Robert Gaden Hayes Lowry

Robert Gaden Hayes Lowry, was born in Chesterfield District, March 10, 1829, the son of Robert Lowry and Jemimah M. Rushing. His family relocated from the Mt. Croghan area of Chesterfield District, first for a short period to Tennessee and then on to Tishomingo County, Mississippi. While still young, he moved to Smith County, to live with his uncle Judge James Lowry.

He entered into Confederate Service as a private in Company B, 6^th Mississippi Infantry. When the company was mustered into service he was elected Major. After the Battle of Shiloh, even though he was wounded twice, he was elected Colonel, replacing the wounded Colonel Thornton. Then in 1864, he was appointed Brigadier-General, which position he held when Johnston surrendered the army in North Carolina in 1865.

After the War, General Lowry entered into politics, serving in both branches of the Mississippi Legislature. In 1881, he was elected Governor of the State, serving in that capacity for two terms. During his tenure, the Industrial College for Girls was established; The East Mississippi Insane Asylum; and the Railroad Commission. In all, more miles of railroad were laid during his eight years, than all the preceding governors put together. He also served as commander of the United Confederate Veterans.

Much of the information for this sketch was derived from A History of Mississippi From The Discovery of The Great River By Hernando DeSoto Including The Earliest Settlement made By The French, Under Iberville, To The Death of Jefferson Davis which Lowry co-authored with William H. McCardle and published in 1891.

Robert and wife, Maria Miller Gammage (June 25, 1831 thru June 18, 1873), were the parents of 11 children: Eudora, Mary Gammage, Ela M., Ada M., Rose, Lela Bartelle, Robert, Patrick H., Belle M., John Waddell and Maria. Robert Lowry died January 19, 1910 in Brandon, Mississippi.