JOHN H. POE
                LAKE CHARLES, CALCASIEU PAR., LA



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Source: Southwest Louisiana Historical and Biographical by William Henry Perrin
published in 1891; page 183.
Typed by Margaret Rentrop Moore


JOHN H. POE, LAKE CHARLES.-John H. Poe is a member of the firm of Mayo & Poe
Shingle Co., shingle manufacturers, of Lake Charles. This company has an
extensive manufactory at the head of Ryan street, Lake Charles, with a capacity
for manufacturing one hundred and twenty-five thousand shingles per day. They
own their own timber lands, consisting of large bodies of the best Louisiana
cypress, sufficient to last them for many years.
They do a large business, and it extends over several of the Southern and
Western States, Mexico, and the Indian Territory.
Mr. Poe, of, this firm, is a native of Calcasieu parish, born near Lake Charles,
November 16, 1858. He is the son of Augustus T. Poe, who was a cousin of the
poet, Edgar A. Poe, and Amanda Mayo, natives of Kentucky and Louisiana,
respectively. Augustus Poe was an architect, and was at different times located
at Opelousas and Baton Rouge. At the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted in
the Confederate service, and while in Kentucky was mortally wounded, from the
effects of which he died in the hospital. His widow survived him until 1872. Our
subject was the only son in a family of four children. Being left an orphan at
an early age, he was reared by his uncle, Thad Mayo, who was his guardian. He
received his education in the common schools of Opelousas and Lake Charles, and
at the age of sixteen he began work in the saw-mills of Calcasieu parish.
Beginning as a common laborer, by strict attention to business, and interest
manifested in the work, he quickly rose, until he soon held the most responsible
position of trust within the gift of his employer, and now owns valuable city
property and several thousand acres of valuable lands throughout the parishes of
Calcasieu and Vernon. Mr. Poe has made a study of timber and milling business,
having given this his undivided attention since he began business life.
In December, 1879, Mr. Poe married Miss Ella Cooper, of Lake Charles. They are
the parents of four children, three sons and a daughter. Our subject is a strong
advocate of public schools, and has been a member of the board of directors ever
since he attained his, majority. He is a Mason and a member of the Knights of
Pythias, the Knights of Honor, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has
held important offices in each of these lodges.