Bio: Dr. Samuel J. Harrell, Webster Par., Louisiana Source: Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890 Submitted by: Gwen Moran-Hernandez Date: April 2000 ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** === ===Dr. Samuel J. Harrell, surgeon dentist of Minden, La., was born in Tolbert County, Ga., October 15, 1849, to J. D. Harrell, who was born in the Palmetto State, and was taken to Georgia when an infant by his father, John Harrell, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Bibb County, in which region he opened up a farm and resided until his death. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, entering the service when he was a young man of sixteen years, and serving throughout the entire war. He also, during his residence in Georgia, served as sheriff of Bibb County. J. D. Harrell grew to manhood there and after attaining man's estate went to Tolbert County, but was married in Upson County, to Miss Elizabeth Gibson, a native of Georgia, born and reared in Upson County. He went into the shoe establishment after his marriage and continued in that business for several years, after which he located on a farm in Marion County, but removed a few years later to Stewart County, where he resided until his death in May, 1879, being still survived by his widow. Their family of three sons and four daughters grew to mature years, Dr. Samuel J., being their eldest son and third child in order of birth. S. J. Harrell grew to manhood in Marion County, and was given good advantages in the common and higher schools. In January, 1873, he came to Louisiana and for about three years worked in a saw-mill in Webster County, and on January 25, 1875, was married to Miss Emma Carr, a daughter of B. L. Carr, of Webster Par., Louisianawhere Mrs. Harrell was born, reared and educated, being a graduate of Minden Female College. After his marriage Dr. Harrell engaged in farming for about four years, at the end of which time he was appointed deputy sheriff of Webster County, and one year later was appointed sheriff to fill the unexpired term. At the close of his term of office he began the study of dentistry, and in 1876 took a course in the dentistry department of the Vanderbilt University, from which he graduated, having the honor of delivering the valedictory address before a class of seventy-six dental students, forty of whom were graduates. After completing his course he returned to Minden and engaged in the practice of his profession and simply on his own merits has built up a very extended patronage. He is a member of the State Dental Association. His office is tastefully and handsomely furnished and his work is guaranteed satisfactory. He has used his influence to advance the cause of education in this parish, and is a member of the Board of Education of the Minden Female College. Socially he belongs to the K. of P., being past chancellor of his lodge, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a good business man, is at the head of his profession and is very social in disposition. His wife has borne him six children: Elwin, Cullen, Samuel J. Jr., Douglas, Stella and Una Lee (a child of thirteen months).