Latta Malette Autrey
Latta Malette "LM" Autrey was an American politician who served one term as the 25th mayor of Orlando, Florida, from 1926 to 1929. Two of his former homes are now designated as historical landmarks, the Autrey-Williams House in Newton, Texas, built in 1912 and currently being restored by David Holmes, as well as the L. M. Autrey House in the Lake Eola Heights Neighborhood in Orlando, Florida.
Early life
Latta Malette Autrey was born on July 7, 1876, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, the first of six children born to Alfred Randley and Elizabeth R. Autrey. He was likely born in/near Eastover, North Carolina, as that is where he lived in 1880.
Marriage and children
Autrey married Leila Brannan on November 1, 1903, in Greene County, Mississippi. He had first met her there. They then decided to live there until around 1908 when the turpentine industry was exhausted. They then moved to Jasper, Texas. They had 7 children in the course of their marriage, Gladys, Lottie Mae, Anna "Annie" Rosa, Latta Malette Jr., Olive "Ollie", Elizabeth "Bessie", and Walter. The first three were born in Mississippi, and the rest were born in Texas.
Orlando Mayorship
Sometime before 1926, the family moved to Orlando, Florida. There, Latta decided to run for mayor, and won. He assumed duty on January 1, 1926. On January 1, 1929, he was replaced by his predecessor James LeRoy Giles. Following his defeat, the family relocated yet again to Valdosta, Georgia.
Death
Autrey died of coronary thrombosis caused by arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis on May 17, 1938, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was 61 years old. He was interred at Sunset Hill Cemetery.