T.M. Scanlan Papers

Thomas Millington Scanlan was born in Newton county, on what is now the Will Fore farm four miles south west. of Newton, on November 11, 1845. At the age of 16 years he enlisted in the Thirteenth Mississippi regiment, under the command of Gen. William Barksdale, and served in the Civil War until a serious wound received at the battle of Gettiesburg, from which he never fully recovered, forced him from active service.

He lived all his life in and near Newton and was one of the best known and highly respected men who ever lived in Newton County and this part of the state, and was known for his integrity and sterling qualities that made him a man of rare and true worth, always standing for the right as he saw it.

He was a mason and member of Presbyterian church. The following is taken from the Hattiesburg American on the day of his death:

"For the last four years a resident of Hattiesburg. Mr. Scanlan spent most of his life in Newton county, Mississippi, being active in business and political circles there until his retirement from active life about 10 years ago. In November, 1872, Mr. Scanlan married Miss Elizabeth Murphey of Macon, Mississippi and nine children were born from the union, seven of whom are still living.

Farmer, merchant, sawmill operator, Circuit Clerk of Newton County and mayor of Newton for a time, Mr. Scanlan distinguished himself in his community and section for his honor, integrity and energy. Immediately following the Civil war, he was one of the leaders of the Ku Klux Klan in Newton county, and he did much to save that part of the South from the ravages of post-war vandales adn carpet-baggers. His fairness in all matters was well-known and lovable personality made him many friends in the city of Hattiesburg during his four years of residence here.

Father to son.

The relation between him and his only surviving son, Victor M. Scanlan, wealthy lumberman of this city, has been called ideal, for as father and son they were in each other's company at every opportunity, and a final senti ment existed between them that was beautiful.

Other survivors are: his wife, Mrs Elizabeth Murphey Scanlan, who was with him at the home of their daughter; six daughters, Mrs. F. L. Campbell, Hattiesburg ; Mrs. McNary Moore, Columbia ; Mrs. J. H. Thompson, Newton; Mrs. C. R. Hoye, Meridian; Mrs. G. F. Mixon, Hattiesburg, and Mrs. F. R. Elliott, of Bloomington, Ind; two sisters, Miss Ella Scanlan, of Meridian, and Mrs. Nate Simms, also of Meridian, and one brother E. B. Scanlan, Memphis. Mrs. T. L. Trawick, of New Orleans, a niece of the dead man, lived with the family of Mr. Scanlan during her girlhood, and she was at his bedisde with several others of the family, when death occured.

Numerous floral offerings have been received at the home where the body lies, and words of condolence and sympathy are being received from all over the South. Relatives and friends, from Mr. Scanlan's old home at Newton and Meridian where he lived for a short time, are here today to pay their last respects to the loved and respected man. Incidents in his life that proved his worthy character are brought to the minds of those who knew him, here and elsewhereby the news of Thomas Millington Scanlan's death.

He was known as a man of honesty, kindness, energy and patriotism, and his friends are mourning the loss of a useful and lovable citizen. Funeral services will be held at 4 o'clock from the Campbell home, and interment will follow in the Roseland Park cemetery. Hundreds of Hattiesburg people and friends from all over the state will attend the ceremony. Dr. W. H. Mcintosh and Dr. Joseph A Smith will conduct the services. The Hulett Undertaking Company has charge of the arrangements."