TIME LINE

Howard Memorial [Main] School

[Gift of Frank T. Howard (1855-1911 and Harry T. Howard (1856-1930) which was built and designed by John R. Harkness & Son in 1888 for $10,000]

1884

The Gulf Coast College was incorporated and established at Handsboro, Mississippi in September 1884.(The Daily Picayune, September 29, 1884, p. 6)

1888

John R. Harkness (1827-1903) has taken contract to build the new public school building, which was donated by the Howard family.(The Biloxi Herald, August 4, 1888, p. 8)

1893

The Seashore Academy was a private school founded in June 1893 by Laz Lopez, F.W. Elmer, S. Picard, John Walker, E.J. Buck, H.T. Graves, E.W. Morrill, H. Otto, J.R. Harkness, George H. Dunbar, and F.B. Dunbar.  This private educational institution was situated about 500 feet west of the Biloxi Lighthouse.  It opened in September 1893 with Dr. George S. Roudebush (1829-1921), a Presbyterian minister, in charge.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 1, p. 6 and The Biloxi Herald, July 1, 1893, p. 8)  

1895

The textbooks, Metcalf & Bright Language Lesson, Metcalf English Grammar, and Waddy's Rhetoric, were adopted by the Biloxi School Board for the next five years.(The Biloxi Herald, September 28, 1895, p. 8)

1898

BILOXI FOREST PARK SCHOOL [also called WEST END SCHOOL]

The Forest Park School was donated to the City of Biloxi by Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903) and Julia Dulion Lopez (18-1918) on September 6, 1898. This school was situated on the SW/C of Porter Avenue and Cemetery Road, now Irish Hill Drive. The school was commenced for students below the 3rd grade that lived west of Couevas Street.  It had one large room and two smaller ones, a spacious hallway, and a cloak room.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 10, 1898, p. 4)

BACK BAY SCHOOL [image made 1902]

The Back Bay Ward School was donated to the City of Biloxi on September 6, 1898.  The land for the Back Bay school was donated by William F. Gorenflo (1844-1932).  The building was erected with funds provided by William K.M. Dukate (1852-1916).  A school in this section of Biloxi was desperately needed and sincerely appreciated by the Back Bay residents.  The facility was located on Bayview Avenue and Main Street.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 7, 1898, p. 4)

MAIN STREET SCHOOL[image made 1902]

The Primary School or Main Street School was donated to the City of Biloxi by Harry Turner Howard (1856-1930) on September 6, 1898.  It was erected on the corner of Main Street and Water Street and was built 8 feet above the ground in order that the children could use the area beneath it as a playground in inclement weather.  The building had four class rooms and designed for fifty-two students.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 10, 1898, p. 4)

It was opined in The Biloxi Daily Herald that: 'The school facilities of Biloxi are second to none enjoyed by any city in the State.  She is blessed with five excellent school buildings and one of the best corps of teachers in the South.'(The Biloxi Herald, September 24, 1898, p. 8)

By early October 1898, the furniture for the new public school buildings had not arrived and the old seats were placed in the West End and Back Bay schools.  The new primary school will not be open until the new fixtures are in place.The Biloxi Herald, October 1, 1898, p. 1)

1902

The cornerstone for the new East End School, donated to the citzens of Biloxi by Harry T. Howard (1856-1930), was laid on Thanksgiving Day by the Masons.  The Biloxi Brass Band directed by John Ott performed for the ceremonies.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 28, 1902, p. 6)

1903

The Barataria Mission School, also known as the Sabbath or Mission School, was a charitable. educational facility to educate children in the cannery camps on Point Cadet.  It was overseen by Belle Gordon (1862-1925) and Maggie Bowman Gordon Mass,(1834-1907), her mother and a native of NOLA.  The site for the school was provided by the Barataria Canning Company.  The facility also taught night classes in reading, writing and arithemetic twice each week.  In December 1903, the building needed a new roof, electric lights, and one volunteer to assist Miss Gordon.  Mrs. Mass died at 1128 East Bayview Avenue, her home, in July 1907.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 3, 1903, p. 6 and July 18, 1907, p. 1)

1913

1914

Edwin W. Wetzel (1877-1953) was awarded the contract by the City of Biloxi to erect a 900 square-ft annex to the Back Bay School.  An additional teacher for the next term will be added as many pupils were unable to attend the school due to lack of facilities and overcrowding in its two class rooms.(The Daily Herald, July 28, 1914, p. 2)

1915

The Gulf Coast College building at Handsboro, Mississippi burned on January 8th.  The structure also housed the town hall.(The Daily Herald, January 9, 1915, p. 9)

1916

William K.M. Dukate (1852-1916), native of Fredericksburg, Indiana and Biloxi seafood magnate, philanthropist and entrepreneur, expired at his Biloxi home on March 29th.(The Daily Herald, March 29, 1916, p. 1)

1928

Vera L. Dukate Chinn (1886-1977), the wife of R. Hart Chinn, filed an injunction in the Harrison County court to enjoin A.L. May and George Ditto, Superintendent of Biloxi Public schools and Principal Biloxi High School respectively, from enforcing an alleged school regulation requring all students to take their lunch in the school cafeteria or at their homes. W. Lee Guice, City Attorney, represented the city in these procedings at Gulfport.(The Daily Herald, January 14, 1928, p. 1)

Plans for the new gymnasium for the Biloxi High School have been received.  The $15,000 brick and steel structure will be built on Washington Street behind the school.(The Daily Herald, September 7, 1928, p. 2 and January 17, 1929, p. 13)

1930

 

 

1932

William F. Gorenflo (1844-1932), native of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi and Biloxi seafood pioneer and philanthropist, expired on February 16th.  His funeral procession left 925 Main Street, the home of Ernestine Gorenflo Meunier, his daughter, and rolled past the Gorenflo School where its students and faculty stood with bowed heads in respect.(The Daily Herald, February 19, 1932, p. 2)

On May 24th, the American Legion Auxilliary dedicated a sundial situated in the south side school yard of the Gorenflo School in memory of the late William F. Gorenflo (1844-1932).  Nina Lee Gorenflo, and Pat and Lonnie O'Neal, great grandchildren of the benefactor, unveiled the monument. The school orchestra under the supervision of Professor Carnovale played the Star Spangled Banner.(The Daily Herald, May 25, 1932, p. 2)

1941

In late December, $75,000 was allocated by the Defense Public Works to complete the Biloxi Junior High School building. The WPA had closed down the project several months ago due to a paucity of WPA labor at Biloxi. The WPA had already expended $27, 937 on the school's construction and the land cost was $15,000.  Voter's had also approved $47,000 in funding for the new school. The plant was to have eighteen classrooms, as well as, home economics, science and manual training facilities. Work was anticipated to start in thirty days from a John T. Collins design.(The Daily Herald, December 31, 1941, p. 1) 

1943

On September 8th, the new Biloxi Central Junior High School commenced classes for 568 students in grades seven, eight, and nine.  Cyril Carvin (1917-1943) was the principal.(The Daily Herald, September 9, 1943)

1946

On January 25th, the Biloxi School Board decided to make Mardi Gras a holiday for the Biloxi Public Schools.(Skeleton, 2002, p. 43)

The De LaSalle High School dance band of Chicago accepted the challenge of the Biloxi High School dance orchestra issued under the direction of Profesor Marion Carpenter to any other high school dance orchestra to be judged by some outstanding musician.(The Daily Herald, April 19, 1946, p. 7)  

1947

Mary L. Meaut Michel (1887-1952), acting Principal of BHS, was replaced by C.B. Barrett, a native of Winona, Missouri, in early June 1947.(The Daily Herald, June 5, 1947, p. 5 and June 6, 1947, p. 5)

1952

Mary L. Meaut Michel (1887-1952), long time Biloxi school teacher and spouse of Marshall L. Michel (1886-1954), former Biloxi City Commissioner, died at NOLA on February 17th.  Her corporal remains were interred in the Carrollton Cemetery in the Crescent City.(The Daily Herald, February 19, 1952, p. 1)

1958

In October, the Biloxi School Board awarded a $437,370 contract to W.M. Craig of Gulfport to erect the Beauvoir Elementary School on Pass Road just west of the City limits.  John T. Collins was the architect of the twenty-two. classroom facility.(The Daily Herald, October 8, 1958, p. 1)

The Biloxi School Board awarded a $40,880 contract to T.L. Williamson of Long Beach for constructing a four classroom addition to the Perkins Elementary School.  I.D. Gehr, local architect, planned the addition.(The Daily Herald, October 8, 1958, p. 1)

 

1961

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BILOXI PUBLIC SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS

1888-1890?

CHARLES D. LANCASTER

Charles Dunbar Lancaster (1841-1922) was born at Woodville, Wilkinson Co., Mississippi in October 1841. He married Caroline Hewes (1844-1878), the sister of Finley S. Hewes of Gulfport, Mississippi.  They were the parents of four children: Rosina L. Lancaster (1868-1922+) m. T.J. Wharton Jr.; Fanny Hewes Lancaster (1870-1933); Anna L. Shanklin (1873-1922+); and Charles Dunbar Lancaster II (1876-1919).(1880 and 1900 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R648, p. 35, ED 141 and T623_809, p. 11A, ED 34)

Before becoming involved in the public schools of Harrison County, Mississippi, Mr. Lancaster was an attorney.  He also served in the State Legislature and was Harrison County Superintendent of Education.

DEMISE

Charles Dunbar Lancaster died in May 1922, at his farm on the Wolf River in Cuevas, Harrison County, Mississippi.  He was survivied by three daughters: Fanny Lancaster of Cuevas, Rosa Wharton of Jackson, Mississippi, and Anna Shanklin of Puerto Rico.(The Daily Herald, May 15, 1922 and May 20, 1922, p. 6)

1890-1892?

JACOB LINN LADD

Jacob Linn Ladd (1850-1900+) was born in Missouri in June 1850.  He married Emma Sevalle (1856-1900+), a Mississippian whose parents were both French immigrants.  They were the parents of eight children, six of who lived into the 20th century: Estelle Ladd (1881-1900+); Lillian Ladd (1884-1900+); Emma Mary 'May' Pettus Ladd (1887-1900+); Julien Alvin Ladd (1891-1900+); and Fay Ladd (1894-1900+).(1900 Matagorda Co., Texas T623-1657, p. 11, ED 35 and Lepre, 1991, p. 178)

In May 1891, Professor J. Linn Ladd was approached by the creme de la creme of Biloxi's citizenry and requested by them to be a candidate for the position of Harrison County, Mississippi School Superintendent. Some fo these fine gentlemen were: Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903); William Gorenflo (1842-1932) ; F.W. Elmer (1847-1926); W.K.M. Dukate (1852-1916); John Walker (1834-1907); Theo P. Dulion (1861-1907); Harry T. Howard (1856-1930); John Eistetter (1857-1904); Edward Glennan (1854-1933); William L. Covel (1826-1926); James J. Lemon (1825-1915); Henry T. Meaut (1856-1930); Zachary T. Champlin (1847-191924); Constantine Olivari (1841-1894); G. Edward Park (1854-1901); and John R. Harkness (1827-1905).(The Biloxi Herald, May 23, 1891, p. 4) 

J.L. Ladd accepted the endorsement of Biloxi's finest and opposed Charles D. Lancaster, the incumbent, for the office of Harrison County School Superintendent.  His platform was based on the premise that each race should pay its own taxes to support their respective public schools.  He avered that the White citizen paid $10 in school tax while the Negro citizen paid only $1.(The Biloxi Herald, July 25, 1891, p. 1)

Jacob Linn Ladd was elected the Harrison County School Superintendent on September 5, 1891.  At Biloxi, he received 112 votes to only 50 votes for Charles D. Lancaster, his opponent.(The Biloxi Herald, September 5, 1891)

J.L. Ladd was also elected Harrison County School Superintendent in 1892.  He wrote a column for The Biloxi Herald titled 'Alliance and Education' which espoused his educational philosophy and kept the public informed of the progress and news of the county's scholastic programs.  In regards to discipline in the class room, County School Superintendent Ladd believed that every county shouild have a reform school to which the 'bad boys' could be sent.  This action would reclaim the classroom and free the 'good boys' from their negative influence and releave the school of this great burden.(The Biloxi Herald, December 17, 1892, p. 1)

18??-1897

 

J.M. TAYLOR

 

 

 

 

1897-1907

JACKSON H. OWINGS

 

(from The Biloxi Daily Herald: Historical and Biographical,1902, p. 58)

Jackson Herndon Owings (1869-1921), was born December 27, 1869 at Fayette, Missouri.  He was educated at Central College in Fayette, Missouri earning a Ph.D. degree.  Professor Owings had teaching positions at the Interstate College [1891-1895] in Texarkana, Arkansas and was School Superintnedent of the Port Gibson, Mississippi Public Schools [1895-1897] before arriving at Biloxi, Mississippi in September 1897.  Circa 1895, J.H. Owings married Jane Preston (1873-1921+), probably at Texarkana, Arkansas.  They were the parents of two children born in the Gem State: Thomas Jackson Owings (1896-1973) and Harold Preston Owings (1899-1977).  In September 1897, Professor Owings came to Biloxi from Port Gibson, Claiborne County, Mississippi to be the Biloxi Public School superintendent.  Here the Owings family lived on Water Street.(1900 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T623-808, p. 8B, ED 31 and 20th Century Coast Edition of the Biloxi Daily Herald, 1902, p. 58).

Jackson H. Owings resigned his position in May 1907.  He informed the Board of School Trustees that he would not be an applicant for election for the 1907-1908 school session.  Professor Owings would leave Biloxi for Natchez, Adams Couty, Mississippi where he was the Public School superintendent until 1920, when he became the Adams County Superintendent of Education.  J.H. Owings expired at Natchez, Mississippi on March 22, 1921.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 3, 1907, p. 1 and The Daily Herald, March 24, 1921, p. 3)

1907-1908

JACKSON M. YOUNG

Jackson M. Young (1873-1920+) was born in Alabama.  In the spring of 1907, he was chosen from twelve applicants as Biloxi's new school superintendent.  The Biloxi school board at this timed was staffed by: W.K.M. Dukate, president; F.W. Elmer, secretary; W.T. Harkness; L.R. Bowen; and John C. Bradford.  In August 1907, Mr. Young arrived at Biloxi from Wesson, Copiah County, Mississippi where he had been the school superintendent.  He stayed at the Kennedy Hotel until he was able to relocate his family from Wesson to Biloxi.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 3, 1907, p. 1 and August 23, 1907, p. 1)

Circa 1901, J.M. Young had married Lillian Young (1878-pre 1920).  They were the parents of Virginia Young (b. 1903); Jackson M. Young II (1907-1968); and Emily C. Young (b. 1908). 

1908-1911

THOMAS K. BOGGAN

Thomas Kendall Boggan (1880-1920+) was born February 2, 1880 at Fulton, Itawamba County, Mississippi to Thomas H. Boggan (1846-pre 1920) and Mettie Mitchiner (1857-1920+).  His father was a lawyer.  Circa 1905, Thomas K. Boggan married Shirley N. Bogan (1882-1966).  Professor Boggan was elected to be Biloxi's school superintendent in May 1908 and his spouse the principal.  The Boggan family had relocated from Fulton, Mississippi to Tupelo when T.K. Boggan was a child as he received his early education there and his college education at Mississippi A&M College.(THe Biloxi Daily Herald, May 30, 1908, p. 1 and September 1, 1908, p. 1)

After leaving Biloxi, Professor Boggan and wife, returned to Tupelo, Mississippi  and resided at 201 North Church Street. He studied for the bar and by 1917 was a practicing attorney in Lee County, Mississippi.  Shirley N. Bogan contined as an educator teaching Latin in the Tupelo public school system.  She expired at Oxford. Mississippi in 1966.(1920 Lee Co., Mississippi Federal Census, T625-884, P. 2A, ED 29)

1911-1916

ROBERT P. LINFIELD

Circa 1895, Robert Paine Linfield (1871-1920) had married Lurline Harper (1873-1930+), a native of Fayette, Jefferson County, Mississippi. He was teaching at Fayette in 1900 before he took the job as the Pascagoula, Mississippi school superintendent.  At Pascagoula, the Linfield family were domiciled on Telephone Road. Edwin H. Linfield (1896-1935), their only child, was a student in the local public school sysytem.(1900 Jefferson Co., Mississippi Federal Census and 1910 Jackson Co., Mississippi T623-812, p. 16A, ED 85 and T624-743, p. 1A, ED 58)

Professor Linfield was elected by the Biloxi school trustees as its school superintendent on April 19, 1911.  The Linfield family arrived at Biloxi in early September 1911 and settled on Benachi Avenue.(The Daily Herald, April 20, 1911, p. 1 and September 6, 1911, p. 8) 

Robert P. Linfield left the Biloxi Public school system in May 1916 to head the Gulf Coast Junior Military Academy at Gulfport.  The enrollment of this private military school was about forty students at this time.  In September 1917, Colonel R.P. Linfield had built a new bungalow on West Beach near the Gulf Coast Military Academy.(The Daily Herald, August 8, 1916, p. 3 and August 14, 1916, p. 3 and September 8, 1917, p. 3)

Robert P. Linfield expired on June 5, 1920 at Oxford, Mississippi.  His wife and son were present at his death.  Edwin H. Linfield was an intern at a NOLA hospital at the time.  Edwin had been educated at Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina.(The Daily Herald, June 7, 1920, p. 1 and December 23, 1915, p. 2)

1916-1920

NED KOCHER

Ned Kocher (1882-1956) was born December 19, 1882 in Illinois.  Circa 1908, he married Nelle Kocher (1884-1975) , a native of Indiana.  They were the parents of three children: Margaret I. Kocher (1910-1930+); Gordon D. Kocher (1915-1930+); and Marion L. Kocher (1917-1930+), who was born in Biloxi, Mississippi.  In 1910, Ned Kocher made his livelihood as a school teacher at Peru, Miami County, Indiana.  At Biloxi, the Kocher family was at home on 453 Water Street.(1910 Miami Co., Indiana Federal Census T624-371, p. 2A, ED 124 and 1920 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T625-876, P. 7B, ED 39)

Ned Kocher became prinicpal of the Biloxi Central High School in September 1915. At this time, there were about 150 students in the school.  When Superintendent Robert P. Linfield resigned in 1916 to take the position of Gulf Coast Junior Military Academy at Gulfport, Ned Kocher became Biloxi's new public school superintendent.

Professor Kocher and his wife spent summers on their farm at Big Point on the Pascagoula River in Jackson County, Mississippi.  They would depart after school closed in late May and return in late summer before the new school year in September.(The Daily Herald, May May 31, 1916, p. 4)

Ned Kocher resigned in March 1920 and was replaced by Claude Bennett (1879-1970), who was the principal of the Harrison-Stone County Agriculatural school at Perkinston, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, March 10, 1920, p. 1)

The Kocher family relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida where he initially taught in a private school.  Ned Kocher expired in March 1956 in Palm Beach County, Florida.  Nelle Kocher lived at Atlanta, Georgia until August 1975.(1930 Palm Beach Co., Florida Federal Census R 328, p. 4A, ED 18 and 1945 Florida State Population Census, S1371, R 32)

1920-1923

CLAUDE BENNETT (1879-1970)

Claude Bennett (1879-1970) was born on February 14, 1879 at Silver Creek, Lawrence County, Mississippi to Drury Burton Bennett and Elizabeth Burkett.  Mr. Bennett was educated at Trinity College (Duke) and George Peabody College (Vanderbilt) where he was awarded his B.A. degree in 1908 and M.A. in 1926 respectively.  Before arriving at Biloxi, Mississippi in     , Claude Bennett had a peripatetic career.  His experience ranged from superintendent of education in Lincoln County, Mississippi to principalships at Hattiesburg and Moss Point, Mississippi to vice-president of Mississippi Woman's College (William Carey College) in Hattiesburg.  His last post before becoming the Biloxi Public School superintendent was at Perkinston, Mississippi where he was superintendent of the Harrison-Stone Agricultural High School from July 1917 to   1920.(Sullivan, 2002, p. 71)

Claude Bennett had married Grace McVey (1891-1940) of Highland, Ohio in September 1914. They were the parents of three daughters: Margaret Nan Bennett (b. 1916); Grace McVey Bennett (b. 1920); and Mary Ellen Bennett (b. 1923). Grace McVey Bennet expired in August 1940 and in May 1943, Claude married Mary Bentley Gavin (1895-1982) of Stafford Springs, Jasper County, Mississippi.  Claude Bennet died at Heidelberg, Jasper County, Mississippi in March 1970.  Mary Bentley G. Bennett expired there in September 1982.(1930 Forrest Co., Mississippi Federal Census R 1145, p. 3A, ED 1)

Claude Bennett tendered his resignation as Biloxi's Public School Superintendent in late August 1923.  He accepted a position with the State Superintendent Board of Education at Jackson, Mississippi to be the State Inspector of public high schools.  In 1928, Mr. Bennett was named president of the Mississippi State Teachers College at Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He resigned this position in 1933 to accept a post with the US Treasury Department at Laurel, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, September 1, 1923, p. 3 and September 8, 1923, p. 3 and Sullivan, 2002, p. 71)

Claude Bennett finished his career in public education in June 1933, when he retired as President of the Mississippi State Teacher's College at Hattiesburg.  He was presented with a 17 jewel, Hamilton watch by the college students.(The Daily Herald, June 7, 1933, p. 5)

1923-1934

ALBERT L. MAY (1892-1953)

Albert Louis 'A.L.' May (1892-1953) was born on August 22, 1892 at Brookhaven, Mississippi to Mr. and Mrs. W.N. May.  In 1923, he received his bachelor's degree from the George Peabody College at Nashville, Tennesse.  May's advanced degrees, Master's and specialist's diploma in school administration, were awarded at Peabody in 1933 and Columbia University in 1938.(Sullivan, 2002, p. 121)

A.L. May was elected Superintendent of the Biloxi Public Schools and Edna Holley assistant principal in early September 1923 by the trustees of the Biloxi School Board: W.F. Gorenflo; Lily Rose Devitt (1884-1951); W.J. Grant; and Elbert L. Dukate.  Professor May had come to BIloxi from Lyman, Harrison County, Mississippi where he had been the principal of the Wood High School.(The Daily Herald, September 8, 1923, p. 1)

 

1934-1946

GEORGE W. DITTO

George W. Ditto (1895-1975) was born on September 4, 1895 at Albany, Morgan County, Alabama.  He graduated from the University of Alabama (B.S.) and Columbia University (M.A.) at New York City.  During WW I, Mr. Ditto enlsited in the ROTC program and received an honorble discharge to join the US Navy.  He served with the 5th Naval District at Hampton Roads, Virginia until the conflict ended and then returned to school and completed his education.(The Daily Herald 50^th Anniversary Souvenir Golden Jubilee Number Biographical and Historical 1884-1934, (The Daily Herald: Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi-1934).

George Ditto was elected principal of Biloxi High School in August 1924. He had just completed the summer term at Columbia University and arrived at Biloxi in early September to assume his duties at the Central High School.(The Daily Herald, September 2, 1924, p. 3)

 

1946-1957

ARTHUR E. SCRUGGS

Arthur E. Scruggs (1897-1957) was the son of William Scruggs and Anna Shand and a native of Tate County, Mississippi.  He was the Superintendent of Biloxi Public Schools from 1946 until 1957  At Biloxi, he oversaw the operation of the senior and junior high schools, five elementary schools, and the colored schools.  Mr. Scruggs had matriculated to the University of Mississippi where he was conferred with two degrees, a B.S. and a M.S. in School Administration and History. He had also attended LSU working toward his PhD degree.  A youthful A.E. Scruggs entered the teaching profession at Amory High School circa 1919, where he taught mathematics and coached.  Circa 1926, Scruggs accepted the position of Principal and Coach at New Albany High School.  About 1928, he relocated to Poplarville, Mississippi where he was the head of the History Department and Coach at Pearl River Jr. College for six years.  Professor Scruggs arrived at Biloxi circa 1936 to serve as Biloxi Senior High School Principal.  His tenure as Superintendent of Biloxi Public Schools, commenced circa 1946.(The JXCOT, December 17, 1948, p. 1)

Married to Gertrude Kelly Scruggs.  Daughter, Anna Scruggs (b. ca 1941)

Both public and parochial schools in Biloxi closed a half day on October 10, 1957, the day of Mr. Scruggs (1897-1957) internment at the National Cemetery in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, October 9, 1957, p. 2)

In January 1945, Arthur E. Scruggs and wife conveyed the Sutcliffe-Mavar home to Mrs. Thomas C. Hannah (possibly Rosalee Hannah (1911-1990) of Petal, Forrest, Mississippi)

 

1958-1960

GYCELLE TYNES

Gycelle Tynes (1910-1997)

Retired from Biloxi school system in late June 1960.  Expired at Clarksdale, Mississippi on November 12, 1997.

 

1960-1975

ROBERT D. BROWN

 

 

1975-1987

OLON E. RAY

 

 

1988-1992

TOM BURNHAM

 

 

VIRGIL STRICKLAND

1993-1994

 

 

 

1994-2001+

 

 

 

 

-2011

PAUL TISDALE

Superintendent Paul Tisdale announced in late November 2010 that he would retire from his position at the end of June 2011.(The Sun Herald, November 22, 2010)

 

2011-

ARTHUR McMILLAN

Arthur McMillan (b. 1964) was hired as Biloxi's School Superintendent by the Biloxi School Board on June 14, 2011. His contract was for three years paying $139,000 per year.  Superintendent McMillan was born at Newton, Newton County, Mississippi.  He attended East Central Junior College at Scooba, Mississippi and went on to Mississippi State University to acquire in 1982, a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education. After seven years at Lake High School in Scott County, Mississippi where he taught and coached girls basketball, Coach McMillan in 1994 relocated to the Newton Municipal School Distirct to become an assistant principal. At Newton, he also coached girls basketball and was Federal Programs director.  Arthur McMillan moved as principal to Carthage High School in 1998 and left in 2001 to become Superintendent of the Enterprise Public Schools at Enterprise, Clarke County, Mississippi.

 

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, 50^th Anniversary Souvenir, Golden Jubilee Number, Biographical and Historical 1884-1934,(The Daily Herald: Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi-1934).

Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, (Diocese of Biloxi: 1991)

Charles L. Sullivan, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: A History, (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Press: Perkinston, Mississippi-2002).

Zan Skelton, "Mississippi Teacher: A Biloxi teacher's account of four decades of teacning in Mississippi", (Skelton: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991). 147 pages.

Zan Skelton, "The Biloxi Public Schools 1924-2001: The Growth of the Biloxi Public School System", Volume II, (City of Biloxi, Mississippi-2002). 282 pages.

Twentieth Century Coast Edition of the Biloxi Daily Herald: Historical and Biographical,(George W. Wilkes & Sons: Biloxi-1902).

JOURNALS

1880-1889

The Biloxi Herald, "Don't want change", February 11, 1888.

The Biloxi Herald, "Superintendent Lancaster explains", September 15, 1888.

The Biloxi Herald, "School Matters", September 29, 1888.

The Biloxi Herald, "

The Biloxi Herald, "

1890-1899

The Biloxi Herald, "", February 11, 18.

The Biloxi Herald, "", September 15, 18.

The Biloxi Herald, "", September 29, 188.

The Biloxi Herald, "A Public Library", January 31, 1891. 

The Biloxi Herald, "A call on Prof. J.L. Ladd", May 23, 1891.

The Biloxi Herald, "To the voters of Harrison Co.", July 25, 1891.

The Biloxi Herald, "Election Today", September 5, 1891.

The Biloxi Herald, "", 

The Biloxi Herald, "Additional Locals", December 4, 1897. 

The Biloxi Herald, "", 

The Sun Herald, "", , p. 

The Sun Herald, "Biloxi announces new superintendent", June 15, 2011. 

The Sun Herald, "", , p. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 Biloxi Public Schools

CLASS 1889

 

 

CLASS 1894

The first session of the Biloxi School opened on October 16, 1893 with the following staff: Charles D. Lancaster, principal-$85 per month; Josephine Santini-1st Assistant-$45 per month; Mollie Rodenberg; Edna Holley; Senhora Booth; and Rosa Andrews-all were paid $40 per month.(The Biloxi Herald, October 16, 1893, p. 1)

J.M. Taylor, Superintendent and Principal;  Senhora Booth; Molly Rodenberg; Josephine Santini; Rosa Andrews; Edna Holley; May Brooks; and E.G. Smiley.(The Biloxi Herald, September 12, 1896, p. 8)

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

CLASS 1897

Professor Jackson Herndon Owings (1869-1921) arrived at Biloxi on December 3, 1897 to become the City school superintendent.  At this time, Biloxi had four schools, Central School, Point Cadet School, Back Bay School, and the West End School.  Their were only seven grades with about 450 pupils enrolled.(The Biloxi Herald, December 24, 1897, p. 4 and January 15, 1898, p. 8)

FACULTY

Jackson H. Owings, superintendent; Robert O'Neil Binford (1874-1930+), principal; 

GRADUATES

 

NOTES

W.K.M. Dukate was petitoned to lead improvements to the Biloxi Public schools.  In particular the citizenry felt the need for a larger Central School.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 4, 1906, p. 1)

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CLASS 1906

FACULTY

Jackson Herndon Owings (1869-1921), Biloxi Public School superintendent for the past ten years [1897] resigned in May 1907.  He informed the Board of School Trustees that he would not be an applicant for election for the 1907-1908 school session.  Professor Owings would leave Biloxi for Natchez, Adams Couty, Mississippi where he was the Public School superintendent until 1920, when he became the Adams County Superintendent of Education.  J.H. Owings expired at Natchez, Mississippi on March 22, 1921.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 3, 1907, p. 1 and The Daily Herald, March 24, 1921, p. 3)

Other teachers for the 1906-1907 school term were Robert O. Binford, principal Central School and teacher of 9th and 10 grade; Sue Snell-history, literature, grammar in advanced grades; Edna Holley-8th grade; Nell Hann-7th grade; Emma Chapman-6th grade; Edna Klare-5th and 6th grade; and Mrs. Mary Whitaker-4th and 5th grade.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 15, 1906, p. 4)

Robert O'Neil Binford (1874-1930+) was a native of Tennessee and was living at Shelbyville, Beford County, Tennessee in 1900.  Professor Binford arrived at Biloxi, Mississippi from Portersville, Mississippi in August 1906 to assume his duties as principal.  By 1910, he had relocated to Athens, Alabama where he was teaching and here very probably met and married Julia F. Binford (1890-1986) circa 1913.(1900 Bedford Co., Tennessee Federal Census T623-1558, p. 7B, ED 10 and 1910 Limestone Co., Alabama Federal Census T624-15, p; 16A, ED 96 and The Biloxi Daily Herald, August 31, 1906, p. 4) 

In the summer vacation, Miss Coates and Miss Cowan, primary teachers, attended the Normal session at Columbus. Mississippi.  Miss Ramsay and Miss Ada Wallace studied at the University of Chicago and Miss Gorenflo attended the Peabody Normal at Nashville, Tennessee.(June 17, 1904, p. 4)

GRADUATES

The 9th Annual Commencement exerecises were held on June 3, 1907 in the Dukate Theatre.  Graduates were: Lena Emma Brander; Annette Carter; Clara Marie deMitt; Maud Irma Dukate; Eunice Alice Guidry; Lenora Macurdy Hann; Adele Mary Rantz; Gertrude Christine Ott; and Peter Mullholland (1889-1974).  Departing, Professor Jackson H. Owings, was given with an umbrella by the 10th Grade class; a massive gold, headed cane from the faculty; and an Elks watch fob from the lower grades.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 4, 1907, p. 1)

SPORTS

The first baseball home game of the Biloxi High School season was played on the Oak Street grounds on March 9th.  The team lost to Gulfport 18-6 last week at Gulfport.  Biloxi lost the March 9th contest to Gulfport 5-0.  McManus of Gulfport struckout 21 and gave up only 3 hits.  Seventy-five people attended the game.  Peter Mulholland (1889-1974) who pitched last year was asked to return to the squad.  The Biloxi lineup consisted of the following: Bert Gunn, pitcher; Frank Schaffer, catcher; R.O. Binford, 1st base; Vester Wentzell, 2nd base; Osborne Hunter, 3rd base; Edward Elmer, ss; Francis Mathias, lf'; and  George Body, cf.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, March 8, 1907, p. 1 and March 11, 1907, p. 1)

COLORED SCHOOL NOTES

In late May 1907, the Reverend Henry W. VanHook spoke to a large audience at the Colored public school.  Professor J.H. Owings said that the Colored school is in better condition than he has seen at anytime during his ten years as Biloxi's public school superintendent.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, May 27, 1907, p. 1)

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CLASS 1907

FACULTY

In early June 1907, Jackson M. Young (1873-1920+) replaced Jackson Herndon Owings (1869-1921) as the new school superintendent and was paid $166 per month.  Virgil C. Daniels was named principal of the Central School and paid $100 per month.  Also elected with Professor Young to teach in the Biloxi public school system at this time were: Elsie Maxwell, a Biloxi girl and recent graduate of the Industrial Institute & College at Columbus, Mississippi; Edna Holley-8th grade-$60; Mary Lack-principal Point Cadet School-$65; Inez Hall, principal Howard Primary School-$65; Catherine Coates, principal West End School-$60; Mrs. M.A. Whitaker, 5th grade Central School-$55; Ada Wallace, 1st grade Howard Primary School-$50; Mary Meaut, 1st grade Point Cadet School-$45; Margaret Hann, 2nd grade Point Cadet School-$50; Edna Klare, 5th grade Central School-$55; Margaret Barrus, 3rd and 4th grade Point Cadet School-$45.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 3, 1907, p. 1)

GRADUATES

The Central High School did not graduate anyone in May 1908.  Superintendent Young because of a new requirement of universities that required entering students to have three years of high extended the tenth grade class for another year. About eleven students were expected to graduate in May 1909.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, May 26, 1908, p. 1)

COLORED SCHOOL

A.E. Perkins, principal-$45 per month and Julia Hutchins, assistant-$25 permonth.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 3, 1907, p. 1)

FACULTY

GRADUATES

Walter T. Bolton*, Valedictorian; Zoe Hann*, Salutatorian; Lorena Bessey and Nelle Gunn, orators.

*Estelle Redding had the highest grade average and would have been class valedictorian, but requested that Mr. Boggan award honors to the W.T. Bolton and Miss Zoe Hann, who were ranked second and third academically in the class.

Estelle Cornelia Redding; Walter Thetford Bolton; Zoe Louise Hann; Margaret Lorena Bessey; Iris Wilma Johnson; Nellie May Gunn; Ethel Loretta Glennan; Edwin Rudolph Ott; and Ruth Andrew Guidry.(The Daily Herald, May 12, 1911, p. 1)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

CLASS 1911

William Harris, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, is the new principal of the high school.  He taught at the Gulf Coast Militray Academy last year.(The Daily Herald, September 4, 1916, p. 1)

Robbie Smith, math teacher at the Central High School resigned in December.  She was replaced by Farley Lee who came to Biloxi from Union Springs, Alabama.(The Daily Herald, December 30, 1916, p. 1)

GRADUATES

Florence T. Arguelles; Ellen M. Bagot; Edgar Hyatt Bragg; Catherine Jane Brooks; C. Miles Chaffee; Teresa H. Champlin; Bertha Collins; Katheryn Collins; Myrtle Helen Dulion; Fred B. Ferson; Katheryn Janin Fleming; Edith Phyllis Hatlestad; Isadora H. Henderson; Abbie Mae Johnson; Phillip Alexander Jouillian; Irma Elloise Harvey; Ethel Overstreet Quave; Hazel L. Royce; Emery Sadler; Martha Glenn Shaw; Mary Louise Stanovich; and William F. Willingham.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

GRADUATES

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

GRADUATES

COLORED SCHOOL

M.F. Nichols, A.B. Morris, H.H. Lowe, Edwina C. Blake, and Samantha Palmore taught at the Biloxi Colored public school in 1918-1919 term.(The Daily Herald, August 29, 1918, p. 3)

Mary Louise Tyler, Valedictorian and Helen C. White, Salutatorian.

GRADUATES

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

HONORS

Evelyn Desporte, Valedictorian and Vivian Dacey, Salutatorian.

GRADUATES

Lillian Arguelles; Leslie Curet; Vivian Dacey; Evelyn Desporte; Evelyn Druiding; Robert Druiding; Robert Eskald; Ulysses Fayard; Yvonne Frentz; Marion Friedhoff; George Harlitz; Pearl Harvey; Christine Howard; Helen Montoli; Myrtle Rose; Julius Saucier; Ferd Tyler; Mary Tyler; Rita Unger; Sylvia Wachenfeld; Rambeau Williams; and Catherine Wright.

BASEBALL TEAM

1921 BHS BASEBALL TEAM

[Seated,L-R: Homer Ryan (1905-1977), cf; Reuben Benson, rf; Ullyses S. Fayard (1902-1978), catcher; John Tujaque, ss; and George E. Wentzell, 3b. Kneeling, L-R: Julian Spotswood, rf; and Wallace Bloom, pitcher; Standing, L-R: Coach PercyC. Scott; Harry R. Lee (1903-1951), 1b; John T. Collins (1904-1985), lf; and Quinton Winkler, 2b] 

The BHS 1921 baseball was outstanding.  On a road trip in early April, they beat the Perkinston AHS 14-5; Brooklyn AHS 11-5; and lost 3-2 to Ellisville.  Returning to the Coast, the squad lost a squeaker to the Sea Shore Campground nine 3-2, but came back the next week to beat them 11-0.(The Daily Herald, April 9, 1921, p. 3, April 15, 1921, p. 3, and April 20, 1921, p. 3) 

In early May, the BHS team journeyed east to Moss Point and beat their high school nine 4-0 in the morning.  In the afternoon, Biloxi visited Pascagoula and downed them 10-1.  Shortly thereafter Biloxi beat the Seashore boys 7-3 and the Gulf Coast Military Academy 9-8.(The Daily Herald, May 4, 1921, p. 2 and the New Orleans States, May 7, 1921, p. 10) 

The salient objective of any Biloxi athletic team was to beat GULFPORT.  The 1921 baseball boys had at least two victories against their neighboring rivals besting them 10-0 in early May and 9-2 eleven days later. The BHS team dominated a local Biloxi baseball club, the Bankers, by 18-5 on May 22nd.(The Daily Herald, May 10, 1921, p. 2, May 19, 1921, p. 2, and May 23, 1921, p. 2)

The BHS baseball team planned a post-season tour to southwest Mississippi and was contacting teams at Hazlehurst, Brookhaven and McComb to schedule two-game series in each city.(The Daily Herald, May 25, 1921, p. 3)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

CLASS 1921

Ethel Redding, Valedictorian and 

GRADUATES

 

GRADUATES

Inez Ursula Ackeridge; Elizabeth Allen; John William Atkinson Jr.; Elizabeth Eran Beeman; Annie Lou Bond; Nick Cefalu; Charles Edward Clark Jr.; Samuel Lee Dawson; Chester Louis Delacruz; Lydia Elizabeth Dowling; Marjorie Dukate; Elmer Elberton Ebersole; Egdar Howard Farrar; Thelma Graham; Guy Frank Green; Thelma Hammers; Victor Roland Harvey; Lionel Joseph Holley; Ethel Standish Jackson; Mary Louis Kelly; Alice Lee Latil; Mary Elizabeth Latimer; Frances E. Lioenhardt; Marguerite Lucille Lowd; Verian Elizabeth Mahr; Jessie Mae McElroy; Macy B. McGinty; Ella Mae McKinnon; Marshall Louis Michel Jr.; Norbert J. Navarro; Nedra Almeda Nelson; Albert J. Pickich Jr.; Vivian Pringle; Bina West Ramsay; Theodore M. Ryan; Ura Cecelia Scarborough; Elva Mae Shove; Willioam Gray Slay Jr.; Sybil Marion Smith; Ralph Eugene Stillman; John Sekul; Thomas Gambus Sparks Vignes jr.; Walter N. Wentzell; Thomas J. Wiultz Jr.; Marguerite Florence Wink Fayard.(The Daily Herald, May 31, 1930, p. 7) 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

HONORS

Rose Hartstein, Valedictorian; Esther Lou Shove, Salutatorian; and Robert W. Daray (1913-2002), Class Orator.   

GRADUATES

Bernice Armistead; Edna Ask; Woodrow Joseph Atkinson; Juanita Baltar; Lula Frances Batson; Whillamene Lunda Bond; Loren James Bosarge; Russell J. Braun; Alice Lee Byrnes; Lloyd Caillavet; Freddie Paul Carron; Louise M. Carron; Tom Henry Clower; Joseph Charles Coquet Jr.; Isabel M. Curtis; James Joseph Danaher; Robert William Daray (1913-2002); Regina Drey; Irene Belle Entrekin; Juanit Abbey Eckles; Marie Louise Fountain; Curtis Paul Galle'; Frances Sullivan Gaudet; Harry Joseph Gautier; Horace Patrcik Gautier; Mary Maxine Glennan; Wilfred J. Gorenflo; May Harrison; Rose Harstein; Edith Patricia Holley; Robert Joseph Howard; Joe Hudson; Harold Henry Hunt; Thelma Estelle Jacquot Wallace Anthony Jacquot; Mark Gillen Joachim (1913-2011); Rhyley Wade Johnson; Isabel Jones; Chester Juanico; Irma L. Kelly; Ione Kelly; Eleanor Latil; Jessie Inez Ladnier; Ruth H. Latimer; Edna Estelle Lewis; Troy Lewis; Arthur Edward Levine; James O'Gorman Lopez; Leo E. Manual; Sam Mavar; Catherine McCormack; Willaim E. McDonnell; Alma Lucille McElroy; Allen F. Merritt; Ralph M. Moniot; Timothy Murray; Delphine Navarro; Hyman Dudley Schneider; Henry L. Schwan; Jacobina Sekul (1913-2003); Esther Lou Shove; Verlie L. Stafford; Jessie Lee Terry; Mary Ola Terry; Mary Virginia Tuttle; Harriet Sue Venus; Hewitt Walton Wallace; Gray Weaver; Katherine Kling Webb; Ann Weeks; Avis Linnelle Welch; Helen Gale Welch; Barney S. Wescott; Howard W. Wheeler; Rosalie Gertrude Wink; Mattie Nell Worthy; Gertrude A. Yousko.(The Daily Herald, May 21, 1931, p. 3)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

HONORS

 

GRADUATES

Lillian Ackridge; Rene Armistead; Alney Austin; Alton L. Bellande (1912-1970); Irma Bosarge; Roberta Browne;  Charles Brumfield; Malton 'Red' Bullock; Egdar Byrd; L.D. Byrd; Carl Carvey; Ernest Carvin; Mary Alice Chinn; Mary Virginia Colson; Marjorie Cousans; Ferdinand Curtis; Edna Mae Delacruz; Leah Duggan; Eula Dukate; Harold Elder; Dominic Fallo; Howard Fayard; Dorothy Fickes; Annabell Frentz; Mary Joyce Garber; Paul Gilly; Donald Gormly (1910-1980); Elizabeth Gormly (1914-1996); Grover Graham; Jacob Guice; Emelda Guillotte; Sammy Lane Hair; Dorothy Haneman; Vember Harvey; Milstead Hevelston; Virginia Huggins; Felix Johnson; Warren Jones; Carol Joullian; George Juanico; Frank Keegan; Elwood 'K.O.' Kelly; Ethel Kennedy; Virginia Latimer; John Lee; Nick Mavar; Edward McDonnell; Malcolm McEachern; Velma McElroy; Hazel Meaut; Eleanor Merritt; Helen Michel; Vincent Morice; Lucille Negrotto;Wilda Parker; Steve Pitalo; Woodrow Pringle; Hervey Purcell; Arthur Richards; Hans Richards; Stephanie Rodolfich; Grace Rose; Tony Rosetti; Walter White Sadler; Sidney Saucier; Jules Schwan; Linwood Slay; Alfred Stillman; James Thacker; Chris Thygesen; Eleanor Wiltz, Alice de Ybarra.(The Daily Herald, May 28, 1932, p. 2)

BASEBALL TEAM

GRADUATES

Dorothy Arguelles; Francis J. Barthes; Edgar Benny; Frances Besse; Emily Bodden; Alan Braun; June Braun;  Edgar Breaux Jr.; Mary Byrnes; Ruth Clark; Donald Collins; George Collins; Clement Cornibe; Ramona Cornic; Alfred Dantzler Jr.; T.K. Devitt; Frederick Dick Jr.; Sarah Dickey; Ethel Dowling; Frank W. Drey; Clair Duggan; Wilda Dunn;  Fernand DuRocher; Odette DuRocher; Ella Keener Friedhoff; Arsene Galy; Edward Lionel Gardner; Lavelle Gardner; Marguerite Gautier; Upton Gautier; Miriam Haas; Viola Harder; Hazel Hood; Jack Hood; Irma Irwin; Rames Khayat; George King; Glenn Krohn; Margaret Lechner; Angel Lesquin; John Lopez; Joseph Lyons; Mae Inez Manning; Retta Miller; Lillian Newman; Elizabeth Parlin; Bennett Pearson; Roderick Russ Jr.; Lurline Schnieder; Mary Rose Simon; Lucille Slay; Julius J. Strayham; Maxine Swetman; Linwood Switzer; James Mason Tuttle; George W. Wilkes.(The Daily Herald, May 27, 1933, p. 2)

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John Elmer Dacey (1916-1991) would graduate from the US Naval Academy in June 1938 as No. 1 in his Class of 439 Midshipmen.(The Daily Herald, May 3, 1938, p. 1)

GRADUATES

Doris Lea Billings; Verta Lee Agnes Bosarge; Adle Mae Brisbi; Verna Mae Elizabeth Cannette; Lille Kathryn Chinn; Mary Corrine  ; Collen Cornic; John Dacey; Dorothy Carlyle Frentz; Charles Traylor.(The Daily Herald, May 26, 1934, p. 1 and p. 10)

William Alvie Moore, Valedictorian; Mary Elizabeth Scholtes, Salutatorian; Mark Joseph Ellzey, Class Orator.  American Legion contest-Hulda Velma Cousins; Herf Jones Co. scholarship and Reader's Digest award-William A. Moore; Activities medal and honor school plaque-Mark J. Ellzey; (The Daily Herald, May 24, 1941, p. 2)

GRADUATES

John 'Jack' Richard Arguelles; Frank Louis Aufdemorte Jr.; Margaret I. Barbre; Charles Walton Blake; Albert Adam Blanchard; Beatrice Dolores Boney; Marie Louise Boney; Norma Ellen Boney; John Marion Bosarge; Mary Margaret Bosarge; Norma June Boudwin; James Franklin Brent; N.G. Brown; Earl William Michael Cassanova; Helen Louise Cassanova; Rita Margaret Cazeaux; Marion Ellen Chinn; Georgia May Coleman; James Herman Cook (1920-1997); Joseph Lee Creel; John William Cruso; Allie Camille Dean; Philip Paul Dellenger; Christine Dement; Lillian Harrison DeMiller; Fern Scott Demoran; Florence Louise Desporte; Katheryn Louise Dick; Ethleen Hammet Dillard; Arthur Raymond Egan Jr.; Mark Joseph Ellzey; Lurline Veronica Foretich; Joyce Catherine Fountain Wiltz; Eric Vance Freeman; Jacqueline Margaret E. Frentz; Louise Virginia Frey;  Lorie Decatur Gollotte Jr.; Floyd Gonsoulin; Helen Hayes; James Malcolm Holcombe; Jacinto Baltar Holland; Elizabeth Anne Hughes; William Mark Keegan; Glen Barkley Kruse; Raymond Lunn Laasko; Annie Mae Lamey; Arthur A. Largillere Jr.; Robert Emmett Lee; Althea Louise Lowd; Mary Louise Luther; Beverly Elizabeth Meaut; Emily Vivian Meaut; Louis Harold Meaut; William Alvie Moore; Morris Taylor Mount; Carl Otto Hor; James Clifton Palmer Jr.; Anne Glennon Pearce; Anthony Pickich Jr.; Martin Anthony Quave; James Wilson Raley; Olive Rodolfich; Howard Ray Schneider; Mary Elizabeth Scholtes; Douglas Ignatius Smith Jr.; Shirley Mae Stanley; John Joseph Stanovich; Francis Gustav Steen; James Stewart; Alvin Sumerlin; Sandford Oris Swanson Jr.; Joycell Ruth  Argonne Thensted; Dorothy Gertrude Tiblier; Alice Jean Tubre; William Lyod Vierling; Vivian Marie Voivedich; Clara Elizabeth Wagner; Mary Rita Weems; Louis Elbert Wentzell Jr.; Eugene Richard Welein; Wilda Mary Williams; James Joseph Wilson; and Helen Bernard Wink.(The Daily Herald, May 24, 1941, p. 2)

COLORED HIGH SCHOOL

GRADUATES

Isaac Henry Adams; Ina Catherine Alberty; Anna Florence Duncan; Vera Louise Edwards; Joseph Danile Grafford; Isabelle Jeanette Griffin; Richard Clifton Hamilton; Frank Jones; Theodore Jordan; Valena Benzenia Major; Annie Mae McCleary; Robert Nance; Juno Gwendolyn Nicholls; Carroll Robinson; Maisie Beatrice Smith; William Spencer; and Altha Irma Staples.(The Daily Herald, May 29, 1941, p. 5 and P. 12) 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CLASS 1941

 

GRADUATES

REFERENCES

1880-1889

The Clarion [Jackson, Ms.], "The State", September 29, 1886.

The Clarion [Jackson, Ms.], "The State", December 15, 1886.

The Daily Picayune, "Mississippi", September 29, 1884.

The Daily Picayune, "Handsboro", May 24, 1888.

The Biloxi Herald, "Gulf Coast College", August 18, 1888.

The Biloxi Herald, "Superintendent Lancaster explains", September 15, 1888.

The Biloxi Herald, "School matters", September 29, 1888.

The Biloxi Herald, "To the Honorable Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town of Biloxi", October 6, 1888.

1890-1899

The Biloxi Herald, "Our Public School", July 26, 1890.

The Biloxi Herald, "Local Happenings", November 8, 1890.

The Biloxi Herald, "Public School Report", December 6, 1890.

The Biloxi Herald, "Public School Report", June 6, 1891.

The Biloxi Herald, "Public School Report", April 9, 1892.

The Biloxi Herald, "Public School Report", December 3, 1892.

The Biloxi Herald, "Public School matters", October 14, 1893.

The Biloxi Herald, "A card to our Colored citizens of Biloxi", March 17, 1894.

The Biloxi Herald, "School Matters", September 28, 1895.

The Biloxi Herald, "Latest City News", October 5, 1895.

The Biloxi Herald, "Report of Back Bay School", March 7, 1896.

The Biloxi Herald, "Latest City News", September 12, 1896.

The Biloxi Herald, "Additional Locals", June 4, 1897.

1940-1949

The Daily Herald, "Patriotic theme at graduation", May 24, 1940.

The Daily Herald, "Diplomas for 84 Biloxi Seniors", May 24, 1941.

 

1950-1959

The Daily Herald, "Seven new teachers elected at Biloxi", May 30, 1950.

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BILOXI PUBLIC SCHOOLS

1898-BACK BAY WARD SCHOOL ‘Gorenflo School’- 

Located on the west side of Main Street between Bradford Street and Bayview Avenue.  In August 1893, W.F. Gorenflo was adjudicated two parcels of land on Main Street by the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi.  The future Back Bay school site was situated on the tract, which was described as: 550 feet north-south on the west side of Main Street and 76 feet east-west, bounded on the north and west by the Estate of F. Moran, on the south by Gaspard Didier, and on the west by Main Street. (HARCO, Ms. Minute Bk. 4, p. 529)

The land for the Back Bay school was donated by William F. Gorenflo (1844-1932).  The building was erected with funds provided by William K.M. Dukate (1852-1916) and donated to the City on September 6, 1898.  A school in this section of Biloxi was desperately needed and sincerely appreciated by the Back Bay residents.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 7, 1898, p. 4)

In early October 1898, Mrs. Senhora Dodd Booth was the first teacher assigned to the Back Bay school.  The new furniture for the structure had not arrived and old seats were temporarily installed in school.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 2, 1898, p. 8)  Attendance at the commencement of the school in October 1898, was forty-seven students.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 5, 1898, p. 8)

FACULTY

1910

Miss Alma Ritch began her teaching career in September 1910, at the Back Bay School.  She was one of four new instructors in the Biloxi School System.  Her salary was $40 per month.  Miss Ritch taught first and second grade.  At this time, Miss Winnie Gorenflo was the Principal.  Miss Ethel Dismukes, the other instructor, taught art.(The Daily Herald, September 9, 1910, p. 4)

1914

 

Edwin W. Wetzel (1877-1953) was awarded the contract by the City of Biloxi to erect a 900 square-ft annex to the Back Bay School.  An additional teacher for the next term will be added as many pupils were unable to attend the school due to lack of facilities and overcrowding in its two class rooms.(The Daily Herald, July 28, 1914, p. 2)

 1915

In September 1915, faculty consisted of Miss Katie Henley, principal, and Miss Alma Ritch, Ione Dulion, and Caroline Gilbert.(The Daily Herald, September 3, 1915, p. 1)

1921

In September 1921, faculty consisted of Miss Alma Ritch, principal, Miss Priscilla Ritch, Miss Grace Hightower, Miss Ione Dulion, and Miss Veronica Lacaze.(The Daily Herald, September 12, 1921, p. 1)

1929 Sale

In August 1929, John J. Kennedy, Mayor of Biloxi, conveyed the school building occupied as a school by the City of Biloxi and known as the “Gorenflo School” to Rt. Reverend Bishop R.O. Gerow, Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Natchez, for $250.  The sale included all of the fixtures, attachments, plumbing, lighting, etc.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 182, pp. 510-511)

In September 1926, prior to the sale, the Roman Catholic parish of St. John’s commenced utilizing the building for a parochial school.  It was staffed by the Sisters of Mercy from their Reynoir Street convent.  This marked the fourth Roman Catholic school in Biloxi, as the Sacred heart School and Academy, Our Mother of Sorrows, and St. Michael’s had opened previously.  A fifth, St. Theresa’s, was to be built shortly.(The Daily Herald, August 28, 1926, p. 2)

The City of Biloxi sold the Back Bay Ward School to Bishop R.O. Gerow, Bishop of the Natchez Diocese, for $250 in August 1929.  In the deed the structure is described as “The Gorenflo School”.  The sale included all fixtures, attachments, pluming, lighting, etc.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 182, pp. 510-511)

In September 1926, prior to the sale, the Roman Catholic parish of St. John’s commenced utilizing the building for a parochial school.  It was staffed by the Sisters of Mercy from their Reynoir Street convent.  This marked the fourth Roman Catholic school in Biloxi, as the Sacred heart School and Academy, Our Mother of Sorrows, and St. Michael’s had opened previously.  A fifth, St. Theresa’s, was to be built shortly.(The Daily Herald, August 28, 1926, p. 2)

 

REFERENCES:

The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 2, 1898, p. 8

The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 5, 1898, p. 8

The Daily Herald, September 9, 1910.

The Daily Herald, "Back Bay school building going up", July 28, 1914.

The Daily Herald, September 3, 1915.

The Daily Herald, September 12, 1921.

The Daily Herald, “Biloxi has new school”, August 28, 1926.

FOREST PARK [1898]

 

 

REFERENCES:

The Biloxi Herald,“”, 1900.

The Biloxi Daily Herald,“”, , 190.

The Biloxi Daily Herald,“”, , 190.

The Daily Herald,“”,  1900.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

HOWARD PRIMARY SCHOOL [1898]

 

 

 

REFERENCES:

 

The Biloxi Herald,“”, June 5, 1900.

The Biloxi Daily Herald,“”, , 190.

The Biloxi Daily Herald,“”, , 190.

The Daily Herald,“”, , 19.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GORENFLO

The approximate 6.5 acres that would become the site of the 1924 Gorenflo School on Lameuse Street was once the John Comstock Bradford (1855-1928) homestead.  He acquired this parcel from his mother, Burrisa Jane Elder Bradford (1830-1917), for $200, in February 1898.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 37, p. 475)

In June 1923, J.C. Bradford conveyed his large Lameuse Street tract to the Trustees of the Biloxi City Schools, W.F. Gorenflo (1844-1932), W.J. Grant (1875-1932), Elbert L. Dukate, Susan Snell Tonsmeire (1879-1953), and Lille Bourdon Devitt (1884-1951), for $10,000.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 138, pp. 466-467)

Here in 1923-1924, a school building designed by architect Carl E. Matthes (1896-1972) was erected.  Called Back Bay Elementary School.  Its area of educational responsibility included: All north of the L&N Railroad from Caillavet to Lee Street, including the east side of Caillavet and the west side of Lee; north of Division bounded by Caillavet and Seal.

The First School Year

When classes commenced in early September 1924, the faculty consisted of Miss Alma Ritch, principal and 1st grade; Miss Evelyn McShane, 1st grade; Miss Pricilla Ritch, 2nd and 3rd grades; Miss Lizette Mackie, 3rd and 4th grades; Miss Irma L. Harvey (1898-1965), 4th and 5th grades; Miss Veronica LaCaze, English, geography, spelling, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades; Miss Inez Rich, arithmetic, history, writing, 6th , 7th, and 8th grades.(The Daily Herald, September 9, 1924, p. 3)

1925

Faculty-Miss Alma Ritch, principal, 1st grade; Evelyn McShane, 1st and 2nd grade; Prisicilla Ritch, 2nd and 3rd grades; Lizette Mackie, 3rd and 4th grades; Veronica LaCaze, penmanship, spelling, physical education, and music for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades; Mrs. H.H. Roof, arithmetic, geography, hygiene, and civics for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades; Mary Will Dent, English and history for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.(The Daily Herald, August 31, 1925, p. 3)

 

REFERENCES:

REFERENCES:

Daily Herald, “”,

The Daily Herald, “”,

The Daily Herald, “”,

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The Daily Herald, “”,

 

 

BILOXI HIGH SCHOOL CLASS 1961

      The Biloxi High School Class of 1961 had the distinction of being the last class to attend the 'old' Biloxi High School on Howard Avenue and the first to graduate from the 'new' Biloxi High School on Father Ryan.  Neither school exists today in the capacity as a High School.  The Howard Avenue campus was demolished and is now the site of the 2011 Biloxi Public Library and Community Centre.  The Father Ryan Avenue school converted to a Junior High School, when the 'newest' Biloxi High School opened on Popps Ferry Road in 2003?  It may be hard for today's students to grasp that the Howard Avenue campus was never air conditioned or integrated!

 

CLASSMATE and TEACHER DEATHS

Betty Rose Allen Suarez (1942-2004). Born on September 30, 1942.  She wedded John Roy Suarez on March 23, 1965 in Harrison County, Mississippi.  They were the parents of: Kevin Suarez; John Roy Suarez Jr.; Michel Suarez; and Angel Suarez.(HARCO, Ms. MRB 129, p. 50)

     Betty Rose Allen Suarez expired at Las Vegas, Nevada on December 14, 2004.  Her corporal remains were interred in the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.(The Las Vegas Review-Journal, December 19, 2004, p. B6)

Lee Anna Allen Tesch (1943-1983).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 18, 1943, the daughter of Overton Allen and Elizabeth Carroll.  Lee Anna married Reginald Gotjen at Biloxi on December 17, 1961.(HARCO, Ms. MRB 120, p. 488).  One son, Mark Gotjen.  Married ? O’Neal.  Two sons, Joe O’Neal and Rafe O’Neal.  Married Thomas Tesche.  Expired on February 22, 1983, at Canton, Connecticut of cancer.

John T. Bloodworth?

Stephen 'Steve' P. Bowen (1943-2005).   Born October 24, 1943 to Stephen Bowen and Violet Puzz Bowen (1924-2006).  Steve lived Memphis, Tennessee and retired to Sardis, Panola County, Mississippi where he expired on July 25, 2005.   His mother died here on February 10, 2006.  Her corporal remains were passed through St. John's Roman Catholic Church and interred in the Rose Hill Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, February 14, 2006)

Jerrilyn Marie Broussard Barrett (1943-2006).  Born Biloxi, Mississippi, the daughter of Broussard and Sue ? Broussard Moore, 63, died Saturday, December 9, 2006 at Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX. Jerrilyn was an avid bridge player. She was a Life Master with the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). Mrs. Barrett is preceded in death by her parents, Oland Moore and Sue Moore of Biloxi, MS.  She is survived by husband, Warren Barrett of Pearland, TX; two brothers, Randy Moore of Picayune, MS and Scott Moore and his wife, Carol, of San Antonio, TX.  A Celebration of Her life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 12, 2006 in the Chapel of SouthPark Funeral Home. Rite of Committal will follow in SouthPark Cemetery.  SouthPark Funeral Home and Cemetery 1310 North Main Street Pearland Texas 77581 281-485-2711. (The Sun Herald, December 11, 2006, p. A  ).

Carol Dianne Fortenberry Bosarge (1943-2011).  Born Biloxi, Mississippi? on November 24, 1943.  Married Ellis Bosarge in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 4, 1964.  Carol expired on January 23, 2011 at Newberry, Alachua County, Florida.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 126, p. 570)

Patricia Diane Carpenter (1943-2011)-Known to all of us as Diane, she passed at Biloxi, Mississippi on May 4, 2011.  Diane had matriculated to USM after graduation and married a gentleman from New Jersey.  She began raising horses and later became a trainer of thoroughbreds.  Diane ran the Sundance Stable at Churchill Downs, Lexington, Kentucky from the late 1970s to the late 1980s. Her ability to train and her alent to evaluate the potential of throughbred colts led to her success in the competitive world of horse racing.  Diane among her many career racing successes, had two horses run in the Kentucky Derby: Biloxi Indian in 1984 and Kingpost in 1988.  They  finished this classic event 12^th and 14^th respectively.  Diane was elected a Beauty in her senior year at BHS.  In addition, she was secretary of Student Council, National Honor Society member, Vocal Music Club member, member of the Future Homemakers club and was co-captain of the Pep Squad.[Ray L. Bellande and Jackie Tabb-May 2011, The Sun Herald, May 20, 2011, p. D1]

William T. ‘Bill’ Castanera (1943-2010,)also known as Billy Welch.  Born Biloxi, Mississippi on August 28, 1943 to Theodore B. Castanera and Bessie P. Welch (1914-1989).  Bill expired at the Tidelands Hospice from cancer at Pawleys Island, South Carolina on April 18, 2010.  Married Patricia ? Castanera.  Retired to Pawleys Island from northern Virginia.  Veteran of the USAF and father of two daughters, Candelyn Sue C. Bond and Gina Marie C. McDaniels.(The Sun Herald, April 20, 2010, p. A  ).

William Henry "Billy" Creel (1943-2001).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on May 7, 1943, the youngest of the six sons of  J.A. “Tony” Creel and Gladys Ward.  Married Leila Ellen Smith in February 1965 and the father of Kena Kaye Creel, Kristen Creel, Lauren E. Creel, William H. Creel II, and Jamie Keith Creel.  Coast tourism leader.  Senior Director of Operations at the Isle of Capri at the time of his demise on November 24, 2001.  Burial in the Biloxi City Cemetery.

Troy M. Davis (1943-2006).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi, the son of Rufus Frank Davis and Eva Ladnier Davis Wells.  Survived by Wayne Davis and Gwen Davis Guice, siblings.  Expired on September 14, 2006 at Biloxi, Mississippi.  Corporal remains interred in the D’Iberville Memorial Park Cemetery, D’Iberville, Harrison County, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, September 17, 2006, p. A12).

Carolyn M. Broadus Lynch

Linda Mae Broussard Gavin (1943-1999).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 30, 1943, the daughter of Neonce J. Broussard and Nellie J. Marlborough.  Married and divorced Jerry Gavin.  Expired at Biloxi on January 10, 1999.

Arnell Jacobina DeSilvey Knowles (1942-1986).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 1, 1942, the daughter of John A. DeSilvey and Domena Gospodinovich.  Expired at Key West, Florida on November 3, 1986.  Interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.

Claudette M. Doucet Van Winkle

Don Wayne Dubaz-(1942-1996). Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 10, 1942, the son of Luke J. Dubaz Jr. (1922-2001) and Irene Theriot (1924-1984).  Two children: Ann Dubaz and Donald Wayne Dubaz II.  Navy veteran and retired from Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp.   Expired from a heart attack on 11-16-1996.  Remains interred at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Edwin Earl Duncan Jr. (1939-1992).  Born November 11, 1939, the son of Edwin Duncan (1918-1986), a native of Hendricks County, Indiana, and Lorine L. Duncan.  E.E. Duncan Dr. died on January 15, 1986.  Jr. expired October 10, 1992.

Deanna Marie Fayard Windom (1943-2008).  Born 1943 at Biloxi, Mississippi the daughter of Marshall Fayard (1910-1957) and Helen Ibele Fayard (1913-2007).  Deanna was reared on Bradford Street between Reynoir and Church Street.  She married Harold A. Windom of Biloxi circa 1962.  Their children were: Terri Windom Flowers; Celeste Windom McNeil; Harold A. Windom II; and Michael Windom.  Deanna expired at Biloxi on August 21, 2008.  Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, August 23, 2008, p. A4)

Atha M. Foster (1928-2008).  Born April 10, 1928 at Maben, Mississippi.  Atha matriculated to Mississippi State University after serving in the US Navy and received a Master's degree in Education.  At Biloxi High School, he taught U.S. History and Government for many years.  Mr. Foster was preceded in death by Elizabeth Foster.  Atha's corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi National Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, September 28, 2008, p. A12)

Lonnie Steve Gabrich (1940-2010).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 9, 1940, the son of Alonzo L. Gabrich (1894-1948) and Vetsie Sekul (1915-2002).  Alonzo L. Gabrich was police chief of Biloxi when he died in 1948.  Lonnie was a Biloxi police officer from 1967 until 1974.  He married Lenka Alena Bakulich in November 1967 and had three children: Ellen M. Gabrich Zorich, Alonzo 'Peter' Gabrich, and Diana Gabrich.  Memorial Mass was celebrated for his life on June 14, 2010 at the Marian Chapel of N.B.V.M. Cathedral in Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, June 12, 2010, p. A10)

Robert 'Bob' O. Garrison (1928-2001).  Born at Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Bob Garrison played varsity basketball for USM in the 1950s.  Coached basketball and physical education at Biloxi High School from the late 1950s until the late 1960s?  Coach Garrison died April 15, 2001 at Raymond, Mississippi.  He had married Gaynell Sumrall (1934-2003), a native of Sumrall, Mississippi, circa 1957.  Probably interred in the First Baptist Cemetery in Sumrall, Mississippi with Gaynell.(The Sun Herald, September 21, 2003, p. A9)

Toni Darlene Ellis Glavin

John Paul “Joe” Gill (1941-1976).  Born December 4, 1941, at Biloxi, Mississippi.  Joe was a fabulous football and track and field athlete.  He played quarterback for Biloxi Central Jr. High School and end on the Biloxi High School team.  Joe married and divorced Barbara Costello.  They were the parents of three children: Shea Gill, Shellie Gill, and Cherrie Gill.  Joe Gill  married Sandra Kaye Jones while  Barbara wedded Walter Nixon Jr.  Joe Gill expired November 14, 1976.  His corporal remains were interred in the Serenity Memorial Gardens in Pascagoula, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, November 15, 1976, p. A-2)

Francis Ray Gollott (1942-1993).  Born July 10, 1942, to Luther Daniel “L.D.” Gollott and Mary Lawrence Gollott Foster.  Died November 16, 1993.

Dolores Ann Gonsoulin

Maynard V. Hacker II. (1943-2003). Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 14, 1943, the son of Maynard Hacker (1919-1973) and Gloria Ozella (1926-1994).  Maynard was an outstanding debater while at BHS and Millsaps College.  He was retired advertising executive at the time of his demise at Birmingham, Alabama on January 20, 2003.  He attended Millsaps College and was a member of the Order of Demolay.  Maynard was survived by a sister, Kathryn H. Stankovic, of Richmond, Virginia.(The Daily Herald, November 23, 1962, p. 16 and The Sun Herald, January 25, 2003, p. A-9)

Charles Thomas Harrison, Sr. (1943-2011).  Born on October 29, 1943 at Biloxi, Mississippi, the son of Curtis Richardson Harrison Sr. (1910-1978) and Blanche Fayard Harrison (1915-2000).  Charles married Euple Kathleen Broom at Biloxi on August 19, 1964.  They were the parents of Charlotte Harrison Newman and Charles T. Harrison Jr.  At Biloxi, Charles T. Harrison continued in the Harrison family traditional business of real estate and commercial and residential leasing and rentals.  Charles expired at Biloxi on October 21, 2011.  He corporal remians were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, October 23, 2011 and October 24, 2011, p. A6 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 127, p. 443)

Robert W. Hickey (1942-1991). Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 28, 1942, the son of Robert E. Hickey and Kathryne Jane Langenberry.  Married Cheryl Hanson (1945-1997).  He expired at Biloxi on June 28, 1991.  She passed on June 15, 1997.  Both interred at Southern Memorial Park Cemetery in Biloxi.

James C. Hickson Jr. (1941-5-26-1994?)

Ron Hulbert (1943-2008).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 15, 1943. Died at Gulfport, Mississippi on June 12, 2008, the son of Billy Hulbert and Sarah Cooper.  Two children: Sara Hulbert of Biloxi and Chris Hulbert of Baldwinsville, New York.(The Sun Herald, June 14, 2008, p. A8)

Rita Johnson Miller (1943-2002). Born at Hattiesbirg, Mississippi on March 27, 1943, the daughter of Laban L. Miller and Frances Ruth Campbell.  Married Joe R. Miller.  Two daughters: Lynn M. Brown and Kimberly M. Wilson.  She passed on February 15, 2002 and was interred in the Southern Memorial Park Cemetery at Biloxi.(The Sun Herald, February 20, 2002, p. A-7)

James W. Kenney

Joyce E. Melvin Davis (1942-1992).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 31, 1942, the daughter of Lawrence Joseph Melvin and Ola Mae Harbison Melvin Eustache. Married James Harvey Davis Jr. on August 19, 1961.  Made her living as a bank teller. Four children: Gina D. Lehman, Joyce M. Davis, Angela D. Jimerson, and James L. Davis.   She expired on February 13, 1992 and was interred in the D’Iberville Memorial Park.

Warner Olan “Lanny” Moore Jr.

Patricia Ann O’Brien Ford (1943-2004).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 20, 1943, the daughter of Fred O’Brien and Winnie Morris Arguelles.  Pat graduated from Mississippi State College for Women with a degree in Foods and Nutrition.  She made her livelihood as a dietician.  Married William Ford.  They lived in Texas.  After his demise, she returned to Biloxi in 1986 and volunteered in the history and genealogy section at the Biloxi Public Library.  Her siblings were: Joseph Arguelles, Jack Arguelles, Ivon Arguelles, and Morris Arguelles.  Pat expired at Biloxi on December 30, 2004.  Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.

Mary Joanne Olsen Ballard (1943-2000).  Born at Clearwater, Florida on September 21, 1943, the daughter of Harold Olsen and Ethel Creel.  Married Paul Ballard and resided at Wiggins.  Expired at Biloxi on November 5, 2000.  Buried Biloxi National Cemetery.

Anthony Earl Perez Jr. (1942-2006).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi, the son of Anthony Earl and Maggie Perez.  U.S. Navy veteran and member of Carpenters Local 1667.  Anthony retired from the Civil Service at KAFB.  He died at Biloxi on September 19, 2006.  Corporal remains interred Biloxi National Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, September 21, 2006, p. A4)

Everett Henry “Lightning” Redam Jr. (1943-2002).  Born on June 12, 1943, at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to Everett H. Redam and Lillian Ladnier Redam.  Married Shirley Jean Ford (b. 1938), probably a Kansas native and the daughter of Burley O. Ford and Leomia Ford at Biloxi on December 12, 1969.(HARCO, Ms. 1^st JD MR Bk. 2, p. 276)

Everett expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on May 25, 2002.  He had worked for Home Auto Supply for thirty-four years and was employed at the Grand Casino at the time of his demise.  His corporal remains were cremated.

Donna Robbins Acevedo (1943-2010).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 12, 1943, the daughter of William Robert ‘Willie’ Robbins Sr. (1914-1960) and Aleta Bell Robbins Melvin (1919-2005).  Donna was reared on Biloxi’s Back Bay on Braun Avenue near the Bay View housing projects.  She attended Biloxi public schools commencing with Gorenflo.  After graduation, she married John Jack Acevedo on July 14, 1961 in Harrison County, Mississippi.(HARCO, Ms. MRB 119, p. 401 and William R. Robbins III-January 2011).

     Donna was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, William R. Robbins II (1942-1999) and Gary W. Robbins.  Donna and Jack were the parents of Jonda Maria Acevedo m. Frank Francis Seymour; Dina Kay Acevedo  m. Donald Ray Coblentz; and John Gary Acevedo.  Donna Robbins Acevedo expired on August 12, 2010.  Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, August 14, 2010, p. A4 and August 15, 2010, p. A12)

Noah J. Saunders (1943-2007)*.  Born Biloxi son of Carl Saunders and Ruth McRae Saunders.  Operated Saunders Machine Shop.  Married Helen ?  Children: Angela S. Desporte; Noah Saunders Jr.; Donald Saunders; Troy Saunders; and Glen Saunders.  Noah died at Biloxi on January 31, 2007.  Corporals remains interred Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, February 3, 2007, p. A10)

* probably not in graduating class of 1961.

Joseph J. Simonich (1943-1993).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 7, 1943 to Joseph Anthony Simonich (1907-11-1965) and Audrey Sterne Simonich (1917-11-1988).  One child, Shelly S. Walters.  Expired at Pensacola, Florida on April 16, 1993.

T.J. Smith (1933-2010). Coach T.J. Smith came to the Biloxi Public School system in 1956 and spent 19 years as: social studies teacher, driver's education teacher, guidance counselor, football and tennis coach and Principal from 1969-1975.  He went to Jefferson Davis Jr. College and retired in 1998 as Dean of Business Services.  T.J. Smith was married to Scottie Sue Smith (1934-1984) and Brenda Nell Linthicum.

Louise Tauzin Davis (1944-2003).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi in 1944, to Murphy A. Tauzin and Cecile Hebert.  Married Richard M. “Rick” Davis.  Three children: Rick Davis II, Charlotte D. Hayes, and Christine Davis.  Died in Gulfport from cancer, on July 15, 2003.  Buried at Biloxi National Cemetery on July 16, 2003.(The Sun Herald, July 16, 2003, p. A-6)

Helen F. Thomas Wood (1942-2000).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 13, 1942, the daughter of Edward H. Thomas and Fay G. Manuel.  Made her livelihood as a nurse.  No children.  Expired September 9, 2000.  Buried at Biloxi City Cemetery.

Robert L. ‘Bobby’ Thompson Jr. (1943-2008).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi the son of Robert L. Thompson and    .  Bobby expired at Biloxi on May 21, 2008.  He was survived by Barbara T. Starr, a sister, and Ronnie Thompson, brother.  Bobbywas a lifelong resident of Biloxi, a former Biloxi Firefighter, and an instructor for a local gaming school.  He was a member of B.P.O.E. # 606 in Biloxi and was Elk of the Year in 1991-1992.   Celebration of his life was held at the Biloxi Elks Lodge on June 19, 2008.(The Sun Herald, June 1, 2008, p. A12)

Sherry A. Wallis Sullivan (1942-1998).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 26, 1942, the daughter of Willie August Wallis and Irwine Fayard Wallis.  Married Nathan Sullivan III.  Two children: Jeff Sullivan and Dr. Patricia S. Davis.  Made her livelihood as a cardiac nurse.  Expired at Biloxi on July 25, 1998.

Adrian Michael Weill (1943-1976).  Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 30, 1943, the son of Adrian Weill (1903-1971) and Jeanette Dees Weill (1916-2002).  Three sisters: Jacqueline W. Glascow Bernstein, Jolene Weill Manuel, and Donna Weill Minton. Died at Biloxi on April 17, 1976.  Corporal remains interred at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi.

W.D. “Willie” Wiles (1923-1998).  Born September 23, 1923, at Kosciusko, Mississippi, the son of Dee Wiles and Inez Caldwell.  Graduate of Mississippi Southern College.  Head football coach at Biloxi High School from 1957-1967?  Expired at Thibodeaux, Louisiana on February 9, 1998.

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, “Biloxian will be in debate in Iowa”, November, 1962, p. 16.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal, “Betty Rose Allen Suarez”, December 19, 2004, p. B-6.

The Sun Herald, “Adrian Michael Weill”, April 18, 1976, p. A-2.

The Sun Herald, “Biloxian (Michael Weill)  found dead outside apartments”, April 18, 1976, p. A-2.

The Sun Herald, “John “Joe” Paul Gill, November 15, 1976, p. A-2.

The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Lee Anna Allen Tesch”, February 23, 1983, p. A-2.

The Sun Herald, “Robert W. Hickey”, June 30, 1991, p. A-2.

The Sun Herald, “Ms. Joyce Elzada Davis”, February 15, 1992, p. A-2.

The Sun Herald, “Joseph John Simonich”, April 23, 1993, p. A-2.

The Sun Herald,“Ray Gollott”, November 18, 1993, p. A-2.

The Sun Herald, “Don Wayne Dubaz”, November 19, 1996, p. C-2.

The Sun Herald, “W.D. Wiles”, February 11, 1998, p. A-9.

The Sun Herald, “Sherry Sullivan”, July 28, 1998, p. A-7.

The Sun Herald, “Linda B. Gavin”, January 11, 1999, p. A-9.

The Sun Herald, “Helen T. Wood”, September 11, 2000, p. A-5.

The Sun Herald, “Mary Jo Olsen Ballard”, November 7, 2000, p. A-7.

The Sun Herald, “Bob Garrison, one of Coast’s top basketball coaches dies”, April 18, 2001, p. A-7.

The Sun Herald, “William H. Creel”, November 25, 2001, p. A-10.

The Sun Herald, “Coast mourns ‘Mr. Tourism’”, November 25, 2001, p. A-1 and A-6.

The Sun Herald, “Rita Miller”, February 20, 2002, p. A-7.

The Sun Herald, “Ester Shutt”, May 12, 2002, p. A-8.

The Sun Herald, “Everett H. Redam Jr.”, May 28, 2002, p. A-5.

The Sun Herald, “Maynard Hacker”, January 25, 2003.

The Sun Herald, “Louise Tauzin Davis”, July 16, 2003, p. A-6.

The Sun Herald, “Gaynell Sumrall Garrison”, September 21, 2003, p. A-9.

The Sun Herald, “Patricia Ann O’Brien Ford”, January 5, 2005, p. A-9.

The Sun Herald, “Violet P. Bowen", February 14, 2006.

The Sun Herald, “Troy M. Davis”, September 17, 2006, p. A12.

The Sun Herald, “Mr. Anthony Earl Perez Jr.”, September 21, 2006, p. A4.

The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Jerrilyn Marie [Broussard] Barrett”, December 11, 2006.

The Sun Herald, “Mr. Noah J. Saunders Sr.”, February 3, 2007, p. A10.

The Sun Herald, “Robert L. ‘Bob’ Thompson”, June 1, 2008, p. A12.

The Sun Herald, “Ron Hulbert”, June 14, 2008, p. A8.

The Sun Herald, “Deanna Marie Windom”, August 23, 2008, p. A4.

The Sun Herald, "Atha M. Foster", September 28, 2008, p. A12. 

The Sun Herald, "William T. 'Bill' Castanera", April 20, 2010, p. A.

 The Sun Herald, “Patricia Diane Carpenter”, May 7, 2010, p. A4.

The Sun Herald, “Legendary horse trainer [Diane Carpenter] from Biloxi dies at age 68”, May 20, 2010, p. D1.

The Sun Herald, “Charles Thomas Harrison, Sr.”, October 24, 2011, p. A6.