Bio: Henry M. Hyams, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana Submitted by: Gaytha Carver Thompson Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890 ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** HENRY M. HYAMS Henry M. Hyams, clerk of the district court for the parish of Natchitoches and one of its prominent citizens, has resided here the greater portion of his life, and it is but justice to say that there is not a man in the parish who possesses greater personal worth, or who is more substantial or progressive in his views than he. He is the son of Samuel M. and Emily E. (Prudhomme) Hyams, who were born in Charleston, S. C., and Natchitoches Parish, La., respectively, and grandson of Samuel M. and Eliza (Levy) Hyams, the former having been born in London, England. The mother of our subject was the daughter of John Baptiste Prudhomme, a native of France. The parents of Henry M. were married December 1, 1836, and became the parents of the following children: Henry M., Emily E. (Wife of Charles N. Prudhomme, of Natchitoches Parish), Mary R. (Wife of James H. Hill, of Robeline, La.), and Jackson D. (Who was married to Miss Aurore Gaiennie, with whom he now resides on the Red River in Natchitoches Parish), these being the only ones now living. Those deceased are Samuel M., John P., Eleazar L. and Kosciusko. Samuel M. Hyams, the father of the immediate subject of this sketch, accompanied his parents from South Carolina to New Orleans when about fifteen years of age, and there received a collegiate education, and studied civil engineering. For a great many years thereafter he was United States deputy surveyor, and while engaged in this capacity he surveyed almost the entire State of Louisianan, and while following that pursuit met and married Miss Prudhomme, of Natchitoches. He soon after purchased a tract of land three miles for Natchitoches, and upon it he resided for several years, converting it into a farm. He served as captain under Gen. Taylor and Col. Peyton in the Mexican War, and it was while he was thus employed that the subject of this sketch was born August 8, 1846, at the home of his uncle, Ex Lieut. Gov. Henry M. Hyams, who then resided in Rapides Parish, at whose home the mother was visiting. A few years after Mr. Hyams returned from the Mexican War he removed from his farm to Natchitoches, and it continued to be his home throughout the rest of his live. He was a life long Democrat, and took a very active and influential part in political affairs, and for some time held the office of clerk of the district court (the same being now held by his son), sheriff, recorder and the office of register of the United States Land Office. He was the owner of large plantation interests and a large number of slaves. By the able management of his possessions he amassed a fortune, but the greater part of this he lost during the war. In the beginning of the Rebellion he organized a company in his home parish, and in this connection it should be stated that it was the largest company organized in the State. At New Orleans it was divided into two companies, which were lettered F. and G. and became part of the Third Louisiana Infantry, commanded by Col. Louis Hebert. Mr. Hyams was made lieutenant colonel of the regiment, and served about two years, participating in two of the hardest fought battles. He was then retired from the service on account of ill health, this, however, being contrary to his wishes, as he did not wish to leave his post of duty, but his constitution was unable to bear the constant privations and hardships of war, and reluctantly returned to his home. His combined energies were devoted to the Confederacy, which doubtless, had not a more enthusiastic supporter. By his side in the service were his sons, Samuel M., who was adjutant of his regiment, and John P., who was placed upon the colonel's staff. After the war Col. Hyams turned his attention to the practice of law, and owing to native ability he acquired a large practice, which he successfully managed until his death in 1869. He was a Royal Arch Mason, and as a man and citizen was above reproach. His widow survives him, being now seventy six years of age. Henry M. Hyams spent his boyhood in Natchitoches, and at the age of fourteen years he entered the Louisiana State Seminary, a military school at Alexandria, which was presided over by W. T. Sherman, and which he attended one year, a member of the freshman class. He left school for the purpose of entering the Confederate army, but upon returning home was persuaded by his father to remain at home two years longer on account of his youth. In 1863 he entered the military service of the ordnance department under Maj. Gaines, but in 1864 became a volunteer, enlisting for sixty days, during which time he held the rank of second sergeant, but acted as first sergeant. He subsequently spent some time with Lane's Texas Cavalry, and later, at the suggestion of his father, joined the Third Louisiana Infantry under command of Col. Samuel D. Russell, receiving the appointment of sergeant major of the regiment, in which capacity he served until the war terminated. He returned to his old home in Louisiana, and for some three or four years he was employed as deputy clerk of the Supreme court, deputy district clerk and deputy recorder. December 1, 1868, he was married to Miss Mathilde A. Gaiennie, of this parish, a daughter of Valery and Eloise (Metoyer) Gaiennie, by whom he is the father of the following named children: Eleazar L., Valery G., Emily Eloise, Mattie A., Denis J., and Mary Lucile, all of whom are living, the eldest of the family being twenty one years of age and the youngest eleven. After his marriage Mr. Hyams turned his attention to farming, a pursuit he followed on Red River until 1885. In June of that year he was appointed by Gov. McEnery, clerk of the district court for Natchitoches Parish, and was nominated by his party for the same office in December, 1887, and elected in April, 1888, his present term expiring in 1892. Politically he has been a life long Democrat, and has been one of his party's most active and enthusiastic supporters in this part of the State. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, is chancellor commander of the K. of P., and belongs to the A. L. of H. He is a Catholic in his religious views.