Fred Endom

Many people cross the Endom bridge in Monroe every day, but are unfamiliar with who it is named for. Endom bridge is named for two German immigrant brothers, named Fred and Robert Endom. Fred was Monroe’s mayor in the late 1800’s and Robert was a judge. Both men were held in high esteem by the … Continue reading Fred Endom →

Eli W. Mealy: Monroe’s Premiere Photographer

The following article appeared in the 1893 World’s Fair Edition of the Monroe Evening News. The Evening News was one of the two predecessors of the modern News-Star, the other being the Daily Star. Eli was one of the earliest known photographers in Monroe, predating Griffin by decades. When people came to Monroe from all … Continue reading Eli W. Mealy: Monroe’s Premiere Photographer →

Major Thomas R. Hotchkiss

The following article appeared in the Ouachita Telegraph, Saturday, November 4, 1871, Page 2, Column 4. I believe Major Thomas R. Hotchkiss' remains were moved in the late 1890's, along with 125 other soldiers to what became the mound the Confederate Monument stands on in the City Cemetery. A HERO GONE TO REST. DIED … Continue reading Major Thomas R. Hotchkiss →

1907 Confederate Reunion in Monroe

This photo was taken on January 19, 1907, in front of the Masonic Hall on Walnut Street. It was the 100th anniversary of Robert E. lee's birthday. The men, from left to right, are identified: 10. Hon. A.J. Herring (mayor of Monroe at one time). 11. Dr. C.B. Johnson, who was the son of veteran … Continue reading 1907 Confederate Reunion in Monroe →

Finding Lost Civil War Soldiers Graves

I seem to have a knack for finding lost graves. I can usually go to a cemetery in search of a particular name, say “Ok. Help me find you.” And within minutes, I’m standing at their headstone. That little knack helped me find the unmarked grave of three Confederate soldiers buried in Monroe’s Old … Continue reading Finding Lost Civil War Soldiers Graves →

Confederate Reunion in Monroe, 1913

Very long photo, and unfortunately, I had to make it very small to get the whole thing in! This was taken at the state confederate reunion in Monroe, September, 1913. You can see the whole thing up close and personal in the Ouachita Parish Public Library's Special Collections Department. I know a couple of the … Continue reading Confederate Reunion in Monroe, 1913 →

Confederate Soldiers buried in Three Cemeteries

As an addenda to yesterday's post, I found this list in the back of the Southern Cross of Honor book. Apparently, in 1911, the UDC compiled a list of those confederate soldiers buried in the three downtown Monroe cemeteries. I don't know why they left out Hasley. There are lots of spelling errors in the … Continue reading Confederate Soldiers buried in Three Cemeteries →

Southern Cross of Honor

In 1899, the United Daughters of the Confederacy created a commemorative medal called the Southern Cross of Honor. It was a pin bestowed by the UDC to all known Confederate Veterans who had served honorably. The records of metals bestowed by the Monroe Chapter were kept by Mrs. Veneta V. DeGraffenreid. Around 1984 they were … Continue reading Southern Cross of Honor →