History:  Claiborne Parish History, Claiborne Parish, LA
Source:  Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890
Submitted for the LAGenWeb Archives by: Gwen Moran-Hernandez
Date:  Feb. 2000



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Chapter VII
Page 379

CLAIBORNE PARISH-NATURAL FEATURES-STREAMS, TOPOGRAPHY AND STATISTICAL 
MATTER-PIONEERS, LAND ENTRIES AND OLD TOWNS-IMPORTANT ACTS OF THE 
POLICE JURY-THE COURTS AND POLITICS-MILITARY RECORD-THE PRESS-
EDUCATION-MEDICINE-AGRICULTURE-RAILROADS-HOMER CITY-SMALLER VILLAGES OF 
THE PARISH-INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY SKETCHES.

"Men married women then 
Who kept their healthful bloom
By working at the churn, 
And at the wheel and loom.

And women married men
Who did not shrink from toil, 
But wrung with sweat their bread
>From out the stubborn soil."  R. H. Stoddard.

CLAIBORNE PARISH is decidedly rolling and even mountainous on the 
divide between the D'Arbonne and Black Lakes.  The soil of the uplands
in from 18 to 27 inches in depth, is free from rock and may be 
cultivated readily.  The area is 767 (corrected 778) square miles of 
which 60 square miles are red lands.  In 1879-80 there were 126,000 
acres in cultivation of which, 46,567 were in cotton; 42,920 in corn; 
471 in sweet potatoes and 99 in sugar cane.  The cotton acreage yielded 
19,568 bales (of .42 bales per acre) 600 pounds seed cotton or 200 
pounds of cotton lint.  J. Y. Davidson of Homer, placed the capacity of 
red lands at 1,000 pounds of seed cotton per acre of fresh land and 700 
pounds per acre of ten years' old land.  To uplands he credited a 
capacity of 1,200 pounds, and after twenty years, 800 pounds of seed 
cotton per acre.  
The population in 1880 was 18,858--8,544 white and 10,314 colored.  In 
1870 there were 9,630 whites and 10,608 colored or 20,240; and in 1860, 
8996 whites, 7,848 slaves and 4 free colored or 16,848.  In 1850 the 
total population was 7,471, 2,522 slaves; in 1840, 6,185, including 
2,295 slaves; and in 1830, 2,764 including 215 slaves.  The population 
in 1890 is places at 21,011 and the number subject to military duty at 
2,831.  The State census taken in June, 1890, credits the parish with 
8,909 white citizens-4,560 males and 4,349 females; and 12,101 negroes-
6,108 males and 5,993 females together with 7,377 children of all 
colors, the blacks showing a small majority.  The total, 28,387 
includes 1,111 inhabitants of Homer.

The real estate is assessed at $823,254 and personal property at 
$805,415 or a total of $1,628,669.  The value of live stock is placed 
at $341,034.  The total acreage is estimated at 497,920 acres, of which 
65,000 are in cultivation-27,780 under cotton, 24,460 under corn, 3,870 
under oats and remainder under other crops.  In 1889 there were 10,380 
bales of cotton produced; 265,350 bushels of corn and 29,950 of oats.

It is estimated that there are 1,500,000,000 feet of yellow pine 
lumber, and probably an equal amount of hardwood, including cypress, 
various kinds of oak, hickory, etc.  There are thirty-six saw-mills in 
the parish.

The mineral interest of the parish are represented by deposits of iron 
ore in considerable quantities, so nearly pure ore that steel may be 
made from it very cheaply.  During the war a Confederate officer, under 
instructions to search for iron ore, made a trip through this parish 
and reported rich deposits of lead, but the site has not since then 
been discovered. 

The storm of April, 1889, moved the church building at Colquitt, 14 
miles north of Homer, and damaged or destroyed all the small buildings 
in its track.

In June, 1889, an alligator or gar is said to have carried off a small 
colored boy, who was swimming in the Corni, near Summerfield.  The boy 
was never heard of again.

In April, 1881, a party of 300 persons went into the forest at Dyke's 
mills, to search for the seven-year old son of W. H. Randle.  After two 
days the boy was found in Dorcheat swamp, twelve miles from home.

In 1818 the only houses or cabins between Long Prairie in Arkansas 
Territory and the old town of Natchitoches were those just completed by 
a man named Bosell, who is June moved down to the Sabine River country, 
and another was the home of Isaac Alden and Mrs. Johnson.  Both cabins 
were on the hunter's trail eight miles east of Minden, near the present 
line between Claiborne and Webster.  Murrell's Cemetery was established 
in 1822 by the burial of one of the poor Dutch immigrants, Miller.  In 
1821 John Allen and Mary Holcomb introduced matrimonial customs here; 
while in 1822 Jenny Long and William Crowley went down to Natchitoches 
to have the old, old church sanction their proposed union of hearts.  
In this year also John Murrell employed James Ashburner Conley to open 
a school, the pay being $15 per month.  A Baptist society was organized 
by James Brinson and Arthur McFarland at John Murrell's house, and Jean 
B. Fashier opened a store close by as agent of Harrison & Hopkins, of 
Natchitoches.  A year later john Murrell was appointed postmaster for 
the new office in Allen's settlement.  In 1824 a cotton-gin was 
constructed by Thomas Moore for Adam Reynolds (on the present Harper 
farm), which became the property of Russell Jones in 1825.  Lee & 
Killgore opened a store near Murrell's in 1825, vice Fashier, who drank 
heavily and fled.  The preachers, Stevenson, McMahon and Ross conducted 
a camp-meeting near Isaac Miller's cabin in 1825, the first within the 
wide domain of ancient Claiborne.  Shortly after the establishment of 
the seat of justice at Russellville, Lee & Killgore removed their store 
thither.  In 1829 a road was opened from Russellville to Minden Lower 
Landing, and in 1830, $1,500 was expended on Lake Bisteneau.

At Russellville in 1835-36 James M. McMahon was postmaster.  Col. Berry 
thinks that L. E. Pratt was subsequently postmaster at Overton.  On the 
removal of the parish offices to Overton Russellville was deserted as 
related in the sketch of that village.  About 1826 the first slaves 
were introduced here, and the cultivation of cotton entered on 
extensively.  Sac Pennington Gee, of Ward 6, was the largest slave 
owner in 1860, owning about eighty slaves.  Gen. J. L. Simmons, who 
resided near the line of Webster Parish, claimed seventy; J. W. 
Andrews, T. H. Tuggle, J. C. Blackman, Horace Blackman, James Blackman, 
T. A. Heard, Joshua Willis, R. M. Browning, Dr. Bush, the Maddens, 
Wiley Thornton, G. S. Barrow, Josiah and Josephus Barrow, John Wilson 
(near Arkansas line), the Tigners, W. F. Moreland, James Dyer, Thompson 
Wood, Thomas Wafer, J. T. Wafer, W. B. Nicholson, W. A. Obier, Marshall 
Kinabrew, Morgan Hall, G. W. Maddox, James A. Turner, Hugh Taylor, 
Joseph Shelton, Henry Taylor, Richard White, J. M. White, J. R. Walker, 
John Walker, John L. Tippitt, J. J. Duke, Harmon Patton, Jonathan Knox, 
Capt. Coleman, Michael L. Casson, John Murrell, Jr., Littleton Fuller, 
James M. Morrow, R. M. Kennon, T. H. Brown, John Cooksey, William and 
Allen Hill, John Kimball, Wilkes Ramsey, Gennbeth Wynne, Samuel Smith, 
J. L. Godley, W. W. Goodson, J. J. Blackburn, B. C. Johnson, Ephriam 
Pennington, J. M. Wafer, Thomas Hightower, J. S. Corry, James L. Dial, 
B. C. Frazier, James C. Egan, Phineas Gleason, Nathan Brown, Dinsmore 
Neely, John Neely, Ben Reynolds, A. R. Thompson (killed in a railroad 
accident in 1869 or 1870), Bryan O'Bannon (who died in 1890), D. W. 
Gladden, J. D. Dansby (killed in 1884), A. A. Phillips, J. M. 
Prestidge, the Grigsbys, Dr. T. E. Glass (moved to Texas in 1863), 
William McCree and others named among the early land buyers were slave 
owners.  Hall Frazier, a slave of John Frazier, bought his freedom 
twice, and established a mercantile house at Minden, and a water-mill 
on Cross Creek in Claiborne, and moved to Winn Parish, where he died 
some five years ago.  So far as Mr. Ramsey remembers, he was the only 
free colored resident in Claiborne in 1852, and was himself a slave 
owner, having purchased one slave from Leatherman, who had previously 
sold his farm here for two slaves.

Among the ordinances of Homer, adopted in 1855, is one pointing out the 
duty of patrol captains.  Section 3 of this ordinance ordained that 
each captain of patrol should cause the bell of the Homer Hotel to be 
rung every night at 9 o'clock to notify the negroes to repair to their 
homes, and all negros caught out from their homes after said time 
without a pass from his or her owner shall be flogged by the patrol.  
White persons caught conversing with negroes under suspicious 
circumstances, or found round kitchens or negro quarters after the 
stated hour were to be brought before the mayor and fined.  Groups of 
negroes, over three in number, found on the square on Sundays, were to 
be dispersed.

The first private purchasers of the United States lands in Township 19, 
Ward 6, were Arthur McFarlane and William Ashbrook on Section 18, 19, 
in 1831; William Lee, P. P. Brinson and William Crowley, in 1832-33; 
William Hill, J. Casey, H. Barber, Robert Henderson, Alex T. Nelson, 
Keziah Brinson, Elias Welborne, Hardy W. Miller, William P. Robinson, 
James C. C. McCauley, John Browning and William Moglin, in 1835-37.  In 
1836 James Dyer entered lands on Section 3 and Robert L. Killgore on 
Section 6 in 1837.  December 4, 1830, James Lee entered for the parish 
of Claiborne 144.45 1/2 acres on the northwest quarter of Section 6; 
Charles Hayes on Section 8, in 1832; Jesse L and Erastus Long, in 1833; 
James W. Wright, in 1836; Daniel Carragan, in 1832, and Stephen Pate on 
Section 9, in 1838.  Francis W. Turpin, W. R. McAlpine and John Stamps 
located on Sections 32 and 33 in 1837, while the east half of the 
southeast quarter of Section 29 was entered for the town of Lexington.  
Township 19, Range 7, was entered on Section 4 by John Wilson in 1835.  
James Crow, Reuben Drake and John Bausket, Bartley M. Shelton, Jasper 
and Tom Gibbs, Lewis Harrison, Elizabeth Henderson, Chandler Lewis, 
Carney Cargile, Robert Madden, Samuel G. and Daniel Graves, Tom 
Leatherman, T. B. Goldby, F. M. Bradley, R. H. Barrett, T. C. 
Scarborough and Samuel A. Kirby located lands throughout the township 
in 1836-37.  Daniel Gray entered the first lands on Section 24 in 1832.

James M. Morrow entered several tracts in Township 19, Range 8 in 1839-
40 and Richard M. Kennon in 1848.

Township 20, Range 6, was first entered by Jethro Butler on Section 22, 
Thomas Brown on Section 12 and John Avers on Section 14 in 1832.  In 
1836-39 a number of settlers purchased lands here, among whom were John 
P. Smith, Samuel Clark, J. M. Bigham, Samuel Butler, Thomas Henderson, 
Joe and Ben Brown, John Williams, J. G. Austin, Drewry Thompson, W. A. 
Drake, Ransom Butler, William Dyer and Joseph Burns.  In 1833 Samuel 
Walker located on Section 35.  The first entries on Township 20, Range 
7, were John Merrill or Murrell on Section 5, in 1835; W. B. Hargis, 
Section 12; Blakeley Edins, Section 26, and Tillinghast Vaughan on 
Section 36, in 1836.

The entry of Township 20, Range 8, dates back to 1837, when Russell 
Jones, William Hobbs, Jacob Peacon, William Harkins, Quintain Dines, 
Ben Nugent, Jesse and Louis Nullion, James Hiler and John Murrell 
entered their lands.  In 1838-39 Fred Miller, Jacob Wittle, Fred 
Botzong, Morris Miller, Steve Butler, J. W. Miller and W. Melton made 
entry.

Township 21, Range 6, was entered largely in 1836-37.  Among the buyers 
in the first-named year were R. L. Killgore, John Smith, Thomas Wafer, 
Daniel Sears, William Crowley, James Dyer, John L. Dyer and Ben 
Goodson.  In 1837 came Volney Stamps, William C. Mylene, D. S. 
Humphries, Daniel McDougall, George W. Peets, William M. Givin and 
Caleb Goodson.  The first entry was made in February, 1835, on Section 
25 by Joshua Willis.  In 1848-49 William C. Moreland, Antony Pate, 
Martin Able, John L. Tippett, Dumas Patterson, Allen Woods, A. B. 
Colton, E. S. Hamilton, Thomas P. Hamilton, William Berry and W. Giles 
entered some lands here, while ten years before this Ben and T. W. 
Green entered their land.

Township 21, Range 7, was opened for entry in 1839, when Mary and 
Burrey Bradley located on Section 3, George Demors and son on Section 4 
and Catherine Hews on Section 27.  From 1849 to 1859 immigrants flocked 
hither, and before the war the whole township may be said to have 
passed into the hands of private owners.

Township 21, Range 8, was first entered in 1838-39 by William M. 
Gryder, Section 1; Silas Talbert, Section 2; Hugh and Hiram Gryder, 
Section 10; Martin Wood, Section 18; John Holcomb and Fred Grounds, 
Section 20; William Harkins, Section 27; Wash. E. Edins and Bamster 
Edins, Section 29; George and Conrad Grounds and George A. Bell, 
Section 30; Vincent Walker, Section 32, and John B. Hendley and John 
Murrell, Section 36.  Like the former township it was bought up 
principally during the antebellum decade.

Township 22, Range 6, was offered for sale in 1839, when Charles Y. 
Long entered a tract on Section 3; Jesse Lee, Section 23; John B. 
Wallace, Section 24; and John Gwinn, Section 35.  The township was 
mainly purchased within the years 1849-58.

Township 22, Range 7 west, did not claim more than one private owner 
prior to 1853, when Hugh Taylor, J. F. McGinty, John E. Weeks, Jesse 
Connor, Samuel Cook, George W. Fuller, Dave Cripps, James A. Turner, 
Isaac Oakes, R. M. Been, Jonas Short, J. J. Wise, John Herring and W. 
H. Brittain made their selections.  In 1848 William F. Moreland entered 
a half section on Section 1.  Between 1853 and 1858 the lands passed 
into the hands of private owners.

Township 22, Range 8, was sold between the years 1848 and 1859.  Robert 
C. Russell bought on Section 1 in 1848; Miles Beaufort was a large 
buyer in 1850.  Patrick O'Connell bought on Section 19 in 1841; John 
McCarty, Section 21; Jonathan Knox, S. S. C. Wilson, Section 22; 
Michael L. Casson, Section 32; William M. and Claiborne Gryder, Section 
35 in 1839, and Silas Talbert, Section 36 in 1838.  In 1859-51 a large 
area was purchased by residents.

Township 23, Range 6, was opened in 1839, but was not until 1849 was 
there any impression made on this section of the wilderness by the 
immigrants.  In July, 1839, Abram Foster entered 78.44 acres on Section 
8, and here a halt was called until 1849.  During the ensuing ten years 
the township passed from the ownership of the United States.

Township 23, Range 7 west, was first entered in November, 1838, by 
Joseph Copeland on Section 3, and secondly in December, 1840, on 
Section 34 by Franklin Short.  In June, 1849, he purchased a second 
small tract on Section 35, and Morgan Franks on Section 12.  In 1850 a 
large number of settlers and speculators descended upon this township.

Township 23, Range 8, was proclaimed in 1839-James Ward making the 
first entry on Section 10, in December of that year.  Cornelius McAuley 
entered land on Section 31 in 1847.  Isaac L. Leonard, J. C. 
Garlington, Peter McDonald, James C. Beck, J. W. Camp, J. P. Sale, W. 
T. Leonard, James C. Taylor, Redick Aycock, Lewis Moore, Joel G. 
Patrick, William E. Hughes, A. J. Watters and perhaps a few others 
located lands here during the years 1850-56.

Russellville the second seat of justice (Murrell's being the first), 
was settled as early as 1825 by the Killgores and others named in the 
chapter on pioneers.  A rude court-house and ruder jail were erected, 
and R. L. Killgore's store opened.  The place was named in honor of 
Samuel Russell, who urged the location as the proper place for the seat 
of justice.  There, in 1835, the murderer Halthouser was hanged, and in 
the old jail several of the white and black desperadoes of the period 
were confined.  The only evidence of the place being ever a village is 
the old Killgore House, still standing in the clearing.  The owner died 
in 1871, and his widow in 1883.  On December 4, 1830, is made a record 
of the purchase, by James Lee for Claiborne Parish, of 144.45 1/2 acres 
on the northwest quarter of Section 6, Township 19, Range 16.  In 1829 
the first road was opened from Russellville to Minden Lower Landing at 
the head of navigation on Bayou Dorchette.  About this time R. C. 
Killgore and James Lee moved their little stores to this point from the 
old Fashier store, which they occupied in 1825 near Murrell's house.  
Later a water-mill was constructed on Berry Creek, and gins and horse-
powered mills were in use in the neighborhood.  In 1836 the parish seat 
was removed to Overton and Russellville soon after fell into decay.  In 
1858 Salem Cumberland Presbyterian Church was established near the 
deserted town.

The history of the town of Overton is given in the pages devoted to 
Webster Parish.  Owing to the unhealthy location and the general desire 
for change, Overton was deserted in 1846, and Athens selected as the 
official center of the parish.

Athens was selected as the seat of justice in 1846.  Charles L. Hay 
settled on the present Keener farm in 1825.  Thomas Leatherman, the 
Butlers, Crows and others hitherto named, were identified with this 
section.  In 1832 the first camp-ground was established close by.  In 
1846 the school building and a large area of ground were donated for 
parish seat purposes by John Wilson.  The flowing spring was a 
consideration in adopting this site.  Kiser kept a small general store, 
Saunders P. Day was tavern-keeper, Arthur McFarland filled the dual 
position of postmaster and Baptist preacher, John Kimball lived on the 
Frazier lands.  Col. Lewis was also here and all the parish officers.  
A Methodist Church, known as Ashbrooks, was erected in 1830; in 1839 
the Missionary Baptists held meetings in the schoolhouse; in 1851 the 
first Presbyterian society of the parish was organized near here at old 
Midway, but soon after moved to Athens.  On November 7, 1849, the 
academy of school building, in which were the offices of the parish, 
was burned with all the valuable records and documents-the only things 
of value destroyed.  In 1850 the grounds were reconveyed to Wilson, and 
he was also granted a sum of money in consideration for the burning of 
his school-house.  The fire was considered at the time to be carried 
out by conspirators, who desired the destruction of part of the 
records, and to carry out their desire destroyed all.  New Athens is 
east of the old town on the Louisville & Northwestern Railroad.

The site of the town of Lexington, east half of the southeast quarter 
of Section 29, Township 19, Range 6, was entered in 1837.

Lisbon was an important point over forty years ago.  Near by, in April, 
1849, at Thomas B. Wafer's house, a Methodist society was formed.  The 
Baptists built a large meeting-house there a few years ago (1885-86).  
In the village and adjacent thereto, resided several pioneer families.  
Masonic Lodge No. 130, organized here in 1857, ceased in 1886.

Forest Grove was founded a few miles west of Lisbon, by Frank Taylor 
and others, such as Dr. Scaife, Milton Barnett.  Prior to 1850, 
Contractor John C. Blackman built a Methodist church-house near Maj. 
Dyer's house, six miles east of Homer.  This building was moved to 
Arizona in 1866.  Scottsville stood north of Forest Grove, on the banks 
of the Corni, and flourished for years at the supposed head of 
navigation of that stream.  But navigation never came.   Yet such men 
as Maj. Browning, Dr. Bush, Thomas Hart and the Stanleys gave it life 
and vigor for years.  Dawson Lodge No. 138, A. F. & A. M., was 
organized here at an early date, and ceased in 1873.  Colquitt, Gordon, 
Haynesville, Summerfield, Homer, Arizona, Tulip, Aycock, Blackburn, 
Cane Ridge, Dykesville, Holly Springs, Langston, Millerton and Ward's 
mill are the center of the old settlement of the parish as now 
constituted.  Terryville was the name given to an old center existing 
before the war.  In 1854 a Masonic lodge, No. 127, was organized there. 
This ceased to exist in 1861.  At Holly Springs another lodge (No. 211) 
was chartered in 1870, and continued work until 1879, while Flat Lick, 
where one of the earliest church organizations took place, claimed a 
Masonic lodge from 1868 to 1883.

Claiborne Parish, the first subdivision of Natchitoches Parish, was 
established by an act of the Legislature, approved March 13, 1828.  The 
boundaries extended from a point on the east bank of Red River, fifty 
miles northwest of Natchitoches village, at the northern line of 
Township 13; east on that line to the line between Ranges 3 and 4 west, 
along the range line, forming the western boundary of Ouachita Parish, 
to the south line of Arkansas Territory; thence west to Red River, and 
down the river to the place of beginning.  Within the originals 
boundaries of old Claiborne, were the parishes of Bossier, detached in 
1842; Jackson, in 1845; Bienville, in 1848; Webster, in 1871, and part 
of Lincoln in 1874.

The police jury also organized at John Murrell's house in 1828, and 
held meetings at Murrell's for some time, or until the offer of Samuel 
Russell of a site for the seat of justice was accepted.  This place was 
called Russellville, in honor of the donor.  Chichester Chaplin was 
parish judge.

The first court held at Russellville was presided over by Judge 
Overton, Isaac McMahon still being sheriff, while William McMahon, who 
had taken Cochran's place, was clerk.

After the removal of the great raft in 1835 the head of navigation was 
extended to a point near the Minden Lower Landing on Bayou Dorchette.  
The aspirations of the place fifty-five years ago were lofty, and , as 
a result, the parish seat was transferred thereto in 1836, and the name 
Overton conferred upon it, evidently in honor of Judge Overton.  For 
ten years the police jury and courts met here, but owing to a desire 
for a more central location, and in consideration of the unhealthy 
character of the village in the bottoms, the offices and records were 
moved to Athens in 1846.  In 1848 the public buildings and records at 
Athens were destroyed by fire, and the same year the seat of justice 
was established at Homer (named by Frank Vaughan), on land entered by 
the parish or granted by Allen Harris and Tillinghast Vaughan.  A very 
primitive board building was at once erected, and there, in September 
of that year, Judge Roland Jones opened court, with Allen Harris, 
sheriff, and W. C. Copes, clerk.  During the winter on 1849-50 a 
substantial brick building was erected for public purposes, and 
therein, in the fall of 1850, the same judge, sheriff and clerk opened 
court.

The oldest record of the police jury is dated November 12, 1849, the 
records of twenty-one years having been destroyed with the court-house 
at Athens, November 7, 1849.  At this time Thomas Henderson was juror 
from Ward 1; John Bopp, No. 4; James B. McFarland, No. 5; Reuben D. 
Madden, No. 6; Silas Gamon, No. 7.  F. Lyman was clerk.  A copy of 
ordinance, published in Minden paper shows that on July 1, 1848, the 
boundaries of seven wards were fixed, J. Kilborne being then president, 
and F. Lyman, clerk.  In November, 1849, Allen Harris was collector, 
and on December 18, James Kilborne was appointed agent to sell lots at 
Homer, and in April following, the exchange of property between T. 
Vaughan and the parish was ratified.  At this time a donation of five 
acres near James M. Wynne's farm was make to the town of Homer by the 
parish for cemetery purposes.  In June, 1850, the new jury organized, 
with James B. McFarland, of Ward 5, president; Thomas Henderson, of No. 
1, Reuben Warren, of No. 2, Joslin Jones, of No. 3, Robert C. Adams, of 
No. 4, Tatum M. Wafer, of No. 6 and Silas Gamon, of No. 7 being the 
members.  The president was empowered to make a deed of one acre to 
each incorporated religious society at Homer.  In September a 
reconveyance of all lots at Athens, formerly donated to the parish by 
John Wilson, was ordered.  Ward 8 was established in 1852.  At this 
time James Patterson, Reuben Warren, Jackson Sikes, W. B. Scott, J. G. 
Barnett, James M. Dorman, Dinsmore Neely and Adolphus Johnson 
represented the eight wards, respectively, with William T. Hadley, 
clerk.  James A. Millican was treasurer.  In 1853 one change is noticed 
in the personnel of the jury.  E. A. D. Brown represented Ward 5.   W. 
B. Scott was chosen president, and N. W. Peters, clerk.  In June the 
sum of $150 was ordered paid to John Wilson in compensation for the 
burning of the Claiborne Academy at Athens, which was used for court-
house purposed up to November 7, 1849.  In September Bonaparte T. Payne 
was sent as student to the Louisiana Medical College by this parish.  
In January, 1854, action in re the defalcation of Allen Harris in 
$3,396.25 was taken, and a rigorous prosecution ordered.  James B. 
McFarland was also censured for neglect of duty while president of the 
jury.  The jurors in June were C. J. Thompson, James S. Brandon, Albert 
Wilbanks, R. C. Adams, Dinsmore Cargile, Andrew Thompson, Dinsmore 
Neely and A. Johnson.  L. F. R. Reynolds was chosen clerk, but Peters 
continued in that office.  Nicholas Corry was chosen medical student.  
In January, 1855, a committee was appointed to receive the court-house 
from the contractors.  Cotter & Killgore, C. J. Thompson, William R. 
Moreland, L. Lucius Leonard, Isaac Murrell, D. Cargile, A. R. Thompson, 
D. Neely and A. Thompson qualified as jurors in June, and elected B. D.  
Harrison clerk.  T. Vaughan was then, as he had been for years, parish 
attorney.  In 1856 Harrison resigned, and W. H. Elliott was chosen 
clerk, and Sheriff Warren, collector.  In June W. T. Hardee took 
Cargile's place as juror, and B. D. Harrison was chosen clerk.  The 
Claiborne Advocate was given the printing contract at $125 per year.  
In September James Kilborne represented Ward 3 and John S. Carleton, 
Ward 6; Joseph Jones was selected as medical student; T. J. Hightower 
was appointed treasurer, vice Millican; Syke's ferry was established, 
and the estimate of expenditures for 1857 placed at $8,500.  In 
January, 1857, the act relating to the formation of school townships 
was passed.

In June, 1857, William McDonald, J. M. Prestidge, G. J. Wise, Isaac 
Murrell, W. T. Hardee, John S. Carleton, D. Neely and A. Johnson formed 
the jury.  President Dinsmore was authorized to subscribe for $4,000 
shares ($100,000) to the stock of the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Texas 
Railroad, and levy a tax of two per cent for five years to meet this 
outlay.  This ordinance, with the date of voting on it, was to be 
advertised in the Advocate and Democrat.  E. B. Whitson was appointed 
treasurer, later B. F. Cunningham was nominated as medical student, and 
T. G. Warren, collector.  In 1858 John R. Ramsey represented Ward 5, 
and Thomas D. Meadows, Ward 8, being the only changes.  The Minden 
Bridge Company was incorporated to build a bridge at Murrell's Point, 
and the expenses for 1859 were estimated-($6,405).  T. C. Barnett was 
chosen medical student in October, and at this time the court-house was 
declared unsafe, and measures were taken to build a new house.  In 
February, 1859, the question of providing shelter and attendance for 
small-pox patients was disposed of, and suits against Ex-Treasurer 
Millican were suspended.  In January, 1860, J. R. Ramsey signs the 
record as clerk, G. W. Oliver was appointed parish attorney and J. R. 
Ramsey, treasurer.  In March of that year the following names of jurors 
appeared:  Seaborn Gray, W. L. Oakes, N. W. Peters, J. H. Curry, John 
Kimball, D. Neely and T. D McAdams.  J. G. Warren was president.  The 
organization of June, 1861, shows John G. Warren, president; B. D. 
Harrison, clerk; J. S. Bush, No. 1; W. L. Oakes, No. 2 (later J. M. 
Prestidge); J. W. Norton, No. 3; Isaac Murrell, No. 4; A. H. Payne, No. 
5; J. A Parker, No.6; J. G. Warren, No. 7, and C. H. Tait, No. 8.  At 
this time $800 was appropriated for ammunition and Leak & Co. appointed 
purchasing agents; $500 was appropriated for the relief of soldiers' 
families; 1-15 of 1 per cent was levied for military purposes, and the 
appointment of I. Murrell, J. M. Morrow and E. K. W. Ross, as a sub-
committee of the State Relief Association, was confirmed.

On September 3, the court-house committee reported the building 
complete (the total cost being $12, 304.30); scrip was ordered to be 
issued, and W. J. Blackburn appointed parish printer.  In January, 
1862, the sum of $30,000 was appropriated for defensive purposes; in 
March an additional sum of $40,000 was granted in bonds and $50 and $25 
bounties authorized.  Dr. Bush and Sheriff Kirkpatrick were appointed 
agents to negotiate all bonds, and it may be stated that the jurors 
gave up ordinary public business, as the citizens did their business, 
to forward the interests of the Confederate cause; military and relief 
measures occupied their whole attention.  In June, E. A. D. Brown, of 
Ward 5, W. B. Gill, of Ward 7, and J. L. Williams, of Ward 8, were the 
new members.  John W. Hayes was appointed treasurer, and scrip of all 
denominations from 5 cent to $10 was ordered to be printed, the total 
issue not to exceed $20,000.  In September the estimate for the year 
1862-63 was placed at $97,160.54, exclusive of $17,898.46, provided 
for.  An additional issue of scrip for $40,000 was authorized and plans 
for a jail building adopted.  In January, 1863 the war resolutions were 
adopted.  In February scrip for $5,500 was issued, and in September the 
recorder and treasurer were authorized to take measures for the removal 
of moneys and records in case of invasion.  In January, 1864, the 
members of the jury were Seaborn Gray, J. M. Prestidge, R. Warren, I. 
Murrell, J. B. McFarland, William Mitcham, W. B. Gill and J. L. 
Williams.  The contract for building the jail was sold to J. C. 
Blackburn for $800, and scrip for $7,500 was ordered to be printed, B. 
D. Harrison agreeing to supply the paper and do the printing for $300.  
In June, Josiah Watts, Ward No. 5, Thomas c. Weir, No. 6, and Elijah 
Sparks, Ward 8, appear as new jurors.  In September, the bonds and 
scrip outstanding amounted to $52,637, against which the sum of $21,000 
was on the treasurer's hands.  In July, 1865, R. A. Hargis, John 
Wilson, R. Warren, I. Murrell, B. C. Frazier, A. R. Thompson, J. T. 
Fortson and J. J. Duke were appointed police jurors by the governor.  
On the death of R. Warren, G. M. Elliott was elected.  In September, 
1866, the newly-elected jury comprised J. F. Hightower, T. J. Moore 
(president), Jackson Sikes, J. H. Curry, T. B. Wafer, J. L. Madden, J. 
E. Goodson and J. J. Duke.  Several acts mark this administration, such 
as road laws, destruction of scrip, etc.  The last meeting was held 
June 5, 1867, and the record is signed by Burk Coleman, successor of B. 
D. Harrison. 

In June, 1869, Thomas D. Meadows presided, with R. E. Thompson, O. A. 
Smith, Jackson Sikes, J. H. Curry, John Kimball, W. E. Taylor and John 
McClish, members, and W. W. Brown, clerk.  In 1870 D. W. Harris of Ward 
7, took  the place of McClish, and in 1871 B. F. Reed took Taylor's 
place.  T. J. Hightower was treasurer and D. W. Harris, clerk.  In 
August, 1871, the legal jurors chosen to take the places of those 
deposed qualified with W. C. Martin, D. Cargile, W. L. Oakes, D. W. 
Harris and T. D. Meadows.  The Webster committee comprised T. B. Neal 
and W. A. Drake.  In June B. D. Harrison was appointed clerk and W. J. 
Blackburn collector.  During the fall of the year this jail was 
destroyed by fire.  In January, 1873, W. L. Oakes was chosen president, 
J. H. Simmons, A. C. Barber, George Shaw and J. F. Heard formed the new 
board.  John S. Young was appointed attorney and D. W. Harris was 
treasurer.  The jurors for 1875 elected E. W. Cox president; J. J. 
Glover represented Ward 1; Elliott Gray Ward 2; J. H. Chappell, Ward 3; 
and E. Sparks, Ward 5.  In 1875-76 J. R. Ramsey was treasurer.  On June 
4, 1877, J. H. Chappell, president; J. J. Glover, W. S. Copeland, A. L. 
Atkins and J. F. Ford met at Homer.  J. H. Simmons was appointed 
treasurer, D. D. Harrison clerk, W. W. Arbuckle physician, J. R. Ramsey 
(recorder) straymaster.  Later J. T. Tiger, H. A. Lewis and E.W. Cox 
appeared as jurors.  In 1878 S. R. Richardson was parish physician, and 
J. C. Moore treasurer.  The names of Milton, Hulse, A. T. Nelson, T. A. 
Watson, J. M. Dunn, W. G. Coleman, A. L. Harper, W. S. Copeland and J. 
H. Curry appear as jurors in June, 1879, but by January, 1879, R. H. 
Cleveland had taken Dunn's place.  In June, 1880, the jurors were R. J. 
Hart, W. L. Oakes, W. S. Copeland, John Miller, Jr., J. W. McFarland, 
S. W. Howard, L. R. Lay and T. D. Meadows; J. R. Ramsey was appointed 
clerk.  In December, 1880, the majority of voters in Ward 1,5,6,7 and 8 
opposed the granting of license for the sale of liquor.  In January, 
1883, the parish was out of debt and the tax levy reduced to 6 mills.  
In 1884 B. R. Neil, Shelby Baucom, E. W. Cox, J. E. Gandy, J. F. Heard, 
J. M McKinzie, R. T. McClendon and S. Kerlin were members of the police 
jury.

The members of the police jury in February, 1885, were Samuel Kerlin, 
B. R. Neil, No. 2  Shelby Baucom, E. W. Cox, J. E. Gandy, J. T. Heard, 
J. M  McKinzie and R. T. McClendon.  In April of this year, J. W. 
McFarland was appointed commissioner for the parish at the New Orleans 
World's Fair; the purchase of lot and contract for building jail 
entered into by a committee of the jury were ratified.  An election on 
the question of prohibiting the sale of liquor was ordered, and the 
establishment of a poor-farm authorized.  On August 24, 1886, the 5 
mill tax aid to the Arkansas & Louisiana Railroad Company was carried, 
the vote being 1,371 for, and 1,247 contra.  In July, 1887, the sale of 
the old jail building and lot was confirmed.  In July, 1888, T. A. 
Watson was elected president, vice J. M. McKinzie.  The jury comprised 
the president and ex-president named T. W. O'Bannon, B. R. Neil, J. A. 
Aycock, T. T. Lowe, R. A. N. Wynne and B. J. Bridges.  In July, 1889, 
the jurors considered the title of Claiborne to the old town of 
Lexington, and asked the representatives of the parish to introduce a 
bill granting the police jury power to sell the old town site.

The oldest record of the district court of Claiborne, now in possession 
of District Clerk Ferguson, is dated may 27, 1850, or almost twenty-two 
years after Judge Wilson opened the first court within the house of 
John Murrell (eight miles east of Minden) at the Allen settlement.  
Then Robert Cockran was clerk and Isaac McMahon, sheriff.  In May, 1850 
Charles A. Bullard, of the Sixteenth District, presided in the absence 
of the judge of this, then in the Seventeenth District.  James Dyer, 
John Bopp (chief of the Dutch colony), R. Butler, Phineas Gleason, 
Charles Hayes, John Kimball, W. DeMoss, John Dore, Isaac Miller, A. T. 
Brantley, Edwin Foster, Stephen Pate and James L. Dial were the grand 
jurors.  William B. G. Egan was appointed district attorney, vice the 
absent John S. Gilbert.  William C. Copes took the oath as clerk, and 
Waddy T. Cleveland as deputy clerk.  In November, 1850, Roland Jones, 
of the Seventeenth District, presided.  The sheriff, Allen Harris, 
appointed A. G. Willbanks, deputy.  In May, 1851, Judge Bullard was 
present, William L. Burton, district attorney, being absent.  Eugene J. 
H. Jones was appointed, and took the old time oath which denounced in 
measured terms dueling and other chivalric methods of that day.  A 
large number of civil cases and a small criminal list was the rule, up 
to November, 1851, when Judge Jones was present.  Both list appear 
large and this ordinary business with the record of naturalization of 
foreigners occupied the court's attention.  The grand jury's address 
pointed out the material growth of the parish, the zeal of citizens in 
bringing to justice all criminals, and the pride of the people in the 
new court-house.  While gratified at all this, the jurors were severe 
in their references to the log-hut or cabin, then forming the parish 
prison.  In May, 1852, Judge Bullard was present; vice Jones; John 
Young was appointed to act as district attorney.  Several indictments 
were returned against Giles and John Crownover for exciting 
insubordination among slaves, resisting patrols and admitting whites 
into negro quarters.  In November of that year Franklin Taylor was 
excused from jury services on the grounds that he was a school 
director.  In September, 1853, Andrew Lawson took his seat as judge of 
the Seventeenth District.  The admission of Alfred Goodwill to 
citizenship was one of his first acts.

In March, 1854, Harmon A. Drew was judge of the Seventeenth District; 
J. D. Watkins, district attorney, and D. Henry Dyer, clerk.  A number 
of indictments for retailing without a license were returned.  In March 
the report of the grand jury was ordered to be published in the 
Claiborne Advocate.  Under the system of judicial interchange, H. M. 
Spofford, of the Eighteenth Circuit, took Judge Drew's place here in 
July, and to him Chris Chaffe, a second member of the English colony at 
Minden, confessed his intention of becoming a citizen after four 
years' residence at Minden.  Thomas Reeves, of Homer, John C. Loye and 
William and Stephen Life followed this example.  In March, 1855, the 
grand jury reported on the unsafe condition of the court-house and the 
insecure state of the jail.  In September Thomas T. Land, of the 
Eighteenth District, was present, but in January, 1856, Judge Drew 
resumed his place.  In September, 1856, R. W. Richardson, of the 
Twelfth District, was present, with Reuben Warren, sheriff, and D. H. 
Dyer, clerk.  In July, 1856, W. B. Egan was judge, and in October David 
Cresswell, of the Eighteenth District, presided in some special cases.  
In April, 1858, John H. Cunningham was admitted to the bar, and took 
the customary oath.  John G. Warren served as sheriff until H. W. 
Kirkpatrick qualified, in 1860.  At this time, B. R. Coleman was 
district clerk and E. L. Dyer, deputy clerk.  The April term of 1861 
was opened by Judge W. B. Egan on the 1st and closed on the 2d.  There 
was another short term in October, and at that time No. 17, as applied 
to the district, was written 11th, to correspond with the act of 
Legislature.  From October 21, 1862, to April 18, 1864, there is no 
record of court.  On April 19, 1865, Judge Egan adjourned court sine 
die, but on September 25 of that year Judge J. D. Watkins, of the 
Eleventh District, opened the fall term.  John Kimball was sheriff, and 
M. Callahan, clerk.  The latter was succeeded in 1866 by Hyder A. 
Kennedy, while John Kimball was succeeded by L. J. Kimball, and he, in 
1867, by J. A. Witter.  In October Judge Watkins received an order from 
W. T. Gentry, asking that the jury list be restricted to registered 
voters, found on tables of assessment.  In 1868 S. D. Spann was clerk; 
J. A. Witter, sheriff, and James T. Story, successor of Beck, was 
recorder.  On the opening of the May term of this year, Attorney-Gen. 
B. J. Lynch transmitted to the clerk a copy of Special Order No. 203, 
issued by Gen. Hancock, of the Fifth Military District.  In view of 
this order and of a then recent decision of the Supreme Court, Judge 
Watkins ordered the discharge of all the jurors summoned for that term.  
In October court was opened and a return made of a constitutional jury.  
At this time S. D. Spann signed the record as clerk: A. Ragland as 
deputy sheriff (R. T. Dawson being sheriff); J. R. Ramsey, recorder, 
and N. J. Scott, parish judge, all elected that year.

In April, 1869, Gov. Warmoth's commission to John L. Lewis, as judge of 
the Eleventh District, was read in court.  N. J. Sandlin was district 
attorney.  On the opening of the fall term of court, October 20, 1869, 
the case of the State vs. J. L. Lewis was presented.  The new judge 
delivered an opinion which resembled somewhat the alleged resolution of 
the Pilgrims in 1620, as it pointed out "The land belongs to the 
saints, and we are the saints."  This opinion explained in April, 1869, 
Judge Drew (who was commissioned parish judge in 1869, by Warmoth, was 
at loggerheads with N. J. Scott, who was elected in 1868 to the same 
office) refused to try the case against Lewis, when it was continued to 
the present term.  Parish Judge Scott was present in October, 1869, but 
the presiding judge (Lewis) refused to recognize his authority or call 
upon him, as, on May 9, 1869, he (Scott) surrendered the office of 
parish judge to H. A. Drew.  Having shown so much, he proceeded to 
dispose of the docket.  In November, 1869, Parish Judge Scott took the 
place of Lewis ad hoc, and refused to entertain a motion for a non-
suit, but tried the case and gave judgment for the commonwealth.  An 
appeal was at once entered, but before it could be disposed of Gov. 
Warmoth commissioned James Constantine Egan judge of the Eleventh 
District on March 18, 1870.  In April Green Smith was found guilty of 
murder.  In October, 1870, W. Jasper Blackburn was parish judge; Prince 
Spencer was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to three years 
in the penitentiary.  In April, 1871, J. S Young was parish judge, and 
W. F. Aycock, sheriff.  The trial of Troy Harrison for the murder of J. 
M. Burns (January 1, 1871) was commenced.  In April, 1873, J. E. 
Trimble presided as judge, with John A. Richardson, district clerk; N. 
J. Scott, parish judge; W. F. Aycock, sheriff, and J. R. Ramsey, 
recorder.  In April, 1877, Judge E. M. Graham opened court here; H. W. 
Kirkpatrick was sheriff; Drew Ferguson, clerk (succeeding S. D. Spann), 
and J. R. Ramsey, recorder, who served until January, 1880, when the 
office was merged into district clerk's office.  The report of the 
grand jury referred to the small number of bills presented, crediting 
the peaceable condition of affairs to the unquestionable establishment 
of the lawful government of Louisiana, and to the wise administration 
of Gov. Nichols.  The jurors were not so happy in their fall 
expressions, as, on October 20, the report deals with the horrible 
murder committed near Homer.  In the fall of 1879 resolutions on the 
death of Robert T. Vaughan appear on the record, signed by John Young, 
J. S. Young and E. H. McClendon.  Allen Barksdale was district attorney 
in September, 1880, and J. H. M. Taylor, sheriff.  The district was now 
known as the Third.  In June, 1884, Judge John Young presented his 
commission, and District Attorney E. H. McClendon qualified for that 
office.  On August 27, 1888, Judge Allen Barksdale was present, having 
been elected in April of that year.

The first homicide in the parish was that of Bryant, by his brother-in-
law, Sapp.  The latter fled to the Indian nation and escaped the law.  
Shortly after, Sloan, a trader from north of the State line, was 
murdered by John Halthouser, at a point eight miles east of Minden.  
This led to the trial of Halthouser in 1835, and his execution at 
Russellville in 1835 by Sheriff Dyer.  Then followed the assault on 
Miss Demos, a girl of eighteen years, by one Lambright.  Not content 
with assaulting her, he murdered her in the most cruel manner, left 
some evidences of his guilt, was arrested, but while waiting trial 
escaped from the jail and fled to Texas.

During the occupation of the country by the carpet-bag element, murders 
were ordinary affairs, and even down to the present time the parish is 
far from being freed of those passionate men, who, in their rage, think 
nothing of human life.  In January, 1873, a negro named Henry Moore, 
assaulted and murdered Mrs. Kidd, who resided near Athens.  A number of 
white men hunted down the brute, gave him a fair trial and hanged him.  
On July 31, 1879, a negro named Martin, killed one white girl and 
assaulted another.  The people gave pursuit and, capturing him, hanged 
him with little ceremony.  A few similar crimes mark the record of the 
last decade.  In September, 1889, Deputy Sheriff Brown arrested Adams, 
who escaped from the penitentiary in May, and coming to Ward 1, married 
a young woman near Lisbon; he murdered his father-in-law in Winn Parish 
in 1887, and received a life sentence.

On the inside of the cover of the court record 1857-67, is the first 
roll of attorneys known to have been made in connection with the bar of 
Claiborne.  The names given are as follows: Tillinghast Vaughan,* J. M. 
Thompson, in Texas; Henry Gray, Bienville; John Young, now senior 
member of the bar; J. D. Watkins, Webster; A. B. George, appellate 
judge; G. W. Oliver,* A. C. Hill, Texas; N. J. Scott, Bienville, G. M. 
Killgore,* Col. John S. Young, Shreveport; F. Vaughan,* J. R. Monk, L. 
B. Watkins, supreme court; J. G. McKinzie, Webster: W. B. Egan,* 
Micajah Martin,* Texas; James C. Egan, judge of Fourth District; J. W. 
Wilson,* W. F. Blackburn, judge at Alexandria; W. E. Paxton,* T. E. 
Paxton,* G. L. Jones,* Joseph Pierson,* David Pierson, at Natchitoches.  
The lawyers admitted since 1867 are Robert T. Vaughan,* J. W. Young,* 
Drayton B. Hayes,* John A. Richardson, E. H. McClendon, J. E. Hulse, J. 
W. Halbert, J. E. Moore and C. W. Seals.       *Deceased.

In 1868 W. Jasper Blackburn, so well described by W. H. Scanland and 
William Meadows (colored), were delegates to the Constitutional 
Convention from Claiborne.  Although the scheme was ignored by the 
whites, Claiborne placed Judge Taliaferro at the head of the Democratic 
ticket, and Col. McDonald, who beat the Know-nothings in 1854, at the 
head of the local ticket.  The Warmoth circle of Republicans, of 
course, carried all their points.  W. W. Bennett, a physician, and C. 
B. Pratt were chosen to represent Claiborne in the Legislature; R. T. 
Dawson, sheriff; S. D. Spann, clerk of district and J. J. Scott, parish 
judge.  A district judge, J. L. Lewis, was counted in, but ultimately 
James C. Egan was appointed to that position.  Two years later the new 
constitutional heroes had made themselves generally odious.  In 1870 J. 
C. Meadows (colored), or Meadoes and J. S. Killen were elected 
representatives; John S. Young, parish judge, and W. F. Aycock, 
sheriff.  In 1872 the Liberal and Democratic tickets were in the field, 
opposed to the Republicans.  The former merged into the Fusion ticket, 
with John McEnerny at the head, while Kellogg led the Republicans.  W. 
J. Blackburn, Republican, and J. W. McDonald,* Democrat, were counted 
in by their party as senators; William F. Moreland and Thomas Price 
were elected to represent Claiborne, Aycock was re-elected sheriff; J. 
A. Richardson was chosen district clerk, N. J. Scott, parish judge; R. 
P. Vaughan, district attorney, and J. R. Ramsey, recorder,  Two 
Legislatures assembled at New Orleans.  A. B. George was a senator 
throughout the days of terror, but unlike McDonald, who wisely 
preferred compromise with the rulers to resistance, he did not enter 
the Republican Senate until all hope was lost to the McEnerny party.  
Gen. John S. Young and H. C. Mitchell were representatives in 1874, and 
aided in securing control of the House for the Democracy.  Two years 
later Gen. Young was re-elected, with J. J. Duke members of the House; 
H. C. Mitchell was in the senate; H. W. Kilpatrick was chosen sheriff; 
Drew Ferguson, district clerk; E. M. Graham, district judge; Allen 
Barksdale, district attorney, while Messrs. Scott and Ramsey were 
chosen parish judge and recorder, respectively.  In 1878 Judge J. D. 
Watkins of Minden, and John C. Vance, of Bossier, were elected 
senators; W. C. Martin and J. H. Hay, representatives; William F. 
Moreland and Rev. J. T. Davidson, members of Constitutional Convention; 
Kirkpatrick was re-elected sheriff, and John A. Richardson was chosen 
parish judge.  Owing to the decrees of the constitutional convention, 
the State and parish offices were vacated, and an election ordered to 
fill the vacancies.  John B. Phillips and A. L. Atkins were chosen 
representatives.  Messrs. Watkins and Vance were re-elected senators; 
J. H. M. Taylor, sheriff, and Drew Ferguson, district court clerk.  
Judge Graham of Lincoln, and Attorney Barksdale were re-elected.  In 
1884 Thomas Price and W. J. Leslie were chosen representatives; J. C. 
Brice and J. C. Vance, senators; John Young, district judge; E. H. 
McClendon, attorney, while the sheriff and clerk were re-elected.

*Col. J. W. McDonald died in December, 1888.  He was born in North 
Carolina in 1814, and was brought to Louisiana in 1822.

In 1829 James Dyer was elected member of the Legislature from 
Claiborne, and it was he who, in 1830, won an appropriation of $1,500 
for the improvement of Lake Bisteneau, one Leave-right taking the 
contract.  Berry A. Wilson was chosen representative in 1830.

In 1851, 1860 and 1864 Col. J. W. Berry was elected representative.  In 
1854 Capt. W. G. Coleman, a soldier of the Creek War and of the Mexican 
War, was one of the Democratic candidates for the Legislature, 

In 1859 Moore received 907 and Wells 528 votes for governor; Landrum 
957 and Jones 90 for Congress; Young 684 and Moreland 938 for senator; 
Martin 936, Kennedy 546, J. W. Berry 753, and Dyer 744 for 
representative; Whitson 806, Cleveland 354, and Tatum 442 for clerk; 
Kirkpatrick opposing the Know-nothings.  He and J. W. McDonald were 
elected by large majorities.

Col. John Kimball was representative in 1855-56.  Sack Pennington Goe 
was representative in 1839.

W. F. Moreland was representative.  R. L. Killgore was parish judge for 
eight years and subsequently representative.

In 1856 there were 857 votes given to Buchanan and 700 to Fillmore in 
Claiborne.  J. W. Berry received 852 and Isaac Murrell 678 for 
representative.

In 1859 Moore received 907 and Wells 528 votes for governor; Landrum 
957 and Jones 90 for Congress; Young 684 and Moreland 938 for senator; 
Martin 936, Kennedy 546, J. W Berry 753, and Dyer 744 for 
representative; Whitson 806 Cleveland 354, and Tatum 442 for clerk; 
Kirkpatrick 842 and Weldin 789 for sheriff, and Simmons 874 for 
assessor, against 744 recorded for Cross.

In 1860 Breckinridge received 896, Bell 719, and Douglas 166 for 
President.  J. L. Lewis, of Claiborne, signed the secession ordinance 
of 1861.

In 1863 J. W. McDonald was chosen senator; J. W. Berry, representative; 
J. W. Kirkpatrick, sheriff; B. R. Coleman, clerk; H. C. Walker, 
assessor, and H. L. Cox, coroner.

The Claiborne elections of November, 1865-Egan received 763, A. A. 
Abney 512, and Pearce 504 votes for senator.  W. F. Blackman and W. F. 
Moreland 642 votes each for representative, defeating Drew and Murrell 
on one ticket and Blackburn and Martin on a third ticket.  Senator 
Abney died in February, 1867.

There were 1,588 votes cast for Nicholls (D.) and 427 for Packard (R.), 
candidates for governor in 1876.  In 1879 L. A. Wiltz (D.) received 
1,725 and Taylor Beattie (R.) 444; McEnerny (D.) received 2,175 and 
Stevenson (R.) 596 in 1884/ while in 1888 Nicholls (D.) received 2,397 
and Warmoth (R.) 768.  The number of voters registered in April, 1888, 
was 5,117-2,512 being white.  Fifty-three whites and 2,404 Africans 
could not write their names.

The census of 1840 gives the names of Jethro Butler, aged eighty-eight, 
and Benjamin Goodson, aged eighty-two, residing in Claiborne.  They 
were pensioners of the Revolution.

In September, 1877, a convention of Mexican veterans brought together 
Capt. W. G. Coleman, J. G. Heard, Joseph Heard, Jesse Aycock, T. P. 
Hamilton, B. D. Harrison, J. R. Smith, John Cook, M. H. Lippmins, J. A. 
Witter, Ob. Owen and J. M. Blackburn.  The Soldier's Association was 
organized August 10, 1878, with W. L. Oakes, president, and A. T. 
Nelson, secretary.

The "Claiborne Guards" of the Second Louisiana Infantry, was organized 
in Homer in April, 1861, with John Young, captain; J. B. Parham, J. M. 
Andrews and John S. Young, lieutenants.  On muster in at New Orleans 
Capt. Young was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Second 
Louisiana.  J. M. Andrews was elected captain of the Guards, with J. B. 
Parham, John S. Young and W. C. Leslie, Lieutenants.  Going into 
service at Richmond and on the James River, the winter was passed at 
historic Yorktown.  Early in 1862 the company re-enlisted and elected 
A. S. Blithe, captain, with Cager, Martin, Reams and Cotton 
lieutenants, and Charles Cheatham, sergeant.  The company served under 
Lee at Gettysburg, and were with him at Appomattox.  In May, 1865, the 
survivors returned to Homer.

The Moore Invincibles or Company A, Ninth Louisiana Infantry, were 
organized in May, 1861, and mustered in at Camp Moore, Louisiana, June 
13, 1861.  In January, 1862, the men re-enlisted for the war.  In 1861 
R. L. Capers was captain with Alfred Blackman, Rydon Grigsby and W. F. 
Blackman, lieutenants; Tom Bowling, Merrill Roland and Frank 
Montgomery, sergeants.  On reorganization Rydon Grigsby was chosen 
captain, and served until killed at Sharpsburg; W. W. Arbuckle, 
surgeon.  Montgomery, the first lieutenant, lost a leg at Harper's 
Ferry; Thomas Bowling, the second, was wounded at Gettysburg, and 
William Mills, third lieutenant, At Harper's Ferry, where he died.  
First Sergeant William Dansby was killed at Petersburg; Lieut. Napoleon 
Henderson at Harper's Ferry.

The Claiborne Rangers, organized in June, 1861, were mustered in in 
July as Company B, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry.  In August, the command 
was dispatched to the front and later moved from Columbus, Ky., to New 
Madrid, Mo.  From March to May, 1862, if formed part of Fort Pillow's 
garrison.  After a year of brisk service, the men are found before 
Vicksburg, and in May, 1863, suffered heavily at Baker's Creek.  After 
the surrender of Vicksburg, Company B engaged in the eight day's fight 
at Jackson.  In 1864 it formed part of Johnson's corps, and in the fall 
of that year was attached to Hood's army in Tennessee.  During the 
winter the men suffered more from cold and hunger than from the enemy.  
In February, 1865, the regiment rejoined Johnston's  army in North 
Carolina, and on April 26, 1865, surrendered at Greensboro in that 
State.  On June 7, the survivors arrived in Claiborne.  Company G. of 
Twelfth Louisiana was also a Claiborne command, organized March 4, 
1862, with Thomas Hightower, captain; Zachariah Grigsby, T. Bridgeman 
and James Potts, lieutenants, and Thomas Price, Sergeant.

The fortunes of this command are almost identical with those of Company 
B.  Prior to the Baker's Creek affair, the people of Homer sent 
clothing to the men by their agent, Linchicum; but the welcome 
additions to 1,000 wardrobes made the knapsacks too heavy to be carried 
into battle, and so they were left in a secure place until victory 
would perch on the regimental flag.  This was not to be, and with the 
loss of victory came the loss of much-prized clothes from friends at 
home.  The Arcadia Invincibles formed a part of this regiment.  The 
Claiborne Invincibles, or Company H, Seventeenth Louisiana Infantry, 
was organized in October, 1861, with William A. Maddox, captain; John 
G. Heard, G. M. Killgore and J. A. Simmons, lieutenants.  From 
November, 1861, to February, 1862, the command was in camp near New 
Orleans.  In February, 1862, the regiment was at Corinth, in April at 
Shiloh (where Capt. Maddox was wounded), and at Vicksburg from May 7, 
1862, to July 4, 1863.  On May 21 Company H, was reorganized at 
Edward's Miss., with G. M. Killgore, captain; M. C. Leake, A. L. Harper 
and J. D. Hamilton, lieutenants, and soon after was present at 
Chickasaw Bluff.  Leake was wounded on May 30 and died June 5, 1863, 
when Lieuts.  Harper and Hamilton were promoted, and J. H. Hay elected 
third lieutenant.  Capt. Killgore died July 27, 1863, while en route 
home.  In April, 1864, the exchange took place at Pineville.  A. L. 
Harper was chosen captain, with J. D. Hamilton, J. H. Hay and Walter 
Hall, lieutenants.  After this its duties were confined to service on 
the Red River.

The Claiborne Volunteers (Company C, Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry), 
with A. H. Kennedy, captain; John Spears, S. A. Hightower and J. W. 
O'Bannon, lieutenants, was organized in August, 1861.  In September 
they were mustered in at Camp Moore.  Like Company H, Seventeenth 
Louisiana Infantry, this was present at Corinth and Shiloh.  From 
April, 1862, to April, 1863, the command was at Pollard, Ala., but came 
to Vicksburg too late to aid the defenders.  At Missionary Ridge, New 
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mount, Florence, Nashville and other fields this 
company did service, and up to May 4, 1865, when the surrender to Gen. 
Canby at Mobile, Ala., was recorded, Company C, continued to win 
laurels.

Company E., Thirty-first Louisiana Infantry, was organized in April, 
1862, and in June took up a position in the swamp opposite Vicksburg, 
being afflicted with measles in sixty-five cases and fever in forty 
cases.  Camping at Tallulah or Delhi and the fiasco at Milliken's Bend 
occupied the attention of the men up to November, 1862, when one or two 
raids were executed without results.  The memorable ride from Vicksburg 
to Jackson and return to Vicksburg, on flat cars, resulted in the death 
of forth men from pneumonia.  On December 26, Company E took part in 
its first battle at Chickasaw Bluffs.  Again at Port Gibson, an don the 
retreat from Baker's Creek to Vicksburg, other military experiences 
were gained.  After the surrender the men returned to their homes, but 
in January, 1864, were convened at Vienna, and in June at Minden, 
parole camps being established there.  Further service was confined to 
the line of the Red River, until the Appomattox affair ended the hopes 
of the Confederacy, and enabled the tired troops to return home on May 
23, 1865.  The officers were, captain, Shelby Baucum; lieutenants, D. 
W. Gladden, James M. Cleaver and Thompson Scott; sergeants; W. F. 
Wallace, E. Sanders, W. T. Williams, J. J. Howerton and R. D. 
Hightower.

Company G, Twenty-fifth Louisiana Infantry, was organized in February, 
1862, with Seaborn Aycock, captain; P. C. Harper, W. J. Leslie and 
Thomas Brown, lieutenants, and John Cook, sergeant.  The later 
succeeded Brown, as lieutenant, within a short time.  At Corinth, 
Shiloh, Farmington, Perryville and Murfreesboro the command received 
its first practical lessons in warfare.  At Jonesboro, Ga., Capt. 
Aycock was killed, and W. J. Leslie took his place.  In Tennessee the 
command was in active service with Hood's army, and after the surrender 
at Appomattox, was still in arms and guarded the commissariat at 
Meridian, Miss., until the property was transferred to the United 
States quartermaster, thus being the last Confederate troops east of 
the Mississippi.

Company D, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry, was organized in May, 
1862, with M. O. Cheatham, captain; James Simmons,------ Warson and J. 
Thompson, lieutenants, and J. L. Tippet, sergeant.  On May 15 it was 
mustered in at Monroe, then moved to camp near Vienna, and thence into 
the Mississippi bottoms.  Later the Twenty-eighth was sent into the 
Teche country, and there, at Franklin, encountered the Federal troops.  
Sergt. Tippet was killed there, and a number of private soldiers fell.  
At Yellow Bayou Lieut. Simmons was killed, and at Mansfield and 
Pleasant Hill the command lost a small number.

Company F, Fifth Louisiana Cavalry, or Claiborne Partisan Rangers, was 
organized by  R. L. Capers, captain; John S. Young, N. J. Scott and G. 
A. Gordon, lieutenants, in June, 1862.  McN. Brown was first sergeant.  
In August this and five other commands formed the First battalion of 
Partisan Rangers, with Samuel Chambliss, lieutenant-colonel, and R. L. 
Capers, major.  John S. Young was promoted captain of company F.  
Before the close of the year the battalion was raised to regimental 
strength, with R. L. Capers, colonel.  John S. Young was subsequently 
commissioned major, and afterward lieutenant-colonel.  In was organized 
as a cavalry regiment in February, 1863, with 761 men.  Its operations 
were confined mainly to the country between the Ouachita and 
Mississippi Rivers, and later against Banks, on Red River.  In 1865 G. 
A. Gordon was captain of Company F; A. W. Palmer, J. H. Carr and J. R. 
Monk, lieutenants, and McN Brown still held the rank of first sergeant, 
immovable in notions of promotion as he was in political faith. 

There was one Louisiana Cavalry company in the Eighteenth Tennessee 
Cavalry Battalion, Company E, commanded by Capt. Junius Y. Webb, 
seventy-eight strong.

The Claiborne Advocate was the first newspaper issued within the 
present boundaries of the parish, and the second within its ancient 
boundaries-the Minden Iris being the first.  In 1851 B. D. Harrison, of 
Talladega, Ala., came to the present seat of justice, and in June of 
that year established the Advocate, with Frank Vaughan editor.  J. M. 
Thomasson subsequently held the chair.  W. S. Curstis purchased the 
office in 1855, and carried on publication regularly until the tocsin 
of war sounded throughout the land.  Some time after Curstis bought the 
Advocate another candidate for journalistic honors and emoluments 
appeared in the new town, but its life was very short.  In 1859 the 
inevitable Blackburn, W. Jasper, established the Homer Iliad.  This was 
at a time when ideas of secession began to take shape, and to the 
useless task of changing such ideas Blackburn directed his energies.  
He fought the secession policy up to the beginning of the war, and 
denounced it until he and the Iliad had to disappear.  A reference to 
other pages will point out clearly his adventurous life during the days 
of civil strife.  After the war was closed he and the Iliad reappeared, 
and continued in the flesh here until 1877, when the Guardian was 
founded.

The Claiborne Guardian was established by Phipps & Seals in 1877;  B. 
D. Harrison had some connection with the office; Drayton B. Hayes was 
editor until his death, in 1885, when J. E. Hulse took his place.  In 
1886 D. W. Harris was proprietor.  B. D. Harrison died in April, 1889, 
after a continuous residence of thirty-eight years at Homer.  The 
Guardian was issued for the last time on June 30, 1890, O. P. Ogilvie & 
Co. purchasing the Journal form J. E. Hulse, May 8, and consolidating 
the two papers June 18, under the title The Guardian-Journal.  In 1889 
Mr. Ogilvie purchased the Phipps interest in the Guardian, and 
subsequently Charles Shaeffer purchased  Seals' interest.  The 
Louisiana Weekly Journal was issued January 13, 1886, by J. E. Hulse 
and B. D. Harrison, and continued publication until the consolidation 
of 1890.

The Southern Agriculturalist was established in 1890 as the organ of 
the Farmers' Alliance of this parish.  Number 10 of Vol. I was issued 
July 31, 1890, with G. H. Dismukes editor and proprietor, and J. E. 
Goodson publisher.  The Agriculturalist knows no man.  It espouses the 
cause of the farmers, according to its faith, without fear, and handles 
its enemies without gloves.

The Greenback Dollar was published some years ago at Haynesville, but 
collapsed after a short term.  In June, 1879, J. G. Warren resumed 
publication of the Greenback Dollar, and at that time the Western 
Protestant ceased to exist.

The Haynesville Star was issued in 1889, and reached No. 22 in Vol. II 
on August 1, 1890.  John M. Henry is editor.

Some years before the war the system of private schools was introduced 
here, and is to-day observed; however, the common-school system is not 
unknown.  The enrollment of white pupils in schools of Claiborne for 
1877 was 1,111; for 1878, 1,416; for 1879, 1,458; for 1881, 1,716; for 
1882, 1,843; for 1883, 1,875; for 1884, 1,739; for 1886, 2,052, and for 
1887, 2,199.  The enrollment of colored pupils for 1877, was 1,050; for 
1878, 762; for 1879, 1,254; for 1881, 1,040; for 1882, 1,024; for 1883, 
1,070; for 1884, 785; for 1886, 1,530, and for 1887, 1,605.  In 1890 
the returns show over 7,000 children, of whom the blacks are in the 
majority.

The physicians of the parish, with location and date of diploma, are 
recorded as follows:  Silas Turner, Homer, Iowa State University, 1865; 
William Henry Hines, Summerfield, Jefferson Medical College, 
Philadelphia, 1859; John Elmore Meadows, Homer, Medical College of 
State of Georgia, Augusta, 1857; William Williams Arbuckle, Homer, 
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 1845; Stephen Moore Dickens 
Webb, residence Flat Lick P. O., Minden, Webster Parish, University of 
Pennsylvania, 1854; William Wirt Culpepper, Athens, New Orleans School 
of Medicine, 1870; John Davidson Calhoun, Arizona, New Orleans School 
of Medicine, 1869; Alfred Castillo Simmons, Lisbon, Atlanta Medical 
College, 1860; William Sellers, Summerfield, University of Louisiana, 
1870; Joseph Atkinson, Homer, Medical College of Alabama, Mobile, 1872; 
Richard Groves Gantt, Haynesville, Medical College of South Carolina, 
Charleston, 1881; William Madison Baker, Arizona, University of 
Louisiana, 1874; Hugh Monroe Longino, Haynesville, University of 
Louisiana, 1870; Thomas Florence Patton, Lisbon, University of 
Louisiana, 1881; Jesse Marion Ledbetter, Summerfield, Charity Hospital 
Medical College, New Orleans, 1876; Henry Alvin Longino, Haynesville, 
Missouri Medical College, St. Louis, 1880; Marcellus Franklin Alford, 
Summerfield, University of Louisville, Ky., 1879; Luther Longino, 
Minden, Webster Parish, Missouri Medical College, St. Louis, 1882; 
Tandy Linton Appleby, Homer, Southern Medical College, Atlanta, Ga., 
1883; George Richard McHenry, Homer, College of Physicians and 
Surgeons, Baltimore, Md., 1882; Montrose Day, Haynesville, Missouri 
Medical College, St. Louis, 1881; Thaddeus Henry Pennington, removed to 
Arcadia, Bienville Parish, University of Louisiana, 1856; Albert 
Richard Bush, Gordon, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, 
1883; Joseph William Day, Homer, Graffenburg Medical Institute, 
Alabama, 1857; Joe Glenn Gladney, Arcadia, College of Physicians and 
Surgeons, Baltimore, 1886; James Madison Walthall, Gibsland, Bienville 
Parish, Hahnemann Medical College, 1887; Robert McAlpine Bromfield, 
Athens, Louisville Medical College, 1888; Charles P. Cargile, Ward's 
Mill, Atlanta Medical College, 1886; Addley H. Gladden, Homer, Tulane 
University of Louisiana, 1888; James Buck Alexander, Holly Springs, 
American Medical College, St. Louis, 1889; James Freeman Pace, Athens, 
Memphis Hospital Medical College, 1889; Andrew Jackson Pennington, 
Blackburn, Medical College of Alabama, 1878; Curtis Albert Baily, 
Athens, Louisville Medical College, 1890.  Frank Henry and Sterling R. 
Richardson registered under the act providing that physicians who 
practiced for five years prior to 1882 were fully qualified.

The Claiborne Agricultural Society may be said to have permanently 
organized in 1871.  The first fair of the old association was 
successful, but the five succeeding meetings were failures.  The 
seventh fair was held in 1877 and proved successful.  In 1889 the 
Claiborne Fair Association purchased grounds, and at once entered on 
the work of preparation for the fair of 1890.  At that time R. P. Webb 
was president; F. U. Allen, vice-president; J. W. Holbert, secretary; 
J. K. Willet, treasurer; J. H. Simmons and T. Bridgman, with the offers 
named, directors.

The Farmers' State Union is one of the strongest organizations in 
Louisiana, J. W. McFarland is secretary; R. L. Tannehill, of Winn, 
treasurer; T. J. Guice, of Grand Cane, State lecturer; W. H. Bass, of 
Pleasant Hill, chaplain; and G. L. P. Wren, of Minden, member of 
executive committee.  Claiborne Farmers' Union was organized in April, 
1887, with C. J. Cargile, president, and J. W. McFarland, secretary.  
The Farmers' Union Co-operative Commercial Association, of Claiborne, 
was incorporated October 3, 1889, with the following named directors: 
S. A. White, R. T. McClendon, B. B. McCasland, John C. Murphy, A. T. 
Nelson, J. S. Burnham, C. A. Gandy, T. T. Lowe, and J. W. Nelson.  
Early in December, 1889, a store was opened at Homer, under the 
management of A. T. Nelson.  In January, 1890, there were 120 
stockholders and $25,000 paid-up capital.

In July, 1882, S. Y. Gladney and J. A. Richardson went to Hope, Ark., 
to meet Maj. Beardsley of the Arkansas & Louisiana Railroad, and confer 
with him on the subject of building a road from Hope, via Haynesville 
and Homer, to the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Pacific Railroad.  In 
February, 1886, the railroad question was revived, and Beardsley 
suggested a 5-mill tax for ten years, on the valuation of 1886.  In 
August a meeting was held at Homer, to further the interest of the 
road, J. T. Boone, W. D. Prothro, H. F. Scheen, Gladney, Richardson, 
Clingman, Bridgman, Nelson, Gill and Hammett, the directors being 
present.  The tax was approved on August 24.

On January, 15, 1890, the stockholder of the Louisiana North & South 
Railroad, at a meeting held in Homer, decided to sell the property and 
franchises of the road to the Louisiana & Northwestern Railroad 
Company.  The construction of the road to Gibsland cost about $120,000, 
of which the sum of $40,000 was contributed by citizens of Claiborne 
and Bienville Parishes.  The new company assumed all obligations, and 
took out a new charter containing the names of about 160 of the members 
of the old stockholders in this company.

The Louisiana North & South Railroad Company elected directors in July, 
1889, G. G. Gill (treasurer), S. Y. Gladney, J. A. Richardson 
(attorney) and W. G. Darley, of Homer (assistant secretary), W. B. 
Colbert, A. D. Hammett and W. L. Kidd, of Gibsland, being the local 
directors.  Maj. Beardsley sold one-half his interest in the road 
between Homer and Gibsland prior to this date, but retained the 
management.  In August the work of constructing the road south to 
Bienville was entered upon, and in 1890 regular train service between 
this new town and Gibsland was established.  The office of the company 
are at Gibsland.

In the history of Caddo Parish references are made to the Vicksburg, 
Shreveport & Texas Railroad.

Homer is situated 16 degrees west of Washington, in Latitude 32 degrees 
46 feet north, on the divide between the D'Arbonne and the Corni.  The 
entry of the town site of Homer was made July 24, 1848, the east half 
of the southeast quarter and the northwest quarter of the southeast 
quarter of Section 23, Township 21, Range 7, by the police jury, while 
Tillinghast Vaughan entered, on the same date, the southwest quarter of 
the southeast quarter of same section, which he was compelled 
subsequently to exchange, under threat of removing the parish seat.  
This exchange was promptly made, and the town was surveyed by B. 
McCloskey.  The sale of lots followed (before the fire at Athens), H. 
Robertson, J. C. Cunningham and E. H. Fuller buying on the north side; 
B. F. Sanders, W. Dyer, S. P. Day and A. Whitehead on the south side; 
C. C. Gryder, Grooms & Co., B. L. Rye and J. Atwell, on the east side; 
T. Mitchell, R. Browning, J. Taggart and J. Beopple, on the west side-
all fronting the public square.  Tillinghast Vaughan purchased Lost 83 
and 86, in Block E, and William Berry, the corresponding lots in Block 
D, While A. B. Catton purchased south of Berry.  J. Nettlerode 
purchased the present Hulse property, and S. P. Day purchased four lots 
where now stands Mrs. McCranie's brick block.  T. Henderson purchased 
the lost north and east of the old jail.  Fuller, Foster and S. Gamon 
purchased the north front lots of the block north of the court-house, 
and W. B. Dyer, W. C. Ridgeway, W. Prichard, J. B. McFarland, W. 
McDonald, G. W. Martin, J. Merze, J. Gwinn, S. Nelson, A. Hise and 
Wynne were the other original lot purchasers.  The name was suggested 
by Frank Vaughan.  William H. Maxey at once erected a log house on the 
southeast corner of the square, and a temporary building for parish 
office was constructed east of Maxey's house and a hotel erected where 
is now the residence of Mrs. McCranie.

After the location was adopted R. W. Capers built a storehouse on the 
northwest corner of the square.  This was a log cabin, wainscoted with 
boards sawed at Eldorado, Ark., forty miles away.  The old Claiborne 
Hotel, a two-story house, stood north of the court-house; then the 
larger Maxey Cheap Cash Store on the site of the pioneer cabin, and 
next the three cute Germans, Samuel, Michael and Alexander Wiles, 
opened a little business house.  A. McCranie built on the southeast 
corner and established a large trade.  B. D. Harrison opened a 
newspaper office in 1851, and the same year the Masons of the village 
organized.  J. C. Blackman's house stood where R. W. Collier's dwelling 
now is, but the old building was removed a point west, and in 1886 was 
occupied by J. M. White;  Green's house on the hill is occupied by the 
Widow Vaughan; on the site of Green Taylor's dwelling stands that of J. 
K. Willet; the old tavern has given place to Mrs. McCranie's dwelling; 
the Bonning House and Tillinghast Vaughan's house are all standing as 
reminders of Homer's early days; but the temporary court-house, as well 
as the first permanent building erected  for parish purposes, have 
disappeared.  Up to 1861 every one of the buildings named had happy 
associations, but then the terrors of civil war over the place and the 
peace of this Louisiana Auburn was offered up as a sacrifice to the god 
of arms.  Every home sent forth a soldier, and when the refugee 
families from the Mississippi Valley came hither to seek shelter from 
the storms, they found only non-combatants, stoical while enthusiastic, 
silent and thoughtful.  The riflemen and artillery of the North did not 
come hither until the war was over, but the Trans-Mississippi 
battlefields claimed many of Homer's citizens and few returned to 
realize the political and social changes which a few years had 
effected.

The first postmaster of Homer is not remembered by the old settlers, 
but as McFarland was master at Athens when the seat of justice was 
moved, he may have moved here also.  W. C. Crutcher, who was postmaster 
in 1852, kept his office in his drug store.  M. Callahan was postmaster 
subsequently; J. P. Smith came next as United States Postmaster, in 
1866.  Augustus Lovellette, a Federal soldier was commissioned after 
the war.  W. J. Taylor, R. T. Vaughan, J. A. Witter with S. Y. Gladney, 
deputy; Miss Lou Martin, 1870-71; D. W. Harris, 1871-86; W. W. Brown, 
1886-89; Mrs. E. V. Boring, in July, 1889, now incumbent.

The location of old-time business houses in always worthy of attention.  
At the southeast corner of the public square was William H. Maxey, and 
on the extreme southwest corner, Dunston & Dansby.  Reams & Clegg were 
at the northwest corner.  Between these points were many houses of less 
note, but all appeared to do a lively and successful business.  
Repeated failures of crops, however, brought about disaster, and house 
after house failed or closed.  Jonathan Ferguson assumed control of the 
old Planter's House, and did a thriving business for a number of years.  
In time Gill & McCranie dissolved copartnership and sold their brick 
house to Otts & Barrow, but McCranie, too full of business to stop 
work, erected a spacious and handsome wooden store on the northwest 
corner, where prosperity seemed to bless every venture he made there.  
The business of Duston & Dansby was closed, owing to the death of the 
former, and their fine brick house was disposed of to J.C. Blackman and 
Hugh Taylor (good Uncle Hugh), which firm, for some years, did a fine 
business.  On the death of Uncle Hugh the firm closed and the business 
went into the hands of George Taylor and H. C. Mitchell, who did a fine 
business until burned out in April, 1871.  G. G. Gill did a good 
business at the corner store now occupied by W. G. Taylor.  Reams & 
Clegg having closed out their business, the old Caper's House, where so 
much business had been done, now became vacant.

On December 22, 1876, fire destroyed the north and west sides of the 
square.  To replace the houses burned was now the object of the 
business men.  The McCranie brick store took the place of the old frame 
house; W. J. Barrow also built a good house and G. G. Gill built on the 
site of Col. Caper's store.  While this fire destroyed several 
buildings, the heavy snow, which followed, crushed the Methodist house 
of worship and necessitated restoration or rebuilding.  The fire of 
August 20, 1890, destroyed the old livery stable of J. T. Otts and F. 
N. Allen.

Early in December, 1877, Dr. Cunningham's house on Third Street was 
burned.  It was the fifth of a row of dwellings on this street, the 
other four being saved by the citizens.

The fire of July 27, 1889, originated in the Whitter saloon, the front 
of which had been torn down to make way for the A. K. Clingman brick 
block.  The south side of the square was swept away except T. J. 
Longino's brick block.  The flames leaping across the street reduced 
the Hamilton and W. W. Brown buildings to ashes, but were arrested at 
the Johnston jewelry store.

The first set of ordinances was adopted September 12, 1855, and signed 
by W. S. Custis, mayor, and W. Crutcher, clerk.  In 1856 J. M. 
Thomasson was mayor, succeeded in 1857 by John W. Pennall, who in 
November gave place to W. S. Custis.  In this year B. D. Harrison 
succeeded Crutcher as clerk.  In 1858 N. J. Scott was chosen mayor.  
Ordinance No. 39, adopted in June, provided that all coffee-houses be 
permitted to keep their back doors open and sell on Sunday's until 9 A. 
M., and from 5 to 9 o'clock P. M.  On May 17 Surveyor E. B. Whitson, 
with Chain Carriers H. L. Cox and E. A. Walker, marked the boundary 
lines of the town.  Micajah Martin was appointed clerk in 1859, and E. 
L. Dyer in 1860.  In 1861 G. W. Price was mayor and James Potts, clerk, 
followed in 1862 by F. Vaughan, mayor, and B. D. Harrison, clerk.  In 
1864 A. McCranie presided as mayor, with M. Callahan, clerk, and in 
1866 N. J. Scott was elected chief magistrate.  At this time Ordinance 
No. 16 was adopted, fixing the license tax as follows: Retail grocers, 
$300; dry-goods, $50; livery stables, $25; family grocery, $50; 
confectionery stores, $25; hotels, $25; drug stores, $30; and dentist, 
$25.  In 1867 H. L. Cox was elected mayor, and the license tax was 
reduced to less than one-half in most cases.  J. R. Ramsey succeeded 
Cox the same year, and served until the election of J. Ferguson in 
1868.  W. J. Reams succeeded Callahan as clerk, both serving in 1869, 
when the first book of ordinances closed.

In 1877 J. Ferguson was mayor, and B. D. Harrison, secretary.  In 1878 
W. J. Leslie, Dr. S. Y. Webb, Dr. Meadors, John Cook, Col. J. S. Young, 
George Davis, B. T. Ledbetter and Bob Ferguson were school directors.  
In 1879 Mayor Ferguson presided, with M. R. Bryan, clerk, followed in 
1880 by J. A. Richardson and J. H. Simmons, mayor and clerk, 
respectively.  In 1881 E. H. McClendon was mayor, and in 1881-82 J. R. 
Ramsey signed the records as clerk.  In April, 1882, John E. Hulse was 
elected mayor.

In 1885 E. L. Johnson was elected mayor, and in 1886 J. D. Ferguson.  
A. E. Welder was acting clerk, vice Ramsey, at the greater number of 
meetings up to July of the last named year.  Walter Ward was mayor in 
1887-88, while S. J. Maffett succeeded J. R. Ramsey as clerk in 1888.  
The officers in June, 1890, were:  J. E. Hulse, mayor; R. W. Collier, 
George Gill, A. E. Wilder, C. O. Ferguson, J. T. Otts, selectmen; R. L. 
Richardson, clerk; Thomas Harris, marshal, W. F. Bridges, treasurer.

The Methodist Episcopal Church in Louisiana may be said to date back to 
1823, when eighty-nine white and ten colored members represented the 
denomination in the State.  From 1829 to 1833 William Stephenson 
preached throughout this section.  In 1827, however, a class was 
organized in the Hood settlement with John Burnham, leader; this was 
followed by Ashbrook's class near old Athens, but not until after the 
organization on the Louisiana Conference in 1846 did the people of the 
wilderness receive the new faith.

A society was organized at Homer, in 1849 or 1850, within the log house 
which stood where is now Dormon's blacksmith shop.  Later a house for 
worship was erected in rear of the present house, and this was used 
until December, 1876, when the big snow crushed it in.  In 1877-78 the 
house now in use was erected.

The Cumberland Presbyterian society was organized at Homer, and another 
at Shongaloo, in the fifties.  The Homer Association dissolved 
instanter, but a strongly society was organized at Mount Pleasant, and 
still another at Pleasant Grove, near Alexander's mill.  During the war 
the building at Mount Pleasant was destroyed by fire.  Salem, near the 
site of old Russellville, ultimately became the seat of Cumberlandism, 
with churches at Haynesville, Salem and four other places.

The Presbyterian Church dates back to Mr. Banks' address at Overton, in 
1838, and to Allen's settlement in 1839.  In 1851 the first 
organization was effected near Athens, although a preacher and school 
teacher of this faith resided at Homer then.  In 1852 Rev. J. F. 
Davidson arrived and found one other Presbyterian here.  Up to 1872 
services were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, but in that year 
their own building was completed.

The Missionary Baptist Church dates back to June 11, 1825, when a 
society was organized south of new Athens.  Fourteen years after the 
place of meeting was fixed at the old academy at old Athens, and lost 
many of its members by that move.  In 1859 the three remaining members, 
with others, reorganized under the name New Hope Church.  In 1826 or 
1827 Black Lake society was formed at John Murrell's.  In 1852 the name 
and location at Ebenezer Church was changed to Homer, S. Harris, being 
then pastor, and J. A. Millican, clerk.  In October, 1867, the 
organization ceased, but was revived four years later by A. Harris, who 
was succeeded as pastor by H.Z. Ardis.  From 1873 to August, 1877 the 
pulpit was vacant, and then J. W. Melton was called as pastor.  
Friendship Church was organized in 1847, at James Wise's house; in 1856 
the Rechabite Church near Haynesville was organized as New Friendship 
out of this society; the old Friendship out of this society; the old 
Friendship church-house was burned, and the society dissolved.  Gilgal 
Church was constituted in 1842; Union Church on Dorchette, in 1852; 
Pilgrams' Rest in 1853; Cool Springs, in 1862; Crystal Springs, in 
1874, and then followed the white and colored churches of modern times.

The Homer Male College (Methodist) was incorporated in 1855 and in 1856 
work on the buildings was begun, but for some reason the rooms were not 
opened for educational purposes until 1859.  The presidents were Rev. 
Baxter Clegg, assisted by J. W. Stacy and J. B. Gutter in 1859, 
followed by Rev. W. D. O'Shea in 1860, who conducted the school until 
1863, when R. M. Seavey came; it was closed in 1865.  In 1869 Rev. H. 
T. Lewis, assisted by Messrs. Borden and Wills, reopened the 
institution.  Rev. J. E. Cobb was president in 1870, with Messrs. A. C. 
Calhoun, J. W. Nicholson and E. M. Corry assisting, and Rev. F. J. 
Upton, collecting agent.  The latter collected subscription notes 
aggregating over $40,000, but their collection was quite another affair 
and ever the interest on a great part was refused.  In 1973 Rev. J. L. 
Bonden presided, followed by Baxter Clegg, Dr. T. B. Gordon and R. A. 
Smith, who was president when the institution was sold under execution 
in 1878.  Contemporary with the male was the female college.

The Homer Masonic Female Institute was established in 1859 as successor 
of the Homer Female College, with Prof. Wilcox in charge.  The Masonic 
lodge owned the property and directed the policy of the school.  Prof. 
Sligh and Mrs. Sligh were teachers here for many years.

The Homer Masonic Male and Female College dates back to 1885, when the 
plan of county education was adopted, and President Davidson placed in 
charge.  Then the Claiborne Male and Female College and the Masonic 
Institute appeared to have been separate institutions for a short time 
until the consolidation of two years ago when Claiborne College was 
adopted as the title.  The faculty comprised Mrs. Lawrence, M. A., and 
Prof. Martin, A. M., associate principal; Miss Mary Furman, M. A., 
instructress in elocution and French; Miss A. M. Teskey, M. A., in the 
art department; J. W. Connell, A. M., commercial department.  The brick 
building of olden days was restored, a new boarding hall erected and 
the Masonic Institute building repaired and refitted.

The Athenian Institute and Business College was presided over in 1888 
by R. P. Webb, with E. H. Payne, secretary; T. J. Caldwell, treasurer; 
W. W. Culpepper, A. H. Wilburn, A. H. Caldwell, J. W. Hilbun, H. L. 
Awbrey, N. D. Smith and B. P. Smith, directors.  In November of that 
year the officers named were called upon to refute the charges against 
Rev. L. A. Taylor.

Taylor Lodge No. 109, A. F. & A. M., was chartered in 1851, and 
continued in existence until 1858, when the charter was surrendered.  
Later, in 1858, Homer Lodge was chartered.  This lodge was organized U. 
D. With D. H. Dyer, worshipful master; J. M. Tilley, J. T. Brooks, J. 
S. Burnham, J. F. Leak, secretary; G. W. Price (died in 1881), E. B. 
Whitson and W. P. Brown, officers in order of rank, and James A. 
Millican, J. C. Blackburn and E. H. Fay, unofficial members.  The 
meeting of April 22, 1858, was held under charter No. 152.  Master Dyer 
was re-elected with E. B. Whitson, secretary; J. M. Thomason was chosen 
master for 1859, and in January the new charter of the Female 
Collegiate Institute was considered; John S. Young, R. F. Fancher, 
Wiley B. Gamon, J. G. and G. W. Warren, John Young, W. A. Carr, J. J. 
Brown, John Greer, S. M. Brown, W. H. Maxey, S. P. Gee and other 
members of old Taylor Lodge were admitted members of the new lodge.  In 
1860-61 G. M. Killgore (died during the war) was master, and W. P. 
Brown, secretary, until J. /w. Stacy was appointed.  The death of E. B. 
Whitson is noticed on February 16.  A. C. Hill was master, and B. R. 
Coleman, secretary in 1862, followed in January, 1865, by H. W. 
Kirkpatrick, worshipful master, and W. C. Crutcher, secretary, an they, 
in 1866, by F. A. Jones, worshipful master, and A. Weil, secretary.  
The masters and secretaries elected since 1867 are named as follows:  
F. A. Jones, M.; and B. R Coleman, Sec., 1867; A. C. Hill, J.; and J. 
R. Ramsey, Sec., 1868; F. A. Jones, M., and J. R. Ramsey, Sec., 18679-
72; R. T. Vaughan, Sec., 1872; J. W. Todd, M. (died in 1877), and B. D. 
Harrison, Sec., 1874-76; J. R. Ramsey, W. M., 1877-90, and B. D. 
Harrison Sec., 1877-89.  On the latter's death John A. Richardson was 
appointed temporary secretary and subsequently elected secretary.  The 
cause of losing the old charter was due entirely to the fanatical 
action of a few members, when resolutions bearing on the death o Allen 
Harris were considered.

Homer Council No. 1, U. F. of T., was a strong organization here in 
1877.  The Grand Council of North Louisiana was also organized here.

Davidson Council 444, A. L. of H., was organized November 20, 1881, 
with the following members: Drew Ferguson, commander; A. Weil, M. H. 
Lipmins,* 1888; W. W. Arbuckle,* J. R. Ramsey, W. W. Brown, D. W. 
Harris, Nancy L. Harris,* 1883; B. D. Harrison, E. J. Harrison, G. W. 
Vaughan, J. e. Hulse, R. R. Hightower, J. H. M. Taylor, Sallie Jones, 
Betty Ferguson, L. J. Brown, W. C. Price, D. P. Taylor, E. G. 
Hightower, P. E. Lipmins, W. P. Carter* 1886, and G. W. Day.  The names 
marked * are deceased, and to their representatives $10,000 was paid.  
J. R. Ramsey has served as commander since 1882.

Lodge 27, K. of P., was instituted July 5, 1881, with J. R. Ramsey, P. 
C.; Drew Ferguson, C. C.; T. S. Sligh A. E. Wilder, J. W. Holbert, J. 
K. Willet, M. C. Lawrence, W. Ward, James T. Otts, J. Floyd Key, B. A. 
Bridges, A. K. Clingman, Barney McHenry and John Brown, filling the 
other offices.  The office of chancellor commander has been filled by 
A. E. Wilder, F. C. Greenwood, E. H. McClendon, G. G. Gill, J. A. 
Richardson, C. O. Ferguson, E. R. White and A. E. Wilder, the present 
commander.  Then Endowment Rank was organized immediately after with G. 
G. Gill, the first president, followed by Drewry Ferguson.  G. G. Gill 
is now president, with Walter Ward as secretary.

The Y. M. C. A. Was organized June 10, 1890, with C. W. Seals, 
president; Dr. Pollard, vice-president; P. A. Tatum, secretary, and J. 
K. Willet, treasurer.  Lila M. Gill, Ada Mercer, Agnes McCorkle and J. 
A. McCorkle were appointed a committee to select books.

The Homer National Bank was organized in November, 1889, with W. P. 
Otts, president; J. W. Holbert, vice-president; C. O. Ferguson, 
cashier; T. Bridgmen, P. Loewenbery, J. H. Simmons, J. W. Holbert, J. 
K. Willet and Drew Ferguson, directors.

The Interstate Building & Loan Association was organized in March, 
1890, with J. K. Willet, president; A. K. Clingman, vice-president, and 
R. P. Webb, secretary, treasurer and attorney.

The Southwestern Building & Loan Association was organized in March, 
1890, with A. K. Clingman, president; J. C. Willis, vice-president; R. 
P. Webb, secretary, and they with Joe Palmer, W. A. Walker, John P. 
Awbrey and J. L. Ferguson, formed the board of directors.

The Otts House is the modern hotel of the town.  The old Homer House 
and the old Claiborne House are referred to as belonging to a past age.  
The brick for the proposed Clingman hotel was burned in 1890, by Mark 
Lee.  The projector of this house established the Clingman nurseries in 
1873.

Athens is an old name given to a new town on the Louisiana & 
Northwestern Railroad.  It claims a population of about 250, six 
business houses, a Masonic hall, one saw-mill, and planer, one steam 
gin and grist-mill, blacksmith and woodshop, a hotel, three religious 
denominations (Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian) and excellent 
school in charge of Prof. J. M. Davis, good depot buildings and 
telegraph office, and a few modern dwellings houses.  It is surrounded 
by a healthy and productive country, the soil and climate being 
admirable well adapted to the raising of all the products peculiar to 
this country, and especially to the successful growth of fruits and 
vegetables.  The country is well watered and timbered.  Sugar cane is 
grown in large quantities, and the manufacture of molasses is practiced 
on an extensive scale.  The farmers are also turning their attention to 
the raising of mules and horses, principally the former.  The first 
fire was that of March 23, 2890, which destroyed the Baker store, and a 
portion of his stock of merchandise.  The old Masonic lodge, Athens No. 
145, organized at the old town in 1856, is still in existence with 
headquarters in the new town.  In 1889 the Benevolent Association of 
Confederate Veterans was organized, composed of former residents of the 
States of Georgia, Maryland, Alabama, Mississippi and other Southern 
States.  The following officers were elected to serve during the first 
year: J. T. Baker, president; P. A. Awbrey, vice-president; J. H. Carr, 
recording secretary; J. W. Brooks, corresponding secretary; J. F. 
McFarland, treasurer.

Arizona, six miles east of Homer, may be said to have been founded in 
1866.  Soon after the war a magnificent cotton factory was erected at 
this place, capable of employing a large number of hands.  Its 
inconvenience to easy and rapid transportation, with other trouble, 
caused it to cease operating after a few years.  It is now owned by the 
John Chaffe estate, and is motionless.  Arizona, for a number of years, 
was the seat of Arizona Seminary, a very popular and flourishing school 
under the principalship of J. W. Nicholson, now professor of 
mathematics in the State University at Baton Rouge.  Notwithstanding 
the discontinuance of the factory, and the decadence of its school, 
Arizona has held many of its old citizens, the Willises, Wafers, 
Nicholsons, Drs. Calhour and Baker, Dutcher, Corrys, etc.  Here Beacon 
Lodge No. 220, A. F. & A. M. was chartered in 1872, and existed until 
1886.  Hither the Forest Grove Methodist Episcopal Church-house  was 
moved in 1886.  

Haynesville, formerly known as Taylor's Store, dates back to 1848, when 
J. c. Taylor established his business here.  Prior to that date, 1843, 
Hiram Brown had located close by, also J. C. Wasson and L. S. Fuller, 
in 1844.  In 1846 Miles Buford and Samuel Boyd cast their fortunes in 
this settlement, and in 1849 Henry Taylor came among them.  Yearly the 
settlement increased in numbers, and farms, large and small, were 
opened.  In consequence of this increase in population and agriculture, 
William W. and J. L. Brown began a mercantile business next door to 
Taylor.  Sam Kirkpatrick and Dr. Wroten opened a drug business.

The country was full of game, and deer skins and bear hams were staples 
articles of trade.  But with the rush of emigration that began in 1850 
and which continued up to 1860, new ideas came, new wants and new 
industries.  Agriculture began in earnest, and in a few years large 
farms were opened in every direction, the public lands were all 
entered, roads opened and prosperity was exhibited all through the 
region.  After the war the Greenback Dollar and the Western Protestant 
were issued here.  Other little journals were projected; but the 
present Star of 1889-90 shows signs of permanence.  The Methodist 
Episcopal Church at this place is one of the old classes of D'Arbonne 
Circuit.  Haynesville Lodge 178, A. F. & A. M., was chartered in 1861.

Summerfield, situated in the northeastern portion of the parish, is a 
thriving village of about 120 inhabitants.  It was settled by W. R. 
Kennedy in 1868, by the erection of a wood and blacksmith shop, and a 
business house.  It now has four stores dealing in general merchandise 
and plantation supplies, several drug stores, a saw and grist mill, and 
several mills in the vicinity, all run by stream.  It has four churches 
(Methodist Episcopal Church South, Methodist Protestant, Missionary 
Baptist and Primitive Baptist).  Hebron Missionary Baptist Church was 
organized near this village in 1848 by R. A. Hargis and Richard Young.  
On August 29, 1882, a Baptist society was reorganized here by Elder 
Burt, the old society at Hebron being also in existence.  In 1845 a 
Methodist society was organized in the Corni Bluff vicinity, which in 
time merged into the Summerfield society, whither house of worship was 
erected there.  In 1842 the Methodist Protestant denomination organized 
in the parish, and Presbyterianism was organized in 1851.  Summerfield 
Lodge No. 210, A. F. & A. M., was charted in 1870, and now bears the 
number 88.  There are twenty-three members reported.

Tulip, in the southeastern part of the parish, was an important trade 
center until the completion of the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Texas 
Railroad in 1884, when Arcadia, in Bienville Parish, competed for the 
trade of the district.  Here, for many years, P. Marsalis & Sons 
carried on a large general store without serious opposition.  Among the 
old settlers of this vicinity are the Watsons, Marsalises, Whites, 
Gandys, Leslie and Hays, with others named in the list of first land 
buyers of the township.  A stream saw and grist mill, a steam cotton-
gin, a school-house, a commodious Methodist meeting-house, and a number 
of steam cotton-gins and saw-mills in the immediate neighborhood make 
up the industries, no less than five or six steam whistles being in 
easy hearing of the village.  A lodge of Masons, known as Tulip Lodge 
No. 187, was organized in 1867, and still works under the charter of 
that date.  The Methodist Church is the final development of a series 
of organizations that went before it.  In 1847 or 1848 William McCue 
settled near the Dansby place, and , with the assistance of others, 
built a log house in which was organized a small membership.  As others 
began to move into the neighborhood, Re. James Watson, Josiah Watts, M. 
Kenebrew, William Oliver, and others, in order to have the church more 
centrally located, it was taken down and moved two miles farther south.  
It there took the name Walnut Grove.  About 1855 a large frame building 
was erected about half a mile east to take the place of the loge house, 
and to it was given the name of Pisgah.  Here it continued until 1872, 
when the class was divided, one section being attached to Homer and the 
other to Tulip, where a new house was built at a cost of $1,500.

Colquit is still known, the storm referred to in the first chapter 
shaking it into life.  Around this place settled the Tignors, Grays and 
Wilsons, and here, in 1856 Cool Spring Lodge No. 149, A. F. & A. M., 
was organized, continuing work until 1881.  Methodist and Baptist 
societies were organized there at an early day.  Gordon was founded by 
Dr. Gordon years before he moved to Texas.  It is still a small 
business center.

Antioch P. O. Was established in August, 1889, with J. B. Williams, 
master.  Forty years before a Baptist society was organized here, and 
in December of that year Seaborn J. Fuller was chosen pastor.  It was a 
strong Baptist settlement, such pioneers as the Fortsons, Lees, Hays, 
Johnsons, Williams, Browns, Applewhites and Sterlings being members of 
the society of 1852.

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