Bio: William W. Page, Natchitoches Parish, Lousiana Submitted by: Patrick Jacob Source:Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana. Southern Publishing, Chicago and Nashville. 1890. Pages 362-363. ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** "William W. Page, merchant, Robeline, La. What is usually termed genius has little to do with the success of men in general. Keen perception, sound judgment and determined will, supported by persevering and continuous effort, are essential elements to the success of any calling. That Mr. Page has these elements to a marked degree is perceptible to all with whom he comes in contact. He is a native of Natchitoches Parish, La., born nine miles west of the city of Natchitoches on December 17, 1852, and was one of six children born to John L. and Elizabeth A. (Holden) Page, who owe their nativity to Amite County, Miss. The parents were married in Natchitoches Parish, La., in 1851, and the children born to this union were named as follows: William W., Emily J., John L, Jr., Elizabeth O. (deceased), and two sons who died in infancy unnamed. The father of these children was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1864 at Fort Darousa, La., whither he had gone to superintend the construction of breastworks. His widow is still living, and resides in Natchitoches Parish, her present home being in Robeline. The home of William W. Page has been in Natchitoches Parish thus far all his life. He received in the schools of the parish a knowledge of the ordinary branches of learning, and throughout his boyhood and youth, when not in school, he labored on the farm. At twenty- one years of age he embarked in farming for himself, and carried this on for about ten years. He was married on January 28, 1874, to Miss Jennie E. Carter, of this parish. In 1883 Mr. Page moved to Robeline, where he has ever since given his attention to merchandising, and where he is classed among the leading businessmen. His business building, which he erected himself, is 22x65 feet, and is one among the best in the place. It is splendidly stocked with all kinds of general merchandise, and is recognized by the public as an excellent place to trade. Mr. Page is courteous and pleasant to all, and this, together with his desire to satisfy the public, has enabled him to build up a large patronage. His store is one of the largest and best in Robeline, and not one of her merchants are more widely or favorably known. Mr. Page is one of the pioneer merchants of the city, and is the only one who is a native-born citizen of the parish. Mr. Page's marriage resulted in the birth of six children, as follows: John L., William R., Otho O., Luther, Irene, and an infant daughter unnamed. Of these named John L., William R. and Otho O. are deceased. In politics Mr. Page is a Democrat, and in January, 1884 he was elected a member of the city council of Robeline, being re-elected to the same position in January, 1890. Besides his business property Mr. Page owns a first-class residence in Robeline, which he erected in 1885. He also owns considerable land in both the parishes of Natchitoches and Sabine. He is a man in whom the public has implicit confidence, and whose word is considered as good as his bond. Being one of the native sons of Natchitoches, he has an extensive acquaintance throughout the parish, and by all who know him he is very highly thought of."