Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1909-08-27

LhCiioilCS III lllt utdTtS Ol TIE DOuJn-
ern people and eternal honor is due
them. OF these, Major Richardson
was a grand example.
The Picayune also gives the fol-
lowing sketch of the life and char
acter of Major Richardson:
Major Henry B. Richardson, member
of the Mississippi River Commission. for
twenty-four years chief State engineer of
Louisiana, a valiant Confederate soldier,
md for more than hall a century identi-
led with the levee system Of this State,
lied at his home, 1851 Foueher Street,
;esterday morning at $50 O'Clock, after
protracted illness.
While the death of Major Richardson
source of deep sorrow to the many
who knew and admired him, it was no
surprise, for his condition has been such
that no hope was entertained for his re-
aovery. He passed away peacefully, sur
rounded by the members of his family,
conscious of having done his full duty
during a life of thrilling activity and
ready for the reward of well spent life.
The funeral will take place this after
noon at O'Clock, and interment will be
in Metairie Cemetery.
Henry Brown Richardson was born in
Maine seventy-twO years ago, and after
acquiring an education, which he com
pleted by the study of engineering, he
went to Portland, where he worked Il
while; and then moved to Providence,
X. L., where he did some engineering
work and taught school, and from there
went to Chicago, but did not remain long.
He taught school for time in Illinois,
and in 1889 moved down the Mississippi
River, until he struck Tensas Parish.
where he found conditions congenial and
promising, and remained there. He en-
gagged in railroad surveying, and was en-
ployed for time on the work of laying
out the Vicksburg, Shreveport and Pa
cific Railroad, which had another name
in those days, and was originally de-
signed as a transcontinental road. He
also did a good deal of local surveying
around Tensas. When the Civil War broke
out he was among the first to enlist i'm
the Tensas Rifles, in April, 1861, going
into the ranks a. private. His command
was part of the Sixth Louisiana Regi-
ment, and he Immediately went TO the
front and saw active service from the
very beginning OF hostilities. His knowl-
edge of engineering early attracted the
of the general officers, and
General Dick Taylor, soon after he
reached Virginia, appointed him lieu
tenant and attached him TO his staff a.
engineer officer. General Taylor COM
manded the Louisiana Brigade in Gen
eral EwelPs Corps, and he was soon after
sent West, 80 Lieutenant Richardson be-
came attached to General EwelPs staff.
Later he became attached to the staff of
General Jubal Early. He was severely
wounded, but being young and hardy.
what would have killed the
average man. At Gettysburg he was cap
turned, and spent long time at John
IONS Island, where he endured har,lships
md deprivations that undermined his
health. He was exchanged, however. q
ew months before the war, and surren-
Tered with Lee at Apponiattox, and then
made his way South, until he struck Bed
ord, Va, where he met some friends.
Who entertained him for few DAYS. and
ave him money and horse so he could |
make his way back to Louisiana. He
tarted across the mountains and got into |
tennessee, and there was captured by
ONE Federal soldiers who did not know
he war was over. He was taken to Nash |
lille and put in prison, where he re-
NAMED mouth. They asked him where
re was born, and when he told them that
daine was his native State II was the
ignal for the beginning of a series of |
ersecutions and hardships that made