HENRY CLAUDE HUDSON, D. D. S. LL those doubting the efficacy of a young man's acquiring a trade in his early years should know the story of Dr. Henry Claude Hudson, D. D. S. of Shreveport, Louisiana. A trade not only provided him his daily bread, even when he was very young, but it was the agency whereby he gained funds to pursue his education and whereby he was able on at least one occasion to render almost price less service to himself and to his people.

Born in Marksville, Avoyles Parish, Louisiana, April 19th, 1886, his parents moved to Alexandria, La., when he was a five-year-old where he passed his early school days. Having aspiration for higher education he entered the eighth District Academy at Alexandria, where he prepared to enter college. However there was no means in sight to defray his expenses through school and so dropping out of school he went forth and became apprentice at brickmasonry. Having mastered this trade he reentered school and once more pursued his studies. From the academy in Alexandria, he went to Wiley University in Marshall, Texas. It was here that his trade served him in such good stead and did such excellent service for his people. When Dr. Hudson entered Wiley, in 1910, that institution was about to erect a Carnegie Library. All was ready except the labor. This was under the control of the unions. A dead lock insued. In this situation the young man came forward, stated that he was a brickmason and that he would take charge of the work and complete it, if the University would provide students to help. This was agreed to, and the library was built, much to the satisfaction of the university and the glory and profit of the young man.

Finding him a thoroughly reliable builder and that it saved money by his taking the contract, Wiley University soon had him on other buildings. Several dormitories for boys were to be erected. It engaged his services as superintendent, and thus erected its buildings with a considerable saving to itself and with no further trouble from the labor unions.
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Having now decided to become a dentist, and having solved pretty well the difficulty of financing himself, Dr. Hudson entered Howard University in Washington, D. C. Several times, however, he found during his course in dentistry that he could not turn his trade to immediate account. Competition was a good deal sharper in the North, he found, than it was in the South. Thus in his short vacations when time was exceedingly precious he turned his energies to whatever task his hands could find. He found the Pennsylvania Dining Car service the most immediate employment and the largest remuneration for a short space of time. Engaging in this service he was able to continue his education. Incidently he traveled all over the eastern states while he was in this work.

Graduating from the Howard University Dental course in June, 1913, he immediately returned to his home land and prepared for the state examinations. To make assurance doubly sure he took the examinations in two states, Louisiana and Arkansas. In both states he passed. Louisiana was his home, and in his home he preferred to try first. Hanging out his sign in Shreveport, he began his career as a dentist. His success has far exceeded even his ambition. In a short time he found that one chair was not sufficient to accommodate his patrons. He found also that he could not meet all the demands made upon him. He therefore set up a second chair and employed an assistant, a young lady who is giving most efficient service.

That he has been unusually successful as a professional man is shown from the amount he has been able to accumulate during the few years of his practice. Dr. Hudson owns his home, a very attractive residence on Jordan Street in Alexandria. He has equipped his office with the most up-to-date dental appliances available. All these he owns, having paid for them $3000.

Though genuinely interested in the life of Shreveport, Dr. Hudson has but little time to give to lodge or social engagements. Only his Sabbaths are free, and frequently only a part of these. He is a member of the St. James Methodist Episcopal Church of Shreveport, where he attends services, and takes such active part in church work as his time will allow. He was elected a member of the Board of trustees of Wiley University in May, 1918.

Dr. Hudson was married to Miss Thomey B. Thomas of Shreveport, September 14, 1914. Dr. and Mrs. Hudson have two children, Henry Claude, Jr., who was born January 5th, 1916; and Gloria T., who was born April 11, 1917.