Biography, Jefferson Ezell, M.D., LaSalle Parish, La. Compiled and Submitted by: Pat Ezell ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** TIPS FOR SEARCHING RECORDS ON THE INTERNET Netscape & Ms Explorer users: If you are searching for a particular surname, locality or date while going through the records in the archives or anywhere....try these few steps: 1. Go to the top of the report you are searching. 2. Click on EDIT at the top of your screen 3. Next click on FIND in the edit menu. 4. When the square pops up, enter what you are looking for in the FIND WHAT ___________blank. 5. Click on DIRECTION __DOWN. 6. And last click on FIND NEXT and continue to click on FIND NEXT until you reach the end of the report.This should highlight the item that you indicated in "find what" every place it appears in the report. You must continue to click on FIND NEXT till you reach the end of the report to see all of the locations of the item indicated. Jefferson Ezell, M.D. (DOB: 2 Oct.1831- DOD: 16 Jan. 1891) A Country Doctor, Merchant, Planter and Community Leader Patricia E. Ezell, Compiler PatEzell@worldnet.att.net On October 2, 1831, Jefferson Ezell was born near the Summit/McComb area of Pike County, Mississippi, to Benjamin Ezell (b. 28 Dec. 1793, GA-d 29 June 1835) and Rebecca Morris (b. 21 Sept. 1798-d. 1 Feb. 1870). Benjamin and Rebecca Ezell had moved from Hancock County, Georgia to Pike County, Ms. in the latter part of 1817. Siblings of Jefferson Ezell were: (1)Greenberry B. Ezell (b.17 Oct. 1817-d.1 Jan. 1904), (2)Elminy Frances Ezell Keith (b. 2 Jan.1821-after 31 Dec. 1886), (3)Mary Ann Eliza Ezell Chaddick (b. 27 May 1822-d. 22 Dec 1880), (4)Jesse Ezell (b.2 Sept 1824-d.abt. 1885), (5)Lucinda Ezell McDonald (b. 28 Mar. 1827-d.7 Feb. 1881), (6)John Wilson Ezell (b.22 Aug. 1829-d.11 Sept 1869), and (7)Amanda Adeline Ezell, (b. 6 Apr. 1834-26 Mar 1885).[1] [2] [3] Jefferson Ezell first appeared in census records in the 1840 census of Pike County, Mississippi, where he is shown as a male, age 5-10, in the household headed by his mother, Rebecca Ezell. His father, Benjamin Ezell, had died 5 years previously when Jefferson was only 3 1/2 years old.[4] By 1850, the same household consisted of Rebecca Ezell (age 53), Jesse (age 25, farmer), Jefferson, (age 19, farmhand), Amanda (age 16), and children of Greenberry Ezell, Franklin (age 12), Robert (age 8), and Lucinda (age 4). Property was valued at $1,000.[5] Greenberry, the oldest son of Benjamin and Rebecca, had gone to Texas from where he made several excursions to California during the gold rush period. Apparently, he left his children with his mother during his journeys. Little is known about Jefferson Ezell until the winter of 1855, when he began attending medical lectures at the Medical School of New Orleans, now known as Tulane University. He began practicing medicine and surgery in Winnfield, La. in 1856, where he practiced for about six weeks before moving in July of 1856 to Catahoula Parish, present day La Salle Parish, La.[6] . He continued his medical studies in New Orleans during the winters of 1856 and 1857.[7] [8] [9] Jefferson Ezell is found in the 1860 census as a physician living on Hemp's Creek[10] in the home of James Monroe Baker.[11] Personal property of Jefferson Ezell was valued at $300.00.[12] On January 30, 1861, Jefferson Ezell purchased 305 acres of land from Mrs. Keturah McGee for the sum of $1500 cash. This land was located on Little River near Wallace's Ridge in Catahoula Parish, La.[13] On March 27, 1861, Jefferson Ezell married Rebecca Ann Baker (b.10 Oct. 1843- 26 Feb. 1862), daughter of Isaac "Ike" Lanehart Baker (1820-1910) and Elizabeth Carter (1823-1871). The marriage ceremony was performed by John B. Heard, Justice of the Peace, in the home of the bride in the presence of her family and friends. Official witnesses were James Forsythe, Thomas Rhinehart, and James Monroe Baker.[14] [15] Rebecca Ann and Jefferson had less than one year together as husband and wife, as Rebecca died within two months of the birth of their only child, Isaac Benjamin Ezell, who was born on December 31, 1861.[16] Rebecca was only eighteen years of age at the time of her death. She was buried on the Isaac Baker homeplace off the Nebo Road south of Jena, La.[17] The child, Isaac Benjamin Ezell, known as "Ben," was apparently raised by his maternal grandparents, Isaac and Elizabeth Baker, as he appears as a 9 year old child in their household in the 1870 Catahoula Parish census.[18] Jefferson did not marry again for four years. Little has been located about Jefferson Ezell during the Civil War period, although it is believed he enlisted at Harrisonburg, La., in August 1862, where he served as a private in Company D, Third Louisiana Cavalry until the time of his parole in Alexandria in May 1865.[19] This service has not been verified due to the destruction of many official records in this area during the War. The practice of medicine was no doubt unreliable as a source of income during this period for, around 1865 Jefferson Ezell, entered into a mercantile business partnership with Capt. James Forsythe.[20] The Ezell & Forsythe General Store was located not far from the current day Forsythe Cemetery in Jena, La.[21] The firm of Ezell and Forsythe had limited success and was subsequently disbanded[22] although this did not occur until 1871-1872. when Jefferson Ezell sold out his interests to James Forsythe.[23] [24] Jefferson Ezell also supplemented his income by raising corn and cotton.[25] Tax records for 1865 indicate that Jefferson Ezell owned 790 acres of land, 80 of which were cultivated in corn, with 650 acres uncultivated. This land was valued at $4,000. The value of capital and/or merchandise was $2,000. The cash value of livestock was $1,285 and the value of a carriage or vehicle was $100. The total cash value of taxable property was given as $7,385.00.[26] Tax records for 1865 indicate that 1400 bushels of corn had been produced in 1864.[27] Federal tax records dated November 1866, show Dr. J. Ezell's cotton crop valued at $1,094.00 and taxed at a rate of 3%, for a total tax of $32.82. At some point Jefferson Ezell entered into business with Eli Splawn as the 1866 Federal Tax Records also show J. Ezell & Splawn on Hemp's Creek being in the Retail Liquor Business.[28] On February 15, 1866, Jefferson Ezell married Martha Elizabeth Splawn in the home of her father, Eli Splawn, of Catahoula Parish, La. The ceremony was conducted by T.A. Routon,[29] Minister of the Gospel, and witnessed by James Forsythe, W.D.Thompson and B.C.H. Guice.[30] Martha was a first cousin to Jefferson's first wife, Rebecca Ann Baker. Within the first three years of Jefferson and Martha's marriage, two children were born: (1) Rebecca Elizabeth "Bettie" (b.19 Nov. 1866-d.10 Jan. 1967) and (2) Mary Adeline "Mollie" (b.27 Nov. 1868-10 Jan. 1967). Approximately two and one-half years later, the next child was born: (3)Aurelia Orstella "Realy" (b.27 March 1871-d.29 Apr. 1971). Subsequent children were born at two to three years intervals, with the last child being born six years after the previous child. The other children were: (4)Dewitt, (b.3 June 1873-d.27 Nov. 1955), (5) Margaret Luella "Maggie" (b.6 Feb. 1876-d.28 Dec.1927), (6)Willie Splawn (b. 11 May 1878-d.17 May 1976), (7)Anthony Houston (b.3 March 1881-6 Jan.1953), and, (8)Rowena "Roena" Lucille Ezell (b.16 July 1885-d.25 May 1985).[31] The 1870 Catahoula Parish, La. census shows Jefferson Ezell as head of the household with his occupation listed as physician. His real estate was valued at $1500. [32] In 1871, the firm of Ezell & Forsythe filed suit against L.H. Dunlap in an attempt to collect a debt of $529.20. Apparently this had been owed since October 15, 1868 when a promissory note had been made by Dunlap for the sum of $529.20 at 8% interest per annum. On May 13, 1871, Judge S. Crawford of the 12th Judicial District Court, found in favor of Ezell and Forsythe against Dunlap.[33] It is unknown whether this money was ever paid. After the Civil War, health conditions were extremely poor and many citizens in the South were either seriously ill or highly susceptible to disease. Malaria and yellow fever were on the rise. Jefferson Ezell recognized the need to further his education as a physician so that he could more effectively minister to the people in the country. Although the War and Reconstruction had devastated the South, Jefferson still owned land. He decided to sell much of the land to finance the continuation of his medical education at the medical school in Louisville, Kentucky. Having already sold out his interests in the Ezell & Forsythe business to James Forsythe on Sept. 18, 1872, Jefferson sold 323 acres of land, which included a sawmill to Isaac L. Baker for $525.00.[34] On Sept. 28, 1872, he sold 40 acres of land to Thomas Rhinehart for $30.00.[35] In late September 1872, Jefferson moved to Kentucky where he enrolled in the Medical School at the University of Louisville for the Term which began on Monday, Oct. 6, 1873. Due to his previous medical studies in New Orleans and the fact he had been practicing medicine for a minimum of 4 years, he was required to attend only one term at the University of Louisville to be eligible for admission for examination and graduation.[36] Six months later on Monday evening, March 3, 1873, in the Public Library Hall, the President of the Board, the Honorable Isaac Caldwell, conferred the degree of Doctor of Medicine on Jefferson Ezell.[37] [38] He was 42 years of age. It is unknown whether Martha and the small children accompanied him to Louisville or if they remained behind in Jena. However, Jefferson Ezell appears on the 1871 and 1873 Catahoula Parish tax rolls continuing to own land, livestock and a buggy,[39] while the 1874 and 1875 tax rolls indicate that he owned no land and had only horses and cattle. [40] Apparently getting re-established in Catahoula Parish was difficult for Dr. Ezell as he had liquidated so much land prior to leaving for medical school. It appears, however, that in April of 1875, he was able to redeem 215 acres of land on Hemphill's Creek that had been taken over by the State in 1873 for non-payment of taxes.[41] On January 21, 1876, Jefferson Ezell paid $100.00 to Isaac L Baker for 135 acres of property on Hemphill's Creek. The property was described as Lot #1, Northeast fractional quarter of fractional Section 26, Township 8, Range 3 East, as per Patent No. 21328 issued to Isaac L. Baker.[42] This land was part of an original tract of 640 acres belonging to the Succession of Elias Carter, and had been his former residence.[43] [44] On January 31, 1876, Jefferson Ezell filed a lawsuit, via his attorney, D.B. Gerham, against H. Spiro & Viet and J.M. Faulk, Sheriff of Catahoula Parish. According to the petition, Spiro & Viet, a commercial firm in Orleans Parish and the Sheriff of Catahoula Parish had wrongfully seized the Ezell property based on a debt of $112.34 with 5% interest per annum accruing from January 8, 1873. The Sheriff had advertised the property for sale on the first Saturday of February, 1876. The property described as Lot No.1, North East quarter of Section 26, Township 8, Range 3 East, contained 135 acres valued at $200.00, the same property that Dr. Ezell had purchased just ten days previously from Isaac Baker. The Ezell suit claimed exemption from this seizure and sale as the property was the Ezell homestead and residence of himself, his wife and family. An injunction was obtained by Dr. Ezell. Several counter legal actions were filed, including an Answer by Boatner & Elam, Attorneys for the Defendants, which stated that Jefferson Ezell was not entitled to the protection of the Homestead Exemption law because he was not a farmer by profession, but a regularly practicing physician as his means of livelihood. A trial was held and James M. Baker, Iven Heard, and J.M. Kirby were subpoenaed to testify in Court on April 17, 1876. On February 26, 1877, Parish Judge, J.F. Marshall, issued an Order that that the Sheriff was not to proceed with the sale of property.[45] On May 31, 1877, Sheriff Faulk again served Jefferson Ezell with a notice of seizure of this property as the amount due Spiro & Viet had not been paid. The property was advertised in the Catahoula News and was to be sold at the Courthouse doors in Harrisonburg on Saturday, July 21, 1877. Although bids were solicited on July 21, no bids were forthcoming and no sale was made. The property was against advertised for sale on August 18, 1877, at public auction. Charles J.Boatner, agent for Isaac L. Baker, successfully bid $.02 per acre, ($2.70 total) and the property ownership was transferred on August 30, 1877.[46] The property changed hands among various family members a number of additional times between the years of 1877 and 1940.[47] Sometime during this period, Martha E. Ezell filed suit against her husband, Jefferson, and won a judgment of $500 under a writ of fi fa. On. July 9, 1877, the judgment was recorded and Martha assumed the control of the following property: 1 ox wagon worth $15.00, 1 horse wagon valued at $50.00, 10 cows, yearlings and calves valued at $7.50 per head, 30 head of stock, i.e., hogs worth $2.00 per head, for a total of $195.00 to be credited to the Judgment.[48] Apparently, Martha's control of the property continued as Jefferson Ezell did not appear as a property owner on the tax assessment rolls after this time. Mrs. M.E. Ezell was consistently shown as the taxpayer even though Jefferson did not die until January, 1891. The amount of acreage owned by Mrs. Ezell increased from 80 acres in 1878, to 340 acres in 1880, to 420 acres by 1882, to 575 acres in 1885 and to 616 acres in 1891.[49] It appears it was necessary to continually make efforts to collect outstanding debts. A list of debtors was drawn up and turned over to Mr. William Taylor of Funny Louis, La., for collection purposes. In a letter written to Dr. Ezell on July 21, 1877 by Mr. Taylor, he refers to Mr. V.A.T. Reed as having paid and William Arthur and Rhoda Francis as having made arrangements to pay.[50] Dr. Ezell continued to practice medicine in Jena, in Catahoula Parish, and the surrounding parishes.[51] His office was on the Nebo Road approximately two miles south of Jena, La. Because not everyone who was ill could come to the medical office, it is likely he traveled on horseback or in a horse and buggy to make house calls. Collecting debts must have been a problem throughout the years, as H.B. Taliaferro served as the attorney for Dr. Ezell, specializing in the collection of debts. In a letter dated in 1887 from the Office of H.B. Taliaferro of Harrisonburg, Taliaferro wrote that he had collected $11.13 from a man named Carter. Taliaferro also referred in this same letter to having paid T.R. Smith for Dr. Ezell's license to practice in the parish for that year.[52] Although Jefferson Ezell was never a wealthy man, the financial picture must have improved as it seems the family lived more comfortably in the mid to late 1880's. A number of letters in the possession of the author, indicate that Jefferson and Martha's daughters, Bettie and Realy, frequented New Orleans for parties, concerts and extended visits with friends. Realy, who seems to have always been in poor health, went across Lake Ponchartrain to Bay St. Louis[53] where she sought treatment at "the baths."[54] Although Realy was in extremely fragile physicalcondition throughout her life, the continual medical treatments were obviously successful as she lived to be 100 years old![55] Oftentimes clues to family relationships as well as friends can be determined by witnesses on official records. Dr. Jefferson Ezell served as an official witness to many marriages. On Dec. 23, 1857, he signed as a witness to the marriage between James A.G. Pool and Missouri Malinda Ford. The ceremony was conducted by John P. Blake, Minister. Other witnesses were Isaac Ford and William C. Finlay.[56] On January 20, 1859, George W. Albritton and Sarah A. Cassels were married by A.B. Davis, Minister. Witnesses were: J.Ezell, B.E. Harrelson and L.D. Sherwood.[57] Then in 1862, he served as witness in two marriages: (1) Martha E. Gilbert and Henry M. Ward who were married on Jan. 8, 1862 by W.J. Lacy (other witnesses: John B. Heard and W.B. Hailey), and (2) W.A. Parker and Basheaba Fortner were married on Feb. 6, 1862 by Rev. Yancey, (other witnesses: J.T. Olds and W.D. Wilbanks).[58] On Jan. 8, 1868, J Ezell, Moses Walker and Isaac Baker were official witnesses to the marriage between James Forsythe and Rebecca Baker in a marriage ceremony conducted by Rev. E. Yancey.[59] Then on August 26, 1868, J. Ezell, J. Beck and C.C. Green were witnesses to the marriage of John Galvin and Fredonia Allen. Uriah Riley, Minister, officiated.[60] On Feb. 1, 1876, E.H. Williams, Justice of the Peace, married Daniel Price and Mary Frazier. Official witnesses were: J. Ezell, Joe Price and W.J. Wilson.[61] On Dec. 31,1879, Rev. E.W. Yancey married E.W. Ford and L.R. Coleman. Official witnesses were: J. Ezell, J.M. Baker and H.W. Ford.[62] In 1876 the inventory and appraisal of the Estate of Elizabeth Carter Baker, wife of Isaac Lanehart Baker, was filed. Jefferson Ezell, B.F. Baker, R.L. Brooks, and J.M. Baker signed as witnesses. As a part of this Succession, the four minor children, Isaac L. Baker, Jr., James Elias Baker, Sarah Emeline Baker and John Baker, were all mentioned.[63] Jefferson Ezell, who had first married Rebecca Ann Baker, was the brother-in-law to these children. The 1880 census of Catahoula Parish, La. shows Jefferson Ezell, age 48, Physician, as Head of Household with his wife, Martha (age 34), his sister, Amanda Ezell (age 46), his children, Isaac Benjamin (age 19), Rebecca (age 13), and his nephews, John Monroe Ezell (age 15) and James Oscar Ezell (age 13). John and Oscar were sons of Jefferson's brother, John Wilson Ezell, who had died on September 11, 1869.[64] It was customary for property owners to be responsible for assisting with the building, maintenance and upkeep of the public roads that ran near their property. On Jan. 6, 1881, the Catahoula Parish Police Jury authorized the creation of a new road district #59, "leaving from Jena, and intersecting the Lower Alexandria Road, near Truman Breithaupt's place." The "hands from the places of T & J. Ringgold, H. Browning, Mrs. Nancy Taylor, Monroe Kirby, Mrs. E. Heard, Mrs. Fortner, Mrs. Lucy Brown, Dr. Ezell, and A.B. Heard" were ordered to be placed on the road with John Sandiford appointed as Syndic for the year.[65] [66] It is probable these individuals owned property on this new road; some were related to one another.[67] Actively involved in the community, Dr. Ezell served as a witness during trials on at least two occasions during 1884-85. On January 7, 1885, he was paid $3.50 by the Catahoula Police Jury for serving as witness #81. This case may have involved a man by the name of J.P. Routon as payment to Mr. Routon was rejected by the Police Jury "for the reason that suit was instituted against him by the Parish."[68] Months later on October 6, 1885, Dr. Ezell again served as a witness on the Swayze case and was authorized a payment of $7.75 by W.G. Mobley, President of the Police Jury. Other witnesses for this trial were: Lee Harrison, William M. Davis and Thomas Bass.[69] On February 14, 1887, W.Y. Moore filed a Power of Attorney authorizing Dr. J. Ezell "to take charge of my place at Jena to rent or sell as he sees fit or to prevent any person from intruding on it in any way cutting timber or tearing down fences or in any other way that can be mentioned." This Power of Attorney was signed by W.Y. Moore and witnessed by B.F. King and J.G. Pentecost and entered with the Court on June 6, 1888. This land was subsequently sold on June 4, 1888 by Jefferson Ezell on behalf of W.Y. Moore to Henry A. Barthlett of Catahoula Parish.[70] As severe electrical storms frequently occur in this area of Louisiana, Dr. Ezell was naturally concerned for the safety of his family and home. On July 12, 1888, Dr. Jefferson Ezell contracted for the installation of a lightning rod at his home with The Texas Star Lightning Rod Company. The purchase price was $68.80 for the erection of an I.G. Copper Covered Lightning Rod to be paid through a note to S.E. Moss of Shreveport, La. The rod was guaranteed for ten years to protect the building from lightning damage to an amount not exceeding $1,000.[71] On January 9, 1889, the Police Jury appointed road commissioners to lay out and establish a public road from a point two miles east of Mr. Sam Whatley's on the Alexandria & Harrisonburg Road which was to run in the direction of Rineheart's ferry and intersect with the lower Alexandria road near the ferry. Those appointed as road commissioners were: J. Ezell, A.B. Heard, Sr., James Forsythe, John G. Walker, I.V. Walker and H.B. Heard, Jr.[72] I.R. Adams was President of the Police Jury and D.N. Thompson, was the Clerk at the time of this appointment. The April, 1889, Catahoula Police Jury minutes read: "road district #76 changed as follows - commencing 1/4 of a mile south of Alexandria & Harrisonburg road leaving Williams General to the west & running north & intersection road district #102 3/4 of a mile northeast of Williams Gen. & the same places which are subject to road duty on road be continued on the road as changed. Known as Public Road #104 is same - commencing at a point on the Harrisonburg & Alexandria road about 2 miles east of Clear Fork & Trout Creek at the new road cut off by Dr. Ezell & to intersect the old mail road and thence to Baker old mill place on Hemp's Creek & thence following the land road to where it intersects the Jena & Rhinehart road and that the following hands are placed upon road and subject to duty from the places of Isaac Kees, Henry Cassiman, Silas Lanehart, W.E. Laneheart, Schuartz, Melton Burns, Joe Tarpley, Jesse Newman, J.G. & J.A. Walker, J.G. Walker lower place, Mrs. L.J. Brown, Dr. J. Ezell, A.B. Heard, Tom Laneheart & J.A. Walker appointed road syndic 1889.[73] Formal education was highly valued in the family. Although a school on the banks of Hemp's Creek had originally been established in 1868, the devastating flood of 1886 had caused many of the early settlers in the area to move away. As families began to return to the area, Dr. Ezell, S.B. Hanes,[74] and a number of other community leaders became involved in reorganizing the school . As a result, the Jena Seminary, Catahoula High School was established and chartered in 1890. The Seminary was owned by a stock company and administered by a Board of Directors consisting of Dr. J. Ezell, John Green Walker, J.H. Heard, Captain James Forsythe, Captain Dempsey, Rev. J.W. Brooks, and S.B. Hanes.[75] Dr. Ezell served as Treasurer on the Board. The Seminary, which was built directly in front of the Dr. B.L. Thompson[76] place [77] in Old Jena, would eventually evolve into the Jena High School. Also in 1890, Maggie, the 14 year old daughter of Jefferson and Martha Ezell was attending school at Normal[78] in Natchitoches, La. She was a classmate of Cammie Garrett Henry whose notebooks are in the Eugene P. Watson Library at the University of Northwestern.[79] Those who work long hours caring for the sick run an increased risk of becoming ill themselves. Therefore, it is not surprising that Dr. Ezell contracted pneumonia during the winter months of 1891. On January 16, 1891, he died suddenly while working late one evening in his office.[80] His long time friend and former business partner, James Forsythe, wrote a Memorial commemorating him which was published in the Jena newspaper as well as several others in the surrounding area.[81] Jefferson Ezell was buried in the Ezell family plot in the Forsythe Cemetery in Jena. An obelisk granite monument marks his grave.[82] As customary in the times, shortly after Jefferson Ezell's death, Martha Ezell was appointed natural tutrix of the minor children, Dewitt, Aurelia, Maggie, Anthony, Willie and Rowena.[83] J.Hubbard Heard, the son-in-law who had married Jefferson and Martha's daughter, Mollie,[84] was appointed undertutor. H.B. Taliaferro, Notary Public and Attorney, was commissioned by District Clerk Lewis B. Ker on July 15, 1891 to inventory and appraise the estate. On August 24, 1891, Taliaferro appointed H.B. Heard, Sr. and J.O. Ezell as appraisers. The estate included a library of medical books consisting of 34 volumes, appraised at $68.00, drugs and medicines appraised at $300.00, a physiological mannequin appraised at $30.00, a set of surgical instruments appraised at $50.00,[85] and a detailed listing of patient's accounts. This inventory was completed on August 25, 1891 with a total value set at $4,924.70. Of this amount, $4,476.70 were for payments due to Dr. Ezell from patients with outstanding bills. The estate had nine heirs, three major heirs, I.B. Ezell, Mary A. Heard (Mollie), Rebecca E. Ezell, and six minor heirs, Dewit M, Amelia O., Maggie L, Anthony H, Willie S, and Roena L. Ezell. Thos. Rhineheart, A.B. Heard, Jr., A.B. Heard and J.O. Ezell, all signed as witnesses to the inventory and appraisement.[86] The following names of individuals were shown as having outstanding debts to the Dr. Jefferson Ezell Estate. In addition to being a list of patients who had received medical attention, this listing is a good indicator of citizens who lived in the area in 1890-1891.[87] Frank Adams, I.R. Adams, J.C. Adams, Talbot Adams, John Ainsworth, J.R. Alexander, J.J. Allen, Allen (Indian), J.D. Arnold, William Arnold, B.F. Baker, I.L.Baker, I.L.Baker, Jr., J.B. Baker, J.F. Baker, Houston Banister, E. Bass, Allen Beck, E.L. Beck, Jim Bennett, E.W. Bethard, Eugene Blackman, J. Boyer, D.F. Bradford, Estate of Dalbert Breithaupt, F. Breithaupt, J. Breithaupt, J. M. Brooks, A.J. Brown, J.R. Brown, F.B. Bruce, Emma Burns, Milton Burns, John Carter, Henry Castleman, G.E. Clark, John Clark, Mortimer Clark, W.H. Clark, Jr., Mrs. M. Clarkson, John Cockerham, Alfred Coleman, J.N. Coleman, Julia Coleman, Mode Coleman, W.R. Coleman, John Collins, F.M. Coon, Hance Coon, Jo Coon, Thos.Coon, Beu Corley, Estate of Jack Corley, Nathan Corley, Henry Cosey, Alfred Curry, Kelly Curry, E.J. Curtis, John Dainer, John Dayton, Eli Dixon, Tom Dosher, D.L. Doughty, Mayor Doughty, Aaron Douglas, A.M. Duke, John Duke, H.A. Edwards, Linc Edwards, Dewie Euette, Emile Euette, I. Euhiken, John Evans, Sam Evans, Harrison Ferchew, Estate of J.M. Flowers, Thomas Flowers, E. Ford, Lem Ford, Webster Ford, James Forsythe, Estate of James Francis, J.S.Francis, Harper Frazer, Estate of J.L. Frazer, J.M. Frazer, J.M. Frazier for Mrs. Hay, John Frazer, Steve Frazer, William Frazier, Douglas Gage, H.W. Galvin, W.A. Ganey, Jas. Graham, Estate of S.F. Graham, Duncan Gray, F.S. Gray, J.B. Gray, J.I. Gray, Nick Gray, Duncan Gray, John Griffin, J.L. Griffin, Narcissa Griffen, D.A. Grimm, G.W. Hailey, I.J. Hailey, J.J. Hailey, Josephine S. Hailey, P.W. Hair, James Hall, Estate of Marinda Harris, Lee Harrison, Jesse Hatfield, Wm. Head, Estate of Mrs.E.H. Heard, J.Henry Heard, J.W.Heard, Andrew Hodge, Chas. Holland, Warner Holland, Jerry Holly, Peter Horace, John Hudnall, Willis Hudnall, Estate of Mrs. Hudson, Mrs.B. Huffman, Wm. Humble, Rush Humphries, B.N. Humphreys, Waddie Hunter, Levi Ingin, Joseph Jackson, Lucinda Jackson, William Jernagan, Austin Johnson, William Johnson, Alfred Jones, Estate of Callie Jonmagan, W.W. Kennon, I. Eutri Kerr, Kelly Kerry, B.F. King, Col. Charles King, Charles King, David King, George King, T.W. King, John Kirby, Jr., Oliver Kirby, A.Kitterlin, John Kitterlin, Silas Lanehart, Mrs. S.Laningham, James Lawrence, John Lawrence, Prss Lemon, Pete Lemmons, B.J. Lewis (Indian), Eli Little, Jane Malone, Jesse Masters, Jake McGee, Barney McGurk, Steve McLendon, James McMillan, John McVay, Jas. Manning, Miss Maples, William Methlin, Z.S. Miles, J.W. Miles, John Miles, Levi Miles, P.L. Miles, A.C. Miller, Ellen Mitchell, George Mitchell, Levi Mitchell, Joseph Mitchell, Jonce Morris, Henry Moses, Henry Myers, Frank Neal, Henry Neal, Lucy Neal, R.F. Neal, Levi Netherland, Jesse Newman, W.W. Newton, Robert Norris, W.A.J. Odum, Mrs. J.J. Olds, J.H. Oneal, Harpee Page, Kiley Paul, Fannie Patterson, Susan Patterson, Levi Paul, Louis Paul, J.G. Pentecost, J.R Pentecost, T.J. Pentacost, Margaret Peyton, William Pitman, John Pope (Indian), Mary Pounds, Estate of P. Price, J.A. Reaves, Verg Renfrow, Ike Rhinehart, T. Rhinehart, Butler Richardson, Ed Richardson, Frank Richardson, Henry Richardson, Geo.Richie, Jim Robertson, J.W.Robertson, John Robertson, R.W. Robertson, Tully Robertson, William Rodgers, Finly Rosher, Jo Sandifer, John H. Sandifer, John Sandiferd, Jr., Carroll Saunders, W.P. Saunders, B. Scarborough, Wood Scott, Jo Selliers, G.W. Shaifer, Monroe Shaifer, Thomas Simmons, Amos Smart, Andy Smart, Amos Smith, Balaam Smith, Dutch Smith, John Smith, Nancy Smith, R.H. Smith, W.A. Smith, W.H. Smith, Jr., W.W. Smith, W.W. Spinks, Haywood Squires, D.W. Standley, J.W. Stapleton, J.W. Stapleton, Jr., Richard Starks, Lewis Stone, J.B. Strange, Mrs. Mary Strange, Mrs. Mary Stringer, Jo Tarpley, R.F. Tarpley, A.J. Taylor, J.F. Taylor, Pomp Taylor, Martin Teny, Mrs. Mary Thomas, M.B. Thomas, David Thompson, Mrs. Eliza Thompson, W.W. Thompson, William Thompson, Mrs. A. Tidwell, John Tidwell, J.M. Turnley, Estate of Wm. H. Turnley, Wm. Valentine, George Vanderson, E. K. Volentine, Mrs. Mary Volentine, Reuben Volentine, Reuben Volentine, Jr., Calvin Waggoner, Wm. Waggoner, Abraham Walker, Frank Walker, James Walker, Jo Walker, M.H. Walker, Nick Walker, Vincent Walker, James Ward, William Ward, Jesse Washington, Clark Watson, J.H. Webb, William Webb, Wm. Wells, A.A. Whatley, Allen Whatley, Amos Whatley, Ed Whatley, Grant Whatley, Houston Whatley, J.W. Whatley, John Whatley, J.P.A. Whatley, Phineas Whatley, Phineas Whatley, Jr., Taylor Whidden, Ally Whittington, Albert White, J.C. White, Ben Williams, D.K. Williams, Willis (Indian), John Wilson, Phil Wilson, Wilson (Indian), G.C. Windham, P.C. Windham, R.F. Windham, Henry Wisham, Aleck Witeu, D.E. Wright, and John Young. Martha E. Ezell continued living in Jena for the majority of her life with the exception of two periods when she moved her family to Clarksville in Red River County, Texas and then to southern Louisiana in the Gueydan or Crowley area. Around 1906-1907, the Ezell family returned to Jena where sons, Willie and Dewitt had a home built for their mother on Oak Street in Jena on Lots 3 and 4 of Block 10. This home was located across the road from a livery stable owned and operated by Willie and Dewitt.[88] Known as the Ezell place, the home was the family home for Bettie Ezell, Dewitt Ezell, Willie S. Ezell, Rowena Ezell, and in later years, Roy W. Ezell and Elizabeth Ezell Kemp, children of Willie Splawn Ezell. The Ezell home remained in the family until the fall of 1990, at which time it was donated, with the accompanying property, to Louisiana College in Pineville, La. by Elizabeth Ezell Kemp. The property was subsequently sold to Ben Devil by the College and a nursing scholarship was established in honor of Martha Splawn Ezell.[89] Five of the eight children born to Jefferson and Martha Ezell married. However, only one child, Mary "Mollie" Adeline married prior to her father's death.[90] On December 15, 1899, at age 23, Margaret "Maggie" Louella married John B. Dodd in Red River County, Tx. while the family was living in Clarksville.[91] The next to marry was Aurelia Ezell, who at the age of 33, married L.E. Wilkinson on January 23, 1903, in Gueydan, Vermilion Parish, LA.[92] Then on May 9, 1906, Anthony H. Ezell, age 26, married Julia H. Hills in Sherman in Grayson County, Tx.[93] The last child to marry was Willie Splawn Ezell, who at age 30, married Lizzie Boddie on Feb. 23, 1908, in Catahoula Parish, LA.[94] Patricia E. Ezell, Great Granddaughter of Jefferson Ezell June, 1998 PatEzell@worldnet.att.net Note: Article published in Le Raconteur, pub. By Le Comite des Archives de la Louisiana, April 1999. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- [1] Benjamin Ezell and Elizabeth Morris were married in Hancock County, GA on 16 Jan. 1817 by Henry W. Latimer, Justice of the Peace. Marriage Records, 1808-1809, Hancock County, Ga. Microfilm copy. [2] Family Bible Record of Martha E. Splawn Ezell of La Salle Parish, La., The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments, Translated Out of the Original Tongues and With the Former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised. (New York, American Bible Society, 1829), in possession of Elizabeth Ezell Kemp, Pineville, La., October, 1990. [3] Notation of family moving to Pike County, Ms. found in the Family Bible Record of Martha E. Splawn, Ibid. [4]1840 U.S. Census, Pike County, Mississippi, p.164. [5] 1850 U.S. Census, Pike County, Mississippi, Dwelling #634. Family #635, p.48. [6] La Salle Parish was created out of the western half of Catahoula Parish effective January 1, 1910 by Louisiana Legislative Act 177. Catahoula Parish Planning Board and La. Dept. of Public Works Planning Division, Survey by Catahoula Parish Planning Board, Jan. 1949, p.10. Shreve Memorial Library, Shreveport, La., photocopy obtained Oct. 29, 1992. [7] Affidavit sworn to by Jefferson Ezell, December 14, 1882, filed in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana court records, Harrisonburg, La. Act 31 passed in 1882 by the La. Legislature required the registration and certification of all physicians and surgeons effective January 1, 1883. Information required on the affidavit included the full name, date and place of birth, date of diploma and name and place of medical school and the name and place where he had previously practiced medicine. [8]"Jefferson Ezell, Jena, University of Louisville, 1873," Register Physicians and Surgeons of North Louisiana, January 31, 1886, North La. Historical Assn. Journal 7(4), p 165-7, Summer, 1976. LSU- Middleton Library, Baton Rouge, La. [9] Letter dated Sept. 24, 1991 to this author from Patsy Copeland, Chief of Information Services, Rudolph Matas Medical Library, Tulane Univ. Med. Center, New Orleans, La., stating that Dr. Jefferson Ezell was a matriculate of the medical school in 1857. [10] Hemp's Creek was named for the Hemphill family who settled in the area around 1802 about 2 miles below present day Jena. In the late 1850's a post office was established and given the name of Hemp's Creek. Isaac L. Baker was the first postmaster. The post office was located in the fork of the Creek below the town of Jena. The mail rider boarded with Isaac Baker and made weekly trips alternating between Harrisonburg and Alexandria. The name of Hemp's Creek was changed to Jena around 1871 when the U.S. Post Office Dept. was trying to eliminate the names of creeks and bayous from the names of its offices. Andrew Forsythe from Jena, Illinois, was visiting his brother, James Forsythe. He suggested the name of Jena for his hometown which had been named for Jena, Germany. Hemp's Creek has been described as a "beautiful ever-running creek... with fertile bottom and hammock lands for cultivation...and an excellent range for both cattle and hogs." Fish and game were said to be plentiful. LaSalle Parish Genealogical Assn., History of LaSalle Parish, Louisiana, Vol. 1,Curtis Media Corp., Dallas, Tx., c1989, p.61. [11] James Monroe Baker (b.May 21,1822, prob.Claiborne Parish, LA-d.Nov 1899, Crowley, Acadia Parish, La) was the son of Benjamin Harvey Baker (1787-1850) and Rebecca Lanehart. He married (1) Lucinda Cockerham on Mar. 27, 1845 and (2) Nancy Davis, dgt. of Moses Davis and Sarah Cockerham, on June 30, 1853, both in Catahoula Parish. James Monroe Baker was the brother to Isaac Lanehart Baker (b.Apr. 30, 1820 AR-d.Feb.19, 1910) who was the first Postmaster in the Hemp's Creek area. James Monroe and Isaac Lanehart Baker were also siblings to Elizabeth Baker (b.Sept.6, 1812-July 10, 1862) who married Elias Splawn on August 28, 1844. Elizabeth and Elias Splawn were the parents of Martha Elizabeth Splawn who would marry Jefferson Ezell. Also a sibling to these Baker children was Emily Baker (b.May 26, 1824-d.Mar. 8, 1862) who married Thomas J. Rhinehart. [12] 1860 U.S. Census, (Free Schedule) Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, Dwelling #403. Family #393, Household headed by James Monroe Baker, p.53. [13] Conveyance Record, Catahoula Parish, LA, Book N., pgs. 80-82, 135. The land was described as follows: Southwest 1/4 of the southwest 1/4, Section 11, Township 7 North, Range 5 East containing 40 acres; Lots #1 & #2, Section 14, Township 7 North, Range 5 East containing 65 acres north of Little River; Southeast 1/4 of southwest quarter, Section 11, Township 7 North, Range 5 East containing 40 acres; East 1/2 of the southeast 1/4, Section 10; and North 1/2 of southwest 1/4, Section 11, Township 7 North Range 5, District North of Red River continuing 160 30/100's acres. Witnesses were G.Spencer Mayo and Kent M. Dowden. This property had been mortgaged by Eli Splawn on January 3, 1861 to secure the payment of a $2600 note in the Parish of Orleans. [14] Jefferson Ezell married (1)Rebecca Ann Baker on 27 March 1861. Marriage Record, Book A, Catahoula Parish, LA, 1861, #708. Authorization to marry was issued on 25 March 1861 by C.C. Duke, Clerk of the 11th District Court. Catahoula Parish Courthouse, Harrisonburg, La. [15] James Forsythe married Rebecca Adeline Baker (1848-bef.1870) on Jan. 8, 1868. Rebecca Adeline Baker was the daughter of James Monroe Baker and his first wife, Lucinda Cockerham (1827-1851). Thomas Rhinehart was the uncle-in-law of Rebecca Ann Baker, having married Emily Baker, sister to Rebecca Ann's father, Isaac Lanehart Baker on Dec. 2, 1852. Emily had previously been married to Hansford Hair. James Monroe Baker was a maternal uncle to Rebecca Ann Baker, being a brother to Isaac L. Baker and Emily Baker Rhinehart. [16] Hair, Edwina Baker, The Louisiana Baker Families and their Descendants. [17] Tombstone of Rebecca Baker Ezell, Baker Cemetery, La Salle Parish, LA, as viewed and photographed by author during visit in the Fall of 1989, accompanied by Bobby Brown of Jena, La. and Elizabeth Ezell Kemp of Pineville, La. [18]1870 U.S. Census, Catahoula Parish, La., Order of Visitation #124, Family #125. [19] Pension Application of Martha Elizabeth Splawn Ezell as widow of Jefferson Ezell, stated Jefferson Ezell enlisted in August 1862 where he served in Company D, 3rd La. Cavalry, Confederate States of America, filed on January 14, 1915. Records of the Office of Board of Pension Commissioners, State of Louisiana, #13843. [20] James Forsythe moved to the Hemp's Creek area of Catahoula Parish in 1861, served with distinction in the Confederate Army during the Civil War and was the first teacher at the Hemp's Creek School in 1865. History of La Salle Parish, La., Op.Cit. [21] Personal Conversation with Roy W. Ezell, grandson of Jefferson Ezell, who had the remains of the building pointed out to him by his father, Willie S. Ezell. [22] La Salle Parish Genealogical Association, History of La Salle Parish, La, Vol. 1, c1989. [23] La Salle Parish Conveyance Book 1, p.580, 1872, Deed Record. [24] Petition was filed in Court on April 2, 1872, Catahoula Parish, LA by Stanfer, Kent, & Company, a commercial firm in New Orleans composed of Isaac H. Stanfer, William A. Kent, Charles Macready, and Benjamin F. Eshleman against Ezelle & Forsythe composed of Jefferson Ezelle & James Forsythe alleging an unpaid debt of $216.37 with interest for goods that were delivered on June 19, 1871 and July 31, 1871. The goods includes Dodge's Bells, Buck Shot, Butchers Mill Files, EB Caps, Sad Irons, Coffee Mills, and Nails. [25] U.S. Dept. of Treasury, Internal Revenue Assessment Lists for Louisiana, 1863-1866, Alphabetical List of Persons in Division No. Two of Collection District No. Three of the State of La., p.5, National Archives Microfilm Roll M-769. [26] Catahoula Parish Tax Assessment Roll, 1865, Reel #6.253.La. State Archives, Baton Rouge, LA. Total state tax paid $93.70. Total parish tax paid was $46.85 [27] Catahoula Parish Tax Assessment Roll, 1865, Reel #6.253, La. State Archives, Baton Rouge, LA. [28] U.S. Dept. of Treasury, Internal Revenue Assessment Lists for Louisiana, 1863-1866. [29] Talbert A. Routon, born abt. 1818 in Georgia, arrived in Catahoula Parish, La. in 1839. He was converted to Christianity in 1839 and ordained as a Baptist minister in 1842. He was the first pastor of the Salem Missionary Baptist Church. He later served the Mars Hill Baptist Church. History of La Salle Parish, La., pgs. 112-113, Op.Cit. [30] Jefferson Ezell married (2) Martha Splawn on 15 Feb. 1866. Marriage Records Book B, p.119, Catahoula Parish, La, 1866. Authorization to marry was issued on 12 Feb. 1866 by R.G. Wootan, Clerk. Original marriage certificate located in the courthouse in Harrisonburg, La. Photocopy of the certificate is in possession of this author. [31] Family Bible Record of Martha Splawn Ezell. Op. Cit. [32] 1870 U.S. Census, Catahoula Parish, LA., Dwelling #46, Family #47, p.378, Jefferson Ezell, age 36, occupation, physician, Martha age 23, daughters, Elizabeth, age 3 and Mollie, age 1 Real estate valued at $1,500, personal property valued at $8,000. [33] Petition of Ezell & Forsythe, a Commercial Firm, Conveyance Book, Catahoula Parish Courthouse, Harrisonburg, La., pgs. 6-7. [34] Conveyance Book 4, pgs. 161-162, #0216, #0217, #0218, #0219, Catahoula Parish, La., Catahoula Parish Court House, Harrisonburg, La. Land described as follows: (1) NE 1/4 of SW 1/4 ,Sec.#2, Township 7, Lots #1 & 2, Section #11, Township 7, north of Range 4 East, District north of Red River - 123 acres for $125.00. (2) SW 1/4 of Sect. 34, SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Sect. 34, Township 8, North of Range 3 East - 200 acres, together with the Sawmill for $400.00. Both transactions signed by Jefferson Ezell and Isaac L. Baker; witnessed by T.W. King and Henry Martin. [35] Conveyance Book 4, pages 160-61 #0214 & #0215, Catahoula Parish, La., Catahoula Parish Courthouse, Harrisonburg, La. Land described as follows: NW 1/4 of Sect. 2, Township 7 North of Range 4, East Dist. North of Red River - 40 acres. Signatures: Jefferson Davis & Thos. Rhinehart. Witnesses: Henry Martin & E.H. Williams. [36] "Requisites for Graduation - Students who have attended a full Court of Lectures in a respectable medical school, and physicians who have been engaged four years or more in reputable practice after a regular course of study under a preceptor, are admitted to examination in this School after attendance upon one complete course." Thirty-Seventh Annual Announcement of the University of Louisville, The Session of 1873-74. Photocopy of the announcement provided to the author in May, 1990 by Sherril Redmon, Archivist, Kornhauser Health Sciences Library, Univ. of Louisville, Louisville, Ky. [37] University of Louisville Medical College, Faculty Minutes, March 3, 1873, pgs 258-260. Photocopy in possession of this author provided by Sherrill Redmon, Archivist. [38] Medical Diploma of Jefferson Ezell recorded on Oct. 26, 1880 at the Catahoula Parish Courthouse, Harrisonburg, La. Diploma is written in Latin. The following signatures appear on the Diploma: Isaac Caldwell, President, G.W. Bayless, M.D., J.M. Bodine, M.D., Anatomy Professor, L.P. Yandell, M.D. Maternal Medicine, E.R. Palmer, M.D. Phisiol & Histol. Prof., Theodore I. Bell, M.D., Scientist of Practice Medicine and Pub. Hygiene Professor, John E. Crowe, M.D., Obstetrics Professor, J.W. Hollands, M.D., D.W. Yandell, M.D. Chirg. Professor, and John Lee, Secretary. [39] Catahoula Parish, La. Tax Assessment Roll, 1871, Reel #6.253, La. State Archives, Baton Rouge, LA. 153 35/100 acres in Section 288 2E-Township 8 North, Range 3 East, valued at $400.00. Value of horse, cattle, livestock: $600.00; value of buggy: $50.00. Total value of property: $5,050. State tax: $4.20; School tax: $2.10; Interest tax: $4.73; Levee Tax: $2.58; Special Levee Tax: $2.63. Catahoula Parish, La. Tax Assessment Roll, 1873, #6.253, p.16, Dr. J.Ezelle, 215 acres Hemp's Creek, valued at $100, horses & cattle valued at $415.00, carriages/vehicles valued at $125, Total Assessment: $640.00. [40] Catahoula Parish, La. Tax Assessment Roll, 1874, #6.253. Dr. J. Ezelle - 0 acres of land; Horses/Cattle valued at $130; Total assessment value $130. Total Tax paid $1.89. Catahoula Parish, La. Tax Assessment Roll, 1875, #6.253, Dr. J. Ezelle - 0 acres of land; Horse valued at $15.00 Total Assessment value $15.00. Total Tax paid $.21. [41] State of Louisiana Auditor's Office, Certificate of Redemption of Forfeited Land to Dr. J. Ezell, April 19, 1875. Jefferson Ezell paid $12.85 to the State for 215 acres of land in Township 8, Range 3 East. Catahoula Parish. Conveyance Record Book P, p.2, Catahoula Parish Courthouse, Harrisonburg, La. [42] Conveyance Record Book P, p.127, #174, Catahoula Parish Courthouse, Harrisonburg, La. [43] La Salle Parish Abstract Company, Land Abstract prepared for Mrs. M.E. Ezell, Jena, La., Catahoula Parish, La., Lot No. One, Northeast Fraction Quarter of Fractional Section 26, Township 8, Range 3 East, Charles McBride Claim, 1859. Copy of Land Abstract in possession of this writer. Property had been purchased for $300.00 at a Probate Sale on August 26, 1844 by Eli Splawn, father of Martha E. Splawn. In addition to the 640 acres, the property included a dwelling house, kitchen, stables, and cribs. On Sept. 3, 1851, Eli Splawn sold the land to Isaac L. Baker for $300.00 (Recorded in La Salle Parish Conveyance Records, Volume #1, Folio 127). Daniel Miller and John B. Heard were witnesses to this sale. Isaac L. Baker had married Elizabeth Carter on Jan. 14, 1841. Elizabeth Carter was the daughter of Elias Carter & Lucy Duke Stone. [44] Elias Carter originally purchased this 640 acres for $650.00 through his agent, John Holley, at a public sale of the Estate of Charles McBride on March 18, 1812. Witnesses to the transaction were Samuel Gray and John Hall. Catahoula Parish Conveyance Book B, #2B, Catahoula Parish Courthouse, Harrisonburg, La. [45] Jefferson Ezell vs. Spiro & Viet & Sheriff, Petition, Judgement & Order, No. 1014/ 1378-A, La Salle Parish Courthouse, Jena, La. Isaac L. Baker served as Security for Jefferson Ezell in Suit. Photocopy in possession of this author. [46] H.Spiro & Veit vs. Jefferson Ezell, #506, Conveyance Records Book P, pgs. 443-4, Catahoula Parish, La. [47] La Salle Parish Abstract Company, Land Abstract prepared for Mrs. M.E. Ezell, Jena, La., Catahoula Parish, La. Op.Cit. [48] Mrs. M.E. Ezell, wife VS Jefferson Ezell, husband, Catahoula Parish Conveyance Record Book P, p.506, #433/ Bk 2, p.18. Both the cattle and the hogs were described as having a round marked crop in the left ear and a crop and upper bit in the right ear. A copy of the original petition has not been located in either the Catahoula Parish or the LaSalle Parish Courthouse. It is speculated this suit was filed in an effort to protect the seizure of the property in the Spiro & Veit lawsuit. [49] Catahoula Parish Tax Assessment Rolls, 1873-1891, Microfilm Reel 6.252, La. State Archives, Baton Rouge, La. [50] Correspondence from William Taylor to Dr. Jefferson Ezell dated July 21, 1877.Original letter among the Ezell Family Papers currently in possession of this author. [51] State of Louisiana Registration of Physicians, Report of Board of Health for 1882, E.A. Brandao & Co., Printers, 59 Camp Street, New Orleans, 1883, p.5, "Dr. Jefferson Ezell, Physician, Jena, Catahoula Parish, LA. Diploma from Univ. of Louisville, 1873. Same information appears on the January 31, 1886, List of Physicians. Other physicians registered from Catahoula Parish were: George William Davis and Silas Cicero, both of Harrisonburg, Green Berry May of Security, James Washington Baldridge of Funny Louis, Peter Francis Smith of Sicily Island, William Vannah Taylor of Davis, William Sanders Neely Calhoun of Lavacca, and Calvin Davis of Castor and Sulpher Springs. Copy of document obtained from Hill Memorial Library, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA, August 1992 by this author. [52] Letter from H.B. Taliaferro to Jefferson Ezell. H..B. Taliaferro, was practicing law at this time in Catahoula and Franklin Parishes of Louisiana and specializing in the collection of claims and tax payments. The letterhead of the 1887 letter had the names of D.Newton Thompson and H. Bullard marked out with only the name of H.B. Taliaferro remaining. In a letter by Taliaferro to Dr. J. Ezell, dated Dec. 10, 1890, he writes, "I am in receipt of yours of the 6th with enclosures and herewit return receipts. I am much obliged for the overplus as it came in right. I had to borrow $10 of Holloman as I did not have it to pay Wells the full amount of taxes (being more than we expected) and the ten you sent just makes it right, and I returned it to Holloman. Yours as ever, H.B. Taliaferro." Ezell Family Papers, Op.Cit. [53] Bay St. Louis, located in the extreme southwestern part of Hancock County on the Gulf Coast of Ms., was a celebrated health and pleasure resort during this time, visited frequently by families from New Orleans, Natchez and other surrounding areas. Originally known as Shieldsboro, for Thomas Shields who had obtained a Spanish land grant in 1789, the name was changed on April 27, 1875 to Bay St. Louis, honoring King Louis IX of France who had financed Bienville's expedition and exploration of the bay in 1699. With the building of the New Orleans, Mobile and Chattanooga Railroad completed in 1869, the town grew as a summer health resort. Today it is frequented by both summer vacationers as well as those who are trying their luck at the numerous casinos. Source: Rowland, Dunbar, Mississippi, comprising sketches of Counties, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, arranged in a Cyclopedic Form, p.255. Southern Historical Pub. Assn, Atlanta, Ga., c1907; and, Brieger, James F., Hometown, Mississippi, pgs. 234-235. Town Square Books, Inc., P.M. Grierson, Pub.,, Box 55808, Jackson, MS 39296, c1997, 1980. [54] Original letters written by Jefferson Ezell to Bettie and Aurelia Ezell. Ezell Family Papers, Op. Cit. [55]Photograph of Aurelia Ezell Wilkinson celebrating her 100th birthday, The States-Item, Saturday, March 27, 1971, Vol.94-#249, p.1, column 3, New Orleans, LA. [56] Catahoula Parish Marriage Book A, #502,. Harrisonburg, Catahoula Parish, LA [57] Catahoula Parish Marriage Book A, #566, Harrisonburg, Catahoula Parish, LA [58] Catahoula Parish Marriage Book A, #759, Harrisonburg, Catahoula Parish, LA [59] Catahoula Parish Marriage Book B, #273, Harrisonburg, Catahoula Parish, LA [60] Catahoula Parish Marriage Book B, #249, Harrisonburg, Catahoula Parish, LA [61] Catahoula Parish Marriage Book B, #925, Harrisonburg, Catahoula Parish, LA [62] Catahoula Parish Marriage Book B, #1237, Harrisonburg, Catahoula Parish, LA [63] Succession Record of Elizabeth Baker, and Inventory, Mortgage Book #3, p.233, Filed and Records Feb. 15, 1876. Harrisonburg, Catahoula Parish, LA. Isaac L. Baker was appointed Tutor and J.M. Baker was appointed Undertutor to the minor children. [64]1880 U.S. Census, Catahoula Parish, La, Dwelling #11, pgs 53-54. [65] Catahoula Parish Police Jury Ordinance #468, p.354, Catahoula Parish Police Jury Minutes. Housed in Louisiana and Lower Mississippi River Valley Collections. Hill Memorial Library, LSU Libraries, Baton Rouge, LA. [66] Thomas and Jake Ringgold and Harmon Browning had general merchandise stores near the intersection of the Harrisonburg-Alexandria and Summerville-Gelvin's Creek roads in Old Jena. In later years, this area became known as "Wade Place." Souce: History of La Salle Parish, p.61, Op.Cit. [67] Harmon Browning married Margaret Rowena Baker in 1876. She was the daughter of Isaac Lanehart Baker and Elizabeth Carter and a sister of Lucy Jane Baker Brown who had married Terry Brown in 1867. Monroe Kirby had married Martha Jane Heard on 7 Feb. 1861. She was the daughter of John Bailey Heard and Elizabeth Woody Andrews and a sister to A.B. Heard. Mrs. E. Heard was Elizabeth Woody Andrews. Mrs. Fortner was probably Lucy Tune who had married Martin Fortner. John Sandiford had married Susan Casandra Fortner, daughter of Lucy and Martin Fortner in 1866. [68] Catahoula Parish Police Jury Ordinance #678, p.447, line 32, Catahoula Parish Police Jury Minutes, folder with pages 410-427. Housed in Louisiana and Lower Mississippi River Valley Collections. Hill Memorial Library, LSU Libraries, Baton Rouge, LA. [69] Catahoula Parish Police Jury Ordinance $702, p.457, line 14, Catahoula Parish Police Jury Minutes, vol. 1, 1857-1885. Op. Cit. [70] W.Y. Moore To J. Ezell, Power of Attorney, Conveyance Book 4, p.275, Catahoula Parish Courthouse, Harrisonburg, La. Land was described as being 5 acres in Section 13 in Jena, Township 8, Range 3 East. W.Y. Moore was said to be a resident of Rapides Parish at the time of the sale. [71] Original note and contract between Dr. Jefferson Ezell and the Texas Star Lightning Rod Company were found in the Ezell Family Papers currently in possession of this author. [72] Catahoula Parish Police Jury Ordinance #815, Jan.. 9, 1889. Op. Cit. [73] Catahoula Parish Police Jury Ordinance #825, April, 1889. Op. Cit. [74] This was probably Sheppard B. Hanes, born abt. 1809 in Ms. In the 1870 Catahoula Parish census he is shown as a 61 yr. old farmer and is married to Mary J. Doyal, age 43. There is an 8 yr. male, S.B. Hanes in the household who was the child of S.B. Hanes through his marriage to Miss S.D. Blount on May 6, 1861. She had apparently died as on July 10, 1866, Sheppard B. Hanes married Mary J. Doyal. Others in the 1870 household were G.M. Hanes, (age 2, female), M.A. Hanes (1 month old female), S.Y. Kenon (age 13, male) and W.D. Doil (age 12, male). The 12 yr. old W.D. Doil may have been the son of Mary J. Doyal; if so, her maiden name was probably not Doyal. S.Y. Kenon may have been the son of Miss E.E. Hanes who had married D.L. Keenan on Mar. 20, 1856 in Catahoula Parish. At one point S.B. Hanes, the son, had a general store in Jena, La., as on May 7, 1902, DeWitt Ezell of Jena, La., wrote to his mother, Martha, on stationery with the letterhead of "S.B. Hanes, Dealer in Dry Goods, Clothing, Notions, Shoes, Hats, Groceries and Family Supplies." Ezell Family Papers, Op. Cit There is a marriage between S.B. Hanes and Martha Ann Spinks on July 12, 1883 in Catahoula Parish. This is probably the son, as he would have been about 23 yrs. of age... [75] History of La Salle Parish, LA, p.61, pages 102-103, Op.Cit.. [76] Dr. Baxter Lincoln Thompson, (born 3 Mar.1863, Rosefield, LA to B.W. Thompson & Sarah Allen - died 1 May 1931, Jena, LA) received his M.D. in 1884 from Tulane Med. School in New Orleans. He married Katie Anna Aber (born about 1866 - died 21 June 1954) of Summerville, La. on 15 Dec. 1887. The Thompson homeplace on Hemp's Creek in Old Jena consisted of the two storied home, a separate building for the medical office, a barn, a sugar mill, a smoke house, and servant's quarters. Five children were born to the Thompsons: Aber (d.7 Nov. 1894 at the age of 6), Ormie (d. 7 Nov. 1980), Myrtle, Louise, and Bessie Marie. Dr. Thompson was a charter member of Nolley Methodist Church, a Master Mason, on the Board of Directors of the Jena schools, a Director of the Bank of Jena, and a Physician and Surgeon for the La. & Ark. Railroad. Dr. B.L. Thompson replaced Dr. Ezell on the Board when Dr. Ezell died in 1891. After the Thompson daughters married and moved away, Dr. Thompson and his wife, Katie moved to a new home in Jena across the street from the Courthouse Square. Katie Ann Aber was the daughter of William Charles Aber and Abigail Morris. Katie's sister, Mary E. Aber, married Erastus R. Thompson, brother to Baxter Lincoln Thompson on 12 April 1888, Catahoula Parish, La. Source: History of La Salle Parish, "Dr. Baxter Lincoln Thompson, "Curtis Media Corp., Dallas, Tx., c1989, p.271. [77] History of La Salle Parish, LA, p.61, pages 102-103, Op.Cit.. Today, the Bellevue Baptist Church is located on the original site of the Jena Seminary. [78] State Normal School was founded in 1884 in Natchitoches, La. as a teachers college. It was known as Northwestern State College until June, 1970. [79] Maggie Ezell is identified in the photo for the Class of 1890, Normal School, Natchitoches, LA. The names were written on the back of the photo. Photo located in the Cammie G. Henry Notebooks, Cammie G. Henry Research Center, Eugene P. Watson Research Center, University of Northwestern, Natchitoches, La. Other classmates identified were as follows: May Smith (Sanders), Mary Cross, Mattie Hyde, Anna Hill, Annie Burris, Annie Brandon, Sallie Spencer, Celeste Wales, Lessie Bonham, Elodie Hellouin, Sallie Firmiss, Lulu Weiland, Mary Belle Lane, Hugh D. McLaurin, Edna Montgomery, May Stidham, Emma Dawkins, Louise Honeycutt, Addie Butler, Bessie Munday, Ida Milling, Lizzie Alexander, Cammie Garrett (Henry), Emma Dollerhyde, Mary Washington, Julia Dale, Emma Oswalt, Lizzie Barrett, Amelia Gaulden, Zoe Garig, Alma Mausur, and Stella Schorten. [80] Family legend as told to this author by Elizabeth Ezell Kemp who heard the story from her aunt, Rowena Ezell. [81] Obituary of Dr. Jefferson Ezell, Jena Times, January, 1891. Resolutions passed by the Board of Directors of Jena Seminary, January 20, 1891 WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God in the exercise of his Soverign will to remove by death our highly esteemed and efficient Treasured, Dr. Jefferson Ezell, therefore we the members of the Board of Directors of Jena Seminary do hereby RESOLVE, That while we have great reason to mourn the sad loss we have sustained by this sudden stroke of affliction, yet we meekly bow to the will `Him who doeth all things well.' RESOLVED, That we most sincerely sympathize with the stricken wife and bereaved children in their deep sorrow and would invoke the devine blessing to rest upon them in their sad affliction. RESOLVED further, that a copy of these resolutions be furnished the family of the deceased, also a copy furnished the three papers of the parish with a request that they publish the same. James Forsythe, President Protem J.M. Brooks, Sec'y [82] Granite monument was ordered from R.L. Rosebrough Sons of St. Louis, Missouri at a cost of $32.00. It was delivered to M.M. Marcus, Monroe, Louisiana and then transported to Jena. Source: Postcard from R.L. Rosebrough Sons found in the Ezell Family Papers, Op.Cit. [83] Succession Record of Jefferson Ezell, Catahoula Parish, LA."Tutorship of the Minor Children of Dr. Jefferson Ezell, deceased. Application of Mother for Confirmation as Natural Tutrix," Order thereon recorded August 27, 1891. Succession Record Book, Catahoula Parish Courthouse, Harrisonburg, LA. [84] J.H. Heard and Mollie Ezell were married on 18 Feb. 1886, Catahoula Parish, LA. by J.M. Brooks, Minister. Witnesses were: James Forsythe, A.B. Heard, and J. Martin Rucker. Marriage Book C, p.172, Catahoula Parish Courthouse, Harrisonburg, La. A(zariah) B(aily) Heard (1833-1892) was Hubbard Heard's oldest brother. [85] These surgical instruments subsequently were used by Dr. T.M. Butler of Summerville, La. In a May 7, 1895 letter from Dr. Butler to Mrs. M.E. Ezell, in Clarksville, Tx. he writes, "I got some of the instruments at your place a short while since having an immediate need of them while in that section. I brought them home with me. I find the instruments are becoming injured by rust. If it is satisfactory with you I will take the entire lot and take care of them for you. I cannot buy them just now not being prepared to pay you for them. Trusting all is well with you. Your friend, T.M. Butler" Ezell Family Papers, Op. Cit. [86] Succession Record of Jefferson Ezell, Succession Record Book, Catahoula Parish Courthouse, Harrisonburg, LA. [87] Succession Record of Jefferson Ezell, Ibid. [88] Personal conversations and recollections of Elizabeth Ezell Kemp of Pineville, La., and Roy W. Ezell of Ruston, La. with this author. [89] The Times-Signal,Jena, La., Wednesday, May 18, 1994, "Nursing Students...Jena Property Used to Endow L.C. Scholarship," Section B, p.12, columns 3 & 4. [90] J.H. Heard married Mollie Ezell on 18 Feb.1886, op.cit. [91] John B. Dodd married Maggie Ezell on Dec. 15, 1899. C.A. Worley, Minister, officiated at the ceremony. Marriage Book, Vol. J., p.199, Red River County Courthouse, Clarksville, Tx.. [92] L. E. Wilkinson married Aurelia Ezell on Jan. 23. 1903. The Reverend Daniel F. Sheppardson officiated at the ceremony and official witnesses were: A.J. Crouk, S.A. Pipes, J.P. Heard, M.D. Marriage Records, Vol. 3, #2721, p.163, Vermilion Parish Courthouse, Abbeville, La. J(ames) P(reston) Heard was the son of Azaraiah Bailey Heard and a brother-in-law to Aurelia's sister, Mollie. He married Minnie Blackman on 27 May 1900 in Catahoula Parish, LA. [93] Anthony H. Ezell married Julia H. Hill on May 9, 1906, Sherman, Grayson County, Tx. The Reverend H.J. Fuller, Pastor of the Central Christian Church in Sherman, officiated at the ceremony. Marriage Records, Vol. U. p.264, Grayson County Courthouse, Sherman, Tx. Anthony H. Ezell married a 2nd time to Alma Craghead on Nov.30, 1935, in Grayson County, Marriage Records, v. 7, p.444. [94] Willie S. Ezell married Lizzie Boddie on Feb. 23, 1908, Catahoula Parish, LA. J.W. Brooks, Minister, officiated. Witnesses were: W.M. Baker, P.V. Turnley, and W.V. Turnley. Catahoula Parish Marriage Records. W.M. Baker was a cousin to Willie S. Ezell and the son of John Fletcher Baker and James Davis. P(hineas) V(ictor) Turnley and W(illiam) V(irgil) Turnley were sons of William Henry Turnley and Mary Elizabeth Whatley. P.V. Turnley married Rebecca Melissa Davis (1870-1959) and P.V. Turnley married Fannie Ruddles and Julia Westbury.