Rev. Louis Fayard dies in his 83rd Year

Rev. Louis Fayard, 84, Lifelong resident of Woolmarket and a retired Methodist preacher, died at his home there at 2 A.M., today from Pneumonia.

He is survived by his wife Sarah Cowart; two sons, Wash W. and Dewitt, Woolmarket; sic daughters, Mrs. Wm Holly, Woolmarket; Mrs. Whit Page, Orange Grove; Mrs. J.A. Armstrong, Woolmarket;’ Mrs. Jennie Stiglets, Gulfport, Mrs. George Parker, Biloxi; Mrs. Louis Kantzell, Biloxi and an adopted daughter, Mrs. Clifton Scarborough., Woolmarket; numerous grand, great grandchildren; two brothers, E.D. Fayard, Springfield, Louisiana and Sherry Fayard, Biloxi and other relatives.

Rev. Fayard had been active in the Methodist ministry for 46 years and most of his work was at the Wolf River Methodist Mission, which he conducted for many years. He also carried out his church work in various other duties and was active until his recent illness. Although he had been retired from active duty he continued his good work in behalf of the church in the Woolmarket section and was known as one of the staunchest workers in behalf of his church. He was widely known throughout the Woolmarket vicinity and the coast section and was prominent in various affairs.

He probably baptized more babies than any other minister in the State, his record showing more than 5,000 infant baptisms during his ministry.
Presiding Elder O’Neil and Rev. Vaughan of the Coalville church will conduct the funeral services at the Methodist Church at Coalville, Thursday at 2 P.M. Interment will be in the Coalville Cemetery.

Rev. Louis Fayard
The funeral of Rev. Louis Fayard was held yesterday afternnon with services in the Coalville Methodis church by Presiding Elder O’Neil and Rev. Vaughan. The services were very largely attended as this pioneer resident was widely knows and loved.
He had devoted his life in the internals of the Methodist Church, which he had served at the Wolf River Missions for many years and hundreds paid a final tribute to him. Pallbearers were: Desmond Fayard, Dillard Armstrong, Elton Holley, Woodrow Fayard, Nick Page and Thermond Stiglets.
Virtually every Methodist pastor on the Coast was present for the services, which were attended by many from Woolmarket and numerous other points, making this funeralone of the largest ever held on the Coast. The church was filled in capacity and floral offerings were very numerous

Note:
Rev. Louis Fayard was a Circuit Riding Preacher during the late 1860's or early 1870's in the community of Woolmarket, Harrison County, Mississippi and the surrounding areas.

According to my Grandfather and Mother (my grandfather was his 1st cousin, their fathers, Andrew Sylvester 'Sylvan' Fayard and Louis Antoine Fayard) stated that he rode a mule to attend to his duties in the community. He also established other churches in the area. Information given to me by his Grandson, Lee Taylor Fayard.

Rev. Louis Fayard was the son of Louis Fayard and Louise Martha Bosarge. He lived in the Woolmarket Community, Harrison County, Biloxi, Mississippi and married Sarah Elizabeth Cowart and was affiliated with the Coalville Methodist Church for over 50 years. He also was responsible for overseeing the burials at Coalville, performed many Marriages, Baptisms and funerals in this community.

Newspaper Article:
Louis Fayard, Mississippi City
Mississippi City, Miss., January 27 ~
Louis Fayard, and old and respected citizen of this county, was buried from his late residence near Stonewall (Woolmarket), on yesterday, after a lingering illness, at the age of 71.
It is only a short while ago that the mother of the deceased departed this life at the accredited age of 102 years.
Among those who landed with Bienville on the shores of Biloxi bay, or shortly after, were the Fayards, and their descendants have since that time continued to reside in the same vicinity year after year, raising extensive families of respectability and good connections.
Deceased left several grown sons and daughters and numerous grandchildren.


DEDICATE FAYARD MONUMENT SUNDAY
The monument for the late Rev. Louis Fayard will be unveiled at the Coalville Cemetery at 3 p.m. Sunday. The service will last 30 minutes in the church whence the assemblage will go to the grave and unveil the monument followed by a dedicatory prayer. Rev. W.J. Ferguson will have charge of of the service assisted by Rev. Lawrence,Coalville pastor and Henry Roberts will sing The Old Rugged Cross.
October 30, 1937 Daily Herald (Biloxi, Ms)
Courtesy of Linda B. Davis


Photo of Rev. Louis and Sarah Elizabeth Cowart Fayard
Courtesy of Mrs. Essie Mongeau (Cowart Family)

2nd Photo courtesy of Ellen Bigbie ~ Rev. Louis' descendant.

Tombstone Photo by John Pritchard ~ Coalville Cemetery Archives