Sarpy, Leon

Submitted by Mike Miller

Sarpy, Leon, was born in New Orleans, La., Feb. 22, 1838, and died in this city, Dec. 18, 1888. He was a son of Pierre Lestang and Pauline (Fortier) Sarpy. He was reared in New Orleans and given a fair education. When the Civil war came on, Mr. Sarpy, then a young man, volunteered his services to the Confederacy. He became a member of the famous cavalry, commanded by Col. Charles D. Dreux, and later served under Gens. Braxton Bragg, Johnston, Beauregard and Hood. He participated with gallantry in the battle of Shiloh, Missionary Ridge, Chickamauga, Murfreesboro, the Daton-to-Atlanta campaign and in General Bragg's campaign into Kentucky, and was paroled at Meridian, Miss., at the close of the war. Leon Sarpy became a planter in 1866 and planting was his life pursuit. He became a very successful planter, and for years ranked among the largest sugar growers of the state. He was the owner of 3 noted plantations, The "Prospect," "Goodhope," and "Crevasse," all three being in St. Charles parish. His country residence was a beautiful homestead. The greater part of his life was lived on the plantation. He was a thorough-going business man, and progressive planter. His success in life was due to his disposition to do well whatever he undertook. His prosperity was due to his energy together with his keen business foresight. He bore the reputation of being fair and just in his business transactions, and was highly esteemed for his regard for honesty. He was engrossed in his business as a planter, but not to that extent of neglecting his duty to his family or fellowman.

Mr. Sarpy was twice married. His first wife bore the maiden name of Felicié La Branche, and she bore him 2 daughters and 1 son. His second wife, who survives him, was Miss Anna Larue, the daughter of Felix Larue, who was a native of France and was a prominent cotton factor of New Orleans. His second wife was born in New Orleans and by her he became the father of 2 sons and 1 daughter. Mr. Sarpy was a member of the Catholic church, and in politics a democrat. He never sought political preferment, desiring to devote his time to his plantation interests. In manner he was unassuming, kind and just. He was endeared in his home life and there found his greatest delight and comfort. Henry Leon Sarpy, son of Leon and Anna (Larue) Sarpy, was born in New Orleans, Aug. 12, 1880; was reared for the greater part in New Orleans, and in 1900 received his degree of bachelor of arts from Spring Hill college, and then studied law, Charles T. Soniat becoming his preceptor and close friend, with whom he was associated, professionally, from the date of his admission to the bar until Oct., 1910. Mr. Sarpy studied law at Tulane university for 2 years, and then was admitted to practice by the supreme court, June 28, 1905. In Sept., 1910, he was commissioned a notary public, and becoming the official notary for the Whitney-Central National bank, he established himself in an office in the Whitney-Central building. Mr. Sarpy is a trustee of the Southwestern industrial institute, to which position he was appointed by Gov. Hall. Dec. 5, 1906, he married Miss Annita Louise Staigg, daughter of Mr. Robert Staigg, of New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. Sarpy have 2 sons, namely Leon and Robert H.

Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), p. 391. Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit.D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.