WILLIAM WA1LES MAGRUDER, of Starkville, was born December 14, 1867, at Hazlewood, Madison County, Miss., and is the son of Dr. Augustin Freeland Magruder and wife, Julia (Abbey) Magruder. His paternal ancestors were Scotch, whose original name was McGregor, one of whom, Alexander Magruder, emigrated in 1655 to Maryland and established the family in America. Rev. Richard Abbey, D. D., maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was financial agent of the Publishing House of the M. E. Church, South, at Nashville, Tenn., for many years, and was the author of many books on religious subjects. Mr. Magruder attended the primary schools of Yazoo City, entered the University of Mississippi in 1883, and was a student there for two years; matriculated as a student at the A. and M. College in 1885; was graduated with the degree of B. S. in 1887; entered law school of University of Mississippi in 1894; was graduated in June, 1895, with special distinction, LL.B. degree; began practice of law at Starkville, Miss., in 1895; President of Security State Bank since 1898; President of Board of Trustees, Starkville public schools; elected to State Senate from Oktibbeha and Choctaw Counties (Twenty-third District) November 3, 1903. Mr. Magruder is a Democrat; has served on County and District Executive Committees; member of Methodist Church, steward; superintendent of Sunday-school; member of Sunday-school Board, North Mississippi Conference; member of Knights of Pythias; author of historical monograph, "The Legal Status of Slaves in Mississippi Before the War," Vol. IV Publications of Mississippi Historical Society. Mr. Magruder was married May 29, 1888, at Starkville, Miss., to Clemmic A. Henry, daughter of James Oliver Henry and wife, Mary (Brooks) Henry, of Starkville, Miss. Mrs. Magruder's father was a soldier of the Confederacy. Mr. and Mrs. Magruder have three children: William Wailes, Robert Henry and Augustin Freeland.