Author: Luke J. Letlow
Winning the day since 1979. Politics, History, Travel, Writing.
From Start, Louisiana
"Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none." - Benjamin Franklin
The Life of Mr. Garrett Sullivan (1894-1968)
Garrett Sullivan was born on Friday, July 27, 1894. He was the eldest of seven children born to Henry Graton Sullivan and Lillie Eliza (Liza’) Smith. Graton was 23 and Liza was 19 when Garrett was born. To the best of my knowledge, Garrett had no middle name, and he'd never know either of his … Continue reading The Life of Mr. Garrett Sullivan (1894-1968)
RICHLAND PARISH’S SCHOOLS & TEACHERS IN 1925
RICHLAND PARISH’S SCHOOLS & TEACHERS IN 1925. Schools in Nearby Parish Open Monday for Full Sessions. Special to the News-Star. RAYVILLE, Sept. 9, 1925 - The Schools of Richland parish will begin the 1925-1926 term next Monday morning, Sept. 14th, and the following is a list of teachers who will guide the destinies of the pupils during the … Continue reading RICHLAND PARISH’S SCHOOLS & TEACHERS IN 1925
An Account of the Solar Eclipse of 1878 in Northeast LA
From the Ouachita Telegraph, August 2, 1878, page 3. "Various reports of the affair have reached us, no two of which agree, except that all the observers were looking heavenward, some of them for the first time in their lives" "The cocks crew once, twice and thrice, and the chickens, guineas and other fowls sought … Continue reading An Account of the Solar Eclipse of 1878 in Northeast LA
The Hon. John Ray, James Ray, Henry Bry, and Other Early Distinguished Settlers in Northeast Louisiana
The article below was printed originally in The Ouachita Telegraph on August 25, 1888. It details how this early settler in Northeast Louisiana came in contact with Davy Crockett in Little Rock while traveling south to Monroe; met Jim Bowie in Monroe, and helped connect Bowie to Crockett in his company heading west to the … Continue reading The Hon. John Ray, James Ray, Henry Bry, and Other Early Distinguished Settlers in Northeast Louisiana
Local Book Review: Kate Stone’s Brokenburn, with Mentions of Delhi and Crew Lake
If you are interested in Civil War or local history in Northeast Louisiana, a really good book I recently read is one that was originally written during that time, called Brokenburn - The Journal of Kate Stone (1861-1868). A beautifully written account of what life was like from day to day for her family and … Continue reading Local Book Review: Kate Stone’s Brokenburn, with Mentions of Delhi and Crew Lake
Chenault City?
In 1890, Rayville was almost renamed Chenault City. Note that this Chenault only has one "L". Apparently this was to honor and impress a mover and shaker in the railroad industry. It passed the State House. Must've died in the State Senate.
Aug 22, 1925 – Dixie-Overland Bridge Is Scene of Successful Road Hold-Up
From the Monroe News-Star, August 22, 1925; page 1 MONROE MAN AIDS COUPLE; MONEY TAKEN; ROBBERS IN BREAK Man and Woman Escape; All-Night Search Is Without Result. In one of the most daring holdups of the past few months, Brant Seaman, lumberman, was robbed of approximately $40, on the La Fourche swamp on the Dixie … Continue reading Aug 22, 1925 – Dixie-Overland Bridge Is Scene of Successful Road Hold-Up
Confederate Veterans Buried In Richland Parish
This list is a compilation of several lists. It is without question an incomplete list. If you know of additional confederate burials in Richland Parish, please email info@richlandroots.comJames Barnett Archibald; (1828-1892.) Buried in Little Creek Methodist Church CemeteryJosiah Burton Archibald; (May 9, 1824-Aug 16, 1892.) Buried in Lynn Cemetery - 0.5 miles west in ArchibaldWilliam … Continue reading Confederate Veterans Buried In Richland Parish
Remembering Richland’s Soldiers Lost on Memorial Day
The following is a list of known soldiers lost during times of war, from Richland Parish. If you know of additional soldiers that should be added to this list, please email info@richlandroots.com WWI Baughtom, Tony, Rayville WWI Carter, Chester, Rayville WWI Christian, Wilbur, Rayville WWI Cook, Tommy, Rayville WWI Etheridge, John A., Crew Lake WWI … Continue reading Remembering Richland’s Soldiers Lost on Memorial Day
1935 COE Map of Richland
In 1935, Richland Parish was partially mapped by the Corps of Engineers. On the high resolution version, you can often see where each home-place was, which were designated by dots. If you'd like to see the high-resolution image, where I've patched the multiple maps together, it can be downloaded below . .pdf - high … Continue reading 1935 COE Map of Richland
In 1908, LSU Baseball Star from Rayville dies from tragic baseball accident.
While researching young Hervey Mangham, I realized that his story happened 99 years ago this week. So here's an attempt from me to tell his story. If you're native to Richland Parish there's a chance you've heard the name Wiley P. Mangham. An early post-civil war settler in this parish, he and his brother helped found … Continue reading In 1908, LSU Baseball Star from Rayville dies from tragic baseball accident.
