Harvey M. Gandy Sabine Parish, Louisiana

Harvey M. Gandy, a prominent farmer and president of the Police Jury, was born in Bibb County, Alabama, in 1847, and is a son of of Harvey M. and Mary Caroline (Martin), whose deaths occurred in 1847 and 1854 respectively.

His grandfather was John Gandy, a native of Georgia and his grandmother was the daughter of John Martin, a planter, of North Carolina. He was reared by an uncle, Wiley R. Gandy, but received only a limited education.

When 14 years of age he joined Company B, Forty-fourth Alabama Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of Virginia, participating in the greatest battles of that famous army. He was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga and incapacitated for duty for several months, and during his service he was twice made a prisoner, but each time was paroled and returned to his command and was a sergeant when General Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House.

 After the war he returned to Alabama, and in 1868 came to Sabine parish, being married in 1872 to Mary J., a daughter of Elijah Self, she being born in this parish and dying eleven months after her marriage.

Mr. Gandy's second union took place in 1874, his wife being Mary Caroline Sibley, a daughter of William and Minerva Sibley, who were born in St. Helena Parish. Six children were born to them.

Mr. Gandy's third marriage took place in 1888 to Winnie, daughter of T. A. and Matilda Addison, the former born in St. Helena and the later in Sabine parish. To Mr. Gandy's last marriage a son and a daughter have been born. He owns a fine farm near Negreet and is one of the most progressive and substantial farmers of the parish.

For more than twenty years he has served as a member of the Police Jury and a large portion of the time as president of the body, and has rendered his parish most valuable services. He is held in the highest esteem by his fellow citizens for his conservative judgment and counsel, unpeachable integrity and withal a most genial gentleman.

Despite his advanced age, he takes a live interest in the affairs in his community and parish.

Sabine Parish | AHGP Louisiana

Source: History of Sabine Parish, Louisiana, by John G. Belisle, Sabine Banner Press, 1913.