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A HISTORY of LOVERS LANE: the FORT POINT PENINSULA
Geography and Physiography
The Fort Point Peninsula is located in Sections 24 and 25, T7S-R9W, and is the western terminus of the City of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Today, the area is generally referred to as “Lovers Lane”. The derivation of the nomenclature “Lovers Lane” is anecdotal. In the 1920s-1930s, an amorous, social custom of local youths was to utilize the somewhat secluded area as a rendezvous for romantic interludes, hence “Lovers Lane”.
Past names for this historic peninsula have included “Spanish Point”, “Breezy Point”, “Benjamin Point”, and simply “The Point”. “Seapointe” has been used in more recent times. I prefer “Fort Point”, the name used on the USGS 7.5’ Quadrangle, “Ocean Springs”, 1992. Residents of this sylvan peninsula sometimes refer to their eclectic neighborhood as “The Lane”.
Lover's Lane is a neighborhood as well as a road located on the Fort Point peninsula. This peninsula is a northwest striking body of land about one mile long and five hundred to one thousand feet wide comprising about 300 acres. Old Fort Bayou, a perennial stream, is located northeast while the prevailing windward, southwest flank of the peninsula faces the Back Bay of Biloxi. A saltwater marsh dominates the tip of the peninsula called Fort Point.
Lover's Lane, a narrow asphalt path, is traced by large oaks and magnolias as it bisects the one mile long peninsula. Dense, informal landscaping conceals diverse homes, which stand on large heavily landscaped lots. The former shell road occupies the northeast slope of a high ridge about twenty feet above sea level. A fairly steep ravine, which drains the area northward into Fort Bayou is immediately northeast of the asphalt roadway.
With the founding of the Ocean Springs Hotel in 1853 by the Austin-Porter family, commercial activity and tourism commenced in this small fishing village founded by the LaFontaine family in the early 19th Century. Prior to this event the few families in the area subsisted by fishing, farming, lumbering, and charcoal making. The medicinal waters from springs located along Fort Bayou attracted people primarily from New Orleans. They sought cures for their ailments in these saline chalybeate and sulfur bearing waters. The long hot summer and associated yellow fever epidemics also brought visitors from the Crescent City. Commencing in the early 1850s, the Morgan Steamship Line and later in 1870 what became known as the L&N Railroad provided fast and economic transportation to the area.
At this time, affluent people from New Orleans discovered the ambience and charm of Ocean Springs and began to establish vacation estates on the Fort Point peninsula. Some of the early families building here were: Armstrong, Buddendorff, McCauley, Israel, Arrowsmith, Randolph, Brooks, Ittman, Staples, Stuart, Allison, Maginnis, Parkinson, Sheldon, Poitevent, Thorn, and Hanson.
In the late 1880s to early 1900s, people from the East and Midwest especially the Chicago area began to discover Ocean Springs. Some of these people became attracted to the Lover's Lane locale and established homes. Among them were Parker Earle (1831-1917) of southern Illinois and Annie L. Benjamin (1848-1938) from Milwaukee.
Architecture
Architecturally, the Lover's Lane neighborhood can be divided into three distinct elements, which reflect the time period of its development. These three entities are the Lover's Lane Historic District (1875-1965), the Seapointe Subdivision (post 1964), and the Lover's Lane Addition Subdidvison (post 1970).
The Lover's Lane Historic District was created with the passage of Ordinance Number 9-1989 by the City of Ocean Springs. It consists of a cohesive neighborhood of seven homes facing the Back Bay of Biloxi. These diversified structures range in age from 1875 to 1965 and represent Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Southern Colonial periods of architecture. This was the area dominated by wealthy New Orleanians for decades.
The Seapointe Subdivision platted in July 1964, by Field and Brackett Inc. from the old Annie L. Benjamin Estate lands obtained from E.M. Galloway. Mr. Galloway purchased most of the former Benjamin Estate from Walter S. Lindsay (1888-1975), Mrs. Annie L. Benjamin's son-in-law, in August 1963. The Benjamin Estate, called Shore Acres, was established in 1902 when Mrs. Benjamin consolidated former holdings of others on the most westerly seventy-five acres of the Fort Point peninsula. The Seapointe area is well developed with about sixty homes. The architecture is diversified with structures of the following styles: Period (Victorian, Greek Revival, Colonial, and Acadian), American ranch, and Swiss chalet.
The Lover's Lane Addition was the unique creation of Carroll Ishee (1921-1982). Ishee acquired 4.3 acres from E.M. Galloway in February 1969. Here on the northeast slope of Lover's Lane he created his wonderful tree houses in this sylvan environment. Each Ishee home comes from the individual palette of this consummate artist who painted with foliage, wood, slate, cedar shingles, and glass to camouflage his creation in Nature's bosom. There are ten Ishee "paintings" on Lover's Lane and several on Le Voyageur.
Soil and trees
Soil development in the Lovers Lane region has been classified as Norfolk fine sandy loam of the flatwoods phase. This soil is characterized by a surface layer of dark-gray fine sandy loam, which ranges from about ½ inch to 3 inches in depth. The subsoil is primarily a pale yellow compact sandy loam occurring about 30 inches below the surface while light-gray fine sand is common 3-4 feet below ground level. Pecans, sweet potatoes, corn, and oats are the salient crops grown on this soil type. In fact, Norfolk fine sandy loam is one of the best upland soils of the pecan belt and is excellent for the growt of slash and longleaf pine. Other crops, which do well in this soil are: cotton, watermelons, cucumbers, nearly all vegetables, sugarcane, pears, and Satsuma oranges. Pine.(Elwell, et al, 1927, p. 15)
It is interesting to not that when Iberville erected Fort Maurepas on the Fort Point Peninsula in April 1699, he reported that “The work goes slowly: I have no men who can use an ax; most of them take a day to fell one tree; but the trees are truly big ones, oak and hickory. I have had a forge set up to repair the axes. All of them break.”(McWilliams, 1981, p. 92)
As we shall see, the Fort Point Peninsula has been in the past, the site of various agricultural pursuits including orange and pecan groves as well as subsistence farming and poultry raising. Industry has been virtually lacking here with the exception of a small saw and planning mill located on the Old Fort Bayou side in 1895, by Porter B. Hand (1834-1914), the son of Miles B. Hand (1804-1880+), the founder of Handsboro, Mississippi, which has been integrated into Gulfport.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 11, 1895, p. 3)
Plummer’s Road
Many decades before our present day octogenarians chose their “Lovers Lane”, the tree line path, pretending to be a road, that now winds its way through verdant neighborhoods has been referred to in land deed conveyances through the years as: Plummer’s Road, the “wagon road”, and Porter. Plummer Road derived its name from one of the earliest inhabitants of the area, Joseph R. Plummer (1804-pre-1867), a land speculator and farmer from Connecticut. He was living in Jackson County as early as 1840, an indicated by the Federal Census of that year. Circa the mid-1840s, Joseph R. Plummer probably met and married Mary G. Porter from Tennessee. Her merchant family settled here in the 1850s and gave their name to Porter Street.
The earliest documentation of J.R. Plummer’s appearance here is in the deed records of Jackson County, Mississippi, when in October 1848, he is an agent for Arthur Bryant of Illinois who is selling land in Section 25, T7S-R9W, to his wife's sister, Martha E. Austin (1818-1898), the wife of Dr. W.G. Austin (1814-1891), the builder of the Ocean Springs Hotel, which in 1854, gave our town its present name.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 4, pp. 513-514).
Joseph R. Plummer built a brick home, which became known as the Plummer Brick House and is referred to many times in various land transactions in Section 24, T7S-R9W. Mr. Plummer sold the house in September 1859 to Isaac Randolph of New Orleans. A point of land where the Ocean Springs Yacht Club rests today is still known as Plummer Point on the USGS topographic map of the area. It was given this name by the surveyors of the U.S. Coast Survey, when they were mapping the Mississippi coast in 1851. This corroborates the fact that J.R. Plummer lived in the area and that his brick house is discernible on this map.
Post November 1849, the Plummers relocated to a pioneer settlement at present day Gulf Hills. They called their simple plantation here-Oaklawn Place. It consisted of about 400 acres situated in Section 18, T7S-R8W and Sections 13 and 24 of T7S-R9W. Oaklawn Place flanked present day North Washington Avenue for about one mile, southeast of its intersection with Old Le Moyne Boulevard and included that area of Gulf Hills along Old Fort Bayou from the west end of Arbor Circle eastward to a point about 1350 feet west of the Shore Drive-North Washington Avenue intersection. The Plummer residence was probably situated in the vicinity of the present day W.E. Applegate Jr.-Colonel George E. Little Home at 13605 Paso Road. During the J.R. Plummer tenure, citrus and fruit orchards were cultivated at Oak Lawn.
Plummer Avenue
On April 9, 1913, B.F. Parkinson (1859-1930) requested of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Ocean Springs at their public meeting that Plummer Avenue (Lovers Lane) be open from Old Fort Bayou to the L&N Railroad right-of way. He presented copies of recorded warranty deeds to the Board demonstrating that reservations had been made in prior land conveyances for Plummer Avenue to be a public thoroughfare of 60 feet in width. Alderman J.D. Minor (1863-1920) motioned and the Board passed his recommendation, that the Plummer Avenue situation be reviewed with attorney J.S. Ford for his legal advise.(TOS, Minute Bk. Dec. 3, 1907 to Jan. 14, 1915, pp. 259-260)
On May 6, 1913, Mayor W.T. Ames (1880-1969) reported to his Board of Alderman, that the honorable J.S. Ford had reviewed the matter of the opening of Plummer Avenue from Old Fort Bayou to the L&N Railroad right-of-way. He rendered his legal opinion in writing, which said that Ocean Springs had the legal right to open the road under certain conditions. Alderman W.S. VanCleave (1871-1938) motioned that the action be sent to the Street Committee with the petition of the landowners on Plummer Avenue relative to the road opening. (TOS, Minute Bk. Dec. 3, 1907 to Jan. 14, 1915, p. 263)
In 1939, Lovers Lane was described by WPA writers as: “a narrow white shell road winding amid oaks, pines, magnolias, and cedars toward the northwestern corner of the headland known as “The Point”. On the left are some of the oldest and most beautiful estates on the Coast. On the right is a strip of forested land set apart by Mrs. A.L. Benjamin as a bird sanctuary. The lane ends at the Benjamin estate (private). Just offshore from this point (believed by many to be the site of the fort built by Iberville) the cannon mounted on the lawn of the Biloxi Community House were salvaged in the summer of 1893 (sic).”(Mississippi Gulf Coast Yesterday & Today, 1939, p. 92)
In January 1953, Dr. Horace Conti (1907-1982) headed a petition to abandon the West Porter entrance into Lover Lane at the overpass over the L&N RR crossing. This obviously was done.(TOS, Minute Bk. 5, pp. 84-85)
Section 24
Section 24, T7S-R9W is composed of six (6) governmental lots, each about 160 acres in area. Only Lot 4 and Lot 5 of Section 24 are within the geographic limits of the Fort Point Peninsula. Lot 1 and Lot 3 are north of Fort Bayou and in the Gulf Hills development. Approximately 50% of the Fort Point Peninsula is composed of land in Lot 4. Lot 5 furnishes about 30% and the remainder of the area is in the west half of Section 25, T7S-R9W.
Lot 4 runs southeasterly from the tip of the Fort Point Peninsula in an arced line for about 5500 feet along the Bay of Biloxi to the NW/C of Section 25. Its southern boundary goes 400 feet east along the north line of Section 25. Lot 4 is bounded on the east by the west line of Lot 6, and runs 2700 feet to the north where it intersects Fort Bayou. The north line of Lot 4 is defined by Fort Bayou, which strikes in an arc northwesterly for a distance of about 4500 feet until it intersects the tip of the Peninsula, the point of beginning.
Prominent topographic feature of Lot 4 is a NNW striking ridge, which runs from the southeast corner of Lot 4 for approximately 3500 feet where it terminates in a marsh. This ridge reaches an elevation over twenty feet above MSL. It was here that Iberville selected to build Fort Maurepas in April 1699. The first Biloxey Settlement was situated here in 1719, when the French colonists move the capital of La Louisiane from the Mobile area back to Biloxi Bay. Naturally this area became known as Vieux Biloxey, when Nouveau Biloxey (present day Biloxi) was founded about 1720.
17th Century
Native Americans
Native Americans occupied portions of the Fort Point Peninsula prior to European settlement as evidenced by the discovery of shell middens, projectile points, and pottery shards. Schuyler Poitevent (1875-1936), the first historian of Ocean Springs, who spent most of his life at present day 306 Lovers Lane, wrote several treatises in which he discusses their occupation of the area.
In his unpublished book, Broken Pot, which relates the French Colonial history of this region, Poitevent wrote the following about the Joseph Catchot Place situated in “Cherokee Glen”, the May 1926 sixty-acre subdivision created by Henry L. Girot (1886-1953), a transplant from New Orleans. Joseph Catchot (1824-1900), an 1842 immigrant from the island of Minorca, a Spanish possession in the western Mediterranean Sea, homesteaded twenty acres, more or less, in Lot 5 of Section 24, T7S-R9W.
“Born and reared just across the narrow branch from Old Magnolia Springs and almost, therefore, within a pine-knots throw of the site of Old Fort Maurepas, Mayor A.J. Catchot, of Ocean Springs, told me the other day that the old home where he was born in 1863 (sic), and where he had spent his boyhood days had been the site of an old Indian village.”
In February 1932, Mr. Poitevent recorded these words of A.J. Catchot (1864-1954): “When I was a young man, my father, Captain (Joseph) Catchot, used to own a small twenty acre farm bordering on Old Fort Bayou and Plummers acres. When plowing our field, I often came across old Indian relics such as a large blue china bead about the size of a buckshot. Also flint arrow heads & Indian tomahawks of flint. Also small cannon balls about 4” diameter and some small 2 ½”. Also lots of clam and oyster shell. Those shells had pieces of broken china dishes some white & others colored blue. Also several pieces of clay pottery and bottoms of broken jars. There seem to be a row of wigwams, which had a reddish-yellow, clay floor. Shell relics were found in the wigwams. The location of this Indian village was on what is now called the old Dr. Dabney Place.”
1699-Iberville, Fort Maurepas, and La Louisiane
There is a high degree of certitude that the French beachhead in the Lower Mississippi River Valley, Fort Maurepas, was established on the Fort Point Peninsula by Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville (1671-1706) on April 7, 1699. Iberville was acting under orders from King Louis XIV (1638-1715) to protect the April 1682 claim of Rene Robert Cavalier de La Salle (1643-1687), who had found the deltaic mouth of the Riviere de Colbert (Mississippi River) from his base in New France (Canada). La Salle claimed for France, all the lands drained by the Mississippi River and its tributaries, an inland empire, extending from the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachians. He called this discovery La Louisiane, in honor of his King.
Although academic archaeologist have not blessed the Fort Point Peninsula site, there is sufficient cartographic data, archival records, and French Colonial artifacts, gathered by “amateur archaeologists”, to conclude that a French military post existed here in the late 17th-early 18th Century. Some researchers believe that Fort Maurepas was located in the area where the stone marker was found in 1910, by Town Marshall Robert W. Rupp (1894-1958) on the shoreline in front of the W.B. Schmidt estate in Section 25, T7S-R9W. For an in depth discussion about the location of Fort Maurepas, the reader is referred to Fort Maurepas, the Birth of Louisiana, (Higginbotham, 1968 and 1971), “Fort Maurepas and Vieux Biloxey: Search and Research” in Mississippi Archaeology (Blitz, Mann, and Bellande, Vol. 30, No. 1, June 1995), and The Ocean Springs Record, “Fort Maurepas then and now”, July 8, 1993 and July 15, 1993)
18th Century
1719-Bienville and “Biloxey”
In 1719, when the capital of French Louisiana was relocated from the Mobile area back to the present day Mississippi Coast, there is no doubt that this settlement called “Biloxey” was located on the Fort Point Peninsula. The name “Biloxey” was derived from a corruption of the word Annochy, one of the Indian nations that Iberville encountered in this area in February 1699. Their village was situated on the Pascagoula River.(McWilliams, 1981, p. 45)
Vieux Biloxi
In 1720, Charles Franquet de Chaville, a French engineer, arrived in the Louisiana Colony first at Ile Dauphine (Dauphine Island) aboard the Dromadaire. He then went to the natural harbor at Isle aux Vaisseau (Ship Island) before disembarking at Vieux Biloxy (Ocean Springs) in December 1720. de Chaville was assigned to Louisiana with Adrian de Pauger (d. 1726) and Chevalier de Boispinel (d. 1723) to work under Chief Engineer of the Company of the Indies, Pierre LeBlond de La Tour (d. 1723).
LeBlond de La Tour drew the plans for Vieux Biloxy (Ocean Springs), Fort Louis at Nouveau Biloxy (Biloxi), and Nouvelle Orleans (New Orleans). Fort Louis, which was located west of the Biloxi Lighthouse, was never completed as the Louisiana capital was moved to New Orleans in 1722.
de Chaville’s Description of Old Biloxi follows: “Old Biloxi is situated at the back of a bay surrounded by marsh. The land that we settled on (occupied) is a plateau, stretching for about 2400 feet. It was the only place we could see without any trees. Those who had recently arrived from France had built cabins for themselves there. The only house, that is to say a building or barracks worthy of the name, that was to be seen was that occupied by the Directors. All others were built in a style I have described later.
As far as age goes, this post was the oldest, according to the Commander, established at the time they discovered the mouth of the river in 1702. It was occupied a second time after Dauphin Island was abandoned. Hunting and fishing are abundantly rewarded, deer among others, is very good. It is certainly the best eating when cooked on a spit. The fish, which is caught in the bay is called red fish and is the very best. It is larger than a large carp and its flesh is very firm. The scales are like those of a carp except that they are red. The Commander and the Directors were always well supplied with red fish for their table. Since they felt honored to invite newly arrived officers, I ate there almost the whole time during my stay.” (Journal de la Societe Des Americanistes De Paris, pp. 20-27)
The English Domain
After Old Biloxey was abandoned circa 1721, by the French, no activity was recorded in this area of the Mississippi Gulf Coast until the late 18th Century, when the British took control of this part of La Louisiane after the French and Indian War ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The Ocean Springs area became a part of British West Florida and governed from Pensacola.
During English rule, several expeditions reconnoitered the Mississippi Sound and local bays. Among them were the George A. Gauld reconnaissance mapping for the British Admiralty in 1768, and the Lt. Thomas Hutchins rescue of the Mercury in 1772.
The Gauld Map of 1768
Scottish cartographer and surveyor, George A. Gauld (1732-1782), in the employ of the British Admiralty and operating from HMS Sir Edward Hawke, made a map of Coastal Mississippi in June 1768. During his reconnaissance of the area, Gauld found that “just opposite to Ship Island on the Mainland is situated Old Biloxi (present day OceanSprings) on a small Bay of the same name, behind L’Isle au Chevreuil, or Buck Island (Deer Island)”. He discovered that only a few descendants of the original French settlers were still here. They existed by raising cattle and making pitch and tar, and were troubled by the Indians.(Ware, 1982, pp. 106-107)
The Gauld Map of 1768 depicts a Madame Bodrons (probably Madame Baudrau) living at present day Ocean Springs. Her place appears to have been located in Section 25, T7S-R9W, near the present day Ocean Springs Yacht Club.
Lieutenant Hutchins and the Mercury-1772
In September 1772, the Mercury, an English naval vessel, was caught in storm at the mouth of Mobile Bay and blown westward to the Samphire Islands off the Louisiana coast, where she was beached. Lt. Thomas Hutchins (1730-1789) and crew left the Pensacola area in the Elizabeth, an open schooner, in late September, in search of the Mercuryand her party of about twenty men. On the 27th of September, he was at Mme. Boudreau’s place on Biloxi Bay. There is a high degree of certitude that this is the same Mme. Bodron’s at Old Biloxi on the Gauld Map of 1768.(Rea, 1990, pp. 56-58)
The identity of Madame “Bodron” has not been ascertained at this time, but she is probably a descendant or spouse of a descendant of Jean-Baptise Baudrau (1671-1761), a French Canadian solder of fortune called Graveline, who came to Fort Maurepas with Iberville in 1700. He remained and settled permanently in what became in December 1812, Jackson County of the Mississippi Territory. Today, his descendants from daughter, Magdeline, and her spouse, Pierre Paquet, number in the thousands. Graveline's granddaughter, Catherine Louise Baudreau (1742-1806+), wedded Joseph Bosarge (1733-1794), a native of Poitiers, France in 1763, founding another large Gulf Coast family.(Lepre, 1983)
Bernardo Galvez and the Spanish Period
In 1779-1780, English garrisons were attacked by the Spanish and American forces from New Orleans, which resulted in the loss of Baton Rouge, Natchez, and Mobile. During the Spanish campaign against Mobile, it is postulated by some that a “Spanish Camp” existed on the Fort Point Peninsula. The term has been passed on and exists in land deed records in the area.
The “Spanish Camp”-1780
Schuyler Poitevent (1875-1936) in Broken Pot (ca 1936), gives a plausible explanation for the mysterious“Spanish Camp” which possibly existed on the Fort Point Peninsula in the late 18th Century. To quote Poitevent: I do not know what became of the Old Fort (Fort Maurepas). After the headquarters were moved to the present town of Biloxi, the cannons were doubtlessly moved over there and the Old Fort was abandoned. I suppose it went the way of all old forts and fell into decay and since it was of wood it rotted down and in time produced good dewberries and blackberries. Of course, the property remained the King’s and therefore was not subject to settlement. I presume it continued vacant; and after the British took possession in 1763-1764, why its vacancy became more apparent. Still it was known as the “old fort” and when the Spanish in New Orleans ousted the British from Natchez in 1779, the Spanish governor moved to attack Mobile. He was defeated in his move by a storm. He withdrew his demoralized shipwrecked army from Mobile Bay and reorganized a part of his force here at the Old Fort. Part of the Spaniards camped here, while the reorganization of the force in New Orleans was underway, and the place thereafter came to be known as “Spanish Camp”.(Chapter XI, “Old Fort Maurepas)
Josephine Bowen Kettler
Circa 1933, while composing Broken Pot, Schuyler Poitevent interviewed Josephine Bowen Kettler (1845-1933+), then a resident of Lyman, Harrison County, Mississippi. She had arrived at Ocean Springs in 1846, with her parents, the Reverend Philip P. Bowen (1799-1871) and Mrs. Bowen, from Enterprise, Mississippi. Josephine B. Kettler told Mr. Poitevent about her ante-Bellum days at Ocean Springs. Their conversation concerning the “Spanish Camp” was recorded as follows:
Kettler-“There was a place where we children used to go to pick blackberries. It was sort of a clearing where there had once been an old fort and there was a lot of old brick scattered about and cannon balls, and the blackberry vines grew as high as this.”(Mrs. Kettler measured waist high from the ground)
Poitevent-“This place is sometimes called ‘Spanish Camp’.”
Kettler-“So, this is ‘Old Spanish Camp’, is it? Well, it has changed, for in those days there were no homes here; and we children when we would come to pick berries would sometimes wade on the beach, and there was an old cannon sticking breech up out there in the Bay and when the tide was out and the water was low we could see it and we used to chunk at it and throw sticks and shells at it; and I guess it is out there yet.”(Poitevent, 1933)
Early Census
During the rule of England and Spain, several records of inhabitants in West Florida, as the Mississippi Gulf Coast was a part, were taken by local authorities in service of these foreign powers. In October 1764, Major Robert Farmer of the 34th Regiment made a list of those inhabitants of Mobile who swore allegiance to King George III (1738-1820) of England. From this list, I believe the following were residents of the present day Mississippi-Alabama Gulf Coast: Hugo Krebs; Simon Favre; Nicholas Ladner; William Favre; Jean-Baptiste Necaise; John-Baptise Baudrau; Jean Favre; Francois Favre; Bartholew Grelot; Marianne Favre; Nicholas Carco; and Joseph Bosarge.(Strickland et al, 1995, p. 22)
On January 1, 1786, Spanish authorities at Mobile took a census of the residents under their jurisdiction. I interpret from the census of that time, that the following people were present day Mississippi Gulf Coast residents of Spanish West Florida: Madame Gargaret, widow; Nicholas Christian Ladner and wife; Joseph Moran and wife; Jean-Baptise Fayard and wife; Louis Fayard and wife; Mathurin Ladner, widower; Jacques Ladner and wife; Jean-Baptise Favre and wife; Madame Baudrau, widow; Joseph Krebs and wife; Francis Krebs and wife; Madame Krebs, widow; Hugo Krebs and wife; Augustine Krebs and wife; Madame Peter Krebs, widow; Nicholas Carco and wife; Peter Fayard and sister; Joseph Bosarge and wife; and Madame Favre, widow.(Strickland et al, 1995, p. 25)
The population of Mobile in 1785 was 746 people.(Hamilton, 1910, p. 331)
Madame Baudrau-a mystery
As previously stated, the George Gauld Map of 1768 depicted a Madame Bodrons, probably Madame Baudrau (Would you expect a Scot to know how to spell a French Canadian name?), living in Section 25, T7S-R9W, near the present day Ocean Springs Yacht Club. Madame Baudrau, a widow, again appears in the Spanish Census of 1786. This woman has been a puzzle to some local historians, especially related to the location of Fort Maurepas (1699-1702).
In December 1812, an Elizabeth Baudrau conveyed a track of land in present day D’Iberville, Mississippi to my great-great grandfather, Louis Arbeau Caillavet (1790-1860), a native of the Opelousas Post, Louisiana, and the husband of Marguerite Fayard (1787-1863) of Biloxi. She was the daughter of Jean-Baptiste Fayard Jr. (1752-1816) and Angelique Ladner (1753-1830), early Biloxi residents. In the deed description, the five-arpent tract is stated as “situated on the Old Fort River.” When L.A. Caillavet sold a portion of this land in November 1832 to a gentleman from New Orleans it was referred to as “a piece of land under the name BOISFORT CANADIEN.” “Boisfort Canadien” translates from the French language as “Canadian wood fort”. Does this imply that Fort Maurepas was situated in present day D’Iberville on the Back Bay of Biloxi?(Lepre, 1984, p. 62-63 and Cassibry, 1987, pp. 577-578)
The mystery of Madame Baudrau intensifies when one notes that the land claim in July 1823 of Woodson Wren, a resident of Natchez, to the 1782 Spanish land grant of Littlepage Robertson, which consisted of the entire Fort Point Peninsula, Section 24 and Section 25, T7S-R9W, states that “the place now claimed by Woodson Wren, situated on the northeast side of the Bay of Biloxi, adjoining the Vieux Fort (Old Fort)….”(American State Papers, Vol. 4, 1994, p. 764)
Even with these interesting alternate sites for Fort Maurepas, the archaeological and cartographic data indicate rather conclusively that Fort Maurepas, the Old French Fort, was situated in the vicinity of the former June Poitevent (1837-1919) property on Lovers Lane in Section 24, T7S-R9W, not in Section 25, T7S-R9W.
Littlepage Robertson-Spanish Land Grant
We can assume that Madame Baudrau was living at Ocean Springs without a land grant or title from a foreign government. Therefore, the first legal settler of the Fort Point Peninsula was Littlepage Robertson, sometimes spelled Robinson. In June 1782, shortly after the expulsion of the English from this area, Littlepage Robertson was granted land at present day Ocean Springs by the Spanish civil and military governor of West Florida, Don Henrique Grimarest, who was posted at Mobile. Robertson’s grant included Section 24 and Section 25 of T7S-R9W, which is the entire Fort Point Peninsula and the southern part of Gulf Hills, north of Old Fort Bayou. Here affidavits by Pierre Carco and Susan Fayard in August 1829, reveal that Littlepage Robertson settled on the Fort Point Peninsula with his family a few years after the Spanish captured Mobile. He remained here and cultivated the land until his children reached maturity.(American State Papers, Vol. 4, 1994, p. 764)
Little is known of Littlepage Robertson or his family. His movements can be traced in The American State Papers, which discusses land grants and claims in early America. It appears that before Littlepage Robertson settled on the Mississippi Gulf Coast circa 1782, that he had resided on a Spanish land grant of one League Square donated by the Commandant of Nacogdoches in the “neutral territory” on Bayou Bain or Boine. This grant was seven leagues west of the town of Natchitoches, Louisiana. Robertson remained here about twelve years growing corn, raising stock, etc.(American State Papers, Vol. 3, 1994, p. 236 and Vol. 4, p. 113)
In November 1812, John Brown testified that in 1799, Littlepage Robertson settled on 640 acres on the right bank of Bayou Vermilion in the County of Attakapas, below Little Bayou. Robertson remained and cultivated this land until 1804. This testimony was refuted by Theodore Broussard, but Michel Pevoto related that Robertson settled one and one-half leagues Little Bayou. The lands in these depositions are situated in southwest Louisiana in the Lafayette-St. Martinsville region. By 1799, the children of Littlepage Robertson would have reached maturity corroborating the 1829 depositions of Pierre Carco and Susan Fayard.(American State Papers, Vol. 3, 1994, p. 205)
19th Century
The Republic of West Florida-Jackson County
The Colonial Period ended in 1810, when this region, then still a part of Spanish West Florida, declared itself the independent Republic of West Florida. By early 1811, the Republic was added to the Territory of Orleans. On December 12, 1812, Jackson County of the Mississippi Territory came into existence. Mississippi was admitted into the Union of the United States of America in March 1817.(The History of Jackson County, Mississippi, 1989, p. 1)
Obviously, this was a time when there was a paucity of people on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In fact, whenDr. Flood, the representative of Governor Claiborne of the Orleans Territory, was dispatched to the Mississippi coast to hoist the flag of the United States in January 1811, he found the population between the Pearl River and Biloxi to be about four hundred people chiefly French and Creoles. Dr. Flood in his report to Governor Claiborne wrote: proceeded to the Bay of Biloxi, where I found Mr. Ladnier (Jacques), and gave him the commission (Justice of the Peace). He is a man of excellent sense, but can neither read or write, nor can any inhabitants of the bay of Biloxi that I can hear of. They are, all along this beautiful coast, a primitive people, of mixed origin, retaining the gaiety and politeness of the French, blended with the abstemiousness and indolence of the Indian. They plant a little rice, and a few roots and vegetables, but depend on subsistence chiefly on game and fish. I left with all these appointees copies of the laws, ordinances, etc. But few laws will be wanted here. The people are universally honest. There are no crimes. The father of the family or the oldest inhabitant, settles all disputes......A more innocent and inoffensive people may not be found. They seem to desire only the simple necessities of life, and to be let alone in their tranquility. I am greatly impressed with the beauty and value of this coast. The high sandy lands, heavily timbered with pine, and the lovely bays and with a delightful summer resort. For a cantonment or military post, in consideration of the health of the troops, this whole coast is admirably fitted. (Claiborne, 1978, pp. 306-307)
Woodson Wren
In 1812, Littlepage Robertson conveyed the lands of his Spanish Land Grant at present day Ocean Springs, Mississippi, which included the entire Fort Point Peninsula, to Woodson Wren (1779-1855). Mr. Wren was born on June 20, 1779, in Fairfax County, Virginia, the son of Vincent Wren and Tabitha Crenshaw. In 1805, he married Mary Grant (1787-1857), the daughter of John Grant and Mary Mosely, and a native of Lafayette County, Kentucky. Woodson and Mary Grant Wren reared a large family during their residency in Louisiana and Mississippi: Mary Wren (b. 1806); Orleana Wren (b. 1808); Sarah Wren (1810-1886+) married John P. Walworth (1798-1883); Elizabeth Wren (1812-1870); John Vincent Wren (b. 1814); Woodson Wren II (1818-1835); Catherine Wren (1820-1896) m. James Rainey (1810-1876); William Wren (1823-1858+); Burrus Wren (b. 1825); Samuel Cartwright Wren (1826-1828); and Samuel Woodson Wren (1830-1851+). In addition, Mary Grant Wren lost six children while birthing, which included two sets of twins, between 1816 and 1822.(American State Papers, Vol. 4, 1994, p. 764 and homepages. roots-web.com/~pettit/HTML/d0002/g0000043.html)
In 1813, the Wren family was domiciled at Baton Rouge, Louisiana in a red- framed house near the town jail. Here Woodson Wren was the proprietor of a “stand”. A “stand” was a place of public accommodation—sort of a bed-and-breakfast for the traveling public, except dinner was also provided. Some of them were also taverns. At this time, Woodson Wren borrowed money from Cornelius Baldwin. Two slaves, Bill age 43, a blacksmith, and Lydia, his wife, age 30, served as collateral for the loan.(The Washington Republic, May 25, 1813, p. 4, MiMi Miller, August 19, 2004, and Strickland, 1999, p. 94)
Woodson Wren practiced medicine at Natchez, Mississippi as early as 1828. In March 1828, Dr. Wren’s “large and substantial building” survived a conflagration, which commenced on First North Street from the stables of the Jefferson Hotel.(Kerns, 1993, p. 82)
Mr. Wren served as Clerk of Court for Adams County, Mississippi and was also the postmaster. In addition, Wren was helped organize the Masonic Lodges in Mississippi. He passed at Port Gibson on April 9, 1855, while Mary Grant Wren died at Natchez in 1857. Dr. Wren’s corporal remains were laid to rest in the Natchez City Cemetery.(The Mississippi Free Trader, April 7, 1837, p. 3, The Natchez Daily Courier, April 10, 1855, p. 2, Dr. Stratton’s Diary, andAmerican State Papers, Vol. 4, p. 764)
Mary Grant Wren’s estate was probated in December 1858. Her will provided that John P. Walworth (1798-1883), the executor of her estate, invest $1000 in real estate or stocks for children, Catherine Wren Rainey and William Wren. Elizabeth Wren was bequeathed $500 to be used by her for an excursion to Virginia or others efficacious springs to benefit her health. The rest of Mrs. Wren’s legacy was to be divided among her children.(Adams Co., Ms. Chancery Court Will Bk. 3, p. 108)
In May 1833, Woodson Wren, a resident of Natchez, Mississippi, made a land and slave conveyance to Dr. Samuel A. Cartwright, also of Natchez. The consideration for Wren’s 640 acres in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, his lands on the east side of the Bay of Biloxi at present day Ocean Springs, which included all of the Fort Point Peninsula, and seven females slaves was valued at $8524. Dr. Wren was indebted to Cartwright for this amount.(Southern District Chancery Court Cause No. 43-May 1851, Mississippi City, Ms.)
Alice Walworth Graham
It is interesting to note that Alice Walworth Graham (1905-1994), a great-great granddaughter of Woodson Wren and Mary Grant Wren and great granddaughter of Dr. Samuel A. Cartwright and Mary Wren, became a well-known Southern fiction writer. Her great grandfather, John P. Walworth (1798-1883), was born at Aurora, New York. He made his livelihood in Natchez as a merchant-planter and was Mayor. The Burn, a circa1836 Greek Revival structure at present day 712 North Union Street, was the Walworth family residence. Most of the published literary works of Alice Walworth Graham are romance novels set on Natchez plantations: Lost River (1938); The Natchez Woman (1950);Romantic Lady (1952); Indigo Bend (1954); and Cibola. Mrs. Graham’s three historical romance novels situated in England are: Vows of the Peacock (1955), Shield of Honor (1957), and The Summer Queen (1973). (www.lib.lsu.edu/special/findaid/4295.htm)
Dr. Samuel A. Cartwright
Samuel Adolphus Cartwright (1793-1868) was born November 30, 1793 in Fairfax County, Virginia. As a young man, he matriculated to the University of Pennsylvania to pursue the study of medicine. Dr. Cartwright commenced his medical practice at Huntsville, Alabama before relocating in the early 1820s, to Natchez. Here in 1825, he married Mary Wren (c. 1810-1898), the daughter of Woodson Wren and Mary Grant. Dr. Cartwright served this Mississippi River community for over twenty-five years before settling down stream to New Orleans in 1848. During the War of the Rebellion, he was commissioned by the Confederate military to enhance the sanitary living conditions of rebel troops bivouacked at Port Hudson and Vicksburg. Dr. Cartwright’s medical research of yellow fever, cholera infantum, and Asiatic cholera was awarded several medals and prizes, and Cartwright’s treatments for these diseases have been utilized in military and civilian hospitals.(www.famousamericans.net/samueladolphuscartwright/ )
In 1851, Dr. Cartwright published Report on the diseases and physical peculiarities of the Negro race. This divisive treatise written to validate slavery reported Cartwright’s discovery of several mental illnesses unique to the Black race. One disease called Drapetomania was purported by Dr. Cartwright as to result in “blacks to have an uncontrollable urge to run away from their masters.” The cure was to beat the devil out of the “sick” slave. Another of his “diseases” was Dysaesthesia Aethiopis, which was recognized by disobedience, disrespectful dialect, and work refusal. Cartwright’s treatment for this “mental ailment” was extreme toil to energize blood flow to the brain in order to liberate the mind.(www.as.ua.edu/ant/bindon/ ant275/presentations/Race_and_Health.pdf )
Dr. Cartwright expired at Jackson, Mississippi on May 2, 1868.
In December 1850, Samuel A. Cartwright (1793-1868) and Mary Wren Cartwright (c 1810-1898), his spouse, domiciled at New Orleans, for the consideration of $2000, conveyed and quitclaimed their rights, title and interest in about 205-acres being Section 25, T7S-R9W and Lot 6 of Section 24, T7S-R9W, Jackson County, Mississippi to Elizabeth Wren of Natchez, Mississippi.(Southern District Chancery Court Cause No. 43-May 1851, Mississippi City, Ms.)
Elizabeth Wren
Elizabeth Wren (1812-1876) was the daughter of Woodson Wren and Mary Grant Wren. She was born at St. Martinville, Louisiana and expired at New Orleans in February 1880. There is the probability that Woodson Wren and Littlepage Robertson were at St. Martinville, then situated in Attakapas County, when Wren acquired in 1812, the Spanish land grant of Robertson at Ocean Springs.
In June 1844, Woodson Wren was issued a land patent from the Federal Government for Section 25 and Lot 6 of Section 24, T7S-R9W, Jackson County, Mississippi. This action initiated litigation in the Southern District Chancery Court at Mississippi City, Mississippi in May 1851 as: Cause No. 43-Elizabeth Wren of Natchez v. Woodson Wren of Natchez; Joseph Plummer of Jackson County, Ms.; Samuel A. Cartwright (NOLA), and John Black of Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. Samuel A. Cartwright had sold this same land to Miss Wren in December 1850, as previously mentioned. In the bill of this lawsuit, Elizabeth Wren asked that the land conveyances on the Fort Point
Peninsula between Woodson Wren and John Black be declared null and void and that Joseph Plummer be perpetually separated from this land and pay her any rents or profits that he acquired from them. It was adjudicated in this litigation that the deed from Samuel A. Cartwright to Woodson Wren, which included the Fort Point Peninsula was “uncertain, informal, and void of law and in equity and no good.” The deed from Dr. Cartwright from Elizabeth Wren was also voided. It appears that Joseph Plummer was awarded title by his adverse possession of the area.
Other land patents on Fort Point
In addition to Woodson Wren’s June 1844 land patent for Section 25, T7S-R9W and Lot 6 of Section 24, T7S-R9W, the Federal Government issued land patents to John Black for Lot 4 situated in Section 24, T7S-R9W in February 1837. Lot 5 was patented to Arthur Bryant in September 1846.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 62, pp. 263-264, Bk. 249, p. 246, and Bk. 59, p. 444-445)
Early hurricanes
The Fort Point Peninsula, other than the high central ridge traversed by Lovers Lane, is for the most part at or near sea level. This salient fact makes its perimeter very susceptible to inundation from storms, gales, and hurricanes. The higher ground is relatively safe and accounts for the preservation of many 19th Century structures. The Colonial settlers reported that at least ten tropical cyclones struck this region between the Florida Panhandle and the delta of the Mississippi River.(Sullivan, 1986, p. 135)
1722 September Storm
Of the Colonial era tempests, the one that may have directly affected the Fort Point Peninsula was the 1722 September Storm. Jean-Baptise de la Harpe (1683-1765), a French soldier who served in the Louisiana Colony from 1718 until 1723, kept a journal during his tenure here. He wrote on September 11, 1722: A hurricane began in the morning, which lasted until the 16th. The winds came from the southeast passing to the south and then to the southwest. The hurricane caused the destruction of beans, corn, and more than 8,000 quarts of rice ready to be harvested. It destroyed most of the houses in New Orleans with the exception of a warehouse built by M. Pauger. The warehouse of Fort Louis (present day Biloxi) containing a large quantity of supplies was overturned to the great satisfaction of its keepers. The accident freed them from rendering their accounts. The Espiduel, three freighters, and almost all of the boats, launches, and pirogues perished. The Neptuneand the Santo-Cristo, which had been repaired according to the orders of the commissioners, were entirely put out of service. A large supply of artillery, lead and meats, which had been for a long time in a pincre, were lost near Old Biloxi (which was situated on the Fort Point Peninsula). The French had neglected to unload the ship for more than a year. They were also worried about three ships anchored at Ship Island and the Dromadaire, which had been sent to New Orleans loaded with a supply of pine wood, which have cost the company more than 100,1000 livres.(La Harpe, 1971, pp. 214-215)
Some historians believe that the “mystery ship” discovered by Henri Eugene Tiblier Jr. (1866-1936) in August 1892 on an oyster reef known locally as “the rock pile” had been sunk in the 1722 September Storm. The “rock pile” is situated in the Bay of Biloxi about ¼ mile southwest of “Conamore”, the home of Dr. Patricia Conner Joachim, at present day 317 Lovers Lane. This derelict vessel has yielded many artifacts to salvagers and archaeologist, the most notable being the four, highly oxidized, cannon bores embedded in concrete in front of the Santa Maria del Mar, retirement residency, on East Beach Boulevard in Biloxi. I have always wondered why these “treasures” have been allowed to “rot” here for the last seventy-three years?(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, September 23, 1892, p. 2)
Another hypothesis for the sinking of the small French vessel off Lovers Lane is that it was the victim of an accidental conflagration. In January 1700, Sieur de Sauvole (ca 1671-1701), an ensign appointed by Iberville as commandant of Fort Maurepas, related the following in his journal: Returning from the ships of M. d’Iberville, where I have been to receive the orders, we have noticed, before having put to land, our little traversier on fire, which was impossible to extinguish, being already too advanced, besides this, there were several barrels of powder, which, in a little time have had their usual effect. This accident has been caused by two bunglers who having been to work on board, have left there a lighted fuse which has occasioned this loss; I am inconsolable, because of the need we had of it.(Higginbotham, 1969, p. 41)
Bernard Roman’s Hurricane
This 1772 September tempest was named for Bernard Romans (ca 1720-1774+), a Dutch scientist, who journeyed along the Mexican Gulf Coast from 1771-1773, and related his observations of this strong hurricane as follows: At Mobile every thing was in confusion, vessels, boats, and loggs (sic) were drove up into the streets a great distance, the gullies and hollows as well as all the lower grounds of this town were so filled with loggs (sic), that many inhabitants got the greatest part of their yearly provision of firewood there….the greatest fury of it (the hurricane) was spent on the neighbourhood (sic) of the Pasca Ocolo (Pascagoula) river; the plantation of Mr. Krebs there was almost totally destroyed, of a fine crop of rice, and a large one of corn were scarcely left any remains, the house were left uncovered, his smith’s shop was almost washed away, all his works and outhouses blown down; and for thirty miles up a branch of this river is called cedar river, there was scarce a tree left standing, the pines blown down or broke, and those which had not intirely (sic) yielded to this violence, were so twisted, that they might be confused with ropes; at Botereaux’s (Baudrau’s) cow pen, the people were about six weeks consulting on a method of finding and bringing home their cattle……(Romans, 1961, pp. 3-4)
18th Century
Between 1812 and the beginning of the 20th Century, there were at least nine hurricanes that affected the area between West Florida and the Atchafalaya Basin. The July 1819 Storm was devastating to the Biloxi area. The Fort Point Peninsula was probably not occupied at this time, but the LaFontaine family was probably residing in an area located somewhere between present day Front Beach Drive-Washington Avenue-Calhoun and Dewey Avenue. Witnesses at Biloxi report that this tempest inundated Cat Island and the Biloxi Peninsula to the extent that a schooner sailed through the village from the beach into Back Bay.(The New Orleans Daily Crescent, September 22, 1860, p. 1)
There were six hurricanes to strike the Mississippi Gulf Coast between August 1852 and November 1860. In fact, three tropical tempests came ashore here between August 10, 1860 and September 14, 1860. There is very little information concerning Ocean Springs as regards these storms due to its small population, which made for few structures to destroy. One can only infer from the reports issued at Biloxi about the local damage and destruction, which for the most part consisted of the loss of wharves, piers, bathhouses, and an occasional structure. Debris, driftwood, and displaced watercraft are also an integral part of the hurricane disaster scenario.(Sullivan, 1986, p. 135)
1855 September Storm
It is known that the during the 1855 September Storm, that Captain Walker’s wharf, which was situated at the foot of Jackson Avenue was severely damaged. The New Orleans Daily Picayune of September 18, 1855, reported that,"Captain Walker was on the pier head of his wharf when the latter was swept away, and there he had to remain all night, and until 4 P.M. on Sunday when he was discovered with a flag of distress flying".
The pier of the Ocean Springs Hotel, which was adjacent to that of Walker was destroyed and replaced with a new structure ten feet wide, but not as long as the previous.(The New Orleans Daily Picayune, September 21, 1855, p. 2)
The Cheniere Caminada Storm of 1893
The 1893 October Strom, referred to by historians as the Great October Storm or the Cheniere Caminada Storm, struck the Mississippi coast slightly west of the Alabama state line on the morning of October 2, 1893. Winds in excess of 100 mph and rainfalls of up to eight inches were recorded at many coastal towns. The highest official storm surge reported in Mississippi was 9.3 feet at Deer Island where forty cattle were drowned and their carcasses deposited at the Biloxi lighthouse along with timbers of boats, saloons, oyster houses and piers.
On October 1, 1893, the tempest first struck the coast of southeast Louisiana. Here winds in excess of 130 mph and a storm surge of 15 feet generated from the waters of Barataria Bay and Caminada Bay drowned 1,650 people from the population of 1,800 persons living on Cheniere Caminada, a small fishing community, near Grand Isle.
After exiting Caminada Bay, the Great October Storm moved rapidly northeast inflicting heavy damage to the fishing fleet working the fecund waters of the east Louisiana marshes northwest of Breton Sound. It is estimated that hundreds of sailors died here from drowning during the tempest or from exposure during the days following the aftermath of the storm. Along the turbulent path to its Mississippi landfall, the Great October Storm destroyed the U.S. Marine Hospital, Quarantine Station, and lighthouse at Chandeleur Island.
Local damage
Regrettably for the beachfront inhabitants at Ocean Springs who remembered the gale of mid-August 1888, the approaching hurricane would soon make them forget that blow. The damage in 1888 generally amounted to lost piers, bathhouses, breakwaters, and some trees. The Daily Picayune of August 24, 1888, reported destruction to the wharves and bath houses of: The Ocean Springs Hotel, Mrs. Julia Ward, Mrs. Julia Egan, John Cunningham, Mrs. Illing, Mr. Hemard, Bishop Keener, Reverend Dr. Joseph B. Walker, and Ralph Beltram. The grand lawn of the Arthur Ambrose Maginnis Jr. estate, west of the W.B. Schmidt estate, was strewn with fallen trees. Schmidt lost a portion of his breakwater. Narcisse Seymour, who operated a fish house and saloon at the foot of Washington Avenue, lost both during the high tides and wind of the raging blow.(The Daily Picayune, August 22, 1888, p. 2)
The Gillum Hotel (originally the Van Cleave Hotel) located on the southeast corner of Washington Avenue and Robinson Avenue, opposite the L&N depot, was badly shaken by the heavy winds. It had to be repainted. Mrs. Adele H. Gillum gave up her lease on the hostel, which was owned at the time by Mrs. Emma Arndt Meyer (1866-1924+). Gillum and her daughter, Effie, moved to New Orleans in January 1894.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 6, 1893, p. 2)
The L&N Railroad
First reports of the 1893 Hurricane destruction at Ocean Springs indicated that the most severe devastation occurred when the L&N Railroad bridge across the Bay of Biloxi was washed away. Hurricane force winds drove a 200-foot section of the structure into the Back Bay of Biloxi. The floundering rail span wreaked havoc on boats, wharves, and seafood plants on the shore of the bay along the Biloxi peninsula. Mr. Jack Sheppard, the bridge tender's assistant, was drowned.
When the first train reached Ocean Springs from Mobile on October 11th, it carried sixty bridge repairmen. The townspeople were furious with the L&N for not carrying their mail. The local postmaster had to row to Biloxi in a skiff to get the mail. Although four schooners and several steamboats landed at Ocean Springs via New Orleans, their captains had been denied access to the town’s mail.(The Biloxi Herald, October 21, 1893, p. 4)
Martime victims
The town became very concerned when the Alphonsine, a fishing schooner, commanded by Captain Paul Cox was overdue. The vessel had been shrimping in the Louisiana Marsh. The people of Ocean Springs and others of the coast were relieved on October 13, when Father Aloise Van Waesberghe of St. Alphonsus reported to the editor of The Pascagoula Democrat-Star that Paul Cox (1867-1942), Ed Mon (1843-1920), Van Court, and Ladnier have returned to Ocean Springs from Breton Island where they spent the days following the hurricane. The men survived on two croakers a day while they dug their beached schooner, Alphonsine, out of its quartz trap.
The Rubio brothers, Paul Fergonis (1861-1893) and Frank Fergonis (1865-1893), also known as Guiatan (Cajetan) or probably Gaetano brothers, of the Bayou Puerto settlement, were fishing in the Louisiana marshes aboard the schooner, Young Amercia, and were caught by the hurricane. The tempest dismasted their vessel and drove it aground at Southwest Pass. Both men were lost at sea.(The Biloxi Herald, October 7, 1893, p. 1)
The Civil War (1861-1865)
Ocean Springs basically slept through the Civil War years. Hunger and pestilence were the greatest inconveniences suffered by those who remained in the village. With the exception of a brief visit from a contingent of marines and sailors from the USS Hartford in March 1862, and an occasional soiree for officers at the John Brown House on Fort Bayou, the town was relatively free from Union intrusions.
If you were residing on the Fort Point Peninsula during the war years, you might have witnessed the June 1864 Union Navy raiding party crossing the tidal flats in Biloxi Bay. Two Yankee gunboats, USS Cowslip and USSNarcissus, after negotiating the shallows in the Bay went far up the Tchoutacabouffa River. They destroyed salt works, boats, and ferries along their intrusive wake. Confederate forces scuttled a schooner in Fort Bayou, when threatened by launches from the USS Vincennes.(The New Orleans Weekly Times June 18, 1864)
19th Century Settlements
Since the land deed records of the Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court have been destroyed twice by fire in the years 1837 and 1875, there is a paucity of early land conveyance recordings in Jackson County, which makes it difficult to impossible to abstract older properties without breaks in the title chain. A land deed of May 1854, that was recorded in the Jackson County Chancery Court is elucidating in that it indicates that Joseph R. Plummer and spouse possessed the entire Fort Point Peninsula as early as May 1853. At this time, Mary G. Plummer conveyed Lots 4-5-6 of Section 24, T7S-R9W and Section 25, T7S-R9W, composed of 437.35 acres more or less and 60 acres in Section 19, T7S-R8W to Dr. William Glover Austin (1814-1891) and “Narcis” Martin. I believe that “Narcis” Martin is in fact, Warrick Martin. Dr. Austin and Martin built the Ocean Springs Hotel in 1853 and this lovely structure appears to be the catalyst for the 1854, changing of the name of our fair village from Lynchburg Springs to “Ocean Springs”. Plummer’s possession of the entire Fort Point Peninsula is corroborated somewhat by the adjudication in Wren v. Wren, et al, May 1851, in (The History of JXCO, Ms., 1989, p. 12 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 32, pp. 299-300)
Warrick Martin
Warrick Martin (1810-1854+) was an attorney and land broker from Pennsylvania. In 1850, he resided at Ocean Springs with his Ohio born wife, Rachael Harbaugh (1813-1850+), whom he had married in May 1838 at Columbiana, Ohio. Their first three children, James Martin (1839-1850+), George W. Martin (1842-1850+), and Henry C. Martin (1844-1850+), were all natives of Pennsylvania. There appears to have been a fourth son, John M. Martin.(Goff, 1988, p. 47)
At Ocean Springs, Warrick Martin owned real estate on Front Beach along and west of Bayou Bauzage (Bosarge), which became the present day Ocean Springs Harbor. He was residing in New Orleans in January 1854 when he sold his Front Beach land to John Hughes. It is believed that Warrick Martin expired at Washington, District of Columbia.
The Connecticut Yankee-Joseph R. Plummer and the “Brick House”
Since Madame Baudrau’s home was situated in Section 25, T7S-R9W, near the present day Ocean Springs Yacht Club, there is a high degree of certitude that Joseph R. Plummer (1804-1870+) was the first 19th Century inhabitant of the Fort Point Peninsula. Joseph R. Plummer was born in Connecticut. He was in Jackson County for the Federal Census of 1840. It is believed that Plummer married Mary G. Porter (1808-1878), the sister of Martha Porter Austin(1818-1898), the spouse of Dr. William G. Austin. The Porter family had its roots in Giles, County, Tennessee. Porter Street is named for this early clan. At Ocean Springs, J.R. Plummer made his livelihood as a farmer, land speculator, and land agent.
By the late 1850s, J.R. Plummer’s land holdings on the Fort Point Peninsula had been reduced by sales from the entire area to a sixteen-acre parcel in the southeast corner of Lot 4, T7S-R9W. His residence was situated here facing the Bay of Biloxi and was known as the “Plummer Brick House”. Eventually, we will trace the “Plummer Brick House” tract to its present owner, Jolean Hornsby Guice, who has possessed this beautiful Biloxi Bay land since November 1971.
Regarding brick as a construction material in this region, it was rare until Hanson Alsbury, probably the first Caucasian to settle on the present day Shearwater Pottery tract on Biloxi Bay, acquired what may have been an old brick works established earlier by the Morin (Moran) family at Back Bay, now known as D’Iberville. By 1849, William G. Kendall and Robert B. Kendall, two Kentucky born brothers, were making firebricks on Back Bay. Three of Biloxi’s oldest extant homes, the Toledano-Tullis House, familiarly known as the “Tullis-Toledano House” on Beach Boulevard, the Rogers House, also called “The Old Brick House” on Bayview Avenue, and Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, were all built with Kendall brick, which was manufactured between 1849 and 1853.
Kendall brickyard
William Gray Kendall (1812-1872) was born in Gallatin County, Kentucky. He came to New Orleans via Carroll County, in north central Mississippi. In 1835, W.G. Kendall married Mary Philomela Irwin (1817-1878), the daughter of John Lawson Irwin and Martha Mitchell (1793-1831). Mr. Irwin was at one time Speaker of the House of the Mississippi State legislature. Mary P. Kendall was born on February 5, 1817 at the Puck-shonubbee Plantation, her father’s home, in Carroll County, Mississippi. She died at Ocean Springs on January 17, 1878.(The Louisiana Historical Quarterly, Vol. 29, No. 4, April 1946, pp. 292-293)
In the Crescent City, William Gray Kendall practiced law with the firm of Kendall & Howard, domiciled at 13 St. Charles Avenue. Mr. Kendall was postmaster at Biloxi in 1853 and at New Orleans in 1854. He was also engaged in other entrepreneurial ventures. In January 1846, he purchased a fifty-acre tract of land in Section 30, T7S-R8W with 800 feet fronting on the Bay of Biloxi from A.H. Donaldson. On this beautiful, high ground facing Deer Island to the south, he built a residence, icehouse, and school. The parcel had an 800 feet fronting on the Bay of Biloxi. Here Mr. Kendall erected a home. It burned in 1894, when owned by Abraham F. Marks (1870-1939).( JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 63, pp. 14-15 and The Pascagoula-Democrat Star, June 14, 1894, p. 3)
Today the old Kendall Estate is situated on Shearwater Drive between the Shearwater Pottery and the E.W. Blossman Estate, and owned by George Dickey Arndt, John White, Nancy White Wilson, and Donald Scharr, essentially the second generation heirs of John Leo Dickey (1880-1938) and spouse, Jennie Woodford (1879-1969), natives of Niles, Michigan, who acquired these captivating acres in June 1922, from Magdalena Grob Clasen Hanson (1845-1929), the widow of Mr. Clasen and Christian Hanson (1845-1914).(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 51, pp. 544-545).
Probably W.G. Kendall’s largest enterprise was the Biloxi Steam Brick Works at present day D’Iberville, Mississippi, which prospered from 1849 until July 1853, when a fire damaged the facility. Here, on the north shore of the Back Bay of Biloxi, W.G. Kendall used slave labor to produce clay bricks fired in a steam-powered kiln. Over 160 slaves labored here, making Kendall the largest slaveholder in Harrison County, at this time. The annual production from the Kendall brickyard was 10 million bricks valued at $60,000. (Mississippi Coast Historical & Genealogical Society-1992, pp. 88-89)
The Daily Crescent ran an article titled, “Biloxi Fire Brick” on July 30, 1850. It stated the following: Specimens of the above describe BRICKS may be seen in the new Custom House; a block of buildings on Race Street built by Washington Jackson & Co.; the residence of Mr. Wright, of the firm Wright, Williams, & Company on University Place; the residence of Mr. Steven of the firm Fisk & Steven on Dauphine Street; the residence of Mr. Payne, of the firm of Payne & Harrison, in Lafayette; five large three story dwellings of Mr. Peter Conrey Jr., on Apollo Street. Mr. E. Shiff’s three shops on Camp Street, and one on Poydras Street, and the stores of Holmes & Mile, now going up on Poydras Street.
Brickyard wharf
It is interesting to note that on the 1851 Biloxi Bay map created by surveyors and cartographers employed by the U.S. Coast Survey, the forerunner to the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, there is a “Brick Yard Wharf” situated at the foot of present day Jackson Avenue. This implies that firebricks were being manufactured near here. It is known that in August 1846, Robert B. Kendall had acquired Lot 2, Lot 3, and Lot 5 of the partition of the Widow LaFontaine tract, which consists of Section 37, T7S-R8W, and strikes west to east from present day Martin Avenue to General Pershing and north to Government Street. It is not known if bricks manufactured here were utilized to construct J.R. Plummer’s “Brick House” on the Fort point Peninsula.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 4, pp. 548-549)
Oaklawn Place
In September 1859, Joseph R. Plummer sold his place on the Fort Point Peninsula fronting Biloxi Bay to Isaac Randolph (1812-1884) of New Orleans and relocated to the present day Gulf Hills area. He called his plantation here Oaklawn Place. Oaklawn Place consisted of about 400 acres situated in Section 18, T7S-R8W and Sections 13 and 24 of T7S-R9W. It flanked present day North Washington Avenue for about one mile, southeast of its intersection with Old Le Moyne Boulevard and included that area of Gulf Hills along Old Fort Bayou from the west end of Arbor Circle eastward to a point about 1350 feet west of the Shore Drive-North Washington Avenue intersection.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1, pp. 204-205)
The Plummer residence was probably situated in the vicinity of the present day W.E. Applegate Jr.-Colonel George E. Little Home at 13605 Paso Road. During the J.R. Plummer tenure, citrus and fruit orchards were cultivated at Oak Lawn.
After the demise of Joseph R. Plummer, his widow married Albert G. Buford of Water Valley, Mississippi. Mr. Buford had been wedded in June 1856, at Yalobusha County, Mississippi to Mrs. E.S. Luck. Mary Plummer Buford relocated to her husband’s residence in Water Valley.
In August 1878, Mary Plummer Buford came to Ocean Springs to check on Oaklawn Place, which she had sold in October 1874, to J.M. Roberts, his wife, Sallie A. Roberts, and C.H. Williams of Lauderdale County, Mississippi, for $4000. Mrs. Buford had financed the balance-$2500.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 2, pp. 231-233)
Madame Buford arrived at Biloxi from Water Valley via train, and then to Ocean Springs via sailboat. Ocean Springs was under a yellow-fever quarantine and only the mail car was allowed in by rail. While on this mission, she contracted the dreaded Yellow Jack and died at Ocean Springs in September 1878. She and A.G. Buford exchanged approximately 40 letters between August 2, 1878 and her death on September 15, 1878. These letters are well preserved and in the possession of Wally Northway, a descendant of A.G. Buford. Mr. Northway resides at Jackson, Mississippi. Copies of these missives for public utilization are in the JXCO, Ms. Archives at Pascagoula, Mississippi. A.G. Buford of Water Valley, Mississippi married Delphine Lewis in Jackson County, on April 13, 1880.
Isaac Randolph
The first person to acquire the “Plummer Brick House” was Isaac Randolph (1812-1884) a resident of New Orleans. He was married to Elmina Randolph (1814-1867). They were the parents of three children: John F. Randolph (1838-1888); Elizabeth Randolph (1852-1911) married William Kirkpatrick; and Nellie S. Randolph (1856-1901). No further information.(Tombstone-Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, NOLA)
In April 1866, Mr. Randolph sold his Bay front residence on the Fort Point Peninsula to Emma Brooks of New Orleans for $3500. In the warranty deed, the Randolph property was described as:
A certain tract of land containing five acres more or less together with the brick dwelling….and situated, lying, and being at Ocean Springs in the County of Jackson and State of Mississippi, the same being known as the “Plummer Brick House”. It is bounded on the north by J.R. Plummer, south by the lands of Andrew Allison,(which were acquired from Plummer in 1859), east by a road 60 feet wide, and west by the Gulf of Mexico.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1, pp. 205-207)
Emma Brooks
Emma Brooks (1823-1878) was born and reared in Indiana. Circa 1839, she married M.D.F.H. Brooks (1812-1876), a native of Tennessee. They were the parents of: Elizabeth Brooks (1840-1860+); Emma Brooks (1842-1860+); John S. Brooks (1844-1860+); Alice Brooks (1848-1860+); James Brooks (1851-1860+0; and William Brooks (1864-1860+). Circa 1843, the Brooks family relocated from Indiana to Tennessee. They arrived at New Orleans circa 1851. Here, M.D.F.H. Brooks was the proprietor of a boarding house in the 3rd Ward, which was staffed by eight servants. At the time of the, Mr. Brooks was worth $12,000.(1860 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, M653-R417, p. 40?).
In July 1874, Emma Brooks conveyed her dwelling known as the “Plummer Brick House Place” and five acres of land more or less, to George B. Ittmann, a resident of the Crescent City. The consideration was $7000.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1, pp. 208-209)
George B. Ittmann
George Bernard Ittmann (1836-1893) was a native of Darmstadt, Germany. He immigrated to America and settled at New Orleans. Here, Herr Ittmann met and married Marie Therese Trosclair (1842-1885). They had at least one child: Marie Thecla I. Gilly (1864-1910+). In 1890-1891, George B. Ittmann operated a saloon. His New Orleans addresses were 158-160 Gravier and 400 Ursuline.(Soard’s, NOLA, 1890-1891 Directory)
According to Kermit Hoffpauir, his wife, the great granddaughter of George B. Ittman, the following is known about her family: Jacob Ittman was from Darmstadt, the Black Forest (Hessian) region of Germany. They were not Prussian. Both George Ittman and Jacob Ittman were partners in a wholesale "grocery" warehouse and had their wharf on the Mississippi River. Additionally, they had a nice chunk of several of the major banks in New Orleans.Such connections landed my wife's great grandfather as a VP of a merchant bank out of Connecticut (which Whitney Bank was a shareholder). He managed the New Orleans branch which oversaw their investments in Central America and the Caribbean (Cuba) much of which was banana and sugar cane plantations. They were also major shareholders of American Cities Company which owned the utilities and streetcars in New Orleans, Hot Springs, Memphis, Nashville and Birmingham as well as the utility company which had all the service in the Houston area.
It appears that George B. Ittmann had a brother, Jacob Ittmann (1840-1906), who married Louisa Hebel (1845-1919). Jacob Ittmann was born in Prussia and made his livelihood as a locksmith in the Crescent City.(1870 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, M593-R524, p. 161)
In August 1891, several years before his demise, George B. Ittman conveyed his Ocean Springs home situated on the Fort Point Peninsula to his daughter, Marie T. Gilly.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk.12, p. 619)
Marie Thecla Gilly
By June 1900 Marie Thecla Ittman Gilly (1865-1930), now a widow, was residing on the Fort Point Peninsula on the site of the old “Plummer Brick House”. She took in boarder to provide sustenance for her growing family who were attending the local public school. On June 1, 1885, Marie T. Ittmann had married Paul Armand Gilly (1862-1894) at New Orleans. He was the son of Adolphe Gilly (1834-1881) and Rosa A. Maxent Gilly (1841-1925). Their three children all born in New Orleans were: Harry J. Gilly (1886-1957); Marie Virginia Gilly (1888-1974); and Paul A. Gilly Jr. (1890-1963).(1900 Jackson County, Mississippi Federal Census, T623-R812, p. 148b)
Biloxi
In December 1902, the widowed, Marie T. Gilly, appeard to be having financial difficulties as she had to borrow $600 from James J. McLoughlin of New Orleans. Her Ocean Springs residence provided collateral for the loan and was repaid with 6% interest by mid-January 1904.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 25, pp. 497-499)
Before July 1904, the Gilly family had relocated to 918 Reynoir Street in Biloxi. Here Mrs. Gilly operated a grocery store to provide for her family. In 1905, she advertised in the Biloxi City Directory as follows:
MRS. M.T. GILLYGroceries No. 918 Reynoir Street You will always find my stock in a clean and sanitary condition. When you want things to help in table attractiveness, come here. For your accommodation and convenience I have recently added Confectioneries, Fruits, and Pop. (1905 Biloxi City Directory, 1905, p. 11) |
By 1911, Harry J. Gilly, was employed as a house carpenter while Paul A. Gilly was an employee of The Daily Herald.(1910 Harrison County, Mississippi, Federal Census, T624-R740, p. 214b)
Harry J. Gilly
Harry John Gilly (1886-1957) was born at New Orleans on June 24, 1886. In December 1910, he married Dora Mae Pettys (1892-1965), a native of Wilson, Michigan. They were the parents of three children: Velma Thecla Gilly (1911-1911), Nellie May Gilly (b. June 1913), and Vernon K. Gilly (b. July 1918). The Gillys resided on Main Street in Biloxi. From his initial occupation as a house carpenter, Harry J. Gilly became employed with United Gas as a meter reader. Dora M. Gilly was very active in the civic and social scene in Biloxi. She was named Outstanding Citizen in 1952, by the Biloxi Lions Club. The corporal remains of Harry J. Gilly and spouse were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, December 8, 1910, p. 8 and December 12, 1957, p. 2 and September 1, 1965, p. 2)
Virginia M. Gilly
Virginia Marie Gilley (1888-1974) was born at New Orleans on January 22, 1888. In April 1909, she married Ernest A. Moran (1884-1919), the son of Joseph Moran IV (1841-1914) and Catherine Abbley (1849-1929). Later, Virginia Gilly Moran married Mr. Ortega of Houston, Texas. She expired at Houston, Texas in January 1974.(The Daily Herald, April 15, 1909, p. 1)
Paul A. Gilly
Paul Armand Gilly Jr. was born at New Orleans on January 10, 1890. In February 1911, he married Loretta Seymour (1891-1956), the daughter of Pliny A. Seymour (1852-1902) and Melinda Quave (1855-1896). Loretta and Paul were the parents of: Velma M. Gilly (1911-1969); Earl B. Gilly (1911-1911); Robert J. Gilly (1913-1982); Paul A. Gilly II (1915-2001); Aston Gilly (1918-1918); Wilfred G. Gilly (1921-1983); Shirley G. Cooper (1925-2003); Shannon J. Gilly (b. 1925); Jeanette M. Gilly (1926-1926); Jeanette T. Gilly (1926-1926); Jack L. Gilly (1929-1987); Jill Gilly (1929-1936); infant Gilly (1930-1930); James Kenneth Gilly (1931-1993); and Doriss A. “Peggy” Gilly (1933-2001).(Lepre, 2001, pp. 280-281)
In June 1921, Paul A. Gilly acquired a lot of land on the east side of Reynoir Street between Elder and Bradford Street from Jeff Davis Mulholland (1861-1930). This would be the Gilly familial home for many decades. Paul A. Gilly worked for The Daily Herald in various capacities for sixty-two years. He retired in 1964 while mechanical superintendent for the publishing company.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 131, p. 410 and The Daily Herald, July 2, 1963, p. 2)
In July 1904, Marie T. Gilly sold her Lovers Lane home to Martin P. Julian (1860-1936) of New Orleans for $2000. Edwin Martin Westbrook (1858-1913), local realtor, handled the sale for Mrs. Gilly. Mr. Julian planned to use his place described as “one of the prettiest on the beach”, as his summer home.(The Progress, July 30, 1904, p. 4 andJXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 28, pp. 414-415)
Marie Thecla Ittmann Gilly passed intestate on October 31, 1930 in Harrison County, Mississippi. No further information.(Harrison County, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 44026-July 1961)
Martin P. Julian
Martin Paul Julian (1860-1936), called Paul, was born at New Orleans, the son of Martin Pierre Julian (1823-1888) and Gracieuse LeBlanc (1831-1883). Paul’s father was born in France and his mother a native of the Bayou State. Martin Pierre Julian taught French and French Literature at the University of Louisiana, the forerunner of Tulane University. In addition to M. Paul Julian, Martin Pierre and Gracieuse LeBlance Julian were the parents of: Octavia Julian (1856-1880+); Ernestine Julian (1858-1880+); Edouard Julian (1861-1880+), a cotton exchange clerk; Emile (1863-1880+), a cigar store clerk; Alice Julian (1866-1880+); and Octave Julian (1871-1880+).(Biog. and Hist. Memoirs of La., 1892, p. 112 and 1880 Federal Census, Orleans Parish, Louisiana)
At the age of twenty, M. Paul Julian was living with his parents at 34 Annette and clerking for Bayne and Renshaw, attorneys-at-law, in the Crescent City. In September 1886, he married Marie Blanche Develle (1864-1900+), the daughter of Louis Dominique Develle (1820-1885) and Ernestine M. Jaoquet (1828-1909). Mr. Develle was a broker in New Orleans. Paul and Blanche D. Julian were the parents of: Henry Edward Joseph Julian (1887-1972); Marie Blanche Julian (1889-1892); Martin Paul Julian Jr. (1890-1895); and Edward William Julian (1894-1976). By 1900, M. Paul Julian was also a broker and the family resided on Rocheblave Street in the Crescent City.(Soard’s, NOLA, 1881Directory and 1900 Orleans Parish, La. Federal Census, T623R573, p. 93)
In 1911, Mr. Julian was the president of the Acme Industrial Life Insurance and sick Benefit Association at New Orleans.(Soard’s, NOLA, 1911Directory)
From his Biloxi Bay front home, M. Paul Julian enjoyed the excellent fishing grounds adjacent to the L&N Railroad bridge. He would row from his pier just ½ mile to an oyster shell reef and wet a line. Here he usually caught large numbers of fish. His record catch occurred in late July 1915, Mr. Julian landed over one hundred fifty of these delicious Piscean creatures in a morning outing. The previous week he had caught sixty fish.(The Ocean Springs News, July 29, 1915, p. 1)
Unfortunately, the Julian pier was victimized by a strong windstorm in early July 1915. It also downed trees, damaged pecan grafts, interrupted electrical and telephone service, but in general left Ocean Springs with minimal damage. Oddly, the bathing pier of Martin P. Julian was the only one wiped out by the storm.(The Ocean Springs News, July 8, 1915, p. 1)
In mid-June 1916, Henry J. Julian, the Deputy Superintendent of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of New Orleans and family arrived at “Breezy Point”, to spend the summer. His children: Kenneth, Dorothy, and Edward Earl Julian.(The Ocean Springs News, June 15, 1916, p. 1)
Edward William Julian (1894-1976) married Jessie Lee Miller of Ocean Springs at Gulfport in November 1924. The couple honeymooned in New Orleans and Texas.(The Daily Herald, November 8, 1924, p. 7)
In August 1925, Martin Paul Julian and Blanche Develle Julian of New Orleans conveyed their Fort Point Peninsula residence to Robert H. Holmes and Mary C. Holmes. The consideration was $37,500 and the property described as being on the “West side of Plummer Avenue.” The Jackson County Times reported the sale price as $38,000. George E. Arndt (1857-1945), local realtor, handled the transaction. It was assumed that the Holmes family would refurbish their acquisition on the Bay of Biloxi.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 56, p. 425 and The Jackson County Times, July 18, 1925, p. 3)
Robert Hays Holmes and Marybelle Colquhoun Holmes with Mary Hays Holmes Hopkins, their granddaughter.
Robert Hays Holmes (1869-1949) was born at New Orleans, the son of Judge William Holmes and Jennie Cage. He was a Tulane graduate and initially entered the insurance business. Before his retirement to the Mississippi Coast in 1919, Mr. Holmes made his livelihood as a cotton and stockbroker at New Orleans and New York. He was very prominent in the social life in the Crescent City, and could boast of membership in the Boston Club, Pickwick Club, and the Delta Duck Club. In retirement, R.H. Holmes was active in the arts as a painter and composer of poetry. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Robert H. Holmes passed on December 19, 1949 at Holmcliffe, his Lovers Lane estate at Ocean Springs. His remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park Cemetery at Biloxi, which Mr. Holmes had founded in the early 1930s.(The Daily Herald, December 20, 1949, p. 1)
Circa 1906, Robert H. Holmes married Marybelle Colquahoun Holmes (1887-1969), a native of Canton, Mississippi. After Mr. Holmes’ death on Lovers Lane, Mary C. Holmes, moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. She resided here until 1966, when she relocated to Vicksburg to live with her son, Colonel R. Hays Holmes Jr. (1907-ca 1991) Norman Holmes, her younger son, lived nearby at Sylvialand. After her demise in late August 1969, Mrs. Holmes, a Presbyterian, was laid to rest besides her husband in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, September 1, 1969, p. 2)
Holmhaven-Biloxi
In September 1919 and January 1920, Robert H. Holmes and Mary C. Holmes acquired two large parcels of land on West Beach at Biloxi from Jessie P. Watson and J.R. Pratt respectively. These tracts situated in Section 35, T7S-R10W, became the residence of the Holmes family and was called “Holmhaven”. In July 1925, “Holmhaven” was conveyed to Herbert G. Shimp of Chicago, Illinois. It appears that the Holmes clan then relocated to New Orleans (HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 124, pp. 501-502, Bk. 127, p. 34 and Bk. 151, p. 376)
Holmcliffe-Plummer Brick House
Holmcliffe, a Spanish Colonial Revival structure, was commenced for Robert Hays Holmes at present day 325 Lovers Lane, in November 1929, by Joseph A. Wieder (1877-1960), local contractor. The Holmes family was in residence near the Edgewater Hotel in West Biloxi at the time.(The Jackson County Times, November 30, 1929)
J.K. Lemon Jr. (1914-1998), local historian and entrepreneur, was told by Mr. Wieder that when the foundation for Holmcliffe was dug, they discovered an old brick foundation, which was believed to have been that of the “Plummer Brick House”.(J.K. Lemon-1998)
Buena Vista Hotel
In 1924, Robert H. Holmes participated in the founding of the Buena Vista Hotel at Biloxi. His collaborators were: John W. Apperson (1862-1939), Alfred F. Dantzler (1870-1945), George Quint, and Milton Anderson.(The Daily Herald,
Dorothy Dix visit
In January 1931, Dorothy Dix, the nom de plum of Elizabeth Meriwether Gilmer (1861-1951) of NOLA, America's highest paid and most widely read female journalist of her time, spent the weekend with the Holmes on Lovers Lane.(The Daily Herald, January 19, 1931, p. 2)
Ford Agency
In 1932, R.H. Holmes and sons acquired the Ford motorcar agency at Biloxi. They incorporated as the Holmes Motor Company in April 1932. Their Ford Agency was relocated from Lameuse Street and the L&N Railroad to the northeast corner of Howard Avenue and Caillavet Street. In October 1933, the Holmes Motor Company had a curious demonstration in their Lameuse Street showroom to demonstrate the chassis and springs strength of their automobiles. One Ford had 3400 pounds of lumber placed on its top.(The Daily Herald, October 10, 1933, p. 3)
Mr. Holmes sold the business to the Pringle-Reagan Motor Company. This organization was led by the Pringle brothers, L.V. Pringle Jr. (1902-1974), Robert H. Pringle (1904-1981), Thomas N. Pringle (1906-1970), and Victor B. Pringle (1909-1977). Their other partners were a cousin, Frank Pringle (1909-1957), and Dewey Reagan.(Harrison Co., Ms. Charter Bk. 52, p. 123 and The Daily Herald, June 2, 1935, p. 2)
R. Hays Holmes Jr.
Robert Hays Holmes Jr. (1907-ca 1991), called Hays, was a graduate of the Gulf Coast Military Academy. In March 1926, he married Leticia Hayward, the granddaughter of W.B. Hayward and niece of Mrs. J.T. Stewart of Gulfport. She had been a student at Gulf Park College in Long Beach, Mississippi. The couple had a son, William H. Holmes (b. 1929). After their divorce, Leticia H. Holmes moved to California and had minor movie roles.(The Daily Herald, March 20, 1926, p. 6)
Circa 1932, Hays Holmes married Henriette Goudeau (1908-1934) of Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was the daughter of Lionel A. Goudeau and Henriette Barbe. Mrs. Holmes expired on March 14, 1934, after surgery at the Biloxi Hospital. She was survived by infant daughter, Mary Hays Holmes Hopkins (b. 1933) and William H. “Billie” Holmes, a stepson. Her remains were interred in the family vault in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Jackson County Times, March 17, 1934, p. 3)
R. Hays Holmes later married Sylvia S. Shaffer of Vicksburg. His children remained in Ocean Springs with their grandparents at Holmcliffe. Robert H. Holmes built a stable on the property and acquired a horse for his granddaughter, Mary Hays H. Hopkins. Her early riding experiences led to her lifelong love of horses. Today, she teaches riding to handicapped individuals at her Hopping H Ranch near Vicksburg. Mrs. Hopkins is recognized as an equestrian authority and has judged many horse shows throughout the nation. Billie Holmes graduated with the Class of 1947 from Ocean Springs High School. He is a successful boat dealer in Corpus Christi, Texas.(Mary Hays H. Hopkins, September 21, 2004)
Before WWII, R. Hays Holmes was the assistant adjutant general of the State of Mississippi. In 1945, Hays had attained the rank of lieutenant colonel and was Chief of Special Service for the Fifteenth United States Army.(The Jackson County Times, June 2, 1945, p. 1, c. 4)
Norman Holmes
Norman Holmes married Miss Dinkelspiel at New Orleans on March 17, 1928. They resided at New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Holmes, also of New Orleans, were at Biloxi at the time of the nuptials and had been frequent guests of the Buena Vista Hotel.(The Daily Herald, March 26, 1928, p. 2)
On January 1, 1933, Norman Holmes married Marjorie Dukate of Biloxi at the Hersey House in Gulf Hills. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Dukate. After high school graduation, Marjorie attended Miss Mason’s School for Girl’s and Young Women, “The Castle”, at Tarrytown, New York. She was the Queen of the 1933 Biloxi Mardi Gras and Bidwell Adams her King.(The Daily Herald, March 24, 1933, p. 2)
Norman Holmes was residing at Sylvialand, near Vickburg, Mississippi at the time of his mother’s death in August 1969. According to his niece, Mary Hays Holmes Hopkins of Vicksburg, Norman is in his nineties and lives in Texas. No further information.
Almost ten years before her demise in late August 1969, Mary C. Holmes conveyed Holmcliffe to F. Dudley Jones, in February 1959.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 85, pp. 151-153)
F. Dudley Jones
Dr. Frank Dudley Jones (1907-1985), called Dudley, was born at Aiken, South Carolina on June 5, 1907, the son of Dr. Frank D. Jones and Mary Catherine Wyman Jones. In 1928, he completed his undergraduate work at the Presbyterian College and Medical School in Clinton, South Carolina, and was a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina at Charleston. In 1935, Dudley Jones became a physician during the Depression years and found his way into the medical profession via the military working at Civilian Conservation Corps camps and WPA sites. Circa 1937, while stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas near El Paso, he met his future wife, Virginia Kirkpatrick (1910-1983), at a polo match. Miss Kirkpatrick had been born at Ripley, Tennessee on December 13, 1910. Their first son, Kirk Jones, arrived in 1938, and Scott Jones was born in 1940.(The Daily Herald, June 12, 1985, p. A-2 and Scott Jones, September 27, 2004)
The Kirkpatrick family had relocated to El Paso, when Virginia K. Jones was a small child. Her father founded Tri-States Motors and was the Ford dealer for West Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Unfortunately, like many American entrepreneurs the Depression devastated the Kirkpatrick family fortunes. Mr. Kirkpatrick was a personal friend of Edsel Ford and occasionally hosted him and other Ford executives for cougar hunts in the mountains of West Texas.(Scott Jones, September 27, 2004)
Dr. Dudley Jones spent the years of WW II in North Africa and in the China-Burma-India Campaign in Southeast Asia. He commanded field hospitals for triage and the evacuation of wounded American and allied soldiers. After the conflict, Dr. Jones retuned to Texas and was billeted at a military hospital in San Antonio. His family spent the war years at Austin. Before he retired from the U.S. Army, Dr. Jones and family was stationed at Miami and Kansas where he was discharged in the late 1940s. His military awards included the World War II Victory with one Bronze Star and the American Defense Service Medal. Dr. Jones continued to serve his country in the National Guard until his 1967 retirement as a Lt. Colonel.(The Daily Herald, June 12, 1985, p. A-2 and Scott Jones, September 27, 2004)
F. Dudley Jones was employed as a physician with a large railroad, possibly the Southern Pacific, at Lordsburg, New Mexico when he accepted a position at with the Gay Clinic at Biloxi, Mississippi in 1950. Dr. Jones had met Dr. Elmer D. Gay, a member of the Gay Clinic medical staff while in the military.(Scott Jones, September 28, 2004)
Gay Clinic
The Gay Clinic was led by Doctors Fred Shinn Gay (1879-1953), his spouse, Dr. Emma von Greyerz Gay (1878-1972), a German Swiss immigrant, and Elmer D. Gay (1906-1980), a nephew educated in Chicago. Their medical clinic was founded at Biloxi in 1942 and it was situated on Briarfield Avenue in west Biloxi. Their practice was renowned for its treatment of bronchial asthma. The Gay treatment consisted primarily of a “red-colored” medicine, vitamins, and relief agents. After a month, the efficacious effects of Dr. Gay’s formulated medicine usually resulted in a complete cure from the dreaded wheezing cough of asthma.(The Daily Herald, August 29, 1972, p. 2 and Down South, June-July 1951, p. 19)
Ghostly tales
Much of the previous information on the Dr. Dudley Jones family was kindly provided by Scott Jones, his son, who is now retired in Ocean Springs. Scott was an outstanding athlete at Biloxi High School and was awarded a football scholarship to Mississippi State University in 1959. In an interview, Scott Jones related that their Lovers Lane home had been vacant for many years before they relocated here from Kensington Drive at Biloxi in 1959. Vines had grown up the exterior walls to the fascia of the structure. Wesley Balius, a Biloxi carpenter, made exterior and interior repairs to the edifice for Dr. Jones.
Prior to the Jones’ occupation, an anecdotal tale about the R.H. Holmes place was circulating in the community describing it as “haunted”. As previously stated, Mary C. Holmes had relocated to Corpus Christi after her husband’s demise in 1948. She left large mirrors on the walls which when viewed through the windows appeared to have surreal images of “people” moving in them.
With his background in construction and engineering, Scott was impressed with the oil furnace heating system of their new home on Biloxi Bay.
In December 1963, Dr. F. Dudley Jones conveyed his Lovers Lane residence to J.J. Sims and Myrle Sims.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 249, p. 536)
Dr. F. Dudley Jones expired at Biloxi, Mississippi circa June 10, 1985. His corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery in Biloxi. His wife preceded him in death at El Paso, Texas passing on there in December 1983.(The Daily Herald, June 12, 1985, p. A-2)
J.J. Sims
Although not verified, it is believed that J.J. “Bugs” Sims and spouse, Myrle Sims, lived at Bay Springs, Mississippi. Further speculation is that Mr. Sims livelihood was entrepreneurial in nature and that his primary business was timber and real estate. During Camille in August 1969, the Sims lost a very wonderful Quercus virginiana, live oak tree, to this killer hurricane. No further information.(Ethylene Connor, September 26, 2004 and Jo H. Guice, September 28, 2004)
In November 1971, Mrs. Myrle Sims conveyed 325 Lovers Lane to Jolean H. Guice of Biloxi.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 415, p. 47)
Jolean H. Guice
Jolean “Jo” Hornsby Guice (1927-2010), a Pennsylvania native, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Reese Hornsby of Biloxi. She married Jacob Davis Guice (1915-2009) in the Presbyterian Church at Biloxi on June 25, 1946. Jacob D. Guice was born at Biloxi the son of William Lee Guice (1887-1971), a native of Jonesville, Louisiana and Lee Dicks Guice (1892-1961), who hailed from Natchez, Mississippi. Jacob and Jo H. Guice have four children: Jacob D. “Jake” Guice Jr., William Lee “Billy” Guice III; Virginia 'Ginger' Guice, and Lee Dicks Guice.(The Daily Herald, June 27, 1946 and Jo H. Guice, September 28, 2004)
Jacob D. Guice (1915-2009) comes from an old Southern family who has practice the law in a highly regarded manner for multi-generations. His father, W. Lee Guice, was born in Jonesville, Louisiana and began his distinguished law career at Biloxi in 1908, when he commenced the firm of Rushing & Guice. W. Lee Guice’s legal education resulted from self-study in the New Orleans Public Library and in the office of an attorney in Panama. In February 1912, W. Lee Guice married Lee Dicks Guice. They were the parents of eight children: Martha G. Harrison (b. 1913); Jacob D. Guice (1915-2009); William Lee Guice II (1918-1942); Stephen L. Guice (b. 1920); Miriam G. Howell (b. 1922); Daniel Guice (b. 1925); John D.W. Guice (b. 1931) and Saul Guice (b. 1937).(The Daily Herald, April 22, 1971, p. 1)
Jacob D. Guice was admitted to the Mississippi State Bar Association in 1938. He had matriculated to Tulane at New Orleans and was a 1936 honor graduate of that distinguished college. Mr. Guice finished Yale law school in 1939. He practiced law at Biloxi for a short time before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1941. He was discharged in 1945 as a Captain following WW II.(The Daily Herald, January 7, 1947)
DeGuise
The Jacob D. Guice family refers to their lovely estate on Biloxi Bay as DeGuise, a former spelling of the family name, which is believed to have originated in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France. Mrs. Jo H. Guice has much knowledge of her home and related that it was designed in 1929, for Robert H. Holmes (1869-1949) by Carl E. Matthes (1896-1972), a Chicago born architect, who found the Mississippi Coast during his service during WW I. Mr. Matthes designed such Biloxi landmarks such as: Buena Vista Hotel; Tivoli Hotel; Biloxi City Hospital; Biloxi Public Library; First United Methodist Church; Mary L. Michel school; and the Biloxi High school.(The Daily Herald, August 29, 1972, p. 2)
Jolean Guice also corroborates the tale of Scott Jones that DeGuise is haunted! Mrs. Guice calls her resident spook, Captain John. She also believes that the small cottage situated north of her home was the only structure on the property when Mr. Holmes acquired it from Martin Paul Julian (1860-1936) in August 1925.
Jolean Hornsby Guice expired at Ocean Springs, Mississippi on November 21, 2010. She was preceded in death by Jacob Davis Guice, her spouse of sixty-three years, who passed on August 23, 2009. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, August 25, 2009, p. A4 and November 23, 2010, p. A4)
This concludes the history of the Plummer Brick House property, probably the first settlement on the Fort Peninsula since Fort Maurepas in 1699.
The Bishop Keener Place-“Cherry Wild”
In July 1839, Edward Chase of St. Louis through his local agent, George A. Cox (1811-1887), sold John C. Keener Lots 10, 11, and 13 of Block 14 of the Culmseig Map of 1854. Here in Section 25, T7S-R9W, on the Back Bay of Biloxi between the L&N RR tracks and the line dividing Section 24 and Section 25, Bishop John Christian Keener(1819-1906) built a summer residence, which he called “Cherry Wild”.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 6, pp. 477-478)
By 1879, Ocean Springs was the home of several other prominent Methodist ministers earning it the moniker, “the little city of prophets”. Among these religious leaders were: Dr. J.B. Walker (1817-1897), Brother R.B. Downer (1837-1912), and Brother Joseph Nicholson (1811-1886). The Methodist circuit preacher, Reverend Inman W, Cooper, was residing with Colonel W.R. Stuart (1820-1894), a retired sugar and cotton broker from New Orleans, who at this time resided on the Fort Point Peninsula.(The New Orleans Christian Advocate, August 14, 1897)
John Christian Keener
John Christian Keener (1819-1906) was born on February 7, 1819 at Baltimore, Maryland. At present, little is know of his early life, but A.B. Hyde in The Story of Methodism gives good biographical information on Bishop Keener up to 1873. J.C. Keener was consecrated as the thirteenth Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, probably in 1870. He passed at his New Orleans residence on January 19, 1906, in the arms of Dr. E.L. McGehee, after suffering a heart attack.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 20, 1906, p. 1)
Dr. Keener had married Mary Anna Spencer (1821-1903), a native of Easton, Maryland. They had at least five children: Mary K. Wilkinson (1843-1894), Emma Holcombe Keener (1846-1896), Sarah Louisa Keener (1851-1869), John O. Keener (ca 1855- 1898), and Samuel S. Keener (ca 1857-1912+).
The 1880 Federal Census of Jackson County, Mississippi reveals the following about the Keener family. Their two daughters, Mary K. Wilkinson (1844-1894) and Emma H. Keener (1846-1886), were both born in Alabama, and were residing with their parents in Ocean Springs, at this time. Mrs. Wilkinson had two children, Christian Keener Wilkinson (1872-1885) and Mary Kenner Wilkinson (1874-1918). The Wilkinson children were born at Louisiana, probably New Orleans. Bishop Keener also had two servants, John Ellis (1840-1880+), a black man, and Kate Merkel (1851-1880+), a white woman of Prussian descent.
Cemetery records indicate that a Sarah Louisa Keener (1851-1869) died at Ocean Springs on June 13, 1869, and her remain were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery. There is a high degree of certitude that she was a daughter of Bishop Keener.(Bellande, 1992, p. 93)
Mary Anna Keener, the family matriarch, passed at the family residence in New Orleans on September 26, 1903. Her demise left the Bishop in a deep depression. It was reported in The Progress, the local journal, that he had been ill since her passing, but had rallied lately despite his feeble condition and old age.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 29, 1903, p. 5 and The Progress, April 2, 1904)
Upon his demise in January 1906, Bishop Keener’s corporal remains were placed in the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 at New Orleans. His wife, two daughters, and several grandchildren occupy the Keener Tomb in this historic cemetery.
The Bishop’s sons
Bishop J.C. Keener also had two sons who followed his calling into the Methodist ministry: Dr. John O. Keener and Reverend Samuel Spencer Keener.
John O. Keener
John Ormand Keener (ca 1855-1898) married Phala H. Mathews, the daughter of the Reverend John Mathews of the Crescent City, in the Carondelet Street Methodist Church at New Orleans, on May 27, 1879. His father performed the ceremony. John O. Keener expired on December 31, 1898 at Greensboro, Alabama.(The New Orleans Christian Advocate, June 15, 1879 and The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 13, 1899).
Samuel S. Keener
Samuel Spencer Keener (ca 1857-1912) married Anna Boatner (1853-1906), a native of Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, in October 1880. Annie B. Keener died at New Orleans on September 5, 1906. Her remains were interred at Crowley, Louisiana.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 11, 1906, p. 4.)
Samuel S. Keener remarried Evelyn Wright. They were residing at Monroe, Louisiana, when he sold his father’s home at Ocean Springs in 1912.(Jackson County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 37, pp. 623-624).
Bishop Kenner’s succession
The Will and Succession of John Christian Keener are very informative. He resided at 1007 Dublin Street in Carrollton, Louisiana, then a suburb of New Orleans. Bishop Keener indicated that he had a great love for his children, when he wrote in his will on March 11, 1902: "have been blessed in My children, My three sons have been a power for good and have greatly honored their parents and the family; My daughters have been the elect of God." Bishop John C. Keener legated his estate to his siblings, children and spouses, and grandchildren. His specific legatees were: siblings-Sophie L. Mount and Mary Clare Keener; children-Samuel S. Keener and Phala M. Keener, widow of son John O. Keener; grandchildren-Mary Wilkinson, daughter of W.C. Wilkinson of Crystal Springs, Mississippi. Her mother, Mary K. Wilkinson was deceased by 1903 and Ella Keener, daughter of Samuel S. Keener and Anna Boatner. In addition, Bishop Keener's legacy provided $500 towards funding a legal defense against proponents who advocated the relocation of the Centenary College of Louisiana from Jackson, Louisiana. Obviously, this cause failed as Centenary College is now situated at Shreveport, Louisiana.(Civil District Court, Parish of Orleans, Cause No. 78,285-May1906).
In February 1912, Samuel Spencer Keener, a resident of Monroe, Louisiana, and the executor of the estate of his father, Bishop J.C. Keener, sold “Cherry Wild” for $3000 to Dr. William A. Porter and Pearl Dickinson Porter, residents of St. Louis, Missouri. The Porters called their future retirement home on Biloxi Bay, “While-A-Way Lodge”.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 37, pp. 623-624)
Dr. Porter and “While-A-Way Lodge”
Dr. William A. Porter (1850-1921) was born at Elderton, Pennsylvania the son of the Reverend Byron Porter, a Presbyterian minister, and Agnes B. Rankins. He was educated in Pennsylvania matriculating to Westminister College at New Wilmington and receiving his medical training at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. From 1872-1875, Dr. Porter served on the staff of the London Hospital and in late 1875, completed advanced medical instructions in Paris, Berlin, and Vienna.(JXCO, Ms. WPA, 1936-1937, p. 437)
Retiring from the medical profession, Dr. Porter relocated to Ocean Springs permanently in 1915 from St. Louis, Missouri where he had achieved national fame as a specialist in ear and throat diseases. Additionally, Dr. Porter had been active working to prevent tuberculosis in the adolescent population of St. Louis and his work had an international impact. In April 1922, he was honored posthumously by the St. Louis Board of Education for his great service to humanity when they named a new open air school for him there at Arlington and Natural Bridge Avenues.( The Ocean Springs News, May 20, 1915, p. 3 and The Jackson County Times, April 22, 1922, p. 1)
During WWI, Dr. Porter was active in volunteer work with the American Red Cross and in promoting the sale of Liberty Bonds. Ironically, his associate in local bond drives, Charles B. Ver Nooy (1860-1921), the vice president and treasurer of the Illinois Brick Company of Chicago, expired several days before the demise of Dr. Porter.(The Daily Herald, November 14, 1921, p.1)
Gentleman farmer
In retirement, Dr. William Porter enjoyed agrarian activities on many levels at While-A-Way Lodge. As early as the winter of 1915, he had planted his West Beach place solid with citrus where there had not been a pecan, fig, or pear tree. By May 1915, Dr. Porter was harvesting beans. In addition, he had watermelons, peas, cabbage, potatoes, and waist high corn growing at his Lovers Lane estate. The good doctor’s attempt to commercially raise the spineless cactus was less successful.(The Ocean Springs News, Local News, February 4, 1915 and May 20, 1915, p. 3)
Bath House
In the spring of 1915, the Porter’s erected a new bathhouse on their pier. It was described as small, but of good design. Very individualistic with its pergola roof, the red and green structure presented an esthetic sight, even to the most casual observer.(The Ocean Springs News, April 29, 1915, p. 3)
Demise
Unfortunately, Dr. Porter’s halcyon retirement years in Ocean Springs were relatively short as he expired at While-A-Way Lodge on November 13, 1921. His corporal remains were passed through the Presbyterian Church and interred in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou. In September 1922, after probate, Mrs. Pearl Porter, the sole legatee of Dr. William Porter, was granted possession of their Lovers Lane house and real estate. While-A-Way Lodge was valued at $3000 while the remainder of Dr. Porter’s fortune consisted of about $7000 in bonds and mortgages.(The Daily Herald, November 14, 1921, p. 1 and JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 4234-September 1922)
Pearl Dickinson Porter
Pearl Dickinson Porter (1862-1943) was born at East Pawpaw, Illinois, the daughter of Silas T. Dickinson and Leah Beebe. She had lived at Schenectady, New York and St. Louis, Missouri before retiring here with her spouse, Dr. William Porter. Pearl D. Porter, affectionately known as “Auntie Pearl”, was active as a Sunday school teacher in the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs. Before her nuptials, she had been a missionary in St. Louis. At Ocean Springs, in addition to her multi-tasking church work, Pearl Porter was active in the Woman’s Club, Ladies Tourist Club, Red Cross, and assisted in the British War Relief program. Mrs. Porter expired while a resident of 18 Martin Avenue, now 418 Martin, the Austin-Shaw-Winklejohn house. Like her beloved husband, Mrs. Porter’s corporal remains were passed through her beloved Presbyterian Church on Ocean Avenue and sent to eternal rest in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou. She and Doctor Porter were childless.(The Jackson County Times, May 4, 1943, p. 1)
Dr. Porter’s brothers
Dr. William Porter had two brothers, the Reverend E.L. Porter and Byron Porter, who visited him at Ocean Springs. The Reverend E.L. Porter spent most of his adult life as a missionary in the Punjab area of what is now Pakistan. In 1909, he became president of Gordon College at Rawalpindi. Reverend Porter spent January 1918 at Ocean Springs with Dr. Porter before joining his family at Wooster, Ohio. In January 1934, the Reverend Porter again visited Ocean Springs to Mrs. Porter on his way to Florida. He spoke to the community on the Hindu religion at a forum held in the public school auditorium. Money collected for his talk was for the benefit of the Ladies Aid of the local Presbyterian Church.(The Jackson County Times, January 12, 1918, p. 5 and January 6, 1934)
Byron Porter (1863-1938), Dr. Porter’s brother, came to live with his widowed sister-in-law, Pearl D. Porter, at Ocean Springs in 1930. Byron’s health was regarded as poor since he had to resign from his railroad position in 1923. He expired at Ocean Springs in August 1938, and his corporal remains were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery. He was survived by a brother, the Reverend E.L. Porter, a missionary stationed in India.(The Jackson County Times, August 20, 1938)
The fire
On March 5, 1931, While-Away Lodge caught fire. The structure was not totally destroyed, but was damaged to the extent that Mrs. Porter vacated it. She received $1380 from her insurer. The roof was later repaired at a cost of $350.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause 5451-March 1933)
It is interesting to note that The Daily Herald reported on the conflagration and referred to Mrs. Porter’s Lovers Lane estate as “the old Bishop Keanor (sic) Place” corroborating somewhat that ‘While-A-Way Lodge’ was indeed the original “Cherry Wild” of Methodist Bishop John C. Keener (1819-1906) of New Orleans. In addition to fire damage, Mrs. Porter’s home was also severely harmed by the water utilized to extinguish it. Mr. and Mrs. Hawley were with Pearl Porter at the time of the March fire.(The Daily Herald, March 5, 1931, p. 2)
Northern visitors
Pearl D. Porter had two female relatives who played an important part in her life at Ocean Springs. They were Alfrata Clute Bellus (1853-1933+), the daughter of Eve Beebe Clute (1827-1850+), a first cousin of Mrs. Porter, and her niece, Bessie A. Dickinson Hawley (1884-1984), a Missouri native, who was the granddaughter of Leah Beebe Dickinson (1837-1850+). The Beebe family was natives of Guilderland, Albany County, New York, now a suburb of Albany, the State capital.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause 5451-March 1933 and Albany County, NY, 1850 Federal Census RM432474, p. 374)
Bessie D. Hawley
Circa 1918, Bessie A. Dickinson (1884-1984), Mrs. Porter’s niece, married Wesley Deloss Hawley (1887-1956), a native of Plymouth, Indiana. In 1920, the Hawleys resided at New Orleans where W.D. Hawley was a director of the Citizen’s Finance Banking Company. His company was eager to establish client-customer relationships in the larger Mississippi coast towns.(The Jackson County Times, April 24, 1920, p. 5)
There is a high degree of certitude that W.D. Hawley met his future wife, Bessie A. Dickinson, in St. Louis. They were both residents of this Mississippi River city in 1910. Wes Hawley was living in a boarding house and employed in a livery stable, while Bessie was residing with Dr. Porter on North Vandeventer Avenue.(1910 Missouri Federal Census, T624R823, pt. 1, p. 237A and T624R819, pt 2, p. 8A)
In February 1922, shortly after the mid-November 1921, demise of Dr. Porter the W.D. Hawley family relocated to Ocean Springs and began to care for Mrs. Porter in her old age. The Hawleys promised to maintain While-A-Way Lodge, harvest the pecan crop, attend to the grounds, and cater to boarders. In return for these duties, Mrs. Porter agreed that upon her death, While-A-Way Lodge would be legated to the Hawleys. In time, Mrs. Porter became unhappy with the Hawleys and in early 1931, she left her Biloxi Bay estate to rent a home on Bowen Avenue and later relocated to18 Martin Avenue, which she let from George E. Arndt (1857-1945). At this time, Wesley and Bessie D. Hawley remained in Mrs. Porter’s house and claimed it by virtue of her oral declaration and adverse possession. They locked the gate and portal doors to prevent Mrs. Porter or Alfrata C. Bellus for entering Mrs. Porter’s estate.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause 5451-March 1933)
In the 1930s, Bessie D. Hawley worked as the cashier in the A.C. Gottsche Store on Washington Avenue and later candled eggs for the United Poultry Producers across the street from the Gottsche market. She expired at the age of one hundred years at Dighton, Kansas where she had gone to reside with her sisters, Pearl D. Finkerbinder, the spouse of Crowell Finkerbinder (1881-1970) and Belle D. Smith.(Walterine V. Redding, October 4, 2004)
Wesley D. Hawley died at Ocean Springs in early December 1956. He and Mrs. Hawley were residing at 516 Dewey Avenue at this time. His corporal remains were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou.(The Daily Herald, December 7, 1956, p. 2)
Alfrata C. Bellus
In November 1916, Alfrata C. Bellus relocated from St. Louis to live with the Porter’s at While-Away Lodge. She was a retired educator from Schenectady, New York. Mrs. Bellus did not stay permanently with the Porter family, but in February 1924, she began to spend six months of the year here to avoid the cruel New York winter. Alfrata did this until 1931, with the exception of 1929-1930. In Schenectady, New York she was domiciled with the family of Clute J. Franklin. (The Jackson County Times, November 14, 1916, p. 5 and JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause 5451-March 1933)
In January 1931, Mrs. Bellus assumed a $3000 mortgage owed by her cousin, Pearl D. Porter, since September 1924, to the Ocean Springs State Bank on While-A-Way Lodge. In July 1931, the Ocean Springs State Bank foreclosed on the mortgage of Mrs. Porter’s because she failed to maintain her insurance in the amount of no less than $3000 on her Biloxi Bay home. Alfrata C. Bellus acquired While-A-Way Lodge for $2500 in the 19131foreclosure sale.(JXCO, Ms. Land Trust Deed Bk. 15, pp. 106-107, and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 64, pp. 391-393)
It appears that Mrs. Alfrata C. Bellus evicted the Hawleys from While-A-Lodge as she averred in subsequent litigation that Mr. Hawley was destroying the property by cutting down trees to pasture stock animals. His animals were grazing over the beautiful landscaping that Dr. Porter had spent his retirement years to develop. Dr. Porter’s favorite LaFrance roses were well liked by the animals. In addition Wes Hawley was collecting over $600 for the annual pecan crop. Another point of strife between the two parties occurred after the March 1931 fire, when the Hawleys prohibited Mrs. Porter from removing her furniture and an oil painting of her beloved spouse. (JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause 5451-March 1933)
L&N Railroad
In July 1935, Alfrata C. Bellus quitclaimed While-A-Way Lodge to Mrs. Pearl D. Porter. Pearl D. Porter sold her old home site on Biloxi Bay to the L&N Railroad for $2800 in August 1937. At this time, Spencer H. Webster (1846-1930+) lived to the north and Henry L. Girot (1886-1953) to the east.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 70, p. 206 and p. 268)
While-A-Way Lodge was probably demolished after the L&N acquired the Porter property. Their railroad tracks may have been moved onto this tract, thus ending almost a century occupation on this site by Bishop J.C. Keener and Dr. William Porter.
The Reverend Joseph B. Walker Place
Like many of the higher social order at New Orleans, the Reverend Joseph Burch Walker (1817-1897), a most important minister of the Methodist Church and resident of New Orleans, owned and maintained a summer home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Reverend Walker’s property was situated on the Back Bay of Biloxi at Ocean Springs, and was in his possession from August 1854 until April 1891. His estate was contiguous and south of Bishop J.C. Keener’s place, “Cherry Wild”, which later became Dr. William and Pearl D. Porter’s “While-A-Way Lodge”. In present day geography, the Reverend J.B. Walker homestead was situated on the former site of Allman’s Restaurant, which was finally demolished in the summer of 2004. This property is now proposed as a marina and restaurant by a group of New Orleans speculators.
Reverend Walker began acquiring land at Ocean Springs when he purchased for $1000, Lot 4 of Block 17 of the Culmseig Map of 1854, from Edward Chase in August 1854. In July 1855, Walker added land in Lots 1-3 in Block 17 to his bay front residence. These tracts were acquired for $200, from George A. Cox (1811-1887), a local real estate speculator.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 12, pp. 327-328 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 12, pp. 329-330)
Joseph B. Walker
Some of the information concerning Joseph Burch Walker (1817-1897) was gleaned from his autobiography “A Sketch of My Life”, which was written in 1887, from his notes of twenty-five years. Walker’s original manuscript is in the possession of Mary Kibbe, his great granddaughter, a resident of Montrose, Alabama. A transcribed copy of “A Sketch of My Life” was given to the author by Mark Freeman of Garland, Texas, another descendant of Dr. Walker.
Joseph Burch Walker was born at Washington D.C. on January 2, 1817 to Joseph Culbertson Walker and Bartella Powell. His father was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania and his mother a native of Loudon County, Virginia. In November 1844, Joseph B. Walker married Rebecca Jane Ridley (1827-1902), the daughter of Robert Ridley and Sarah Houston, a native of Williamson County, Tennessee. Their nuptials occurred at Canton, Madison County, Mississippi.
Joseph B. Walker and Bartella P. Walker were the parents of three children: William Walter Walker (1846-1915+) who married Julia Kennon Jayne; Mary Ann Walker (1848-1888) who married Restora M. Fauquier (1843-1901), a native of Donaldsonville, Louisiana; and Sallie Bartella Walker (1851-1915+) who married M.A. McClaugherty (1831-1915).
After a peripatetic childhood, as his family had resided in Virginia and Alabama, the family of Joseph C. Walker settled on a farm in northern Tennessee. Previously, the elder Walker had contracted to carry the U.S. mail on horse back in Alabama. During this time, they were domiciled at Cahaba, then the State capital of Alabama. They relocated to Montevallo, Alabama later.
Ministering
Joseph B. Walker became a Methodist minister and was licensed to preach in Tennessee on October 4, 1836. He was initially appointed to the Dickson Circuit, which encompassed the counties of Montgomery, Davidson, Williamson, Maury and Dickson. These political units are situated between the Cumberland and Duck Rivers. Here, the young Reverend Walker served two circuits and eight stations during his ten-year tenure.
In his written word, Joseph B. Walker relates his initial experience as a circuit riding Methodist preacher operating in the wooded, rolling country southwest of Nashville, Tennessee.
The church was a small, four-square log house, without a chimney or stove or anything to keep the cold air from passing through the cracks save some rough clapboards. One of the congregation told me sometimes after this, “that they had talked of a chimney or stove, but he had opposed it, for he always contended that if they had religion enough they should need no fire at church to keep warm.”
At this first appointment, I met my colleague and Senior preacher, Reverend Johnson Lewis. He insisted that I should preach. It was a sore cross to make the effort, and with trembling reluctance, I undertook it, and miserably failed of course. I sat down deeply mortified, and ashamed to look anyone in the face. My Senior saved the fortunes of the day with song and exhortations, and a class meeting.
New Orleans
In December 1846, the Reverend Joseph B. Walker was assigned to New Orleans. He served the Methodist community of the Crescent City at several churches until General Benjamin F. “Beast” Butler (1818-1893) and his Union forces occupied the city in 1862, during the Civil War. Walker and family fled to Port Gibson, Mississippi where he ministered to a congregation there.
Galveston
After the War of the Rebellion, Reverend Walker and family returned to New Orleans. They were posted here until 1871, when the Methodist Church transferred him to the Texas Conference. The Walkers were sent to Galveston to minister to the congregants of St. John’s Church. In 1875, Reverend Walker returned to New Orleans and the Louisiana Conference and remained here until his retirement.
Ocean Springs
By 1880, Joseph B. Walker and spouse were permanent residents of Ocean Springs. The history of the local Methodist church recorded the following about Reverend Walker: In its earlier history, the Ocean Springs church enjoyed unusual privileges in ministerial services. Dr. J.B. Walker, as a young preacher known well and favorably to earlier Tennessee Methodists, then pastor of a New Orleans church, had a summer home in Ocean Springs. It was located on the Bay between the present highway and the L&N Railroad. A preacher of real power, his services to the Ocean Springs church were given freely, were of the highest order. Bishop John C. Keener also had a summer home in Ocean Springs. It was located directly across the railroad from the J.B. Walker property and was later the home of Dr. and Mrs. William Porter.
“Pecan Grove”
On February 26, 1880, the Reverend J.B. Walker acquired 320 acres from John G. Land of Harrison County, Mississippi for $1500. The Walker tract was described as the S/2 of the SW/4 of Section 4, the NE/4 of NE/4 of Section 8, the NE/4 of NW/4 of Section 9, and SW/4 of Section 9 all in T7S-R11W. This property is located in the Orange Grove community of North Gulfport, just north of the Ms. Highway 49 and U.S. Interstate 10 intersection. These contiguous tracts would become Reverend Walker’s “Pecan Grove”.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 17, pp. 69-70)
Demise
In early February 1897, the Reverend Walker died at "Pecan Grove", his farm and dairy, north of Gulfport on the Gulf & Ship Island Railroad. His remains were transported by rail to Ocean Springs for internment in the Evergreen Cemetery. It is appropriate that his long time friend and fellow clergyman, Bishop J.C. Keener, conducted the burial services at the gravesite.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, March 6, 1897, p. 4)
Joseph B. Walker was eulogized in The Daily Picayune of February 27, 1897 as follows: Dr. Walker was one of the oldest and most eminent ministers of the church. In his solid, earnest, untiring career, he had been entrusted with the most important charges of the church and had been uniformly popular, beloved and successful. He commanded the devoted admiration of all whom he brought in contact. To the vast membership which has at one time or another been of his flock, to his innumerable friends, his name was a synonym of greatness of heart and loyalty to high purposes and aims. As a worker he was tireless, and his heart appeared to be filled with all the keen instinct, which makes a man appreciative of and appreciated by his fellow-men. As a preacher he was a true follower of the gentle Philosopher, bringing ever by word and precept the sunshine of love for fellow mortals. His lofty idealism adapted itself to all the conditions and circumstances of life, and made his own full of native splendor, unobtrusive, and the so grander.
As a pulpit orator, he was always forceful. His rhetoric seemed to find its deepest source of inspiration and felicity from his earnestness. He used to begin his sermons in slow, earnest speech, as if weighing his speech with his thought. As he progressed, and subject warmed his thought, his earnestness increased until at times his eloquence became an impassioned prayer in its intensity.
Rebecca Jane Walker passed on April 30, 1902. She rest eternally with her spouse, Dr. Joseph B. Walker, Sarah Houston Ridley (1798-1897), her mother, and daughter, Mary Ann Walker Fauquier (1848-1888), in the Walker family burial plot on Old Fort Bayou. “Pecan Grove”, which at this time consisted of 240 acres, was vended in May 1903 for $5000.(HARCO, Ms. Chancery Court Will Bk. 2, pp. 218-221)
Dr. Edmund A. Murphy
On April 3, 1891, the Reverend Joseph B. Walker had conveyed a part of Lot 2 Lot 3 and a part of Lot 4 of Block 17 of the 1854 Culmseig Map, which was the site of his Biloxi Bay residence and Ocean Springs estate, to Dr. Edmund Andrew Murphy (1837-1898) of New Orleans for $2500. The rest of the Walker estate lands, the remainder of Lot 4 and Lot 5, were vended to Jessie Robertson Tebo (1853-1918), the wife of Albert G. Tebo (1848-1929), in February 1890. The Tebos owned a large estate called “Bayview”, which was immediately south of Reverend Walker in the vicinity of the present day Ocean Springs Yacht Club.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 11, pp. 74-76 and Bk. 12, pp. 330-331)
Dr. Murphy came to Ocean Springs following the October 1893 Hurricane to inspect the repairs that were performed on his damaged Bay front home.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 27. 1893. p. 3)
In March 1897, Dr. E.A. Murphy conveyed Lots 2-4 in Block 17 of the 1854 Culmseig Map of 1854, for $3000 to Arthur A. Maginnis Jr., Albert G. Tebo, William B. Schmidt, and Charles W. Ziegler. These gentlemen were all affluent men of commerce from the Crescent City and already had a vested interest in real estate at Ocean Springs. The Pascagoula newspaper reported this event as: “The beach residence of Dr. A. E. (sic) Murphy was bought by Mrs. A.G. Tebo of New Orleans for $3000. The property will be held as a hotel site.” The newspaper report did not corroborate the facts, which is a common error in journalism.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 18, pp. 121-122 and The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, February 26, 1897, p. 3)
Maginnis, Tebo, Schmidt, Ziegler and Kuhn-The Big Five
We will sidetrack from the history of Lovers Lane slightly to investigate the continuation of this affluent neighborhood to the southeast. At this time from Martin Avenue northwestward along the Front Beach at Ocean Springs, were the great estates of several entrepreneurs from New Orleans. From the Reverend Dr. Joseph B. Walker tract which was the first residence with access to Lovers Lane and preceding along the water front to Martin Avenue were the manors of: Arthur Ambrose Maginnis Jr. (1846-1901), Albert G. Tebo (1848-1929), William B. Schmidt (1823-1901), Charles M. Ziegler (1865-1936), and John J. Kuhn (1848-1925).
Maginnis family
The Maginnis family at New Orleans was synonymous with cottonseed oil and cotton mills. Arthur A. Maginnis Sr. (1815-1877), a native of Maryland, was the pioneer in the making of cottonseed oil at the Crescent City, when in 1856 he commenced the A.A. Maginnis' Cotton Seed Oil & Soap Works. It is very probable that during the post-Bellum years and 1875, Arthur Ambrose Maginnis and or his son, A.A. Maginnis Jr. purchased several lots in Block 17 of the Culmseig Map of 1854, in Section 25, T7S-R9W. Here on a high bluff, on the west beach, with over six hundred feet of water front acreage, between present day Hillendale and McNamee, the Maginnis family erected a large mansion and several outbuildings.
C.E. Schmidt (1904-1988) in his Ocean Springs French Beachhead (1972), describes the Maginnis estate as"along the Bay front East of Hillendale, and back to Porter Street. There was also a smaller house on the front, and servant cottages on Porter".(p. 121)
John Henry Maginnis (1843-1889), a brother of A.A. Maginnis Jr., lost his life at Ocean Springs on July 4, 1889, when struck by lightning. At the fatal moment, was preparing to dive into the bay from the Maginnis pier. There is a stained-glass window dedicated to his memory in the Trinity Church at New Orleans.(The Trinity Record, November 1924, p. 6)
Albert G. Tebo
Albert G. Tebo (1848-1929) was a native of Port Gibson, Mississippi. He was the secretary-treasurer of the John P. Richardson & Co., a large dry goods concern at New Orleans. Mr. Tebo resided at 1320 7th Street in the Crescent City with his spouse, Jessie R. Tebo, the daughter of Frederick Wing (1814-1895) and Mary A. Drabble Wing (1823-1894). Frederick Wing had built a summer home at Ocean Springs in 1853.
In January 1887, the Wing family donated the land for the building of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs on Ocean Avenue, which was utilized until August 1995 when the new church building was placed in service.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 18, 1895, p. 3)
The Tebo family began their settlement on Front Beach in October 1888, when they acquired the estate lands of the Montgomery clan of New Orleans. In October 1888, Frances Minor Montgomery, the widow of Edward Montgomery (1833-1870+), conveyed parts of Lots 6 and 7 and all of Lots 8-10 of Block 17-Culmseig Map of 1854 to Albrt G. Tebo and Jessie R. Tebo. As previously mentioned, the Tebo estate was situated northeast of the present day Ocean Springs Yacht Club.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 9, pp. 492-494)
In 1870, Edward Montgomery was a store clerk living with Myra F. Minor (1804-1870+), a native of Tennessee. At this time, Judge Harold H. Minor (1837-1884) also a native of Tennessee and his spouse, Virginia Doyal Minor (1844-1903), and their children were residents of Ocean Springs. Their daughter, May Virginia Minor (1866-1910), married Hiram F. Russell (1858-1940) in June 1887. One of their daughters Ethel Russell (1899-1957) became the wife of A.P. “Fred” Moran (1897-1967), the patriarch of our prestigious Moran family.(1870 Federal Census of Orleans Parish, La.-M593R524, p. 520)
In April 1889, Mrs. Tebo acquired additional land from Joseph B. Walker in Block 16 and Block 17-Culmseig Map of 1854, which was north and west of their original acquisition.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 10, pp. 124-125)
William B. Schmidt
William B. Schmidt (1823-1901) was a German immigrant who his fortune at New Orleans in the wholesale grocery business, Schmidt & Ziegler, with his brother-in-law, Francis M. Ziegler (1818-1901). By 1900, Schmidt & Ziegler had expanded to eleven stores. The firm was also the pioneer in New Orleans international trade initiating commerce with South and Central America. Both the Schmidt and Ziegler families owned summer homes at Ocean Springs west of the Ocean Springs Hotel, which they had acquired circa 1865. Schmidt became established on the front beach in 1878-1879, when he purchased Lots 16 thru 25 in Block 16 of the Culmseig Map of 1854 from George A. Cox (1811-1887) and Julia Ward (1830-1894+). He called this property "Summer Hill". Schmidt's holdings were of estate proportions with over seven hundred feet on the bay front. Although the well-manicured grounds, small lakes, cottages, and outbuildings of the W.B. Schmidt era at Ocean Springs have long disappeared, the old Schmidt residence at 227 Beach Drive and the former music hall of his children at 243 Beach Drive are extant.
Charles W. Ziegler
Charles W. Ziegler (1865-1936), a son of F.M. Ziegler and president of Schmidt & Ziegler after the demise of the founders of the company, owned a home at Ocean Springs called "Lake View". It was located west of the Schmidt estate on Lots 17, 18, and 19 of Block 17 of the Culmseig Map of 1854. The Ziegler residence acquired in May 1894, was modest in comparison to that of W.B. Schmidt. In 1895, Charles Dyer in Along The Gulf described it as: an attractive little cottage, situated on a hill, with neatly laid out and well-kept lawn, with any number of massive moss-covered oaks and magnolias to shade it. The estate contains all the comforts it is possible for a complete seaside residence to have.
Charles W. Ziegler sold "Lake View" to Dillwyn V. Purington (1841-1914), and his wife, Jennie Barnes (1846-1933) in February 1906. Mr. Purington was retired from the lumber and brick business at Chicago. They called their place "Wyndillhurst". In August 1926, Katherine Ver Nooy (1863-1953) became the owner of this property. The home is believed to have been destroyed by fire in the 1940s. The Purington place was located at present day 221 Front Beach.
J.J. Kuhn
John J. Kuhn (1848-1925) was a resident of New Orleans when he acquired the Taylor place in October 1888, from Mrs. J.T. Taylor of Meridian, Mississippi for $1900. Situated just west of Martin Avenue, the Kuhn estate had 300 feet on the Bay in Lots 27-29 of the Culmseig Map of 1854.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 9, p. 453)
The Kuhn family had a summer home at Ocean Springs on the front beach. Charles Dyer in Along The Gulf(1895) described their property as: The estate of Mr. John J. Kuhn is a perfect dream of loveliness. The quaint little cottage sits some distance from the road, which is connected with the residence by a long walk, on either side of which there is a beautiful pond filled with lilies, and is crossed here and there with antic rustic looking bridges. The house which is a very neat cottage with slanting roof and dormer windows, sits on the side of a hill, in the center of a beautiful garden, and is surrounded by numerous shade trees, and from the effects of the pond, has an appearance of being on an island.
City water
In February 1898, Alfred E. Lewis (1862-1933) sold his local water works system to John J. Kuhn (1848-1925) of New Orleans for $5000 cash. Lewis became known as the "Artesian Prince" because he furnished free water to the citizens of Ocean Springs for four public fountains (drinking troughs for horses). He also supplied water freely for fighting fires. Mr. Lewis erected a hostel on the southwest corner of Jackson and Porter, which became known as the Artesian House. Mr. Kuhn received a twenty-five year contract from city council to furnish water to the citizens of Ocean Springs on March 3, 1898.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, February 18, 1898, p. 3 and The Minutes of the Town of Ocean Springs, July 4, 1893 and January 2, 1894)
In January 1906, J.J. Kuhn sold his water works business to the Peoples Water Works for $3180. The Peoples Water Works, owned by local businessmen, John D. Minor (1863-1920), president; F.M. Dick (1857-1922), vice president; B.F. Joachim (1853-1925), 2nd vice president; H.F. Russell (1858-1940), treasurer; Joseph Kotzum (1842-1915), manager; and E.W. Illing, (1870-1947), secretary.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 5, 1906, p. 3)
Tragedy
While at their summer estate in late August 1899, tragedy struck the Kuhn family. "Etta" Kuhn (1885-1899), the teenage daughter of J.J. Kuhn drowned while swimming off the family pier.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, September 1, 1899)
Glengariff
The Kuhn family maintained their beach summer residence until they sold it to Captain Francis O' Neill (1849-1936) in July 1914, for $5000. Francis O’Neill was the retired general superintendent of the Chicago Police force. He called his estate, "Glengariff", after a small Irish resort near his birthplace on the Emerald Isle.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 40, pp. 474-475)
Ice and shrimp
Between November 1898 and April 1900, C.W. Ziegler, W.B. Schmidt, and A.A. Maginnis Jr. conveyed their interest in the Dr. Joseph B. Walker place to A.G. Tebo and spouse, Jesse R. Tebo, for $1700.( JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 20, pp. 9-10, Bk. 21, pp. 332-333, and Bk. 21, pp. 394-395)
In March 1902, the Tebo family sold the Walker place to J.W. Stewart (1855-1918), a Moss Point druggist, who held it for a short while, before vending it to Sydney J. Anderson (1867-1917) and Louis A. Lundy (1876-1941) for $4500, in May 1902. Messrs. Anderson and Lundy, both from New Orleans, organized the Ocean Springs Electric Light and Ice Company, which acquired the Walker tract from them in March 1903.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 24, p. 440, Bk. 25, pp. 514-515, and Bk. 26, pp. 143-144)
Hence, the old Joseph B. Walker domicile gave way to progress and circa 1903, an ice plant was erected. In August 1904, The Progress, the local journal, reported "the ice factory is running day and night with full force, on account of the large increase in the demand for ice. Nearly all the ice boats which go to the Louisiana Marsh are now taking ice at the factory wharf. This is indeed good news to the citizens as well as the factory owners".(The Progress, August 27, 1904, p. 4)
The ice plant primarily served the thriving seafood industry. In September 1927, it was sold to Edgar P. Guice (1899-1971). Guice was operating his Ocean Springs Ice & Coal Company on Jackson Avenue at this time.
The city government of Ocean Springs granted the privilege of erecting a cannery near the ice factory to L. Morris McClure (1884-1940) and L.A. Lundy on December 8, 1914. The Ocean Springs Packing Company opened for business in early March 1915. The original plant cost $2500, and was financed with local capital. It had a 60-75 barrel capacity. The owners stated that it would keep $8.50 in Ocean Springs for each barrel of shrimp canned. Otherwise, that money would have gone to Biloxi canners. When fully operational, Lundy’s cannery would have the capacity to process vegetables for canning.(The Ocean Springs News, March 18, 1915, p. 2)
Gulf City Caning Company
In 1934, E.W. Illing Jr. (1895-1978) took over the Lundy factory and changed the name of the business to the Gulf City Packing Company. The plant commenced operations on September 18, 1934 with sixty people employed to pick shrimp. It had the most modern equipment and sanitary conditions of any factory on the Mississippi coast.
During the shrimp season, Mr. Illing employed about one hundred people and approximately eighty in the period of the oyster harvest. The annual payroll amounted to about $8000, which went into the local economy. The Gulf City Packing Company was still operating in 1936.
By 1940, it is believed that all canning activity had ceased at the installation. With the demise of Monsieurs Lundy and McClure in the early 1940s, Mrs. Louis A. Lundy took control of the cannery acreage.
L.G. Moore of Biloxi leased the plant in January 1941, from E.W. Illing. The County dredge deepened the channel to the plant in order to facilitate the unloading of shrimp and oysters at the plant’s wharf.(The Daily Herald, January 27, 1941, p. 8)
Through the years the Lundy family had made other commercial leases on this valuable tract, which fronted over 400 feet on highway US 90, near the Ocean Springs-Biloxi Bridge. Some of the lessees through the years were: Joseph J. Kersanac (1938-1943), Charles Hendry (1940), Pete Lowry (1950-1952), James M. Swanzy, Jr. (1952), and Paul Allman (1954-1979).
Kersanac’s
In 1939, Joseph J. Kersanac (1908-1943), a native of Bay St. Louis, opened a restaurant called Kersanac's Snug Harbor. He also sold Texaco gas and oil. On April 1, 1939, Kersanac announced that he was demolishing the present building "to make room for a new, larger and more modern one". The food serving operation never shut down as Kersanac offered "curb service" during construction of the his new structure. The new building was wood framed and had living quarters on the second floor.(The Jackson County Times, April 1, 1939 and The Daily Herald, August 23, 1943, p. 6)
Pete’s Lounge
Leland “Pete” Lowery (1914-1955), a native of Grenada, Mississippi, came to Ocean Springs with his family from Gulfport after WW II. They had earlier resided in the Delta region of northwest Mississippi. As early as July 1947, Mr. Lowery was operating Dale’s Place in the former J.J. O’Keefe Home situated on the northeast corner of Porter and Jackson.(Donnie L. Beaugez, August 1998 and The Jackson County Times, July 26, 1947)
It appears that Pete Lowery left Dale’s Place in early 1949, and moved across the street to the Neville Byrd property situated on the northwest corner of Porter and Jackson. Here he commenced a business called Pete’s Lounge. Lowery’s place featured nightly dining and dancing with music by Toby Gunn on the Hammond organ and the Dixie Land Band. Adam “Frenchie” Bourgeois (1914-1987), the bar tender, later opened his West Porter establishment, Frenchie’s Fine Foods. Lowery also had a drive-inn restaurant with curb service. A barbecue pit was located near the Cosper Courts, now Dale Cottages. The Lowery family also resided here as there were two apartments on the site.(The Jackson County Times, June 10, 1949 and July 1, 1949, p. 10 and Donnie L. Beaugez, August 1998)
In late September 1950, Leland “Pete” Lowery left this location and opened a Pete’s Lounge on Highway 90 on the west side of the War Memorial Bridge in the former Kersanac’s Snug Harbor building of J.J. Kersanac. Pete Lowery made significant improvements to the property. The exterior and interior of the structure was repainted, the rear of the building was excavated to create a circular driveway and space for patron curb service, and adequate rest room facilities were installed. Local artist, Charles Kuper, painted jungle scenes in the Cocktail Lounge. Jo Selzer of New Orleans was hostess.(The Gulf Coast Times, September 22, 1950, p. 1)
In relocating to Highway 90, Pete Lowery had taken a four-year lease from Mrs. May W. Lundy (1885-1951+).(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 124, pp. 394-396)
In January 1951, Pete Lowery suffered a heart attack, and spent several months recovering. It appears that he may have decided to retire from the restaurant business as in October 1951, Pete Lowery sub-leased the property known as Pete’s Lounge to Edwin L. Matheny (1920-1987). Mr. Matheny took an option to buy Lowery’s equipment and fixtures in Mrs. Lundy’s building.(The Gulf Coast Times, January 19, 1951, p. 1 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 124, pp. 397-400)
It is known that Pete Lowery went back into the lounge business as he was operating Pete’s Lounge in West Biloxi in December 1953.(The Gulf Coast Times, December 10, 1953, p. 1)
Allman’s Restaurant
In October 1954, Paul W. Allman (1917-2000), a native of Eldon, Iowa, and former Morrison's Cafeteria manager, opened Allman's Dining Room in the building, which formerly housed the Sea Breeze, a lounge, on the highway. Allman's eatery prospered by maintaining high quality food, providing excellent service, and utilizing modern innovations like air conditioning. Allman's was the first air-conditioned restaurant in Jackson County.
In September 1961, Paul and Arlene Inga McLaughlin Allman (1918-2007), a native of Toronto, South Dakota, bought the 4.41-acre Lundy triangular tract situated between the L&N Railroad right-of-way and US Highway 90 with a 336 frontage on Biloxi Bay. They erected a new building after Hurricane Camille had destroyed the old Kersanac building of 1939. The new restaurant became known as Allman’s Restaurant and Lounge. In May 1979, the Allman family sold their tract and eatery to Jeanette Dees Weill, the widow of Adrian Weill (1903-1971), a Biloxi realtor. The consideration was $240,000.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 649, p. 450)
Jeannete D. Weill
In the May 1979 acquisition, Jeanette Dees Weill (1916-2002), a native of Alabama, also acquired the use of the name Allman’s Restaurant and Lounge. In December 1986, Jacqueline W. Bernstein, Jolene W. Aultman, and Donna W. Green, Conservators and daughters of Jeanette D. Weill, sold the former Allman tract to Loris C. Bridges.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 649, p. 454 and Bk. 875, p. 475 and p. 478)
Loris C. Bridges
Loris C. Bridges, a former Jackson, Mississippi real estate developer and land speculator, aspired to build a marina on her bay front lot. She had owned and operated the Gulf Hills resort from August 1981 until January 1983. In May 1987, her company, Bridgeport, Inc., acquired a twenty-five year lease from Jackson County, Mississippi on the old US Highway 90 Bridge, which was completed in 1929 and replaced by the present span, which opened for traffic in May 1962.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 887, p. 352)
Unfortunately, Mrs. Bridges failed to complete her marina and the Weill family reacquired their property in a trustee sale executed by Sanford R. Steckler, a Biloxi attorney, in April 1989.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 936, p. 120 and p. 124)
Weill Heirs Inc.
In February 1993, David A. Wheeler, as Guardian Ad Litem of Jeanette D. Weill, conveyed the Weill property to Weill Heirs, Inc.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1012, p. 209)
Loris C. Bridges
In October 1994, Loris Cayce Bridges acquired a lease from Weill Heirs, Inc.. Jolene W. Aultman, president and Donna Weill, secretary. The old Allman’s Restaurant building was utilized as the office for Bridgeport Marina, a project thought still viable by Mrs. Bridges. Again Mrs. Bridges failed to attract investors and her proposed marina project was never commenced.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1051, p. 628)
Grand Marina
In the summer of 2004, investors again are speculating that a marina can be situated on the former 19th Century home site of the Reverend Joseph B. Walker. Grand Marina, a project consisting of 120-unit condo, restaurant, and marina to accommodate 400 vessels, is now in the offing. The old Allman’s Restaurant building was also demolished in the summer of 2004, in the anticipation of new construction.(The Bay Press, October 22, 2004, p. 10)
This concludes the history of the Reverend Joseph Burch Walker tract.
Allison-Parkinson-Palfrey Place
What is now generally known as the Parkinson or Palfrey Place had its origins with the Allison family of New Orleans. This exceptionally fine summer retreat is situated on Biloxi Bay in US Lot 4, Section 24, T7S-R9W, and is extant at present day 335 Lovers Lane. The Palfrey Place is now in the possession of the Thomas P. Crozat family, formerly of the Crescent City.
The Allison family began their settlement here as summer residents in the late 1850s, on an approximately twelve acre parcel, which was subsequently divided into two additional tracts between 1874 and 1879, by virtue of conveyances to other families from the Crescent City namely those of: Edward L. Israel (1836-1891) and Charles F. Hemard (1828-1888).
Andrew Allison
In September 1859, Joseph R. Plummer (1804-1870+), the original settler on the Fort Point Peninsula, sold for $1000, 10.69 acres more or less to Andrew Allison (1818-1873) of New Orleans. The Allison tract was southeast of Issac Randolph (1812-1884) and north of Bishop John C. Keener (1819-1906), a Methodist clergyman also from the Crescent City. Mr. Allison purchased additional contiguous land to the south from George A. Cox, the local land agent of Edward Chase of St. Louis, in June 1860. This parcel was described as “a part of Lot 10 in Block 14”. Mr. Chase received $100 for his land, which appears to have had an area of about 2.60 acres more or less. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 39, pp. 160-164)
Andrew Allison was a native of Ayreshire, Scotland and had been a resident of the South since 1849. He made his livelihood as a pharmacist and resided on Baronne Street in New Orleans. Andrew Allison had married Mary Bolls (1827-1900+), the daughter of Matthew Bolls (1788-1863) and Mary Smyley (d. 1867). She was a native of Claiborne County, Mississippi. Her father was a planter and the son of John C. Bolls (1745-1831), an Irish immigrant, who had married Martha Jane Elliot (ca 1768-pre 1831) in North Carolina. Her siblings were: Emeline B. Shaw (d. 1853), Martha Jane B. Watson (1818-1836), and John Bolls (1822-1833). Emeline Bolls Shaw had married the Reverend Benjamin Shaw, a native of Rhode Island, and minister in the Presbyterian Church. Reverend Shaw arrived in New Orleans in the 1830s where he was the editor of The Protestant Courier.(The Daily Picayune, January 11, 1873, p. 4 and Bio. And Hist. Memoirs of La., Vol. 2, 1892, p. 379)
Oakland College-Alcorn State University
John C. Bolls, one of the earliest settlers and planters of the Natchez District was a founder in 1830 of Oakland College, a Presbyterian school to educate white males, which was situated on his land. It closed when the War of the Rebellion commenced in 1861. As it did not open after the conflict, the Presbyterian college was sold to the State for the education of its African-American citizens. After Congress passed the Morrill Land-Grant Act in 1862, the Mississippi Legislature in 1871 used funds generated through the Morrill Land-Grant Act to establish an institution for the education of African-American youth. In 1878, it became known as Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College. In 1974, it was renamed Alcorn State University by the Legislature.
Coming home
Andrew Allison and Mary Bolls Allison were the parents of nine children of which five survived into the 20thCentury. Sometime, after Mr. Allison’s demise at New Orleans in 1873, Mary returned to her native Mississippi. In 1900, Mary B. Allison was residing in Beat 5 of Madison County, Mississippi in the household of her son-in-law, Ray Thomas Jr. No further information.(1900 Federal Census Madison County, Mississippi, T623R819, p. 332)
Hugh Allison
In August 1867, Andrew Allison conveyed for $3000 his twelve-acre estate on Back Bay to Hugh Allison(1825-1881), probably his brother. The conveyance was described as lying between the Reverend Mr. Keener’s and that formerly known as the Plummer Brick House property.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 39, pp. 164-165)
Hugh Allison was also born in Scotland. He was the husband of Eliza Kate Wing (1842-1879), the daughter ofFred Wing (1814-1895) and Mary A. Drabble (1823-1894). Her sister, Jesse R. Wing (1853-1918) was married toAlbert G. Tebo (1848-1929), and as previously mentioned, were estate owners on Front Beach at Ocean Springs in the vicinity of the present day Ocean Springs Yacht Club. Hugh Allison made his livelihood as a cotton commission merchant in the Crescent City.( Bio. And Hist. Memoirs of La., Vol. 2, 1892, p. 463)
Hugh and Eliza K. Allison conveyed their 12 acre estate to Mary B. Allison in August 1870 for $3000.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 39, pp. 165-166).
PARKINSON
In June 1875, Mary B. Allison sold her 6.41-acre estate to Eugenia Bodley Parkinson (1827-1898), a resident of New Orleans for $4000. Mrs. Parkinson was the wife of Franklin B. Parkinson (1819-1896), who was born at Natchez, Mississippi, the son of Robert Parkinson (1790-1850+), a native of Pennsylvania, and Margaret Parkinson (1800-1850+). Robert Parkinson had two sisters: Cecelia Parkinson (1827-1850+) and Laura F. Parkinson (1828-1850+). In 1850, he made his livelihood as a clerk probably at New Orleans, as his family residence was situated in nearby Jefferson Parish, Louisiana in Ward 2 of the Lafayette area.(JXCO Land Deed Bk. 1, pp. 479-481, The Jackson County Times, September 29, 1934, p. 4, and 1850 Federal Census, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana-M432R232, p. 140)
In 1857, Franklin B. Parkinson had married Eugenia Bodley, a native of Baltimore, Maryland. She had a brother, Thomas B. Bodley who lived in Jackson, Mississippi with his wife, Charlotte G. Coleman Bodley. When the Civil War commenced, Franklin B. Parkinson and family were domiciled in the 11th Ward of New Orleans. He joined the Confederate ranks with A.D. Parkinson, who may have been a relative.(1860 Federal Census, Orleans Parish, La., p. 871 and The Jackson County Times, September 29, 1934, p. 4)
Franklin B. Parkinson and Eugenia B. Parkinson were the parents of three children: Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Parkinson (1859-1930), Mary Eugenia “Mollie” Parkinson (1862-1902) and Robert Parkinson (1864-1925).
Civil War military service records indicate Franklin B. Parkinson enlisted in Company B, Orleans Guards, Louisiana Military Regiment on March 8, 1862. He was immediately transferred by Governor T.O. Moore to a unit for the local defense of the City of New Orleans, commanded by Major General Mansfield Lovell, CSA.(Booth, 1984, p. 73).
In the summer of 1895, the family of William Woodward, an art professor at Tulane University in New Orleans, took a long holiday at the Parkinson place.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, August 23, 1895, p. 3)
F.B. Parkinson expired on October 24, 1896. Mrs. Eugenia Parkinson followed him in death on August 26, 1898. Their corporal remains were interred in the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 at New Orleans.
Benjamin F. Parkinson
Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Parkinson nor his sister or brother married. In 1900, B.F. Parkinson was a resident of Peter’s Avenue, Ward 14 of New Orleans. In his home were his siblings, Mary Eugenia “Mollie” Parkinson (1862-1902) and Robert Parkinson (1864-1925), as well as their servant, Ellen Perry (1850-1900+). Both of the Parkinson men were employed in the insurance business.(1900 Federal Census, Orleans Parish, La., Roll 575, Bk. 2, p. 3)
After the demise of their parents, the Parkinson children inherited their Ocean Springs estate on Lovers lane and the Fort Point Peninsula. In August 1902, several years after the demise of his mother, B.F. Parkinson acquired the one-third interest of his brother, Robert Parkinson.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 25, pp. 492-495)
In June 1907, B.F. Parkinson added to his estate by acquiring 60 acres of land across Lovers Lane in Lot 5, Section 24, T9S-R7W, from the A.A. Maginnis Land Company for $2000. This tract would later become known as Cherokee Glen, when possessed by another New Orleans native, Henry L. Girot (1886-1953).(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 32, p. 462)
Ocean Springs Poultry Farm
At Ocean Springs, B.F. Parkinson (1859-1930) called his avocation, the Ocean Springs Poultry Farm. When he came over from New Orleans, the L&N train would stop where Porter Street intersected the railroad tracks and let him off. It was a short walk to his residence on Biloxi Bay.(Thomas P. Crozat, November 6, 2004)
In January 1906, the Ocean Springs Poultry Farm was under the management of Mr. Winslow. Mr. Parkinson’s chickens won several awards at the Mobile poultry breeders exhibition in January 1906.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 12, 1906, p. 3)
In May 1906, a fire destroyed the barn on the Parkinson place. The loss was estimated at approximately $1,000 and the structure was uninsured. Destroyed in the conflagration were: grain, exhibition chicken coops, tools and implements. Fortunately, Mr. Parkinson lost only four of his prize chickens.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 18, 1906, p. 3)
In 1910, B.F. Parkinson was living at Ocean Springs with his cook, Bell Riley (1887-1910+), yardman, Solomon Carter (1881-1910+), and his wife, Fannie Carter (1886-1910+). Listed as an orange nursery. He was not at Ocean Springs for the 1920 or 1930 Federal Census.(1910 Federal Census, Jackson County, Ms., T624R744 p. 1A)
Parkinson’s wharf
Like most turn of the Century residents of the Fort Point Peninsula, Frank Parkinson had a fishing pier, which was destroyed by storms decades ago. Unlike the others, his was preserved in verse by local realtor and historian, J.K. Lemon Jr. (1914-1998). The following rhyme was related to Mr. Lemon by James A.Carter (1875-1947) known as Jim Carco, as he was the stepson of Eugene Carco (1830-1900) and Ann Baker Carter Carco (1850-1927). Jim Carco made his livelihood as a pecan grafter. Theodore Bechtel (1863-1931), local pecan grower and nurseryman, lauded Carco as the best of his grafters. In later life, Carco was custodian of the R.W. Schluter (1890-1966) place, which was situated along the Inner Harbor north of the Shearwater Bridge.(J.K. Lemon Jr., May 1994)
I went down to the Parkinson’s Wharf
I made one throw and they all ran off
And I roll my pants to my knee
And I chased them mullets to the Rigolets
I went down to the Parkinson’s Wharf
I made one throw and they all ran off
I rolled my pants up to my ass
And I chased them mullet through the Biloxi Pass
Insurance
B.F. Parkinson was in the insurance business at New Orleans and Ocean Springs. In 1914, at Ocean Springs, he had an agency with George E. Arndt (1857-1945). They operated as Arndt & Parkinson-Fire and Tornado Insurance.(The Ocean Springs News, February 7, 1914)
B.F. Parkinson after many years with the Home Insurance Company founded the Fire Insurance Patrol circa 1920. He was president and secretary of this organization at the time of his demise. In New Orleans, Parkinson was once active in the St. John Rowing Club. He expired at New Orleans on April 24, 1930. Mr. Parkinson’s corporal remains were interred in the family tomb at the Lafayette No. 1 Cemetery on Washington Avenue in New Orleans.(The Times Picayune, April 25, 1930, p. 2)
M.A. Phillips from Hancock County was the administrator of the B.F. Parkinson estate, which was valued at $4845. Edith Ingleharte was his cook at time of demise.
(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 5265-June 1930)
1934 Dwyer letter
In September 1934, a letter was published in The Jackson County Times by John J. Dwyer addressed to the Editor. Dwyer’s return address was 40 Wall Street, New York, N.Y. The missive was seeking the heirs of Franklin B. Parkinson (1819-1896) and Eugenia Bodley Parkinson (1827-1898). They were entitled to the sum of $20,000. At this time with the Great Depression raging in America, this was an unimaginable amount of money. No further information.(The Jackson County Times, September 29, 1934, p. 4)
Cherokee Glen and Farm
In March 1923, B.F. Parkinson Jr. had sold the old Maginnis 60-acre tract in US Lot 5, Section 24, T7S-R9W to Henry L. Girot (1886-1953) and his wife, Mabel E. Judlin Girot (1890-1956), for $4000. Mr. Girot, a retired tailor, from New Orleans envisioned himself a gentleman farmer and aspired to make his livelihood here growing pecans and raising poultry on this land.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 52, p. 558)
Immediately Mr. Girot began to make improvements to his property. In order to gain access to his land, dynamite was utilized to clear an impenetrable barrier of thickly, overgrown, foliage consisting primarily of the Cherokee rose vine. It was thusly, the Cherokee rose, which gave its name to Cherokee Glen.(Beryl Girot Riviere, March 14, 2002)
One of Henry L. Girot’s first business ventures at Ocean Springs was the development in his neighborhood of a subdivision, Cherokee Glen. It was situated in Section 24, T7S-R9W, on the west side of Ocean Springs. In May 1926, he received approval from the Board of Aldermen of his sixty-acre platting, which was bounded on the north by Old Fort Bayou, on the east by the land that was adversely possessed by O.D. Davidson (1872-1938) and would become the Davidson Hills Subdivision in March 1956, on the south by Porter, and on the west by Lovers Lane.(The Jackson County Times, May 22, 1926, p. 1 and JXCO, Ms. Land Plat Bk. 1, p. 93)
The Palfrey Place
In May 1931, the B.F. Parkinson estate sold his summer residence on the historic Bay of Biloxi Bay to Ralph Palfrey (1898-1972) and his mother, Mrs. Herbert A. Palfrey (1870-1966), nee Jessie C. Handy and wife of Herbert A. Palfrey (1866-1921), for $4700. Herbert A. Palfrey was the son of George Palfrey (1829-1880+) and Gertrude E. Wendell (1835-1868) of New Orleans. His grandfather, Henry William Palfrey, and grandmother, Mary Bloomfiled Inskeep (d. 1887), were both natives of Massachusetts. The Palfrey family can trace their heritage to John Howland (1599-1673), a member of the London Company, who signed the Mayflower Compact at Cape Cod in 1620.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 64, pp. 318-319 and Thomas P. Crozat, November 6, 2004 )
George Palfrey
In 1850, George Palfrey was a student at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. By 1870, he was a widower and rearing his three children in the Crescent City: Arthur Palfrey (1858-1880+); Walter Wendell Palfrey (1860-1880); and Herbert Palfrey (1866-1921). A daughter, Minnie Tallman Palfrey (1862-1866) had passed several years before her mother’s demise in 1868. George Palfrey made his livelihood as a real estate agent in 1870.(1870 Federal Census Orleans Parish, La., M593R524, p. 386)
It appears that George Palfrey circa late 1870 married his sister-in-law, Augusta M. Wendell (1833-1915), a native of New York. They had one child, an infant who expired in September 1871. In 1880, George Palfrey was a broker, while his eldest son, Arthur Palfrey, was jeweler. After George died, Augusta lived with the Herbert Palfrey family. Herbert was a stationery merchant and printer in New Orleans.(1880 Federal Census Orleans Parish, La., T9R463, p. 390c and Palfrey tomb Lafayette Cemetery No. 1-NOLA)
In early February 1890, Herbert Palfrey married Jessie C. Handy in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Jessie Handy Palfrey was the sister of Captain Ellis Handy (1891-1963). They were the children of Thomas H. Handy and Josephine Campbell. Thomas H. Handy, an artillery veteran of the Civil War who fought gallantly at Fort St. Phillip, Vicksburg, and received a life-crippling wound at Fort Donaldson, was the Civil Sheriff of New Orleans during Reconstruction.(The Daily Herald, March 21, 1958)
Ellis Handy
Captain Ellis Handy was named for Governor Ellis of Louisiana. He joined the Canadian forces mobilized to fight Germany in Western Europe during WW I. He met Janet Eleanor More (1891-1961) of Hamilton, Ontario, and they married upon his return from Europe in 1919. Their children all born at Ocean Springs were: Ann Elizabeth “Polly” Handy (b. 1921), Dr. Thomas H. Handy (b. 1922), Mary H. Lemon Wilson (b. 1924), and Janet H. Lackey (b. 1929).
After the Great War, Ellis Handy relocated to Ocean Springs. His family had vacationed here since his childhood, and Handy like so many from the Crescent City, became enamored with the charm and pace of life here. Captain Handy made his livelihood as the proprietor of The Builder’s Supply Company, a lumber and building materials yard, situated on Old Fort Bayou in the vicinity of present day, Aunt Jenny’s Catfish House. B.F. Joachim Sr. (1853-1925) and partners had started the business in 1905. Before his demise in 1925, Mr. Joachim had acquired the outstanding stock of the company. His legatees conveyed the Builder’s Supply Company to Captain Ellis Handy in June 1925 for $5500. The sale included: sheds, machinery, and improvements.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 55, pp. 629-630)
In 1949, during his retirement years, Ellis Handy joined as associate editor, The Gulf Coast Times, the successor to The Jackson County Times. He wrote a weekly column, “Know Your Neighbor” from July 8, 1949 until November 25, 1949. W.H. Calhoun suggested that the articles be written since Ocean Springs had a goodly number of interesting people whose biographies might draw readers’ interests, and that it was a way for people to get to know each other. People featured in Handy’s most masterful essays were: John Willis Clayborn Mitchell (1871-1952), Henry Girot (1887-1953), Fred J. Ryan (1886-1943), Antonio J. Catchot (1864-1954), John E. Catchot (1897-1987), Alfred Edwin Roberts (1874-1963), William T. Dunn (1919-1990), Joseph L. “Dode” Schrieber (1873-1951), A.P. “Fred” Moran (1897-1967), Fred Bradford (1878-1951) and family, George Washington Smith (1857-1953), the VanCleave family, the Davis family, the Bilbo family, the Shannon family, and the Albert C. Gottsche Store.
For a historian or genealogist, Handy’s compositions are a powder magazine of information, especially concerning the 19th Century at Ocean Springs and environs. These papers are preserved in the JXCO, Mississippi Chancery Court Archives at Pascagoula, and available from Betty Clark Rodgers or Lois Castigliola , archivists. Captain Ellis handy also penned, “When Fear Dies” (circa 1945). It is an account of his WWI experiences and awaits publication.
Jessie Handy Palfrey
Jessie Handy Palfrey (1870-1966) and her clan began coming to Ocean Springs in the late 1890s for rest and recreation. She and Herbert Palfrey, her husband, were still growing their family in the Crescent City where they were in the stationery business.
Their children were: Gertrude Palfrey (1890-1983); Campbell Palfrey (1894-1970); Wendell Palfrey (1896-1956), a local realtor and developer; Ralph Palfrey (1898-1972), the husband of Marguerit Sullivan (1903-1980); Leila Palfrey Crozat (1902-1967), the spouse of Auguste J. Crozat II (1899-1984) of New Orleans; and Ruth PalfreyDunwody (1904-1985), the wife of Archibald B. Dunwody (1898-1976) of Sun City, Florida.
Prior to acquiring the F.B. Parkinson place at Ocean Springs in May 1931, the Palfrey family had a summer home at Long Beach, Mississippi. When Jessie Handy Palfrey and Ralph Palfrey bought the old Allison-Parkinson structure, it was in deplorable condition and demolishing by neglect. In fact, the Palfreys had local builder, Charles W. Hoffman (1889-1972), construct a two-story structure on the site, north of the old house for their immediate occupancy. The Palfreys refer to this building as the “apartment”. After they began to utilize the old Parkinson place, they began to let the “apartment” to locals and people from New Orleans.( JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 64, pp. 318-319 and Thomas P. Crozat, November 6, 2004) Initially, Mrs. Jessie H. Palfrey insisted that no wire screens be put on the front gallery, but relented in the 1940s. The family slept under mosquito bars until then. Mrs. Palfrey would also bring Lena Moore, her servant from New Orleans. Her original home was on the Elsewhere Plantation near Houma, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. Later Lena came to live with Ralph and Marguerit S. Palfrey in the 1960s.(Thomas P. Crozat, November 6, 2004)
Mrs. Jessie Handy Palfrey expired on December 24, 1966. Her corporal remains were interred in the Palfrey family tomb in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans.(Thomas P. Crozat, November 22, 2004)
Gertrude Palfrey
In March 1937, Jessie Handy Palfrey conveyed her interest in the family estate at Ocean Springs to Miss Gertrude Palfrey (1890-1983), her daughter. Miss Palfrey attended Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans and graduated with the Class of 1912, of which she was the Class Secretary. She taught school at New Orleans. Miss Palfrey passed on in October 1983. Her corporal remains rest eternally in the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Crescent City.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 69, pp. 644-645 and Anita Y. Crozat, November 22, 2004)
1934 wedding
Thanksgiving Day 1934, Miss Ruth Palfrey married Archibald B. Dunwody at the home of Ralph and Marguerit Palfrey in Ocean Springs. The Reverend W.I. McInnis of the Presbyterian Church performed the nuptial ceremony. Close friends and some relatives were in attendance. Archie Dunwody, a Georgia native, was a graduate engineer of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University. He made a career in the food processing industry designing machinery.(The Daily Herald, December 1, 1934, p. 2 and Thomas P. Crozat, November 22, 2004)
Ralph and Marguerit Palfrey
Ralph Palfrey (1898-1972) was a printer from New Orleans and married to Marguerit Sullivan (1903-1980). In the late 1890s, his father, Herbert A. Palfrey, had started a stationery and print shop, Palfrey-O’Donnell, which was located on Camp Street in the Crescent City. In 1973, the business then called, Palfrey, Rodd, and Pursell Company Limited, relocated to Tchoupitoulas Street. When sold in the early 1990s, the Palfrey family business was known as PRP.(Thomas P. Crozat, November 6, 2004)
Ralph Palfrey was an Army veteran of WWI, a member of the American Legion, and Masonic Order. He resided at Ocean Springs forty-one years.(The Daily Herald, August 2, 1972, p. 2)
Mrs. Marguerit Palfrey was known in the local community as a very charitable lady. She was active in the Ocean Springs Woman’s Club, Red Cross, and managed the nursery of St. Paul’s Methodist Church.(Lemon-1998 and The Ocean Springs News, October 1, 1964, p. 1)
In late September 1964, the Ralph and Marguerit Palfrey were awarded by the VFW Mark Seymour Post No. 5699, their Auxiliary Outstanding Citizens Award. For more than thirty years, the Palfreys had participated in community welfare work. Recently, they had been a salient force in providing indigent, multiracial children with clothing and basic life necessities for school and Christmas. In addition, Marguerit Palfrey was cited for her 2,000 plus hours donated at the VA Hospital, during the past year. The Lovers Lane couple were also active in the “I Am Your Neighbor Club”, the Jackson County Cancer Society, and were donators of flowers and services to the sick and confined of the community.(The Ocean Springs News, October 1, 1964, p. 1)
Ralph Palfrey also owned a one-half interest in the old “Pabst Place”, on Hensaw Road, which is now the Bienville Place Subdivision, in Section 26, T7S-R8W. He was a partner with his brother, Campbell Palfrey Sr. (1894-1970). They acquired the 110-acre tract from Florence Hunt Wright and H.L. Hunt in August 1948. Mrs. Elizabeth Smith Pabst began acquiring land in this area in August 1879, from Stephen Starks.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 103, pp. 11-15, JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 8, pp. 583-584).
After Ralph died, Henry Brooks, her gardener, assisted Marguerite S. Palfrey with her daily chores and shopping. Mrs. Palfrey later relocated to the Villa Maria retirement community on Porter Street. She had two sisters, Edna S. Graham of Covington and Mrs. Gordon McHardy of New Orleans. The corporal remains of both Ralph and Marguerit S. Palfrey were buried at the Southern Memorial Park cemetery in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, January 3, 1980, p. A-2)
Wendell Palfrey
Although Wendell Palfrey (1896-1956) was never a resident of Lovers Lane, or an owner of the Palfrey place, he resided in the area for over a decade and was an important part of the commerce of Ocean Springs between 1945 and 1955. Wendell was born on July 23, 1896 at New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of Herbert A. Palfrey (1866-1921) and Jessie Campbell Handy (1870-1966). He married Mary Frances “May” Cole Palfrey (1900-1992).
Wendell Palfrey grew up in the family stationery and printing on Camp Street in New Orleans where he worked in sales. In 1920, he left New Orleans for Memphis, Tennessee where he commenced his career in the real estate business. He and May came to Ocean Springs in 1945 from Memphis, Tennessee to sell real estate at Gulf Hills where he also settled in May 1946. Circa 1948, Mr. Palfrey moved his real estate and general insurance office to Washington Avenue. In September 1951, he relocated across the street to present day 626 Washington Avenue, which had been utilized by local jeweler, Frank C. Buehler (1909-1985).(The Gulf Coast Times, September 13, 1951, p. 1)
In November 1946, Mr. Palfrey advertised in The Jackson County Times, as follows:
Gulf HillsNature’s Supreme Gift for Happy HomesOffers 450 Landscaped Homesites At from $600 to $4,000 Terms PALFREY REALTY CO.
C. Roy Savery-Sales Representative Phone 4281 Ocean Springs, Ms.
|
Subdivisions
Wendell Palfrey and spouse developed several subdivisions during their tenure here. Among them were: Palfreyville in Section 18, T7S-R8W (1946); Maryville, in Section 23, T7S-R8W; Morningside (1947); Palfreyville No. 2 in Section 13, T7S-R9W (1950); Palfrey’s Claremont in Sections 14 and 23 of T7S-R8W; and Palfrey’s Dixie in Sections 14-23, T7S-R8W (1955).
1954 US Post Office
In December 1953, Wendell Palfrey commenced construction on a building situated on the southeast corner of Washington Avenue and Robinson Street, which he leased to the U.S. Postal Service. The lot and structure cost $27,500. It was completed by E.T. Hoffis, general contractor, in June 1954, and turned to Oscar T. Davis (1894-1963), postmaster of Ocean Springs. The old Palfrey structure is extant as Salmagundi, a gift boutique, which operates here today at 922 Washington Avenue. The local post office, when supervised by Postmaster Orwin J. Scharr (1914-2002), relocated from the Palfrey building in June 1966, to 900 Desoto Avenue, as the new structure almost tripled the area of the former one on Washington Avenue. The new US Post Office on Desoto and Jackson was dedicated on June 19th.(The Gulf Coast Times, December 10, 1953, p. 1 and January 13, 1954, p. 14, and The Ocean Springs Record, June 23, 1966, p. 1)
Demise
Wendell Palfrey expired at Biloxi in late April 1956. While at Ocean Springs, he was very active in civic and commercial affairs. Mr. Palfrey was a member of the Louisiana Lodge Fraternal and Arch Masons; Gulfport Consistory Knights Templar, Hamasa Temple Shrine; Rotary Club; Coast Underwriters Association; Descendants of the Mayflower Society; Son of the American Revolution; and Camellia Club. He had been past president of the Biloxi-Pascagoula Real Estate Board and organizers of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Palfreys corporal remains were cremated at Birmingham, Alabama and sent to New Orleans for internment.(The Daily Herald, April 25, 1956, p. 2)
May Cole Palfry expired at Gulfport, Mississippi on May 29, 1992. Her corporal remains were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou.(The Ocean Springs Record, June 4, 1992, p. 7)
Thomas P. Crozat
In January 1980, Miss Gertrude Palfrey sold her interest in the Palfrey estate to Thomas P. Crozat, her nephew. Mr. Crozat acquired the remaining interest in his grandmother’s estate from his cousin, Campbell Palfrey Jr.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 670, p. 34 and Thomas P. Crozat, November 22, 2004)
Thomas P. Crozat (b. 1927), a native of New Orleans, who is a retired Stanolind, now BP-Amoco, geologist and commercial printer from New Orleans resides on the place today with his lovely spouse, Anita Yancey Crozat, a native of Memphis.
This concludes the history of the Allison-Parkinson-Palfrey tract at 335 Lovers Lane.
The Edward L. Israel-McClain Place
In June 1874, when Mary Bolls Allison (1827-1900+) subdivided her large lot overlooking Biloxi Bay and sold 2.60 acres off the southern end described as Lot 10 of Block 14, to Edward L. Israel (1836-1891), a New Orleans steamboat man and yachtsman, it commenced the occupation and chronology of another homestead on the Fort Point Peninsula. Bishop J.C. Keener resided south of the Israel tract.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1, p. 503)
Today, this property is owned by Dr. Eldon D. and Dixie A. McClain and called Rebel Oaks. The Israel-McClain place is situated at 343 Lovers Lane. Its history follows:
Edward L. Israel
Edward L. Israel (1836-1891) was born in Mississippi of an English father and New York mother. He had married Anna ? Israel (1838-1880+), a native of Washington D.C. The Israels had a daughter, Olivia Israel (1863-1880+), a Virginia native.(Fenerty and Fernandez, Volume , 1991, p. )
Very little is known about the Israel family during their residency on the Fort Point Peninsula. A reporter for a local journal commented that Edward L. Israel kept a span of fast iron gray horses to transport his carriage through the streets and lanes of Ocean Springs. His pleasure was fast horses and boats.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, July 9, 1880, p. 3)
Yachtsman
Mr. Israel was well known in Gulf Coast yachting circles. He was the owner of the winning boats in the first, third, and fourth classes races at the June 1878 Mississippi Coast Regatta. Edward Austin (1840-1878), son of Dr. W.G. Austin (1814-1894), won the second class aboard, Xiphias.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, June 28, 1878)
At the Mississippi City regatta held in July 1879, E.L. Israel’s first-class yacht, Lady Emma, was scheduled to sail a match race against A. Brewster’s, Susie S. Israel planned to use John Carney of Mobile to pilot his vessel. Mr. Brewster was to compete himself. He had recently won two races and was favored to beat Lady Emma at Mississippi City. A. Brewster waged $2000, while Mr. Israel exposed $1000 for the match race. The railroad had set a $1.00 special excursion round-trip rate from New Orleans to Mississippi City.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, July 27, 1879, p. 3)
In May 1880, Edward Israel was preparing to enter four boats in the regatta at New Orleans. By July 1880, he was considering sending one of his racing sailboats to compete in New York. (The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 21, 1880., p. 3 and July 9, 1880, p. 3)
Captain Israel sailed match races for the Southern Yacht Club at New Orleans against eastern yacht clubs in 1883.(Schieb, 1986, p. 36)
Edward L. Israel (1836-1891) sold his home at Ocean Springs and 2.60 acres to Henry Clay Mendenhall (1847-1915) in September 1880.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 4, pp. 634-635)
Henry Clay Mendenhall
The H.C. Mendenhall may have utilized their Biloxi Bay residence as a summer and weekend retreat and maintained their primary home at Mobile, Alabama.
Henry Clay Mendenhall (1847-1915) was born on January 18, 1847, at Westville, Mississippi, the son of James Bogan Mendenhall (1812-1882) and Winifred Anne Dunlap (1821-1887), both natives of North Carolina. In October 1887, H.C. Mendenhall married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Darrah Bonsal (1850-1933), a native of Norfolk, Virginia, and the daughter of John W. Bonsal and Elizabeth D. Skinner. Their children were: Henry Bonsal Mendenhall (1870-1900+), Ernest Dunlap Mendenhall (b. 1873), and a daughter Elizabeth Case Mendenhall (1885-1968), the wife of Charles Grady Parlin (1880-1940).
Elizabeth C. Parlin
Elizabeth Case Mendenhall (1885-1968) was born in Mississippi. She married Charles Grady Parlin (1880-1940), a native of Apalachicola, Florida. He was the son of Charles Henry Parlin from Maine and Cornelia Grady, a native of Florida. The Parlin family came to Ocean Springs in 1921 from Mobile where their four children were born: Henry Grady Parlin (1912-1984), Elizabeth Parlin (b. 1915), Clay M. Parlin (1918-1969), and Charles D. Parlin (1920-1978). At Ocean Springs, Charles Grady Parlin was in the real estate business.
The Parlins resided at present day 545 Front Beach Drive, the Parlin-Martin House. Their original home here was destroyed by fire on December 16,1922. A new structure was erected on the site by the Charles Grady Parlin family in 1923. It was acquired by Albert B. Austin (1876-1951) in June 1940.(The Jackson County Times, December 23, 1922, p. 5, c. 4)
Mobile
Henry Clay Mendenhall made his livelihood as an agent for the Southern Express Company at Mobile, Alabama. In the 1890s, the family resided at 1037 Government Street in Mobile, but appear to have relocated to Ann Street by 1900. Here Henry Clay and Lizzie Mendenhall resided with their son, Henry B. Mendenhall, an express clerk, and spouse, Fannie E. Mendenhall (1875-1900+), and their two children Henry L. Mendenhall (1894-1930+) and Lawrence B. Mendenhall (1896-1900+).(1900 Mobile County, Ala. Federal Census, T623R32, ED 110, p. 8A)
It is interesting to note that Henry L. Mendenhall (1894-1930+), the grandson of Henry C. Mendenhall, was living at Yonkers, Westchester County, New York in 1930, and making his livelihood as a telegraph clerk. His wife, Elise W. Mendenhall, was a native of North Carolina.(1930 Westchester County, N.Y. Federal Census, R166, ED 66)
New Beach Hotel
It appears that after retiring from railroad express business at Mobile, that Henry Clay Mendenhall may have returned to Ocean Springs to manage the New Beach Hotel for Dr. Dr. Jasper J. Bland (1850-1932) a native of Deasonville in Yazoo County, Mississippi. In 1891, Dr. Bland had married Agnes Elizabeth Edwards (1868-1936) of New Orleans, and practiced medicine in the Crescent City for the next fifteen years. Agnes Bland's father, James Daniel Edwards (1839-1887), a New Orleans industrialist, owned a large summer home at Ocean Springs on the beach between Jackson and Washington Avenue. He had purchased it from Sarah Margaret Richardson Hansell, the widow of Henry Holcombe Hansell, in May 1885 for $2800.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 7, pp. 468-472)
Dr. Bland purchased the Edwards property from Special Commissioner, F.H. Lewis, for $5500 in August 1899. He had the James D. Edwards domicile enlarged and converted to a fine hostelry, the Beach Hotel. With the large Ocean Springs Hotel burning in the spring of 1905, the town was desperately short of lodging especially in the summer months as tourist from New Orleans enjoyed the saltwater bathing and seafood generously offered by the area. This paucity of hotel rooms probably encouraged Dr. Bland to enlarge the Beach Hotel. In fact there is a strong possibility it was torn down as announced by The Ocean Springs News of April 3, 1909, "the old Beach Hotel is being demolished to make way for the new and handsome structure which is to take its place". (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 20, pp. 248-250.
Henry Clay Mendenhall expired at Mobile, Alabama on May 31, 1915.
Lizzie B. Mendenhall expired at Ocean Springs October 3, 1933. Her corporal remains were passed through the Episcopal Church at Ocean Springs before being sent to the Pine Crest Cemetery at Mobile, Alabama for internment.(The Daily Herald, October 5, 1933, p. 2)
In September 1890, H.C. Mendenhall sold his home on Biloxi Bay, which he called “Mendenhall”, to Julia Johnson Lewis (1861-1933), the spouse of Alfred E. Lewis (1862-1933).(JXCO Land Deed Bk. 12, pp. 96-97)
Alfred E. Lewis
Alfred E. Lewis (1862-1933), called Fred, was the son of Colonel Alfred E. Lewis (1812-1885) and Anne Farrington (1821-1901). Colonel Lewis, a pioneer settler of Jackson County, was active in politics, commerce, and farming. He served in the Mississippi State Legislature from 1850-1852, and was Sheriff for fourteen years. Colonel A.E. Lewis also built Lewis Sha, his plantation home at present day Gautier. It was renamed, Oldfields, by the W.W. Grinstead family during their occupancy in the early 20th Century.(The History of Jackson County, Mississippi-1989, p. 265)
Two of the Colonel A.E. Lewis children, Robert W. Lewis (1857-1886) and Katherine Lewis (1859-1930), married children of Mrs. Adeline A. Staples (1837-1901), an earlier settler of the Fort Point Peninsula. They were Frederick Staples (1852-1897) and his sister, Mathilde A. Staples (1858-1928+).
Fred Lewis, like his father, was a businessman. At Ocean Springs, he was active in real estate and founded the local water works system, which he sold to J.J. Kuhn (1848-1925) of New Orleans in 1898. Lewis supplied the village with water from an artesian well bored to about 500 feet. In July 1893, he agreed to furnish water at no cost to the citizenry of Ocean Springs for four public fountains and later gave free water for fire fighting purposes. For his generosity, Fred Lewis was given the moniker, “Artesian Prince”. In 1891, he built a two-story, wood frame, commercial structure on the southwest corner of Jackson Avenue and Porter. It was originally known as the “Lewis Building”, but later became the “Artesian House”. The Artesian House operated primarily as an inn or apartment house until 1936, when it was demolished for lumber salvage.
(Bellande, 1994, pp. 75-82)
Fred and Julia Lewis adopted an Alabama born child, Marguerite Lewis (1890-1961). She married Frank Raymond (1883-1952). They owned the Pines Hotel from 1925-1929. It was located on the southwest corner of Washington Avenue and Ocean Avenue before it burned in May 1932.(Bellande, 1994, p. 138 and p. 139)
Until 1895, Fred Lewis resided north of the railroad bridge on the Bay of Biloxi in a home called “Mendenhall”. In that year, the Lewis home was sold to Julia Oser Rodriguez (1860-1918) of New Orleans. At this time, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis probably moved to the Fort Bayou Community southwest of Vancleave where they established a home, called "Sweet Heart", on 320 acres of land in Sections 23 and 24 of T6S-R8W. Here Lewis operated a model agricultural enterprise. He was lauded for his outstanding poultry, pecans, and peaches.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 17, pp. 67-68 and The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, December 1, 1905, p. 3)
Julia O. Rodriguez
Julia Oser Rodriguez (1860-1918) was the spouse of Dr. Edward J. Rodriguez (1856-1936), a New Orleans dentist, who she wedded in 1880. Like her spouse, Julia Oser, was a native of Louisiana born of German immigrants parents. Dr. Rodriguez’s parents were natives of Spain and Louisiana respectively. The Rodriguez had six children, but only four survived into the 20th Century: Walter Rodriguez (1884-1900+); Albert Rodrigues (1886-1900+); Edward Rodriguez (1889-1900); and Rene Rodriguez (1890-1900+).(1900 Orleans Parish, La. Federal Census-T623R572, ED 57, p. 25A)
The two youngest Rodriguez children were known as “Toosie” and “Lovie”. (Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 26, 1906.
In 1910, the Rodriguez family resided on Esplanade Street in New Orleans.(1910 Orleans Parish, La. Federal Census-T624R521-Book 2, 6th Ward, p. 72A)
Julia O. Rodriguez conveyed her Fort Point Peninsula estate to Spencer H. Webster in April 1906.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 31,p. 128)
Webster Place [circa 1908?]
[photo by Roy Bland courtesy of John Sharp, Carthage, Mississippi]
Spencer H. Webster
Spencer H. Webster (1845-1926) was born at Forestville, Chautauqua County, New York on July 10, 1845. His parents were Milton Webster (1810-1870+), a native of Connecticut, and Mary H. Hibbard (1820-1870+), who was born at Vermont. By 1870, Milton Webster had moved the family from New York to River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin. He farmed here.(1870 Pierce County, Wis. Federal Census, M593R173 , p. 379)
Spencer H. Webster married Isabell Rambo in August 1876. After her demise, he wedded Margaret Ann Pixley, (1860-1943) in 1890. S.H. Webster appears to have had no children with either spouse.
In 1900, Spencer H. Webster was residing at Grand Tower, Jackson County, Illinois. He operated a farm here on the east bank of the Mississippi River southwest of Carbondale, Illinois. At Ocean Springs, Mr. Webster also considered himself a farmer.(1900 Jackson County, Illinois Federal Census, T624R293, p. 173A and 1910 Jackson County, Mississippi Federal Census, )
Fire
A fire destroyed the Spencer H. Webster home on the Fort Point Peninsula in March 1916. They saved all their furniture and personal possessions, but the conflagration couldn’t be halted because of the lack of water for the fire engine. Neighbors, Dr. William A. Porter (1850-1921) and Thomas E. Dabney (1885-1970) were the first on the scene. In March 1917, about a year after the conflagration, S.H. Spencer conveyed his land on the Fort Point Peninsula to his spouse. It appears that the Websters built a new domicile after the fire.(The Ocean Springs News, March 16, 1916, p. 1 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 61, p. 44)
Demise
Spencer H. Webster died on July 26, 1926 at Ocean Springs. His corporal remains were sent to the National Cemetery at Mobile, Alabama for internment. Mr. Spencer was a Civil War Veteran.(The Jackson County Times, July 31, 1926, p. 3)
Margaret A. Webster
Margaret Ann Webster (1860-1943) was born on November 22, 1860, at West Salem, Illinois, the daughter of George Pixley and Claressa Jones. While a resident on The Lane, she amused the neighborhood children with her performing squirrels. They were cages in a ten-foot by ten-foot enclosure.(Thomas P. Crozat, November 2004 and Nuwer, 1983)
In her will written in late 1942, Margaret A. Webster legated her estate and real property to Charles O. Pixley (1869-1951), her brother formerly of Ainsworth, Nebraska, and to her two sisters, Laura J. Renfro (1863-1943+) of Pocatello, Bannock Co., Idaho and Ida E. Hastings (1857-1948) of North Hollywood, Los Angeles Co., California. Mrs. Webster requested in her last testament “that my home property to be sold within two years or a soon as the price of $5000 can be obtained and during which period my brother Charles Pixley is to occupy said premises without the payment of rent but he shall take care of the taxes and repairs due thereon.” In addition to her real property, Margaret A. Webster left her siblings about $4400 in stocks and cash.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 6827-March 1943)
Mrs. Webster expired at Ocean Springs on March 1, 1943. Her corporal remains were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou.(The Daily Herald, March 4, 1943, p. 6)
In September 1943, Mrs. Laura J. Renfro and Ida E. Hastings quitclaimed their interest in their sister’s Biloxi Bay estate to Charles O. Pixley, their brother.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 84, pp. 351-352)
Charles O. Pixley
Charles Oscar Pixley (1869-1951), the brother of Margaret Ann Webster, was a native of West Salem, Illinois. Most of his adult life was lived in Ainsworth, Brown County, Nebraska as a farmer and retail grocer. Circa 1890, Charles had married Laura E. Pixley (1859-pre-1930+). She was a native of Iowa and did not bear him children.(1900 Brown County, Nebraska Federal Census, T623R917, p8; 1920 Brown County, Nebraska Federal Census; and 1930, Brown County, Nebraska Federal Census, R1266 ED 1)
Circa 1932, Charles O. Pixley, a widower, came to the Mississippi Gulf Coast probably settling at Biloxi, to be near Mrs. Webster, his aging widowed sister. It appears that he took a wife, Anna May Pixley, during this time. Mr. Pixley and his wife resided at the Biloxi Community House where they were caretakers. He expired at the Biloxi Hospital on July 26, 1951. Mr. Pixley’s remains were sent to Ainsworth, Nebraska after services for him were held at the First Methodist Church of Biloxi on July 23, 1951.(The Daily Herald, July 23, 1951, p. 2)
In January 1945, Charles O. Pixley and Anna May Pixley of Harrison County, Mississippi conveyed their Fort Point Peninsula estate to Elmer Williams for $4000. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 88, pp. 314-315)
Elmer Williams
Elmer Williams (1898-1985) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi to Carroll “Cal” Williams (1864-1959) and Anna Cox Williams (1876-1941). In 1920, he with Charles DeJean and Frank Bosarge commenced the DeJean Packing Company. His brother, Carroll “Peck” Williams (1900-1977), joined the firm as a partner in later years, and in time, the two became sole owners of the corporation. In April 1923, Elmer married Cornelia Champagne (1906-1983), a native of Charenton, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church. They were the parents of two daughters: Anna Mae Williams Favret (1924-1997) and Mercedes Williams Hall (b. 1925).(The Daily Herald, April 4, 1923, p. 3 and March 25, 1953, p. 7 and The Ocean Springs Record, January 31, 1985, p. 6)
Elmer Williams was a candidate for Mayor of Biloxi in 1953. He ran on the tenet that “there is no reason why a city or other public sub-division cannot and should not be administered on sound American business principles.” Mr. Williams expired on January 29, 1985. His corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park Cemetery at Biloxi. Cornelia preceded Elmer in death passing on in October 1983 at her home at 309 Front Beach Drive in Ocean Springs.(The Daily Herald, March 25, 1953, p. 7 and The Ocean Springs Record, January 31, 1985, p. 6)
Elmer and Cornelia Williams never lived in their Lovers Lane home, but acquired it for their daughter, Anna Mae Favret. In October 1945, Elmer Williams conveyed title to his Lovers Lane property to Anna Mae Williams Favret et al.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 92, pp. 369-370)
Anna Mae W. Favret
Anna Mae Williams Favret (1924-1997) was born at Biloxi on January 10, 1924. She was reared on Howard Avenue in Biloxi’s eastern most neighborhood, ubiquitously known as “The Point”. Anna Mae was a 1941 graduate of the Sacred Heart Academy. In February 1944, she married Robert “Bob” Benedict Favret (1913-1979), a native of New Orleans. He was the son of Lionel Francis Favret (b. 1878) and Marie Erath Favret (b. 1880). Lionel F. Favret was a prominent building contractor in the Crescent City. The Favrets built many of the Roman Catholic sanctuaries in New Orleans and also the Roosevelt Hotel, now Fairmont Hotel.(The Sun Herald, April 16, 1997, p. C-2 and Mercedes W. Hall, December 5, 2004)
In November 2004, Bob Favret’s brother, Lionel J. Favret Sr. (1911-2004) died at New Orleans. He was a graduate of Holy Cross High School and attended Notre Dame University, where he was a member of the football and track teams, and Tulane University. Lionel joined his family's construction business. Among his projects were the Blue Plate Building, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, Cabrini High School, St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church and many other schools, churches and office buildings.(The Times Picayune, November 5, 2004)
Anna Mae and Bob Favret had two children: Cornelia “Connie” Ann Favret (b. 1944) and Elmer Favret (1946-1947). Connie Ann was Queen of the Krewe of Zeus, a New Orleans Mardi organization, in January 1963. Like her mother, she attended Sacred Heart in Biloxi where she was active in the marching band.(The Daily Herald, January 24, 1963)
Doing their occupancy of the old Webster place, Elmer Williams had the area in front of the Favrets dredged deeper. He also had chicken houses erected.(Mercedes W. Hall, December 6, 2004)
Anna Mae Favret expired on April 14,1997 in Ocean Springs. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, April 16, 1997, p. C-2)
In April 1949, Robert B. Favret conveyed their Biloxi Bay home to R.G. Cooper and spouse, Dorothy M. Cooper, for $19,000.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 97, p. 9)
R.G. Cooper
R.G. and Doris M. Cooper were from Kentucky. Bernelle Dressell Babcock, domiciled in Metairie, Louisiana and a former owner of 343 Lovers Lane, relates that R.G. Cooper had formerly worked for the Bridgeport Brass Company, probably at Indianapolis, Indiana. It is believed that during the tenure of the Cooper family that the moniker “Rebel Oaks” was applied to the property. Mr. Cooper enjoyed skeet shooting in Biloxi on Point Cadet. No further information.(Mrs. B. D. Babcock, December 6, 2004 and T.P. Crozat, December 7, 2004)
Rebel Oaks
The following short essay “The Rebel Oaks” was written in August 1983, by an eighth grade student in the class of Deanne Stephens Nuwer, now Dr. Nuwer, and a history professor at USM-Gulfcoast:
The Rebel Oaks
Rebel Oaks, a lovely alley of live oaks, is located on Lovers Lane and overlooks the Back Bay of Biloxi. The site and present house are owned by Mrs. Emma Dressel. The house and grounds are carefully tended by a caretaker.
The present day house is a new structure. Previously, however, there was a small, russet cottage located on the property. It was owned by Mrs. Webster in the 1920’s. Mrs. Webster had a 10’ x 10’ cage of performing squirrels that did tricks. Local children enjoyed watching squirrels.
The original deed to the site was signed by our seventh President, Andrew Jackson. He had won the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812, and he traveled the Natchez Trace, so that he was familiar with the Southern land.
(from: Ocean Springs, Mississippi-A Look at the Beautiful Past of a Beautiful City, (Eighth Grade Class of Deanne Stephens Nuwer: Ocean Springs, Mississippi-1983)
In October 1949, R.G. Cooper sold “Rebel Oaks” to Emma R. Dressel of New Orleans for $23,750. “the conveyance included certain furnishings, furniture, and fixtures located on the premises, a list of which has been made and agreed upon by the grantor and grantee.”.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 110, pp. 177-178)
Emma R. Dressel
Emma Robbert Dressel (1897-1982) was the daughter of Frederick W. Robbert (b. 1875) and Louise “Lu” Pons (1874-1928). She married Bryce Ernest Dressel (1896-1950) who was born at New Orleans, the son of Harry J. Dressel (1867-1910+) and Elizabeth Heimberger Dressel (1867-1940). Harry J. Dressel was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. His parents were natives of Saxony. Elizabeth H. Dressel came from Indiana. Her father was also a German immigrant. In 1910, Mr. H.J. Dressel made his livelihood as the superintendent of the streetcar railroad in the Crescent City. Bryce E. Dressel had a brother, Harry J. Dressel Jr. (1900-1920+).(1870 Hamilton Co., Ohio-T9R1026, p. 586, ED 147 and 1910 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, T624R529, p. 154 and Bernelle D. Babcock, December 6, 2004)
Bryce E. Dressel made his livelihood at New Orleans in the small engine retail business. He sold lawn mowers and later acquired the Mercury Outboard Motor franchise for the Crescent City. Bryce and Emma Victoria Robbert were married in Orleans Parish, Louisiana in June 1919. This blessed union resulted in three daughters: Leverne Emma Dressel (b. 1920) married William North (1918-1989); Brycelaine Dressel (b. 1923) married John Brigham Jr.; and Bernelle A. Dressel (b. 1925) married Henry G. Babcock (b. 1926). William North and spouse had two sons, Bryce and Donald North. The Brigham’s of Millbrae, California had a son, Mike, and two daughters, Sharon and Bonnie, while the Babcocks of Metarie had Mark and Brycelaine Dressel.(The Gulf Coast Times, November 24, 1950, p. 8 and Bernelle D. Babcock, December 14, 2004)
The grounds of Rebel Oaks were cared for through the years by Bernest Brooks. Irene Brooks, his wife, also worked for the Dressels.
1953 wedding
On June 13, 1953, Bernelle Alois Dressel married Henry G. Babcock on the grounds of Rebel Oaks. The nuptials were held under the auspices of the Lutheran Church. The grounds of Rebel Oaks were cared for through the years by Bernest Brooks. His brother Henry Brooks performed a similar service for the Palfrey family to the north of the Dressel place.(Bernelle D. Babcock, December 1, 2004)
In July-August 1950, Bernelle had gone on an extensive, six weeks tour of Latin America. She traveled by steamship to Buenos Aires, Argentina and flew to Chile to sail the Pacific. She was met at Galveston, Texas by her parents in late August 1950. Grandson, Bryce North, accompanied them to Texas.(The Gulf Coast Times, August 25, 1950, p. 5 and Bernelle D. Babcock, December 1, 2004)
New house
Circa 1965, Mrs. Emma R. Dressel demolished the old Spencer H. Webster residence and built a modern two-story, side gable-roofed, brick veneered wood frame structure, which was situated west of the Webster place and closer to Biloxi Bay. The Dressel house was built in the “Southern Colonial” style and featured a five bay, shed-roofed portico maintained by large columns. The central entrance has fan and sidelights. A swimming pool was built southwest of the structure.(Breggren, 1986, p. 1)
Outbuildings
During the Dressel occupation of 343 Lovers Lane, in addition to the new house, a concrete block cottage and beach house were erected. The cottage was built for Mrs. Dressel’s father, Frederick W. Robberts. He was ill at this time and traveled with a nurse.
The beach house was built below the low bluff near the shoreline of Biloxi Bay for Lloyd Henry Robbert, the bachelor brother of Mrs. Emma R. Dressel. He used it rarely. After Bryce E. Dressel had a stroke and was partially paralyzed, he would sit on the gallery of the beach house and relax in his rocking chair and enjoy the marine vista and his grandchildren playing in the sand. The grandchildren when hungry would often take a skiff to Biloxi and eat poor-boys at Rosetti’s, now called the Schooner on “The Point”.(Bernelle D. Babcock, December 1, 2004)
The beach house structure was damaged during tropical cyclone, Camille, in August 1969. Subsequently, the derelict building was demolished. Camille’s tidal surge came to the swimming pool, but did not enter the main house to the delight of the Dressels.(Bernelle D. Babcock, December 1, 2004)
Sale
In October 1974, Emma Robert Dressel, heir of Bryce E. Dressel, sold her Ocean Springs estate to her three daughters: Leverne Emma Dressel North of Transylvania County, North Carolina; Bernelle Alois Dressel Badcock of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana; and Brycelaine Dressel Brigham of Butte County, California.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 513, p. 337)
Eldon D. McClain
In September 1989, Dr. Eldon D. McClain and spouse Dixie A. McClain, acquired Rebel Oaks from Brycelaine D. Brigham of Butte County, California, Leverne Emma Dressel North of Transylvania County, North Carolina, and Bernelle Alois D. Badcock of Metairie, Louisiana.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 943, p. 762)
Eldon D. McClain (b. 1941) was born at Topeka, Kansas. He was reared in a peripatetic family as his father traveled throughout the Midwest pursuing a career in agricultural sales. Eldon finished high school in rural Illinois where he met his future bride, Dixie A. Richardson (b. 1944), a native of Miles City, Montana. Dixie was reared in Illinois. Her father fought in the South Pacific with the 5th Marine Division at Iwo Jima and was captured by a Life Magazine photographer as his landing craft approached the beach on the morning of the February 19, 1945 invasion. Dixie is an alumnus of Northern Illinois University at DeKalb, Illinois.
In 1960, Eldon D. McClain matriculated to Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois and finished medical school there in 1968. In 1973, he completed his post-graduate medical specialty in pathology in the Windy City. Dr. Eldon D. McClain served several years in the U.S. Army stationed at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. Post-military service, he found employment at the Craven Medical Center in New Bern, North Carolina. In 1979, Dr. McClain, Dixie, and their three sons relocated to Ocean Springs settling off East Beach. He worked as a pathologist at the Howard Memorial Hospital in Biloxi and continues in this capacity today at the Biloxi Regional Medical Center.
Prior to settling into their Biloxi Bay residence, the McClains realized that improvements were in order. They hired Walter T. “Buzzy” Bolton, a local architect, to assist them with design and refurbishment plans. Eldon and Dixie wanted to capture more of the incredible marine vista that was available to them, but not being fully realized because of the present architecture. Bolton achieved their goal with multiple windows and the addition of a great room with a vaulted ceiling on the bayside of their home. The foyer ceiling was also heightened. The swimming pool was eliminated and that former area converted into a large, open, landscaped patio. Jerry Morgan contracted the work for the McClains while Katie Tynes was retained for interior design consultations.
Upon entering the live oak traced drive into Rebel Oaks from Lovers Lane, one is struck with the pulchritude of the natural surroundings. Large oaks, magnolia, cypress, and pecans form a moderately dense canopy, which filters sunlight to nourish the well-landscaped gardens of azaleas, hydrangeas, and lilies. Mondo grass is appropriate and used to create verdant borders along the drives. To the delight of their northern neighbor, Thomas P. Crozat, there is also persimmon tree on the estate. The McClains take delight in their gardening activities and are capably assisted by Kathy Barnes. Striper, the family cat, provides friendly company for visitors.
Dr. Porter place
In April 1992, Dr. Eldon McClain acquired the contiguous 5.9-acres to the south of Rebel Oaks, the former Dr. William Porter place, from CSX Transportation Inc. CSX is the surviving company of the 1982 merger of the L&N Railroad and the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. The railroad has possessed this tract since 1937.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 994, p. 66 and Bk. 70, p. 268)
This concluded the chronology of the Israel-McClain tract at present day 343 Lovers Lane.
Charles F. Hemard Tract
The Charles F. Hemard homestead on the Fort Point Peninsula at Ocean Springs was created from the 3.40 acre Allison parcel in June 1879, when Elizabeth W. Allison (1842-1879) and her husband, Hugh Allison (1825-1881) sold their tract to Charles F. Hemard (1828-1888) for $350. The Hemard parcel was north of the B.F. Parkinson lot and south of the Captain Brooks Place and had a front of two hundred forty eight feet on Biloxi Bay.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 4, pp. 214-215)
The Charles F. Hemard tract was further divided in November 1914, when possessed by Miss Alice de Armas (1853-1922+) who vended a lot to J.D. Decker (d. 1934). These present day properties are 331 Lovers Lane, the Hemard-Anderson tract, and 329 Lovers Lane, the De Armas-Baker place. They will be discussed separately.
Hemard-Anderson Tract
Charles F. Hemard
Charles Francois Hemard (1828-1888) was a native of Lorraine, France and a resident of New Orleans. In 1850, Jean-Baptiste Hemard, his father, was a dairyman in the Crescent City and as a teen Charles sold bread. He was one of six children all natives of France.(1850 Orleans Parish, La. Federal Census, M432R236, Ward 7, p. 358)
By 1880, Charles F. Hemard was a cotton merchant in the Crescent City. At New Orleans in March 1851, he had married a French lady, Catherine Fersing (1835-1900+). She had immigrated from France in 1847, and bore him seven children of whom two survived into the 20th Century: Michel F. Hemard (1853-pre 1880); Alfred Charles Hemard (1855-1888+); Ernest J. Hemard (1858-1891+); Charles J. Hemard (1860-1900+); Louis Hemard (1862-pre 1880); Alphonse Hemard (1864-pre 1880); and Edward Charles Hemard (1866-1900+) married Anna Margaret Meissner.(1873-1900+)
In 1880, Ernest and Charles Hemard worked in a cotton press while their younger brothers were at school. They resided in Ward 2, Enumeration District 12, which is bounded by Franklin, Thalia, Magnolia, and Julia Street. The Civil District Court at New Orleans declared Ernest J. Hemard insane in February 1891.(CDC Orleans Parish, La. Div. B, Cause No. 25,031-September 1888 and Fenerty and Fernandez, Volume II, 1991, p. 292)
Demise
Charles F. Hemard expired from heart failure at his Ocean Springs home on September 21, 1888. His corporal remains were sent to New Orleans for burial in the St. Roch Cemetery. The remainder of the Hemard family were interred in the Greenwood Cemetery at New Orleans.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 415-April 1891 and Thelma Hemard Heckert)
In June 1899, the Heirs of Charles F. Hemard, Catherine Hemard, a widow, Edward C. Hemard, and Charles F. Hemard conveyed their father’s Fort Pont Peninsula estate to Albert de Armas for $1000.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 20, pp. 109-110)
Albert de Armas
Albert de Armas (1835-1915) was born at New Orleans, the son of Felix Nicolas Nicassio de Armas (1796-1839) and Isabella Alpuente (1805-1889). Felix N.N. de Armas immigrated to America entering the port of New Orleans in 1822, probably coming from the Canary Islands.
Albert de Armas made his livelihood as a commerce clerk and architect. He was the uncle of Rita de Armas Marquez (1851-1909) and Alice de Armas (1853-1922+). From Federal Census data, it appears that Albert and Alice de Armas were in the household of Frank Marquez (1840-1914), from the time of the marriage of Mr. Marquez to Rita de Armas in April 1874, until the death of Marquez in August 1914.(Orleans Parish 1880 Federal Census, 7th Ward, ED 462, p. 607)
In 1891, Albert de Armas was secretary of the Swamp Land Reclamation Company in the Crescent City. By 1900, he was a commerce clerk and resided on Elysian Fields Avenue with Frank Marquez, his nephew-in-law, the Civil Sheriff of Orleans Parish, Louisiana.(Soard’s 1891 NOLA Directory and 1900 Orleans Parish Federal Census, T623R572, ED 64, p. 146)
In 1910, Albert de Armas was domiciled on Lovers Lane and listed his occupation as farmer. He resided with Frank Marquez, a widower, and his spinster niece, Alice de Armas.(1910 Jackson Co., Ms. Federal Census, T624R744, pt. 1, p. 113)
Albert de Armas expired on December 16, 1915 at St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.
In February 1900, Albert de Armas had conveyed his Biloxi Bay home to Frank Marquez (1840-1914) for $1000.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 21, p. 130)
Francisco Marquez
It is not known if the Hemard place burned or deteriorated, but in April 1900, the Ocean Springs reporter for the Pascagoula weekly journal noted that “a fine residence is being erected on the Hemard place north of the railroad on the beach, which will be occupied by a citizen of New Orleans for a summer home”.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, April 6, 1900, p. 3)
That citizen of the Crescent City was Francisco “Frank” Marquez (1840-1914), a native of New Orleans and the son of Francisco Marquez and Margaritha Llambias, both Spanish immigrants. His siblings were: Marguerita Pamela Marquez (b. 1842); Bartholome Marquez (b. 1844); Simon Marquez (b. 1847); Ricardo Marquez (b. 1849); Philomena Carmen Marquez Valle (1851-1928) married Mr. Valle; Cesaire Baldmer “Baldomero” Marquez (1854-1923) married Amelia Delvaille; and Edward Joseph Marquez (1856-1927) married Carlotta Patti (1871-1937).
Civil War
When the Civil War commenced, young Frank Marquez enlisted in Gustave LeGardeur’s Battery, a part of the Orleans Guard Battery A, which was formed in July 1863 by detaching those members of the 10th Missouri Artillery Battery who had previously served in the Orleans Guard Artillery and forming this new company, which was a part of the Army of Tennessee. LeGardeur’s Battery received the guns of the Chestatee (Georgia) Artillery Battery upon its arrival at Charleston, South Carolina in November 1863. It was armed with two 6-lb. smoothbores and two 12-lb. howitzers from April 2, 1864 to May 3, 1864. It was armed with four 12-lb. Napoleons and two 3.5" Blakelys on January 6, 1865. LeGardeur’s Battery fought at: Chickamauga, Georgia (1863); Chattanooga Siege, Tennessee (1863); Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins (1864); Bentonville, North Carolina (1865); and Averasboro, South Carolina (1865).
(www.acadiansingray.com/Orleans%20Gd.%20Batt.htm)
Louisiana Lottery Company
"The people of Louisiana have a compulsion for gambling unequaled anywhere in the world that my travels have taken me," wrote C.C. Robin, a nationally acclaimed 19th century writer. "Their compulsion for gambling is only equaled by their compulsion for alcoholic beverages."
Returning to the Crescent City after the War of the Rebellion, Frank Marquez married Miss Rita de Armas in April 1872 and began to practice law. He became a member of the Louisiana State legislature and was a zealot in his effort to rid the state of gambling. Marquez was successful in the eradication of the Louisiana Lottery Company.(The Jackson County Times, August 15, 1914, p. 5)
In 1868, the Louisiana Lottery Company had opened for business after Charles T. Howard of New Orleans and his New York capitalist friend, John A. Morris, were successful in getting a 25-year monopoly to operate a lottery from the administration of Republican Gov. Henry Clay Warmoth (1846-1931), whose “Carpetbagger”, Reconstruction reign has been described as Louisiana’s most corrupt.
For several years profits from the Louisiana lottery were slim to non-existent. Competition from other states was fierce. In fact, Howard and Morris were seriously considering throwing in the towel. But along came Dr. Maxmilian A. Dauphin, an Irish political exile. Dauphin took a small job with the Louisiana State Lottery and guaranteed its success. Dr. Dauphin realized that dramatic publicity guaranteeing the honesty of the operation was the key to its success. In 1877, he drew two well-known heroes of the Confederacy, Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard (1818-1893) of Louisiana and Gen. Jubal A. Early (1816-1894) of Virginia, into the organization. For their services as commissioners and supervisors of drawings, they each received $30,000 a year. (clarionherald.org/20030101/stall.htm)
The Louisiana Lottery became the largest in the country, with tickets sold nationwide. The owners of the Company worked out an arrangement with the state government. In exchange for donating a comparatively small sum of $40,000 a year for 25 years to the Charity Hospital of New Orleans, the Company kept the rest of their revenues, tax-free.
By 1890, 45 percent of all New Orleans postal receipts were lottery related. Lottery business coming through the mail hit $25 million a year, tax-free. Finally, Congress passed a law prohibiting the use of the mail for the transmission of lottery-related business. It was to be the lottery's deathblow. By 1892, the Louisiana State Lottery had drawn it final number. In its 24 years, not one person ever won the $600,000 prize. A New Orleans barber did win $300,000 for a half-ticket.(Clarion Herald, January 1, 2003)
Civil Sheriff
In 1890, when the Orleans Parish Levee District was organized, Frank Marquez (1840-1914) served as the secretary to its Board of Commissioners.(Goodspeed, 1891, Vol. II, pp. 35-36)
In the mid-1890s, Frank Marquez participated in the election reform movement at New Orleans and was associated with the Citizens League. In 1896, he was elected Civil Sheriff of Orleans Parish and fought to install populous candidates on the ballot. While serving the people of Orleans Parish, his character and integrity were recognized by attorneys, the business community, and many others with whom he met. When his term as Civil Sheriff ended, Frank Marquez retired to his estate on Biloxi Bay.(The Jackson County Times, August 15, 1914, p. 5)
Ocean Springs
In 1910, Frank Marquez, Albert de Armas (1835-1915), and Alice M. de Armas were residing at Ocean Springs at their Fort Point Peninsula residence. Mr. de Armas lists his occupation as farmer. At this time, Frank Marquez was a stockholder in the Builder’s Supply Company a lumberyard situated on Old Fort Bayou which vended lumber, shingles, molding, brick, and associated building products. It was managed by B.F. Joachim (1847-1925), also a stockholder and native of the Crescent City.(1910 Jackson Co., Ms Federal Census, T624R744, pt. 1, p. 113)
Alphonse Buisson (d. 1914), a Creole from New Orleans, worked on the Marquez place. Buisson killed himself in mid-February 1914, after marital problems. The suicide took place at the residence of his brother.(The Ocean Springs News, February 14, 1914, p. 5)
When Frank Marquez expired at Ocean Springs on August 12, 1914. He was survived by two brothers, Baldermo Marquez and Edward Marquez, and a sister, Carmen M. Valle, the widow of Louis Auguste Valle (1843-1905). Frank Marquez legated his estate to his sister-in-law, Alice M. de Armas (1853-1922+). At the time, she resided in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, and was at Ocean Springs in May 1916.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 3377-August 1914, The Jackson County Times, August 15, 1914, p. 5 and The Daily Herald, May 30, 1916)
Alice M. de Armas
Alice Marie de Armas (1853-1922+) was born at New Orleans in 1853, the daughter of Felix de Armas (1827-1860+) and Laure de Armas (1831-1894). She was the granddaughter of Felix Nicolas Nicassio de Armas (1796-1839) and Isabella Alpuente (1805-1889). Felix N.N. de Armas immigrated to America entering the port of New Orleans in 1822, probably coming from the Canary Islands.
In 1860, Alice de Armas was domiciled in her grandmother’s home with her father, a notary, her mother, and siblings, Rita de Armas and Emma de Armas. Her uncle, Albert de Armas (1835-1915), a clerk, also lived with his mother. Another sister, Marie Isabella Laure de Armas (b. 1851), probably died in a yellow fever epidemic as she was not alive in 1860.(1860 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, M656R419)
Subdividing the lot
In November 1914, Miss de Armas sold for $4000, a lot with 192 feet on Biloxi Bay and 180 feet on Porter consisting of 2.25 acres carved from the original 3.40 acre Charles F. Hemard tract. She retained 84 feet and the Frank Marquez house on the north lot. In September 1920, Miss de Armas conveyed it to Edward Marquez (1856-1927), the brother of her brother-in-law, Frank Marquez, for $2500.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 41, pp. 65-66 and Bk. 48, pp. 515-516)
Miss Alice M. de Armas owned a home on Beauregard Lane, present day Catchot Place, until 1922. She sold it to Mr. Fabian and relocated to 1009 St Ann Street in New Orleans. Alice de Armas also possessed other property in the Jerome Ryan tract in the vicinity of Martin Avenue, which she conveyed to W.S. VanCleave (1871-1938) in March 1923..(The Jackson County Times, April 8, 1922 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 52, p. 524-525)
Edward J. Marquez
Edward Joseph Marquez (1856-1927) was reared at New Orleans. He married Carlotta Patti (1871-1937), a native of New York. Her father was Portuguese and mother a native of Louisiana. They had no children. After Edward Marquez passed at Ocean Springs, on October 17, 1927, his corporal remains were sent to the Crescent City for internment in the St. Louis No. 3 on Esplanade Avenue.(The Daily Herald, October 18, 1927, p. 2)
Carlotta P. Marquez
After her husbands demise, Carlotta P. Marquez inherited their Lovers Lane home and a $10,000 in cash as well as stocks, bonds, and a building at New Orleans rented to the Rocca-Mestayer Lumber Company. Edward J. Marquez left the remainder of his estate to his sister, Carmen Marquez Valle (1985-1928), the widow of Louis Auguste Valle (1843-1905).(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 5014-December 1924)
Carlotta’s mother, Eugenie Patti (1848-1924), passed at Ocean Springs in April 21, 1924.(The Jackson County Times, April 1924, p. 5 )
Carmen M. Valle passed on February 29, 1928, while a resident of Ocean Springs. She was living with Mary Newman Murphy (1870-1942), at present day 619 Porter, the Whitney-Smith House. Mrs. Valle’s corporal remains were interred in New Orleans at the St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery on Esplanade. Her legatees were Father J.H. Chauvin and Mrs. Walter A. Lawson, a niece. Mrs. Valle left an estate valued at $4600, including four lots in Biloxi.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 5023-March 1928 and The Daily Herald, March 2, 1928, p. 2).
In May 1933, Carlotta Patti Marquez conveyed the old Frank Marquez home on Lovers Lane to F.L. Strawn for $2150. She died in January 1937.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 77, pp. 49-50)
F.L. Strawn
F.L. Strawn, spouse Martha Strawn, and their daughter came to Ocean Springs very likely from Sangamon County, Illinois where he had extensive farming interests. Springfield, the State capital, is also the County seat of Sangamon County, Illinois. While a resident of Lovers Lane, F.L. Strawn continued his entrepreneurial interests as he acquired a large tract of land on West Porter where he either acquired or built tourist courts. The Strawn tourist courts were situated in Lots 7-12, and pts of Lots 13 and 14, and Lot 15 in Block 4 of the Schmidt Park Subdivision. Block 4 is bounded on the north by Porter, east by Williams, and South by Howard.(The Jackson County Times, March 10, 1945, p. 1 and JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Plat Bk. 1, p. 83)
Ocean Springs Tourist Park
F.L. Strawn had acquired his tourist court tract from Jean Taylor formerly Jean Taylor Lough in February 1938. He sold the tourist courts to Martin Weick (1891-1971) of Chicago in March 1945. In later years, the Strawn resort cottages were called the Ocean Springs Tourist Park. This entity was owned by Harry L. Losch Jr. (1911-1965) and Clairetta Wiegartz Losch. The Losch family was from Pennsylvania, probably Williamsport, home of the Little League World Series. (The Jackson County Times, March 10, 1945, p. 1, c. 2 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 71, p. 92, Bk. 88, p. 420-422, and Bk. 148, p. 465-468)
Although I have a paucity of biographical information on F.L. Strawn, I do offer some information on Robert E. Strawn, also with Illinois ties, who appears to be a resident of Ocean Springs in 1936. R.E. Strawn’s parents-in-law, seem to be Albert R. Greenwalt (1865-1930+) Agnes W. Greenwalt (1870-1930+), an English lady, and his nephew-in-law, Ralph Greenwalt (1912-1996). In 1930, the Greenwalts were domiciled at Manchester, Scott County, Illinois. Scott and Sangamon Counties are only about eighteen miles apart. No further information.(1930 Scott Co., Illinois Federal Census, R560, ED 10)
In March 1945, F.L. Strawn sold his Lovers Lane estate to Frank M. White (1912-1984) for $6300. Florence W. Humphrey (1883-1976), the spouse of Victor Grant Humphrey (1885-1942), of the Gulf Agency handled the real estate sale transaction.(JXCO Land Deed Bk. 89, pp. 158-159 and The Jackson County Times, March 10, 1945, p. 1, c. 2)
Frank M. White
Frank Mark White (1912-1984) had come to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1939, probably from Florida. He was an electrical engineer with the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation in Pascagoula. Mr. Smith was born on November 5, 1912 in Georgia, the son of Robert E. White (1871-1941+) and Maglolin White (1880-1930+), both Peach Tree State natives. In August 1941, Frank married Nina Lois Cox (1914-1984+) in a Baptist ceremony at Pascagoula. She was the daughter of B.E. Cox and Emma Cox of Perkinston, Mississippi.(JXCO, Ms. MRB 34, p. 151)
Frank M. White and his two siblings, Robert E. White Jr. (1908-1984+) and Martha M. White Hart (1910-1984+) were reared in rural Georgia, as his father was a farmer. In 1920, the White family were living in Military District 1007 in Sumter County, which is situated in southwestern Georgia.(1920 Sumter Co. Ga. Federal Census, T625R278, ED 110, p. 5A)
By 1930, the White family had relocated to Tampa City, Florida. At this time, Frank M. White made his livelihood as a shipping clerk. His father continued in the agricultural field as a gardener.(1930 Hillsborough Co., Fla. Federal Census, R318, E.D. 18)
Frank M. White expired on March 27, 1984, at Moss Point, Mississippi. His wife, two daughters, Mary White Hood and Janette White Weigle, and a son, F. Mark White Jr., survived him. Mr. White’s corporal remains were interred in the Serene Memorial Gardens at Moss Point, Mississippi.(The Mississippi Press, March 27, 1984, p. 2-A)
F.M. White conveyed his Lovers Lane home to Edward M. Lindsay and Lydia P. Lindsay in September 1945.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 91, pp. 85-86 and p. 593).
Edward M. Lindsay
I have no biographical information on this family.
Edward M. Lindsay and Lydia P. Lindsay conveyed their Lovers Lane property to Marvin W. Thompson for $10,000, in April 1947. At this time, George E. Arndt Jr. (1909-1994) surveyed the Lindsay lot and ascertained its dimensions to be: seventy-nine feet on Biloxi Bay and four hundred seventy five feet deep with eighty six feet on Lovers Lane. Affidavits to the “actual, open, notorious, exclusive continuous occupancy of the Edward Marquez home” was made by Albert C. Gottsche (1873-1949), Frank E. Schmidt (1877-1954), and Antoinette Johnson Schmidt (1880-1956).(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 96, pp. 481-486)
Marvin W. Thompson
Marvin W. “Tommy” Thompson was a veteran of World War I and World War II. In August 1937, Tommy married Jane O’ Quinn, a native of Mississippi. Their nuptial took place at Chicago. They were childless.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 16519-June 1962)
Tommy Thompson was commissioned in 1942 and left the USAF as a Lt. Colonel. Colonel Thompson also had an extensive career in appliances and radio having familiarity with RCA, Majestic, Norge, and Stewart-Warner products. In March 1949, he became manager of Combel’s Appliance Store on West Howard Avenue in Biloxi. M.W. Thompson had formerly been the advertising manager for The Gulf Coast Times.(The Gulf Coast Times, April 1, 1949, p. 10)
In October 1950, the Thompson home became the site of a Ham Radio station. A tree in front of the house was removed to install Tommy’s radio antenna. His automobile license was W5RXA, which reflected his call number.(The Gulf Coast Times, October 13, 1950, p. 7)
In August 1960, Tommy and Jane O. Thompson conveyed their Lovers Lane home to John Callan. The Thompson’s relocated to Gulf Hills and resided at 20 Holly Road. They divorced in September 1962.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 200, p. 480, JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 16519-June 1962, and Pat F. Gottsche Weaver, December 23, 2004)
John Callan
John Callan (1891-1980) was born at New Orleans on May 15, 1891 at New Orleans, the son of Dr. John Callan (1862-1923), born at New Orleans of Irish immigrant parents, and Elizabeth Carmel Johnson (1864-1947), also from the Crescent City. His parents were married at New Orleans in October 1887. Their other children were: Mary Callan Meyers (1888-1920+) married Edgar Vick Meyer (1886-1964); and Nicholas Callan (1890-1920+).
John Callan made his livelihood as an engineer and spent some time in Tennessee. While a resident of Lovers Lane, a waterspout hit his house and ripped off some of the siding. Mr. Callan expired on November 5, 1980 at Ocean Springs. Mr. Callan left a sizeable estate to his nephews: John C. Meyer (1919-1985) and Frank J. Meyer both of Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana and the heirs of Edgar Vick Meyer Jr. (1912-1981): Mani Archibald; Mary Louise Meyer; Margaret Mary Meyer; Michael Callan Meyer; John Nicholas Meyer; Francis X. Meyer; Mary Kathleen Meyer; Peter Camillus Meyer and Kathleen Elizabeth Meyer.(Beryl Girot Riviere, March 2002 and JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 39578-1980).
In November 1981, the Estate of John Callan conveyed his Lovers Lane estate to Milton H. Bush for $77, 500. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 722, p. 657)
Milton H. Bush
Milton Henry Bush (b. 1927) was born the son of Marvin G. Bush and Flossie Helen Bush (1905-1993) at Inland Township, Benzie County, Michigan, which is situated southwest of Traverse City, Michigan. While a resident of Lovers Lane, Milton made his livelihood as the owner of TRC Recreation Inc., Topper City Enterprises, which was situated at 1137 East Beach Boulevard in Biloxi. Mr. Bush sold campers, motor homes, and travel trailers.
In May 1982, Milton H. Bush sold his home on Lovers Lane to Iris Westbrook Bush in May 1982, (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 768, p. 160)
Apparently Milton H. Bush and Iris N. Westbrook divorced as in August 1982, he married Peggy Ann McFalls (b. 1950), the daughter of George T. Harrington and Mildred Lois Smith (1920-1980), in Harrison County, Mississippi. They divorced in June 1983. Milton then married Marvis Loy Bosarge Baggett (b. 1941), a native of Mobile. No further information.(HARCO, Ms. MRB 24, p. 529 and JXCO, Ms. MRB 149, p. 475)
Iris N. Bush, also known as Iris N. Westbrook conveyed her Biloxi Bay home to Harroll D. Castle and Jeanette R. Castle in July 1982.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 739, pp. 121-122)
Harroll D. Castle
Harroll Dean Castle (b. 1937), a 1962 graduate of USM, arrived at Ocean Springs in the fall of 1971, from Laurel, Mississippi. He was born at Eupora, Mississippi and hired to replace Kenneth W. Kemmerly (1928-1975), as President and CEO of the First National Bank of Jackson County. Harroll D. Castle had married Jeanette Rayner of Laurel. They were the parents of three children: Melanie C. Girot (b. 1961), Mandy Castle (b. 1962), and Harroll D. Castle Jr. (b. 1970).(The Ocean Springs Record, November 4, 1971, p. 1)
Harroll and Jeanette R. Castle built a new home on Lovers Lane in 1982-1983. The old Frank Marquez home was demolished by Ernest W. Pettis Sr. (1919-1991) to erect this edifice.(Beryl Girot Riviere, March 14, 2002)
First National Bank of Ocean Springs (Jackson County)
The First National Bank of Ocean Springs was organized in June 1967 after the Comptroller of Currency in the Capitol approved their charter. The principals in the bank were: E.W. Blossman (1913-1990), W.C. Gryder III (1928-1999), Anthony van Ryan (Ryn) (1899-1980), J.C. “Champ” Gay (1909-1975), Samuel L. Zanca (1919-1991), William T. Dunn (1919-1990), Naif Jordan (1907-1993), G.E. Egeditch (1907-1987), J.K. Lemon Jr. (1914-1998), Dr. Frank O. Schmidt (1902-1975), Richard M. Davis, Oscar Jordan, Frank T. Pickel (1912-1982), and Thomas L. Stennis (b. 1935). The bank opened for business in late November 1968, in a Claude H. Lindsley (1894-1969) designed structure situated on the northwest corner of Washington Avenue and Desoto. Earl Jones, a native of Columbus, Mississippi, was the first president of this local bank.( The Ocean Springs Record, June 29, 1967, p. 1 and March 14, 1968, p. 3)
Harroll D. Castle
In late 1971, when Harroll Dean Castle joined the First National Bank of Ocean Springs it had just changed its name to the First National Bank of Jackson County and had assets of about $8 million. It was also building a branch office in Pascagoula. In late 1977, the bank acquired the Biloxi branch of the Southern National Bank and the named of the Ocean Springs based bank became the First National Bank of the South. In February 1979, Harroll D. Castle was named Chairman of the First National Bank of the South. In 1980, he acquired controlling interest in the First National Bank of the South, which by 1984 had assets of $88 million. Mr. Castle also possessed a majority interest in the Pine Belt Capital Corporation, which owned the Hattiesburg based Pine Belt Federal Savings and Loan.(The Ocean Springs Record, February 22, 1979, p. 3 and October 4, 1984, p. 1)
Bank mergers
In November 1984, one of the largest bank mergers ever contracted on the Mississippi Gulf Coast occurred when the First South National Corporation, Harroll D. Castle, president; the First National Bank of the South, Kenneth D. Ross, chairman and CEO; the First State Bank of Gulfport, William A. Wiltshire, chairman; and the Metropolitan National Bank of Biloxi, John R. Conry, president, merged to form the Metropolitan National Bank. The new bank had assets of $138 million and eleven branches.(The Ocean Springs Record, November 29, 1984, p. 1)
In February 1990, an agreement in principal was reached between the Metropolitan Bank and Hancock Bank, which allowed Hancock to acquire the Metropolitan National Bank, a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Corporation. G.H. English, CEO of Metropolitan, said, "this combination will add to the quality and convenience of our banking services to the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast". The merger took place in June 1990, after all Federal banking agencies approved the Hancock acquisition which cost them $6,750,000. The Ocean Springs Record, February 15, 1990, p. 1 and June 14, 1990, p. 6)
The clock
The clock on the old Ocean Springs State Bank, which had been installed in its 1955 remodeling was removed on December 11, 1990, for refurbishing and cleaning before installation on the new Hancock Bank quarters in the former Metropolitan Bank building. This action by the Hancock Bank created a small furor as members of Main Street and the Historic Ocean Springs Association (HOSA) protested the action. These local civic organizations felt that the clock would be out of character on the former Metropolitan Bank building, which was to become the site of the Hancock Bank at Washington and Desoto.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 13, 1990, p. 1)
The Bay House
In March 1981, Jeanette R. Castle, the spouse of Harroll D. Castle, commenced “The Bay House”, a ladies retail apparel shop, at 711 Church Street. The Castle family erected a building here in 1980. This structure now houses the Mississippi Power Company. (The Ocean Springs Record, November 12, 1981, p. 9)
King Castle
On Mardi Gras Day 1983, Harroll D. Castle ruled the 57th Annual Biloxi Mardi Gras as King D’Iberville. His Queen was Melissa Janell Schloegel of Gulfport, now Mrs. Andrew Marion, and a resident of the Seapointe Subdivision on the Fort Point Peninsula.(The Ocean Springs Record, February 17, 1983, p. 1)
Sale
In July 1990, Harroll D. Castle conveyed his Lovers Lane home to the Charter Bank. The Castle family relocated to the Florida Panhandle. In recent years, Mr. Castle has been president of the Acclaim Corporation of Northwest Florida headquartered in Destin. The company owns and leases the Acclaim Corporate Plaza located on Crystal Beach Drive.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 960, p. 669)
In December 1990, the Resolution Trust Corporation, Conservator for the Charter Bank sold the Castle home to Stephen W. Baker for $395,000.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 971, p. 442)
Stephen W. Baker
Stephen William Baker, MD is a practitioner in the fields of internal and cardiology medicine with offices in Harrison and Hancock Counties. No further information.
This concludes the history of the Charles F. Hemard- Stephen W. Baker tract, now known as 329 Lover Lane.
The Decker-Anderson Place
The Decker-Anderson place at present day 331Lovers Lane came into existence in November 1914, when Miss Alice M. de Armas (1853-1922+) of New Orleans, sold a lot off the southern portion of the Frank Marquez tract to J.D. Decker. The Decker tract had 192 feet on Biloxi Bay and 180 feet on Lovers Lane and contained 2.25 acres between F.B. Parkinson and Miss de Armas. While their home on the Spanish Point was being renovated, the Decker family rented “Three Oaks” on Ward Avenue.( JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 41, pp. 65-66 and The Ocean Springs News, December 13, 1914, p. 1)
The J.D. Decker family had been coming to Ocean Springs from Wilmette, Illinois for several years as winter tourists. Mr. Decker commented about his settling here as follows:
The first time I came to Ocean Springs I never had any idea of coming back again. But I did you see. I finally saw that this was the place for us to live.(The Ocean Springs News, December 13, 1915, p. 1)
By mid-April 1915, the Decker’s expected to move into their home. It had been completely remodeled and was described as one of the “handsomest residences in our community”.(The Ocean Springs News, April 8, 1915, p. 3)
Local telephone operators commented that: J.D. Decker never says, when telephoning, “Connect me with----”. He says, “Joint my ear with so and so”.(The Ocean Springs News, Local s News, February 4, 1915)
The Decker family tenure at Ocean Springs was relatively short as in February 1916, J.D. Decker conveyed his Fort Point Peninsula home to Harvey H. Germain (1867-1920+). Mr. Decker expired at Los Angeles, California on March 17, 1934. No further information.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 42, pp. 228-229 and The Jackson County Times, March 31, 1934, p. 3)
Harvey H. Germain
Harvey H. Germain (1867-1920+) and his wife, L. Rebecca Germain (1867-1920+), were natives of Wisconsin. Her parents were English. In 1915, Harvey H. Germain was an official of the Rock Island Rail Road and resided at Chicago, when he bought the 35-acre Newcomb property across Fort Bayou. It was described as a model orchard.(The Ocean Springs News, December 30, 1915, p. 1)
Harvey H. Germain had two daughters: Nebraska born Elah Germain Kulp (1886-1920+), the spouse of Harley D. Kulp (1880-1929), a native of Topeka, Kansas and Jennie C. “Peggy” Germain Martin (1902-1925+), a Chicago native and the wife of C.L. Martin. Elah G. Kulp appears to have a different mother than Peggy who is the daughter of L. Rebecca Germain. In 1920, Mr. Germain made his livelihood as a farmer. The Kulp family of Kansas was in residence with the Germains on Lovers Lane at this time.(1920 Jackson Co., Ms. Federal Census-T623R500, ED 158, p. 8A)
Although Harvey H. Germain had acquired the Decker place in February 1916, with the intent to retire at that time to the Fort Point Peninsula, WWI interrupted his plan. In May 1919, he and daughter, Elah G. Kulp, were in Ocean Springs and staying at the Eglin House on Washington Avenue. They were waiting for the family furniture to arrive from Chicago in order to move into their home on Lovers Lane. Mrs. Germain and Peggy, her young daughter, were in residence at Chicago waiting for the school term to end before relocating to Ocean Springs. In late June 1919, Mrs. Germain and Peggy Germain finally arrived here. They had visited relatives in Wisconsin and Nebraska before heading South to reunite with Harvey H. Germain in Ocean Springs.(The Jackson County Times, May 24, 1919, p. 5 and July 5, 1919, p. 5)
The Germains were Episcopalian. In May 1922, the third series of solver teas for the St. John’s Episcopal Church was held at the home of Mrs. H.H. Germain.(The Daily Herald, May 13, 1922, p. 5)
Peggy Germain
On April 2, 1925, Peggy Germain, married C.L. Martin at Gulfport. He was the assistant manager of the Buena Vista Hotel at Biloxi. Mr. Martin, a New Orleans native, was in business at Ocean Springs until the Biloxi hotel opened on July 4, 1924. This fine hostelry was founded by John “Jack” Wright Apperson (1862-1939); Robert Hays Holmes (1869-1949), who in November 1929, built and resided at Holmcliffe, a Spanish Colonial Revival structure, at present day 325 Lovers Lane; A.F. Dantzler (1870-1945); George Quint; and Milton Anderson. The newly wed Martins made their home in Biloxi. Peggy Germain was a pianist and chanteuse and had attended high school at Biloxi. In June 1921, she sang and played at the piano recital of Mrs. William Mingee at the Firemen’s Hall. Her songs ranged from classical to popular. In 1923, Miss Germain had been chosen as the first sponsor of a Mississippi coast American Legion Post. She was selected by the Emile Ladnier Post No. 42 of Ocean Springs.(The Jackson County Times, June 18, 1921, p. 3, The Daily Herald, June 20, 1923, p. 1, and April 4, 1925, p. 3)
New hotel?
In the spring of 1926, H.H. Germain & VanCleave, local realtors, were soliciting stockholders to organize a $200,000 hotel company. They aspired to erect a new hotel at Ocean Springs. Colonel Jack Apperson of the Buena Vista in Biloxi had accepted their project ideas with alacrity and was to speak favorably on it to the Ocean Springs Rotary Club at its June meeting. By late May 1926, Germain & VanCleave had raised $60,000 in capital. It appears that this venture failed.(The Jackson County Times, May 29, 1926, p. 1)
At this time, Ocean Springs had at least five structure which were available for short or long term accommodations: The Pines Hotel of Frank J. Raymond (1883-1952) on lower Washington Avenue; The Eglin Houserun by Miss Annie O. Eglin (1881-1963) in the central business district; Dr. H.B. Powell’s (1867-1949) Bayou Inn-on Old Fort Bayou at Washington; the French Hotel of J.H. Edwards (1893-1950) on Front Beach and Martin Avenue; and the White House owned by John L. Dickey (1880-1938) and W.J. Hardke (1877-1932) on Jackson at Porter diagonally opposite the J.J. O’Keefe (1859-1911) residence.
The first two decades of the 20th Century had been cruel to the hostelry business at Ocean Springs. The Ocean Springs Hotel, the Grande dame of the town, situated on Jackson Avenue near Cleveland had burned in May 1905; also in 1905, E.W. Illing (1870-1947) demolished the Illing House, his father’s 1870 inn, to build cottages and an airdome, a open air theater to show silent movies, which evolved into the Illing’s Theatre; the O’Keefe Boarding House on Jackson and Porter was sold in 1910 to Samuel Backous (1855-1921) and moved to present day 2122 Government Street; theVahle House on Washington at Calhoun was lost in a large conflagration, called “The Big Fire” in November 1916; theShanahan Hotel, also on Washington and Calhoun and situated in present day Little Children’s Park, opposite the Vahle House, was destroyed on Christmas Eve 1919, by fire. Less than a year later in October 1920, H.F. Russell (1858-1940), saw his Commercial Hotel, located on Washington and Robinson opposite the Farmers and Merchant State Bank, succumb to flames.(Bellande, 1994, p. 15 , p. 43-44, p. 65, p. 111, p. 88, and p. 58 )
Tragedy
A tragedy struck the Germain family in August 1929, when Harley D. Kulp (1880-1929), the son-in-law of H.H. Germain drowned in the Kansas River at Camp Mattingly, near Topeka, Kansas. He was swimming with his daughter, Mary Louise Kulp (1921-1930+), when the swift current overcame them. Harley was able to tow his daughter within her swimming ability to reach the safety of the shore. He lost his life as he had exhausted himself in the struggle and sank to his death. Harley Kulp was well known in Topeka’s business community as he was in the real estate and building and loan business. He was survived by Elah Germain Kulp, his spouse, and two daughters, Althine Kulp and Mary Louise Kulp, and his mother, Mary C. Gillette. Mr. Kulp had lived in Ocean Springs for several years and had worked in the Crescent City.(The Jackson County Times, September 14, 1929, p. 1)
In March 1923, Harvey H. Germain and Louise R. Germain conveyed their Lovers Lane home to Idelle B. Watson for $7500.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 53, pp. 32-33).
Idelle B. Watson
Idelle Beaufort Watson (1857-1957) called her new residence on Lovers Lane, Oakroyd. She was born on November 8, 1857 to James and Elizabeth Watson in a covered wagon when the Watson family reached Richmond, Indiana. Miss Watson was educated in the Friends Boarding School, a Quaker institution at Richmond, Indiana, which evolved into Earlham College. She led a diverse life as she applied her education and intelligence as a writer, teacher, and world traveler. She was a member of the League of American Pen Women and among the magazines that she wrote for was The Reader’s Digest. Many of Idelle’s trips to Europe were as a tour guide leading her clients to the various art and cultural sites of the Old World. She was well qualified for this position, as she had resided in Germany for forty years and in Dresden established a finishing school for young women, which was seized during WWI. In addition, Idelle had command of nine languages. Miss Watson was a confidant of Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859-1941) and was provided safe haven while she was domiciled in Germany during the Great War. During her tenure in Europe, Miss Watson had lectured in art museums and galleries in Paris, Athens, and Constantinople, now Istanbul.(Thompson, 1974, p. 641, The Jackson County Times, December 6, 1924, The Daily Herald, September 25, 1926, p. 2, and The Ocean Springs News,November 15, 1956, p. 4)
Granitz family
Mrs. Watson was responsible for the Emil A. Granitz family immigrating to Ocean Springs from Germany. He was her manservant and gardener while she resided on Lovers Lane in the 1920s. Emil A. Granitz (1882-1965) was born in Dresden, Germany. In April 1907, he married Helene Meinhardt (1885-1970), the daughter of Hermann Meinhardt and Alma L. Schuster and a native of Crimitschau, Germany. They had a son, George Hermann Granitz (1909-1981) who made his livelihood at Keesler AFB as a Civil Service employee.
In addition to his gardening, Emil A. Granitz worked for the United Poultry Producers and retired in 1952, while Mrs. Granitz was the custodian of the Ocean Springs Public School and also operated the cafeteria there for fourteen years. Her food was well prepared and delicious. With her characteristic hair in heavy braids, she often sat and knitted sweaters while observing the children playing on the school ground.(The Ocean Springs News, April 4, 1957, p. 1 and Walterine V. Redding, August 14, 2002)
In June 1926, Emil A. Granitz acquired the caretaker’s cottage, which was built by H.L. Girot (1886-1953) for Harold I. Illing (1897-1959) and spouse, Edith Flowers Illing (1902-1984), who oversaw the Girot place before their home at present day 400 Lovers Lane was erected in 1925. The Granitz cottage in the Cherokee Glen Subdivision was relocated to Block C-Lot 10, at present day 1107 West Cherokee.(Beryl Girot Riviere, March 14, 2002)
Holiday fire
In late December 1925, Mrs. Watson’s home on Lovers Lane was completely destroyed by fire, as a shortage of water rendered the fire engine impotent. Only recently, she had shipped her furniture and some personal items from Europe. Despite the confusion and angst of the fire, a large amount of fine china, books, and furniture were salvaged from the burning building. She carried a $4,000 insurance policy on the property.(The Jackson County Times, January 3, 1925, p. 3)
Greenwood Lodge- the Irvine place
In May 1925, Idelle B. Watson had acquired a tract on the west side of Cemetery Road, now Sunset, in Section 19, T7S-R8W, from James Irvine and James E. Irvine (1858-1923+), local building contractors. In January 1926, she bought from L. Morris McClure (1884-1940), the A.E. Brewer parcel, a lot contiguous and south of the Irvine tract, which fronted on Iberville and Cemetery Road. The consideration was $2100. Together, the two parcels were about 1.1 acres in area. Miss Watson used the appellation, Greenwood Lodge, for her Iberville-Cemetery Road edifice. It is very likely that she boarded tourists and visitors in her home.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 55, p. 433 and Bk. 57, pp. 463-464 and The Jackson County Times, December 5, 1925, p. 3)
Miss Watson had the James Irvine home moved south and closer to Iberville. Mr. Irvine was a Canadian and had built homes in his native land, Michigan, and most recently at Chicago where the Irvine family had resided before relocating to Ocean Springs. The Pace-Weldon Cottage at 207 Washington Avenue was also built by James Irvine & Son. Today, C.H. “Hank” Roberts, D.D.S. owns the old Irvine-Watson home at 1201 Sunset on the rounded “corner” of Iberville and Sunset.(Ocean Springs-1915 and J.K. Lemon-1998)
Notes from European adventures
In early July 1926, Miss Watson landed at Cherbourg, France and met her summer touring party. The group departed company in Southampton, England in late August.(The Daily Herald, September 25, 1926, p. 2)
In June 1931, Idelle B. Watson left Ocean Springs for New York City to meet her touring party of thirty people. They were sailing for Europe where Miss Watson would lead them on a summer foray of the Continent.(The Daily Herald, June 18, 1931, p. 4)
In June 1935, Miss Watson left Ocean Springs in her private touring bus to meet eight students in Indiana. They motored to New York City to embark on an eight-country, six-week tour of Europe. Her touring bus was also shipped to Europe.(The Jackson County Times, June 22, 1935, p. 3)
In 1935, Miss Watson advertised her touring business as follows:
Idelle B. Watson’s Travel ServiceIs fully equipped to handle all travel business in any part of the world Let us solve your travel problems No expense to you Address: Greenwood Lodge, Iberville Avenue Ocean Springs, Miss.
(The Jackson County Times, November 7, 1935)
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In early September 1937, Miss Watson arrived at Ocean Springs after four months touring Western Europe. She came home on the steamer Hamburg, which landed at New York City. En route to Ocean Springs, Idelle spent some time with Mrs. Clark, a cousin, in Charlotte, North Carolina.(The Jackson County Times, September 4, 1937)
Depression woes
In 1935, Mrs. Watson lost her property on Lovers Lane to T.W. Milner, receiver for the Farmers & Merchants State Bank who held a deed of trust on the property. She owned the bank $6814. In January 1936, Fred Taylor, Commissioner, sold Miss Watson’s land to the Farmer’s & Merchants State Bank for $800.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 5750-November 1935 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 68, pp. 492-493)
In October 1936, T.W. Milner, receiver of Farmers & Merchants State Bank sold the Watson place on Lovers Lane to Henry “Hank” E. Lemoine (1891-1981).(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 69, p. 409)
Departure
In August 1954, Miss Idelle B. Watson, at the age of ninety-eight years, sold her Iberville-Sunset properties to Marie Evans and Mary Alice Pickich. Ms. Pickich acquired her home while Marie Evans purchased the northern lot. Miss Watson had just finished a correspondence course in journalism from Yale University making all A’s. Idelle Beaufort Watson, a grand lady, celebrated her 100th natal anniversary in a retirement home. She expired on July 24, 1957. No further information.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 142, p. 588 and Bk. 142, p. 561, Thompson, 1974, p. 641, and The Ocean Springs News, November 15, 1956, p. 4)
Henry F. Lemoine
Henry F. Lemoine (1891-1981), called Hank, was born at New Orleans, the son of Henry W. Lemoine (1853-1910+) and Alice O. Hyatt (1856-1910+), whose father was an immigrant from England. Hank’s father was employed as a bookkeeper for A.W. Hyatt, a stationary store the Crescent City. Between 1910 and 1920, Hank Lemoine married Inez Lemoine (1893-1974), also a Louisiana native, of Irish descent. By 1920, the newly weds had left New Orleans for the Windy City where he made his livelihood as a manager in the shade manufacturing industry,(Cook, Co., Illinois 1920 Federal Census, T625R311, p. 165, 9th Ward and 1890-1891 NOLA City Directory)
Anecdotal history relates that although the Lemoines acquired land on Lover Lane, they never built a home here. The lot had remained vacant since the Watson fire of late December 1925. From a snippet in the local journal, it appears that the Lemoines visited Ocean Springs and knew their neighbors and enjoyed fishing with them: Hank Lemoine, Norman Holmes, Margie Holmes, Sally Girot Williams, and Inez Lemoine went fishing at Graveline, and caught 73 speckled sea trout, and 8 redfish.(The Jackson County Times, March 7, 1936, p. 3)
When Henry E. Lemoine conveyed his Lovers Lane property to Mrs. George K. Smith III in November 1945, he and Inez were domiciled at 306 Foster Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas. It appears that they had relocated here possibly from Chicago before December 1939, as they came to Ocean Springs from Corpus Christi for a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hays Holmes at this time. Mrs. Smith paid $6000 for the Lemoine lot on Lovers Lane. (The Jackson County Times, December 9, 1939, p. 4 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 93, pp. 332-333)
In Corpus Christi, Texas, Henry Lemoine went into business with Norman Holmes, the son of Robert Hays Holmes (1869-1949) and Marybelle Colquahoun Holmes (1887-1969), their former neighbors on Lovers Lane. Hank and Norman Holmes were the proprietors of a Barq’s Root Beer bottling franchise for many years, until they sold out to Pepsi Cola. The Lemoines both expired in Corpus Christi. Inez in August 1974 and Hank Lemoine in March 1981.(Barbara Holmes-November 2004)
Clendenin B. Smith
Clendenin Baird Smith (1903-1985) was the spouse of George Kinnebrew Smith III (1901-1969). She was born in Columbus, Mississippi, the daughter of Dr. Thomas C. Baird and Elvira Terrell Baird. Clendenin spent some of her childhood in the Mississippi Delta country at Baird, Sunflower County. She was educated in Columbus, Mississippi at MSCW. George K. Smith III, the son of Faison Heathman Smith and Jessie Gooch Smith, was also a native of Sunflower County, as he was born at Indianola, the county seat. George K. Smith III made his livelihood as a cotton broker in the Delta. He was a director of the Greenwood Cotton Exchange. Clendenin and George were the parents of three sons: Catchings Baird Smith (b. 1924), Dr. George Faison Smith (b. 1927), and Richard Clendenin Smith.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 11, 1969, p. 4 and August 1, 1985, p. 3, and Catchings B. Smith, January 25, 2005)
Catchings B. Smith
Catchings “Catch” Baird Smith (b. 1925) was born at Greenville, Mississippi. Circa 1935, he came to Ocean Springs in his to live with Dr. William Richards and family on East Beach. Catch Smith had asthma and his parents thought that a change in environment from the Mississippi Delta to the Mexican Gulf would improve his health. Dr. Williams was a retired physician from Columbus, Mississippi. His son, William Coolidge Richards (1910-2004), grew up in Ocean Springs and became an internationally known artist working in the postmodernist style. He made his home in New York and in Italy. Walter “Bob” I. Anderson (1903-1965) was acquainted with William C. Richards and would visit him at his father’s home near the old Tuttle place on East Beach. In 1957, W.C. Richards had an exhibit at the Municipal Art Gallery in Jackson, which was lauded as “the best one-man show in the History of the Mississippi Art Association.”(Black, 1998, pp. 300-301 and Catchings B. Smith, January 25, 2005)
Catch Smith graduated from Tulane University at New Orleans with a business degree and made a career with Merrill Lynch in the brokerage business at Jackson. He retired as a vice president with that firm.(Catchings B. Smith, January 25, 2005)
George F. Smith
Dr. George Faison Smith (b. 1927) was born at Indianola. He began his medical practice in Ocean Springs with Dr. James Waddell in July 1958. Before he began his journey into medicine, George F. Smith joined the U.S. Navy where he studied radar. His fine education had commenced at the Virginia Military Institute. In June 1950, he graduated with a biology degree from Sewanee College. Dr. Smith did post-graduate studies also in biology at Ole Miss before entering the University of Mississippi Medical School. He completed his medical education at the Tulane Medical School. Prior to joining Dr. Waddell at 822 Porter, Dr. Smith had interned at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and been a resident at the Huey P. Long Charity Hospital in Pineville, Louisiana.(The Ocean Springs News, July 24, 1958, p. 1)
Circa 1963, Dr. George F. Smith left his general practice at Ocean Springs and returned to medical school where he studied pathology. He has recently retired from the Veterans Administration Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi.(Catchings B. Smith, January 25, 2005)
Richard C. Smith
Richard Clendenin Smith (b. 1928) was born at Greenville, Mississippi. He studied Spanish at Sewanee College and graduated with his brother, George, in June 1950. In Ocean Springs, Richard worked as bartender at his mother’s hostelry, the Le Moyne Lodge, and at Gulf Hills. He eventually settled at San Antonio, Texas and found permanent employment with the Veterans Administration there.(The Daily Herald, June 13, 1950, p. 9 and George F. Smith, January 31, 2005)
Glengarriff
The George Kinnebrew Smith III family’s first living experience at Ocean Springs commenced in 1937, when they rented Glengariff, the Front Beach estate home of Captain Francis O'Neill (1849-1936). Captain O’ Neill was the retired General Superintendent of the Chicago Police and a renowned collector and authority on Irish music. Anna Rogers O’Neill (1849-1934), his widow, was their absentee landlady. Their initial living experience at Ocean Springs was so positive that Clendenin Baird Smith (1903-1985) and spouse, George Kinnebrew Smith III (1901-1969), decided that after their children completed their high school education to leave Greenwood in the Mississippi Delta to relocate to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.(Dr. George F. Smith, January 31, 2005)
Country living
In December 1947, Mrs. Clendenin B. Smith acquired for $1000, forty acres with improvements, situated in then rural east Ocean Springs. The legal description of the Smith acquisition was the NE/4 of the SW/4 of Section 28, T7S-R8W. Ernest S. Cole and Violet Fordice Cole, were the vendors. In addition to a furnished, small house, the sale included all farm implements and tools stored in the barn or garage and two horses and all other livestock. At this time, the dirt road to the Smith place from Government Street, U.S. Highway 90 was unnamed. It is now Hanley Road, and A.P. “Fred” Moran (1897-1967) was asked by Mrs. Smith to have it graveled.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 98, 412-413)
Le Moyne Lodge
In June 1953, Ethel Rhodes Scott Shafer (1894-1985), the spouse of Arthur Byron Shafer (1871-1947), who had opened a convalescent home, the Bayou Chateau Convalescent Home, in March 1950, in Dr. Henry Bradford Powell’s old Bayou Inn, sold it to Clendenin B. Smith (1903-1985). Under the supervision of Mrs. Smith and Frances Costa, who co-managed the old hostelry, the Bayou Chateau buildings were remodeled and the name changed to the Le Moyne Lodge. Mrs. Maggie McCusker managed the dining room, called "Harbor", which overlooked Fort Bayou. The building was painted a pink pastel.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 133, pp. 154-155, The Gulf Coast Times, March 3, 1950, p. 1 and )
The name, Le Moyne Lodge, was probably chosen, as it was the family name of Iberville (1661-1706) and Bienville (1680-1768), the French Canadian brothers from Montreal, who established Fort Maurepas (1699-1702) at present day Ocean Springs, in April 1699. The fourteen refurbished rooms were named for the Confederate States who ceded from the Union in 1861. Mrs. C.B. Smith also instituted the “Julep Room”, which remains today.
Lennie Thurman and Mattie Brooks Thurman (1902-1978), husband and wife, were an integral part of Mrs. Smith operations at Le Moyne Lodge. Mattie cooked and Lennie was the yardman and “jack of all trades”. Willie, another local, kept bar in the Julep Room.(George F. Smith, January 31, 2005)
In June 1958, the Smiths leased their Le Moyne Lodge to H.O. French of Starkville, Mississippi. Mr. French was a graduate of the Mississippi A. & M. Hotel Management Course. He was associated with Doug Walton and Jim Welsh who managed the Henry Clay Hotel at West Point and the Stark Hotel at Starkville.(The Ocean Springs News, July 3, 1958, p. 1)
Sunset
In December 1958, Mrs. Smith sold her country acreage in the NE/4 of the SW/4 of Section 28, T7S-R8W, with improvements to Elwood and Marie O. Ross for $31,500. The sale to the Ross family included a farm tractor and all farm tools. The Magnolia Park Estates Subdivision now exists on land which was a part of the Smith-Ross farm.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 179, pp. 509-510)
After leaving the pastoral serenity of east Ocean Springs, the Smith family rented a house on the east side ofSunset, formerly Cemetery Road, and the entrance into the Evergreen Cemetery.
Weed Cottage-Washington Avenue
Dr. George F. Smith (b. 1927), the son of Clendenin and George K. Smith III and now a retired pathologist from the Veterans Administration Hospital at Jackson, practiced medicine at Ocean Springs for about five years
The steamboat, Pearl Rivers, commanded by June Poitevent and managed by Fred Staples was built in 1878 at Gainesville, Hancock County, Mississippi. She was one hundred thirty-five feet in length with a twenty-six foot beam. The Poitevent craft was of one hundred twenty-five tons burden and had the capacity to carry sixty-two passengers. The fare to New Orleans from Pascagoula was $1.50. The round trip fare was approximately $6, which included board. Freight rates were comparable to schooner rates and as previously mentioned about one-half those of the railroad.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, June 14, 1878, p. 3) By late January 1879, June Poitevent and Fred Staples had turned the Pearl Rivers operations over to Captain Henry Crask, and agents, Beauregard Staples (1861-1880+) and Robert Lewis (1858-1886), their relatives. Their steamboat departed New Orleans at 5 p.m. on Saturday and left Scranton (Pascagoula) on Monday at 4 p.m.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 24, 1879, p. 3) In 1896, Captain Poitevent was operating a large steamboat, Lake Charles, on Lake Pontchartrain in connection with the East Louisiana Railroad. He had brought the vessel from New York and was assisted in outfitting it for passenger service by his wife.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 22, 1896, p. 3) In December 1910, at the age of seventy-three, Capitan Poitevent launched the Throna Testa, a boat equipped for power or sail. It was built by Alphonse M. Beaugez (1860-1942) and Alphonse M. Beaugez Jr. (1887-1945) who owned a shipyard at Ocean Springs.(The Ocean Springs News, December 17, 1910) Entrepreneurial and agrarian ventures Although he was considered more of a seafarer than a capitalist or farmer, June Poitevent (1837-1919) was engaged in commerce and agriculture most of his life. In May 1883, surveyed a railroad route between Moss Point and Pascagoula. The consensus felt that this rail line would not be built. In 1893, Captain Poitevent was manufacturing lumber at Hillsdale, Pearl River County, Mississippi. Here he was in a serious horse and buggy accident, which resulted in his leg being fractured as well as several ribs being broken.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 25, 1883, p. 3 and January 27, 1893, p. 3) Captain Poitevent acquired a farm on the Trinity River in Texas in 1870. In the summer of 1881, he was growing watermelons of the “rattlesnake variety” on his acreage near Claiborne Station in Hancock County, and at this time shipped about five thousand melons some weighing over fifty pounds. In Mexico, at Laguna de la Puerta, Tamaulipas, near Tampico Mr. Poitevent raised cattle and turtles, grew vegetables, and fruit. On the west coast of Florida, he had a plantation at Palmetto, near Bradenton, which grew citrus fruit primarily oranges.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, July 15, 1881, p. 3) In his retirement years, at Ocean Springs, Captain Poitevent lived comfortably on his seaside estate. He also had a farm east of the city on the south side of County Road between present day Knapp Road and Heron Bayou. The Poitevent farm was purchased in March 1912 by May E. Poitevent from H.F. Russell (1858-1940) and John Duncan Minor (1863-1920). In later years it was referred to as the Old Farm. The farm consisted of 13.25 acres in the NE/4, NE/4, of the NW/4 and 12.30 acres in the NW/4, NW/4, of the NE/4 of Section 34, T7S-R8W. Schuyler Poitevent, Jr. sold the Old Farm in 1955, to Roy Knapp.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 38, p. 85, Trust Deed Bk. 4, pp. 493-494, Bk. 43, pp. 261-262 and Bk. 146, p. 301) At the Old Farm, Captain Poitevent grew pineapples, pears, peaches, and oranges. In the fall of 1914, he planted Creole orange trees and in the fall of 1915, 650 peach trees were cultivated here.(The Ocean Springs News, February 21, 1914, p. 5, October 24, 1914 and November 24, 1915, p. 1) In early September 1919, Junius Poitevent died at Ocean Springs. His life was pregnant with adventure-sailing the high seas of the Mexican Gulf; fighting Admiral Farragut’s Union Navy on the Mississippi River; residing in coastal Mexico, Florida and Mississippi. R.A. VanCleave (1840-1908) was so enamored with Captain Poitevent that he named one of his sons, Junius Poitevent VanCleave (1879-1945+). Captain Poitevent’s corporal remains were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou.(The Jackson County Times, September 13, 1919, p. 1) The lives of the children of Junius Poitevent and May E. Staples Poitevent as presently known are as follows: Cora M. Poitevent Cora May Poitevent (1868-c.1932), the eldest child, of June and Mary Poitevent was born on March 15, 1868. She was educated in law and married Charles Theodore Earle (1861-1901) in 1890. Charles T. Earle was the son of Parker Earle (1831-1917) and Melanie Tracy (1837-1889). Cora and Charles had two children, Eleanor Tracy Earle (1891- c.1915) born in southern Illinois in 1891, and a son, Carlos Theodore Earle (c.1898-1945), who was born at New Orleans some years later. Charles T. Earle's father was Parker Earle (1831-1917), a horticulturist and entrepreneur, who settled on Fort Point near the Poitevent family in 1885. Mr. Earle established the Winter Park Land & Development Company, the Winter Park Milling Company, and the Earle Farm, which was later called the Rose Farm when owned by Chicago entrepreneur, Joseph Benson Rose (1842-1902). Charles T. Earle joined his father in his commercial ventures and was a director of the Winter Park Land & Development Company. He was also involved in the growing and shipping of tomatoes, grapes, and peaches from the 80-acre Earle Farm located a few miles north of Ocean Springs. Melanie T. Earle, his mother, was born in Ohio, but was reared in Illinois. She was a writer for several northern journals and her work was admired in the literary world. After she died in March 1889, Parker Earle married Agnes Cooke Hellmuth (1862-1919), the grandmother of Agnes Grinstead Anderson (1907-1991), wife of nationally acclaimed artist, Walter “Bob” I. Anderson (1903-1965). In 1901, Charles T. Earle died at the age of forty years at Ocean Springs after contracting an illness on a business trip to Mexico and New Mexico in August 1900. His corporal remains were interred in the Poitevent family plot on the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 19, 1900, p. 3 and January 9, 1901, p. 3) Florida Cora Poitevent Earle moved to Florida circa 1904, and lived at Palmetto with her father, June Poitevent. She married Asa N. Pillsbury Jr. (1874-1969) in June 1905, probably at Palma Sola. Pillsbury was born at Chicago, Illinois. His father, Asa Nettleton Pillsbury Sr., settled at Manatee County, Florida in 1885. The family had first moved from Illinois to Cedar Key. The senior Pillsbury was a carpenter, but to support his family, he became a fisherman and farmer.(The Manatee River Journal, June 23, 1905, p. 1 and The Bradenton Herald, April 25, 1965, p. 5-A) An account of Cora Poitevent Earle's life at Florida is given by Ruth Earle Sturrock in Over the Years(1965), a Sturrock family history. According to Ruth Earle Sturrock, Cora Poitevent Earle is believed to have remarried a man who worked in the boat yard of June Poitevent. They moved to the west coast of Florida and settled at Palma Sola in Manatee County. Here her children found their livelihoods. Eleanor Earle inherited the sailing instincts of her grandfather, June, and earned a captain's license. She also worked as a warden for the Audubon Society on some ofthe island bird sanctuaries in Florida. Eleanor Earle died in her sleep at the age of twenty-four. Theodore Earle, called Carlos, lived with his mother and stepfather at Palma Sola. He worked in his stepfather's mango grove, and is believed to have died in his forties. In an interview conducted by Carl King of the Manatee County Historical Society on May 28, 1977, Willis and Albert Arnold, two brothers who lived in the Palma Sola area, related the following about Asa Pillsbury and his adopted family. Carl- The first interview that I ever had for the Historical Society was Asa Pillsbury. And we sat on top of a chicken coop out there, by the side of the Indian mound. But we had a great big old thing that looked like a photograph. Willis- Did he tell you that he lived out there on that little key? Passage Key? Carl- Yeh. He was a game, or bird watcher out there. Willis- Finally, he decided that he would give it to the Federal Government. To save the birds. Carl- Oh, did he own it? Willis- Yea. As far as I know. He had a house and lived there. His wife had a boy and a girl. Carlos Earl (sic) was the name of the boy. Carl- What happened to his wife? And his kids? Willis- They both died many years ago. Carlos died when I was down the coast fishing during the war along about 1943 or 1944. I used to go over there and help pick mangoes and take them up to the express office and ship them different places. Uncle Asa worked at the Sneads Island boatways. Bishops owned the boatworks. Ed Pillsbury was the brother of Asa, over here. Ed owned the boatworks over on Sneads Island before Bishop. And then he sold it to Bishop. The Earle story is also related by Fred Hall in Around the Palma Sola Loop (1986). Hall relates the following:
After the sale of the boat shop and his marriage to the widow from New Orleans, one Cora Earl (sic), nee Peitavent (sic), Asa (Pillsbury) built a shelter shack for his family, that is wife Cora, and children, Carlos and Elinor, on Passage Key, a sand spit void of any permanent vegetation, but the resting place and nesting haven for literally thousands of sea birds. Cora was a fanatic bird watcher. However, as Passage Key had been designated a wildlife refuge, Uncle Asa was ordered to vacate his squatter shelter. He and family camped out on Egmont Key for a short period before moving to the bay front twenty-acre plot he had bought from Pearson Nickols, where he built a two story frame house between a large pre-Columbian Indian mound and the high tide line of Tampa Bay. Capt. Jim Peitavent (sic), the father of Uncle Asa's wife, had settled on three hundred acres of land on Snead's Island, directly across the Manatee River from Palma Sola Dock. Cora Earl (sic) and her two children, Carlos and Elinor, had moved in with her parents, Capt. Jim and Mara Peitavent (sic), after the death of Cora's husband in New Orleans (Ocean Springs). After Cora's marriage to Uncle Asa, Capt. Jim decided to sell the Snead's Island acreage. This was purchased by Mr. Peter Marine, a well to do candy manufacturer from Chicago. A sales contract was agreed upon, duly signed, sealed and recorded. When the closing date arrived, Capt. Jim decided that he did not want to sell, and offered Peter Marine his deposit money back, plus profit. No sale! Mr. Marine wanted the property. Whereupon Capt. Jim demanded payment in gold coin or no sale. The court upheld the gold demand and allowed Mr. Marine thirty days to come up with the gold coin. Whereupon Mr. Marine took off for Chicago and returned three weeks later loaded down with the gold. A settlement date and place were established. At this meeting Capt. Jim again pleaded for Mr. Marine to call the deal off, receive his money back, with a profit, which again was refused. Capt. Jim then accepted the gold coin, stepped directly in front of Mr. Marine and spat in his face as he departed. After Uncle Asa's wife, Cora, and the teenage children, Carlos and Elinor, were settled in their permanent home on Tampa Bay, Uncle Asa planted the whole area, except the big Indian mound and the small pond adjacent to the mound, in hybrid mangoes. Asa received slight, if any help from Carlos, although he was a big husky youth, never did his hands develop calluses. Reading and dreaming were his thing. He attended the Palma Sola school intermittently, a few days at a time walking the wood paths the two and one-half miles to the school then being absent weeks at a time. When asked to recite on his assigned subjects, he was always A+, almost professional. Elinor wrote poetry and read while not accompanying her mother on bird watching expeditions. However, if you were to encounter them while beachcombing, they simply disappeared into the jungle. Maybe once a year Cora would accompany Asa to the post office or into town to sign papers. Otherwise she had no contact with the outside world. Carlos and Elinor did have one contact with their peers, as each summer King Wiggins, a Manatee merchant and businessman, took his family to an isolated cottage on Tampa Bay some five hundred feet up the beach from Uncle Asa's place. Carlos and Elinor both became enamored and had platonic affairs with the Wiggins children in the summer time. Rumor had it that Elinor died of a broken heart or rejection when her romance with the Wiggins boy ended. Asa and Cora buried Elinor on Passage Key, but as the grave was discovered by Conservation officers, they demanded removal of the casket and remains. Asa, Carlos and Cora moved the remains to the old Potter's Field cemetery on Egmont Key. They continued to live as a recluse family. Cora diligently watching her birds and insisting that Asa build bird roots close by for her pleasure. Later Cora contracted pneumonia from exposure, passed away, and was buried at the old Potter's Field unofficial burying ground on Egmont Key near Elinor's grave. Evidently Cora had retained some of her New Orleans dowry, which she left in its entirety to Carlos, not one farthing to Uncle Asa. Eventually, Carlos just withered away from lack of any activity, and when he joined his mother and sister in the old Egmont Key Potter's Field, what was left of his estate went to the Wiggins girl.
On October 10, 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt issued an executive order creating the Passage Key Migratory Bird Refuge. Circa 1908, Asa N. Pillsbury Jr. was appointed the Audubon warden of Passage Key. He and Cora, his wife, shared the duties of bird protection, bird counts, and annual reports made to the National Audubon headquarters at New York. During these days of the Florida plume-hunters, Asa Pillsbury was in charge of all bird sanctuaries from Passage Key south to Charlotte Harbor. In 1909, Cora Pillsbury, reported to the Audubon headquarters that Passage Key was washing away at an alarming rate, "having gone 50 feet on both the bay and gulf sides". She wrote Mr. Dutcher of the National Association of Audubon Societies on March 29, 1910: My Dear Mr. Dutcher, Four Great White Heron have brought the list of species at Passage Key up to 102. We are in hopes they will next there and get a colony started. The Pillsburys resided on Passage Key with Eleanor and Carlos Earle until about 1910. They may have been the last human occupants of the island. The family moved to Palma Sola where Pillsbury had built a house for Cora after their wedding. Their ten-acre tract had a large Indian mound on it. In 1965, archaeologist excavated nearly three hundred skeletons from the deposit. Asa Pillsbury later lived at Mullet Key as caretaker of Fort Desoto and captain of the quarantine boat. He left here after the 1921 Hurricane eroded some of the fortifications. Asa was also a builder of boats learning this trade from Captain Bartholomew Fogarty who moved to Fogartyville from New York after the Civil War. Pillsbury specialized in "skipjack" sailing vessels constructing them of cedar, juniper, and cypress. Pillsbury completed his last boat in 1950. Asa Pillsbury died at the Manatee Memorial Hospital on January 9, 1969. The information provided by Fred Hall in Around the Palma Sola Loop (1986) sheds new light, although sketchy, on the lives of Cora Poitevent Earle and her children. The answer to their dates of demise and other information may lie in the Manatee County Courthouse at Bradenton, Florida. Vera Poitevent Lundy Vera Poitevent (1874-1897) was born at New Orleans in 1874. She married Franklin Jefferson Lundy (1863-1912), but died at twenty-three years of age. Her corporal remains were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou. Frank J. Lundy was a well-known merchant in Ocean Springs owning a mercantile store at the southeast corner of Washington and Government. He also held title to the historic Ocean Springs Hotel on Jackson Avenue when it burned on May 25, 1905. They had a daughter, Virginia May Lundy (1894-1930+), called Vera, who later lived with her step-mother, Mignon Coursen Lundy, until 1918. In September 1901, Mr. Lundy had married Mignon Coursen (1877-1957), a native of Marshalltown, Iowa. The wedding took place at Three Oaks, the home of Dr. H.B. Powell (1867-1949). Mignon was a skillful violinist and occasionally entertained in public. The Lundys had a daughter, Margaret Lundy (1902-1986). Unfortunately, F.J. Lundy died at the age of forty-eight on February 9, 1912. There is a small memorial to him, which was formerly at the entrance to the Evergreen Cemetery, but was moved when the new gates were installed in the mid-1990s to the old boundary between what was known as “The Catholic Cemetery” and the “Public Cemetery”. The present cemetery road bifurcates near this former junction.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, September 27, 1901) F.J. Lundy's daughters, Vera May and Margaret Lundy, were put in the guardianship of Mignon Coursen Lundy. F.J. Lundy had died intestate and his estate was probated as Jackson County, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 3127.(Jackson County, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 3056). The Lundy house was located on a knoll at the southeast corner of LaFontaine and Washington Avenue. The tract was purchased from Albert G. Tebo (1848-1929) of New Orleans in August 1901. The Lundy domicile was called “Haven-on the Hill”. Mr. Lundy also owned a summer residence called "Deepwood" which may have been at Florala, a small community, eleven miles northwest of Ocean Springs. (Jackson County Deed Records Book 23, pp.512-513) Sometime after F.J. Lundy's death, Mrs. Lundy moved to London, England with her daughters, and is known to have been there in July 1914. In their absence, the Lundy's Washington Avenue home was used by the women employees of the D.H. Holmes store of New Orleans as a summer retreat. Mrs. Lundy and family had returned from Europe to Jackson County, Mississippi by November 1920, as Vera May Lundy sued her step-mother, Mignon C. Lundy, and her uncle, L.A. Lundy, in a forced heirship suit. In 1925, Vera May sold her one-third interest in the Washington Avenue home to Joseph F. Zaehringer of Jackson County and New Orleans. The Lundy home was destroyed by fire in April 1926.(Jackson County, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 4066 and The Jackson County Times, April 17, 1926, p. 1) Industrialist David Neely Powers (1890-1983) built a William R. Allen Jr. (1911-1985) designed home here, called "Windswept", after his retirement in the 1950s. Hurricane Katrina severely damaged “Windswept” in late August 2005. It is now owned by Irene Nelson Endt Powers, the widow of D. Neely Powers. Mignon Coursen Lundy and her natural daughter, Margaret Lundy, moved to the "Terraced Fields Farm" at Townshend, Vermont prior to June 1930. She may have supplemented her income in Vermont by giving violin lessons. Mrs. Lundy died in Vermont on April 20, 1957 and is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery at Townshend in Windham County, Vermont. Margaret Lundy, a spinster, died in May 1986, at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. The whereabouts of Vera May Lundy is presently undetermined but she is believed to have resided at Cleveland and Chicago. Schuyler Poitevent Schuyler Poitevent was born at Ocean Springs on October 12, 1875. As a boy growing up on the shining shores of the Bay of Biloxi he would explore the woods and beaches in the vicinity of the Poitevent Estate. It is reported that at the age of twelve Schuyler found an arrowhead on the beach, which was the stimulus for his life long passion to collect artifacts. His collection is believed to have numbered over three thousand objects. For his early interest in history and archaeology, young Poitevent was elected a member of the Mississippi Historical Society in 1890. The only other coast member was Varina Howell Davis (1826-1905), the widow of Jefferson Davis (1808-1889).(The Jackson County Times, October 17, 1936)
Schuyler Poitevent (1875-1936) Fort Maurepas It has long been believed by local historians that the first French settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley, Fort Maurepas (1699-1702), was located on the Poitevent property. Many of his artifacts are believed to have been from this period. Two references which elucidate Fort Maurepas in detail are: Jay Higginbotham, Fort Maurepas: The Birth of Louisiana, (Colonial Books: Mobile-1968) and John H. Blitz, C. Baxter Mann, Jr., and Ray L. Bellande, Mississippi Archaeolgy, “Fort Maurepas and Vieux Biloxi: A Search For The First Colony of French Louisiana, 1699”, Vol. 30, No. 1, June 1995. Early life Schuyler was educated at Tulane and the University of Virginia where he was awarded a gold medal for his essay "The Mysterious Music of the Pascagoulas". His fraternity was Phi Delta Theta. At Charlottesville, Virginia, Poitevent met Thomasia Overton Hancock (1879-1964) of nearby "Ellerslie" in Albemarle County. They married in 1907, and moved to the Poitevent's Tampico ranch where they raised cattle and exported vegetables and fruit until the Mexican Revolution forced them to leave the country. A son, Schuyler Poitevent Jr., was born here in April 1911.(The Jackson County Times, October 17, 1936) In the summer of 1910, Schuyler Poitevent returned from Mexico to visit relatives in Jackson County. In order to reach Tampico, he had to travel by rail to New York to board a steamship for the Mexican port city.(The Ocean Springs News, September 3, 1910, p. 5) The Poitevent family moved to Ocean Springs from Mexico in 1914. In addition to their Lovers Lane homestead, the Poitevents acquired land in the Vancleave area: Section 23, T5S-R7W (NW/4,NE/4; SW/4,NE/4; NE/4,NW/4; and SE/4,NW/4) and also 40 acres in Section 34, T6S-R6W. The Poitevents were residents of Ocean Springs for the 1920 Federal Census. Landed gentry Schuyler Poitevent lived the life of a country squire. He was a researcher and writer especially in the last years of his life. It is believed he left at least five unpublished manuscripts titled: Sehoy's Boy, Three Tales of Natchez,Armichel, Broken Pot, and Pearls in Pottery. The subject matter of his research and writing was early Mississippi Coast history from the early Spanish explorers to the land pirates of the 1850s. Polish monument In the summer of 1935, Dr. Dunbar Rowland, Mississippi Department of Archives and History director, requested that Anthony V. Ragusin (1902-1997) of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, obtain a soil sample from the historic Poitevent property on Biloxi Bay. The Republic of Poland was erecting a large mound to honor Marshall Joseph Pilsudski (1867-1935), a soldier, revolutionary, and statesman. A committee in Chicago was also acquiring dirt from other American historic sites and Dr. Rowland was to take the soils to Poland and incorporate it into the Pilsudski mound.(The Daily Herald, July 6, 1935, p. 2) Iberville Monument In Chapter XI of his unpublished “Broken Pot”, Schuyler Poitevent relates the origin of the wooden cross and marker that in April 1920 were placed on the Back Bay of Biloxi in present day D’Iberville by the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to commemorate the 1699 landing of Pierre Le Moyne sieur d’Iberville (1661-1706). The site chosen by the DAR is just east of the 1926 Biloxi Bay Bridge. Prior to selecting North Biloxi as the area was called in 1920, this organization approached Schuyler Poitevent and suggested that his property at 318 Lovers Lane be the site of the memorial to Iberville and Fort Maurepas. Mr. Poitevent vehemently opposed the idea. In response to this rejection by Poitevent, the local DAR chose to build their memorial in what would become the schoolyard of St. Theresa’s Catholic School. Fortunately this travesty has been removed and now rests ironically in a glass case in the Sacred Heart Catholic School on Le Moyne Boulevard at D’Iberville. Death Schyuler Poitevent died at the age of sixty-one years on October 14, 1936, at the Mercy Hospital in New Orleans probably of cancer. His corporal remains were passed through St. John’s Episcopal Church and interred in the family plot at Ocean Springs in the Evergreen Cemetery. Poitevent had had a throat operation in New Orleans in December 1933.(The Jackson County Times, December 16, 1933, p. 3 and October 17, 1936) Mr. Poitevent’s will of November 29, 1933, recorded in the Jackson County Chancery Court House at Pascagoula is very unique and reads as follows: I, Schuyler Poitevent, of Ocean Springs, Jackson County, Mississippi, being over twenty-one years of age and of sound and disposing mind, make this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other wills and testaments. I give, devise and bequeath all my estate and property, real and personal, as follows: I give, devise and bequeath to my son, Schuyler Poitevent Junior, my Father's desk, my Father's scrapbook, the insignia which my Father wore on his cap during his Midshipman service in the Confederate Navy, the old hand made chair from my Grandfather Poitevent's home at Gainesville, Mississippi, the picture of my Grandfather Poitevent, the picture of my Uncle John Poitevent taken as Rex, the daguerreotype of my Grandfather Staples holding my Mother, my Mother's silver, my Mother's china tureen, the vase which belonged to my Great Grandmother Terrell, the black clock on the parlor mantelpiece with which my Father and my Mother began housekeeping, the set of furniture in my said Son's room, the dining room set of table, sideboard, china closet and carving chair, the two old bedsteads on the shelf in the middle room next to the kitchen, one being a spindle post and the other (the one which belonged to my Grandmother Staples and in which I was born at Ocean Springs, Mississippi, on October 12, 1875) being a hexagonal four poster, my relics, my relic cabinet, the knife which Miss Becka Morrison gave me for saving the life of her nephew and friend, Fred Wang, one of the two marble top tables, the little painting by George Schuyler Hodges of the Biloxi Bay in front of my home, and my Father's old farm on Heron Bayou at its intersection with the Old Spanish Trail, in Section Thirty Four, Township Seven, Range Eight, in Jackson County, Mississippi. I further give, devise and bequeath to my wife, Thomasia Overton Hancock Poitevent all other property, real and personal, of which I may die possessed. I appoint as executrix of this will my said wife, Thomasia Overton Hancock Poitevent, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. In witness whereof, I have signed, published and declared this instrument as my last will and testament, in said Jackson County, State of Mississippi, this twenty ninth day of November, 1933. Schuyler Poitevent Jr. Schuyler Poitevent Jr. (1911-1978) was born in Mexico in 1911. As his father before him, he attended the University of Virginia at Charlottesville. In addition to earning a law degree from that institution, he organized and coached the fencing team. Mr. Poitevent passed the Mississippi State bar examination in the spring of 1939 and was issued a license to practice law.(The Jackson County Times, May 7, 1939, p. 4) On November 20, 1941, Schuyler married Virginia Margaret Favre (1912-1990) of Gulfport in the Presbyterian Church at Biloxi. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Favre (1886-1968). They resided at "Bay Home" in Ocean Springs where Schuyler practiced law and Virginia maintained their lovely grounds. Mrs. Poitevents was a charter member of the Billikens Carnival club. Schuyler expired on May 15, 1978 and is buried in the Poitevent family plot at the Evergreen Cemetery. Virginia lived in Ocean Springs until her health deteriorated. Her final years were spent at Mandeville, Louisiana in the care of Mr. and Mrs. Eads Poitevent.(TThe Daily Herald, November 21, 1941, p. 6 and The Sun Herald, August 3, 1990, p. B-2) Before she passed on in late July 1990 at Mandeville, Louisiana, Mrs. Virginia M. Poitevent donated a series of one hundred twenty-eight arrow points, spear heads, and other American Indian stone cut objects to the Musee Du Nouveau Monde at La Rochelle, France. To the Tulane Center for Archaeology at New Orleans, she gave a collection of French Colonial and Native American artifacts. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History was the recipient of the Poitevent Papers, which includes manuscripts, diaries, correspondence, essays, and photographs of the June Poitevent Family. Schuyler and Virginia Poitevent were childless. "Bay Home", at 309 Lovers Lane, was legated to Eads Poitevent (1919-1996) and Ginette Poitevent of Mandeville, Louisiana who leased or rented it since she took possession after the succession of Virgina Favre Poitevent was closed. Eads Poitevent was the son of Eads Poitevent (1879-1969) and Evelyn Turner Butts Poitevent (1888-1991). He was King of Rex at the 1974 New Orleans Mardi Gras. His brother, Edward B. Poitevent (1913-1996), ruled the Crescent City on Fat Tueday in 1984.(JXCO, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. P-0000-2806-2000 and The Times-Picayune, January 9,1991)
Schuyler Poitevent Jr. (1911-1978) 1930-1931 UVA Fencing Team-Like his father,matriculated to the University of Virginia to study law. While at the Charlottesville campus, he organized and coached the fencing team. Mr. Poitevent returned to Ocean Springs, passed the bar exam in 1939, and married Virginia Favre (1912-1990) in 1941. Here he practiced law and was an unsuccessful mayoral candidate. In this vintage image, Coach Schuyler Poitevent Jr. is the well-suited gentleman on the front row far left. credit: Fred S. McDonald-Bay St. Louis, Mississippi Bed and Breakfast In the spring of 1993, Ginette Poitevent announced plans to commence a bed and breakfast establishment in the Poitevent house on Lovers Lane. She envisioned combining the French Colonial history of her property, its vista of Biloxi Bay, and the seclusion of “The Lane” to attract a more cerebral tourist. In addition to a four to six bedroom guest house, Mrs. Poitevent had a scheme to erect a Fort Maurepas museum on the site. Tulane University and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History were to assist with the museum.(The Mississippi Press, May 7, 1993, p. 2-A) After Mrs. Poitevent’s bed and breakfast plans were announced, her aspirations were soon squelched by the residents of “The Lane”. Their negativity towards this project was expressed at a meeting of the City Planning Commission in May 1993. The Planning Commission was in general agreement to allow bed and breakfast operations as a Special Use in R-1 zoning situations.(The Sun Herald, May 11, 1993, p. C-1 and The Ocean Springs Record, May 13, 1993, p. 1) 2000 sales In April 2000, Ginette Poitevent conveyed the Poitevent place to Alfred :Fred" R. Moran Jr. Several days later, Mr. Moran sold this histroic home and site to Geoffrey P. Marvar (b. 1962). Geoffrey is the son of Victor Mavar and Gayle Mavar of Biloxi, Mississippi.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1203, p. 294 and p. 502) Geoffrey P. Mavar is a third generation Biloxian and graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1980. He attended The University of Mississippi and in 1984 was awarded a B.A. degree. Upon his graduation from college, Geoffrey was employed from 1984 until 1988 with the Mavar Shrimp and Oyster Company at Biloxi. He left the seafood packing industry and matriculated to Vanderbilt University where his studies were centered on Finance and Accounting at the Owen Graduate School of Management. Geoffrey was conferred the MBA degree in 1990 and he commenced an eleven year career in capital management with Goldman, Sachs & Company in New York and Memphis, Tennessee. He was Vice President in their Private Wealth Management group. Presently, Mr. Mavar is a principal and founder of Chicksaw Capital Management, an asset management firm located in Memphis, Tennessee. Geoffrey serves on the Alumni Board of Vanderbilt's Owen School of Management.(Geoffrey P. Mavar. November 9, 2005) The Lewis-Taquino Place In November 1888, Adeline Staples (1829-1902) for $300 conveyed to Mathilde L.T. Staples Lewis (1858-1928+), her daughter and widow of Robert Walker Lewis (1858-1886), a lot with one hundred five feet on the Back Bay of Biloxi. This parcel was situated between May E. Staples Poitevent (1847-1932), her sister, and Mrs. Staples, her mother. Here the widow, Mathilde S. Lewis, built a side-gabled, one story, wood-frame house. It had a front gallery and its long axis was parallel to the beach. The yard was well-landscaped with many flowering bushes and plants.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 9, p. 499 and Walterine V. Redding, October 24, 2004) Robert W. Lewis Mathilde Lenora Terrell Staples had married Robert Walker Lewis on March 15, 1897. He was the son of Alfred E. Lewis (1812-1885) and Ann Farrington (1821-1901) of Lewis Sha, now Oldfields, at Gautier, Mississippi. Their nuptials held at Ocean Springs were under the auspices of the Methodist Church, as the Reverend InMan W. Cooper officiated at their wedding vows.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, March 15, 1879) Robert W. Lewis and Mathilde L. Staples were the parents of three children: Ora M. Lewis who was born in September 1880 at Ocean Springs; Lillian Lewis born October 1882 at Ocean Springs; and Robert Walker Jr. (1886-1904) born July 1886, also at Ocean Springs. Ora May Lewis married Dr. Robert H. Davis in St. John's Episcopal Church on December 28, 1910. The newly weds Made tier home at St. Louis, Missouri.(The Ocean Springs News, January 7, 1911, p. 1) Ayers & Parks merchants Robert W. Lewis made his livelihood at Ocean Springs as a merchant. His partners were Fred Staples (1852-1897) and G.T. Beauregard Staples (1861-1880+), his brothers-in-law. This joint venture commenced operations in October 1879, when they began to occupy the building formerly of Moses Smith Park (1846-1910+). Mr. Park was a Texan by birth and had been a resident of Ocean Springs as early as December 1870. At this time, he acquired two tracts of land from Cales Anderson in the Azalie LaFauce Clay Strip with frontage on County Road, now Government Street. A part of this land situated on the southeast corn of Washington and Government would become known as "Lundy's Corner." The 1926 Standard Oil-Zanca Service Station was demolished here in June 2005 by SEFCO LLC, a Mississippi limited liability company domiciled at 712 Washington Avenue.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 5, pp. 107-108) Moses Smith Park was married to Charlotte S. Huke (1846-1910+), a widow. She was born in Mississippi of English immigrant parents. Prior to her union with M.S. Park, Charlotte had wedded an Austrian immigrant named Huke. She and Herr Huke had a son, Alvin Huke (1863-1880+). Moses and Charlotte were the parents of eight children of which six survived into the 20th Century. The known Park children are: W.S. Park (1872-1880+0; David A. Park (1874-1880+); James E. Park (1878-1900+); and Charlotte "Lottie" Park (1880-1900+).(1880 Jackson Co., Ms. Federal Census) By 1872, Moses Smith Park was in business at Ocean Springs with Frank H. Ayers of Galveston, as Ayers & park. A receipt from Ayers & Park read as follows:
Terms Cash Bought of AYERS & PARK DRY GOODS, GROCERIES HARDWARE, TINWARE, WOODWARE, PLANTATION SUPPLIES, HATS, BOOTS, SHOES, CLOTHING, ETC, F.H. Ayers and M.S. Park Ocean Springs, Miss.
There is a high degree of certitude that the Reverend Joseph Burch Walker (1817-1897),a Methodist minister domiciled at New Orleans, who owned a summer home on the Fort Point Peninsula, knew the Ayers family. Dr. Walker was stationed at St. John's in Galveston, Texas in 1871.(The New Orleans Daily Picayune, February 27, 1897) In 1875, David Ayers (1793-1881), the patriarch of Galveston, Texas and the Father of Frank H. Ayers, was the benefactor who provide the finances for the improvements to the local Methodist Church. The aging Reverend Joseph Nicholson (1811-1886) had taken over the Ocean Springs church and mission at Handsboro, Mississippi, as his predecessors had failed in their religious endeavors at that place.(The New Orleans Christian Advoate, March 4, 1875, p. 1) David Ayers was born at Morristown, New Jersey and was a veteran of the War of 1812. He brought his family to Texas in 1833. On behalf of the American Bible Society, they distributed Bibles to new settlers. The Ayers clan took roots in San Patricio, before relocating to Washington County where he made the acquaintance of many leaders of the Texas Revolution. When William B. Travis (1809-1836) went to the Alamo, he left his son, Charles Travis, in the care of David Ayers. During the runaway scrape, Ayers led many families to Galveston, where he commenced a mercantile business and served for a time as a United States deputy marshal. In 1857-1958, he was publisher of The Texas Christian Advocate and wrote some of the earliest accounts of Methodism in the Lone Star State. David Ayers was a major contributor to the building of St. James Methodist Church at Galveston. He expired at Galveston on October 25, 1881 and was buried there.(http:www.tsha.utexas.edu handbook online articles fay5.html)Sale In January 1897, Mathilde L. T. Staples Lewis (1858-1928+), the widow of Robert W. Lewis conveyed her home at Ocean Springs to her sister, Louise V. Staples.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk.18, pp. 15-16)New Orleans In 1900, Louise V. Staples and Mathilde L. T. Lewis, her sister, were residents of New Orleans. Mathilde L. T. Lewis, the widow of Robert W. Lewis, was the proprietor of a boarding house on Carondelet Street. Her three minor children were also domiciled with them in the Crescent City.(1900 Federal Census Orleans Parish, Louisiana, T623R570, p. 180-1st Ward) 1910 wedding By 1910, Louise Staples and Mathilde L.T. Lewis had returned to Ocean Springs. Ora May Lewis married Dr. Robert H. Davis of St. Louis, Missouri at their home on Lovers Lane on December 28, 1910, under the auspices of the Episcopal Church. The event was well attended by family and neighbors.(The Ocean Springs News, January 7, 1911, p. 1) Sale For some unknown reason, in October 1919, Louise V. Staples sold her Lovers Lane home back to her sister, Mathilde L.T. Lewis. Shortly there after, in December 1919, the widow Lewis conveyed her residence to Joseph O. Julian of New Orleans for $1300.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 47, pp. 488-489 and Bk. 47, p. 489) Joseph O. Julian Joseph O. Julian (1872-1925+) was born at New Orleans to a French father and Louisiana mother. Claudia Julian (b. 1875), his wife, was a Pennsylvania native whose parents were Ohio natives. At New Orleans, in 1920, Mr. Julian the proprietor of a barroom.(1920 Orleans Parish, Federal Census-T625R621, pt. 2, p. 270B) When Mr. Julian conveyed the old Staples place to Joseph A. Moss of Biloxi in September 1925, the sale was handled by Hunt Capers, a local realtor. The selling price was $21,000 and this sale pushed waterfront lots over the $200 per front foot mark as the Julian property had 105 feet on Biloxi Bay.(The Jackson County Times, September 5, 1925, p. 3) Joseph A. Moss No information on Joseph A. Moss. He sold to John W. Apperson in October 1929.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 62, pp. 381-382)
Colonel John W. Apperson (1862-1939) (The Daily Herald, March 19, 1923, p. 1) John W. Apperson John Wright Apperson (1862-1939) was a native of Memphis, Tennessee. He was a well-educated man having earned his primary degree from Christian Brothers College, Memphis and Masters and Law degree from Vanderbilt. Mr. Apperson entered the practice of law at Memphis. He ran for Congress and was Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Confederate Veterans twice while a resident of Tennessee. While vacationing in 1912, he discovered Biloxi and was so enamored with its seaside charm that he settled here and became a hotel magnate.(The Daily Herald, April 1, 1939, p. 1) In late January 1929, Colonel Apperson’s wife, Elizabeth Tipton (1874-1929), expired at their apartment in the Buena Vista Hotel. Her corporal remains were sent to Memphis for internment in the Elmwood Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, February 1, 1929, p. 2) In 1930, John W. Apperson married Lucille Evans Holmes (1884-1951), a native of Lincoln, Illinois and the daughter of Lincoln Evans and Nora Flynn. She expired at Biloxi in October 1951. Mrs. Apperson’s remains were interred the Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi. She was an Episcopalian.(The Daily Herald, October 26, 1951, p. 2) The Memphis Hotel John W. Apperson’s first venture in the hotel business at Biloxi commenced in June 1912, when he took a six-year lease on what had been the Gulf View Hotel from George W. Wilkes (1854-1915) and spouse. The rent was $1200 per year. Colonel Apperson changed the name of his hostelry to The Memphis Hotel, which was situated on the northeast corner of Seal Avenue and West Beach Drive in Biloxi, Mississippi.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 102 or 120?, pp. 130-131) The Riviera Hotel In May 1914, John W. Apperson acquired a lease and began the management of the old Montrose Hotel. It was located on Lameuse Street and Beach Boulevard in Biloxi. Colonel Apperson changed the name of the hostelry to the Riviera Hotel and planned $25,000 in improvements and construction to increase the structure to three stories and 100 rooms. Modern conveniences, steam heat, electric elevators, and call bells were part of the improvements which were to be completed by January 1915.(The Daily Herald, May 20, 1914, p. 2)John W. Apperson eventually owned the Riviera and sold it circa 1925 to Charles B. Foster (1877-1931), Charles Delacruz, and Thomas K. Devitt (1882-1946), all seafood magnates. Appearson reacquired the Riviera in November 1929 for $80,000 in a foreclosure sale.(The Daily Herald, November 9, 1929, p. 1) Buena Vista Colonel John W. Apperson with Robert H. Holmes (1869-1949), A.F. Dantzler (1870-1945), George Quint, and Milton Anderson founded the Buena Vista Hotel, which opened at Biloxi on July 4, 1924. The Buena Vista cost approximately $500,000 and had 250 rooms. An east wing was erected in 1927.(The Daily Herald, April 1, 1939, p. 1) Once the flagship hotel of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Hurricane Camille in August 1969, severely damaged the old structure. A fire circa 1991 virtually eliminated a plan to convert it into an air-sea museum. Demolition came in 1993-1994 and the Buena Vista property became a parking lot for the Beau Rivage resort and casino.(The Sun Herald, October 27, 1993, p. D-5) Before Colonel Apperson expired at the Riviera Hotel on April 4, 1939, the Great Depression appears to have caused him to forfeit his mortgage on his Lovers Lane home. It was repossessed by the First National Bank of Biloxi in July 1933. The Biloxi bank conveyed the old Staples place to Lorna Carr Leavell in July 1936.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 65, p. 634 and Bk. 69, p. 181) John W. Apperson’s corporal remains were sent to Memphis, Tennessee for burial in the Elmwood Cemetery. Elizabeth Tipton (1874-1929), Colonel Apperson’s first wife, was also buried here.(The Daily Herald, April 1, 1939, p. 1) Lorna C. Leavell Lorna Carr Leavell (1892-1976) was born at Mt. Pleasant, Texas, the daughter of Charles C. Carr and Ida McClean. She married James Reader Leavell (1885-1974) who was born at Montgomery City, Missouri. Mr. Leavell made his career in banking and before his retirement in 1948, was president and chairman of the Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Company in Chicago. He began his banking career in St. Louis 1905 before joining the Continental Illinois Bank in 1920. Mr. Leavell was on the board of directors of: Armour and Company; International Harvester; Illinois Central Railroad; and was appointed by Governor Fielding L. Wright (1895-1956) to the Mississippi Agricultural and Industrial Board.(The Daily Herald, January 29, 1949, p. 1) Doone Gate In the 1930s, James R. Leavell was associated with a small but affluent group of Chicago businessmen who acquired large lots at Pointe-aux-Chenes. Circa 1935, the Leavells built a fine home, “Doone Gate”, which is extant. Here the Leavells owned two exceptional live oak trees, “Lorna Doone” and “Surprise”, which were registered with the Live Oak Society. The small Ramsay “Indian Mound” Cemetery is also situated on the former Leavell property at Pointe-aux-Chenes.(Ms. Gulf Coast Yesterday & Today, 1939, p. 108) Mr. Leavell’s Chicago associates and neighbors here were: Carl Birdsall (1892-1956) who owned "Oaknolia", and Leslie L. Cook. H.P. Flateau (1888-1955), receiver of the Hamill Corporation, but not from the Windy City, owned “Holly Lodge”. Lovers Lane Lorna Carr Leavell refurbished the old Staple place on Lovers Lane, but never lived here. With their wealth, the Leavells acquired several other properties in Ocean Springs. Also in 1936, Mrs. Leavell bought the Orin D. Davison (1872-1938) place on Front Beach opposite the pre-Katrina site of the Ocean Springs Yacht Club. Her plans for the Davidson property were to restore, beautify, and resell.(The Jackson County Times, August 18, 1936) R.G. Cooper In June 1940, Lorna Carr Leavell (1892 -1976) conveyed the old Staples place on Lover Lane to R.G. Cooper and Doris M. Cooper. The Coopers were from Kentucky. Bernelle Dressell Babcock, domiciled in Metairie, Louisiana and a former owner of 343 Lovers Lane, “Rebel Oaks”, relates that R.G. Cooper had formerly worked for the Bridgeport Brass Company, probably at Indianapolis, Indiana.(Mrs. B. D. Babcock, December 6, 2004) R.G. Cooper sold the old Staples place to Hazel M. Trimble in September 1940. He would acquire “Rebel Oaks” in April 1949, from Robert B. Favret (1913-1979).(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 76, pp. 2-3 and Bk. 97, p. 9) Hazel M. Trimble Hazle M. Trimble (1892-1986) was the wife of Edward G. Trimble, believed to have been a retired corporate lawyer from Chicago or New York. After her husband passed, she traveled. In 1948, Anne Costley Verner (1901-1990) took care of Mrs. Trimble’s Lovers Lane domicile in her absence. Hazle M. Trimble enjoyed playing golf at Gulf Hills. When she departed the “Lane”, it is believed that she relocated to Pascagoula and lived at the Longfellow House where there was a nine-hole golf links.(Walterine ‘Sis’ Redding, May 2005) In April 1958, Hazle M. Trimble conveyed her Lovers Lane place to Joseph L. Giacomino Jr.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 110, pp. 198-199) Joseph L. Giacomino Jr. Joseph “Joe” Louis Giacomino Jr. (1891-1980) was born June 18, 1891 at New Orleans, the son of Joseph L. Giacomino (1866-1932) and Marie Montedonico. His siblings were: Rosa Mary Giacomino (b. 1889), and Clara Emily Finney (1892-1977). Joe’s father had owned a small cottage in Mississippi City, when he was a child and he had grown fond of the Mississippi Gulf Coast through the many family visits from the Crescent City.(Thomas Finney, August 21, 2005) CareerJoe L. Giacomino Jr. matriculated to Tulane University at New Orleans and was educated in electrical and mechanical engineering. After his college studies, he found employment with Westinghouse on the eastern seaboard. World War II, interrupted Joe’s engineering career and he was utilized by the US Navy at Washington D.C. and New York City as a purchasing agent for materials to be used by the Navy. He had married a Georgia lady, Carolyn ? Giacomino. They were childless. During the summer months, the local Catholic nuns who taught school at St. Alphonsus would utilize the pier of Mr. Giacomino for swimming.(Thomas Finney-August 21, 2005) John Callan John Callan (1891-1980) and Joe Giacomino were classmates at Tulane. Both decided to retire to Ocean Springs. As previously mentioned, John Callan acquired 329 Lovers Lane, the John Callan (1891-1980) and Joe Giacomino were classmates at Tulane. Both decided to retire to Ocean Springs. As previously mentioned, John Callan acquired 329 Lovers Lane, the Marquez-Baker place, in August 1960, from Tommy and Jane O. Thompson. John Callan expired here in November 1980.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 200, p. 480) Joe L. Giacomino Jr. was a resident of New Orleans when his death came on August 7, 1980. His corporal remains rest in the Giacomino family plot at the Metairie Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, August 13, 1900, p. A-2) Maurice A. Taquino Jr. acquired the Giacomino place in July 1961.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 211, p. 586) Maurice A. Taquino Maurice Augustus Taquino (1925-2006), "Dr. T", was born Morris Augustus Taquino at New Orleans. He was the son of Maurice A. Taquino (1885-1930+) and Rose Mary Paretti Taquino (1894-1985), also natives of the Crescent City. Later Morris Augustus Taquino legally changed his name to Maurice Augustus Taquino. He was reared on Dumaine Street and graduated from Jesuit High School in 1942. He graduated from Loyola University of the South (NOLA) and completed his primary medical education in 1951 at the LSU School of Medicine at New Orleans. His post-Doctoral studies were also in New Orleans primarily at the LSU Medical Center where he learned general medical practice and surgery. In 1953, Dr. Taquino graduated from the Naval Flight Surgeon Program at Pensacola, Florida. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy and spent some time in the Bahamas in 1956. His active duty status ended in 1956, but he remained in the Naval Reserves from 1956-1979 and went on active duty again from 1979 until 1982. He retired from the Navy in 1986. In 1961, Dr. M.A. Taquino acquired his general surgery license to practice in Mississippi. (The Sun Herald, August 31, 2006, p. A6 and Bonnie Taquino, March 7, 2007) In 1971-1972, Dr. Taquino with Dr. Harry Clark, administrator, and Robert W. Bell, financial advisor, built a large medical complex at Biloxi, which they called ‘The Coast Medical Center’. The building, which is extant, at 180-B Debuys Road, is now known as The Harrell Pace Memorial Medical Plaza. It is a two-story structure made with environmental glass. Dr. Harrell S. Pace (1936-2003) was the first chief of staff of the Gulf Coast Medical Center in 1976-1977. The second phase of Dr. Taquino’s vision was a 244 bed acute care center, The Gulf Coast Hospital, which is now called The Gulf Coast Medical Center at 180 Debuys Road. It opened in May 1976.(The Ocean Springs Record, March 22, 1973, p. 10) In March 1978, Dr. Taquino created the Maurice Augustus Taquino Trust No. 1. Through this legal instrument, he conveyed his Lovers Lane real property to his sons, Maurice A. Taquino III and Lawrence McDougall Taquino (b. 1965), retaining a life estate.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 791, p. 285) Circa 1980, Dr. Taquino left Ocean Springs and his Lovers Lane home later reached the stage of demolition by neglect that the City had it removed. Dr. Taquino relocated from Ocean Springs to the Diamondhead community, Hancock County, Mississippi with his spouse, Linda N. Taquino. Circa 1982, he became Medical Director of the Stennis Space Center and also practiced occupational and internal medicine on the west side of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Dr. Maurice Taquino Jr. expired at Diamond Head on August 28, 2006.(The Sun Herald, August 29, 2006, p. A6) In 2003, Dr. Taquino was NASA awarded him the "Silver Snoopy". This is an award given by astronauts to recognized outstanding duty, which assisted in the flight safety and success of a space mission.(The Sun Herald, August 31, 2006, p. A4) This concludes the history of the Staples-Taquino property on Lovers Lane.
Lovers Lane Subdivision Map This plat depicts the areas of development on the Fort Point Peninsula, which commenced after Walter Lindsay (1888-1975), the son-in-law of Anna L. Benjamin (1848-1938) of Milwaukee, sold the Benjamin estate lands to Ernest McL Galloway (1903-1980) in 1963. Seashore Inc., a Mississippi company owned by Robert Field, T.L. Brackett Jr., and Thurman L. Pitts were the first to plat a subdivision, Seapointe, here in July 1964. Jardell Inc., a local real estate syndicate, eventually acquired the holdings of Seashore Inc. and its principals. Carroll Ishee (1921-1982) and Dr. Horace Conti (1907-1982) were also on Lovers Lane in Subdivision development. Lovers Lane Subdivisions In 1963, Walter Lindsay (1888-1975) of Palm Springs and Milwaukee, the widower and legatee of Catherine Chase Benjamin (1889-1958), sold the Benjamin Estate lands on the Fort Point Peninsula to Ernest McL Galloway (1903-1980). The Lindsay land consisted of four tracts described as: The Farm Tract; Ravine Tract; Staples Tract; and Hanson Tract. Mr. Galloway was the son of Peter Galloway (1869-1956) and Ida Davis (1871-1955) and a native of the Harleston Community in northern Jackson County. He married Lanola Ezelle and served as the County Tax Assessor.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 245) Almost immediately, Mr. Galloway turned the Lindsay property to Field & Brackett Inc., owned by Robert Field and Thomas L. Brackett Jr. (1928-1989). Sea-pointe, the first of four Seapointe Subdivisions, was created in July 1964, to sell lots and commence the development of the remainder of the Fort Point Peninsula.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 245, p. 180) Seapointe-1964 Seapointe was platted in July 1964, by Seashore Inc. as the first phase of their development plan. Seashore Inc. was a Mississippi corporation owned by Robert Field, T.L. Brackett Jr., and Thurman L. Pitts (1915-1996) of Jackson, Mississippi. Their Seapointe Subdivision consisted of thirty-one lots.(JXCO, Ms. Plat Bk. 8, p. 1) Seapointe Part II-1966 Seapointe II was platted in July 1966 by Seashore, Inc. It was made up of seven lots on La Salle Court.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Plat Bk. 8, p. 52) Seapointe Part III-1966 In July 1966, Bell & Mitchell, local developers and builders, platted Seapointe Part III. This small project consisted of four lots on Lovers Lane.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Plat Bk. 8, p. 53) Lover’s Lane Addition-1969 In February 1969, Carroll B. Ishee (1921-1982) acquired 4.3 acres on the east side of Lover’s Lane essentially in a ravine, from E.M. Galloway, trustee. This parcel on the Fort Point Peninsula in western Ocean Springs is situated in Government Lots 4 and 5, Section 24, T7S-R9W. In July 1970, Mr. Ishee platted a ten-lot subdivision called Lover's Lane Addition.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 349, p. 164 and JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Plat Bk. 12, p. 34) Here the northeast slope of a ravine along Lovers Lane, Carrol Ishee designed and constructed ten contemporary structures. Each home comes from the individual palette of this consummate artist who painted with foliage, wood, slate, cedar shingles, and glass to camouflage his creation in this sylvan environment, originally tramped across by Native Americans and the likes of Iberville and Bienville, Les Freres Le Moyne from New France. Lovers Lane conflict Carroll B. Ishee faced some strong neighborhood opposition when his subdivision plat for Lovers Lane Addition had to be approved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Ocean Springs. Mayor Donald L. “Pat” Connor (1912-1982), who resided at Conamore across ‘the Lane” from Ishee’s development, was one of his strongest antagonists. In early December 1970, Marjorie L. Conti (1913-1984), the spouse of Dr. Horace Conti (1907-1982), a pathologist at the Veterans Administration Hospital at Biloxi, who was residing in the former Henry L. Girot home on Lovers Lane, wrote a letter to the editor of The Ocean Springs Record in discordance with the Ishee development. The salient issue of her missive was the fact that Carroll Ishee’s first house in his Lovers Lane Addition Subdivision was in violation of the set back rules of the ordinance. In addition, Mr. Ishee, a former attorney, did not have subdivision plat approval from the Ocean Springs Planning Commission. Mrs. Conti’s grievances were responded to by the Board of Aldermen that since Carroll Ishee was only erecting one house on his large tract that he didn’t need plat approval.(The Ocean Springs Record, December 3, 1970, p. 4) In late January 1970, the Ocean Springs Planning Commission after much debate approved the following motion: “Although it [the Ishee application] does not meet the Subdivision requirements, this unique situation suggests that the acceptance of this subdivision be left to he City Council.” The motion passed unanimously. The City Council approved Mr. Ishee’s plat for his Lovers Lane Addition Subdivision reasoning that the City of Ocean Springs should not require a 50-foot right-of-way in Lovers Lane because it is not economically feasible for the developer. Dr. Maurice A. Taquino and other Lovers Lane residents filed suit in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Mississippi to have this decision negated. The case went to the Mississippi Supreme Court in October 1971, where this august body affirmed the action of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Ocean Springs to grant preliminary plat approval to Carroll B. Ishee for his Lovers Land Addition Subdivision.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 28, 1971, p. 1) Seapointe Part IV-1971Platted in July 1971 by Field, Brackett, & Pitts, Inc. Robert Field, president. Consists of fourteen lots built on the following streets: Le Voyageur; Le Marin Court; and Le Badine Court.( JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Plat Bk. 12, p. 46) Jardell Inc. Jardell Inc. was a stock company, which dealt in local real estate. Its name was derived from its owners: J=James R. Leavell (1885-1974); A=Alfred P. “Fred” Moran (1897-1967); R=Russell Moran (1930-1981); D=J. Duncan Moran (1925-1995); E=Ernest McL Galloway (1903-1980); and LL=Lorna Carr Leavell (1892-1976). Each principal owned 16.666% of the stock company. In 1963, when Field & Brackett acquired the Lindsay Tracts from E.M. Galloway, they took a deed of trust from E.M. Galloway. Russell Moran was the trustee. By 1976, Jardell Inc. had acquired what remained of the Lindsay property when Field & Bracket defaulted on their mortgage.(JXCO, Ms. Trust Deed Bk. 195, pp. 150-154 and JXCO, Ms. ITS Bk. 14, p. 208) When Lorna Carr Leavell (1892-1976) expired in 1976, her will legated 33.332% or 788 shares of Jardell Inc. to Lorna Doone Carr Hector of Jackson, Mississippi, her niece, and Charles M. Carr Jr., her nephew, then domiciled at London, England. In 1977, Alfred F. Dantzler Jr. (1915-2005), executor of Mrs. Leavel’s estate conveyed a 23.332% in the company to J. Duncan Moran and A. Russell Moran. Mrs. Hector and Mr. Carr retained a 5% interest in Jardell Inc. (JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 31,587-1978 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 606, p. 21) In January 1985, Lanola Galloway Hedman, the legatee of E.M. Galloway, a founder of Jardell Inc., sold her 16.666% interest in he company to J. Duncan Moran and the Heirs of A. Russell Moran, Duncan’s brother. A few years later, Charles Carr Jr. and Lorna Doone C. Hector also sold their interests in Jardell, Inc. After this conveyance, Jardell Inc. was owned as follows: J. Duncan Moran 50%; Susie W. Moran 29.167%; and the children of A. Russell Moran 20.833%.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 969, p. 729 and p. 865) By September 1995, the founders of Jardell Inc. were all deceased. The company today is owned by the Shannon F. Moran, the Heir of J. Duncan Moran, Susie W. Moran, and the Heirs of A. Russell Moran. Jardell’s primary land holding on the Fort Point Peninsula is the old Christian A. Hanson Tract, that 18.5-acre parcel of land, which encompasses “The Island”, the most northerly land on the Fort Point Peninsula. Only about seven acres of this land is considered habitable as the remainder is primarily marsh. Lovers Lane Addition Part II-1977 Platted by Dr. Horace Conti in February 1977. Consists of six lots along Lovers Lane south of Carroll Ishee’s Subdivision.(JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Plat Bk. 15, p. 32) Spanish Point Spanish Point is that area of about twenty-acres on the Fort Point Peninsula, which fronts on Old Fort Bayou between the Seapointe Subdivision-Part II (1966) centered about La Salle Court and Cherokee Glen. The history of the “Spanish Camp” and/or “Spanish Point” exists only in anecdotal form and is yet uncorroborated by historians. Schuyler Poitevent (1875-1936) in Broken Pot (ca 1936) gives a plausible explanation for the mysterious “Spanish Camp” which possibly existed on the Fort Point Peninsula in the late 18th Century. To quote Poitevent: I do not know what became of the Old Fort (Fort Maurepas). After the headquarters were moved to the present town of Biloxi, the cannons were doubtlessly moved over there and the Old Fort was abandoned. I suppose it went the way of all old forts and fell into decay and since it was of wood it rotted down and in time produced good dewberries and blackberries. Of course, the property remained the King’s and therefore was not subject to settlement. I presume it continued vacant; and after the British took possession in 1763-1764, why its vacancy became more apparent. Still it was known as the “old fort” and when the Spanish in New Orleans ousted the British from Natchez in 1779, the Spanish governor moved to attack Mobile. He was defeated in his move by a storm. He withdrew his demoralized shipwrecked army from Mobile Bay and reorganized a part of his force here at the Old Fort. Part of the Spaniards camped here, while the reorganization of the force in New Orleans was underway, and the place thereafter came to be known as “Spanish Camp”.(Chapter XI, “Old Fort Maurepas) Doctor’s Point Development on Spanish Point commenced after land was acquired here in 1978, by three local physicians, Dr. Charles P. Stroble, Dr. Jeffrey L. Sauls, and Dr. James B. Grace from A. Russell Moran, trustee. From northwest to southeast, Spanish Point was divided as follows: Stroble 5.04 acres; Sauls 7.26 acres; and Grace 7.60 acres. The ingress into these tracts was originally called Spanish Point Court. Today it is Spanish Point Circle.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 673, p. 138 and Bk. 614, p. 535 Book. 621, p. 293) Almost thirty years have passed, and Dr. Grace and Dr. Sauls continue to own land on Spanish Point. In June 1989, the Stroble parcel was conveyed to Dr. Stefan Pribil. He left in June 1993 and John J. Pilger acquired his northwest parcel. A few days before Katrina, Mr. Pilger sold .75 acres from the southwest end of his tract to Sylvia S. Chavers of Metairie, Louisiana.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 940. p. 70 and p. 79, Bk. 1019, p. 289, and Bk. 1391, p. 527) In December 2000, Dr. Jeffrey L. Sauls sold his home with 3 acres to Dr. James J. Mulvey. Sauls erected a new home on his remaining 4.26 acres in the fall of 1999. Only the Grace tract remains with its original 7.6 acres. It is now owned by Beverly P. Grace, the spouse of Dr. James B. Grace.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1225, p. 762, Bk. 1225, p. 766, and Bk. 1255, p. 322)
Seapointe post-Katrina (image September 5, 2005) This image was made in early September 2005, viewing northeast towards Old Fort Bayou near the terminus of the Seapointe Subdivision. This section of the Fort Point Peninsula was particularly devastated with only a few structures not totally destroyed by the high storm surge. Hurricane Camille of August 1969, also was very destructive to this neighborhood. Katrina 2005 The wrath and fury of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005 left Lovers Lane and the Fort Point Peninsula with much devastation, particularly Seapointe, and Spanish Point, both low lying area on Biloxi’s Back Bay and Old Fort Bayou. The Ishee ravine colony, Lover’s Lane Addition-1969, was inundated with floodwaters, which backed up into this narrow area, from Old Fort Bayou to the north. The Lovers Lane Historic District composed primarily of 19th and early 20th Century structures along Biloxi’s Back Bay was generally spared major water inundation from Katrina’s storm surge because of their superior elevation. It appears that Katrina’s storm surge reached at least twenty-feet above mean sea level on the Fort Point Peninsula. This concludes “A History of Lovers Lane: The Fort Point Peninsula”, which commenced on July 29, 2004. Thank you for your interest and patience. Have a Holy and Happy Christmas! FINIS December 21, 2005 HAPPY NEW YEAR |