BILOXI FIRE DEPARTMENT

TIME LINE

Felix Charles Borries (1860-1937)

[Courtesy of Janice Hughey Hogan-September 2013]

 

Frederick H. McCaleb [1846-1909]

[from Find A Grave.com]

 

1883

City of Biloxi organized its first fire company [Biloxi Volunteer Fire Company No. 1] on September 3rd at the Montross Hotel.  F.W. Elmer, pres.; Will C. Grant, v. pres.; P.J. Montross, treas.; Phil McCabe, foreman; Thomas P. Bachino, 1st assist.; and Frank Greveniing, 2nd assist.  Others involved: Leon Bertoli; Joe Tucei; John B. Bachino; N. Petrie; Albert Deck; Thomas McCabe; Daniel Bachino; J.M. Ritch; M.J. Grady; George H. Schrieber and N. Sullivan.(The Daily Picayune, September 6, 1883, p. 1)

 

1890

The Mississippi Hook & Ladder Fire Company No. 1 was chartered on February 21, 1890 by the following: August Barthes, E. Beaucoudray, Joseph Bellande, Peter Bellande, Newt Bellande, E.B. Chambers, J. Clark, M. Clark, William Collins, Thomas Collins, P. Dalton, A.B. DeLamarre, Percy L. Elmer, A. Giron, W.P. Henley, Lee Kelty, J.C. Laage, J.B. Lemon, Phil Lestrade, William Master, Dan McCarthy, Y. Petrie, R. Price, Alex Redon Jr., T. Rachford, Phil Wagner.(The Biloxi Herald, April 12, 1890, p. 2)

 

The Biloxi fire companies [Biloxi Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, Hook and Ladder Fire Company No. 1 and Mechanics Steam Fire Company No. 2] met in May and decided that September 19th would be the day of their annual parade since that was the day that the Biloxi Volunteer Fire Company was organized. The Biloxi Herald nominated Phil McCabe as Chief of the fire department.(The Biloxi Herald, May 24, 1890, p. 4)

 

1891

The engine room of the Barataria Canning Company burned in early September 1891.  Damage was estimated at $1000 and the plant was disabled for a few days.(The Biloxi Herald, September 12, 1891, p. 4)

 

1892

On March 18th, a fire of incendiary origin destroyed the sash, door and blind factory of M.L. Vazquez north of the railorad.  Loss estimated at $2000 with $1000 insurance by Phoenix. A small house valued at $400 and owned by Collier also lost.(The Biloxi Herald, March 19, 1892, p. 4)

 

1894

The Biloxi Herald, February 17, 1894, p. 8.

 

June 1909 Sanborn Map-Sheet 6

 

The Biloxi Herald, June 9, 1894, p. 8.

 

On October 12th, Biloxi's Commercial District was inflicted  losses of about $75,000 when a large fire commenced in the two-story, J.W. Swetman Building on Pass Christian Street.  Big losers were: S. Picard-$25,000; J.W. Swetman-$8000; G.E. Ohr Sr.-$5000; W.K.M. Dukate-$4500; and the pottery of G.E. Ohr Jr. (1857-1918)-$3000.(The Biloxi Herald, October 13, 1894, p. 8)

 

 

On August 18th, F.W. Elmer was elected Fire Chief of Biloxi by delegates from the various fire companies of the city. Felix Borries was elected 1st assistant and Gus Barthes, 2nd assistant. The annual Firemen's Day Parade, which had been neglected for a few years, was planned for September 19th with Isidore Heidenheim elected Grand Marshal of the parade.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, August 19, 1898, p. 8)

 

1900

On November 9th, the Great Biloxi Fire started in the rear of Kennedy's Saloon near the L&N Depot on Reynoir Street Hotel and devastated about ninety commercial and residential structures south to the beach. Damages estimated at about $600,000.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 9, 1900, p. 1)

 

1904

The City of Biloxi passed an ordinance in May that subsidized the two local fire companies to provide fire protection for Biloxi.  Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 received $250 per year while Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was given $125 annually for thier support.  In addition, Biloxi was to furnish the following: ladders and buckets on hook and ladder trucks; three hose reels to be purchased with 250-feet of hose each and to be located outside markets; Mississippi Volunteer Company No. 1 firemen were to remunerated as follows: engineer-$5 per fire, fireman-$2.50 per fire, pipe men, not to exceed 2 per lead hose-$3.00 per fire, team that hauls an engine to fire to get $10.00 and team that hauls hook and ladder truck to be paid $5.00.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, may 4, 1904, p. 1)

 

The East End Hose Company No. 1 was organized on October 5, 1904 at Sterne’s Store 0n Point Cadet with 37 men present.  Officers of the Company were: Peter C. Ott, pres.; John S. Wentzel, vice-pres.; W.T. Sterne, sec.; W.G. Manuel, treas.; John Ott Sr., foreman; Alexander Ewing, 1^st assistant foreman; Charles Wentzel, 2^nd assistant foreman; and Joseph Arguelles, assistant aid to the fire chief.  Dues were set at 50 cents for three months.  By October 8^th, the company was fully equipped with a hose carriage and ancillary equipment.  The fire company’s equipment was stored in the East End market house.   The Company’s first Mask Ball was held on December 22, 1904.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 6, 1904, p. 5; October 8, 1905, p. 5; December 22, 1904, p. 1; and September 19, 1907, p. 4)

 

The Back Bay Hose Company was organized on November 11, 1904 in a small shed owned by Nick Voivedich on Fayard Street.  There were 20 charter members with a hose drawn reel.  William Gorenflo and Edward C. Joullian were generous supporters of this organization in tis primal years.  The company named its two horses, Joullian and Reynoir.  Original officers of Back bay Hose Company were: J.B. Reynoir, president; William Thompson, v-pres.; Nick Voivecich, foreman; George Duvic, 1st assistant; and Arthur Richard, 2nd assistant.(The Daily Herald, September 20, 1915, p. 2) 

 

Philip McCabe (1837-1904), native of New Orleans and first chief engineer of the Biloxi Volunteer Fire Company, expired in mid-December.  In their youth, Ed Glennan and Charles Redding both worked for Mr. McCabe at NOLA when he had a stove business on Camp Street in NOLA.  McCabe also was the first tin can manufacturer on the Coast making fruit, oyster, and vegetable cans.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 28, 1881, p. 3 and The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 16, 1904, p. 5)

 

1905

Alderman T.J. Rosell, chairman of the water works committee, tested the water-fire pressure at Fayard Street and Howard Avenue with a 1 1/8 inch nozzle and it threw a stream of water 67 feet high or as high as the clock in the Nativity BVM Catholic Church.  The City has two water tanks.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 27, 1905, p. 2)

 

1906

 

 

1910

In late April 1910, a fire on east Division Street destroyed three, wood-framed cottages.  They were owned by Frank Cook-value $1000; Mrs. John Entrekin-value $1000 and insured for $500; Mrs. Martha Parker-value $400.(The Daily Herald, April 26, 1910,p. 4)

 

Henry Eikel [1905-1976] and Vera Elmer [1902-1982] [m. Hugh A. Brown] ride on the Cornucopia float of the Hook and Ladder Fire Company on 19 September 1910 at the Biloxi Firmen's Day Parade.

Percy Lee Elmer [1873-1949], her father, was the last living charter member of the Mississippi Hook and Ladder Fire Co., and was one of its officers for years. Mr. Elmer was city alderman for six years and formerly was city treasurer and in former years was prominently identified with local civic affairs.

 

1913

The Noblin House, owned by Mrs. Ace Noblin of Edwards, Mississippi, situated on West Beach and used as a boarding house, caught fire in early August.  Mrs. L.D. Rodon and Mrs. W.P. Davis both escaped death by jumping from the upper story.  They were injured and treated by Dr. H.M. Folkes and Dr. W.G. Carroll who were both called to the conflagration.  It was occupied by Mrs. Rodon for the summer months.  The structure was formerly utilized as a santarium by Dr. W.R. Card.  The Volunteer Fire Company, The Hook and Ladder Company and the West End Fire Company fought the blaze.  E.L. Castanera, water works superintendent, related that this fire was the first to test the new electrical fire pump at the local pumping station.  The pump maintained a pressure of 125# throughout the battle to save the Noblin House.(The Daily Herald, August 7, 1913, p. 1 and August 8, 1913, p. 8)

 

1921

The City had the following fire protection beginning the year: Central Station-B. Mattina and Joseph Emile; Mississippi Hook & Ladder Company-Charles Sentell; West End Fire Company-Joseph Peppard; Back Bay Fire Company-Harvey Chinn; East End Fire Company-Fred Knox; and W.F. Clark, relief fireman.(The Daily Herald, January 15, 1921, p. 1)

 

1922

An $800, house inhabited by employees of the Biloxi Fisherman's Packing Company on Point Cadet was destroyed by fire on February 23rd.  The structure was located in an alley just back of Dave Ahern's grocery store.  Other cottages in the area caught fire, but were saved by firemen from the East End, Mississippi Hook and Ladder and the Volunteer Fire Companies of Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, February 23, 1922, p. 3)

 

The DeJean Packing Company on Biloxi’s East Beach situated between Dunbar-Dukate and the Seafood Packing Company, was entirely destroyed by fire on 21 August.  The building owned by Mrs. J.T. Maybury was valued at $1000.  The packing company lost fresh and canned shrimp and machinery valued at $5000. There was no insurance.  In addition, three moored schooners were damaged by the flames.  The place was known as the old Greiner Packing Company.[The Daily Herald, August 22, 1922, p. 1]

 

On May 15^th, a large fire destroyed one-half of the 3^rd floor of the main building of the Riviera  Hotel [formerly Montross] on Beach Boulevard and Lameuse Street.  Damage estimated at $20,000.(The Daily Herald, May 15, 1922, p. 1)

 

After its gasoline engine back-fired, the Hilda S. , owned by Martin Fountain and sailed by George Smith, and moored at the Seafood Company pier on East Beach received slight damage.  The blaze was controlled with only slight damage as the crew used its pyrine extinguisher.(The Daily Herald, August 21, 1922, p. 3)

 

1924

On December 16th, a fire at Beauvoir destroyed Dormitory No. 3 which was situated west of the old hospital.  Two Confederate veterans perished in the conflagration, J.T. Hunter (1844-1924) and F.M. Sharp (1846-1924).  They entered the Soldier's Home fro, Laurel and Columbus respectively.[The Daily Herald, December 17, 1924, p. 1]

 

1925

Hook and Ladder Fire Company No. 1 celebrated its 35th anniversary on February 23rd at its station on Fayard Street.  Officers of the organization at this time were: Jake Lechner (1872-1930), president; Thomas E. Collins (1864-1937), v. pres.; Henry Eikel (1869-1952), secretary-treasurer; August Tremmel (1873-1942), foreman; Will Kornmann, 1st assist.; Anthony V. Ragusin (1902-1997), 2nd assist.; Charles Sentell, housekeeper; and Frank Bennett, flag bearer.(The Daily Herald, February 24, 1925, p. 1)

 

1926

On May 23rd, A large fire on West Howard Avenue destroyed the Yerger Building which housed the Variety Store, Electrik Maid Bakery, Newman Furniture Company, and Biloxi Mercantile Company.  Losses were estimated between $75,000-$100,000.(The Biloxi News, May 23, 1926, p. 1 and The Daily Herald, May 24, 1926, p. 1)

 

The bungalow of Mrs. K.C. Roswell 1130 West Beach between Gill Avenue amd Porter caught fire in the early morning of September 4th.  Three policemen, Evon Swetman (1902-1976), Richard Grady and Jake Stanovich, of the night patrol discovered the blaze and awoke the tenant, Mrs. Albert Madding. Units from West End No. 1, Central No. 1 and Hook & Ladder No. 1 arrived on the scene and quickly arrested the incipient conflagration limiting damage and the loss of the structure.  The five City firemen were aided by volunteers.(The Daily Herald, September 4, 1926, p. 1)

 

1928

The Elmer Packing Company on Back Bay was destroyed by fire on January 31st.  It was leased to Louis A. Lundy of Ocean Springs at the time of the large conflagration.(The Daily Herald, January 31, 1928, p. 2)   

 

1930

The Jennie Johnson, an auxiliary schooner, owned by Louis O. Johnson received fire damage amounting to $150 on April 20, 1930.  Captain Hub Terrell was burned on his arm and torso from the fire which emanated from the ignition of gasoline vapors in the vessel’s cabin when Terrell lit a match.  The Jennie Johnson had just returned from the outside oyster reefs with a hold laden with mollusks and was moored at the Johnson Canning Company wharf.  Biloxi firemen were called to the vessel and performed admirably saving the boat and its cargo.  The cabin was burned as well as some of the decking and the mainsail was badly damaged by the conflagration. (The Daily Herald, April 21 1930, p. 2)

 

1931

Sunkist, the Popp home, was destroyed by fire on 31 May.  The origin of the conflagration was unknown.(The Daily Herald, June 1, 1931, p. 2)

 

1933

The warehouse of Frank P. Corso on Caillavet Street near the L&N Railroad burned on October 11, 1933.  He suffered a heavy loss of about $6000 from fire and water damage.  Mr. Corso will move to the warehouse formerly occupied buy the Southern Grocery.(The Daily Herald, October 11, 1933, p. 1 and October 14, 1933, p. 2)

 

1934

In April 1934, a bulkhead and pumping stand were erected near the [Ramsay Springs Road] highway and 500 feet from Five Points in North Biloxi.  Chief Sentell, A.V. Ragusin and Walter Nixon visited the site.(The Daily Herald, April 27, 1934, p. 7)

 

1936

The W.F. McDonnell home, a wood-framed structure of eight rooms and situated on McDonnell Avenue just off West Beach at Biloxi, was destroyed by fire on April 23, 1936.  About $500 in musical instruments was lost and the house was valued at $7000.  Mrs. McDonnell was ill at the time of the conflagration and was taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wiltz, her neighbor.(The Daily Herald, April 23, 1936, p. 3)

 

On December 4th, ground was broken for the new Back Bay Fire Station on Elder Street. The 116 foot by 200 foot lot was acquired from the Elder Estate.  John T. Collins was the architrect for the $5000 colonial-style structure.(The Daily Herald, December 4, 1936, p. 9)

 

1937

 

The new West End Fire Station was dedicated on July 8th. John T. Collins was project architect and Robert Conway built the fire engine.  Mayor Louis Braun reminded the audience that 15 months prior while a candidate for Mayor, he promised that he would make improvements to Biloxi's Fire Department if elected.(The Daily Herald, July 9, 1937, p. 1)

 

The new Back Bay Fire Station was dedicated on July 20th during the annual Picnic and Bazaar of the Fourth Ward Regulars.  John T. Collins was architect and Robert Conway had built the company's fire engine which had an 85 HP motor and 850 feet of regular hose.  It was the 5th fire apparatus for the Back Bay Fire Company since its 1904 organization.(The Daily Herald, June 21, 1937, p. 1)

 

1940

 

1942

The S.H. Kress store on West Howard Avenue sustained $2000 in damages from a fire in mid-November. Three alarm event and O.W. Trawick was the store manager.(The Daily Herald, November 13, 1942, p. 2)

 

Earl F. Cook (1907-1999), now attached to the Central Fire Station, was appointed assistant Fire Chief in December 1942.  Earl joined the BFD on May 1, 1935.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cook.(The December 23, 1942, p. 15)

 

1944

On October 27, 1944, a fire in the old Peoples' Bank Building on the corner of Howard Avenue and Lameuse Street caused an estimated $13,000 damage exclusive of fixtures and merchandise.  The Collins were hired to replace the roof and perform structural work.(The Daily Herald, October 28, 1944, p. 1 and October 31, 1944, p. 5.

 

1949

The Hick's Battery Manufacturing Company on Back Bay near Lee Street burned on April 6, 1949.  Damage was estimated at $50,000.  All five Biloxi Fire Department trucks and two fire engines from Keesler Field answeredthe fire call.  Fourteen firemen and several volunteers assisted in containing the conflagration.(The Daily Herald, April 7, 1949, p. 1)

 

1951

Charles Henry Sentell (1884-1951) former Biloxi Fire Chief [1933-1942] died on 25 January.[The Daily Herald, January 26, 1951, p. 12]

 

The laundry at the Buena Vista Hotel caught fire on the afternoon of March 14, 1951 resulting in $50,000 in damages to the structure which was situated behind the hotel.  The fire was fed by linens and cleaning fluid.  Unfortunately, Anthony 'Tony'  Bernard Rousseau (1908-1951), a Biloxi volunteer fireman, was killed while attempting to board the fire truck of the Central Fire Station.  He slipped, fell and was run over by the rear wheels of the vehicle.(The Daily Herald, March 14, 1951, p. 1)

 

1952

Bruce Carsen Howe (1951-1952) died on 12 March from burns received in a fire on Carter Avenue in West Biloxi.  The child was rolling a jar of gasoline on the floor which exploded when near a heater in the home.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Howe, whose father was Donald Witter Howe (1891-1952), founder of Seafoam Company, which manufactured food and pralines at their establishment on Carter Avenue.  Damage to the Howe home was estimated at $1500.[The Daily Herald, March 13, 1952, p. 1]

 

Biloxi ordered four, new fire trucks costing about $63,000 from the Four Wheel Drive Company of Clintonville, Wisconsin.  Two were high pressure pumpers 750-gallon pumper and two were standard-750 gallon pumpers.  The equipment was expected in the first week of September.  (The Daily Herald, June 7, 1952, p.3)

 

 

An old canning factory at Main Street and Back Bay, formerly the Braun Canning Company, was destroyed by fire on 24 September.  The building [150 feet by 65 feet] was owned by Madames E.A. Braun and Lomax Burdine.[The Daily Herald, September 25, 1952, p. 1 with photo]

 

A new, $30,000 fire station for Biloxi's West End on Jeff Davis Avenue and the L&N RR was proposed from the $999,000 bond issue passed by Biloxi denizens in October.(The Daily Herald, December 24, 1952, p. 10)    

 

1953

Walter Clark (1900-1961) and Frank Hecht (1901-1981) were appoined Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief, respectively, of the Biloxi Fire Department by incoming Mayor Laz Quave (1910-1985) .(The Daily Herald, July 6, 1953, p. 17)

 

1954

Herman Creel (1908-1976) was named as assistant fire chief in February 1954.  William Knox retired.(The Daily Herald, March 2, 1954, p. 6)

 

In the early morning of November 2, 1954, a devastating conflagration which commenced in Poor Richard’s Lounge of the Sun ‘N Sand Restaurant and Lounge.  Damage to the structure was estimated at $80,000 to $100,000.  An apartment above the housed the A.H. Bailey family and their two young children.  Units  from the West End and Back Bay fire stations with assistance from KAFB first responders were called to the scene.[The Daily Herald, November 2, 1954, p. 1]

 

1955

In April, the Grove Club on West Beach was destroyed by fire.  Owners, Louis Uchello (1909-1996) and Guy Uchello (1895-1962) valued the 1940 structure and a 1946 addition at $75,000.  They averred that $10,000 was left in the safe. (The Daily Herald, April 11, 1955, p. 1)

 

1956

The Barthes-Sentell Fire Station No. 5, a $25,000 structure situated on Father Ryan Avenue, was dedicated on December 18th.  It was named in honor of Frederick Auguste Barthes (1864-1948) and Charles Henry Sentell (1884-1951), former Biloxi Fire Chiefs.(The Daily Herald, December 17, 1956, p. 21 and December 19, 1956, p. 1)    

 

1959

In 1959, fire damage at Biloxi was estimated at $270,489.  William Gilmer, age 60, was the only fire victim.  Gilmer was a former patient at the Biloxi VA Center and burned to death in his Pass Road trailer on February 20, 1959.  The fire at Ohr's Junk Yard which occurred on December 27, 1959 was estimated to result in about $100,000 in damages.  Antique automobiles were among the treasured items lost.  The A&P Super Market fire resulted in about $75,000 in damages.  Other notable conflagrations in 1959 were the $25,000 Blue Note Cafe fire on Main Street which occurred in March and a $20,000 fire in an apartment building on West Water Street in June.(The Daily Herald, January 1, 1960, p. 5)

 

On August 25th, the A&P Super Market on West Howard Avenue was severely harmed by fire with damage estimated at over $100,000. The building was erected in 1945 by Sam Mitchell and remodeled in 1950. All Biloxi fire units ledby Chief Walter Clark with assistance by the LeMoyne Volunteer Fire Company fought the blaze for 45 minutes.(The Daily Herald, August 26, 1959, p. 1 )

 

1960

On 21 May, Noel 'Little Jimmie' James Skrmetta Jr.  (1957-1960) burned to death in a fire at the home of his parents, Noel 'Jimmie' James Skrmetta and Bobbie Jean Maumus Skrmetta, at 5135 Southern Avenue in Biloxi.  Martin Skrmetta, an older brother, received mild burns from the gasoline fire.  The Skrmetta home damage was estimated at $2000 and was valued at $12,000.(The Daily Herald, May 21, 1960, p. 1)

 

Captain Patrick D. Quave (1935-1960), Biloxi fireman at the East End Fire Station, was killed on Dukate Curve in a traffic accident on December  26, 1960.  His spouse, Ramona Darrington Quave, was seriously injured.(The Daily Herald, December 27, 1960, p. 1.

 

1962

Bayview Lanes, formerly the Bayview Theatre building, was destroyed in a great conflagration on November 29th. Loss to structure and equipment was estimated at $450,000.  Douglas I. Smith (1901-1979) opened a theatre, flower shop and drug store here in 1946.  In 1959, the building was remodeled into a 20-lane bowling alley when owned by Ernest V. Landaiche (1895-1966).(The Daily Herald, November 30, 1962, p. 1)

 

1963

The Bernard T., a fishing vessel owned by Jane Taltavull Smith, sustained about $700 in damages when it caught fire at the Taltavull Company wharf on West Bay View Avenue.  Batallion Chief Frank Hecht said that a shortage in the boat's electrical system was responsible for the fire damage to the cabin of the vessel.(The Daily Herald, January 28, 1963, p. 2)

 

1964

The new $54,000 East End Fire Station was dedicated on September 12th completing the first phase of Mayor Guice's 4-point modernization program. The W.L. Easterling Company of Ocean Springs erected the 3984 square-ft. structure on the site of the old fire station.  The building was designed by H.F. Fountain Jr. & Associates.(The Daily Herald, September 3, 1964, p. 5, September 11, 1964, p. 9, and September 14, 1964, p. 1)

 

The old Crystal Ice Company building, situated between Lameuse Street and Delauney Street, burned for 32 hours in mid-December. Damages estimated at $182,000.(The Daily Herald, December 10, 1964, p. 1 and December 11, 1964, p. 2)

 

The Folkes Building, southeast corner of West Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street, burned in late December 1964.  Losses estimated at $230,000 to Kent's Men Store, Royal Credit Jewelers, Acme Photo,  et al.  Frank Gabrich was BFD Chief.(The Daily Herald, December 26, 1964, p. 1)

 

The Biloxi Fire Department fought two large fires in 1964.  The $55,000 East End Fire Station was completed and two, new, diesel fire trucks each costing $27,000 were acquired.(The Daily Herald, January 1, 1965, p. 1)

 

1965

 

1966

 

The Buck Theatre, Laughran Building and Collins Building situated on the west side of Lameuse Street between Jackson and Howard Avenue burned on Mardi Gras eve, February 22, 1966, while the Mardi Gras parade was in progress.  Firemen from four other cities and KAFB fought the conflagration and two Biloxi firemen, Guy Green and George Emile, suffered smoke inhalation while battling the burning buildings.  Damages were estimated to be as much as $50,000.(The Daily Herald, February 23, 1961, p. 1)

 

The fifth floor of the Buena Vista Hotel's East Wing caught fire at 5:45 p.m.on July 20th.  125 rooms were burned resulting in damages estimated at $150,000.  All 360 rooms of the luxury hotel were in use as the Alabama Farm Bureau Federation was holding its annual meeting.  Local fireman extinguished the blaze in about three hours.  The Buena Vista reopened for business on July 21st.(The Times-Picayune, July 21, 1966, p. 1)

 

Richard Harvey Chinn [1890-1966]

Richard Harvey Chinn, retired chief of Keesler AFB fire department, died at 7 a. m. today at Howard Memorial Hospital, Biloxi.  Mr. Chinn, who resided at 411 Copp St., was a native of Woolmarket and a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Coast.  He began his career as a fireman in 1918 at the old Back Bay fire hall and became a fireman at Keesler in 1941. He was appointed chief at Keesler Field in 1944 and retired in 1959.  In 1946 and 1947, Mr. Chinn assisted in reorganizing the Ocean Springs fire department and for his work he was made an honorary member......
[The Daily Herald, August 28, 1966)

1968

 

1969

1971

The Vapors, a large night club on Biloxi's West Beach Strip east of the Broadwater Beach Hotel, was destroyed by fire on the morning of May 20th. 1971.  Richard Head owner of the structure estimated damages at $120,000.  It had been destroyed by Hurricane Camille in August 1969 and rebuilt.(The Daily Herald, May 20, 1971, p. 1)

 

1972

The Accomo Hotel and Restauant, formerly the Paradise Gardens at 744 Main Street, was gutted by fire on November 22, 1972.  A post-WW II, negro night club was once the venue for entertainers such as: Antoine "Fats" Domino [1928-2017]; Guitar Slim [Eddie Jones (1926-1959)]; Chuck Willis [1928-1958]; and Johnny Otis [1921-2012].  Damage to the structure was estimated at $30,000.  It was owned by Joseph T. Hathorn and William E. Jones.  The fire was discovered while BFD firemen were fighting another blaze at the Auction City Furniture building 445 East Division.  Fire Chief Gabrich estimated that W.M. Krohn and Ronnie Krohn, owners, loss at $5000 to their $10,000 structure.[The Daily Herald, November 22, 1972, p. 2]

 

1974

The Gorenflo publc school on Lameuse Street caught fire on April ?  The conflagration originated in the cafeteria and destroyed the cafeteria, library, auditorium, teachers' lounge, principal's office, and four class rooms in the main school building.  Damages were estimated at $1 million dollars.(The Daily Herald, October 9, 1975, p. C-1)

1975

Repairs to the fire-damaged Gorenflo school were 40 per cent completed.  The 508 students in grades 1-6 were attending classes in 19 classrooms with 20 teachers.(The Daily Herald, October 9, 1975, p. C-1)

 

1976

Evon Emery Swetman (1902-1976), former assistant Biloxi Fire Chief, expired at Long Beach on March 15th.  He was the son of the late J.W. Swetman and Sofey P. Schumann. (The Daily Herald, March 16, 1976, p. A2)

 

In the late afternoon and evening of August 16th, Domicilliary No. 1, a three-story, 45-year old building, housing 142 elderly and disabled patients at the Veterans Administration Hospital at Biloxi, was heavily damaged by a large conflagration. More than 100 firemen from Biloxi, Gulfport, D'Iberville and Keesler AFB fought the blaze which appeared to have commenced in the attic of the dormitory and destroyed most of the building's third floor.  No lives were lost, but William B. Sheppard (1916-1976), director of the VA facility, died of a heart attack in his office around 6:00 p.m. during the height of the fire.(The Daily Herald, August 17, 1976, p. A-1)

 

1980

Joan Marie Manning Johnston (1960-1980), Gerald Guy Ross Jr. (1960-1980) and George W. Johnson (1957-1980) died in a duplex fire at 917 Central Beach Boulevard on January 19, 1980.  Damage to the structure was estimated at $15,000.  The corporal remains of the deceased were interred at the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, January 20, 1980)

 

1982

In the early morning of November 8th, 28 people died and more than 30 injured in a fire in the Harrison County jail on Delauney Street and McElroy Street in Biloxi.  Robert Eugene Pates (b. 1951) was charged with 28 counts of capital murder when he was named the alleged conspirator of the conflagration.  Pates was sent ot Parchman immediatley.(The Daily Herald, November 8, 1982, p. A1 and November 9, 1982, p. A2)

 

1981

A warehouse adjacent to Melvin Supply Company at 613 East Howard Avenue was damaged by fire on February 6th.  Damage was estmated in the $350,000 to $400,000 range, in early May.  The struture was owned by Ernest Melvin, Beat 1 Harrison County Supervisor and Biloxi Mayoral candidate.(The Daily Herald, February 6, 1981)

 

1983

The Shalimar Lounge at 806 Main Street was destroyed by fire on March 8th.  The building was valued at $150,000.(The Daily Herald, March 9, 1983, p. B-6)

 

1985

On 7  January, Harold Windom replaced Guy Bernard Roberts as Biloxi's fire chief.  Chief Roberts' health was in decline but he agreed to replace Windom until his position could be filled.[The Daily Herald, Janaury 8, 1985, p. B-1]

 

 

1986

On October 20th, Carl Ohr Jr. (1952-1986) and Edwin Kurt Jacquet (1956-1986), BFD employees, were killed battling a fire in Biloxi.(The Times-Picayune, October 21, 1986, p. 1)

 

1991

On June 25th, the Buena Vista Hotel was severely damaged by fire and Steve Moore, Biloxi Fire Chief, estimated that the fire resulted resulted in damages of "hundreds of thousands of dollars and a total loss."(The Sun Herald, June 26, 1991, p. A-1)

 

2009

Retired Fire Chief Guy B. Roberts (1926-2009) expired at Biloxi on February 24th.  He was with the Biloxi Fire Department for 32 years and retired as Fire Chief in 1988.  Guy was a former Deputy for the Harrison County Sheriff's Office; a charter member of the Moose Lodge; member of the Back Bay Volunteer Fire Department; and served in the National Guard.  Chief Roberts was married to the former Iris Dubaz (1929-2014).

2013

David Roberts retired as Fire Chief on March 2013, after 14 years in this position.

 

Joseph Boney-confirmed as Fire Chief by City Council on July 9, 2013.  Mark Dronet named assistant chief on July 11, 2013.(The Sun Herald, July 10, 2013, p. A2 and July 12, 2013, p. A2)

2014

 

Arbor View Fire [D'Iberville, Mississippi-image from The Sun Herald]

Conflagration on March 4, 2014 at the Arbor View Apartments at D'Iberville destroyed all 20 apartments in Building 400 of the apartment complex.  Biloxi units assisted in this large fire.  Krystal Dannielle Gonzalez (b. 1989) of D'Iberville was arrested and charged with on a charge of 1st degree arson.(The Sun Herald, March 13, 2014, p. A1)

_______________________________________

BILOXI FIRE CHIEFS

1883-1896

Philip McCabe

 

Philip McCabe (1837-1905), native of New Orleans and first chief engineer of the Biloxi Volunteer Fire Company, expired in mid-December.  McCabe had married

 

In their youth, Ed Glennan and Charles Redding both worked for Mr. McCabe at NOLA when he had a stove business on Camp Street in NOLA.  McCabe also was the first tin can manufacturer on the Coast making fruit, oyster, and vegetable cans.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 28, 1881, p. 3 and The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 16, 1904, p. 5)

pre-August 1897

 

A.O. Bourdon Sr.

Arsene O. Bourdon Sr. [1845-1901]

1897

Dan Markey

Daniel Joseph Markey [1855-1900] was elected Fire Chief on August 5, 1897 by two of Biloxi's fire companies.  The Mechanics Steam Fire Company No. 2 did not send a representative of the election meeting.  Chief Bourdon retired.(The Biloxi Herald, August 7, 1897, p. 1)

 

1896-1933

Frederick Auguste Barthes

[from The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 19, 1907]

Frederick A. Barthes (1864-1948) was the son of F.A. Barthes Sr. (18-1898) and Margaret Alexandrine Binet (d. 1877).  Became Fire Chief in 1896 and retiring in 1933.

 

1933-

Charles H. Sentell

Charles Henry Sentell Jr. (1885-1951) was born at New Orleans on 14 December 1885 to Charles H. Sentell Sr. (1844-1910) and Johanna Aligrate (1860-1930), who married in Orleans Parish, Louisiana on 23 February 1884.   Charles entered the municipal fire service at Biloxi on 7 December 1907 with Volunteer Fire Company, and transferred to the Hook and Ladder Company 15 August 1909.  In May 1920, he was appointed assistant to Fire Chief Barthes and became Biloxi's Fire Chief on 1 October 1933.[The Daily Herald, January 26, 1951, p. 12]

Chief H. Sentell Jr. married Ursiline Milles, also a New orleans native, in Harrison County, Mississippi.  Their children were: Russell Joseph Sentel (1927-1948); Charles Sentell; and Olivia Sentell.

 

1942-1942

 

 

 

Lee Chinn

Lee Chinn (1888-1971), age 82 years, died at Howard Memorial Hospital on Thursday night, March 11, 1971, He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William David Chinn and was born at Vandalia, Missouri in March 1888 and came to Biloxi in 1890 with his family.  As a youngster, Lee worked for a railroad company at Gulfport and at age 14 became a flagman for the L&N Railroad at the railroad Street crossing in Biloxi. He became a fireman in 1907 and was stationed at the Back Bay fire station. Lee was one of the first drivers of horse-drawn, fire engines at Biloxi. He was also one of the first to drive motor-powered firetrucks when introduce in Biloxi in 1918.

Lee Chinn was named Biloxi's fire chief in January 1942.  He was released following the summer elections of 1942 and William 'Willie' Knox appointed fire chief.(The Daily Herald, January 4, 1943, p. )

In 1968 a new Biloxi fire station was named for him. Among the large Biloxi fires that Mr. Chinn assisted in fighting were:  the Yerger Building on West Howard Avenue; the Avelez Hotel on West Howard Avenue; the Union Hotel; the Peoples Bank; and the Hicks Battery Company on Back Bay.

R. Harvey Chinn (1890-1966), Lee's late brother, had been fire chief of the Keesler AFB fire department.  Lee Chinn retired from the BFD in 1953 and was caretaker at BSA Camp Wilkes for about four years.

Lee Chinn married Lou Ethel Fortner (1898-1971) in Harrison County, Mississippi on July 3, 1915.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 27, p. 359)

Mr. Chinn was survived by his spouse; three sisters: Mrs. W.J. Currie and Mrs. Harry Currie, Shreveport, Louisiana; and Mildred Chinn Olster of NOLA; and many nieces and nephews.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi directed the Chinn funeral. Lee was a member of the First Methodist Church and his corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi.

 

 

 

 

1943-1953?

Lee Chinn

Lee Chinn (1888-1971) was appointed Biloxi's fire chief in January 1943 by Mayor Chester Delacruz.  William Knox who had replaced Chinn,  became his assistant.(The Daily Herald, January 4, 1943, p. )

 

 

1953-1961

 

 

 

Walter F. Clark

Walter Francis Clark (1900-1961) was appointed Fire Chief by Mayor Laz Quave (1910-1985) in July 1953.  Mr. Clark joined the BFD in 1919.

 

 

 

 

1961

Frank L. Gabrich

Frank Lawrence Gabrich (1913-1986), son of John Gabrich (1864-1928) and Aeoline Pavolini (1867-1946), was born 30 March 1913.  He attended Sacred Heart Academy and during WWII, he served with the 79th Infantry Division in Europe and was awarded the Purple Heart, five campaign medals and the German occupation medal.  Frank made Sergeant on 1 July 1944 and was hit by shrapnel in his right arm five days later near Cherbourg, France.[The Daily Herald, September 19, 1944, p. 3]

 

In March 1952, Frank L. Gabrich married Elmere Rita Barras (1923-1987) in Harrison County, Mississippi. Their only child, Rachel Louise Gabrich m. Chevis Roy Hatten.  Mrs. Elmere R. Gabrich was the mother of Leah Rae Vuyovich m. Gray Slay.[Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 89, p. 95]

 

Frank tranferred from the Biloxi Police Department which he joined October 19, 1937 to its Fire Department February 1, 1938.  He retired as a Captain in 1958 and joined F&F Distributing Company.  With the retirement of Chief Walter Clark on 1 July 1961, Gabrich was appointed Fire Chief by Mayor Danny Guice.  At this time there were 39 firemen in the Biloxi force.[The Daily Herald, July 3, 1961, p. 1 and p. 2]

 

Fire Chief Frank Gabrich resigned 4 June.[The Daily Herald, June 8, 1973, p. 1]

 

1973

John T. Poulos

John Thomas Poulos Sr. [1914-2002] retired as acting Fire Chief effective May 1, 1974.  He joined the BFD on September 16, 1945 and had a career that spanned over 28 years.  John 

 

 

John T. Poulos Sr., 87, retired Biloxi Fire Chief, died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, in Biloxi.  Chief Poulos was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. He retired from the Biloxi Fire Department after 29 years of service. He served as fire chief for two years, prior to his retirement. He was a member of the International Association of Firefighters. He served with the Mississippi Army National Guard Artillery from 1932-1940. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church.  Survived by his wife of 61 years, Lucille Toncrey Poulos of Biloxi; three daughters and sons-in-law, Sheila Foster and husband, Larry, Lucille P. Strayham and husband Andrew, Crystal Ann DeLano and husband, Russell, all of Biloxi; four sons and daughters-in-law, John T. Poulos Jr. and wife, Joy of Slidell, James Poulos and wife, Darleen of Biloxi, David A. Poulos and wife, Donnet of Biloxi and Daniel P. Poulos and wife Cindy of D'Iberville; a sister, Helen Newman and husband, Paul of Biloxi; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.  Services will be at 4:30 p.m. Friday at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi, where friends may call from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Burial will be in Biloxi City Cemetery.  The family prefers memorials be made to the Biloxi Firefighters Museum, 1052 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi.[The Sun Herald, March 22, 2002]

 

1974

Fletcher Dumas Fest [1927-1991] was born January 22, 1927.  He married Winifred Cecile Thornton (1927-2008).  Children:  Fletcher D. Fest Jr. [1952-2011] and M. Charles Fest.  Fletcher joined the BFD in 1956 and made Captain in 1960.  He was named acting assistant Fire Chief in 1973.     With the announced retirement of John T. Poulos Sr. he became Fire Chief  in late March 1974.  Chief Fest retired November 10, 1976 from his $13,300 a year position with a remuneration of $550 per month from the Biloxi Police and Fire and Disability Relief Fund.  Fest related that conflict with the Biloxi Civil Service Commission was a factor in his early retirement.  His age, health, and family were salient reasons as well.[The Daily Herald, March 30, 1974, p. 2 and October 28, 1976, p. A-3]

1976

Gabriel Lehman Jr.

Gabriel 'Gabe' Lehman Jr. (1937-2010) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on May 9, 1937 to Gabriel Lehman Sr. (1912-1984) and Cecile Albert (1917-1984).  He quit school in the   , but later acquired a degree from Mississippi GCCC.  Gabe married Florence Aline McCaleb in Harrison County, Mississippi in May 1958.

 

 

Obituary

Gabriel Lehman, Jr., a retired fire chief with the Biloxi, Mississippi Fire Department and a resident of Baker, Louisiana, died Monday, Sept. 20, 2010, in Baton Rouge. He was 73, a native of Biloxi and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.  He is survived by a daughter, Erin Lehman Smith and husband Charles, of Biloxi;son, Kevin M. Lehman and wife Gina, of Biloxi; sister, Myrna Williams and husband Terry, of Vancleave, Miss.; brother, Albert "Bucky" Lehman, of Biloxi; three grandchildren and a great-grandchild.  Preceded in death by his wife, Janet Martin Lehman; parents, Gabriel Lehman Sr. and Cecile Albert Lehman; sisters, Lucille Allen, Evelyn Wilk, Lorraine Allen and Charlotte Franklin; and brother, John "Johnny Boy" Lehman.[The [Baton Rouge] Advocate on September 21, 2010]

 

 

1978

Guy B. Roberts 

Guy Bernard Roberts, Biloxi native and the son of Anthony Roberts (1903-1982) and BerniceFergonis (1907-1999), was appointed Fire Chief on 30 October 1978 by Mayor Jerry O'Keefe.  Major Conrad Kennedy was named assistant to Chief Roberts.  Guy suceeded Gabe Lehman who retired after 20 years of service to the citizens of Biloxi.  Chief Roberts joined the department in 1950.[The Daily Herald, October 31, 1978, p. A-8]

Chief Roberts had open heart surgery in December 1982 and his health continued to decline.  He retired in January 1985 and was replace by Harold A. Windom.[The Daily Herald, January 8,1985, p. B-1]

 

 

OBITUARY

Guy B. Roberts, Sr., 82, of Biloxi died Tuesday, February 24, 2009 in Biloxi.  Mr. Roberts was a member of Blessed Seelos Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of Knights of Columbus Council # 1244, he was with the Biloxi Fire Department for 32 years and retired as Fire Chief in 1988, he was a former Deputy for the Harrison County Sheriff's Office, a charter member of the Moose Lodge, he was a member of the Back Bay Volunteer Fire Department and he served in the National Guard.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony "Tony" Bernice (Fegonis) Roberts, brothers, Paul Roberts and Riley "Cotton" Roberts. two granchildren, Jessica Rose and Stephen Iachino, son-in-law, Mark Landry.  Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Iris Dubaz Roberts, of D'Iberville, his children, Guy B. Roberts, Jr. and his wife Barbara, of Biloxi, Charmaine Landry of D'Iberville, David Roberts and his wife, Linda of Latimer, Darnell Iachino and her husband, Ronnie of Ocean Springs, Robin Mullen and her husband, Phillip of Latimer, Laurie Pinette and her husband, Richard of Biloxi, grandchildren, Amanda, Rhett, Ashley, Micha, Mandy, Milton, Clement, Stacey, Charnell, Markie, Shane, David Jr., Billy, Jeff, Marisa, Glenn, Brandy, Mindy, Cory, Phillip, Brandon, Jonathan, 27 great-grandchildren and numerous other family and friends.

Visitation is Thursday, February 26, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, February 27, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Seelos (St.John's) Catholic Church where friends may visit one hour prior to Mass. Interment is in Biloxi National Cemetery with full Biloxi Fire Department honors.[The Sun Herald, February 26, 2009]

1985

Harold A. Windom

 

Harold August Windom was born circa 1941 at Biloxi, Mississippi to August Windom (1904-1974) and Marie Hebert (1909-1992).  he graduated from Biloxi High School in May 1959.  Harold married Deanna Fayard (1943-2008), the daughter of Fayard and Ibele.

Harold was named Biloxi Fire Chief with the retirement of Guy B.Roberts in January 1985.

 

 

 

 

 

1999

Floyd J. Thibodeaux

Floyd John Thibodeaux married Josephine Sophie Rosetti at NBVM at Biloxi in November 1959.

 

1999-2013

David Roberts

David Roberts began his tenure as Biloxi fire chief in 1999 to March 2013.  Mark Dronet named acting Fire Chief.

 

2013

Joseph Boney-confirmed as Fire Chief by City Council on July 9, 2013.  Mark Dronet named assistant chief on July 11, 2013.(The Sun Herald, July 10, 2013, p. A2 and July 12, 2013, p. A2)

 

In mid-July 2021, Chief Joseph Boney considers retirement as he believes that the Biloxi Council is not 100% in favor of his reappointment by Mayor Gilich.

 

On July 20, 2021 the Biloxi City Council voted not to reconfirm Boney [4-3 vote], which gave the Mayor 90 days to nominate a new fire chief. This came after a report that Boney and a supervisor at the fire department were investigated by the state auditor.

 

 

2021

Nicholaus Geiser

 

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich had 90 days from July 20 to nominate a new fire chief, but he’ll submit a candidate to the Biloxi City Council on Tuesday..

 

Nicholaus Geiser, a 17-year veteran of the Biloxi Fire Department, is the mayor’s choice, according to the agenda for the Aug. 3 meeting. If he is approved by the council, his salary would be $85,000.

 

Geiser, age 41, was promoted to captain five years ago in 2016.  A Biloxi native, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and business management at University of Southern Mississippi and has been deputy chief of training and city emergency manager.

 

Gilich also announced that Jason Earl Davis will become the department’s assistant chief. That position was held by Mark Dronet before he retired earlier this year. Davis is deputy chief for training,

 

On July 6, Chief Joe Boney announced his plan to retire at the end of the year after he learned that some of the council members were planning to remove him as chief.  On July 20, the council voted not to reconfirm Boney, which gave the mayor 90 days to nominate a new fire chief. This came after a report that Boney and a supervisor at the fire departmentwere investigated by the state auditor.

 

Gilich has since notified the city that his last day on the job will be Aug. 5The council can either approve Geiser as chief, or vote against his appointment and ask the mayor to submit another candidate.

https://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/harrison-county/article253123683.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

 

 

REFERENCES:

 

The Biloxi Herald, “”,

The Biloxi Herald, “”,

The Biloxi Herald, “”,

The Biloxi Herald, “”,

The Biloxi Herald, “”,

The Biloxi Herald, “”,

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”,

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”,

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “East End Hose Company”, October 6, 1904.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “East End”, October 8, 1904.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Prominent citizen [Philip McCabe] dead”, December 16, 1904.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Mask Ball”, December 22, 1904.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”,

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Prominent citizen [Philip McCabe]dead”, December 16, 1905.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”,

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”,

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”,

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “East End Hose Company No. 1”, September 19, 1907.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”,

 

The Daily Herald, “Three Biloxi Cottages destroyed by fire”, April 26, 1910.

The Daily Herald, “Back Bay Company started in 1904 grow steadily”, September 20, 1915.

The Daily Herald, “$98,000 Fire in Biloxi early Sunday morning”, May 24, 1926.

The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Mayor talks on Fire”, May 29, 1926.

The Daily Herald, “Sentell with City 30 years”, December 7, 1937.

The Daily Herald, “$2000 fire damage to Kress Co. store”, November 13, 1942.

The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Officials”, January 4, 1943.

The Daily Herald, “With Coast Men, Women in Armed Service”, September 19, 1944.

The Daily Herald, “Heavy water damage results from Biloxi fire”, October 28, 1944.

The Daily Herald, “New Fire Chief”, July 6, 1953.

The Daily Herald, “Assistant Fire Chief”, July 6, 1953.

The Daily Herald, “Lehman-McCaleb”, May 3, 1958.

The Daily Herald, “Three Captain promotions for Biloxi firemen”, September 27, 1958.

The Daily Herald, “Fire breaks out at Biloxi A&P; Damage is heavy”, August 26, 1959, p. 1.

 

The Daily Herald, “Gabrich Chief of Biloxi Fire Department”, July 3, 1961.

 

The Daily Herald, “Biloxi names [Harold] Windom to head Fire Department", January 8, 1985.

 

 

The Daily Picayune, “”,

The Daily Picayune, “Burnt Biloxi”, June 6, 1889.

The Daily Picayune, “”,

The Daily Picayune, “”,

The Daily Picayune, “”,

 

The New Orleans Item, "Sunday Runaway", September 19, 1910.

 

The Sun Herald, “John T. Poulos Sr.”, March 22, 2002.

The Sun Herald, “Guy B. Roberts Sr.”, February 26, 2009.

The Sun Herald, “Gabriel Lehman, Jr.”, September 22, 2010.

The Sun Herald, “Fire chief’s [Joseph Boney] first emergency call at meeting confirming him”, July 10, 2013, p. A2.

The Sun Herald, “Dronet named Biloxi’s assistant fire chief”, July 12, 2013, p. A2.

The Sun Herald, “”,

 

 

 

BILOXI MARDI GRAS

 

 

[The Daily Herald, February 16, 1968, p. 17]

 

 

 

TIME LINE

1880-Biloxi was nearly deserted on Mardi Gras day. The Camelia carried nearly seventy-five passengers to NOLA.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, February 20, 1880, p. 3)

1883-According to Mayor Ed Glennan, a Mardi Gras celebration was held in Biloxi in 1883.

1888-In February, Harry T. Howard (1856-1933) and Lydia Fairchild ruled Carnival at NOLA.(The Times Picayune, February 20, 1966, p. 117) 

1895-In February, Frank T. Howard (1855-1911) and Genevieve Cottraux ruled Carnival at NOLA.(The Times Picayune, February 20, 1966, p. 117) 

 

1900

 

1908

What is considered to be the first Mardi Gras celebration at Biloxi occurred on March 3, 1908.

John Carraway(1873-1931), King Bienville I, and Blanche Picard (1887-1930+), his Queen, was the daughter of Bernard Picard (1853-1896) and Sarah Levy Picard (1859-1927).  Bernard Picard was born in Alsace, France.  Mr. Picard came to Biloxi circa 1889, and was the proprietor of Picard's Emporium, a dry goods store, located in the Eistetter Building on Howard Avenue at Magnolia Street.  He expired on May 23, 1896, of stomach cancer at his 128 Main Street residence.  His corporal remains were interred at New Orleans.(The Biloxi Herald, May 23, 1896, p. 8).

 

Blanche Picard

Blanche Picard (1887-1930+), a native of New Orleans, graduated from Biloxi High School in May 1904 and Elizabeth College, Charlotte, North Carolina before she married Solomon Edward ‘Sollie’ Levy (1882-pre-1930).  Sollie E. Levy was born at Newborn, Alabama.  At Biloxi on August 27, 1908 in the Presbyterian Church, Rabbi Mose Bergman of New Orleans performed their nuptials.  Phil Riser of Demopolis, Alabama and Florence Picard, sister of the bride, were Best Man and Maid of Honor respectively in their wedding.  Sollie E.  Levy was a successful traveling salesman.  The couples was home was in or near St. Louis, Missouri.(The Biloxi Herald, August 14, 1908, p. 1 and August 27, 1908, p. 1 and Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 21, p. 38)

Philadelphia

    

John Carraway-King Bienville I

John Carraway (1873-1931) came to Biloxi in 1893.  He was born at Jackson, Mississippi the son of John C. Carraway (1843-1901) and Arcola Carraway (1848-1933), both natives of the Magnolia State.  In 1900, he and Mae Litel Carroway (1878-1930+), his spouse, a native of Albany, Wisconsin were domiciled on Front Street at Biloxi, where he made his livelihood as cashier for the Bank of Biloxi.  Mr. Carraway matriculated to the University of Mississippi.  At Biloxi, he was active in the Elk, Odd fellow, Woodman of the World, and Masonic Lodge.  First president of the BYC.  His parents and Tennie Carraway Moreland (1880-1905+), his Texan born cousin, were also domiciled on Front Street at this time.(The Daily Herald, p. 51 and 1900 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census T623 808, p. 1A, ED 31, and The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 29, 1907, p. 2)

John Carroway was a candidate for Beat One Board of Supervisors of Harrison County in 1907.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 29, 1907, p. 2)

King Bienville with Blanche Picard (1887-1930+), as queen, of Biloxi’s initial Mardi Gras in March 1908.

 

1910

 

 

 

1912

Jules D’Aquin (1877-1936) and Ellen J. Joullian [m. Byron P. Lyons].  Their court: King Aurguis I; W.S. McIntyre; W.J. Thomas; W.H. Hunt; P.H. Prieur; John F. Eistetter; and Charles M. Lanius.

 

1913

Thomas K. Devitt and Irma Dukate [m. Daniel J. Gorenflo]

 

1914

Elbert L. Dukate (1881-1943) and Noreta Lopez [m. Rucks Yerger Jr.]

 

1915    

Ulysse S. Desporte (1861-1927) and Katherine Louise Henley [m. Edward McColl]

 

1916

R.P. Linfield and Mamie Lewis [m. John Francis]

 

1917

Mardi Gras 1917 was celebrated on February 20^th and ruled over by George C. Quint (1886-1967) and Mary Chinn (1891-1958), who later married John F. Eistetter.  The theme of the six-float night parade was ‘Centennial Spirit’ to commemorate the Mississippi statehood centennial (1817-1917).  N. Salvadore Navarro (1869-1953) designed and built the floats.  H.E. Blakeslee of the Mississippi Centennial Commission in Gulfport(The Daily Herald, January 23, 1917, p. 1 and February 21, 1917, p. 1)

In late 1917, with World War I raging in Western Europe, the 1918 Mardi Gras was cancelled at New Orleans.  Mayor Glennan was enamored with celebrating Mardi Gras at Biloxi and called a meeting of the Biloxi Carnival Association in late December 1917 to ascertain if the business community desired to have a Mardi Gras day fete.(The Daily Herald, December 29, 1917)

 

1918

William P. Kennedy, King Arguis VII, and Blanche Davis [m. William E. Thompson], Queen Ixolib VII, ruled the Biloxi Mardi Gras and Elk's Ball on February 11, 1918.(The Daily Herald, February 11, 1918, p. 1 and February 12, 1918, p. 3)

 

1919

WW I postponed.

General John J. ‘Black Jack’ Pershing

 

1930

Walter E. White and Martha R. Guice [m. William M. Harrison]

 

1931

J.W. Milner and Ella E. Edmonds [m. Irwin M. Cowie Jr.]

 

1932

Hermes Gautier (1894-1969) and Virginia Theobald (1909-1995) [m. John Lockett]

 

1933

Bidwell Adams and Marjorie Dukate

Leslie B. Grant and Vera Bond ruled the Les Masques Mardi Gras Ball.(The Daily Herald, February 15, 1933, p. 2 with photos)

 

1934

John T. McDonald of Bay St. Louis and Evelyn Ramsay  of Ocean Springs ruled the Mardi Gras at Biloxi on February 13th with the theme 'Seven Cities by the Sea'.(The Daily Herald, February 14, 1934, p. 1)

Biloxi's Negro community with King Zulu and his Hula warriors, Indians and Voodoo witch doctor, paraded through Biloxi's central business district on Mardi Gras eve. King  Zulu ruled at the Mardi Gras ball held at the Suburban Gardens on Main Street after the parade had ended.(The Daily Herald, February 14, 1934, p. 5)   

Fifty children, residing in the 'Possum Neck' neighborhood [Claiborne Street, Dorries Street and Pearl Street] east Biloxi, and sponsored by H.R. Richmond, held a junior carnival parade in their neighborhood.  The four floats were designed by the children with Rene Alford and Kathryn Hecht as rulers of 'Possum Neck'.(The Daily Herald, February 15, 1934, p. 2)                                                                      

 

1935

Clark C. Griffith and Katherine Weeks.

 

1936

The Billikens, a carnival club of seventy-five maids and matrons, was organized at Biloxi on January 3, 1936.  The initial officers were: Myrtis B. Whetstone [Cline] captain; Eleanor G. Youska Baker, secretary; Annie Lang [Strayham], treasurer; Avis Linnelle Welch [Vignes]; Ada Moore, and Mrs. John Gryder, board members.  The Billikens held their first masked dance on February 7, 1936.(The Daily Herald, January 7, 1936, p. 2)

 

John A. Swanzy and Thelma Josephine Gorenflo [m. Lewis Edward Curtis Jr.]

 

1937

No celebration-1946

 

1938

Dixie Hollis and Catherine DeMiller [1st Junior Carnival)

 

Homer Redford Richmond and J.B. Richmond will enter four floats in the Junior Carnival parade on Mardi Gras Day. Every year, the children in their neighborhood have held a juvenile parade.  This year they will form a part of the Coast wide Mardi Gras parade on Mardi Gras Day.(The Daily Herald, February 24, 1938, p. 2)

 

1939

John E. Dunnavant and Betty Grayson [2nd Junior Carnival] on February 29th.

 

1940s

 

 

1940

ROYALTY

Jules D’Aquin (1877-1936) and Ellen J. Joullian [m. Byron P. Lyons]

The Court: King Aurguis I; W.S. McIntyre; W.J. Thomas; W.H. Hunt; P.H. Prieur; John F. Eistetter; and Charles M. lanius.

BILOXI MURDERS

 

1842

Thomas Martin, a baker, died after his jugular vein was slashed with a razor by W. Woodhall, his father-in-law.  Mr. Woodhall was captured and sent to Bay St. Louis on the steamer Monmouth.(The Daily Picyaune, September 10, 1842, p. 2)

 

1851

Bartolo San Andro, a Spaniard called Antonio, was slain on Biloxi beach on the night of July 15th with a sword cane.  His alleged killer was an Italian man who was later arrested at Bay St. Louis and held for a $1000 bail.(The Daily Picayune, July 21, 1851, p. 1)

 

1853

[The Daily Picayune, April 12, 1853, p. 2]

 

 

1896

 

Jules Soule Murder

Jules P. Soule with children in 1896

 

While editor of The Biloxi Herald, John H. Miller (1847-1928) became embroiled with competing Biloxi editor,  Jules Paul Soule (1855-1896), a native of Castillon-en-Couserans, Midi-Pyrenees, France, and the son of Bernard Dominique Jules Soule [1837-1867] and Marie Pardine Pradere [1837-1919].  His great uncle, Pierre Soule [1801-1870], was US Senator from Louisiana and US Ambassador to Spain [1853-1855]. Soule and family came to Ocean Springs from Whitecastle, Louisiana.[The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 23, 1896, p. 3]

 

In February 1896, Jules P. Soule et fils arriving from Whitecastle, Louisiana commenced The Ocean Wave, a short-lived newspaper at Ocean Springs.  He became editor of the Biloxi Review when its editor, H.F. Evans, was dismissed for his scathing editorials attacking The Biloxi Herald, his competitor, and also Biloxi's Board of Aldermen, resulted in his dismissal. Unfortunately, Mr. Soule continued the Evans' policy of sarcastic denunciations and innuendoes upon the character of rivals and politicians.(The Biloxi Herald, January 25, 1896, p. 1, October 24, 1896, p. 8 and August 7, 1897, p. 1)

 

After several scathing articles attacking his character and reputation, Captain Miller became incensed to the point that on 7 December 1896, he shot and mortally wounded Jules P. Soule on Howard Avenue.  Monsieur Soule was sent to New Orleans were he expired and later interred in the Greenwood Cemetery.(The Biloxi Herald, December 12, 1896, p. 8)

 

John H. Miller was acquitted of his crime against Soule by a jury in late June 1897. The innocent verdict was realized in only five minutes.  Miller had many prominent gentlemen from Biloxi and other areas of Mississippi testify to his good character and moral standing.(The Biloxi Herald, July 10, 1897) 

 

Captain Miller became a real estate magnate in Biloxi managing the Biloxi Real Estate and Loan Agency.  He was also on the board of trustees of the Industrial Institute and College [later MSCW and MUW] at Columbus, Mississippi.  Alice S. Miller expired at Biloxi on October 10, 1916.  He died April 21, 1928 in New Orleans.  Captain Miller passed a wealthy man and the citizens of Biloxi were remembered as they were gifted with funds for their incipient hospital system.(The Daily Herald, April 23, 1928, p. 2 and May 5, 1928, p. 1)

 

 

 

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Jules Soule and family arrived at Ocean Springs from Whitecastle, Louisiana.  Here he commenced The Ocean Springs Wave-published for 10 months in 1896 by Arthur Soule and Jules Soule, editor.  Two issues (1896) available at Mississippi Department of Archives and History and on microfilm at the Pascagoula Public Library.

 

Baseball team

While domiciled at Ocean Springs, Jules Soule sponsored the local baseball nine.  The new ball park at Ocean Springs was formally opened in June 1896 with the local squad playing Scranton.  The battery from the Lopez team of Biloxi, Gaston Henderson and Adolph Abbley, led the Ocean Springs team to victory by a score of 13-8. Henderson fanned 18 batters.(The Biloxi Herald, June 27, 1896, p. 8)

 

Biloxi, Mississippi

In 1896, Jules Soule became editor of the Biloxi Review when H.F. Evans' policy of attacking The Biloxi Herald, his competitor, and also Biloxi's board of aldermen resulted in his dismissal and taking editorial control of The Gulfport Southward in August 1897. Captain John H. Miller was editor of The Biloxi Herald at this time and Mr. Soule contined the Evans' policy of attacking rivals in his Biloxi Review.(The Biloxi Herald, August 7, 1897, p. 1)

 

Civil Suit

On September 9, 1896, Lazaro Lopez, William Gorenflo, Daniel A. Nash, John C. Bradford, Raymond Caillavet and J.B. Lemon, Aldermen of the City of Biloxi filed a libel suit in the Circuit Court of Harrison County, Mississippi against H.S. Evans, editor of the Biloxi Review and local correspondent for the Daily Picayune, and the following stockholders of the journal: Edward Glennan, Louis E. Gill, Charles Redding, W.P. Henley, and E.C. Joullian.  The litagation alleged that an editorial by Mr. Evans damaged the character of these well known Biloxi citizens.  The plaintiffs were seeking $20,000 in damages from the defendants.(The Biloxi Herald, September 12, 1896, p. 1) 

 

After several articles attacking his character and reputation, Captain Miller became ired to the point that he shot and mortally wounded Jules Soule, editor of The Biloxi Review on December 7th, 1896.(The Biloxi Herald, December 12, 1896, p. 8)

 

Captain Miller was acquitted of his crime against Soule by a jury in late June 1897. The innocent verdict was realised in only five minutes.  Miller had many prominent gentlemen from other areas of Mississippi testify to his good character and moral standing.(The Biloxi Herald ,July 10, 1897) 

 

Captain John H. Miller

 

John Henry Miller (1847-1928) born December 14, 1847 at Paulding, Jasper County, Mississippi.  During the Civil War, he enlisted in ‘The Jasper Grays’, Company F of the 16^th Mississippi Regiment serving three year as a Lieutenant Robert E.  Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.  Returning from the conflict, he married Alice Sophie Miller (1852-1916) circa 1871, and they were childless. During and post-Reconstruction, J.H. Miller was a newspaper man. (The Biloxi Daily Herald, 1902, p. 52)

 

Captain John H. Miller (1847-1928) assumed editorial control of The Biloxi Herald on October 31, 1896 from George W. Wilkes (1854-1915).  Captain Miller left the journal on May 1, 1898 when the co-partnership, G.W. Wilkes & Company, was dissolved leaving G.W. Wiles sole owner of The Biloxi Herald.(The Biloxi Herald, June 11, 1898, p. 1 and The Daily Herald, April 23, 1928, p. 2)

 

In 1900, at Biloxi, the Millers lived on Front Street near the Carraway family.  John H. Miller was manager of the Biloxi Real Estate and Loan Agency and was also on the board of trustees of the Industrial Institute and College at Columbus, Mississippi.  Alice S. Miller expired at Biloxi on October 10, 1916.  He died April 21, 1928.(1900 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census )

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FLASHBACK

Murella Hebert Powell

[published in The Sun Herald, July 27, 2014, p. F-6]

 

This Flashback story reflects a time when a man's honor and integrity were considered his most precious assets, and it was more or less expected that he protect those assets in a certain way.

The story involves a newspaper controversy between the Biloxi Herald, founded in 1884, and a short-lived newspaper called the Biloxi Review. The controversy ended in manslaughter.

The weekly Biloxi Review made its debut on Aug. 1, 1896, under the editorship of H.F. Evans. From the beginning, the Review practiced what was called "cut-throat competition" by launching attacks against the Herald and Biloxi's board of aldermen. The aldermen filed a libel lawsuit against the Review in September 1896 and won. The Review replaced Evans with Joules Soule, who continued Evans' same policies.

In October 1896, Capt. J.H. Miller, pictured here in 1902, of the Tupelo Journal, became the Biloxi Herald's new editor. Miller had a reputation throughout the state as a man of great integrity. About then, the Herald's owner, G.W. Wilkes, borrowed $500 from the Bank of Biloxi for new office equipment. He offered his own property and the signatures of seafood pioneers L. Lopez and W.H.K. Dukate as securities.

This opened a floodgate of insinuations by Soule of financial wrongdoing against the Biloxi Herald, and particularly upon Miller. His defamation and "scurrilous attacks" on Miller was such that the Gulf Coast Progress newspaper of Bay St. Louis stated that "no honorable or brave man could wear the stigma of Soule's denunciation and hold his head up among gentlemen."  

Review issues teemed with vicious attacks on Miller. Finally, Miller avenged himself by firing a mortal shot at Soule in downtown Biloxi on Dec. 3, 1896. During his September 1897 trial for manslaughter, witnesses from along the Coast and throughout the state, including a judge from the state capital, appeared in Miller's favor. The jury was out for only 5 minutes. The verdict? Not guilty!  Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/2014/07/26/5715719/a-newspaper-war-that-went-too.html#storylink=cpy

 

REFERENCES:

The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, (The Biloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902).

Regina Hines Ellison, Ocean Springs, 1892, (Lewis Printing

The Biloxi Herald, “The Ocean Wave will commence about February 1st”, January 25, 1896.

The Biloxi Herald, “Safe hits”, June 27, 1896.

The Biloxi Herald, “A heavy suit for libel”, September 12, 1896.

The Biloxi Herald, “An echo of the Ocean Springs incident”, October 3, 1896.

The Biloxi Herald, “Biloxi Review and Ocean Wave”, October 24, 1896.

The Biloxi Herald, “Unwarranted insinuation”, November 21, 1896.

The Biloxi Herald, “Recorder’s Court”, December 12, 1896.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “A statement”, December 12, 1896.

The Biloxi Herald, “Captain Miller placed on trial”, June 30, 1897.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Not Guilty”, July 3, 1897.

The Biloxi Herald, “Captain J.H. Miller acquitted”, July 10, 1897.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Result of unfortunate newspaper controversy”, July 10, 1897.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “News story”, July 10, 1897.

The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 23, 1896.

The Sun Herald,'Flashback'-"A newspaper war that went to far", July 27, 2014, p. F-6.

 

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1897

Parkhurst Murders

 

Caroline F. ‘Carrie’ Boardman(1832-1897) acquires Section 20, T7S-R9W from Jacob Elmer who once had a saw mill here.  Miss Boardman marries John Stevenson Parkhurst (1827-1897) in January 1894. The area now the Oak Park Subdivision becomes known as Parkhurst Point.  The Parkhursts are murdered on October 21, 1897 in their Back Bay home and their bodies and domicile burned by the killer.(The Biloxi Herald, October 23, 1897 and October 30, 1897)

 

Harry G. Gibson(1870-1898), probably a native of New Albany, Floyd County, Indiana, was indicted on January 17, 1898 by a grand jury of the Circuit Court of Harrison County, Mississippi.  He was found guilty by jury of his peers on January 29, 1898.(The Biloxi Herald,  January 22, 1898)

 

The Mississippi Supreme Court affirmed the guilty verdict of the Circuit Court and fixed Monday, June 30, 1898 as the date for his execution.(The Biloxi Herald, May 14, 1898, p. 8)

 

Harry G. Gibson was hanged at Mississippi City on July 16, 1898 for the murder of John S. Parkhurst (1827-1897) and Caroline F. ‘Carrie’ Boardman Parkhurst (1832-1897).  He was the first person ever legally killed for a crime in Harrison County, Mississippi.(The Biloxi Herald, July 16, 1898)

REFERENCES:

The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, January 27, 1894.

The Biloxi Herald, “A Visitor”, January 11, 1896.

The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”, February 20, 1897.

The Biloxi Herald, “A Fiend’s act”, October 23, 1897.

The Biloxi Herald, “The Late Horror”, October 30, 1897.

The Biloxi Herald, “Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Parkhurst”, January 15, 1898.

The Biloxi Herald, “Circuit Court”, January 22, 1898.

The Biloxi Herald, “Found guilty”, January 29, 1898.

The Biloxi Herald, “Harry G. Gibson again”, April 2, 1898.

The Biloxi Herald, “Gibson’s doom sealed”, May 14, 1898.

The Indiana State Journal, “Gibson believes that he is doomed”, June 15, 1898.

The Biloxi Herald, “Gibson executed”, July 16, 1898.

The Biloxi Herald, “County Expenses”, September 8, 1898.

 

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1900

Christina Winterstein

Christina Winterstein [1886-1900] was born in August 1886 in Harrison County, Mississippi to George W. Winterstein [1849-1933] and Margaretha Hoffmann [1850-1929]. both German immigrants and native of Alsace-Lorraine. On 2 June, 1900, Christina was butally murdered and raped by an unknown assailant o assailants which led to the equally autrocious hangings at Mississippi City of two Blackmen, Henry Askew and Ed Russell. 

The investigation was held under the auspices of Marshal Robert Marion Mosley (1865-1910), a native of Kemper County, Mississippi.  He married Mary Elizabeth Naylor (1869-1948), the daughter of Louis Naylor and Cornelia Ramsay, and also a native of Kemper County.  There only child was Dr. Robert M. Mosley Jr. (1886-1951).  Robert became a policeman at Meridian, Mississippi attaining the rank of Sergeant.  The family relocated to Biloxi and he joined the BPD.  Officer Mosley became Biloxi's Marshal upon the resignation of C.W. Blake in late December 1898.  Robert M. Mosley resigned as Biloxi's Marshal on 2 September 1902 to become the first Chief Inspector for the Mississippi Oyster Commission which had been created by the 1902 Bower's Bill.[The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 1, 1902, p. 1]

"Horrible Atrocity"

 

"One of the most fearful, atrocious and heinous crimes known to the history of Biloxi occurred sometime during the day yesterday, and it had the effect, when discovered of stirring each and every one of our citizens up to a state of frenzy. Its nature, character and surroundings was just such as to do this, and no one, individually or collectively, would be expected to contain or restrain themselves under the circumstances. A bright, beautiful, pure young girl, with all alluring before her in life, ruthlessly cut down by the hand of a fiend, who sought and did destroy more than life itself, and her poor, tender body left in the woods to be discovered by her family and friends, tells a tale that is hard to believe, but which is nevertheless true and overwhelming. The victim of the fearful outrage was little Christina Winterstein, a lovely young girl about thirteen years of age, who was a pupil of the public school. She came into the city yesterday morning to attend the practices for the closing exercises. She left the city about 12 o'clock on her way home, and the last seen of her was when she left her brother's house about 12:30. When not returning about 2 o'clock her people became uneasy about her, and instituted inquiry. They came to Mr. Collins' house looking for her, having found her hat in the road coming down. Mr. Collins then started out to find the girl, and after a brief search he found blood in the road, which gave him and young Charley Foretich, who accompanined him, a clue to follow, and they found the body of the child about a hundred yards from the road, and about midway from where she was last seen and from her home. There was evidences of a struggle on the side of the road near where the fiend first attacked the little victim, and there was blood from there to where her body was found. Her remains were found at 5 p.m. There were marks on her face where she had apparantly struck with a man's fist, another mark on her breast, and the top of her head bore the mark of a blunt instrument of some sort, her scalp being laid open, and her skull fractured. The shock she sustained from the last injury would have been sufficient under the circumstances to have caused death. Dr. E. R. Bragg was summoned as soon as the child's remains were found, and after a close examination, he declared that she had been outraged after death had come to her relief The authorities were promptly notified, and a preliminary examption began, but the investigation will not be completed before some time today. In the meantime the tender remains of the girl were turned over to her family to be prepared for burial...[from The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 3, 1900, p. 1]

 

Reward

In late June 1900, Marshal Moseley advertised in The Biloxi Daily Herald that $200 woud be awarded to anyone who provided information that would result in the arrest of the murderer and rapist of Christina Winterstein on 2 June 1900.  The Pascagoula Democrat-Star commented .[The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 24, 1900, p. 1 and The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, June 29, 1900, p. 3]

 

 

REFERENCES:

The Biloxi Daily Herald, 'Horrible atrocity', June 3, 1900

The Biloxi Daily Herald, '$200 Reward', June 24, 1900.

The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Mississippi Press Association versus Negro type-setters'', June 29, 1900.

The Sea Coast Echo, 'Mississippi City lynching', June 16, 1900.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Veronica Mutiny and Trial

 

In August 1902, while at Ship Island, a very special event occurred in the life of Antoine Bellande.  It concerned a ship mutiny.  Ernest Desporte Jr. told me this tale when I was a teenager. Ernest Desporte Jr. (1888-1977) was a native of Biloxi and lifelong resident.  He had a remarkable memory and enjoyed telling stories of Biloxi's early history.  He also was a writer of local history and genealogy sometimes using the nom de plume, Old Timer.  When I met Mr. Desporte about 1960, he was an elderly septuagenarian gentleman and of keen wit.  His father, Ernest Desporte Sr.(1853-1931), had been a bar pilot and harbor master at Ship Island at the turn of the Twentieth Century.  Captains Bellande and Desporte served together as fellow pilots guiding blue water barks, brigs, schooners, and steamers across the Ship Island Bar to safe anchorage at Ship Island Harbor.  After 1902, they would sail these large vessels seeking Mississippi longleaf pine for the world export market into the new harbor at Gulfport.

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1914

Ora Rawls

Ora Rawls, Pascagoula, Mississippi resident, was shot and killed at Desporte's Wharf on October 6, 1914 by Alcana B. Green (1882-1930) of Denton, Texas.  Green claimed taunting and self-defense.  The two men were on the crew of the schooner, Nellie L., run by Captain George Seymour.(The Daily Herald, October 7, 1914, p. 1)

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1922

 

Walter Roche Richter

Walter R. Richter (1890-1922), 31 years, who was shot down by Ben Bolton (1897-1957), son of Nat Bolton on Sunday night at 10:30 and who suffered intensely during the time he lived at the Biloxi City Hospital, died at that institution this morning at 5:30 o'clock. It was stated that Mr. Richter could hardly survive the wound which penetrated the intestines. This is said to have been the second shot fired at him as he attempted to leave a building in which he and several other Biloxians were visiting for just a few moments, while out for a ride during the evening.

Hundreds of interested persons anxiously inquired about Mr. Richter all during Monday, indicating that feeling for him as one of the best young men of city. Not only did they make inquiry at the hospital, where he was carried by Officers George Mon and Alonzo Gabrich immediately after the shooting, but the question was passed along the streets as to how he was progressing. The hospital was visited by numerous persons who went to inquire and offer their assistance if it need be, but here he received every care during his last moments by medical aid and attending loved ones.

Bolton, who was given a hearing yesterday afternoon on a charge of shooting with intent to kill, will be brought back to Biloxi. The affidavit against him will now be changed to murder and he will be given another hearing and bound over to await the Harrison County grand jury without benefit of bond.

Walter Richter is survived by his wife , a little daughter, a father, W. H. Richter, of New Orleans, two sisters, Mrs. H. J. Gillen, of Biloxi and Mrs. Arthur Chester, of Montgomery, Ala., and two brothers, Alfred Richter and Bernie Richter, both of Biloxi. He was a member of the Biloxi Lodge of Elks, Knights of Columbus West End Fire Company and other organizations, whose members will attend the funeral in a body. He leaves many friends among Biloxians. He was a member of the Church of the Nativity under whose auspices he will be buried, the funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock from the late residence on Bohn street, with interment in the Biloxi cemetery.(The Daily Herald, June 6, 1922, p. 1)

Ben Bolton was found "Not Guilty" in the murder of Walter Richter. His defense attorney moved the jury to tears in his closing statements. The key statement being that "Bolton had been threatened by the deceased and that he had reason to believe that his life was in danger when the deceased was said to have arisen from the chair prior to the shooting".(The Daily Herald, December 21, 1922, p. 1)

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, ‘Walter R. Richter dangerously shot by Ben Bolton Sunday night in Biloxi’, June 4, 1922, p. 1.

The Daily Herald, ‘Finish taking testimony in Bolton case this afternoon’, December 20, 1922, p. 1.

The Daily Herald, ‘Ben Bolton secures freedom from the hands of jury’, December 21, 1922, p. 1.

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1927

Maggie Hutchinson

 

Leola Ridcourt, Biloxi negress, was charged with stabbing to death Maggie Hutchinson, negress, also of Biloxi at an Elmer Street house.  She pleaded self-defense as the victim was alleged to have advanced on her with an ice pick.(The Daily Herald,  and April 22, 1927, p. 1 and April  27, 1927, p. 8)

 

 

Edna Johnson Longinotti

 

Edna Mae Johnson was born at Ocean Springs, Mississippi in February 1891 to John E. Johnson (1859-1921) and Ella Felicia Pons (1868-1910). She married Joseph R. Longinotti Jr. (1882-1968), the son of Joseph Longinotti (1846-1923) and Clotilda Longinotti (1859-1936) of Hot Springs, Arkansas, on September 29, 1909 at Nativity BVM Catholic Church at Biloxi, Mississippi.
 

Edna and Joseph R. Longinotti Jr. made their home at Hot Springs, Arkansas where he was in the hotel business. They were the parents of a daughter, Marjorie Longinotti.
 

Edna was killed on August 13, 1927 at Biloxi, Mississippi by her lover, Sam Davis, of Little Rock, Arkansas. She had been divorced from Joseph Longinotti prior to her demise.
 

Edna Mae was survived by Miss Emma Johnson, her aunt in Biloxi; Louis O. Johnson, an uncle, at Biloxi; Mrs. August Dorries, another aunt of Memphis, Tennessee.
 

The O'Keefe Funeral Parlors of Biloxi directed the Longinotti funeral with services at Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Biloxi. Committal followed in Bellande Cemetery at Ocean Springs.

 

REFERENCES:

The Biloxi Daily Herald, 'City New', September 21, 1909, p. 4.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, 'Longinotti-Johnson nuptials yesterday', September 30, 1909, p. 2.

The Daily Herald, 'Joe Longinott Jr. inherits fortune', July 24, 1911, p. 8.

The Daily Herald, 'Mrs. Edna Longinotti killed by her lover', August 15, 1927, p. 1.

The Daily Herald, 'Longinotti funeral', August 16, 1927, p. 2.

The Daily Herald, 'Longinottis leave for Hot Springs', August 19, 1927, p. 2.

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1933

Frank Anderson

Frank Anderson (1881-1933) was murdered on April 16, 1933 in the doorway of the Terry Apartment house at 120 East Water Street.  The only suspect was Deputy Sheriff Julius [Jules] Sablich (1872-1947), who also had the alais 'Zudie Hightower'.  Mr. Anderson was born in Scotland and made his livelihood at Biloxi as a bookkeeper.   Although Jules Sablich was acquitted of the crime by a jury in June 1934, the State presented evidence that this could have been a crime of passion.  Frank Anderson was dating Mrs. Edwina Case, nee Edwina Lynd (1891-1973), and the widow or divorcee of  Mr. Case.  She was with Frank Anderson on Water Street when he was slain.  The State alluded that Mr. Sablich had shown affection towards Mrs. Case and had been rejected.  Mrs. Case later married Fred G. Klein (1903-1978).

 

In his defense, Jules Sablich had 14 witnesses testify that he present at a family party at the time of the murder. In June 1934, the jury convined and adjucated him innocence of slaying Mr. Anderson.

 

REFERENCES:

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1934

Frederick J. Werkhoven

 

Frederick Julian Werkhoven (1900-1934) was born October 12, 1900 at Memphis, Tennessee.  He was shot and killed by Roger Joseph D'Aquin (1891-1966) with a double barrel, 20 gauge shotgun at his place of business on Main Street on March 25, 1934. 

 

Roger J. D'Aquin was a native of New Orleans and the husband of Mary Sherry (1897-1983).  Mr. Werkhoven was married to Beulah Sherry (1905-1977), the sister of Mrs. D'Aquin.  Roger was an US Navy veteran of World War I and had sought medical help from the Biloxi VA Hospital for his 'nervous' condition.  He was found not guilty for the muder of Werkhoven in the Circuit Court of Harrison County, Mississippi in late June 1934.

 

Roger J. D'Aquin expired at New Orleans on January 20, 1966.  His corporal remains were interred in the Metairie Cemetery.

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, Argument is climaxed by fatal shot', March 26, 1934.

The Daily Herald, 'Werkhoven funeral this afternoon', March 27, 1934.

The Daily Herald, 'Fred Werkhoven buried', March 28, 1934.

The Daily Herald, Circit Court term adjourns', June 26, 1934.

The Times-Picayune, 'D'Aquin', January 22, 1966.

 

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1941

Eddie [Edia Joseph] Longon (1908-1959) killed [Avis] Alves [sic] Romero (1915-1941), son of Ophelia Vincent Romero Dronet (1892-1955), in the Mavar Camps on February 12, 1941.  Romero entered the Longon house in a drunken state and frightened and cursed Mr. and Mrs. Longon and their five young children.  Eddie Longon avered self-defense of his family after he repeatly struck Mr. Romero in his head with a hammer until he died from the blows.

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily  Herald, 'Man slain by hammer at Biloxi', February 13, 1941, p. 1.

 

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1942

Vernell Reid Thompson

Vernell Reid Thompson (1917-1942), native of Purvis, Mississippi and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Seaborn Reid, was shot on a pier on Back Bay on July 17, 1942.  She died in the Biloxi Hospital from her wounds August 9, 1942.  William 'Buster' K. Thompson (1913-1989), her spouse, admitted shooting Vernell to Deputy Sheriff Laz Quave.  No further information.(The Daily Herald, August 10, 1942, p. 9)

 

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John P. Rabito

John Peter Rabito (1891-1947) was born at New Olreans, the son of Anthony Rabito (1858-1931) and Lena DiNapoli Rabito (1870-1965), both natives of Contessa Entellina, Palermo, Sicily.  he was murdered in the early morning of August  1947 at Biloxi, Mississippi.

 

REFERENCES:

The Times-Picayune, 'Bandits murder former resident [John Rabito]', August 3, 1947, p. 1.

The Times-Picayune, 'Coast robberies are held solved', August 8, 1947, p. 2.
The Times-Picayune, 'Soldier sought in Rabito killing', August 9, 1947, p. 19.

The Times-Picayune, 'Police say Tall admits slaying', August 17, 1947, p. 20.

The Daily Herald [Biloxi, Mississippi], 'Two bound to grand jury', August 19, 1945, p. 1.

The Daily Herald [Biloxi, Mississippi], 'Enter mistrial in murder case', December 11, 1947, p. 1.

 

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1950

Thomas J. Boyle Jr.

 

Thomas Joseph Boyle Jr. (1897-1950) was born at New Orleans on January 20, 1897 to Thomas J. Boyle Sr. (1860-1909) and Emily Theresa Schneider (1861-1949).  He married Joyce Christina Staiger (1897-1973), the daughter of John Adam Staiger (1857-1937) and Marie Magdalena Seifer (1878-1916) at New Orleans on January 3, 1918.  They were the parents of Joyce Gretchen Boyle (1919-2004) who married Peter Dombourian (1920-1992).

 

Thomas J. Boyle Jr. made his livelihood at New Orleans initially as a hotel clerk at the Lafayette Hotel.  He later worked for Higgins Industries.  Mr. Boyle was murdered at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 5, 1950 at 438 Porter Avenue in Biloxi, Mississippi.  At the time, he was performing repairs in an old house at 438 Porter Avenue, which was owned by his aunt, also a resident of the Crescent City.

 

The corporal remains of Mr. T.J. Boyle Jr. were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery where his parents rest in eternal peace.  His wife expired at New Orleans on January 19, 1973.  Her remains were entombed in the Seifer tomb in the Greenwood Cemetery at New Orleans.

 

Mr. Ratcliffe was tried in the Circuit Court of Harrison County, Mississippi in early March 1951.  He was found guilty of Mr. Boyle’s murder and sentenced to life in prison.

 

REFERENCES:

 

The Daily Herald, “Believe robbery was motive in Biloxi slaying”, November 6, 1950, p. 1.

 

The Daily Herald, ‘Begin selection jury in murder trial’, March 1, 1950, p. 6.

 

The Daily Herald, ‘Negro gets life’, March 3, 1951, p. 1.

 

The Morning Advocate [Baton Rouge], “Murder verdict held by Coroner’s jury in T.J. Boyle case”, November 8, 1950, p. 8-B.

 

The Times-Picayune, “[Thomas J.] Boyle”, November 5, 1950.

 

The Times-Picayune, “Set arraignment on murder count”, December 6, 1950.

 

The Times-Picayune, “[Joyce S.] Boyle”, January 20, 1973, p. 16.

 

 

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1955

Dale Morris

Dale Morris (1924-2000?), a 31-year old cowpuncher and rodeo rider from Whitehorse, Montana was arrested in New Orleans in early December 1955.  Morris was accused of the murder of Charles W. Flink (1916-1955), a novelty store proprietor at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on November 22, 1955, when Cowboy Morris was interupted by Flink while stealing a car tire.

                                                                                                                                                                                                            1961
In early 1961, Dale Morris failed to return to Parchman prison in Mississippi.  He had gone with a prison official to Fort Smith, Arkansas to acquire horses.  In early May 1961, Morris was captured in Oklahoma after a gun battle with Detective Jack Merchant.(The Daily Herald, May 5, 1961, p. 1)

REFERENCES:

The Morning Advocate [Baton Rouge], "Morris ordered extradicted to Mississippi today", December 3, 1955.

The Daily Herald, "Fate of Dale Morris in hand of Hancock [County]  jury", March 29, 1956.

The Times-Picayune, "State, defense end testimony", March 29, 1956.

The Daily Herald, "Enter mistrial in case of Dale Morris", March 30, 1956.

The Times-Picayune, "Cowboy [Morris] denies shooting Flink", September 21, 1956.

The Times-Picayune, "Four face charges in [Dale] Morris escape", September 24, 1957.

The Daily Herald, "Dale Morris is recaptured by Oklahoma police hand of Hancock jury", May 5, 1961.

 

__________________________________________________________________________

1957

Nicholas J.A. Surian

Audrey Ryan Surian (1922-1957) was allegedly stabbed to death by Nicholas J.A. Surian (1915-2004), her spouse, on January 24th at their home at 123 Kuhn Street in east Biloxi.  Surian's trial ended in a mistrial on June 21, but he pleaded guilty of manslaughter in early July.  Judge Leslie Baltar Grant sentenced Mr. Surian to four years in the State penitentiary for his crime.(The Daily Herald, January 26, 1957, p. 2 and July 4, 1957, p. 6, The Times-Picayune, June 21, 1957, p. 53 and The States-Times, July 5, 1957, p. 8-B)

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, "Surian charges with murder in death of wife", January 26, 1957.

The Daily Herald, "Surian enters plea of manslaughter", July 4, 1957.

The States-Times [Baton Rouge], "Pleaded guilty", July 5, 1957.

The Times-Picayune, "Coast murder trial is voided", June 21, 1957.

 

______________________________________________________________________

Aden S. Bellew

Aden S. Bellew (1907-1981) was accused of murdering Harry Jacob Geiss Jr. (1924-1957), a resident of Mississippi City, at the east Biloxi Oak Street apartment of Mrs. Ruth Johnson (b. 1929) on February 13, 1957.  The murder weapon was a .38 caliber revolver and Mr. Geiss was shot five times while in the bathroom of Mrs. Johnson.  The corporal remains of Harry J. Geiss Jr. were interred in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at San Antonio, Texas.  Aden Bellew and Preston Bellew, a brother, were sent to Parchman State Penitentary in July 1960.

Aden S. Bellew expired at Saucier, Mississippi on March 19, 1981.  His corporal remains were interred in the New Fayard Church Cemetery at Latimer, Jackson County, Mississippi.

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, “Bellew murder trial continues”, July 4, 1957.

The Daily Herald, “Bellew case will be given to jury today”, July 6, 1957.

The Daily Herald, “Orders mistrial in murder case of Aden Bellew”, July 8, 1957.

The Daily Herald, “Bellew [Preston J. Bellew and Tommy Bellew] cases back in court”, December 8, 1959.

The Times-Picayune, "Four [Aden Bellew, Preston Bellew, Thomas Bellew, and Ruth Johnson] face charges in [Dale] Morris escape", September 24, 1957.

The Morning Advocate [Baton Rouge], "Second trial on murder charge is underway", December 10, 1957.

The Times-Picayune, "Bellew trial ends suddenly", December 12, 1957.

 

___________________________________________

Patey-DeLoache

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, 'Biloxian is held for double murder', April 18, 1960, p. 1.

The Times-Picayune, '2 are fatally shot in Biloxi', April 17, 1960, p. 1.

 

____________________________________________

1964

Eleuterius-Zahra Murders

 

May Darnell Eleuterius (1946-1964) of 500 Oak Street at Biloxi and Joseph L. Zahra (1943-1964), USAF serviceman KAFB and from Livonia, Michigan, were shot and killed at Ocean Springs, Mississippi on July 6th.(The Daily Herald, July 7, 1964, p. 1 and July 8, 1964, p. 2)

 

In November 1964, Sheriff Cecil Byrd of Jackson County, Mississippi and Police Chief W.T. Broome of Ocean Springs went to Lakeland, Florida to interrogate an ex-convict from Alabama about the Eleuterius-Zahra slayings in a roadside park at Ocean Springs.  He was cleared of any involvement in the July 1964 murders.(The Times-Picayune, November 4, 1964, p. 5)

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald,“Couple found murdered at Ocean Springs”, July 7, 1964.

The Daily Herald,“Autopsy shows girl shot in double killing”, July 8, 1964.

The Times-Picayune,“Police clear slay suspect”, November  4, 1964.

 

___________________________________________________

1967

Harry Bennett Murder

On December 16, 1967, Harry Bennett (1902-1967), Biloxi gambler and bookmaker, was murdered gang land style outside of his apartment.  Harold Donald Diddlemeyer (1943-2007), an escapee from the Mississippi State Penitentiary, was accused of his murder and in 1969 asked the court to take a lie detector test to prove his innocence of this crime.  Diddlemeyer was convicted and died at Parchman Prison on 15 June, 2007.(The Daily Herald, December 16, 1967. p. 1,  April 1, 1969, p. 2; The Sun Herald, March 19, 1995, p. A-1 and June 17, 2007.)

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald,“Bullet-riddled body of Harry Bennett found”, December 16, 1967.

The Daily Herald,“Bennett rites”, December 18, 1967.

The Daily Herald, “”, April 1, 1969.

The Sun Herald, “Son bids farewell to mother [Iona Fountain Diddlemeyer] returns to prison”, April 1, 1995.

 

_____________________________________________________________________

1970

Donald Lester "Jimmy" James [1927-1970]-gangland slaying

'Jimmy' James, convicted in 1968 of interstate transporting of gambling equipment to aid racketeering, was slain at Caesar's Palace on the night of January 11.[The Daily Herald, January 13, 1970, p. 1]

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

1972

Kemp slaying

On February 16, 1972, Cornelius Bolding Kemp (1916-1972), operator of Kemp Cab Service, was strangled and robbed in his taxi cab while parked at Howard Memorial Hospital in Biloxi.  The suspect was described as a Negro man about 6 feet tall, of medium build and weighing about 185 pounds.  No further information.

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, 'Taxicab operator found dead in parking lot', February 17, 1972, p. 2.

The Daily Herald, 'Biloxi police seeking suspect in Kemp slaying', February 18, 1972, p. 2.

 

______________________________________________________

1974

 

_______________________________________________________________________

1976

Edwina de Gruy Marter

 

Edwina de Gruy Marter (1940-1976) wife of Charles W. Marter, vp of the Gulf National Bank at Gulfport, was kidnapped and murdered by Richard Gerald Jordan (1946-2012+) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi on January 1976.  Mr. Marter had paid a $25,000 ransom for his wife's release, but she found murdered on January 14th.  Mrs. Marter was the mother of two sons: Kevin Paul Marter and Eric Charles Marter.  Her corporal remains were interred in St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery at New Orleans.(The Times-Picayune, January 15, 1976, p. 14)

 

Richard Gerald Jordan appealed is conviction and it was denied by US District Judge Harold Cox in March 1981. Judge Cox wrote that the Court gave the petitioner a fair trial and his death sentence was proper in accordance with all the requirements of the Constitution through the application of the Mississippi death penalty statue.(The Daily Herald, March 23, 1981, p. A-2)

 

Mr. Jordan was incarcerated in Parchman on March 2, 1977 and has been serving a life sentence since that time.(May 2014)

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, 'Judge Cox denies Jordan death appeal', March 23, 1981, p. A-2.

The Dallas Morning News, 'Banker's wife found slain after ransom', January 14, 1976, p. A-1.

The Times-Picayune, 'Marter', January 15, 1976, Section I, p. 14.

 

_____________________________________________________________

1977

 

Robert E. Hansen Jr.

Robert Edward Hansen Jr. (1946-1977), age 30 years and a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was shot in the upper right chest with a .22 caliber rifle.  He was transported to the Gulf Coast Community Hospital by Amserv and proounced DOA.  Hansen lived at 376 Hopkins Boulevard and was the son of Robert E. Hansen Sr. of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Mrs. Lorraine Garber of Salem, Oregon.  Gregory Sterling Achee, attached to the 3411 Student Squadron at Keesler AFB was charged with the murder which occurred at the McDonald Square Apartments, 415 McDonald Avenue in Apartment No. 203.  He was held in the Harrison County Jail in Biloxi without benefit of bond.  Mr. Hansen was survivied by his wife, Patti Hansen of Biloxi; his parents; and two siblings, John Hansen, and a sister, Mrs. Paula Garden, of Salem, Oregon.  The body was sent to Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, February 13, 1977, p. A-2.

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, 'Keesler student held in slaying of Biloxian', February 13, 1977, p. A-2.

 

________________________________________________________

1981

Josie Lee Jones

 

Greg Jones (b. 1954) of Biloxi was arrested and charged with murder in January for the shooting death of Josie Lee Jones, age 62 years, whose body was found in the living room of her home at 629  Lameuse Streeet.  She had been shot three times with a .22 caliber weapon in the back, neck and head.  Mr. Jones was found shortly after the crime at Beaumont, Mississippi and was held at New Augusta until brought to the Biloxi jail. The motive for the crime was robbery and attempted sexual assault.  A pistol, stereo unit and other items were found in the vehicle of Mr. Jones when he was arrested.(The Daily Herald, January 22, 1981, p. A-2)

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, 'Biloxi man charges in murder', January 22, 1981, p. A-2.

 

______________________________________________________________________

1981

Sue 'Tory' Acevedo

 

Sue 'Tory' Linda Dickens Acevedo [1948-1981] was shot and killed with a .38 caliber revolver on July 17, 1981.  Her husband, Charles Acevedo, was charged with her murder.  

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, 'Acevedo trial resumes after weekend break', November 4, 1985, p. A-2.

 

_______________________________________________________

1983

Dr. John R. Broussard (1925-1983), an Ocean Springs veterinarian, was killed by Jerry L. Davis on May 6, 1983 while attending the Jazz and Heritage Festival at New Orleans.  Dr. Broussard and spouse, Betty Broussard, were preparing to camp at a site on the Chef Menteur Highway in east New orleans when robbed by Mr. Davis.  Davis was convicted of 1st degree murder and sentenced to life for his crime.(The Daily Herald, February 1, 1984, p. A-1)

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, 'Davis found guilty', February 1, 1984, p. A-1.

 

__________________________________________________________________

1987

Sherry Murders

Vincent Jerome Sherry Jr.

 

Vincent Jerome Sherry Jr. (1929-1987), age 58 years, 203 Hickory Hills Circle, was found dead with Margaret Joyce Smith Sherry (1929-1987), his spouse, on Wednesday, September 16, 1987, at their Biloxi home.

Vincent was the son of Vincent J. Sherry Sr. (1899-1970), a commercial salesman, and Cleo Hunt Sherry (1897-1980). On November 22, 1950, he married Margaret Joyce Smith (1929-1987), a native of Mooringsport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana and the daughter of Bernie W. Smith Sr. and Rubye Dyer Smith. She was the youngest of her two siblings: Bernie W. Smith Jr. (b. 1925) and Charles Raymond "Red' Smith (1926-2009). Margaret was reared in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
 

Vincent and Margaret were the parents of four children: Margaret Lynne Sherry (b. 1952) m. Richard Sposito; Vincent J. Sherry III; Eric Smith Sherry m. Marian Venetia Bailey; and Leslie Anne Sherry m. Benjamin D. Miller III.
 

Vincent J. Sherry Jr. held degrees from Western Kentucky College, Middle Tennessee State College, and the University of Southern Mississippi. His law degree was earned at the George Washington University Law School. In 1986, Vincent was appointed by Mississippi Governor William A. Allain (1928-2013) in to serve as interim 2nd Circuit Court Judge.
 

Judge Sherry served in the USAF from November 1951 until November 1971. Colonel Sherry was an intelligence officer for seven years and judge advocate for thirteen years. 
 

Vincent J. Sherry Jr. had been employed with the Biloxi law firm of Page, Mannino, & Peresich. He had taught political science and criminal justice at the University of Southern Mississippi for eight years.

 

Margaret Smith Sherry

 

Margaret Joyce Smith (1929-1987) was born in Mooringsport, Louisiana to Bernie W. Smith Sr. and Rubye Dyer Smith. She was the youngest of her two siblings: Bernie W. Smith Jr. (b. 1925) and Charles Raymond "Red' Smith (1926-2009) m. Ann Hall.
 

Margaret was reared in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She graduated from Western Kentucky State College and taught school. On November 22, 1950, Margaret married Vincent Jerome Sherry Jr. (1929-1989), a native of Brooklyn, New York. They were the parents of four children: Margaret Lynne Sherry (b. 1952) m. Richard Sposito; Vincent J. Sherry III; Eric Smith Sherry m. Marian Venetia Bailey; and Leslie Anne Sherry m. Benjamin D. Miller III.
 

Margaret Smith Sherry was active in politics on the Coast. She was elected to the Biloxi City Council from Ward VII; served as District V representative to the Harrison County Republican Executive Committee. Mrs. Sherry ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of Biloxi in 1985.

REFERENCES:

Edward Humes, Mississippi Mud, (Gallery Books: New York-1994), 434 pages.

The Record [Leitchfield, Kentucky], 'Charles Raymond "Red" Smith', October 17, 2009.
The Sun Herald, 'Judge Vincent Sherry-Mrs. Margaret Sherry', September 18, 1987, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, 'Sherry files combed for clues to killers', September 18, 1987, p. A1.
The Sun Herald, 'Mrs. Sherry told of fears of murder', September 19, 1987, p. A1.
The Sun Herald, 'Sherrys remembered with humor, affection', September 20, 1987, p. A1.
The Sun Herald, 'Some confuse Biloxi family, Sherry daughter', October 19, 1989, p. C-2.

The Sun Herald, "Eldest [Lynne S. Sposito] will not rest until nightmare is over", December 16, 1990, p. A1.

The Sun Herald, "The Sherry Murders: 20 years later-Still stunning-Biloxi's most notorious murders revisited", September 9, 2007, p. A 1.
The Sun Herald, "FBI vet won 10-year fight", September 9, 2007, p. A 1.
The Sun Herald, "The Sherry Murders: 20 years later-Not the best sort of witness", September 10, 2007, p. A 1.
The Sun Herald, "House where Sherry's were murdered will be torn down", September 26, 2010, p. A 1.
  

 

_______________________________________________________________________________

Sylvia A. Reddix

Sylvia Ann Reddix (1958-1988) was allegedly murdered and George Henry Clay allegedly wounded by Charles Harris Jr. of Ocean Springs.  The crime occured on Ebony Lane in Biloxi.

 

Miss Sylvia Ann Reddix, age 36, 207 Elmer Street, Biloxi died November 4, 1988, in Biloxi, Mississippi at the Biloxi Regional Medical Center. She had been shot in the upper right side of the chest with a small caliber gun.

Miss Reddix was a lifelong resident of Biloxi and a member of the New Bethel Baptist Church in Biloxi. She was formerly employed with Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula and at Keesler AfB. Sylvia was a graduate of Biloxi High School and Phillips College at Gulfport.

Sylvia Ann Reddix was survived by Mrs. Cora Hegler Reddix (1920-2010), her mother; her son, Craig R. Reddix; two sisters, Mrs. Juanita E; Woods and Mrs. Jean A. Smallman; and a grandson, all of Biloxi.

Miss Reddix's funeral was under the auspices of the Richmond Funeral Home in Biloxi. Her service was held at the New Bethel Baptist Church with internment following in the 6th Addition of the Biloxi Cemetery.

REFERENCES:

The Sun Herald, 'Ocean Springs man sought in shootings', November 6, 1984, p. A4.

The Sun Herald, 'Miss Sylvia Reddix', November 7, 1988, p. A2.

The Sun Herald, 'Mrs. Cora H. Reddix', April 11, 2010.

 

 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1989

Billie Dianne Edgerton Gollott

Billie Dianne Edgerton Gollott (1950-1989) was allegedly murdered by Francis Ray Gollott (1943-1995), her husband, on May 10, 1989.  The affair was deemed a domestic dispute by police.  Gollott was jailed and bond set at $500,000 by John McAdams, Justice Court Judge.(The Sun Herald, May 12, 1989, p. B-1)

 

REFERENCES:

The Sun Herald, 'Biloxi man [F. Ray Gollott] charged in shooting', May 12, 1989, p. B-1.

The Sun Herald, 'Dianne Gollott', May 13, 1989, p. A-11.

1990

Sylvester Williams

On January 8, 1990, Sylvester Williams (1959-1990) was shot and killed by a former girl friend, Deborah Joann Smith. When Mr. Williams attempted to break into her bedroom in which she and her three children had barricaded themselves, Mrs. Smith fired a .25 caliber pistol striking Williams in the forehead resulting in his demise.(The Sun Herald, January 10, 1990, p. A-1)

 

REFERENCES:

The Sun Herald, 'Police: Biloxi woman shot, killed ex-boyfriend as he broke in', January 10, 1990, p. A-1.

____________________________________________________________________

2004

Annie B. Denson Uchello

 

Annie Bell Denson Uchello (1925-2004), native of Stone County, Mississipp was assaulted in her home and expired from her injuries at Biloxi on February  29, 2004.  She had been the wife of James Adron Denson (1921-2000) and lived at Mantachie, Itawamba County, Mississippi.  Annie came to Biloxi in 1980 and married Salvador 'Sam' F. Uchello Jr. (1907-1996) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 24, 1984.  He passed on February 22, 1996.(The Sun Herald, March 2, 2004, p. A1 and p. A5 and Harrison Co., Mississipi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 27, p. 382)

 

REFERENCES:

The Sun Herald, 'Salvador F. Uchello Sr.', February 22, 1996.

The Sun Herald, 'Elderly woman killed in assault at Biloxi home', March 2, 2004, p. A1.

The Sun Herald, 'Annie Denson Uchello', March 2, 2004, p. A5.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________

2008

 

Andreas Koulmandas Galanis

A 28-year-old Mississippi State senior is being without bond on a capital murder charge in the Friday slaying of his roommate, also student at the university.  Bobby Batiste, age 28, of 250 Sinai Road, Preston, was arrested by Oktibbeha County sheriff's deputies early Friday evening in the death of Andreas K. Galanis (1979-2008), age 28, of Biloxi and a native of Athens, Greece.  According to the MSU campus directory, Galanis was a sophomore enrolled in the College of Business and Industry, while Batiste is a senior enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.

 

Sheriff Dolph Bryan said deputies discovered Galanis' body shortly after 6 p.m. Friday at Apartment 5108 at the 21 Apartments complex at 1219 Oktoc Road just south of the MSU campus.  Deputies had been dispatched to the apartment between 5:30 and 5:50 p.m. Friday after members of Galanis' family in Biloxi contacted the Sheriff's Department when he failed to catch a Florida-bound flight from the Biloxi airport at 4 p.m. Friday.  Initially told upon arrival that Galanis had left to catch the flight, deputies were let into the apartment by a roommate - who was identified as Batiste - to further investigate the welfare concern reported by Galanis' family.  Upon entering the apartment, the deputies discovered large amounts of blood and then found Galanis' body with "very visible wounds" in a vacant suite of the apartment, Bryan said.

 

Bryan would not specify the nature of the wounds nor their location on Galanis body, nor would he comment on whether there were visible signs a struggle had taken place inside the apartment or what type of weapon - if any - was used to kill Galanis.  Galanis' body was taken to Jackson Friday night was scheduled to undergo an autopsy some time Saturday to determine the exact cause of death, Bryan said  Batiste was immediately taken into custody and questioned later Friday night. Bryan would not comment on whether Batiste gave a statement to deputies confessing to Galanis' death.

 

Under state law, a capital murder charge is filed against a suspect if the slaying was committed while in the act of another felony crime. Bryan said the other crime involved in Galanis' slaying was robbery, but would not comment over the specific circumstances or events of the robbery. Bryan also would not comment on whether Galanis and Batiste had been involved in any type of ongoing conflict.No additional suspects are currently being sought in connection with Galanis' death, though the investigation is continuing, Bryan said.  Detectives with the Starkville Police Department and MSU Police Department are assisting sheriff's deputies with the investigation, Bryan said.  "We still have an awful lot of investigative work to do, but I feel we have a really good grasp on this case at this time," Bryan said Saturday.  "I don't think we'll have any more surprises."  Bryan did say that anyone who might have additional information related to the investigation of Galanis' death is encouraged to call the Sheriff's Department at 323-2421 or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151.

 

A statement from officials with Ambling Management Co. of Atlanta, Ga., which operates 21 Apartments, said that the complex management team planned to have a private security company patrolling the property and attending the main security gate on Saturday.  The managers were also working with MSU administrator to arrange a "grief counselor onsite at our community to help residents during this trying time."  "As with any incident of this nature, our immediate thoughts and prayers are with the victim and their family. It saddens us to know that a young person needlessly lost their life and we can't imagine the pain felt by their loved one," the statement from Ambling officials said.  At the time Ambling officials released their statement Saturday, sheriff's deputies were still working to complete the gathering of evidence at the apartment complex.  "The sheriff will not release any details of what occurred while the investigation is under way, but has advised us that they have made an arrest and that this was an isolated, contained event and that there is no threat of imminent danger to other residents and that there was not a firearm involved," the Ambling statement said.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2019

 

Robert McKeithen

As of Tuesday morning, the Gulfport police chief said investigators still don't know why 19-year-old Darian Tawan Atkinson allegedly opened fire on Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen [1961-2019] in the parking lot outside a police station Sunday night.  McKeithen died of multiple gunshot wounds at a hospital and law enforcement agencies arrested the suspect within 24 hours of the shooting.

 

The suspect's brother, 21-year-old Davian Lewanika Atkinson, was also arrested by Gulfport police. He has been charged with accessory after the fact, according to the Harrison County Jail's website.

Here's what we know about Darian Atkinson, who is being held on a charge of capital murder of a law enforcement officer.

 

In this Monday, May 6, 2019 photo provided by the Stone County Enterprise newspaper, Darian Tawan Atkinson, wanted for capital murder in the slaying of Biloxi Patrolman Robert McKeithen, awaits transport back to Biloxi, after being arrested in Wiggins, Miss. The suspect's brother, 21-year-old Davian Lewanika Atkinson, was also arrested by Gulfport police. He has been charged with accessory after the fact.

 

Gulfport Police Chief Leonard Papania said authorities believe Darian Atkinson lives in Biloxi.  He was arrested in Wiggins, about 35 miles north of the Gulf Coast, police said. An off- duty Biloxi officer, on his way to his home in Stone County, spotted the suspect walking on a road, reported the Stone County Enterprise. The officer called Wiggins police, who subdued him at gunpoint in a field near a hotel, according to the Stone County Enterprise.  On Monday night, officers marched Darian Atkinson, handcuffed, from a police cruiser up through the front doors of the Biloxi station near where McKeithen was shot. As he passed dozens of uniformed officers, the lanky teen appeared to smile. Darian Atkinson said, “Oh, the police are mad at me ...murder," according to The Sun Herald.

 

 

 

REFERENCES:

The Starkville Daily News (MS), ‘Andreas Galanis: MSU student murdered.  Deputies charge roommate in slaying, suspect held without bond’, March 9, 2008.

 

Biloxi Policeman [image made at L&N Depot ca 1940?  Courtesy of Tom Walker]

 

TIME LINE

1841

On July 27, 1841, Rene Lameuse introduced a proposal to create a night patrol at Biloxi to preserve peace and harmony in the village.  Peter Flanagan was appointed Captain of the post.  One of his duties was to arrest free negroes and slaves who were on the streets of Biloxi after 9 p.m., unless they had written permission from their master, mistress or overseer.  Otherwise, Captain Flanagan was to punish the violators as directed by the law.  He had the power to recruit as many citizens to assist him as necessary for the task.[Harrison County, Mississippi Board of Police Minute Bk. 1, p. 5]

 

1842

In July 1842, Benjamin Holley was appointed Captain of the night patrol at Biloxi.[Harrison County, Mississippi Board of Police Minute Bk. 1, p. 26]

 

1886

The Mayor planned to veto the action of the Town Council in reducing the cost of a bar room license from $125 to $50 unless the bar keepers agree to pay $20 each towards the expenses of the Police department.(The Daily Telegraph [Monroe, Louisiana], April 28, 1886)

 

1888

In May 1888. J.C. DeLamarre, Biloxi town marshal, was appointed Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff Florian Seal.(The Biloxi Herald, June 2, 1888, p. 8)

 

1891

J.C. DeLamarre resigned as Marshal in April 1891 and was replaced by F.A. Caillavet.  Mr. DeLamarre opened the WHITE ELEPHANT, a saloon, on the corner of Pass Christian Street and Main Street.[The Biloxi Herald, April 11, 1891, p. 1]

 

 

 

1896

J.C. DeLamarre resigned as Biloxi's marshal effective 15 March.  Charles W. Blake was appointed the new Marshal by Governor McLaurin.  DeLamarre was complimented by the City Council for actions taken during his short tenure as marshal.[The Biloxi Herald, March 14, 1896, p. 8]

 

1897

Marshal Charles W. Blake had three officers on the BPD: Robert M. Mosley, J. A. McKinley (1852-1920) and Tony Galletta (1830-1906).  His salary was $50 per month and his patrolmen were paid $30 per month.(The Biloxi Herald, January 9, 1897, p. 8)

 

1899

Marshal Mosley and Officer McKinley captured 10 white crap shooters at Point Cadet yesterday.They pleaded guilty in court and were fined $5 and court costs.  Marshal Mosely had started to break gambling in Biloxi without regards to who indulges in it.  Stir clear of alluring cards and fascinating bones, if you do not want to appear in city court.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 17, 1899, p. 8)

 

1901

The Biloxi city council decided that the city would not pay for the new spring police uniforms. The Biloxi police were expected to acquire their spring uniforms at their own expense.(The Biloxi Herald, April 11, 1901, p. 8)

 

Marshal John A. McKinley (1852-1920)

 

When Marshal Robert M. Mosley resigned in the fall of 1902 to become Chief Inspector for the Mississippi Oyster Commission, John Augustus McKinley (1852-1920) was appointed the new Marshal by Biloxi's alderman to replace him.  R.M. Randolph was his only opposition.  Sardin George was added to the BPD at this time.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 1, 1902, p.1 and September 3, 1902, p. 1)

 

1909

The Mayor and board elected R.M. Randolph, Sardin George and Peter Bellande to serve at policemen for Biloxi.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, Janaury 6, 1909, p. 1)

 

1914

Police Chief Staehling issued instructions to his patrolmen, R.M. Randolph, Zudie Hightower, nee Julius Sablich, and Nat Bolton, to arrest proprietors of liquor joints and bootleggers.  Public and private houses were also banned of alcohol. Staehling said, "there will be no favoritiism played."  ? Hunt was arrested on Main Street with more than 300 quarts of beer and some whiskey. He was fined $50 by Police Judge Z.T. Champlin.  Sheriff J.C. Elmer related that as many as 60 blind tigers and bootleggers in the area.(The Daily Herald, July 22, 1914, p. 1)

 

1915

Police Chief Staehling had a staff of police officers consisting of Peter Bellande, Sardin George, Zudie Hightower and R.M. Randolph.

 

1917

Chief Randolph was chastised by some members of the Police Committee and City Council because of his challenge to their interference into internal matters of the Biloxi Police Depatment.(The Daily Herald, January 9, 1917, p. 1)

 

The Biloxi city council discussed acquiring a conveyance vehicle for the police department.  Although a motorcycle was part of the discussion, a patrol wagon was considered a possibility.(The Daily Herald, February 8, 1917, p. 3)

 

1918

Mayor Edward Glennan (1854-1933) started his final year as Mayor of Biloxi with turmoil in the Police Department.  In January 1918, when it was time to reappoint patrolmen, Walter H. Hunt (1887-1961), 1^st Ward Alderman, opposed that Frank J. ‘Zudie’ Hightower (1890-1976), Peter Bellande (1871-1933), and John W. Mabry (1873-1940) continue with the force.  The Board of Aldermen appointed Joseph Mattina (1889-1969), a barber; Willie Ryan (1876-1958), Biloxi Yacht Club keeper; and Martin Green Jr. (1875-1951), a boat dealer, to replace the three men.  None of the City Council’s new policemen had any law enforcement experience and they had to be trained by Chief R.M. Randolph.  Chief Randolph further stated that he was greatly surprised and was unwilling to part with Officer Bellande.  He declares that Officer Peter Bellande has always proven himself a very efficient Police Officer.  Officer Bellande also has a large number of friends in the city administration as well as among citizens who are nor connected with the city.(The Daily Herald, January 3, 1918, p.  1)

 

1920

In June 1920, the Biloxi Police force was headed by Chief George Bills with Joseph Venus, a new hire, Alonzo Gabrich, and ? Michel as patrol officers.  Since the resignation of Zudie Hightower, nee Sablich, Mayor J.J. Kennedy had not replaced him.  Joseph Mattina (1889-1969) came on the force in July replacing Joseph Venus.(The Daily Herald, June 3, 1920, p. 3 and July 17, 1920)

---

 

John A. McKinley (1852-1920), former patrolman and Police Chief, expired at Columbia, Mississippi on September 7, 1920.  Kate K. McKinley (1856-1921) died at Biloxi on   .(The Daily Herald, September 9, 1920, p. 1 and 

 

1921

At the start of 1921, the Biloxi Police Department consisted of Chief George Bills and four officers: Richard Grady, Joseph Mattina, Alonzo Gabrich, and Charles Lowd (1891-1967).(The Daily Herald, january 15, 1921, p. 1)

 

1922

In late March, Joseph Mattina (1889-1969), a Biloxi policeman, shot and killed Adolph Hunt (1884-1922) in downtown Biloxi.  The incident was ruled as self-defense.(The Daily Herald, March 28, 1922, p. 1)

 

The night force  in May consisted of Charles Lowd, Alonzo Gabrich, and George Mon.  They protected the Riviera Hotel from looters during and after the conflagration of May 15, 1922.(The Daily Herald, May 15, 1922, p. 3)

 

1926

 Three Biloxi policemen, Evon Swetman (1902-1976), Richard Grady and Jake Stanovich, of the night patrol discovered a blaze at the Rosell bungalow on West Beach between Porter and Gill Avenues and awoke the tenant, Mrs. Albert Madding. Units from West End No. 1, Central No. 1 and Hook & Ladder No. 1 arrived on the scene and quickly arrested the incipient conflagration limiting damage and the loss of the structure.  The five City firemen were aided by volunteers.(The Daily Herald, September 4, 1926, p. 1)

 

1928

 By early February 1928, the new police station on the first floor of Biloxi’s City Hall was nearing completion.  Chief George Bills (1867-1945) had just hired Felix Mattina (1886-1946) and Frank Hecht (1901-1981) to the work with the night force to fill the void in his ranks created by the death of Officer Jake Stanovich (1891-1927).  Mr. Mattina had prior law enforcement experience and had been a deputy sheriff.  Frank Hecht had no police experience as he had worked for Standard Oil and the City Bus Company.  With the new hires, the Biloxi night force consisted of the following men: Charles Lowd; Omer Graves (1886-1933); Evon Swetman;(1902-1976); Richard Grady (1891-1958); and Lawrence Stockton (1893-1956).  Chief Bills and Alonzo Gabrich (1894-1948), City Detective, comprised the day force.(The Daily Herald, February 8, 1928, p. 2)

 

1932

Chief Alonzo Gabrich announced schedule changes for his police officers: Joseph Randazzo; Alick Ewing (1876-1942); Harvey Chinn; and Charles Lowd.(The Daily Herald, May 2. 1932, p. 2)

 

1933

 

1936

 

1939

Felix N. Mattina (1886-1946), police officer, deputy sheriff and former two term Beat 1 Constable (1928-1936), announced his candidacy for Beat 1 Constable in May 1939.  Since 1936, Officer Mattina had served Biloxi as a city patrolman in the Mayor Louis E. Braun administration.  He had also been a police officer during the Glennan and Kennedy mayoral years.  Mattina would also run for Constable in 1943.(The Daily Herald, May 2, 1939, p. 1 and May 31, 1943, p. 1)

 

1940

in May 1940, Herbert McDonnell, uniformed officer, was appointed a plain clothes officer while Harry Jones, night desk sergeant, became a day force officer.  Alick Eweing, officer, became the night desk sergeant.(The Daily Herald, May 6, 1940, p. 16)

1941

Chief Gabrich announced that an air school program would be initiated.  Henry Cook Jr., a two-year extra duty officer would become a regular policeman.  Also Pat Jordan and Harry Jones would be assigned to the new 24-hour motorcycle servive.[The Daily Herald, June 16, 1941, p. 3]

 

1942

Officers Louis Anglada and G. Lepre resigned from the BPD in August 1942.  Lee Chinn, a fireman for 29 years, was dismissed from his duties.(The Daily Herald, August 3, 1942,p. 5)

 

 

1943

Alonzo Gabrich retired as Police Chief on January 4, 1943 after 24 years with the BPD.  His tenure as Police Chief totaled 14 years.  Gabrich started with the City of Biloxi working as an office boy for W.G. Henderson and later collected street taxes and drove a fire wagon.  By 1917, he had been the sanitary inspector; pound master; and special police officer.  The Biloxi community in respect and appreciation for his long and faithful sevice to their city, presented Mr. Gabrich with gifts: a belt buckle with three diamonds; cash and bonds; and an Elks diamond ring.[The Daily Herald, August 14, 1917, p. 1 and January 4, 1943, p. 5]

 

 

Laz Quave became Police Chief on January 4, 1943 and Louis Anglada was named his assistant. Other members of Quave's staff were:  Earl Wetzel, City Detective; Arthur Largilliere, Desk Sergeant; Joseph Mattina; Charles Comeaux; Vincent Fernandez; Albert Demoran; Oswald Chatham; Henry Cook; Al Boehm; S.O. Hall; John Labash; and Floyd Gill.(The Daily Herald, January 4, 1943, p. 5)

 

1944

Louis E. Anglada (1910-1955) was appointed acting Police Chief of Biloxi in July 1944.  He joined the Biloxi force in 1935 and worked his way to assist chief from a uniformed officer and dectective.  Chief Anglado is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fishermen's Union, Mississippi-Tennessee Peace Officers and Back Bay Fire Company.(The Daily Herald, July 8, 1944, p. 3)

 

1949

Captain Joseph Mattina Sr. (1889-1969), who was born at NOLA on January 13, 1889 and had been a resident of Biloxi since 1896, retired from the Biloxi Police Department in 1949. He had joined the force in 1927 [sic].  Captain Mattina was married to Sidonia Fayard (1897-1971).  He expired at Gulffport, Mississippi on December 7, 1969 leaving three sons: Joseph F. Mattina  (1920-2015); Dalton J. Mattina (1922-2005); and Roy Mattina, Justice of the Peace.(The Daily Herald, December 8, 1969, p. 2)

 

Biloxi Police Force in 1949

Earl Wetzel (1910-1962)-Acting Chief of Police and Henry W. Cook Jr. (1913-1951), Acting Assistant Chief of Police

 

Robert J. Castello (1913-1968), Captain and Louis J. Rosetti (1915-1971), Captain

 

Eddie R. Migues (1916-2003)

 

1950

John J. Askin (1926-1950) of 403 Wisteria Lane expired on October 15, 1950.  He had joined the Biloxi Police Department circa 1948 and left Bedola Seymour Askin (1926-2006), his spouse, and daughters, Betty Jean Askin and Patricia Ann Askin.(The Daily Herald, October 16, 1950, p. 12)

 

 

1951

Michael 'Mike' Skrnich, former fisherman and US Army verteran of WW II, and Robert 'Bob' Bellman, Word War II veteran, were hired by Chief Earl Wetzell.(The Daily Herald, March 2, 1951)

 

1952

Earl F. Batia (1929-1998), Fred Swetman and Rivers Loncon (1918-1989) were hired as police officers.(The Daily Herald, May 2, 1952, p. 6)

 

1953

Herbert R. McDonnell (1902-1974) was named Police Chief in July replacing Earl F. Wetzell (1910-1962).(The Daily Herald, July 6, 1953, p. 17).

1950s BPD

 

 

 

Front row: L-R: Jack Breal, Henry Lechner; Al Hermes; Ven Lee; Ola Mae Balius; Herbert McDonnell; Walter Williams; Louis Rosetti; ?; Louis Feranda Sr.; Emile Rousseau; and Jack Robinson.Back row: L-R: Ernest Mladinich; Bill Marie; Leroy Bourgeios; ?; Alan Sandoz; Ed Rugg; ?; Preston Coleman; Melvin Cruse; Gerald Ferrill; Junie Tiblier; ?; ? Boudin' and ?[IDed by with kind assistance of Edward Ryan, former Biloxi Police Chief]

 

 

1960

 

1963

1971

The Biloxi Police Union became affiliated with the AFL-CIO in October 1971.  Captain Leroy Bourgeois said that the charter would be issued on October 29th at New Orleans and the local union would be called Local 673, SEIU, AFL-CIO.  The Biloxi Police relinquished its affliation with the International Brotherhood of Police after holding membership for about a year and a half.  Captain Bourgeios related that there were about 25 members  in the local union.(The Daily Heral, October 27, 1971)

 

1972

Rose Street was changed to Rosetti Street by the Biloxi City Council in May 1972 to honor Biloxi Police Chief Louis A. Rosetti.  Residents of Rose Street petitoned the City for the change.  Mayor Daniel Guice related that the name change was not only in recognition of the late police chief, but of the whole Rosetti family who had served Biloxi for many years.  Guice stated also that "we all enjoyed a close relationship with Chief Rosetti.  He was a person with a heart of gold.  Not only would he enforce the law, but would give help whenever and wherever needed, especially to low-income groups.  I hope this action will show younger persons that by living the good life and serving the community as Chief Rosetti did, they will not be forgotten."(The Daily Herald, May 9, 1972, p. 4)

 

1973

Year of the 'Blue Flu epidemic' when 35 Biloxi policemen either resigned or were terminated and high ranking officials either retired or were transferred to other departments.

 

Julius M. Lopez Jr. [1908-1996] , a retired FBI AGENT, was named Biloxi's first Director of Public Safety.  He was responsible for the police, firemen and recreation departments.  Current Police Superintendent Leslie Montgomery was expected to resign and Fire Chief Frank Gabrich resigned 4 June.[The Daily Herald, June 8, 1973, p. 1]

Fourteen new police officers were sworn into service: Louis M. Atchison, James M. Besse, Thomas R. Curtiss, Wayne F. Garrote; Wayne E. Henning, Artis R. James Jr., Joseph B. Lesso Jr., Nicholas C. Martino, Lance C. McGill, Tommy Lee Moffett, Joseph C. Newman, James E. Pendergrass, Herbert L. Pickens, and Nickie F. Simmons.[The Daily Herald, October 2, 1973, p. 17]

 

1974

 

1975

 

Biloxi Mounted Police Unit

[L-R: Patricia Milligan; Louis Milton Atchison; Terry Pesch; James Earl Pendergrass; Wayne Erwin Hennig; and M. Landry]

In early February 1975, J.M. Lopez Jr. [1908-1996], former FBI agent and Biloxi’s Director of Public Safety and Recreation, proposed the creation of a six-horse, manned patrol unit to provide security at Hiller Park, Howard Avenue and Magnolia Mall.  Additional utilization of mounted policemen were crowd control and public protection for Mardi Gras, football games, festivals and surveillance of Biloxi’s sand beach. A stable to shelter the horses at Hiller Park was under construction.  The mounted police unit became known at "Lopez's posse".[The Sun, February 6, 1975, p. B-6 and February 25, 1975, p. 1]

 

J.M. Lopez Jr. [1908-1996] resigned his position as Biloxi’s Director of Public Safety and Recreation effective August 29th.[The Sun, August 12, 1975, p. A-4]

 

The Biloxi City Council approved the contract for the sale of the Biloxi City jail to the Harrison County Board of Supervisors.  The City will pay $3 per day to the County to house and feed its prisoners in the contract.(The Daily Herald, October 2, 1975, p. B-1)

 

Police Chief Lester J. Thompson (1941-2010) submitted a 25-year growth study of the Biloxi Police Department to city planners.  The eight-month study was funded by the Law Enforcement Assitance Agency.  It attempted to predict population growth patterns, urban problems, and the necessities of an ideally equipped Biloxi police force through the year 2000.(The Daily Herald, October 10, 1975, p. B-1)

 

1976

Police Chief Lester J. Thompson (1941-2010) submitted his resignation in June for medical reason.  Mayor O'Keefe named Edward L. Ryan acting Police Chief effective 5 July.[The Daily Herald, June 12, 1976, p. 1]

 

1977

The Biloxi City Council voted to sell Joe, Red and Blackie, three of the horses of the mounted police unit.  This action essentially terminated the patrol.  Golf Carts had replaced the horse patrols in the malls last year because the horse maintenance was expensive.[The Sun, July 14, 1977, p. A-4]

 

Carl Ferguson, stable proprietor at Ocean Springs, offered $800 for the three Biloxi police horses.The mounted horse patrol operations became to expensive and golf carts replaced the equines in their former duties.[The South Mississippi Sun, August 2, 1977, p. A-4]

 

Harvey Felsher, former Biloxi Police officer, was sentenced to 15 years in the State penitentiary in the 2nd JD Harrison County Circuit Court after pleading guilty charges ranging from burlary and receiving stolen property.  He was relieved from duty in 1973.(The Daily Herald, August 15, 1977, p. A2)

 

1979

The Biloxi Police Academy, the first organized on the Mississippi Coast, began its program in the summer to train Biloxi police officers as well as other Coast poliemen as a supplement to their training received at the Mississippi State Law Enforcement Academy near Jackson, Mississippi.  Lt. Mike Green, chief training officer for the local academy, oversaw ten weeks of instruction both field and class room sessions for recruits.  Police Chief Edward Ryan emphasized that the men received information about community relations; local ordinances-both city and county; media relations; and local geography.(The Daily Herald, October 9, 1979, p. A8)

 

1983

Kevin Ladnier, Biloxi officer, was released from a lawsuit filed in January by Charles Sykes, Gulfport attorney, against the City of Biloxi and Ladnier and Biloxi Patrolman Elmer Eugene Willis.  Ladnier and Willis were officers of the Police Benevolent Association, a fraternal society.(The Daily Herald, March 22. 1983, p. A-2)

 

1985

Carl Wicker Short Jr. (1924-1989), Chief of Special Services for the Biloxi Safety Department retired in February 1985.  Carl began his career with the Biloxi Police Department in 1947 as a desk sergeant and dispatcher. He was with the BPD for 32 years and was elected as a City Commissioner and served Biloxi from 1953-1957 as its Finance Commissioner.(The Sun Herald, October 28, 1989, p. C2)

 

1986

Biloxi City Council elects George W. Saxon (1927-2018) as new Police Chief on 12 August.  Richard West, Public Safety Director, retired on 1 September.(The Sun Herald, August 13, 1986)

 

Tommy Lee Moffett became Biloxi's first Black Police Chief on 1 September. He joined the department on 1 October 1973.(The Sun Herald, August 14, 1986, p. A-1)

 

1987

 

1990

Ernest J. Mladinich Jr. (1906-1990), retired Captain of the BPD with twenty years of service, died at Biloxi on April 5, 1990.(The Sun Herald, April 6, 1990, p. C2)

 

 

1996

Richard Garry West (1937-1996), former Police Chief and Biloxi Public Safety Director expired on December 6, 1996.

 

2010

Lester J. Thompson Jr. (1941-2010), former Biloxi Chief of Police from 1963 to 1976, died on June 4th.(The Sun Herald, June 5, 2010).

 

 

2018

George W. Saxon (1927-2018), former MHP officer, Biloxi Chief of Police and Safety Director passed away on December 26, 2018 at Gulfport.(The Sun Herald, December 28, 2018)

 

2019

 _____________________________________________________________________

NOTES

Peter Flanagan (d. 1846)

William P. Murray (1868-1895)

Joseph C. DeLamarre (1855-1931)

Francis Arbeau Caillavet (1856-1909) 

Andrew J. Meynier (1856-1907) 

Charles W. Blake (1841-1899)

Robert M. Mosley (1865-1910)

John A. McKinley (1852-1920)-Police Chief  1902-1905.

Louis Staehling (1865-1938)-Police Chief in 1906, 1908, 1910, and 1911

Richard M. Randolph (1867-1930+)

George Bills (1867-1945)

Alonzo Gabrich (1894-1948)

Laz Quave (1910-1985)-Police Chief 1943-1947 under Mayor Chester A. Delacruz.

Alonzo Gabrich (1894-1948)-Police Chief

Louis E. Anglada (1910-1955)

Earl F. Wetzell (1910-1962)

Herbert R. McDonnell (1902-1974)

Earl F. Wetzell (1910-1962)-Police Chief 1949-1953 and 1961-1962.

Frank Duggan

Lester J. Thompson (1941-2010)

Darrell David 'D.D.' Cvitanovich

George Waldron Saxon (1927-2018)

Tommy Lee Moffett (b. 1950)

Bruce Dunagan (b. 1950)

John Miller

 

BILOXI MARSHALS AND POLICE CHIEFS  1841-2011

1841-1841

PETER FLANAGAN

 

1888

WILLIAM P. MURRAY

Although little is know about William P. Murray's origin, he was active in Biloxi politics as early as 1888, when he was City Marshal, Assessor and Tax Collector and became a candidate for Mayor representing the Knights of Labor. Mr. Murray was opposed by John Walker, Emile Laudner, and Raymond Caillavet, his father-in-law and former Biloxi Mayor. William P. Murray lost to John Walker 181 votes to 103 votes, but outpolled Caillavet and Laudner who between them got only 51 votes of the over 300 casts in the mayoral election. William P. Murray (1868-1895) obviously did not ingratiate himself to Mayor-elect, John Walker (1834-1907), as he resigned his Marshal's post during the last week of March 1888 and was replaced with the appointment of Joseph C. ‘J.C.’ DeLamarre (1855-1931).(The Biloxi Herald, March 31, 1888, p. 8)

 

In February 1895, former Marshal, W.P. Murray found employment a bailiff in the US District Court at Mississippi City.  William P. Murray expired shortly after this appointment.  His death came on February 27, 1895 at Biloxi and his corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Biloxi Herald, February 23, 1895, p. 8 and March 2, 1895, p. 8)

 

William P. Murray had married Emma Rose Caillavet (1869-1955), the daughter of former Biloxi mayor, Raymond Caillavet (1838-1898), and Zelina Joucheray (1841-1903), on May 19, 1891 at New Orleans, Louisiana.  Their marriage was blessed by Father Blanc on July 10, 1891 at N.B.V.M.(The Biloxi Herald, July 18, 1891, p. 4 and Lepre, 1991, p. 236) 

 

The two Murray children were born at Biloxi, Mississippi: Edgar Samuel Murray (1891-1922) m. Camelle Giglia; and Robert James Murray (1893-1986) m. Antonia Mary Lascola.(Lepre, 1991, p. 235)

 

Emma C. Murray and her children remained at Biloxi after the death of her spouse.  By 1910, they were in residence on West Jackson Avenue.  Edgar S. Murray was employed as a drugstore clerk and Robert J. Murray worked in a hardware store.  Blanche Caillavet and Louise Caillavet, her sisters, were also in the Murray household.(1910 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T624_740, p. 3B, ED 35)

 

Mrs. Murray and her sons relocated to New Orleans and Edgar S. Murray expired here in April 1922.  She worked as a hotel maid in the Crescent City and died there on August 30, 1955.  Emma C. Murray’s  corporal remains were interred in St. Vincent de Paul No. 1 Cemetery at New Orleans.  Robert J. Murray lived at New Orleans until his death in September 1986.(The New Orleans State, April 16, 1922, p. 2, The Times-Picayune, September 1, 1955, p. 2, and The Times-Picayune, September 12, 1986, p. 23)

 

REFERENCES:

Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991)

Journals

The Biloxi Herald,“City News”, February 25, 1888.

The Biloxi Herald,“Official Municipal Vote”, March 10, 1888.

The Biloxi Herald,“City News”, March 31, 1888.

The Biloxi Herald, "Local Happenings”, July 18, 1891.

The Biloxi Herald,“The old and the new”, January 14, 1893.

The Biloxi Herald,“City Council”, August 11, 1894.

The Biloxi Herald,“Local Happenings”, January 26, 1895.

The Biloxi Herald,“Local Happenings”, February 23, 1895.

The Biloxi Herald,“Died”, March 2, 1895.

The New Orleans States, “Deaths for week”, April 16, 1922.

The Times Picayune,“Deaths [Emma R. Caillavet Murray]”,September 1, 1955.

The Times Picayune,“Deaths [Robert J. Murray]”, September 12, 1986.

 

1888-1892

JOSEPH C. DeLAMARRE

Joseph Charles ‘J.C.” DeLamarre (1855-1931) was born at New Orleans to Charles Davis Bougourd de LaMaire (1840-1909) and Louisa Godefroy (1833-1905).  He was  appointed Marshal of Biloxi in late March 1888, replacing the retiring William P. Murray (1868-1895).  In late July 1888, Marshal DeLamarre collected $974 in real estate taxes for the City of Biloxi.(The Biloxi Herald,

 

Restaurateur

J.C. DeLamarre had been in the bar and restaurant business at Biloxi.  He opened the White Elephant on the corner of Pass Christian Street [now Howard Avenue] and Main Street in April 1891.  J.C. DeLamarre also had a local baseball squad called the ‘White Elephants’.  His brother, Emile DeLamarre (1871-circa 1893), called ‘Melo’, also had a team, the ‘Sporting Dudes’.  Melo challenged the White Elephants to a ‘friendly’ game of baseball in June 1892.  Melo was captain and catcher of his Biloxi nine.(The Biloxi Herald, April 4, 1891, p. 4 and June 25, 1892, p. 4)

 

Resignations

J.C. DeLamarre resigned as Marshal in April 1891 and was replaced by F.A. Caillavet.  Mr. DeLamare opened the WHITE ELEPHANT, a saloon, on the corner of Pass Christian Street and Main Street.[The Biloxi Herald, April 11, 1891, p. 1]

J.C. DeLamarre resigned again from his Marshal’s post on March 6, 1896.  It became effective on March 15, 1896 much to the regret of the City Council and his friends.  At this time, J.C. DeLamarre was domiciled on the east side of Magnolia Street in the first house south of Pass Christian Street.  He vended fine and unusual flowering plants.(The Biloxi Herald, March 7, 1896, p. 8)

 

Candidate

By 1898, the Biloxi Marshal was no longer appointed and had to run for office.  

 

Louisiana

Joseph C. DeLamarre and family relocated to Bayou La Maire in coastal South Louisiana.  They returned to Biloxi following the 1915 September Hurricane which destroyed all of their possessions.  Mr. DeLamarre became caretaker of the J.M. Lopez bungalow.(The Daily Herald, December 22, 1915, p. 2)

 

Popp’s Ferry fish Camp

J.C. DeLamarre, a former Biloxi City Marshal and ferry tender, was probably the first to open a simple fish camp operation at Popp’s Ferry.  He was here between 1919 and 1921.  J.C. DeLamarre had been in the bar and restaurant business at Biloxi.  He opened the White Elephant on the corner of Pass Christian Street [now Howard Avenue] and Main Street in April 1891.  J.C. DeLamarre also had a local baseball squad called the ‘White Elephants’.  His brother, Emile DeLamarre (1871-circa 1893), called ‘Melo’, also had a team, the ‘Sporting Dudes’.  Melo challenged the White Elephants to a ‘friendly’ game of baseball in June 1892.  Melo was captain and catcher of his Biloxi nine.(The Biloxi Herald, April 4, 1891, p. 4 and June 25, 1892, p. 4)

 

J.C. DeLamarre married Rosa M. Trahant (1867-1896) at New Orleans in June 1887.  She expired at their home on Magnolia Street in Biloxi on February 29, 1896.  Mr. DeLamarre was City Marshal at the time of her demise.(The Biloxi Herald, February 29, 1896, p. 1)

 

After the death of his spouse, J.C. DeLamarre wedded Annie Brewer Coleman (1887-1930) from Tylertown, Mississippi.  She had a son, Robert H. Coleman who resided in Gulfport.  After his fish camp closed, J.C. DeLamarre was employed at the Great Southern Golf Club in Gulfport from 1921 to 1928, and was superintendent of the Naval Reserve Park at Biloxi until his retirement.  Annie Brewer Coleman DeLamarre died at Gulfport in late May 1930.  J.C. DeLamarre expired on May 4, 1931 and his corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.( The Daily Herald, May 31, 1930, p. 6 and May 5, 1931, p. 8)

 

Joseph Rusk resigned his position as ferry keeper and was replaced in October 1916 by Joseph C. DeLamarre (1855-1931).  Dutch Caldwell was made keeper of the Tchoutacabouffa Bridge at this time.(The Daily Herald, October 20, 1916, p. 1)

 

Joseph C. DeLamarre, ferry tender, remained at the ferry landing and opened a fishing camp.  In September 1919, he married Annie Coleman of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.  J.C. DeLamarre stayed at Popp’s Ferry until 1921, when the County lost a law suit to W.H. Rich (1885-1971) and W.B. Swain of Gulfport and he and the County ordered to vacate the land by Chancery Court Chancellor Griffith.  The denizens of the Popp’s Ferry and North Biloxi region had hoped that the judiciary would allow the ferry landing to have remained under the aegis of the Harrison County Board of Supervisors.  It was believed that if the Back Bay Bridge from North Biloxi, now D’Iberville, to BiloxI were closed by a fire or hurricane that a ferry could be placed into service at Popp’s Ferry in short order.(The Daily Herald, September 19, 1919, p. 2. February 18, 1921, p. 1, and March 2, 1921, p. 6)

 

REFERENCES:

Journals

The Biloxi Herald ,“City News”, March 31, 1888.

The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, July 28, 1888.

The Biloxi Herald, Latest City News”, April 11, 1891.

The Biloxi Herald ,“Latest City News”, March 7, 1896.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Latest City News”, August 20, 1898.

The Biloxi Herald,“”,

_________________________________________________________________

1892-1893

BILOXI CITY GOVERNMENT BIOGRAPHIES

 

1850-1900

 

MARSHAL FRANCIS A. CAILLAVET

Francis Arbeau Caillavet (1856-1909) was born in Biloxi in 1856.  His parents were Francois Caillavet (1815-1883) and Euranie Fayard (1818-1895). 

 

On September 20, 1878, he married Marie Dodart (1858-1942) of New Orleans.  This union produced thirteen children, but five died in early childhood:  Marie Louise Caillavet (1880-?); Mark Latour Caillavet (1888-1891); Joseph Clarence Caillavet (1890-1893); Beulah Antoinette Caillavet (1893-?); and Ralph Caillavet (1897-1899). 

 

 Francis A. Caillavet was survived by eight children:  Laura Caillavet (1877-1954) married Christian Armand Thompson (1895-1959); Viola Caillavet (1884-1968) married Frederick Philippe Abbley (1882-1940) and Jessie Jefferson Coffey; Anita Margaret Caillavet (1886-1975) married Percy James Wetzel (1882-1929); Francis Arbeau Caillavet  (1881-1946) m. Margaret Cox; Sidney Caillavet (1892-1984); Albert 'Ish' Joseph Caillavet (1895-1939) m. Elizabeth M. Caillavet (1899-1994); Wilfred Christian Caillavet (1898-1953) m. Josephine DeGeorge (1906-1979); and Hilda Mercedes Caillavet (1900-1926) married Kenneth Ackley.(Lepre, 1991, p. 1 and pp. 45-47)

 

F.A. Caillavet served his fellow Biloxians as Marshal from April 1891 until 1893.  He was chosen Marshal by the town council on April 6, 1891 to replace J.C. DeLamarre.  Mr. DeLamarre opened the “WHITE ELEPHANT”, a saloon, on the corner of Pass Christian Street and Main Street.[The Biloxi Herald, April 11, 1891, p. 1]

 

Francis Arbeau Caillavet was a member of the Pilot's Association from 1900 to 1909.  The Caillavet Family resided at 811 Jackson near Couevas Street.  The last two years of his life were lived in poor health and he died from a heart ailment.[The Biloxi Daily Herald, "May 6, 1909, p. ]

 

 REFERENCES:

 

Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991)

The Biloxi Herald, "Town Council”, April 11, 1891.

The Biloxi Herald, "Removal”, April 11, 1891.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, "Necrology-Frances Arbeau Caillavet”, May 6, 1909.

The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Kenneth Ackley dies”, September 8, 1926.

The Daily Herald, “Arbeau Caillavet dies”, August 21, 1946.

The Daily Herald, “”, .

 The Daily Herald, “”,

Personal Communication: 

Letter dated February 7, 1976 from Eunice Abbley Brocato.

 

 

 

1897-1899

CHARLES WATSON BLAKE

 

Charles W. Blake (1841-1899) was a native of Galway, Ireland.  Circa 1885, he married Mary Blable Sokal (1854-1927), an 1872 Austrian immigrant and the widow of Joseph Sokal.  In Pennsylvania, Mary Blable and Joseph Sokal had Mary Gertrude Sokal (1881-1956), a daughter, who was known in Biloxi as Mamie Blake.  Mamie Blake married Charles Henry at New Orleans in early October 1901.  They apparently divorced shortly after their betrothal.(

 

Charles and Mary S. Blake were the parents of   children: Jefferson Davis Blake (1886-1940) m. Jessica L. Wilson (1889-1930); Winnie Blake (1889-1965) m. Albert Holliman (18-1929) and Ambrose Emile Berthelote (1893-1954); and Edward Blake (1893-1979).

 

Marshal Blake

The fall of 1898 was very pleasant in Biloxi for Marshal Blake and Robert M. Mosley (1865-1910), his patrolman. The Biloxi Daily Herald related that Marshal Blake was busy counting the street lights and Officer Mosley complained that there was 'no business'.  The reporter opined of these halycon days as follows: "Biloxi is fortunate that her policemen have nothing to do but draw their salaries.  It is the best way to earn their pay."(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 27, 1898, p. 4)

 

Marshal Blake became ill and retired from his position on December 31, 1898.  He was lauded for his conscientiousness and faithfullness to his office and duties.  C.W. Blake expired at his Lameuse Street residence on April 5, 1899.  Robert M. Mosley (1865-1910) took his post as City Marshal (1865-1910).(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 1, 1899, p. 1 and April 5, 1899, p. 8)

 

Rooming House

Mary Blake was the proprietor of a boarding house at 131 Lameuse Street in Biloxi.  Mary Sokal or Sokili or Dlable Blake (1854-1927), the widow of Marshal Blake, relocated to New Orleans [NOLA] between 1910 and 1920 with Mamie Blake and Winnie Blake Holliman, her two daughters.  They were employed in a cotton mill there. Mary expired at NOLA on June 5, 1927.  Her corporal remains were shipped to Biloxi for internment in the Biloxi Cemetery.   Jefferson Davis Blake (1886-1940) and Winnie Blake Holliman (1889-1956), her children, and Charles Watson Blake (1841-1899), her spouse are also buried at Biloxi.(Smith, 1905, p. 62)

 

REFERENCES:

W.W.A. Smith, compiler, 1905 Biloxi City Directory, Volume I, (Biloxi Daily Herald Printery: Biloxi, Mississippi-1905).

Journals

The Biloxi Herald,“”,

The Biloxi Herald,“Local and Personal”, September 27, 1898.

The Biloxi Herald,“Local and Personal”, January 3, 1899.

The Biloxi Herald,“Local and Personal”, January 3, 1899.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Local and Personal”, April 5, 1899.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, October 5, 1901.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, October 6, 1901.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “On sloop’s topmast for twelve hours”, August 17, 1902.

The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Blake dies”, June 6, 1927.

The Daily Herald, “J.D. Blake dies”, October   1940.

The Daily Herald, “”,

The Times Picayune, “Faded souvenirs of Jefferson Davis”, June 21, 1953.

The Times Picayune,“Deaths [Ambrose E. Berthelote]”, July 15. 1954.

The Times Picayune,“Deaths [Louis W. Holliman]”, September 7, 1954.

The Times Picayune, “Deaths [Mamie Blake]”, May 9, 1956.

The Times Picayune,“Deaths [Winne Berthelote]”, November 22, 1965.  

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

ROBERT MARION MOSLEY

 

 

ROBERT M. MOSELY

 

Robert Marion Mosley (1865-1910) was born in 1865 in Kemper County, Mississippi.  He married Mary Elizabeth Naylor (1869-1948), the daughter of Louis Naylor and Cornelia Ramsay, and also a native of Kemper County.  There only child was Dr. Robert M. Mosley Jr. (1886-1951).

 

Robert became a policeman at Meridian, Mississippi attaining the rank of Sergeant.  The family relocated to Biloxi and he joined the BPD.  Officer Mosley became Biloxi's Marshal upon the resignation of C.W. Blake in late December 1898.

 

Marshal Mosley and Officer McKinley captured 10 white crap shooters at Point Cadet yesterday.They pleaded guilty in court and were fined $5 and court costs.  Marshall Mosely had started to break gambling in Biloxi without regards to who indulges in it.  Stir clear of alluring cards and fascinating bones, if you do not want to appear in city court.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 17, 1899, p. 8)

 

Robert M. Mosley resigned as Biloxi's Marshal on 2 September 1902 to become the first Chief Inspector for the Mississippi Oyster Commission which had been created by the 1902 Bower's Bill.[The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 1, 1902, p. 1]

 

REFERENCES:

The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, (The Biloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902).

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Local and Personal”, January 17, 1899.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Mosley is [oyster] inspector”, September 1, 1902.

The Daily Herald, “Four hundred skiff licenses this year”, December 10, 1909.

The Daily Herald, “R.M. Mosley in dying condition”, November 21, 1910.

The Daily Herald, “R.M. Mosley passes away”, November    1910.

The Daily Herald, “Eulogy for R.M. Mosley”, November 24, 1910.

The Daily Herald, “Oyster Commission passes resolutions”, December 1, 1910.

The Daily Herald, “

__________________________________________________________________________________

 

JOHN A. McKINLEY

John Augustus McKinley (1852-1920) was born April 27, 1852 at Lauderdale, Mississippi to Robert McKinley and Mary Daniels.  He married Kate Kennedy Carroll (1856-1921).  They were the parents of seven children of which five lived into the 20th Century.  Known children are: Floyd McKinley (1872-1884); Ella Jane McKinley (1875-1933) m. Asa James Simmons (1859-1933); Mary Alma McKinley (1878-1936); Louis Fennel McKinley (1889-1931); and Augusta 'Gussie' McKinley (1893-1960) m. Houston Alonzo Mobley (1888-1953).

 

The McKinley family came to Biloxi  in 1896 and resided at 557 Nixon Street.  J.A. McKinley had served the town of Lauderdale, Mississippi as its Marshal for two years and had been a member of the Meridian Police Department for many years.  He joined the Biloxi Police Department as a officer and was known to the citizenry as "Mr. Mac".  The local journal lauded his as follows:  "Mr. Mac stands high in social circles.  He enjoys the good will and esteem of everyone-old and young.(The Biloxi Herald, September 3, 1902, p. 1)

 

When Marshal Robert M. Mosley resigned in the fall of 1902, McKinley was appointed by Biloxi's alderman to replace him.  R.M. Randolph was his only opposition.  Sardin George was added to the BPD at this time.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 3, 1902, p. 1)

 

The McKinley family left Biloxi circa 1915 for Columbia, Mississippi.  Here he operated the McKinley Hotel until his death on September 7, 1920.  Marshal McKinley's internment was in the Columbia City Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, September 9, 1920, p. 1)

 

REFERENCES:

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “For Marshall”, August 25, 1900.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “McKinley is new Marshal”, September 3, 1902.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Contest talked of”, December 15, 1904.

__________________________________________________________________________________

LOUIS A. STAEHLING

 

Louis Aloysius Staehling, age 72 years, chief oyster inspector for the Mississippi Seafood commission, died at 3:45 a.m. today at the United States Marine Hospital, New Orleans, where he had been for about two reeks. He had rallied considerably when pneumonia set in with fatal result(s). He was a native of Alsace-Lorraine where he was educated. He came to the United States in 1884, settling in New Orleans the same year, and coming to Biloxi four years later. He engaged in the bakery business for six years, then was in the livery business with the late R. M. Mosley until he was appointed city marshall in 1907, which position he held until 1918.

 

Louis served as deputy sheriff for a year and was appointed chief oyster inspector in 1919. His wife, Henrietta Hilderbrand, died in 1930. His children were: Louis A. Staehling, Biloxi; Percy Stealing , New Orleans; Noel Stealing, Biloxi; Mrs. Elizabeth Nauck, Mrs. F. A. Barthes,  Mrs. Walter Schneller, Biloxi; and Mrs. Claude Simon (sic), New Orleans. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. George Reisbect, and a niece Florence Reisbect, Norwood, Ohio.

 

Mr. Staehling was a past exalted ruler of the Biloxi Lodge of Elks, also a member of the Woodmen of the World, Maccabees, West End Fire Co., Chamber of Commmerce, Knights and Ladies of Security, Knights of Columbus, Biloxi Benevolent Association, of which he was president, and also was president of the hospital board when the new hospital was built. Mr. Staehling spoke and wrote four languages. He was most interested in fraternal charity work and his hobby was football and baseball. During his long residence in Biloxi he was prominent in virtually all civic, political, fraternal and other activities and was widely known and beloved. He had been sick for over a year.

 

The funeral will be at 4 p.m. Sunday from the residence of Francis Barthes, 502 Seal avenue, with services at the Church of the Nativity by Father W. Leach, pastor. Burial will be in Biloxi Cemetery beside the body of his wife.

 

REFERENCES:

 

RICHARD M. RANDOLPH

Richard M. Randolph (1867-1930+) was born in Panola County, Mississippi in March 1867 to M.M. Randolph (1826-1909) and Cornelia K. Randolph (1836-1911), natives of Virginia and Alabama respectively.  He was reared with his six siblings on a farm in the Popes and Knights Ferry Precincts and the family later resided in Courtland, Panola County, Mississippi.  

The corporal remains of R.M. Randolph's parents and several siblings were interred in the Antioch Cemetery at Panola County. (1880 Panola Co., Mississippi Federal Census R661, p. 29, ED 1)

 

Officers: Benjamin F. Ewing (1892-)

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

1932?-1933

ALONZO L. GABRICH

 

Alonzo Gabrich retired as Police Chief on January 4, 1943 after 24 years with the BPD.  His tenure as Police Chief totaled 14 years.  Gabrich started with the City of Biloxi working as an office boy for W.G. Henderson.  He became Sanitary Inspector, collected street taxes and drove a fire wagon. [The Daily Herald, January 4, 1943, p. 5]

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

1933-

GEORGE BILLS

 

 

________________________________________________________________________________

1943-1947

LAZ QUAVE

LAZ QUAVE

Laz Quave (1910-1985) was born on October 31, 1910, in rural Jackson County, Mississippi, near Vancleave,  the son of Joseph Quave (1859-1928), a farm laborer, and Della ? Quave.  In 1930, Laz Quave was a seaman stationed aboard the USCG Cutter Tallapoosa, near Annapolis, Maryland.(1930 Anne Arundel Co., Maryland Federal Census R 844, p. 29A, ED11)

__________________________________________________________________________________

1947-

ALONZO L. GABRICH

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, “New Police Chief”, January 4, 1943.

The Times Picayune,“Gabrich receives gift from friends”, January 5, 1943. 

The Times Picayune,“”,  

__________________________________________________________________________________

LOUIS E. ANGLADA

 

Louis Emmett Anglada (1910-1955) was born October 29, 1910 to Louis Anglada (1871-1955) and Lenora Duggan (1875-1948).  He married Winona Ross.  Children: Marvin Anglada and Patrick Anglada.  Died June 13, 1955.

 

Assist Police Chief

Louis E. Anglado (1910-1955) was appoined acting Police Chief of Biloxi in July 1944.  He joined the Biloxi force in 1935 and worked his way to assist chief from a uniformed officer and dectective.  Chief Anglado is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fishermen's Union, Mississippi-Tennessee Peace Officers and Back Bay Fire Company.(The Daily Herald, July8, 1944, p. 3)

 

FBI School

In April 1948, Louis Anglada, Chief of Police, and Sheriff Laz Quave sponsored a two-week, police training school at the Biloxi City Hall.  FBI agents from Gulfport, NOLA, and Greenville, Mississippi worked with Biloxi policemen on the following law enforcement subjects: care and use of firearms; evidence in crime scene search; traffic; disarming and defensive tactics; and testifying in court.  The classes were attended by by about fifty, Mississippi coast, law officers.(The Daily Herald, April 30, 1948, p. 10)

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, “Anglado appointed acting Police Chief”, July 8, 1944.

The Daily Herald, “FBI police school will close today”, April 30, 1948.

The Daily Herald, “”,

The Times Picayune,“Deaths”, June 14, 1955.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

1950-1953

1961-1962

EARL F. WETZELL

           

EARL F. WETZEL (1910-1962) [Courtesy of Thomas Walker-May 2011]

 

EARL F. WETZEL

Earl Francis Wetzel (1910-1962) was born on January 2, 1910 at Biloxi, Mississippi to Percy James Wetzel (1882-1929) and Anita Caillavet (1886-1975), the daughter of Francis Arbeau Caillavet (1865-1909) and Marie Dodart (1858-1942).  Percy J. Wetzel and Anita Caillavet were married in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 12, 1906.  Their other children were: Percy J. Wetzel Jr. (1907-1980) m. Jacobina Sekul; Marguerite Anita Wetzel m. John Edwin Webb; and Albert Howell Wetzel (1913-1994) m. Dorethea Ann Grantham.(Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 18, p. 295)

 

Earl Wetzel married Helen Baker and they were the parents of three son: Earl Wetzel Jr.; John Wetzel; and

 

Earl Wetzel began his long tenure with the Biloxi Police Deoartment in 1937 as a part time desk clerk.  Two years later he was promoted to a patrolman and pounded his Biloxi beat until 1943 when Chief Laz Quave appointed Earl as city detective.  In 1944, Wetzel became acting assistant Police Chief, but in 1945 became city detective again.  In 1948, Earl was named assistant Police Chief and in 1949 appointed Biloxi's acting Police Chief.  He was named Police Chief in 1950 and was suceeded by Herbert McDonnell in July 1953.(The Daily Herald, June 7, 1953, p. 12)

 

When Daniel Guice was elected Mayor of Biloxi in 1961, he and William Dukate (b. 1941) and A.J. ‘Tony’ Creel (1901-1992), City Commissioners, appointed Earl F. Wetzel (1910-1962) as Police Chief to replace Herbert R. McDonnell (1902-1974).  Freddie Fritz Steinwinder (1907-1987) was chosen as Biloxi’s assistant Police Chief.(The Daily Herald, July 3, 1961, p. 7 and The Times Picayune, July 4, 1961, p. 25)

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, "New Police Chief", January 4, 1943.

The Daily Herald, “Wetzel and Cook renamed heads of Biloxi Police”, January 5, 1951.

The Daily Herald, “New city judge; police heads reappointed”, January 5, 1951.

The Daily Herald, “Wetzel leaves Police after 17 years of service”, June 7, 1953.

The Daily Herald, "Steinwinder new assistant Chief of Police", July 3, 1961.

The Times Picayune,“Wetzel to head Police at Biloxi”, July 4, 1961.

The Times Picayune,“Chief of Police at Biloxi dies”, September 21, 1962. 

__________________________________________________________________________________

1953 and 1961

HERBERT R. MCDONNELL

HERBERT R. MCDONNELL

1953

Herbert R. McDonnell (1902-1974) became Biloxi's Police Chief on July 6, 1953 when he was appointed to this position by Mayor Laz Quave (1910-1985).   Walter Williams (1909-1981), former Biloxi police captain, was appointed assistant police chief.  He was formerly employed at Keesler AFB and the Westergard Shipyard.  Williams has a wife and two children and is the proprietor of a grocery store on Caillavet Street.  Chief McDonnell planned to make immediate changes in the department to increase it to maximum efficiency.  His first dictum was that: "Every man will put in a full day's work."(The Daily Herald, July 6, 1953, p. 1 and p. 17 and July 7, 1953, p. 12)

 

Herbert R. McDonnell had been a painter and seafood worker until he joined the Biloxi Police Department in 1934 as a patrolman during the Mayor John J. Kennedy administration. He was a city detective when he resigned from the Biloxi force in May 1941 to run for the newly created post of Constable. He was elected Constable Beat I in June 1941 easily defeating beating George Mon and Felix Mattina.(The Daily Herald, June 11, 1941, p. 1, July 6, 1953, p. 1. and July 1, 1961, p. 8)

 

1953 BPD

In July 1953, the Biloxi Police Department employed thirty-six people.  In addition to Chief McDonnell and assitant Chief Williams, the department was staffed by the following: Captains-Emile Rousseau (1921-1987), Vincent P. Feranda Sr. (1905-1976) and Charles Comeaux.  City Detective-Louis Rosetti (1915-1971).  Identification Officer-James Robertson.  Desk Sergeants-Sam Ellzey, Edmond Boudreaux, and Alvin Ryan.  Officers-Joe Demoran, Oswald Luxich, Vincent P. Feranda Jr. (1927-2007), Junie Tiblier, Joe Parsons, Henry Lechner Jr., Norwood Sandoz, James Kriss, Arnold J. Barras (1925-1999), George Wallis, Bill Marie, Elwood Cox, Cornelius Cruthirds, L.J. Bourgeios, Leslie Montgomery, Bob Breal, Jack Breal, Benton Jermyn, Melvin Cruz, George Emile, and Leo Richard.  Jailers-Louis Lee and Fred Fountain.  Parking meter inspector-Ernest Mladinich.  Truant officers-Dominic Fallo and Ola Mae Wallis Balius (1914-1996), the wife of Frank Balius.  Those released from the department were: Chief Earl Wetzell (1910-1962), Captain Norris Herring, Captain E.P. Vincent, Officers Hall, Arnold Martino, and Desk Sergeant Gill Moran.  Officer Batia resigned and Mayor Chinn released traffic inspector Clarence Pitfield from service.(The Daily Herald, July 6, 1953, p. 17)

 

1957 

 was appointed as assistant Police Chief at this time.  Both men had an impressive resume in the law enforcement field.  (The Daily Herald, )

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, “McDonnell named new Constable”, June 11, 1941.

The Daily Herald, “McDonnell, Clark are named heads of Police, Firemen”, July 6, 1953.

The Daily Herald, “McDonnell plans Police changes”, July 7, 1953.

The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Police Chief on retirement”, July 1, 1961.

The Daily Herald, “Steinwinder new assistant Police Chief of local police”, July 3, 1961.

The Times Picayune,“”,  

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

1962-1971

LOUIS J. ROSETTI

LOUIS J. ROSETTI (1915-1971) [Courtesy of Damian Rosetti-December 2011]

Louis J. Rosetti (1915-1971) was appointed Chief of Police by the Biloxi City Commissioners in mid-December 1963.  He had served as acting Police Chief for about a year. F. P. Vincent was appointed to chief of detectives and Leslie Montgomery was chosen as assistant chief of Detectives.  Chief Rosetti has served on the BPD for 21 years working his way through the ranks.  A native of Biloxi, Louis J. Rosetti resides at 202 Rose Street.(The Daily Herald, December 19, 1963, p. 1)

 

Louis J. Rosetti (1915-1971) was born on August 24, 1915 at Biloxi, Mississippi to Jake Philip Rosetti (1884-1959) and Paulina Pitalo.  He married Ruby Broussard (1915-1969) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 26, 1939. They were the parents of four sons: Louis J. Rosetti Jr.; Jake P. Rosetti m. Victoria Ann Rose; Richard Reid Rosetti m. Carolyn Haven Raley and Deborah Gail Upchurch; and Frank M. Rosetti (1956-1961).

 

Louis J. Rosetti served the people of Biloxi, Mississippi in law enforcement with the Biloxi Police Department for almost thirty years. He began as a desk sergeant and climbed through the ranks to be appointed acting Chief of Police in October 1962 and named Police Chief in December 1963. Mr. Rosetti was a member of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Association; Tennessee-Mississippi Sheriff's and Police Officer's Association; and the Slavonian Benevolent Association. He worshiped at St. Michael's Catholic Church and worked as a trustee of the New Biloxi Hospital to handle indigent care cases.

 

Louis J. Rosetti died on March 24, 1971 at his home at 203 Rose Street of an apparent heart attack. Ruby Broussard, his wife, expired on March 18, 1969.

 

Rosetti Street

Rose Street was changed to Rosetti Street by the Biloxi City Council in May 1972 to honor Biloxi Police Chief Louis J. Rosetti.  Residents of Rose Street petitoned the City for the change.  Mayor Daniel Guice related that the name change was not only in recognition of the late police chief, but of the whole Rosetti family who had served Biloxi for many years.  Guice stated also that "we all enjoyed a close relationship with Chief Rosetti.  He was a person with a heart of gold.  Not only would he enforce the law, but would give help whenever and wherever needed, especially to low-income groups.  I hope this action will show younger persons that by living the good life and serving the community as Chief Rosetti did, they will not be forgotten."(The Daily Herald, May 9, 1972, p. 4)

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, "Rosetti named Police Chief, City of Biloxi Dies", December 19, 1963.

The Daily Herald, "Biloxi's Police Chief Dies", March 27, 1971.

The Daily Herald, "Biloxi Council changes street name to Rosetti", May 9, 1972.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

1971-

 

Leslie F. Montgomery Sr.

 

Leslie Francis Montgomery Sr. [1925-2002] was born October 30, 1925 at Biloxi to Joseph H. Montgomery [1892-1972] and Catherine Fountain [1896-1992].

 

Leslie attended Biloxi High School where he participated in football and baseball.  He was the starting center on the gridiron and caught for the diamond Indians.  Les also played tennis and softball for the Biloxi Tigers.  He hit 2 home runs in March 1943 against a Gulfport nine with Cecil Montgomery, his brother, also slamming a four-bagger.  It is note worthy to mention that Biloxi defeated Gulfport 7-0 in Montgomery’s last high school football game.  He did not graduate with the Class of 1944 as he was called into the military.[The Daily Herald, March 30, 1943, p. 5]

 

Pigeons

As a teen in Biloxi, Leslie began training and flying carrier pigeons. Before he joined the military in 1946, he would take some of his birds to New Orleans and release them to return to Biloxi.  On one occasion, Captain F. Smith while shrimping aboard the Marion W. sent Gay Neckand Whirlaway, two of Leslie’s favorite birds, from Mitchell Key in Louisiana to fly to Biloxi.  He became president of Biloxi Racing Pigeon Association.[The Daily Herald, September 6, 1941, p. 3]

 

Military

With World War II the salient concern of the nation, Leslie F. Montgomery enlisted in the US Navy in January 1944 and was selected to attend the Signal Corps School at San Diego, California.  He was discharged May 4, 1946 with the rank of Signalman 2^ndClass.  He had served in the South Pacific theatre. [The Daily Herald, July 1, 1944, p. 8]

 

Family

Returning from WW II, Leslie F. Montgomery found employment at the Moran-Kennedy Enterprises, a boat building facility, on Back Bay at Biloxi.   At St. Michael’s Catholic Church, he married Mary Sylvia Simmons[1928-1989], the daughter of Howard ‘Red’ Frank Simmons 1901-1958) and Antoinette Hebert [1910-1989], in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 15, 1946.  They were the parents of five children: Leslie F. Montgomery Jr. [b. 1948]; Joseph Montgomery; Nancy Montgomery [1951]; Jeanne Marie Montgomery m. [1981] Chester Marion Brooks; and Catherine Joy Montgomery [1951-1952].[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court Bk. 72, p. 441 and September 19, 1946, p. 5]

Returning from WW II, Leslie found employment at the Moran-Kennedy Enterprises, a boat building facility on Back Bay at Biloxi. 

 

Biloxi Police Department

With the conflict in Korea, many young Americans were called to active duty. The Biloxi Police Department lost 

 

Obituary

Died Wednesday, January 2, 2002, in Ocean Springs. 
Mr. Montgomery was a lifelong resident of Biloxi and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D'Iberville. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, a graduate of the FBI Academy and retired in 1976 as Biloxi police chief. He was a probation and parole officer for the Southern District of Mississippi, retiring in 1992. He was president of Biloxi Racing Pigeon Association. 
 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Simmons Montgomery; a daughter, Cathy Joy Montgomery; his parents, Catherine and Joseph Montgomery; a brother, James Montgomery; and a sister, Marie Montgomery. 
 

Survivors include two sons, Leslie F. Montgomery Jr. of Saucier and Joseph "Joey" Montgomery of Woolmarket; two daughters, Nancy Harrison and Jeanne Brooks, both of Biloxi; a brother, Cecil Montgomery of Biloxi; three sisters, Catherine Butterfield and Doris Stojcich, both of D'Iberville, and Ursula Sherman of Latimer; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. 
 

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Riemann Memorial Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road in Biloxi. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D'Iberville where friends may call one hour before service time. Burial will be in Biloxi City Cemetery. 
 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, '', 

The Daily Herald, '', 

 

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

1963-1976

LESTER J. THOMPSON JR.

 

[from The Daily Herald, October 10, 1975, p. B4)

 

Lester Joseph Thompson Jr. (1941-2010) died Friday, June 4, 2010, surrounded by his family and friends after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Biloxi on June 2, 1941, he remained a lifelong resident and was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Joseph Thompson Sr. (1910-2002) and Rosalie "Georgette" Wink Thompson (1914-1978); grandparents, George B. Wink and Marguerite Stanovich Wink, Christian A. Thompson and Laure Clair Caillavet Thompson; sister Georgette (Clemmie) Thompson Gillikin; infant brother, Baby Thompson; mother-in-law, Janie Oglesby Jacquet.

 

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathy Jacquet Thompson; sons, Lester Joseph Thompson III [1959-2017] (Christi), of Biloxi, Scott, Sr. of Brandon, MS, Dirk (Christine) of Biloxi; one sister, Joan Thompson Fink of Diamond Bar, Ca.; grandchildren, Jennifer, Charlene (Justin) Thompson Barnette, and Scott, Jr. all of Brandon, MS, Michael and Mason of Biloxi; one great grandson, Ryker, to be born in August, step-grandsons, Austin and Cody Freeman; Scott's fiance, Angie Goettel and daughter, Casey, of Brandon, MS; and his faithful Lab, Bailey; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lester cherished his family and friends and enjoyed the time he spent with the Biloxi Lunch Bunch.

 

Lester attended the Biloxi School System, Jeff Davis Jr. College, University of South MS, University of MS, MS State Bar Association, Zonn Institute of Polygraph, MS Judiciary College and he received a law degree from Blackstone School Of Law.

 

He was a member of numerous law enforcement organizations and a graduate of the F.B.I. Academy, as well as a member of The Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce, Biloxi Elks Lodge #606, and Slavic Benevolent Association.

 

He began his career walking the beat as a Biloxi Policeman in the early 60's and worked his way through the ranks serving as chief of police (1963-1976). He owned his own polygraph business, was court administrator in the Biloxi Municipal Court and retired from MDOT Law Enforcement Division.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, 2010, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church where friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery.

 

REFERENCES:

 

The Daily Herald, Police Chief Lester Thompson resigns', June 12, 1976, p. 1]

 

The Sun Herald, "Lester J. Thompson Sr.", March 4, 2002.

The Sun Herald, "Lester J. Thompson Jr.", June 5, 2010.

__________________________________________________________________________________

 

EDWARD RYAN

1976-1984

 

 

 

 

REFERENCES:

The Daily Herald, "Biloxi forms police academy", October 10, 1979, p. A8.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________

 

RICHARD G. WEST

1984-1986

Richard Garry West (1937-1996) was born in Schell City, Vernon County, Missouri. He served in the USAF from 1954 to 1958. In 1964, Richard joined the Biloxi Police Department. He retired in 1986 and had worked his way through the ranks to become Directory of Public Safety in 1984. In 1983, Garry had been appointed Chief of the Community Relations-Staff Support Unit, a newly created position. After his retirement from the Biloxi Police Department, he became Director of Security at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum.

 

Richard G. West married Jewel Barker and they were the parents of: Darrell W. Barker; Rhondale L. Barker; Gary Thomas West m. Cindy M. Toncrey; Lentz O. West; Beverly J. Culpepper; Lawanda N. Ramage; Melonee L. Webb; Theresa Gayle West m. Charles V. White and Lawrence Carl Olson; and Natasha Charise West m. James Hills Perkins III.

 

Richard's life epitomized one of service to God, family and community. One of his greatest accomplishments in law enforcement was thesis that outlined what we know today as Neighborhood Watch. The Neighborhood Watch program is used by law enforcement agencies across the United States as an effective tool in crime prevention. Because of Richards's role in creating this program, in 1985, he was inducted into the American Institute's Directory of Distinguished Americans Hall of Fame for Outstanding Achievements. Richard was also interviewed by the Smithsonian Institute for his law enforcement accomplishes. He was also presented with Presidential cuff links from President Ronald Reagan.

 

Richard's love of family and for God brought him great joy. He was a member of First Pentecostal Church where he served on the Board of Trustees as Senior member. He was an accomplished Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, traveling as a national evangelist and in later years served as assistant pastor for the First Pentecostal Church.

 

Mr. West was survived by his spouse; children; nineteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; three siblings: Eugene West of Colorado and Dean West and Evelyn West Hackleman (1929-2000) of El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

 

Richard Garry West expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 6, 1996. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home directed his funeral services at the First Pentecostal Church on Popp's Ferry Road with internment in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery.

 

REFERENCES:

The Sun Herald, "Richard Garry West",  December 8, 1996. p. B2.

 

 

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FRANK DUGGAN

 

REFERENCES:

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GEORGE 

REFERENCES:

The Sun Herald, 'Biloxi blacks, police look for better relations', August 13, 1986, p. A-1.

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TOMMY L. MOFFETT

 

REFERENCES:

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DARRELL D. CVITANOVICH

Darrell David 'D.D.' Cvitanovich (1933-2019) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 15, 1933 to Dominick Cvitanovich and Philomena Sercovich (1900-1985).  He married Mary Hampton Teel, a native of Etowah County, Alabama and the daughter of Clyde L. Hampton and Mary Elizabeth Foster, on December 15, 1963.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 104, p. 49)

 

Obituary

Darrell David “D.D.” Cvitanovich, Sr., Colonel – Mississippi Highway Patrol (Retired), born January 15, 1933 in Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019 in D’Iberville.

 

DD attended Dukate School, St. Stanislaus, Notre Dame Jr. High and graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1951 and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps. He spent one year in 1952 with the First Marine Division in Korea during the Korean War where he earned the Korean Service Medal with three battle stars. He was discharged from the Marine Corps as a sergeant in 1954 at the age of Twenty-one and then attended Perkinston Jr. College for two years where he played on the 1955 and 1956 Bulldog Football Teams.

 

He joined the Biloxi Police Department in January of 1958 and served for three years. He then attended the Mississippi Highway Patrol Training School in the fall of 1960 and was appointed as a Mississippi State Trooper on February 1, 1961.

 

After serving in Jones, Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties and other statewide assignments in the 1960’s, he was promoted to a Master Sergeant in 1972. He attended the 99th Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico Virginia in the fall of 1974. After a large retirement in the agency, DD was appointed Chief of the Mississippi Highway Patrol and held two patrol schools to fill the ranks of those who retired.

 

In 1986 he initiated the Travel Criminal Apprehension Program (aka The Wolf Pack) within the Mississippi Highway Patrol which has resulted in thousands of drug courier and criminal fugitive apprehensions over the years.

 

After his tenure as Chief there were 600 troopers in 600 cars assigned to patrol the highways in Mississippi. After serving as Chief, in 1988 he returned to enforcement duty until his retirement in 1989 when he was appointed Chief of Police in Biloxi by Mayor Pete Halat where he served until 1993.

 

In January 1994 he began a career in the casino industry as a charter member of Grand Casino Biloxi and Harrah’s Gulf Coast Casino until retiring a few months ago.

 

He was a life-long member of St. Michaels Catholic Church. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Mississippi State Troopers Association and the Mississippi Retired Troopers Association.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dominick and Philomena Sercovich Cvitanovich; three brothers, Andrew, Anthony and Earl; one granddaughter, Angel; and his beloved pet, Bugle who will be laid to rest with him. 

 

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Hampton Cvitanovich; two sons, Dominick “Nicky” (Jennifer) and Darrell Jr. (Jennifer); four daughters, Deidra Cvitanovich (Fiancé Troy), Tina Cvitanovich (Gina), Lena Lee (Daniel) and Dorothy Payne (Wayne Jr.); sixteen grandchildren, Dominick “Nick”, Nathan, Cole, Chelsey, Daralyn, Danielle, Daisha, Brandon, Darrell III, Delaney, Kayla, Cassie, Amber, Christopher, Kaitlyn and Haily; seven great-grandchildren, Kenzlee, Wyatt, Maisie, Cameron, Bryceson, Ella and Kash; one sister, Barbara Lyons (Stephen); and several nieces and nephews.

 

Funeral Services will be held at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 2:00 pm. 

 

Friends may visit from 12:00 pm until service time. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery with full Military and Police Honors.

 

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GEORGE WALDRON SAXON

 

George W. Saxon

 

George Waldron Saxon (1927-2018), age 91 years, of Gulfport passed away on December 26, 2018, surrounded by his family. Mr. Saxon was born March 30, 1927 in Waynesboro, MS to John B. and Nora Saxon. He was the youngest of six children. He graduated from Waynesboro High School and was promptly drafted into the United States Army. Later, he transferred to the US Army Air Corps, where he served honorably during World War II. After returning home to Waynesboro, he attended Jones County Junior College. In 1947, he married Elizabeth Ann McRae, his next-door neighbor.

 

In 1955, he graduated from the Mississippi Highway Patrol Academy. His first assignment with the MHP was as a dispatcher in Hattiesburg. Shortly afterwards, he was transferred to the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a patrolman. For eight years, he patrolled Highway 90 between the Bay St. Louis and Ocean Springs bridges or, as he called it, the most beautiful beat in the world. In 1964, he was invited to attend the FBI National Academy in Washington, D.C. Upon his graduation from the Academy, he was reassigned as a Criminal Investigator with the MHP. After four years as an Investigator, he was promoted to District Inspector/Captain of Troop K, responsible for command of the six southern counties of the state. He served as Inspector for 12 years, until being promoted to Chief Inspector/Major where his command included the entire Southern Region of MS. His last position with the MHP was Assistant Commissioner of Public Safety / Chief of the MHP. As the Chief of the Patrol, he oversaw the day-to-day operation of the largest statewide law enforcement agency in Mississippi until his retirement in 1986. Following his retirement from the MHP, he was appointed as Director of Public Safety for the City of Biloxi, where he oversaw the city’s fire, police, and civil defense departments until 1989. George said he never worked a day in his life because he truly loved what he did and looked forward to it every day.

 

An avid pilot, flying was the joy of his life. His love for flying was developed early in life, where he paid for rides in crop-dusting airplanes as a young man. He became a licensed pilot in the early 1960’s and later was certified to fly helicopters, as well. During his tenure with the MHP, he was the pilot for the southern region, flying search and rescue, as well as routine patrol missions. In 1976, he began construction of an experimental, home-built aircraft called a Vari-Eze, which he  completed in 1979 and first flew in 1980. He flew the plane regularly until he was 81, even making cross-country trips to major air shows in Oshkosh, WI and Lakeland, FL. He was never happier than when he was in the air, most often with a grinning grandchild in tow.

 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Ann, infant daughter George-Ann, parents, one brother, and four sisters. He is survived by his daughter Jo Ellen Mechatto (Phil) of Gulfport; grandchildren Sam Maxie (Julie) of Vancleave, Katherine Shows of Waynesboro, Phillip Charles Mechatto (April) of Gulfport, and Todd Mechatto of Gulfport; great-grandchildren Mary Fullilove, Jacob Bachtel, Emma Maxie, Matthew Maxie, Alison Allen (Gavin), Victoria Raborn (Allan), Abigail Mechatto, and Wesley Mechatto; one great-great granddaughter Brynnleigh Raborn.

 

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday December 29, 2018, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. The funeral service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 5007 Lawson Avenue, Gulfport on Sunday, December 30, 2018, at 3:00 PM, with honors to be rendered by the Mississippi Highway Patrol Honor Guard. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 PM until the service.

 

Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Gulfport.

 

REFERENCES:

The Sun Herald, 'George Waldron Saxon', December 28, 2018.

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TOMMY L. MOFFETT

Tommy Lee Moffett (b. 1950) was born at Taylorsville, Smith County, Mississppi on March 2, 1950. He arrived at Biloxi, Mississippi in 1968 and found work as a building custodian at KAFB.  Joined Biloxi Police Department  in October 1973 and became Police Chief on 1 September 1986 and again in October 1993.  Resigned 2002 and relocated to Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi and became Chief of Police there.  Chief Moffett resigned his Police Chief's post in July 2009 and was employed in April 2010 as interim Police Chief of Indianola, Sunflower County, Mississippi.

 

Moffett ran the Vicksburg Police Department for eight years until July 2009, when he was ousted on a split vote of the city board following Mayor Paul Winfield’s election.

 

Previously, he had led the Biloxi Police Department for 16 years. In April 2010, Moffett was hired to lead and help reshape Indianola PD.  “Law enforcement is my passion. It’s what I love to do,” Moffett said. “I felt like when I left the department here it was a top-notch department. When I left Indianola it wasn’t a top-notch department but it was a lot better than where it was.”  

 

While working in Indianola, Moffett kept his home in Vicksburg and traveled the nearly 100 miles each day to the Delta city. All the travel began to take a toll and he wasn’t able to spend as much time with his grandchildren, he said.  

 

Moffett and his wife moved to Vicksburg in 2001 and bought a home. They decided not to return to the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, he said.  “We like it here and made a lot of plans here,” he said.  For now, Moffett said he just plans to take it easy and wait for deer season, but he hasn’t ruled out returning to work.  “I don’t know what the future holds,” Moffett said. “This is my home. I care about this city, and I care about the police department that I helped shape.”[https://www.vicksburgpost.com/2012/07/20/former-chiefmoffett-retires-from-indianola-spot-keeps-home-in-city-i-care-about/]

REFERENCES:

The Sun Herald, 'Biloxi blacks, police look for better relations', August 13, 1986, p. A-1.

 

The Vicksburg Press, “Former Chief Moffett retires from Indiana spot, keeps home in city 'I care about'", July 2o, 2012.

 

 

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BRUCE C. DUNAGAN

Bruce C. Dunagan (b. 1945) retired from the Biloxi Police Department in May 2009.  He joined the force in 1972.  Mayor Holloway appointed Linda Atterberry (b. 1950) as acting Police Chief.

 

 

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JOHN MILLER

 

John Miller was nominated for Biloxi Police Chief by Mayor A.J. Holloway and accepted by the City Council in late November 2009.  Chief Miller began his career with the BPD in 1990 as a patrolman.  His astute intelligence and ability to investigate narcotic cases led to an assignment with the Special Crimes Unit in 1995.  Here Miller dealt with vice and drug related issues.  

 

Chief Miller worked his way up the ranks making Sergeant and Lieutenant  and later became the leader of the Special Crimes Unit and its personnel.  In 2007, John Miller was again promoted attaining the rank of Captain and continued with his investigative leadership of the Special Crimes Unit.  Soon thereafter, Miller was given command of the recently expanded Special Crimes Division and also the responsibilty for directing the the Cold Case Homicide Squad.(The Sun Herald, November 21, 2009, p. A1, December 2 , 2009, p. A2 and The Biloxi-D'Iberville Press, June 27, 2013, p. 1)

 

REFERENCES:

The Biloxi-D'Iberville Press, "Biloxi Police Chief John Miller presented Heart of a Lion", June 27, 2013.