1699 TWENTIETir CENTURY COAST EDITION BILOXI. Ml i/lC'-'- l>:- __^il5r'.:' -■■f- ',-. TWENTIETH CENTURY COAST EDITION -OF- The BiLOXi Daily Herald, Published by GEO. W. WILKES & SONS, BiLOXI, IIxS^RRISOX COUiSTTY, MISSISSIPPI. HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL. 'NHEXED TO TriK l^URLIC: ♦fTN PRESENTING THE TWENTIETH CENTURY ■' Coast Edition of Tiii': Bii.oxi Daily IIivkald to the public, we do so with a just appreciation of the assistance rendered us by our friends in compilinjr data for the work. While the labor has been one of pleasure, there will lie nothinjf more pleasinjj than to know our efforts in this direction have met with a hearty approval by a j^^encrous imblic. That we have ji'iven our iiatrons an edition wliich we are cotitldent tliey will ai>])reciate, is a matter which we feel we ha\'e a rijjht to be proud. Hence we dedicate The TvvEntikth Century Coast Edition of The Biloxi Daily Herald to the citizens of Biloxi, The Herald iiatrons, and the public in freneral, hoping that it will redound to the material and moral up- building: of Biloxi and the entire Mississippi Coast. GEO. W. WILKES & SONS. tTvpcutietb Century Coaet Bbitioit of ^be Bilcvi Bailv lHcral6. Ipubliebe& b\? Geo. IM. Tlditftes S. Sous, an& Sbovvtng IRcsourccs of /iDissiseipDi Gulf Coast. BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL REVIEW OF BILOXI, MISS. BILOXI IS AN INDIAN NAME, AND MEANS in Eng-lish "Broken Pot." The si.yniticance of it is far behind this latter day and sleeps with Braves, whose battle jfround it was, and whose burial place it is. Long- decades ago, before Dr. Franklin had encased lightning- in a bottle, and Prof. Morse had given it tongue and bade it speak its varied languages to all the world; in the days when a railroad train was a myth and the telephone but a dreamer's vision, Biloxi had a being. Even then it was the capital of the Prov- ince of Louisiana. The dwellers of this early seat of government may have been unfledged and ])rimitive pil- grims from other lands, but here they lived and dreamed under the soft light of the southern sky, little knowing 'ere the last vestige of their generation had passed away the virgin forest that they knew would be gone and in its stead would be every evidence of Christian civilization and ever}- stamp of progress, and that the places that were then mellow under the pale glimmer of an autumn moon would glitter under the flash of caged and obedient electricity. The days of miracles, though far away in the twilight of centuries, had not passed, and from a hand- ful of French colonists under the command of Iberville, has grown steadily and surely a modern city of progress and prosperity, peopled by a brave, energetic and pro- gressive manhood and a pure, faithful and lovely womanhood, unsurpassed by none, unrivaled Ijy few. In February, 1609, Lemoyne d'Iberville, a French nobleman holding a commission from King Louis XII, after a long and stormy passage, landed at what we now know as Ship Island, and established temvxirary headi|uarters. From here he began making explorations for a suitable jilace for the location of the colony that his commission directed him to establish. He made many expeditions, even going up the Mississippi River, hundreds of miles, perhaps, as far as Fort Nogales, the present City of Vicksburg-, before he found a suitable lo- cation. He finally selected a point on the northeast side of Back Bay of Biloxi, now a ]>ortion of the town of Ocean Springs; here he erected a Fort, which in honor of Count Maurepas he named Fort Maureiias. This was the iirst white settlement in the State of Missis- sippi. The Fort was completed in April, 1()')'», and the first religious ceremony ever held in Mississippi was had, mass being then and there celebrated by Father Donay, a Franciscan priest and a confrere of La Salle. For reasons untold by the historian of that time, the colon}' and Fort on its first sight was abandoned, and transferred to Dau])hine Island near Mobile, where they remained for about twenty years. In December, 1720, Beinville, who, by the death of Sauvole, the first commandant of the Colony, became commandant, decided to entirely abandon the first site or "Old Biloxi" and to reestablish the colony at and transfer the seat of government to "New Biloxi," some six miles away from the first site. This was done in September, 1721, and from this time, until 1723, Biloxi was the actual and legal capital of the P.-ovin;2 of Louisiana. The Governor or Com- mandant's first office was in an old ware house, that had been made suitable by the engineer, who had been sent ahead. The iirst or "Old Biloxi" was the first settle- ment on the Coast line from Tampico to Pensacola, the latter cit\' being only a few months the older. Biloxi as a capital city was no less gay than the other cities that have claimed and still claim this hon- ored distinction. Cavaliers with waving plumes and dangling swords and courtly graces were no less at- tractive to the fair daughters of Eve than are their brothers of tliis latter day, even though the plumes and cloaks and swaying swords have given place to the Krag-Jorgensen and the modest Khaki. From the removal of the capital in 172.i to New Orletins, there is little history of Biloxi except through the several treaties made between the European powers. Biloxi in 17(i.> became an English town, and from 1780 until 17'',S was under Spanish rule. By the act of Congress, approved April 7, 17'»S, Biloxi became a part of the United States. So, during her long, honored, and always useful life, this wondrous city by the sea has done homage to the Hag of our great nation and today from her highest s])ire, co, and is one of the sub- stantial orders of the city. Its membership is composed of some of our best citizens 'and is steadilv increasing — of "the best people on earth." The Elks have in view the building of a magnificent, imposing and modern building, which when completed will be one of the at- tractions of the city. The King's Daughters, a blessing to the poor and needy of this city, is one of the largest, best managed and beneficent chapters in the state. A little over two years ago this order had its beginning here. Mrs. Mary Evans Maybin, Mrs. Rosa V. Weatherby and Miss Rose D. Andrews being the prime movers in the organization. Since then, especially after the late distress-bringing and home-destroying fire, this band, ministering ten- derly and unostentatiously to the sorrow and distress of A Biloxi Oyster Wharf. numbering at present some thirty odd members. It pays sick and death benefits and is benevolent in many other features. Its ranks are ever at work quietly, but earnesth', and the Golden Rule is one of its practices. The Biloxi Benevolent Association is yet young, having been organized and chartered in January, 1900; this is also a local order, and has a membership of over two hundred. It pays a sick and death benefit. The Woodmen of the World has a fine camp and since its organization here has never had to pay a death loss. The Benevolent Protective Order of Elks is proba- bly the strongest purel}- social order in the cit^-. It has a membership of about a hundred, including a number the destitute, have added proof that "the greatest of these is charity." Biloxi is brilliantly lighted with electricity and there is at this time a substantial movement on foot to construct an electric street car line throughout the city. This, if consummated will, not onl}' be of great convenience, but will prove a most profitable investment. Probabh" the enterprise that will prove of the most material benefit to this citj', and that at once, is the bridge across Back Bay. This will open up a large sec- tion of country that heretofore has been practically iso- lated and which can be made productive and profitable in the highest degree. The soil and climate of this THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 11 section is peculiarly adapted to the raising: of small fruits and veg-etables of every variet)-, figs and pecans beinjif especially i^rofitable and easy of production. This section also offers every inducement for the raising;: of sheep and cattle. Lands across the baj' can be bought at reasonable prices, and offer a virgin field for emmig-ration that is unsurpassed. The mildness of the winter, the even- ness of the climate and the fertility of the soil are invi- tations that extend themselves to the bread winner of ever^- creed and clime. And "ere the tide of seasons has made the flood of years to bless and brighten the lives of those who have cast their lot, for ages or for aye, swaying fields of growing grain will greet the wondering eye, and once where only the lonely call of the (juail broke the monotony of long lingering silence, the sweet fresh song of the happy harvester will echo with the softness of a siren's call. And in place of stately pines sobbing t)ut the mournful dirge of solitude, the laughter of bright eyed children will lade the wingless winds, and homes crowned with the royal rol>es of ever-blooming flowers will speak a peace beyond the dream of oriental brain. iJiloxi has perhaps the most imposing and substan- tial City Hall in the State — a three story brick build- ing, arranged vv'itli offices for the city officials, and a large and properly furnished hall, wherein is held the meeting of the city council and the sessions of the re- corder's court. The Federal Court for the Southern Division of the Southern District of Mississippi is also held in this building, Biloxi being one of the new places selected for the holding of the Circuit and District Courts of the United States. Here is also located one of the offices of the Collector of the Port for the District of Pearl River, the business done at this office lieing perhaps the largest in the district. For the past few years the general improvements in Ijiloxi have been of the most modern kind, greater at- tention being given to architectural symmetry so that structures of the latter days have slowly and surely elim- inated the st)'le of Bienville; streets have been widened, system observed and no pains spared to make every scene pleasing; the old buildings are being remodeled to keep pace to the march of progress, and the new ones are more than substantial and elegant, they are things of beauty from foundation to dome, such as would do credit to the dreaming designer of the swinging gardens of Babylon. Only a few months ago, as soothing slumber had caressed into peaceful rest the tired brains and weary limbs of those who had toiled, that they and those be- loved of them might live, the iron lips of the fire bell shrieked out the dread and awful message that insatia- ble flames, like crazed and hungered serpents, were devouring a major part of the fair city, and the homes and business houses that but an hour ago stood defiant giants were crumbling into dust, like the withered petals of a scentless rose, and the accumulations of a lifetime's sturdy toil were vanished in the black wreaths of smoke that seemed the mournful offerings of the world's last bier. Eyes unused to tears were dimmed, and hands strong as links of plaited steel trembled in despair, and gloom like the dismal drapery of funeral pall seemed settling over the entire cit.v, but with to- morrow, and the figment of flitting fancj' passes, the tears had ceased, the trembling hands were strong again, the gloom slunk before the blazonrj- of heaven- born Hope, and from the yet fiery ashes sprung a better and brighter day. The blessing in disguise brightens with each day, for in the burned district has been erected the most pretentious, elegant buildings in the city, such as would do credit to any modern city, where- ever it be. A fire district was at once established by the municipal authorities, and within this limit, fire proof buildings, as near as such can be, only are erected. The Lopez buildings, one of which is occupied as a wholesale and retail grocery store by L. Lopez & Co., and the other t>ccupied by Folkes & Grant, druggists, and the dry goods em])orium of T. P. Dulion iSc Co., are unsurpassed anywhere. Instead of the antedeluvian structure misnamed a depot, that for years stood, to taunt with it unsightl\- ness, is a beautiful, comfortable and attractive station, modern and fit for the convenience of the traveling public, and for which the residents are thankful, and all down the line of the devastation are structures that bespeak a thrifty, healthful business condition, that de- notes a substantial prosperity. Biloxi is chartered under the general state law, and the city government is conservatively and efficiently conducted. The Council meets once a month regularh' and holds such sessions as are necessary. The city con- trols the public markets and they are conducted under It is hoped that a city advancing as rapidly as this will soon have the control and supervision of the waterworks and electric light plant. Municipal owner- ship of such necessary adjuncts to the comfort and well being of a city is most conducive to efficient service. Hon. J. W. Swetman, a leading druggist, is Mayor; T. P. Dulion, a citizen, ever in the front of each move- ment to benefit Biloxi, is Treasurer; O. G. Swetman, a most careful, reliable and painstaking officer, is City Clerk; R. J. Lowery, a prompt and energetic officer, is Tax Collector; T. H. Gleason, a terror to evil doers. Police Judge; J. R. Harkness, one of the oldest and most respected citizens. Street Commissioner; Hon. W. A. White, the learned, efficient District Attorney for this Judicial District, ably fills the office of City At- torney. The Board of Aldermen is composed of the follow- ing leading citizens who with jealous fidelity guard the interests of their constituency,: First Ward: J. B. Chinn, T. J. Rosell; Second Ward: E. Glcnnan, P. L. Elmer; ThirdWard: J. C. Bradford, Lee Elder; Fourth Ward: I. Heidenheim, Joseph Ott. From the city at large, L. Lopez, Sr. The Police department is under the direction of R. Fishing and Hunting in the Vicinity of Biloxi. THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 13 M. Mosley, City Marshal and Chief of Police. Mr. Moslcy is senilis: his second term, which is an evidence of his qualities as an officer. The active Police force consists of the Chief Mosley. Officers J. A. McKinley and R. M. Randoljth. Considerin.ii- the many improvements that are doin": so much toward the adx'ancement of the beauty and property values of the city, the rate of taxes is exceed- in jrly low, the levy for all purposes being 11 mills. A well e(iuip]HMl Kire department, composed of vol- unteers, does valiant and faithful service in time of need. The value of property in Biloxi is greater than that of any other place on the Gulf Coast, lots fronting on the Gulf are in demand at from thirty to forty dollars a front foot according to location. Away from the front, available property may be bought at from five to twenty- five dollars per foot, the price being governed by the situation and surroundings. Lands suitable for truck farms and convenient to the market may be purchased at from five to twenty-tive dollars per acre. Real estate is in demand and for any purpose is worth in every respect the prices asked therefor, and will continue to advance, for Biloxi isbuilded on a solid foundation and is yet far away from its zenith. Nothing Init the intervention of providence will ever check its growth. It has withstood the ravages of three wide-sweeping fires, one epidemic, three (luarantines and a storm second only to the Gal- veston horror, all within ten years, and like some never fading flower, beautiful in bud and blossom, rich in fol- iage, rare in fragrance, ever constant in growth, it ever rears its head above the genial soil, "a thing of beauty and a joy forever." Another thing prominent in the business life of Biloxi, is the fact that the greater part of the business done here is on a cash basis; little credit of more than thirty to sixty days is ever asked or expected, hence there are few failures, not exceeding ten merchants having assigned here in the last ten years. Few people remove from Biloxi after once living here. There was a tradition among the early residents, that those who once ate "Mullets" at Biloxi would never leave, and if by chance they did, they would be certain to return. However this ma3- be, there is about Biloxi an attract- iveness that, like some tender memory ever in the lov- ing heart, holds us here, and gently draws us back, no matter how far our wandering footsteps stray. Rome boasted of her Appian way, the Parthenon was the pride of Athens, and Biloxi may well boast and be proud of her palatial residences. No citj' has more beautiful and attractive homes, from the simple rose- bowered cottage, with the golden sunshine shifting through the trailing vines, and resting like a halo of peace around the heart and hearth, to the stately man- sion, with magnficent turrets and towers, reaching high above the modest roof below, and into the dazzling light and fragrant gales of the gulf; great oaks, unconquered monarchs of another age, spread a sheltering shade over lawn and garden, flowers in prodigal profusion, deck the landscape, and full throated birds warble in the ecstacy of matin songs and carol in the soothing of vesper melodies. Homes surrounded thus tell tales of a love beyond the magic east, a contentment that rivals the sleep of fools, a happiness beyond the price of gold, and a prosperity beyond halcyon days of Romish splen- dor. The Biloxi Yacht Club, lately organized and char- tered, has a commodious and S])endidly appointed club house, situated on the beach, near the foot of Lameuse street. Under the auspices of this club, a regatta is annually given and is always a success. This club is one of the finest on the coast, and affords much pleasure to members and visitors. Among its members are the most prominent gentlemen of Biloxi, as well as a num- ber of gentlemen from New Orleans, Mobile and the coast towns. Modern progress and prodigal prosperity are bring- ing Biloxi nearer and nearer to the highest point that marks a city's growth, but with it all there is left the romantic beauty of the long ago, and as we stand on its tide-tossed and wave-worn shore we can but dwell upon the things that have come and had their little day and then passed like the flight of a frightened bird. This wondrous old city for more than three centuries has stood and watched the fantastic i)ageant of time; na- tions and kingdoms have risen and passed away; princes and potentates have flourished and faded like the fig- ments of a summer dream; joys like the full radiance of a midday sun have clustered about its every nook and corner; sorrows like the blight of norther night have stood at its every jiortal; "the stately ships have gone on to their haven under the hill;" new generations have come to take the place of the old; and the things that made the history of the world have passed one by one away, and left Biloxi like some lone dreamer solitary and saddened in the midst of a strange new age; and if we could summon from the graves of forgotten centuries the long train of those who have lived within this midst, and clothe them in the costumes of their time and na- tionality, it would make a phantom pageant that we would stay long to see, but there is no magic that can give us back our past, and we turn to the present, and convenant with each other that the coming days of Bi- loxi will be made better and brighter than all the cen- turies that have passed before her gaze, and a like con- quering queen will hold her place amidst all the storms and go on serenely upward and forward, watching the rise of men and nations, only to pass awa.v when time shall lose itself in the greatness of eternity's endless day. FROM AN ANNUAL WINTER VISITOR. Editor James Ryan, of Appleton, Wisconsin, who is an annual visitor to our city, pays the following beauti- ful, graceful and just tribute to Biloxi in the columns of his paper, The Evening Crescent: The question is often asked, why do so many people from the northwest migrate annually to Biloxi, Miss., to spend the winter months? It is alleged that the place is small and unimportant as a fashionable resort. "14- THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. that Atlantic City, on the eastern Atlantic coast, or St. Augustine, Ormond, Daj'tona and Palm Beach on the eastern Florida coast, are par excellence, far more at- tractive to pleasure seekers and much better known than Biloxi, to the giLy world, whose realm of delight is en- compassed with ever}' accessory- of palatial inns, menus presided over by French chefs of international reputa- tion, yachting- parties, tally-ho coaching outings and swell gowns for dinners, dances and the admiration of swagger young men, many of whom are on the qui vive for wives of large financial expectations. Then again there is Tampa with its magnificent hotel and playhouse combined, filled with French antique furnishings, much of which has hitherto served its purpose in Parisian palaces, personally selected abroad b_v Mr. tnd Mrs. Plant of the famous Plant railwaj' s)'stem, for the delec- tation of the hundreds of eastern people who spend their winters in that beautiful art palace. And again there is a quaint, historic, unique New Orleans, everj^ step of which is accentuated to the visitor in potent and cago, St. Louis, etc., Waupaca and Sparta being well represented. The vast expanse of water fronting Biloxi is always a scene of interest, with its sailing craft, steamers, tugs and innumerable rowboats. Fishing is usually very good, the angler having his choice in taking speckled trout, redfish, sheephcad, Spanish mackerel, alligator gar, shark, and during the summer months tarpon. Boating and sailing is ideal; fine facilities and immunity from danger. The shell streets are as smooth as concrete or asphalt, there being miles of these drives, and vehicles almost as numerous as flies at Lockhurst. Biloxi has a few good hotels, the leading one being the Hotel de Montross, managed by a Chicago gentleman, Mr. Sawford. The Breslow and the Beach House are also contiguous, while visitors rent furnished cottages and keep house. Accomodations can also be obtained in private families. The temperature did not go below 30 degrees at any period last winter and heavy wraps were at a discount. The grand old live oaks are ever green in their majestic grandeur of expanse and there :/; M ■■•'-''. , ■^■■: .u/,.|.i,r . ■ ) ~i''^ M o /;/ I. r ^w^ Kill '■■J--- ''■■ „..J CMUPMm >MMicr Map of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. reminiscent interest, the theme being fruitful alike for the historian, the painter, the poet or the visitor of to- day who may tour the city for weeks, yet daily discover- ing something old but ever new and passingh' absorbing in interest. New Orleans is the acknowledged Mecca of Mardi Gras sightseers from all points in our land and they are welcomed with that sincere cordiality of south- ern hospitality that actually puts us matter of fact westerners to the blush, in contrast to our climatic over reserve. But the spectacular panorama passes finally and remains but a memory of beautiful pictures, while the tired body and mind desires the solace of quieter retreats where one may rest and recuperate, "far from the madding crowd." Biloxi is an oasis to the satiated society devotee, as well as possessing a charm and fas- cination to that class of quiet people who do not chase the elusive will o" the wisp of mere society. Biloxi is a dimunitive city containing only about 6000 residential population which is augmented during the winter months by men and women of northern Wisconsin, Chi- among them are the pretentiovis or modest homes of the agreeable people. A more restful place to pass pleasant winter months can scarce be found. A more commodi- ous hotel is one of the great needs of Biloxi and the question of a new hotel is being agitated, which will doubtless result in a tangible solution of the subject and the consequent enlargement of the winter population from Wisconsin and other northern states. Biloxi suf- fered from the effects of a disastrous fire last November, which destroyed ninety business places and residences, but the scars are being obliterated by the erection of new and a better class of buildings. I* 3i\oxi (Srabeb Scbool S^etem ©ne ot tbe XeaMuc; jfactors in tbc llpbuilMiuj of Soutb fiHississppi's flDost ipromincnt Cits. In keeping- with the wonderful onward march of projjress that has so distinyfuished Biloxi duriny the past decade has been the growth and development of her school system. However much opinions may have differed as to what constituted prog-ress along other lines there has been no division of sentiment or efforts in affairs educational. Since the city was organized as a separate school district in 1S'»1, the best and most in- telligent citizenship has stood shoulder to shoulder in every movement tending to put the best educational fa- cilities within the reach of every child. Without an exception all interests have been subordinated to the advancement and the perfecting- of the city's public schools. Such disinterestedness and earnestness have brought their sure rewards. Now every ward of the city has its commodious, beautiful and completely equipped school building, bringing the best facilities within reach of every home. Within the Second ward, the central and most densely populated section of the cit3-, is located the Central Primary School and the High School, both of them modern in architecture and the detailed ar- rangements and furnishings of up-to-date school build- ings. These two structures are gifts, the city having furnished only the grounds. The High School was erected in 1SS6 by Messrs. H. T. and Frank Howard at an outlay of S7,000, and the Primary School by Mr. H. T. Howard alone in 1808 at a cost of S->.500. These two buildings with their lieautiful grounds are valued at 515,000. In the First ward is located the Point Cadet Primary School, and in the Third ward, the West End Primary School. Both of these adequate and handsome struc- tures with their commodious grounds are the gift of Mr. and Mrs. L. Lopez, Sr. They are valued at S3, 500 and S4,000 respectively. In the Fourth ward is the Back Bay Primary School. Mr. William Gorenflo is the donor of the grounds and Mr. W. K. Dukate of the pretty building. This prop- erty is valued at S3, 500. These last mentioned build- ings were all erected in 1898 and are equipped in every essential detail of modern scientific school — hygiene and furniture — by their thoughtful and progressive donors. The donation of these splendid buildings means much to the present as well as the prospective propertj' owners of Biloxi — it means that the city is not and will not be burdened with a bonded indebtedness for school facilities — it means that these liberal, broad-minded men, the builders of these buildings, have builded better and wiser than is apparent at first observation. These buildings are not only monuments of the philanthropic spirit of Biloxi's leading men, but they have left and do leave to the tax payers only the burden of furnish- ing funds for an adequate teaching force. Thus, the board of trustees, in whose hands is the em- ployment of teachers, have been enabled to increase the nun-iber of teachers as the growth of the school de- manded. This school board, five in number, is and has always been selected without reference to any partisan politics or party affiliation, but because of their fitness and pre-eminent (jualifications to discharge their respon- sible duties, the most important of which is the selec- tion of the faculty of the schools. How wisely and how well they have done this is evidenced by the con- stant imjirovement and progress of the schools. Much has been said of the educational equipment as regards buildings, but just as important and rapid has been the improvement in the spirit and personnel of the corps of teachers, and this is largely due to the present school board composed of Messrs. W. K. M. Dukate, president; F. W. Elmer, secretary; W. A. White. E. C. Joullian and J. H. Miller. During the incumbency of the ma- jority of this board the number of teachers has been in- creased from ten to fifteen, the salaries of grade teach- ers raised from S35 to S-45 per month, and the school term lengthened from seven to nine months. The fac- ulty of the schools for the ensuing term is as follows: J. H. Owings, superintendent; Leslie Patridge, princi- pal of the High School; Misses Holley, Robbins, Arm- strong, Tracy, Anding, Warren, Coman. Hann, Brooks, Lack and Hall, teachers in the various grades. Each member of the corps is a specialist in the work to which assigned. In their selection no sectionalism, sectarian- ism or nepotism has ever played a part. They came from several states and from different sections of the whole country, and can only secure and hold their places by the real merit of their work. This is true without an exception and is a thing that can l)e said of but few school systems. The colored school teachers and school are under the same school authorities as the white, and their teachers, of their own race, are as carefully chosen as are those of the white schools. The internal organization and grading of the schools is that recognized by highest authorities as the best for city systems. There are three main divisions or groups of grades or classes — the primary, consisting of four years of school work; the intermediate or grammar grades, occupying four 3-ears, and the high school de- partment, with a three year course. This makes eleven distinct grades, so that pupils entering the lowest at the age of 5 or 6 years complete the course at the age of 16 or 17 years. The course is so arranged that pupils fin- ishing the high school are prepared to enter the college department of anj- of the state institutions. From the lowest to the highest grade the latest [.BiLOxi's PuBi^ic School Buildings. THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 17 textbooks and methods of instruction arc in use, the teachers, ahnost without an exception, spend their sum" mer vacations attendinj>- some school of methods, either at some of the universities of the country or in the sum- mer normals hehl by the State Board of Education in various sections of the state. Under the state law the trustees select textbooks every five years. Just a year ajj'o the list of books in use in the schools was brought up to date by the adoption of the latest revisions of all important texts. The last school census shows that Biloxi has a school population of 2.300, the school age in Mississippi being from five to twenty-one years. This entitles the city to an annual pro rata of the state fund of approxi- mately S4,()00, which is supplementecrby a local tax of 2 '2 mills, producing nearly as much more. The school lioard is thus enabled to ])ursue a liberal policy towards the schools which is resulting in the Biloxi schools be- ct)ming noted for their excellent organization and efficient work. They are rapidly becoming one of the most dis- tincti\-e and attractive features of the city, by their worth bringing nianv desirable homeseekers to locate within the reach of them. In South Mississippi Biloxi has been and is the leading city, and in no phase of communal life and progress is this more notably and literally true than in the excellence of lier schools, but the wave of educational ui)building, which had its rise in this city, has spread until every town and hamlet of the entire coast has felt its benign influence. From Scranton on the east to Bay St. Louis on the west there has been within the past few years a great educational awakening. Almost every village has built and equi])ped modern school- houses. Wide awake, progressive county superintend- ents have carried the spirit to the rural districts with splendid results. The movement has attracted the best teachers with the best methods from every section. Such is the present status of the schools and school systems of this region that they are considered to be the equal of any in the South. Moreover, the progress and growth of the past few years is prophetic of the future, when the coast will easily surpass all sections in the excellence of its schools, and in that developnunt Biloxi, as here- tofore, will hold the position of prominence. THE BILOXI ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT, Zbe Canning IFn^ustries of 3i\oxi ■ffntcrestino IRea&iuG Hbout tbe fiHost Umportant jfactor in "ClpbuilMng of Soutb /IDississippi. When the late Colonel Roderick Seal, in a speech in the legislature, referred to the Mississippi Sound as "God Almighty's meat house," the man who would have prophesied that the waters of the Sound and those ad- jacent would A'ield what they do today of edibles for mankind would have been regarded as a "day dreamer" or a lunatic. Then the canning of ovsters and shrimp was an unknown industry on the Gulf Coast. Then the castnet was the faithful table sen'ant, and man had not conceived of the coming future that the revolving wheels of Progress brings to man with each cycle of time. Progress never sleeps, but is ever hunting for (renius and En- terprise, the children he has select e d t o awaken the world to a full realization of the magnitude of the stores of wealth and ha])])iness it contains. About twen- ty - one years ago Genius brushed the mist from the \-isi()n of Mr. L. I^opez, Sr., and Mr. W. K. M. Dukate, Progress pointed out the way and Enterprise led the path into the vineyard where Fortune had planted the seeds of Success. Under the clear sun of Thought the^- saw before them Opportunity, with scep- tre in hand waving them forward, and they realized that the time for action was at hand. The field before them they had never cultivated, and to their vision was al- most a barren waste. Here Genius again appeared, opened the Aladdin lamp of Enterprise, and that which appeared barren waste before was a vineyard of the rich grapes of Success. With them to think was to act and a tirm com- posed of L. Lopez, Sr., F. W. Elmer, W. K. M. Dukate, James Maycock and Wm. Gorenflo, was formed, with a capital stock of $8,000. None of the gentlemen composing the pioneer can- ning factory company knew anything whatever about I.. I.OI'KZ. the industry they proposed starting. However, thej- did not propose to "go it blind," and, in order that the}' might commence coving oysters by the proper method, Mr. W. K. M. Dukate was selected to go to Baltimore and take observations and glean whatever information he could regarding the process. Mr. Dukate's aptitude was a guarantee to his associates in the business that whatever information he vouchsafed upon his return would be sufScient for them to commence the coving business. While absent, Mr. Dukate purchased the neces- sarj' machinery, etc., for coving oysters and canning shrimp, and the work was be- gun. Though at first their ef- fforts may have been crude, the product of the factory found ready sale and the companj' re- alized that the business was profitable. Messrs. Lo- pez and Dukate withdrew from the firm in 1884 and organized another can- ning compan}-, under the style and name of Lopez, Dunbar Sons Co. The following }-ear the Barataria Canning Companj' was or- ganized. New Orleans business men composing its mem- bership. Following in rapid succession, the firms of Wm. Gorenfio & Co., E. C. Joullian & Co., and J. T. Maybury engaged in the business. The capital now em- ployed in these industries during the season aggregates S250,000, and for labor and raw material the weekly pay-roll is about 825,000. The number of people em- ployed is in the neighborhood of 2,500. The total an- nual output of these factories is from 200,000 to 450,000 cases of oysters and from 30,000 to 40,000 cases of shrimp and from 10,000 to 15,000 cases of figs, and the product is shipped to all parts of the world. The excel- lency of the Biloxi oyster is of world wide fame for its flavor and size, and the demand for the gulf coast bi- valve is rapidly increasing in every section of the coun- try — both in this country and in Europe. The shrimp \V K. M. DUKAIK. Kactdkv Ilcii. dings of IvCJi'lCz & DuKATE, Canneks, Bii.oxi, Miss. 20 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. here packed has no superior and the figs no equal in the marts of the world. Biloxi is the only place in the United States outside of New Orleans where shrimp is canned. In the canning- of cove oysters Biloxi stands second in importance in the United States, ranking next to Bal- timore. While it is true that a great many oysters are canned on the Atlantic coast, south of Norfolk, those packed at Biloxi are always given the preference over other points, on account of the size and flavor. It is claimed by manv that Biloxi oysters are equally good in everj' respect as those of Baltimore, the only difference being the label showing where packed. LOPEZ & DUKATE. This firm is composed of L. Lopez, Sr., and W. K. M. Dukate. They are the largest individual packers of oysters, shrimp and figs in the United States. Messrs. Lopez & Dukate are among the pioneers of the canning industry of the Gulf Coast, associating themselves in the beginning with the firm of Lopez, Elmer & Co., in 1880; from a very small beginning as it were, they are now classed among the largest houses of like character in the country. The output of this firm for the past season, ending Mav 1, l')01, is a record breaker. Mr. Dukate, bv the Canning Factory of The E. C. Joullian Packing Company, Biloxi, Miss. The labor in the factories is mainly piece work, wages running from 60 cents to SI. 25 for women and children, while day labor is paid 15 cents per hour. Most of the capping of cans is done by machinery, and an expert machine operator will cap 20,000 cans per day. Suitable and comfortable quarters are provided for the laborers and no loafers are allowed around the premises. Coal is the principal fuel used, which is procured from the Alabama mines, while the cans are purchased about equallv between Chicago and Baltimore, owing to the cheapness of the two points. The scarcity of labor on the coast necessitates the importation of large numbers of Bohemians during th? oyster seasoij, way of a little calculation, says their output for the season was 525 carloads of canned oysters and shrimp, which would make twenty-six trainloads of twenty cars each. The reputation of their numerous brands, to- gether with their relations to the trade, never finds them with a sur])lus. This company's plant and labor quarters cover many acres of ground, and besides they are largely in- terested in the cultivation and planting of oysters on their private beds. They own some sixty odd vessels, both sail and steam, that are kept busy gathering the bivalves during the season. In addition to this, they ;are in the market for all of the raw material that can THE BlLOXI DAILY HERALD. 21 be purchased. The time of Mr. Lopez is taken up in supervising: their large interests, and that of Mr. Du- kate is given to the sales department, etc. The head of the firm, Mr. L. Lopez, Sr., is one of the most progressive men in the state, while his partner, Mr. Dukate, keeps him an even pace in that line. Few- men have met with greater success in the financial and business world than have they. In public enterprises their handiwork is visible on ever}- hand, and no two men have done as much for Biloxi and this coast country as have Messrs. Lopez & Dukate. In fact the establish- ment of their packing industry here laid the foundation that has built Biloxi into the beautiful and progressive room increases. He contemplates extensive improve- ments within the next eighteen months, which, when made, will place him among the foremost packers on the Mississippi Coast. The present factory, located on what is known as Back Bay, is a commodius building, 100x250 feet in size, where 300 men, women and children tind employment during the canning season. A fleet of thirty-tive boats, a part of which the company owns, also gives employment to many more — 200 or more. The Joullian factory has a daily capacity for 1,000 barrels oysters and 150 barrels shrimp. Vegetable can- ning will be given an important place in the business in the future. Mr. Joullian is also half owner in the CANNING Factory of Wji. Gorenflo & Co., Biloxi, Miss. city she is today — "The Queen City of the Coast." Their product comprises cove oysters, canned shrimp and figs, of which manv thousands of cases are shipped }-early. E. C. JOULLIAN PACKING CO. The E. C. Joullian Packing Company, of Biloxi, established in 1S88, has developed from a S75 plant to an industry doing a heavy business in canned oysters and shrimp. Mr. Joullian is now packing 150,000 cases of oysters and 25,000 cases of shrimp annually, and en- larging his factory from year to year as the demand for Biloxi Canning Company, the pioneer factory of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. BARATARIA CANNING COMPANY. This is one of the largest industries on the Gulf Coast, and its product has a worldwide reputation. The company's plant is 200x1500 feet, the buildings covering 30,000 feet of ground space. This companj' emploj-s 400 to 500 people, and have ample room for every busi- ness purpose. They are large shippers of raw oysters and pickled shrimp, their oyster capacity being 150,000 cans per day. The following are the brands of oysters they pack and ship: "Barataria," "Favorite," "Eu- 22 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. rckii," ''Excelsior," and the "Pride of the Gulf" shrimp. The product of this companj- is handled bj' the princi- pal jobbing- firms of the United States, and they guaran- tee all of their yfoods to be equal to any in every way. WM. GORENFLO & CO. The senior member of this iirm, in connei:tit)n with Mr. L. Lopez, was the first to engage, in a small way, in the oyster industry in Biloxi, and with Mr. L. Lopez, Mr. W. K. M. Dukate and others, started what is now the Biloxi Canning Company, and were the first firm in Biloxi to engage in the packing of cove oysters, shrimp, etc. The i)resent firm was organized in 1886, and has been successful from the start, their products having been successfully introduced throughout the country. The}' are also large shippers of raw oysters and own large beds of their own. Mr. (ror- enflo's long experience in this trade is a sufficient guarantee of the worth of the goods put on the mar- ket bv this long established house. RAW OYSTER SHIPMENTS. Biloxi leads in the matter of raw oyster shipments, and the mil- lions of succulent bivalves shipped from here in season is astonishing to the uninitiated. Besides those shipped by the factories, there are independent shippers of oysters who do an enormous business in that line. The Biloxi oyster is rapidly growing into favor in the majority of the northern and western cities and towns, and is to a large degree supplanting oysters from other beds. THOMAS Maii.i^rer of tlif S.isli, T. J. ROSELL & CO. It has become very noticeable of late that in every instance where a new industrial enterprise, or any other in fact, is inaugurated in Biloxi, it becomes a decided improvement on that which has been done before. Of this we were forcibly reminded in the new plant, lately erected on the railroad, by Thomas J. Rosell & Co., as an up-to-date, modern and thoroughly eijuijjped sash, door and blind factory. The old plant on Reynoir street proved inadequate for 'the rapidly increasing business and a removal was an absolute necessity. The establishment now given over to manufactur- ing the celebrated products of T. J. Rosell & Co., is a ver)- elaborate affair, and covers, with the warehouses, 165,000 square feet. The main building is 50 feet in height, 130 feet in width and 190 feet in length, occupv- ing a ground space for setting and working of forty-two different machines which turn out the work from this factory. The power necessary to run these machines is generated from V)0 horse power boilers, with a 100 horse power engine. There are forty-four windows in the skylight, occupying a space of 20x80 feet, which diffuses all the light necessary. There is probably at present 800,000 feet of the very best lumber on the ground awaiting transformation, and in the course of a year this factory consumes 3,000,000 feet of the same. With all the various buildings, sheds, etc., this manu- facturing concern is one of the largest in the South. The dry kiln covers some 728 square feet of surface. The stock room is located on the east end of the build- ing and is connected by a switch running to the kiln, with the main tracks of the Louisville & Nashville railroad, thus expediting matters greatly. This estab- lishment when under full headway gives employment to some forty-five employes, thus feeding a small army of persons. The introduction of boxmaking machinery, some fifteen machines being re- quired, gives employment to many of our people. A large number of the various oyster, shrimp and fruit canning factories in this part of the south are now being supplied by this factory with boxes, cases, etc. Its daily capacity is 5,000 boxes of all sizes. The class of work turned out is famous wherever introduced. Church and school fixtures, such as pews, pulpits, seats, desks, etc., are nnich prettier and more durable than those manufactured at other points. Store and bar fixtures are indeed a feature. Some of the finest can be seen right here in Biloxi, as well as at many other points remote from this citj*. Mouldings, casings, scrolls, corner and plinth blocks, brackets, stair rails, newel posts, balusters, sash, doors, blinds, etc., are turned out of this establish- ment with a rapidity that has made the name synonym- ous with dispatch, quickness, beauty and cheapness. A leading feature of this company is the furnishing of glass suitable for store fronts of any size and style, thereby saving insurance fees in transit and breakage over long distances traveled. In fact there is nothing in the building line but what this factory manufactures and within a radius of several hundred miles its products can be found. Shipments are made to Alabama and Louisiana and to the principal cities in those states. The original firm was Gill, Rosell & Co., and was so known until February 6, 1899, when Messrs. Lopez and Dukate became associated with Mr. Rosell, who is con- sidered one of the finest experts in the business in this country. The capital is $35,000, and with the made-up and raw material included would be augmented to near $50,(00 invested in a plant that redounds to the credit of those therein engaged, and a standing monument to the enterprise of the people of Biloxi. J. KOSELL. Door anil Bliml Factory. Buii^DiNGS OF T, J. KosRij. & Co., Sash, Dook and Blind Factokv. 24 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. S>ukate's ^beatrc. Erected bg m. He. /ID. IDuhate. in 1899. November 8, 1S')S, Mr. W. K. M. Dukate awarded the contract for erecting- his theatre to Messrs. C. H. Owen and E. L Suter, contractors of this city, at a cost of S40,000, and on the 15th day of June, seven months later, the structure rose from the ground, complete and beautiful — an ornament and a credit to the city and an enduring testimonial to the founder. floor, at the head of which is a large triple window of art glass, and thence to the theatre. This part of the building is prettily finished off in hard oil finish. The seating capacity of the theatre is about 700, sub-divided as follows : Par(|uette 428, balcony 178, and the pit 94. The theatre will, however, easily accommo- date 1.000 spectators. The chairs in the front section of the parquette are of leather seats and veneered backs; those of the rear section have veneered seats and plush backs; the chairs in the balcony and pit are veneered. They are of the folding variety, and such as are used in our metropolitan theatres. There are four boxes, one on each side of the Dckatk's Thkatkp:, Liloxi, Miss. The building is two and one-half stories in height in front and rises to the imposing height of five stories in the rear, which was made necessary 1)3' the require- ments of the stage accoutrements. The first section of the facade is of pressed brick and stone, and is of Grecian design, while the upper one is of pressed brick and stucco. A most pleasing and striking effect is produced by the granite pileasters with their Corinthian capitals and the arches with their carved ke3stones. The main entrance is in the west wing of the build- ing which is spacious and paved with mosaic piling and leads to the foyer where is located the handsome box office and the stairway leading to the lobbv on second stage on the first floor and two in the balcon\-. They are respectively Doric and Linian in design and are richly and artisticallv furnished with silk (]rai)eries and carpet, the furniture being fancy rattan rockers. The outside of the boxes is set off in stereo relief of pretty pattern. The theatre is lighted b)' electricit.v and has about 500 Ih candle power incandescent lamps. Another fea- ture is the circle overhead which has a burst of lights and which is ornamented by a handsome border around the grille and a fringe of stereo-relief. The balcony and pit railings almost def}- description by pen. They are stereo relief with a leaf and flower design and fin- ished off with white and gold. When illuminated, the THE BILOXI DAILY HEKALD. 2.T effect is dazzling-. Probably one of the most attractive features of the interior is the proscenium arch which is also finished similarl}- to the pit and balcony railinys except that the stereo-relief is slifjhtly different in design. In the center of the arch is a lyre about four feet high, bearing- the year "189'J." The sides and ceiling of the theatre are plastered, and are rounded off in most graceful curves, which suggest the ancient Doric and lonion st3'les of architecture. Our pen is inadequate to fully portray this part of the theatre and -we will therefore not attempt it. Suffice it to say that the effect is both beautiful and soothing. Now we come to an important feature of the house from the lly gallery, and it is so arranged that there can be no interruption in successfully manipulating the most rajiid changes. The drop curtain repre^-ents a scene in old Italy, with its lake, its mountains, cattle, etc. It is quite gorgeous and adds much U> the theatre. The foot lights alternate in color. There are two stairways leading from the stage to the greenroom, which is large and comfortable and will be appreciated by the actors and their friends after the play. On either side of the greenroom are located the dressing rooms, six in number, which are furnished with all the necessary conveniences. Although our efforts to describe Mr. Dukate's The City Hall and Makkf.t, IJn.oxi, Ml-;s. — the stage. Many otherwise good i)layhouses have been rendered almost unfit for use by an incorrectly built stage, that is one that could not i)ermit the staging of a plaj' by reason of its smallness. In the construction of this theatre Mr. Dukate took special care to avoid this mistake by making the stage large and roomy. Its dimensions are thirty feet deep by forty-five wide and fortj-'six to the grid-iron. It will comfortably accom- modate a cast of forty or flfty._ The scenery, which was specially made for the theatre by Sosman & Sanders, the well known scenic artists of Chicago, and represent- atives of landscape scenery is susceptible of 150 changes. This paraphernalia is all counter weighted and operated theatre have fallen immeasural ly short in actual de- tail. \et the reader may gather from the foregoing an idea as to its completeness and magnificence, lively detail of the great institution was personally supervised by Mr. Dukate himself, and so well has he executed the work that it admits of no improvement. The theatre as it stands today is one of the best ei,uipped, hand- somest and most modern playhouses in the South. It places Biloxi among the foremost cities of the South and it stamps its founder, Mr. W. K. M. Dukate, as a progressive man and conscious of the necessities of the present day. Well indeed may it be said of him that he would be an acquisition to any community. Coast Soil, Climate an& nnarftets all tavorable to farming. Bgvicultural ITntereete jfarming, StocI? IRaising, /IDarUet (Bardening anJ) ffrutt (Stowing By Prof. S. M. TRACT, Formerly Dirpctor of ilis.iissippi Agricultural Experiment Station. (Suit Coast offers some unusual a&« vautages to tbe farmer. The country along the Gulf Coast offers unusual at- tractions to the general farmer, the stock raiser, the market gardener, or the fruitgrower. The climate, the soil, and the markets are all in his favor. The climate is more uniform than further north, the summer heat seldom exceeding 90 degrees, while the winter temper- ature rarel.v falls below 20 degrees, and the cold weather lasts only a few daj's. The rain fall is abundant, about 60 inches annually, and is so well distributed through- out the year that crops rarely suffer from the drouth. The surface soil is usually a mellow, sandy loam, which is easily worked and kept in good condition. The subsoil, except a narrow strip along the waters' edge, is a heavy clay, coming to within a few inches of the surface, and this gives the loamy top soil the very best foun(fation and makes it permanently productive with the use of only a small amount of fertilizer. Near the coast the lands are low and nearly level, but are suf- ficiently rolling to give good drainage with little or no ditching. Back from the coast the land rises gradually, reaching a height of about seventj'-five feet within three miles of the gulf, and becoming somewhat hilly. All of these lands have an abundant suppl}' of springs and running streams, and flowing artesian wells can be se- cured b}' boring to a depth of from 600 to 700 feet. For stock raising this region is one of the best in the whole country-, as the pine woods furnish good grazing the entire 3'ear, and there is never a month when, crops are not growing in the fields. At present the unfenced range is practicall}' unlimited, and so well stocked with rich grasses that cattle feeding upon them are ready for the butcher at any time from Maj' until December. Thousands of cattle spend the entire winter on the range, and probablj' less than one third of the beef cattle grown here ever see an ear of corn or a pound of meal. Sheep raising has been an important industrj* here ever since the early Spanish settlements were made, nearl}' 200 years ago, and the "Lake Wool" grown about Biloxi has a national reputation and commands the highest price. The sheep from which this wool is clipped are practically self-supporting, as they live on the range during the entire year and receive no feed and have no shelter or protection except what they find for themselves. In fact, their owners seldom see them ex- cept when they are rounded up for shearing and mark- ing. Disease is almost unknown among them and, while many young lambs are killed bj' dogs and hogs, the nat- ural increase of the flocks is about 25 per cent, annually, or more than enough to pay the slight expense of shear- ing and marking, leaving all the wool as net profit. The natural pastures are all that can be asked, fur- nishing green feed from January' until December. The United States Department of Agriculture reports 218 species of grasses as growing within twentv miles of Biloxi, a larger number than has been reported from any other locality- in the whole country, and in a region so rich in natural pastures there can be ho lack of good grazing. On the wild lands where the pasturing is light the water grasses, wire grasses, mutton cane, redtop, lespedeza and a score of others furnish a constant succes- sion of varieties for all seasons. On lands which have been more closely grazed, "carpet grass" is at its best, and is to the coast countrj' what blue grass is to the North. It "comes in" quickly on all pastured lands, and will bear more close grazing and hard tramping than will cltij other good pasture grass. It takes pos- session of every roadside, and even of the most sand}' fields, after one or two seasons of grazing, it remains fresh and green through the whole year and is relished by all kinds of stock. Hay can be produced in great abundance and at a verj' slight cost, as heavy crops can be made at a nom- inal expense on fields from which other crops have been harvested earlier in the season. Whenever crops are taken off as early as July the ground is soon covered by a dense growth of crabgrass, or a mixture of grass and Mexican clover, either of which makes a haj' of fine quality. One old Illinois farmer who located within five miles of Biloxi said to us recenth': "Last j'ear I had twent.v acres of cucumbers in my peach orchard, and after harvesting the crop I kept the ground clean around the trees and then cut from the field thirty-five tons of as fine haj' as I ever used, and that is good enough grass for me." His hay cost him absoluteh' nothing but the harvesting. The cow pea is another ha}' plant which always gives a profitable crop, making two or more tons per acre of a hay which is fully as valuable as that from the best of red clover. Whenever a field is not needed for other crops during an}' two months of warm weather it can always be made to yield a good crop of peavine hay, and four months of our coldest weather will permit the growth of a heavy crop of oats. From the fact that only a small proportion of the land is in cultivation hay is always in good demand, and one of the most profitable crops which can be grown. Among the grain crops corn and oats do well. Corn matures by August and oats in May, so that either crop is out of the way in ample time for cow peas or some other crop to follow. Upland rice is grown very com- monly, and often two crops are made from the same ground, the second one being a volunteer and worth nearly as much as the first. Sugar cane grows finely and nearly every family raises enough to make molasses for home use, while many farmers are finding it a profitable crop. Although the yield of cane is less per acre than on some of the alluvial lands of Louisiana, it contains a larger percentage of sugar, and so is worth more per ton than where heavier crops are grown. The 28 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. l>iiie lands produce heavy crops of long staple cotton, and that crop was formerh- grown here quite extensively, but in recent years the rapid growth of the towns and their popularity as places of resort for both summer and winter visitors has made other crops more profitable. A great part of the cultivated land near Biloxi is devoted to the growing of fruits and garden truck for which there is a growing demand in the local market, while the surplus finds a ready market in Moljile and New Orleans. In a region where the growing season is so long and heavy frosts are so rare a small area of land mav be made to produce an immense amount of truck in the course of a year, two crops being always possible, while here quite extensivel}', the main crop maturing in July, while a second crop, maturing in October, often gives a good profit. Cabbage, lettuce, peas, beets, radishes, turnips and other hardy vegetables grow well during the entire winter, and all which are grown in excess of the local demand give good profits when shipped to northern markets. The Gulf Coast is called "The Gar- den of America," but nowhere else in this favored re- gion can be found a better soil and a more favorable cli- mate than in the immediate vicinity of Biloxi, while the rapidly growing demand in this and nearby towns maintains prices which are very satisfactorj- to the growers. Kniit growing is as successful and as profitable as Jkfferson Davis' Home, Beauvoir. Wiss. three or four are often grown on the same land. Plant- ing begins in January and does not end until December, and there is not a day in the entire 3'earwhen fresh veg- etables may not be gathered from any well inanaged garden. No finer sweet potatoes than those brought into the Biloxi market from the first of July until the last of May can be found anywhere. The bulk of the crop is not planted till July, and as it is then planted on ground from which Irish potatoes, beans, melons or some other crop has just been harvested, it costs but little. Irish potatoes are often planted as early as De- cember, and good fall crops are made by planting in August. The soil and climate produce watermelons and cantekmpcs of the finest (luality, and both are grown is market gardening. Grapes are alwa.vs uniformly satisfactory, making a vigorous growth and bearing heavily on all classes of soils. Peach trees bearing fruit of fine qualitj^ are common in everj' fence corner, and nowhere else do the finer Japanese plums do better than here. The woods are full of blackberries and dewber- ries, while strawberries planted in August make a heav}' yield the following spring. Pear trees grow unusually well, bear heavily, and are affected by blight no more than in other parts of the country. Last year a promi- nent northern nurseryman purchased twelve barrels of Biloxi grown pears for use as samples, the fruit grown here being the largest and finest he could find in the whole countrv. Oranges have been grown here for THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 29 man)' years, and thoug-h an occasional winter injures the trees by killinfj the tops, they sprout from the roots and soon begin bearing again. Although the winter of 1897-98 was the most severe on record, one orange grower within live miles of Biloxi will ship several thousand fruits this season. Japanese persimmons, olives, guavas and other semi-tropical fruits are grown in nearly every garden. The tig, however, is the one fruit which is universally grown and most highly i)rized. Every old garden has a few line old trees which never fail to bear heavy annual crops. For several years past the canning factories have bought all ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^_ the figs they could get, ^ and have paid good prices for them, 4 cents a pound being the usual rate. The crop from a single tree will often bring S3() to S4() and as the trees begin to bear the next year after they are plant- ed they soon become (juite profitable. Biloxi exports more preserved figs than does any other city outside of California, and the business is in- creasing rapidly. To enumerate all the fruits which are now being grown within ten miles of Biloxi would make this too much like a nursery- man's catalogue. We cannot grow the northern currant and gooseberry successfully, nor can we grow the bread fruit and the date (lalm of the tropics, but we know of no locality where the number of fruits which can be grown successfully and profitably is greater than here on the Gulf Coast. Unimproved land can be bought for very moderate prices, and the pine woods are so open and clear of undergrowth that clearing is not expensive. A great deal of the interior land is still open to homestead entry, and would-be settlers can find desirable homes in the sec- tions offered by the government. Other lands suitable for cultivation and conveniently near the city can be obtained at prices ranging from SI. 25 to SIO per acre and much of it on verj' liberal terms of credit. The .lands between Bay St. Louis and Scranton are universally admitted to be the finest on the Gulf Coast, and the ino^t attractive section of this pntire region is tbe eovm- try surrounding Biloxi. We know of no other place where a comfortable home and a good living can be made more easilv than here. SHIP ISLAND AND ITS HARBOR. Immediately in front of Biloxi lies Ship Island, some twelve miles distant, which gives to ocean-going vessels one of the safest and most commodious harbors in the world — with water enough to float the navies of the earth. Ship Island is some fifteen miles in length, the United States (juar- The Bank of Biloxi, Biloxi, Miss antine station being situ- ated at the east end of the ishnul. and the goverr- m^Mit light house and old Fort Mas^a:husctts at the w_'st end. A vessel drawing 2.^ feet can easily enter through the pass and carry 20 feet five miles toward mainland through the deep water liasin, which is one mile wide at the narrowest part, rang- ing from that to three miles wide. \'essels have sailed over the bar carry- ing 1,300,000 feet of yel- low pine lumber. Two thirds of the luml>er and timber exported from this coast is loaded at Ship Island harbor, anl the work is constantly going on. The harbor is almost land-locked by Ship and Cat Islands, furnishing security which vessels find at but few other harbors on the western hemis- phere. Vessels from al- most every nation of the earth seek anchorage and cargoes of lumber and timber[in'Ship Island har- bor, and from that point sail for every quarter of the globe with Mississipjii pine, which is carried from the main land to the harbor on lighters. From Biloxi to the harbor there is a channel 120 feet wide, where vessels drawing nine feet of water can i^ly. What is now urgently needed is better facilities for loading the vessels at Ship Island, and were this but accomplished the Mississippi coast shipments would un- doubtedly be quadrupled. As it is they are very large, and are steadily increasing. At times there are from forty to sixty vessels in the harbor, either loading or waiting propitious weather to put to S?ftf XLbc (3ulf Coast an6 pine IRcQion II^l•csel.tc^ bv M. M. 'iHa?&\> at Soutbcru flitMistrial Con\icution, IRcw Qrlcaus, H)cc. 5, 1000. It is not possible to adequately set forth the re- sources and possibilities of the Gulf Coast and the lon^'- leaf pine reffion of Mississippi within the limit of a pajier suitable to an occasion like the present. I can only hope to state the facts that will stimulate in<|uiry which properly pursued will lead to a more jjerfect knowledg'e of them. Mississiijpi's coast line is al)out seventy-tive miles in extent, borderinfr on Mississippi Sound, and is upon an averag-e about fifteen feet above mean low tide and is generally dry, sand}-, free from swamps and lag'oons. The Sound is one of the most beautiful bodies of water to be found anywhere and is formed by a series of islands be.uinnin.ir with Petit Bois on the east and extending- to f';it Island on the west, forming the segment of a cres- cent. These islands are situated from six to twelve miles from the main shore and form a series of natural break-waters that protect the sound from the seas of the gulf in times of storm. There are along this coast line numerous small har- l)urs and inlets where light draft vessels ma\' safely an- chor, but of these it is not my purpose to speak. There is a large and cajsacious harbor, however, of which lit- tle is known to the commercial world, which is destined in the near future to play an important part in the trade and commerce of the western hemisphere. I refer to Ship Island harbor which is situated about midway be- tween Mobile and New Orleans. This harbor is accessible from the giilf through Cat Island Pass on the west, and Horn Island Pass on the east, with a dei)th in each, of about twenty-one to twenty-two feet at mean low tide. The depth of water in the anchorage is from three to six fathoms, and its area is sufficient to accommodate twice the combined shii>ping of Mobile and New Orleans. This harbor is protected by three break-waters, namely: Horn Island on the southeast. Ship Island on the south and Cat Is- land on the southwest. Not a ship has ever been lost in this harbor since it was first discovered by de Iberville in 1698, to the present time, of which there is any re- corded account. It shi'ltere per cent for the farms, l)uildings, etc., we have left M) per cent, of the standing ])ine, or an area of about nine thousand scjuare miles, and as there are f>40 a:res to the square mile, we have the following table: Number of acres of standing pine, 5,8()0,000. Esti- mating- 4,0(11) feet to the acre, gives 23,040,000,000 feet. At SIO per 1,000 feet it is worth S2.^0, 400,000. There are now in operation on the various lines of railway, traversing this region, with an annual output as follows: On the Mobile & Ohio railroad, fourteen saw mills with an annual output of SO, 000, 000 feet. On the New Orleans & Northeastern railroad, fift}' mills with an annual output of about _.^00. 000, 000 feet. On the Illinois Central railroad, thirty-four mills with an annual output of about 250,000,000 feet. On the Gulf & Ship Island railroad, seventy mills with an annual output of 350,ZZi,0 f eet. Two letters of inquiry failed to elicit any response from the L. & N. railroad, but I assume the ^-early out- put on that road amounts to about 100,000,000 feet, making- a grand annual output of 1,000,000,000 feet. Es- timating this lumber f. o. b. at SIO per 1,000 feet it yields the round sum of 510,000,000, ei|ual to one-fourth the entire cotton crop of the state. Taking the estimate of the standing pine hereinbe- fore given and the present rate of consumption, it will take twenty-five years to manufacture the merchantible pine now standing. If we add to that the growth of the smaller timber during these years it is not unreason- able to say that at the present rate of consumption it will take thirty years to denude the pine forests of Mis- sissippi. I have been unable to get the necessary data to enable me to give the number of planing mills and shing-le mills, but there are a large number and they are increasing in number ever}- year and doing a most profit- able business. Neither have I been able to collect the data from which to make .any reliable fstjijiate of the volume of business done in the manufacture of rosin and turpentine, but the business is very large and of late years very remunerative and is constantly on the in- crease. Is it any woniler that the pine region of Mississippi is today perhaps the most prosperous portion of our great state? The increase of population in this region during the last decade shows a general average of about 40 per cent, (though many portions of it have increased 50 to 100 per cent. ). The statistics of wealth have not yet been issued by the government and hence no comparison can be made to show the increase over the previous decade, but it is safe to say that it has been much larger than the increase in jiopulation. THE ERA OF PERM.\NENT PRO.SPERITY. The (juestion naturally suggests itself to the minds of those who are not familiar with this section, whether or not the sandj- lands on which the ^-ellow pine grows will be of any value after the timber is cut off. At one time this was regarded as a very serious (juestion but to those who are familiar with the productiveness of these lands under the intensive system of farming-, it is no longer a doubtful problem. Indeed the era of perma- nent and continued prosperity will have just fairly begun when the saw timber is all cut off and made into lum- ber. No man without a small fortune to begin with, could clear up and put in cultivation these heavily tim- bered lands; but when the mills have cut off the timber the clearing and fencing ready for the plow is an easy matter, and under the modern methods of farming, sup- plying by commercial fertilizers the ingredients lacking in the soil, splendid crops of corn, cotton, peas, pota- toes, sugar cane and nearly all the semi-tropical fruits and vegetables can be grown profitably. The climate is propitous, the rainfall throughout the pine region averages from 56 to 63 inches per an- num; the soil is light and easih' cultivated and does not wash badly; the countrj' is well watered with running streams and springs and over a large portion of it arte- sian wells of purest water are had at a depth ranging from 150 to 750 feet. These lands from which the timber has been cut can now be purchased at from SI. 50 to S5.00 per acre, according to locality. The state is now taking steps pursuant to an act of the last legislature to establish an experimental farm in this region and through it, in a few years, all that is herein claimed for it for agricultural purposes will be fully demonstrated, and then we may confidently expect a great influx of a thrifty white pop- ulation of farmers, fruit growers and stock raisers that in course of time will make this section a very garden of wealth and beauty. SUGAR CANE. I cannot close this paper without stating some facts that are not generally j[known] to the outside.Iworld in reference to the production of sugar cane in this section. It is easilv cultivated and grows luxuriantlv vinder f» ••••••••••*•• ••• 3 •a o «^ W - a H-l 1- I— I 'J O a o Oh 34 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. proper culture and contains quite as much saccharine as the cane grown in Louisiana. When we consider the fact that the American people consume more sugar per capita than anj- people in the world and that less than one-half of the sugar consumed is raised in this countr_v (the balance being imported) it is a singular fact that men of ample capital have not undertaken the production of sugar on the pine lands of Mississippi. Nearly all of the s.vrup consumed in the twent3--five counties named is produced b}' the farmers who plant 'patches' of from one to five acres and grind the cane about the first of November on little cast-iron mills and operated by a mule, or b^' a pair of mules or ponies, and it. As matters now are they only plant enough to sup- ply their families and employees with syrup, selling whatever excess there may be, in the local market. I do not believe the richest land in the '"Yazoo Delta" planted in cotton can be made to yield as much profit per acre as the poorest pinev woods land will produce per acre planted in sugar cane. All that is needed to demonstrate this statement is a sugar mill and erected at some point in the pine region with adequate railroad facilities for carrying the .cane to the mill. It is to be hoped that this will be done at no distant day. In fact the people of Hattiesburg are discussing the question of forming a joint stock company for that purpose. Once Episcop.\l Church, tJiLoxi, Miss. the juice is evaporated in open pans. By this process the yield is 400 to 500 gallons of splendid syrup to the acre, and the popular method of putting it up for the market is to seal it in gallon jugs, as otherwise a large proportion of it will granulate. I think a better method would be to put it up in quart bottles as it would be more easily and cheaply handled. A sugar mill and refinerj- erected at some central point with ample railroad facilities and a cheap rate per ton, given by the railroads on cane for a period of live years and all the small farmers who inhabit this section of the state will put in the greater part of their lands in sugar cane as there would then be a market for the demonstration is made, this whole pine region will become one of innumerable sugar plantations which will bring population, wealth and thrift. If the sugar bounty — the only thing our friends of the north have given us since the war that was worth keeping, and we were the first to ask to be rid of it — had been continued, large areas of this country would today be devoted to the production of sugar. But they say it was unconstitutional. Perhaps so. I do not know. But I cannot see the difference in giving to the steel manufacturer or the woollen goods manufac- turer a bounty, in the shape of a tariff on the goods of THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. his foreign competitor, and gfiving the sugar planter a bount_v direct. To me it is the -difference of tweedle dum and tweedle dee. HEALTH OF THE PI3STE REGION. In conclusion I desire to speak of the healthfulness of the pine region. Nowhere on the earth can a hardier, healthier class of people be found than are the natives of the pine region of Mississippi. It is true that in some portif>ns there are in the summer and fall malarial fevers in light form, but they are largely, if not wholly, due to a lack of knowledge of the laws of sanitation. in production, under proper culture, those of an}- other section of the country, we invite sturdy, industrious white men and women from everywhere to come and reap wealth, and enjoy health and long life. I say white, for this is the white man's country-. We invite the manufacturer, the farmer, the mechanic, the teacher, the professional man, in fact we invite all classes except the political shyster and demagogue. We have no room for him: but all others will find a cordial greeting and plenty of work in every department of life. It is no vain boast to say that we have lived through the arduous struggles of the South during the Resedexce of W. K. M. Dukate. Biloxi, Miss. More people die every year in Chicago and New York City of consumption or other lung diseases than die in the twenty-five counties of the pine region of Missis- sippi of all diseases in a whole decade. As the country becomes cleared up, and the drainage improved, and ar- tesian wells take the place of the shallow sipe wells, and the people become better informed on the laws of health, it will be found to be the healthiest country on the earth. To this beautiful country, with its bright skies., and balmy breezes, that is never too cold nor too hot for comfort; with its splendid forests of timber and beautiful, perennial streams; its cheap lands, surpassing past third of a century and participate in these strug- gles, to rebuild her waste places, lead her on, and up to her wonted position in the commercial ranks of the fore- most states in the union, that we rejoice in these clos- ing days of the centun,- in the fact that at last we be- hold the dav breaking and the light of contentment and prosperity shining in upon our beloved southland, and soon we shall stand side by side with our sister states and keep step with them in the march of progress to that imperial destiny which awaits a free and united people, guided by the omnipotent hand of the Almighty. And in the glow of enthusiasm which some of us feel, though the evening shadows of our lives are lengthen- 36 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. ing day by day, we fain would sing that beautiful song first sung by one of our noblest sons: Land of the south! imperial land. How proud thy mountains rise, How sweet th^" scenes on eyery hand. How fair thy eyerlasting- skies. But not for this, oh not for these, I love thy fields to roam, Thou hast a dearer spell to me. Thou art my native home. Thy rivers roll their liquid wealth Unequaled to the sea; Thy hills and valleys bloom with health And green with verdure be. But not for thy proud ocean streams. Nor for thine azure dome. Sweet, sunny south! I cling to thee, Thou art my native home. Note: Since writing the above I have been in- formed by Hemphill Bros. Co., who are the largest deal- ers in long leaf pine in the state, if not in the south, and who are experts in estimating standing pine tim- ber that my es.timate of 4,000 feet per acre is far too low; that it should be 7,000 feet. This would be 41,020,000- 000 feet of standing pine, worth the enormous sum of $410,200,000. If we add the growth of the small tim- ber, it will take at the present rate of consumption fifty years to cut and manufacture it. The cost per acre of cutting off and removing this timber, say the Messrs. Hemphill, is about S40 per acre, or the round sum of $234,400,000. This vast sum would be paid for labor, teams and logging roads. Note: Since preparing this paper information has been received from the Louisville & Nashville railroad, showing twenty-three mills on its line with an annual output of 1'MI,()(I0,()0() feet. The volume of the fish, oys- ters and shrimp shipped from along our gulf coast last year was $1,542,000. THERE'S MONEY IN TRUCK FARMING. With the advantages given by seasons two to four weeks earlier than any other section of the South, this Gulf Coast presents the best opportunities for truck growers that could be desired, and just why the in- dustry has not received the attention it deserves is to our mind inexplicable. Any variety of fruit or vege- table that can be produced elsewhere can be grown to perfection here, ami that there is good profits in the business is demonstrated by a correspondent of the McCorab Enterprise. In a recent communication he writes as follows : "When truck farming is considered as a competi- tive industry it has no rival, and as labor seeks em- ployment the trucking business offers more inducements than all others. Why take, for instance, a strawberry crop of 50 acres ; one acre will yield 150 bushels, or 4,800 quarts. The price paid for picking is 2'^ cents per quart, or $120 per acre. The sum paid for gather- ing fifty acres would be $6,000, This one crop gives employment for one month to the little children of the city, and goes into various avenues of trade. A ten- }-ear-old boy can pick fift.y quarts in a day, making $1.25 per day. Again, take the bean crop of fifty acres, one acre will produce 150 bushels, the price for picking is 25 cents per bushel, or $30 per acre, the cost of picking fifty acres would be $1,500, and a good hand can pick ten bushels per day. The same may be said of fifty acres in garden peas. These three crops are generalh' marketed in the month of April. Thus we see during the dryest time of the year $9,000 is turned loose among the very ones that need it most. Can anj- factory beat this? Then comes the month of May, when work in the tomato crop of fifty acres — pruning, staking and tying — must be done in a hurry, requiring about the same amount of labor and money. Then comes the busy month of June, in which tomatoes must be marketed. One acre of tomatoes produces 250 bushels ; the price for picking is about 8 cents per bushel, or S20 per acre. The hands at the packing shed get 1/4 cents per crate for packing; one bushel makes three crates, and cost of packing one bushel is 4/2 cents; cost of packing is 12>2 cents per bushel; gathering one acre costs $31. So we see by the time the crop is placed at the depot for shipment, crates all made here and all labor done, we have about $2,500 more to scatter among the little folks of the town. Now just name one industry that will scatter more chink with this class of labor, and we will give it up. Now would you think that 200 acres was a big thing? The time is coming when one man will have this acreage to ship from. We anticipate that in less than ten years frorti today there will be 500 acres planted in vegetables around McComb. Commission merchants throughout the North and West will be begging for our products. "This is an age of competition. If a stranger doubts this, just let him look at the last issue of your paper containing two full pages of advertising for two merchants. They are wideawake and know a good thing when they see it. So if we give plenty of work for all industrious labor, competing in prices for it, we find contentment as the ruling element of the town. None can appreciate these facts fully unless they could be at a shipping point during the busy season and see the checks passing around through the crowds making these long winsome smiles on merchants' faces. All this money, coming in at the time it does, serves to stimulate trade and gives a fresh, new, vigorous im- petus to a city that no other industry can take away. Everything in the past teaches us that when a city ex- ports more than she imports, that she is growing richer; this is true of every city in the Union. Still there are some narrow little fellows who don't believe this ; even when they pray they are like the fellow that thought he had a monopoly of all blessings. He said: 'Oh Lord, have mercy on me and my wife, my son John and his wife, us four and no more. ' This is selfishness to a finish. Poor creature, you could draw his signifi- cance in a bowl of cold sunshine, " m t ID = ^- I a: I o8 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. PREDICTS GREAT THINGS FOR MISSISSIPPI COAST IN TRUCK FARMING. Mr. E. C. Joullian, who is one of the leading pack- ers of canned goods in Biloxi, is also a practical truck grower and predicts great things for the Mississippi Coast in this direction. He alread.v grows string beans and cans them, together with sweet potatoes, in his own factor}', but intends going into truck farming on a larger scale for his own benefit. "Truck farming in this section pays," said Mr. Joullian. " I have demonstrated it mj'self. Any man of practical methods and common sense can come here lixelihood in crowded sections would do well to move on Southward. Living here is easy in a salubrious cli- mate, and the wages of $1.25 to $1.50 a day furnishes all necessities not supplied by the land or the water. Boatmen for the fleets are also needed, and these make from $1.50 to $5.00 a day regularly. Mr. Joullian has investigated the matter of a fertilizing plant carefully, and says that one sufficiently capitalized would prove a paying investment. He thinks that a capital of at least two millions would be required to make fertilizer in sufficient quantities to sup- ply the great demand in the Southern States. In Biloxi are huge (luantities of unused oyster shells, which form Residence of Dk. H. R. Eohn, Biloxi, Miss. with a capital of $250 and buy ten acres of land which in ten years' time will make him from 810,000 to $20,- 000. " According to Mr. Joullian, there are two things badly needed on the (iulf Coast — one a fertilizing factory, the other laboring men. The latter are at present largely imported b)' the packers. Native labor is not to be hired for the oyster shucking business, and Bohemians to the number of 1,500 are imported each season by the canning factories of Biloxi alone. These, however, are nomadic. They always depart at the end of the season, and men are wanted who will stay and build themselves homes here. The poor white laborer struggling for a the basis of fertilizer, and which may be had forpracti- cally nothing. The sort made from refuse fish can also be manufactured at a good profit. What is known as common sardine — in reality the menhaden — is found in abundance in the gulf waters, and the oil extracted from this fish is quoted in wholesale markets at 35 cents per gallon for best grades. The sale of the oil pays for the gathering of the sardine for fertilizing purposes and thus puts it upon a paying basis. There is practicalh- no limit to the profits to be gained in South Mississipi in growing formarket lambs, cattle, turkeys, chickens, vegetables and small fruit. XLbc Soutb flfcississippi Xumbcr Zvdibc. .iSrief fmention of the XeaCino Companies ]EnqacjeC> tn the ^anutaeturc of Xono Xeaf IJellow IPine Xumber aii& Zltmber, rbe Supplii of wbicb ts ipractlcallj? IFneibaustible in ibts Section. But a little more than a decade ajfo the virjj:in for- ests of long: leaf pine in South Mississippi were practi" cally undisturbed, the bulk of the lumber used here coming- from other sections. Today this part of the State is dotted with sawmills, dry kilns and planing- mills, and is furnishing- both rough and dressed lumber and square timber to every quarter of the globe. The superiority of yellow pine over everj- other kind of wood for many purposes is recog-nized the world over, and consequently the demand for the product of the South Mississippi mills is steadily increasing with each suc- ceeding- 3-ear and new mills are being- placed on every hand. To a stranger, a trip over the Gulf & Ship Island railroad would reveal to him a miracle in the matter of the manufacture of lumber and its preparation for market. Hundreds of sawmills are located along this line between Gulfport and Jackson, a distance of 160 miles, and new mills are projected almost daily along this line and the country bordering the road. The same milling condition exists along that por- tion of the New Orleans & Northeastern road in Mis- sissippi, some of the largest sawmilling plants in America being situated on the last named road. The output of the mills now in operation in South Mississippi is enormous, and almost equal, if not quite, to that of the northern pine woods in the palmiest days of milling in that region, the amount of territory con- sidered. But our sjilendid long leaf pine is not alone in merchantable value, for we have as fine cypress and other woods as grow upon the face of the earth, embrac- ing oak, hickory, gum, etc., all here in abundance. Gum especially should attract the attention of hardwood mill men. It is almost daily coming into use for new purposes, among the latter of which is the manufacture of boxes, furniture and other articles which are con- stanth' in demand. There are millions upon millions of trees of this wood in Mississippi, and South Missis- sippi has her full share of that timber. Our transportation facilities afford mill men every opportunity for marketing- their product in every part of the world, something that scarcely any other section of the country affords them. It is with a pardonable pride that we make brief mention of a few of the prominent milling plants in this part of the State, as follows : THE J. E. NORTH LUMBER COMPANY. J. E. North was for a long time a prominent lumber- man in the northern woods, and when these practically ran out he came south prospecting for an opening here and found it at Bond, Miss., where he bought out the holdings of the Gulfport Lumber Company in December, 1898, and organized the present company about January 1, IH')'). The present enterprise is styled the J. E. North Lumber Company and manufactures long leaf yellow pine lumber of every description. J. E. North is president; R. Fahey, vice president, and S. D. Thayer, secretary, treasurer and general manager. Mr. Fahey has charge of the railroad and logging end of the busi- ness and Mr. Thayer of the manufacturing and financial end. The plant is located at Bond on the Gulf & Ship Island railroad and consists of a single circular and the usual first-class machinery to cut about 150,000 feet a day. It is also equipped with dry kilns of sufficient size to handle all of its output and a planing mill is being- added. The cut is mostly export stock, but as soon as the planing- mill is in shape the interior trade will be looked after very closel}- and all interior demands can be filled at once. The company at present owns about 30,000 acres of fine yellow pine timber and has a logging road equipped with standard gaug-e locomotive and cars to bring in the logs that are used at the mill. The concern also has a large g-eneral store, the sales of which last year amount- ed to $50,000, which is a pretty good business for a saw- mill commissary. They have also opened up a fine turpentine orchard, which will yield an annual output of 100,000 gfallons of spirits and 750,000 pounds of rosin. The electric light plant which illumines the mill also lights the houses, the streets and stores; so the town of Bond is one of the few well-lighted towns in Mississippi. Mr. North was the organizer of the Gulf & Ship Island Lumbermen's Association, composed of nearly all of the mill men along the Gulf & Ship Island railroad, an organization that has done wonders in bringing the mill men in closer touch and harmony than the most enthusiastic organizer could have predicted — an organi- zation that has revolutionized the method of doing busi- ness along- this railroad. Mr. North is president and Mr. Thayer, secretary of the association, was one of the prime movers in organizing the Gulf & Ship Island Lumbermen's Telephone Company, which is a stock compan)' of lumbermen who built and own the telephone line from Gulfport to Hattiesburg and which will ex- tend on to Jackson; the stock is all owned by lumber- men and a 'phone has been put in at each mill along- the road conveniently connecting all of the mills along the Gulf & Ship Island. This is one of the enterprises Mr. Thaj'er has inaugurated himself. At present the tele- phone company has invested in the enterprise about $10,000. Mr. North is president and Mr. Thayer is sec- retary and manag-er of the telephone compan}'. The North Lumber Company is one of the mills in the "all heart" belt and its timber is Al, running large- ly to heart and cutting- fine heart stock. You can't find 40 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALO. better yellow pine atiywhere in the south. It cuts up to 24x24, 55 feet, heart stock or practically all heart. Mr. North is dipping largely into the exporting busi- ness, and is general manager of the Manufacturers' Export Company of Mobile., where he resides. The Export Company is a stock company composed of the J. E. North Lumber Company of Bond, Miss., the Bay City Lumber Company and the Baird Lumber Compan3' of Mobile, Ala., and does a large export business from all of the gulf ports. They export the output of a large portion of the mills along the Gulf & Ship Island rail- way. 40,000 feet of flooring, ceiling and general dressed stock, and is equipped with three Hoyt flooring machines and one Hoyt timber dressing machine, to dress timbers from 2x4 to 16x16. The power plant of the planing mill is a 150-horse power boiler and Corliss engine 20x24. The company operates six miles of railroad equipped with Baldwin 30-ton engines and cars sufficient to supply the logs for the mill. The concern owns about 60,000 acres of yellow pine timber. This district produces an extra- ordinary amount of heart pine; in fact, nearly all of this timber is of extra quality of heart, being anunusual and important feature in the run of a body of timber. Ri,siL,ENCE OF Hon. W.\lter A. White, Biloxi, Mi; TEN MILE LUMBER COMPANY. One of the prominent mills located on the Gulf & Ship Island is the Ten Mile Lumber Company, at Ten Mile, Miss., post oflice address Perkinston. This mill cuts about 75,000 feet daily, of which about 50 per cent is for export and the balance for the interior trade. The stock consists of flooring, car, bridge and general build- ing material. The plant consists of a single circular with a gang and rip mill connected. The power plant consists of a battery of five boilers of 600-horse power, with two engines, one 24x30 and one 16x20, both Corliss. There are two dry houses 21x110 feet and with a capacity of 30,000 feet, made by the Globe Dry Kiln Company. The concern also has a planing mill with a capacity of This company is constantly prepared to produce heavy pine timbers to the length of 70 feet, to square up to 16xl(). All of the men employed at the mill are of the best class and practical, and no men are employed who do not know their business. Price cuts no figure in obtaining employees; it is excellence that is aimed at. The super- intendent, J. M. Frost, has been with the owners of this concern for seventeen years. The saw filer, O. F. John- son, learned his trade in one of the largest saw factories in the country and is conceded to be one of the best saw filers in the south. The company was organized in February, 1899, and consists of J. R. Pratt, George R. Burton and J. R. Hill. THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 41 Messrs. Pratt and Burton are the resident partners and have active charge of the business, Mr. Pratt looking after the office end and Mr. Burton handling- the outside work. Both men are of long experience and are thoroughly capable and hustlers. They are both as fine gentlemen socially as one could meet in a day's travel. Mr. Pratt and Mr. Hill will be remembered as members of the Holcomb-Pratt Lumber Compan)', for- merly of Calera, Ala., where they operated for eighteen years. The visitor to the plant will find Mr. Pratt in his office and will find a typical gentleman of the South. That is, he will talk business if you please, corporated under the laws of the State of Mississipi i, with a capital stock of S50,000 paid in full. J. H. Gary is the president and F. W. Fatherree the secretary and general manager. This company have large saw mill interests which they are constantly improving. Their mills at Wiggins have just recently been rebuilt and equipped through- out with modern machinery, which makes the capacity of their two mills at "Wiggins, Miss., about 80,000 feet a day of all kinds of stock. Mr. Gary is located at Wig- gins, and letters for this end of the firm's business should be addressed to the Niles City Lumber Company at that point. Resiuknce ok J. C. Bkadfokd, Biloxi, Miss. or, if you would rather, he will sit down and entertain his visitor and then talk business. And when you give your order he will see that you get what you want. GARY-FATHERREE LUMBER COMPANY. The headquarters of the Gary-Fatherree company are domiciled at Perry, Miss., twentyfive miles north of Gulfport on the line of the Gulf & Ship Island rail- road, their postolfice being McHenrv, Miss. This company is the outgrowth of the old firm of Gary & Fatherree, which expired February (>, 1901, when the Gary-Fatherree Lumber Company was organized and in- They have recently increased the capacity of the mill at Perry to about 50,000 feet per day, or double its former capacity. This mill is also equipped through- out with modern machinery. The two steam dry kilns here have a capacity of 20,000. Here the company owns its own log road, which is being extended into their timber holdings, amounting to some fifty or sixty mil- lion feet. They have already about five miles of their road in operation, which is standard gauge and equip- ped with engine and cars. They have also added two large boilers, a large engine and a planing mill to their Perry plant. Mr. F. W. Fatherree, the secretary and Sifeneral manager, has charge of this end of the com- 42 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. l);iny's business. Their dry kilns at Wijrjjins have a combined capacity of 35,000 feet. They cut mostly ex- port stuff at these mills, using the balance that will work up to advantage to make stock for the interior trade. About 75 per cent of the product of these mills is exported. The company operates general stores, both at Perry and at Wiggins, and while it is the same company each is apparently independent of the other. They have large timber holdings between Black Creek and Red Creek, where the timber is exceptionally fine. Their timber holdings consist of about 30,000 acres, and of that class which makes the best heart material. for transporting lumber to ship side at Horn Island, Middle Fleet and Ship Island. The company does a large business, shipping to European points, South America, Cuba and coastwise to Boston, New York and Philadelphia. Mr. J. W. Griffin is a native of Perry county. Miss., and has been in the log and lumber business from boy- hood, and is thoroughly acquainted with its every detail. Mr. H. C. Herring, the vice president, is a native of Beaumont, Texas, and has been engaged in the lumber business for the past ten years. Being a man of quick and practical business discernment he is abreast as to lumber details with men who have followed the avoca- tion for thirty or forty years. RlCilDKNCE OF W.M. RuDOLF, ON THE BeACH. Bii.OXI, MiSS. No more enterprising lumber firm in South Missis- sii>i i than the Gary-Fatherrec Lumber Company, and it would require more space than we can spare to give a comi)lete history of this company. MOSS POINT LUMBER COMPANY. The Moss Point Lumber Company, located at Moss Point, Miss., was established in 1885 as Howze & Grif- fin and incorporated in IS'il as the Moss Point Lumber Conijiany, the ])resent officers being, J. W. Griffin, presi- dent and treasurer, and H. C. Herring, vice president and secretary. The company erected a new mill the first of this year with a capacity of 75,000 feet per day, operates a planer and drj' kiln, and owns its own barges Among the lumber firms of South Mississippi none are more reliable or substantial than is the Moss Point Lumber Company, as evinced by the large export and coastwise business it enjoys. They have no "old goods on their shelves," so to speak, for the demand for their product is unlimited. Wherever skilled labor is re- quired they employ none but the best men obtainable, and in no position are any but competent men employed. Twenty years ago the railroad mileage of the South consisted of short, disconnected lines, and usually badly equipped. The mileage has increased from 20,612 miles to 53,000 miles. In the same length of time cotton pro- duction has gone from 5,755,000 bales to over 10,000,000. /Ilbi66i66i|?pi (5ulf Coast Counties Ubc Counties ot MancocI?, Marrisou anC> Jacftson, wIMcb 36orC»er on tbe /IDtssissippt Soun^. Only three counties — Hancock, Harrison and Jack- son — of Mississippi border on Mississippi Sound, form- ing- a part of what is usuallj- termed the northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico. These counties are densely, in the main, timbered with the choicest of woods, the habitation and towns being- chiefly along that great artery of steel, the Louisville & Nashville railroad, which hugs the coast proper from New Orleans to Mobile. Harrison, in which Biloxi is situated, is practically a long leaf yellow pine county, whilst the species in Hancock and Jackson are entirely different. All of the coast counties have large tracts of cypress, live and water oaks, ash, hickory, beech, magnolia, poplar, syc- amore, tupelo gum, juniper, etc., woods suitable for the manufacture of every class of woodwork utilized by man, and it will require years to exhaust the supply. The greatest variety of these woods abound in Hancock and Jackson, while Harrison, sandwiched between the first two named, has her full share of the different va- rieties of timber. At a glance the practical wood manufacturer will realize that there is no better opening for industries of his class than is offered by the Mississippi Gulf Coast counties, and those anticipating a change of location will find it to their advantage to make a personal investi- gation of the conditions here existing. In addition to our excellent woods, thej' will find common labor cheap and easily secured. Add to these the cheapness of living and our salubrious climate and you have the manufacturer's Eden. But the field is not alone suitable for manufacturing industries. In these three coast counties will be found the finest stock raising country on the earth, and the cheapness of land places it within the reach of men of moderate means to engage in stock raising on an ex- tensive scale. No northern winters to contend with, but fine pasturage all the year, the care of stock here is a matter of not much moment, many beeves being slaughtered that have never tasted corn — and such beeves are in the finest condition. Still highly adapted for another industry — that of sheep raising and wool clipping — our pine forest lands are unequalled for the raising of sheep, affording them ample pasturage for good sustenance the entire year, there not being the least impediment save the worthless dog, and the shotgun is a most effective panacea for that ill. Hundreds of thousands of pounds of wool are now marketed each year in these three counties, but the territory is equal to ten times the amount of wool now produced. No better place is open anywhere for the location of a first-class poultry farm than at Biloxi. Situated eighty miles from New Orleans and sixty from Mobile, with an excellent home market, there is no business that would give quicker or more profitable returns than would the raising of poultr)- for market. However, it would be almost useless to engage in the industry unless thoroughh- prepared to carr^- it to a successful end in its minutest detail — from the time the young chick leaves its original casing until it is put upon the market. The lands of all three counties are highly adapted for truck farming and the advantage of transportation would materially enhance the profit of the truck farmer. Fig cultivation and the culture of pecans are two more industries of great profit to those who engage in them, as both find ready sale at remunerative prices. The former to our canning factories and the latter to fruit dealers everywhere. We might continue this article indefinitely without making a mistatement, but the foregoing will suffice to partially show the reader the true condition existing in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties at the begin- ning of the twentieth century. OIL ON THE GULF COAST. According to Professor Robert T. Hill, of the United States Geological Survey, there is oil all along the coast plains of the Gulf of Mexico, including the Mississippi Sound. All that belt of country along the sound, east of New Orleans and extending as far as Mobile, being of a sandy character, should, he thinks, contain oil, though possibly no such gushers have been found at Beaumont. The general geological formation is the same here as at Beaumont. It extends from the Rio Grande through Texas along the coast as far as Mobile, thence north part way up the west side of the State of Alabama, where oil is known to exist. These facts are exciting the residents of the Mississippi border not a little, and already companies are forming with the intention of testing that section thoroughly. In Professor Hill's opinion the Southwest is bound to yield more petroleum than all the oil-producing sections of the world. If this is true it will give an impetus to manufacturing in that part of the country that cannot now be conceived, and it will, for all time, solve the problem of fuel, which has operated so greatly in the past against developing the industrial conditions of the Southwest. Oil in paying (juantities should be found as far west as Tampico, Mexico, says Professor Hill, as the surface indications are similar to those that obtain in Southeastern Texas. At any rate, while the greatest activity is now confined to Beaumont, all the land bordering on the coast, and many miles from the storm center itself, is being acquired or options on it secured by the oil syndicates. 44 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. flilissiesippi (Toast Ilovvns. Mississippi Cit.y, the capital of Harrison count.y, is practical!}' a residence hamlet, there being little busi- ness transacted there outside of the legal business of the county. It is veritably a "garden of ease, " where one can enjoy contentment if he only owns the "vine and fig tree " beneath which to find solace in meditation. As with man, so freciuently with towns, the old have to step aside and make room for the young and progressive, and in Mississippi City we find a striking example of this. Once a leading point and attractive resort on the ning factory, a few smaller industries, beautiful shelled roads, a number of mercantile houses, large hotels and a newspaper, the Beacon, edited by Mr. Emile Adam. Just across the ba}' from Pass Christian stands Ba3' St. Louis, the county seat of Hancock county. The "Bay," as it is commonly called, is the subur- ban residence place of a large number of New Orleans business men, the Louisville & Nashville railroad afford- ing them ample facilitiesfortransactingbusiness during the day and of being at home with their families at night. Waveland is also practically a suburb of New Or- leans, many of her residents being business men of that city. Residence of L. Lopez, Sk., Biloxi, Miss. coast she has had to give away to her younger and more progressive sisters, and content herself with that life that comes to the aged. Handsboro is situated on Bayou Bernard, one mile northeast of Mississippi City, and is something of a lumber town. Her population is about 1,000, and she has good school and church advantages. Long Beach is the first place toward New Orleans from Gulfport, and is situated in a fine truck farming region — such as abounds along the entire coast. Her people are thrift}' and their religious and educational needs are well supplied. Pass Christian is located on the western border of Harrison count}-, has fine churches and schools, a can- MOSS POINT, MISS. At the confluence of Dog and the"^Escatawpa or Pascagoula rivers, stands Moss Point, four miles from Scranton by rail. This is one of the greatest lumber manufacturing points in the South. Here you find the large plant of the Dantzler Lumber Company, the Moss Point Lumber Company and several other saw milling industries — having large dry kilns and planers in con- nection with the most if not all of them. Here large schooners land at the mill wharves and the lumber for export and coastwise points is loaded direct into the vessels. Much of the product of the mills at this place finds lodgment in South America, Mexico and other countries, while no small amount is shipped to points THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 45 coastwise. The mills draw largely upon the forests of Perr}', Wayne and Greene, as well as from Harrison and Jackson counties, for the logs necessary to keep their respective plants in motion. Besides sawn timber and lumber, the firms here are extensive handlers of hewn timber, both for export and domestic purposes. Moss Point has a branch of the Scranton State Bank, over which that thorough business man and genial good fellow, Mr. J. W. Stewart, presides. The Merchant and Marine Bank, of Scranton, also has a branch located here. When the large lumber interests of Moss Point are considered, the necessity for the branches, only four miles distant from the parent banks, will be readily understood. Quite a number of mercantile firms are found here, embracing general merchandise, furniture and drug stores. Excellent school and church facilities also add attraction to the stranger, while furnishing light and knowledge for the rising generation and solace and con- solation for the mature inhabitants. There is not the least "spread eagle" about Moss Point, but she is one of the most solid towns financially on the Mississippi coast. of the cohesive necessary to build a city. Few, ver}' few indeed, of idle men are ever found upon her streets, which is a sure indication that the citizenship of Scranton is of a high grade. Her jieople are courteous and hospitable and always try to make the stranger feel that it is "good to be there. " SCRANTON, MISS. The chief town in Jackson county is Scranton, the count}- capital, which has a population of about 3,000 souls. It is situated on the Pascagoula river and the Louisville & Nashville railroad, and is about one mile distant from the beach. Scranton, Moss Point and Pascagoula form the Port of Pascagoula, which does a large business in the way of exporting timber and lum- ber. Scranton has shipyards, saw mills, machine shop and foundry, and a fine system of waterworks and electric lights owned by the municipality. In re- ligious and educational matters her wants are well sup- plied, having commodious churches and an excellent public school system. She has two banks and two newspapers — the Democrat-Star and the Chronicle. The former paper is presided over by that veteran editor, Capt. P. K. Mayers, and the Chronicle by that brilliant and versatile young journalist, Mr. Jules S. Tomasich. The business houses of Scranton are up-to-date, some of them being worthy of cities many times her size, and the stocks of goods carried b)- her merchants are fresh and of the latest designs and patterns. Her streets are wide and well macadamized with shells, be- sides whieh she has a beautiful shell road leading to the beach, making one of the most beautiful and pleas- ant driveways on the coast. Both the medical and legal professions have able representation, and the laity have no room for com- plaint when in the need of the services of either. The Odd Fellows' opera house affords a place where amusement lovers are frequently entertained by some fine theatrical and other productions. Her people are progressive and possess considerably GULFPORT, MISS. Eight years ago Gulfport was nothing more than a hamlet on the line of the Louisville & Nashville rail- road with a few miles of the track of the Gulf & Ship Island railroad extending to the northward, but those few miles scarce worthy of notice from a commercial point of view. Today she is a beautiful city of some 3,000 inhabitants, five hotels, excellent mercantile houses, five schools, splendid churches, electric light plant, water works, mills, railroad shops, two news- papers — Record and News — and many other features which are necessary to make a city. What caused this great transformation in so short a space of time the reader will naturally inquire. The main artery- which infused new life into the then meagre village was the extension of the Gulf & Ship Island railroad to Hattiesburg, Miss., which was naturalb' as- sisted b)- the pluck and energ}' of citizens of the place who never lost faith that a great future awaited their town. Reaching Hattiesburg the Gulf & Ship Island called a long and oppressive halt, but hope remained buoyant and undaunted in the breasts of the citizens of Gulfport. They looked beyond, and in the dim, un- certain future saw and realized that the day must come when Gulfport would expand into a beautiful city and become an important commercial point. How far off was that day none could tell, but all felt that their hope was not an idle dream nor their faith the echo of disappointment. No matter how sombre the clouds of distrust that were lowered above them, they never slacked the pace of advancement and "left no stone unturned" beneath which there might lie a betterment for Gulfport. 'Tis said that "every cloud has its silver lining, " but the, darkest that ever lowered above Gulfport had also "a golden center. " but when that cloud would pass awa}' and leave only its " silver lining" and "golden center" to be their star by day and pillar of fire by night none could tell. But the dawn broke upon their vision at last, with, to them, a horizon as beautiful as the sun ascending the Alpian craigs, and activity' took on new life when it was announced that the Gulf & Ship Island railroad would be extended to Jackson, the State capital. That there were doubting Thomases and malcontents suffi- cient to decry the statement that the road would be built toJackson does not bear of questioning, but the bone and sinew of the citv had the faith, and by that faith they increased their work toward the upbuilding of their town, and Gulfport soon stood out before the world reinvig'orated ^nd rehabilitated as it were. Shanties of ? a I; 1-4 S3 § ! I S 1 (A ~~ m % Z I I — ( ^ CZ! i O -; S f. K = = Z ! u ►= W ? (V ^ ^ f 1- C ;5 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 47 the railroad building- period gave way to handsome and artistic mansions and cottages, beautiful and sub- stantial business houses displaced the "shacks" and warehouse-like structures, and Gulfport smiled upon the world like a maiden with her first long dress and a bashful beau. Her modesty, however, was but momentary, for she was quick to realize that for her good fortune to be permanent she must improve the shining hours, and the earnestness with which she went to work to gather new laurels with which to deck her youthful brow is commendable in the extreme. One of her most prominent and useful laurels is the Bank of Gulfport, one of the soundest financial insti- tutions in the State. Another, her canning factory, capitalized at $50,000. Just as we are about to go to press information comes from Washington that the application for the First National Bank of Gulfport has been gr;inted by the Comptroller of the Currency. This liank will have a capital of 325,000, all paid up, and expects to begin business before the publication of this book is complete. The organization of this bank was started by Messrs. John Carraway and Charles Isom of Biloxi, Mississippi. From the record made b.v the Bank of Biloxi, of which institution these gentlemen are cashier and assistant cashier respectively, it is an understood fact that the new institution will be one of the strongest and best managed in South Mississippi. It will bo the only National Bank on the Mississippi Coast. The opening of the Gulf & Ship Island to Jackson not only gave Gulfport a most desirable outlet to the North, but it opened up one of the finest timber belts in the South, and saw and planing mills springing up Phenix-like along the line of the road assured her a largeh" increased and lucrative timber business, to which the branch roads of that line add materially. The dredging of a deep-water channel to Ship Island harbor, however, is the main feature of her en- terprising spirit, and there is no question but what her timber and lumber exports will be enormous so long as the accessible virgin forests of pine yield to the de- mand being made upon them. Various industries will, of course, follow, but of what kind and character is beyond the ken of man. However, ever}- reasonable inducement will be thrown out to capitalists to locate their industries at Gulfport, for upon securing manufactories depends the life of almost every city and town in the South. They can exist, but to live and prosper they must have manufactur- ing industries. Gulfport views the situation in this light, and she will do all in her power to secure such industries. In hotel accommodations she is well supplied, hav- ing three hostelries, to say nothing of her many private boarding houses. In religious and educational advantages she is in advance of many towns of a like population, having a Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic and a Methodist church, the two first at present worshiping in the same edifice. Her school building is up-to-date in fixtures and heat- ing and ventilating apparatus. The Baptists have- but recently established a Chautauqua, its first meeting being a success from start to finish. Like all of the coast land, that in proximity to Gulfport is excellent for truck farming, if ]iroperly prepared and cultivated, but is unsuitable for heavy farming. Also, like all of the artesian water on the coast, that at Gulfport is of a fine quality. In common with her people The Herald hopes for and predicts a bright future for Gulfport. With two splendid outlets to the North, the Gulf & Ship Island to Jackson, and that great trunk line, the Louisville & Nashville railroad, she occupies a commanding position on the coast, and will naturally attract the attention of investors. Already she is attracting summer and winter visitors, and as she grows so will grow the number of her visitors and tourists. She enjoys the same healthful conditions which obtain all along the Mississippi (rulf Coast, and the stranger always finds a hearty welcome within her gates. OCEAN SPRINGS, MISS. The beautiful little city of Ocean Springs is located just across Back Bay of Biloxi, to the East of this city, on the western border of Jackson county, and is practi- cally a summer and winter resort. Like here in Biloxi, a great many persons in season find refuge from the frigid winters at the North by seeking refuge in the balmy clime of the coast at Ocean Springs. This place, perhaps, has the best natural drainage of any town on the coast, while her multiplicity of fresh-water springs are an attraction that no other coast town can offer. The waters of some of these springs have been subjected to analysis, and we will be pardoned for here reproducing a letter on this subject furnished by Dr. E. R. Bragg, by request, on the "Healthfulness of the Coast" for the "Columbian Edition of the Herald" in 1S'».>. At the time the letter was written Dr. Bragg was a resident of Ocean Springs, but has since removed to this city. Here is Dr. Bragg's letter : Ocean Springs, Miss., June 15, 189.^. Editor Biloxi Herald: Dear Sir — The space limitation accompanying your request for an article on "The Health of the Mis- sissippi Gulf Coast, " for your special "Columbian Edi- tion of the Biloxi Herald. " forbids more than a con- densed statement of the principal facts. The health of this Mississippi Coast throughout the entire 5'ear is universally admitted by health and jileasure tourists, as well as by our own citizens. The elevated water front, high, undulating back country, covered with forests of yellow pine, the flood- ing once in every twenty-four hours of all low land and marshes with salt water, the prevailing "gulf winds" alternating with land breezes, the mineral properties of artesian and spring waters, etc., etc., combine health conditions unsurpassed, if equalled, elsewhere. The THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 49 water from the public sprinjr in Ocean Riirin.afs, analyzed of the Coast — Harrison county, we mean — if those of by J. L. Smith, one pint contains: our people owninj^f small places a few acres in extent, OKAINS. would no into the business of truck farminjjf in the earlv Chloride of potassium trace ■ ^^.^ ^^-^^^^^^ -^ ,^^^^ admirably adapted for the Chloride of sodinm :>.9/l . . . , , . - . ' Chloride of calcium 0.485 raisin.tr of early vejjetables of every kind, and with a Chloride of majrnesium 0.621 little fertilization the soil could be brought up to a Protoxide of iron 0.589 state of tilth that would make truck farminj,' both easy Iodine, alumina, of each trace ^nd profitable. About Bav St. Louis and Waveland GASES — CUBIC INCHES. this industry has long- since passed the experimental Carbonic acid 1.22 stajje, and the truckers there have made immense sums Sulphuretted hydrogen O.K. out of the business for several years past. Not only THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES. this, but they will next season embark in it upon a This water is a mild saline-chalybeate, containing larger scale, and will find a full demand for everything also sulphuretted hydrogen. This rather unusual com- they can produce, in the Northern and Western markets binations renders it effective in the treatment of persist- to which thev have been accustomed to shipping their ent skin and scrofulous diseases. The artesian water , -kt •,, ^i o i^r i i • i ii , .-4. ( ,■ 1,1 • 1 1 . produce. Neither the Eav nor Waveland is better con- contains a less quantity of sodium chloride and a greater ^. quantity of sulphurretted hydrogen gas. ditioned, better e.iuipped by nature, or has any other Malarial and typhoid fevers are very rare. Diseases superior ad\antages over our immediate secticm for the of the respiratory organs, scrofula, and most chronic growing of truck, and the only element that has con- diseases are greatly benetited, if not entirely cured, tributed to the success of their people in the premises is Those suffering from catarrh may confidently expect a . , ^ ,-,,,• , ,• .■ • ., , .■ it; .i:.„ t 1 -1 i 'i i- • " 1 industry and iilte igent c irection m the planting and sure cure in this climate, whilst hav fever is unknown. - '^ i ».. « • Those reduced in vitality by disease of long standing cultivation ot the vegetable cro|)s produced in their should come to this coast during the early summer in vicinty. The denizens of Harrison county could do the order to get a good start on the road to health during same if they so willed it, and it surely would inure the baithing season. Those who have been afflicted largely to their prolit to do so. Last season the Bav- for years should not expect to be cured in this or any -,„ ," , ,. ,, ,,,,,„„, ,, r ,• i ^ .," other climate during two or three months stay, or be Waveland section sold o40,()00 worth of radishes to the much benelitted by coming in the winter, so enfeebled Western markets alone, to say nothing of the early as to be barely able to walk. vegetaldes of other kinds that they shipped, and even For yearly death statistics, and verification of the then the demand was much greater than the supply, claims of this <:o^f Jot healthlulness, reference may ^j^j^ ^.,^,jj^,„ ^,t South Mississippi can get its truck into be had to the United States census reports, group 1, of , , . , ta, ■ , . , Mississippi. These statistics, including the three coast ^^^ markets ]ust as early as P lorida, Georgia or any countses of Hancock, Harrison and Jackson, give yearly other portion of the Cxulf Coast tier of States, and there death rate at 171, or less than eight to each thousand is no possibilitx whatever of more vegetables being population. This includes the less healthful sections, produced in all of them than the markets of the less also the negro and mixed population, among whom the j^^.^^^^j sections of the country will eagerly take up and greatest mortality occurs. _ ^^ , ■ , " . . ^ By timely and judicious action tens of thousands ^^onsume. The Herald hopes to see the citizens of who die yearly in the Lake States and in the West, Harrison county, on the Back Bay as well as along the from diseases incident to that climate, would have front, try truck gardening as an experiment, and is health restored and life prolonged on this coast. ..^ite sure it will be found profitable. The railroad ' ^ ■ ■ company will furnish all necessary facilities for trans- Dr. Bragg is one of the leading physicians of the portation, just as it is doing for the Bay-Waveland State, and what he says can absolutely be relied upon people, and there will be no trouble in getting agents as fact, presenting a condition of healthfulness that but from reliable commission houses in the North and West few, if any, of these United States can ecjual. to come here and arrange for taking, at good prices, all Ocean Springs is also possessed of a number of pros- the stulT that can be produced. This is a mire of perous business houses, and for the past few years has wealth at the command of our agriculturalists, amateur had the distinction of being the greatest wool market and otherwise, and they should not fail to grasp an in this section of the South. opportunity that is making other sections of our No more hospitable or generous people can be found favored Coast rich. anywhere than reside here, and her church and school facilities are first class. Ocean Springs also extends a liberal support to the ■o „ t 11*11- 1 J 1 It is in the South that nature has poured out with Progress, a most excellent local journal, presided over ' by Mr. A. E. Lee, which is a high mark of herapprecia- P^digal profusion her richest treasures of climate, soil tion and progressiveness. """"^ "^^ive products. All that is needed to con\-ert them into marketable wealth is to develop them. For this, capital, energy and enterprise are needed. Those TRUCK FARMING IN HARRISON COUNTY. ^ho will bring these requisites will have the greatest The Herald would be more than pleased, and thinks opportunities the country can offer to grow rich and it would redound largely to the interest of this section prosperous. JBueinees ati6 lp)rofe66ional flRcn Biogrpabical Sl;ctcbc5 of XcaMno Citizens IPromineut in the •Clpbuil&ma of iGilori, miss. HON. WALTER A. WHITE. The g:entleman named above, who is one of the State's most prominent citizens, was born near Steen's Creek, Rankin county. Miss., December 1, 1854. His wife was Miss Cora Enochs. The issue of their union was eight children, six of whom are living and two dead. The living are: Cora, Lula, Laura, Nell, Walter and John, the dead being Harry and an infant bo3'. Mr. White is a member of all the Masonic orders, Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, Knights of Honor and the Elks. By profession he is a lawyer and at the present time is district attorney of this (the HON. EVON M. BARBER. The subject of this sketch was born in Choctaw county, Ala., on February 28, 1860. He married Miss Estelle Thornton, of St. Louis, and they have but one living child, Evon M. Jr.. He is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a member of the Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, and of the Knights and Ladies of Honor. He was educated at Mississippi College, at Clinton, Miss., leaving that school in 1881. In 1889 he entered the University of Mississippi, at Oxford, taking a law course, and graduated from that institution by completing a two vears' course in three months and four davs. After HON. WAI.TEK A. WHITE. Si.\th I district, being elected by an overwhelming majority. He was county treasurer and deputy chan- cery clerk of Rankin county. While a resident of Bran- don he studied law and formed a copartnership with Colonel H. S. Cole, of that place, under the firm name of Cole & White, which continued until his removal to Biloxi. Since his removal to this city he was elected to represent Harrison county in the lower house of the legislature, which position he resigned to accept the appointment to the vacancy' in the district attorneyship caused by the resignation of Hon. James H. Neville, now judge of this district. Mr. White i5 one of the substantial men of the city and county, and his circle of friends extends throughout the entire State. Posi- tive in his convictions and kind in his disposition, he draws your friendship to him with a magnetism that is irresistible. i/' HON. EVON M. BARBER. his graduation he located at Port Gibson to practice his profession. Ten days after he graduated he was elected to represent Claiborne county- in the lower house of the legislature. In 1892 he was appointed by Governor Stone to represent Mississippi in the Nicaragua national convention, which met in New Orleans in November of that 3'ear. In 1893 Governor Stone appointed him as one of the trustees of the Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College. From Port Gibson he removed to Biloxi in 1895, and at once entered upon the practice of his profession, which he has successfully followed up to this date. THEODORE PAUL DULION Mr. Dulion was born in Biloxi, October 25, 1861. To him and his wife, Amy H. Dulion, five children — THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 51 Ura, Roy, Eay, Barton and Paul— were born. Mr. Dulion is a member of the Masons, Kniffhts of Honor and the Elks. He is engaged in a general merchandise business, being the head of the firm of T. P. Dulion. & Co. As a business man he has no superior, being ijuick ta discern the advantages the markets afford and as i|uick to give his customers the benefit of those advant- ages. No city in Mississippi has a finer or better ap- portioned business house than the one owned and occu- pied by his firm, and to Mr. Dulion's idea of what a business house should be belongs the credit. In all matters of public improvement he stands at fore front with his funds and influence, and has proven he was for progress and the upliuilding of Biloxi whenever oppor- tunity presented itself. He has always been an honest worker in whatever he believed to be for the betterment of his native city, and his good work on that line will social realm than he. A man of bright natural intel- lectual endowments, he improved the shining hour and builded upon nature's gift an educational structure which won for him the high and honorable station he occupies. Kind, courteous and fraternal, Mr. Carrawaj' is a model that any young man may well pattern after who wishes the confidence of the public and desires to occupy a position of honor in the eyes of his fellowmen. EDWARD GLENNAN. Mr. Glennan was born in New Orleans, La., Janu- ary 27, 1853. His wife's maiden name was Mar}- A. Colbet, and to them five children were born — Francis, Violet, Ethel. Roy and Althea. He is a member of the American Legion of Honor and the Firemen. He is a successful merchant, having been in business for himself JOHN C.\KRAWAV. stand as a monument to his honor long after he shall be called to his reward. JOHN CARRAWAY. The young gentleman whose name appears above was born at Jackson, Miss., July 16, 1873. His wife was Miss Mae Litel, of Albany, Wis., Mr. Carraway forming her acijuaintance while she and her father were spending the winter her to avoid the rigorous weather of Wisconsin. Mr. Carraway is a Mason, an Elk, Odd Fellow, Woodman of the World, a D. K. E. and an Essene. He occupies with distinction the important position of cashier of the Bank of Biloxi. He was educated at the State University at Oxford, Miss. In- stances where young men have attained so rapidh' the confidence of the financial world as has Mr. Carraway are rare, and no one stands higher in the esteem of the EDWARD (II.KNNAX. since 1880. He filled the office of city treasurer four terms of two years each, alderman at large one term, is now alderman from the Second ward. He has been president and foreman of the Volunteer Fire Company since their organization here in 1883. and is the present foreman. He is vice president of the Peoples Bank and president of the Biloxi Electric Light Company. He He also at one time filled the position of chief engineer of the fire department. In public affairs he has always been active, and has steadily worked for the upbuilding of Biloxi. WILLIAM GORENFLO. Mr. Gorenflo was born in Bay St. Louis, Miss., on the 5th day of June, 1844. His wife was Miss Theresa Llado, and six children — Frank, Willie, Dan, Alyne, Ernestine and Nora — blessed their union. Mr. Gorenflo 52 THE BILOXl DAILY HERALD. is a iiroinincnt mcinhcr of the Masonic and Pythian orders. In business he is a shipper of raw oysters and a packer of canned jfoods. Mr. Gorenflo is prominent in business circles and one of Biloxi's most substantial citi- zens. He was one of the pioneer packers of this citj- and built up a large and lucrative business in that line as well as a raw oyster shipjier. He is prog'ressive in spirit and ever ready to do what he can to advance the material interests of city, county and State. JOHN H. MILLER. Captain Miller was born at Pauldinjr, Jasper county. Miss., December 14, 1847. His life companion, Mr?. Alice Miller, is a lady of many Christian virtues and is beloved by a larj^e circle of friends. Captain Miller is a member of the Masonic order. He is manager of the New Orleans from that year up to the time navigation was interrupted bv the Federal blockading- vessels. He was then commissioned acting master and pilot of the Confederate navy and ordered to report to Lieutenant Warley, in command of the gunboat Oregon. The Oregon and the gunboat Grey Cloud attacked the Federal Idockaditig ship Massachusetts, and drove her from the Sound. Lieutenant Warley then took posses- sion and fortified Ship Island. In lS(i2 Captain Walker was placed in command of the Oregon, and, after the evacuation of New Orleans, the lake fleet of gunboats, consisting of the flag ship Carondelette, the Oregon, Bienville, Arrow and Pamlico, which were, by order of Commodore Poindexter, destroyed near Covington, La. From that time until the close of the war he was on detail duty. After the surrender he resumed steam- boating along the coast and on the Mississi]>pi river JOHN H. MII.I.KK. Biloxi Real Estate and Loan Agency. He was a mem- ber of Company F. Sixteenth Mississippi regiment, during the war between the States, and served three 3'ears in the Army of Northern Virginia. He was engaged in the newspaper business over twentv-live years, including the reconstruction period. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Industrial Insti- tute and College at Columbus. CAPTAIN JOHN WALKER. Captain John Walker was born in Pennsylvania on the 27th day of March, 1834, and in 1849 left his home and went to sea, serving under Commodore Perry in his Japan expedition in 1852-3, when Perry succeeded in having that country open its ports to foreign commerce. He returned to the United States in 1855, landing in Mobile in 1858. He steamboated between Mobile and C.XPTAIN JOHN WAI.KER. from New Orleans to the sea. On the 17th of April, 1S77, he towed the Russian bark Hervatska from New Orleans to the sea, through the Eads jetties. That was the first loaded vessel to pass through the jetties. On March 21, 18S0, he was appointed to command the United States steamer Day Dream, in the service of the National Board of Health, and in the spring of 1883, was transferred to the Marine Hospital Service. He resigned from the service in October, 1883, located in Biloxi and engaged in the mercantile business. In 1888 he was elected mayor of the city, and the same year was appointed by the Governor a member of the Count}' Board of Health. The same year he was elected by the Board of Supervisors a member of the pilot commission. In 1887 he assisted in organizing the Artesian Ice Manufacturing Company, was elected its president and has annually succeeded himself to the present time. In 1888, Captain Walker and Mr. Frank Sutter, of Pass THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 53 Christian, projected the present system of waterworks, but failing to get the public interested, they abandoned their efforts until after the destructive lire in 1.SS8, which burned the business portion in the vicinit.v of Howard avenue and Lameuse street, when they sub- mitted their plans and specifications to a number of representative citizens, which resulted in the organiza- tion of the Artesian Waterworks Company, he being elected president, which position he held six years. In 1892 he helped organize the Bank of Biloxi, and in 1897 was elected president of that institution, which position he still holds. In January, 1897, he assisted in organiz- ing the People's Telei)hone Company, and was elected its president, retaining same until 1900, when it was transferred to the Cumberland Telephone Comjiany. In 1898 he was elected alderman at large, but resigned be- fore the expiration of his term. Few, if any, are more He has represented the Fourth ward in the city council, being at this time the alderman from that ward, and has gained a reputation for public integrity and square deal- ing in matters official of which his constituents are proud. In every public movement he can be found, and if that of a private nature calls, Mr. Bradford promptly responds to the summons. He wears his heart upon his sleeve and always travels unmasked, be it in the broad open light of the day or in a night of Plutonian dark- ness. DANIEL ARTHUR NASH. Dr. Nash was born at Livingston, Ala., December 10, 1858. His wife was Miss Lizzie Carraway, sister to Mr. John Carraway, cashier of the Bank of Biloxi. They were blessed with one child which has since died. Dr. Nash is a Chapter Mason, a Knight of Pythias and JOHN C. liKAlJI'OKD. DANDCL AKTHX'K NASH. enterprising than Captain Walker, and he has ever been alert to the best interest of Biloxi. In matters of inil)Iic improvement he has ever stood at the front, and Biloxi owes much to his public spirit. JOHN C. BRADFORD. The subject of this sketch is a native of Biloxi, having been born in this city on January 2.>, 1SS5. The name of his wife is Sarah E. Bradford, and to them seven children were born. Mr. Bradford is quite a fra- ternal man, belonging to the A. F. & A. M., R. A. M., K. T., I. (). O. F., Elks, Woodmen of the World, Knights of Honor and the Biloxi Benevolent Associa- tion. Mr. Bradford is the junior member of the firm of Elder & Bradford, manufacturers of and dealers in lum- ber. He is a prt>gressive spirit and has done much toward the upbuilding and the betterment of Biloxi, a Knight of Honor. He is by profession a dentist, receiving his dental education at the dental department of the Southern Medical College, at Atlanta, Ga. He took a special course in crown and bridge work after leaving college. He was a member of the Mississippi Board of Dental Examiners from 1S<)(, to I'too. He was mayor of Biloxi from 1899 to l'»01, and a member of the Board of School Trustees of Biloxi for two years. He also served the city faithfullv as alderman at large. Dr. Nash has been a most useful citizen, aside from his career as an officer of the municipality. He has been ardent in his desire to see the city of his adoption stand in the front rank of cities of the State, and whatever he could do toward accomplishing that end has been promptly done. He continually wears the harness of progress and pulls faithfully at the chariot of public betterment. In his chosen profession he has builded a practice that is as lucrative as it is steadfast and uri' 54 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. waveriny. In the social realm he counts his friends b3' the hundreds, and in business circles he ranks among- the most prominent members. WILLIAM GASTON HENDERSON. Judge Henderson was born at Milton, N. C, August 3, 182S. To him and his wife, Dona Hubbard Hender- son, five children, David, Laura, Dona, Mar_v, Wallace and Gaston, were born — David, the eldest, being dead. Judge Henderson is a lawyer b}' profession and the present postmaster at Biloxi. He was a gallant Confed- erate soldier, a severe wound evidences that he was in the hottest of the fight at Gettj'sburg. Shortl.y after the close of the war he aligned himself with the Repub- lican party, and has been several times honored by that party. While he has ever been a stanch Republican WILLIAM c;aston hendeksox. since he left the Democratic party, he never aligned himself with the negro element of the Repul)lican party. As a private citizen none stand higher in public esteem, and as an official he is always courteous and obliging to those who have business which comes within his official jurisdiction to transact with him. (). E. THOMPSON. The gentleman whose name appears above was born at Kiln, Hancock county. Miss., on the 15th of Sep- tember, 1S()5. His wife was Miss Mattie Swanzy. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Odd Fellows. His business is that of an architect and builder, and has a well earned reputation in each branch of his calling in many surrounding towns, as well as in Biloxi, for excellent work. He has many hand- some structures standing to his credit throughout this coast country. Among the many handsome buildings erected in this city by Mr. Thompson may be mentioned the new convent of the Sisters of Mercy and the three- story brick hotel building owned by Mr. P. Kennedy, an illustration of which appears in this edition, and the new First Baptist Church on Lameuse street. EUGENE BAKELER. Mr. Bakeler was born in Strasbourg, Alsace, Febru- ary 2f), 1855, and married Marie A. Chevalley, of New New Orleans. They have four children — Arthur, Al- bert, Robert and Marshall. Mr. Bakeler is a member of the Knights of Honor. He is engaged in a general news, tobacco and cigar business. He commenced his business career as a check boy in the store of D. H. Holmes, and rose to the position of salesman at the age EUGENE BAKELER. of eighteen. He has been a resident of Biloxi seventeen years, during which time he served as alderman under ex-Mayor Ladnier's administration and made a good reputation as such. He always had a fascination for the news business, buys direct from the publishers and has the finest establishment of its kind on the Gulf coast. After the destructive fire he was the first doing business in the burnt district which speaks well for his pluck and enterprise. He is not selfish, but attributes his business success largely to his estimable wife. He was a strong advocate in the election for the Gulf & Ship Island railroad, and believes in the future prosper- itv and greatness of Biloxi. WILLIAM OLIVER TALBOT. Dr. Talbot was born at Harpersville, Scott county. Miss., February 1, 1873, and located in Biloxi in May, THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 55 1895. He is a member of the P. of H., L O. O. F., O. of C, Hoo Hoo and Masonic orders, and is treasurer of the Biloxi Lodjre of B. P. O. Elks. He was reared on a farm in Scott county, and attended school at the Conehatta Institute and the Harpersville Collegfe of Dental Surgery during- the winter of 1893-4. In the spring- of 1894 he passed the Mississippi Board of Dental Examiners, and was granted permanent license to prac- tice dentistry in this State. In 1894 he again attended lectures at Baltimore, and the winter of 1898 he at- tended lectures at the Northwestern Dental School of Chicago. He became a member of the Mississippi Dental Association in April, 1897. He first advanced the idea of teachingf oral hygiene in the public schools, and is a member of the text book committee on that subject. In 1900 he was electee' secretary of the Missis- sippi Dental Association. Since locating in Biloxi he he. Biloxi is always glad to welcome men of Mr. Rosell's character and enterprise to her citizenship. LOUIS STAEHLING. The gentleman named above is a native of France, being born at Alsace on the eighth of September, 1865, the maiden name of his wife being Henrietta Hilden- brand. They have been blessed with five children — Lizzie, Mamie, Annie, Cecil and Louis. Mr. Staehling is a member of the Knights of Honor, Elks, Biloxi Ben- evolent Asssociation and Firemen's organization. He is engaged in the bakery business and the products of his establishment have a wide and favorable reputation in this citv and in other coast towns. When he first located in Biloxi he worked at his trade as a journeyman, Intt it was but a short time until he purchased the Hen- r WILLIAM OLIVKK. TALBuT. LOUIS STAEHLIXC;. has gained a large and lucrative practice in his profes- ley bakery and began business for himself, and that he sion. On October 2, 1901, Dr. Talbot was united in has been entirely successful is evidence as to his business marriage to Miss Rosa Andrews, the accomplished qualifications, daughter of Mrs. M. A. Annrews of this city. _^.^^ THOMAS JEFFERSON ROSELL. Mr. Rosell was born in Monroe county. Mo., Apri. 28, 18()1. His wife's name is Kizzie Catron Rosell. Mr. Rosell is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Elks and I. O. O. F. orders. He is engaged on an extensive scale in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, etc., and the superiority of his products give them readv sale at home and abroad. He has resided in Biloxi several years and holds the esteem of the citizens of the entire coast country. He is progressive in his ideas and liberal in his opinions. He always advocates improvement and no man will lend a more helping hand to that end than WILLIAM K. M. DUKATE. The above named gentleman was liorn at I'^redricks- burg, Indiana, August 10, 1853. He married Miss Linda R. Lienhardt, and they are the parents of five children— Elbert L., Vera L., Ola May, Maud Irma and Bulah L. He is a Mason. Knight Templar, Knight of I'ythias and a Knight of Honor. His business is that of a packer and canner, he being the junior member of the packing and canning firm of Lopez &. Dukate, and one of the pioneers of that industry in Biloxi. He is one of the most progressive and prosperous business men in the South today, the truth of which is attested by the extensive business done bv the firm of which he is a 56 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. member. In helping- to provide suitable educational building's for the children of Biloxi he has been most liberal in his donation. In other affairs of the public he has not only taken a deep interest but has contributed his full share toward securing- the improvements needed and the advantag-es desired. For the linest opera house in the State Biloxi is indebted to Mr. Dukate, and the lovers of amusement certainlv appreciate the structure he had builded for their enjoyment. We might go on and enumerate many other works of Mr. Dukate, but this will suffice to show the benilicent and progressive character of that gentleman. ZACHARY TAYLOR CHAMPLIN. Judge Champlin is a native of this (Harrison) county, being born at Handsboro, M:irch 2S, 1847, and comes administrator and a notary public, and has held the office of justice of the peace since 1887. He also has a good record as a soldier, having joined the Confederate army at the age of eighteen and served until the sur- render. JAMES LOFTON BOOTH. The subject of this sketch was born in Memphis, Tenn., on the 10th of February, 1875. His wife was Miss Abbie Harkness. He is the senior member of the firm of Booth & Nill, proprietors of the Theatre Phar- macy, and is a man of excellent business qualifications. He graduated in pharmacy at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1896, and had business experience of several years in both New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted for the Spanish-American war and saw ac- tive service at Santiago de Cuba, being a member of KACHAKV TAVI.OK CHAMPLIN. JAMES LOFTON BOOTH. from one of the oldest and most respected families in the State. For manv years he has served this city as a justice of the peace, with honor to himself and credit to his friends. Judge Champlin has twice been married, his first wife being a Miss Virginia Taylor of this county, to whom was born five children who are now living — Henry, Maggie, Nellie, Lee and Walter — the last named being the second young-est and now serving his country in the Philippines. In 1885 Judge Champlin united in marraige with Miss Mena Schulze Hauser. The result of this union is one daughter. Miss Rosa, a bright young girl who has a wonderful musical talent and is considered a great genius by all who know her. The Judge is thoroughly a fraternal man, being a mem- ber in high standing of the Masonic order. Odd Fellows, Elks, Knights of Ancient Essenic order. Knights of Pythias and Wopcltnen of the "\Yprld, He is also countv Comiiany F of the Seventv-First New York — the only company of that regiment which participated in the charge at San Juan Hill. FLORIAN SEAL. Mr. Seal was born in Biloxi on the 17th day of February, 1853. The maiden name of his wife was Rebecca V. Walker, and to them two children— Eurilda J. and Roderick D. -were born. Mr. Seal is at present engaged in the mercantile business, but has been prom- inent in public life. He was elected assessor of this I Harrison ) county four times, holding that office eight years; following that he was elected sheriff of the county five times, holding that office twelve years — until the law forbiding sheriffs from succeeding themselves went into effect, Ip. 1872-3, he serv^4 ei&hteen months as THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 57 deputy clork of the circuit and chancery courts of Jack- is a neat enyraver and makes to order any piece of jew- son county. elry. school medals, etc.. as artistically as can be done in anv large citv. ULYSSE DESPORTE. Mr. Desporte was born in Biloxi on the 10th day of October, 1861. He is a member of the Biloxi Benevolent Association. His business is that of a wholesale oyster shipper, and he enjoj's an extensive trade throujfhout the United States. He has alwa3's been an active worker for the cause of Democracy, in national, state and county campaifjns. In municipal affairs he has al- ways taken a stand for what he believed to be right and for the best interest of the people. He in now serving his second term as a member of the board of superyisors of this (Harrison) county, although strenuous methods have been made to defeat him at the polls — which is ERNEST LEIGH DOYLE, Mr. Doyle was born at Weiland, Va., Julv 17, 1S()4. To him and his wife, Cecile Marie Doyle, one child has been born — Ernest Cecil Hargrove Doyle. Mr. Doyle is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders. He is the manager in this city of the Cumberland Tele- phone and Telegraph Company and was formerly man- ager of the American Telephone and Telegraph Com- pany's operating department. Mr. Doyle located in Biloxi several 3'ears ago, and by his upright and thor- ough business methods has forged to the front in the ranks of our best citizens. As manager of the telephone T^LVSSE dp:spoktk. conclusive evidence of his popularity with the people. In business channels he has always been successful, and hence, is of that class of men who look most carefully after their official duties. As a citizen there are none better, and he is held in high esteem by all with whom he is aci|uainted. THEODORE A. ILER. Mr. Her was born at Athens, Ga.^ in 185.^. His wife died ten years ago, leaving him two children — Elizabeth and Ernest. He is an Odd Fellow of the Past (irand degree, and by occupation a jeweler. He came to this State in 1879 locating in Jackson where he was in business for nearly twenty years. From there he re- moved to Biloxi in 1898. He has the distinction of being the only one armed jeweler in the United States. Be- sides being an expert watchmaker, he resets diamonds, KRNEST LEICIH DOYI.E. system in this city he is giving to our people a service which is not excelled in this or any other State. A man of high integrity and sterling worth he is ever watchful of the interest of the patrons of the department of the company of which he is manager, consequently he gives the fullest satisfaction to the people whom he serves as well as to the companj- he represents. WILLIA P. KENNEDY. Mr. Kennedy was born in New Orleans, La., July 2(>, 1873. The maiden name of his wife was Fannj- C. Wright. Two children were born to them, Francis B. and Margaret G. Mr. Kennedy was engaged in the retail drug business in this city several 3'ears, and had one of the finest appointed drug houses in the State. He but recently disposed of bis drug store and is now 58 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. engfaged in the oyster business. Mr. Kennedy is a gen- tleman of sterling worth and has a host of business and social friends all along the coast who will wish him success in whatever he may undertake. JACKSON HERNDON OWINGS. Professor Owings was born at Fayette, Mo., Decem- ber 27, 18()'>. To him and his wife — Janie Preston Owings — two children, Thomas Jackson and Harold Preston Owings, were born. Professor Owings is a member of the Independent Order of Odd P^ellows. He is the present superintendent of the schools of Biloxi. Professor Owings graduated in the Ph. B. degree from Central College, at Fayette, Mu., in June, 1891. From September, 1S91, to September, 1895, he was teacher of L.iti i in and principal of the Inter-tate College, at Tex- ests of Biloxi. Mr. Kennedy is engaged in the hotel business, and is of that class of progressive men required to build up a city and his best energy has ever been put forth to advance Biloxi. He is a thoroughgoing busi- ness man and jnishes to success whatever he may under- take. MICHAEL WILLIAM MURPHY. Mr. Murphy was born in New Orleans, La., where he was engaged for many years in the grocery business and as contracting stevedore, in which enterprises he amassed a considerable fortune, retiring from business a few years ago and locating in this city where he has many interests. Mr. Murphy is a typical son of the "oukl day," genial and hospitable to the fullest degree and numbers his friends bv the legion. His wife was JACKSON HEKNDON OWINGS. arkana. Ark. From September, 1895, to September, 1897, he was superintendent of the city schools of Port Gibson, Miss. From September, 1897, to the present time he has been superintendent of the Biloxi schools. He has attended two summer terms at the University of Chicago, in the Department of Pedagogy-. Professor Owings ranks high as an educator, and his excellent work since he has been superintendent of the schools of this city will sustain every claim made for him along that line. PATRICK KENNEDY. Mr. Kennedy is a native of Irelad, being born in that country on the thirly-first of Ma}', 1845. His wife's maiden name was Margaret McKenna, five children be- ing born to them. His two sons, J. J. and W. P. Ken- nedy, are prominently identified with the business inter- MICHAEL WILLIAM MURPHY. Miss Mar)- Keelleen and has contributed much to his success. He is a member of the Catholic Knights of America and of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Murphy has an extensive ac((uaintance both along the coast and in Louisiana, and is noted for his square dealing in all of his business transactions. EDWARD LEWIS SUTER. The well known gentleman whose name appears above is a native of Louisiana, being born in the citj' of New Orleans. He is a member of the Mason and Wood- men of the World orders. He has resided in Biloxi fif- teen years and is a contracting painter, paperhanger and sign writer. Much of the artistic painting on buildings and the handsome signs in the city which at once attracts the attention of strangers when thev visit THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 59 Biloxi, together with the handsome decorations inside, finishing touches of the brush, are monuments to his skill as an artisan. He is one of our most popular citi- zens, up-to-date and energetic in all matters ])ertaining to his calling, and has unbounded belief in the great- ness of Biloxi's future destin)-. JAMES STOCKTON. Mr. Stockton was born in New Orleans, La., P^eb- ruary 11, 1S60. He married ^Lly T. Boudreaux, and the\' are the parents of four children —James, Mary, Leandra and Lawrence. He is a member of the Knights of Pj'thias, Woodmen of the World, Spanish Benevolent Association and the Biloxi Benevolent Association. Mr. Stockton is engaged in the shoe business, which is one of the most profitable on the entire coast. He is a JAMES STOCKTON. good citizen, a clever gentlemen and deserves the high respect from the citizens of Biloxi which he receives. JOSEPH PETER HOGAN. The above named gentleman was born in New Or- leans, La., November 17, 1865, the maiden name of his wife being Bernice Smyle_y. To them two children were born — James Earl and Bernice Hogan. Mr. Hogan is engaged in the grocer.v business, and has a lucrative trade. He possesses that push and energy which alwa3's brings financial reward and it is safe to say he will not prove an exception to that condition. WH.LIAM RUDOLF. Mr. Rudolf was born at Picton, Nova Scotia, March 2^), 1865, his wife being Emily Faure Rudolf. He is a member of the firm of W. S. Keyser & Co., of the Pensa- cola. Mobile and Pascagoula district, exjjorters of timlier and lumber. Mr. Rudolf is one of the 1 est timber and lumbermen on the coast, and commands a large trade. His firm reaches every market in their exporting business, and has a standing in the timber marts of the world which their competitors may well lie envious. JOSIAH COGER CLOWER. The above named gentleman was born at Hillsboro, Scott county. Miss., November 22, 185"^. He married Miss Mar}' Thornton, and three children — Jessie Lee, Ada and May Bell — are the issue of their union. Mr. Clower is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Woodmen of the World. His business is that of dealng JOSIAH COtlKK CLOWEK. in plain and fancy furniture and house furnishings, a business in which he has prospered since first he opened his stock in Biloxi. Mr. Clower is recognized as a thor- ough business man, a careful financier and punctual in all his methods. LAZARO LOPEZ, JR. The gentleman whose name appears above was born in Biloxi, November 25, 1877, and married Miss Eurilda Seal. They have one child, Eurilda. Mr. Lopez is a memlier of the Biloxi Benevolent Association, and is a young man of fine business qualifications. He is assist- ant manager of the Lopez & Dukate canning factory. His father is the senior member of the firm, and has set him a fine example of business push and tact which he has not been slow to take advantage of. 60 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. JESSE SMITH. Mr. Smith is a native of North Carolina, being born in Moore county. He married Ophelia Barthes, ^^^^^^^ of this city, and of this union two children, Lizzie and Jesse A., were born. Mr. Smith is a member of the K. of H. and of the Elks. He is a popular liv- er\'man, sends out first-class rigs, and with the trav'eling public he has a good trade, which is con- stantly grow- ing. There is ji r o b a b 1 y no man in the this section of the State, engaged in the same business, looks more carefully after the wants and con- veniences of his patrons than Mr. Smith. JESSE SMITH MARSHALL SEAL. The subject of this sketch was born in Biloxi on the 21st dav of October, 1851, his wife being Emma port, he located here, the city of his nativity, and entered the mercantile business. Mr. Seal is also en- gaged in the dredging of o^'sters, being a one-third owner in the steam dredgeboat "Demopolis," in which he takes an active interest. CHARLES McCORMACK. Mr. McCormack is a native of Louisiana, being born in New Orleans, La., on the March 1, 1842. He is engaged in the manufacture of ice and is the owner of the Hygeia Ice Plant. In his business affairs he has been one of the most successful men in the State who CHAKLES M COKMACK. are engaged in the manufacture of artificial ice. He is one of Biloxi's substantial men and keeps pace with ever3' improvement in the manufacture of his product. Mr. McCormack is a member of the Masonic fraternitv. L. Bryant. For some time he held the office of justice of th? peace, ^t Gulfport, this county, Leaving Gwlf- LAZARO LOPEZ. Mr. Lopez is a native of Spain, being born in that country October 11, 1850. Immigrating to this country in 1881, he landed in Biloxi. His wife was Miss Julia Dulion, and they are the parents of seven children. Mr. Lopez is a merchant and the senior member of the can- ning company of Lopez & Dukate. He is a man of un- tiring energy and quick to take advantange of an oppor- tunity. From a poor boy he has builded himself up to a position in life where he is called by the world a wealthy man. Be that as it may, Mr. Lopez has proven himself to be both a shrewd and careful business man, a good citizen and a Christian gentleman. Both philanthropic and benevolent by nature, manj- acts of kindness and charity stiind to his credit, pf which the y(gr\d knows THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. iM but little if anythinjf. Toward the iipliuildinK' of Biloxi he has been a most potent factor, of whicli his public life as a member of the citj' council will attest, and the magnificent buildings he owns stand as monuments. But there is a more beautiful monument to his name than sculptor could carve, and that is the beautiful school building he gave, that the children of the city of the present and the future generations might have a place wherein to train for the duties of trui man and womanhood. In the advocacy of public improvements and for the betterment of Biloxi he has always been at the front, and a more public spirited man than Mr. Lopez is not to be found. JOHN EISTETTER. Mr. Eistetter was born in New Orleans, La., March 5, 1S5(>. His wife's maiden name was Whilmena Schoo- JOHN EISTETTKK. machcr, two children — John F. and Whilmena — blessing their union. Mr. Eistetter is a member of the Masonic order, and by occupation a builder. Mr. Eistetter is one of Biloxi's substantial citizens, and many of the beauti- ful buildings of the citj' stand as monuments to his skill as a builder. His ideas are progressive and he is a strong advocate of public improvements. Staehling. After selling that establlslnneiit he was connected with several business enterprises before enter- ing his present occupation. As a business man his WILLIAM P. HENLEY. Mr. Henley was born in New Orleans, La., on the December 14, 1869. He married Miss Elizabeth Schu- mann, the issue of their union being two children — Edwin and Mildred. Mr. Henley is a Knight of Honor. He is engaged in the merchant tailoring business. At his father's death, a few years ago, he suceeded him in and conducted the bakery now owned by Mr. Louis WILL-IAM P. HENLEY. integrity is beyond question and his energetic disposition is a strong guarantee of success in whatever he may undertake. WILLIAM P. BURKE. The subject of this sketch is a native of North Car- olina, being born in that State on tie 20th of May m 1S58. He married Miss Edna V. McElvary, their union being blessed with one child— Hazel. Mr. Burke is a (.2 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. member of the Kniffhts of Pythias and of the Biloxi Benevolent Association. He is a prominent contractor and builder, and there are many tine residences in Biloxi and the c mntry circumjacent which attest his skill as a workman. CHARLES H. OWEN. Mr. Owen was born in Holmes county. Miss., Sep- tember IS, 1S7L He is a contractor and builder and the magnificent structures that he has erected in this city are evidence that he is thorougfhly skilled in that line. But his work in this city alone is not all the testimony of his proficiency. Many handsome structures in other cities and towns of the State stand as witnesses of skillful handiwork, and are proof positive that Mr. Owen is in- deed master of his avocation. Careful and painstaking- tractors. Mr. Hattlestad is an adept in his line and commands a large trade for his firm. W. H. MAYBIN. Hon. W. H. Maybin, a leading lawyer of this cit}% was born in Yazoo county. Miss., thirty-five years ago, and was educated at the University of Mississippi and Tulane University, and began the practice of law in this city in the spring of L'<'I0, since which time he has been actively engaged in the legal profession and has won an enviable position in the front ranks of the bar of the Sea Coast of Mississippi. Mr. Maybin served Harrison county in the State legislature at the session of 1894, since which time he has declined public office. Mr. Maybin was married in 1896 to Miss Mary H. Evans, one of the most noted ladies in Mississippi. Mr. May- CH.\RLES H. OWEN. in every detail of the plans and specifications laid down to guide him in his work there is no such thing as failure to please those for whom he builds. To meet and con- verse with him is to recognize at once that he is an uptodate man, who makes no claim to that which he does not understand, either in contracting or building. J. A. HATTLESTAD. Mr. Hattlestad was born at Milwaukee, Wis., on the 15th day of February, 1860. To him and his wife, L. May Hattlestad, four children — Elsa, Clair, Harry and Phyllis — were born. His business is that of a lumber- man, being a member of the firm of J. T. White & Co.. of Moss Point, Miss., manufacturers of lumber and timber. The output of this firm has a wide reputation for excellence, and is sought after bv builders and con- HOX. W. H. JIAVBIX. bin has the rcpution of being one of the most finished and eloquent speaker of South Mississippi. GEORGE B. ELDER. Mr. Elder was born in Biloxi, February 14, 1861. His wife was Miss Mary E. McDonald and the}' are the the parents of four children — Georgie, Roy, Minnie Ma}' and Willie. He is a member of the Knights of Honor. Mr. Elder owns and successfull.v operates a machine shop. He ranks among the cit3''s substantial men. He possesses a progressive spirit and believes in public im- provements. JOHN P. KELLY. Mr. Kelly is a native of Ohio, and was born in Cin- cinnati, Julv 21. 1853. He married Miss Jane Powell ^HE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 63 iind the issue of their union was ten children- Effie, Knijjhts of IVthias. He is eng'ag-ed in the o-eneral Charles, Lizzie, Theresa, Eddie, Leo, Joe, Francis, Ehia merchandise business, and is rapidlv building- up a ^ood and Freddie. Mr. Kelly is a member of the Knig-hts of trade. JOHN P. KEI.LEY. Pythias order. He is a prominent contractor and builder, a man of sterling (jualities and in every way a desirable citizen. EDGAR S. BALTHROPE. The subject of this sketch was born at Saverton, Ralls county. Mo., on the 17th of August, 1873. To him A. O. BOURDON. The subject of this sketch was born in New Orleans, La., on the 2(>th day of November, 1808, and although quite a young man, has been eng-aged in business in this city about fifteen years, and is quite popular with all classes. Mr. Bourdon was happily mated to Miss Catherine Griffin, of this city, on October 30, 1899, and they have a delightful home on the beach. For several years Mr. Bourdon has been engaged in the retail liquor business in this city, and his place, which is situated immediately on the Mississippi Sound, is a favored resort for home folk and visitor alike. He is also an A. O. BOURDON. ardent and very successful disciple of Isaak Walton, and his services are always at the disposal of the "strangrer within our gates" who seeks the denizens of the deep. Mr. Bourdon is also an enthusiastic member of the Biloxi Lodg-e of Elks and Knights of Pythias. and his wife, Rosa A. Balthrope, one child was born — E. S. Balthrape, Jr. Mr. Balthrope is a member of the JAMES WALKER ELDER. Mr. Elder is a native o; Biloxi, having been born in this city on the 13th day of September, 1852. His wife was Miss Esther Ophelia Clevel, and they are blessed with three children — James C, Julia H. and Louisa. He is a Mason and a Knight of Honor. Mr. Elder is the senior member of the sawmill and lumber firm of Elder & Bradford, which is among the leading firms of that character in this coast country. Mr. Elder is among our most careful business men, but at the same time he 64 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. is aiuonji: the most liberal in iiuitters pertainins,' to the interest of the public. He is one of the best citizens of /^ i0BW^' JAMES WALKER ELDER. of Biloxi and of Harrison county, and is so recognized bv all who know him, and revered for his true merit. JOHN J. KENNEDY. There is probably no young- man within the con- fines of this beautiful city who is more popular and has JOHN J. KENNEDY. more friends than the subject of this sketch. Mr. Kennedy is a native of New Orleans, La., having- been resided in this city about ten years, during which time he has been prominently and successfully connected with its bu.siness interests, and is now engaged in the hotel, restaurant and saloon business. Located immed- iately at the depot of the Louisville & Nashville rail- road, Kennedy's Hotel, over which Mr. Kennedy pre- sides, is one of the best patronized hostelries on the coast, and the service in every particular is all that could be desired. An illustration of Kenned^-'s Hotel appears elsewhere in this publication. Mr. Kennedy was married to Miss Minnie Gilbert, who lived only about one year after their marriage, leaving a little daughter, Sarah. Mr. Kenned}- is a member of the Biloxi I.,odge of Elks, an officer of the Biloxi Yacht Club, and of the Young Men's Gymnastic Club of New (Orleans, and takes a deep interest in these orders. J. W. FARRISH. Mr. Farrish was born at Brandon, Miss., May 15, 1855. His wife was Miss Mary E. Council. One child was born to them — John Edward Parish. Mr. Farrish J. W. FARKISH. is a member of the Woodmen of the World and of the Biloxi Benevolent Association. By occupation a black- smith and manufacturer of the onl^- schooner 03'ster dredge and winder on the coast. McSHANE & MORRIS. The two gentlemen composing the above numed firm — ]McShane & Morris — are among Biloxi's substan- tial and progressive business men, and although they have been in this citv onlv about four years, they have born in that city on the 12th day of June, 1875, but has built up a large and lucrative patronage as machinists. THE BII.OXI DAIlvY HERAI.D STAFF. i. (iEOKGE W. WILKKS. rriiliriclnr. •> CHAS Sr WILKES, Miuia.'er Subsiriiiliou Depiirtmciit. :i "■,^- KVAXS KiUlnr. K. ECGEXE wrr.KES, Co.upositor. B. WAI.TEK C. ^V, ',^-Pfnr Tvf-7rd l"'T''rr;. of 8. W. H. FAKMEK. City Ueporter. '■!. AKISI 11)1'. 1 1.EI.OAK, ( ..nii.o^.l.M . E H liENEDICT, Manager Herald I'riutery. 7 MlJiS MA ITIE C. laiT. Society PMitress. 10 WIM.IAM MATTHIE, Conipositor. THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 65 boilermakers and blacksmiths, and in the manufacture of steam oysters dredges and winders. Mr. McShane, the senior member of the firm, was born in Belfast, Ireland, twenty-nine years ago, but has been in this Thomas McSfame. country some ten years. Last Nove.nte' he was happily married to one of Biljxi's f.tir daug- .ters. Miss Eliza Agnes McCabc. He is an earnest niinber ..f the Biloxi order of Llks and takes an acliw iatere.U in all tlat pcrtaii s to the good of the order. I\Ir. D. E. Mortis, the junior member of the tirni, is a n tive of D. E. MOKKIS. this county, having been born at Pass Christian thirty- five years ago, and has resided in this city about four years. Mr. Morris is also married, having won a prize in the matrimonial market a year ago last Christmas, his wife being a Miss Edna Harkness, one of Biloxi's most fair and charming daughters. Mr. Morris is an honored member of the Biloxi lodge of Masons, Odd Fellows, Elks, Knights of Pythias, and of the Marine Engineers' Association. THEODORE BRUNE. After many years have passed away the name of this gentleman will be preserved to future Bilo.xians in this city from plans of this master architect — buildings that stand as monuments testifying to his skill and ar- tistic taste. Mr. Brunc was born in Stuttgart, Ger- many, in 1S54, and studied architecture in the universi- ties of that country, graduating with the highest honors. After coming to the United States Mr. Brune followed his profession in New York and St. Louis and some fi ur years ago located in New Orleans, where his THiODO^E BKUNK. services are much sought after. Among the handsome buildings in this city that owe their beauty of creation to the artistic mind of Mr. Brune may be mentioned the beautiful homes of L. Lopez and W. K. M. Dukate, the Biloxi Y^cbt Club building, Dukate's Theatre, the sub- stantial and imposing brick business houses occupied by T. P. Dulion & Co., Folkes& Grant and L. Lopez & Co. The magnificent Catholic Church building, now in course of construction, will add another laurel to his rejiutation. WILLIAM T. GRIFFIN. The above named gentleman is comparatively among the new-comers to this city, having come here only about eighteen months ago from Natchez, Miss., where he was born and educated. Although quite a voung man — 23 years of age — Mr. GrifSn holds the re- sponsible position of deputy collector and inspector of customs, having received his appointment under collec- 66 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. tor of customs J. P. Walworth, retained in the same po- sition by Collector Turley and Collector Swan, the pres- ent incumbent. Mr. Griffln also served with distinction in the Spanish-American war, holding a commission as 1st lieutenant in First Refjfiment, Co. C Mississippi WILLIAJl T. (.K!TKIX. National Guard. In the order of Elks, which he is a member, he takes a lively interest as he also does in af- fairs pertainin;,'- to the good of the Kiluxi Y;iclit Club, of which he is a charter member. ■ FRANK B. CASTANERA. In maritime circles there are perhaps none more fa- vorably known than he whose name precedes this sketch. Capt. Castanera was born in Scranton, Miss., on Jan. 16, 1870, and was educated at Spri ng Hill College, Mobile, Ala. For four years he has been mas- ter of steam vessels, and for nine years chief engineer of ocean steamers. Capt. Cas- tanera came to Biloxi in 18'i3 and until re- cently was engaged in the steam tug business between this city and Ship Island, and is now engaged in the retail lumber and general supply business in this city. He is also an active piember of the American Association of Masters and Pilots, Odd Fellows, Essenic Knights, Biloxi Benevo- lent Association, and Biloxi Yacht Club. Shortly after making his home in this city, Capt. Castanera was hap- pily married to one of Biloxi's fairest daughters— Miss Amelia Desporte — and as a result of the marriage two bright and beautiful children make doubly happy the home of the fond and loving parents. J. R. PRATT. Among the business men who have within the past few years located on this coast there are none who are more po])ular omong those who know him than genial, happy hearted J. R. Pratt, and none that are more pros- perous and enterprising in their business affairs. Mr. Pratt was born in Tullahoma, Tennessee, forty-five years ago and in early manhood's life was happily wed- ded to Miss Jennie Coats, of Shiloh, Tenn. To the couple were born two children — one now a charming young lady and the other a manly boy. Mr. Pratt is engaged in the manufacture of long leaf yellow pine J. K. PRATT. lumber and export and bridge timbers, and is president of the Ten-Mile Lumber Co., near Perkinston, this county, although his family resides in this city. He is also largely interested in lime works at Calera, Ala., and real estate at Gulfport and other places throughout the country. As a fraternity man Mr. Pratt has active memberships in the Masonic Order, Knights Templar, Shriner, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Royal Ar- caneum. Elks, and Biloxi Yacht Club. LfiSLIE PARTRIDGE. Among the educators of the State their are none perhaps who take a greater and more earnest interest in the work of education than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Partridge was born in New Or- leans, La., on the Stb of March, 1S75, and a]thoug:lj THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 67 quite a i'Dungf man has had considerable experience in educational work. Graduatinfj with the degree of A. B. from Mississippi Collefje in 18<)4, Prof. Partridyfe held the chair of mathematics in Marion Military Institute in 1895. and for the two succeeding- _vears that of Eng- lish in the same institute during the j-ear of '95 and '96, was head master of Latin in the High School at Natchez in '97 and '98. In 1899 Prof. Partridge was induced to accept the position of assistant superintendent of the public schools of this city, a position which he now fills to the utmost satisfaction of pupils and patrons, and with his advanced methods of teaching has added no little to the high reputation of the Biloxi public school system. Marguerite Young, and to them two children were born — Kate and Louise. Mr. Russell is a Mason and a mem- ber of the Firemen's Association. His occupation is LOUIS OSCAR JOHNSON. The subject of this sketch is a member cf one of the oldest families of Biloxi and was born in this citj' 35 years ago and educated here. Mr. Johnson married a Miss Jennie Edwards of this city and as a result of this nnion they are are blessed with one child a son. Mr. LOUIS OSCAR JOHNSON. Johnson is a practical and scientific sugarmaker and his services are always in demand by the sugar planters of Louisiana, and this business takes him away from Bi- loxi about four months of each }'ear during the sugar- making season. He is also engag-ed with his brother John in the retail liquor business. Mr. Johnson is an enthusiastic devotee of j'achting' and is the official meas- urer of the Biloxi Yacht Club. GEOROK C. KUSSEL. that of a blacksmith and wheelwright, in which busi- ness he has an excellent trade. GEORGE C. RUSSELL. Mr. Russell is a native of Denmark, being born in •that countrj on September 10, 1841. His wife was Miss ROLF SEEBERG. This gentleman's name is a familiar one not only in this section of the country but in nearly every por- tion of the world where seagoing vessels of whatever description enter. Mr. Seeberg is engaged in the ship chandlery business in this city and Mobile, Ala., where he has large establishments, and probablj' no man engag-ed in the same business in the entire south has catered more to the wants of seago- ing vessels than Mr. Seeburg, and by his genial and sunny dis- position and fair deal- ing, once he secures a customer, it is for all time. Mr. Seeburg- was born in Tonsberg, Norway, on the 28th of July, 1869, but came to this country in 1805, and en- gaged in the ship chandlery business in Mobile, and in 1898 established a branch business here. Mr. See- berg- is numbered among the benedicts, the maiden name of his wife being- Miss Cecilia J. Falck, and two 68 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. lovely and interesting children arc a result of this mar- riage contract. Mr. Seeberg is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity and also a stockholder in the Biloxi Yacht Club. PETER QUAVE. Among all the names connected with the early his- tory of this coast country, there is probably none more familiar than that of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Ouave was born on the north side of the Back Bay of Biloxi, in 1863, and when quite a young man was joined in wed- lock to Miss Alphon- sinc Bone}', to whom nine cliildren have been liorn. Since early man- hood Mr. (Juave has been engaged in busi- ness in the locality in which he was born and stands among the solid and respected men of the com- munity, and can always be found working for the bet- terment and advancement of this section of the country. youth 15 years of age. Mr. Claiborne comes from an illustrious family, and is a grandson of W. C. C. Clai- borne, first governor of Louisiana. He is also an old Confederate soldier, and was severely wounded in the battle of Shiloh. In the Order of Elks, the Commercial Club and the Biloxi Yacht Club his name appears as a charter member. CHARLES S. CLAIBORNE. The gentleman whose name precedes this sketch has the good fortune to be numbered among the sub- stantial liusiness men of this community and is up-to-date, energetic and progressive in his ideas. Mr. Claiborne was born in Louisiana on July 4, 1845, and for many years he con- ducted a most success- ful mercantile business in New Orleans. Dur- ing the year 1896 he located in this city, being impressed with its advantages as a business point, and how well his impres- sions were founded is evidenced by the successful business he has builded in the mercantile line — a business which is constantly en- larging with each succeeding year. Mr. Claiborne takes a lively interest in all that pertains to the ad" vancement of the material welfare of Biloxi and can always be found working along that line. On Septem- ber 1, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Annie Marshall, „to whom one child was born — Cole — now a ANDREW J. RAMSAY. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born at Ramsay, this county, on July 4, 1840, and for more than a (juarter of a century- has occupied a most prominent position in public affairs of the county, hav- ing served with honor in the State legislature, and for several terms filling the responsible office of sheriff, a position which he now holds. Mr. Ramsay's name is a .\NDREW J. RAMSAY. familiar one in nearly every household in the county, and probably no man ever acquired a greater or more deserving popularity in his own bailiwick, as was evi- denced at the last election, when he carried every pre- cinct in the countv by overwhelming majorities. Mr. Ramsay was married in early life to Miss Mary M. Mvers, and they are blessed with three children— A. J., junior, Katye D. and B. F. Ramsay. FREDERICK SEALE HEWES. Mr. Hewes is a native of Louisiana, having been born in the city of New Orleans on the 25th of Ma3', 1830. His wife's name is Fannie M. Hewes. Mr. Hewes is the present clerk of the Circuit and Chancery Courts of this (Harrison) County, which office he has held for about twenty-six consecutive years. This tells the story of his popularity with the people of the CQuntj' iq THE BILOXI DAILY HEKALD. 69 languagfe that needs no interpretation. He is equal^' as popular with the judges and other court officers, as well as with the home bar and those of foreijjn bars who attend the sessions of the courts held at Mississippi City. Bej'ond the county confines he has man\- as warm personal friends as can be found within its borders, either personal or political. Mr. Hewes is a model offi- cer, an excellent citizen and a christian gentleman; but to know him is to revere his name. to them five children — Gus, Theresa, Lillie, Marie and Juliet — were born. He is an upholsterer and furniture dealer, and by correct business methods and fair deal- FREDERICK QUERENS, Jk. Mr. Que. ens was born in New Orleans, La., where he has always resided since the 8th of February, 18S8. In 1882 he was married to Miss Pauline J. Trinchard, and of their union the issue was four children — three living and one dead. The living are: Irnia, Frederick and Perc}' Querens. Mr. Querens is a member of the FKEDKKICK QUEKENS, JK. Knights of Pythias and of the Associated Accountants of New Orleans. He was educated in the common schools of that city. He began work quite young and was in the emploj- of Wackerbath & Joseph over twent}' 3'ears, who were the leading tobaconists of that city for j'ears. He has always taken a special pride in Biloxi, owns considerable improved and valuable real estate here, and has been instrumental in the advancement of thi scity. He was a heavy loser by the fire of Novem. ber, 1900, but was not discouraged, as is evidenced by the handsome buildings he has erected since that con- flagration. Mr. Querens is well and favorably known all along the coast. NICHOLAS HENZELENA. ing has built up a prosperous trade. Mr. Henzelena is an upright, honorable citizen, and has the esteem and confidence of the communitv. NICHOLAS HENZELENA. The subject of this sketch was born in Switzerland, February 6, 1855. He married Miss Johana Fouth, and PERCY LEE ELMER. Probably no young man in this community is better known and more popular with his fellows than Perc)' Lee Elmer. Born and reared in this city, and educated at the Catho- lic Convent School, he has grown up with new and progressive Biloxi, and numbers his friends by legion. Mr. Elmer was born in 1873, and although quite a young man is prominent in public af- fairs, and is now serv- ing his second term as alderman of the second ward. He also takes (juite a lively interest in affairs pertaining to the tire department of the city, and has filled se\eral positions of honor and responsibility in that body. He is also a member of the Knights of Honor. Mr. Elmer was married in 18')() to Miss Mamie Griftin of this city, and as a result of this union one child was born — a daughter. As the junior member of the tirm of Collins 70 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. & Elmer he is engaged in the general blacksmithing and horseshoeing business, and in his chosen calling there is none better. RAMON QUAVE. One of the best known men in the Back Ba.v section of this count}- is Mr. Ramon Quave, a descendant of one of the oldest families of the Mississippi gulf coast. Mr. (Juave was born on the north side of the beautiful Back Bay of Biloxi, Missis- sippi, in 1851, where he has since resided, and has for man_v years conducted a most suc- cessful mercantile bus- iness. In early life he was happily married to Miss Josephine Sey- mour, to whom have been born eleven chil- dren. Mr. Quave if an enthusiastic member of the Knights of Pythias, and takes an active interest in all that pertains to the good of the community in which he resides. WM. F. GORENFLO. The subject of this sketch is a native born Biloxian and one of the best known and popular young men in this section of the country. Mr. Gorenflo was born on the 14th cf July, 1877, and was educated at the A. and M. College at .Stark- ville. Miss., graduat- ing in the mechanical department in 1899. At the present time he is one of the efficient and trusted assistant cash- iers of the Bank of Bi- loxi. Mr. Gorenflo is a member and officer of the local lodge of Elks and also one of the pro- moters and a director of the Biloxi Yacht Club, and takes quite a lively inter- est in all that pertains to the business and social inter- ests of this citv. for five vears. After graduating in medicine at Tulane University in 1894, he practiced in Jackson until the fall of 1895, at which time he went to Guatemala, Central America, as surgeon for the Verapaz Railroad Compan}-, and remained there until the spring of 1897, at which time he was compelled to leave on account of ill health. After his return to the States he was appointed State quarantine officer at Cat Island, which position he re- tained until the outbreak of yellow fever was announced in August of 1897, when he came to Biloxi and remained through the outbreak, having an attack of the disease at the very last of the epidemic. In 1898, he was elected coast sanitary inspector by the State board of health for that year and at the close of his contract engaged in the practice of his profession in this city, where he has met with the most gratifying success. Dr. Folkes was one of the commissioners appointed b}' Governor McLaurin to go to Cuba and make a special study of yellow fever. He is a member of the State and Ameri- can Medical Association, director in the Bank of Biloxi, a director in the Biloxi Commercial Club, and a partner in the drug firm of Folkes & Grant, which by the way is one of the finest equipped and most imposing drug houses in the South. Dr. Folkes was married some two years ago to Miss Theresa Lopez, one of the most charm- ing and attractive young ladies of this city, and to the devoted couple has been born a daughter, named after the mother. In the fraternal orders Dr. Folkes has membership as a Templar Mason and Odd Fellow. Dr. HYMAN McMACKIN FOLKES. H. M. Folkes, was born in Bovina, Miss., on October (>, 1871, and first engaged in business as a drug- gist in Jackson, Miss., which he conducted successsully ROBERT M. MOSLEY. Probably no city in the State has better police pro- tection than Biloxi, and chief of its police department is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Mosley is a native of Kemper County and was born in 18()5. After reach- ing man's estate Mr. Mosley was married to Miss Mary E. Naylor of the same county and to the couple one child has been born — Robert M., Jr. For ten years Mr. Mosle}' was con- nected with the police department of Meri- dian, with the rank of sargeant, during which service he made for himself an enviable record as a most efficient officer. For the past six years he has served this city as mar- shal and chief of police, having been elected by the people b_v overwhelming majorities. Mr. Mosley is also engaged in the livery and transfer business. He is also an active and energetic member of the Elks, K. of P., Woodmen, K. of H., Biloxi Benevolent Association and the Biloxi Yacht Club. THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 71 DAVID J. VENUS. The subject of this sketch was born in Louisiana in the )'ear 1878, and moved with his parents to Biloxi about ten j-ears ago, receiving his education in the public schools of this city. Mr. Ve- nus engaged in the re- tail grocery trade, and by strict attention to business and hustling methods built up and increased his patron- age. During the dis- astrous fire which vis- ited this city in the month of November, 1900, Mr. Venus was among the heaviest losers. Nothing daunted, however, and with an indomitable spirit and unlimited energy, it was only a few months before he was again in business and en- joying a larger patronage than before. Mr. Venus is thoroughly up-to-date and progressive, ever alert to the interests of his customers, and is classed among Biloxi's substantial citizens and business men. ANDREW J. BOURDON. Among the young business men of Biloxi there are none more energetic and popular than the one whose name heads this brief sketch. Mr. Bourdon was born in New Or- leans in 1873, but has been a resident of this city for about fifteen years, and bj- his steady and industrious habits has gained the confidence and esteem of the community. Mr. Bourdon is engaged in the retail ice business, and does the bulk of the trade in that line. He is also a member of the Bill Posters' Asso- ciation, giving prompt attention to commercial and the- atrical bill posting. As a member of the Order of Elks, Knights of Pj'thias and Biloxi Cemeter}- Association and Biloxi Yacht Club, he is an earnest worker. teen years, during which time he has been engaged in the drug business, and is widely and favorably known as the proprie- tor of the Phoenix drug store, one of the lead- ing institutions of its kind in Biloxi. In 1890 Mr. Lemon was united in marriage to Miss Belle Roberts of Co- lumbus, Ga., to whom one child was born — Lydia. Mr. Lemon has faithfully served the city as alderman, hav- ing been elected from his ward b_v a large majority. He is also engaged in the realty business, to which he gives his personal attention, and also transacts a large business as notary public. Mr. Lemon has membership in the Knights of Pythias, Elks, Knights of Honor, Commercial Club and Biloxi Yacht Club. JAMES B. LEMON. The above named gentleman is one of Biloxi's most prosperous and successful business men. Mr. Lemon was born in Amite City, La., thirty-eight years ago, but has been a resident of this city for the past six- JOSEPH WILLIAM SWETMAN. This gentleman is properly classed among Biloxi's best known and substantial business men, and has large interests here. Mr. Swetman was born in Handsboro, Miss., on August 26, 1863, and at early age engaged in the railroad busi- ness. Through his natural ability he rap- idly worked his waj- up in railroad circles until was placed in the responsible position of a passenger train con- ductor, in which ca- pacity he served sev- eral years. About ten j'ears ago Mr. Swet- man located in this city and engaged in the drug business. From a com- paratively modest business he has built up a most ex- tensive and prosperous one, and has now one of the finest and best equipped drug stores in the State. He is also connected with several other business enter- prises — notably, the Electric Light Company, Biloxi Artesian Water Works Company, and the Peoples Bank. At the last annual meeting of the bank stockholders Mr. Swetman was elected to the honorable and responsi- ble position of president of that institution. In munici- pal affairs he always takes an active interest, and after having served one term as alderman was elected by a large majority as mayor, which position he now occu- THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. pies with credit to himself and honor to his friends. Mr. Swetman has been thrice married, the maiden name of his present helpmeet being- Miss Sophie Pauline Schumann, a most charming j-oung ladj' of this city. Two bright and interesting- children — Mabel Beatrice and Joseph W. jr., — gladden the home of Mr. and Mrs. Swetman. Among the fraternal orders Mr. Swetman is enrolled as a member of F. A. & A. M., R. A. Chap- ter, Commandery, L O. O. F., A. L. of H. and O. R. C. and paralyzed condition he has brought order and pros- perity. Mr. Baltar was married in 1893 to Miss Mar- g-aret McKenna, and to them three children have been born. In the management of the "Opera Saloon" Mr. Baltar has an able assistant in Mr. L. Fa3'ard. VINCENT J. OLIVARI. This g-entleman, although a young man, is one of the most prominent of Biloxi's raw 03'ster shippers, and his business is rapidly increasing- each year. Mr. Olivari was born in this city twenty- eight years ago and was educated in the public schools of Biloxi whicii are among the best of the State. He is also engaged in the retail liquor business, proprietor of the Bank Exchange restaur- ant, and a prominent member of the Biloxi Yacht Club and order of Elks, and takes an active interest in all that pertains to the advancement of those organizations. He has consider- able property interests in this city, and is heartily in favor of all public improvements. WILLIAM BALTAR. Although having resided in this community but a short time there is probaV)ly no man in the city who is more popular with those who know him than "Billy" Baltar, and none more deserv- ing of such popularity. Mr. Baltar is a native of New Orleans, where he was educated, and for many j-ears en- gaged in business in that city. Coming to Biloxi about one year ago he was within a few months after se- lected bj' the creditors of the "Opera Saloon" to take charge of that establishment, and the record he has since made demonstrates his ability as a business man. To a business which was in a chaotic T. E. COLLINS. The gentleman whose name precedes this sketch is a native of this count}-, and was born near Handsboro thirty-nine years ago, and is the senior mem- ber of the firm of Col- lins & Elmer, black- smiths, horseshoers and wheelwrights. Mr. Collins came to Biloxi in 1886 and married Miss Maggie L. Des- mond of New Orleans. To them have been born and are now liv- ing seven children. As a business man and a good citizen Mr. Col- lins is held in the high- est esteem by all whO' know him. In matters; connected with the fire department he has always taken a warm interest, and on numerous occasions has held offices of trust and honor. Mr. Collins is also prominent in the Knights of Honor, having served that order as dictator. WILLIAM GASTON HENDERSON, Jr. This young gentleman occupies a position in this city which brings him in contact with the general pub- lic, and with whom he has become quite a fa- vorite, by reason of his courteous manner and prompt attention to his duties, which are performed in a most efficient manner. Mr. Henderson occupies the responsible posi- tion of assistant post- master, which he has fiilled to the satisfac- tion of the patrons of the office and the gov- ernment for the past four years, and has just recentl}' been re- appointed for a like term. He was born in Handsboro. Mississippi, in 1875, and has been a resident of Biloxi for about eight years. Two years after his arrival here he was married to Miss Minnie L. Sterne of this city, to. THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 73 whom a briylit and handsome daughter has been born. Mr. Henderson is an enthusiastic advocate of outdoor sports and is an active member of the Biloxi Yacht Club. time to business pursuits. As a fraternity man he has membership in the Knights of P.vthias and Elks, and takes an active interest in the affairs of both orders, and occupies the responsible office of Esquire in the Biloxi Lodge of Elks. WILLIAM J. GRANT. The subject of this sketch was born in Pascagoula on June 1**, 1875, and came to Biloxi about two years ago, taking charge of the prescription de- partment of Kennedy's drug store. About one year ago, on account of ill-health, Mr. Ken- nedy disposed of his )usiness and Dr. H. M. Folkes and Mr. Grant became the purchasers. As a pharmacist none stand higher than Mr. Grant, and by his cour^ teous and accommo- dating manners with all whom he is thrown in contact there is no young man in the cit}' more popular. Mr. Grant is a charter member of the Biloxi Yacht Club and an active and earnest member of the Order of Elks and Biloxi Commercial Club, and is at all times in full sympathy and accord with ever}' movement that tends to the upbuilding of Biloxi. Mr. Grant was married on April 1(>, 1902, to Miss Lillie Baltar, a most charming young lad}' of New Orleans. JOSEPH A. BROADUS. This gentleman is among the latest who have taken up their residence in this city. Mr. Broadus was born in Jackson Count. v. Miss., on the 25th of February, 1874, and in March, 1893, was mar- ried to Miss Sarah E. Tujague, of New Or- leans, and three beau- tiful and interesting children brighten their household. As a mem- ber of the State Legis- lative sessions of 1900 and 1902. Mr. Broadus served his constituents 1 if Jackson County with earnestness and ability. He comes from a race ofsturdy men who knowing the right have the courage of their conviction. Prior to his election as a member of the legislature Mr. Broadus devoted his F. POST & SON. The gentlemen whose names head this sketch are of Biloxi's most foremost jewelers and watchmakers and dealers in musical mer" chandise. F. Post, the senior member of the firm, was born in Ger- many in 1844, coming to this countr}' when only four years of age. Mr. Post married Miss Nanc}- Plank, whose father was the first tavern-keeper in Chi- cago. To Mr. Post and his estimable wife two children were born: Manfred and Viola. Post & Son have been in Biloxi about three years and have built up a good business in the different lines they reprc; ent. Manfrkd Post, the junior member of the firm, was born in Moulton, Iowa. Besides being engaged in the jewelrj- business he is also a trained optician. Mr. Post was married several years ago to Miss Pearl Petrie, and to them two children have been born — Ralph and Leslie. GUS HENZELENA. This gentleman was born in New Orleans, on May 6, 18(>9, but has resided in this city a number of years, and is classed among Biloxi's energetic and progressive business men. He is engaged in the furniture and upholstering trade, and by strict attention to the wants of his cus- tomers and liberal methods has acquired a liberal patronage in his line. Mr. Henze- lena was married in 1899 to Miss Margaret Gillen, one of Biloxi's most charming daugh- ters. At the call of his country he was among the first to en- list during tbe Span- ish-American war, and enjoyed the reputation of being a model soldier. 74 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. CxEORGE W. GRAYSON. This citj' is fortunate indeed in having Mr. Gra3'- son located here as the agent of the L. & N. railroad. Courteous, accomodat- ing and obliging, and ever considerate of the welfare of others, Mr. (irayson, although having been located here only about one year, has made warm friends with all whom he has come in contact in a social and business way and is a most worthy and desirable citizen. Mr. Grayson was born at Shubuta, Miss., in 1870, and was educated by private tutors. For the past twelve years he has been a valued and trusted employe of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company, and previous to his coming to Biloxi occupied the responsible position of depot master and baggage agent of that corporation at Mobile. In 1895 Mr. Grayson was married to Miss Mamie Pol, a most charming and accomplished young lad}' of Scranton, Miss., and to the happ3' couple have been born two bright and handsome children — Thomas J. ai:d Grace — adding happiness and contentment to their fireside. JACOB TREMMEL. Among other model young men of this city may be mentioned the name of Jake Tremmel. Mr. Tremmel _ was born in New Or- leans in 1876, but has been a resident of this city for about eignteen years, the greater por- tion of which time he has been connected with the Main market in the meat business and at present with Swetman & Graves in the same line. Al- though Mr. Tremmel is exceedinglj' good looking and affable in his manner he has this far eluded the darts of Cupid and remains un- married. He is an enthusiastic firemen and is one of the charter members of Mississippi Hook and Ladder Compan3', filling the responsible position of treasurer of that organization. JOSEPH MURPHY. Among the public men of the county there are none better or more popularly known than Mr. Murphy, and none who enjoy to a greater extent the es- teem and confidence of the public. Mr. Mur- phy was born in Ala- bama on November 26, 1853, but has lived in this county since 1859. Two j'ears ago he was elected bj- a large ma- jority to the ofiBce of county treasurer, a po- sition which he is now filling most acceptabl)' to his constituents and with credit to himself. In 1877 Mr. Murphy was happil}' married to Miss Harriet Lewis, of Pass Christian, and they are the proud parents of a most bright and interesting family, the oldest son, Robert L., holding the responsible posi- tion of court stenographer, and the next oldest, John J., occupying a no less responsible position as deputy clerk of the circuit and chancery courts. FELIX BORRIES. Numbered among other noted Biloxians who are successful business men of this city will be found the name of Felix Borries. This gentleman first saw the light of day in this historic citj' on J 5th day of May, 1871, and was educated in the public schools. For the past sixteen j'ears he has been engaged in the retail meat business here, and from a modest beginning has multiplied his patronage and is now classed among the leaders in that business. Mr. Borries takes quite an interest in fraternal orders and is an active member of the Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Elks, Biloxi Be- nevolent Association and Biloxi Yacht Club. He is also connected with the fire department and has filled different offices in that organization. He is unmarried. JAMES KNOX HENLEY. Mr. Henley was born in this county in 1855, and is 47 years of age. When quite a 3'outh he entered the emplo}' of the L. and N. railroad, which corporation he served well and faithfully for more than a quarter of a century. A few years ago Mr. Henley resigned his po- sition as agent of the company at this place, the most important station on the New Orleans and Mobile di- vision, and engaged in the life insurance business. Some two j'ears ago he accepted the office of chief dep- ut3' sheriff, which position he now holds together with that of county registrar of voters. In 1875 Mr. Henley was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Straub, of THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 75 Pass Christian, and to the couple have been born seven bo3's and two girls. As a citizen and neighbor Mr. Henle}' is recognized among the best, and is an earnest advocate of any movement looking to the advancement of this section of the countr3-. THE BILOXI YACHT CLUB. The Biloxi Yacht Club gave its first regatta in August, 1900. Last July another followed, and at the January meeting of the club arrangements were made for the third annual series of races, which will be held some time in July. The gentlemen who conceived the idea that Biloxi possessed natural advantages which made her the chief yachting centre between Point Clear and New Orleans are old yachtmen and public charac- ters who have long been idetified with the interests of this city. The suggestion to bring racing boats here from all along the coast was made by T. P. Dul- ion, who owns several yachts, and he con- sulted with Messrs. John Carraway and H. F. Sawford. All of these gentlemen ase outdoor sportsmen, and are among the leading business men of Biloxi. Through their efforts the city sprung into sudden prominence as a yachting centre, a half hundred boats were secured for partic- ipation in the annual regattas, and the hand- some new club house is the culmination of their labors. Work on the club house was be- gun in July, 1902. The building was constructed by J. F. Barnes & Co., Green- ville, Miss., from plans and specifications made by the well known architect, Th. Brune, at a cost of $3500 It is built on a foundation set in ten feet of water directly opposite the Montross Hotel. A long pier connects the club house with the shore. The building consists of four stories. On a level with the pier are the bath houses, and on either side of them are galleries, leading from which down into the water are stairways. The second floor is reached by a stairway on the outside of the building, leading up directly from the end of the pier. Entering the hall, facing south, the reading room is on the left and the handsome ladies' parlors on the right. Directly behind these rooms, and extending the full width of the building, is the lounging room. The furniture is handsome in design and finish, and lends an air of attractiveness to the apartments. The ladies' parlors.are cozy places, and are provided with every con- Club House of The Bilori Yacht Club. venience. Behind the lounging room is a broad, long gallerv, which accommodates five hundred observer;--. From it one has a full view of the club's fifteen-mile course in the Mississiitpi sound. The third floor, when finished, will be devoted to billiard rooms, and the fourth stor}', reached by a winding stair, is the observa- tion tower. From it the judges, with the aid of glasses, have a full sweep of the sound, and can easily follow the movements of yachts. Besides the usual cash prizes, the club offers for the summer races of 1902 two sterling silver cups. The first, donated by Commodore T. P. Dulion, is for cabin sloops; the second, donated by J. J. Kennedy, is for cat boats 22 feet and over. The Biloxi Yacht Club holds a State charter as an organized stock company of 150 shares at $25 per share. There are 110 members enrolled at the present time, whose annual dues are $6 each. The following officers of the club are now serving: President, John Carraway; vice president, John J. Ken- nedy; commodore, T. P. Dulion; vice com- modore, (t. H. Dunliar; rear commodore, D. A. Nash; secretary, H. F. Sawford; treasurer, Byrd Enochs; fleet cap- tain, C. E. Theoba'd; official measurer, W. L. Via. The follov/- ing gentlemen compose the board of directors: John Carraway, T. P. Dulion, A. O. Bourdon, John Kennedy, George W. Wilkes, L. Lopez, Sr., W. K. M. Dukate and H. F. Sawfoid. The Biloxi Yacht Club is a member of the Gulf Coast Yachting Association, which in^lu es New Orleans, Bay-Waveland, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Mobile and Point Clear. THE BILOXI COMMERCIAL CLUB. This club was organized in August, 1901. It has for its one main object the upbuilding of the commer- cial interests of Biloxi, and includes in its membership men who are prominently identified with the city's in- terests. At the beginning of 1902 the club moved into handsomely furnished quarters adjoining the telephone exchange, having formerly occupied rooms in Dulion hall. The new headquarters are elegantly fitted up with all modern conveniences. A reading room is pro- vided for the use of the members, and business men who visit the city are cordially invited to make use of this annex. Visiting gentlemen who are not members of 7(S THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. the club can secure cards of aflniission from the secre- tar_y, Mr. Chas. Isom. The club eschews politics of every character. Sec- tion (), article 6, of the constitution and by-laws, reads: "Kg resolution of a political or personal character, either local or otherwise, shall be considered at any meeting of this association." The sole purpose of this body of business and professional men is to increase the cit3''s resources. To do this the3' seek to bring home- seekers from the great North and West to Biloxi; the.v keep an e3'e open for the prospective manufacturer who is casting about for a location; thev encourage capital, display the cit3''s advantages, and work untiringl)', as unsalaried men, for our interests as a whole. At this writing it seems ver^- likely that the club, after an existence of but six months, is to realize the accomplishment of two labors whose results are of great import to the City of Biloxi. These are the securing of appropriations b}- the national legislative body for the erection of a federal building here and also for deep harbor improve- ments. The club has ex- erted every eifort for these tvvo ends, and sent representatives from its body to Washington to personally appear before the committes having the bills in charge. Before these lines meet the eye of the reader it may be that favorable action will have been taken on both matters, and that being the case, the Biloxi Com- mercial Club will have reason to know that their efforts have borne won- derful fruit in that these two vital improvements to the city — a customhouse and deep harbor — are of incalcula- ble value in our future advancement. The membership fee is $2.50. The annual dues of each active member is S12; associate members, residing outside of the city, $6. The personnel of the officers, who serve until July, l'J02, is as follows: President, L. Lopez, Sr.: first vice president, J. A. Hattlestad; second vice president, J. C. Bradford; third vice president, E- L. Doyle; secretary, Charles Isom; treasurer, John H. Miller. Board of Directors— L. Lopez, Sr., J. C. Bradford, W. K. M. Dukate, H. M. Folkes, J. J. Kennedy, J. A. Hattlestad, E. L. Doyle, F. W. Elmer, Wm. Gorenflo, John Carraway and Geo. W. Wilkes. The DeJean & Mitchell Co., Ship Chandlers. street. This building hae been constructed since the fire of November, 1900, and with its completion all evi- dences of that disaitrous conflagration are wiped awa}'. The architecture of the building was designed b}- Mr. Th. Brune of New Orleans, and his plans were car- ried out b\' the contracting firm of J. F. Barnes & Co., Greenville, Miss. Mr. Brune personally superintended the erection. The ouside is lined with four-inch Bed- ford limestone. This stone front is what characterizes the building and places it in the lead as a residence. A broad gallery, supported by heavj- colonial columns, leads around the front and sides of the building. The roof is covered with blue slate and ornamental terra cotta tiles. A dormer window in German rennaisance and a copper-covered tower render the roof construction most picturesque. A large cut glass entrance door leads into the re- ception hall, which connects bj* ornamental arches with a staircase, which forms, with parlor, librar}' and dining room a connecting suite of rooms. The lower story has parquette floors and panel work in cy- press. The staircase hall is ornamented by a large coloied cut glass window, reaching from the lower to the upper story, exe- cuted, according to most artistic and original de- signs, by the New Or- leans Glass and Mirror works. The second story contains six bedrooms, to which are attached cedar closets, dressing rooms, etc. The upper story is finished in cypress, same as lower storj'. The building contains all modern improvements, steam heaters, gas and electric light fixtures, sanitary plumb- ing, etc. The plumbing work was done by Martin Hass, Biloxi, and the factory work was furnished by the Biloxi Sash and Blind Factory. PALATIAL RESIDENCE OF L LOPEZ, SR. Biloxi can lay claim to manj^ palatial residences, and not the least among them is the handsome new house of L. Lopez, Sr., on Howard avenue near Reynoir THE DEJEAN & MITCHELL COMPANY. Among other business firms and enterprises in this city there are none more prominent than that of the De-Jean-Mitchell Co., under the able and efficient man- agement of Mr. W. O. Clark. The company is engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery and ship chandlery business, and occupies its own handsome and commo- dious quarters on the beach. The company has also large stores at Scranton and Pascagoula. The DeJean- Mitchell Co. first engaged in business in this city about one year ago, and the success of its business has been phenomenal from the beginning. Beside enjoying a large local trade, the business of the companj' is greatly augmented bj' the shipping trade at Ship and Horn NEW AND PALATIAL RESIDENCE_OF L. LOPEZ, Sk. 78 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. Island and Gulfport. To Mr. Clark, the manag-er of the business here, much credit is due for the success of the company. Being a shrewd and careful bujer, ever alert to the interest of his customers, affable, courteous and accommodating, he enjoys an enviable popularity and brings business to his firm. Mr. Clark is also iden- tified in other business enterprises here, is a director in the Peoples Bank, in ever}- way thoroughly up-to-date and progressive, and is classed among Biloxi's best citi- zens and business men. JOHNSON'S SHIP YARDS ON BACK BAY. Among other amusements afforded the visitors to Biloxi there is probably none that offers greater at- iness on a more extensive scale and establish a yard, for the building and repair of all kinds of vessels. His well known skill as a designer and builder at once brought his yard into prominence, since which time its capacity is always taxed to the full limit. The yard is e(|uipped with all modern appliances and machinerj' and steady emploj'ment given twelve to eighteen men. Among the famous racing boats built by Mr. Johnson are the Tawanta. Nydia, Picayune, Irma, Jean and others. His business, however, is not confined to the building of racing craft, as the Biloxi and Sentinel, both powerful steam tugs, will testif3\ As a member of the Biloxi and Southern Yacht Clubs, Mr. Johnson takes an active interest in the affairs of both organizations. A visit to his shipyard will prove entertaining and interesting Johnson's Ship Yards on Back Bay, Biloxi, Miss. traction or entered into with more zest and enthusiasm than that of yachting, and in yachting circles the name of Mr. Johnson stands among the most prominent, not only as a devotee of the sport but as a builder of racing craft that have accjuired more than a local reputation. Mr. Johnson was born in this city forty-one years ago and has his shipyard located within a few yards of the spot where he first saw the light of day. For many years Mr. Johnson employed his idle time in building boats for pleasure more than as a business investment, but about six years ago he concluded to go into the bus- to the sojourner within our gates. As will be seen from the accompanying view Mr. Johnson has one of the prettiest and most picturesque locations on the Back Bav of Biloxi. Mississippi is wonderful — wonderful in the extent of its undeveloped resources, great variet}' of agricul- ture, its soil and climate; wonderful in its romantic history, and still more wonderful in the ever-expanding possibilities of its future. THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 79 Zbc (3ulf (Toast 1Raihva\>8. THE LOUISVILLE & NASHVILLE. There is probably no one thing: that has done more to develop that portion of this country along: the Mexi- can Gulf between Mobile and New Orleans than the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. It has placed this delig:htful region, througfh its superior train service, within but a few hours ride of many of the principal cities of the north, whose pleasure-seeking- population is rapidl}' learning- of the manj- advantag^es to be found in this locality. Althoug-h this section contains sev- eral of the oldest settlements in the United States, it has onl}' been in recent years that any effort has been made to attract the pleasure seeker and capitalist. These efforts have not been in vain. Each year sees an increasing: number of both winter and summer visitors, and an increasing: amount of capital being- invested in different enterprises. Without an exception, the last census shows a ver}' healthy increase in all the towns and villag:es along: the Gulf. This increase, while rapid, is a natural one; due wholly to the opportun- ities offered, and not to any boom or one at- traction. With fast service to the west, north and east, both freig-ht and passeng-er, via the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, and with New Orleans and Mobile but a few miles distant, conveni- ent markets are provid- ed for the disposition of home products. The population of this locality is re- markably prog-ressive, nearly all towns having- a fine drainage system, local and long distance telephone ser- vice, numerous factories well supplied with modern ma- chinery, electric lights, good schools and newspapers, business streets paved with vitrified brick, many miles of shell drives, well appointed hotels and theatres, banks, shipyards and numerous factories for the can- ning of 03'sters, shrimp, crabs, fruit and vegetables. As a health resort this section is the equal of any in this country or in Europe. It has rightly been called the "Riviera of America," with its mild climate, blue skies, balmy air from the Gulf and pine forests, and its profusion of flowers and verdant groves. The hotels are nuraeroys and are, with few exception, ei|ual in ap- pointment to those found in any locality. The fruit- growing capacity of this region is without limit, Beach View at Biloxi, Miss. being grown with comparatively little effort. The out- look of this whole region is particularly bright, and, as is its customs, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (a strong factor in the growth and prosperity of the south) will continue to give its best efforts to the development of this most delightful section. With several trains a day to New Orleans direct connections are made with all lines to middle and far west, and to Mexico. A ser- vice of two through trains a day is provided to Cincin- nati, Louisville, Chicago, St. Louis, New York and the east, with through equipment of magnificent coaches, Pullnran Sleeping'Cars and Dining Cars. Among other special features are the coast excursions which run Wednesdays and Sundays, in the summer season, be- tween New Orleans and Ocean Springs, a total distance of 168 miles, at the extremely low rate of one dollar for the round trip. The patronage given these excur- sions is something remarkable— vast numbers taking advantage of the same for a day's outing. It is often necessary to run these trains in three sections, and they are run with a positive degree of safety that reflects great credit on Superintendent Charles Mar- shall and all who are concerned in their movement. The Sun- day and Wednesday ex- cursions leave New Or- leans at 7 o'clock in the morning, and as it is a ver}' difficult matter to get breakfast at that hour the L. & N. man- agement — ever consid- erate for the comfort and convenience of its patrons — serves on its trains hot coffee at 5 cents a cup, and pies, cakes and sandwiches at prices within the reach of all It is not the idea of the manage- ment to make money out of the enterprise, but simply to serve the convenience of its patrons. Visitors to the coast can utilize any of the Louis- ville and Nashville's northern gateways and so strike any point desired along the Mississippi coast without trouble, passing through a country that is replete with interest to any stranger. All that is necessary is sim- plv to write the general passenger agent, at Louisvile, Ky., or notif)"- any of the agents of the L. and N. road in the principal cities of the countr)^ of intended de- parture and the road does the rest. THE GULF & SHIP ISLAND RAILROAD. Location — The main line of the Gulf & Ship Island railroad, 160 miles in length, extends from Gulf- port, Miss., on the Mississippi Sound, Gulf of Mexico, 0TS-ng§s^ figs, oJiveSj peaches, pear§ snd strj^yrberrie^ flprth and northwest t9 J.acksoj}, tbe State capital. A 80 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. branch, four miles long, connects Gulfport with the village of Handsboro. Another branch diverges from the main line at Maxie, forty-four miles from Gulfport, and extends fortj- -eight miles to Columbia, on Pearl river. A third branch leaves the main road at Sara- toga, 111 miles from Gulfport, and fort3-nine miles from Jackson, and runs east fortj'-one miles to Laurel. The total length of the railroac", owned and operated, is 253 miles. Charter — The compan_v operates under a perpetual charter granted before the present State Constitution was adopted. In addition to all of the usual concessions to railwaj's, and some special ones, the compan3- has the important advantage of rights to the land under water half a mile wide extending six miles into Mississippi eastern railroad (Queen & Crescent Route), while both the Columbia branch and the Laurel branch connect with the New Orleans & Northeastern. At Jackson, its northern terminus, the Gulf & Ship Island connects with the Yazoo & Mississippi Valle_y railroad, and with the Alabama & Vicksburg railway (Queen & Crescent route). Still a further outlet is supplied b3' shipping on the Gulf of Mexico. Physical Characteristics — The road is of stand- ard guage, laid with 60 and 65 pound steel, for the for- mer of which 80 pound rails are now to be substituted; is supplied with standard numbers of ties per mile, and has but few bridges. Arrangements have been per- fected for the replacement of the present wooden bridges with steel; for the construction of additional side tracks; Gulfport, Miss., "Under a Cloud. Sound. Since the adoption of the new constitution no charter can be obtained by a railroad except one revoca- ble at the pleasure of the legislature. Hence, the com- pany's charter is of itself a valuable asset. Not a New Enterprise — The company was char- tered in 1882, and the line from Gulfport to Hatties- burg was opened for business January- 1, 1897. The extension from Hattiesburg through to Jackson has been operated since Jul}% 1900, and the Columbia and Laurel branches since September, 1900. Connections — Exceptional facilities are afforded by the compan}''s rail connections for the interchange of trafiBc. Gulfport, the southern terminus, is situated on the main line of the Louisville & Nashville railroad. At Hattiesburg, seventy miles north of Gulfport, the Gulf & Ship Island intersects the New Orleans & North- for the widening of cuts and embankments where desir- able, and for additional ballasting. These improve- ments will be made gradually over a period of the next two or three years. The station buildings, machine shops, water tanks, coal chutes, telegraph lines, etc., are sufficient and are properly maintained. The com- pany owns the necessary right of wav, has commodious terminals at Gulfport and 3'ard room at Hattiesburg, and is accorded the use of a convenient part of the Illi- nois Central yard for terminals at Jackson. Equipment — The present equipment includes 27 lo- comotives, 375 flat cars, 42 box cars, 20 ballast cars, 12 cabooses, 17 passenger cars, 3 combination baggage and mail cars, 1 official car, and 24 camp cars. Provision has been made for four additional locomotives, four hundred 80,000-pound fiat cars, and one hundred 80,000- THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 81 pound box cars. The rolling: stock is maintained in g-ood serviceable condition. GuLFPORT Harbor aed Terminals — Mississippi heretofore has had no deep water harbor. The natural depth of Mississippi Sound for a long- distance off shore is only from six to twelve feet, but about twelve miles south of Gulfport lies the well known Ship Island, un- der the lee of which, within the sound, is the anchorage called Ship Island Harbor, with twent)--six feet of wa- ter over the bar. In Ship Island Harbor Admiral Paken- ham of the British Navy anchored his fleet when he beseig-ed New Orleans in 1812, and there Admiral Far- ragfut anchored when he beseiged New Orleans in 1863. To this harbor ships have come for many years to ob- tain cargoes, which have to be lightered out from the mainland. In order to overcome the disadvantages and the expense of loading ships at anchor at this distance off shore, the owners of the Gulf & Ship Island Railroad are under con- tract with the United States gov- ernment to dredge a channel ex- tending from Gulfport to deep water, about six miles, which channel is to be 300 feet wide and twenty feet deep. One-half of the channel is completed, and it is expected that the entire work will be finished during this year. An anchorage basin of the depth of the channel and one-quarter by one-half mile wide in area is in course of construction at the shore end. Meanwhile the com- pany is constructing at Gulfport an extensive system of piers and docks. The main pier, already well advanced, is about one mile long. All of the important fea- tures of the lumber and other wharves of Savannah and Pensa- cola for the loading of ships ex- peditiousl}' and economicallv will be embodied in its construction. A part of the pier has been in actual use for some time for the transfer of lumber from cars to lighters. It is supplied with an automatic steam crane by means of which lumber is transferred from the cars to barges, a carload at a time. As an engineering project the chan- nel and harbor are commended by the government en- gineers. The new harbor is well protected from the open gulf by Ship Island and other small islands ex- tending east and west fora number of miles. Sailing vessels of considerable tonnage have recentlv been loadedandunloaded direct at the pier, carrying cargoes of lumber up to 700,000 feet out to deep water. The Italian ship Trojan, a view of which is shown herewith, left the Gulfport docks drawing sixteen feet. Comparison With Other Ports — Gulfport is lo- cated midway between New Orleans and Mobile. It Italian Ship "Troj.\n At Gulfport Pier. can be reached from the Gulf of Mexico by sailing ves. sels a day sooner than the port of Mobile can be reached, and two days sooner than the port of New Orleans, and by steamships some hours quicker. Immediately on completion of the harbor a large export and coastwise business in lumber, naval stores, grain and cotton is expected to develop, also a considerable import business in tropical fruits and merchandise. Healthful Country — That part of Mississippi in which the lines of the Gulf & Ship Island Railroad are situated is exceptionally healthful. Contrary to im- pressions sometimes vaguely held in the north, the country is comparatively high and is free from swamps. Gulfport stands from twenty to twenty-five feet above sea level. From this point the ground rises gradually until in the neighborhood of Jackson the height above the sea is about 420 feet. The country is rolling, well supplied with water and admirably adapt- ed to farming and manufactur- ing. Products of the Country. — In the seven counties traversed by the line is situated one of the finest bodies of long leaf yellow pine timber still remaining un- cut. Lumbering operations are in progress actively on a larger or smaller scale at almost every station on the road. At the same time naval stores are pro- duced in large quantities. The combined actual output of the lumber mills on the line of rail- road is upwards of 300,000,000 feet per annum, and the com- bined output of naval stores for the latest year reported was 22,100 barrels of turpentine, and 122,700 barrels of rosin. There are eighty lumber manufactories on the line of the road. During 1901 new industries were estab- lished along the line represent- ing a total eapital of Sl,5%,500. Manufactories— Numerous cotton gins, cotton presses and cotton seed oil mills are in operation along the line A 10,000 spindle cotton factory of modern construction has just begun operation at Laurel. Sev- eral brick yards are in operation and at Hattiesburg and Jackson are iron foundries. Cities and Towns on the Line— Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, the largest place on the line, and a city of modern improvements, has, including its sub- urbs, between 10,000 and 15,000 inhabitants. The pop- ulation of Hattiesburg is about 5,000, of Laurel 5,000 and of Gulfport 2,000. Several towns of 1,200 to 1,500 population have grown up in the past two years. All of the cities and towns afford every evidence of thrift and permanence. 82 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. MRS. MARY ELIZABETH JOYCE. Mrs. Mar}' Elizabeth Jo3'ce was born in the Parish of Assumption, La., Auj^ust 1, 1859. Her maiden name was Marj' E. Fatherree. Three years ago the family, consistingf, besides hus- band and wife, of three sons and one daughter, removed to Gulfiiort, where Mr. Joyce cm- barked in the mercan- tile business. A year later he died, and Mrs. Joyce succeeded to the management of the house, which is at i)res- ent one of the leading establishments of its kind in the city. The names of Mrs. Joyce's children are Lawrence, \'ernon. Henry and Elizabeth. One of the sons is in college and another is a bank clerk. Mrs. Joyce is an indefatigable worker in ciurch and charitable affairs. She is an earn- est advocate of the cause of temperance, and organized the Gulfport branch of the W. C. T. U. Her high per- sonal standing in the community is equalled only by the reputation of her business house for strictly fair deal n'^. the management of the hotel, and her presence in the lobby and dining rooms gives a home-like appearance to the establishment. SELLY SIMONSON. Selly Simonson, the veteran hotel man of Cjulfi)ort, is a native German, being born in Berlin, January 3, 1863. His parents came to America when he was si.x years old. His wife was born in New Orleans, and be- fore marriage was Miss Annette Israel. Six years ago Mr. Simonson removed to Gulfport and entered the hotel business. His establishment, the "Metropolitan," is the leading house in the city, and ranks among the best along the coast. The remarkable success of the Met- ropolitan is due in the main, of course, to its up-to-date service and excellent cuisine. But custom is attracted by the genial nature and good fellowship of the pro- prietor. His bonhomie is infectious, and the drummer, the merchant, the professional man — all seek Mr. Sim- onson's hostelry, because the companionableness of its head and chief spirit is very rare in these days of rush and bustle. Mrs. Simonson ably assists her husband in JESSE R. KELLY. Mr. Kelly was born at Newton, Miss., February 7, 1870, and married Mis^ Lillian Piatt October 31, l')00. He is a mem'ier of the Sni'^ht^ of Pythias, Knights of Honor an'l Wjodmen of the World. He came to (iulf- port in 1896, and was connected with the Gulf & Ship Island railroad eight months. Since that time he has been merchandising, and has prospered in his business. Mr. Kelly is one of the substantial man of Gulfport and is a good acquisition to our county. WALTER T. BOLTON. Among the physicians of this city there are none who enjoy the confidence of the community to a greater extent than Dr. W. T. Bolton, and none who have a larger practice. Skillful, scientific and resourceful, and with a thorough knowledge of his profession, his ser- vices are alwaj's in demand, and there are none so poor that he will not attend and give his best attention. Dr. Bolton was born in Newton Countv, Miss., on Sept. 9, THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. S3 1850, and has resided in Biloxi about ten ^ears, and a few 3'ears after taking up his residence here was married to Miss Olivia H. Sones, of Brookhaven, Miss. To the doctor and his most estimable wife three children have been born — Walter T., Cornelia Justina and Olivia Sones. Aside from his professional interests Dr. Bolton is engaged in other enterprises and has just completed one of the handsomest two-story brick business struc- tures in the South. The new building cost about $10,000 and is located on Howard avenue, just opposite Dukate's handsome theatre build- ing. The first floor is oc- cupied by two mercantile firms, while the second floor is used as offices and headquarters of the Con- cord Club. Dr. Bolton is a "jiner" in every sense of the word, being a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows, K. of P., Essenic Knights, K. of H., Woodmen, Elks, Mis- sissippi State Medical Association, Louisiana Medical Societv, and Gulf Coast Medical and Surgi- cal Society. He is at present city health offi- cer, a position which he has held for the past five years and has also served the county in the same capacity for eight j'ears. Dr. Bolton graduated from the Louisville Col- lege and also attended the Tulane University of Louisiana. Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama and Florida, and their force of ten traveling men cover these states. Mr. Valloft, the president of the company, has spent the best part of his life in this line of business, having been connected with the old firm of Augustus Craft & Co. He is a prominent member of the Trav- elers' Protective Association and other organizations. Mr. Dreux, the vice-president of the company, has also been connected with the tobacco business for a number of years, and is one of the most popular sales- men in the south. He is also a prominent member of the Travelers' Protect- ive Association and other orders. Mr. Querens, the secretary and treasurer of the company, has also been in the tobacco busi- ness for a number of years, having been con- nected with the old firm of Wackerbarth& Joseph. He too is a member of several orders, including the Knights of Pythias. These young men are all experienced in the to- bacco business, and their customers can rest as- sured that their orders will have prompt atten- tion at their hands. The Bolton Block, Biloxi, Miss. SOUTHERN TOBACCO COMPANY, LIMITED. I^apid Growth of One of the Most Successful Enterprises of Kind in the South. Its The Southern Tobacco Company, Limited, was or- ganized in 1899, with the following named officers : Louis Ed. Valloft, president and general manager; Charles A. Dreaux, vice-president, and F. Ouerens, sec- retary and treasurer. Trade annals contain many remarkalile instances of rapid growth on the part of new concerns which have ample capital and enterprising men behind them. The sudden rise of the above company is the case in point, and thej' are now recognized as the leoders in this terri- tory. They handle tobacco in all of the shapes, sizes and styles that are used in the Southern States. They have quite a run of trade in the States of Louisiana, The cattle growing industry is certain to be- come an important one in the lower South. Impor- tant steps are already being taken in this direction with remarkable success. The introduction of sterling beef stock, the plentitude of good water, the abundance of rich grasses, and the brief winter season, when, for best results, cattle should be fed, combine to make the fu- ture of the cattle business on the gnlf coast one of great promise. Land is remarkably cheap in cost today, and those who embark in the cattle business now are cer- tain to reap large returns. A strong market exists, cattle thrive; all that is needed is prudence, good judg- ment, intelligence, forethought, and success is certain. The Northern farmer gets one crop a year. He must feed himself and stock for at least six months of the twelve, during which period nothing can be grown. The farmer of the Central South and Gulf Coast region •not only can grow, with profit, one, two and even three crops from the same land in a single year, but is not required to feed his stock above two months out of the twelve. In other words it is three crops to one in favor of the South. AUTHENTIC FACTS AND RELIABLE FIGURES ABOUT A PROGRESSIVE CITY. DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIAL STAR OF MISSISSIPPI LAUREL A REMARKABLE RECORD OF RAPID ADVANCEMENT INFORMATION OF IMPORTANCE TO BON A FIDE IN VEST OR S AND HOMESEEKERS. Laurel is situated in Jones count}-, Mississippi, on the main line of the New Orleans & Northeastern rail- road (a part of the Queen & Crescent system) 138 miles north of New Orleans and 56 miles south of Meridian. The Saratoga branch of the Gulf & Ship Island rail- road terminates in Laurel, with a connection south to Ellisville in the Ellisville & Laurel railroad, now being- built. The G. & S. I. affords direct connection with the Illinois Central at Jackson, Miss., and is in a sense a feeder of that great trunk line, although under sepa- rate ownerships At its southern terminus the G. & S. I. connects with the great Louisville & Nashville rail- Laurel, which, if built will undoubted!}' add its strength to make this cit_v one of the greatest railroad centers in the .south. The transformation from an obscure village of 100 to a thriving cit)' of 6,000 in less than ten j'ears, with- out a boom or pretense of a boom; the causes for this marvelous growth, and the outlook for a proportionate continuation of its industrial development, form the storj- to which these pages of this paper are devoted. No exaggeration, no word-painting, no high-flown phrases nor overdrawn descriptions are necessarj' to give color to this narrative. The facts, figures and PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL, LAUREL, MISS. wa.v S3-stcm. The Mobile, Jackson & Kansas City rail- road, now being built to Laurel, al sorbs the Kingston & Central Mississippi railroad, which has been in oper- ation for some time and has 14 miles of main line track. Another road is projected from Memphis, Tenn., to connect with the Kingston & Central Mississippi rail- road, which will undoubtedly be built. And still an- other is projected — the Pascagoula & Northern — a pre- liminary survey of which has already been made from Pascagoula, Mississippi, to a point on the New Or- leans & Northeastern, some seven miles soiith of photographic reprodvictions are certainly sufficient to absolutely convince an intelligent reader of the truth of what may well be called "the wonderful story of Laurel." After the advent of the New Orleans & Northeast- ern railroad in 1882, Laurel's first mercantile enterprise — a small store owned by a Mr. Dandridge — was opened for business, and within a short time a Mr. Matthews also opened a store. Both dealt in farm supplies, and $150 would have covered the cost probablj' of either stock. The land which has since become the town site was o < w H < 1-4 86 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. then the property of Reuben Creel. After his death M. P. Bush purchased a portion of the land, and later sold a part of his holdings to Taplej' Dunigan. The Creel estate and Messrs. Dunigfan and Bush had the land platted, and began to dispose of the lots in the early '80s. For several years the lots had little value, for Laurel did not thrive at first. The few residents had at that time no inkling- of the progress which the near future was to witness. There were a couple of small saw mills along the railroad, one at the site now used by Eastman, Gardiner & Co.'s mammoth enterprise, and the other where the Kingston Lumber Company's mag- nificent plant is situated. From these small beginnings have come the present immense lumber manufacturing enterprises. There is no cloud on the titles of Laurel proi)erty. TRADES. PER DIEM. Laborers $ 1 00 to S 1 50 Carpenter 5 1 50 to 2 50 Bricklayers 3 50 to 4 00 Saw mill hands -. . . 1 50 to 4 00 Cotton mill operatives Piece work. Knitting mill operatives Piece work. Mercantile clerks, per month $40 00 to 60 00 Bookkeepers and stenographers, per mo 50 00 to 150 00 A conservative estimate of the male wage-earners in Laurel would be 3,500. The great majority of these men are here without their families, for whom at pres" ent there is not sufficient rental property. After houses are built and conditions become normal, is it not reason- able to expect an average of four to a famil}-? The usual estimate, proven correct in numerous cities, is five to the family. In this case, counting but four, Laurel iiA^\i\ KJ. J^ALKi!vL, LA^KiiL, -MiSS. abstracts reading directly back to the United States. Laurel was incorporated in 1S40, the first meeting of the town board being held on April 1 of that year. The al- dermen were F. S. Kellv, T. J. Dunigan, C. W. Ethe- ridge and A. J. Dabbs. J. C. Bvrd was mayor, and the marshal was J. M. Guy. Situated in Southeast Mississippi, with a location commanding the trade of a large, fertile and prosperous territory, possessed of excellent shipping facilities, and convenient to the large wholesale markets, the Laurel merchant has manifold advantages over less favored lo- calities. Here is a cit}' with a population of easily 6,500, two-thirds of which is in receipt of day wages. Wages are excellent and the following table shows the rate cheerfull}' paid: can justly expect a population of at least 14,000 from its wage-earners alone. New industries are being estab- lished almost monthly, and the wage-earning popula- tion is on the steady increase. Laurel is some three hundred feet above sea level, and is situated in a forest country, which is both high and undulating. . Laurel is a manufacturing city, embracing some of the finest industries of their respective classes to be found either in the north or south. It has a population of some 6,500 souls, quite a number of whom are north- ern immigrants who brought not only capital with them but push, energy and business tact. They found a responsive spirit in the breasts and minds of the Mis- sissippians to the manor born among whom they cast their lot. The combination wasmore forceful than the c OS a E o O c ■U a, 6 ■J c a; 88 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. magician's wand and more effective than imagination could picture. It proved to be the germ of a manufac- turing cit)', which has but few equals, if an}', in the south, population considered. The site of Laurel is just undulating sufficient to afford a natural drainage for the main portion of the city. In point of educational and religious facilities Lau- rel is abreast with this progressive age. The educable children of the cit)' are provided with six large and com- fortable school buildings — four for white children and two for colored — and the best educators obtainable are emplo3'cd to instruct them. The high school building was erected at a cost of $10,000, and is one of the finest structures of its class in the state. An addi tional school building for white children is about to be built. The spiritual welfare of mankind is well provided is constantly adding thereto and inviting the location of others. She has a large cotton mill which began operations during the summer of l'M)l with 10,000 spindles and 320 looms, but since that time has been forced to double its loom capacity in order to meet the demand for its pro- duct, and exports a I'ortion of its cloth direct to China. The Standard Arm and Pin company, manufactur- ers of cross arms, brackets and pins for telegraph and telephone poles, has recently located a plant here, the output being two car loads per da}' of cross arms, brack- ets and pins. They have orders ahead for five years at the rate of one car per day. The Laurel Chronicle, from which we gather much data for this article, is an up-to-date newsi>aper, with a first-class job department, that would do credit to many r ^ FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. for, there being ten churches — Presbyterian. Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, Christian and Catholic, white, and Baptist and Methodist, colored. Quite a number of magnificent brick business houses adorn the city, and their occupants have the appearance of being prosperou'^, while some of the stocks of goo Is carried would do honor to either New Orleans or Me- ridian. The country surrounding Laurel is fertile and sus- ceptible to a high state of cultivation. Here small farmers can find excellent locations for truck farming, and the superb transportation facilities make the mar- kets of easy access. Laurel has seventy or eighty business houses and in industries she leads southern cities of many times her population.in her number of industrial plants, and she a more pretentious ^ity. It is edited and managed by Mr. Albert W. Nolile, and there is no gainsaving thj fnct that The Chronicle has been a most potent factor in the upbuilding of the city. The Laurel Ledger, edited by W. L. Pryor, is a handsome lf)-page weekly, printed on brok paper and usually illustrate t-H __j -X :; •'/I ^> >^ ^ ■^ r/) '-J r/3 1— < r/j r/] ^ »— t ?; f^ "ji. ri « KI f- ^• J^, .^ 1— < o en 92 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. The following according to Cit}- Tax Assessor Dail.v, is the assessed value of property in Laurel: Real estate SS?.'^ 512 Pensonal property 532 344 Total SI 105 856 This is an increase over last year of S1S0,812. A number of people have put low estimates on their prop- erty, and this assessment may be increased by the ex- aminers. About a year ago there was more or less oil excite- ment in Laurel, and options on oil-bearing lands recured. The Standard Oil company sent a representative, who got options on everything in sight. Since then no active work has been done and some of these options expired a few days ago. A responsible Laurel business man, with all neces- sary backing from New Orleans capital, has secured man}' of these options, and part of the machiner}- for drilling is in the city. Arrangements are being made with an oil-boring contractor and work will soon be be- gun on well. Its estimated cost is about S3, 000. The existence of this petroleum has been known for the last thirty-five years. A spring oozing out from under a rock is strongly impregnated with the oil, and there are other clear indications. The parties who are making the investment in the property and its development have worked in secrecy for some time. It has been learned that a land buyer of Eastman, Gardner & Co., purchased the tract of land where the oil was discovered a few days ago. DENSON TRADING CO. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL MERCHANTS AND NAVAL STORES, LAUREL, MISS. This firm was formed on March 19, 1901, by a con- solidation of the mercantile interests of L. L. Denson, of Bay Springs, T. A. Massey & Co. of So So, and the Kingston Lumber Co., store at this point. They carrj' mammoth stocks of all lines of general merchandise, bu3' in jobbing quantities and will shortly add a whole- sale department to their business. They have recently established two commissary stores on the K. & CM. Railway and will add more as the construction of the road advances. They also own the right on 25,000 acres of land which will be used to manufacture turpen- tine and naval stores. Thej' are also the owners of a fine lithia spring at Bay Springs, on the line of the K. & C. M. Railway, which place, upon the completion of the railwaj', will be converted into a health resort. Near this place they own a quarry, whose product will be opened to the markets of the world. The officers of the company are : L. L. Denson, president and general manager ; T. G. McCallum, vice-president ; T. A. Mas- sey, secretary and assistant manager. Soutb flRississippi Xumber flftills EASTMAN, GARDINER & CO., LAUREL. In the winter of 1890, Mr. Geo. S. Gardiner, Silas W. Gardiner and C. S. Eastman made a trip from Clin- ton, la., down the Illinois Central through Mississippi, stopping: at Brookhaven, Bogue Chitto, Magnolia and several other points, to investigate timber lands and manufacturing conditions. Not finding a satisfactory' opening, another trip was made later b}' Geo. S. Gardi- ner, in company with his father, S. B. Gardiner, to Laurel. The result of this visit was that in February, 1891, was consummated the deal b.v which Eastman, Gardiner & Co., purchased from John Kamper, at Laurel, his saw Mr. Geo. S. Gardiner reached Laurel in the latter part of the year 1891, and soon perfected plans for a new mill, planer, dry kilns and other things necessary to a complete modern plant. Considerable time was con- sumed in construction, and it was not until April 1, 1893, that the new mill was started. For a while, lum- ber was hauled to the old planer to be dressed. By the 1st of February, 1894, however, the new planer was complete, and also dry kilns, lumber sheds, etc., until there stood as toda}' a plant, which saws and markets each year 60,000,000 feet of long leaf yellow pine. In addition to the perfection of these manufactur- ing facilities, the timber holdings have been increased Steam Log Loader — One of Sevekal Used by Eastman, Gardiner & Co. mill and timber holding. Though modest in those days, this purchase was foundation sufficient upon which to rear the magnificent plant of Eastman, Gardiner & Co., as complete and modern in all its details as the practical experience of years could devise. In 1891 Chas. S. Eastman came south from Iowa to take charge of the office work. Sawing in the old mill — that purchased from Mr. Kamper — was continued, the logs being hauled in from the woods over a tram road, built with sapling pines, and by an engine whose drive wheels had broad, concave tires to conform to the rails above mentioned. This private outfit and method of logging was, however, soon displaced by a modern standard gauge railway, locomotive and logging cars. to about 200,000 acres in 1891. The plant in its entire- t}' covers about forty-five acres, including pond, with a capacity of 2,000,000 feet of logs, which is always kept full b}' the logging department of the company, of which more will be found later on. The saw mill running day and night, has a capacity of 175,000 feet of lumber, and is equipped with all the most modern machinery used in the manufacture of lumber, consisting of a band and large gang saw. In addition to this there has just been installed a complete new lath mill with a capacity of 50,000 feet, and a shingle mill with a like capacity per day. Leaving the saw mill the lumber is distributed to the yards and dry kilns, there being five large brick kilns just erected, 40x110 feet, where the lumber is thoroughly dried, pre- w a: < « 5 < (^ 'A o w o w o w 96 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. paratory to storage in the large sheds built for that purpose, and with a storage capacity of over 4,000,000 feet. From here it is taken to the planer to be dressed, and manufactured into siding, ceiling, flooring and other grades of finishing lumber. The planing mill is equipped with eighteen ma- chines, including a new band re-saw and surfacer, and has a capacity of 200,000 feet dail3\ Loading sheds with a capacity for loading twenty-five cars per da.v, are situated between the side tracks of two railroads, the facilities for handling with dispatch large amounts of material being most favorable. The logging department of this company is un- doubtedly one of the best and most complete in the As the camps are eight and ten miles from town, for the convenience of those working, a commisarj- in cars is run, in which a full and complete line of general merchandise, such as would be found in a large estab- lishment is carried. Eastman, Gardiner & Co. make a specialty of what is termed stock stuffs, that is, siding, ceiling, flooring, base, casing, mouldings, tail lumber yard, and they cater to the general retail trade of the country, their market being largely in the Northern States from Kan- sas to New England. From the Laurel Chronicle's special edition we re- produce the following, in reference to the Eastman, Gardiner Company: Twentj'-three buildings are used in the operation of A LOGGING TKAIN. south. Under the able supervision of Mr. M. W. Wood- bury, it has been brought to a stage of perfection equalled bj- few, if any. Here over 300 men are employed in various capaci- ties of sawing, loading and hauling the logs to mill. The company, to accommodate these employes, has built small houses, for those men who are married, and they are built in such a manner that when it becomes necessary to move camp, thej' can be loaded, effects and all on to the logging cars. For those who are not married there is what is known as the "'Boarding Cars," fitted up with ever3' con- venience, and at which a meal, as good as served bj^ a hotel, is furnished, everything being of the best in the matter of cuisine, and is a model of cleanliness and neat- ness. the plant, exclusive of the company's offices. These in- clude two sawmills, one machine shop, one locomotive and car house, one pump house, one boiler and engine house, five double brick dry kilns, one grading shed, one electric light house. The equipment includes, beside the sawmill, a large planer, lath and shingle mill, dr)' kilns, etc. A new band mill and a 48 inch Wickes gang saw have just been installed. Ever)' necessity for the proper dressing of lumber on an unusuallj^ large scale is possessed. East- man, Gardiner & Co. operate their own water works, obtaining a suppl}^ of pure water from two artesian wells on their own grounds. Two pumps with a dail)' capac- it}'- of 2,000,000 gallons of water are used. A stand pipe ten feet in diameter by 100 feet in height furnishes di- rect pressure and is kept constantly full for general use. 98 THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. In addition, direct pumping; connection can be made with the pond in emerg-enc.v cases, which would furnish an inexhaustible supply of water for fire purposes. This water works equipment is in direct connection with Lau- rel's municipal system, and should occasion arise the power of Eastman, Gardiner & Co. can supplement that furnished by the city. Another feature is the electric plant, which supplies lig-ht entirely sufficient for night operations. The com- pany also maintains its own machine shops, makes its own repairs and is able to keep up its e(iuipment at a minimum of inconvenience and expense. The method of handling: lumber has been so sys- tematized that after the boards leave the saw they are convej'ed to the different finishing: departments with railed timber road originally used by Kamper. The log-g-ing- department is conducted with the same attention to detail that characterizes the plant itself, and in point of efficiency and comfort for employes is undoubtedly one of the best in the south. Over 300 men are employed in the camps, many of whom are mar- ried. There is a camp drug- store; a physician and sur- geon is employed by the year; school facilities are provided employes' children, a renovated coach being utilized for a portable school house, and the teacher is employed by the company. The moral welfare of these children is not neglected, and a flourishing Sun- day-school exists; church services are held. In fact, fhe employes of the company located at this logging P .^: ^ V^l.^' I ;■*•■: ^^>.f VIEW IN EASTMAN, GARDINER & CO.'S LOGGING CAMP. yery little handling, being constantly on a down grade throughout the transit. The plant now has a capacity of 60,000,000 feet of lumber annually. From 3,500 to 3,600 cars of lumber are loaded on its side tracks every year. jThe payroll for 1901 reached an average of over $23,000 per month. As the plant is operated day and night, two complete shifts of men are required. LOGGING FACILITIES. Eastman, Gardiner & Co., own over 175,000 acres of long leaf j'ellow pine timber; this tapped by a standard gauge railroad equipped with modern log cars, six locomotives and three steam log loaders. The rail- road was built bj' the company in place of a wooden- camp really enjoy all the privileges and benefits obtain- able in a permanent town. KINGSTON LUMBER COMPANY. The Kingston Lumber Company is a New Hamp- shire corporation, the capital stock being $450,000. It is domiciled at Laurel, Miss., the beautiful and pros- perous city of central east South Mississippi, on the line of the New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad and the eastern terminus of the Laurel branch of the Gulf & Ship Island Railroad, thus affording excellent shipping facilities. This company owns and controls some 50,000 acres of timbered land and manufactures 30,000,000 feet of THE BILOXI DAILY HERALD. 99 lumber per }'ear, using both circular and g-ang saws in their mill. They have dr3- kiln and planing mill facili- ties ample to take the entire output, 90 per cent of which is run through the dry kiln and planing mill. The plant is equipped with electric lights throughout and is run twenty-two hours per day. The officers of the Kingston Lumber Company are : Francis Lampe, president, Laurel, Miss.; Edmund K. Stallo, vice-president. New York City ; Andrew Flana- gan, secretary. Laurel, Miss.; F. W. Pettibone, treas- urer and general manager. Laurel, Miss. The Kingston & Central Mississippi Railway line runs through the timbered land of this company, and they operate their log trains over that road under con- tract. They also build their own spur lines for logging purposes. They man- !/■ ufacture long leaf yellow pine lumber of the very best grade, rough or dressed, and are located contiguous to as fine a belt of yel- low pine as there is in the south. Besides the advantage they enjoy in the matter of timber, their mill is equipped with the lat- est and highest grade of sawmill machinery on the market, thus placing them in the lumber market on an equal with any lum- ber company extant. The Kingston Lum- ber Company's pro- duct has already taken its place in the lum- ber marts of the world, and the high grade of its output is a guarantee that it will never suffer displacement. Manned by thorough lumbermen, its destiny cannot be otherwise than one of success and financial prosperity. VIEW IN EASTMAN, GAKDINER & CO. S LOGGING CAMP. THE DANTZLER COMPANY. One of the largest plants of its kind in the south is operated by L. N. Dantzler Lumber Company of Moss Point — at the junction of the Pascagoula and Dog rivers. The mills belonging to this company have a total ca- pacity of 150,000 feet a day, or 35,000,000 feet annually, the larger portion of which is exported to all parts of the world. Although there are several large saw mills at Moss Point, all of which are well located on the winding stream that makes this an ideal spot for the manufacturing of lumber, the Dantzlers oioupy what was the original town site, where, before the war, a mill was in operation. This particular spot seems to have been designed by nature for saw mills, as it is not only at the junction of two rivers, on which an unlimited supply of the raw material may be floated to the plant from the inland river counties, but there are also several good-sized, land-locked lakes capable of holding mil- lions of feet of logs at a time. This was no doubt the reason that many years ago the big lumber firm of W. Griffin & Co., selected this site for their plant, which for a considerable time was one of the largest exporting plants for long-leaf yellow pine lumber on the Gulf Coast. It was in this old lumber company that L. N. Dantzler, Sr., now the president of the L. N. Dantzler Lumber Company started in business. He remained with them until 1875, then started his own plant, which has grown in time to its present large dimen- sions and includes two mills, the larger capa- ble of turning out 125,000, the smaller 25,000 feet daily, and a planing mill which produces 40,000 feet of the finished pro- duct. In 1888 L. N. Dantzler incorporated a compan3', including himself and sons, J. L. and L. N. Dantz- ler, Jr., and capital- ized it at S200, 000, and now, in his advancing years, he is freed from the responsibility of operating this large plant alone. The company is splendidly equipped for conduct- ing a lumber business. They own personally one hundred and fifteen thousand acres of long-leaf yellow pine, all located on the streams tributary to Moss Point and reached by a logging rail- road ten miles long. At the rear of each of the mills is one of the little land-locked lakes or ponds, where a boom of something like 50,000 logs or 15,000,000 feet of logs may be kept readj^ for the mill. On either side of the river where this company is located are wharve.s, at which all vessels drawing under eleven feet of water can land, while many of the larger ships, of commerce line up to the docks and after loading partially drop down the river and lay off Ship or Horn Islands, where the loading is completed from barges. A fleet of seven barges, three tug boats and a number of three-masted schooaers are employed in the business, the latter ves- sels carrying all the exportations to Cuba and Mexico. The largest tugboat on the coast was recently launched l.oi' 100 THK BILOXI DAILY HERALD. by this companj" — the Bessie H. Dantzler — an up-to-date tug: in ever_v particular, equipped with search lights, steam windlasses and fire pumps. The tugs are used to tow the barges of lumber to Ship Island, the point of export for all foreign countries. At the Moss Point mills the Dantzler Lumber Com- pany give steady employment at remunerative wages to more than 300 men. A large number are also em- ploj'ed on the company's steam vessels and barges gaged in lightering lumber to Horn and Ship islands Another large mill, with a daily capacity of 75, C is owned and operated by the Dantzlers on the Gulf ; Ship Island Railroad, at Howison, Miss., under name of the Native Lumber Company. This is on< the largest on that mill-dotted line, which traverses richest timber belt of the south. '^^SM^d^ the composition, press work and binding on this edition is from The Biloxi Daily Herai.d Printerv. THE PRINCIPAL SOUTHERN CITIES GULF and ^WWlMlsslssippi ISLAND RAILW'Y Pme Ls»nds Double Daily Mail and Express Trains "'^-— '. Gnlfport to J I/ciui> road, UIlil > atcs (I .,11 o! bile, Pens and MissisM; points, witli ■'iris fov nta. Jai'; ail Ih So 11 ; trains aim > >e