1890 Biographies M-P

Frank L. Machen, a member of the firm of Denman & Co., merchants at Homer, Louisiana, owes his nativity to the Palmetto' State, his birth occurring in Newberry District, February 25, 1836, and is one of five children, three sons and two daughters born to the union of John and Leah (Renwick) Machen, natives also of South Carolina. The parents removed from South Carolina to Arkansas in 1854, located in Columbia County, and made their home on a farm, where the, father died in 1883, and the mother many years previous. Mr. Machen served in the War of 1812, was under Gen. Jackson, and participated in the battle of New Orleans, also many other important engagements. Frank L. Machen and an elder brother are the only survivors of the above mentioned family. His youthful days were spent on the farm in Columbia County, Arkansas, and in addition to a good, practical education received in the common school he received a thorough training at Brownwood Institute, La Grange, Georgia After leaving school he enlisted in the Confederate Army in May, 1861, in Company G, Sixth Arkansas Infantry, as a private, and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, serving in that capacity until the close of the war. He was in a great many engagements of the Army of the West, among the most important being Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Perryville, Franklin, and a great many of less importance.
He never lost a day nor was he absent from his command during the entire time he was in service. He surrendered at New Salem, N. C., in May, 1865. Returning to Arkansas after the war he was for two years on a farm, and in the fall of 1868 he was engaged in clerking in Columbia County, where he continued for two more years. He then went to Nevada County, clerked there from that time up to 1883, and then purchased an interest in the present firm of Denman & Co., continuing at Prescott up to 1888. In September of that year the firm established this branch house at Homer, and Mr. Machen has taken charge of this house. He carries a full and complete line of shelf and heavy hardware, tin ware and machinery of all kinds, and also handles gins, feeders and condensers. He is doing a general hardware, machinery and implement business, and has already established a large and increasing trade. Mr. Machen is a thorough business man, and one of the enterprising merchants of Homer.
He was married in Columbia County, Arkansas, in February, 1868, to Miss Mary S. Gladney, a native of Tennessee, who was reared and educated in Columbia County, Arkansas Mr. and Mrs. Machen are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Royal Arch Mason. He is also a member of the I. O. O. P. fraternity.

Jesse C. Madden is a prosperous dealer in general merchandise at Gordon, and he is no less successful in the occupation of planting, to which occupation he also gives his attention. He was born in Harris County, Georgia, in 1837, being the seventh in a family of eight children, the other members being: Martha (wife of Jonathan Chester of Tallapoosa County, Louisiana, deceased), Josiah (who was a resident of Independence County, Arkansas, but is now deceased), Lewis R. (now a resident of Scott County, Mississippi), Mary (wife of William Baldwin of Washington County, Texas), Elias J. (a resident of Scott County, Miss.), Ezekiel C. (of Craighead County, Arkansas), and William (now residing in Gordon, Louisiana). The father, Elias Madden was born in South Carolina about 1794, and died in Harris County, Georgia, in 1839, a son of Richard Madden. His brothers and sisters were: Ezekiel (who died in South Carolina), Elias, Dennis (who died in Washington County, Texas), Nellie (wife of Wesley Cox of Choctaw County, Mississippi), and Sophia (wife of John Burns of Tallapoosa County, Louisiana). The immediate subject of this biography grew to maturity in Tallapoosa County, Louisiana, and in his early boyhood moved to Scott County, Mississippi, having received a common-school education in his native State and Mississippi, his studies being pursued by the firelight at home.
Having come to the conclusion that "it is not, good for man to live alone" he was married in 1860 to Miss Lydia A. Slaughter, a daughter of Joseph Slaughter of Leake County, Mississippi, and in time a family of ten children gathered about their hearthstone: Mary (wife of W. E. Manning of Gordon, Louisiana), Georgia A. (wife of Dr. A. R. Bush, of Homer), Joseph E. (a resident of Arizona, Louisiana), Susan (who died in infancy), Mattie B. (at home), Jesse E. (in business in Arizona), Sallie (who died in infancy), Robert C. (at home), Virginia (at home), and Lelia (the baby, who was born in 1882).
At the opening of the Rebellion Mr. Madden enlisted in Company I, Twenty-seventh Mississippi Regiment of Walthall's brigade, and his first encounter was at Perryville, Kentucky, at which place he was taken prisoner, and was kept there three mouths, after which he removed to Camp Douglas, where he remained three months, being then exchanged. He was next engaged at Chickamauga, at which place he was wounded and it may be here stated that he was never in an engagement that he did not receive a wound of some nature, although they were not serious. At, Atlanta, July 28, 1864, however, he lost his left, band, which ended his services in the field. He has always been interested in the welfare of the Democrat Party, and has always taken an active part in putting forward good true men for office. In Mississippi he held the office of county treasurer and tax assessor from 1866 to 1860, and discharged his duties with undoubted ability, and the entire satisfaction of all.
He is a member of long standing of the Primitive Baptist, Church, and is a worthy, honored and useful citizen of this parish. He has been a resident of Louisiana since December, 1880, and already owns a well-stocked and well patronized store and a plantation of over 500 acres.

James McClendon, cotton planter, Lisbon. Louisiana The history of every community is made up, so far as its more interesting features are concerned, of the events and transactions of the lives of its prominent, representative citizens. In any worthy history of Claiborne Parish, an outline of the life of the subject of this sketch should by all means be given. Mr. McClendon was born in Georgia in January, 1816, and was the eldest of fourteen children, nine sons and five daughters, six of whom are now living, three sons and three daughters: Abram (is a cotton planter of Alabama), Thomas H. (is a minister in the Methodist Church in Louisiana Conference, and resides at Sicily Island, Louisiana), Frances (married a Mr. White, a cotton planter, and resides in Texas), Sarah Antoinette (is a widow and resides in Texas, where her husband was a cotton planter), and Sophronia C. (married a Mr. White and resides in Texas). The parents of these children were natives of Georgia, and the father was a cotton planter. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. Both are now deceased, and their remains are interred near Lisbon, Louisiana.
James McClendon received his education in the old log-cabin schoolhouse of former times, and has since improved very materially by observation and study. He is a friend and supporter of all good schools. He commenced active business life for himself at the age of twenty-two years, and was married in Heard County, Georgia, in 1838, to Miss Louisa Ann Tait, a native of Georgia, born in 1820.
They moved to this parish in 1848. Of their union have been born twelve children seven sons and five daughters, five of whom are deceased. They are named as follows: Charles W. (died at the age of forty-seven years), Abram S. (was killed in a skirmish in Virginia during the Rebellion), Mary M. (married a cotton planter and resides in Claiborne Parish), Elizabeth N. (married a cotton planter and resides in the Lone Star State), James S. (died at the age of twenty-five years), Enos H. (is an attorney at law at Homer, Louisiana), Robert T. (resides in Claiborne Parish), Isophena (deceased), Sarah A. (married Mr. McCasland, a cotton planter, and resides in Claiborne Parish), Nettie (resides with her parents on the old homestead), Thomas (died in childhood), and Isaac H.
Mr. McClendon was a member of the Home Militia for three months during the war, being too old to serve in the regular army. In his early political days he was an old-line, Whig, but after the Democratic Party was organized he joined that. He has never been an active politician, and has ever aimed to support men of principle, rather than strict party measures. He served as justice of the peace in Alabama six years, and filled the same position in Louisiana for four years. He lost his dear companion in life after a pilgrimage of life's journey for many years, her death occurring on March 8, 1878. Her remains are interred in Lisbon Cemetery, where at her head stands a monument erected by her loving and devoted husband. She was for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, find was an active worker in the Sunday school. Mr. McClendon is also a member of that church, and is deeply interested in Sunday-school work. They always contributed to all religious purposes which were worthy of their consideration.
Mr. McClendon is the owner of about 1,100 acres of land, and makes cotton and corn his staple commodity. He has all that life calls for, and he and his daughter, Miss Nettie, and his son, Isaac H, reside near Lisbon, enjoying all the comforts of a temperate life and the respect of their many friends and neighbors.

Squire James M. McKinzie. From this brief and incomplete view of the life record of Mr. McKinzie, it will be seen that his life from earliest youth up has not been uselessly or idly spent. He has always been familiar with the details of planting, and as he has made this his life occupation, he has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods.
He was born in Limestone County, Louisiana, in 1825, being one of the following family of children: David, Andrew, Lacy, Nicholas A., John T., James M., Sarah, Levina and Mary E. Their father, Alexander S. McKinzie, was a Kentuckian, born about 1799, to David McKinzie. James M. McKinzie received a common school education in Tennessee, where his parents had moved when he was an infant, and here he attained man's estate and was married in 1846, to Miss Isabella M. McCann, a daughter of Thomas McCann. To them a family of ten children has been born, eight of whom grew to maturity: Alexander B., Mary E. (wife of S. S. Taylor), Sarah M. (wife of James A. Aubrey), Thomas D., Martha J. (wife of 0. J. Kinder), Anna G. (wife of J. A. Lowe), Leona J. find George It. An infant and James A. are deceased.
Mr. McKinzie came to Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, in 1850, and has since devoted his attention to agriculture, being now the owner of a good plantation of about 500 acres. He is a Democrat, politically, has held the office of justice of the peace for about fourteen years, and for the past six years has been a member of the police jury. Socially he has been a member of the A. P. & A. M. since 1858. He is an active member of the Christian Church, and since 1855 has been an elder in the same. Among his acquaintances and friends the respect shown him is in full keeping with his well established reputation for hospitality and sincere cordiality. To know him is to have a high admiration for him, for he is possessed of those sterling characteristics which make a true man, and in his intercourse with those around him he has won a host of warm friends.

Dr. John E. Meadors, well known throughout Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, was born in Chambers County, Louisiana, in 1830, and was one of six children who grew to maturity, the other members of the family being Nancy S. (wife of Dr. J. P. Leak, who is now deceased), Mary S. (the deceased wife of Thomas H. Brown, of this parish), Camilla P. (wife of James M. Calloway of Harrison County, Texas), Hon. James (who is a resident of this parish, and has represented the Third Congressional District in the State Senate one term), and Achsah H. (wife of Dr. J. P. Taylor, also of this parish). The father, Washington Meadors, was born in the "Palmetto State" April 15, 1798, a son of Jason Meadors, who was a veteran in the Revolutionary War in which be held the rank of colonel. Washington Meadors was married to Rachel Bonds, born in Newberry District, South Carolina, in 1804, a daughter of Mr. Stark, who was the son of the famous John Stark, of New Hampshire, of whom it is said made the remark: "We will beat them today or Molly Stark will be a widow." Dr. Meadors grew to maturity in Alabama, and in 1857, having graduated from a well-known medical college of Georgia, he came to Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, and since 1858 has been a practitioner of this region, quite a number of his first patients being still his patrons.
In 1800 he married Miss Mary A. Traylor, a daughter of Green S. and Martha (Allison) Traylor, of Troup County, Georgia, both of whom came to Louisiana and died in Claiborne Parish. To the Doctor and his wife five children were born: James G. (in 1862, is a graduate of Washington & Lee University of Lexington, Virginia), Emma Lee (became the wife of J. E. Cockrell, who is a son of Senator Cockrell, and is now judge, of the Eleventh District of Texas), Annie, John T. and Prentiss.
The Doctor has always been a Democrat, and is an active partisan in the selection of good men to till the offices of both State and parish. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and socially be is a member of the K. of P. of Homer. That he has always been the friend of education goes without saying, and he sent his children to colleges of Virginia and Pennsylvania, in which institutions they acquitted themselves with honor. The Doctor is one of the oldest and most successful of the physicians of the parish, and as an honorable, upright man has not his superior.

Thomas D. Meadows, planter, Lisbon, Louisiana Mr. Meadows was born near La Grange, Troup County, Georgia, June 7, 1830, and was the eldest in a family of four children, who were named as follows: Eliza (married Mr. Martin in Georgia, a planter, and died in Ward No. 1, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, when forty-five years of age), Joseph (resides in Haynesville, Louisiana, and is principal of the high school at that place. He was educated in Georgia), and Susan (married J. T, Chapman, an orange grower, and now resides in Florida; she is the. youngest of the family). The parents of our subject were both natives of Georgia, and both received a common school education. The father was born in 1807, and was an agriculturist by occupation. He figured very conspicuously in local politics, and was one of the leading citizens in his locality.
He moved to Troup County, settled in a little cabin in a wild and undeveloped part of the country, and remained there until late in life, when he moved to Heard County. He gained a fair competency, and died in 1864. He was a self-made man, was honest and industrious, and improved every opportunity presented to make an honest living. The mother died in 1854. Thomas' D. Meadows was educated in the select schools of Georgia, and was admirably fitted for the practical life be leads. He engaged in school teaching for a time, and is an ardent supporter of the, cause of education. He started out to fight life's battles for himself at the age of twenty-one years with very little capital, but with a strong determination to succeed. He first engaged in agricultural pursuits, and his business acumen, which has been his stock in trade, has placed him in independent circumstances.
He was married, August 30, 1850, to Miss Mary A. Hilley, a native of Elbert County, Georgia, born in November, 1834, and to them have been born fourteen children, ten of whom are living: John (resides in Winn Parish), Joseph (a talented attorney and a business man of integrity, died at Hope, Arkansas, October 12, 1890), Alonzo (a Baptist minister and a prominent educator, resides at McNeal, Arkansas), Ada (resides in Homer, and is the wife of Prof. J. T. Nelson, who is another educator of note), Asbury (is a graduate of Peabody College at Nashville, Tennessee, and now resides in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, where he is principal of the schools) Mat (is a salesman at Minden, Louisiana), Beulah (resides in Claiborne Parish, and is the wife of J. D. Cook, who is a farmer), Viola (resides on the old homestead), Ira resides at home, and is at present a student at Homer, Louisiana; he is a bright, boy, Lizzie (is also a student at Homer, Louisiana).
Mr. Meadows was a member of the famous Claiborne Guards of the Seventeenth Louisiana Infantry Volunteers, which was paroled at Vicksburg, Louisiana, July 4, 1803. He was discharged on account of sickness at Camp Moore. Politically he was an old line Whig, and he finally espoused the principles of the Democratic Party, because there was nothing better to affiliate with. He cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Winfield Scott. He has never missed an election since his majority, and has advocated his principles strenuously and with vigor. Mr. Meadows has been a member of the police board for sixteen years, and he was president of the board several years, thus showing in what, prominence he is held. He is not a bitter partisan by any means, but takes the fearless stand that, both parties are very corrupt. He is a Master Mason, and he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Antioch, which they have aided in a very substantial manner. Mr. Meadows is the owner of 1,800 acres of land in Claiborne Parish, and he is also the owner of a nice residence in Lisbon, Louisiana He has spent a large sum in educating his children, and may well be proud of his and their success. In Claiborne Parish, whore his interests are located, and where he is surrounded by his many warm friends. Mr. Meadows expects to pass the remainder of his days.

Hugh Miller is the proprietor of a well conducted mercantile establishment at Millerton, Louisiana He was born in Marion County, Alabama, in 1855, being one in a family of eleven children born to John and Cassie (Guyton) Miller, who were born in Alabama and South Carolina, respectively, the former being a son of John Miller, a native of Ireland, who came to America at an early day and settled in the Palmetto State.
Hugh Miller came to this State and parish in 1870, with his parents, and located in the neighborhood of Athens; where they made their home for two years, then came to near where Hugh is now doing business, and here the father passed from life in January, 1890, being still survived by his widow.
Hugh opened his present establishment to the public in 1883, on a not, very extensive scale, and now has a store well stocked with an excellent line of goods.
In 1878 he was married to Miss Mary E. Neil, and by her is the father of the following children: Olive N., Banny E., Her, H. Carl, Clyde and Clarence, the baby. In his political views Mr. Miller has long been a Democrat, and at all times supports the men and measures of that party. Although he is a .young man, he is rapidly making his way to the front among the energetic business men of this community; and although only thirty-five years of age he has built up a large and paying patronage, and by attending strictly to each minor detail of his chosen calling cannot fail to succeed.
His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

James W. Moore. This, in brief, is the sketch of a man who so present substantial position in life has been reached entirely through his own perseverance and the facts connected with his operations and their results only show what a person with courage and enlightened views can accomplish. His reputation for honesty and integrity has been tried and not found wanting; his financial ability has been more than once put to the test, but never without, credit to himself. His general mercantile establishment comprises a neat and well-selected stock of goods, and besides this he has an excellent plantation of 283 acres, seventy-five acres of which are good tillable land.
Mr. Moore was born in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, July 15, 1858, being the sixth of seven children, six sons and a daughter: Perry (who is married and is a merchant of Claiborne Parish), John T. (deceased), Mollie (wife of J. P. Cox, a planter and lumberman of Bienville Parish), Charles (a merchant of Homer), James W., William (who resides in Homer), and a baby boy that died in infancy. The parents of these children were born in Georgia, the father being a planter and dying there at the age of fifty years, his widow still surviving him. James W. Moore, educated in the schools of Lisbon, has ever been the patron of educational institutions of all kinds. He started out for himself a poor boy, but as has been seen, he has been successful, and his present prosperity he owes to his own indomitable will and energy.
Miss Fannie Ragan became his wife in 1886. Her birth occurred in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, in 1868, and her education was obtained in the common schools. To her union with Mr. Moore two children have been born: Lois (aged two and one-half years) and Gertrude (aged eleven months). Mr. Moore is a Democrat, and he and wife are worthy and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Lisbon, Louisiana, and both are workers in the Sunday-school.

Hon. William F. Moreland, planter, Homer, Louisiana No name is justly entitled to a more enviable place in the history of Claiborne Parish than one that heads this sketch for it is borne by a gentleman who has been usefully and honorably identified with the interests of this parish and with its advancement in every worthy particular.
He was born in Putnam County, Georgia, September 26, 1816, and although past the age usually allotted to man, he is in possession of a competency fully sufficient to warrant, him in passing the remainder of his days in peace and comfort. He was the seventh in a family of eleven children, who are named as follows: Joseph (died in Claiborne Parish in 1852), Ann (married Samuel Reed, of Troup County, Georgia, where she died), Elizabeth T. (became the wife of Thomas Hightower, of Claiborne Parish, and is now deceased), Martha (became the wife of Charnold Hightower, of Monroe County, Georgia, and died about 1828), Sarah (became the wife of Henry West and died in Troup County, Georgia), Susan (married Thomas Bustin and died in Troup County, Georgia), Isaac (died in Houston, Tex.), Jane B. (married Sebum Seaborn J. J. Thompson and died in Mississippi), Mary B. (married John C. Henderson, of Putnam County, Georgia, and died in Macon County, Louisiana), and Amelia (married Thomas C. Miller and died in La Grange, Georgia).
The father of these children, Isaac Moreland, was born and reared in Dinwiddie County, Virginia., and was a son of Thomas Moreland, who owned the land where a portion of Petersburg now stands. The Moreland family were originally from England. The mother of the above mentioned children, Nancy (Turner) Moreland, was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, and was a classmate of Gen. Winfield Scott's in his early educational career. Experience has been Mr. Moreland's school, and that he has made the most of it, cannot be questioned. He was thrown upon his own resources practically, taking care of his own affairs at the age of fourteen, and came to Claiborne Parish in 1853, locating where he now lives. He was first married in 1839 to Miss Susan L. Perrell, daughter of Bennett Ferrell, of Jackson County, Louisiana She died in Macon County, Louisiana, in 1849.

In January, 1852, Mr. Moreland was married to Miss Elizabeth White, daughter of James White, of Sumter County, Georgia, and unto this union were born six children: Sidney T. (now a resident of Lexington, Virginia, and professor of physics in Washington and Lee University of that place), Isaac N. (a resident of Claiborne Parish). William W. (married and residing on the old home place), F. Kate (at home), Ida S. (also at home) and Lelia M. (now Mrs. James G. Meadows, of Tennessee). Mr. Moreland has been a conspicuous man in the interests of his parish, and was elected to the Legislature in 1859, serving four years. After the war he was re-elected to the House and served until the reconstruction. He was again elected to that position in 1874 and served one term. In 1879 he was a member of the Constitutional Convention and since that, time he has declined office of any kind. He was for many years an active member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been a worthy member of the Methodist, Episcopal Church South since 1840. He is progressive in his ideas and tendencies, and has been a representative man in the community.

Hon. Alfred T. Nelson, of Homer, Louisiana, is a native of Georgia, his birth occurring in Campbell County on June 19, 1835, his father being Lieut. James F. Nelson, a native of Virginia, and a prominent man. The hitter went to Georgia with his parents when a child, and there grew to manhood and married Delilah Camp, a native of Georgia. He followed the occupation of farming in Georgia, and there reared his family, moving to Claiborne Parish in 1854, where he made a farm and resided until his death, in 1872. He served as deputy sheriff and sheriff of Campbell County, Georgia, for twelve consecutive years, with great credit to himself, and also officiated in other public positions of trust and responsibility. He acquired his title of lieutenant by having served, in one of the old Indian wars in Georgia. His widow yet survives him. Of the children which she bore her husband, six grew to mature years. Alfred T. was the third in order of birth, and grew to manhood in Georgia, receiving only a moderate education, but considerably improved in subsequent years.
On September 4, 1854, in Floyd County, Georgia, he married Miss Permelia C. Camp, an estimable lady of that State, and afterward, in the same year, moved to Louisiana, settled in Claiborne Parish, and engaged in farming, continuing until the war. March 4, 1862, he entered the Confederate service, in Company G, of the Twelfth Louisiana Regiment of Infantry, and served with the same until the end of the war. He participated in many bloody engagements, among which were the second battle of Corinth, Baker Creek (Miss.), Resaca (Georgia), the Atlanta campaign, Franklin (Tenn.), Nashville and several engagements in North Carolina, and was present at the surrender at Jonesboro, N. C., in 1865. He reached his Louisiana home in June, 1865, and the following year engaged in farming, and has continued the same with marked success ever since. His farm is in Ward No. 7, six miles from Homer. His efforts as a husbandman have been highly successful. He began with 160 acres, to which he has since added until he now owns about 1,400 acres, and. in addition, has given his children good and extensive farms. He has been one of the most successful farmers of the parish. In 1888 Mr. Nelson was elected to the State Legislature, and represented his parish with distinction, being on some of the most useful committees.
He has taken strong grounds against the Louisiana Lottery, and is a prominent Democrat. He served as president of the Farmers' Alliance of this parish for two years, and was elected merchant of the Alliance's co-operative store of this parish. This store was opened in the fall of 1889, and is large, well established, well conducted and prosperous.
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, with their family of seven children, six sons and one daughter moved to the town of Homer in the fall of 1889. The children (who are all grown) and the parents fire all members of the Methodist Church, Mr. Nelson being steward. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence and force of character, and deservedly, from his high social qualities, stands among the most prominent citizens of the parish. He is a member of the Masonic and K. of P. fraternities.

James W. Nickelson was born in Jackson County, Tennessee, in 1833, being the ninth of ten children born to Nicholas and Mahala (Ferrell) Nickelson, who were natives of North Carolina, the father's birth occurring in 1760. He was a direct descendant of Irish parents, and possessed the intelligence and wit of his ancestors.
The subject of this sketch resided in Tennessee until 1848, when he came with his parents to Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, where his father died in 1858, and his mother in 1801, James W. Nickelson was given the advantages of the common schools, and continued his studies until he started out in life for himself as a farmer, after he had attained his majority. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he espoused the cause of the Confederacy, and became a member of Company A, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, being in the engagements at, Belmont, Shiloh, Coffeeville, Port, Hudson, Baton Rouge, Grand Gulf, Jackson, and surrendered at Vicksburg, after which he joined Price, remaining with him until the war closed, being assistant forage master.
After his return home he was married in 1865 to Miss Sarah A. Snider, a daughter of William and Jane A. Snider, and their union has been blessed in the birth of nine children, six of whom are still living. Mr. Nickelson is a warm Democrat, and has taken an active part in the selection of good and worthy men to fill the various offices of the State and parish.
He has been a member of the A. F. & A. M. for many years, and his wife is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and is an earnest and truly consistent Christian.

Dr. Thomas N. Nix, the subject of this sketch, was born in Georgia in 1851. In 1858 he with his parents moved to Columbia County Arkansas, where his parents now reside. Being remote from school he was reared with but little education, but at the age of majority, being determined to work out for himself a practical education, he applied himself so well that he was admitted as teacher into the public schools of his State, spending three years in this work. He then gave his attention to the science of dentistry. After some time devoted to the study of this science, he began practice as early as 187[?] and this calling has since received his attention. He has been associated with some bright lights in his profession, and has acquired for himself a name among the professional men of North Louisiana, and as a dentist is certainly very skillful, and a master of his profession. He has resided in this locality sufficiently long to win a host of friends, and to build up about, him a large and appreciative practice.
He was married to Miss Alice Warren, October 27, 1880. Mrs. Nix is a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, Dr. Nix, of the Missionary Baptist Church, and they are liberal supporters of these churches. Dr. Nix is one of fifteen children born to Larkin Nix, whose birth occurred in [?] County, Georgia, in 1813. Larkin Nix has lived a quiet farmer's life. He was in the Indian War of 1836, and he killed and scalped a large Indian, who helped to murder and scalp his brother, William Nix and family. He volunteered, went into the Southern Army of the late Civil War, and was flag bearer for his company. He had one son, Henry Nix, who gave up his life for the lost cause. John Nix, the father of Larkin Nix, was born in Edgefield, South Carolina, in the year 1761. He was large enough to be cuffed about and abused by the Tories in Washington's day. He was an active participant in the early Indian war, especially the War of 1812, under Gen. Floyd. In 1858 he moved to Columbia County, Arkansas, with his son, Larkin Nix, where he died in 1868, at the advanced age of one hundred and seven years. Dr. Nix's father, aged seventy-seven, and mother, aged seventy, are still living out their Christian lives on the old homestead in Columbia County, Arkansas, where they settled in 1858.
Dr. Nix has recently embarked in a mercantile venture, doing business with C. B., Broadway, New York. He has efficient men to run this business and will continue the practice of his profession.

John L. Oakes is a man whom nature seems to have especially designed to be a planter, for he has met with more than the average degree of success in pursuing that calling, and owing to his desire to keep out of the beaten path, and to his adoption of new and improved methods, together with industry and good judgment, he is now a well to do citizen. He was born in this parish in 1856, being a brother of Reuben L. Oakes, a sketch of whom appears in this work, and Lucy, now Mrs. Langford, both residents of this parish. They are the children of Reuben and Margaret (Scarborough) Oakes, the former of whom was born in Alabama, and the latter in Georgia.
John L. Oakes began the battle of life for himself as a planter with but $500, but in the eleven years that have passed he has accumulated about 1,300 acres of land, 600 of which are under cultivation, a fact that speaks louder than words can do as to his ability as a financier. He has the distinction, young as he is, of being the most extensive planter in the ward, and one of the most extensive in the parish. His example of industry and earnest and sincere endeavor to succeed in life, especially in the direction of planting, is well worthy the imitation of men older than himself, as well as the rising generation.
He was married to Mrs. Mollie Collier, a daughter of Richard Cleaver, in 1885, and by her is now the father of two children: Lawrence and Tullis. Mr. and Mrs. Oakes are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Reuben L. Oakes is in every sense of the word a self-made man, for the property which he now has, has been acquired by his own exertions since starting out in life for himself. He was born in this parish in 1802, to Reuben Oakes, a native of Alabama, who came to Claiborne Parish in 1849, a more complete record of whom is given in the sketch of John L. Oakes. Reuben L. has resided all his life in this parish, and his first knowledge of the "three R's" was acquired in the common schools. He was always diligent, and improved his opportunities to the utmost, becoming a well-informed young man. When he had attained his twenty-first birthday he united his fortunes with that of Miss Ida Bridgeman, of Homer, and began his career as a planter, his capital at that time being very meager indeed. He did not, become discouraged when obstacles presented themselves, but continued to steadily pursue the "even tenor of his way," and the magnificent plantation, which consists of 1,100 acres of land, which he now owns, is the result of hard and persistent toil, and shows what a young man of intelligence, energy and progressive views can accomplish when he so desires.
In 1888 he established a mill, which he has conducted with remarkable success in connection with planting up to the present day. The most of his broad acres are cleared, and a goodly portion under cultivation, the annual income from the same being large. The admirable manner in which everything is kept about his place shows that a man of sound judgment and unswerving energy is at the helm, and here, where he has always lived, his many estimable qualities have acquired for him a popularity not derived from any factitious circumstances, but a permanent and spontaneous tribute to his merit.
He and his wife have two bright and interesting children: Guy and Daisy. He is a Democrat in his views, and at all times supports the men of that party.

Washington L. Oakes is one of the progressive, intelligent and enterprising agriculturists of Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, and was born in Perry County, Louisiana, in 1827, and there grew to maturity, being the fourth of his parent's ten children: Elizabeth (deceased, was the wife of Isaac Harkines, of Perry County, Louisiana), Eliga M. (now a resident of Claiborne Parish, Louisiana), Haney (widow of Isaac Harkines), Washington L., Reuben M. (died during the war, leaving a widow and family), Susan (widow of Thomas Brittain, of Nacogdoches County, Tex.), Isaac C. (died during the war, leaving a widow and two children), Frances (died at the age of eighteen years), Nancy W. (now Mrs. John Naremore, of Claiborne Parish), and John L. (died a prisoner at Fort Delaware, during the war). The father of these children, Isaac Oakes, was born in Georgia, in 1797, being the youngest of the following children born to his father, who also bore the name of Isaac: Thomas, Reuben, John, Jonathan, Nancy, Persiller and Loney.
The grandfather was born about 1758 and at the age of eighteen years became a Revolutionary soldier, and served throughout the struggle that followed. He was born in Virginia. The maiden name of the mother of the immediate subject of this sketch, was Amy Martin, a daughter of Claiborne Martin, who was a Virginian.

Washington L. Oakes received a common education in the schools of Alabama, but after he had attained his twentieth year he began farming for himself, and in 1852 was married to Miss Martha A. Scarborough. in 1861 he enlisted in Col. Scott's company that went out from Claiborne Parish that year, and soon after was in the fight at Belmont, but after the first year's service he was sent back to "Louisiana, and served in this State until the close of the war. He has been a Democrat of long standing, having cast his first presidential vote in 1848, and since locating in the parish, in 1852, he has held the position of justice of the peace and police juror a great portion of the time.
Socially he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years, in which he has taken all the degrees of the council. He and his estimable wife have been members of the Missionary Baptist Church since 1846, and as citizens and neighbors are highly esteemed by all who know them. Mr. Oakes has resided on his present farm of 1,000 acres since 1852, and has 400 acres of land under cultivation, all of which is admirably adapted to raising all the products of the South.

James W. O'Bannon is a dealer in general merchandise at Summerfield, Louisiana, but also gives considerable attention to agriculture, being a well to do and successful man of business. He was born in this parish in 1840, being the second of twelve children, ten of whom are living, born to Bryant O'Bannon and N. E. O'Bannon, nee Nolen, born in South Carolina, the birth of the father occurring in Mississippi. The father was the eldest in a family of nine children born to Dotson B. O'Bannon, a native Virginian, and a soldier in the Revolutionary War, serving throughout the entire struggle with the mother country. All of James W. O'Bannon's brothers and sisters reside in this parish with the exception of Jennie, now Mrs. William Scarborough, who resides at, Putnam, Texas.
James W. grew to maturity here and acquired a good practical education at Mount Lebanon. In September, 1801, he enlisted in the army, and his regiment, the Nineteenth Louisiana belonged to the only Louisiana brigade of the Army of Tennessee (Confederate), and served as a lieutenant until May, 1865, taking an active part in every battle in which his regiment participated with the exception of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and not receiving a wound during the war. His command surrendered in May, 1865, at Meridian, Mississippi, and this closed his military career. His brigade was first commanded by Gen. Dan W. Adams, and after the battle of Chickamauga by Gen. Randall Lee Gibson. After returning home he entered school once more at Mount Lebanon and remained there until April, 1807, when he began devoting his attention to farming and followed this exclusively until 1873, when he opened a mercantile establishment, and to the successful conduct of these two enterprises he has since given his time. He carries a stock of merchandise valued at from $2,000 to $6,000, and has established a reputation for honesty and fair dealing throughout this section of the country. His plantation consists of 400 acres, the most of which is cleared, and on this land he raises about forty-five bales of cotton annually.
He is an active Democrat in his political views, at all times supports his party, and socially is a member of the K. of P. lodge at Homer. He was married in the month of December, 1808, to Miss Lizzie Williams, a daughter of J. H. Williams, of Claiborne Parish, and to them six children have been born: J. Graves, N. Isabella, James P., Sarah E., B. L. and Randall Gibson. Mr. and Mrs. O'Bannon are members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Summerfield, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana.

Oscar P. Ogilvie is the editor of the Guardian Journal, at Homer, Louisiana, and is one of the public spirited and able newspaper men of this section. He has been familiar with journalistic work from early boyhood, and the paper which he is now engaged in publishing is one of the best and neatest local papers in the State of Louisiana. He was left an orphan in his early childhood, but even at that day he evinced sterling traits of character, and with the energy and perseverance that has ever characterized his efforts, he worked his way onward and onward until he is now acknowledged to be one of the leading journalists of the State.
He was born in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, on October 2, 1804, but his father, W. J. Ogilvie, was a native of Georgia, but of Irish descent. He grew up in his native State and was married there to Miss Lucy J. Patterson, a native of Kentucky, who was reared and educated in that State. After Mr. Ogilvie had farmed in Georgia a few years he moved with his family to Louisiana, and about 1842 settled in Caddo Parish, near Shreveport, where he opened up a large farm, which he successfully conducted up to the date of his death in 1808, having been the owner of a number of slaves prior to the war. He was a man of good parts, his business qualifications being of a high order. His widow survived him about one month, when she, too, passed away, thus leaving Oscar P. an orphan at the age of four years.
He remained with an older brother up to the age of twelve years, receiving the advantages of the schools of Greenwood. Louisiana, and Curran, Illinois, but when he had attained his thirteenth year he entered a printing office at Shreveport, and thoroughly learned the printer's trade, and worked in the mechanical department for several years.
He was one of a company that started a daily in Shreveport, and of this he was manager for about one year. In 1889 he bought an interest in the Guardian Journal, being first, associated with Mr. Seals, but a short time afterward purchased this gentleman's interest and took entire control of the paper, and is now engaged in publishing one of the breeziest and brightest papers of which the State can boast. He makes a specialty of job work, and can show as fine specimens of work as can be found in large cities. His paper is published in the interests of Homer and Claiborne Parish, and as he is one of the youngest newspaper men in the State, he deserves the commendation of all for the admirable manner in which he conducts his paper. He has greatly enlarged and improved the Guardian Journal, and as he is a man of superior business qualifications and excellent habits, he is bound to make a name for himself in the journalistic world.

He is a member of the National Typographical Union, and was formerly a member of the Shreveport Typographical Union, and served as president of that organization.

William P. Otts, president of Homer National Bank, Homer, Louisiana, was born in the Palmetto State, Spartanburg District, September 19, 1814, and is a son of William Otts, a native also of South Carolina. The father was married in that State to Miss Delilah Brewton, of South Carolina, and after farming in that State for a number of years he removed to Alabama in 1831, and located in Butler County. His death occurred there in 1837. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was private secretary of Gen. Thomas Moore. He was a man of fair education, and served his district as surveyor, and also filled other positions. His wife also died in 1837. Of their family, which consisted of nine sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to mature years, only our subject and two sisters now survive.
The former passed his youth in Alabama, received a limited education, but has improved this to a great extent by study since growing up. He began clerking in Alabama, continued at this for several years at old Fort Dale, and then removed to Greene County, of that State, where he cultivated the soil for a few years. In 1852 he removed to Louisiana, Jackson Parish, engaged in merchandising at Vienna, and there remained up to 1808.

In the last of October of that year he removed to Homer and engaged in mercantile pursuits, at which he was very successful until 1877. At that time he sold out and embarked in livestock and brokerage business and on the organization of Homer National Bank in December, 1889, he was chosen its president. This bank opened for business in March, 1890, and has a capital stock of $50,000 paid up capital and opened in a flourishing condition.

Mr. Otts was married in Greene County, Alabama, on September 2, 1841, to Miss Catherine H. Wilder, a native of Greene County, Alabama, where she was reared and educated, and the daughter of William Wilder. Mrs. Otts died on February 4, 1889, and was buried in the Homer Cemetery. Mr. Otts has four daughters by this union: Elizabeth Jane (wife of Drew Ferguson), Laura F. (widow of Dr. Averyt), Alice A. (wife of Dr. Griffin, of Rushton, Louisiana), and Mary D. (wife of Frank Allen, of Homer). Mr. Otts' second marriage occurred at Burke Station, Iberia Parish, Louisiana, on July 11, 1889, to Mrs. Mary J. Reid, a widow and a native of Alabama. She was reared and educated in Minden College, Louisiana, and is a lady of culture and refinement.

Mr. and Mrs. Otts are members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Otts is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having joined that order about 1848. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and has served as master and has tilled other official positions. He represented his lodge in both Alabama and Louisiana. Although he has never taken an active part in politics, he is a strong Democrat and has voted that ticket for fifty years. Mr. Otts is a man of good judgment, is enterprising and progressive, and is one of the leading business men of northwestern Louisiana.

Asberry W. Palmer, planter and ginner of Gordon, Louisiana Worthy reference to the agricultural affairs of Claiborne Parish would lie incomplete without due mention of Mr. Palmer, among others engaged in tilling the soil, for ho is not only prominent in that respect, but as a citizen and neighbor, is held in the highest esteem. He was born in Greene County, Georgia, March 22, 1824, to Amasy and Ann (Gaston) Palmer, who were born in Alabama and Georgia, respectively, their marriage taking place in the former State, moving afterward to Greene County, Georgia, where they spent, the rest of their lives, the father's death occurring in 1830.
Asberry W. Palmer was the youngest of their six sons and two daughters, and after the death of his father, he, in 1833, moved to Alabama with his mother, and with her settled in Russell County, where he grew to mature years, and was married on December 24, 1847 to Miss Mary E. Parker, a Georgian. He farmed in that county a year or so, then followed the same occupation in Macon County, but in 1858 came to Louisiana, and located on the farm where he now resides, at, that time being the possessor of some money and several slaves. He continued to manage his plantation up to the opening of the war, and in 1804 enlisted in the Confederate Army, and served until the war terminated, being present at the shelling of Harrisburg and in some skirmishes.
He returned to his plantation at the close of hostilities, and is now the owner of 740 acres of land, of which about 450 are under cultivation, nicely improved with a good residence and barns. He and his wife have reared a family of nine children to maturity: Mary Ann (the deceased wife of Alvert Glass), Martha A. (wife of Sebe Mattox, of Fort Worth), Minnie (wife of A. Glass), William M., Jeff D., Octavia, Josephine (wife of C. Greer), Milo P. and Emma L. Mr. Palmer and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for a number of years he has been a prominent official in the same.
He has been a Mason since before his marriage, having been made such in Alabama.

Joseph Palmer needs no special introduction to the people of Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, for he has resided here all his life, his birth having occurred here February, 1866, he being the sixth of eight children, four sons and four daughters, the names of the other members of the family being as follows: Mattie (wife of U. S. Marshall, resides in Texas), Minnie (residing in Minden, her husband being retired from business), William (married and a well to do cotton planter of Claiborne Parish), Jefferson (married, is a resident, of this parish, but has retired from business), Octavia (also resides here, her husband being a successful cotton planter), Milo (is single and is a salesman in McKorkle Brothers dry goods store in Homer), and Emma Sue (who is a student in a music conservatory, and expects to take the full course).
Mr. Palmer received his early training in Minden, but afterward took a full commercial course in a college at Little Rock, Arkansas, which admirably fitted him for the practical duties of life, and all his life has been a warm friend and supporter of educational institutions of all kinds. He commenced life for himself at the age of nineteen years as a salesman in a dry goods store, and for three years he had a good and lucrative position, after which he took a course in the study of law.
He was married to Miss Ida May Gladney, who was born in Louisiana, April 6, 1808, her education being received in the Female College of Homer, Louisiana, their union being consummated January 15, 1890.
Mr. Palmer is a Democrat in principle, but has never taken a particularly active interest in politics except to always cast his vote for men whom he considered honorable and trustworthy. He is a member of the K. of P. lodge of Homer, which is a very flourishing and active organization, and numbers about eighty members. He is the owner of a first-class livery barn in Homer, which is well supplied with most excellent, equipages ready for use on short notice, and his horses are all of the best driving grade. This is an excellently managed establishment, for Mr. Palmer is a young man who possesses fine business qualifications, and, as he has always shown himself to be the soul of honor, he has the full confidence of his patrons. He has a business acumen which is sure to win for him signal success, and besides his property in Homer, which amounts to about $6,000, he has a fine and valuable farm about twelve miles from the city limits. His residence in the town is handsome and commodious, and was put up at it cost of about $4,000. Mrs. Palmer is a devout member of the Presbyterian Church, and she and Mr. Palmer have always contributed liberally of their means to what they thought worthy of their consideration. They move in the first social circles of Homer, and have numerous warm, personal friends, who wish them every happiness and success.

Isaiah Phipps is a practical farmer, one who believes that it is beneficial to have all his farming operations conducted in a manner so thorough as to not slight one department of labor in order to bestow more work on some other portion. He was born in Perry County, Louisiana, December 9, 1820, to John Phipps, who was born, reared and married in Georgia, the last event being to Miss Mary Ann Crenshaw, a Georgian also. They immigrated to Alabama after their marriage, where the father was an active and fairly successful tiller of the soil until his death, which took place about 1842. He was a soldier in the Creek War, and was afterward captain of a company of militia. His widow survived him until 1880, when she passed from life in this State.
Isaiah Phipps grew to manhood in Alabama, marrying there, at the age of nineteen years, Miss Mary Veazey, an Alabamian by birth, and in that State they continued to reside and farm for a number of years, removing to Louisiana in the fall of 1853 and locating in this parish on a farm. He purchased a tine plantation, and with the aid of a number of slaves which he possessed he opened the greater portion of this large plantation.
Although he lost his slaves during the war he has been successful, and is now the owner of 1,600 acres of land, all in one body, about 800 of which is open land. He raises from fifty to ninety bales of cotton annually, but the most of his cultivated land he rents out. In 1862 he enlisted in Col. McNeil's regiment, and served until the war was over, being a participant in several important engagements in Louisiana and Arkansas, returning at the close of the war to his home.
He has always supported the measures of Democracy, and has taken an active part in the political campaigns of his parish. In 1875 his wife died, leaving a family of ten children, all of whom are now living with the exception of two. In 1878 Mr. Phipps wedded Mrs. Margaret Oakes, an Alabamian. She has three children, who are now grown, by her former husband. Mr. Phipps and his wife are members of the Baptist, Church, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity.

Moses J. Pittman is a man of more than ordinary energy and force of character, and no agriculturist of this region is deserving of greater success in the conduct and management of his plantation than he. His birth occurred in Dallas County, Mo., on December 23, 1837, but his father, James H. Pittman, was a native of the Hoosier State. The latter was a son of John Putman, a native of Ireland, and when a young man went to Illinois, and was there married to Miss Julma Martin, a Knox County Tennessean by birth. For some time after their nuptials were celebrated Mr. Putman followed the plow in Sangamon County, Illinois, but about 1835 moved to Dallas County, Missouri, of which he was one of the pioneers. He made a farm there on which he resided until the opening of the Rebellion, when he helped to swell the ranks of the Confederate Army, and died while in the service in 1863. His widow still resides in Dallas County, where she reared a family of five sons and three daughters, the subject of this sketch being third in order of birth, and all are now living with the exception of one son.
Moses J. Putman was given a fair country school education, and made the most of his opportunities, but as he had learned the details of farm labor of his father, he began devoting his attention to this calling, and was actively engaged in following the plow when the South seceded. He immediately joined the State Guards, but about three months later entered the regular Confederate service.
He was in the engagements at Dry Wood, Missouri, and Elk Horn, Arkansas, in the last named engagement receiving gunshot wounds in the thigh and heel, which permanently disabled him, and he was soon honorably discharged. In the spring of 1863 he had so far recovered that he determined to re-enlist in the service, and until the close of the war served in the Thirty-fourth Arkansas Infantry. He first held the rank of sergeant, but was afterward promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, the duties of which he was filling when he received his final discharge. He was in the engagements at Helena, July 4, 1863, Jenkins' Ferry, April 30, 1804, and also in a number of skirmishes.
After surrendering at Marshall, Texas, he located in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, where he farmed the following ten years. January 7, 1866, he was married to Miss Mary E. Sligh, a native of Louisiana, reared and educated at Minden, find a daughter of George B. Sligh. After tilling his large plantation in Bossier Parish until December, 1876, he came to Claiborne Parish and purchased land in Ward 5, a considerable portion of which was improved. He has purchased different tracts from time to time, and now has about l,500 acres, all in one body. He has cleared up 150 acres, and has otherwise greatly improved his property. He commenced his independent career empty handed, but the property he now has, has been accumulated in Bossier and Claiborne Parishes, and he is now considered, and justly so, one of the wealthiest planters of this section.
He raises on an average 125 bales of cotton annually, but other Southern products are given considerable attention. He has always been a Democrat in politics, but has never been an aspirant for office, although he has often been solicited to make the race for the Legislature.
He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and have a family of three sons: Thomas S., Nicholas Wade and James H. A daughter, Augusta, died at the age of four years. Mr. Putman has on his land a fine steam, saw and grist mill, which adds much to his annual income. It may with truth be said, that there is not a more public spirited or honorable man in the parish than Mr. Pittman, and by every action he has shown that he has the interests of his fellow-man, and country at heart.

Col. Thomas W. Poole, commissioner of immigration, post office 60 St. Charles Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. This distinguished gentleman is a native of Alabama, and has reached his present honorable position through sheer force of character and intellect.
His birth occurred in Perry County, of that State, in August, 1832, his father being William H. Poole, a native of North Carolina, and his mother, Miss Sarah Johnson, daughter of Starling Johnson. William H. Poole moved from North Carolina at an early day, and settled in Alabama, where he engaged in farming and in the practice of medicine, and where he reared a large family. He made two large plantations in Union County, Arkansas and there died, having lived an honorable and useful life. He had formerly served in one of the early Indian wars. He moved to Arkansas about 1843, and died about 1852, his widow surviving him until about 1860.
Col. Poole is the only survivor of the family of three sons and nine daughters, and grew to the age of eighteen years in Union County, Arkansas. He received a superior education from accomplished teachers in the higher English branches, mathematics and languages. After having taught a short time, he came, in 1851, to Claiborne Parish, and engaged in clerking for his brother, and later engaged in business for himself, in Lisbon, but soon moved to Vienna, Jackson Parish, where he resided until the war. He enlisted in the Confederate service in 1862; was elected captain of Company I, which had 176 men; marched to Monroe, where he assisted in organizing the regiment; was elected major of the same, and entered the regular Confederate service in the Trans-Mississippi Department. At the battle of Mansfield, Louisiana, he led his regiment, and for conspicuous gallantry was promoted to the colonelcy of his regiment. He participated in other important engagements: Burwich Bayou, Pleasant Hill, Yellow Bayon (at which latter battle his regiment brought on the engagement), Camp Bisland, Franklin (Louisiana), Bayon Fordash, and numerous important skirmishes. During the war he was neither wounded nor taken prisoner, and at the battle of Mansfield his sword and pistol were shot from his side.
After the war he engaged in merchandising, in Jackson Parish for several years, then sold out, and moved to Carbondale, Illinois, but after eight months returned to Homer, Louisiana, continuing in business, but after several years, engaged in general stock trading in September, 1888, under a commission from Gov. Nichols, he took charge of the office of commissioner of immigration, and has done very important service in bringing the resources of the State to the attention of immigrants. His great energy, liberal views, broad mind and congenial character have given him a wide and deserved reputation throughout the State as a public servant.
In 1854 he married Miss Elizabeth Wilder, a native of Alabama, and daughter of William H. Wilder; this lady died about the year 1882, after having presented her husband with seven children, of whom only two are living: C. E. Poole (of Homer), and L. E. (wife of L. E. Kemp, of Mexia, Texas). He married his present wife, Mrs. M. H. Lee, at Arcadia, in December, 1889, she being a native of Alabama, and the daughter of Dr. Hunter, a prominent physician and planter.
Col. Poole is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a pronounced anti-lottery man, and is using his great energy and influence to suppress this powerful institution in the State.

Hon. Thomas Price is a native of the State in which he is now residing, his birth occurring in what is now Bienville Parish, October 2, 1829, a son of John Price, a native of Georgia, who came to Louisiana when a young man, and was married to Miss Catherine Andrews, a native of Arkansas. Mr. Price opened a farm here, and resided in this parish until 1851, at which date he removed to Texas, and there passed from life in 1856, his widow surviving him several years. Thomas remained with his father in this parish until he attained manhood, but in 1849 made the overland trip with him to California in search of gold.
They were eight months in reaching their destination, and after spending about the same length of time in the gold mines of the west, they came to the conclusion that the wealth, if there, was not for them, and returned home by the Pacific and Central America route to the Gulf of Mexico, which they crossed to New Orleans, thence up the river to their home.
Mr. Price was married in 1852 to Miss Martha J. Kirkpatrick, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of Thomas J. and Ann Kirkpatrick, and soon after engaged in farming, a calling he followed for several years, but which he put aside in 1862 to swell the ranks of the Confederate Army, becoming a member of Company G, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry as orderly sergeant in June, 1863. He was promoted to captain of his company, and served in that capacity until the war was over. He participated in a number of important engagements, among which may be mentioned: Baker's Creek, Peach Tree Creek, second battle of Corinth, and Franklin, Tennessee, but was also in a number of engagements of lesser importance, and numerous skirmishes. During one engagement he was wounded in the thigh by the explosion of a shell, was taken prisoner, and was kept at Johnson's Island, Ohio, until the final surrender, then returning to Louisiana, settled down once more to farm work.
He was soon elected assessor of Claiborne Parish, and at the expiration of one term of two years he was re-elected. In 1872 his many estimable qualities were recognized, and he was elected by his numerous friends to the State Legislature, and served with honorable distinction in that body during 1873-74. After remaining out of office until 1884, he was once more elected to the General Assembly of the State, and made a pure and intelligent legislator. He has been identified with the Farmers' Alliance, and has taken an active part in the deliberations of that body during the past year. He located on his present farm in 1809 near Haynesville, which consists of about 400 acres, of which about 150 acres are open and under cultivation, well improved with good buildings and a cotton-gin.
Mr. and Mrs. Price have a family of five children: Phineas B., William S., Walter Lee, Martha J. and Mollie Jackson. Mr. Price and his wife are Cumberland Presbyterians, and he belongs to the A. P. & A. M.

Jesse S. Pryor is well fitted for the duties of a planter, for he is thrifty, industrious and enterprising. He deserves the greatest credit for the prosperity which he now enjoys, for he is in every sense of the word a self-made man, and has made his own way in life ever since he was twelve years of age. He was compelled to labor very hard for a long time, but, unlike many boys, he did not foolishly spend his earnings, but carefully put them by for a rainy day, using only a sufficient amount to clothe himself, so that, in 1882 he was enabled, with the money he had saved, to purchase the plantation of 320 acres on which he is now residing, 200 acres of this land being under cultivation.
He was born in Perry County, Alabama in 1859, and was one in a family of ten children born to Tabithy C. and W. S. Pryor, the names of his brothers and sister being as follows: Robert (living), George and John (who were slain during the Rebellion), Benjamin (living), William, Thomas (deceased), James C. (deceased), Jesse S., Nannie (who died in 1878) and Charles. In 1807 Jesse S. Pryor was brought by his parents to Louisiana, and with them located in Union Parish, where he grew to manhood. He came to Claiborne Parish in 1877, attended school at Arizona for some time, and this parish has been his home to the present; time. He was married in 1886 to Miss Carrie Wade, a daughter of J. T. Wade, a native of Tennessee, who came to Louisiana in 1800. Mr. and Mrs. Pryor have two bright and interesting little children: Blanche and Wallace.
They have a good and comfortable home, and, being very congenial in their tastes, are prepared to enjoy life and make the most of their surroundings. Mr. Pryor is a Democrat.

Contributed 06 Mar 2026 by Norma Hass, extracted from 1890 Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana, pages 402-463.

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