Bridging Two Cities in the 1800s

In 1862 a man by the name of James Oliver Nuckolls migrated to Bossier Parish with his family. Two years later, at the age of 17, he joined the Third Louisiana Battalion Army and served the duration of the war between the states. After the war, he returned to Bossier Parish, where he settled in Plain Dealing. Here, he farmed the land, married, raised a family, and lived out the rest of his days.

In his later years, he enjoyed writing about days gone by. One of his writings provides details of old Red River crossings during bygone times. He wrote this recollection upon an "urgent request" from his friend J. T. Manry on Feb. 29, 1932, just three months before his death. The Bossier Banner-Progress published his story Mar. 10th.

Jones' Landing, Va., vicinity. Pontoon bridge over the James, from the north bank. United States Virginia Jones' Landing, None. [Between 1860 and 1865] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2018666613/.

He begins by describing the first bridge to connect Bossier City to Shreveport. According to Nuckolls, "The first bridge across the river at Shreveport was a pontoon bridge. It was constructed by placing a number of skiffs parallel and close together and laying across heavy plank for flooring. It made a very substantial bridge. It was built chiefly to facilitate military operations. My own company, the Third Louisiana Battery of Light Artillery, crossed on it the last year of the war."

Other articles have appeared over the years that mention the pontoon bridge during the war. William S. Ingram was a long-time newspaperman who managed both the Shreveport Journal and the Shreveport Times during his career. He enjoyed writing historical pieces. In an article published by The Shreveport Times in 1926, he states, "Nathan Hirsch, the father of Willie R. Hirsch, lived for many years with Mr. Levy, and during the Civil war guarded the pontoon bridge which crossed the Red river near Cotton street..."

Eric J. Brock, a long-time local historian, wrote many articles and books about Shreveport and Bossier. In an article he wrote for The Shreveport Times, he states, "In 1864, a pontoon bridge was built crossing Red River from near the Confederate Navy Yard (established to build ironclads and located on the riverfront about where the Expo Hall and Harrah's now stand) to the Cane Place - "Elysian Grove." This bridge was destroyed a year after the war by massive flooding. Another bridge was also built, connecting Fort Turnbull to Bossier Parish, just south of Battery Ewell."

In Nuckolls' article, he explains that after the pontoon bridge was gone, ferry steamboats were used to provide transportation of people, stock, and wagons across the river. One of the ferries in operation for a long time was the Sterling White, captained by Ben M. White. In 1881, the Red River's water level became too low to operate his ferry. He was granted permission to install a pontoon bridge until the water level returned to his steamboat's navigable level.

The use of ferries between Bossier City and Shreveport came to an end when the first permanent bridge was constructed in 1884. The VS&P railroad bridge had a wooden deck that allowed wagon and pedestrian traffic to cross. There was a toll fee for wagons and pedestrians to cross. Nuckolls tells about the new bridge and informs his readers, "I was collector of the tolls on the bridge during 1906 and 1910, and everybody going east or west had to pass me."

VS&P bridge with wagons and pedestrians crossing, 1884. Neill Yarborough Collection: 2006.034.018

Recording history by writing stories of days gone by, like Nuckolls and others have done, provide future generations with historical facts that might not otherwise be known. The Bossier Parish Libraries History Center has been the primary repository for the history of Bossier Parish since 1999. What do you want to know about Bossier Parish's history? Visit, call, or email the Bossier Parish Library History Center for help with your research. We are at 2206 Beckett Street, Bossier City, 318-746-7717, history-center@bossierlibrary.org.

By: Amy Robertson

Dr. Paul Lawrence: Man of Many Hats

Dr. Paul Lawrence C. 1890
Emma Pattillo Collection: 0000.003.040

Dr. Paul Lawrence is remembered as the one-legged, horseback doctor of Haughton. Though he served this rural community for fifty years as a doctor, it is not how he made his living. That is because during the 19th Century, doctors, especially frontier doctors in rural areas, were rarely paid in cash. Instead, they were often paid in-kind with whatever produce, services or goods were available to the patient. Because of this, he was a man of many hats.

Lawrence first came to Bossier Parish in 1851, when he was only twelve-years-old, moving here from Mississippi with his family. He obtained his education from Fillmore Academy. Then, in the fall of 1860, Lawrence began his medical studies in New Orleans at the University of Louisiana, known today as Tulane University.

With tensions rising between the states, he came home in Dec. 1861 and enlisted in the Robin Greys, a Bossier Parish company of the 19th Louisiana Infantry, Company B, The Army of Tennessee. The Army of Tennessee was the principal Confederate army operating between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River.

During the Civil War, Lawrence sustained two injuries, one to the shoulder in 1863. After a six-month recovery, he rejoined his company, and two months later, he suffered an injury that required the amputation of his right leg. After convalescing in Mississippi with relatives until he was well and able to travel, he returned to Louisiana, wasting no time in resuming his medical studies in the summer of 1865.

Mary "Mollie" Jane Haughton C. 1890
Emma Pattillo Collection: 0000.003.040-2

In 1867, Lawrence returned to Bossier Parish and began his medical practice. He married Mary (Mollie) Jane Haughton, daughter of Harriet (Hassell) Haughton and William Purvis Haughton, whom the town is named after. When the railroad first came through the area, it was initially called Lawrenceville, after Dr. Paul Lawrence as the train depot, often referred to as Lawrence Station, was located on land that was formerly owned by him. On Sep. 1, 1884, Lawrenceville officially became Haughton.

As mentioned earlier, Lawrence was a man of many hats. Besides always being on call as the town’s physician, he was also a third-generation cotton planter, as well as a merchant, owning and running a general mercantile and cotton brokerage business, Lawrence & Son. After his death, his youngest son, Thomas Humphrey Lawrence, who partnered with him at the store, changed the name to Lawrence & Company, and it remained open until his retirement in the 1950s.

Even after retirement, Lawrence continued to superintend his farm until his death. As a retired physician, he would still provide medical services when called on, whether filling in when a doctor was not available and assisting in surgeries when requested. He was a prominent member of the community, and he gladly served it in various ways, from serving as a voting commissioner to being a member of the Bossier Parish School Board, and later as a member of the Board of Trustees for Haughton white 

schools.

Lawrence was appointed by the Bossier Parish Police Jury as a Health Officer for the Fillmore area in 1878 in response to the threat of dangerous and contagious diseases, such as smallpox and yellow fever. In 1885, he was on the building committee for the Methodist Church in Haughton, which has been in the same location on E. McKinley Ave for 120 years.

He was nominated to represent Bossier Parish as a delegate for the Democratic State Convention. And, he was a delegate for the Louisiana State Division, United Confederate Veterans in 1914. When he died in Nov. 1934; he was the last Robin Grey soldier to die.

When driving down Hwy. 157, about a half-mile south of the red light in Haughton, sits Dr. Paul Lawrence’s old house, which is now a historic site.

C. 1900. Dr. Paul Lawrence is shown standing with his family in front of his south Haughton home. From left to right are T. Humphrey Lawrence, Mary Lawrence (sister to Paul), Dr. Paul Lawrence, Eva Lawrence, Myrtis Lawrence, Mary Haughton Lawrence (wife of Paul), Sudye Lawrence(youngest of nine children), and Lucille Lawrence. (Clifton Cardin Collection: 1999.089.003)

A Civil War Christmas

A sketch of John Milton Scanland that appeared in the Sunday News in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. Dec. 30, 1894. 

John Milton Scanland was the brother of William Henry Scanland, the proprietor and editor of the Bossier Banner from 1859 until his death in 1916. Like his brother, John Scanland was a newspaperman his entire life except for his time as a soldier in the Civil War. The following article, “My Christmas as a Soldier,” appeared in The Bossier Banner on Dec. 27, 1900.

The Bossier Banner - July 6, 1939.

“At the beginning of the war between the States I enlisted in the first battalion that left my State for the front. Christmas day found our command defending a fortification, and as the provision trains could not catch up through danger of capture, my first Christmas in the army was a fast, broken only by a little boiled rice and a ration of whisky – about half a glass.

“That night I was detailed as one of the guards. My post was about fifty yards from the breastworks, and on the bank of Warwick river, a shallow stream perhaps twenty yards wide. It was the duty of the sentinels to fire upon the enemy if they attempted to cross the stream. The firing of the gun would alarm camp, and thus prepare the battalion for defense. The wind was cold and cutting. Sleet continued to fall, and the night was as dark as moonless skies and a forest of trees could make it. I was required to stand in one position during the two hours duty, so as to be concealed from the enemy, and the better to observe his movements by watching a particular point. It was also safer for myself, for he would likely shoot at a moving object.

“I had been on duty perhaps an hour, the bright barrel of a gun concealed under my oil-cloth. I stood behind a cluster of bushes, which reached to my shoulders, giving me a view of the creek, only obstructed by the blackness of night. I could only see the open space of the river, and an occasional white ripple of water, where the current was disturbed by something jumping into the river. The noise was about like that made by some one wading across, and I naturally concluded that the enemy were crossing either by wading, or in small boats.

“Every few moments I heard a plunge, and the thick brush on the opposite bank looked like a body of soldiers in line. I could see the waters moving. Surely the enemy were crossing! It was my duty to alarm my 500 sleeping comrades, or else they would be captured, together with the fort – the key to our strategic position on the peninsula. I realized that the alarm would be my death, as the enemy would fire at the flash of my gun, for when a surprise night attack is frustrated the attacking party makes sure of the pickets. I also recollected that a false alarm would bring upon me not only the censure of the ‘officer of the day,’ but that my comrades would never cease jeering at me for shooting at nothing. I stood at ‘aim,’ and as I saw what I thought were soldiers in a boat about midway in the stream, I put my almost frozen finger to the trigger, and was almost in the act of firing, when a couple of musk-rats – for such they were – began to fight and chatter. I then breathed much freer, and my heart which had almost stood still, began to beat regularly.

“No one who has not faced death or imagined himself in that desperate position, can imagine one’s thoughts at such a trying moment.”

To learn more about John Milton Scanland, the Scanland family, or Bossier Parish’s involvement in the Civil War, visit the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center at 2206 Beckett Street, Bossier City. I hope you all have a very merry Christmas!

By: Amy Robertson

(Rescheduled) The Bossier Parish Library Historical Center presents a talk: “Andre Cailloux—Free Person of Color, Civil War Captain”

In honor of Black History Month and its 2018 theme, “African Americans in Times of War,” the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center presents a talk:  “Andre Cailloux—Free Person of Color, Civil War Captain” by Ann Middleton, Historical Center Director. Ms. Middleton’s talk on Andre Cailloux will be presented as a case study of a long-term genealogy project she began while a genealogy and special collections librarian at the Historic New Orleans Collection.

Andre Cailloux, the first black military hero of the Civil War was a French Creole free person of color in New Orleans and an officer in the first black regiment officially mustered into the US Army as well as the first black regiment involved in a significant battle. Cailloux’ brave death in this battle, the Battle of Port Hudson, inspired not only people of African descent in New Orleans where he received an unprecedented military funeral procession on July 29, 1863 (pictured in this woodcut that was published in Harper’s Bazaar) but among African Americans and their white radical allies nationally. As a “culture hero’, according to historian and author Stephen Ochs, Andre Cailloux’ story became elevated “to a near-mythic status.”  Ann Middleton will illustrate for patrons the genealogical research process that can bring his story back to the realm of an authentic human life.

Illustration: Funeral of the Late Captain Cailloux, First Louisiana Volunteers (Colored) from the August 29, 1863 edition of Harpers Weekly.

Leaving Bossier Parish

In 1861, nearly 800 Bossier men departed the parish and headed off to war.

The June 19, 1861 issue of The Southwestern notes the Bossier Volunteers leaving town.

Captain Randolph's company of "Bossier Men" passed through this place en route to the wars last Thursday. Our citizens vied with each other in giving them a hospitable reception. The Shreveport Sentinels received them at the ferry landing, and escorted them to the boat, where R.J. Looney, Esq., delivered a neat address, which was responded to by Capt. Randolph. Lieut. Winans, on behalf of the ladies of Shreveport, in a few appropriate remarks, presented them with a wreath of flowers. We understand the ceremonies on the other side of the river were still more interesting, consisting of a barbecue and flag presentation, by one of Bossier's loveliest daughters, Miss Maples. We learn that some of the returned "Bossier Boys" have embraced this opportunity to prove themselves "Men".

The Bossier Banner also reported on the events at the Volunteers' departure.

On June 13, the Bossier Volunteers, under Captain E.G. Randolph, left. At the Cane place, Miss Mattie Maples presented the flag. Mrs. Cane gave a reception dinner, and Wesley P. Winans and Robert J. Looney delivered addresses. The company, numbering 104 men and 9 servants, left per steamer via New Orleans for Camp Moore, where it and other companies were organized into the 9th Louisiana regiment with Richard Taylor as colonel; E.G. Randolph as lieutenant colonel, and Wm. R. Peck, as major.

On June 13, the Bossier Volunteers, under Captain E.G. Randolph, left. At the Cane place, Miss Mattie Maples presented the flag. Mrs. Cane gave a reception dinner, and Wesley P. Winans and Robert J. Looney delivered addresses. The company, numbering 104 men and 9 servants, left per steamer via New Orleans for Camp Moore, where it and other companies were organized into the 9th Louisiana regiment with Richard Taylor as colonel; E.G. Randolph as lieutenant colonel, and Wm. R. Peck, as major.

The Bossier Banner of the 19th of April contained a headline "Off for Charleston," announcing the departure, on the 16th, of Ed. A. Lowry, Morgan O. Taliaferro, J.E. Jackson and Wm. G. Aarons. They joined the Caddo Rifles at Shreveport and went to Virginia, whither the Shreveport Grays had already gone.

A military ball was given at the courthouse in honor of the departure of Capt. Loudon Butler's company, the Bossier Boys, on Wednesday, May 8. Miss Maggie Moore presented the flag. This company left Shreveport the next day on the Grand Duke, arriving in New Orleans on the 12th, where it was mustered into service by the State authorities, but, owing to a disagreement between Gov. Moore and the Confederate secretary of war as to term of enlistments, Capt. Butler's company, together with many other companies, were disbanded at Camp Moore with all but a few members returning home and joining new companies as they were organized.

The Banner also reported on the events at the Volunteers' departure. On June 13, the Bossier Volunteers, under Captain E.G. Randolph, left. At the Cane place, Miss Mattie Maples presented the flag. Mrs. Cane gave a reception dinner, and Wesley P. Winans and Robert J. Looney delivered addresses. The company, numbering 104 men and 9 servants, left per steamer via New Orleans for Camp Moore, where it and other companies were organized into the 9th Louisiana regiment with Richard Taylor as colonel; E.G. Randolph as lieutenant colonel, and Wm. R. Peck, as major.

On September 22, the Robins Grays left, with Loudon Butler as captain. A barbecue was given by the friends of the company at Fillmore and Miss Emily Garrison presented the flag. This company went directly to Camp Moore, via Monroe and Vicksburg.

On September 25, the Vance Guards left, under Captain Richard Welcome Turner. Miss Lizzie Dickson presented the flag. A barbecue was given to the Guards at this place the day before their departure, and on the day of their departure another barbecue was given on the Bellevue and Minden road, between the residences of John W. Hudson and C.P. Thompson. The Rev. Baxter Clegg delivered a few friendly words of admonition and offered a prayer for their safety.

Louisiana Secession

On January 26, 1861, the state of Louisiana seceded from the Union. This caused immediate changes in the lives of residents in the Shreveport and Bossier area. One of those changes was visible in the Shreveport newspaper, The Southwestern. You can see in the January 30, 1861 issue, the paper's masthead features the American flag.

In the next issue (February 6, 1861), the flag has been removed. The editor notes that

As Louisiana is no longer a member of the federal government, we this day, as orderly citizens, lower the "stars and stripes" from our masthead! It is with heart-felt emotions, better imagined than portrayed, that we fold the saucy looking "star spangled banner" that we have always loved, and place the precious memento under our pillow.

From this description, we understand the notion that many newly seceded Confederates had - that the disagreement over slavery would be quickly resolved and peace negotiated. For currency notes printed by the Confederate States of America, each note was redeemable after the ratification of a treaty of peace between the Confederate States and the United States of America. As the war progressed, it became clear to Confederate leaders that President Lincoln would only negotiate a complete surrender. In his book, The Atlas of the Civil War, James McPherson writes that "to every proposal for an armistice or preliminary terms, Lincoln replied that the Confederates must lay down their arms, give up slavery, and rejoin the Union." Bossier had an enslaved population of 8,000 individuals in 1860, much larger than the free white population of approximately 3,347. The abandonment of slavery was paramount for Lincoln and this was an issue that would directly affect the way of life for the residents in Bossier Parish.

Abolition sentiments

2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Several states, including Louisiana, are planning commemorative events for the sesquicentennial. Here at the History Center, we would like to demonstrate what daily life was like for Bossier Parish residents before, during, and after the Civil War. Our newspaper collection is integral to aiding our understanding of these turbulent times. We have issues of the Bossier Banner from 1859 to the middle of 1860. The Banner ceased publication during the war, as editor William Scanland departed to fight for the Confederacy. Another important source is The Southwestern, a Shreveport newspaper published by L. Dillard and Co., that printed throughout the war. News from Bossier was printed in The Southwestern, so we can get a glimpse of what was happening in the parish.

The January 30, 1861 issue of The Southwestern relates some news from Bossier:

The Bossier Banner states that on Monday, 24th instant, there was a meeting of the citizens of Bellevue and vicinity, of Bossier Parish, appointed a committee of five to wait upon Mr. Jesse McHenry; said committee being instructed by the meeting to invite the said McHenry to leave the town and parish within twenty-four hours, because of his abolition sentiments and proclivities which have been too strongly evinced by his speech and acts to be tolerated in a southern community. The committee discharged their duty, and the said McHenry complied with their request by rolling out on Wednesday's stage, eastward.

The same paper informs us that a company of light infantry was organised in Bellevue on Saturday, the 19th inst. Old and young have alike pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honors, to the maintenance of the protection of their homes, their firesides, and their family altars.

I am currently searching through the 1850, 1860, and 1870 census records for the parish and will be on the lookout for Mr. McHenry. Does he return to Bossier by 1870? I don't think it's likely, given his hasty exit from the parish. Do you think he will be living in the North or the South?