Biography - Lewis M. Pruitt

LEWIS M. PRUITT belongs to that sturdy and independent class, the farmers of Louisiana, and none of the followers of this calling possess more genuine merit or a stronger character than Mr. Pruitt. He was born in Monroe, La., in 1856, being a son of Jesse and Susan (Bales) Pruitt, the former born in Mississippi and the latter in Louisiana, their marriage taking place in Monroe of the latter State. The mother died when Lewis M. was about two years of age, and in 1863 he was taken to Shreveport by his father, but was left an orphan the following year, his father having been a planter throughout life. Lewis M. Pruitt was the second of five children, and he and a sister are the only ones of the family now living. He began herding cattle when about ten years of age, but afterward followed teaming, and worked as a farm hand for some years. In 1878 he was married to Mrs. Jane Bagwell, a daughter of Benjamin Mitchell, who died in Union Parish. Mrs. Pruitt was born in Mississippi, and her union with Mr. Pruitt resulted in the birth of two sons and two daughters. Since his marriage Mr. Pruitt has lived in his present neighborhood, and for the past six years has resided on the farm of 1,100 acres, on which he is now living, in which he owns an interest and of which he has cleared 300 acres since it has been in his charge, 100 acres having been cleared prior to that time. He raises annually about 150 bales of cotton, and has in operation an excellent steam cotton gin. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 9, of Shreveport, and also belongs to Alpha Lodge No. 2501 of Shreveport. Mrs. Pruitt is a member of the Baptist Church, and a worthy and estimable lady. Their home is nicely located in Ward 1, on Red River, in Bossier Parish.

Contributed 29 Aug 2020 by Norma Hass, extracted from Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana, published in 1890, pages 144-145.