These biographies were transcribed from the History of Sabine Parish, Louisiana by John G. Belisle that was published in 1912. You can also read the history of Sabine Parish portion of the manuscript—there were many names mentioned throughout.
See also: Biography of Florien Giauque
Marion S. Antony.—The subject of this sketch is a citizen of Ward Two, and is now serving as constable of that ward. His grandfather was Christopher Antony, a pioneer of the Negreet community who came to this country in 1822 from Virginia by way of Kentucky and Texas. Christopher’s father was Martin Antony, who was a native of Germany, and he and his eldest son, Jacob, were soldiers in the American army during the Revolutionary War. William M. Antony, father of Marion S., was born at Negreet in 1827, being the eldest of a family of eight sons and two daughters, and in 1851 was married to Mary Alice, daughter of Aaron L. and Penelope Neil, to which union were born ten children, those now living being Thomas B., George C., Marion S., Charles W. and Mary E., wife of J. C. Salter. William M. Antony served his country in the war between the states, and his parish in various civil capacities and was a well-to-do and esteemed citizen.
Dr. J. C. Armstrong.—The subject of this sketch is entitled to honorable mention in any history of Sabine parish, for the reason that it can be said of him as truthfully as of any one that he lived and labored for the good of its people rather than for wealth or personal aggrandizement. He was born in Dallas County, Ala., and came to this parish on or about 1850, where he lived until his death in 1896. This parish was, consequently, the scene of his labors for over forty years. While he was a popular and successful physician, and always did a large practice, all he got, or wished to get out of it, seemingly, was a very modest living. The poor and needy, especially, had cause to revere the name of Dr. Crit Armstrong, who guarded and frequently saved their lives, and did so, as often as otherwise, “without money and without price.” It was said of the knightly Bayard, the beau-ideal of the age of chivalry, that he always exhibited an utter disregard for money and financial matters. This was pretty much the case with Dr. Crit Armstrong, our good and true knight of the scalpel, whose tender heart was as well known as his majestic figure to the people of every section of this parish. At one time Dr. Armstrong had the remarkable experience of being elected Parish Judge, without having any special knowledge of law or of court proceedings. Being well supplied with sound sense, however, he filled the position to the satisfaction of the people. But on one occasion there was a great tumult in his court. Two irate attorneys were apparently thirsting for each other’s gore; the crippled clerk was tossed aside and the sheriff was unable to quell the uproar, until the judge from the bench gave the remarkable order to “let ’em fight,” which had the effect of quieting the disturbers, as fighting was really the last thing the blustering attorneys wished to do. At this day and time, when love of money is properly regarded as the root of so many evils, it is refreshing to contemplate a character with whom generosity and all kindly impulses were unaffected by sordid considerations, and whose moral and physical strength and breadth of brawn enabled him to exemplify such principles throughout his course. The grave of old Dr. Crit, in the cemetery at Many, is entitled to reverence as that of the kindliest fathers of our people and our parish.
Dr. Rezin Laurence Armstrong.—Born in Dallas County, Ala., on December 30, 1821, and died at Pleasant Hill, this parish, January 4, 1899. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and a worthy son of sturdy and heroic sires. Tradition relates that his great-grandfather was burned at the stake by savages in some portion of what was then referred to as “the wilderness of the West.” His grandfather, William Armstrong, was a pioneer and Indian fighter of Christian County, Kentucky, who made the savages pay dearly for the murder of his sire. The father of Dr. Laurence moved to Sabine parish in 1847, and from that time until his death the doctor practiced his profession in the vicinity of Pleasant Hill and was a prominent figure in the community for more than half a century. In his youth, while still a resident of Alabama, he graduated in medicine at the New Orleans Medical College, a prototype of the present Tulane University. Soon afterwards, on February 27, 1845, he married his first wife, Cynthia Reed. Of the several children of that marriage, Dr. R. L. Armstrong, Jr., of Pleasant Hill is the only survivor. On August 5, 1858, Dr. Armstrong married Virginia A. Pullen, his second wife and surviving widow. Too modest and unselfish for a politician, the only public position that he ever occupied was that of state senator. Besides standing, as it were, a monument of incorruptible integrity and spotless honor, he was equally distinguished for the greater and softer impulses of the heart, for open-handed liberality and above all his true charity. Upon his memorial shaft is inscribed, “He Was the Poor Man’s Friend.” He was buried at Pleasant Hill by the Masonic fraternity. Dr. R. L. Armstrong, Jr., was born June 9, 1857, near Pleasant Hill. He attended the Medical University of Louisiana in 1877-78 and graduated at the medical department of Louisville University in 1879. Soon after graduating he married Miss Hattie O’Pry and located at Pleasant Hill, where he has been a prominent physician for over thirty years. He has a son, Dr. Ralph Armstrong, who is now a physician, thus making in the family three generations of physicians.
T. C. Armstrong (Attorney-at-Law).—This gentleman was born in Sabine parish on October 18, 1857, and is consequently in the 56th year of his age. His birthplace was in the San Miguel neighborhood, in the northern portion of the parish. His father was William Hamilton Armstrong, who died when quite young and when Thomas, his only child, was a baby. Hamilton Armstrong, though young, was a teacher of high repute, to whom some of our old citizens, his former pupils, still refer with much respect and pride. He was equally known as a marksman and hunter. Thomas’ grandfather, on his father’s side, was James H. Armstrong, who came to this parish or its vicinity in 1847, from Kentucky, originally, by way of Alabama. His grandfather, on his mother’s side, was William D. Stephens, who came to this section of the state in 1835, before the organization of this parish, from Virginia, originally, by way of Tennessee and Ohio. In his boyhood “Little Thomas” attended the ordinary old-field schools of the San Miguel neighborhood, and the somewhat superior one at Old Pleasant Hill. In 1875 he entered Emory and Henry College in Southwest Virginia, where he graduated in 1878. While at the old-field schools referred to, he exhibited considerable precocity, so to speak, and when he graduated at college he pocketed the first honor of his class. He studied law at home in Sabine parish, and in New Orleans at the Law Department of the University of Louisiana, and was admitted to the bar in 1882. On beginning his professional life, instead of hunting a location more suitable for a lively career, he remained at home without regard to consequences. Up to this time, these have not been as serious as might have been expected. He ranks well in our coterie of able and conscientious attorneys, has an interesting family, a pleasant home at Sodus and another residence at Many; and, at last accounts, a sufficiency of the necessaries of life. While he has been rather slow about completing an ambitious and patriotic literary task, commenced some time ago, we would hesitate to call him “Le Faineant,” as we are not certain what he has up his sleeve. While he has not entered the arena of politics, he may do so (as this notice is not intended as his obituary), and may have good prospects in that direction.
A. D. Ashby.—Mr. Ashby is a member of the Parish School Board from Ward Seven. He was born in Itawamba County, Miss., and lived there until 18 years of age, receiving such education as the small rural schools afforded, which was very limited. He came to Sabine parish in 1899 and resided here ever since. On March 9, 1910, he was married to Miss Mattie Bruce. Mr. Ashby’s principal occupation has been farming, but in 1910 he entered the ministry of the Congregational Methodist church, with which denomination he is prominently identified. His chief regret is that he was unable to finish his education. In 1912 he was elected member of the Parish School Board and at the organization of the new board he was elected chaplain of that body, being the first man ever honored with that position. Mr. Ashby has always been an advocate of a modern educational system that would thoroughly fit the youths of the parish for the battle of life and the attainment of a more ideal citizenship, and his influence will be cast with all progressive movements for the public weal.
Leslie Barbee.—No history of this parish is in any manner complete without notice of Leslie Barbee, the most prominent pioneer of Fort Jesup, who came to this parish in 1842. He was born in Wake County, N. C., January 16, 1812, and died in 1900. He was a son of Mark and Tempey (Garner) Barbee, who were of English and Scotch descent, respectively. When he came to this country he located at Fort Jesup and engaged in agricultural pursuits, although he was known as a “Jack of all trades,” and could turn his hand to any useful employment. He engaged in the mercantile business in 1860, in which he continued for many years. He always took a prominent part in parish affairs and in 1878–79 represented the parish in the State Legislature. Mr. Barbee was married in 1838 to Miss Argenene, a native of Georgia, and to them were born six children: Caroline, wife of M. P. Hawkins (deceased); Mary J., wife of W. W. McNeely (deceased); William H. (deceased), Joseph L., Nellie, wife of W. A. Ponder (deceased), and Nettie, wife of Amos L. Ponder. Joseph L. Barbee is now a resident of Fort Jesup and has a pretty home there. He has a family of six children, Joseph L., Jr., being the eldest. He has been engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits all his life. William H. Barbee was during his lifetime engaged in the mercantile business at Fort Jesup, besides taking a part in every move for the good of his parish and community, occupying at various times several public positions. His wife was Miss Emma Draughon. He died March 11, 1908, his wife’s death occurring a few years prior to that time. Five children were born to them: Leslie, Effie, wife of I. L. Pace; Rena, wife of Reese Pattison; Wm. J., and Nona.
Senator John H. Boone.—The subject of this sketch was born at the old town of Sparta, in Bienville Parish, November 7, 1871. His parents were Judge J. T. and C. L. Boone, members of old and estimable families. His father was a prominent figure in the politics of his parish and state for many years and occupied important public positions. The early years of John H. Boone’s life were spent on a farm. In 1888 the family moved to Mt. Lebanon where he attended Mt. Lebanon College, and being an earnest and hard-working student he secured an education sufficient to enable him to enter his chosen profession. After concluding his college course he taught in the public schools and at Mt. Lebanon College for two years. In 1899 he was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Bienville parish until 1901 when he came to Many, forming a partnership with Judge Don B. SoRelle. Upon Mr. SoRelle’s election as district judge in 1908, the firm was dissolved, but the partnership was resumed during the present year. Mr. Boone is not only a hard-working lawyer, but has always taken an active and patriotic interest in the material welfare of the parish, and is a firm exponent of every move for the uplift of the people morally and intellectually. His popularity among the people is amply attested by the fact that they have elected him to every position for which he has offered. He served several years as mayor of Many, and on being elected a member of the Parish School Board he was unanimously chosen as the presiding officer of that body, and filled these positions with honor. In 1912 he was elected a member of the State Senate from the district composed of the parishes of DeSoto, Sabine and Vernon and has rendered his district and state splendid services. It is a safe prediction that among the young lawyers of West Louisiana no one has a more promising future, in any of the endeavors which a lawyer is privileged to make, than Senator Boone. He was married, December, 1899, to Miss Minnie D. King, an accomplished young lady of Mt. Lebanon, and they have a most interesting family. Senator Boone is vice president of the People’s State Bank of Many and owns a cozy home here.
W. S. Brown.—Few men have spent a more extended and useful life as a citizen of the parish than W. Scott Brown. He was born in 1848 and spent his entire life in Sabine parish. His parents were pioneers of Ward Two, where some of the earliest settlers of this section of the state located. Mr. Brown has served his parish and ward in various official capacities for many years, as may be seen by reference to the annals of the parish government. He was an upright and conscientious citizen and commanded the respect of all who knew him. Mr. Brown was engaged in the mercantile business for many years and a few months ago opened a store at Hornbeck. While these memoirs were being printed Mr. Brown died at the home of his son, Mr. Edward Brown, in Ward Two.
J. W. Byrd.—This gentleman is a member of the Parish School Board from Ward Two. He was born in Winn parish, September 21, 1867, and when a small child came to Sabine parish, near Negreet. He was reared and has always resided in the southern part of the parish. He attended the old school at Fort Jesup during the first and third years of its existence, when Prof. T. R. Hardin presided as principal of that institution, after which he taught school for several years. Mr. Byrd was married to Miss Estelle Sanders, September 11, 1892, and to that union nine children have been born, five boys and four girls. He joined the Missionary Baptist church in 1892. He settled on a small farm after his marriage, and established Rattan post office in 1893, and was postmaster eight years. He was elected as a member of the School Board from his ward and was re-elected in 1912. He is a good citizen and stands for every move in the direction of parish progress.
Oscar O. Cleveland.—Cashier of the recently established People’s State Bank of Many, was born in Leake County, Mississippi, October 9, 1876. He went to public schools and after coming to Many with his father, W. B. Cleveland, in 1898, he entered the station of the K. C. S. R’y to learn the railroad business, remaining in the employ of that company until he engaged in business in partnership with J. H. McNeely in 1902. In 1905 he again entered the employ of the railroad as station agent at Many, and after three years’ service he resigned and accepted a position with the Santa Fe Railway. He filled some important positions with that company in Louisiana and Texas. He resigned to become cashier of the People’s State Bank of Many. He is a conservative business man and a genial gentleman. Mr. Cleveland was married in 1904 to Miss Claudia, eldest daughter of Judge and Mrs. Don E. SoRelle.
Thomas G. Coburn.—of Coburn post office, was born in Coffee County, Alabama, April 23, 1844, and moved with his parents to Louisiana in February, 1852, arriving in Many that year. The family was going to Texas, but after staying here two years procured land in the southeast corner of the parish where the subject of this sketch now resides. Mr. Coburn might thus be considered a pioneer. He enlisted in the Confederate army in 1862, at the age of 18 years, under General Dick Taylor and served until the battle of Mansfield, April, 1864, when he was seriously wounded, and he has never fully recovered from the effects of the wound. After the war he returned to his home to start anew and to do battle against the outrages of reconstruction. On November 19, 1868, he was married to Miss S. J. Phares, and to that union ten children were born, seven of them still living. Mrs. Coburn died on March 5, 1899, and on January 1, 1890, he was married to Miss B. C. Bolton. Six children were born to them, five still living. On June 19, 1910, she, too, passed to her reward. Mr. Coburn served for a number of years as a member of the Parish School Board, and has been identified with all progressive movements in his community and parish.
Thomas Jefferson Cranford.—The present sheriff of Sabine parish, was born near Pleasant Hill, Sabine parish, October 3, 1863, his parents being William H. and Cynthia (Anderson) Cranford. His father, whose death occurred while serving in the Civil War, May, 1864, was a native of Alabama, while his mother was born and reared in Sabine parish, her father being Wade Anderson, a pioneer, whose son, Jeff Anderson, was sheriff of this parish in 1863 and died while an occupant of that office, his father serving the unexpired term. When old enough to work Mr. Cranford followed the plow and helped to support his widowed mother. There were no schools in the country and he reached manhood with a very limited education. His mother, several years after the war, married C. D. Carroll, to which union two children were born, S. L. Carroll, who is now a prominent merchant of Zwolle, and Annie, who is the wife of John Paul and resides in Texas. Mr. Cranford followed the occupation of farming until 1902. He served two terms as Police Juror in the ’90s and was a member of that body from his old home ward (the Sixth) when the present courthouse and jail were constructed. In 1901 he moved to Many to accept a position as field deputy for Sheriff Henderson, purchasing a farm just outside the corporate limits. Mr. Henderson resigned his office in November, 1902, and Mr. Cranford was appointed sheriff by Governor Heard. He has occupied the position ever since, having been three times elected. As ex-officio tax collector, he has always collected the taxes and turned same into the parish treasury promptly on the first of July of each year, and has made it a rule to collect more than is charged. He is also proud of the fact that he has never found it necessary to seriously hurt a prisoner while in the discharge of his duties. Mr. Cranford is a genial gentleman and courteous officer. In 1886 he was married to Miss Cora Hooker and to them have been born four children: Maggie, Rupert (died at the age of 7 years), Lola and Nellie.
John J. Curtis.—born in Sabine parish on June 17, 1843, and is one of the oldest native citizens now living in the parish. His father was a pioneer of the Toro country, settling there in 1827. The subject of this sketch received what little education he was able to obtain in a log schoolhouse. In April, 1861, when only 18 years of age, he enlisted in the first company which left Sabine parish to fight in the Civil War, under the command of Capt. Arthur McArthur. This command was assigned to the army in Virginia in Gen. Stonewall Jackson’s brigade. Mr. Curtis was in the most memorable battles of the campaigns of that famous commander. When the battle of the Wilderness was begun on the 5th of May, 1864, only fourteen men of Mr. Curtis’ company responded for service, and his leg was broken in this bloody conflict, and his friend Bob Runnels was killed by his side. After lying wounded on the field for three days, he was picked up by the Yankees and taken to their hospital, and he saw only two or three of his comrades after that time. He was taken prisoner by Stewart’s cavalry. He recovered from his wound sufficiently to return home the following fall, and the war was ended a few months later, but, after more than half a century, the scenes of that mighty conflict are still fresh in his memory. He was married and reared a family, all of whom have passed to their reward.
Julian Curtis, M. D.—born at Negreet, Sabine parish, September 16, 1875, and is the third son of Dr. William R. Curtis, a pioneer physician of Sabine and a surgeon in the Civil War, and Emily Francis Moore. His childhood days were spent at Hemphill, Texas, and at Negreet, in this parish. At the age of 15 he entered the Fort Jesup Masonic Institute while the school was under the supervision of Prof. A. D. Carden, one of the South’s ablest instructors. Early in life he married Miss Nona Jackson and resided at Negreet until his father’s death in 1897. Being inspired to take up his father’s profession where he laid it down, he entered the Alabama Medical College at Mobile, attending one term in the fall and spring of 1897–98, and then spent two years at the Memphis Hospital College, graduating in the spring of 1901 and passed the State Board of Louisiana in May of the same year. He located at Fort Jesup and practiced until October, 1904, when he accepted a position with the Rapides Lumber Co. at Woodworth, La., one of the Long-Bell plants, as physician and surgeon, resigning same in April, 1906, and moved to Many, where he continued the practice of his profession in partnership with Dr. D. H. Dillon until October of that year. The succeeding seven years have been delightfully spent in the service of the Brown Lumber Co. at Shamrock, La.
E. C. Dillon.—This gentleman enjoys the distinction of being the oldest citizen now living who was born in the town of Many, and whose life has been spent in this vicinity. It is not the portion of many men to live to witness the many changes and wonderful transitions that have been seen by the subject of this sketch. His maternal grandfather was John Baldwin, “the father of Many,” who felled the first trees for a home here and contributed much to the work of the early development of the country. Mr. Dillon was born September 10, 1849. His father was Patrick Henry Dillon, a native of Virginia, and his mother was Jane Baldwin, daughter of John Baldwin. To their marriage were born two boys, John Dillon, a prominent citizen of Mansfield, and E. C., the subject of this sketch. His mother died in 1860, and his father’s death occurred a few years later. He was reared by his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Davidson. He is proud to recall that he received his instruction at old Bellwood College, near Many, under Prof. Preston, and later in a school conducted by that learned teacher in Texas. In 1871 he was married to Miss Louisa Sibley, daughter of Major William W. Sibley, and to that union six children were born: Daniel Harvey, W. Edward, Davidson (deceased), Elizabeth (wife of A. B. Peterson), Lattie (wife of Floyd C. Mitchell), and John P. Two of his sons, D. H. and W. E., are prominent members of the medical profession in this parish. After the death of Mrs. Dillon, he was married to Miss Billa Self, daughter of Judge Elijah Self, a pioneer of Sabine and for many years an esteemed citizen and prominent in the political life of Vernon parish. Four children were born to them, three now living: Percy, Josephine and Bertha. Death again claimed his wife and companion and in 1892 he married Miss Annie Goss of Pleasant Hill and they have a pretty and pleasant home. Mr. Dillon is brisk and active for a man of his advanced age. He has always been a lover of his town and parish, has always stood for everything for their glory and material welfare, and has an abiding faith in the future of his country. In battling with the adversities of his long life he has ever been in the vanguard of the optimists, never losing sight of that star of hope which is the beacon of the just on earth and in the afterwhile. His geniality and open-heartedness have made him friends wherever he is known, and these traits of character are manifest every day. For many years Mr. Dillon was engaged in farming, but in later years in business pursuits, and conducted a drug business under the name of Dillon Drug Co. He served the past two years as mayor of Many, and was the prime mover in organization of the Parish Fair Association in 1909, and is the present president of that institution. Mr. Dillon is president of the People’s State Bank of Many, and it was principally through his efforts that this bank was started. He remembers when there was not a cook stove or sewing machine to be found in the parish, observes that there has been great progress made since that time, but he hopes to see more.
D. H. Dillon, M. D.—was born in Sabine parish, May 12, 1873, being the eldest son of B. C. and Louisa (Sibley) Dillon. His early education was procured in the public schools and at Keachie College. He entered Memphis Medical College from which he graduated in 1898 and came to Sabine parish to practice his profession. For some time he was located at Fisher as chief surgeon for the Louisiana Long Leaf Lumber Company and local surgeon of the Kansas City Southern Railway. In 1904 he was elected representative of Sabine parish in the State Legislature for a term of four years. During that time he also practiced medicine at Many, one year in partnership with Dr. Julian Curtis. In 1908 Dr. Dillon was appointed president of the State Board of Health by Governor Sanders and occupied that position for two years and left a clean record. Resigning his place on the board, he returned to Many and again took up the practice of his profession. As a physician he has been very successful, being a hard and untiring worker. At this time he has as his professional associate Dr. W. D. Lester and has an office in the People’s State Bank Building. Dr. Dillon was married in 1896 to Miss Nettie Self, daughter of Judge Elijah Self, and to them has been born one son. The doctor has always been progressive in his ideas, has always been a conspicuous figure in public affairs and is not ready to promise that he will keep out of the political game in the days to come.
W. B. Dillon, M. D.—was born January 15, 1877, in Sabine parish, his parents being B. C. and Louisa (Sibley) Dillon. He attended parish schools and the Memphis Hospital Medical College, graduating from that institution on April 27, 1900. For the following six years he practiced at Fisher and Florien and for two years was located at Bon Ami. He returned to his old home at Many, where he is now engaged in the practice of his profession, about four years ago. In December, 1901, he was married to Miss Zeta Brown of Canton, Miss., and to them three children have been born, two of whom, a boy and a girl, are living. Dr. Dillon has a pleasant home in Many and is an enterprising citizen.
Addison W. Estes.—Sabine parish has never had a better citizen nor a more faithful public servant than Mr. Estes. He was born in this parish September 11, 1847. While still a young man he was crippled for life, but for many years thereafter he followed farming and the saddle maker’s trade. He reared a family of four girls and two boys, three of whom are still living. His wife died in 1902 and he was later married to Miss McDonald, daughter of Robert McDonald, a pioneer of the parish, and to that union two children have been born. In July, 1884, Mr. Estes was elected parish treasurer and has held that position ever since. In 1892 he was elected clerk of the Police Jury and remained in that position until the present year, when he resigned and was succeeded by W. G. Caldwell. The esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens is best exemplified by his continuance in his public position.
Richard A. Fraser (Attorney-at-Law).—Born in Mansfield, La., February 3, 1879, and was reared and secured his education in that town. In 1904 he graduated from the Law Department of Tulane University and returned to his home town and practiced his profession until 1909, when he formed a partnership with Silas D. Ponder at Many, which was dissolved in 1912. Besides having a good law practice, he is associated with Dan Vandegaer in the abstract business, the style of the firm being Vandegaer & Fraser, and is secretary and treasurer of the Sabine Realty Co. He was married in 1910 to Miss Lula Peters, an estimable young lady of Many, and they have a nice home.
John B. Fuller.—Born at Shiloh, Union parish, November 22, 1851, and spent his boyhood days there. On May 27, 1871, he was married to Evie Sherwood and in August of that year moved to Catahoula parish, near Harrisonburg, and in 1875 came to Sabine parish and has resided here ever since. In 1886 he was elected constable of his ward, but resigned in 1889 and was appointed postmaster at Mitchell and served in that position for two years. He served one term as member of the Parish School Board. In 1910 he was elected as a member of the Police Jury, and for one term was president of that body. In 1912 he was re-elected Police Juror. Mr. Fuller has always been a conservative exponent of every proposition for the public good and advancement, standing for the things that make for good citizenship, and has aimed to serve the people faithfully and impartially, and is esteemed as a man of sterling integrity and splendid character.
Harvey M. Gandy.—A prominent farmer and president of the Police Jury, was born in Bibb County, Alabama, in 1847, and is a son of Harvey M. and Mary Caroline (Martin), whose deaths occurred in 1847 and 1854 respectively. His grandfather was John Gandy, a native of Georgia, and his grandmother was the daughter of John Martin, a planter, of North Carolina. He was reared by an uncle, Wiley R. Gandy, but received only a limited education. When 14 years of age he joined Company B, Forty-fourth Alabama Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of Virginia, participating in the greatest battles of that famous army. He was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga and incapacitated for duty for several months, and during his service he was twice made a prisoner, but each time was paroled and returned to his command and was a sergeant when General Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House. After the war he returned to Alabama, and in 1868 came to Sabine parish, being married in 1872 to Mary J., a daughter of Elijah Self, she being born in this parish and dying eleven months after her marriage. Mr. Gandy’s second union took place in 1874, his wife being Mary Caroline Sibley, a daughter of William and Minerva Sibley, who were born in St. Helena Parish. Six children were born to them. Mr. Gandy’s third marriage took place in 1888 to Winnie, daughter of T. A. and Matilda Addison, the former born in St. Helena and the latter in Sabine parish. To Mr. Gandy’s last marriage a son and a daughter have been born. He owns a fine farm near Negreet and is one of the most progressive and substantial farmers of the parish. For more than twenty years he has served as a member of the Police Jury and a large portion of the time as president of the body, and has rendered his parish most valuable services. He is held in the highest esteem by his fellow citizens for his conservative judgment and counsel, unimpeachable integrity and withal a most genial gentleman. Despite his advanced age, he takes a live interest in the affairs in his community and parish.
Rufus Sibley Gandy.—A member of the Police Jury from Ward One, was born on his father’s estate near Many, November 29, 1861. His father was Daniel R. Gandy, one of the early settlers of the parish, whose prominence in parish affairs is recalled on other pages of this book. Mr. Gandy’s parents died when he was quite young and he lived with his maternal grandfather, John I. Sibley, on Bayou Toro, this parish, until he was 14 years of age. He then lived with his uncle, L. J. Nash, until 21 years of age. On December 17, 1885, he married Ida R. McLanahan of this parish and settled on the estate where he now resides, near Florien. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is the popular representative from his ward on the Police Jury and is an enterprising and energetic citizen. His family consists of two daughters and one son.
W. P. Good (Attorney-at-Law).—Of Scotch-Irish and English-Irish stock, the subject of this sketch came into being amid the hills of York County, S. C., was left an orphan at the age of 11; at 12 was taken by a wealthy uncle, a self-made man, to live with him in Yorkville, where superior school advantages were enjoyed. With a scholarship purchased by his father before the subject’s birth, he attended Davidson College, Mecklenburg Co., N. C., and graduated in June, 1873, one year having intervened and been utilized to recuperate his finances by clerking in a general merchandise store. In February, 1874, visiting relatives in Mississippi, he secured a school and taught sixteen out of a possible 18 months, and with the money saved studied law under Campbell & Anderson of Kosciusko, and thence went to Lebanon Law School in Tennessee—graduated and was licensed to practice law in that state; but his interests remaining in South Carolina, he returned thence and assisted in redeeming the state from Republican misrule, after which he engaged in practice at Yorkville. Having accumulated considerable money by the judicious handling of capital derived from land inherited, and thinking to find a better field for the pursuit of his profession, he removed to Texas in March, 1885, to meet with disappointment in finding the profession overcrowded, and, having invested his money in a speculative venture, he was compelled to await developments, which resulted in the loss of all by reason of the financial stringency of 1890. Presaging the tide of prosperity from Texas to Louisiana, in April, 1896, he preceded the railroad to Many, where he has since devoted himself to the honorable pursuit of his profession.
George W. Heard.—Merchant and prominent citizen of Belmont, was born in Perry County, Alabama, April 11, 1854, his parents moving to Union parish in 1855, where he spent his boyhood days. In 1875 he was married to Miss Frances Goocher, and in 1876 he moved to Belmont where he engaged in farming and later in the mercantile business. He has been postmaster at that place for more than twenty years and has served as a member of the Parish School Board. He is esteemed as a citizen of unquestionable integrity and splendid character and has always been found on the side of every move for the moral and material advancement of the parish. Six children were born to his marriage, three of whom are living: Mrs. Judia Callens of Many, Mrs. Alma Owens of Mississippi, and G. B. Heard, the popular agent of the Kansas City Southern Railway at Benson, La.
Dr. William Marvin Henry.—Born in Union parish, near Walnut Lane, on January 5, 1883, where he spent his early life. He attended school at Calhoun and Downsville, and in October, 1900, entered the Southern Dental College at Atlanta, Ga., from which institution he graduated as D. D. S. on April 29, 1903. Returning to Louisiana, he practiced at various places for three years. In October 1906, he selected Many as his permanent location, bought property, and has been very successful. Besides practicing his profession, he is interested in business ventures; he has served as town councilman and is in line with progressive movements. On May 27, 1911, Dr. Henry was married to Miss Minnie Addison, one of Many’s most estimable and accomplished young ladies, and they have one of the prettiest homes in the town.
David J. Holmes.—A member of the Police Jury from Ward Eight, was born on a farm in Rankin County, Miss., June 6, 1868, and was reared on a plantation in that state. In 1885 he was married to Miss Mollie Chapman, and after her death he came to Sabine parish in 1891. After attending school at Many three years, he taught in the public schools of the parish for three years and located at Zwolle in 1898. In 1899 he was married to Miss Nonie Youngblood. He was elected a member of the Police Jury in 1912, and is rendering splendid services to his ward and parish, and is especially active in all propositions for public improvements.
Frank Hunter.—President of the Sabine State Bank, was born in Marshall County, Tenn., February 28, 1875, and spent his boyhood days on a farm. He was given fair opportunities for procuring an education and he took advantage of them, and was able to pursue the profession of teaching, but subsequently decided to enter upon a business career, for which his education fitted him. In 1901 he came to Many to become cashier of the Sabine Valley Bank, the first banking institution which was organized in the parish. He remained in this position until the Many State Bank and the Sabine Valley Bank were consolidated and rechartered under the name of Sabine State Bank when he was made president of that institution, which position he still occupies. He is a conservative and progressive business man, and besides attending to his duties as the head of the bank has given encouragement and assistance to worthy enterprises and has filled several positions, honorary and political. He is a good citizen and as president of the bank is always ready to extend favors when it is in the interest of safe banking to do so. In 1904 Mr. Hunter was married to Miss Persia Brown of Canton, Miss., and they have an interesting family and pretty home.
George L. Jackson.—Present occupant of the assessor’s office in Sabine parish, was born in old Jackson (now Lincoln) parish, near Ruston, November 21, 1851, his parents being Fred and Selina (Shipp) Jackson. His grandfather was an old settler of Lincoln parish, having erected the first mill in that section. Fred Jackson’s family consisted of six children: W. F. of Rapides parish, A. S. of Natchitoches parish, H. S. of New Orleans, Norma (wife of Dr. Curtis of Shamrock), Mrs. A. L. Stephens of Leesville, and George L. The subject of this sketch was enabled to secure only a very limited education, the last school he attended being at Many in 1874 when Prof. Davies was the teacher. His father’s family came to Sabine parish in 1872 and located near Fort Jesup and he followed farming until 1876 when he entered the printing office of the Sabine Southron at Many to learn the “art preservative” at a salary of $4 a month. After an extended experience at the printer’s trade, however, he left it to accept a position in the store of L. B. and F. C. Gay at Robeline, in which he remained four years. He was then employed by Caldwell & Hill, and later was manager of the store of the Farmers’ Co-Operative Association at Fort Jesup for two years, after which he farmed two years and then worked for three years in A. Dover’s store at Robeline. He then spent eight years as salesman and buyer for the mercantile house of Stille Bros. at Many, resigning that position to make the race for assessor, to which office he was elected in 1908. In 1912 he was re-elected without opposition, which is sufficient evidence of his personal popularity. He is a progressive citizen and efficient public official. In 1888 Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Mary L. Presnall of Robeline and to them ten children have been born: Kate (wife of T. J. Chisholm), Lena, Robert B., Norma, Daisy, Florence (died in 1911), Fred, James, Carro and Mary Evelin.
A. B. Jordan.—Member of the Parish School Board from Ward One, was born May 8, 1867, about two miles from the farm on which he now lives. His father, John H. Jordan, was born at Covington, Ala., July 29, 1823, and was twice married, his first wife being Mildredge Watts, born in 1821, and his second wife Martha A. Parker, born April 24, 1832, who is still living. His first wife died July 15, 1846; one child was born, Margaret A. F., born April 15, 1846, and to the second marriage the following births are recorded: Euphemie B., January 15, 1850 (died April 15, 1858); Obedience, Sept. 5, 1851 (died October, 1864); William L., April 17, 1853; Ophelia, Jan. 21, 1855; Winnie, Sept. 26, 1857; Amanda, March 12, 1860; John Henry, July 6, 1862 (died June 14, 1874); Martha Ann, Nov. 17, 1864; Asberry (A. B.), May 8, 1867; Walter D., May 15, 1869, and James E., Sept. 24, 1871. He moved from Alabama to Mississippi in 1856, and in the latter part of 1857 he came to Louisiana, settling near the line of Sabine and Natchitoches parishes in Ward One. He became a member of the Baptist church at Cedron in August, 1860, and took his Masonic degrees in Kisatchie Lodge No. 156 in 1864, and was an esteemed citizen of that section. His death occurred July 8, 1899.
A. B. Jordan has always lived in the community where he now resides. During his youth there were no public schools there and he went for brief terms to private schools taught by Abraham Hicks, Sam Sibley, Valmore Byles, Elias and Dave Self at Mt. Carmel and Middle Creek. On December 1, 1892, he was married to Eunice Belle Coburn, who was born in Sabine parish, July 10, 1870, and to their union five children have been born: Pearlie, Sept. 12, 1893 (married George McInnis, Jr., died Dec. 9, 1912); Ivry, March 8, 1895; J. Orange, Feb. 27, 1897; Florence O., Nov. 7, 1899 (died June 30, 1910); John T., Jan. 28, 1902. Miss Ivry is a popular teacher. Mr. Jordan has been always engaged in farming. He is a member of the Baptist congregation and Kisatchie Lodge F. & A. M. at Mt. Carmel and is a splendid citizen. In 1912, he was elected a member of the Parish School Board, and is a consistent worker for educational progress along all lines.
James E. Jordan.—Justice of the peace for Ward One, was born September 24, 1871, his parents being John H. and Martha A. (Parker) Jordan, early settlers in the southeast part of the parish. He was reared, and always lived, on a farm, and attended the public schools. On February 3, 1903, he was married to June A. Coburn, and to them has been born one child, Sarah Jane (June 26, 1904). He served four years as constable of his ward and is serving his third term as justice of the peace. He took his Masonic degrees in Kisatchie Lodge No. 156 in August, September and October, 1908, and since that time has occupied prominent places in lodge circles, was W. M. six years, besides at various times filling other important offices. For the past five years he has served as D. D. G. M. for the Masonic order. On January 16, 1910, he was made a Royal Arch Mason in Vernon Chapter No. 51, R. A. M. Mr. Jordan has been an enthusiastic student of vocal music and for several years has successfully taught vocal classes.
H. H. Kennedy.—One of Pleasant Hill’s most prominent and substantial citizens, is a son of Uncle Hugh Kennedy, and was born and reared in that neighborhood. He received his schooling at Old Pleasant Hill and worked with his father in his business enterprises. Mr. Kennedy has been uniformly successful in his endeavors, is at present interested in business and other enterprises and is president of the Bank of Pleasant Hill, a prosperous financial institution. Anxious for the development and prosperity of his country, he is ever ready to assist in progressive endeavors, and he is a genial gentleman and energetic citizen. On October 23, 1896, Mr. Kennedy was married to Miss Bettie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Fisher Smith of Many.
H. S. Kennedy.—Mr. Kennedy (Uncle Hugh) was a citizen of Sabine parish from about 1850 till his death a few years since. It was said of Uncle Hugh and another worthy old citizen of Pleasant Hill that they were in the habit of sallying out of a morning and indulging in a little uproarious profanity before breakfast, as a constitutional health measure. Aside from a few harmless eccentricities of this kind, that served to accentuate his individuality, he was a man of social disposition; and, possessing a remarkable memory, was full of interesting reminiscences of this section, extending from the time that he met Sam Houston of Texas on the streets of Many to and including the latest happenings of local or national politics. He was of remarkable personal appearance, his head being almost entirely bald. It was full of sound sense, however, and with an Irishman’s wit and knack of expression; but for lack of opportunity, he might have been a Grattan or a Curran in oratorical power. He was, besides, a man of high character, and the worthy ancestor of some of our best people.
W. M. Knott.—Cashier of the Sabine State Bank, was born in Natchitoches parish, near old Beulah Camp Ground, February 16, 1879. His father, George, was a native of Kentucky, came to Louisiana in the early days and was a successful farmer. W. M. Knott attended public schools and the Port Jesup High School. He learned telegraphy and for seven years was in the employ of the K. C. S. and the Rock Island railroads, after which he entered the employ of the Thompson-Ritchie Co., wholesale grocers, at Ruston, where he remained three years. He came to Many in 1909 to become cashier of the Sabine State Bank, in which position he has made a most creditable record.
John L. Latham.—Member of the Police Jury for Ward Six, was born in Webster County, Miss., September 7, 1859, where he grew to manhood. In 1881 he came to Sabine parish and entered the employ of his uncle, James L. Latham, on Bayou San Patricio, and remained with him two years, receiving $150 a year. He then worked for H. H. Cassell two years, after which he was in the employ of R. G. Brown for five years. On October 10, 1889, he started to farming on his own account, built the house where he now lives, and was married to Jennie Paul, sister of G. I. Paul of Converse, Rev. S. S. Holliday officiating at the marriage. Five children have been born to them, three of whom are now living. Mr. Latham is a splendid example of a man who has made a success by his own determination and industry. He owns 520 acres of land near Noble as well as some property in that town, and he believes there is yet plenty of room in that section for energetic farmers to settle and soon be living under their “own vine and fig tree.” Mr. Latham aided in the erection of the first schoolhouse at Noble and has always worked for better educational facilities. He is a member of the Baptist church and the Masonic order. As a member of the Police Jury he is naturally partial to the interests of the constituents of his own ward, yet there is not to be found a citizen who is a better booster for the entire parish and more ready to do something for the good of the country.
William T. Latham.—Born September 7, 1859, in Webster County, Miss., being a brother of the subject of the foregoing sketch, and is a successful farmer and business man of Noble. He came to Sabine parish in 1882 and engaged in farming on Bayou San Patricio, and continued to farm until 1903 when he entered the life insurance business with the Mutual of New York. When he first came to the parish the country lying between Bayous San Patricio and San Miguel was practically a wilderness and was still a fine hunting ground, abounding in deer and other wild game. In 1903 Mr. Latham went to Noble and bought land in the town which was divided into town lots and sold. During that year he erected the first storehouse in the town which he leased to B. P. Bell. He has always believed that this section had a bright future and is an enthusiastic advocate of every proposition to advance its interests. Besides attending to his own business affairs, he looks after the extensive land interests of the Long-Bell Lumber Co. On December 13, 1883, Mr. Latham was married to Miss Willie Cranford, who was a member of an old family of the parish, and they have a pleasant home.
Pat Leone.—Member of the Parish School Board for Ward Five, was born in the community in which he now resides July 9, 1891. Being without the means or opportunity to procure an education, he received his instruction in the common schools, which was very limited, and the measure of success which has come to him has been largely due to his own efforts. He is a good citizen, has the best interests of his community at heart at all times and stands up for the advance of education in the entire parish. The people of his ward expressed their confidence in his ability by electing him a member of the Parish School Board.
Rev. T. J. Lites.—The subject of this sketch was born at Forest Park, Clayton County, Georgia, January 17, 1859, and spent his boyhood days on a farm with his parents, Daniel and Sarah (Aikins) Lites. He lived one year in Alabama and went to Arkansas, in 1881, where he began teaching vocal music. In the fall of 1883 he moved to Rockwall, Texas, and the following year was married to Miss Mattie Atherton of that place. To this union thirteen children have been born, twelve of whom are living. He moved to Columbus, this parish, in 1888, and has perhaps done more for the parish, in a musical way, than any other man; has taught vocal music in this state with splendid success. In 1894 he was ordained to the Gospel ministry by authority of the Missionary Baptist church at Fort Jesup, and has been pastor of some of the best churches in the Sabine and North Sabine Associations. In 1909 he gave up pastoral work and became a missionary of the American Sunday School Union and has been very successful as a Sunday school evangelist. He has resided in Ward Four, about six miles from Many, for 22 years and has been an untiring worker for the moral and material progress of the country.
Alfred Litton.—Sabine’s representative in the State Legislature, was born near Mitchell, in this parish, December 31, 1859. His grandfather, John Litton, settled on Bayou Wallace. Alfred Litton, Sr., father of the subject of this sketch, was married three times and reared a family of fourteen children. Alfred, Jr., was reared on a farm and attended public schools. In 1888 he was married to Miss Sallie, daughter of P. L. Tatum, and to them seven children have been born. Mr. Litton has always taken an active and patriotic interest in public affairs and is a zealous advocate of parish progress. He was a member of the Parish School Board for three years and is serving his second consecutive term as representative of his parish in the State Legislature, and as a member of that body has made a clean record. Mr. Litton is a good citizen and is esteemed for his upright character and genial personality, and has never received censure for any official act. He is a resident of Converse and is especially interested in the progress of that resourceful community.
James F. Lucius.—Mr. Lucius is one of Sabine’s most substantial and progressive citizens, and he is a splendid example of a self-made man, whose success in life has been won by persistent effort and untiring energy. He was born in this parish in 1860 to Samuel G. and Martha (Moss) Lucius, who were born in South Carolina and Alabama in 1811 and 1830, respectively, his father being a man of good education and a pioneer of Sabine parish. J. F. Lucius was the fourth of seven children, three sons now living: George W., James F., and Robert J. James F. was reared on a farm, and besides going to the public schools attended a high school at Milam, Texas. His education has also been increased by reading and travel, his travels having extended all over America, as well as to Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land. In 1879 he and his brothers began rafting on the Sabine River and after three years opened a mercantile business at Columbus. In 1885 J. F. and R. J. Lucius moved to Negreet and opened a mercantile business which they continued for several years, and at the same time bought cotton and directed their farms. For the past ten years they have been nearly entirely engaged in real estate investments, especially in timber lands, and have been very successful. James F. has always been an ardent advocate of progress and has never failed to serve his neighbors or his parish when his services were needed, is a genial gentleman and a high-class citizen.
Dr. James M. Middleton.—Prominent physician of Many, was born at Simpkinsville, Monroe County, Alabama, September 2, 1866, and was reared on a farm. He chose the medical profession for his life’s work and graduated at Vanderbilt Medical College in 1890 and located at Many. He took polyclinics at New Orleans in 1893, a post-graduate course at Tulane Medical College in 1896, a second course in polyclinics in 1899, and has attended medical lectures since that time. He is a member of the Parish Medical Society, has held various offices in that society and assisted in its first organization. Soon after locating in Many, Dr. Middleton was married to Miss Lee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Smith and to their union was born a most interesting family. Mrs. Middleton died in 1911. The doctor’s eldest son is a graduate of the literary department of Vanderbilt University and is preparing himself for the bar by taking a law course at the State University. Besides being a hard-working physician, Dr. Middleton has always taken an active interest in public enterprises, and is a splendid citizen.
Walter S. Mitchell.—Parish superintendent of public education, was born on a farm four miles south of Fort Jesup, June 21, 1883. At 6 years of age he entered the school at New Hope, and with the exception of a part of two terms at Fort Jesup and three months at the New Castle school, he attended this school until 16 years of age, when, resolving to prepare himself for the profession of a teacher, he entered the Fort Jesup High School. At 18 years of age he obtained a certificate and taught a three months’ school in Vernon parish during the summer of 1901. He continued to attend school at Fort Jesup in winter and taught district schools during the summer months until 1904 when he entered a military school at Meridian, Miss., from which he graduated on May 26, 1909, during which time he taught a summer session at his old home school at New Hope. After graduating he returned to Sabine and continued to pursue his profession, teaching in turn the Whatley and New Castle schools. He attended the latter school when 7 years of age, and while teaching there, April 3, 1910, he was elected parish superintendent to fill the unexpired term of three years of J. H. Williams, Jr., resigned, and on April 5, 1913, was re-elected for a term of four years. Prof. Mitchell has a flattering college record, having filled with distinction the highest positions in his military company and in the various college societies, and on his graduation received the degree of Bachelor of Science. As parish superintendent he has been a hard and conscientious worker, and marked and very creditable improvements have been made under his administration. He is a polished and courteous gentleman, and among our self-made men no better example can be cited. On March 18, 1911, Prof. Mitchell was married to Miss Hattie Gertrude Hart, an accomplished young lady of Ripley, Tenn.
L. J. Nash.—Born at Columbus, Lowndes Co., Miss., April 22, 1832, his parents being Valentine and Mary Nash, natives of South Carolina, who moved from Mississippi to Natchitoches parish in 1838, and soon thereafter settled on Toro, Sabine parish. Valentine Nash died in 1894, at the age of 98 years. His family consisted of the following children: John, Abie, Elizabeth (wife of L. B. Gay), Eveline (Mrs. Nicholas McNeely), Ludlow J. (living), Leonora (Mrs. Mitchell Carnahan), America (Mrs. John Carnahan), Columbus C. (living), Isabella (died in infancy), Valentine, Jr. (living), Victoria (Mrs. A. H. Hogue, died 1880). L. J. Nash was first married to Caroline B. Sibley, eight children being born to them: Francis Marion (died in infancy), John V. (died in 1906), Virginia L. (wife of Dr. S. H. Cade), Samuel Adrian (deceased), Coleman S. (deceased), Columbus C., Mary Jane (Mrs. W. E. McNeely), Elizabeth (Mrs. Joseph D. Stille). After Mrs. Nash’s death he was married to Leonora Koontz and two children were born to them, Ludlow and Leonora. Mrs. Nash and Leonora died in January, 1911, their deaths occurring the same week. L. J. Nash (familiarly known as captain) is now making his home in Many, and still retains much of the vigor of his youth. He is a splendid type of the old-time Southern gentleman. His father established the first post office (Nashboro) in the southern part of the parish, which was discontinued during the war, reopened after that period and continued until the railroad was built through the parish in 1906. The Nashes ran a store and plantation there for half a century. Captain Nash went to school to Samuel G. Lucius in 1841, studied Walker’s Dictionary and Smiley’s Arithmetic, later attended grammar school and took a course in penmanship and bookkeeping in New Orleans, and taught schools. He was a member of the Parish School Board in the ’70s. He served in the Civil War as lieutenant of the Sabine Rebels, and brought home with him the company’s flag. Captain Nash has been one of the parish’s most useful citizens, defending the right and condemning the wrong. Everyone who knows him is his friend, and his kind heart and unique gentlemanly manners will be ever remembered by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him.
John R. Parrott.—A successful farmer of Zwolle, was born in the state of Alabama, March 11, 1839, and moved with his father to Northeast Louisiana in the early ’40s and from there to Sabine parish in 1854, where he has since resided. He served as a soldier in the Confederate army, was seriously wounded at the battle of Mansfield, April 8, 1864, after which he was honorably discharged. At the close of the war he married and reared a splendid family, three of his sons being successful physicians. While Mr. Parrott has been largely occupied in farming and stock raising, he has lent aid and encouragement to various enterprises and has been very instrumental in the development of the fine section in which he resides. For many years he was a member of the Parish School Board, and held that public position longer than any official in the history of the parish, and has always been ready to answer the call of duty. His record as a citizen and official is ample testimony of the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.
George Robert Pierce.—Member of the Police Jury from Ward Eight, was born in Copiah County, Miss., July 18, 1866, and spent his boyhood there. He moved with his parents to Sabine parish in 1882, and has always been engaged in farming and has been very successful. Mr. Pierce has always been a strong advocate of organization and co-operation among the farmers as a means of bringing prosperity to them and building up the agricultural interests of the country. He was elected a member of the Police Jury in 1912 and is in line with the progressive policy of that body; he is a good citizen and a high-class gentleman.
Amos L. Ponder.—Son of William A. Ponder, was born on a farm six miles east of Robeline, in Natchitoches parish, in September, 1863, and was reared there. He graduated from Centenary College at Jackson, La., in 1883. In 1885, he was married to Miss Anita Barbee and to them four children, boys, have been born. After his marriage he kept books for the store of L. Barbee at Fort Jesup. At the same time he spent his leisure moments reading law and was admitted to the bar in 1887, after standing a brilliant examination by the Supreme Court. He began the practice of his profession at Many, where he resided until appointed attorney for the State Game and Fish Commission, when he moved to New Orleans and later to Amite City, where he is at present engaged in practicing law. While a citizen of Sabine parish he occupied several important public positions; was parish superintendent of public schools, represented Sabine in the constitutional convention of 1898, and was one of the most talented and influential members of that body. He served four years as district attorney for the 12th Judicial District and rendered splendid services. Besides being an able lawyer, Mr. Ponder is a progressive citizen and a pleasant gentleman.
Silas D. Ponder (attorney-at-law).—Born on a farm six miles east of Robeline, Natchitoches parish, January 15, 1860. His father, William A. Ponder, was a highly esteemed citizen of that parish, and, besides being a successful farmer, was identified with progressive and public-spirited movements; was member of the constitutional convention, and assisted in the work of banishing carpet-bag rule from his parish after the war. Silas D. Ponder spent his boyhood days on the farm, was educated at the University of the South at Sewanee, Tenn., and subsequently graduated at law from Tulane University and began the practice of law at Natchitoches. On account of a severe attack of fever he removed to Texas, in 1886, where he lived for fifteen years, and while a citizen of that state he filled several important positions of trust, among them being prosecuting attorney of Denton County. In 1901 he moved back to the beloved state of his nativity, located at Many, and for several years was associated with his brother, Amos L. Ponder, in law practice and for a short time with R. A. Fraser, but at present is practicing entirely on his own account. He is a successful lawyer, a genial gentleman and good citizen. Elected without opposition, he has satisfactorily served as mayor of Many. Mr. Ponder was married, in 1885, to Miss Cora Templeman of Shreveport, and they have seven children now living — two boys and five girls.
S. H. Porter.—Member of Parish School Board from Ward Eight and prominent business man of Zwolle, was born in Natchitoches parish, Sept. 2, 1877, lived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Porter, on Bayou Pierre, near Allen, La., until 14 years of age, when they moved to Marthaville, where he entered school, graduating from the Marthaville High School in the class of ’95. On January 1st, 1897, he entered the employ of W. C. Davis of Pleasant Hill as salesman, remaining four years and was promoted each year, and on January 1, 1901, he became associated with Mr. Davis in the mercantile business at Zwolle which was later incorporated as the Davis-Porter Co. In 1906 Mr. Porter acquired all the stock in the company and since that time has conducted the business in his own name. Aside from being a successful merchant, Mr. Porter is a booster for his town and parish. He has served as mayor of Zwolle one term and as councilman for several years. He is now a member of the Parish School Board and vice president of that body.
Dr. S. E. Prince.—Prominent physician of Noble, was born in Bossier parish, August 8, 1869. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the parish schools, and received his medical education at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, graduating at that institution in April, 1898. He then located at Yellow Pine, Webster parish, where he remained until December, 1900, when he moved to Sabine parish and engaged in a general practice at Noble, besides being the physician and surgeon for the Frost-Johnson Lumber Co. Dr. Prince has occupied a prominent place in the progress of the thriving town of Noble. He organized the Noble State Bank and is the president of that prosperous and growing institution. He is a past master of Noble Lodge No. 320, F. & A. M., and a member of Vernon Chapter No. 51, R. A. M., of Leesville. Dr. Prince was married in 1900 to Miss Pauline Trigg, three children having been born to them, and they have a pretty residence in Noble.
G. W. Pugh,.—A progressive citizen of Noble, was born in DeSoto parish in 1859, moved with his father to Sabine, ten miles from the DeSoto parish line in 1872. His father built a sawmill with gin and corn mill attached, which was known as Pugh’s Mill and for many years was a voting precinct. G. W. Pugh resided here until 1900, when he moved to Noble and engaged in the gin business which he still conducts. He has been twice married and has ten children. Mr. Pugh has taken an active interest in local and parish affairs. He has served as a member of the Parish School Board and as president of that body. He is a genial gentleman and good citizen.
W. C. Roaten.—Principal of the Many High School, was born in Wayne County, Ky., August 31, 1861, and was educated in the common schools of his native state and at the Southern Normal School; took special work in the Summer School of the South at Knoxville, Tenn., and in the Louisiana State University summer schools. He has taught every year, except one, since he graduated in 1884, thirteen years as principal of Louisiana high schools, the last seven years at Many. Prof. Roaten has always been a diligent student of educational subjects, trying to find the best for the people around him; an untiring worker and painstaking instructor. He is an optimist by nature, an outspoken exponent of what he thinks is right, and a mild but firm disciplinarian. Some of the results of his work are noted in the annals of the Many High School. Prof. Roaten is a member of the Christian church. He was married in 1890 to Mollie Reed of Mississippi, and they have one child, Stanley, born in 1904.
W. B. Ross.—Member of the Police Jury from Ward Seven, was born near old Vermillionville, Lafayette parish, March 29, 1862. Shortly thereafter his parents moved to Rankin County, Miss., where he was reared and resided until November, 1892, when he came to Sabine parish, located near Pleasant Hill and engaged in farming. Later he was employed as bookkeeper, in turn by Dr. H. L. Davis, Davis Bros., and H. H. Kennedy. He was married July 15, 1888, and has nine children living. Mr. Ross is at present engaged in the gin business at Pleasant Hill. In 1904 he was elected a member of the Police Jury and is serving his third term, and has served as president of that body. He is energetic and progressive and was prime mover in the present campaign of modern road building in this parish.
Prof. O. L. Sanders.—Born July 22, 1887, near Batta postoffice, is a son of W. J. Sanders, and was reared on a farm in Sabine parish. He attended the public schools, principally at Florien, secured a first grade certificate and entered the teaching profession at the age of 17. Desiring to equip himself for a more useful life, he entered the Louisiana State University in 1901, from which he graduated four years later with the degree of Master of Arts; he was senior captain of the corps of cadets and president of his class. He then completed one year’s work in law at the same institution. For the past three years he has been principal of the Sabine Literary and Agricultural High School at Oak Grove, three miles east of Converse, where he has rendered most satisfactory service, and has been re-elected principal for the session of 1913–’14.
Judge Don E. SoRelle.—Born at Quitman, Wood County, Texas, August 1, 1857. His parents were Dr. Thomas W. SoRelle, a native of Alabama, and Mildred Ford of Georgia, he being their fifth child. In 1860 he moved with his parents to Mississippi, where he remained until 1869, when they came to Louisiana, locating in Rapides parish, near the town of Boyce. Judge SoRelle received most of his education under the instruction of his father and mother and studied law at home. In 1886 he graduated from the Law Department of Tulane University and located at Leesville for the practice of his profession. He had formerly been associated with John F. Smart in the newspaper business at that place. In 1890 he established a newspaper at Pelican, La., but moved to Many in August of that year and started the Sabine Banner as an anti-lottery organ, and took up the practice of law. His official record is noted in former pages of these annals. He has been an untiring and conscientious worker for an ideal educational system and citizenship in the parish, and as the present mayor of Many hopes to do some good for the town. He is associated in the practice of law with Senator John H. Boone. On January 7, 1880, Judge SoRelle was married to Miss Mattie Self, daughter of Judge Elijah Self; they have reared a most estimable family, and they have one of the prettiest and most commodious residences in Many.
S. J. Speight.—Member of the Police Jury from Ward Two, was born in Sabine parish, Sept. 23, 1864, and was reared on a farm. In 1888 he went to school two sessions of ten months each at Fort Jesup to Prof. T. B. Hardin, which embraces his schooling. On September 18, 1890, he was married to Miss Emma Lewis of San Patricio, west of the present town of Noble, and to them seven children, five girls and two boys, were born, of whom four girls and one boy are living. Mrs. Speight died in 1903. In 1900 Mr. Speight was elected justice of the peace of Ward Two, and declined to run again. In 1912 he was elected Police Juror for his ward. Mr. Speight is a successful farmer, a good citizen and is loyal to the best interests of his parish.
S. S. Tatum.—President of the Parish School Board, was born Dec. 12, 1853, in Jackson parish, and at the age of 10 moved to Catahoula and later to Union parish where he lived until 1875, when he came to Sabine parish. In September of that year he was married to Miss Sallie J. Tanner and to that union eleven children have been born, five boys and six girls, ten of whom are living. Mr. Tatum is a prominent and progressive citizen of the Tenth Ward and is an enthusiastic supporter of improvements along all lines. He was elected a member of the Parish School Board in 1908 and re-elected in 1912, and at present is the worthy and esteemed president of that body.
John W. Taylor.—A prominent and esteemed citizen of Fort Jesup, was born near Akron, Ohio, July 26, 1839; moved with his father’s family to Kansas, and when the Civil War came on he enlisted in Company I, 32nd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the close of that conflict he was married to Miss Mary M. Russell of Clyde, Ohio, who was at that time a member of the faculty of Baker University, Baldwin, Kansas. Until 1878 he was engaged in the mercantile business, when, for his wife’s health, he moved to Colorado, where he spent three years in the cashier’s office of the D. & R. G. Railway Co. In 1881 he came to Sabine parish and the following year bought a farm, on which he has since resided. Mr. Taylor has been identified with public affairs, serving as trustee of the Masonic Institute and High School at Fort Jesup, as representative of the parish in the general assembly of 1892–94, as member and president of the Parish School Board, and is prominent in Masonic circles as a member of the pioneer lodge at Fort Jesup and as Deputy District Grand Master. Mr. Taylor is an affable gentleman, loyal to the interests of the country of his adoption, and bespeaks for it a glorious future.
James A. Tramel.—Member of the Police Jury from Ward Four, was born in Sabine parish, November 13, 1860, his parents moving here from Alabama in 1859. His father died in March, 1865, as a result of the Civil War, and he was reared by his widowed mother on a farm eight miles north of Many. His limited education was such as could be obtained in the common schools just after the war; yet his strict adherence to the principles of industry won him confidence and esteem. He was married to Lula Lewis in 1886, to which union eight children have been born, six now living. He took a limited course in Soule’s Business College in 1888. Mr. Tramel has been a member of M. E. Church South since 1885. Besides serving as parish assessor, he has been constantly identified with the directorship of schools. He moved with his family to Fort Jesup in 1890 and for ten years was secretary of the board of directors of the Sabine Central High School; he made the first white enrollment in the parish for W. H. Vandegaer as supervisor of the work. In March, 1911, he was elected Police Juror to fill the unexpired term of A. F. Addison; was re-elected in 1912 and was appointed chairman of the ways and means committee and is now assisting in doing pioneer work in model road building in Sabine parish. Mr. Tramel is a faithful and conscientious public official and stands for a better and greater parish.
Dan Vandegaer.—Parish surveyor, was born in the Province of Brabant, Belgium, December 26, 1844, his parents being Jasper and Joanna (Broweer) Vandegaer, who immigrated to America in the early ’50s, settling in Rapides parish, where the subject of this sketch was reared. In 1867 he came to Many and engaged in ginning and later in running a saw mill. For many years he has been parish surveyor and still performs the duties of that position and is also parish abstractor, having as his associate in the latter business Attorney R. A. Fraser. Mr. Vandegaer is esteemed as a gentleman of sterling integrity and splendid character, and is one of the parish’s most useful citizens. He has been thrice married and has seven children living: Rev. N. F. Vandegaer of Monroe, Dan H., Nina, Thomas, Cecil, John and Theresa.
Leo Vandegaer.—Born December 21, 1859, in the town of Many. His parents were John B. and Maria (Buvens) Vandegaer, natives of Belgium, who immigrated to America with their parents in the early ’50s. Leo Vandegaer has lived in Many all his life, received his education at St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, La. For several years he was engaged in the mercantile business with his father, and after the latter’s death succeeded him as postmaster at Many and still retains that position, and is also editor of the Sabine Banner. He has served in several public positions, and has contributed as much as any one citizen to the upbuilding of the parish. On June 3, 1886, he was married to Jennie, daughter of Dr. T. W. Abington, one child being born to them, Maggie. His wife died in 1887, and on September 4, 1889, he was married to Miss Emma Currie of Shreveport, and to their union four children were born, Eula, Mary, Annie Claire and Leo Jr., the young ladies having completed their education in splendid academies, while Leo Jr. is a student at his father’s alma mater, St. Charles College.
William H. Vandegaer.—Clerk and recorder, was born in the town of Many, December 2, 1865, being the second son of John B. and Maria (Buvens) Vandegaer. He has spent his entire life here, attended school in Many and at St. Charles College, Grand Coteau. In 1894 he was married to Belle Buvens; after her death, which occurred in 1904, was married to Mrs. G. W. Hatcher. Two children were born to his first marriage, John B. and Sarah. Mr. Vandegaer was engaged in the mercantile business with his father until the latter’s death. In 1893 he was appointed parish assessor by Governor Murphy J. Foster and held that position for twelve years. In 1909 he was elected clerk and recorder to fill the unexpired term of W. E. McNeely (deceased), and is the present occupant of that position. He is an efficient and courteous official and progressive citizen. Aside from his public duties he is interested in prosperous business enterprises.
J. H. Williams.—A prominent citizen of Florien, was born in DeSoto parish, March 6, 1847. His father was Lightfoot Williams, who settled near Many in 1857, where he owned a gin and a fine plantation, and his mother before her marriage was a Miss Somerville. On March 29, 1866, J. H. Williams was married to Miss Neomi Ford and to their union nine boys and two girls were born: John H., B. L., Robert L., Samuel K., Lemuel L., Sydney J., Daniel S., Edward L., Byron, Lizzie (Mrs. Joe Dover), and Mary. Mr. Williams’ second marriage was to Susan Woodel, December, 1891, and to them three children were born: Van, Jeff, and Bessie. Mr. Williams served with the Sabine Rebels during the Civil War. He has been engaged in farming and in later years was interested in saw mills. He is a good citizen and has contributed his part to local progress.
Source
Belisle, John G., History of Sabine Parish, Louisiana, Many, La. : The Sabine banner press, 1912.