Thomas Francis WARD

October 22, 1861 - March 12, 1931

Among the prominent young men and merchants of Madison parish none are more deserving a space in this work than Thomas F. Ward. Mr. Ward is what may be termed a self-made man in every respect. Practically thrown on his own resources in his ninth year, he has achieved for himself what few with good opportunities do not win - success. Thomas F. is the survivor of two sons born to Patrick Ward and wife, the other son having died in infancy, before the birth of our subject. Patrick Ward was a man of roving disposition and soon after attaining his majority immigrated to the United States from Ireland, his birthplace. Coming to New York state he found employment and there met and married Miss Donald. Removing to Santa Fe, N.M., where our subject was born in 1861, Patrick Ward enlisted in the Union army, though from what state or in what branch is not known. Mrs. Ward died in camp in 1863, and was buried by the soldiers on the battlefield at Gettysburg. After the death of his wife Mr. Ward was stationed at Davenport, Iowa, where he was mustered out of service at the close of the war. After the war he married Mrs. Kennedy, of Davenport, who died without issue a short time after their marriage. Patrick Ward, being a laborer and a soldier, found employment in the National cemetery, burying the dead soldiers. He remained in Vicksburg until 1869, when he removed to St. Louis, and placing Thomas in charge of a planter near St. Louis, he went to Mexico. During the succeeding seven years our subject heard nothing from his father, who, following his inclination to wander about, probably visited several states. Thomas Ward at length discovered him in a hospital in St. Louis, where he had been taken on account of injuries received while digging a well, from the effects of which he died in 1874. Thomas Ward having thus been thrown upon his own resources at an early age, had no advantages and little opportunity for securing an education, save what he could pick up by his own efforts. He has in that way gained a good, practical, business education. Coming South in 1874, he engaged as a clerk in Delta, La., where he remained about two years, when he began clerking for F.L. Maxwell, with whom he remained until he went into business for himself a couple of years later. He entered into partnership with John N. Yost, under the firm name of Ward & Yost, with whom he still conducts a general merchandise establishment. In 1887, to accommodate a trade in that direction, they established a branch store which is in charge of a managing clerk, but under the direct supervision of Mr. Ward. In business Mr. Ward has been very successful. Beginning with a joint capital stock of only $1,300, they have by fair dealings and good management, increased their capital to over $20,000. Mr. Ward is a democrat in his political affiliations, and during the past two or three years has taken an active interest in political affairs. He was appointed in 1889 a member of the police jury, in which capacity he has since served with much credit to his community. Mr. Ward is agent for the Queen & Crescent route at Mounds, a position which he has held for some years. Personally Mr. Ward is of medium height, is prepossessing in appearance and pleasing in manner and conversation. He is a young man of excellent taste and of good judgment. Socially and politically he enjoys the esteem of a wide circle of friends. (Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Louisiana; Chicago; The Goodspeed Publishing Company - 1892)

Contributed on 9/21/20 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 283748

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