1914 Biography - Frederic J. Grace

Grace, Frederic Jumel, register of the state land office at Baton Rouge, is one of the best-known and most popular men of the state. Mr. Grace was brn at Plaquemne, Iberville parish, La. May 9, 1870, and is a member of one of the most influential families of that parish. His parents were Thomas E. and Elizabeth Camilla (Laughlin) Grace. His father was born in 1835, in the state of New York, and when a boy came with his parents to Louisiana. The family resided for a short time in Jackson, East Feliciana parish, and then removed to Plaquemine. Thomas E. Grace was educated at Notre Dame university, South Bend, Ind., and then studied law. He devoted the active years of his life to the practice of law in Plaquemine, and died there, in 1883, at the age of 48 years. He married Elizabeth Camilla Laughlin, who was born on ''Grand River plantation,'' Iberville parish, La. Her father was a native of Ireland, her mother came of Revolutionary stock, she being the daughter of a patriot who fell at the battle of Brandywine. Unto Thomas E. and Elizabeth Camilla (Laughlin) Grace the following children were born: Thomas E., who hecame a lawyer and died at the age of 31 years; Joseph A., now clerk Iberville parish courts and president of the Iberville Bank & Trust Co.; Dr. William L., a prominent physician of Plaquemine; Charles E., a well-known real estate dealer of Plaquemine; Frederic J., the immediate subject of this sketch; Augustine K., an active fire and life insurance agent of Plaquemine; Rev. Michael A., a Jesuit priest and prominent educator, now president of St. Charles college, at Grand Coteau, which college celebrated recently its 75th anniversary or diamond jubilee; Henry G., who died aged 20 years; Albert L., a well-known lawyer of Plaquemine, and 2 daughters, namely, Mary (Mrs. Miles E. Davidson of Plaquemine) and Ruth (Mrs. Patrick Barry, also of Plaquemine). Fred J. Grace was reared at Plaquemine and educated there in private schools and at St. Charles college, which institution, in 1912, conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. For 7 years after completing his education, Mr. Grace was engaged in sugar planting. Then, for 10 years, he was a traveling salesman for mill supplies. In 1908 Mr. Grace received the Democratic nomination for the important position of register of the state land office, and at the following election received a handsome majority. As a testimonial to his efficient services in this office he was, in 1912, again elected to the office for a term of 4 years. Since Mr. Grace has been register of the state land office he has radically improved the service rendered in this important state office. When, on account of the considerably reduced acreage of United States land in Louisiana, the several United States land offices in the state were to be consolidated, several cities were considered as locations for the office, and a heated contest ensued. When the United States surveyor 's office at New Orleans was closed, valuable maps and documents in its charge were sent to Baton Rouge, and placed in the custody of the state land office, and since this had been done and owing to the fact that all state affairs in regard to the land office were looked after at and from Baton Rouge, all maps, plat and field notes were held there, Mr. Grace took the position that the United States land office should he at Baton Rouge, and to him is largely due the fact that Baton Rouge was selected as the location for the United States land office, which has since been maintained there. In 1898 Mr. Grace married Miss May Dardenne, a daughter of John L. Dardenne, who was, for several years, clerk of court of Iberville parish. Mr. and Mrs. Grace have 3 daughters and 1 son, namely, Lucille May, Myrthe Elizabeth, Frederic J., Jr., and Aline. Mr. Grace belongs to several fraternal orders and among men is deservedly popular. He has forged his way to success by means of integrity, industry, energy and fair dealing with his fellowmen.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 184-185.