Biography: Clifton Ellis Byrd, Caddo Parish La.
Submitted by: Thomas J. Casteel



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CLIFTON ELLIS BYRD

CLIFTON ELLIS BYRD was born in Bath county, Virginia, December 14, 1859,
his parents being John T. and Sarah Rebecca (McClintie) Byrd, both of whom
were native Virginians.

He passed his youth on his father's farm and attended the public schools of
Bath County. He entered the Augusta Military Academy where he prepared for
college; he then entered the University of Virginia and became a teacher
after graduation. He became the principal of schools at Front Royal, Va.,
remaining there six years, after which he accepted the post as principal of
the Ouachita Parish High School, remaining there three years. Professor
Byrd was then found the first principal of the first High School of
Shreveport. This was in 1892, and the old High School was held in the old
Y. M. C. A. building on the corner of Edwards and Milam streets. Miss Lou
Morris was assistant principal The High School was moved to the Soady
Building in Crockett street in 1898 and later provision was made for it in
the third floor of the old junior High School on Hope street, which was
demolished last year.

Professor Byrd served as principal of Shreveport High School six years; as
City Superintendent of schools ten years; and as Parish Superintendent of
Public Schools, ever since 1908, covering a period of 33 years' service to
public education in Caddo Parish. One year Professor Byrd served as
president of the State Industrial School at Ruston, Louisiana, now the
Louisiana Polytechnic Institute.

Professor Byrd was a member of the Southern and National Educational
Associations and of the Benevolent and Protective Order, of Elks; a Mason,
and a member of the Sigma Nu Greek letter fraternity.

The Senior Class of 1925 of the C. E. Byrd High School dedicated their year
book, the "Gusher" to their beloved superintendent.

And Professor Byrd lived to enjoy many honors which were not withheld until
he passed away. One perhaps, was the only occasion of its kind in
existence. He was present at the opening of the school honoring him with
his name. September 17, 1925, this new school was dedicated, at which time
there were present more than 2,000 and upon the stage were representatives
of the 32 graduating classes of the Shreveport High School since 1891.
Professor Byrd delivered the address of welcome on this occasion. The last
paragraph of which stated that "the time will come when I shall lay down my
work, and I shall do so with the knowledge that it will go on, and that my
name will be preserved and that I shall not have lived and labored in vain,
for my reward is sure."

Less than six months after he stood on the rostrum making the address above
alluded to, that time had come when he had laid down his work. February 26,
1926, at 8:45 Professor Byrd passed out to the Great Beyond. His body lay
in state in the Byrd High School on Sunday where, thousands of white and
black viewed the face of him who had been their friend.

Professor Byrd's widow and two children, Mrs. Mary Byrd Redding and Clifton
E. Byrd, Jr., survive him.

Professor Byrd was an active worker and member of the Dunlap Memorial
Presbyterian Church. The Reverends Jasper K. Smith and Mr. O'Kelly who was
the pastor of Dunlap for ten years, conducted the funeral obsequies.

Many are the hearts that will miss the kindly cooperation of Prof. Byrd. He
loved to assist in difficult cases - where widows found it all but
impossible to continue sending their children to school. His whole heart
was in educating the youth of Caddo parish. And Prof. Byrd certainly was
made to feel that he was appreciated while he was still living, which must
be a comforting thought to his near and dear loved ones.
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From Chronicles of Shreveport and Caddo Parish, Maude Hearn O'Pry, 1928,
Page 338

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