Jayess, Mississippi: Pictures from the Past

These photos are reminiscent of a time when much of southwestern Mississippi was totally dependent on two things: cotton and timber. Though, the timber industry still plays a vital role in the economy of this portion of the state, only a minuscule amount of cotton is still cultivated compared to what was grown in earlier times.

This cotton gin was located in Jayess, Mississippi and was operated by Mr. Will Rutland. The railroad seen in the first photo, was a spur laid down by the Butterfield Lumber Company in 1892 - the community was named after the company's owner, Mr. J.S. Butterfield - to transport the logs being harvested in the area to the company's sawmill at Norfield, about 13 miles south of Brookhaven.

The sawmill in the picture below was ran in Jayess- long after the great tracts of timber had been cleared by the lumber companies, and the railroad had been torn up- by Mr. Lewis Jackson Beard.

Rosemont

Rosemont Plantation, just outside of Woodville, was built in 1810 by Samuel and Jane Cook Davis, the parents of Jefferson Davis, future president of the Confederate States of America. The house was continuously occupied until its purchase by the current owner who restored it and opened it for public tours. Nearly all of the structural elements of the home are original, except for some minor repairs.

The tour guide lives on the property and was very well informed about the history of the home and the Davis family. Expansive grounds of wooded property and pasture surround the home. The house's kitchen- detached from the main structure both as a precaution against fire and to avoid the heat created by cooking in the summer- is maintained and well furnished. Several other newer buildings - including a cottage where the caretaker/guide lives - and the Davis family cemetery are also located near the home.

A fee of $10 was charged to tour the home.

http://www.rosemontplantation1810.com/