Category: Notable Natives

Judge William N. Potts (1841-1913) of Hudson, Potts & Bernstein, began his career in Rayville

Judge, Louisiana Fifth Judicial District Court, 1894-1900. First practiced law in the town of Rayville, Richland Parish, where he was associated with former Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, Robert B. Todd. Elected Parish Attorney and subsequently District Attorney. Formed the firm Potts & Hudson in 1883, remaining senior member there until elected Judge of the Fifth Judicial District in 1894. Appointed by Governor Sanders to revise the Civil Code of Louisiana as a member of the Civil Code Commission. Died at his home in Monroe, Louisiana, April 26, 1913.

William A. Beck, Sr., M.D., of Mangham (1893-1969) – “A Pioneer In Medicine”

Dr. Beck was born in Gainesville, Alabama in 1896 and moved to Mangham, Louisiana at an early age where he received his elementary education and later entered Homer College, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, prior to entering Meharry Medical College in 1918. Dr. Beck was a professor of clinical medicine at Meharry for 25 years prior to having a successful private practice in Los Angeles for 23 years.

Remembering Harry Wayne Addison (1920-2003) – AUDIO

The family often joked that going anywhere with “Pa” would take ‘ forever because he would stop and talk to everyone he saw. But that was part of Harry’s charm. A noted and gifted writer, Mr. Addison authored three great books, Write that Down for Me Daddy, RFD 3, and Mama Was a Con Man, Papa Was a Christian. He also spent many years traveling the south as a guest speaker. Hearing Harry speak was a treat; his humor and wit will go unmatched.