Louisiana AHGP

Part of the American History and Genealogy Project

Haynesville, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana

Haynesville, formerly known as Taylor's Store, dates back to 1848, when J. C. Taylor established his business here. Prior to that date, 1843, Hiram Brown had located close by, also J. C. Wasson and L. S. Fuller, in 1844. In 1846 Miles Buford and Samuel Boyd cast their fortunes in this settlement, and in 1849 Henry Taylor came among them. Yearly the settlement increased in numbers, and farms, large and small, were opened. In consequence of this increase in population and agriculture, William W. and J. L. Brown began a mercantile business next door to Taylor. Sam Kirkpatrick and Dr. Wroten opened a drug business.

The country was full of game, and deer skins and bear hams were staple articles of trade. But with the rush of emigration that began in 1850 and which continued up to 1860, new ideas came, new wants and new industries.

Agriculture began in earnest, and in a few years large farms were opened in every direction, the public lands were all entered, roads opened and prosperity was exhibited till through the region.

After the war the Greenback Dollar and the Western Protestant were issued here. Other little journals were projected; but the present Star of 1889-90 shows signs of permanence. The Methodist Episcopal Church at this place is one of the old classes of the D'Arbonue Circuit. Haynesville Lodge 178, A. F. & A. M., was chartered in 1861.

Biographical Sketches| Claiborne Parish

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