, and here he subsequently built him a nice frame dwelling house, in which he expects to spend the rest of his life, enjoying the means his former industry accumulated. The place was at first heavily covered with cane brake, with the exception of a small 'strip that was under cultivation, but by industry he succeeded in clearing it, and is now the proud possessor of 700 acres of fine land, 300 of which are under cultivation, nearly all being under fence. Besides this he has also given his children good farms. All cereals and vegetables can be raised on his land, and as grass grows luxuriantly, and there is an abundance of water, it may be said to be a fine stock farm, and to this he adapts a considerable portion of it, his stock being of a good grade. He is one of the leading planters of the parish, and has been a witness to the complete growth and development of this section He has always been a law abiding citizen, never had a case of any kind in court, never was sued by anybody, and was never a witness but twice, and says that then he did not know anything to tell. Although he is now seventy-three years of age he still enjoys the best of health and physically and mentally shows but little the ravages of time. He was married in 1837 to Miss Charity Brooks, who bore him one daughter, Mary N., his second wife being Miss Elizabeth Cowley, by whom he became the father of one child, Lightfoot, who is residing in Texas. His third union was to Miss Frances J. Ridgeway, and resulted in the birth of twelve children, four of whom are living: Samuel T , Nancy, Dora I. and Ida J. The family worship in the Baptist Church, and are highly honored throughout this section of the country. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have thirty grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

T. J. Williams, Jr., is recognized as a careful, energetic agriculturist of this community, and by his advanced ideas and progressive habits has done no little good for the farming interests hereabouts. Originally from Montgomery County, Ala., he was born in the month of April, 1835, to T. J., Sr., and Evaline (Young) Williams, natives of South Carolina and Georgia; respectively. Their marriage was celebrated in Montgomery County, Ala., and in 1848 they emigrated to Louisiana and located in De Soto Parish, seven miles south of Mansfield, where he entered and purchased a large amount of land, a portion of which was purchased from George G. Haden. He improved the place and remained on the same until his demise, in 1871.

He was married twice, his first union resulting in the birth of six sons and two daughters: Daniel (who was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, was a member of the First Louisiana Regiment), Barnard Y., T. J.. Boling (of Shreveport, La.), Goode B., Mrs. T. B. Spaulding and one who died in early childhood. The immediate subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in this parish, and as he was reared to a knowledge of planting he has followed this all his life. In 1857 he was elected sheriff of De Soto Parish, an office he held six years, and during the latter part of the war he was in the treasury of the Trans-Mississippi Department, and served until the final surrender. He served on the police jury of this parish for six years, and as he has resided here all his life he has had every interest of the section at heart, and has aided, both by influence and money, every enterprise calculated to benefit the same. He is the owner of 1,200 acres of land in Red River Parish, which is all alluvial bottom soil, and also owns 200 acres of good land in De Soto Parish, but makes his home in Mansfield. His wife, who was formerly Miss Florence Parker and whom he married in 1868, was born in Caddo Parish, and has borne her husband three children: Charles P., Alice C. and Parker C. The family worship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Williams may well be accounted a progressive citizen and a true gentleman in every respect.

G. B. Williams has long been prominently identified with the planting interests of De Soto Parish, and the plantation of 1,600 acres, which he is conducting on Bayou Pierre, is one of the finest in this section. Mr. Williams was born in Talladega County, Ala., in 1842, and is a son of Thomas J. and Eveline (Young) Williams, who were born and married in Montgomery County, Ala., making their home in that State until 1848, when they came to Mansfield, La., and here spent the rest of their lives, the mother, who was a member of the Methodist Church, dying in 1851. Mr. Williams afterward married again, and followed farming successfully until his death, in 1872. He was a soldier in one of the Indian wars, and was a son of John Williams, who was of English descent, born in South Carolina, but died in Alabama, having been a soldier in the Revolutionary War and a planter by occupation.

The mother's father, Bowling Young, was also a planter, and died in Alabama. G. B. Williams was the seventh of nine children, and since he attained his sixth year his home has been in De Soto Parish, La., the principal part of his education being received in the schools of Mansfield. Upon the opening of the Rebellion he joined an independent company, and after a short service was placed in Company D, of the Fifth Louisiana Cavalry, being transferred one month later to the North Louisiana Cadets of Capt. Jordan's company, with which he served until 1864, when he was detached to assist in guarding the transfer of specie from Richmond west, which occupied his attention until the close of the war. He was largely on scout duty while with the North Louisiana Cadets, and was in over 100 engagements in all, the principal battles being those of Oak Ridge, Belmont, Fort Donelson, Island No. 10, Shiloh, Corinth, Baton Rouge, Plaine's Store, Port Hudson, Baker's Creek, Jackson, Iuka, Holly Springs, Coldwater, Bolivar, La Grange, Fort Pillow, etc. He was never wounded or captured. After the war he returned to farming and this has been his life long occupation, a number of years being also spent in trading in horses and cattle. He has 800 acres of his land cleared, and the buildings on the same are in good condition. In 1875 he was married to Jennie, daughter of James and Jennie Wilcox, her birth occurring in De Soto Parish. Her father and mother were born in South Carolina and Alabama, respectively, but in 1845 became residents of De Soto Parish, where Mr. Wilcox died in 1875, and his wife in 1860. A family of five children has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, two sons and three daughters. Mr. Williams has been a member of the police jury for about two years, and is treasurer of the Bayou Pierre Drainage Commission. He is a member of Woodside Lodge of the Farmers' Alliance, and his wife is a Methodist.

Boykin Witherspoon, one of the pioneer planters of Ward 2, and a representative citizen of De Soto Parish, is another of the many prominent residents of the parish who owe their nativity to the Palmetto State, his birth occurring in Darlington District, in 1814. His parents, John D. and Elizabeth (Boykin) Witherspoon, were also natives of South Carolina, the father born on the Pedee River, in 1778, and the mother in Camden, in January, 1787. They were married at the last-named place, May 5, 1808, and afterward settled in Darlington District, where they spent the rest of their days, Mr. Witherspoon dying in 1860, and his widow in 1861. The latter was a member of the Episcopal Church. The father was a graduate of Brown University, Rhode Island, and then read law at Georgetown, S. C , after which he practiced the profession of law with success for twenty years, and then devoted the remainder of his days to his plantation.

He was, for a number of years, a member of the Lower House, and was afterward a member of the State Senate of South Carolina. He was a reserve in the War of 1812. His father, Hon. Gavin Witherspoon, was born in South Carolina, where he spent all his life on a plantation. He was an officer under Gen. Marion in the Revolutionary War, and was also a member of the Legislature at one time. His birth occurred in 1748, and his death in 1834. His father, grandfather of our subject, Gavin Witherspoon, was born in 1712, in Ireland, and died in South Carolina, in 1773, and his father, John Witherspoon, great-grandfather of Boykin, was born in Scotland, near Glasgow, in 1670. The latter was married in 1693, and on account of a rebellion in Scotland, removed to Ireland about 1695. In 1734 he came to Williamsburg, S. C. where his death occurred in 1737, and where he left a large family.

The maternal grandfather of our subject, Samuel Boykin, an able South Carolinian, was prominent in its affairs. Prior to the Revolutionary War, he was Indian agent for the British Government, and served in the Revolutionary War as captain of a company of Catawaba Indians. He was a member of the Provincial Government. His father was William Boykin, a son of Edward Boykin, who came from Wales to South Carolina in 1685. Boykin Witherspoon, the eldest of two sons and six daughters, five now living, he being the only one in Louisiana, attained his majority in a South Carolina village, and received his primary education at Society Hill, graduating in 1833, from South Carolina College, at Columbia. He was married in 1841 to Miss Elizabeth W. Edwards, a native of Darlington District, S. C., born in 1822, and the daughter of Peter and Jane Edwards, natives, respectively, of South Carolina and North Carolina. Both died in South Carolina, the father in 1822, and the mother in 1835.

To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Witherspoon were born twelve children, three sons and six daughters now living: Jane, Elizabeth (wife of E. J. Howell), Rebecca (wife of T. G. Pegues), Boykin, Margaret, Florence, Alice, Gavin and Francis Marion. In 1854 Mr. Witherspoon came to De Soto Parish, settled on his present farm in the woods, four miles northeast of Gloster, where he now owns 4,880 acres, with about 1,000 acres cleared. He raises principally stock and cotton. During the war he was captain of a militia company. Mr. Witherspoon comes of an old and prominent South Carolinian family, and is one of the representative citizens of De Soto Parish. Mrs. Witherspoon and all the children, with the exception of Rebecca, are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, the latter belonging to the Presbyterian Church.

Charles S. Youngblood, farmer, has always had the reputation of being, not only a substantial and progressive farmer, but an intelligent and thoroughly posted man in all public affairs. He .was born on the farm on which he is now living in 1857, his parents, Benjamin and Sarah C. (Reynolds) Youngblood, having been born in Mississippi and South Carolina in 1819 and 1831, respectively, both being brought to De Soto Parish, La., by their parents, the former about 1837 and the latter a year or two later, their marriage taking place here in 1851.

Soon after the celebration of their nuptials Mr. Youngblood began merchandising in Mansfield, remaining there some years, during which time he also held the office of sheriff eight years, after which he settled on a woodland farm, where the subject of this sketch now lives. A few years later they moved to Sabine Parish, where the mother died in 1868, and Mr. Youngblood then returned to his old home in De Soto Parish, and here passed from the scene of his earthly labors in 1881. He was a captain in the Mexican War, and during the Rebellion was detailed to do service at home. He was a member of the A. P. & A. M., a Baptist, and a son of Henry Youngblood, who died in De Soto Parish about fifty years ago, being of Scotch-Irish descent, his wife being now a resident of Texas, aged eighty-nine years. The grandfather, W. Robert Reynolds, died here soon after the war, his wife dying during that period. Charles S. Youngblood was the fourth of six children, and although he was reared a farm boy he received better educational advantages than the average, and was an attendant of Saline Valley University at Hemphill, Tex. After leaving school he was engaged in the drug business in Mansfield a short time, but has since resided on the old farm, which his father settled, which consists of 440 acres, of which about 200 acres are cleared. He was married on January 23, 1884, to Miss Willie N., a daughter of Hezekiah and Alabama Barnes, who were born in Alabama, Mr. Barnes also dying there when Mrs. Youngblood was a child. Mrs. Barnes came to De Soto Parish, La., in 1809, and is still living here. Mrs. Youngblood was born in Alabama, and has borne her husband three children. They are members of the Baptist Church, and he is at present serving as constable in his ward.

Typing and Format by C. W. Barnum 2011