Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 162

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314

USA > Mississippi > Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II > Part 162

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

1026

BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL

conceded to be one of Pike county's most universally respected citizens, and in his business relations he is known widely and favorably throughout the entire lumber sections of the United States. Mr. White stands pre-eminent amongst his fellowmen. Every movement tending to elevate those about him, every movement for the public good, finds in him not only an earnest advocate but a liberal supporter. Mr. White is strong and active, and thougli time has tinged his hair with gray, it is but the silver crown of a life well spent.

Col. Thomas W. White was born in Elbert county, Ga., January 8, 1824. He was a son of William and Concord H. (Brown) White, natives of Virginia and Georgia respectively. William White removed to Mississippi about the year 1845, and settled in De Soto county, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1864. He was highly esteemed, and was one of the most substantial merchants of Hernando. Colonel White received his early educa- tion in Georgia, and was afterward graduated from the law school of Harvard university. He then taught for a short time, and in 1847 he opened an office in Hernando, where he practiced his profession up to the time when the hand of death fell upon him, July 26, 1889. He was a democrat, and took deep interest in political affairs. He was a member of the legislature before the war, the only time he was induced to accept public office. His last public service was as president of the board of levee commissioners of the Yazoo (Miss.) delta. He came to Mississippi a young, modest, studious lawyer, and grew with the pass- ing years until he was long since recognized as the foremost of the community. He was a wise, prudent man, noted for the justice of his dealings and the integrity of his conduct. He was highly cultivated in his tastes, well read, and widely traveled. He was possessed of a quick and ready sympathy, which won him the allegiance of all who came within the charmed circle of his acquaintance. He loved home and family, and few men had more friends. In 1861 Colonel White built an elegant residence in Hernando, where his wife, formerly Miss Mina Meriwether, of Georgia, and family still reside, surrounded by all the comforts which his loving forethought could suggest.

W. H. White, M. D., Brandon, Miss., was born at Steen's creek, Rankin county, October 17, 1848. His father, Thomas S. White, was descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry and emigrated to Alabama when it was a territory, and later to Rankin county, Miss. He was a man of local prominence, and an old line whig, who represented Rankin county in the legis- lature one term, having been elected in the memorable campaign in which H. S. Foote defeated Jefferson Davis. Although a slaveholder he doubted the righteousness of slave- holding and was opposed to the war and secesssion. Dr. W. H. White received the best education the schools of his section afforded, and by dint of assiduous application, aided by a strong native talent, he acquired a wide range of practical information. In 1869 he matricu- lated in the University of Louisiana (now Tulane university), from which institution he received the degree of M. D. in 1873, after having attended four consecutive courses of lectures. Dr. White located in Brandon in 1883, where he has built up a large and devoted patronage. He is thoroughly imbued with a love for his profession, is a hard student and keeps well up with the advance of medical science. He is an honored mem- ber of the Mississippi State Medical association, of which he has been vice president; has been a delegate to the American Medical association; has been a frequent contributor of essays which have been read to the state association, and has occasionally contributed articles for the medical press. Dr. White is at present health officer for Rankin county, having received his appointment in 1884 from the state board of health. Socially, as well as professionally, he is deservedly popular with all classes. He loves his friends and holds that, like the king, " they can do no wrong." Toward his opponents he is tolerant, and

1027

MEMOIRS OF MISSISSIPPI.

toward his enemies indifferent. His highest ambition is to merit the confidence and esteem of his patrons, to prove himself worthy of the high regard entertained for him by his friends, and to do his whole duty in the sphere of life in which his lot is cast. In religious views he is, as were his ancestors, a Methodist and a zealous worker in his church. In politics he is a modern democrat. He is a close student of political economy, and an interested observer of the current history of his country. He has been an ardent Free Mason for many years and occupied the chair of worshipful master of Evening Star lodge for several terms. Dr. White was married, in 1874, to Miss Mary E. Allen, a daughter of Col. Daniel Allen, a man of sterling character and influence, and a veteran of the War of 1812. The Doctor's home is a model of domestic happiness, and it is there that he receives inspiration and courage for the arduous duties of life.

Among the most reliable and substantial merchants of Lee county, Miss., is W. R. White- sides, Nettleton. He is a native of Mississippi, born March 8, 1852, and is a son of Thomas and Martha A. Whitesides. His father was a native of South Carolina, born March 20, 1824, and was a son of James and Sarah Whitesides. During his infancy his parents removed to Alabama, and there he received his education. When he was sixteen years of age they went to Itawamba county, Miss., and he engaged in planting. In 1849 he was married to Martha A. Keys, a daughter of James and Susan E. Keys, born in Lawrence county, Ala., March 30, 1830. They had born to them six children, one of whom died in infancy: Susan E., deceased; James K., who married Sallie E. Simonton; Lou Ollie, wife of I. E. Sykes; and Annie M., wife of W. G. Francis. The father continued farming until the Civil war broke out, and in March, 1861, he enlisted under Capt. James Bullard in the Tenth Mississippi regiment. When his time expired he organized a company of state troops, went out as captain, but was soon elected colonel. He served until the surrender. He was paroled May 1, 1865, after which he settled with his family in Itawamba county. In 1869 he removed to Lee county, and located at Shannon, where he embarked in the mercantile trade in connection with his agricultural interests. In 1883 he was elected treasurer of Lee county, and held the office two terms. He was a democrat in his political opinions. In 1871 he received injuries from falling out of a wagon, and never fully recovered. He died April 7, 1891, at Shannon. He was a Mason of high degree, and a deacon in the Missionary Baptist church.

W. R. Whitesides assisted his father on the farm, and attended the common schools during his youth. He was united in marriage to Miss Alice Borum, a native of Mississippi, born August 20, 1853, and a daughter of Richard M. and Emeline Borum. Three children were born of this union: Joseph B., was born October 13, 1875, and died November 3, 1875; Arthur W., was born December 12, 1887; Daisie Emma, was born May 29, 1881, died October 2, 1885. Mr. Whitesides continued farming until 1882, when he engaged as a clerk for W. B. Redus of Shannon; he was employed in this capacity until October, 1887, when he took charge of a stock of goods at Nettleton, the firm being W. B. Redus & Co. August 1, 1889, Mr. Whitesides and E. R. Wiygul bought out the business, which they have since conducted. They carry a well-selected stock of goods, and have built up a prosperous business. Mr. Whitesides is a democrat in his political opinions, and cast his first presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden. He is a member of the town council and is also town treasurer; he is treasurer and trustee of Providence college of Lee county, and belongs to the Knights of Honor. For many years he has been a member of the Missionary Baptist church, and like his father, has been a generous contributor to all religious and educational movements. He is a man keenly alive to the public needs, and a citizen who would not disregard his duty to his fellowman.

1028

BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL

North Carolina has contributed many of her sous to distant states who have shed luster and honor on their adopted home. But the Old North state never contributed one more universally liked and respected than the subject of this sketch. At White Hall, Wayne county, N. C., on the 6th of June, 1822, was born Dr. N. H. Whitfield. His father, Maj. Edmond Whitfield, was no stranger to the legislative halls of North Carolina, but his sturdy, inde- pendent spirit would never permit him to be an office holder, though more than once his native state endeavored to honor him with an office of high trust, the state treasurership being among the honors tendered him. Major Whitfield married Miss Penelope C. Holmes, of Clinton, Sampson county, N. C. Through the veins of Miss Holmes coursed the blue blood of aristocracy; she was a granddaughter of the distinguished General Clinton. Froni this union was born Dr. N. H. Whitfield. The early ancestors of Dr. Whitfield were con- spicuous cavaliers, who refused to bend their necks to Cromwellian tyranny. They took refuge in the untrodden wilds of America, and the colonial history of New York, Virginia and North Carolina attests the valor, the energy and the intelligence they displayed in carving out the fortunes of America. Under the United States government they have always been bravely aggressive, ready to defend her liberty and advance her prosperity. As an evidence of the aid they have extended their country, William Whitfield, a great- uncle of Dr. Whit- field, contributed one hundred and twenty sons and grandsons to the American cause during the last war with England; they were conspicuous in expelling the foreign foe from the soil. The Whitfields have always been successful in the financial world, and honorable and upright in their business relations. Many of them have accumulated fortunes. William Whitfield, from whom the Doctor is a lineal descendant, came from England about the eighteenth cent- ury. He married a Miss Goodman, and settled iu Nansemond county, Va. When North Carolina was still in its virgin state, and the Indian roamed unmolested through its unbroken wilds, a descendant of William Whitfield moved hither from Virginia, and settled on the Neuse river. He named his home White Hall. This spot is now designated as a flourish- ing town, and around this town have lived and flourished for two hundred years the descend- ants of this brave and progressive pioneer, who, like Boone, knew no fear and acknowledged no master. It is noteworthy to state that though five generations have come and passed over the river of death, the Whitfields still own the place settled by their honored forefather. On December 9, 1793, was born at this place Edmund Whitfield, the father of Dr. Whit- field. Edmund Whitfield, inheriting the pioneer spirit of his early ancestor, moved West in 1840, with his family, and settled at Aberdeen, Miss. At that period railroads were an unknown factor, and transportation was effected by wagons. But Major Whitfield safely made the trip through dense forests and an unbroken wilderness until he reached the home of his adoption. Major Whitfield was a large and successful planter, and an honor and a credit to the society of Aberdeen. He lived quietly and happily in the midst of his ample possessions until September 14, 1867, when death ended his existence. He died as he had always lived, an honorable Christian gentleman. His career had never cast one blot on the escutcheon of his distinguished family. The mother followed her departed husband January 6, 1875. Six children were the result of this union, two of whom are now living, the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Mary A. Holmes, a true wife, a loving mother and an earnest culti- vated Christian. One of the sons, O. H. Whitfield, achieved distinction in the legal world, not only carving his way to the top of his profession, but was appointed chancellor judge of his district, which office he filled with distinguished ability and with honor and credit to him- self and family. Dr. N. H. Whitfield was educated in North Carolina. He is a fluent and interesting conversationalist, and his striking and well-rounded periods clearly show the care-

1029

MEMOIRS OF MISSISSIPPI.

ful and classical training he received. At the age of twenty-one he developed a taste for materia medica, and began the study under a private tutor, Dr. B. L. Hatch, an able prac- titioner of Aberdeen. Untiringly and with energy did he pursue his profession as a science for two years. He here laid a foundation on which he built his eminent success in future years as a surgeon. Being carefully prepared he entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with the first honors of his class in 1846-7. He began the practice of medicine near Aberdeen, and his ability being quickly recognized he rapidly built up a lucra- tive practice. His devotion to his profession soon caused his health to fail, and he reluct- antly turned his attention to agriculture, being compelled to give up medicine. In this new field his natural ability and common sense soon asserted itself, and he rapidly made money for seven years; but longing for the social amenities of town life, he sold out his farming interest, moved to Aberdeen and embarked in the mercantile business. His genius of success did not desert him here, for until the war broke out he was known as a successful merchant. When the South, in 1860, was convulsed with excitement over the war soon to burst forth, Dr. Whitfield, with heroic courage and with prescient knowledge, fought the dismemberment of the Union. "It will bring," said he, "nothing but ruin and destruction in its wake, and inevitable calamity will be the portion of the South." How truthful and prophetic were his words! He said slavery was doomed, that our so-called free government was the laughingstock of all Europe; why not abolish slavery, and why shall we plunge this beautiful Southland of ours in a destruct- ive war? But like his native state he fought manfully the war issue until the ordinance of secession was declared, when he offered his services and his talents for the protection of his people. He first entered the Confederate service as a quartermaster, with the rank of major. This position being distasteful to him he resigned and was immediately appointed surgeon, and was ordered to take charge of a large number of hospitals at Grenada, Miss. This duty was ably and efficiently discharged by him.

When General Grant made his first attack on Vicksburg, the Confederate service recog- uizing the eminent fitness of Dr. N. H. Whitfield as a surgeon, ordered him to report thither immediately, when he was appointed chief surgeon on Gen. M. L. Smith's staff. This posi- tion was filled with perfect satisfaction to the Confederate service, and with distinguished credit to himself. As an evidence of the importance and magnitude of the post held by Dr. Whitfield it is only necessary to state that it was connected with the second largest division in Lieutenant-General Pemberton's army, which embraced eight thousand privates, besides the various commanding officers, twenty-seven surgeons and a large number of hospitals filled with the sick and wounded. In the thickest of the fray, when death and destruction stared every one in the face, and when the tenure of life was slight to both friend and foe, we find this heroic surgeon ever at his post of duty. No danger was too great for him, no duty too severe. After a destructive siege of forty-six days, Vicksburg was forced to sur- render to an overpowering force, and the enemy were in possession of the city. Dr. Whit- field was invited by a friend to call on General Grant, at his headquarters. "As soon as we arrived we sent in our cards by the servant, who immediately invited us into General Grant's sittingroom, who met us and gave us a cordial welcome. We soon engaged in a pleasant conversation. During this time we conferred freely about the war. He regarded it as a great calamity, and manifested a strong desire to see it terminated and peace and harmony restored to the country. I could not fully realize that I was conversing with General Grant. He was so very plain in conversation and in his manners. He did not seem to be aware of his own power, or the influence he would have or exert in controlling and shaping the future destinies of this country, either for good or evil, if he lived. The more I saw of him and

1080

BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL

became acquainted with him, the more I became thoroughly impressed with the very extra- ordinary combination of rare elements of character which he exhibited. He manifested a strong sympathy for the South, and thought the South had made a very great mistake in withdrawing from the Union." After conversing for some time the Doctor thought he had trespassed too long upon General Grant's time; he arose and bade the General good-bye, at which time the General handed him the following order, written and signed by himself:

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT, VICKSBURG, MISS.

TO THE COMMANDING OFFICERS OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND ARMY:

Please allow Dr. N. H. Whitfield to pass in and out and through our lines at the various posts; to travel on all government railroads and steamers; to visit my headquarters at discretion, free of charge. Very respectfully,

U. S. GRANT, General Commanding.

Dr. Whitfield carefully and deliberately read the order. He calmly looked at the Gen- eral and said: "General Grant do you mean to attack my loyalty, or do you give me this simply as a matter of courtesy and kind feeling, and to protect me against the casualties of this war? If the latter I accept it with pleasure." Such acts of kindness endeared General Grant to all who met and knew him. "A more noble, generous foe I never met. It was cer- tainly very fortunate the South had such an adversary. I regarded him as a true, sincere patriot, and I believe that whatever he did was for the good of his country." After the sur- render of Vicksburg he reported to General Pemberton, at Demopolis, Ala., for hospital work, but was soon transferred to Enterprise, Miss., where he was assigned to conscript duty, which office he held until the death of the Confederacy. Having been paroled at Gaines- ville, Ala., with General Forrest and others, he returned to Aberdeen, Miss. At the close of the war the Doctor found himself a financial wreck, without a home to retire to, but still in possession of his untiring and dauntless energy. By close economy and judicious manage- ment he rapidly recovered from his financial embarrassments, and is to-day in possession of a handsome income and a beautiful home. The rapid recovery of his wealth the Doctor attrib- utes to the faithful and loving assistance of his cultured and amiable wife, to whom he was married in 1849. She was at all times faithful and true, and she followed his pathway through life knowing no higher duty than to administer to the wants of him who was her guide and helpmeet. Her death, which was a sad blow to the Doctor, took place in 1867. She was a Miss Anna Hill, and was descended from a family prominent in politics, social posi- tion and wealth. Dr. Whitfield is a brilliant, aggressive writer, and the journalistic world, both North and South, has felt the effect of his cold, persuasive logic. During the political struggle of Mississippi, when negroism and carpetbagism were grinding the existence out of his beloved state, he came boldly to the front a second time, and defended her rights and liberties with his pen. He is a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, and a Mason. Dr. Whitfield has a very social disposition, and nothing delights him more than to entertain his numerous friends. He dispenses his hospitality in a brave and liberal manner. From the quiet haven of rest in his beautiful home at Aberdeen, he looks back over his eventful life and quietly awaits the time when his Creator shall call him to partake of the joys of an eternal happiness.

Hon. J. J. Whitney, attorney, of Fayette, Miss. From his early manhood Mr. Whitney has given to Jefferson county the very best energies of his life and in his career at the bar he has achieved an excellent reputation. He is a native of Jefferson county, Miss., where he has resided all his life. His father, John M. Whitney, was born in South Carolina, and when a stripling of sixteen years old came to Mississippi, in the year 1808, and located at Green-

1031

MEMOIRS OF MISSISSIPPI.

ville, or what is now called Old Greenville. After his marriage, in 1815, he engaged in farm- ing and became one of the most successful and prosperous planters of the county. His strong intellect and excellent judgment soon became known and he was elected to the posi- tion of probate judge, in which capacity he served ten years, and through his whole life enjoyed the highest confidence and esteem of the people. He was married in Jefferson county to Miss Clarissa Montgomery, a native of this county and a daughter of Alexander Montgomery, a pioneer of the county, and on his fine plantation near Fayette he resided until his death in 1867, his widow surviving him until 1871, when she, too, passed away. Six sons and three daughters were born to them, three sons and one daughter being now deceased. The eldest son, Rev. Alexander Whitney, was a minister in the Methodist Epis- copal church and died in Louisiana. John was a lawyer and died in Decatur, Ill. F. S. was a planter and died in Claiborne county, Miss. Of the living sons Dr. P. K. Whitney is a suc- cessful practitioner of Fayette; C. W. is a merchant and planter of Louisiana, and Capt. J. J. is an attorney and planter of Fayette. The latter attained manhood in his native state and county, and as his father was in good circumstances he had plenty of time to devote to the acquirement of an education and graduated from Oakland college, Miss., in the class of 1853. He then began following in his father's footsteps, that is, he engaged in planting, and this calling received his attention till 1862, when his love for the South and his sympathy with the cause of secession caused him to enlist in the Confederate army. He became a mem- ber of the Fourth Mississippi cavalry and was elected lieutenant of company H, after which he was promoted to the rank of captain, in which capacity he served until the close of the war. He participated in numerous battles and skirmishes and surrendered at Gainesville, Ala., after which he returned home, changed his sword into a plowshare and once more engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1874 he was elected treasurer of Jefferson county, and with the efficiency, faithfulness and honor which have ever marked his career he discharged the duties incumbent upon this office. In 1882 he was honored by an election to the state legislature, and at the end of two years was chosen state senator and held the office four years. Later he was once more elected to the legislature, serving in all eight consecutive years, and having always the confidence of the people. In 1873 he was admitted to the bar and has been one of the leading attorneys of the Jefferson county bar. In the month of February, 1858, he was married to Miss Josephine Darden, daughter of John P. Darden. She was born and reared in this county, liberally educated and in all respects is eminently worthy of the old and honored family of which she is a descendant. Her eldest brother, Capt. Put Darden, was a brave and distinguished Confederate soldier, being commander dur- ing the whole war of the Jefferson artillery battery from this county. After the war he engaged in farming, and at an early day enlisted in the order of Patrons of Husbandry. With untiring energy aud great ability he devoted his life to the cause, soon rose to eminent distinction, and at his untimely death, July, 1888, was master both of the state and of the national grange. Her surviving brother, Hon. T. L. Darden, is treasurer of the Mississippi State Alliance and represents his county in the state legislature. Mr. and Mrs. Whitney have five children: Annie; C. C., a railroad agent at Leland, Miss .; Lena, Della and Eula. The family move in the best social circles and are attendants and members of the Christian church.

William H. Whittle, a prominent physician and surgeon of Clarke county, Miss., was born in Kemper county, February 12, 1860, a son of William J. and Mahala (Flora) Whit- tle. His father was a native of Mississippi and son of Richard Whittle, who was an early settler of Kemper county. He had a family of three children: Winnie J., James and Will- iam J, The paternal grandfather died in Smith county, Miss., and the mother in Kemper

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 162

Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Number of Pages: 1314

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314