WARD, Thomas Francis, Santa Fe, NM., then Madison Parish, Louisiana

Submitted by Mike Miller

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Among the prominent young men and merchants of Madison parish none are more deserving a space
in this work than Thomas F. Ward. Mr. Ward is what may be termed a self-made man in every respect.

Practically thrown on his own resources in his ninth year, he has achieved for himself what few 
with good opportunities do not win success. Thomas F. is the survivor of two sons born to Patrick
Ward and wife, the other son having died in infancy, before the birth of our subject. Patrick 
Ward was a man of roving disposition and soon after attaining his majority immigrated to the 
United States from Ireland, his birthplace. Coming to New York State he found employment and
there met and married Miss Donald. 

Removing to Santa Fe, N. M., where our subject was born in 1861, Patrick Ward enlisted in the 
Union army, though from what state or in what branch is not known. Mrs. Ward died in camp in 1863, 
and was buried by the soldiers on the battlefield at Gettysburg. After the death of his wife 
Mr. Ward was stationed at Davenport, Iowa, where he was mustered out of service at the close 
of the war. After the war he married Mrs. Kennedy, of Davenport, who died without issue a short 
time after their marriage. 

Patrick Ward, being a laborer and a soldier, found employment in the National cemetery, burying 
the dead soldiers. He remained in Vicksburg until 1869, when he removed to St. Louis, and placing 
Thomas in charge of a planter near St. Louis, he went to Mexico. 

During the succeeding seven years our subject heard nothing from his father, who, following his 
inclination to wander about, probably visited several states. Thomas Ward at length discovered 
him in a hospital in St. Louis, were he had been taken on account of injuries received while 
digging a well, from the effects of which he died in 1874. Thomas Ward having thus been thrown 
upon his own resources at an early age, had no advantages and little opportunity for securing 
an education, save what he could pick up by his own efforts. He has in that way gained a good, 
practical, business education. 

Coming South in 1874, he engaged as a clerk in Delta, La., where he remained about two years, 
when he began clerking for F. L. Maxwell, with whom he remained until he went into business for 
himself a couple of years later. He entered into partnership with John N. Yost, under the firm 
name of Ward & Yost, with whom he still conducts a general merchandise establishment. 

In 1887, to accommodate a trade in that direction, they established a branch store which is in 
charge of a managing clerk, but under the direct supervision of Mr. Ward. In business Mr. Ward 
has been very successful. Beginning with a joint capital stock of only $1,300, they have by fair 
dealings and good management increased their capital to over $20,000. Mr. Ward is a democrat in 
his political affiliations and during the past two or three years has taken an active interest 
in political affairs. He was appointed in 1889 a member of the police jury, in which capacity he 
has since served with much credit to his community. Mr. Ward is agent for the Queen & Crescent route 
at Mounds, a position which he has held for some years. Personally Mr. Ward is of medium hight [sic], 
is prepossessing in appearance and in manner and conversation. He is a young man of excellent taste 
and of good judgment. Socially and politically he enjoys the esteem of a wide circle of friends.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 442.
Published by the Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.

MADISON COORDINATOR'S NOTE: Thomas Francis Ward was born October 22, 1861 and died March 12,1931.
He is buried in Silver Cross Cemetery, Tallulah with his wife Margaret Peterkin Ward 
(March 24, 1875 - October 20, 1923); his son Francis McRae Ward (1902-1963) and his daughter 
Anne Donnell Ward (May 8, 1899 - September 6, 1980.) Francis Ward was a well-known Madison Parish
historian. His sister, Anne, was a popular fourth grade teacher and over the years taught many 
students ... including me. RPS