W. A. Waters, Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller

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W. A. Waters is a native of Rapides parish, LA., his birth occurring on the
Red river below Alexandria in 1856.  He obtained his early education in
that city and at the early age of eleven years he began to do for himself.
His father, Thomas B. Waters, died in 1868, and, in order to contribute to
the support of the family and being an only son, he obtained employment in
a sawmill when about twelve years of age, receiving $12 a month for his
services.  After working two years in this mill he took up the carpenter's
trade, which he followed eight years, after which he turned his attention
to farming.  This occupation he followed in Rapides parish until 1877, when
he came to Catahoula parish and in addition to planting has been engaged in
merchandising since 1884.  He has been the owner of Utility plantation
since 1886, and everything about his home shows that a man of intelligence
and thrift has the management of affairs.  He is genial and cordial in
manners and is very public spirited, his interest in everything pertaining
to the welfare of his parish being earnest and active.  In 1885 he was
married to Miss Mary Ruth, and for some time past has been a member of the
A. F. & A. M., in which order he takes a deep interest.  He entered the
arena of politics in 1884 and in 1888 was appointed a member of the police
jury, in which capacity he is now serving.  His mother's maiden name was
Emily Handy.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 444.
Published by the Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.