Bio: Capt. R. T. Vinson, Caddo Parish La Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890 Submitted by: Suzanne Shoemaker ************************************************** ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** ******** CAPT. R. T. VINSON, mayor Shreveport, La. There is one man within the limits of this parish whose name, it might be said, is a household word with the people residing therein, for his long residence here and his intimate association with its various material and official affairs have gained for him an extensive acquaintance. Such a one is Capt. R. T. Vinson, mayor of Shreveport, La. He owes his nativity to Assumption Parish, La., his birth occurring on July 23, 1842, and is a son of James B. Vinson, an old resident of the parish of Assumption, and a large sugar planter. The father was born in Gallatin, Tenn., as was also the mother, whose maiden name was Miss Lucy T. Harper. She was a lineal descendant of Randolph Tucker, and her ancestors were in the early wars. The Vinson family is of English and Scotch -Irish origin. The parents of Capt. Vinson emigrated to Louisiana in about 1832, settled in St. Mary's Parish, and there resided for many years. The father had emigrated to Louisiana when but eighteen years of age, worked his way up, purchased a sugar plantation, and then returned to Tennessee for a wife. After residing in St. Mary's Parish some time, he sold his lands in that parish and purchased in the parish of Assumption, where he resided until 1863; he then refugeed to Caddo Parish, on account of the Federals being in possession. He was the owner of a large number of slaves and three large sugar plantations. He always took a deep interest in politics, but never aspired to office. He was a man of fine social qualities, and entertained a great many friends. He was in partnership with Col. W. H. Sparks for some time. He is now living in Nashville, Tenn., is seventy-six years old, and is unusually active for his age. He is the father of four living children: R. W., Alice, Lillie (wife of John Harper, of Jefferson, Tex.), and our subject. The mother died in August, 1864. Capt. R. T. Vinson, the second of the above mentioned children, attained his growth in Assumption Parish, received his education in Centenary College, Jackson, La., and volunteered in the Confederate army when in his junior year. He organized a battery, carried it into Missouri, and afterward resigned on account of ill health. The battery was afterward commanded by Capt. Barrett. After recovering from the measles he enlisted in Washington Artillery, Fifth Company, of New Orleans. He then obtained a leave of absence, came home, and was subsequently promoted to the position of captain of artillery of Shreveport department. He surrendered at Marshall, Tex., in 1865. After the war he went to Bossier Parish and engaged in planting, which occupation he still follows, owning a valuable plantation just across the river from Shreveport. He was president of the police jury of Caddo Parish for four years, and was also a member of Bossier Police Jury while residing in that parish. He was elected mayor of Shreveport to fill the vacancy of Mr. Currie, and was elected unanimously. The Captain has always taken an active interest in politics, and is a hard worker for his party. He is agreeable and pleasant in his intercourse with all, and has a host of warm friends. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the K. of P., the A. O. U. W. and the Red Men. He has represented the K. of P. at the Grand Lodge in nearly every session since its organization. He is now a member of the Grand Lodge of A. O. U. W. His marriage was consummated on August 4, 1864, to Miss Sallie Hill, a native of Tennessee, and they have two children living: Ada and Allen. Mrs. Vinson and daughter are members of the Episcopal Church.