Adams County Mississippi Biographies and Biographical Sketches

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AIKMAM, William H., Biography

Aikman, William Harley, M. D., who is engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Natchez, is one of the able and successful physicians and surgeons of this section of the State and has a large practice in his chosen field. The Doctor was born in the city of Evansville, Ind., Aug. 21, 1858, and is a son of William M. and Rachel A. (Long) Aikman, the former of whom was born at Washington, Ind., and the latter near Paducah, Ky. On the paternal side a great-grandfather and three great-uncles of the Doctor were found enrolled as patriot soldiers of the Continental line in the War of the Revolution. On both the paternal and maternal sides he had uncles in both the Confederate and Federal armies in the war between the States. The parents of Dr. Aikman moved to New Orleans when he was six years of age where he passed his childhood continuing to reside there until his removal to Natchez. Dr. Aikman completed a course in the Central high school in the city of New Orleans and then entered the medical department of Tulane university, in that city, and in that institution he was graduated as a member of the class of 1885, duly receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. From that time to the present he has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Adams county, except for one year passed in Kansas City. Mo. In 1880 he graduated in pharmacy and he was thereafter incumbent of responsible positions in this profession. He first came to Natchez in 1882, as manager for the wholesale and retail drug business of Walton, Clark & Company, with which concern he remained until the business was sold to F. A. Dicks, when he returned to New Orleans and resumed his medical studies in Tulane university. He controls a large general practice in Natchez and vicinity and is recognized as a loyal citizen and as a worker for the general advancement of municipal and State interests. The Doctor is a member of the American medical association, the Mississippi state medical association, the Adams county medical society, the Prentiss Club, of which he has served as president, and of the Progressive League and the Masonic fraternity. He has proven a most efficient executive in the office of county health officer. His political allegiance is given to the Democratic party. On Oct. 25, 1894, Dr. Aikman was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Balfour, daughter of William S. and Elizabeth (Hunt) Balfour, of Homewood, Miss. [Source:Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907.]

ARRIGHI, Frank, Biography

Arrighi, Frank J., who made his home in Natchez from the time of his birth, was an honored Confederate veteran, and the high esteem in which he was held in the community was signified by the fact that he was incumbent of the office of city assessor and tax collector for the thirty years previous to his death which occurred on April 22, 1906. He was born in Natchez, March 15, 1838, and was a son of Dominick and Ellen (O'Rourke) Arrighi, the former of whom was born in Italy and the latter in Ireland. They took up their residence in Natchez in 1833 and here passed the remainder of their lives. The father was here engaged in business until the time of his death, in 1879. Frank J. Arrighi was afforded the advantages of the schools of his native city, where his advantages were of excellent order. At the inception of the war between the States he went forth in defense of the Confederate cause. He enlisted as a private in Company D, Sixteenth Mississippi infantry, which be came a part of Harris' brigade, and he eventually was promoted captain of his company. He took part in the many engagements in which his command was involved, and was thrice wounded in action. At the battle of Sharpsburg or Antietam he received a gunshot wound in the left side of the head, the injury being so severe as to necessitate the insertion of a large silver plate over the skull at that point. In the battle of Chancellorsville, Captain Arrighi received a flesh wound in the hip, and he was again wounded at Spottsylvania Court House. He was captured at Weldon Railroad, Sept. 21, 1864, and was thereafter held a prisoner of war at Fort Delaware, from which he was released and paroled in July, 1865. Prior to the war Captain Arrighi had been employed five years as a bookkeeper in his native city, and soon after his return from military prison he was chosen deputy sheriff of Adams county. in which office he served from August, 1865, until Jan. 1, 1876, when he was elected, by popular vote, to the office of city assessor and collector, in which he continuously served until his death - his record being probably unparalleled by any other officeholder in the State in the matter of prolonged and consecutive incumbency. He never wavered in his interest in all that touched the welfare of his home city, and was well known and highly esteemed in that section of the State. He was affiliated with the United Confederate Veterans and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and was also a member of the Prentiss Club. His political allegiance was given in an unequivocal way to the Democratic party. In 1866 Captain Arrighi was united in marriage to Miss Mathilda Hughes, daughter of James Hughes, of Natchez, and the children of this union are : Mrs. J. W. Kennedy, Ruth, Mathilda, Frank, Mrs. R. A. Keyer, James H., and Dominick. [Source:Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

BENBROOK, William G., Biography

Benbrook, William G., mayor of Natchez, Miss., was born May 16, 1837, in the city of Natchez. He is the son of Dr. Daniel G. and Margaret (Boyer) Benbrook, who became residents of Natchez about 1820. Dr. Benbrook practiced medicine in Natchez for a number of years after which he removed to New Orleans where he died. Several of his ancestors served in the Revolutionary army. Mr. Benbrook, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public and private schools of Natchez, and began life as a clerk. He was elected city treasurer and later county assessor, and in 1888 was elected mayor of Natchez and has been continuously re-elected since that time. He is president of the Natchez school board of which he has been a member for twenty years, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, past grand commander of Knight Templars of Mississippi, and also belongs to the Elks, Knights of Pythias, Knights of Honor, and Woodmen of the World. He was married, March 12, 1858, to Miss Hannah Parsons of Natchez. Mr. and Mrs. Benbrook have three children : Stella G., Mrs. Hannah (Benbrook) Tate and Effie G. They have an adopted daughter, Mary E. Carroll. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

BENJAMIN, Phillip U., Biography

Benjamin, Philip U., is one of the representative business men of the city of Natchez, where he has a wholesale and retail business and is agent for the Pabst Brewing Company, of Milwaukee. He is an ex-member of the board of aldermen of his native city and has ever shown a loyal interest in all that has concerned the welfare of the community. He was born in Natchez, Feb. 1, 1864, and is a son of Samuel L. and Betty (Netter) Benjamin, both of whom were born and reared in the province of Alsace, Germany. The father immigrated to America in 1855 and soon afterward became a resident of Mississippi. He lived for a time at Port Gibson, when he removed to Natchez in the sixties. Here he engaged in the mercantile business. The subject of this sketch was afforded the advantages of the schools of his native city, and after leaving the same he became identified with local mercantile interests. In 1890 he engaged in business on his own responsibility and he has built up a large and prosperous enterprise. Mr. Benjamin is a loyal adherent of the Democratic party and for six years he represented the third ward on the board of aldermen. Within this period he was a valued and efficient member of the committee which had charge of the building of new school and engine houses and also of the committee which negotiated the purchase of the city water works. He has been a member of the city fire department for the past twenty years. He is identified with the Natchez Cotton Exchange, the Natchez Promotive League, and the Natchez Mardi Gras Association. He is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Benjamin is well known and enjoys marked popularity in his home city. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

BOWIE, Allen Thomas, Biography

Bowie, Allen Thomas, of Natchez, is incumbent of the office of circuit clerk for Adams county and is one of the well known and popular citizens of that section of the State. He was born in Natchez, Aug. 17, 1840, and is a son of Dr. Allen Thomas and Matilda Jane (Routh) Bowie. His early educational discipline was received under the direction of private tutors and thereafter he pursued his studies successively in the University of Virginia, Oakland college, Mississippi, and the University of North Carolina, in which last mentioned institution he was a student at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war; he was a member of the senior class at the time of his withdrawal to enter the Confederate service. His parents were at the time residents of Lake St. Joseph, La., and he returned home in the spring of 1861 to enlist as a private in the Tensas cavalry, a company which was raised in Tensas Parish, La., and which became a part of the regiment commanded by Gen. Wirt Adams. He was made sergeant of his company and later was promoted adjutant. On Nov. 11, 1863, he was commissioned assistant adjutant general, with rank of captain, and was assigned to duty as chief of staff under General Adams, thereafter continuing in active service until the close of the war. He received his parole at Gainesville, Ga., where his brigade was stationed at the time of the surrender of General Lee. He then returned to Tensas parish, La., where he was identified with plantation interests until 1869, when he took up his residence in Natchez, Miss., where he has since maintained his home and where he has followed various vocations. He has been circuit clerk since 1899 and is an able and popular official. He is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party and he is affiliated with the United Confederate Veterans. On Nov. 21, 1867, Captain Bowie was united in marriage to Mrs. Annie Matilda (Routh) Marshall, who died Oct. 27, 1895, and who is sur vived by two children — Matilda Routh and Allen Thomas, Jr. The latter married Miss Myra A. Crossgrove, June 7, 1898, and they have three children — Anne Matilda, Allen Thomas (3d), and Hugh Crossgrove. The former married F. L. Maxwell, of Mound, La., Dec. 27, 1906. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

BROWN, Edward, Biography

Brown, Edward Floyd, M. D., who is engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Natchez, is recognized as one of the representative physicians and surgeons of his native State and is now incumbent of the position of surgeon-in-charge of the Natchez hospital, with whose official medical staff he has been identified for more than a decade. Dr. Brown was born in Natchez, Adams county, Miss., Jan. 29, 1868, and is a son of George M. and Katharine (Power) Brown. His father was born in Edgefield district, S. C, June 16, 1834, and is still living in the city of Natchez, where he has maintained his home for many years. The mother of Dr. Brown was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, April 30, 1835, and died Oct. 28, 1881. George M. Brown was a valiant soldier of the Confederacy in the war between the States. He enlisted as a member of a Mississippi command in the artillery arm of the service in 1861, was promoted second lieutenant and continued in service until the close of the war. He is now a valued and appreciative member of the United Confederate Veterans. Dr. Brown was afforded the advantages of the best private schools of his native city, including Natchez institute, and thereafter he continued his literary or academic studies in Centenary college, at Jackson, La., and Vanderbilt university. After leaving the last mentioned institution he was matriculated in the medical department of Tulane university, New Orleans, where he completed the prescribed curriculum and was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, as a member of the class of 1896. Shortly after his graduation, Dr. Brown became interne in the Natchez hospital and soon rose to the office of assistant surgeon. That his services and fidelity have not lacked appreciation is shown in the fact that he has been surgeon-in-charge of this noble institution since April 15, 1898. He has a large and representative private practice and both professionally and socially is held in unqualified esteem in the city which has been his home from the time of his birth. He is a member of the Mississippi medical association and the Adams county medical association, and is affiliated with the Beta Theta Pi college fraternity. The doctor is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party but has never been specially active in the arena of practical politics. He is a bachelor. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

BYRNES, Charles, Biography

Byrnes, Charles Ralston, secretary and manager of the People's Savings bank of Natchez, and vice-president of the Bank of Commerce, Natchez, Miss., was born Dec. 4, 1851, in Claiborne county, Miss. The residence of the Byrnes family in America dates from 1730, when Daniel Byrnes of the County of Wicklow, Ireland, with his wife, nee Rebecca Fitch, came to this country and settled in Philadelphia. A son, Daniel, of the first Daniel, married Dinah Hicklen and his son Joseph, born Dec. 16, 1769, married Rebecca Proud Clarke on April 15, 1795. To this union was born Robert Ralston Byrnes in 1796, and his son was Charles Ralston Byrnes, Sr., born in Claiborne county, Oct. 30, 1826. The last named was married at "Insmore" plantation, Claiborne county, on Sept. 18, 1850, to Catherine Priscilla Smith, a daughter of Benijah Osmund and Elizabeth (Forman) Smith, who was born Dec. 9, 1832, at Springfield plantation, Adams county, Miss. To Charles Ralston and Catherine Priscilla (Smith) Byrnes were born fourteen children, six of whom are still living: Charles Ralston, Jr., born Dec. 4, 1851, the subject of this sketch; Benijah Smith; Percy Shields; Robert Lee; Mrs. Florence Undine M. Caleb; and Augustus M. Caleb. Charles Ralston Byrnes, Sr., was a soldier in the Confederate service. Charles Ralston Byrnes, Jr., received his education in the private schools of his home county, under Duncan Green, son of Bishop Green. For a time he attended St. Stephens Academy at Vicksburg, now out of existence. From the time of finishing school until 1881 he operated his father's plantation and then for five years managed a plantation of his own. In 1887 he removed to Natchez and engaged in the real estate business. This work continued to be his means of livelihood until 1892, when he took the agency of the Corbin Banking Company of New York. In July, 1902, he was one of the organizers of the People's Savings bank and the National Bank of Commerce of Natchez. He has been secretary and manager of the first named organization ever since its establishment. This bank has paid a yearly dividend of eight percent ever since its incorporation. Mr. Byrnes is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Woodmen of the World. On Feb. 15, 1881, he married Helen Gillespie, daughter of Dr. Orrick and Helen C. (Gillespie) Metcalfe, of Natchez. Mrs. Byrnes was born at Fair Oaks plantation, Adams county, Miss., Oct. 19, 1861. Both of her parents are now dead. To Mr. and Mrs. Byrnes have been born four children: Charles Metcalfe, twenty-three years of age, a graduate in the medical department of Johns Hopkins university, Baltimore, Md., and has been elected as first assistant to the dean of the medical department at the University of Virginia; Annie Euster, died in her second year; Helen Metcalfe, graduated in 1905 at Stanton college of Natchez, and continues studying music, art and French at the Industrial institute and college of Columbus, Miss.; and Katherine Metcalfe, who graduated in 1905 from Stanton college, is now at the Maryland college, Lutherville, Md. From 1901 to 1905 inclusive Mr. Byrnes served as alderman from the fourth ward of Natchez. He has been eminently successful in his banking business, besides which he is largely interested in planting. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

CAMPBELL, A.G., Biography

Campbell, A. G., president of the First Natchez bank, is recognized as one of the representative financiers of Mississippi, and as one of the leaders in the banking circles of the South. He has attained to distinctive success in the domain of banking and that through his own native ability and his varied initiative and executive powers. Mr. Campbell, as the name implies, is of Scotch lineage, and he was born in the north of Ireland, July 31, 1849. In that same part of the Emerald Isle were also born his parents, John and Martha (Little) Campbell, who came to the United States in 1852, at which time the subject of this sketch was but three years of age. The family located at Franklin, Williamson county, Tenn., and there the father continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life; his wife also died in that county. A. G. Campbell was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and was afforded the advantages of the Franklin academy, of which his uncles, Andrew and Patrick Campbell, were principals; they were graduates of the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and became prominent and successful educators in the State of Tennessee. When about eighteen years of age Mr. Campbell left the farm and went to Nashville, Tenn., where he became a clerk in a grocery, at very nominal wages. In 1880 he assumed the position of bookkeeper in the Third National bank of that city, in which institution he laid the foundation for his broad and accurate knowledge of the varied details of the banking business. He had previously been bookkeeper for the grocery concern for some time. He continued an employee of the bank until it was consolidated with the American National bank. About 1885 he was induced to engage in the banking business in Natchez, Miss., which was the home of his wife prior to their marriage, about a year previously. He accordingly organized the Bank of Natchez, which opened its doors March 4, 1885, the day of President Cleveland's first inauguration. Mr. Campbell became its cashier at the time of organization and remained incumbent of this office until 1890, when he became president of the institution. In 1887 he reorganized the First National bank of Natchez, with a capital stock of $100,000, and the Bank of Natchez was consolidated with this bank. In 1895 another re-organization took place, under a State charter, and the title of First Natchez bank was adopted. The capital remained $100,000 until 1902, when it was increased to $250,000, of which $100,000 was taken from the surplus fund. Under the different regimes dividends have been paid to the amount of $200,000, and no bank in the State has greater stability or is reinforced by abler executive control. The bank now has a surplus of over $100,000; deposits of $1,650,000. The other well known men of affairs associated in the active management of the bank are: R. Lee Wood, vice-president; Sim H. Lowenburg, vice-president; G. S. Pentard, cashier, and H. M. Gaither, assistant cashier. These young men have all added greatly to the success of the institution since their connection with it, while the directors are numbered among the best known business men of the city. The bank occupies a substantial and attractive building of Doric architecture and the same has recently been refurnished and otherwise modernized. It has the best type of steel vaults and safe deposit boxes. The building was erected in 1833, by the Agricultural bank of Mississippi, on the corner of Main and Commerce streets and in the same location that was occupied by the first bank of the territory of Mississippi; the original building was erected in 1809. Mr. Campbell is one of the best known bankers in the South and his reputation in all the relations of life is unassailable. He has been the artificer of his own fortunes and is eminently deserving of the proud American title of self-made man, in its higher and better significance. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Natchez Mardi Gras association and the Prentiss club, and is also affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He and his wife are communicants of the Protestant Episcopal church. In 1884 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Campbell to Miss Mary V. Gaither, of Natchez, and they have been prominent in the social life of the community during the intervening years. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

CARPENTER, Joseph, Biography

Carpenter, Joseph N., is recognized as one of the leading business men and most influential citizens of Natchez, which city has been his home from the time of his birth. He here has interests of wide scope and importance in an industrial and commercial sense, while it was also his privilege to render service as a soldier of the Confederacy during the Civil war. Mr. Carpenter was born in Natchez, Miss., Sept. 1, 1846, and is a son of the late Nathaniel L. and Julia (Luce) Carpenter, both representative of stanch colonial ancestry, the father having been born in Vermont and the mother in the State of New York. They took up their residence in Natchez in the thirties, the father here attaining much prominence in business affairs and retaining unbounded esteem and confidence in the community, both he and his devoted wife passing the remainder of their lives in Natchez. Joseph N. Carpenter was educated in the schools of his native city, and was but fifteen years of age at the outbreak of the Civil war. On account of his youth he was not permitted to enter the service of the Confederacy in the early part of the war, though his patriotism was perfervid even at that time. He remained at home until the occupation of Natchez by the Federal troops, in July, 1863. Concerning his movements then and during the further progress of the war the Confederate Military History, Volume VIII, touching the State of Mississippi, speaks as follows: "He then began making preparations to join the Confederate troops, and this coming to the ears of the Federals, he was arrested and thrown in jail. Subsequently he was released, through the intervention of friends, upon giving bond in the sum of $2,000 in gold, signed by his father, that he would not take up arms against the United States government. He observed this compact only until the provost marshal left the city, when he also started out, but no action was ever taken to declare the bond forfeited. Riding to Brandon, Miss., with several companions, he, with the others, were arrested, all being charged with being spies. They were tried and were able to clearly prove their loyalty to the Confederacy, so that they were allowed to proceed. Mr. Carpenter's horse having been stolen meanwhile, he kept on his way by rail road and, joining the army of Tennessee in front of Chattanooga, enlisted in the Breckinridge Guards, the escort company of Gen. John C. Breckinridge, a cavalry organization from Natchez. After General Breckinridge was assigned to other duty the company was attached to the headquarters of Gen. William B. Bate, of Tennessee, doing both escort and courier duty. Mr. Carpenter, with this company, took part in the battle of Missionary Ridge; those of the Atlanta campaign, May to September, 1864; Franklin and Nashville, Tenn.; and the last campaign in North Carolina, finally surrendering with Johnston's army, at Greensboro, N. C, April 26, 1865. His battle service embraced some of the most famous and hotly contested combats of the war, and at Jonesboro his horse was shot under him. At the end the Confederate government was indebted to him in the sum of $1,400, $1,150 of this being the appraised value of his horse, but, like many others, he took the dollar and a quarter that was paid out in Mexican silver, accepting this in satisfaction of all claims. The trip to his home was made by train, raft, wagon, steamboat and on foot, and though full of hardships was attended by so many ludicrous situations and novel adventures that the story is amusing to recall and interesting to relate. "Mr. Carpenter has not failed to gain many of the victories which peace is said to have ever in store, for since the war he has attained to a commanding position in connection with the cotton industry and financial operations in the South, being known as a man of fine business acumen and executive ability. In 1867 he became a member of the firm of N. L. Carpenter & Son, which was founded by his honored father and which now has prestige as being the oldest cotton firm in Natchez, controlling extensive ginning interests and doing a large factorage business. Mr. Carpenter is also interested in many other local concerns - in fact may be said to have loaned his aid and financial co-operation in connection with almost every large business and financial institution of his home city. He is president of the Natchez Oil Company, the Mallery Grocery Company, the Natchez & Vicksburg Packet Company, was first president of the Natchez cotton exchange, is president of several land companies operating in the vicinity of Birmingham, Ala., is president of the Bessemer savings bank, of Bessemer, Ala., and is officially connected with various other corporations. As has been consistently written, the home of Mr. Carpenter "is one of the finest palaces of the old regime, originally costing $90,000, and this he maintains with beautiful surroundings and with the good cheer of southern hospitality, aided by his charming wife." Mr. Carpenter is found ever aligned as a loyal supporter of the cause of the Democratic party, but has never been a seeker of public office, his public spirit having rather been shown in his promotion and conservation of business enterprises which are of benefit to the entire community. He is identified with the United Confederate Veterans. In 1868 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Carpenter to Miss Zipporah Russell, who was born and reared in Louisiana, and they have one son and two daughters. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

CARPENTER, N. L. Biography

N. L. Carpenter is one of the oldest inhabitants of Natchez, Miss., but is a Virginian by birth, born in 1805. He was the second child born to Joseph and Sarah (Buell) Carpenter, both of whom were born in the Nutmeg state, and lived for a time in Virginia, after which, in 1809, they moved to a point near Buffalo, N. Y., where the father bought a large amount of property in what is now that city. There he resided until his death in 1831, his widow passing from life in 1845, both being worthy members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Carpenter was a very busy, active and enterprising man, and at the town of Lancaster, N. Y. , near Buffalo, he erected two sawmills, a flourmill, a tannery and other buildings. In the town of Lancaster N. L. Carpenter was reared and educated, and about 1828 or 1830 was engaged in the stage and hotel business. In 1833 he came to Natchez and began building and carpentering, but after following that for one winter he went to St. Louis, and the next winter went to New Orleans, in which city he was engaged in trading for some time. He then came to Natchez and made a permanent settlement, and here became an extensive builder for many years. In 1850 he erected a planinginill to get out lumber for his own use and to sell, but during the war turned his business to cottonginning, and is still the owner of a large public gin in the city of Natchez. In 1871 he started in the cottonseed oil business, of which he was an extensive manufacturer for some time, but also purchased cotton and was in the commission business as well, and was the owner of a line of steamers. About 1879, in connection with his sons, he was one of the promoters of the Natchez cotton factory, and of that mill has been a director ever since. He is also interested in the Rosalie cottonmill, the ice company and the city gas company; in fact, has aided materially every enterprise tending to promote the interests of this section. He was married at Buffalo in 1837 to Miss Julia Ann Luce, who died in 1S65, having borne four children: Helen E., Allen D., Joseph N. and Frances (deceased). Mr. Carpenter has been an extensive traveler and has visited nearly all the countries of Europe and all the principal cities. He made two trips to the old world, has traveled all over this country and has also visited the principal islands of the Pacific ocean. He is the owner of a plantation near Natchez known as Dunleith, and on it is one of the finest homes in the state. Here he makes his home with his sou Joseph N. He has seen many changes in this section since locating here, and, like the majority of men, he has had his ups and downs of success. In the tornado of 1840 he lost about §10,000, but this he afterward far more than retrieved. Nearly every public enterprise for the past fifty years has received his support, and Natchez has no citizen who has identified himself more thoroughly with her success than has he. His sons were soldiers in the Confederate army and are now active business men of this city; worthy citizens and progressive men. Although Mr. Carpenter is now eighty live years of age he is yet vigorous ami hearty and oversees his large business interests the same as in his younger days. He is hale and hearty to a remarkable degree, his mind still less than his body showing the ravages of time. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F. [Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Mississippi, Chicago, The Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1891.]

CARRADINE, Leonard, Biography

Carradine, Leonard W., of Fayette, Jefferson county, is a worthy scion of one of the old and distinguished families of the State, with whose annals the name has been identified since the early colonial epoch. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this review was Parker Carradine, who came from Georgia and located in what is now Jefferson county, Miss., about the year 1772. He married Miss Penelope Hill, of Georgia, and she died about the year 1835, in Madison county, Miss. On account of the part which he took in the revolt of the United States against the Spanish authorities in 1871, Parker Carradine, with several others, was seized by the Spaniards and taken to New Orleans in irons. At the expiration of six months he and the others of the prisoners were released, through the clemency of the Spanish governor. During the territorial period he held the office of United States commissioner. He served as sole inspector for Villa Gayoso and Cole's creek of the first election ever held in Mississippi for choosing a representative of the American settlers in congress. This sterling and honored pioneer of the State died on his plantation, near old Greenville, Jefferson county, in 1820. The family genealogy is traced back to Spanish origin, and representatives of the name settled in North Carolina in the early colonial days. William Rapalie Carradine, youngest son of Parker Carradine, the founder of the family in Mississippi, was born in 1819, was educated in Transylvania university, Kentucky, and became a lawyer. He practiced his profession at Shreveport, La., and his death occurred in Natchez, Miss., when he was but twenty-five years of age. In 1837 he married Miss Rebecca Chew Wilkinson, and their only child is Leonard Wilkinson Carradine, the immediate subject of this sketch. In 1843 the widowed mother married John Hunter, a young Marylander, who was at the time deputy marshal of Mississippi and who afterward became a successful merchant. He was collector of the port and mayor of Natchez for many years and was incumbent of the latter office at the time of his death, which occurred in 1863. He was also general disbursing agent for the Confederate government, for Louisiana and Mississippi, at the time of his demise. He was held in unqualified esteem by all classes, was a devoted husband and was especially kind and solicitous in the rearing of his stepson, as he had no children of his own. The Wilkinsons were an old Maryland family who came to the colony with Cecil Calvert (Lord Baltimore), with whose family they intermarried, the latest instance having been the marriage of Frances Chew, great-grandmother of the subject of this sketch, to Mumberd Calvert, one of the earliest sheriffs of Mississippi. On Feb. 21, 1774, Ann Herbert Dent, daughter of John Dent, married William Wilkinson. She was a direct descendent of a younger son of the house of Herbert, who came to Maryland with Lord Baltimore. In 1798, after the death of her husband, Mrs. Ann H. (Dent) Wilkinson moved to Washington, Miss., in response to overtures made by her kinsman. Gen. James Wilkinson, who was then engaged in the work of here forming a territorial government. Her family consisted of one son and six daughters. The only son, George, grandfather of him whose name initiates this article, served on the staff of General Wilkinson in the battle of New Orleans, War of 1812, and was commissioned by General Jackson to report news of the victory to the territorial seat of government at Washington, Miss. Leonard Wilkinson Carradine was born at Roakly, the old family homestead near Washington, Miss., Jan. 22, 1838, and his earlier childhood was passed in Jefferson county, where he was reared to the age of ten years, at the expiration of which the family removed to Natchez, in 1848. He was afforded the best of educational advantages, having attended Yale college and the University of Virginia and having withdrawn from the latter institution to enter the Confederate service at the inception of the war between the States. After the Kentucky campaign of 1862 he suffered so severely from the effects of camp fever that he was incapacitated for further field service, but he did effective service in the cause as deputy disbursing agent for the Confederate government and in the secret service, with which branches he continued to be identified until the close of the war. For the ensuing five years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Louisiana and Mississippi, and in 1871 he removed with his family to southeastern Texas, where he made investments. Circumstances, however, rendered it expedient for him to return to Mississippi, and since 1874 he has been numbered among the successful planters and representative citizens of Jefferson county, with whose history the family name has been so long and prominently concerned. In 1883 he was chosen to fill the important office of county superintendent of education, and in the following year he was elected sheriff of the county, an office of which he remained incumbent four successive terms. His long tenure of the position offers the best evidence of the high estimate placed upon his services by the people of the county, and here his personal popularity is of the most unequivocal order. Since 1885 he has maintained his residence in Fayette, but he still continues to give a general supervision to his plantation interests. Mr. Carradine is a stalwart in the camp of the Democratic party and is affiliated with the United Confederate Veterans and with various other fraternal and social organizations. On Nov. 2, 1863, Mr. Carradine was united in marriage to Miss Emma Rivers, daughter of Col. Douglas L. Rivers, who was a native of Virginia and who became one of the distinguished citizens of Mississippi. Mr. and Mrs. Carradine became the parents of seven children, of whom three are living — John Hunter, who is a successful physician and surgeon; and Rebekah Wilkinson, and Emma Herbert. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

CHAMBERLAIN, Charles, Biography

Chamberlain, Charles T., M. D., holds prestige as one of the able and successful physicians and surgeons of his native city of Natchez, where he is also proprietor and manager of the Chamberlain sanitarium, a finely equipped and thoroughly modern institution. Doctor Chamberlain was born in Natchez, July 18, 1879, and is a son of Charles T. and Mary (Fleming) Chamberlain, the former of whom was born in Jefferson county, this State, and the latter in Natchez, where they still reside. The father entered the Confederate service when but sixteen years of age, having been a member of Captain Dorden's battery and having proved a gallant and faithful soldier. He is now one of the representative merchants of Natchez, where he is a member of the well known firm of Chamberlain & Patterson. After completing the curriculum of the schools of his native city, Doctor Chamberlain was matriculated in the medical department of Tulane university, New Orleans, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1901, and where he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine. Soon after his graduation he became house surgeon of the Natchez hospital, in which he rendered most effective service and gained valuable clinical experience. He held this position until the spring of 1904, when he withdrew to enter private practice, in which he has been distinctively successful. He has recently erected and equipped the Chamberlain sanitarium, a two-story brick structure of modern design and facilities and capable of accommodating about twenty-five patients. The sanitarium is under his personal supervision and is open to the use of other physicians. Doctor Chamberlain is a member of the American medical association, the Mississippi medical association and the Adams county medical society. He also holds membership in the Prentiss Club and the Kappa Alpha college fraternity. His political support is given to the Democratic party. He is popular in the social circles of his native city and has the high esteem of his professional conferees. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

CHAMBERLAIN, Hon. J. W. Biography

Hon. J. W. Chamberlain, a member of the firm of Chamberlain & Brandon, cotton commission merchants and lumber dealers of Natchez, Miss. , was born in the Keystone state, Erie county, in 1830, and was the third in order of birth of live children — two sons and three daughters — born to Reverend Pierce and Christina B. (Whitehill) Chamberlain. The father was a native of New Castle county, Del., and was married to Miss Whitehill. who was born in Lancaster county, Penn. Shortly after marriage they removed to Erie county, Penn., from there to Newark, Del., in 18-15, and there Mr. Chamberlain received his final summons in 1852. His widow died in Columbia, Penn., in 1882. Both were devout members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Chamberlain was a talented man and an able Presbyterian divine, receiving theological training at Princeton (New Jersey) college, and afterward followed the ministry until a few years prior to his death, when he was compelled to abandon it on account of bronchial trouble. He was of English Quaker parentage. Of their children, all are living, Hon. J. W. Chamberlain now residing in Mississippi. The latter was educated in the high school and then at the college at Newark, Del., and when but nineteen years of age (1855) came South as a civil engineer. He spent a few years in Jefferson and Holmes counties, Miss., and then went to St. Joseph, La., where he prosecuted his labors as an engineer until the war. He then joined company G, Sixteenth Mississippi infantry, and served in the Virginia army, beginning with the second Manassas, and participating in nearly all the leading engagements of that campaign until the battle of the Wilderness, when he was shot through the abdomen. He lay on the battlefield one week before he was taken to the hospital and received surgical aid. He remained on his back, searcely able to move, for six months, and with very little or no hopes of recovery. After sufficiently recovering he was assigned to the topographical engineering corps and remained in that until the close of the war, when he returned to St. Joseph, La. There he was married in 1866 to Miss Matilda Heddeman, who was born in New Jersey, and who. when quite small, went with her parents to Richmond, Va., thence to South Carolina and later to Mississippi. Miss. Chamberlain’s father. Professor Heddeman, afterward returned to the East and died in New York city. He was a school teacher and a German. His wife died in St. Joseph, La. To Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain were born four children, three of whom are now living. After the war Mr. Chamberlain engaged in merchandising at St. Joseph, La., remained there until 1875, and then located in Adams county. Miss., nine miles from Natchez, where he owns a line plantation on six hundred and fifty acres. He has followed this occupation ever since, but in 1887 he engaged in the cotton commission business, and later added building material to the trade. This he has since carried on and is now a resident of the city of Natchez. Prior to the war he served a number of years as surveyor of Tensas parish, La., and in 1878 he was elected to represent Adams county in the Mississippi legislature, and reelected in 1880, serving four years in that capacity. He is a prominent Mason, a member of Harmony lodge No. 1, and is also a member of the Knights of Honor, Bluff City lodge No. 1145. He and wife hold membership in the Episcopal church. [Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Mississippi, Chicago, The Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1891.]

CLARK, Reuben, Biography

Clark, Reuben T., D. O., of Natchez, is one of the able representatives of the profession of osteopathy in Mississippi, and has built up a large practice in his chosen field of endeavor. Doctor Clark was born at Manassas Junction, Va., Nov. 30, 1877, and is a son of Charles M. and Julia (Terry) Clark, both of whom were born in the State of New York. Doctor Clark secured his early educational training in the public schools of the city of Chicago. In 1892 he came to Mississippi and located in the city of Jackson, where he soon afterward became a clerical employee in the First National bank, with which he remained engaged for nine years. In 1901 he was employed on the Clarion-Ledger, of Jackson, Miss., and in the following year he took up the study of osteopathy. He entered the original college of the science, at Kirksville, Mo., and was graduated as a member of the class of 1904, with the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy. In July of that year he established himself in the practice of his profession in Natchez, and he has done much to further the popularity of osteopathy in the State. He is a member of Andrew Jackson Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and is affiliated with the Atlas fraternity, the oldest and strongest fraternity made up of members of the osteopathic profession. During the Spanish-American war he served as a member of Company E, First Mississippi volunteers. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, South, while his wife is a Presbyterian. On Nov. 5, 1904, Doctor Clark was united in marriage to Miss Janie Grafton, daughter of the late Maj. Thomas Grafton, who was one of the honored and influential citizens of Natchez and a gallant veteran of the Confederate service in the war between the States. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

DENNISON, Franklin, Biography

Dennison, Franklin V., a leading cotton factor of Natchez, was born in Clarksburg, W. Va., June 5, 1868, being a son of Minter B. and Minerva J. (Phurr) Dennison, the former a native of Lexington, Ky., and the latter of the State of Virginia. Minter B. Dennison was for many years actively engaged in business, being a merchant and also operating a flour mill. He and his wife still maintain their home in West Virginia. Franklin V. Dennison duly profited by the advantages afforded in the public schools of his native town, where he fortified himself for the active duties of life. After leaving school he became identified with the dry-goods business in Wheeling, W. Va., in which city he remained until 1895, when he came to Natchez, and for the ensuing five years he was concerned in the steam boating business on the Mississippi river, being associated with his father-in-law, Capt. Thomas Prince. He then engaged in his present line of enterprise as a cotton factor and general broker, having purchased the business of J. C. Fowler, and having been very successful in his operations. In 1893 he was elected to represent the third ward on the board of aldermen, resigning the office a few months later, on account of his removal to another ward. He is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party and is a member of the city executive committee of the same. He is one of the prominent and popular members of the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being past exalted ruler of the same, while he was the first trustee of the lodge chosen for the long term at the time when the lodge was providing for the purchase of a suitable home. He is also identified with the Prentiss Club, a social organization of the representative business men of the city. He takes an active interest in public affairs, particularly those of a local nature, and is one of the loyal and progressive business men of Natchez. On July 20, 1892, Mr. Dennison was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. Prince, who was born in Wheeling, W. Va., being a daughter of Capt. Thomas Prince. Mr. and Mrs. Dennison have five children: Thomas D., Martha M., Margaret C, Genevieve and Franklin V., Jr. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

CONNER, Lemuel, Biography

Conner, Lemuel Parker, is one of the able and honored representatives of the legal profession in the city of Natchez, where he controls a large and important practice. Mr. Conner was born in the city which is now his home and the date of his nativity was Nov. 28, 1861. He is a son of Lemuel Parker Conner and Fanny Eliza (Turner) Conner, both native of Adams county, Miss., where the former was born in 1827 and the latter in 1829. Representatives of the Conner family were found enrolled as valiant soldiers in the Continental line in the War of the Revolution. Hon. Edward Turner, maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a prominent and influential citizen of Mississippi and served in various public offices, including that of chancellor of the State. The early educational training of Mr. Conner was secured in the common schools and under the direction of private tutors, after which he continued his studies in turn in Louisiana State university and the Agricultural and Mechanical College, at Baton Rouge, that State. He was graduated in the latter institution as a member of the class of 1882. He then entered the law school of the University of Louisiana (now Tulane university), in the city of New Orleans, where he admirably fortified himself for the work of his chosen profession. He was admitted to the bar of Louisiana in 1884 and to that of Mississippi in 1888, in which latter year he located in Natchez, where he has since been engaged in the active and successful practice of his profession. Mr. Conner is a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies of the Democratic party but he has never sought or held political office. He has been a member of various party committees and was one of the originators of the movement to eliminate the Negro vote in the city of Natchez, where the Negro had continued to participate in the elections after having been shut out of those of the State and county, by the constitution of 1890. He organized and served for several years as a member of the city executive committee, and he held this position until the new order of things had crystallized into custom. Mr. Conner is a member of the Masonic fraternity and its adjunct organization, the Mystic Shrine, and is also affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is identified with the Natchez Promotive League. On Dec. 12, 1888, Mr. Conner was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Britton, daughter of Audley Clarke Britton and Eliza (McCrery) Britton, of Natchez. Mr. and Mrs. Conner have four children, whose names, with respective dates of birth, are as follows: Audley Britton, Jan. 22, 1890; Lemuel Parker, Jr., July 12, 1894; Eliza McCrery, Sept. 7, 1896; Gaillard Gustine, April 21, 1902. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

FARRELL, James, Biography

Farrell, James, whose death occurred April 3, 1906, was one of the leading contractors and builders in the city of Natchez and was also secretary of the Natchez Undertaking Company. He was born in Natchez, Dec. 21, 1856, and was a son of Patrick and Sarah (Whalen) Farrell, both of whom were born in Ireland. They were early settlers of Natchez, where they continued to reside until their death, and the father was a carpenter by trade and vocation. Both were communicants of the Catholic church. James Farrell was educated in the Cathedral school of the Catholic church in Natchez, and as a youth he learned the carpenter's trade, in which he became a skilled artisan. He followed his trade for a number of years and then engaged in contracting and building on his own responsibility. In this important field of enterprise he was most successful and erected many fine buildings in his native city and elsewhere in that section of the State. He was one of the organizers of the Natchez Undertaking Company, of which he was secretary, which is one of the leading concerns of the sort in the city, with headquarters at 108 North Union street. Mr. Farrell always gave a loyal support to the Democratic party and showed much interest in the advancement of his city and State. In 1904 he was elected a member of the board of aldermen, from the Fourth ward, being at the time of his death a valued member of that body, in which he served on several important committees, including the committee on accounts, of which he was chairman. He was a communicant of the Catholic church, as is also his wife, and was identified with the Catholic Knights of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In 1889 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Farrell to Miss Carrie Quarterman, who was born and reared in Natchez, and they have three children-Glenn, Francis and Margaret. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

FITCHETTE, William F. M.D., Biography

Fitchette, William F., M. D., the incumbent of the office of health officer in the city of Natchez (1906), is one of the able and popular representatives of the medical profession in that attractive old city. He was born in Fredericksburg, Va., Nov. 2, 1875, and is a son of Capt. Charles L. and Virginia M. (Mosby) Fitchette, both of whom were born in Richmond, Va., and the latter of whom is a relative of Col. John S. Mosby, the celebrated guerilla general of the Confederate service during the war between the States. The Mosby family has long been one of prominence and distinction in the Old Dominion State. The father of the doctor was for many years in the government military service, having been a member of the Eleventh Pennsylvania cavalry during the Civil war and having attained to the rank of captain while acting as a scout; he had previously served in the commissary department. He was in the government service from his boyhood until his death, which occurred in 1899, during the memorable yellow-fever epidemic, to whose ravages he succumbed, at Natchez. He came to this city in December, 1885, and was superintendent of the national cemetery here at the time of his demise. Prior to this he had been superintendent of the Fredericksburg and Arlington national cemeteries. His wife still survives him and resides in Natchez. Dr. Fitchette was educated in the Fredericksburg, Va., collegiate institute and also in Jefferson military college, at Washington, Miss., and the Columbian Polytechnical institute, in the city of Washington, D. C. After this he took a partial course in the medical department of Vanderbilt university, Nashville, Tenn., and in 1889 he was graduated in the Memphis hospital medical college, from which he received his well earned degree of Doctor of Medicine. He immediately established himself in the practice of his profession in Natchez, where he has met with distinctive success and gained noteworthy prestige in both departments of his professional work. He has served as city health officer continuously since 1904. He is identified with the American medical association, the Mississippi State medical association, and the Adams county medical society. His political support is given to the Democratic party. Dr. Fitchette is a bachelor. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

FRENCH, James C., M.D., Biography

French, James C, M. D., of Natchez, is one of the able exponents of the beneficent system of Homeopathy in the State of Mississippi and he has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Natchez since 1884. Dr. French was born at Madison, Jefferson county, Ind., Aug. 3, 1855, and is a son of Robert B. and Mary (Richardson) French, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Ohio. The father was engaged in school teaching in Madison, Ind., for a number of years and then removed to Keokuk, Ia., where he became a manufacturer of candles, the only lights Keokuk had at that time. He had charge of the arsenal in that place during the Civil war. In 1865 he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he became a member of the firm of DeVow & Company, wholesale milliners. He remained a resident of Cincinnati until a few years prior to his death, when he removed to Chicago, where he lived retired until his demise, which occurred in the autumn of 1902. His wife still lives in Chicago, hale and hearty. Dr. French was afforded the advantages of the public schools of the city of Cincinnati, where he later attended Miami medical college for a time. He finally entered Pulte medical college, in that city, and in this well known Homeopathic institution he was graduated as a member of the class of 1875, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. At the time of his graduation he received the first clinical prize - $100 worth of medical books - which constituted his first technical library. He began the practice of his profession at Greensburg, Ind., where he remained nearly a decade and where he served as county health officer for a number of years. In November, 1884, Dr. French took up his residence in Natchez, where he has since been engaged in the successful practice of his profession and where he has gained distinctive prestige. He served many years as city health officer and retired from this position in 1902, after having made an admirable record in the office; was re-elected city health officer in 1906 and is now serving in that position. He is a member of the American medical association and the American Institute of Homeopathy. He was one of the organizers of the Southern Homeopathic medical association and is a member of the Adams county medical society. He is identified with the Natchez Mardi Gras association and has been honored and selected by the association as king of the carnival - Rex VII. He is a member of the Prentiss club, and was the organizer of the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he was the first exalted ruler and of which he is now an honorary life member. He has been a delegate to the national grand lodge of the order on several occasions and in the same has served on important committees. He has completed the circle of York Rite Masonry, and is past grand commander of the grand commandery of Knight Templars in Mississippi. He is also identified with the Mystic Shrine, Woodmen of the World, Knights of Honor, Knights and Ladies of Honor, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Improved Order of Red Men. He is United States pension examiner at Natchez. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In April, 1877, Dr. French was united in marriage to Miss Sue A. Runyon, of Covington, Ky. She is a representative of one of the old and honored families of that State. Dr. and Mrs. French have three children: Robert C, who is practicing his specialty - eye, ear, nose and throat - in Natchez, being a graduate of the medical department of Tulane university, in New Orleans; Edna M., who is the wife of Andrew H. Patterson of Natchez; and Carlotta S., who remains at the parental home. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

GEISENBERGER, Abraham H., Biography

Geisenberger, Abraham H., of Natchez, is a representative member of the Mississippi bar and has been concerned in much important litigation in the State and Federal courts. He was born at Port Gibson, this State. Nov. 9, 1862, and is a son of Wolff and Fannie (Netter) Geisenberger, both of whom were born in the province of Alsace, France, now a part of the German empire. The father came to Mississippi in 1852 and the mother in 1856, and their marriage was solemnized at Port Gibson in 1857. They took up their residence in Natchez, April 28, 1864, and here the father was engaged in mercantile pursuits during the remainder of his active business career. Both he and his wife died in that city. They are survived by five sons and one daughter- Benjamin C. is a merchant in Natchez; Samuel is in the wholesale trade there; Albert J. and Leon L. are wholesale and retail druggists, and Florence is the wife of Abraham Beekman, now of Dallas, Tex. With the exception of the last named, all of the children are residents of Natchez and the family is one of distinctive prominence and popularity in the community. The subject of this review was afforded the advantages of public and private schools in Natchez, where, among others, he attended the school conducted by Prof. A. D. Campbell, who was a prominent educator of his day. After leaving school Mr. Geisenberger studied law under the preceptorship and in the office of the firm of Martin & Lanneau, and he was admitted to the bar of his native State June 24, 1887, since which time he has been engaged in the active practice of his profession in Natchez, where he has built up a large and important law business and has a representative clientage. He is an able advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, is a member of the official board of the B'nai Israel Congregation, and is president and past-president of Ezra Lodge, No. 134, Independent Order of B'nai B'rith. He is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Standard Club, and is a member of the directorate of the People's Savings Bank. On Oct. 28, 1891, Mr. Geisenberger was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Schlenker, who was born at Trinity, La., and they have four children: Wilfred A., Carlotta S., Abraham H., Jr., and Isaac F. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

HENDERSON, John W., Biography

Henderson, John W., one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of Natchez, and the able incumbent of the office of superintendent of education for Adams county, is a representative of one of the old and influential families of this section of the State. He was born in the city of Natchez, Miss., on Oct. 16, 1832, and is a son of Thomas and Bathsheba (Putnam) Henderson, the former of whom was born in Natchez and the latter in the State of Ohio. John Henderson, father of Thomas, was a native of Scotland, whence he immigrated to America in the colonial era, having taken up his residence in Natchez about the year 1775. He became one of the prominent pioneer planters of this section, where he was one of the earliest settlers, and his marriage was solemnized in Adams county. He became the father of twelve children, and the name has been prominent in the annals of this part of the State ever since the time when it was under Spanish rule. Thomas Henderson likewise became one of the extensive planters of Adams county, while for many years he was also a prominent commission merchant of Natchez, wielding much influence in public and civic affairs and having been a leader in the Presbyterian church. Concerning this important phase of his life history the following appreciative estimate was written shortly after his death, being published in a church publication: "Mr. Henderson's long connection with and prominence in the church, and his position in the commercial and social world, made his influence to be widely felt and his worth to be generally known. The gifts which he had received from nature, and which had been cultivated by education to only a limited extent, were wonderfully expanded by the anointing from above which had been conferred upon him, so that in perspicacity of mind, in the well balanced movement of his judgment, in his clear discernment of the principles of rectitude and the forms and proportions of truth, in the propriety and felicity with which he performed the duties of his office, in the way of public prayer or exhortation, he had very few superiors. His talents forced him, in a measure, out of that retirement which he sought, and the church at large asked, in various ways, the benefit of his services. He was for many years one of the vice-presidents of the American Colonization Society; from its foundation, a trustee of Oakland college, our synodical institution; a frequent member of our local ecclesiastical councils; and on several occasions a commissioner from his presbytery to the general assembly. His liberality was princely, or rather, Christianlike. The needy of all classes went to him for aid, and the readiness with which he dispensed, revealed the principle upon which he uniformly acted, that in the disbursement of his wealth he was discharging a stewardship intrusted to him by the Lord... When he died the population of the city were his mourners, and over the community, the church and the family there hung a stifling sense of loss, as if a presence which had been a safeguard and a blessing to them all had been withdrawn from them." John W. Henderson was afforded the advantages of Oakland college, being graduated in this institution as a member of the class of 1852. He was thereafter actively identified with agricultural pursuits, in Adams county, until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he subordinated all personal interest to the cause of the Confederacy, becoming first lieutenant of an independent company of Mississippi cavalry, the "Breckenridge Guard," with which he was in active service three years, principally in Tennessee, taking part in the greater portion of the important engagements fought in that State. At the close of the war he returned home and disposed of his planting interests, but he steadfastly bent his energies to aiding in the rebuilding of the prostrate industries of his native State, having been for a number of years engaged in the general merchandise business in the city of Natchez. In 1882 Mr. Henderson was appointed superintendent of education in Adams county, which office he has held consecutively from that time to the present, representing a period of nearly a quarter of a century, within which he has done noble work for the educational advancement of his assigned province and incidentally of the State at large. The school system of Adams county has been brought into most effective order, the work being unified throughout, while vitality has been infused into all portions and departments thereof, giving the county high prestige in this important field. The superintendent has been unfailing in enthusiasm and also in patience, and the results stand creditable alike to him and to the county. He has published a competitive essay on "The Sabbath," and delivered a number of addresses, among which may be mentioned the following: "The County Superintendent an Indispensable Factor in the Educational System," "How to Get the Best Educational Results Under Our New Constitution," and "The Women of the South." The address anent the county superintendent was delivered at a meeting of the Mississippi State teachers' association; as was also the one pertaining to the results to be attained under the new constitution of the State, while the address last designated in the foregoing list was delivered before Camp No. 20, United Confederate Veterans, of Natchez, on Jan. 19, 1893. He also delivered a timely and interesting address at the commemorative exercises in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the installation of Rev. Joseph B. Stratton, D. D., as pastor of the Natchez Presbyterian church. He later prepared an appreciative memorial and obituary, at the order of the presbytery, when Dr. Stratton was called to his final reward. He has been treasurer of the local camp of the United Confederate Veterans from the time of its organization, and is also chaplain of the same at the present time. Mr. Henderson has been a member of the Presbyterian church from his youth up, and in the matter of church work has well upheld the honor and precedence of the name which he bears. He was an elder in the church for the long period of thirty-three years, and in 1903 was ordained a clergyman of the church, since which time he has ministered in various country churches, thus amplifying the scope of his zealous and faithful service of many years. In politics he is a stanch Democrat of the Jeffersonian school, and he is affiliated with the Delta Kappa Epsilon college fraternity and with the Knights of Honor. In the year 1856 Mr. Henderson was united in marriage to Miss Helen J. Newman, of Natchez, and they have six children, namely: Nellie, wife of John Ayres; Florence, wife of J. D. Kelley; Anna B., wife of J. L. Young; Walter P.; Thomas N.; and Corinne. [Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]

HESLIN, Rt. Rev. Thomas, Biography

Heslin, Rt. Rev. Thomas, bishop of the diocese of Natchez, is one of the distinguished representatives of the Catholic church in the South. He was born at Darnacross, County Longford, Ireland, in April, 1847, and in the same county were born his parents, Patrick and Catherine (Hughes) Heslin, who there passed their entire lives. The father was a tenant farmer and continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1867. In the family were five sons and two daughters. The youngest son, Patrick, is a priest of the Church and is now a member of the diocese of San Francisco, Cal. Bishop Heslin secured a good academic and classical education in the schools of his native land, and in 1863 he came to America with Archbishop John M. Odin, of New Orleans, who had gone to Ireland in search of promising divinity students. Bishop Heslin became a student in Bouligny seminary, now the St. Louis diocesan seminary, of the city of New Orleans, and there completed his divinity course. Being still too young to receive the orders of the priesthood, he devoted about two years to teaching and then returned to the seminary to review his studies, in preparation for ordination. On Sept. 18, 1869, he was ordained to the priesthood, at Mobile, Ala., receiving his orders at the apostolic hands of Bishop Quinlan. He was stationed for one month at the cathedral in New Orleans; passed the following year at the church of St. Vincent de Paul, of the same city; for three and one-half years thereafter was assistant priest at St. Patrick's church; and for the following fifteen and one-half years he was rector of St. Michael's parish, New Orleans. On April 7, 1889, he was appointed bishop of the diocese of Natchez, and was consecrated on June 18, following. He has accomplished a most admirable work in this diocese, where he has instituted new missions and schools. The bishop holds the affectionate regard of his people and has long been influential in the various departments of church work. He is a man of fine scholarship, as his high office indicates, and his popularity is of the most unequivocal order. [Source: Mississippi Biography Vol III, 1907]