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JOHN L. HENLEY [1866] REFERENCES: The Biloxi Herald,
_________________________________________________________________________________ Lyman B. Holley [1868; 1870 see Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Land Deed Bk. 11, p. 372]
[No Records? from 1869-1875] 1879-1880
RAYMOND CAILLAVET
Raymond Caillavet (1838-1898) called "Medeaux" was born at
The Caillavet family at
L.A. Caillavet (1793-1860) married Marguerite Fayard (1787-1863) circa 1811. She was the daughter of Jean Baptist Fayard, Jr. (1752-1816) and Angelique Ladner (1753-1830). These families are among the oldest at
L.A. Caillavet was fluent in the French and English languages and acted as an agent-interpreter and representative to wealthy Creole families from
1. was in
2. sometimes he was the only one in 3. served as an interpreter and notary in legal matters. 4. he was blind by 1848.
L.A. Caillavet acquired much land on the
is located on the beach front at east Ocean Springs west of
As a young man, Raymond Caillavet took the call of the Confederate cause and joined Company E (Biloxi Rifles), 3rd Mississippi Infantry, C.S.A. He served as a private. The Biloxi Rifles were mustered into State service on May 21, 1861, at
Young Caillavet must have left the Coast during the Civil War for Celina Joucheray
Young Caillavet must have left the Coast during the Civil War for Joucheray, Celina Be it remembered that on the day to wit: the fourteenth of November of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two and the sixty seventh of the Independence of the United States before me, Alfred E. Farstall, duly commissioned and sworn Recorder of Births and Deaths in and for the Parish and City personally appeared. Mrs. Louise Denis, widow of the late Mr. Pierre Joucheray, a native of Sable, Department of the Sarth in France, about thirty years of age and residing on Royale Street No. 358 in the first Municipality of New Orleans who in the presence of undersigned witnesses , doth declare that she bore a female child Celina Joucheray, the legitimate child of the late Mr. Pierre Joucheray born at Chare sur Argoz Canton Conde , born at Chare sur Argos Canton Conde Department of Maine and Loire in France, on the sixteenth of March eighteen hundred and nine and since about six years ago married at Paris in France, in (illegible) Department. The child was born on the twenty fourth of November eighteen and forty one at half past eleven o’clock A.M. in a house on Louise? Street between Marigny and Mandeville Streets in the first Municipality of this city.(Louisiana Department of Archives, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Birth Records Volume 7, p. 189) Joucheray, Pierre Be it remembered that on the day to wit: the fourteenth of November of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two and the sixty seventh of the Independence of the United States before me, Alfred E. Farstall, duly commissioned and sworn Recorder of Births and Deaths in and for the Parish and City personally appeared. Mrs. Louise Denis, widow of the late Mr. Pierre Joucheray, a native of Sable, Department of the Sarthe in France, about thirty years of age and residing on Royale Street No. 358 in the first Municipality of New Orleans who in the presence of undersigned witnesses , doth declare that her lawful husband Mr. Pierre Joucheray, born at Chare sur Argos, Canton Conde, Department of Maine and Loire in France, on the sixteenth of March eighteen hundred and nine and since about six years ago married at Paris in France, departed this life on the twenty first of May last past at ten o’clock P.M. by falling accidentally into the Blind River Parish of St. Tammany in the state of Louisiana.(Louisiana Department of Archives, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Death Records Volume 9, p. 383)
After Pierre Joucheray’s death in May 1841, Madame Joucheray and Celina disappear until the Orleans Parish Federal Census of 1850. At this time, Celina is living in the household of Marcelin Effort (1828-1850+), a Coming Home
Raymond Caillavet and Celina’s first two children were born at In June 1869, young Raymond Caillavet for $100 acquired another lot from his father. It had a width of sixty-five feet and was one-hundred twenty five feet in depth. The lot was bounded on the north by John Latour Caillavet, east by Charles T. Couave (Cuevas), south by a street, and west by an alley.(3) Caillavet conveyed this property to Phillip Lestrade (1832-1912) on January 5, 1876, as partial repayment for a debt owed Lestrade in a partnership that they had once participated.(4) Public Service
Raymond Caillavet also had a career in public service in
In October 1883, while serving as street commissioner of
Raymond Caillavet was elected as Secretary of the City of
Mr. Caillavet lost to John Walker in the Construction Raymond Caillavet built a large storage house for the Biloxi Artesian Ice Manufacturing Company.(The Biloxi Herald, February 18, 1888, p. 8)
On February 26, 1869, Raymond Caillavet bought a lot fronting on In June 1869, young Raymond Caillavet for $100 acquired another lot from his father. It had a width of sixty-five feet and was one-hundred twenty five feet in depth. The lot was bounded on the north by John Latour Caillavet, east by Charles T. Couave (Cuevas), south by a street, and west by an alley.(3) Caillavet conveyed this property to Phillip Lestrade (1832-1912) on January 5, 1876, as partial repayment for a debt owed Lestrade in a partnership that they had once partcipated.(4)
Raymond Caillavet also had a career in public service in
Raymond and Celina J. Caillavet reared their family at
Raymond Caillavet expired on February 16, 1898. Mrs. Caillavet died on March 15, 1903. Both are buried at the
Marie Blanche Caillavet (1865-1940)-born December 12, 1865, at
John Caillavet-born circa March 1867, at
Aristide Bertrand Caillavet (1868-1898)-born February 10, 1868 at
Emma Rose Caillavet Murray (1869-1955+)-born 1869, at
Alice Louise Caillavet Bellande (1872-1955)-born October 7, 1872, at
Edward Caillavet (1874-1923)-born December 1874, at Clarissa Rita Caillavet (1877-1885)-born April 22, 1877. Died April 10, 1885. No further information.
William Fernand Caillavet (1879-1940) born January 14, 1879, at
Lucille Caillavet, their only surviving child never married, and lived on
Louise Clemence Caillavet Morgan (1881-1965)-born February 3, 1881, at
Mary Liliana Caillavet Holley (1883-1967)-born July 19, 1883, at
REFERENCES:
1. 2. ------------------------- Book 11, p. 522-523. 3. ------------------------- Book 15, p. 24-25.
Nap L. Cassibry, II, Early Settlers and Land Grants at
Nap L. Cassibry II, Early Settlers and Land Grants at
Nap L. Cassibry II, The Ladner Odyssey, ( Gladys de Villier, The Opelousas Post, (Polyanthos, Inc: Cottonport, Louisiana-1972) p. 25.
Grady Howell, To Live and Die in Jerome Lepre, The Caillavet Family, (Mississippi Coast History and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1984), p. 30, p. 66, and p. 76.
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of
Journals
The
The
The
The
The The Daily Herald, "Holley-Caillavet", January 29, 1907. The Daily Herald, "Louge-Caillavet", March 21, 1910, p. 8, c. 2. The Daily Herald, "Moran (sic)-Caillavet", August 30, 1911, p. 8. The Daily Herald, "Edward Caillavet Dead", November 16, 1923, p. 3, c. 3. The Daily Herald, "Blanche Caillavet dies", April 20, 1940, p. 7, c. 2. The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Wm. Caillavet Dies", June 23, 1941.
The The Sun Herald, "Lionel J. Holley, Sr.", February 23, 1993, p. 2.
1880, and 1900).
Personal Communication: Hazel M. Bellande-September 1995. Fern Davidson Dubaz O'Neal-September 1995. Laura Thompson Creel-September 1995. Trilla Morgan Reilly-September 1995. Thelma G. Bellande-October 1995. ______________________________________________________________________________ F.W. ELMER 1883
Frederick W. Elmer (1847-1926) was born at After the demise of his wife in 1858, Jacob Elmer married Louisa B. Wetzel (1844-1894) in January 1863. She was the daughter of German immigrant, Jacob Wetzel (1802-1860+) and ? . Her mother was dead before 1860. Their children were: Coresta E. Bachino (1866-1900+), Effee Elmer Dulion (. 1866-193 ), Clarence Elmer (1868-1901), Percy L. Elmer (1873-1949), Edward Ross Elmer (1878-1934), and the twins, Albert (1881-1900+) and Arthur Elmer (b. 1881). Jacob Wetzel's siblings raised by Jacob Elmer were: Julia Wetzel (b. 1853), and Catherine Wetzel (b. 1855).( Harrison Co.. Ms. MRB , p. Elizabeth Carson Maycock
F.W. Elmer married Elizabeth Carson Maycock (1850-1905) in May 1871.(Guice, 1968?, p. 19). She was the daughter of Captain James Maycock (1825-1892) and Mary Emily Carson (1827-1900), born at
Captain Maycock was a seafood pioneer at F.W. Elmer and his spouse were the parents of ten children. Eight survived into the 20thCentury. The known Elmer children are: Marie Ann Sichirich (1872-1946), Ida L. Elmer (1873-1891), Nina V. Scott (1877-1937+), Cora V. Enochs (1878-1962), F.W. Elmer II (1881-1948), James C. Elmer (1883-1920), Inez F. Ebersole (1885-1937+), Margueryte E. Cole (1887-1965), and Edward E. Elmer (1892-1900+).
REFERENCES:
The
The Daily Herald, “
________________________________________________________________________________________________ JOHN A. BOUSQUET [Mayor in 1885, 1886, 1893, 1894]
Jean Alphonse Bousquet (1845-1908) [from T.H. Glenn, 1893, p. 55]
Jean Alphonse Bousquet (1845-1908) was born August 2, 1845, the son of Jean Baptiste Bousquet, and Marie Caillavet, the daughter of Louis Arbeau Caillavet and Marguerite Fayard. He married in November 1867 to Marie Eugenie Sabourin (1852-1894?), a native of
Family Jean A. Bousquet and Marie E. Bousquet were the parents of four children: Joseph Arthur Bousquet (1871-1880+) m. Florence Savage; Edgar Gabriel Bousquet (1873-1900+) m. Ella Mullen (1875-1900+); Lelia Marie Bousquet (1875-1936) m. James V. Hagan (18 -1929); and Denella Bousquet (1878-1900+) m. S.L. Coward. Children
Edgar G. Bousquet married Ella Mullen (1875-1900+) at
Daughter Lelia Marie Bousquet (1875-1936) married James V. Hagan (18-1929) of
Denella Bousquet was born at
J.A. Bousquet expired at Bakery In December 1893, Mayor Bousquet acquired full interest in the Sun Bakery when he bought his partners vested interest in the company. Bouquet planned to operate the business himself and retain the services of Fred Quint, who managed the bread making department of the bakery.(The Biloxi Herald, December 2, 1893, p. 8)
The Bousquet family left Jean Alphonse Bousquet-Mayor 1885-1886
Jean A. Bousquet served
Other elected Secretary: Raymond Caillavet (1838-1898) Treasurer: Edward Glennan (1854-1933) Aldermen: E.L. James; R.M. Balius; Pedro Perez (1866-1927); and Phil McCabe.
REFERENCES:
T.H. Glenn, The
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Journals
The
The
The
The
The
The The Daily Herald, “James V. Hagan dies”, December 7, 1929?
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Hagan died in The Daily Picayune, January 5, 1885.
The _________________________________________________________________________________________________ EMILE LAUDNER [Ladner] [Mayor1887]
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
JOHN C. WALKER Mayor of Biloxi 1888-1889 The City election at Biloxi for Mayor and City Council was held on March John C. Waker, Mayor Kuhn Elmer
S.C. Gorenflo
REFERENCES:
The Charles L. Dyer, Along The Gulf, (Women of the Trinity Episcopal Church: Pass Christian-1971. Originally published 1895). Journals
The
The
The
The
The _________________________________________________________________________________________________ HARRY T. HOWARD Mayor of Biloxi 1889-1890
REFERENCES:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ F.W. ELMER
Mayor of
F.W. Elmer, Mayor Emile Laudner, Alderman Phil McCabe, Alderman J. O’Donohoe, Alderman Raymond Caillavet (1838-1898), Alderman
Francis A. Caillavet, John A. Bousquet, Secretary
REFERENCES:
The
The
The Daily Herald, “ _________________________________________________________________________________________________
JEAN A. BOUSQUET
Mayor of
In early January 1893, the new
REFERENCES:
The
The _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1894
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1895
EDWARD GLENNAN
Edward Glennan Mayor of
Edward Glennan (1911-1933) was born at
The election was held on January 1, 1895. In the Mayoral contest, Edward Glennan and Thomas E. Gleason both garnered 103 votes. The City Charter required that the tie be broken by drawing lots and Glennan won. Other City officers elected were: T.P. Dulion, treasurer; J.R. Fowler, 1st Ward Alderman; J.B. Lemon, 2nd Ward Alderman; Raymond Caillavet, 3rd Ward Alderman; and John C. Bradford, 4th Ward Alderman.(The Biloxi Herald, January 5, 1895, p. 8)
REFERENCES:
The ________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1896
1896 City Officers Mayor Ed Glennan Aldermen: 1st Ward: Joseph R. Fowler (1840-1914) and Isidore Heidenheim (1857-1918). 2nd Ward: J.B. Lemon and L. Lopez. 3rd Ward: Raymond Caillavet (1838-1898) and Nicholas Voivedich (1850-1937). 4th Ward: John C. Bradford (1855-1928) and William Gorenflo. Alderman-at-Large-Daniel A. Nash (1858-1904). Recorder-Thomas H. Gleason (1857-1935). Marshal-Joseph C. DeLamarre (1855-1931). Street Commissioner-Joseph R. Fowler. Assessor and Tax Collector-Richard J. Lowery (1867-1939). City Clerk-Phil McCabe (1867-1935).(The Biloxi Herald, February 18, 1896, p. 1)
REFERENCES:
Bradford-O’Keefe Burial Book No. 20A, “Edward Glennan”, (Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home-Biloxi, Mississippi-1933)
The
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Journals
The
The Daily Herald, “The new administration of the City of
The Daily Herald, “Glennan dies at
________________________________________________________________________________________________ HARRY T. HOWARD
Mayor of
J.C. Bradford O.G. Swetman, Clerk T.H. Gleason, Police Justice R.J. Lowery, assessor and tax collector (The Biloxi Herald, January 9, 1897, p. 8)
City Officials
Resignation
REFERENCES:
The
The
The _________________________________________________________________________________________________ HARRY T. HOWARD 1898
Mayor Pro Tem-Joseph W. Swetman Aldermen 1st Ward-F.H. McCaleb and Isidore Heidenheim 2nd Ward-Joseph W. Swetman and Charles Redding 3rd Ward-Lazaro Lopez and John McCormick 4th Ward-John C. Bradford and William Gorenflo Alderman-at-Large-Edward C. Glennan City Attorney-James H. Neville City Clerk and Auditor-O.G. Swetman City Acessor and Tax Collector-Richard J. Lowery City Registrar-W.L. Gilbert City Physician-W.T. Bolton Marshall and Market Clerk-Charles W. Blake Street Commissioner-Raymond Caillavet Fire Department-Dan Markey
REFERENCES:
The
The
The
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1899 HARRY T. HOWARD Mayor Pro Tem-Joseph W. Swetman Aldermen 1st Ward-F.H. McCaleb and Isidore Heidenheim 2nd Ward-Joseph W. Swetman and Charles Redding 3rd Ward-Lazaro Lopez and J.C. Clower 4th Ward-John C. Bradford and William Gorenflo Alderman-at-Large-Edward C. Glennan City Attorney-James H. Neville City Clerk and Auditor-O.G. Swetman City Treasurer-T.P. Dulion City Acessor and Tax Collector-Richard J. Lowery City Registrar-W.L. Guice City Physician-W.T. Bolton Marshall and Market Clerk-Charles W. Blake Street Commissioner-Raymond Caillavet Fire Department-Dan Markey REFERENCES:
The
The
The _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1899-1900
DANIEL A. NASH
Mayor of
Dr. Daniel Arthur Nash (1858-1904) was born at Livingston, Marriage and family
In 1900, he married Professional Painless Dentistry Dr. D.A. Nash DENTIST
Office in the
Teeth pulled and extracted without pain. My method is a simple discovery scientifically applied and perfectly harmless. (The Biloxi Herald, July 22, 1893, p. 1)
Politics Elected Alderman-at-Large and served in this capacity in 1895? And 1896.(The Biloxi Herald, February 18, 1896, p. 1) In 1900, the Carroway family lived on Front Street at Biloxi.(1900 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census T623 808, p. 1A, ED 31) Mayoral appointment With the resignation of Mayor H.T. Howard, Dr. Daniel A. Nash, Alderman of Ward 3, was appointed Mayor of Biloxi by Governor Anselm J. McLauren (1848-1909). After resigning his position as City alderman, Daniel A. Nash took the oath of office on September 5, 1899.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, Yachtsman Dr. Nash was heavily involved in the Biloxi Yacht Club and Southern Gulf Yachting Association. He served as Commodore of the BYC and Urania Dr. Nash and William Via owned the swift racing, yacht Urania. At the 1903 Annual Gulfport Yacht Club Regatta, they decided not to sail Urania to defend the GCYA cup held by the Biloxi Yacht Club. The owners felt that their craft could win the upcoming Gulfport regatta, but were offended by criticism resulting from the Bay-Waveland race in which Mr. Via’s piloting of the Urania met with scrutiny. William Nels Johnson (1864-1903+), the builder of Urania, had sailed her to six wins in seven matches against all comers. The boat had new sails and the owners felt that she had no other rival on the Mississippi Coast except the Gladiola. Dr. Nash commented that the Urania was for sale.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 29, 1903, p. 1) Nash home and Fire In the spring of 1897, Dr. Nash let a contract to William P. Burke (1858-1924) to erect a six-room cottage in the Keller Addition Subdivision on the Biloxi front beach. John C. Carraway, his brother-in-law, was also having his residence built nearby by John R. Harkness (1827-1903).(The Biloxi Herald, April 3, 1897, p. 1) Dr. Nash’s beach front domicile west of the Biloxi Cemetery was destroyed in a large conflagration on February 10, 1902. Faulty electric wiring was believed to be the origin of the fire. Dr. Nash escaped from the burning structure with a minimal amount of clothing on his person. The vacant Judge H.C. Turley home adjacent to the Nash place was saved by a volunteer bucket brigade. Dr. Nash estimated his losses at $5000, which included many painting and silverware. He carried $3000 in insurance with the Swan Agency.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, February 11, 1902, p. 1) It is interesting to note that Judge H.C. Turley was appointed Postmaster at Natchez in April 1897 during the William McKinley (1843-1901) presidential administration. Judge Turley was Republican National Committeeman for Mississippi from 1900 to February 1904.(The Biloxi Herald, April 3, 1897, p. 1 and The New York Times, February 28, 1904, p. 1) In June 1902, Dr. Nash and family took up quarters at the Montross Hotel on the Biloxi waterfront. They later relocated to a home on the corner of Howard Avenue and Couevas Street. In late August 1903, he planned to hold a fire works celebration at his home for the children of Ward 2, if James K. Vardaman (1861-1930) was elected Governor of Mississippi. Mr. Vardaman was elected and served one term as Governor.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 30, 1902, p. 8 and August 27, 1903, p. 6) D.A. Nash Doctor of Dental Surgery Hours 8:30 a.m-6:00 p.m. Office upstairs Bank of Biloxi building (The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 21, 1903, p. 4) Accidental death Dr. Daniel A. Nash expired at his Biloxi residence in late March 1904. He was accidentally shot to death with his own shot gun. The funeral was held at his Couevas Street residence with the Reverend H.W. Van Hook of the Biloxi Methodist Church presiding. Dr. Nash was eulogized by The Biloxi Daily:in his death the City of Biloxi has lost a useful and progressive citizen who had the future of the place he had adopted as his home close to his heart.” His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, March 26, 1904, p. 5 and The Progress, April 2, 1904, p. 4) Elizabeth C. Nash and H.D. Lowd In May 1908, Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Carraway Nash married Howard Dickson Lowd (1860-1910) at Biloxi. Howard was her childhood sweetheart in Jackson, Mississippi. Initially, he made his livelihood in the newspaper business as a printer’s apprentice and bookkeeper for The Clarion at Jackson. In 1886, Howard D. Lowd commenced his own journal, The Daily Advertiser. It failed after two years and he went to Washington D.C. to work for the Government Printing Office. In 1907, H.D. Lowd returned to his native Jackson to become manager of The Daily News composing room. He became telegraph editor before relocation to Birmingham, Alabama to work in a similar post with The Birmingham Ledger. Howard D. Lowd expired in the nation’s Capitol in January 1910.(The Daily Herald, January 12, 1910, p. 8) Lizzie Carroway Nash Lowd and her mother eventually relocated to St. Louis, Missouri. They were residence of the Washington Hotel in 1930 and of the Monterrey Hotel in August 1931, when John C. Carroway, her brother, expired at St. Louis on July 30, 1931. His corporal remains were sent to Biloxi, Mississippi for internment in the family plot in the Biloxi Cemetery.(1930 St. Louis Co., Missouri Federal Census R1244, pp. 8A and 8B, ED 218 and The Daily Herald, August 6, 1931)
REFERENCES: The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, (The Biloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902), p. 53.
Journals The Biloxi Herald, “A Fish Story”, July 1, 1893, p. 8. The Biloxi Herald, “Advertisement”, July 22, 1893. The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, December 28, 1894. The Biloxi Herald, “Woodmen of the World”. August 31, 1895. The Biloxi Herald, “New Officers”, February 18, 1896. The Biloxi Herald, “ ”, April 3, 1897. The Biloxi Herald, The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City Officials”, January 28, 1899. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Biloxi’ New Mayor”, September 1, 1899. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City Council”, September 9, 1899. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “John C. Carroway dies”, April 21, 1901, p. 1. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Dr. Nash’s house burned to the ground last night”, February 11, 1902. The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, June 29, 1902. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Senator McLaurin”, October 21, 1902. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Races Saturday”, August 19, 1902. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Bank of Biloxi”, May 2, 1903. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Urania will not enter”, July 29, 1903. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Firework-If”, August 27, 1903. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Advertisement”, October 21, 1903. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Dr. Nash Killed”, March 26, 1904. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Funeral of Dr. Nash”, March 28, 1904. The Clarion [Jackson, Mississippi], “Mortuary Notice”, April 27, 1887. The Daily Herald, “Howard D. Lowd dies at Capital”, January 12, 1910. The Daily Herald, “Weekly list of deed filed”, September 27, 1912. The Daily Herald, “John Carraway (sic) buried”, August 6, 1931. The Daily Herald, “Arcola Carroway”, September , 1933. The Daily Herald, “Lizzie C. Lowd”, June , 1935. The New York Times, “Southern Republican quits”, February 28, 1904. The [Ocean Springs] Progress, “Personal News Interest”, April 2, 1904, p. 4 _________________________________________________________________________________________________ JOSEPH W. SWETMAN Joseph W. Swetman-Mayor of Biloxi from 1901-1902. Joseph William Swetman (1863-1937) was born at Handsboro, Mississippi on August 26, 1863 to Emery Swetman and Susan H. Long. On January 7, 1900, he married Sophie Pauline Schumann (1883-1965) in Harrison County, Mississippi. They were the parents of: Joseph W. Swetman II (1901-1937+); Evon Swetman (1902-1976) married Hazel Mattina (; Lloyd E. Swetman (1904-1992) married Louise E. Stewart; and Olga Swetman (1908) married Reginald H. Sewell (1906-1991). Joseph W. Swetman was married twice before 1900 and had Mabel Beatrice Swetman (1891-1937), a daughter, who married Charles Dunbar Lancaster Hewes (1887-1917+) at NOLA in March 1917. Business Began his long career as a railroader and became a passenger conductor. Circa 1890, he established Swetman’s Drug Store, a pharmacy at Biloxi, which he enlarged substantially over the next forty years. Election
Dual Government
REFERENCES: Charles L. Dyer, Along The Gulf, (Women of the Trinity Episcopal Church: Pass Christian-1971. Originally published 1895). The Biloxi Daily Herald , The Biloxi Daily Herald, “The Quo Warranto”, January 13, 1901. The Daily Herald, “Jos. W. Swetman taken by Death”, May 31, 1937. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ F.W. ELMER Mayor of Biloxi 1903
Mayor F.W. Elmer was notified by the Department of Commerce and Labor that Chandeleur,Heron, North and New Harbor Islands were made bird sanctuaries(The Daily Herald, November 17, 1914, p. 5)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Ten years ago today”, November 17, 1914. _________________________________________________________________________________________________
JOHN C. BRADFORD Mayor of Biloxi from 1905-1906. John Comstock Bradford (1855-1928) ran with no opposition for the 1905-1906 Mayoral term. City elections were held in December 1904 with the following results: Mayor: J.C. Bradford. Aldermen: 1st Ward: Edward S. Balthrope (1873-19 39) and Harry Edwards. 2nd Ward: Joseph W. Swetman (1863-1937) and Charles Redding (1857-1926). 3rd Ward: T.J. Rossell (1861-1923) and C.M. Buckingham? 4th Ward: Henry Latimer (1855-1941) and Judson C. Batton (1869-1943). Alderman-at-Large: Ed Glennan (1854-1933). City Clerk: O.G. Swetman. Treasurer: Percy L. Elmer (1873-1949). Tax Collector: Henry J. Meaut. Marshal: J.A. McKinley. Street Commissioner: Henry J. Guiterrez (1869-1953). Board Appointments: Police Justice: Judge Thomas H. Gleason (1857-1935); Fire Chief: Louis E. Gill (1851-1919) Superintendent of Water Works: Joseph O. Laska (1863-1911); Water Rent Collector: Edward L. Suter (1866-1943) Health Officer: Dr. Walter J. Greaves (1868-1910+); City Attorney: W.H. Maybin; Street Sweeper:
REFERENCES: The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, (The Biloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902), p. 53. Journals The Biloxi Daily Herald, “The City Election”, December 14, 1904. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “The New Board”, January 14, 1905. The Daily Herald, "John C. Bradford died last night", January 1, 1929. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
EDWARD GLENNAN Mayor of Biloxi from 1907-1908.
Edward Glennan’s only opposition was George W. Grayson. In the first primary held in early November 1906, he garnered 245 votes to 159 for Mr. Grayson.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 20, 1906, p. 4 and November 7, 1906, p. 1) Aldermen: 1st Ward-Jacob D. 'Jack' Covacevich; 2nd Ward- Edward H. Benedict (1868-1920); 3rd Ward ; 4th Ward Jules A.A. Rousseau (1843-1913), Jacob D. ‘Jack’ Covacevich; Joseph Ott; Police Chief: Louis Staehling
REFERENCES: The Biloxi Daily Herald, "Elmer's Sweep", November 14, 1906. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Municipal Candidates”, October 20, 1906. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Biloxi’s new administration”,January 7, 1907. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ THOMAS J. ROSELL Mayor of Biloxi from 1909-1910.
Thomas Jefferson Rosell (1861-1923) was born on April 28, 1861, at Monroe County, Missouri. Married Kizzie Catron. Expired at Biloxi on November 19, 1923.
Aldermen: Laz Lopez, John Reynoir, Thomas H. Gleason; Meunier; Judson C. Batton; Edward H. Benedict; Frank B. Castanera; and John J. Kennedy (1875-1949). City Clerk: William Gaston Henderson Tax Collector: Henry J. Meaut Police Chief: Louis Staehling City Attorney: John J. Curtis
T.J. Rossell Manufacturing
1903-new residence Nearly complete was the T.J. Rosell “pretty” cottage on Howard Avenue. (The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 27, 1903)
1905 building boom The year 1905 at Biloxi was one of rebuilding and growth. Mr. Rosell’s company was a major player having erected since May 1905, the following: four residences for W.K.M. Dukate; a residential buildings for Daniel J. Gay and Charles Elarbee; a cottage for W.F. Swan; a cottage for Dr. Hiram M. Folkes; a residence for Mary Hunt; a $3000 residence for J.E. Swetman; a residence for E.L. Doyle; a $3500 residence for W.A. White; and a residence for T.J. Rosell. By late November 1905, the T.J. Rossell Manufacturing Company was progressing with the following developments at Biloxi: three buildings for W.A. White; one building for W.K.M. Dukate; a building for Dulion & Rosell and Tony Benachi. In the planning stage were five cottages for William Watson on the Parson Property in the Avondale section. In addition, Rosell’s crews were busy at the Rigolets erecting a Catholic Church, which cost $1500, for the workers of the Lopez & Dukate cannery.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 20, 1905, p. 1)
1908 election Held on July 7, 1908. T.J. Rosell defeated J.W. Swetman, former Mayor, in an extremely close race.
1909-Commission form of government
REFERENCES: The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, (The Biloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902), p. 55. Charles L. Dyer, Along The Gulf, (Women of the Trinity Episcopal Church: Pass Christian-1971. Originally published 1895). The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”, , p. . The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, April 27, 1903. The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Biloxi’s building boom”, November 20, 1905, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Recount asked for vote on Mayor”, July 8, 1908, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “To vote on commission form of government”, June 4, 1909, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “John J. Curtis is Biloxi's City Attorney”, January 19, 1910, p. 1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________
EDWARD GLENNAN Mayor of Biloxi 1911 Edward Glennan ran unopposed for Biloxi Mayor in the 1910 election.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, August 9, 1910, p. 4) ALDERMEN 1st Ward: Edward Barq (1871-1943) 2nd Ward: Edward H. Benedict (1868-1920) 3rd Ward: John J. Kennedy (1875-1949) 4th Ward: Joseph Venus (b. 1884) Alderman-at-Large: Isidore Heidenheim (1857-1918)
City Clerk: William Gaston Henderson, $75 per month. Tax Collector: Henry J. Meaut (1842-1934), $75 per month. Marshal: Louis Staehling (1865-1938), $85 per month. Policemen: Peter Bellande (1871-1933); Nat Bolton; and R.M. Randolph. Each $70 per month. Police Justice: James C. Elmer (1888-1920) City Attorney: Louis Goldman, $50 per month. Health Officer: Dr. George F. Carroll (1885-1920+), $40 per month in summer and $50 per month in winter. Street Commissioner: John L. Swanzy (1881-19 ) Waterworks Superintendent-Eugene L. Castanera (1868-1917), $75 per month. Janitor and street sweeper-Martin Cavanaugh Pound keeper: Delmas Seymour, $40 per month.
REFERENCES: The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Candidates; Announcements”, August 9, 1910. The Daily Herald, “Facts about retiring Biloxi Council”, January 3, 1911, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Last meeting of old Council”, January 3, 1911, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “The new administration of the City of Biloxi”, January 4, 1911. The Daily Herald, “Lively meeting Biloxi Council”, January 4, 1911, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Fix salaries of City Officers”, January 5, 1911, p. 1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________
EDWARD GLENNAN Mayor of Biloxi 1912 ALDERMEN
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EDWARD GLENNAN Mayor of Biloxi 1913 The term of Mayor Glennan Naval Reserve Park Under the aegis of Edward Everette Moore (1879-1947), Alderman, a cemetery comprising twenty acres was laid out in the Naval Reserve Park in early June. He was assisted by Aldermen John E. Lewis and John Eistetter, as well as W.F. Swan. By late August 1913, the City Council has accepted the $825 bid of H.E. Latimer & Son to harvest and clear the standing timber on the cemetery lot. At this time, Alderman Moore presented the City Council a plat for the new cemetery prepared by Fred Voak. Approximately 1500 gravesites, several small parks, and pine tree preservation areas were depicted on the cemetery plat.(The Daily Herald, June 6, 1913, p. 8 and August 27, 1913, p. 8) J.R. Meunier resigns John R. Meunier resigned from his Alderman's post to accepted the postion of US Postmaster at Biloxi in early August 1913. He was replaced by Benedict.(The Daily Herald, August 6, 1913, p. 1)
ALDERMEN Isadore Heidenheim (1857-1918); Jacob Tremmel (1876-1941), 3rd Ward; Edward Everette Moore (1879-1947); John Eistetter; Hugh McCallum; John E. Lewis; John Meunier; Lee Elder; and Pascal Meaut. Street Commissioner: John L. Swanzy (1881-19 ) City Clerk: J.V. Hagan, $75 per month. Tax Collector: Henry J. Meaut (1842-1934), $75 per month. Police Chief: Louis Staehling (1865-1938), $85 per month. Policemen: Peter Bellande (1871-1933); Nat Bolton; and R.M. Randolph. Each $70 per month. Police Justice: Z.T. Champlin City Attorney: Louis Goldman, $50 per month. Health Officer: T.O. Hunter, $40 per month in summer and $50 per month in winter. Waterworks Superintendent-Eugene L. Castanera (1868-1917), $75 permonth. Janitor and street sweeper-Martin Cavanaugh Sanitary inspector-Julius Sablich Pound keeper: C.C. Kirk, $40 per month.
REFERENCES: The Daily Herald, “Biloxi new City Council meets; Officers named and pay is fixed”, January 8, 1913, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, “ ”, , 1913, p. 8. The Daily Herald, “Will lay out cemetery”, June 6, 1913, p. 8.
The Daily Herald, “ ”, , 1913, p. 8. The Daily Herald, “ ”, , 1913, p. 8. The Daily Herald, “Meunier resigns; Benedict seated on City Council”, August 6, 1913, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “ ”, , 1913, p. 8. The Daily Herald, “ ”, , 1913, p. 8. The Daily Herald, “Plat prepared for Cemetery”, August 27, 1913, p. 8. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EDWARD GLENNAN Mayor of Biloxi 1914
Naval Reserve Park In the spring of 1914, H.E. Latimer and his work crew of eight men and mule teams began to cut a road into the Naval Reserve Park from Pass Christian Road. Called Glennan Avenue, the new road went north from Pass Christian Road for 1/4 mile and turned west for 1/4 mile to the site of the new cemetery. There were still virgin pine and gum trees in this area of Biloxi.
Glennan Avenue
ALDERMEN
Street Commissioner: John L. Swanzy (1881-19 )
City Clerk: Tax Collector: Henry J. Meaut (1842-1934), $75 per month. Police Chief: Louis Staehling (1865-1938), $85 per month. Policemen: Peter Bellande (1871-1933); Nat Bolton; and R.M. Randolph. Each $70 per month. Police Justice: City Attorney: Louis Goldman, $50 per month. Health Officer: T.O. Hunter, $40 per month in summer and $50 per month in winter. Waterworks Superintendent-Eugene L. Castanera (1868-1917), $75 permonth. Janitor and street sweeper-Martin Cavanaugh Pound keeper: C.C. Kirk, $40 per month.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Glennan Avenue now gives excess to the cemetery”, June 2, 1914, p.. The Daily Herald, “ ”, , 1913, p. 8.
________________________________________________________________________________________________ EDWARD GLENNAN Mayor of Biloxi 1915
ALDERMEN
City Clerk: J.V. Hagan, $75 per month. Tax Collector: Henry J. Meaut (1842-1934), $75 per month. Police Chief: Louis Staehling (1865-1938), $85 per month. Policemen: Peter Bellande (1871-1933); Nat Bolton; and R.M. Randolph. Each $70 per month. Police Justice: Z.T. Champlin City Attorney: Louis Goldman, $50 per month. Health Officer: T.O. Hunter, $40 per month in summer and $50 per month in winter. Street Commissioner: John L. Swanzy (1881-19 ) Waterworks Superintendent-Eugene L. Castanera (1868-1917), $75 permonth. Janitor and street sweeper-Martin Cavanaugh Pound keeper: C.C. Kirk, $40 per month. REFERENCES: The Daily Herald, “E.E. Moore seeks reelection”, May 27, 1914, p. 2. The Daily Herald, “ ”, , 191, p. 8. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ JOHN J. KENNEDY Mayor of Biloxi from 1919-1933 John Joseph Kennedy (1875-1949) was born at New Orleans on June 12, 1875, the son of Patrick Kennedy and Margaret M’Kenna Kennedy. J.J. Kennedy relocated to Biloxi from the Crescent City in 1897. Patrick Kennedy (1845-1913) was born at Gaulestown, County Kilkenny, in southern Ireland. In 1866, he immigrated to America settling at New Orleans. Here he married Margaret M’Kenna (1845-1905), also an 1860s Irish immigrant. The Kennedys had eleven children of which five survived into the 20thCentury: Katherine M’Kenna Coyle (1864-1952); William P. Kennedy (1873-1951) married Fantie Wright (1876-1969); John J. Kennedy (1875-1949) married Minnie Gilbert; Kennedy (1875-1949); and Mrs. W.W. Baltar, Mrs. K. Coyle.(The Daily Herald, ) Sons who were born at New Orleans and became outstanding business men at Biloxi. John J. Kenndey in restaurant and hotel business, as well as politics. Kennedy Hotel on Reynoir. W.P. Kennedy engaged in retail drugs and oyster business. Patrick Kennedy was in the hotel business at Biloxi.(BDH-pp. 57-58 and p. 64) On November 12, 1892, The Biloxi Herald announced that P. Kennedy & Co. is the name of the new firm in Biloxi which will engage in the shipment of raw oysters.("local happenings", p. 1, c. 1). Also selling beer in Gulfport.(BDH, p. 6, c. 2, 3-11-1903) Education and interests John J. Kennedy was educated in New Orleans at the Jesuit College, McDonough School No. 13, and Soule College. BYC, Biloxi Golf Club, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce.(The Biloxi News, March 21, 1926, p. 1) Family In 1898, J.J. Kennedy married Minnie Gilbert (18-1901). One daughter, Sarah Kennedy (1899-19 ). Kennedy Hotel In 1926, Mayor Kennedy lived in the Kennedy Hotel with his daughter Sarah and Kate Coyle, his sister.(The Biloxi News, March 21, 1926, p. 1)
THE KENNEDY Opposite L. & N. Depot Member Mississippi Hotel Association Modern-Convenient Near Business Center and Beach Front Hot and Cold Running Water in Every Room Reasonable Rates John J. Kennedy Proprietor (The Biloxi News, March 28, 1926, p. 19)
Election Elected in 1918 with W.H. Hunt and M.L. Michel as City Commissioners..
Commission government When John J. Kennedy took office as Mayor of Biloxi on January 6, 1919, he became the first mayor to govern the city under a commission form of government. The citizens of Biloxi in a special election held in late 1917, voted in a landslide decision to replace their Mayor-Alderman method of representation for the Commission system. In addition, the only pave streets in Biloxi at this time were: Reynoir to Howard Avenue; Howard Avenue from Fayard to Nixon Street; and one block of Lameuse Street. (The Daily Herald, January 4, 1918, p. 1 and The Biloxi News, March 21, 1926, p. 1) Gulf Coast Canners Association Mayor Kennedy was elected executive secretary of the Gulf Coast Canners Association in early November 1921. The seven member executive council consisting of: E.L. Dukate, Charles B. Foster; and Hart Chinn of Biloxi; J.B. Humphries of NOLA; J. McDermott of Mobile; R.R. Rice of Apalachicola, Florida; and H. Taylor of Brunswick, Georgia. There was some concern that John J. Kennedy might tender his resignation as Biloxi’s Mayor.(The Daily Herald, November 8, 1921, p. 1) Baton Rouge-1926 In late May 1926, Mayor J.J. Kennedy was in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to lobby against several bills in the Louisiana legislature that were serious impediments to the immediate future of the seafood industry at Biloxi. Sponsored by Senator Jules Fisher of Jefferson Parish and House Representative Allen J. Ellender (1890-1972) of Terrebonne Parish, this legislation sought to prevent person, firm, association or corporation that were not domiciled or residents of Louisiana from catching, taking, canning, packing, shucking, dealing in or transporting any oysters or shrimp harvested in the State waters of Louisiana. Mayor Kennedy was certain that the New Orleans’ delegation to the Louisiana legislature would oppose these proposals.(The Jackson County Times, May 29, 1926, p. 3) Runs unopposed Mayor Kennedy faced no Democratic opposition in the Democratic primary held at Biloxi on July 8, 1926. Police Department-1928 By early February 1928, the new police station on the first floor of Biloxi’s City Hall was nearing completion. Chief George Bills (1867-1945) had just hired Felix Mattina (1886-1946) and Frank Hecht (1901-1981) to the work with the night force to fill the void in his ranks created by the death of Officer Jake Stanovich (1891-1927). Mr. Mattina had prior law enforcement experience and had been a deputy sheriff. Frank Hecht had no police experience as he had worked for Standard Oil and the City Bus Company. With the new hires, the Biloxi night force consisted of the following men: Charles Lowd; Omer Graves (1886-1933); Evon Swetman; Richard Grady (1891-1958); and Lawrence Stockton (1893-1956). Chief Bills and Alonzo Gabrich (1894-1948), City Detective, comprised the day force.(The Daily Herald, February 8, 1928, p. 2) Resignation-July 1933 On July 1, 1933, Mayor John Kennedy resigned his Mayoral post to accept the post of Comptroller of Customs, New Orleans, Louisiana for the Gulf District, which included Mississippi, Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas. His recommendation for this Federal position had come from U.S. Senator Byron Patton ‘Pat” Harrison (1881-1941) of Gulfport, Mississippi and an appointment from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945). Kennedy's presidential appointment was approved by the US Senate on June 13, 1933.(The Daily Herald, June 13, 1933, p. 1, June 14, 1933, p. 1) It was decided that there would be no Mayor pro-tem or appointee named to replace John J. Kennedy. City Commissioners M.L. Michel and John A. Swanzy would manage the business of Biloxi until a new Mayor was elected. Some of the potential candidates to replace Mayor Kennedy were: John W. Apperson; Anthony V. Ragusin; John W. O'Keefe; William Baltar; Dr. A. Ferrer; William P. Kennedy; Jacinto Baltar; and Arnaud Lopez.(The Daily Herald, June 14, 1933, p. 1, June 15, 1933, p. 1)
Kennedy Hotel
1919 City government Mayor: J.J. Kennedy Commissioner: W.H. Hunt Commissioner: M.L. Michel City Attorney: Louis Goldman Pound Keeper: Baptiste Moran (1860-1927)
Exalted Ruler In March 1940, John J. Kennedy was elected exalted ruler of the Biloxi Elks Lodge replacing Denny Wambsgan. J.J. Kennedy had been exalted ruler in the past and was holding the office of trustee during the hotly contested contest for the Elk’s leadership of the position in 1940. Mr. Kennedy was comptroller of Customs for New Orleans district. Other officers elected were: Clyde Campbell (1896-1954), esteemed leading knight; Chester H. Rose, esteemed lecturing knight; C.M. Drey, secretary; Eugene Lacaze (1869-1949), toiler; John E. Breaux, trustee; Joseph Lawrence, treasurer; W.F. Hubbell, Alternate to grand lodge.(The Daily Herald, March 21, 1940, p. 8)
Chinn’s election
Others follow
REFERENCES: The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, (The Biloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902). The Daily Herald 50th Golden Jubilee Number Biographical and Historical 1884-1934, (The Daily Herald: Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi-1934). The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, January The Daily Herald
The Daily Herald, “John J. Kennedy elected to important office by canners”, November 8, 1912. The Daily Herald, Commission form of government wins in Biloxi election”, January 4, 1918. The Daily Herald, “Builders of Biloxi”, March 21, 1926. The Daily Herald, “The Kennedy [advertisement]”, March 21, 1926. The Biloxi Herald, “The Kennedy [advertisement]”, March 28, 1926. The Biloxi Herald, “Hard fight ahead on Louisiana sea food legislation”, June 6, 1926. The Biloxi Herald, “Cannery crisis safely averted”, June 6, 1926. The Daily Herald, “Kennedy’s re-election assured”, June 13, 1926. The Daily Herald, “Police chances”, February 8, 1928. The Daily Herald, “Kennedy Brothers attend class reunion”, March 30, 1930. The Daily Herald, “President nominates Mayor Kennedy to be Comptroller of Customs”, June 13, 1933. The Daily Herald, “Many to seek Mayor's post”, June 14, 1933. The Daily Herald, “Senate approves nomination of Mayor Kennedy ”, June 14, 1933. The Daily Herald, “No Mayor to be appointed”, June 15, 1933. The Daily Herald, “Biloxians to elect Mayor on Aug. 25”, July 3, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Biloxians to elect Mayor on Aug. 25”, July 3, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Kennedy’s friends give him send-off ”, July 5, 1933, p. 2. The Daily Herald, “Ferrer makes announcement”, July 6, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Staehling is out of race”, July 31, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “City election will be August 18, 1933”, August 18, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Gabrich resigns as Police Chief”, August 18, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Biloxians to elect Mayor on Aug. 25”, July 3, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Kennedy is new exalted ruler”, , 1940, p. 8. The Daily Herald, “John J. Kennedy, ex-Biloxi Mayor dies at residence”, September 13, 1949. The Daily Herald, “W.P. Kennedy Sr. is buried Sunday with Catholic Services”, December 24, 1951.
The Daily Herald, “Kennedy ”, , 19. The Daily Herald, “Kennedy ”, , 19. The Daily Herald, “Kennedy ”, , 1930.
The Jackson County Times, “Committee to visit Gulf Coast towns”, January 30, 1926, p. 4. The Jackson County Times, “Mayor Kennedy fights for Coast Packers”, May 29, 1926. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ R. HART CHINN Mayor of Biloxi from 1933-1934 Richard Hart Chinn (1888-1972), called Hart, was born on April 9, 1888 at Vandalia, Audrain County, Missouri, the son of James Buchanan ‘Buck’. Chinn (1857-1912) and Martha Ella Hart (1857-1938). Buck Chinn was born in Salem, Virginia the son of Robert Chinn (1822-1880+) and Frances A. Chinn (1826-1880+). By 1880, the Robert Chinn family had relocated to Ralls County in northeast Missouri where they were farmers. Buck Chinn was married circa 1880 and had a son, Roy Chinn (1881). His wife died and he married Martha E. Hart, a native of Winchester; Kentucky. In addition to Hart Chinn, Buck and Martha H. Chinn had Mary F. Chinn (1891-19 ); and Thomas Gill Chinn (1893-1953) who were born at Biloxi, Mississippi. Biloxi Milling Company In 1890, Buck Chinn came to Biloxi to start the Biloxi Milling Company with fellow Missourians, E.G. Burklin, R.D. Chinn and Mr. Brewton. In April 1893, the Biloxi Milling Company, commenced operations making flour and meal.(The Biloxi Herald, January 7, 1893, p. 8 and April 22, 1893, p. 1) Hart Chinn and Leo E. Ohr R. Hart Chinn (1888-1972), who would become Mayor of Biloxi in the 1930s, and Leo E. Ohr (1890-1970), Biloxi’s master mechanic, were caught speeding on Ohr’s motorcycle and charged with a violating the bicycle law. They appeared at the City court and were discharged by the judge because the City had no ordinances applicable to motorcycles.(The Daily Herald, June 12, 1911, p. 8) Chinn Motor Car Company-Chinn Auto Company Inc. The Chinn Motor Car Company was organized at Biloxi about 1913. Initially Hart Chinn was the manager and often went to New Orleans to buy automobiles for the business. In September 1915, the Chinn Motor Car Company was incorporated as the Chinn Auto Company Inc. with Martha E. Chinn, Mary F. Chinn, and Thomas Gill Chinn as incorporators. The company was in business to buy, sell, and repair automobiles, as well as motorcycles and bicycles. The Chinn enterprise, situated on Reynoir Street between Howard Avenue and the L&N Depot, was considered as one of the well established car dealerships on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and had shown an increase in sales since its commencement.(The Daily Herald, January 21, 1914, p. 2 and September 9, 1915, p. 2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Charter Bk. 15. p. 319. The Chinn Auto Company sold the Saxon, Hudson, Hupmobile, and Overland brand of motorcars. When the Biloxi Airdome, an outdoor movie theatre, burned in early May 1914, the Chinn Motor Company was damaged by water to its fixtures and tools from the nearby conflagration.(The Daily Herald, May 5, 1914, p. 1) Mississippi A&M Lt. Hart Chinn married Mrs. Vera L. Dukate Bond (1886-1977) on November 11, 1918 at Camp Sherman, Ohio. She had two daughters with Mr. Bond: Vera Leola Bond (1909-1989) m. Leslie Baltar Grant (1908-1986) and Willamene L. Bond (b. 1912).(The Daily Herald, November 14, 1918) Foster-Fountain Packing Company Manager in 1922 1928 School litigation
1933 Election R, Hart Chinn was elected Mayor of Biloxi at the August 25, 1933 general election. In the Democratic primary held earlier, Mayor Chinn ran against Walter H. Hunt and Dr. G.F. Carroll. Chinn v. Swanzy At a City Council meeting on August 22, 1934, Mayor R. Hart Chinn struck City Commission John A. Swanzy (1881-) in the head with a 1936 Election Running for Biloxi's mayorial office were: Dr. A. Ferrer; Jacinto Baltar; Dr. G.F. Carroll; and Hart Chinn. Louis Staehling had dropped out in late July.(The Daily Herald, July 31, 1936, p. 1) Chinn v. O’Keefe
1936 Congressional run R. Hart Chinn ran for the U.S. Congress in 1936. Was to speak with J.S. Easterling of Laurel at KC Bazaar in front of BYC in July 1936.(The Daily Herald, July 10, 1936, p. 7)
REFERENCES: The Daily Herald 50th Golden Jubilee Number Biographical and Historical 1884-1934, (The Daily Herald: Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi-1934). The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, December 3, 1892. The Biloxi Herald, “Biloxi Milling Co.”, January 7, 1893, p. 8. The Biloxi Herald, “ April 22, 1893, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Chinn & Carraway”, November 1, 1907. The Daily Herald, “No law against speeding motorcycles”, June 12, 1911. The Daily Herald, “J.B. Chinn prominent Biloxian, succumbs to apoplectic stroke”, June 6, 1912, p.1. The Daily Herald, J.B. Chinn will be buried today”, June 7, 1912. The Daily Herald, “kk”, January 21, 1914. The Daily Herald, “Finds countryman in Biloxi concern”, March 26, 1914. The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Airdome prey to flames; Davis loses too”, May 5, 1914. The Daily Herald, “New cars received by Chinn Motor Car Co.”, May 28, 1914. The Daily Herald, “Chinn Motor Corporation”, September 9, 1915. The Daily Herald, “Chinn-Bond”, November 14, 1918. The Daily Herald, “Government officials visit Biloxi to aid in dredging channel”, March 17, 1922, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Will secure some free attractions”, June 27, 1922, p. 4. The Daily Herald, “Biloxi School regulation is aired in court", January 14, 1928. The Daily Herald, “Chinn holds big lead in Biloxi”, August 15, 1933. The Daily Herald, “Guice resigns as City Attorney”, August 15, 1933. The Daily Herald, “Guice resigns as County Attorney ”, August 17, 1933. The Daily Herald, “Chinn wins Mayors office as Carroll and Hunt withdraw”, August 17, 1933. The Daily Herald, “Chinn and Swanzy fight-gasoline bill argument encounter between two Biloxi officials”, August 22, 1934, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Chinn, Parks make bonds-Biloxi Mayor and Secretary free under bond”, August 24, 1934, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Prosecutor charges Mayor Chinn with assault and battery”, August 24, 1934, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Mayor Chinn hearing set”, October 1, 1934. The Daily Herald, “Mayor Chinn is bound over”, October 3, 1934. The Daily Herald, “Siege at City Hall”, January 5, 1935. The Daily Herald, “Motion to quash Chinn indictment”, January 14, 1936. The Daily Herald, “Two political speakers”, July 10, 1936. The Daily Herald, “Biloxians to elect Mayor on Aug. 25”, July 3, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Biloxians to elect Mayor on Aug. 25”, July 3, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Kennedy’s friends give him send-off ”, July 5, 1933, p. 2. The Daily Herald, “Ferrer makes announcement”, July 6, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Staehling is out of race”, July 31, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “City election will be August 18, 1933”, August 18, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Gabrich resigns as Police Chief”, August 18, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Biloxians to elect Mayor on Aug. 25”, July 3, 1933, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Hart Chinn taken by death”, February 3, 1972. The Daily Herald, “”, , 19. The Jackson County Times, “Mayor O’Keefe takes office by force”, January 12, 1935.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
JOHN W.A. O'KEEFE
Mayor of
JOHN W. A. O'KEEFE John W. Aloysius O’ Keefe (1891-1985) was born at New Orleans on February 24, 1891, the son of Jeremiah J. O’Keefe (1860-1911) and Alice Cahill (1864-1921). Education Attended local schools and the Jesuit College at New Orleans. In 1901, promoted from first sergeant to first lieutenant in the Jesuit Cadets.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, December 3, 1901) John A. O’Keefe graduated from Tulane University in 1911. Family John W. A. O’Keefe married Amelia “Nicki” Castanera (1905-2000), the daughter of Captain Frank B. Castanera (1870-1934) and Amelia Desporte (1880-1953), in December 1919?. One daughter, Patricia O’Keefe Obrimski (1937-2009), who was born at Jackson, Mississippi on September 27, 1937. She married Frank Obrimski circa 1967 and lived at Garrett Park, Maryland where she expired on September 20, 2009. Mrs. Obrimski was employed by the Library of Congress for fifteen years. Amelia Castenera was the Queen of Les Masques in 1927.(The Daily Herald, February 12, 1927, p. 1)
Employment He was employed on sugar plantations in Louisiana, Cuba, Haiti, Santo Domingo, and Trinidad as a sugar chemist until he entered military service during WWI. In late October 1916, O’Keefe departed Ocean Springs for Thibodeaux, Louisiana to work for a large sugar mill.(The Jackson County Times, October 28, 1916, p. 5) O’Keefe’s last assignment as a sugar chemist before entering the military was at a sugar mill in Trinidad, BWI. On his return from the Caribbean, he visited Washington D.C. where he took an examination to qualify as an officer in the flying corps.(The Jackson County Times, June 2, 1917, p. 5) WWI military career On August 23, 1917, John W. O’Keefe with several other young men from Ocean Springs boarded at New Orleans, the “Ole Miss”, a special train carrying Mississippi student officers to Camp Funston, Leon Springs, Texas. Here in December 1917, O’Keefe won his commission as a Captain in the field artillery.(The Jackson County Times, August 25, 1917, p. 5, and December 1, 1917, p. 1) By June 1918, Captain John O’Keefe had arrived in France, after an uneventful voyage.(The Jackson County Times, June 15, 1918, p. 5) Cuba Left Ocean Springs in late October 1925, for Manoplea, Cuba. He attended the Georgia-North Dakota football game in Atlanta and made visits to Miami and Coral Gables before departing for Cuba.(The Jackson County Times, October 31, 1925, p. 5) “John O’Keefe? and E.W. Illing at Cuba on a large sugar plantation for last six months.”(The Daily Herald, June 13, 1925, p. 2) Post WWI-Business and politics In March 1928, John A. O’Keefe became a partner in The Biloxi Laundry with John Wright Apperson (1862-1939), George J. Collins, Eugene Dowling (1880-1944), and W.L. Guice. This organization was chartered to acquire by lease or purchase or construction a plant or plants for the conduct of a general steam and hand laundry and dry cleaning business.(The Daily Herald, March 21, 1928, p. 2) After the European conflict in which he served as a field artillery Captain and flying observer in France and Germany, he went into business at Biloxi. He continued his military career as a Captain and specialist in the US Army Air Corps reserves. In April 1932, O’Keefe left Biloxi for New York to serve two weeks in the Air Corps headquarters in Gotham.(The Daily Herald, April 11, 1932, p. 2) In March 1934, John A. O’Keefe retired as Grand Knight of the Biloxi Council Knights of Columbus. O’Keefe cited his active position as CWA aeronautics advisor for Mississippi and it was his third term as grand knight.(The Daily Herald, March 20, 1934, p. 5) John A. O’Keefe was a leader of men. He was elected mayor of Biloxi in August 1934. and later appointed as Adjutant General of Mississippi by Governor Hugh White. O’Keefe Airfield In November 1934, the town of Newton, Mississippi and the Newton County American Legion Post dedicated their new $12,000 airport to Major John A. O’Keefe, former CWA aeronautics adviser for Mississippi. Les Ives, 266 O’Keefe Road. Newton, ms. (601) 683-0202 Biloxi Mayor John A. O’Keefe was elected Mayor of Biloxi in August 1934 to succeed R. Hart Chinn (1888-1972). Chinn refuses to leave office Hart Chinn, former Mayor of Biloxi, alleged that Mayor elect John A. O’Keefe and his two City Commissioners should have been disqualified from the municipal elections because of irregular tax payments. Mayor O’Keefe seized City Hall on January 7, 1935 with a band of armed supporters Siege at City Hall
Car wreck In early March 1935, Mayor O’Keefe, spouse Nicki C. O’Keefe, Amelia Desporte Castanera (1880-1953), his mother-in-law, and Dorothy Daspit (1908-1937+), an Ocean Springs school teacher and native of Houma, Louisiana, were traveling west to New Orleans for a Mardi Gras celebration. While driving the beach road through Pass Christian, the steering mechanism of Mayor O’Keefe’s automobile failed and the vehicle struck a tree. Nicki C. O’Keefe broke her hip bone while her mother and Mayor O’Keefe suffered cuts and bruises. Miss Daspit was not seriously harmed in the accident.(The Jackson County Times, March 9, 1935, p.1) Resignation-Adjutant General Mayor O’Keefe announced in early February 1936, that he would resign as Biloxi’s Mayor on February 10, to take the position of adjutant general of the State of Mississippi.(The Jackson County Times, February 1, 1930, p. 1) In November 1935, Mayor O;Keefe was tapped by Governor Hugh L. White (1881-1965) to served as adjutant general of Mississippi. Mayor O’Keefe succeeded Thomas Grayson, also of Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, November 8, 1935, p. 1) Grand Marshal In September 1939, Adjutant General John A. O’Keefe rode in Chicago as Grand Marshal for the Mississippi delegation to the National American Legion parade. He was selected for this honor by Ben Hilbun of Laurel, the State Commander of the American Legion.(The Daily Herald, July 31, 1939, p. 3) In January 1940, General O’Keefe’s term as adjutant general ended. He was praised by Lt. General Stanley Dunbar Embick (1877-1957), 4th Corp Army Commander, Washington D.C. He went to Washington, D.C. in 1940, as assistant to chief of the National Guard Bureau. WW II Military career In September 1941, the O’Keefes were in Washington D.C. and were planning a party for friends at the Army-Navy Club. Lt. Colonel O’Keefe flew to Louisiana with General Williams, commander of the National Guard Bureau, to observe war maneuvers.(The Daily Herald, September 22, 1941, p. 7) During WWII, Colonel O’Keefe served in North Africa with the Air Transport Command. In June 1945, he participated in the historic Yalta Conference. In addition to his US military decorations, O’Keefe was recognized by the Sultan of Morocco and the Bey of Tunisia for his accomplishments in the Allied forces desert campaigns against the Germans and Italians in the deserts of North Africa. In the spring of 1945, the Westergard Boat Works at Biloxi launched a steel trawler named John A. O’Keefe, which was built for the DeJean Packing Company. In October 1946, John A. O’Keefe was recognized by Pope Pius XII of the Roman Catholic Church as he was made a Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great. In retirement, O’Keefe was recognized as a Major General in the Mississippi National Guard. He passed at Biloxi on September 14, 1985. Interment followed at the National Cemetery in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, June 21, 1945, p.1 and October 15, 1946, p. 1) Colonel O’Keefe underwent a serious eye operation at Bethesda, Maryland in February 1951.(The Gulf Coast Times, February 22, 1951) John W. A. O'Keefe died September 14, 1985 at Biloxi, Mississippi.
REFERENCES: 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee, The Daily Herald (1884-1934), (The Daily Herald: Gulfport, Mississippi-1934). The History of Jackson County, Mississippi, “O’Keefe-Third Generation”, (Jackson County Genealogical Society: Pascagoula, Mississippi-1989). Journals The Daily Herald, “Fifth Annual Masques Ball Scene of Exotic Brilliance”, February 12, 1927. The Daily Herald, “The Charter of Incorporation of the Biloxi Laundry Incorporated”, March 21, 1928. The Daily Herald, “O’Keefe Leaves For East”, April 11, 1932. The Daily Herald, “Resigns, As K.C. Head”, March 20, 1934. The Daily Herald, “O’Keefe Airport Dedicated Monday”, November 13, 1934. The Daily Herald, “Siege at City Hall”, January 5, 1935. The Daily Herald, “O’Keefe and supporters seize City Hall after midnight march”, January 7, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “No requests for troops Conner says”, January 7, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Chinn talks with attorney, declines to reveal plans”, January 7, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, ““New officers hold meeting”, January 7, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “City Bastille falls”, January 7, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Chinn talks with attorney, declines to reveal plans”, January 7, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “6New attorney”, January 7, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Chinn’s plan for regaining office are not revealed”, January 8, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Vote authority to collect taxes and other moneys due”, January 8, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Biloxi quiet, books needed”, January 9, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “ The Daily Herald, “Importance of missing books”, January 12, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Indict Chinn for assault upon Swanzy”, January 12, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Taxpayer’s petition sets forth need of records in conduct of Biloxi business”, January 12, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “ The Daily Herald, “ The Daily Herald, “Judge delays decision as Guice disputes claim of fear for personal safety”, January 19, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Activities at Biloxi City Hall increasing; taxes being received”, January 19, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Chinn fined $100 and costs on contempt charge; Parks freed”, January 24, 1935, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Mayor Will Succeed General Grayson, according To Jackson Announcement”, November 8, 1935. The Daily Herald, “Gen. O’Keefe Marshal of Legion Parade”, July 31, 1939. The Daily Herald, “O’Keefes Plan Party”, September 22, 1941. The Daily Herald, “Westergard to launch trawler Friday morning”, June 21, 1945. The Daily Herald, “Col. John O’Keefe invested with St. Gregory medal”, October 15, 1946. The Gulf Coast Times, “Personal Items”, February 22, 1951. The Jackson County Times, “Local News Interests” The Jackson County Times, “Local News Interests”, October 28, 1916. The Jackson County Times, “Local News Interests”, June 2, 1917. The Jackson County Times, “Local News Interests”, August 25, 1917. The Jackson County Times, “Ocean Springs Boys Win Commissions at Training Camp”, December 1, 1917. The Jackson County Times, “Local News Items”, June 15, 1918. The Jackson County Times, “Local and Personal”, October 31, 1925. The Jackson County Times, “Mayor O’Keefe Takes Office by Force”, January 12, 1935. The Jackson County Times, “Mayor and Mrs. Jno. O’Keefe Injured In Auto Wreck”, March 9, 1935. The Jackson County Times, “Gen. John A. O’Keefe”, January 25, 1936. The Jackson County Times, “O’Keefe to resign as Biloxi Mayor, Feb. 10”, February 1, 1936. The Jackson County Times, “General O’Keefe and family take Jackson apartment”, February 1, 1936. The Jackson County Times, “O’Keefe praised by General Embick”, December 9, 1939, p. 1. The Jackson County Times, “Col. John O’Keefe accompanies the Secretary of War”, October 12, 1946, p. 1. The Jackson County Times, “Speakers praise Col. John O’Keefe at banquet in his honor”, October 19, 1946, p. 1. The Ocean Springs News, “Local News”, July 4, 1914. The Ocean Springs News, “Prest-o-lite Tanks”, July 4, 1914. The Ocean Springs News, The Ocean Springs News, __________________________________________________________________________________________________
LOUIS J. BRAUN
Mayor of
LOUIS J. BRAUN Louis John Braun (1890-1951) was born at Biloxi on July 1, 1890, son of Louis Edward Braun (1858-1915) and Gertrude Fayard. Louis E. Braun and Gertrude F. Braun acquired the Fountain home on Reynoir Street in February 1915 for $2800.(The Times-Picayune, February 15, 1915, p. 10) In 1911, Louis J. Braun married Katherine Jones (1892-1983). Children: Russell J. Braun m. Louise Ruiz (1913-1992); June Elizabeth Braun m. John Clark Sinclair; Braun Packing Company In May 1924, Louis J. Braun acquired for $2000 from Foster and Fountain, R. Hart Chinn. President, and V.J. Olivari, vice-president, the Foster-Fountain Canning Company?, on Back Bay of Biloxi.(Harrison Co., Ms. Land Deed Bk. 141, p. 472) In September 1933, Louis Braun’s Gulf Foods, Inc. was packing an average of 200 barrels of shrimp per day.(The Daily Herald, September 26, 1933, p. 5) Replaces R. Hart Chinn
Tourism Mayor Louis J. Braun (1890-1951), John T. White, Ross L. Fickes, and A.V. Ragusin went to Marianna, Florida to convene on the promotion of tourist travel on The Old Spanish Trail.(The Daily Herald, November 26, 1936, p. 1)
Mayor Elected in 1937 and 1939.
1936 City Government, p. Louis J. Braun (1890-1951), Mayor Frederick A. Tucei, Commissioner of Finance and Education John A. Swanzy (1881- ), Commissioner of Public Works Frederick A. Tucei (1889-1954), City Clerk Charles H. Sentell (1884-1951), Fire Chief Alonzo Gabrich (1894-1948), Police Chief
1940 City Government Louis J. Braun, Mayor Frederick A. Tucei, Commissioner of Finance and Education John A. Swanzy, Commissioner of Public Works Frederick A. Tucei, City Clerk Charles H. Sentell, Fire Chief Alonzo Gabrich, Police Chief
U.S.S. Biloxi launching On August 1, 1942, Katherine J. Braun and Martha Burnett, daughter of Dr. Riley Burnett and
REFERENCES: Biloxi City Directory (1936) Biloxi City Directory (1940)
The Daily Herald, “L.E. Braun dies at early hour”, January 7, 1915. The Daily Herald, “Biloxi group visits Florida”, November 26, 1936. The Daily Herald, Mayor Louis Braun wins Biloxi’s Outstanding Citizen for Cup”, January, 1, 1938, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Braun to christen new cruiser”, June 3, 1942. The Daily Herald, “Long illness is fatal to Mayor L.J. Braun”, March 19, 1951. The Times-Picayune, “News Item", February 15, 1915. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CHESTER A. DELACRUZ
Mayor of
Chester August Delacruz (1889-1964) was born on December 22, 1889 at or near Violet, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, the son of Simeon Delacruz (1869-1900+), sometimes spelled Delacroix, and Florence Heno (1871-1900+). He was the eldest of their surviving five children, as Florence Heno Delacruz had eleven born. Romaldo Delacroix (1835-1900+), Los Islenos
Like the French Acadians who located in southwestern Marriage and family
Chester A. Delacruz married Julia Adele Brown (1891-1930+) on May 17, 1908 at
Before relocating to Charles B. Foster
Charles B. Foster (1877-1931), a native of
In 1914, the Foster-Fountain Packing Company was commenced by Charles B. Foster,Martin Fountain Jr., Gussie Fountain, and Louis Trochesset (1878-1933). Located at 278 East
1916- Charles B. Foster Packing Company-founded by Charles B. Foster (1877-1931). Located at 224 East
I did a good bit of research on CB Foster Packing Company when I was doing my thesis. The company was founded by Charles B. Foster in 1915. He had previously partnered with the Martin Fountain Sr in Foster/Fountain Packing Company. Charles Foster's father John had owned a seafood company in
I believe 1922-Biloxi Oyster Shell Grit Company The Biloxi Oyster Shell Grit Company was organized in August 1922 by Chester A. Delacruz, Anson Holley, Charles Redding, C.B. Foster, and Mary E. Ford. The company was in business to crush and handle oyster and other shells.(The Daily Herald, August 24, 1922, sec. II, p. 11) Julia A. Delacruz
The Julia A. Delacruz was built by Anson Holley for the Charles B. Foster in 1924. Her official number was 224378 with registered dimensions: 58.7 feet long x 19.4 feet at the beam x 4.5 foot hold depth, and of 34 gross tons. Russell Barnes,
It’s just my opinion, but looking at the photos of this schooner, she was one of Holley's more impressive efforts. She had a beautiful sheer, a very fine sailor, and was a very good work boat. I have her tonnage and measurement in my collection as well as a photo of her from the 1928 race. TheJulia Delacruz was built by Anson Holley for the C.B. Foster Packing Company in 1924. She was one of the last pure sailing schooners built for the local fisheries. I believe that
Family home on
In May 1918, Chester A. Delacruz acquired at
Mrs. Julia A. Delacruz sold her 1934 trip
In the fall of 1934, Chester A. Dealcruz and family took a combination business-pleasure trip to Chamber of Commerce Chester A. Delacruz was elected head of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce in October 1935.(The Daily Herald, October 5, 1935, p. 1) Delacruz Oyster and Shrimp Company
Demise
Chester A. Delacruz died on March 8, 1964 at
1942 Election
REFERENCES:
Bradford O’Keefe Burial Book No. 47, “
Journals
The
The
The
The
The
The The Daily Herald, “Foster Ready”, June 25, 1925. The Daily Herald, “Foster-Clark”, November 15, 1927. The Daily Herald, "Delacruz new head of C. of C.", October 5, 1935. The Daily Herald, “Foster-Holzner”, July 10, 1937. The Chronicle-Star, “Mrs. Olivia Elizabeth Foster”, April 20, 1928. The Chronicle-Star, “Charles B. Foster”, July 3, 1931. The Chronicle-Star, “Mrs. Rourke Dies After Long Illness”, June 2, 1950. The Chronicle-Star, “Mrs. Eva F. Ford Taken By Death”, August 11, 1959. The Daily Herald, “C.B. Foster Packing Company”, July 7, 1920. The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Oyster Shell Grit Co.”, August 24, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “ The Daily Herald, “Charles B. Foster Funeral Sunday”, June 29, 1931. The Daily Herald, “Delacruz-Hendrix”, December 20, 1932. The Daily Herald, “Returns from trip”, October 15, 1934.
TDaily Herald, “Delacruz is next Mayor of The Daily Herald, “Former Mayor C.A. Delacruz taken by death”, March 9, 1964. The Sun Herald, “Delacruz rites”, March 11, 1964
The Sun Herald, “ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ GEORGE B. COUSINS JR.
Mayor of
George Barrow Cousins Jr. (1909-1966) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 10, 1909, the son of George Barrow Cousins (1883-1969) and Margaret ‘Maude‘ Clare Hannon (1890-1919). His mother died in early January 1919, shortly after she delivered their third child, baby boy Cousins (1918-1918). At Biloxi on April 20, 1908, George B. Cousins had married Maude Clare Hannon, a native of Louisiana and the daughter of Irish immigrants, Peter Hannon (1837-1889) and Mary Leaghy, Lahey or Leahey. Before her early demise, Maude had bore two sons: George B. Cousins Jr. (1909-1966) and Peter H. Cousins (1910-1979).(The Daily Herald, April 21, 1908, p. 1, January 1, 1919, p. 1, January 2, 1919, p. 3, and January 6, 1919, p. 3 and Harrison Co., Ms. MRB 19, p. 379)
After the demise of his spouse, George B. Cousins married Alma Elizabeth Brander on December 23, 1923.(Harrison Co., Ms. MRB 35, p. 440)
Marriage and family George B. Cousins Jr. married Muriel Mead, the daughter of Walter R. Mead, a native of Mobile and Emelie Calogne (1887-) of New Orleans. Mr. Mead was a postal employee at New Orleans. He resided in Ocean Springs with his spouse and three daughters: Elaine Mead, Muriel Mead, and Audrey Mead.
Mayor G.B. Cousins was elected Mayor of Biloxi in July 1946 by beating 1947 September Storm Following the catastrophic 1947 Hurricane, which delivered strong winds and a thirteen-foot storm surge to the Biloxi shoreline, Mayor G.B. Cousins declared to property owners on Biloxi’s strand that “we are going to build a bigger and more beautiful city and not hurt a soul.”(The Daily Herald, September 23, 1947, p. 1) Mayor Cousins appointed a committee of Biloxi citizens to aid in the planning and rebuilding of Biloxi following the 1947 September Storm. Judge Lelslie Grant was named committee chair and A.V. ‘Tony’ Ragusin, secretary. Committee members were: H. Mendum Dees, James Love, Anson Holley Jr., Dr. Riley Burnett, William Lee Guice, I. Daniel Gehr, Mrs. Sophie Desporte, George Collins, and G.J. Wiltz.(The Daily Herald, September 23, 1947) Demise Jr. expired circa April 4, 1966. Sr. expired circa 7-30-1969.
REFERENCES: The Daily Herald, “Cousins-Hannon”, April 21, 1908, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “ The Daily Herald, “Biloxians elect Cousins, Dacey Creel”, July 17, 1946. The Daily Herald, “Asks suggestions for rebuilding of Biloxi Beach Front”, September 23, 1947. The Daily Herald, “Citizens Committee is named at Biloxi”, September 23, 1947. The Daily Herald, “ The Daily Herald, “Cousins, ex-Mayor dies today”, April 4, 1966. The Jackson County Times, “Showers and parties honoring Miss Mead are numerous”, August 29, 1936.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ R. HART CHINN
Mayor of Richard Hart Chinn
REFERENCES: The Daily Herald, “Williams enters race for Mayor”, March 25, 1953, p. 7. The Daily Herald, “Hart Chinn taken by death”, February 3, 1972. The Gulf Coast Times, “Chinn accuses ministers of accepting financial aid from Coast gamblers”, February 14, 1952, p. 1. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ LAZ QUAVE
Mayor of Laz Quave was born on October 31, 1910, in rural Jackson County, Mississippi, near Vancleave, the son of Joseph Quave (1859-1928), a farm laborer, and Della ? Quave. In 1930, Laz Quave was a seaman stationed aboard the USCG Cutter Tallapoosa, near Annapolis, Maryland.(1930 Anne Arundel Co., Maryland Federal Census R 844, p. 29A, ED11) Returning from his military duty, Laz Quave married Bernice S. Thornton (1908-2000) on June 6, 1934. She was the daughter of Arthur Thornton (1880-1922) and Sophronia ? Thornton (1883-19200+). Laz and Bernice T. Quave were the parents of three children: June Rose Quave m. Eugene L. Martino; Leon J. Quave m. Peggy Ann Cook; and Laz Quave Jr. m. (Harrison Co., Ms. MRB 45, p. 210)
Police Chief Served as Chief of Police at Biloxi in the 1940s. Sheriff Quave Laz Quave was elected Sheriff of Harrison County, Mississippi in August 1947 when he defeated Aubrey Beeson of Long Beach by about fourteen hundred votes. He succeeded Maxie M. Broadus of Gulfport.(The Daily Herald, August 30, 1947, p. 1) Biloxi Canning & Packing Company In the 1940s, Laz Quave had been a director and vice president of the Gulf Coast Shrimper’s and Oystermen’s Association. Rosalis Inc. On September 9, 1968, Charter of Biloxi Canning & Packing Company amended and name changed to Rosalis, Inc. Roy Rosalis (1909-1984), president, and Rena LeBlanc Rosalis (1917-2004), secretary, 300 shares issued.(HARCO, Ms. Charter Bo. 2, pp. 175-178). Venus and Quave On September 4, 1968, the Biloxi Canning & Packing Company was chartered by D.J. Venus III, Gordon D. Venus, and Laz Quave. 150,000 shares par $1.00.(HARCO, Ms. Chancery Court Charter Bk. 2, pp. 179-182) On October 10, 1968, Rosalis, Inc. conveyed to Biloxi Canning & Packing Company for $610,000, all improvements, buildings, warehouses, docks, wharves, with riparian and littoral rights. (go 413.4 south along east side of Anglada x Landers x 253' x Chartres (332.9) x 136' (Stanovich) x Bay to Point of beginning on Anglada). Sale included the following brands: Negro Head, Biloxi, Sea Beach Canned Shrimp, Mobile Bay, Danny Boy, and Pueblo.(HARCO, Ms. Trust Deed Bk. 535, p. 47 and Bk. 535, p. 50). Mr. Rosalis then retired and resided at 872 Central Beach Boulevard. Hurricane Camille Hurricane Camille of August 1969, according to company president, D.J. Venus, caused losses estimated at $1 million. There was doubt as whether the U.S. Pure Food and Drug inspectors would approve canned shrimp damaged by the tempest. Production was possible in two months.(The Daily Herald, August 28, 1969, p. 18) Loans April 12, 1971, company under Venus borrowed $12,000 from Peoples Bank and bought more land to the west.(HARCO, Ms. Trust Deed Bk. 3, pp. 64-65). January 3, 1973, Venus-Quave borrowed $319,000.(HARCO, Ms. Trust Deed Bk. 49, p. 425). In October 2, 1974, Henry Slay Guiterrez, president, and Pete Elder, secretary got a SBA loan for $500,000.(HARCO, Ms. Trust Deed Bk. 72, pp. 287-293). Lease On January 15, 1975, Henry S. Guiterrez leased a portion of the building to the Douglas-Guardian Warehouse Corporation of New Orleans.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 55, pp. 377-378). Default In May 1976, Venus and Quave defaulted on payments to Rosalis and the Biloxi Canning Company was bought from Substitute trustee, David Cottrell Jr., for $200,000.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 65, pp. 486-488). Mayor Quave When Laz Quave placed his name in the race for Mayor of Biloxi, he was in competition with R. Hart Chinn, incumbent, Norman Levine (1918-1953+), poultry marketer, and Elmer Williams, owner of the DeJean Packing Company..(The Daily Herald, April 13, 1953, p. 1) Supervisor Quave From July 1962 to December 1971, Laz Quave served the people of Harrison County, Mississippi Beat 1, as their County Supervisor.(Sullivan, 2002, p. 581) Laz Quave expired at New Orleans on December 20, 1985. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery. Bernice Thornton Quave followed her husband in death passing on February 26, 2000 at Gautier, Mississippi. Her corporal remains were also buried in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, February 29, 2000, p. A5 and December , 1985, p. )
REFERENCES: Charles L. Sullivan, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: A History, (McNaughton & Gunn, Inc.: Saline, Michigan-2002)
Journals The Jackson County Times, “Quave is elected in Harrison”, August 30, 1947. The Daily Herald, “May 12 ballot at Biloxi will have 19 names listed”, April 13, 1953. The Daily Herald, “Quave Grand Marshal, Ross East End Marshal”, July 8, 1954, p. 23. The Sun Herald, "Biloxi leader Laz Quave dies", December 22, 1985, p. A-1 and p. A-12. The Sun Herald, “Bernice Quave”, February 29, 2000, p. A5. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DANIEL D. GUICE
Mayor of Daniel ‘Danny’ Dicks Guice (b. 1925) at Biloxi on December 1925, the son of William Lee Guice and Lee Dicks. Danny was reared on West Beach Boulevard in Biloxi. He garduated from BHS with the Class of 1942. Danny matriculated to Ole Miss, but after one year in Oxford, Mississippi, he transferred to Tulane University in New Orleans. He Danny studied the pre-law curriculum and graduated from the Tulane School of Law. In August 1947, he was licensed to practice law both Federal and State law. While at Tulane, Danny was a KA and president of the Pan Hellinic Council; a member of Phi Delta Phi, the honorary legal organization; and on the Moot Court board.(The Daily Herald, April 3, 1948, p. 7) Danny Guice married Margaret Carolyn Barrett in the Main Street Methodist Church on June 25, 1948. Margaret was born at Chicago and was a 1945 high school graduate in LaGrange, Illinois. She attended what is now Southeast Missouri State College at Cape Girardeau, Missouri and was an English and Music major. Their children were: Carolyn Lee Guice m. John W. Bode Jr. and Joe H. Singletary; and Daniel Dicks Guice Jr. m. Janie Sue Bertrand.(The Daily Herald, April 3, 1948, p. 7, Harrison Co., Ms. MRB 77, p. 330, Harrison Co. Ms. 2nd JD MRB 5, p. 237, MRB 12, p. 485, and MRB 7, p. 323)
REFERENCES: The Daily Herald, “Miss Margaret Carolyn Barrett", April 3, 1948. The Daily Herald, “Mayor Guice named [Firemen’s Day] parade Grand Marshall”, September 14, 1962, p. 1. The Ocean Springs Record, “Mayor Guice plans North Biloxi annexation”, August 3, 1970, p. 1. The Ocean Springs Record, “Guice qualifies as candidate”, March 3, 1983, p. 6. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ JEREMIAH J. ‘Jerry’ O’KEEFE III HARRY T. HOWARD
Mayor of 1973 A.H. ‘Lank’ Patterson
1977 Dominic Fallo (1911-1996) Frank Barhonovich
Jeremiah J. O'Keefe III Jeremiah J. O’Keefe III, called Jerry, was born July 12, 1923, at Ocean Springs, the son of J.J. "Ben" O’Keefe II (1894-1954) and Teresa Slattery O’Keefe (1894-1995). The Ben O’Keefe family relocated to Biloxi in late August 1937. (The Jackson County Times, September 4, 1937, p. 2) Jerry O’Keefe graduated from the Sacred Heart Academy in Biloxi, Soule College, and Loyola University at New Orleans. On his nineteenth birthday, he enlisted in the Navy and was granted his naval aviator’s wings at Pensacola in June 1943. Jerry made 1st Lieutenant in April 1944, a month after he married his Ocean Springs sweetheart, Rose Annette Saxon (1924-1998), at Camp Pendelton, California. They were blessed with seven daughter and six sons born between 1945 and 1962. (The Daily Herald, March 13, 1944, p. 7 and April 22, 1944, p. 4) Marine aviator WW II During his first WW II aerial combat mission flown with the 2nd Marine Air Wing over the skies of Okinawa in April 1945, 1st Lieutenant Jerry O’Keefe destroyed five Japanese aircraft, which earned him the "ace" designation. (The Daily Herald, April 25, 1945, p. 1) Before the Pacific theater hostilities ended in August 1945, Jerry O’Keefe had been credited with two additional kills. For his valiant military service, he was bestowed the Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and Gold Star. He received these medals on October 14, 1946, at New Orleans. (The Daily Herald, October 15, 1946, p. 5) It is interesting to note that J.J. "Ben" O’Keefe II, Jerry’s father, served in the Marine Corps during WWI, and his son, J.J. "Jody" O’Keefe IV, was a Marine from 1964-1967. Mr. O’Keefe resides in Biloxi today where he is active with fund raising for the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum, advising the O’Keefe Foundation, and supervising the management of his business enterprises.
REFERENCES: The Daily Herald, “Dominic Fallo wins Commissioner’s post”, May 8, 1977, p. 1. The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Commissioner’s in Tuesday’s runoff”, May 9, 1977, p. 1. The Sun Herald, “O’ Keefe’s life is filled with service”, March 28, 1999, p. F2. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1981-1989 GERALD H. BLESSEY Gerald Henry Blessey was born on 1942 at Biloxi, Mississippi the son of Walter J. Blessey III (1913-1987) and Geraldine Ann Fountain. Graduate Biloxi Sr. High School in 1960 and Ole Miss. Harvard Law School. Married Rose Ann Joachim in July 1969 and Charlotte Paige Gutierrez in November 1984.(Harrison County, Mississippi 2nd JD MRB 1, p. 529 and MRB Bk. 29, p. 64) Vietnam Gerald H. Blessey served in the Republic of Vietnam in 1967-1968 with the US Army as a 1st Lieutenant. He was assigned to the 55th Military Intelligence Detachment and in July 1968, he was awarded the Bronze Star with three citations for his excellence.(The Ocean Springs News, July 24, 1968, p. 1) Representative Blessey Gerald H. Blessey, a Democrat, served in the Mississippi State Legislature as Representative from District 1 from 1973 to 1981.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 18, 1973, p. 12) Mayor Gerald H. Blessey was elected Mayor of Biloxi on June 23, 1981. He soundly defeated Frank Barhanovich (b. 1943), a former City Commissioner. Blessey's supporters gave him about 65% of the approximately 7700 votes cast. Councilmen Ward I-Laz Quave (1910-1985) Ward II-Michael Esters Ward III-Lewis Langlinais Ward IV-Mary Carpenter Ward V-Roy Mattina Ward VI-W.C. McManus Ward VII-Margaret S. Sherry (d. 1987)
HUD hunters
Representative Blessey Served in the Mississippi State Legislature as Representative from District 1 from 1973 .(The Ocean Springs Record, October 18, 1973, p. 12)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Barhanovich, Blessey await the final verdict”, June 22, 1981. The Daily Herald, “Blessey wins Mayor's race by landslide”, June 24, 1981. The Daily Herald, “Winners”, June 24, 1981. The Daily Herald, “”, The Daily Herald, “”, The Daily Herald, “Quave has change of heart, endorses Blessey”, March 22, 1985, p. A2. The Daily Herald, “Blessey seeks land swap with lab in water front plan”, March 22, 1985, p. A5. The Daily Herald, “”, The Ocean Springs News, “Bronze Star winner”, July 24, 1968, p. 1. The Ocean Springs Record, “Blessey to address Coast Sierra Club”,mOctober 18, 1973, p. 12. The Ocean Springs Record, “Blessey-Capers trial also had entertainment value”, September 28, 1989, p. 1. The Ocean Springs Record, “”, _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PETER P. HALAT JR.
Mayor of Born at Biloxi on July 27, 1942 to Peter P. Halat and Louella Mary Gary. Grew up at 1150 East Howard Avenue in Biloxi. Graduate Biloxi High School in May 1960. Jackson School of Law. Married Sandra Dees (b. 1944), daughter of Joseph P. Dees and Dorothy Rita Eglin. Children: Sean Stefan McKinnon Halat m. Michelle Ann Holomon and Lynetta Marie Dobbins;
Mayor Began office in July 1989.
REFERENCES: The Biloxi-d’Iberville Press, “Peter Halat enters Mayoral race”, November 16, 1988. The Sun Herald, “The Sherry Murders: 20 years later-Still stunning-Biloxi’s most notorious murders revisited”, September 9, 2007, p. A1. The Sun Herald, “FBI vet won 10-year fight”, September 9, 2007, p. A1. The Sun Herald, “The Sherry Murders: 20 years later-Not the best sort of witness”, September 10, 2007, p. A1. The Sun Herald, “House where Sherry's were murdered will be torn down”, September 26, 2010, p. A1.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ANDREW J. HOLLOWAY JR.
Mayor of Andrew Joseph “A.J.” Holloway Jr. (b. 1939) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 17, 1939, the son of A.J. Holloway and Iris Letort (1921-). Married Seymour and married Macklyn Joyce Bond on December 22, 1961.( Harrison Co., Ms. MRB 120, p. 463)
1993-1997 City Council Installed on July 6, 1993-Tullos-Toledano Manor
Tom Ferrill Eric E. Dickey James N. Compton Russell T. Bistle Dianne G. Harenski Tom Wall Mickey J. Bellande Sr.
1997-2001 City Council
2001-2005 City Council
James N. Compton, Ward III alderman, resigned on June 22, 2004. A special election on July 27, 2004 saw Arlene Canaan defeat Walter Blessey and Mike Hutter.(The Sun Herald, June 23, 2004, p. A9 and July , 2004, p. )
James N. Compton replaced by Arlene Canaan in Special Election on July 27, 2004.
2005-2009 City Council George Lawrence William Stallworth Charles T. Harrison William Michael 'Mike' Fitzpartick (1938-2010) Tom Wall Edward Gemmill David Fayard REFERENCES: The Sun Herald, "Three running so far for Biloxi City Council", June 23, 2004. The Sun Herald, "[President George W. Bush] Bush praises Biloxi and mayor in new book, 'Decision Points'", November 18, 2010, p. 3A.
2009-2013 City Council George Lawrence William Stallworth Lucy Denton Clark Griffin Tom Wall Edward Gemmill David Fayard
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