George,

Thanks for the quick response. I believe the information you presented may be the service information for Joseph Wesley Cowart. The information on the census is mostly correct (J W was white, not mulatto). He was born in Greene County, MS, Oct. 6, 1846 (is present there for the 1850, 1860 and 1870 censuses; in 1880, he is listed in Jackson County). Probably around 1885-90, he moved to Laurel, living the remainder of his life there. He was an early city official (Treasurer, Police Marshal were positions he held), Mason and respected citizen. He died on Dec. 18, 1910, in Hattiesburg, and was buried in Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel. The data you presented differs regarding the birth and death months (not years); also, J W was not born or raised in Laurel. The record appears to have some erroneous information, but may well be his. If so, it is a great find. Would the MDAH have a copy of the record?

Thanks Again,

John D Cowart