BILOXI HOTELS and PARKS*
by
Ernest Desporte (1888-1977)
As Biloxi was a popular summer resort before the coming of the railroad in 1871 [sic] there was always plenty of rental cottages available by the season in addition to private boarding houses and hotels. A regular 'ferry' service was provided between the Mississippi Coast 'watering places' and New Orleans by paddle-wheel steamers.
The Nixon Hotel was on the corner of Nixon Street and beach Road but it was torn down for the construction of the Harry T. Howard mansion.
The Beach Hotel was just west of Main Street and was operated by the Drysdales: Misses Jennie, Annie, and Jo. They had three brothers: Harry, John, and Bob.
On the northeast corner of Lameuse Street and Beach Road was the Shady Grove, a hotel owned and operated by Mr. Lameuse. It later became the popular Montross Hotel, the social gathering place for Biloxians. It later became the Riviera Hotel.
In 1891 the Cress Villa was built on Beach Road west of Lameuse. It was owned and operated by Captain and Mrs. Ernest Desporte, Sr. Next was the Bayview Hotel, owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan. It occupied the northeast corner of beach Road and Delauney Street. On the northwest corner of was the Arcade Hotel, owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Pat Kennedy. It was described as being a 'mesque' building. Next to it was the Terre Cota [sic], formerly an Exposition Building at the New Orleans Worlds Fair. Mr. Kennedy purchased the building, had it dismantledand brought to Biloxi in sections, and had it reassembled on Biloxi beach. It is said to be the first pre-fabricated building in the United States.
The Magnolia Hotel was built in 1847 by the Hahn Family and reputed to be the oldest hotel on the Coast. The property remained in the Hahn-Holley family over the years until Camille [1969] and the dateful coming of Urban renewal. Through the efforts of Glen Swetman and other public-spirited citizens the old Magnolia Hotel a, which was wrecked by the Hurricane of 1969, was moved to the new site on Water Street. It was reconstructed as a public building of much historical value.
The Gulf View Hotel was on the northeast corner of Seal Avenue and beach Road and the name was changed to Memphis Hotel and much later the Palmer House. It was on the locale of the famous water cure of Dr. Bahrenheidt [sic].
Before Seal Avenue was cut through to Howard Avenue [formerly Pass Christian Street] this property was a considerable piece of intact land. The only park in Biloxi existed here, starting about 200 feet, from the Beach to Howard Avenue. In this Seal park there was a horse racing, baseball and football games on a regula schedule. George Ahern, a young Biloxi boy, rode his first horse at ther park and later went on to become a famous jockey in racing circles.
Along West Beach there were no other hotels at the time but in 1892 the property about a quarter mile west of the Biloxi Lighthouse was purchased for the construction of a privately owned college. In 1893, the Sea Coast Academy began operations under the ownership and tutelage of Dr. Rodebuch [sic] and son. This academy ceased as a college and was bought by Dr. H.M. Folkes and Dr. Talbert [sic]. Dr. Folkes came to the coast with the Public health Service to work at the Quarantine Station offshore. They converted the school into the Biloxi Sanatorium, a private hospital. The old wood frame buildings were later torn down and the modern brick, Colonial style, New Biloxi Hotel was erected on tis site. It operated for many years as one of Biloxi's leading hotels. This building too felt the hand of progress and was razed to its steel framework and converted into the Chateau Le Grand condominiums.
A young attorney, Walter A. White, arrived in Biloxi in a covered wagon which he first parked on back bay. After he became acquainted with Biloxians he liked Biloxi so well that he returned to his home town and got his entire family and brought them back to live here. He opened a law office and began a very successful legal practice Lawyer White purchased some property a short distance from the Biloxi Cemetery and Mrs. White soon was operating the White House Hotel.
A short distance further west was a large tract of land running from the Beach to Back Bay. It was owned by the Methodist Conference of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. That section of the property from the Beach to the L&N Railroad was fenced in and became known as the Sea Shore Campground. A large number of cottages were built by members of the Methodist faith and occupied by their families during the summer months. A large Tabernacle was built and regular camp meetings continued all summer.
North of this property and fronting on back Bay was another large tract of land owned by the U.S. Government and held in reserve for the vast number of oak trees, then desirable for lumber for ship construction. This tract was deeded over to the City of Biloxi for park and cemetery purposes and became known as the Naval Reserve Park. At one time in the twenties, the U.S. Coast Guard occupied a section of the park on Back Bay from which their cutter chased down rum runners. The property also had the Biloxi Airport and a Major League baseball park. The ball park was the training site for the Toledo Mudhens, Washington Senators, and Philadelphia Phillies. All of this property along with the Biloxi Country Club golf course was given to the Federal Government on which to locate Keesler Field. This 'gift' of Biloxi to the Federal Government also included parcels of land containing home sites which the city had to purchase before it could 'give' this land for Keesler Field. Just east of the Keesler property and fronting on back Bay was the Subdivision of Oak Park. Before it became Oak Park, it was a virgin wilderness on the Bay owned by Mr. and Mrs. Parkhurst. They operated a pecan and fig orchard thereon. This fine old couple befriended a man and gave him employment. This drifter, named Gibson, was later accused of murdering the Parkhurts and setting afire tier home. He was arrested, tried, convicted and hung. This entire case was bizarre and some felt that perhaps justice was not served.
*from the Walter Fountain Collection in the Biloxi Public Library. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
BILOXI HOTELS
by Ray L. Bellande
1840-1860
THE AMERICAN HOTEL
Peter Flanagan
Peter Flanagan died at Biloxi in 1846.
Edward Milford
Lease
In May 1843, Peter Flanagan (d. 1846) of the
Commencing on the south shore of the south Bay or
The State tax on real estate for the premises is to be paid by Edward Milford for the above two years. The said Edward Milford is to pay one-half of the insurance from fire on the said house, so soon as it is insured as the business which said Milford will establish in these premises is likely to prove advantageous to the property hereby leased, and which the said Flanagan reserves for the support of his children [yet minors]. He also agrees at the expiration of the present demurred lease to give the said Edward Milford, his heirs or assigns, the refusal of a new lease for six years or more at the annual rent of three hundred dollars per annum provided that whatever improvements the said Milford, his heirs or assigns may place upon the said ground are left there at the expiration of the said renewal term of lease for the benefit of the said Flanagan, his heirs or assigns.
It is also further stipulated that the said Flanagan or his heirs and assigns should duly protect, defend and sustain the said
Peter Flanagan
Edward Milford
Witness: Benjamin Holley, Holmes Wentzell, and Alexander Black
Opening
In June 1843, Edward Milford of
Closing
Edward Milford assigned his lease back to Peter Flanagan in 1844. At this time, Mr. Milford was a resident of New Orleans.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 1, pp. 296-297)
1845
1853
1856
By May 1856, the American Hotel was for rent by A. Bronsema, a resident of
REFERENCES:
Journals
The Daily Picayune, “American Hotel”, June 9, 1843.
The Daily Picayune, Batchelor’s Hall,
The Daily Picayune, “Batchelor’s Hall,
The Daily Picayune, “To rent at
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause 28, 'The Estate of Peter Flanagan"-November 1846.
________________________________________________________________________________
BILOXI HOUSE-NIXON HOTEL
Location:
John W. Nixon
John W. Nixon (d. 1849) was an early immigrant to
John W. Nixon expired at
War of 1812
During the War of 1812, Adj. Lt. John Nixon, served with DeJean's 1st Regiment Louisiana Militia. When his artillery position on the West Bank of the
(boards.history.com/topics/War-of-1812/quototherquot…/118282)
In late January 1915, the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, Rowena L.W. Nixon (1839-1917) donated her father’s sword that he had worn during the brief fight to the
New Orleans
Not much is know by the author about John W. Nixon’s career at
Biloxi House-Nixon Hotel
John W. Nixon opened his Biloxi House for the summer season on June 8, 1848. Nixon had large additions and improvements made to the resort in the spring. Visitors could anticipate the following amenities at the Biloxi House: bathhouses, bar, billiard room, horse stable, and a sailboat. From Mrs. Nixon’s table one was served fine food and the bar was stocked with excellent wines and liquors. Mr. Nixon recommended that interested parties make bookings by mail addressed to him at
After John W. Nixon expired in June 1849, Mrs. Nixon continued operated the family hotel into 1850. At this time, seven of her children were domiciled with her at
1854
Adeline C. Nixon was assessed $70 on her 75 acres of land in
Biloxi Hotel
In June 1857, T.A. Horne of
The 1857 summer season for the Biloxi Hotel appears to have been unsuccessful for Horne & Smith as the premises were advertised for rent by Henry K. Nixon (1830-1908) in February 1858. Mr. Nixon address was on
Sale
In September 1886, the Nixon Heirs conveyed the Nixon Hotel property on Biloxi's east Beach to Harry Turner Howard for $4000. Harry T. Howard (1856-1930).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 21, p. 492)
Harry T. Howard
In June 1919, Harry T. Howard sold the Nixon Hotel lot and more to the Biloxi Hospital Association for $15,000. Lot had 222 feet on the Gulf and ran north to Water Street. Excepted was a lot 79 feet by 128 feet in the northeast corner of the tract.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 124, p. 14)
REFERENCES:
www.com
boards.history.com/topic/War-of-1812/quototherquot…../118282.
Journals
The
The
The
The Daily Herald, “
The Daily Herald, “
The Daily Herald, “
The Daily Herald, “John
The Daily Herald, “James Kirk Nixon”, December 18, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Nixon [Rowena L.M. Nixon] is taken by death”, August 9, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Nixon place is sold at auction”, August 7, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “
The Daily Herald, “
The Daily Herald, “
The Daily Picayune, “
The Daily True Delta, “Biloxi Hotel to rent”, February 28, 1858.
The Daily True Delta, “Live Oak Hotel”, June 22, 1859.
The
The
The
The Sunday Delta, “A New Biloxi Hotel”, June 7, 1857.
The Sunday Delta, “Biloxi Hotel”, June 21, 1857.
The Sunday Delta, “
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
1860 - 1900
MONTROSS-RIVIERA-AVELEZ HOTEL
Front Street and Lameuse Street
[from T.H. Glenn, 1893, p. 18]
Located on the northeast corner of Lameuse Street and Beach Boulevard [also called Front Street] in the Jean-Baptite Carco Land Grant, and the S/2 of Section 28, T7S-R9W. Although he never owned the hostelry, it was named for Peter J. Montross (1841-1897), the proprietor for several decades in the late 19th Century.
Anecdotal history of the early 20th Century relates that the Hotel de Montross or Montross Hotel was the oldest hotel extant at Biloxi. It was operational before the first railroad was established between Mobile and New Orleans in 1870. Here on the central Beach of Biloxi and Lameuse Street, the town’s first Beach to Back Bay thoroughfare, the Montross Hotel was the focus of social life and fashion. Its pier was the disembarkation place for the society people arriving at Biloxi to enjoy its fine food, hospitality, and the gaiety of life, joie de vivre, that was offered to all visitors. The Montross Hotel flourished as a fine hostelry and boarding establishment until the late 1920s, when it became overshadowed by Biloxi’s modern beach front hotels, like the Biloxi Hotel, Buena Vista, Edgewater Gulf, Tivoli, White House, and Gulf Hills, which were erected between 1924 and 1928.(The Daily Herald, April 29, 1909, p. 4)
Jean-Baptise Carco
Jean-Baptiste Carco (17 -1823), the son of Nicolas Carco and Ladner, was one of the pioneer settlers on the Biloxi Peninsula. His occupation of land here began about 1784, during the Spanish Colonial era. Jean-Baptise Carco married . They were the parents of four children:
Rene Lameuse
Urbain Laroussini
William C. Seaman
Peter Lienhardt, et al v. Sherrod Seaman, et al
In May 1874, Chancellor W.G. Henderson of the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi opined and adjudicated in the partition suit of Chancery Court cause No. 143, Peter Liendhardt et al v. Sherrod Seaman et al. This litigation involved the partition of the ‘Lameuse Property’ also called the ‘Shady Grove Hotel’ at Biloxi. This tract was described in this law suit as“containing by estimation forty arpents of land [more or less] bounded and described as follows. Beginning at the Beach at the Pass of Biloxi, thence north to the Back Bay of Biloxi; thence southeast along the shore of said Bay so as to include one arpent; thence south to the said pass of Biloxi; thence to the place of beginning. Bounded south by the Pass of Biloxi or Gulf of Mexico; north by the Back Bay of Biloxi; west by Lameuse Street; east by Wetzell heirs having a few small lots sold off.
Roderick Seal
Shady Grove Hotel
1855 Hurricane
On September 16th and 17th of 1858, the entire waterfront of the Mississippi Gulf Coast was swept and churned by the wind and waves of this tropical cyclone. At Biloxi, almost all bath houses and wharves were totally destroyed and sixty-one sailing vessels grounded with many in shambles. At this time, in Biloxi there appears to have been several hotels and boarding houses situated between Lameuse Street and Point Cadet. Among them were: Bossel’s Shady Grove Hotel; Jacob Wetzell’s Ocean House; John Brown’s Hotel; A. Bronaema’s American Hotel run by J. Jennings; Sol Mill’s Bachelor Hall; Mrs. Nixon’s Biloxi Hotel operated by Colonel Nichols; and Pradat’s.(The New Orleans Daily Picayune, September 20, 1855, p. 1)
1875
In the summer of 1875, the Shady Grove Hotel was managed by Mr. Rambaut. It was also in the process of renovation and refurbishment. Professor Knapp, a local guide with a horse and buggy, was available for fishing in Back Bay or leading local history tours.(The Star of Pascagoula, June 26, 1875, p. 1.)
There is a high certitude that the manager of the Shady Grove Hotel was Urbain Rambaut (1832-1889), a Frenchman, who later resided at 201 Decatur Street at New Orleans where he made his livelihood as the proprietor of a coffee house and later a barroom. Urbain Rambaut married Marie Schwab (1838-1899) and they were the parents of: Jean Urbain Rambaut (1859-1909); Michel Rambaut (1861-1883); Emile Rambaut (1863-1925); Jules Rambaut (1867-1883); and Adeline Rambaut (1876-1926) m. Charles E. Hinshewood. Adeline Rambaut was born in Mississippi in 1875 or 1876, very likely at Biloxi.(1870 and 1880 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census M593_522, p. 382, 6th Ward and T9_461, p. 3, ED 33)
1875
Bossell House-Located at Biloxi under the direction of Peter J. Montross (1841-1897). It was recently newly papered and painted and handsomely furnished. The food was also improved. In May, the Company Babylon ? and Thespian Relief Association performed ‘Persecuted Dutchman’ and ‘Misfortune’.(The Star of Pascagoula, May 29, 1875, p. 3 and June 26, 1875, p. 1)
The New Orleans House Kitchen-Bossell House
On September 7, 1882, William Massey of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania conveyed to Peter J. Montross (1841-1897) for $2500, a parcel of land and tenements on the NW/C of Main Street and Front Street. The tract had seventy-six feet on Front Street and ran north for four hundred eight feet on Main Street.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 20, p. 79)
Mr. Montross conveyed this tract to Joseph Oteri (1845-1897) of New Orleans in August 1892 for $2500.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 28, p. 246)
Gulf View Hotel-was leased by P.J. Montross of the Montross Hotel.(The Biloxi Herald, April 7, 1888, p. 8)
Roderick Seal
Roderick Seal conveyed in September 1888 to Sherrod Seaman for $2000, his property on Front Street and Lameuse and known as the Montross Hotel.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 23, p. 373)
Sherrod Seaman
In September 1898, Roderick Seal sold the Montross Hotel to Florian Seal, his son.(Harrison County, Ms. Land deed Bk. 39, p. 79)
1888
MONTROSS HOTEL
Biloxi, Miss.,
OPEN SUMMER and WINTER
This delightful Seaside Resort for tourists offers First-Class accommodations. Hotel is situated directly on the Beach of the Gulf of Mexico, and affords fine
Boating, Fishing, Hunting, & Driving
The accessibility, pure air and freedom from malaria, render Biloxi one of the most desirable spots on the Gulf shore.
HOTEL FIRST-CLASS
RATES REASONABLE
Applications for rooms by mail or telegraph will receive prompt attention.
P.J. MONTROSS, Proprietor
(The Biloxi Herald, January 7, 1888, p. 5)
Montross Hotel
Open Summer and Winter
(The Biloxi Herald, February 18, 1888, p. 5)
We are glad to note that the popular Montross Hotel is now and has been for several weeks filled with northern guest. The Montross is one of the best hotels on the coast and once a person is registered at this popular resort he is sure to come again.(Biloxi Herald, March 3, 1888, p. 9)
Gulf View
P.J. Montross has leased the Barenheit (sic) or Gulf View property.(The Biloxi Herald, April 7, 1888, p. 8)
Phil Desporte
In April 1888, P.J. Montross sold the house at the land end of the Montross Hotel pier to Phil Desporte for $200. The house was used by Mr. Desporte as an oyster house. P.J. Montross also leased to Phil Desporte for $1 per year during the term of the lease of the Montross Hotel a certain portion of the beach property in front of the Montross Hotel.( Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 23, p. 100)
Liquor license
The Biloxi Town Council approved a retail license to P.J. Montross to retail vinous and spirituous liquors.(The Biloxi Herald, August 18, 1888, p. 1)
Peter J. Montross
Peter J. Montross was born in Mexico of a native of Mexico or Cuba. At New Orleans, in October 1879, Mr. Montross married Alphonsine Lliambias (1850-1945), the daughter of Juan Lliambias (1815-1892), a native of Mannesa, Spain, and Louise Pamela Ranzeau (1820-1909).
Visits northwest
In October 1888, P.J. Montross planned to visit towns in the northwest, particularly Chicago and Madison, Wisconsin to promote winter tourism at Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.(The Biloxi Herald, October 6, 1888, p. 8)
4th July, 1891
The Fourth of July 1891 at Biloxi was one to remember. The Southern Yacht Club of New Orleans had their sailboat race from their Lake Pontchartain location finish at Biloxi near the Montross Hotel. Mr. Montross had his hotel decorated patriotically with large and small flags. Set amid its ancient Live Oaks, the colorfully, draped Montross Hotel made a grand vista on Biloxi’s waterfront. P.J. Montross donated a silver, tilting pitcher and cup to the Susie B, the second place boat, which finished an hour behind Zoe, the winner.(The Biloxi Herald, July 4, 1891, p. 4)
Montross-Schuyler 1892 lease
In January 1892, Roderick Seal granted Peter J. Montross and Rutsen V.R. Schuyler a twenty-five year lease for the use of the Montross Hotel. The rent was $1000 per year and the proprietors had the right to acquire the property for $20,000 at anytime during the term o f the lease. Montross and Schuyler could also improve or rebuild the buildings to their desires. The lessees were responsible for property taxes and insurance.(Harrison County, Ms. Land deed Bk. 28, p. 9)
Rutsen V.R. Schuyler
Peter J. Montross’ partner in his Biloxi hostelry was Rutsen Van Renssalaer Schuyler (1855-pre 1920) who was born in Hudson County, New Jersey in February 1855, the son of Jacob Rutsen Schuyler (1816-1887) and Susanna Edwards (1826-1870). His grandmother was Catherine Van Rennsalaer (d. 1867), the spouse of John Arent Schuyler (1779-1817). In February 1873, Rutsen V.R. Schuyler married Harriet Augusta Mellick (1854-1880+). They resided at Bayonne, New Jersey were he was a gem merchant. He and Augusta were the parents of: Rutsen V.R. Schuyler II (1878-1880+) and Sarah E. Schuyler (1879-1880+).(1880 Hudson County, New Jersey Federal Census T9_786, p. 31, ED 41)
Circa 1890, Rutsen V.R. Schuyler married Mary Hall (1857-1920+), a native of Mississippi. From her first marriage, she had a son, Roy C. Dwnyckinck? (1886-1910+), who was born in Illinois of a father native to New York. Rutsen and Mary had two daughters: Marguerite S. Staderman (1891-1972) and Junett Schuyler (1894-1900+).(1900 Union Co., New Jersey T623 997, p. 14A, ED 141 and 1920 New York Co., New York Federal Census T625_1223, p. 5A, ED 1392)
Biloxi has an excellent hotel, the “Montross”, which has recently been enlarged. Mr. Montross is widely and favorably know to travelers and visitors on the Coast. Mr. Schuyler’s efforts to anticipate and provide for the comfort of guests of the Montross are proverbial. He is an enthusiastic sportsman whose conquests with the road and gun are well known.(Glenn, 1893, p. 58)
Electric lights
Illumination in the form of electric lights came to the Montross Hotel in December 1893. This and other amenities kept the hostelry as one of the premier venues for travelers and vacationers. P.J. Montross and R.V. Schuyler cater successfully to all who come.(The Biloxi Herald, December 9, 1893, p. 8)
1893
THE MONTROSS HOTEL
Montross & Schuyler, proprietors
Biloxi, Mississippi
Situated directly on the Gulf of Mexico
Open all year round
Rates: per day $2, $2.50, and $3; per week $10, $12, and $15; per month $40, $45, and $50.(The Biloxi Herald, December 9, 1893, p. 8)
Illness
Almost a decade before his demise, Peter J. Montross began to exhibit signs of ill health. While on business in New Orleans in early November 1888, he was afflicted with a bout of rheumatism. A few weeks late, during the Thanksgiving holiday at Biloxi, an attack of rheumatism returned and sent him to his bed for a week.(The Biloxi Herald, November 10, 1888, p. 8 and November 24, 1888, p. 8)
Demise of Peter J. Montross
Peter J. Montross expired at his Biloxi hotel on March 27, 1897. Over He was survived by his wife, and three sons, Paul Wallace Montross, Albert Montross, and Peter J. Montross. In the spring of 1896, Don Jose M. Carpizo, the brother-in-law of P.J. Montross and an inhabitant of Campeche, Yucatan, Mexico, possibly anticipating his demise visited him at Biloxi. Senor Carpizo left the Mississippi Coast in June 1896 for his Mexican home.on Alphonsine L. Montross .(The Biloxi Herald, June 13, 1896, p. 8)
New Orleans burial
Shortly after the demise of Peter J. Montross, his corporal remains were sent to New Orleans for internment in the vault owned by The Army of the Tennessee at the Metairie Cemetery. The body of Colonel Montross was placed very near that of General P.T.G. Beauregard (1818-1893), which was one of Mr. Montross’ last wishes. Father Blane, Captain John Walker, Colonel Roderick Seal, A.M. Dulion, Edward Glennan, and Captain Harry Copp James of Biloxi were present at the funeral in the Crescent City.(The Biloxi Herald, April 3, 1897, p. 8)
Bourdon’s Saloon
In early April 1897, A.O. Bourdon Jr. opened a saloon in the bar of the Montross Hotel. The event was high lighted by an excellent lunch, which attracted the attention of many patrons of the hostelry. Mr. Bourdon handles excellent brands of wine and liquors.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 10, 1897, p. 8)
New Management-William C. Morgan
Very shortly after the death P.J. Montross, long time proprietor, the Montross Hotel was offered for lease. This solicitation lauded one of Biloxi’s landmark hostelries as “truly a first class opportunity for a hotel man to secure a paying business.” The published notice also admonished any potential lessee that although the winter tourist season patronized by Northerners was almost over, that there was only a short hiatus before the summer season began in earnest and Southern folks would be coming to the coast.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 10, 1897, p. 8)
By early May 1897, William C. Morgan and his son leased the Montross Hotel. They were considered experienced hotel managers and immediately made this public notice:
MONTROSS HOTEL
Biloxi, Mississippi
Wm. C. Morgan & Son Proprietors
We have leased the Hotel property for a number of years, and intend renovating it throughout giving to Biloxi the best Hotel on the Gulf Coast. We respectfully solicit the trade of the traveling public, and promise every attention and the best table in the State. We offer special rates to table boarders and to families wishing to avoid the cares of summer housekeeping. For special rates and other information. Address: Wm C. Morgan & Son-Biloxi, Mississippi. (The Biloxi Daily Herald, May 8, 1897, p. 8)
Mrs. William C. Morgan appears to have been a musician or musically inclined as a new Mathusek piano was soon installed in the hotel’s parlor. A concert was held in mid-July.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 3, 1897, p. 8 and July 17, 1897, p. 8)
Florian Seal
Florian Seal (1852-1927) was born on east Pass Christian Street [Howard Avenue] at Biloxi on February 17, 1853. His parents were Roderick Seal (1817-1899) and Charlotte Orr Seal (1827-1850+). In 1877, Mr. Seal married Rebecca V. Walker (1853-1936) of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. They were the parents of two children: Eurilda J. Seal (1879-1930+) m. Lazaro Lopez Jr. (1877-1918) and Roderick Dudley Seal (1881-1942) m. Marie Ramon (1885-1930+).(The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, 1902, p. 56)
Florian Seal, popular Sheriff of Harrison County, rode his bicycle with considerable skill and grace so as to quickly fulfill his business engagements in Biloxi.(The Biloxi Herald, January 20, 1894, p. 8)
At Biloxi, when Mr. Seal was not in public office, as he was Sheriff of Harrison County five times, Tax Assessor of Harrison County four times, and Deputy Clerk of the Chancery and Circuit Courts of Jackson County, Mississippi in 1872-1873, functioned in local commerce operating as the Cash Variety Store. Apparently, Florian Seal had lost his store building in the Great Biloxi Fire of November 1900, because in January 1901, he had workmen erecting a new commercial structure on Howard Avenue next to the Biloxi Daily Herald Building. The Seal store building was twenty-six feet on the front and about seventy-five feet deep.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 5, 1901, p. 8 and January 8, 1901, p. 8)
Expired December 11, 1927
In September 1898, Roderick Seal and spouse sold the Montross Hotel to John H. Miller and John Carraway for $12,000.(Harrison County, Ms. Land deed Bk. 39, p. 79)
Mrs. Rebecca Walker Seal passed on at New Orleans at the residence of her daughter, Eurilda Lopez. Her corporal remains were interred in the St. Roch Cemetery in the Crescent City.(The Daily Herald, September 12, 1936, p. 5)
[1898-]
J.H. Miller and John Carraway
John H. Miller
John Henry Miller (1847-1928) born December 14, 1847 at Paulding, Jasper County, Mississippi. During the Civil War, he enlisted in ‘The Jasper Grays’, Company F of the 16th Mississippi Regiment serving three year as a Lieutenant Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. Returning from the conflict, he married Alice Sophie Miller (1852-1916) circa 1871, and they were childless. During and post-Reconstruction, J.H. Miller was a newspaper man. (The Biloxi Daily Herald, p. 52)
In 1900, at Biloxi, the Millers lived on Front Street near the Carraway family. John H. Miller was manager of the Biloxi Real Estate and Loan Agency and was also on the board of trustees of the Industrial Institute and College at Columbus, Mississippi. Alice S. Miller expired at Biloxi on October 10, 1916. He died April 21, 1928.(1900 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census )
In 1896, Major J.H. Miller shot and killed
In February 1901, Laz Lopez to John H. Miller to and John Carraway all my rights, title and interest in the Montross Hotel.(Harrison County, Ms. Land deed Bk. 47, p. 26)
Montross Hotel Wharf
As early as the spring of May 1892, the Montross Hotel Wharf was the scene of tourist activity. At this time, Captain J.B. Roberts master of Toiler, a steam tug boat, was making daily excursions to Ship Island. His vessel left the landing at 8:00 a.m. and returned the same day in the evening. The roundtrip fare was $1.(The Biloxi Herald, May 28, 1900, p. 4)
In June 1900, Captain Alfred St. Amant (1868-1910) operated the Lillie B, a fast, large pleasure boat from the wharf fronting the Montross Hotel. Captain James Ryan piloted the vessel to the barrier islands transporting excursion partities.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 26, 1900, p. 1)
John Carraway
John Carraway (1873-1931) came to Biloxi in 1893. He was born at Jackson, Mississippi the son of John C. Carraway (1843-1901) and Arcola Carraway (1848-1933), natives of the Magnolia State. In 1900, he and Mae Litel Carroway (1878-1930+), his spouse, a native of Albany, Wisconsin were domiciled on Front Street at Biloxi, where he made his livelihood as cashier for the Bank of Biloxi. Mr. Carraway matriculated to the University of Mississippi. At Biloxi, he was active in the Elk, Odd fellow, Woodman of the World, and Masonic Lodge. First president of the BYC. His parents and Tennie Carraway Moreland (1880-1905+), his Texan born cousin, were also domiciled on Front Street at this time.(The Daily Herald, p. 51 and 1900 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census T623 808, p. 1A, ED 31, and The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 29, 1907, p. 2)
John Carroway was a candidate for Beat One Board of Supervisors of Harrison County in 1907.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 29, 1907, p. 2)
King Bienville with Blanche Picard (1887-1930+), as queen, of Biloxi’s initial Mardi Gras in March 1908.
Medical offices-Dr. G. Ligon
In the fall of 1900, on Tuesday and Thursday, Dr. G. Ligon, an osteopath, from New Orleans, saw patients at his offices in the Montross Hotel. Consultation and examination was without charge.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 30, 1900, p. 8)
1900 Great Biloxi Fire
In early November 1900, a spectacular conflagration which began near the L&N Depot on Reynoir Street destroyed about ninety structures in a southerly direction between the L&N railroad tracks and the beach. The Montross Hotel was not in the path of this fire, which caused about $600,000 dollars in property losses. The Great Biloxi fire did directly affect the future business fortunes of the Montross Hotel. Erroneous news reports issued from Biloxi about the recent fire, related to potential Northern winter tourists that all the hotels at Biloxi were destroyed. The management of Biloxi’s hostelries were in angst that their potential visitors would select other destinations without making inquiries or reservations at Biloxi(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 9, 1900, p. 1 and November 18, 1900, p. 8)
Sawford and Affeld-1900 Montross management
In June 1900, Charles Ernest Affeld Jr., a native of Chicago, and Headley Frederick Sawford, an Englishman, are managing partners of the Montross Hotel.(1900 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T623 808, p. 1B, ED 30)
In January 1901, Monsieurs Sawford and Affeld reported that they had received six applications for reservations on January 10th from prospective winter guests from more northern climes. Those that had already settled here for the winter months were ‘cottagers’ and had no interest in lodging at hotels.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 11, 1901, p. 8)
Sawford honored
Honorary member of the Travelers’ Protective Agency. Put on the building committee of the St. Louis World’s Fair.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 29, 1902, p. 1)
Photo exhibit
An exhibit of color photographic images by C.S. Jackson taken at Biloxi in May 1901, was shown at the Montross Hotel in late September. Among these was one taken of the interior of the Ohr art pottery depicting multi-colored pots of earthenware with the art potter mounted on a pedestal in the background.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, February 25, 1902, p. 8)
Yachtsman
H.F. Sawford (1858-1920+), a native of Surrey, England, was involved with the early development of the Biloxi Yacht Club serving his mates as secretary for several terms. He worked diligently to develop and promote the 1st Biloxi Yacht Club Regatta held in August 1900. At the third Biloxi Yacht Club Regatta in 1902, he provided the Montross Cup, a three-handled, silver trophy that was a foot-tall to the schooner that won in the forty-foot and over class. Dr. Daniel A. Nash (1858-1904), Biloxi dentist and Commodore of the BYC, gave the Nash Cup to the victor of the under twenty-foot catboat division.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, August 22, 1900, p. 1, August 13, 1902, p. 1 and August 19, 1902, p. 1)
Keller’s Green promoter
In late October 1904, H.F. Sawford went to St. Louis, Chicago, and other venues in the Midwest to promote business for the Montross Hotel. He had a fourteen page brochure about Biloxi and his hotel with him. Extensive improvement to the inn were being made before opening.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 29, 1904, p. 5 and December 1, 1904)
In late April 1909, H.F. Sawford, the congenial proprietor of the Montross Hotel, announced that he would not follow his usual custom of closing the old hostelry for the spring months, but that the grand Old Lady of Mississippi coast inns would remain operational through the regular summer tourist season. Mr. Sawford planned to remain at the Montross for another season and possibly longer.(The Daily Herald, April 29, 1909, p. 4)
H.F. Sawford
Headley Frederick Sawford (1858-1920+), a native of Surrey, England, came to America in 1887 with his spouse, Marion Gertrude Sawford (1864-1920+). After Charles E. Affeld Jr. returned to Chicago circa 1901, Mr. Sawford remained at the Montross Hotel to at least early August 1910. At this time, he was the victim of an assault in the front yard of his establishment. E. Doty, a vagrant from Jackson, while in an inebriated state had an accident on the hotel’s swing with a companion. When H.F. Sawford went to investigate, he was struck in the mouth loosing teeth and receiving contusions about the nose and eye. Biloxi Police officers, Peter Bellande (1871-1933) and Patrolman Bills, arrested Mr. Doty as his cohort fled the crime scene.(The Daily Herald, August 2, 1910, p. 1)
Sawford still proprietor of Montross in June 1913 as he was an official at the finish of the New Orleans to Biloxi yacht race.(The Daily Herald, June 30, 1913, p. 1)
By January 1920, the Sawford are domiciled at Los Angeles, California where they are managers of an apartment house on East Beach Street. No further information.(1920 Los Angeles Co., California Federal Census T625_116, p. 19A, ED 466)
Charles E. Affeld Jr.
Charles E. Affeld Jr. was born at Chicago, Illinois on February 28, 1876, the son of Charles Ernest Affeld (1843-1930+), an 1847 Prussian immigrant, and Helen W. Affeld (1847-pre-1920), a native of Michigan. At Chicago, the Senior Affeld was a fire insurance agent. Helen Affeld (1875-1920+), his and Helen’s only other child, became a medical doctor and practiced at Evanston, Illinois where the family had moved after 1910.(1920 Cook Co., Illinois Federal Census T625_357, p. 11B, ED 71)
On April 4, 1900, Charles E. Affeld Jr. married May Sanders (1877-1930+), born at Ohio of Scottish immigrant parents. By 1902, they had departed Biloxi for Chicago where their two children, Christina Affeld (1902-1910+) and Charles E. Affeld III (1908-1930+), were born.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 10, 1900, p. 8 and 1910 Cook Co., Illinois Federal Census T624_268, p. 11A, ED 1088)
At Chicago, Charles E. Affeld Jr. became an insurance agent, as his father. In 1917, he and May S. Affeld were domiciled at 2612 Hampden Court in the Windy City. By 1930, Charles E. Effeld Jr. and family had joined his retired father at Evanston, Illinois. He continued in the insurance business. It is interesting to note that their servant, Marie Baltimore (1909-1930+), was a Mississippi native.(1917-1918 WW I Draft Registration Cook Co., Illinois R1613569-Draft Board 50 and 1930 Cook Co., Illinois Federal Census R499, p. 13A, ED 2111)
Divorce
John and Mae L. Carroway divorced and in April 1920, she married at the Village of Oregon, Wisconsin to Earle K. Prichard (1873-1930+), a hardware merchant who was a successful business of that small community just south of Madison, Wisconsin.(The Daily Herald, April 12, 1920, p. 4 and 1930 Dane Co., Wisconsin Federal Census, R 2568, p. 7B, ED 62)
Thomas H. Warren (1835-1915) born December 8, 1835. Died at Biloxi on October 9, 1915. Acquired T.H. Kimbrough house on East Beach in June 1912.(The Daily Herald, June 7, 1912, p. 1)
In February 1901, Laz Lopez to John H. Miller to and John Carraway all my rights, title and interest in the Montross Hotel.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 47, p. 26)
In March 1902, John and Mae L. Carraway and J.H. and Alice Miller sell the Montross Hotel to Marie V. Craft of Mobile, Alabama for $6000. Fire insurance of $8000.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 51, p. 141)
In May 1904, John Carraway while in New York City sold his one-half interest in the Montross Hotel to John Henry Miller. The consideration was $4500.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 61, p. 246)
[1902-?]
Marie V. Craft
[1904-1920]
J.H. Miller and Alice Miller
In November 1904, J.H. Miller sold Alice Miller a one-half undivided interest in the Montross Hotel and other real property in Harrison County, Mississippi for $12,000.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 63, pp. 508)
In December 1914, Alice Miller sold her interest in the Montross Hotel back to her spouse.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 117, p. 211)
1920 Sale
In September 1920, J.H. Miller conveyed the Montross Hotel to J.W. Apperson for $26,000.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 129, p. 289)
[1920-1925]
J.W. Apperson and the Riviera Hotel
John Wright Apperson (1862-1939) was born at Memphis, Tennessee during the Civil War. He was educated at the Christian Brothers College and received his law degree from Vanderbilt. After a career in law and politics, Colonel Apperson began his residency at Biloxi in June 1912, when he leased the G.W. Wilkes property at the northeast corner of Seal Avenue and Beach Boulevard. Here J.W. Apperson commenced his first resort venture on the Mississippi Gulf Coast which he appropriately called, The Memphis House. In later years, it became known as the Palmer House, when owned by (The Daily Herald, April 1, 1939, p. 1 and Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 102 or 120?, pp. 130-131)
In July 1914, J.W. Apperson, E.T. Apperson, and George W. Grayson chartered the Apperson Hotel Company. It was organized with a capital stock of $10,000 and in business to own lease, maintain, construct, operate and conduct hotels, restaurants, bathing piers, pleasure boats, amusement parks, and to own real estate.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Charter Bk. 15, p. 7)
WWI
During the Great War, Colonel Apperson’s nephew and namesake, Lieutenant John W. Apperson, was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French Army for his bravery while commanding an artillery battery. Lt. Apperson was wounded in the hand by German shrapnel while on an mission in no man’s land. He was believed to have been the first Memphian to be decorated by the French government in this conflict.(The Daily Herald, May 14, 1918, p. 3)
Buena Vista Hotel
In early April 1927, Mr. and Mrs. Apperson and Mrs. Milton J. Apperson board a United Fruit Company steamship at NOLA. Their destination was Havana, Cuba.(The daily Herald, April 8, 1927, p. 8)
On March 27, 1930, Francis Arbeau Caillavet III (1881-1946), called Arbeau, sold his one-half interest in the Isle of Caprice Amusement Company, his co-partnership with W.H. ‘Skeet’ Hunt (1887-1960), to J.W. Apperson.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 186, pp. 249-250)
Lucille Evans Apperson
After the demise of Colonel Apperson in 1939, Lucille E. Apperson remained at her 127 Lameuse Street domicile, which was just north of the Riviera Hotel. She was born at Lincoln, Illinois on February 19, 1884, the daughter of Lincoln Evans and Nora Flynn.
In April 1942, Lucille E. Apperson vended 127 Lameuse Street to Michel N. Mikoul (1905-1993) and Shirley Thornton Mikoul (1911-1990 for $7000.( Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 242, p. 173)
Colonel Apperson managed the Riviera Hotel until his demise on April 1, 1939. H.N. Avery was appointed manager on April 15, 1939 and held that position until 1939.(The Daily Herald, August 1, 1939, p. 1)
[1922-1926]
1922 Fire
The Biloxi Fire Department was called to the Riviera Hotel in the early morning hours of May 15, 1922. Their response and subsequent performance were sterling as the Riviera Hotel was saved from total destruction. It sustained about $20,000 of water and fire damage. Colonel J.W. Apperson related that the structure was insured and that it would be repaired before the summer season commenced.(The Jackson County Times, May 20, 1922, p. 1)
1924 Lease
With the Buena Vista Hotel nearing completion and scheduled to open July 3, 1924, Colonel Apperson leased the Riviera Hotel to Joseph A. Isele (1867-1924+) and Martin Isele (1868-1930+), brothers and experienced hoteliers from Memphis, Tennessee. They had been involved in the construction of the Claridge Hotel at Memphis. The Colonel planned to reside at the Riviera until the Buena Vista opened.(The Daily Herald, June 12, 1924, p. 1)
The Isele brothers were born in Wrisen, Baden, Germany and had immigrated to America in 1885 settling at Memphis. By 1900 they owned a hotel on Adams Street.(1900 Shelby Co., Tennessee Federal Census T623_1597, p. 8B, ED 67)
1925 Sale
In January 1925, the newspapers were writing that Thomas K. Devitt (1882-1946) and Charles B. Foster (1877-1931) were considering the purchase of the Riviera Hotel for $125,000. Colonel Apperson and spouse went to the act of sale in late May 1925. The Riviera Hotel was vended to T.K. Devitt and C.B. Foster, both seafood cannery owners and entrepreneurs of Biloxi. The selling price was $150,000.(The Jackson County Times, April 25, 1925 and Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 148, pp. 156)
[1925-1926]
Devitt and Foster
The Riviera Hotel ownership of T.K. Devitt and C.B. Foster was short lived. They improved the hotel especially the kitchen area. All new equipmet was installed including such items as: racks, working tables, dish warmers, and electric dishwasher. In addition, a new mechanical refrigeration plant was installed as well as the lobby and dining room were repainted. Devitt and Foster sold their hostelry to the Riviera Hotel Company, a Delaware Corporation, in late September 1926. The sale included all furniture, beds, mattresses, springs, chairs, tables, bed lines, etc.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 164, p. 75)
Riviera Café
By April 1927,Walter Ohlmer of New Orleans, former manager of the French Tavern in the Crescent City, had taken over the management of the Riviera Café. At this time, he reported that his food was prepared ‘the old time way’ that and that the café was doing a lively business. Mr. Ohlmer had the pleasure of hosting the meetings of the Kiwanis Club of Biloxi, when the Tivoli Hotel closed for the season after Labor Day.(The Daily Herald, April 24, 1927, p. 2 and August 26, 1927, p. 2)
[1926-1932]
1929
In the fall of 1929, the Riviera Hotel underwent intensive interior and exterior improvements. Completion of this work was winding down in late December 1929. The hotel planned its formal opening for January 10, 1930. C.L. Martin, former assistant manager of the Buena Vista Hotel at Biloxi was the manager of the Riviera Hotel at this time.(The Daily herald, December 31, 1929, p. 2)
Riviera Hotel Company
May 1930-Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 11071
The Riviera Hotel Company, C.B. Foster, and Chester A. Delacruz were suing Mrs. T.K. Devitt for . Chancellor Daniel M. Russell adjudicated in favor of Mrs. T.K. Devitt to recover $10,000 from the Riviera Hotel Company.(Harrison Co., Ms Land Deed Bk. 30, p. 365)
1930-Lease
In November 1930, J.W. Apperson leased the Riviera Hotel to the Coast Hotel Company and William L. Jones, vice president.{much info in this deed}(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 195, pp. 1-3)
1932-Forfeiture and Trustee Sale
In the early years of the Great Depression bankruptcies and foreclosures were common. At this time, Colonel J.W. Apperson found himself in financial difficulties and defaulted on his deed of trust on the Riviera Hotel. The note that he had originally taken in June 1930 from had been transferred to the American National Insurance Company of Galveston, Texas.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Deed of Trust Bk. 77, p. 73)
On July 4, 1932, John D. Stennis Jr., sub-Trustee, sold the Riviera Hotel for $25,000 to the highest bidder, which was the American National Insurance Company of Galveston, Texas.( Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 195, pp. 1-3)
June 1934-Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 13635
E.C. Ellison and Matilda C. Ellison sued J.W. Apperson for foreclosure and sale of the Riviera Hotel. Chancellor Daniel M. Russell adjudicated in favor of the Ellison to recover $5,000 from J.W. Apperson.(Bk. 36, p. 295)
[1926-1939]
Interstate Hotel Company
1936-Lease
In late November 1936, H.E. Bearden, vice president of the Interstate Hotel Company, leased the Riviera Hotel to Eugene P. Leonetti and Mamie S. Leonettie for five years to commence December 1, 1936. Rents $40 per month for first year, $45 per month second year, and $55 per month for years three thru five.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 212, p. 589)
Eugene P. Leonetti
Eugene P. Leonetti (1887-1961) was born April 25, 1887, in Italy. Married Mamie Sue Allen. One son, Eugene P. Leonetti. Mr. Leonetti lived in California and New York before arriving at Biloxi. In addition to operating the Rendezvous Restaurant, he ran the city bus terminal before his retirement. Active in stock and bond market. Eugene P. Leonetti expired at Bioxi on January 13, 1961 at his home on 411 Hopkins Boulevard. He was active in the Italian-American Society. His corporal remains were sent to Meridian, Mississippi for internment.(The Daily Herald, January 13, 1961, p. 2)
1937-Lease
In 1937, the Interstate Hotel Company and Eugene P. Leonetti and spouse signed a new lease agreement which went into effect on July 1st and ended on June 30, 1942. The terms were the same as their first lease with the exception that the Leonettis agreed to erect a one-story, 1600 square-foot addition to the Riviera Hotel to cost not less than $2000.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 215, p. 468)
In 1936, Eugene P. Leonetti and Mamie Leonetti are proprietors of the Rendezvous Restaurant at 123 Lameuse Street.(1936 Biloxi City Directory , p. 176)
In 1940, the Leonettis are domiciled at 119 Lameuse Street.(1940-1941 Biloxi City Directory , p. 119)
1939-Sale
The Interstate Hotel Company, A.A. Horne, president sold to John C. Hunt on July 31, 1939 for $45,000.( Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 228 p. 226)
Quitclaim from W.L. Moody Jr., presidentof the American National Insurance Company to Interstate Hotel Company in August 1939.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 228, p. 249-228)
[1939-1941]
John C. Hunt
When John C. Hunt acquired the Riviera Hotel in July 1939, he had many business interests particularly a large furniture store at Dyersburg, Tennessee.
Nathaniel H. Avery (1889-1940+), a native of New London, Connecticut, was the manager of the Riviera Hotel in February 1940. Mr. Avery was married and had two children: Grace Avery and Nathaniel H. Avery II (1924-2006).(The Daily Herald, February 8, 1940, p. 12)
Joel H. Hunt was manager of the Riviera Hotel in February 1941 when he was sued by William H. Barton. Barton alleged that Mr. Hunt made malicious and unveritable remarks about him in Ocotber 1940 when he was an employee of the hostelry.(The Daily Herald, February 20, 1941, p. 3)
For about $25,000, John C. Hunt sold the Riviera Hotel property to Mrs. H.V Sherrill on August 7, 1941.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 241, pp. 173)
[1941-1955]
Wilhelmina R. Sherrill
Wilhelmina ‘Billie’ Sewell Roberts Sherrill (1886-1982) was born at Jackson, East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana on September 26, 1886 to Dr. William J. Roberts (1869-pre 1930) and Sarah E. Roberts (1876-1930+). Dr. W.J. Roberts was a peripatetic physician. By 1896, the family had moved to Mississippi. In 1910, Dr. W.J. Roberts had relocated his family to Colfax, Grant Parish, Louisiana. Their other children were: Lena O. Roberts (1895-1910+); and Bennett F. Roberts (1899-1910+).(
Hugh V. Sherrill
On September 29, 1917, Billie Roberts married Hugh Virgil Sherrill (1876-1927), born April 18, 1876, at Madison County, Tennessee. He was the son of Dr. Hugh Newton Sherrill (1837-1903) who was born on August 7, 1837 and Mary E. Hardy (1846-1910+), both Tennessee natives. Dr. H.N. Sherrill married Miss Hardy in September 1865. Their other children were: Algernon S. Sherrill (1868-1920+); Clarence H. Sherrill (1873-1900+); and Joseph L. Sherrill (1879-1900+). This Sherrill family is rooted in North Carolina thorough Archibald Sherrill and Agnes Moss.
Hugh N. Sherrill and Algernon [Algie] S. Sherrill (1868-1920+), his older brother, were business associates in the lumber industry for many years. In 1880, the Dr. H.N. Sherrill family was residing in Henderson, then in Madison County, Tennessee. By 1900, the family had moved to Union City, Obion County, Tennessee. Here Algie was a dry good merchant and Hugh N. Sherrill engaged in the lumber business.(1880 Obion County, Tennessee Federal Census T623 1591, p. 17A, ED 108)
After the death of Dr. H.N. Sherrill in Tennessee on July 8, 1903, Hugh V. Sherrill, Algie S. Sherrill and their mother settled at Paducah, McCracken County, Kentucky. At this Ohio River port city, they engaged in the lumber business together.(1910 McCracken County, Kentucky Federal Census T624_493, p. 2B, ED 124)
Louisiana-California
In late January 1920, Hugh V. Sherrill and Billie R. Sherrill, his recent bride, were domiciled at Merryville, Beauregard Parish, Louisiana. Here Hugh V. Sherrill was the manager of a lumber mill. Algernon S. Sherrill (1869-1920+), his brother, was the president of the mill and residing with them.(1920 Beauregard Parish, Louisiana T625_605, p. 3B, ED 109)
For some reason unknown to the author, Hugh V. and Billie R. Sherrill were in Los Angeles County, California in September 1920, as their only child, Hugh Virgil Sherrill II (1920-2007+), was born here on September 18, 1920. Family lore relates that H. Virgil Sherrill had contracted tuberculosis and may have traveled to the western United States to improve his health.(S. Ann R. Morse, July 30, 2007)
New Mexico and travel
Hugh V. Sherrill expired at Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico on October 22, 1927. By 1930, Billie R. Sherrill, his widow, was living at 908 West Tijeras Avenue in Albuquerque with her widowed mother and young son. After the death of her spouse, she began several ocean voyages. Billie left the Canal Zone in April 1929 aboard the SS Heredia, a United Fruit Company vessel, and landed in New Orleans one week later. She left Havana, Cuba in August 1930 and arrived at New Orleans in September 1930 traveling aboard the SS Cuba. (1930 Bernalillo County, New Mexico Federal Census R 1392, p. 7B, ED 10)
Mississippi Gulf Coast
By 1935, Billie R. Sherrill had relocated to East Beach at Gulfport, Mississippi. In the late summer and early fall of 1935, she went to Europe. She returned on the SS Ile de France leaving Le Havre, France for New York City in early October.
Upon the death of Lynn Hamilton Dinkins (1867-1938), New Orleans’ banker and son of Captain James Dinkins (1845-1939), Mrs. Sherrill was legated $10,000 from his estate.(The Daily Herald, January 11, 1938, p. 5)
H. Virgil Sherrill
H. Virgil Sherrill attended the Gulf Coast Military Academy on East Beach at Gulfport. He matriculated to Yale University at New Haven, Connecticut and graduated with the Class of 1942. Mrs. Sherrill attended his graduation at New Haven in June 1942. Her sojourn took her to New York City where she was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Ashton Hayward. Virgil Sherrill also received his commission into the U.S. Navy via the Yale NROTC program at his commencement exercises. They returned to Biloxi by automobile. Virgil was called to active military duty in June 1942.(The Daily Herald, June 3, 1942, p. 2)
Air War
In November 1946, Lt. (jg) Hugh Virgil Sherrill was awarded a permanent citation for the Navy Cross by James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy, for his extraordinary heroism as a fighter pilot of Fighting Squadron 81 attached to the USS Wasp. Lt. Sherrill destroyed four Japanese fighter planes on February 17, 1945 in an air battle over Tokyo Bay. Sherrill’s squadron encountered an enemy force with superior numbers, but preceded to press the fight. He was also credited with two probable ‘kills’ in this battle.(The Daily Herald, November 29, 1946, p. 6)
In 1948, H. Virgil Sherrill resided at New Orleans. Here he may have met Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Stevens (b. 1924), a native of the Crescent City.
Stanford Morse
Wilhelmina R. Sherrill married Stanford E. Morse (1900-1934+), a native of Wesson, Mississippi on November 14, 1948 in Harrison County, Mississippi. He was the widower of Ernestine Neuhardt (1905-1932), a native of Memphis, Tennessee. George E. Neuhart (1866-1920+), her Ohio born father, was a Memphis attorney and a judge.(Harrison Co., Ms. MRB 78, p. 336 and 1920 Shelby Co., Tennessee Federal Census T625_1764, p. 13A, ED 155)
The Morse-Sherrill nuptial ceremony was held at her home in Pass Christian, Mississippi. H. Virgil Sherrill was best man for his mother, while Stanford Morse II and George E Morse stood with their father.(The Daily Herald, November 15, 1948, p. 8)
Stanford Morse and Ernestine Neuhardt were the parents of: Stanford E. Morse Jr. (1926-2002) m. Sally Ann Reilly (b. 1927) and George E. Morse (1926-2004?) m. Nancy Temple Wood. Stanford Morse relocated to Gulfport, Mississippi in 1922 from Jackson, Mississippi. He was educated at Millsaps College and the University of Mississippi. At Gulfport, Stanford became a partner in the legal firm of Ford, White, and Morse, which operated from the Abstract Building at Gulfport. They resided on East Beach at Gulfport.(The Daily Herald, 50th Golden Jubilee, 1934, p. 72)
Ernestine Neuhardt Morse expired at her Gulf Shore Manor home on November 10, 1932. She had come to the Mississippi Gulf Coast from Memphis to attend Gulf Park College at Long Beach. After her graduation in
Mrs. W. Sherrill Morse management
As in any change in ownership, it was only natural for Mrs. Billie R. Sherrill to hire and fire employees. Mrs. L.M. Lofgren was employed to manage the hostelry. Mrs. Jennie May White who had previously been employed at the Palmer House and had worked for Colonel J.W. Apperson at the Riviera Hotel before she left for Birmingham, Alabama, returned to Biloxi and was placed in charge of food and beverage services. Mrs. Leone Meyer was to assist her in the dining room. The ladies had arranged to have a Sunday night buffet to attract locals and provide a venue for social contact among the guests of the Riviera.(The Daily Herald, August 11, 1941, p. 7)
Keesler Army Airfield- Biloxi housing shortage
August 1941, was a brilliant time for Mrs. Willie R. Sherrill to have acquired the Riviera Hotel. In June 1941, the U.S. Army Air Corps had activated Station No. 8, Aviation Mechanics School, at Biloxi, Mississippi. By late August 1941, this military installation had been dedicated as Keesler Army Airfield, in honor of 2nd Lieutenant Samuel Reeves Keesler (1896-1918), a native of Greenwood, Mississippi. Lieutenant Keesler had died in France from wounds received while in aerial combat against Germany during the Great War. Keesler Army Airfield not only became technical training center, but trained basic recruits. The first contingent of recruits arrived at Biloxi on August 21, 1941.(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keesler_Air_Force_Base)
Clerks: Edward I. Carnes (1914-1972) and Louis Raymond.(The Daily Herald, August 11, 1941, p. 7)
Shortly after Mrs. Billie R. Sherril acquired the Riviera Hotel, she placed an advertisement in the local Biloxi journal, which read as follows:
|
Riviera Hotel Biloxi’s Coolest Announces Delicious home cooked meals prepared by Mrs. Jennie May White at popular prices. Also Sunday night buffet supper. Cool, comfortable rooms with ceiling fans, new innerspring mattresses in each room. Homelike atmosphere. SINGLE ROOMS WITH PRIVATE BATH AS LOW AS $1.50 DAILY UNDER COMPLETE NEW MANAGEMENT SINCE AUGUST 8th, 1941. (The Daily Herald, August 14, 1941, p. 7) |
In November 1941, Billie R. Sherrill advertised her Biloxi hotel in the Yellow Pages of the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Telephone Gulfport Telephone Directory, as follows:
|
Riviera Hotel 100 ROOMS------100 BATHS Rates $1.50 UP “Meet the Best People on Earth Here” Mrs. H.V. Sherrill, Owner 101 E. Beach 1100 ( p. 43) |
Billie S. Morse died December 6, 1982. Buried at Live Oak Cemetery in Pass Christian, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, December 8, 1982, p. 2)
Before her death, Billie S. Morse vended the Riviera Hotel at Biloxi to the Avelez Hotel Company in December 1955.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 403, p. 171)
Avelez Hotel Company
The Avelez Hotel Company was chartered in June 1946 by Uriah S. Joachim (1888-1977), Richard R. Guice, Adrian Weill (1903-1971), and Albert Sydney Johnston Jr.(Harrison County, Ms. Charter Bk. 93, p. 162)
Wilhelmina ‘Billie’ Sewell Roberts Sherrill Morse (1886-1982) vended the Riviera Hotel at Biloxi to the Avelez Hotel Company in December 1955.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 403, p. 171)
Uriah S. Joachim
Uriah Silvester “Jack” Joachim (1888-1977) was born on March 13, 1888 at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He attended Soule Business School at New Orleans graduating in 1906. Joachim found employment as a bookkeeper for the Dantzler Commissary, a subsidiary of the L.N. Dantzler Lumber Company, at Vancleave. Later he worked with the J. & S. Company there. In 1908, U.S. Joachim relocated to Biloxi where he became an employee of the L. Lopez Company as a bookkeeper.(Lepre, 1991, p. 160 and The Daily Herald, January 31, 1977, p. A-2)
On November 14, 1912, at Nativity B.V.M. in Biloxi, U.S. Joachim marriedStella Angelina Gillen (1892-1963), a native of Biloxi and the daughter of Mark J. Gillen (1840-1925), from County Mayo, Ireland, and Ellen Sheehan (1854-1931), a native of New Orleans. U.S. Joachim and Stella G. Joachim were the parents of Mark Gillen Joachim (b. 1913), Clare Joachim Maddox (b. 1915), John Schappert “Jack” Joachim (b. 1916), Harry Joseph Joachim (b. 1920), and Ruth Marylyn Joachim Janca.(1925-1989).(Mark Joachim, August 27, 1999)
By March 1918, Mr. Joachim had been promoted manager of the L. Lopez & Company operation in Biloxi. At this time, he resigned and joined the Combel Hardware Company as manager. Mr. Joachim was one of the incorporators of this stock company, which evolved in 1948, into his wholly owned Combel’s Merchandise Mart. In addition to his hardware interests, U.S. Joachim was president of First Federal Savings and Loan and the Avelez Hotel. He was also a member of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Elks Club, and Church of the Nativity of the B.V.M. Mr. Joachim expired in late January 1977. Stella Gillen Joachim, his wife of over fifty years, preceded him in death expiring on September 12, 1963. They rest eternally in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery in Biloxi.(The Jackson County Times, March 20, 1918, p. 7 and The Daily Herald, January 31, 1977, p. A-2)
Adrian Weill
In 1930 Adrian Weill relocated to Biloxi, Mississippi and opened a retail shoe store on Lameuse Street. Shortly, he acquired the building that his leased space was situated, which led to his life long vocation of acquiring and selling rental property. Adrian initiated the first drive-in restaurant, Ferdinand’s, at Biloxi, which was located on West Beach. He also constructed Biloxi’s first shopping center, Weill’s Shopping Center, also on West Beach.(The Daily Herald, February 22, 1971, p. 1)
Adrian Weill met and married Jeannette L. Dees (1916-2002), who was born northeast of Mobile at Repton, Conecuh County, Alabama. Donna Mae Long Dees McMillan (1898-1930+), her mother, once served as Postmaster of Repton, Alabama. Adrian and Jeannette D. Weill were the parents of Adrian Michael ‘Mike’ Weill (1943-1976); Jolene W. Manuel Aultman; Donna Lynn W. Minton Green; and Jacqueline W. Glascow Bernstein (d. pre 2002).(The Sun Herald, April 21, 2002, p. A8 and 1930 Conecuh Co., Alabama Federal Census R9, p. 5A, ED 17)
In December 1986, Jacqueline W. Bernstein, Jolene W. Aultman, and Donna W. Green, Conservators and daughters of Jeanette Dees 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)
1947 Hurricane
The September Storm of 1947 was very devastating to low-lying commercial and residential structures from Point Cadet to the Biloxi Lighthouse. The storm surge at Biloxi was measured at thirteen feet. In the vicinity of the Riviera Hotel
Camille
August 19, 1969
The Board of Directors of the Avelez Hotel held a special meeting on March 18, 1970 and unanimously vote to sell their old Montross-Riviera Hotel lot on Lameuse and Beach Boulevard. Two days later the Avelez Hotel Corporation for $260,000 conveyed the lot to the Housing Authority of Biloxi. (2nd JD Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 8, p. 473)
City of Biloxi
REFERENCES:
Nap L. Cassibry II, Early Settlers and Land Grants at Biloxi, Volume I, (Mississippi Coast Historical and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-Special Issue 5, November 1986), p. 82.
Nap L. Cassibry II, Early Settlers and Land Grants at Biloxi, Volume II, (Mississippi Coast Historical and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-Special Issue 5, November 1986).
Nap L. Cassibry II, The Ladner Odyssey, Volume II, (Mississippi Coast Historical and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-Special Issue 5, November 1986).
Charles L. Dyer, Along The Gulf, (Women of the Trinity Episcopal Church: Pass Christian-1971. Originally published 1895).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991)
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).
T.H. Glenn, The Mexican Gulf Coast on Mobile Bay & Mississippi Sound Illustrated, (Delchamps: Mobile, Alabama-1893).
The History of Jackson County, Mississippi, ‘William C. Seaman’ , (Jackson County, Mississippi Genealogical Society: Pascagoula, Mississippi- 1989).
Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Co., “Telephone Directory-Gulfport, Miss.”, November 1941.
Chancery Court
No. 315, 1879.
No. 349, 1882.
No. 408, 1886.
No. 799, 1896.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 143, “Peter Lienhardt, et al v. Sherrod Seaman, et al-May 1874.
Harrison County, MississippiChancery Court Cause No. 889, ‘The Estate of P.J. Montross’, 1897.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 11071, ‘Riviera Hotel Company, C.B. Foster, and C.A. Delacruz v. Mrs. T.K. Devitt, et al”-May 1930.
HarrisonCounty, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 13635, ‘ E.C. Ellison, et al v. J.W. Apperson’, May 1934.
Journals
The Biloxi Herald, ‘Montross Hotel advertisement’, January 14, 1888.
The Biloxi Herald, “First Excursion of the Season”, February 18, 1888.
The Biloxi Herald, ‘Montross Hotel advertisement’, February 18, 1888.
The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, March 3, 1888.
The Biloxi Herald, “Northern Visitors”, March 10, 1888.
The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, April 7, 1888.
The Biloxi Herald, “Proceedings Town Council”, August 18, 1888.
The Biloxi Herald, “Visit to the Northwest”, October 6, 1888.
The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, November 10, 1888.
The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, November 24, 1888.
The Biloxi Herald, “The Glorious Fourth”, July 4, 1891.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, May 28, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald, “Montross Hotel”, December 9, 1893.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, January 20, 1894.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”, June 13, 1896.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Necrology-Major Peter J. Montross”, April 3, 1897, p. 8.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Latest City News”, April 3, 1897.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Latest City News”, April 10, 1897.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Hotel Montross”, May 8, 1897.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Latest City News”, July 3, 1897.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Concert at the Montross”, July 17, 1897.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Affeld-Sanders”, April 10, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Pleasure boat for hire”, June 26, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Pretty Things”, August 22, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, October 30, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Swept by Flames”, November 9, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, November 18, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, January 5, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, January 8, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, January 10, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, January 11, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Mr. Sawford honored”, January 29, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, February 25, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Races for the soldiers”, August 13, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Races Saturday”, August 19, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Northern Visitors”, October 29, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Among the Candidates”, July 29, 1907.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Paid homage to honored dead [T.P. Dulion]”, February 23, 1907.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”,
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”,
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”,
The Daily Herald
The Daily Herald, “Carnvail (sic) next year to be bigger and better”, April 1908.
The Daily Herald, “Mr. Sawford will retain Montross”, April 29, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Punches Biloxi Hotel Operator”, August 2, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Kimbrough home on beach is sold”, June 7, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Cadillac wins Grunewald Cup in race from Orleans to Biloxi, June 30, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Col. Apperson is Uncle of first Memphis hero”, May 14, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News”, April 12, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Riviera Hotel changes hands”, June 12, 1924.
The Daily Herald, “Riviera improvements completed", August 6, 1926.
The Daily Herald, “Florian Seal offers himself for reelection”, April 2, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Apperson leaves for Cuba”, April 8, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Popularizing Riviera cafe”, April 25, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Kiwanis meet at Riviera Hotel”, August 26, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Florian Seal dies suddenly”, December 12, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Florian Seal buried today”, December 13, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Riviera improvements completed”, August 6, 1926.
The Daily Herald, “Bilbo to be guest of Col. Apperson”, December 3, 1926.
The Daily Herald, “Riviera Hotel to open January 10”, December 31, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “John Carraway dies”, August 6, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Carraway Funeral”, August 19, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Carraway Funeral”, August 21, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “John Carraway buried”, August 24, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Stanford Morse succumbs to illness”, November 10, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “Remodeling pavilion”, November 21, 1936.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Florian Seal dies”, September 12, 1936.
The Daily Herald, “$10,000 left to Mrs. H.V. Sherill”, January 11, 1938.
The Daily Herald, “Col. J.W. Apperson Taken By Death”, April 1, 1939.
The Daily Herald, “New Management Riviera Hotel”, August 1, 1939.
The Daily Herald, “I.S. Avery dies”, February 8, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Hotel manager is sued for $25,000”, February 20, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Riviera Hotel is sold to Mrs. Sherrill”, August 9, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Announce personnel of Riviera Hotel”, August 11, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Hotels have biggest season”, August 11, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Riviera Hotel [advertisement]”, August 14, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Attends Yale graduation”, June 3, 1942.
The Daily Herald, “Once busy Biloxi Beach deep in sand”, September 24, 1947.
The Daily Herald, “Lt. Sherrill cited”, November 29, 1946.
The Daily Herald, “Morse-Sherrill”, November 15, 1948.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. J.W. Apperson Dies”, October 26, 1951.
The Daily Herald, “Riviera Hotel on Biloxi Beach is purchased for $100,000”, December 23, 1955.
The Daily Herald, “Eugene Leonetti”, January 13, 1961.
The Daily Herald, “Adrian Weill taken by death”, February 22, 1971.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Stanford E. (Wilhelmina) Morse”, December 8, 1982.
The Daily Herald, “
The Daily Herald, “
The Jackson County Times
The Jackson County Times, “Riviera Hotel is damaged by fire”, May 20, 1922.
The Jackson County Times, “Local and Personal”, April 25, 1925.
The Jackson County Times, “Col. Apperson Buys Riviera For $80,000”, November 9, 1929.
The New Orleans Daily Picayune, “The Late Destructive Gale”, September 16, 1855.
The Star of Pascagoula, May 29, 1875, p. 3
The Star of Pascagoula, “Our Watering Places”, June 26, 1875.
The Sun Herald, “Jeanette Dees Weill”, April 21, 2002, p. A8.
Internet
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keesler_Air_Force_Base.
Personal Communication:
Ann Reilly Morse- telephone on July 30, 2007
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HOTEL d'EUROPE-BUOLO HOTEL
West Water Street
Location: Block 126 ½.
Hotel d'Europe
In May 1867, Francis Fizaine [Fizen] leased the Hotel d'Europe with all buildings and outhouses there on to Charles DeJean (1812-1894) for a term of five years. The DeJean lease commenced on May 15, 1866 and terminated on May 15, 1871 with an annual rent of $300. Fizaine promised to repair the roof and floors and agreed to erect at his own expense a substantial bath house for the use of DeJean and guests. In addition, he was to leave fifteen bedsteads, dining tables, and wash stands in the premises.(Harrison Co., Ms. Land Deed Bk. 10, p. 164)
The Boulo Hotel
Prior to the acquisition in March 1913, by August Tremmel (1873-1942), the parcel of land in
Charles DeJean acquired his hotel property in March 1868, for $2500 from George Binder, attorney in fact of Carl Schwarz and the heirs at law of John Crusius, deceased of
A certain lot of ground with the improvements thereon situated in the Town of Biloxi, County of Harrison, in the State of Mississippi, namely said lot is bounded on the South by a street known as Water Street on the North by a street or property of vendors on the West by property of one Menasker or a street left by vendors and on the East by a road leading North and South, having a front on Water Street of one hundred and fifty seven feet more or less running thence North one hundred and eighty-four feet, thence East one hundred and fifty-seven feet more or less, thence South one hundred and eighty-four feet and West one hundred fifty-seven feet more or less to the place of beginning.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 10, p. 426)
On October 16, 1894, after the demise of Charles DeJean, the Boulo Hotel and land were vended to Jenny Bozonnier Tissot by his heirs, Peter DeJean and Alice D. Lanius.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 32, pp. 7-9)
Tissot Family
Jenny Bozonnier Tissot (1849-1912), a native of
In 1900, Mrs. Tissot was residing on
Charles DeJean facts
Adele Aldezer (1826-1916), first wife?
Josephine DeJean (1844-1880), mother French.
Alice DeJean Lanius, a native of
Charles M. Lanius (1881-1950) married Laura Tremmel (1884-1935), a sister of August Tremmel, who would acquire the DeJean hotel property later.
Peter DeJean facts
Engaged in business at
In June 1891, Peter DeJean opened the ‘Little Gem’, a billiard saloon. (The Biloxi Herald, June 6, 1891, p. 8)
Mrs. Ida Fountain, half-sister, of P.J. DeJean died at NOLA last Saturday.(The Biloxi Herald, February 6, 1892, p.4)
In May 1899, Operating Sazerac Lunch House on the corner of Howard and
In December 1914, The Daily Herald, stated that in an article titled, ‘Twenty Years Ago’ that: “Peter DeJean opened up a restaurant on the depot square”.(The Daily Herald, December 19, 1914, p. 8)
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi-D'Iberville Press, "The Way it Was"-'Biloxi's Chalet Boulo', November 18, 1995.
The
The
The
The
The Daily Herald, “Twenty years ago today”, December 19, 1914.
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SHEFFER HOUSE [1880]
In May 1880, Theodore M. Scheffer (1849-1884), a Prussian immigrant, opened his establishment, the Scheffer House, for guests. It had been placed in first class condition for the season.(1880 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T9_648, p. 9, ED 139 and The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 28, 1880, p. 3)
REFERENCES:
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 28, 1880.
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ORLEANS HOUSE
William Drysdale was born in Scotland. In January 1857, he married Margaret Ellen Musson (1840-1888+), an Irish immigrant. Children: Jane Drysdale (1858-1939); William Drysdale (1861- ); Elizabeth Drysdale (1864- ) married Charles L. Johnson in 1894; Anna Drysdale (1866-1934); Josephine Drysdale (1867-1955); John Thomas Drysdale (1868-1934); Robert E. Lee Drysdale (1871-1900+); Alexander W. Drysdale (1872-pre 1880) and Alexina I. Drysdale (1872-pre-1880).(Lepre, 1991, p. 97)
|
ORLEANS HOUSE Mrs. M.E. Drysdale, proprietor Board and Lodging
(The Biloxi Herald, December 15, 1888, p. 5 |
Maggie Drysdale left Biloxi in February 1888 to stay with William Drysdale, her brother, at Selma, Alabama. In 1900, William was operating a restaurant on Washington Street at Selma, Alabama. Circa 1884, he married Fannie Hedge or Haig, a native of Alabama. Two children born at Biloxi in 1885 and .( Lepre, 1991, p. 97 and 1900 Dallas Co., Alabama Federal Census T623 14, p. 8B, ED 44)
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, February 25, 1888.
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ARLINGTON HOTEL [circa 1889]
Arlington House
[Courtesy of H.R. 'Randy' Randazzo]
The Arlington House and its furnishings were owned by Charles F. Theobald (1839-1903) and situated on Front Street [Beach Boulevard], probably near Main Street. It appears to have opened in 1889 under the proprieurtorship of H. Edwards. By May 1890, Colonel L. Bitterwolf of New Orleans was the lessor. He stayed for about two months and was replaced by Edward L. Brown also coming from the Crescent City by way of Western resorts. Colonel Bitterwolf returned to NOLA to work in the liquor business.(The Biloxi Herald, November 30, 1889, p. 2 and July 26, 1890, p. 1)
Advertisement
In June 1891, this advertisement was run in The Biloxi Herald:
ARLINGTON HOTEL
(on the Front Beach)
Biloxi, Mississippi
Under the proprieurtorship of Edward L. Brown
Fire
In early September 1891, a fire commenced in the kitchen of the Arlington Hotel which quickly spread to the main building. The hotel and a small, warehouse structure owned by Jacob Elmer were consumed by the conflagration. Mr. Theobald had his property insured for $3500, but his losses were estimated at $6000. Mr. Brown, the lessor, had covered his personal effects for $1200.(The Biloxi Herald, September 12, 1891, p. 4)
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Herald, "Advertisement", November 30, 1889.
The Biloxi Herald, "Advertisement", December 21, 1889.
The Biloxi Herald, "Advertisement", June 6, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald, "The Arlington Hotel changes hands", July 26, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald, "Fire Record", September 12, 1891.
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1900-1940
EDGEWATER GULF
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Edgewater, Markham Hotels $ 1 million Mississippi Coast industry", January 27, 1949.
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1940-1980
SARATOGA COURT-'FLORENCE-CHARLES MOTEL'
US HIGHWAY 90
SARATOGA COURT
The Saratoga Court, considered a 'Mom and Pop' motel, was situated on U.S. Highway 90, also called Beach Boulevard, just east of DeBuys Road. Circa 1946, Harold Maynard Olney (1893-1975), a native of Clinton, Iowa and Florence B. MacMahon Olney (1892-1976), his spouse and son, relocated from Clinton, Iowa to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They operated the Saratoga Court, which was named for the USS Saratoga, the second aircraft in the U.S. Navy commissioned in November 1927. Charles R. Olney (1920-2005), the Olney's son, was wounded while serving on the Saratoga during WWII, probably near Iwo Jima in February 1945, when the ship was hit by Japanese Kamikaze attack planes.(http://world connect.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=olney&id=179645)
In the early 1950s, the former Saratoga Inn, was called the Florence-Charles Motel. Mrs. Olney
Harold M. Olney died at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, Mississippi on July 20, 1975. His corporal remains were sent to Clinton, Iowa for burial in the Rose Hill Cemetery.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Harold Maynard Olney", July 21, 1975.
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