James Walter Elder

Who was James Walter Elder?

James Walter Elder was a United States Representative from Louisiana. He was born in Grand Prairie, Texas. He attended the public schools, and Baylor University, Waco, Texas 1895-1901. Later, he studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1903, and commenced practice in Farmerville, the seat of Union Parish.

Elder served as mayor of Farmerville before he moved to Monroe and continued the practice of his profession. He was a member of the Louisiana Senate 1908-1912 and was elected as a Democrat to the Sixty-third Congress. He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1914.

After leaving Congress, Elder returned to the practice of law in Farmerville until January 1, 1925, when he relocated to Ruston and continued the practice of law until his death. He is interred at Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston.