Background
Behan, William James was born on September 25, 1840 in New Orleans. Son of John Holland and Katherine (Walker) Behan.
Behan, William James was born on September 25, 1840 in New Orleans. Son of John Holland and Katherine (Walker) Behan.
Educated University of Louisiana, Western Military Institute, Nashville, Tennessee.
Was extensively engaged in sugar planting (retired). Enlisted in Washington Artillery, New Orleans, and served through Civ. War in Army of Northern Virginia (surrendered at Appomattox).
A leader in reconstruction period and commanded, 1874, fight in New Orleans which deposed radical carpet-bag government. Major general Louisiana State National Guard, 1874-1882. Mayor of New Orleans, 1882-1884.
Member State Senate, 1888-1892. Left Democratic party during Cleveland administration because of efforts to place sugar on free list: chairman Republican State Executive Committee, 1900-1912. Delegate to all Republican national convs., since 1896.
Republican candidate for governor of Louisiana, 1904. Major general U.C.V., 1889-1891. Commander Washington Artillery Veterans’ Association, since 1905.
Active in war work during World War. Visited the Aisne and Somme sectors of the battle front in France, 1917. Home: New Orleans, La.
Member State Senate, 1888-1892.
Married Katie Walker, June 7, 1866. Children: Mistress Bessie Lewis and Mistress Andre Dreux.