This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.

---

HANCOCK HAWK
THE HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY-Published in co-operation with	pa	e	^5
Compiled by the	The	Hancock	Chamber of Commerce
Works Progress Administration
O
o
o
There are two large live Oaks and one large Cedar tree said to be over 150 years old at Napoleon, Miss. They are just back of the Napoleon Baptist Church. These trees are about 5 feet in diameter. Later when the trees and building were torn down coins were often found under them and have been the scene of many a treasure hunt. It was here that Simon Favre received the commission of the first Justice of the Peace of Hancock County about 1811 from Gov. Claiborne of Louisiana.
Gainesville oaks. These oaks mark the site of the first county seat in Hancock County which was built in 1853. In the early days in the history of Mississippi many of our prominent lawyers and citizens met and discussed the affairs of the day.
On the Claiborne Plantation is the tomb of Philip Saucier who received a land grant in 1781. Around this tomb are large oaks and pines. Growing in the center of the tomb is a small cedar tree about six inches in diameter.
On the Jackson Landing on Mulatto Bayou where Gen. Jackson landed his troops in the period of 1812 and 1815. From the Bayou Jackson Military Road runs North through a part of the county in Beat 1, point of leaving the county not known.
Near the Lakeshore depot is a large oak known as the duelling oak. Under this oak a duel had been fought over a belle of Bay St. Louis.
A large oak on the water edge near Dr. Lewis' Home is called the Suicide Oak. It is said to be the scene of several suicides of the past.
At Cedar Point, Bay St. Louis, old oaks marking the site of the town plantation. This was the first large plantation in Hancock County established in 1800.
The Keyes Gum tree on Whites Road near Pearlington is known as the Hangman's tree. Keyes was hung here during the Civil War. He was a deserter.
TheYe is no protection being given to these trees.
LARGEST TREES
The largest trees in Hancock County are listed as follows:	The
Viscoe Oak, The largest Pecan tree on Louise Necaise Place, two giant oaks and a cedar at Napoleon, and, the oaks at Gainesville.
DESCRIPTION OF THE LARGEST TREES
The largest live oak tree is located on the Viscoe place on the Jourdan River about 8 miles north of Bay St. Louis. This land is now in possession of Mrs. Dr. Carrol Allen of New Orleans. This tree measures 25 feet 4 inches in circumference seven and one half feet from the ground and has a limb spread of 151 feet north and south. A fine shaped tree and still in a healthy condition. Some protection should be provided for the preservation of this tree. There are so many fine specimens that are about uniform, but are not near as large as the Viscoe Oak. This tree has been photographed.
What is claimed to be the oldest and largest wild pecan tree is located on Mrs. Louise Necaise Place on the Picayune road near the old CCC Camp.(To be continued)