Lincoln Parish and Louisiana Historical Landmark Needs Your Help
By Gary E. Gray
When Absalom and Elizabeth Norris Autrey moved themselves and 13 children from Perry
County, Alabama to Dubach in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana during the year 1846, the Civil War
was still 14 years away, women wore dresses that covered their entire body from the neck
down to their ankles and the United States had declared war on Mexico, starting the Mexican-
American war. Lured by the availability of cheap or free land in Louisiana, Absalom decided to
seek his fortunes there, along with a better life for his family.
Upon reaching Dubach, the family decided to settle there and build their family homestead on
approximately 200 acres of rich land that featured plentiful wild game, timber, a reliable fresh
water source and ample crop land. Absalom decided on a popular design of the time, a dog
trot home made from hand-hewn timber cut from the land and finished inside with beautiful
beaded board walls in the front rooms, two fireplaces and a wood burning stove. The home was
completed during 1849 and Absalom and Elizabeth would have two more children there while
raising their other children.
Several generations of Autrey’s lived in the home until it was no longer used by the family and
instead used as a residential rental property. My own great-great grandfather and great-great
grandmother, Charles “Charlie” Henry Autrey and Mary Jane Moncrief Autrey lived and raised
a family there. Charlie actually lived there his entire life, from 1850 to 1917, being the only son
of Absalom and Elizabeth born in the home and also the only son that did not serve in the Civil
War. Charlie was too young when the war started but more importantly, he was legally blind.
My own grandfather, Cecil Henry Tubbs, used to tell me stories of how as a young child, he
would lead his grandfather (Charlie Autrey) around to feed the chickens, milk the cows, and do
other chores around the house. He would hold out his hand and Charlie would take one finger
in his hand while being guided around. In the evening, he said he would sit on his grandfather’s
lap and would stroke his long red beard, being fascinated with the beard that fell below his
chest. Other children would later tell of the happy times there during the holidays, especially at
Christmas time, how Charlie would give the children fresh fruit including oranges, apples and
even nuts. Times were more simple back then but none the less happy and my grandfather
said that Charlie loved the children and grandchildren abundantly.
Charlie’s wife Mary Jane died young at age 40 in 1888, leaving behind her husband of 15 years
and 4 children. So that his children could remember their mother, he had a portrait made from
a photograph of her and gave a copy to each child. My Aunt Barbara Tubbs Talbot actually
found a copy of that portrait recently. Charlie married again to Willie Joanna Michael and they
would have 4 more children but sadly, only 1 would survive past 20 years of age, Mrs. Dewey
Autrey Harris, who passed away in 1982. Antibiotics were not known during that time period
and people often died of infections that are easily treatable today.
Behind the home is the Autrey Family Graveyard, with several family graves there including
Absalom and Elizabeth Norris Autrey, the original builders and occupants of the home. My own
great-great grandparents are buried there as well.
Lincoln Parish and Louisiana Historical Landmark Needs Your Help
By Gary E. Gray
The home was actually occupied until the 1970’s by renters. After the 1970’s, the ownership
of the property was transferred to the Lincoln Parish Museum and it was listed in the National
Register of Historic Places on October 10, 1980 and restored. Today, it stands as the oldest
known restored property in north central Louisiana of the popular dog trot style home from the
mid 1800’s and has become a Lincoln Parish and Louisiana historical icon.
Over 30 years time has passed since the original restoration work and the home is now in need
of repairs and long-term maintenance. The Autrey House Museum Advisory Board’s inspection
revealed problems in the foundation and wall on the west side and roof. The foundation of the
floor on the west end of the house on each side of the chimney needs stabilizing and repairing.
This would include reworking the piers on the southwest side and leveling the floor to close a
gap that has developed between the wall and the chimney. Also the northeast back roof and a
front porch beam need repair.Not supported by tax dollars, the property needs donations to be
maintained properly. Time has come again for repairs and the Autrey House Museum needs
your support.
Please support not only a Lincoln Parish historical icon, but a Louisiana treasure. Our historical
heritage is important and this property and home is one of only a few restored dog trot homes
from the mid 1800’s in the entire United States. To contribute, simply mail a tax deductible
donation to:
Autrey House Museum
℅Lincoln Parish Museum
609 N. Vienna Street
Ruston, LA 71270
Any amount is welcome and helps, $1, $5, $10, $25, $50, $100 or more.
Also, be sure to visit the Autrey House Museum Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/
autreyhouse to see old Autrey family pictures as well as recent pictures of the home. Updates
about what is happening with the restoration effort are also posted on this Facebook page.
