1914 Biography - Arthur T. Prescott

Prescott, Arthur Taylor, well-known educator and professor of political science in the Louisiana state university, Baton Rouge, La., was born at Mansfield, DeSoto parish, La., June 11, 1863; son of Benjamin and Kate (Taylor) Prescott, the former of whom was a native of Louisiana, and the latter of Virginia. The father followed the avocation of a planter prior to the Civil war. Subsequently he became a Federal government employe [sic] at Washington, D. C. Arthur Taylor Prescott, the son, passed the days of his youth in St. Landry parish, La., where he attended private schools. Later he entered the University of Louisiana (now Tulane) and in 1884 took the degree of Bachelor of Science from Louisiana state university. The same institution gave him the degree of Master of Arts in 1885. During the years 1885-6 he taught in the public schools of Louisiana. In 1886-7 he was principal of Marshall college, at Marshall, Tex. From 1887 to 1893 he was a member of the faculty of Louisiana state university, occupying the chair of natural history. In 1893-4 he was principal of Baton Rouge high school. From 1894 to 1899 he was president of Louisiana industrial institute, which he organized under the legislative act of 1894. From 1899 to 1907 he was professor of history and political science in Louisiana state university. Since 1907 he has occupied the position of professor of political science in the latter institution. In 1890 and 1891 he studied law at the University of Virginia. In 1899 he took special work in economics and political science at the University of Chicago. Prof. Prescott served as a member of the tax commission appointed by Gov. Blanchard in 1906. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the American Political Science association; also, of the Academy of Political Science, New York; and the National Municipal League. In 1888 Prof. Prescott was married to Miss Nellie Dougherty, a daughter of the late John A. Dougherty, of Baton Rouge. Six children, 3 sons and 3 daughters, have been born to their union.

Note: Original source includes a photograph of Mr. Prescott.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 364-365.