Biography: Jackson Bryan Ardis, Caddo Parish La.
Submitted by: casteel@hiwaay.net (Thomas J. Casteel)



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JACKSON BRYAN ARDIS

THE father of the subject of this sketch was brought to Louisiana in 1846
by his parents, Matthias and Louisa (Nail) Ardis, from South Carolina, at
the age of five years. He became known in later life as Col. C. H. Ardis.
The grandparents of Jackson Bryan Ardis settled on a large plantation in
what was then Claiborne parish and reared a family of eight children. Col.
C. H. Ardis was a member of Governor Moore's staff and also on that of Gov.
Allen until the close of the War between the States. He removed to
Shreveport in 1873 and opened a whole-sale house in 1880, his trade
covering a radius of more than one hundred miles. So it was that, being a
very able financier, Col. Ardis let fall his mantle upon the son, Jackson
Bryan, who has been prominently identified with the prosperity of
Shreveport for half a century. Jackson Bryan Ardis was born in Minden,
Louisiana, but has resided in Shreveport ever since 1873.

Mr. Ardis has seemed to find wonderful pleasure in giving young men "a
chance." It has often been said that Mr. Bryan Ardis, perhaps more than any
other, has assisted more individuals with pecuniary aid than any other man
in the country. Mr. Ardis seems to know his man. His wisdom to judge at
once without seeming to give the subject any thought at all, is
astonishing. He is also an organizer and a developer, having successfully
engaged in the oil business, gas, and banking and was at one time the
controlling interest in the Shreveport Journal. Mr. Ardis is beloved for
his fairness and justness to all. He served throughout the World War on the
Western Louisiana District Exemption Board and was a leader in all the
campaigns of the Government that were carried on to win the war. In
politics Mr. Ardis has always been a Democrat and has never failed to
heartily co-operate in the development of Shreveport but he is a very quiet
man shunning politics and political positions.

January 2, 1926, a beautiful loving cup was presented to Mr. Ardis by the
directors of the First National Bank and the City Savings Bank and Trust
Company, which was the day he retired as an active member-Chairman of the
Boards. The cup was thusly inscribed: "This cup is presented as a token of
affection and respect and loyalty to our friend and teacher, Jackson Bryan
Ardis, who has served successfully as president of the City National Bank
during the years 1916 to 1919, inclusive, and as chairman of the board of
directors of the City Savings Bank and Trust Company and of the First
National Bank of Shreveport, from July 4, 1919, to this time.

"The inspiration of his personality and leadership and liberal policies his
accomplished the rapid growth of this institution and has established its
position among the banks of this State." Mr. Ardis was the guest of honor
in the Josephine ballroom of the Youree Hotel on the evening of the
presentation of this cup. Loving tributes from Mr. Ardis's host of friends
were spoken during the evening, all of which proved the niche Mr. Ardis had
won in the hearts of the people of Shreveport.

Jackson Bryan Ardis was married in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 28,
1888, to Mrs. Gertrude Ingersoll Prince. He has one daughter by a former
marriage who is now Mrs. Harvey J. Frame, of Waukesha, Wis.

Mr. Ardis is a member of the Elks and the Knights of Pythias.

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From Chronicles of Shreveport and Caddo Parish, Maude Hearn O'Pry, 1928,
Page 331
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