Category: Ouachita Parish

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.

Pickin’ and Ginnin’ in Richland Parish and A Short History on the Subject

Back in August of 1991, many Richland Parish residents will remember the excitement and buzz about the first annual “Pickin’ and Ginnin’ Festival.” The festival always drew large crowds, but after a while, the work involved to pull off a successful festival became too great, and the festival eventually ended. Jennie Joe Siscoe, who often wrote several great historical columns for the Beacon, penned this history about growing cotton in Richland Parish.