Louis P. “Pat” Cashman III continued a remarkable family legacy in Mississippi journalism while establishing his own record of leadership, community service and commitment to a strong local press.
A fourth-generation newspaperman, Cashman joined his family-owned newspaper, The Vicksburg Post, in 1974. The 1969 graduate of St. Aloysius High School and 1973 graduate of the University of Mississippi learned the newspaper business from the ground up, working production jobs that included operating the process camera and working in the pressroom before moving into advertising sales. He became publisher in 1987 following the retirement of his father.
Under Cashman’s leadership, The Vicksburg Post maintained its position as an influential voice in the community and a steadfast advocate for an informed citizenry. The newspaper continued to publish a full editorial page and was willing to take positions that were not always popular, reflecting Cashman’s belief that a newspaper’s responsibility was to provide readers with the balanced news, information and commentary necessary to make informed decisions about their community.
“It is one thing to inherit a family business and sustain it,” wrote Charlie Mitchell, former executive editor of The Vicksburg Post, in nominating Cashman for the Hall of Fame. “It’s quite another to manage the firm effectively, accepting leadership roles in the industry and in the commercial, social and spiritual life of the community.”
Cashman also earned the respect and loyalty of those who worked alongside him. Former colleagues praised his quiet leadership, his willingness to allow employees to do their jobs and his concern for the welfare of staff members and their families. He encouraged employees to participate in community activities and supported opportunities for them to improve their professional skills.
A past president of the Mississippi Press Association, Cashman was inducted into the MPA Hall of Fame in 2011, becoming the first third-generation honoree in its history. His grandfather, Louis P. Cashman Sr., was inducted in 1989, and his father, Louis P. Cashman Jr., followed in 2002.
Cashman’s influence extended well beyond the newspaper industry. He served his community through leadership roles with United Way, the Warren County Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Vicksburg Rotary Club. He also served on the Eagle Scout Review Board and Trustmark Bank Advisory Board and administered the Cashman Family Scholarship, which assists students attending the University of Mississippi.
For years, Cashman also gave up countless Saturdays to chauffeur newlyweds in his collection of vintage automobiles, asking only that couples make a donation to Magnolia Speech School. The tradition raised tens of thousands of dollars for the school.
An active member of First Presbyterian Church, Cashman served as a deacon and later as an elder and clerk of session.
Cashman and his wife, the former Barbara Millsaps of West Point, have two children, Amanda Kathleen and John Gordon.
Through his leadership of The Vicksburg Post, service to the newspaper industry and lifelong commitment to his community, Louis P. “Pat” Cashman III upheld a distinguished family tradition while building a legacy distinctly his own.
