WARD, Thomas Francis, Santa Fe, NM., then Madison Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller 

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Among the prominent young men and merchants of Madison parish none are more deserving a space

in this work than Thomas F. Ward. Mr. Ward is what may be termed a self-made man in every respect.


Practically thrown on his own resources in his ninth year, he has achieved for himself what few 

with good opportunities do not win success. Thomas F. is the survivor of two sons born to Patrick

Ward and wife, the other son having died in infancy, before the birth of our subject. Patrick 

Ward was a man of roving disposition and soon after attaining his majority immigrated to the 

United States from Ireland, his birthplace. Coming to New York State he found employment and

there met and married Miss Donald. 



Removing to Santa Fe, N. M., where our subject was born in 1861, Patrick Ward enlisted in the 

Union army, though from what state or in what branch is not known. Mrs. Ward died in camp in 1863, 

and was buried by the soldiers on the battlefield at Gettysburg. After the death of his wife 

Mr. Ward was stationed at Davenport, Iowa, where he was mustered out of service at the close 

of the war. After the war he married Mrs. Kennedy, of Davenport, who died without issue a short 

time after their marriage. 



Patrick Ward, being a laborer and a soldier, found employment in the National cemetery, burying 

the dead soldiers. He remained in Vicksburg until 1869, when he removed to St. Louis, and placing 

Thomas in charge of a planter near St. Louis, he went to Mexico. 



During the succeeding seven years our subject heard nothing from his father, who, following his 

inclination to wander about, probably visited several states. Thomas Ward at length discovered 

him in a hospital in St. Louis, were he had been taken on account of injuries received while 

digging a well, from the effects of which he died in 1874. Thomas Ward having thus been thrown 

upon his own resources at an early age, had no advantages and little opportunity for securing 

an education, save what he could pick up by his own efforts. He has in that way gained a good, 

practical, business education. 



Coming South in 1874, he engaged as a clerk in Delta, La., where he remained about two years, 

when he began clerking for F. L. Maxwell, with whom he remained until he went into business for 

himself a couple of years later. He entered into partnership with John N. Yost, under the firm 

name of Ward & Yost, with whom he still conducts a general merchandise establishment. 



In 1887, to accommodate a trade in that direction, they established a branch store which is in 

charge of a managing clerk, but under the direct supervision of Mr. Ward. In business Mr. Ward 

has been very successful. Beginning with a joint capital stock of only $1,300, they have by fair 

dealings and good management increased their capital to over $20,000. Mr. Ward is a democrat in 

his political affiliations and during the past two or three years has taken an active interest 

in political affairs. He was appointed in 1889 a member of the police jury, in which capacity he 

has since served with much credit to his community. Mr. Ward is agent for the Queen & Crescent route 

at Mounds, a position which he has held for some years. Personally Mr. Ward is of medium hight [sic], 

is prepossessing in appearance and in manner and conversation. He is a young man of excellent taste 

and of good judgment. Socially and politically he enjoys the esteem of a wide circle of friends.



Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 442.

Published by the Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.



MADISON COORDINATOR'S NOTE: Thomas Francis Ward was born October 22, 1861 and died March 12,1931.

He is buried in Silver Cross Cemetery, Tallulah with his wife Margaret Peterkin Ward 

(March 24, 1875 - October 20, 1923); his son Francis McRae Ward (1902-1963) and his daughter 

Anne Donnell Ward (May 8, 1899 - September 6, 1980.) Francis Ward was a well-known Madison Parish

historian. His sister, Anne, was a popular fourth grade teacher and over the years taught many 

students ... including me. RPS




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