McCollam, Hon. Edwin

Biographical And Historical Memoirs, Vol. II, The Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1892

Hon. Edwin McCollam, a prominent citizen of LaFourche parish, La., was born in that state in 1845, and is a son of Andrew and Ellen E. (Slattery) McCollam, native of the Empire state, the father born in 1810 and the mother in 1817.  The father received a scientific education in Union college, New York, and graduated from that institution with high honors. 

He came to Louisiana in 1832, located at Donaldsonville, and engaged as a civil engineer.  He was married in 1841 and in 1852 he located in LaFourche parish, where he followed planting.  He was a member of the secession convention.  Hon. Edwin McCollam received his scholastic advantages in St. Mary's college, La., and threw aside his books to enter the army.  In 1862 he enlisted in Wert Adams' cavalry regiment and served faithfully until cessation of hostilities.  He was taken prisoner at Vicksburg and after being released he was in Gordy's battery.  He participated in the battles of Corinth, Baker's Creek, Big Black, seige of Vicksburg, Hatchie Bridge and quite a number of cavalry engagements.  He served all through as a private and was never wounded. 

He has since been engaged in planting, and he and his brother, Alexander William, cultivate 600 acres of Ellendale plantation.  During the season of 1891 they made 1,100,000 pounds of sugar.  Mr. McCollam was elected to the legislature from Terre Bonne parish in 1874 and served two years. He was counted out by the Wells-Kellogg returning board in 1884, Wheeler, Hoar, Foster, members of the National committee, to adjust the matter of election, and when they tried to count out Mr. McCollam they declared him elected, and he served.  He was chairman of the committee on lands and levees in the lower house.  He was nominated for state senator, but declined to run.  He has also been a member of most of the state democratic conventions.