William H. Adams

William H. Adams, blacksmith and carriage maker, was born in Mississippi. He is the son of James A. and Margaret (Floyd) Adams, natives of South Carolina. Our subject grew to maturity in Mississippi, where he received his education. He learned the blacksmith trade with his father, at which, on his own account, he worked for a number of years. He then left Mississippi; and made a tour through eight different States, after which he located in the town of Baldwin, where he has since worked at his trade-blacksmithing and carriage making, his being the only establishment of the kind in Baldwin. March 24, 1873, he married Julia Forbes, a native of Mississippi, born in 1854, and daughter of Jonathan Forbes. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have a family of four children: Minnie, Medora, William Albert and John Quincy. Our subject was at one time constable of Leberton, Mississippi, and held the position for the period of one year.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 358-359.

Lenesse Alleman

Alleman Lenesse J., of the city of Lafayette, in the parish of Lafayette superintendent of the parish public schools, was born March 6, 1873, in the parish of Assumption, La.; the son of Narcisse and Orella (Simoneaux) Alleman, both natives of Assumption parish. The Allemans are of Spanish origin. They have been residents of Louisiana since the Spanish domination m that state. The Simoneaux family is of French descent, having emigrated from the mother country to Nova Scotia whence, fleeing from British tyranny they journeyed down to Assumption parish, with the large body of exiles called "Acadians" that settled in the southern parishes of the Pelican state, in 1765. Narcisse Alleman was a merchant. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in a Louisiana regiment, and served until the close of hostilities in 1865. Ten years later he removed to St. Mary parish and conducted a mercantile business in Centreville, where he died June 2, 1910, at the age of 69 years. Mrs. Alleman passed away in her fortieth year. The subject of this sketch was a member of a family of 5 sons and an equal number of daughters. He was educated in the public schools of Centreville; and at the Christian Brothers' college, Memphis, Tenn., graduating in 1892 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After having been a school teacher for several years, he took a professional course at the Louisiana State Normal school, from which he graduated m 1898. In order to be better qualified for the profession of teacher, Mr. Alleman followed one term at the Chicago university. He was placed in charge of the grammar school at Centreville with only two teachers and under his administration the school was advanced to the 11th grade and was issuing certificates to its graduates, entitling them to admission to higher institutions, without the formality of an examination. Through his efforts a sum of money was raised by subscription for the construction of a modern school building. In 1901 Mr. Alleman was appointed superintendent of schools in Lafayette parish - the second incumbent of that office under the Act of the Louisiana legislature of 1898 - and remained in service until 1907. In the latter year he was elected state institute conductor and assumed the duties in connection with the management of summer schools and teachers' institutes. During his administration which continued until 1912, the membership of the schools and institutes was doubled. Again called to the of superintendent of the Lafayette parish schools an 1912, Prof. Alleman pursued with renewed activity his system of improvements particularly in carrying out the provisions of the parish ordinance of 1902, levying a special tax for the benefit of school extension, and the erection of modern buildings. Twenty-three new schools were constructed, containing from 1 to 6 rooms; 2 of these edifices in the city of Lafayette are very large. The parish was the first to build consolidated schools and to transport the pupils in wagonettes to and from the places of study. The change from old to new methods has been effected during the excellent administration of Prof. Alleman, with the cooperation of able and public-spirited officials and the substantial aid and approval of the people of Lafayette parish. A high standard of education has been established; there is one teacher for not more than four grades, and thereafter the pupils are required to attend a central school. There is an approved agricultural high school of the consolidated type, with courses in agriculture and home economics, and having a 10-acre farm and model barn. Another agricultural high school of a different nature has teachers who go to the homes of the pupils, to demonstrate the best methods of getting results from the soil. In two other schools there are home economic instructors. In addition, the United States government, in conjunction with the parish school board, has a farm demonstrator wlio devotes one-half of his time to instructing adults, and the other half to teaching the boys and girls in agricultural clubs, which are organized solely among the school children. Prof. Alleman is a member of the National Educational association; and a member and secretary of the Louisiana State Teachers' association. In 1900 he married Miss Nellie Whitworth, of Iberia parish. They have 4 children, Ray W., Eleanor, L. J., Jr., and Florence W. Alleman.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 21-22.

Narcisse Alleman

NARCISSE ALLEMAN, CENTREVILLE. -- Narcisse Alleman was born in Assumption parish, Louisiana, August 10, 1841. He is the son of Jean B. and Angelina (Trahan) Alleman, both natives of Assumption parish, Louisiana.

Narcisse Alleman, at the age of fourteen years, entered the private schools of his parish and pursued his studies for a period of two years, when he left the school room for the farm. He gave his attention to farming for several years, and at the age of twenty-four engaged in merchandising, in which he continued until 1875 at that place. That year he removed to Centreville, St. Mary parish, where he again engaged in merchandising, in which he has continued until the present, and does a flourishing business. He carries a stock worth eight thousand dollars and his annual sales are twenty-five thousand dollars. The success which has attended Mr. Alleman is due to his business tact and judicious management. The comfortable circumstances which Mr. Alleman his attained is the result of his own efforts.

He was married in 1865 to Miss Orela Simoneaux, daughter of Joseph A. and Angelina (Landry) Simoneaux, both of Assumption parish, Louisiana. They are the parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters, viz: Lawrence S., Robert, Alcee J., Lenesse J., Avella C., Stella N., Laura S., Mary O., Corine E., and Charles J. Lawrence S. and Robert are associated with their father in his mercantile interests in Centreville, while Lawrence S. is also interested with his father in a sugar plantation adjoining the above town.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 358.

Albert Allen (1891)

ALBERT C. ALLEN, FRANKLIN. -- Albert C. Allen was born in Franklin, Louisiana, 1847. His father, Wm. P. Allen, was a native of Tennessee, born in Gallatin, in 1806. He removed to St. Mary parish early in life and became an extensive contractor and builder. Many of the extensive sugar houses of St. Mary parish are his architecture. He died in 1889. Our subject's mother, Caroline P. Nixon, was a native of Arkansas, born in Helena, 1808. She died December, 1879.

Albert C. is the eighth of a family of nine children. He spent the years of his minority in Tennessee, and at the age of nineteen he entered the profession of teacher in the common schools. He subsequently attended the law department of Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, graduating there- from in 1871. He practised [sic] as an attorney in the Nineteenth Judicial District till he was elected judge in 1886. He was re-elected in 1888, and now fills that position. He was married in 1874 to Miss Katie E. Johnson, of Franklin, Louisiana. There have been born to their marriage six children, four sons and two daughters.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 357.

Albert Allen (1914)

Allen, Albert C., attorney-at-law, Franklin, St. Mary parish, La. Was born at Franklin, La., Aug. 23, 1847; son of William P. and Caroline P. (Nixon) Allen, the former of whom was born at Gallatin, Tenn., in 1806, and the latter in the State of Missouri. Both parents died at Franklin, the mother in 1879, at the age of 60 years, and the father in 1889. When the mother was but 6 years old she had started on a trip down the Mississippi river in a boat accompanied by her father, sister and brother. Her mother had previously died. While the party was encamped near Memphis, her father, in crossing the river, was drowned, and the three small children left alone. Their situation was reported by friendly Indians, and they were taken in charge by white people. Through correspondence the relatives of the children were located near Franklin, La., and shortly afterward the orphans were carried to that place. The father, William P. Allen, was one of the pioneers of Franklin. He located there in 1830, as a contractor, and built most of the antebellum sugar houses of St. Mary parish. When the town of Franklin was incorporated, in 1834, Mr. Allen was elected the first mayor of the municipality. At one time he occupied the office of coroner of the parish. Albert C. was the 8th of 9 children born to his parents, only 3 now living. At the beginning of the Civil war there were four brothers in the family. Benton E. enlisted in Company G, 13th La. infantry. He attained the rank of lieutenant, was mortally wounded at the Battle of Shiloh, and died in the enemy's hands. David enlisted in the same company and regiment, served to the close of the war, and died in 1884. Robert W. enlisted in the same company as the other brothers, but was afterward honorably discharged because of physical disability. He later recovered, and enlisted as a member of Vinson's Scouts, serving to the close of the war. Albert C. enlisted in April, 1864, previous to his 17th birthday, as a member of Vinson's Scouts, Gen. Brent's brigade, and served until the surrender of his command, on June 10, 1865, 2 months after Gen. Lee's surrender. This was due to the fact that the command had been sent to Southern Louisiana, and until notified by the commander of a gunboat that had been sent to that locality, did not know of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith's army. Previous to his enlistment in the army, the young man had attended private schools at Franklin, and in April, 1866, he entered White Creek Springs academy, completing a 2-year course at that institution. Following this, he returned to St. Mary parish, and there taught in private and public schools for a time to secure means with which to prosecute his further studies. When this had been accomplished, he entered the law department of the University of Louisiana (now Tulane), from which he graduated in 1871, in the same class with Sen. Murphy J. Foster of Franklin. Following his graduation, he at once returned to Franklin and began the practice of his profession. In April, 1882, Mr. Allen was elected mayor of the City of Franklin, and reelected in 1884. While yet mayor, in 1886, he was elected district judge to fill the unexpired term of Judge Goode, and following this, was successively reelected to that station five times, three times without opposition. Judge Allen occupied this position longer than has any other man in the history of the court - 22 consecutive years, his last term expiring in 1908. In 1909, Judge Allen was appointed by Gov. Sanders as a member of the state Board of Pension Commissioners for Confederate soldiers, and remains incumbent of that position at this time. He has been a life-long democrat, is a member of the Episcopal church, and of the Masonic fraternity, having filled the exalted station of Grand Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana from 1898 to 1900, inclusive. At the time of the first agitation toward building the beautiful new courthouse that now adorns the central square of the City of Franklin, Judge Allen was one of the most active workers for the construction of the building. He served as a member of a committee appointed to go before the police jury of St. Mary parish and request the passage of an ordinance authorizing the expenditure of the necessary sum of money. The handsome structure cost $125,000, and Judge Allen was the first jurist to preside in the new building. His term as judge of the district court expired shortly after the completion of the new courthouse. He is now engaged in the practice of law in the City of Franklin. Dec. 3, 1874, Judge Allen was married to Miss Katie E. Johnson, of Franklin, a daughter of Cheney Johnson, one of the pioneers of St. Mary parish. Mr. Johnson removed from Maryland and located in St. Mary parish at a time when that region was very far from its present state of development. He owned and operated a line of boats between Franklin and New Orleans before and after the Civil war. During the war he operated his boats in the transport service of the Confederate government. To Judge and Mrs. Allen 6 children have been born, namely: Gracie Katie, Herbert G., Edna, Louise, William P., and A. C., Jr. The latter died in infancy.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 28-29.

C. P. Alpha

C. P. ALPHA, LAFAYETTE. -- C. P. Alpha, president of the police jury of Lafayette parish, was born in St. Mary parish, in 1846. His father was a native of Indiana, who came South and located in Louisiana in 1832, where he married the mother of our subject. The grandfather of C. P. Alpha served in the war of 1812, and was a participant in the battle of New Orleans. He afterward located in Washington City, and was subsequently appointed chief justice of the State of Indiana.

C. P. Alpha grew to maturity and received his education in St. Mary parish. He learned the trade of carpenter, and after locating in Lafayette parish, in 1871, became an extensive constructor and builder. He was elected a member of the town council of Lafayette and served six years. He was afterward justice of the peace and returning officer, and is also a notary public. He has served the parish faithfully, and as executive officer of the police jury has few superiors. In 1886 Mr. Alpha became engaged with the Waters Price Oil Company, and is now their agent at this place. He was married in Lafayette to Miss M. I. McBride. They are the parents of eight children, five girls and three boys.

Independence Alpha

C. P. ALPHA, LAFAYETTE. -- C. P. Alpha, president of the police jury of Lafayette parish, was born in St. Mary parish, in 1846. His father was a native of Indiana, who came South and located in Louisiana in 1832, where he married the mother of our subject. The grandfather of C. P. Alpha served in the war of 1812, and was a participant in the battle of New Orleans. He afterward located in Washington City, and was subsequently appointed chief justice of the State of Indiana.

C. P. Alpha grew to maturity and received his education in St. Mary parish. He learned the trade of carpenter, and after locating in Lafayette parish, in 1871, became an extensive constructor and builder. He was elected a member of the town council of Lafayette and served six years. He was afterward justice of the peace and returning officer, and is also a notary public. He has served the parish faithfully, and as executive officer of the police jury has few superiors. In 1886 Mr. Alpha became engaged with the Waters Price Oil Company, and is now their agent at this place. He was married in Lafayette to Miss M. I. McBride. They are the parents of eight children, five girls and three boys.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 201.

Edgard Aucoin

Aucoin, Edgard, sheriff of Assumption parish, La., was born in Lafourche parish, La., May 29, 1852, son of Louis Lovinsky and Emilie (Naquin) Aucoin, both of whom came from Acadia. The father was in the liquor business during many years. He removed from Lafourche parish and located at Labadieville, Assumption parish, in 1854, and there conducted his business until the time of his death, from yellow fever, in 1878. His wife survives him at this time and is residing at Labadieville. Edgard Aucoin is the eldest of 7 children born to his parents, the other children, in order of their birth, being: Louise, now the widow of C. A. Hebert, of Labadieville; Julie, now Mrs. William Achee, of Franklin, La.; Alice, widow of Duncan Demers, now living in Labadieville; Emile, now connected with the People's bank, New Orleans; Emelie, now Mrs. Whit. Gaudet, of New Orleans; Cecile, now Mrs. Joseph Gaudet, of Thibodaux, La. Edgard Aucoin's early educational advantages were very poor, because of the fact that the Civil war brought on such conditions as prevented his attendance at school, and for this reason his education was largely acquired without the aid of an instructor, but was no less thorough and practical, as his successful career has fully demonstrated. He, like other self-educated men, was, of course, slow in laying the foundation upon which to build, but he laid it well, as usually is the case with men who have the self-perfecting faculties well developed. He assisted his father in conducting the business until 1874, when he became a clerk in a mercantile house at Labadieville, where he remained until the year 1899. In the year 1888 he was elected treasurer of Assumption parish for a term of 4 years. In 1892 he was elected sheriff of Assumption parish for a term of 4 years. In 1898 he was again elected treasurer, and following the expiration of this term in that office was appointed assessor for the parish. In 1903 he resigned from the latter office to again become a candidate for the office of sheriff. In 1904 he was again elected sheriff of Assumption parish and has been successively reelected since that time, being now incumbent of that office. Sheriff Aucoin is a member of the Catholic church. June 24, 1874, Edgard Aucoin was married to Miss Adolphine Graziani, a daughter of Joseph and Marie (Francioni) Graziani, both of whom were natives of Corsica. Mr. Graziani conducted a general merchandise business at Labadieville during many years. His wife died of yellow fever in 1878 and his death followed in the next year. Sheriff and Mrs. Aucoin have one daughter, Emilie, now Mrs. J. J. Pierson, of Thibodaux. Mr. and Mrs. Pierson have 4 children, namely: Marguerite, Esther, Marcella, and John Marion.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 483-484.

Monroe Baker

MONROE BAKER, ST. MARTINVILLE. -- Mr. Baker is an enterprising citizen and successful planter of St. Martin parish. He is a native of St. Mary parish, born in 1824 He is the son of Isaac and Margaret Baker, both of whom are natives of Nashville, Tenn. They moved to St. Mary parish at an early date, and later to St. Martinville. Isaac Baker was one of the leading members of the St. Martinville bar. He died in the prime of his manhood in 1832.

The subject of this sketch is an only child. His father had accumulated quite a fortune before his death, and left his widow and son a competency. He had good educational advantages, and improved them.

Mr. Baker was married in 1845 to Miss Mary L. Barrier, of St. Martinville, daughter of Felix and Harriet Barrier. To this union have been born twelve children: Gustave, Samuel, Rosa, Emily, Felix, Narinska, Anthony, Joseph, Gualbert, Valmort, Lancy and Anne.

Mr. Baker has considerable property in St. Martinville, and has given all his children a good start in life. He and his family are Catholics.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 310.

1914 Biography - William Chapman Baker

Baker, William Chapman. — District attorney, Franklin, St. Mary parish, La., was born on a farm in Copiah county, near Hazlehurst, Miss., June 6, 1878; son of Everard Green Baker, a native of Jefferson county, Miss., and a planter and farmer of Jefferson, Panola, and Copiah counties of that state. The father served in the Confederate Army from the beginning to the end of the civil war, as a member of a Mississippi regiment. He was a graduate of Bardstown University, Kentucky, and a man of unusual culture and refinement. His fortune, like that of many others of the time, was greatly depleted by the ravages of the civil war. The father died in March, 1889. Everard Green Baker was married to Miss Sally Flemming, a daughter of John Flemming, who came from Scotland and located in Adams county, Miss., where he had large land interests which are yet in the family. Sally, his daughter, mother of William Chapman Baker, was born in Adams county, Miss., and is at this time living at Hazlehurst, that State. Everard Green Baker was twice married, his first marriage having been to Miss Laura Alexander. Five children resulted from this first union, three sons and two daughters. To his second marriage fourteen children were born. Fifteen of the father's children grew to maturity, and thirteen are living at this time. William Chapman Baker, who was so named for a Grand Rapids, Mich., cousin of his father, attended a country school, one-and-a-half miles from his home, for two short terms — nine months in all. When thirteen years old he ran away from home, making his way to Raymond, Miss., where a brother-in-law, W. W. Dawning by name, held the office of Clerk of the County court. The lad became a clerk in the store of J. S. Armstrong, and there remained until Sep. 21, 1896, when he secured the position of overseer on the plantation of J. K. G. Kitridge, in Assumption parish, La., occupying this place until the autumn of 1899. At the latter date he removed to St. Mary parish, accepting a place as assistant overseer to J. E. Munson, who was overseer for L. S. Clark, on what is now the Lagenda Plantation, near Patterson. He continued in this latter place until June 1901, when he was commissioned as manager for Capt. J. N. Pharr, on Fairview Plantation, for one year, following this with a summer vacation spent visiting relatives. In the autumn of 1902, Mr. Baker entered the office of Judge Charles O'Neill, at Franklin, now associate Justice of the State Supreme court and began the study of law. After six months of study his finances became so low that he was forced to seek some means for replenishing his pocketbook, and securing a notarial commission he went to Morgan City and opened an office as a notary public. The notary business proved equal to the occasion, and all time that was not required for making affidavits he frugally applied to the private study of his law books. This progressed so well that some time during the winter of 1905 he passed an examination before a committee of the Opelousas Bar Association, and in March of 1906 was examined before the supreme court and obtained a certificate entitling him to practice law. He at once became a practicing attorney of Morgan City, and resided there until Jan. 1, 1909, when his office was changed to Franklin. In 1908 Mr. Baker was a candidate for the state legislature, but failed to poll a sufficient number of votes to put him in the house of representatives. In 1912 he became a candidate for the office of district attorney, and was elected without opposition. Sept. 20, 1904, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Eva Gray, a daughter of C. S. Gray of Morgan City, La. They have one child, Everard Winchester, born July 26, 1905. Mr. Baker is an independent democrat, and a member of the Episcopal church.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 33-34.

Alfred Barnard

ALFRED G. BARNARD, NEW IBERIA. – Alfred G. Barnard, sheriff of Iberia parish, is a native of St. Mary parish, Louisiana, born August 21, 1854. He is the son of John and Cornelia (Gates) Barnard, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter a native of Louisiana, of Welsh and French extraction, respectively.

Sheriff Barnard was reared in St. Mary parish, and completed his education at the Louisiana State University, at Baton Rouge. After leaving College he began life as a planter in St. Mary parish, which vocation he followed four years, when he removed to Iberia parish, 1878, and, in partnership with his uncle, Judge Fred Gates, he operated a cotton seed oil mill. Subsequently he withdrew from this and became a member of the firm of T. A. Hebert & Co., druggists. He was elected sheriff of Iberia parish in 1888. His term will expire in 1892.

Mr. Barnard married, in 1878, Miss Martha D. Valcourt, of New Iberia. They are the parents of two children. He is a member of the F. and A. M., Aurora Lodge, No. 39, also of the K. of P., of New Iberia.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 95.

D. A. Baldwin

David A. Baldwin (1835-1901) was a highly successful **sugar planter and mill owner** who ran the influential "Home Place" plantation near the town named for his family, Baldwin. He was known for pioneering the use of **steam-powered centrifugal technology** in his mill, significantly improving the efficiency and quality of sugar refining in the parish.

Baldwin was a staunch conservative Democrat and held considerable political clout, though he rarely sought public office himself, preferring to focus on his massive agricultural enterprises.

Louis Belanger

Dr. Louis Belanger was a **prominent physician and pharmacist** in Patterson, Louisiana. He was one of the first doctors in the parish to advocate for and successfully implement **antiseptic surgical procedures** in the late 19th century. His pharmacy, founded in 1895, became a local institution, providing essential medical supplies and compound medicines to the surrounding logging camps and small communities.

He dedicated much of his practice to treating indigent families and promoting basic sanitation to combat communicable diseases.

Felix Bonvillain

Captain Felix Bonvillain was a well-known figure in the region's maritime industry, operating a fleet of small **steamboats and tugs** that navigated the bayous and rivers of St. Mary Parish. His company primarily transported sugarcane, machinery, and supplies between the various plantations and the large processing mills, acting as a crucial logistical link for the local economy.

He was a member of the local Masonic Lodge and lived in a stately home overlooking the Teche, a testament to his success in the shipping trade.

Victor Boutte

Victor Boutte was a **successful merchant and property investor** in the town of Franklin. Born in 1860, he inherited a small dry goods store and expanded it into a major retail establishment, offering everything from hardware to fine clothing. His business acumen was recognized across the parish, and he was elected to the town council on a platform of supporting local business growth and improving public infrastructure.

He was married to Elise Comeaux, and they were active in the local Catholic church and various civic organizations.

Achille Broussard

Achille Broussard was a distinguished **civil engineer and architect** responsible for designing several major public buildings in St. Mary Parish in the early 20th century, including the addition to the parish courthouse and the design of the new municipal market in Franklin. He was educated in Paris and brought a distinct, classical revival style to his projects.

In addition to his professional career, he served as a commissioned officer in the state militia and was an outspoken advocate for the conservation of Louisiana's coastal wetlands.

O. D. Berwick

O. D. BERWICK, FOSTER. -- O. D. Berwick is a native of St. Mary parish, born in 1842. He is the son of David and Louise (Garrett) Berwick, both natives of this parish. David Berwick was an extensive planter and owned and conducted three plantations on Bayou Sara. He died in 1874, and his wife in 1865. Joseph Berwick, father of David and grandfather of our subject, was the first settler in the vicinity of the bay which bears his name.

O. D. Berwick is one of a family of nine children, four of whom are living, viz.: Louisa, widow of Dr. S. Allen; Oscar Dudley, our subject; Addie, wife of N. K. Todd, Mary, wife of J. D. Capon. O. D. Berwick was educated in Hanover College, Virginia. In 1861 he entered St. Mary Cannoneers and served during the whole of the war in the department of Louisiana. After the [sic] [this] he engaged in planting on the place where he now resides, he being among the very few planters who occupy the same plantation they did before the war. His place is located on Bayou Sal‚, six miles west of Foster. It consists of fifteen hundred acres of land, four hundred of which are under cultivation, the remainder being swamp lard. He grows chiefly sugar cane, and averages two thousand pounds per acre. Its yield in 1890, was over three thousand pounds per acre. Mr. Berwick married, in 1866, Miss Virginia A. Dungan, of St. Mary parish; she died in 1888, leaving eight children, six sons and two daughters, viz.: James D., Louis, Oscar D. Jr., Joseph W., Virginia, David, Walter and Edward. He is a member of the K. of H., and was police juror for two years, having been appointed by Gov. Nicholls. In 1889 he married, again, Miss Eveline Dungan, daughter of Dr. Jas. B. Dungan, a prominent physician of this parish.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 361-362.

C. P. Binnings, Jr.

C. P. BINNINGS, JR., BALDWIN. -- C. P. Binnings, Jr., was born in Thibodeaux, Louisiana, 1856. He is the son of C. P. and S. A. (Lawless) Binnings. C. P. Binnings, Sr., was a native of London and his wife of Kentucky. He was a painter, and died in 1872; his widow is living and resides in Thibodeaux.

C. P. Binnings, Jr., received a common school education when quiet young, and at the age of thirteen years he entered business on his own account by learning sugar refining, and continued in this until 1878, when he engaged in planting in Iberville parish, where he remained for about four years. He then took charge of Capt. Nolan's plantation on Bayou Lafourche, where he remained for about a year and a half. Afterward he engaged in steamboating, and gave his attention to this in the summer and during the winter months boiled sugar. In September, 1886, be took charge of the Des Lignes and Saule plantations, where he now resides. That year they made four hundred and fifty-one thousand pounds of sugar, and in 1890, on the same property, made three million seven hundred and fifty thousand pounds of sugar. Mr. Binnings was married, April, 1890, to Mrs. Lily B. Hampton (nee Sharp), a native of Ascension parish.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 363.

M. Block

M. BLOCK is a thrifty merchant of Franklin, Louisiana. He is the son of Isaac and Fannie (Tugenheim) Block.

Isaac Block was born in France, 1793, and never came to America. He was by occupation a merchant. Fannie Block was born in France, 1793.

Our subject received a fair elementary education in France, and after having left school and served as a clerk in mercantile business for a short period, he came to America, 1848. He landed at New Orleans and soon located in Franklin. His first experience here was as a clerk in a gents' furnishing goods store. He quit this business and went on the road as a peddler till 1856. He then opened business for himself at Berwick City, where he remained till the breaking out of the war, when he removed to New Orleans and remained till the war closed, when he removed to Franklin and opened business for himself, and in this still remains and has been highly successful.

He was married in 1871 to Miss Annette Levy. Eight children were born to this marriage -- six sons and two daughters. His wife is a native of France, but came to this country at the age of fourteen years.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 364.

Phillip Bodenheimer

PHILIP BODENHEIMER, GLENCOE, partner, and manager of the firm of Bodenheimer & Bro., is a native of Germany, born November 24, 1865. He is the son of Lazarus and Therese (Mendelbaum) Bodenheimer, both natives of Germany. Philip Bodenheimer was reared in his native country, and at the age of five entered school, attending constantly until he had attained the age of sixteen years, when he left school and engaged as a clerk in a factory, in which he served for two years. Later he became traveling agent for this factory, and was employed in this capacity for a similar length of time. In 1884 he removed to New Orleans, where he was located for a period of five months. In 1885 he removed to Glencoe, St. Mary parish, and has since conducted successfully at that place a large mercantile business. Mr. Bodenheimer is a shrewd manager, and his business is continually growing. The firm carries a stock of about eight to ten thousand dollars, and does an annual business of forty thousand dollars. The firm is conducted in partnership with Mrs. B. Bodenheimer, under the firm name of Bodenheimer & Bro.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 359-360.

Dolze Bodin

DOLZE BODIN, BALDWIN. – Dolze Bodin was born in St. Mary parish, February 4, 1832. He is the son of Gregoire and Pelagie (LeBlanc) Bodin, natives of Acadia and Lafayette, respectively.

Our subject was reared in St. Mary parish, attending schools in the neighborhood. At the age of fourteen he became an overseer and for three years was engaged in that business. He married Celeste Langlinay, a native of St. Mary parish, born August 10, 1834, and daughter of Alexander Langlinay. To this marriage five sons and three daughters have been born: Emma, Celestine, Jules O., John U., Esparie, Joseph B., Alexander and Gregoire. Our subject owns three hundred acres of land, one hundred and twenty-five of which are in cultivation, principally in corn, potatoes and sugar cane. On his place he has erected a four-foot, three-roller sugar mill.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 362.

Emile Bodin

EMILE BODIN, CYPREMORT. – Emile Bodin was born December 1, 1834, in Vermilion parish. He is the son of Gregory and Pelagie (LeBlanc) Bodin, the former a native of Acadia parish and the latter of Lafayette.

Emile Bodin was reared in St. Mary parish, where he received a limited education in the common schools of that locality. Since beginning business life he has given his attention to agricultural pursuits, which occupation he still continues. He was married to Miss Celestine Bourque, daughter of Jean T. and Josephine (Tebeau) Bourque, both natives of Vermilion parish. Mrs. Bodin died December, 1888, having become the mother of four sons and three daughters, viz: Emile, Jr., Naurbert, Celestine, Joseph, Desire, Cecelia, Albert, Josephine, wife of Arthur Prevost; they are the parents of five children, viz: Arthur, Celestine; Clara, Olivia (deceased), Eurcile. Mr. Bodin owns one thousand acres of land, two hundred being under cultivation, principally in cotton and sugar cane. He has a steam power roller mill on his place.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 362.

W. S. BORAH, M.D., BALDWIN. -- Dr. W. S. Borah, of St. Mary parish, was born in Fairfield, Illinois, February 18, 1849. He is the son of William N. and Eliza (West) Borah, who were also natives of Illinois.

W. S. Borah was educated in the public schools until he reached the age of eighteen years, when he was sent to Michigan, where he attended a commercial college for a short period. He then returned to Illinois where he married Miss Martha Creighton, a daughter of John M. and Mary Ann (Crews) Creighton, a native of Illinois, born June 22, 1851. Dr. Borah and wife became the parents of four children, three sons and one daughter, viz: Carrie Lee, Ernest L., Tom G., William C.

Dr. Borah engaged in agricultural pursuits in Illinois for a year but desiring to engage in commercial business of some character he sold his farm and entered the grain business, which he followed for three years but meeting with heavy losses was obliged to retire from that pursuit. He then determined to study medicine, and for a year and a half read medicine under a preceptor and opened practice in Arkansas, where he met with excellent success for three years, at the end of which time he emigrated to Louisiana, where he had long desired to make his home. He practiced medicine here and still has a very remunerative practice. When the Doctor came to Louisiana his circumstances were not affluent, but he now owns a drug store at Baldwin and carries a stock of six hundred dollars. He is also proprietor of a livery stable in which he has interested fifteen hundred dollars. In these two businesses he is in co-partnership with his brother. Dr. Borah is an energetic business man.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 359.

Milliard Bosworth

MILLARD BOSWORTH, CYPREMORT -- Millard Bosworth was born in New Orleans in 1850. His father, A. W. Bosworth, was a native of Maine, and his mother, Matilda Weir, was of English extraction, and was born in the West Indies. A. W. Bosworth was an ice manufacturer for a number of years. He served during the entire Civil War, starting out as a major of the Crescent Regiment; he was promoted to colonel, and, upon the death of General Mouton, was placed at the head of that command. He served as alderman in New Orleans both before and after the war. He was vice president of the Mutual National Bank, of New Orleans. He died October 9, 1886, his widow surviving him two years.

Millard Bosworth is the second son of a family of five children: C. H., Millard, the subject, W. S., Emily, and Anna B.

C. S. Bosworth occupies a position in the post-office in New Orleans. Millard Bosworth in his boyhood attended schools in New Orleans, and afterward was sent to college at Belle View, Virginia. Upon leaving college he was engaged as clerk, afterward entering the ice business.

He married in 1875 Miss Lucy Moore, of New Orleans.

In 1876 Mr. Bosworth disposed of his ice business and became interested in sugar planting, purchasing Matilda plantation, which consists of seventeen hundred acres of land lying along the west bank of the Teche. Over one thousand of the seventeen hundred acres are susceptible of cultivation. He grows chiefly sugar cane. The soil on his place is very fertile and yields an average of three thousand pounds of sugar per acre. Mr. Bosworth's refinery is operated on the central system, and has a capacity of fifty thousand pounds of sugar per day. It uses the products of over forty different plantations. The refinery is equipped with large vacuum pans and first-class machinery throughout. The products of this refinery are classed as high as those of any other of the State. In his refinery as well as on his plantation, Mr. Bosworth is his own manager, and to this fact is due, no doubt, the superior results of his enterprises.

Mr. Bosworth is not a politician in the sense that he desires public office. He was appointed police juror of the first ward in 1882, and has held the position ever since. He is a member of the American Legion of Honor, a mutual benevolent association.

He is the father of eight children, five sons and three daughters-Rachal W., Millard M., Nannie M., Mary W., Albert S., Abel W., Charles A., Lawrence S.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 363-364.

James Brown

JAMES B. BROWN, LOUISA. -- James B. Brown was born in Terrebonne parish, Louisiana, February 8, 1857. He is the son of Simon and Elmira (Stoufflet) Brown. He was educated in the common schools of the parish and afterward in the University at Baton Rouge, where he was for a period of eighteen months State cadet. On leaving school he engaged as an overseer of a plantation and served in this capacity for different parties at various times. He was engaged in 1887 as overseer of the Ivanhoe plantation south of Bayou Cypremort and north of Cypremort branch railroad, owned by Mrs. E. D. Burguieres. Upon this place Mr. Brown resides with his family. He was married in 1879 to Miss Bridget Burguieres, a native of St. Mary parish and daughter of Ernest D. Burguieres, of Lower Cypremort. They are the parents of three children, viz: Robert L., Joseph Clifford and James E., Jr. Mrs. [sic] Brown stands high as a planter and his success is due to the intelligent care which he pursues in grow in cane.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 362-363.

J. M. Burguieres

J. M. BURGUIERES, LOUISA. – Jules Martial Burguieres was born April 17, 1850, in Terrebonne parish, Louisiana. He is the son of Eugene Dennis Burguieres and Marie M. Verret. Eugene D. Burguieres was born in Paris, France, and removed to Louisiana early in life, where he married in 1836. To his union three sons and four daughters were born: Ernest Dennis, Pauline Camila, Jacqueline Annette, Marquerite Annette, Jules M. and Lenfroy, all of whom were reared in Terrebonne parish. Jules M. Burguieres attended private and public schools in Terrebonne parish, principally in Houma, and received a good business education. At the age of sixteen years he began work in the Clerk's office under the well known Herry Newell, one of Terrebonne's most honored citizens. Young Burguieres continued work in the clerk's, recorder's, and sheriff's offices of Terrebonne parish until the year 1874, when he leased a plantation near Chacahoula, in Terrebonne parish, and embarked in planting. His crop was destroyed by the overflow of that year, and he suffered a loss of $3,000. The same year he bought a half interest in a plantation on Bayou Cypremort, which a few years afterward he sold, and purchased Cypremort plantation for $90,000, upon which he spent a large amount of money and made substantial improvements, among which was the erecting of a refinery, and five-roller sugar mill of large capacity. In June, 1889, he bought Scally place, now known as Florence plantation. This plantation is one of the finest in the State, and its soil is of inexhaustible fertility. It was purchased at a cost of $80,900. The combined sugar capacity of Cypremort and Florence plantations amounted in 1890 to 3,300,000 pounds. Mr. Burguieres is the possessor of a comfortable fortune, which he has amassed by his own unaided efforts, not having inherited a dollar of property, and constantly having to help others less fortunate than himself in their business undertakings. Mr. Burguieres in the summer of 1890 employed the J. M. Ware Well Company to sink an artesian well on Cypremort plantation, which has proved an entire success. Our subject was married April 21, 1873, to Miss Marie Corinne Patout. They are the parents of eight living children, six sons and two daughters: J. P. Dennis, Joseph E., Marie Louise, Florence Clothilde, Jules M., Jr., Ernest I., Henry S. and Charles Patout Burguieres.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 360-361.

Lenfroy Burguieres

LENFROY BURGUIERES, BALDWIN. -- Lenfroy Burguieres was born in Louisiana, April 27, 1852. He is the son of E. D. and M. M. (Verret) Burguieres natives of France and Louisiana, respectively. Our subject was reared in Terrebonne parish, where he entered a private school at the age of twelve years, and remained until he had attained his majority, when he engaged in merchandising, which, however, he abandoned later and turned his attention to planting. From Terrebonne parish he removed to St. Mary, and is still a resident of this place. By energy and industry Mr. Burguieres has achieved the highest success. His plantation consists of four hundred and fifty acres of fine land, three hundred of them being under cultivation. He raises principally corn and cane. That his plantation products might be more remunerative our subject erected a fine sugar house, which manufactures syrup and sugar. He was for seventeen months recorder of Terrebonne parish. He married, December 30, 1885, Elodie Bonin, a native of this parish, born August 5, 1843.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 361.

1925 Biography - John Murphy Caffery

John N MURPHY CAFFERY, manager of the Columbia Sugar Company, planters and refiners at Franklin, represents a very distinguished family of Louisiana, his father having represented the state in the United States Senate, and he and two of his brothers having made creditable records in military affairs.

Mr. Caffery was born on Bethia plantation near Franklin, Louisiana, September 14, 1877. The Caffery family came from Scotland to Virginia in Colonial times. His grandfather, Donelson Caffery, was born in Tennessee and was a descendant of the Donelson family which also came from Scotland. His great-great grandfather was John Donelson, who served as an officer in the Revolutionary army and whose daughter Rachel married Andrew Jackson. Donelson Caffery as a young man bought Bethia plantation, situated a mile west of Franklin, Louisiana, and operated it until his death in 1836. He married Lydia Murphy, who was born at Edenton, North Carolina, and died on Bethia plantation in 1884.

The late Senator Donelson Caffery was born on Bethia plantation in 1834, was reared there, attended St. Mary’s College in Baltimore, studied law, and for several years was engaged in sugar planting in the Cypremort section of St. Mary Parish. He was a Confederate soldier throughout practically the entire period of the war between the states, being on the staff of General Walker. After the war he returned to Louisiana, was admitted to the bar and during subsequent years earned a high place as a lawyer. He served one term as state senator and as United States senator two terms, being first appointed in 1892 to fill an unexpired term, while in 1894 he was elected for the full term of six years. After leaving the Senate he practiced law until his death, on December 26, 1906. He was a staunch democrat, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church and the Masonic fraternity. Senator Caffery married Miss Bethia Richardson, who was born on Bayside plantation, near Jeanerette, in 1846, and died at New Orleans in May, 1917. They had a family of nine children: Donelson, a practicing attorney at New Orleans; Frank R., a sugar planter who died near Franklin in 1910; R. Earl a cattle dealer and raiser near Franklin; Gertrude, wife of Henry H. Glassie, a member of the United States Tariff Commission, living at Chevy Chase, Maryland; John M.; Liddell, who became a lieutenant in the United States Marines and died at Pensacola, Florida, in 1901; Miss Bethia R., of Chevy Chase, Maryland; Charles S., who is a major of infantry in the United States Army and served three years in France; and Edward, who is United States vice-consul at Bucharest, Roumania.

John Murphy Caffery entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, graduating with the class of 1901. He was commissioned an ensign, and remained in the service six years, resigning in 1907. During the next three years he was an oil operator at Jennings, Louisiana, and in 1910 took the position of manager of the Columbia Sugar Company, operating the plantation of thirty-five hundred acres three miles north of Franklin and also the refinery owned by the company. The company has in its employ about one hundred hands. These responsibilities make Mr. Caffery an important factor in the sugar industry of Louisiana. In addition he is vice-president of the St. Mary Bank and Trust Company, and vice-president of the St. Mary Hardware Company at Franklin.

Mr. Caffery is a democrat, a member of the Unitarian Church, is affiliated with Franklin Lodge No. 57, F. and A. M., Cyrus Chapter No. 12, Royal Arch Masons, at Franklin, the Consistory of the Scottish Rite at New Orleans, and Jerusalem Temple of the Mystic Shrine at New Orleans. He is a life member of Franklin Lodge No. 1387, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

In May, 1917, soon after America declared war on Germany, Mr. Caffery volunteered his services to the government, was commissioned a lieutenant in the United States Navy, and throughout the war acted as captain of the yard at the naval station at Algiers, Louisiana. receiving his honorable discharge November 11, 1918, the day after the signing of the armistice.

Mr. Caffery married at Franklin, October 26, 1909, Miss Mary Frere, daughter of Alexander G. and Lulu (Clegg) Frere. Her father, who died at Franklin, was a druggist and was sheriff of St. Mary Parish several terms. Mrs. Caffery completed her education at Newcomb College, New Orleans, and at the State Normal College. Their four children are John, Donelson, Mary and Clegg.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from A History of Louisiana, by Henry E. Chambers, published in 1925, volume 3, page 7.

1891 Biography - Louis Callery

LOUIS CALLERY, GLENCOE. – Louis Callery was born in St. Mary parish, Louisiana, March 14, 1861. He is the son of Gustave A. and Clara Emilie (Sigur) Callery, both of whom were natives of Iberville parish, Louisiana. Gustave Callery was born July 28, 1832. He is the son of Dulreil A. and Adele (Sigur) Callery, the former a native of Paris, France, and the latter of Louisiana. Gustave Callery was reared in Iberville parish and received his education in St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, and at Bardstown, Kentucky. After leaving school he returned to his home, and five years later he married our subject's mother. To this union were born five sons and one daughter, viz: G. Ambroise, died November 5, 1882; Louis Emile, the subject of this sketch; Edward J., Charles H., John A., Bertha Rosa. Later in life Mr. Callery removed to St. Mary parish where he purchased a plantation of twenty-four hundred acres of land on Bayou Cypremort, upon which he erected a sugar mill and engaged in the sugar culture, in which he continued until recent years when he retired from business and placed the plantation under the control of his sons.

The subject of this sketch was reared in St. Mary parish, where he received his primary education in the neighboring schools. Later he attended St. Charles College for six years. After leaving college Mr. Callery assumed charge as manager of his grandmother's plantation, which he at present conducts. The plantation consists of six hundred acres of land, which is cultivated chiefly in cane and corn. Mr. Callery was married September 18, 1889, to Miss Mary Lambremont, a daughter of Dr. P. M. Lambremont, of Iberville parish. To this union a daughter has been born, Louise.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 365.

1891 Biography - W. H. Cary

W. H. CARY, MERMENTEAU. -- W. H. Cary, in partnership with J. J. Bibbins, operates one of the largest rice plantations in Louisiana. The product of their plantation in 1889 was thirty-five hundred barrels of rice. The plantation consists of four hundred and fifty acres of land, one hundred and fifty of which are under cultivation. Mr. Cary is a native of Louisiana, born in St. Mary parish in 1843. He is the son of J. B. and Eleanor (Gordy) Cary. J. B. Cary was a native of New York. He removed to Louisiana early in life, where he worked at the carpenter trade. He married our subject's mother in St. Mary parish, and they were the parents of eight children, of whom W. H. is the third in order of birth. Only three of the family are living, viz.: W. H., R. E. and J. B. The father died in 1855, and the mother in 1887. Both were members of the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Cary is an enterprising young business man, and has made a good start in life. His farm is a model one and well improved; he has on it a small orange grove, besides other fruit trees. His partner, Mr. Bibbins, is a young man of high standing in business and social circles. He was born in Ohio, in 1854, and is the son of J. J. and Mary (Fish) Bibbins, of New York. J. J. is the second of a family of three children born to them. He removed to Louisiana in 1870, and owns one hundred and sixty acres of land at this place, which he has since well improved. By trade he is a carpenter, but devotes most of his time to planting.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 254-257.

1891 Biography - Z. T. Cook

Z. T. COOK, BERWICK. – Z. T. Cook was born in Louisiana, March 24, 1848. He is the son of William H. and Marcelite (Hayes) Cook, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Louisiana.

Z. T. Cook was reared in St. Mary parish, where, at the age of six years, he entered a private school, attending until he had reached the age of ten years, after which time he engaged in farming, which he has continued up to the present time. He was married in 1873 to Mrs. Aleda Salvo, a native of Louisiana, and daughter of A. J. Stansbury and Florence Boudreau, both natives of this State. To this union eight children have been born, viz: Alden Andrew, Allen, Horace, Allison, Alonzo, Albert (deceased), Alfred and Z. T., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Cook operates the Glenwild plantation, which is located on the Teche, about six miles below Pattersonville, in St. Mary parish. It consists of six hundred acres, all of which are under cultivation, principally in cane and corn. The capacity of the mill is very great, one of the vacuum pans having a capacity for fifteen thousand pounds of sugar in six hours, and the other twelve thousand pounds in the same time. In 1890 they grew fifteen thousand tons of sugar cane, and three hundred thousand pounds of sugar.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 364-365.

1891 Biography - Alexander Doty

ALEXANDER DOTY, SCALLEY. -- Alexander Doty was born in the parish of St. Mary, September 24, 1835. He is the son of Robert Doty, who was also a native St. Mary parish, born about 1827. Robert Doty was a successful planter, and had accumulated quite a fortune at the time of his death in 1867. He served as a soldier through the entire Civil War, and two of his brothers fell in the battle of Port Hudson, one killed, the other mortally wounded, and died soon after.

Alexander Doty is one of a family of seven children, six of whom are living: Oscar, planter of St. Mary parish; Alexander, the subject of this sketch; Henderson, planter of St. Mary parish; Alice, wife of Abnel Dary; Frank, and Mary, wife of Alfred Tonson. Alexander Doty was reared in St. Mary parish and received a limited education in its schools. His father having died when our subject was but ten years of age, it became necessary for him to enter active business early in life. Thus thrown upon his own resources he became a laborer on the farm, and in this he has since continued. Mr. Doty has always used the greatest business tact in the management of his plantation and has become one of the successful planters of his section. He and his brother own a good plantation, which they cultivate in cane and corn. The place is also well stocked. Mr. Doty was married August 16, 1889, to Miss Anna Idell, of St. Mary parish.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 366.

1891 Biography - John T. Dunesnil

JOHN T. DUNESNIL, BALDWIN. -- John T. Dunesnil was born in St. Mary parish, January 7, 1834. He is the son of Theodore and Adele (Tenhold) Dunesnil, the former a native of France and the latter of Lafourche parish.

John T. Dunesnil was reared in St. Mary parish, and at the age of ten years he entered a private school and received a good education. He began business life as a planter, which he followed until 1886, when he engaged in the butcher business and followed it for four years. He then engaged in planting and merchandising for eight years and subsequently gave his whole attention to planting. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, one hundred and thirty being under cultivation. He was married twice. His first wife was Miss Emma Butand, a native of St. Mary parish and daughter of Alexander and Emma Butand, natives of France. They were the parents of nine children. His first wife died after having been married twenty-two years, and our subject married the following year Mrs. A. Bernard, a sister of his former wife, and six years subsequent to this he died.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 365-366.

1891 Biography - R. D. Etie

R. D. ETIE, BALDWIN. -- R. D. Etie was born in New Iberia, April 8, 1865. He is the son of R. D. and Leontine (Broussard) Etie, natives of Iberia parish.

Our subject entered the schools of New Iberia at the age of twelve years, remaining two sessions. On leaving school he engaged in farming with his brother until 1884, when he matriculated in St. Stanislaus College, Mississippi, staying at this place for one year. He then found employment as teacher in the public schools of St. Mary parish, removing two years later to Galveston, Texas, where he engaged in clerking in the grocery store of L. Harris & Co., for nine months. After this he came to Baldwin, and clerked for some time with E. D. Martin, eventually becoming manager of the store, which position he still holds. He was married, August 22, 1888, to Miss Aimee Sanguinette of St. Mary parish, the daughter of J. R. and Hetmina (Bertrand) Sanguinette. One daughter has been born to them: April 26, 1890, named Hida.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 366-367.

1891 Biography - J. Foote

J. W. Foote was born in St. Mary parish, Louisiana, in 1849. He is the son of J. N. and Caroline (Dunesnil) Foote.

J. M. Foote was a native of Tennessee, who removed to Louisiana early in life, where he married and engaged in sugar planting. He died in 1863, and his widow still survives him.

The subject is one of a family born to the above union, six of whom are living; A. J., Mrs. Catherine Queen, J. W., Jr., Mrs. Mary Moffitt, N. J. and F. T.

J. W. Foote received a limited education, and when young learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until 1881, since which time he has been chiefly engaged in planting. He took charge of the Oak Lawn plantation in 1887, and under his management it has been extremely successful.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 367.

1914 Biography - Murphy James Foster

Foster, Murphy James, is one of the most conspicuous men now living in Louisiana, having been both governor and United States senator. He was born at Franklin, La., Jan. 12, 1849, and is a son of Thomas A. and Martha P. (Murphy) Foster, both of whom were born in the same locality as was the son, where they passed their lives and there died, the father in the year of 1890 at the age of 69 years, and the mother in the year of 1909 at the age of 73 years. The father devoted his energies to the vocation of a planter throughout life. Toward the close of the Civil war he enlisted in the Confederate service as a member of the 1st Louisiana volunteer cavalry, and served in the quartermaster's department until the time of the surrender. The paternal grandfather, Levi Foster, was a native of the state of Mississippi, and came to Louisiana while yet a young man, devoting his abilities to agricultural pursuits in St. Mary and St. Landry parishes. His wife was a native of Louisiana, and bore the name of Zeide Demaret. After the close of the Civil war, Murphy James Foster, the subject of this sketch, attended preparatory school at White's creek, near Nashville, Tenn., during 2 years, and when he had been thoroughly prepared, entered Washington and Lee college, where he remained a student during the term of 1867-68. Later he was graduated from Cumberland university, Lebanon, Tenn., with the class of 1870, and from the law school of Tulane university, New Orleans, with the class of 1871. Following the completion of his professional education, he returned to his Louisiana home at Franklin, engaged in practice of law with Hon. Donelson Caffery and became identified with the political activities of the time. He was elected a member of the John McEnery legislature of 1872, but owing to the fact that the McEnery government was not recognized, Mr. Foster did not take this seat as a member of that legislature. Later he was elected a member of the Louisiana state senate in 1879, and was subsequently re-elected to succeed himself in that office several times, serving as state senator from 1879 to 1891-12 years. He was elected and served as president pro tem of the senate from 1888 to 1890. He led the fight in the legislature against the Louisiana state lottery in 1890. In that year he was nominated by the anti-lottery convention as a candidate for governor and was elected. At the close of his first term he was reelected and served in that office from 1892 to 1900. He was elected as a democrat to the United States senate in 1901 and reelected in 1907, serving as senator from March 4, 1901, to March 3, 1913, and on Aug. 1, 1914, was appointed collector of port of New Orleans. To Sen. and Mrs. Foster 9 children have been born, namely: Rose Ruth, Elizabeth, Mary, Prescott, Willia, Martha, Murphy, Louisiana and Sarah.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 611-612.

1914 Biography - Edward Alphonse Gamard, D.D.S.

Gamard, Edward Alphonse, D. D. S., 2941 Palmyra street, New Orleans, La., was born at New Orleans, Sept. 11, 1876; son of Alphonse and Marie (Couret) Gamard, both of whom were born in the same city as the son, the father in 1846 and the mother in 1848. In the course of his education Edward Alphonse Gamard attended the Jesuit college in the city of his nativity, and after completing his studies at that institution entered the boys' high school in the same city, from which he graduated in 1895, following which he matriculated in the dental department of the University of Maryland, graduating with the degree of D. D. S. in the class of 1899. Shortly following the completion of his professional studies Dr. Gamard established himself in offices at the city of New Orleans and began the practice of his profession, which has since engrossed his attention and been fruitful of gratifying results. The doctor is a member of the Roman Catholic church and affiliates with the Democratic party. He is also a member of the First and Second Districts Dental and the Louisiana State Dental societies. April 21, 1903, Dr. Gamard was married to Miss Amy Croker, daughter of the late Martin and Mary (Staples) Croker of Morgan City, La. To Dr. and Mrs. Gamard 3 children have been born, namely: Lucille, Amy and Edward, Jr.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, page 176.

1914 Biography - Minos T. Gordy

Gordy, Judge Minos T., district attorney, district judge, justice of the Court of Appeals, member constitutional convention, member criminal code commission, Abbeville, Vermilion parish. La., was born in St. Mary parish. La., Sept. 29, 1865; son of Minos T. and Betty Ann (Johnson) Gordy, the former of whom was born on the eastern shore of Maryland, and, in the year 1837, when 8 years old, came to Louisiana with his parents and located in St. Mary parish. He became an architect and builder, and, excepting a few years previous to his death, in Oct., 1911, made his home at Franklin. He died at Abbeville. Betty Ann (Johnson) Gordy, the mother, was born in Henderson county, Ky., and located in St. Mary parish, La., following her marriage, which took place in Texas. The paternal grandfather, John Collins Gordy, was a native of the state of Maryland. He was a practicing physician and a prominent Mason, and during many years occupied the office of state lecturer for the Masonic order. He was one of the earlier physicians of the vicinity of Franklin, and his practice was in and around that place. The paternal grandmother was a Miss Hern, and the maternal grandmother, Miss Young. Minos T. Gordy, the subject of this sketch, received his earlier education at the public schools of Franklin. Later he attended Rugby academy at Franklin and in 1880 entered Louisiana State university, from which he graduated with the degree of B. S. in the class of 1883. Following his graduation he was employed as a clerk in stores at Franklin and Abbeville, and while so employed at the latter place began the study of law, under the direction of the law firm of White & O'Bryan of Abbeville. In 1888 he entered the law school of Tulane university, from which he graduated with his legal degree in the class of 1889, shortly thereafter beginning practice at Abbeville, where he has since remained. In 1890 he was appointed district attorney by Gov. Nicholls, to succeed R. C. Smedes, who had died in office. In 1892 he was elected to that office to succeed himself, and in 1896 was reelected, serving until 1900. In 1898 he was elected and served as a member of the constitutional convention of that year. In 1900 he was elected district judge for a term of 4 years. By virtue of his office as district judge he also served on the bench as a judge of the Court of Appeals. Since 1904 he has been engaged in the private practice of law. By Gov. J. Y. Sanders Judge Gordy was appointed a member of the criminal code commission, charged with the work of codifying the criminal laws of the state of Louisiana. April 28, 1896, Judge Gordy was married to Miss Laura Cage Haynes of Wilkinson county, Miss., and 3 sons have been born to their union, namely: John Collins, Sept. 8, 1897; Walter Haynes, May 18, 1899; Minos T., Jr., Feb. 28, 1900. Judge Gordy has voted the Democratic ticket throughout the term of his political affiliation. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Episcopal church. Judge Gordy was leading assistant to the district attorney in the prosecution of Dora Murff and James Duval at Crowley, Acadia parish, recently. This case attracted very wide attention during its pendency, and able council was engaged on both sides. Both defendants were convicted.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 181-182.

1891 Biography - W. B. Gray

W. B. GRAY, MORGAN CITY. -- W. B. Gray, Morgan City, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1842. He is the son of Wm. Howard and Mary Ann (Capen) Gray. Mr. Howard Gray was born in Andover, Massachusetts, 1824. Mary Ann Gray was born in Maine. They were married in Boston, Massachusetts, 1844. Two children were born to their marriage, W. B. and C. S.

Wm. H. Gray died in 1890, and his wife, Mary Ann, is still living in Maine, and is a remarkably stout person for her years. Wm. B. Gray lived for a period at Morgan City, where he became a successful physician, finally retiring and going to Maine, where he spent his last years.

The mother of our subject belongs to the Dustin Capen family, one member of which figured so prominently in the early New England Indian troubles.

Mr. W. B. Gray spent his school days at South Acton, Boston, Massachusetts. His education was limited, the last school he attended was a night school taught by John G. Whittier, the poet. Having his spirits all aroused by the breaking out of the civil war, on April 19, 1861, he got in a box car and rode to Boston, Massachusetts, where he climbed up a lightning-rod to get into a room to join Capt. Prescott's Company G, Concord Artillery, Fifth Regiment of Volunteers. During three months' service he and his regiment participated in the first battle of Bull Run. Subsequent to this he was for a short while engaged in the hospital service. November 3, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, as duty sergeant. They went to Annapolis, Maryland, and joined General Burnside's expedition to the Carolinas. Mr. Gray was engaged in the following battles: Roanoke Island, Newburn, N. C., Planters' Creek, Kingston, White Hall, Goldsboro. He also took part in the siege of Fort Wagner and lead. the grand charge that captured the fort September 6, 1863. He was a commander of one of the boats that made the night attack on Fort Sumter September 8, 1863. He was afterward engaged in the battle of the Tog at Fort Darling under General Butler. July 4, 1864, he was commissioned first lieutenant in First N. S. C. C., and commanded the first squadron that went into Richmond on the north side upon the fall of that city. He served throughout the entire war and was mustered out of service in New Orleans. After the war until the year 1878 he was an actor.

Louisiana has been practically his home since the war. He has been engaged in the publishing business for a great many years. He founded the Morgan City Free Press, which he conducted till 1890. He is at present editor of the Commonwealth, a monthly journal, and is also doing printing for the State.

Mr. Gray was married in 1878 to Miss Marie Louise Markstein of New Orleans. They are the parents of three children, Wm. Howard, Leroy Capen and Leonard Wise.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 367-368.

1891 Biography - F. R. Habert

F. R. HABERT, FRANKLIN. – F. R. Habert is a native of St. Mary parish, born in Franklin, 1857. He is the son of Augustin and Adeline Habert, both natives of France. Augustin Habert became a merchant of Franklin, and died in France in 1871. His widow survived him until 1883. She was one of the pioneers of this parish.

F. R. Habert is the only child of his parents now living. He received his early education in Franklin, and in 1864 he went with his parents to France, where he remained until 1872. During that time he attended college. In 1873 he returned to France, and completed his studies in the Lyceum of Poitiers. He then returned to his native State and engaged is merchandising. In 1879 he married Miss Sidonie DelaHoussaye, of St. Mary parish. She is the daughter of Arthur DelaHoussaye, a merchant of Franklin. In 1880 he gave up his mercantile business and engaged in planting. His plantation, known as Central Park, is located on the west bank of Bayou Teche, four miles from Franklin. It consists of four hundred acres of land, two hundred of which he has put in cultivation since he owned it. He grows principally sugar cane and corn. He averages about three thousand pounds of sugar per acre, and uses a single mill and open kettle process. He raises eighteen barrels of corn per acre. His land is well improved, and all his buildings are first class. He is the father of six children, viz: Ren‚, Arthur, Adeline, Sidonie, Edouard and Lucie.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 368.

1891 Biography - Xavier Halbert

XAVIER HALBERT, BALDWIN. -- Xavier Halbert a native of France, was born February 20, 1833. He is the son of John Pierre and Mary (Herve) Halbert, both natives of France. Xavier Halbert was one of a family of four children, two sons and two daughters, born to this union, viz.: John, born 1827; Xavier, the subject of this sketch; Philomene, born 1835, and Emile, born 1837.

Xavier Halbert was reared in France, where he received a liberal education. At the age of twenty years he came to New Orleans, where he remained for a short while, removing to St. Charles parish, Louisiana, where he engaged in coopering, in which he was employed for two years. From there he went to St. John the Baptist parish and for two years conducted a bakery. At the expiration of this time he located in St. James parish, where he continued to conduct a bakery business for twelve years. Later he ran a freight boat between New Orleans and Cincinnati, Ohio, for a year, when he came to Charington, Louisiana, and engaged in merchandising, and continued his business at this place for nineteen years, since which time he has conducted a flourishing mercantile business at Baldwin. He carries a stock of seven thousand dollars and his annual business amounts to about twelve thousand dollars. Mr. Halbert was married in Lafourche parish, August 30, 1875, to Miss Rosine Cascarine, daughter of Charles F. DeZanche, a native of France and for many years a resident of New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. Halbert are the parents of three sons and three daughters, viz.: Mary Emilie, Heloise Anne, Xavier Charles, Emile, Eugenie Elodie, Andrew G.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 369-370.

1891 Biography - R. Hauf

R. HAUF, GLENCOE. -- R. Hauf, a successful merchant of Glencoe, St. Mary parish, was born in Germany, February 26, 1844. He is the son of Isidore and Rachael (Levy) Hauf, both natives of Germany.

R. Hauf was reared and educated in Germany, and at the age of seventeen years he emigrated to America, locating at New Orleans, where he entered business as a clerk, in which capacity he served for a period of five years. He then went to Glencoe and engaged in a general mercantile business. Since that time he has been very successful and his business has rapidly increased. He is now sole proprietor of the store in which he carries a stock of three hundred thousand dollars, and does an annual business amounting to about twenty-five thousand dollars. He owns ten acres of land, upon which he has built tenement houses. He was married in 1870, to Miss Lena Seligman, born October 3, 1847, a native of Germany, and daughter of Gustave Seligman. To this union was born a daughter, Annie. Mr. Hauf has taken an active part in social affairs, at the same time giving strict attention to business. He has been justice of the peace of the second ward of St. Mary parish since 1888, and in 1880 was appointed member of the parish school board. He is also a member of the Democratic Parish Committee.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 369.

1891 Biography - Joseph P. Johnson

JOSEPH P. JOHNSON, FRANKLIN. -- Joseph P. Johnson was born in New Orleans, September 16, 1853. He is the son of Charles H. and Eloise (Dulany) Johnson. Charles H. Johnson, an Englishman by birth, came to America during one of the political disturbances in France, he being a resident of that country at the time, and settled in New Orleans. He was a civil engineer by occupation. He prospered financially and left his widow and children well provided for at the time of his death. Eloise Johnson was a native of France, born in 1820. She was married in 1840 to the father of our subject, and to them four children were born, three sons and one daughter, of whom two sons are living, Charles H. and Joseph P., the former a marble engraver and stone cutter of Philadelphia, the latter a liquor dealer of Franklin, Louisiana. Alfred died young, and Eloise at the age of seventeen, both deaths occurring in New Orleans. The mother died in the same city in 1877.

Our subject began business in New Orleans as salesman, and was thus engaged for three years, when he turned his attention to railroading, which he followed twelve years. In 1884 he settled in St. Mary parish, at the town of Baldwin, where he entered the retail liquor business. In this he was engaged for five years, and made money very rapidly. He established himself then at Franklin, though he did not discontinue his business in Baldwin, and now has interests at both places. He is doing well, and has gained by his thrift and integrity the confidence of his fellow citizens. In religion he is a Catholic, and in politics a Democrat.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 370.

W. W. Johnson

W. W. JOHNSON, FRANKLIN. -- Mr. Johnson was born in St. Mary parish in 1833, son of J. A. and Mary (Nickelson) Johnson. J. A. Johnson was born in 1806, in Virginia, and moved to Louisiana, locating in St. Mary parish in 1828, where he resides at present. Mrs. J. A. Johnson was born in St. Mary parish.

W. W. Johnson is a graduate of Brown University, Rhode Island. He became especially proficient in mathematics and has made civil engineering his chief occupation. He has been successful in an eminent degree in most of his undertakings and owns an excellent sugar plantation close to the town of Franklin.

W. W. Johnson was married to his first wife, Miss L. Smith, in 1866. She is a native of St. Mary parish, born in 1837, and there were born to their marriage three children, viz.: W. B., born in 1867; Ella, born in 1869; Simeon, born in 1871. His first wife, the mother of these children, died in 1874. In 1878 Mr. Johnson married Miss Mary Anderson, daughter of Hiram and Mary (Carson) Anderson. Our subject and family are of strong religious conviction and live in pure and moral atmosphere.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 370-371.

1914 Biography - James Parkerson Kemper

Kemper, James Parkerson, civil engineer, was born in St. Mary parish, Aug. 5, 1868, the son of William P. Kemper, a native of St. Mary parish, who was born June 26, 1826, who lived all his life in St. Mary parish and died there Nov. 26, 1890; and Monica (Rogers) Kemper, who was born in Boston, Mass., in Nov., 1835, the daughter of John and Margaret (Reynolds) Rogers. Monica Rogers came to St. Mary parish as a governess in 1857 and in 1 year married Mr. W. P. Kemper. To Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Kemper, 8 children were born, as follows: Stephen Young, who died in infancy; Eliza Blanche, afterwards Mrs. Carroll Barton of Assumption parish, and who died in 1892; William Byrne, now of Wharton; Tex.; Kate Gilman, now Mrs. Dr. W. P. Simmons, of Terre Bonne parish; Mary Jane, now Mrs. Wallace Trowbridge, of Eunice, La.; James Parkerson, the subject of this sketch; Walter Young, of Franklin, St. Mary parish, now internal revenue collector at New Orleans, and Charles Delaware, of Franklin, St. Mary parish, who is superintendent of the Sterling Sugar & R. R. Co. J. P. Kemper's great-grandfather was Nathan Kemper, who moved to St. Mary parish in 1807. He and Gov. Johnson were partners in a sugar plantation on Bayou Sale. This Nathan Kemper was prominent in the early history of this country. Reuben Kemper, a bachelor, and a brother of Nathan Kemper, served under Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. This battle occurred in Jan., 1815, after peace had been proclaimed, but they did not know it. This same Reuben Kemper served under Sam Houston when Texas fought for freedom from Mexico. He was deeded large land grants for his services, but he did not care for it, and went off and let it alone. The Kempers were brought to this country from Germany in 1712 or 1717, by Gov.-Gen. Spottiswood, to operate mines in Virginia. They settled the little colony of Germania in Virginia. J. P. Kemper spent his youth in St. Mary parish and was taught by a governess until 14 years old, when he went to the Maryland agricultural college in Prince George county, Md. From there he went to the University of Alabama in 1884, and graduated from the school of engineering with the degree Bachelor of Engineering, in 1887, and for post-graduate work obtained the degree C. E. in 1891 from the same university. After obtaining his first degree he started in R. R. engineering in Alabama, but in 1890 he changed into electrical engineering, and that year, 1890, he spent in what was then the Thompson-Houston works, in Lynn, Mass., which is now part of the General Electric Co. The year 1891 was spent in electrical business in St. Paul, Minn., and the years 1892 and 1893 in the same line in Chicago. In 1894 he returned to Louisiana and continued in electrical engineering until 1896, when he returned to the practice of civil engineering in St. Mary parish, which consisted mostly of drainage work. In 1908 he moved to New Orleans, and has since had a general engineering practice which, however, is nearly all country work. In addition to this engineering work, he has always had sugar plantations and some of the time timber interests. He now has a timber interest in Pointe Coupee parish. Mr. Kemper is a member of the Louisiana Engineering society and also a member of the Episcopal church. In 1896 he married Cordelle, daughter of T. S. Alexander, of St. Mary parish. To Mr. and Mrs. Kemper 3 children have been born, as follows: Cordelle, James, Lawson and Richard Rogers Kemper.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 231-232.

1914 Biography - Walter Y. Kemper

Kemper, Walter Y., civil engineer and resident of Franklin, La., was born on Cote Blanche Island, Saint Mary parish, La., Sept. 13, 1871, the son of William P. and Monica (Rogers) Kemper. His father was southern born, Saint Mary parish being his native place, and his mother was born in Maine. The Kempers came from Virginian to Louisiana. They were of German origin. The great-great-grandfather of Mr. Kemper was the first to come to Louisiana. He settled in Saint Mary parish, and there the family has lived for 5 generations, and its members for the greater part have been sugar planters. Mr. Kemper's father was a veteran of the Civil war, in which he served 4 years as a private in a Louisiana regiment of the Confederate army. He died in 1890 at the age of 65 years, and his wife survived him 19 years and died at the age of 74. They had 7 children, of which Walter Y. is the youngest but one. Only one of the children are deceased. All of them were reared on the plantation. Walter Y. Kemper was prepared for college by his sisters and private governesses, and in 1890 he graduated in mining engineering from the University of Alabama. While in this university, Mr. Kemper took a course in sugar chemistry, and after graduating was for 3 years a sugar chemist, then he became manager of the parental plantation, and later of other plantations, his last experience being in Cuba for one year. He then returned to Louisiana and located at Franklin, where he has since been engaged in civil engineering, but in the meantime he has had time for politics, as a Republican, and in 1910 he was appointed supervisor of United States census for the second Louisiana census district. In Oct., 1911, Mr. Kemper became solicitor of United States internal revenue for the State of Louisiana, a position he now holds. In 1894, Mr. Kemper and Miss Leonora Barton were united in marriage. Mrs. Kemper is a daughter of Mr. E. D. Barton, a prominent sugar planter of Saint James parish, where she was born. Five children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Kemper. They are: Leonora Barton Kemper (Mrs. Robert H. Collins), Walter Y. Kemper, Jr., William P. Kemper, Clarence Barton Kemper, and Donald Barton Kemper.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 232-233.

1891 Biography - Mrs. William P. Kemper

MRS. WILLIAM P. KEMPER, GLENCOE. – Mrs. William P. Kemper is a native of Maine, born November 8, 1835. She is the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Reynolds) Rogers, both natives of New York. Mrs. William P. Kemper was reared by Stephen Young, of Gardiner, Maine. She received the best educational advantages and came south, locating in Louisiana in 1856. In 1858 she was married to William P. Kemper, who was a native of Louisiana, born June 26, 1826, and the son of William P. Kemper, Sr., and Eliza Hulick, the former a native of Louisiana and the latter of New Jersey. William P. Kemper and wife became the parents of eight children, viz: Stephen Y., who died October 1, 1859; Eliza B., William B., Kate G., Mary J., James P., Walter Y., Charles D. William P. Kemper was one of the most highly respected and prominent citizens of the State. He died very suddenly at his home, Glencoe plantation, on Wednesday, November 26, 1890. Mr. Kemper had been for many years the only planter in St. Mary parish who owned after the war the same plantation on which he resided before that period. Mrs. Kemper owns two plantations, Glencoe and Patagonia; the former consists of one thousand three hundred and twenty-six acres of land, eight hundred and forty of which are under cultivation in sugar cane and corn. The cane yields twenty-seven tons per acre and the corn fifteen barrels. In Glencoe sugar house there is a three-roller sugar mill and refinery which cost about twenty thousand dollars, with a capacity for a hundred and fifty tons of sugar cane per day. They manufacture three grades of sugar. Patagonia plantation is used as a stock farm.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 371.

1914 Biography - Wilbur H. Kramer

Kramer, Wilbur H., clerk of court, Franklin, St. Mary parish, La., was born at Rome, Ga., Nov. 6, 1871; son of Rev. William P. and Jean (Mobley) Kramer, the former of whom was a native of the State of Maryland, and the latter of Georgia. The father was for some years rector of Christ Cathedral, in New Orleans. He became an Episcopal clergyman early in life, and some of his earlier charges were at Augusta, Ga., and Louisville, Ky. In the '70s he succeeded to the rectorship of Christ Cathedral, at New Orleans, and was one of the clergymen to remain in New Orleans during the yellow fever epidemic of 1878. He survived the fever epidemic, but died 2 years later, 1880. His widow is living at this time. In the course of his education, Wilbur H. Kramer attended Selwin Hall Military academy, Reading, Pa., graduating from the academy in 1888. Following this, he attended Lehigh university 2 years, taking the classical course. During the succeeding 2 years, he traveled in Europe and South America, and in 1892 located at Patterson, St. Mary parish, La. Shortly thereafter he became secretary of the St. Mary Building association, and remained incumbent of that position for 8 years. In 1900 he was appointed superintendent of public instruction for the parish of St. Mary, and occupied that office 3 years. In 1903 he was appointed by Gov. Heard to fill an unexpired term as clerk of the district court, and has been elected for 3 successive terms in that capacity since the expiration of the term of the original appointment, the last election having been in 1912. Mr. Kramer is vice-president, respectively, of the Bank of Berwick, and the People's State & Savings bank of Morgan City; also, vice-president of the St. Mary Building association. He is a member of the Episcopal church and treasurer of his church parish; member of the Masonic fraternity, Woodmen of the World, Knights of Pythias, Ancient United Order of Druids, State Historical society. In 1897, Mr. Kramer was married to Miss Annie Parkerson, a daughter of Gen. Parkerson, of Franklin, La. Their children, in order of birth, are Wilbur Parkerson, Mildred Parkerson, and Stirling Parkerson.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 237-238.

1891 Biography - Thomas C. Lawless

THOMAS C. LAWLESS, FRANKLIN. -- Thomas C. Lawless was born in Thibodeaux, Terrebonne parish, Louisiana, February 8, 1855. His father, Solomon C. Lawless, was a native of Kentucky, born about 1815. He removed to Big Cane, St. Landry parish, Louisiana, in 1856, where he became a successful planter. The mother of Thomas C. Lawless, Harriet Cheny Lawless, is a native of St. Landry parish, born in 1834, and now a resident of Mobile, Alabama. She married a second time in Big Cane, Mr. A. B. Haskins.

Thomas C. Lawless was reared in St. Landry and St. Mary parishes, Louisiana, and received a limited education in the common schools of the vicinities in which he resided. At the age of fourteen he became an apprentice to the blacksmith trade, working at this a short while, when he learned the carpenter trade, and in this was employed for a period aggregating ten years. In 1882 Mr. Lawless engaged as a sawyer for Wm. A. Hansen and served as such for a term of seven years. In 1889 he engaged in the lumber business as a partner with Capt. Wm. Kyle. Their success demonstrates the business tact and energy characteristic of the firm. Mr. Lawless was married, November 13, 1883, to Miss Margaret A. Hanson, a daughter of Albert and Anna Hansen, both natives of Europe, who removed to Louisiana early in life. As a result of this union two children have been born: Alberta and Willie.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 372.

1891 Biography - Auguste Lesseps, Jr.

AUGUSTE LESSEPS, JR., CYPREMORT. -- Auguste Lesseps is a native of Plaquemine parish, born in 1855. He is the son of Auguste and Carmen (Ribas) Lesseps, the former a native of New Orleans, the latter of Spain. They were married in New Orleans, where they now reside. Mr. Lesseps, Sr., was for forty years a sugar planter in Plaquemine parish, and was for a number of years treasurer of that parish. During the war he was a Union man, but took no active part in the contest. He is a cousin of DeLesseps of Panama canal fame.

Our subject was educated in Mississippi, at Trinity High School, Pass Christian, where he remained four years. After leaving school he engaged in sugar planting, at the age of seventeen years. He went to Plaquemine parish, remaining there eight years, when he removed to St. Landry, at which place he resided one year. Then he returned to Plaquemine, and lived there for a period of three years. He married, in 1882, Miss Augusta Story, a native of St. Bernard parish, and daughter of Clement and Amelia (Lesseps) Story. She was reared and educated in New Orleans. Auguste Lesseps removed from Plaquemine to St. Charles, where he remained a year, when he returned to Plaquemine and there lived two years, after which he removed to Avoyelles, staying there two years, when he located in St. Mary parish in December, 1889. There he took charge of a plantation. He is the father of four children: Hamilton, Marguerite, Edgar and an infant. Our subject and family are members of the Catholic church.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 372-373.

1914 Biography - John C. Lewis

Lewis, John C., ex-mayor, Franklin, St. Mary parish, La., was born at Harrisonburg, Catahoula parish, La., Nov. 29, 1861; the only child; son of John C. and Eliza E. (Mayo) Lewis, the father's life coming to a tragic end when the son was only 1 year old, and the bereaved mother dying 1 year later. In regard to the father, the following article, written by Hon. Thomas H. Lewis of Opelousas, was addressed to Dr. T. P. Frere concerning the life of John C. Lewis, Sr., whose son is an ex-mayor and a beloved citizen of Franklin. It needs no introduction; the contents are self-explanatory concerning the life of a great man who gave all in the service of his country. It may also be said, too, that the son is a worthy descendant of a noble sire, and inherits many of the sterling qualities of his illustrious father. "Opelousas, La., Feb. 17, 1913. Dr. T. F. Frere, Franklin, La. My Dear Cousin: I enclose herewith copies of a sketch which I wrote during the war concerning the personality of my cousin and foster-brother, John C. Lewis, the father of your John C. Lewis. He was killed in the latter part of the year 1862, in a skirmish with the Federal troops, as narrated in the sketch. He left the town of Harrisonburg, in Catahoula parish at the beginning of the war, for the army, being at that time associated with me in the practice of law. A short time before leaving Harrisonburg for the front, he married a Miss Eliza Mayo, whose father had been judge of the district, and who was a member of the most prominent family residing in that section. He never saw his wife after leaving for the army. His son being born thereafter, father and son never met. The child, at its birth, was given a different name, but after his father's death his name was changed to that of his father. Though I had several brothers, John and I were closer to each other than was I and any of my own brothers. We slept together from childhood, and were inseparable companions up to manhood. When I settled in the parish of Catahoula to practice law at Harrisonburg, he followed me and became associated with me, because of the strong bonds of affection between us. I think he was as fine a specimen of physical manhood as I ever saw. Over six feet in height, erect, of commanding bearing, with a noble head and strong features, he attracted attention wherever he went. During the brief period that he practiced his profession he evinced such ability that it was predicted by his brother members of the bar that he would attain great prominence in his chosen profession. He was high-spirited and fearless, and warmly espoused the cause of the South. Among the thousands of valuable lives which the South offered up in vindication of what our people believed to be a just cause, there was no nobler sacrifice offered upon the altar of our country than the life which John C. Lewis freely gave in her defense. His surviving son has just cause to cherish the memory of his noble father. Very sincerely yours, Thomas H. Lewis, Sr." From the sketches to which this letter refers, the following brief extracts are made: "Alexandria, La., 1862 Killed in battle near Denmark, Tenn., on the 1st of Sept., 1862, John C. Lewis, aged 27 years and 11 months. The subject of this brief notice met his death in the guise in which he had often been heard to say that he most coveted - there was no mangling of limbs, no lingering bed of suffering; the missile of death went straight to the seat of vitality, and the instant he was struck his spirit fled to his maker. Let us make as fitting a tribute as we may to the dead for his manly form, his strong arm, and his courageous heart, he voluntarily held up as a barrier between us and the merciless invader, and now, alas, he lies moldering in the grave - the grave of the soldier, the patriot, and the hero. * * * He sought the front of the battle, and there he fell, within reach of the enemy, his horse in full career and his sword uplifted to strike down the foe. Let us respect his memory; let us cherish the name and deeds of the brave man, the devoted patriot who fell prematurely, striking to hurl back the tide of invasion that has marked its progress with so much of blood and suffering. With this noble purpose he faced the danger and exposure of warfare uncomplainingly, and when the time came he offered up his life courageously, unflinchingly. Among his fellow men he was full of the impulses of generosity, fidelity and truth, and to his relatives and friends he was bound as with hooks of steel." The following extracts are taken from a letter written by a comrade of the deceased, and afford an eloquent and truthful tribute to his memory: "I saw on yesterday, B., 1 of the 6 men of the Tensas cavalry who were at first reported to have been killed in the late battle near Denmark, Tenn. Instead of being killed, B. was captured by the enemy. He was with Dr. Lithman, our surgon, burying the dead on the 2nd of September, the day after the fight. They found 4 of the Tensas cavalry dead on the field. They were buried and their graves marked. They were Lieut. Montgomery and privates Lewis, Briscoe, and Swayze. Private John C. Lewis had been struck by a grapeshot above the right eye. His horse was killed at the same instant, so that horse and rider fell dead together. In communicating to you this melancholy fact, I cannot let the occasion pass without speaking of Mr. Lewis, who was a cavalier without fear or reproach. Every man who has ever been in the Tensas cavalry can testify that his deportment on all occasions was that of the high-toned gentleman, the devoted patriot, and the intrepid soldier. * * * On one occasion I have in mind the enemy came upon us unawares - surprised us completely, and were within thirty yards of us, opening fire, before we were aware of their presence. The officers, seeing that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to form the men in line under fire, ordered a charge, but all remained immovable, no one stirring, until John C. Lewis, driving his spurs into his horse's flanks, and dashing off at the enemy, cried out 'Charge them, boys !' His gallantry had the happiest effect - it was contagious. The entire regiment charged with him, routed the foe and drove him back, with considerable loss to the main body of the Federal army. He was regarded by his whole company as one of the best soldiers in the Confederate army. He served for more than a year, and was never absent from duty but once, and on that one occasion he was confined with camp fever. During the period of his service he was a participant in twelve skirmishes and two battles, and had two horses killed under him, one at Corinth and one at Denmark. He fell within ten feet of the cannon's mouth, and the last words he was heard to utter were 'Charge them, boys!' The South had no braver soldier to die in her behalf. T. H. L." Following the death of his mother, the two-year-old son, John C. Lewis, Jr., was taken by an uncle, Spencer Mayo, to Vidalia, where he remained until eight years old, when he was taken to Franklin to live with his grandmother, Mrs. Mary H. Anderson, formerly Mrs. Lewis, at her sugar plantation home near Franklin. This continued to be the home of the boy throughout the years of his youth. He attended private schools at the town of Franklin, and later entered Louisiana State university, then under the presidency of Col. D. P. Boyd, where he remained until the senior year. Returning to Franklin in 1879, he was for a time overseer on the Anderson plantation. In 1893 he became established in general insurance business at Franklin, and since that time has successfully conducted that business under the firm name of J. Lewis & Co., Miss Ella M. Johnson, a cousin, being the silent member of the firm. Mr. Lewis affiliated with the democratic party. In 1900 he was elected mayor of the city of Franklin, and for 4 succeeding terms has been reelected without opposition, his incumbency of the office at this time extending over a period of ten years. Mr. Lewis is unmarried.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 253-256. Note: There is much more about the Lewis family history in this book.

1891 Biography - Elaire Lonceon

ELAIRE LONCEON, LOUISA. -- Elaire Lonceon was born in Terrebonne parish, 1851. He is the son of Polete and Armena (Arceneaux) Lonceon, both natives of Terrebonne parish, Louisiana.

Elaire Lonceon was reared in his native parish and lived with his father until he was eighteen years of age, at which time he left his home and came to St. Mary parish, where he married Miss Elodie Bonvillain, also a native of Terrebonne parish and the daughter of Marcelin and Amalie (Thibodeau) Bonvillain, who were also natives of the same parish. Mr. Lonceon and wife are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living. Mr. Lonceon entered business as a planter, working on shares for five years. He then accepted a position as overseer on a plantation, which position he held for seven years, after which time he purchased a plantation consisting of two hundred and fifty acres of land, seventy of which were under cultivation when he bought it. He raises sugar cane and corn, and has succeeded in putting it all in a high state of cultivation.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 372.

1891 Biography - J. A. Loret

HON. J. A. LORET, PATTERSON. -- Hon. J. A. Loret is a native of Louisiana, born 1861. His paternal grandparents were of Norman French descent while his maternal grandparents were natives of Virginia. Mr. Loret's father, Captain Loret, was a successful planter of the State. During the late Civil War he served as captain of the home militia.

Hon. J. A. Loret received a liberal education in Assumption parish, where he spent his youthful days. In 1880 he removed to Patterson, at which place he has since engaged in business. When quite young lie embarked in mercantile pursuits, to which he has given his chief attention in business life. His business in Patterson is one of the leading of the place. Mr. Loret has for many years taken an active interest in political affairs, and in 1878 he was elected representative in the lower house of the Legislature from St. Mary parish, of which he is still a member. As a member of the Legislature, Mr. Loret has been noted for the firmness with which he adheres to his convictions. In the recent lottery issue, which so much agitated the people of the State, he was one of the most unwavering opponents to a recharter. Mr. Loret is still a single man.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical,

1891 Biography - James C. Mahon

JAMES C. MAHON, FOSTER. – James C. Mahon is a native of the British West Indies, born 1845. He is the son of William E. and Christian (Clarke) Mahon, natives of Ireland and Scotland, respectively. They were married in Barbadoes, British West Indies, where each emigrated when young. William Mahon was a planter, and followed that business all his life. He died in 1869. His widow survives him and is still a resident of Barbadoes. She is the mother of eight children, seven of whom are living, James Mahon being the only one in America.

James C. Mahon received his early education in Barbados and subsequently in England. After having completed his literary studies in England he returned to Barbadoes and engaged in a dry goods business, and after one year's experience in that line became a planter, in which business he continued for seven years, when he emigrated to the United States, locating in Illinois, and began farming. This did not suit his tastes; so he entered an insurance business in which he remained until 1872, when he removed to St. Mary parish, Louisiana, where he engaged in sugar planting for four years. From '8o to '86 he served as manager of a plantation and then purchased South Bend plantation on Bayou Sal‚, consisting of three thousand six hundred and sixty acres, eight hundred of which is arable land, five hundred swamp and two thousand and sixty sea marsh. On this extensive tract of land he has been engaged in sugar making and stock raising. He has over five hundred head of cattle and makes a ton and a half of cane per acre. He has an efficient sugar mill, with a capacity of one hundred and fifty tons in twenty four hours, which he intends increasing to a greater capacity. Mr. Mahon married in 1876 Miss Florence Hudson, a native of this parish. She is the daughter of Benjamin Hudson, a prominent planter and a descendant of one of the early families of St. Mary parish. Mr. and Mrs. Mahon are the parents of three children, two daughters and one son, viz: Anna, Beatrice, Hubert. Mr. Mahon is a charter member of the K. of P. Lodge of St. Mary No. 44, of Franklin.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 376.

1891 Biography - Pierre Maillard

PIERRE MAILLARD, CYPREMORT. -- Pierre Maillard was born February 4, 1841. He is a native of Switzerland, and is the son of Pierre and Mary Maillard, the former a native of Switzerland, who is still living and a resident of his native country, and the latter a native of France, born 1805 and died 1886. They were the parents or eight children, three of whom are living, viz.: Kate Louisa, Francois Xavier and the subject of this sketch, Pierre, Jr.

Pierre Maillard was reared and educated in Switzerland. He came to America in 1855, locating at New Orleans, where he was taken sick with the yellow fever. After having recovered he went to St. Mary parish and lived with his uncle until 1859. At this period he went to Louisville, Ky., and there engaged in keeping a restaurant, and remained there until 1861, when he joined the Federal army, in which he served until 1864 in the First Kentucky Regiment of Volunteers. He was discharged at Covington, Ky., at the close of the war. He then went to Cincinnati, and thence to Memphis, Tenn., where he engaged as general laborer, and remained there until 1882, during which time he engaged in tool repairing for himself. He came to St. Mary parish, where he engaged with his uncle as a clerk for three years, and then in copartnership with Nicholas Cerl, opening a mercantile store and operating a plantation, and this business they are pursuing with success. Our subject was married in 1865, at Memphis, Tenn., to Miss Mary King, a native of Dublin, Ireland. She died in 1875, and he married two years later Miss Annie Hotter, a native of Memphis, Tenn., and of German extraction. Her brother, Henry Hotter, is secretary of the Cotton Exchange at Memphis, and one of the youngest men in the United States acting in that capacity. Mr. Maillard has no children of his own, but he having made a trip to Europe in 1886, adopted a girl, a native of Switzerland, Mary Louisa. When she came to Louisiana she was only able to speak French, but she has now mastered English, French and German. She was born in 1878. In politics Mr. Maillard is an active Republican. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge of New Iberia. He and family are members of the Catholic church.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 376-377.

1891 Biography - E. D. Martin

E. D. MARTIN, BALDWIN. -- E. D. Martin is a native of Canada, born March 15, 1841. He is the son of John and Marceline (Lucier) Martin, both natives of Canada, who afterward emigrated to the United States, locating in Illinois.

E. D. Martin received his preparatory education in the public schools of Illinois and afterward entered St. Anne's College, where he completed his course of mental discipline. After leaving college he entered the mercantile business as a clerk. After having served in that capacity for two years; the war broke out, and as a patriotic soldier he enlisted in the Seventy-sixth Illinois Volunteers, serving throughout the whole of the struggle. After the war he returned to his home and then removed to Iowa, where he married Miss Fannie Harper, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel Harper, one of the early settlers of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Martin became the parents of four children, viz.: Edward S., Carrie, Marceline, Johnnie. In 1878 they moved to Louisiana, locating at Baldwin, where Mr. Martin became the overseer of a plantation in this State. He was for eight years engaged in that capacity, and is now engaged in the mercantile business at Baldwin. He commenced business with a capital of about $1000, and has steadily increased his business until now he does a large business and carries a stock of $13,000, and his annual sales is $25,000.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 375-376.

1914 Biography - Augustus Mixer Mayo

Mayo, Augustus Mixer, U. S. commissioner and abstractor of titles, Lake Charles, La., was born in St. Landry parish. La., Nov. 4, 1859; son of Claudius and Susan A. (Mixer) Mayo, both of whom were born in the same locality as was the son. The father followed the profession of a pharmacist. At the beginning of the Civil war he enlisted in the 18th La. volunteer infantry, and served throughout the war. After the surrender he returned home and operated a drug business at Opelousas until 1892. While living in St. Landry parish, too, he served for a time as minute clerk of court. In the latter year he located at Lake Charles and there engaged in the fire insurance business. In 1897, he was appointed U. S. commissioner, by Judge Alexander Boardman, and served in that capacity until the time of his death, April 17, 1905. His wife died in 1877. The paternal grandfather, William Mayo, was born at Norwich, Conn., and came to Louisiana when a young man. He married Eliza Smith, at Washington, La., and afterwards engaged in the service of the U. S. government in dredging Bayou Lafourche, making his headquarters at Donaldsonville. He later operated a steamboat. His wife was a daughter of John Smith, of Pennsylvania, who moved from that state to Louisiana and married Elizabeth Lee, of Washington, the latter state. The maternal grandfather, Ezekiel Mixer, was born in the vicinity of Franklin, La., and was a son of Ezekiel Mixer, a native of Chertershire, N. H., whence he moved to Cincinnati, O., and from there went by barge to Franklin, La., where he married Celeste Prudhomme, whose ancestors were Acadians. The maternal great-grandfather, Ezekiel Mixer, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary army. Augustus Mixer Mayo is the only survivor of 6 children born to his parents. He received his earlier education at a private school conducted by Calvin A. Frazer at Opelousas. Later he passed 4 years as a student in the Polytechnic school of St. Louis, Mo. While in the latter city he also studied pharmacy, with the idea of following that profession. March 1, 1880, he went to Lake Charles, La., looking for a business opening. Here he accepted a position under his uncle, Thaddeus Mayo, then clerk of court and recorder of deeds and mortgages, as deputy, and went into the office with the idea of remaining only a short time. However, he remained incumbent of that position until Sept., 1887, in which year he founded his present business — Mayo Title Co. — doing abstract business, and which has been successful from the start to the present time. In April, 1910 there was a conflagration in Lake Charles, which destroyed the parish court house with almost all of the public real estate records. Mr. Mayo had copies of all of the records in his vault at his home, having taken them off in the course of business; most of the abstract records having been taken by rectigraph process, which is a photographic reproduction of the original records, thereby having a verbatim copy of the court house records. The confidence of the public in the records of the Mayo Title Co. has been universal and many of the largest financial transactions have been passed since the fire and the title came from the Mayo title abstract records. Dec. 15, 1887, Mr. Mayo was married to Miss Maria Knapp, who was born in the State of New York, but had been resident at Lake Charles 3 years at the time of her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Mayo 3 children have been born, namely: Seman A., Claudius H. and Helen. Mr. Mayo is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Sons of the American Revolution. He affiliates with the Democratic party. From 1898 to 1901 he served as a member of the Lake Charles school board, and while serving in that capacity, he, with his co-director, L. W. Kinney, planted the live oaks about the school grounds that have since grown to be very ornamental, and for which Mr. Mayo has continued to care, keeping the trees properly trimmed and pruned. In 1905 he was appointed by Judge Aleck Boardman as deputy clerk of U. S. court for the western district of Louisiana, and has remained incumbent of that office to the present time. At the time of his father's death, in the last-mentioned year, he was appointed by Judge Boardman to succeed his father as U. S. commissioner, and he has discharged the duties of that commission to the present. He is a member of the Lake Charles chamber of commerce, and was the first secretary of the Lake Charles board of trade (now defunct), serving 10 years in that capacity. He is a stockholder in the Lake Charles building and loan association, and in the Lake Charles Trust & Savings Bank, and is the owner of a rice farm at Lake Arthur. In March, 1907, Mr. Mayo was appointed by District Judge Miller as probation officer of the juvenile court, and in June, 1908, he was appointed to the same office by the city court of Lake Charles. In Aug., 1907, with representatives from 16 states, he assisted in the organization of the American Association of Title Men. In May, 1909, he participated in the organization of the abstractors of Louisiana into the Louisiana Association of Title Men, and was elected president of the association at the time of its organization, remaining incumbent of the office to this time. Mr. Mayo is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and counts his greatest work that done in connection with his church and Sunday school. He has occupied the position of a steward and trustee of his church at Lake Charles continuously since 1883, and during all of that time has been officially connected with the Sunday school work. Since 1892 he has filled the position of superintendent of the Sunday school. In 1898-99 he was president of the Louisiana state Sunday school association, and did active field work during that time in visiting Sunday schools and holding conventions in different parts of the state. In 1904 he was delegate from Louisiana to the World's Sunday school convention, held in Jerusalem, and while abroad made a tour of Palestine and of Europe. At the annual conference of the M. E. church, South, in Dec, 1907, he was elected delegate to the first conference under the Laymen's Missionary Movement, held at Chattanooga, Tenn., in April, 1908. In Dec., 1913, he was elected delegate to the general conference held in Oklahoma in 1914. He is vice-president of the State Prison Reform Association, the purpose of which is to assist freed convicts and improve conditions in prisons. He is councilor of the national committee on Prison Labor.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 292-294.

1891 Biography - H. M. Mayo

H. M. MAYO, MORGAN CITY. -- H. M. Mayo, the efficient editor and proprietor of the Morgan City Review, was born in London, England, 1862. He is the son of H. M. Mayo, Sr., and Emma Wood, who were married in 1851. Three sons were born to this marriage, of which our subject is the oldest. H. M. Mayo, Sr., was born in England, and was a seafaring man. He was a bold navigator, and saved a crew in the British Channel at his own personal risk. For this brave deed he had the "Cross of the Legion of Honor" bestowed upon him. He finally located at Morgan City, where, in the employment of the Morgan Line, he had charge of the wharf at Morgan City. He subsequently entered hotel business, and continued in it till his death in 1876.

Our subject spent his school days in Morgan City. He was for eight years in the stationery business, after which he was appointed post-master of Morgan City, in 1884, and held the position six years. He took charge of the Morgan City Review, July 1, 1890, and subsequently purchased the Free Press, which two papers he has consolidated. His paper now is well edited and published, and in the front ranks of progressive journals of the State.

Our subject was married, in 1885, to Miss Jennie Shannon and two children have been born to this marriage: Ara Lilian, Kenneth.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 373.

1891 Biography - Wilson McKerall

WILSON McKERALL, FRANKLIN. -- Wilson McKerall, mayor of Franklin, was born at Hyde Park, New York, August 9, 1847. His father, Wilson McKerall, Sr., was a native of South Carolina, born 1813. The latter days of his life he spent in St. Mary parish, having come there a carpenter. He became one of St. Mary's most prominent and substantial citizens and amassed a large fortune. He held various positions of public trust, among which was that of parish assessor and mayor of Franklin. The latter position be resigned some time before his death, in 1881, on account of failing health.

Wilson McKerall's mother, Emily Whitcomb, was a native of Connecticut. She died in Franklin in 1861.

Wilson McKerall was an only child. He spent his school days at Harrods, Kentucky, and received a fair business education. He left school at the age of thirteen years and began life for himself. In 1861 he engaged as engineer on the steamboat T. D. Hine, which was in the Confederate service, engaged in transporting troops. Shortly afterward Mr. McKerall accepted a similar position on the steamer St. Mary, plying between Morgan City and New Iberia. In 1862 he went aboard the gun-boat Diana, which was burnt above Franklin shortly afterward. Afterward Mr. McKerall was on the government transport boat A. G. Brown, engaged in transporting government supplies and troops on the Bayou Teche and to New Orleans via the gulf, and from New Orleans to Mobile Bay. The A. G. Brown was in the engagement at the Spanish Fort, Mobile. From her Mr. McKerall was transferred to the steamer St. Charles, which was in the Confederate States service transporting troops from New Orleans to Montgomery, Alabama.

For a number of years antecedent to 1880 Mr. McKerall was engaged on the United States mail boat Anna E. Since 1880 he has given his attention to his banking and real estate business at Franklin. As a citizen Mr. McKerall is identified with everything tending to the promotion of his town and parish. Recognizing his public-spiritedness his fellow townsmen have honored him by electing him mayor of this thriving little city, and in this capacity Mr. McKerall has demonstrated his executive ability.

He was married, January 27, 1868, to Miss Frances E. Gordy. To them have been born five children, two sons and three daughters.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 374-375.

1891 Biography - S. C. Melancon

S. C. MELANCON, BALDWIN. – S. C. Melancon, merchant, was born January 6, 1856, in Assumption parish. He is the son of S. J. and C. (Boudreau) Melancon, natives of Assumption parish.

Our subject was reared in his native parish and there spent his school days, after which he was engaged as clerk for a period of four years, when he turned his attention to carpentering, and this he followed for fifteen years. In 1880 sugar boiler became his chief occupation, in which he is still engaged. He bought in 1886, one-third interest in the Baldwin Saw Mill Company, and acted as its manager for two years. In 1887 he purchased the property and mercantile stock of E. Dosher, worth five thousand dollars, and is doing therewith a large and increasing business. He married, February 8, 1877, Matilda Ohlmeyer, a native of Assumption, born February 19, 1854, and daughter of William and Elizabeth (Nobe) Ohlmeyer, natives of Hanover and Oldenherg, Germany, respectively. To them have been born ten children, six sons and four daughters: Mary, deceased; Nicholls, Delia, Lydia, deceased; Henry, deceased; Frank, deceased: Edward, Stella, George, and Sidney, deceased. Mr. Melancon is the treasurer of the Baldwin Dramatic and Social Club at this place.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 375.

1914 Biography - George J. Mire, D.D.S.

Mire, George J., D. D. S., of New Orleans, was born in St. Mary parish, March 13, 1880, the son of John B., and Emily (Bourgeois) Mire, who were both natives of the parish of St. James. John B. Mire is a sugar planter, in which business he has been engaged since early manhood. Mrs. Mire died in 1895. Dr. George J. Mire is the youngest of the family of 3, namely, Henriette, wife of Edward Feitel, living in Harvey, La.; Emile, a planter, residing at McCall Ascension parish, La.; and George, J., the subject of this sketch. Dr. Mire is a graduate of Jefferson college Convent, St. James parish, La., of the class of 1899. He began the practice of his profession of dentistry after having followed the courses of study at the New Orleans college of dentistry in 1902. The doctor is a member of the First and Second Districts Dental society; the Stomatological society of the New Orleans College of Dentistry, and he is affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. November 5, 1902, occurred the marriage of Dr. Mire and Miss Alice Annie Rouyer, daughter of August P. and Marie (Barthelemé) Rouyer. Mr. Rouyer began his business life as a carpenter and later engaged in boat building and cistern manufacturing, in which he did a considerable trade. Dr. Mire and wife have 2 children, Lucile and George J. Mire, Jr.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, page 303.

1914 Biography - John Robert Norman

Norman, John Robert, a planter, was born in St. John the Baptist parish, Aug. 3, 1855, the son of Thomas Henderson Norman, a native of North Carolina, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and Elida Meurice (Tregre) Norman, a native of St. John the Baptist parish, La. Thomas Henderson Norman was born in 1805 in North Carolina, near the Virginia line. Elida Meurice Tregre was the daughter of Louis and Marie (Charleville) Tregre. Louis Tregre was a descendant of Andres Tregre, who came with the early coast settlers to Louisiana. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Norman had the following children: John Robert, the subject of this sketch; Marie Louise, now the widow of Charles H. Byrne, and Thomas Louis Norman. John R. Norman spent his youth in St. John the Baptist parish and in New Orleans, having been reared largely by his grandmother. He attended both public and private schools in his youth and afterwards went to St. Stanislaus college at Bay St. Louis, Miss., for 2 years, after which he was taught by the celebrated De La Montluzin, who was a very learned man and kept an excellent school in New Orleans. This De La Montluzin was formerly a member of the French academy, but was expelled by Napoleon III for writing in opposition to him. John R. Norman spent 2 years in the school of De La Montluzin, leaving in 1874 to go to work. He was first employed in the office of Wallace & Co., a large dry goods house in New Orleans, afterwards going to Mississippi, where he bought land and remained until 1896, in which year he removed to Opelousas and purchased a large interest in a cotton seed oil mill at that place. In this Mr. Norman continued until 1900, when he removed to New Orleans, where he has since resided. Mr. Norman is a member of the Catholic church. In 1883 he married Miss Clementina Henderson of New Orleans, a daughter of William and Philomene (Briant) Henderson. Philomene Briant was a granddaughter of Judge Briant of St. Martinville, La., who came to Louisiana from St. Domingo after the revolution in that island. Judge Briant before coming to Louisiana was a captain in the French army and also held a similar commission under George III. He was appointed judge for the parish of St. Mary by Gov. Claiborne, and held this office for some 30 years. He was also member of the constitutional convention. Jr. and Mrs. Norman have the following children: Mary Marguerite, John Robert, Jr., Ernest Briant, Anita Jeane, William Henderson, Sylvia Agnes and Alexander Wilson Norman. Mr. Norman continues his interest in planting in the parish of Orleans and conducts a plantation a few miles below Algiers on the Mississippi river.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 555-556.

1914 Biography - John Nugier

Nugier, John, district attorney, Abbeville, Vermilion parish, La., was born Oct. 29, 1879; son of John and Mary C. (Moss) Nugier, the former of whom was born in Pointe Coupee parish, La., in the year 1845, and died at Abbeville, La., 1911. Mary C. (Moss) Nugier, the mother, was born in Vermilion parish, La., 1850, and survives her husband at this time. The maternal grandparents, Robert P. Moss and Mary Stephens, were both natives of Vermilion parish, La., the latter now deceased and the former now a resident of Vermilion parish, at the age of 90 years. The paternal great-grandfather was a native of Alabama, but came to Louisiana and located in Vermilion parish in the early part of the nineteenth century. During all of his active lifetime John Nugier, the father, followed the vocation of a merchant, at Centerville, La., during the earlier part of his business career, and later at Abbeville up to the time of his death. At the beginning of the Civil war, April 1, 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate service as a member of Company E, West Feliciana riflemen, attached to the Fourth Louisiana volunteer infantry. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, under the command of Col. W. H. Allen, and served to the close of the war. John Nugier, the son, attended public school at Perry's Bridge, La. In 1892 he entered Chaddock's literary college, at Quincy, Ill., and graduated from that institution in 1896. In the following year he entered the Gem City business college, Quincy, Ill., and graduated in July, 1897, with the degree of Master of Accounts. Following this he took the shorthand and typewriting course at the same institution, graduating Dec. 25, 1897. He then returned home and during some time afterward was employed as clerk on a packet line, after which he entered the service of the Federal government as U. S. inspector of river and harbor improvements in Mississippi and Louisiana. During the time he was engaged in this work he employed his spare time in the study of law. In 1900 he entered the law school of Tulane university and graduated with the degree of LL. B. in the class of 1901. Immediately thereafter he opened offices at Abbeville and there began the practice of law, to which he has since devoted his abilities. In 1904 he was elected district attorney of Vermilion parish, and during his succeeding term discharged the duties of the office in a manner so satisfactory to his constituents that they reelected him to succeed himself, and have since reelected him to his third term as district attorney, his present term expiring in the year 1916. At the last election he received a largely increased vote. Mr. Nugier has voted the democratic ticket from the time of casting his first ballot. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World and of the Woodmen's Circle. In 1902 Mr. Nugier was married to Miss Marie Elmire Montayne.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, page 330.

1914 Biography - Charles Austin O'Niell

O'Niell, Charles Austin, associate justice of the supreme court of Louisiana, was born in Franklin, St. Mary parish, Sept. 7, 1869; the son of John A. O'Niell, of Tipperary county, Ireland, and of Isabella Margaret (Burnham) O'Niell, of London, England. Col. John A. O'Niell was a highly educated and cultured Irish gentleman, who served in the Crescent regiment in the Trans-Mississippi department, Confederate States army, from the beginning to the close of the Civil war. He took a keen interest in public affairs was appointed a member of the council of the city of Brashear (now Morgan City) when that municipality was created, and was afterwards elected to succeed himself. He served 2 terms as sheriff and several terms as treasurer of St. Mary parish, and was one of its most prominent merchants. He was a leading spirit in all public movements tending to the good of his people. Although Charles Austin O'Niell was one of a large number of children, his father managed to bestow upon him a classical education. In his childhood he was stricken with typhoid fever, which required his walking on crutches from the age of 6 until he was 16 years old, and left him permanently lame. He attended the Tulane high school, in New Orleans, for 3 years, then went to the Christian Brothers' college; in Memphis, Tenn., from which institution he graduated with the degree of bachelor of arts, in 1890. Returning to New Orleans, he took up the study of law, and graduated from the law department of Tulane university, in 1893, with the degree LL. B. He practiced law in St. Mary parish, with success and distinction until 1908, when he was elected judge of the district court, serving 1 term of 4 years. He was induced to become a candidate for justice of the supreme court, to succeed Chief Justice Joseph A. Breaux, whose term was then about to expire. Although there were 5 other candidates for this exalted position, the most prominent jurists in Louisiana, Judge O'Niell came very near having a majority over all of them in the first primary, and in the second race with the next highest candidate, he was nominated by an overwhelming majority, as the candidate of the democratic party, and elected without further opposition. He was inducted into office April 6, 1914, to serve until the first Monday in April, 1926. In June, 1914, the judge's alma mater conferred upon him the degree of doctor of laws. In 1904, Judge O'Niel married Miss Bettie Singleton Gorby, daughter of Capt. M. T. Gorby, of Franklin, La. They have 8 children.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, page 730.

1891 Biography - Walter A. O'Niell

WALTER A. O'NIELL, BALDWIN. – Walter A. O'Niell was born in the city of New York, September 22, 1855. His father, John A. O'Niell, is a native of Ireland and came to New York when quite young. He married Isabella Burnham, who at an early age emigrated from England to New York. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom eight are now living; viz; Walter A., the subject of this sketch ; R. Emmett, Florence, wife of Judge Smith; Annie, wife of David Todd, of Iberia; Bella, wife of C. E. Schrenk; John, Charles and George. Of these, Bella and Annie are twins. When Walter O'Niell was two years of age his parents removed to Louisiana, stopping first at Morgan City, from whence they removed to Franklin, where his father engaged in the mercantile business, in which he is still interested, his store being the largest establishment in Franklin. He was formerly sheriff, and now hold the position of treasurer of St. Mary parish. During the war he served four years in the Confederate States army. The subject of this sketch received his education in the schools of Franklin, and, after completing his studies, engaged for several years in business with his father. He was married, January 1, 1880, to Miss Carrie Lienicke, a native of New Orleans. She is the daughter of Conrad Lienicke, a retired manufacturer, of New Orleans. In 1882, Mr. O'Niell retired from his mercantile business, purchased Linwood plantation and engaged in sugar raising. His place is situated on the east side of Bayou Teche and consists of one thousand acres; three hundred of which are under cultivation in cane and corn. He averages about twenty-five hundred pounds of sugar per acre and twenty bushels net corn per acre. In addition to his own plantation he leases Oxford plantation, nineteen hundred acres, on the east bank of Bayou Teche, upon which he cultivates eight hundred acres of rice and corn, and makes an average of twelve barrels of rice per acre. The sugar house at Linwood is open kettle process, he makes only syrup, which is shipped on barges down the Teche to the Baldwin refinery, where it is granulated. Mr. O'Niell gives employment to from forty to seventy-five hands at different periods of the year, and is the largest producer of rice in St. Mary parish.

He is the father of three children, viz: Laura Isabelle, Herbert Edwin and Conrad Lienicke. Mr. O'Niell is an enterprising planter and is fully alive to the interests of his section of the country. He gives his assistance in furthering any worthy project.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 377-378.

1914 Biography - James Randlett Parkerson

Parkerson, Hon. James Randlett, state senator and member of constitutional convention, successful lawyer of Franklin, La., was born at Franklin, La., Dec. 3, 1879; son of Gen. John R. Parkerson whose birth occurred Aug. 30, 1853, in the same locality as that of the son. The paternal grandfather, Judge J. G. Parkerson, also was born at Franklin Oct. 22, 1829. The paternal great-grandfather, John Parkerson, married Mary Dreher, who died in the year 1896 at the age of near 100 years. Gen. John R. Parkerson, the father, was educated at Louisiana state university, then located at Alexandria. He became a merchant at Franklin, and afterward was clerk of court of St. Mary parish during a term of 4 years. Following this he conducted a general insurance agency until about the first of the year 1913. From 1880 to 1884, under the administration of Gov. McEnery, he was a commander of state troops, Gen. Beauregard being at that time Adjut.-General. It was during this time that so much trouble was had with the negroes. Gen. Parkerson at this time occupies the position of confidential clerk and keeper of records of the board of control of the Louisiana state penitentiary, which he has filled since Jan. 1, 1913. The paternal grandfather, Judge J. G. Parkerson, was educated at Philadelphia, Pa., and shortly following the completion of his educational term was elected recorder of St. Mary parish, which office he filled until the beginning of the Civil war, when he enlisted in the Confederate army and served as a staff officer throughout the term of the war. After the surrender he returned to Franklin and engaged in sugar planting until 1878, when he became a general agent of the Southern Pacific R. R. and removed to Lafayette. He remained active incumbent of this office until Jan. 1, 1903, when, on account of age, he was retired on half pay for the remainder of his life. He died Nov. 5, 1913. The paternal great-grandfather, John Parkerson, came from South Carolina and located at Franklin in 1825, at the time when the town of Franklin consisted of only 7 houses. He followed the vocation of a planter, and died in 1847. James Randlett Parkerson was second of 5 children born to his parents, as follows: Mrs. Wilbur Kramer, James Randlett, John T., now chief assistant editor of the New York Journal. The fourth and fifth children--a boy and girl--died in infancy. James Randlett Parkerson, in the course of his education, attended the public schools of Franklin, and when he received thorough preparation in these, entered the academic department of Louisiana state university, where he prosecuted his studies until a portion of his junior year had been completed, when it became necessary for him to return home. In 1899 he entered the law department of Tulane university and graduated with the class of 1900. Shortly following the completion of his professional education he began the practice of law at Franklin, and has remained so actively engaged until the present time, with the exception of a short while during which he was absent on account of ill health. The mother, Bettie (Taylor) Parkerson, was born near Monroe, La., Nov. 4, 1853, and died Sept. 3, 1891. She was a daughter of Richard Taylor, a native of Louisiana and a distant relative of Gen. Richard Taylor, and also of Gen. Zachary Taylor. The Taylor family in Louisiana traces its ancestry back through many generations. Jan. 4, 1910, Mr. Parkerson was married to Miss Claremont Jones, a daughter of the Rev. R. T. Jones, an Episcopal minister originally of Virginia, but now stationed at St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Parkerson has voted the democratic ticket since beginning the exercise of the elective franchise. In 1912 he was elected a member of the Louisiana state senate from the 11th senatorial district, composed of Vermilion and St. Mary parishes. During the succeeding session of the senate he served on the judiciary, education, railroad, fish and fisheries (conservation) and the penitentiary committees. In Oct., 1913, Sen. Parkerson was elected a member of the Louisiana state constitutional convention, and during the succeeding session of the constitutional convention was the author of the anti-trust law adopted as an amendment to the constitution.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 560-561.

1914 Biography - William Stirling Parkerson

Parkerson, William Stirling, distinguished lawyer and citizen, is a native of Louisiana; born on Stirling plantation in St. Mary's parish, April 24, 1857, and is a son of James G. and Elizabeth Hall (Stirling) Parkerson. He is descended from a line of ancestry in whose veins mingled the blood of the sturdy English and Scotch races. His father was born in St. Mary's parish, La., and has reached the 84th milestone in the journey of life; is a planter and resident of St. Mary's parish, where his father, John Parkerson, was a pioneer settler, coming to the state of Louisiana in 1806. John Parkerson was a surveyor and planter, and likewise James G. Parkerson has been a surveyor and planter. For 20 years James G. Parkerson served as recorder of his parish and he has long been one of the most extensive planters of Louisiana. He is a veteran of the Confederate army, and one of the best known and highly esteemed citizens of the state. The mother of William Stirling Parkerson died in 1875. She was a member of the well-known and prominent family of Stirling of Louisiana. Of 8 children William S. Parkerson is the eldest. He attended Rugby school at Franklin, La., until he was 17, and then entered St. Stephen's college, New York, from which institution he graduated in 1879. In the fall of that same year Mr. Parkerson entered the law department of the University of Louisiana, now Tulane university of Louisiana, and graduated in law May, 1880, being chosen valedictorian of his class. In Jan. of 1881 Mr. Parkerson began the practice of law in New Orleans. Very soon after beginning his professional career be began to rise in his profession, and his has been an active and successful career as a lawyer. He is numbered among the leaders of the Louisiana bar; profound in the law, gifted as a trial lawyer, and being eloquent of speech, Mr. Parkerson has won his way to high rank in his profession. He has always taken an active and commendable part in politics, and has been a consistent democrat, but never held public office, his chief ambition being to devote his time and talents to his profession. In public affairs Mr. Parkerson has been a prime mover in many things which have tended to the betterment of the public weal. In 1888 Mr. Parkerson married Miss Alice P. Putnam of New Orleans. She died leaving 3 children. In 1894 Mr. Parkerson married a sister of his first wife, Camilla Davis Putnam, who has borne him 5 children. Stirling Parkerson, one of his sons, is associated with him in the practice of law. His life has been an active one; he has achieved an enviable reputation as a lawyer, and is held in highest esteem as a citizen.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 346-347.

1891 Biography - Alexander Alcide Pecot

CAPT. A. A. PECOT, CYPREMORT. -- The story of the Pecot family is an interesting one, and complete in its detail would constitute a history of itself. The first of the name of whom we have any definite information was Francois Pecot, an Acadian. Upon the occupancy of Acadia by the British, he was exiled to San Domingo, where he accumulated, in after years, considerable property. Among his fellow exiles was Madame Marie Prejean Dupuis, widow of Jean Baptiste Dupuis. Shortly after locating on the Island, Francois Pecot married Madame Dupuis, and they became the parents of seven children, viz: Luc, Jacques, Marie Rose, Marie Antoinette, Charles, Marie Louise, Marie Anne. Luc Pecot was a soldier during the Revolution of San Domingo and fought under the French flag, as was also his brother, Jacques. Though under age he entered the service in order that his father, who was at that time an aged man, might be spared the hardships incident to a soldier's life. In this revolution Francois Pecot and his sons, Luc and Jacques, were captured and condemned to death, and the lives of the whole family placed in jeopardy. But by the assistance of a negro, a family slave, they escaped, and the family removed to Jamaica, and from thence for a time to New Orleans. Luc, the eldest son of Francois Pecot, died without leaving any children. Jacques became the father of four sons, viz.: Pierre, Edward, Agla, Octave, Marie Rose married Jean Armelin and became the mother of ten children, viz: Jean, Josephine, Coralie, Aspisie E., Charles, Theodore, Aristide, Ulysses, Adele, Joseph.

Marie Antoinette married Gabriel Bouillet and they became the parents of a son, Joseph Sully, and a daughter, Hermina, who married Balthazar Martel, to whom, assisted by her son, J. Sully Martel, we are indebted for the sketch of the Pecot family.

Charles Pecot married Felicity Sigur about 1817 or '18. They became the parents of eight children, four of whom are now living, viz.: Alexander Alcide, Ernest, Denis Mozart, Cornelie. Marie Louise married Alexander Frere and Marie Anne married Frederick Pellerin.

Alexander Alcide Pecot was born, 1822, in St. Mary parish. He was educated entirely at home, and while yet a youth engaged as secretary and assistant to his older brother, who was manager of his father's plantation. After the death of his brother, young Pecot took charge of the plantation, and after his mother's death became administrator of the succession. Under his able management the estate has been greatly increased in extent and value. In the late war Mr. Pecot was an active participant, and when Louisiana called for volunteers for home defence [sic], he organized an independent company of cavalry, of which he was first lieutenant, and afterward was captain. Capt. Pecot has served in many responsible official positions and always with satisfaction. In 1858 he was elected to the State Senate. He was appointed by Francis T. Nicholls tax collector of St. Mary parish, and in this capacity served four years. Capt. Pecot is a life-long Democrat, and it may safely be said that he is a leader of that party in St. Mary parish. Capt. Pecot is a man of marked ability and broad views. Being possessed of a remarkably keen perception, he is not slow in reaching a conclusion, and after it has been reached is firm in his adherence to it. Without a family of his own, he never having married, the Captain labors for the benefit of others, and there are many who can testify to his beneficence.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 379-380.

1891 Biography - Louis Pelerin

Louis Pelerin, sugar planter, is the son of Nicholas and Eufaula (Dartey) Pelerin. He was born in St. Mary parish in 1843, where he worked on his father's farm until fifteen years of age, when his father's death occurred. Soon after this he joined Captain Murphy's company of Louisiana Volunteers, in which he fought bravely and served with honor until the close of the war, when he commenced planting, which is his present avocation. Soon after the close of the war he married Josena Goula, of St. Mary parish. To them nine children have been born: Filamon, Louis, Jr., Mary, Nicholas, Julia, Balthazar, Eugenia, Eufamia and Antoinette. Mr. Pelerin owns a fine plantation on which he makes a specialty of raising corn and cane.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 380.

1891 Biography - Henry Penn

HENRY PENN, BALDWIN. -- Henry Penn was born in St. Mary parish, September 16, 1839. He is the son of Henry and Eugenie (Detice) Penn, both natives of St. Mary parish. Our subject was reared in his native parish, where he attended the public schools for a period of eight years. After completing his studies he became an overseer, and was engaged at this for four years, when, the war breaking out, he volunteered in Pecot's company, Third Louisiana Regiment, of Harrison's brigade, and served four years, until the close of the war. Returning home, he engaged in planting, which has been his principal occupation until the present time. He owns three hundred acres of land, two hundred and fifty being under cultivation. He married, July 26, 1859, Azama Bodin, a native of St. Mary parish, born September 11, 1841. To this union were born seven sons and four daughters: Anette, Henry, Jr.; William, Alice, Eugenie, Felicity, Charles, Tice, Robert, Gregois and Clara.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 379.

1891 Biography - Francis Placide Perret

FRANCIS PLACIDE PERRET, FRANKLIN -- Francis Placide Perret was born in St. John the Baptist parish October 4, 1834. He is the son of Placide and Mathilde C. (Darenbourg) Perret, both natives of St. John the Baptist parish, and the latter of French and Swede origin. The grandfather of our subject's mother was Chevalier Darensbourg, who emigrated to Louisiana in June, 1722, at the head of two hundred and fifty Germans to colonize Louisiana. The father and mother of our subject became the parents of seven children: Helene L., Mathilde, Isabelle Emma, Francois Placide, Irene Eleanore, Philomene and Anne Heloise. Isabelle Emma and Philomene are now deceased.

Francis Placide Perret, the subject of this sketch, attended school in his native parish till he was fifteen years of age, when he entered college at Bardstown, Kentucky, where he remained until the spring of 1851. He began life for himself in St. Mary parish, where he had removed with his parents in 1848, as a druggist, in which he continued for some time. In 1880 he was appointed deputy clerk of the court at Franklin, and in 1888 was elected clerk of the district court, and is the present incumbent of that office. He was married November, 1858, to Miss Fannie Perret, a native of this parish, born May 19, 1836. She is the daughter of Ursin and Fannie (Pain) Perret, the former born in St. James parish, 1795, and died in 1877, and the latter born in St. Charles parish, 1803, and is still living. Mr. Perret and wife are the parents of seven children, viz.: Helen Emma, Marie, Fannie, Corinne, Mathilde, Sylvain Ursin, Frank Placide, deceased. Mr. Perret and wife are members of the Catholic Church. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, and is a stanch Democrat. Mr. Perret has worked assiduously during his life, and holds the confidence of many of the best people of St. Mary parish.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 378-379.

1914 Biography - Wilson T. Peterman

Peterman, Wilson T., sheriff and tax collector, St. Mary parish, Franklin, La. - was born at Franklin, La., Nov. 10, 1875, son of Jacob A. and Margaret J. (Walker) Peterman, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter at Franklin, La. The father came alone to America and located at Franklin while yet a young man. He had learned the tailor's trade in his native land and followed this for some years after having become a resident of Franklin. In course of time, however, he opened a tailoring shop on his own account, and later a clothing store, ultimately becoming a prosperous merchant of the town. In the later years of his life business reverses largely depleted his fortune some time previous to his death, which occurred at Franklin in 1891. The mother's father was from the state of Connecticut. He came south and located at Franklin at an early date. Wilson T. Peterman's early education was limited to the private and public schools of Franklin. The word "early" is used advisedly here, because while that portion of his education which he received in private and public schools was received in the years of his childhood, it is at once apparent that a man who has attained the degree of substantial success that has attended his efforts, has been a student throughout the waking hours of his life. At 13 years of age the lad began working in the lumber and timber business, and has continued associated with that branch of industry throughout his life, so far. In the course of his intimate practical experience he has been employed in all departments of the lumber and timber business, and has successively filled just about all the various positions in each of those departments - a first-hand experience that, coupled with the necessary personal characteristics, insured the success that followed. When about 21 years old he became a stockholder in the Kyle Lumber Co., of Franklin and has remained an associate of that corporation to this time. About 1903 the Riggs Cypress Co., of Patterson, La., was organized with Wilson T. Peterman as president of the company. Some time later, upon a reorganization of this institution, Mr. Peterman became president and general manager and remains incumbent of that station. He is also vice-president, respectively, of the Dyer Timber Co., Morgan City, and the Opera House Co. of Franklin; member board of directors of the St. Mary Bank & Trust Co.; extensive stockholder in the Commercial Bank & Trust Co., the two latter institutions being at Franklin; stockholder in the Union and Citizens' bank of Patterson, the First National bank of Morgan City, and several other industrial, commercial and financial enterprises. He has served two terms as a member of the board of Aldermen of the City of Franklin. In 1904 he was elected a member of the Louisiana state senate from the 11th senatorial district, serving 4 years, during which term of service an extra session of the legislature was held. In 1908 Sen. Peterman was elected sheriff of St. Mary parish, and 1912 reelected without opposition. At this time it is freely stated by those in position to be informed, that Ex-Sen. Peterman is the strongest candidate in the field for the seat of Hon. Robert Broussard in the National house of representatives, and that the ex-senator will probably be elected. In 1895 Sen. Peterman was married to Miss Amanda J. Allen, a daughter of Capt. Robert Allen of Franklin. They have 3 children - Margaret Elizabeth, St. Mary, and Margaret. The senator is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Pythias, and Woodmen of the World. At this time Sen. Peterman is a candidate for congress from the 3rd district on the progressive ticket, (bull moose), though he has previously been a life-long democrat.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 354-355.

Andrew Price (1909)

Biography - Andrew Price

Price, Andrew, planter and politician, was born on April 2, 1854, at Chatsworth plantation, near Franklin, St. Mary parish, La. He was educated at various private schools and the collegiate department of Cumberland university, Lebanon, Tenn., and graduated in the law department of the same university in 1875. He continued his legal studies for 2 years in the law department of Washington university at St. Louis, Mo., and received his degree from that institution in 1877. For 3 years he practiced law in St. Louis, then returned to Louisiana to become a sugar planter. He was a delegate to the Democratic national convention in 1888, and the same year was elected a representative from Louisiana to the 51st Congress as a Democrat, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his father-in-law, Hon. Edward J. Gay, and was reelected to the 52d, 53d and 54th Congresses.

Extracted 2020 Jun 24 by Norma Hass from Louisiana; comprising sketches of counties, towns, events, institutions, and persons, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1909, volume 2, page 326.

1914 Biography - Andrew Price

Price, Andrew, late of Lafourche parish, La., (born April 2, 1854; died Feb. 5, 1909), was for many years prominently identified with the sugar planting interests and with public affairs of his native state. His family originally from St. Louis, Mo., removed to St. Mary parish and engaged in sugar planting. The Chatsworth plantation, owned by the Prices, is one of the oldest in that region, and while it was in the possession of Andrew Price's father, it yielded very large crops. On his mother's side, the subject of this sketch was related to many of the best families of the parish — the Fosters, Cafferys and others. Andrew Price was born on the paternal estate. Private tutors attended to his primary and grammar education until he was 12 years of age, when he was sent to Cumberland university, at Lebanon, Tenn., and after completing the collegiate course he entered the law department and graduated in 1875. Continuing the study of law, Mr. Price took a course of 2 years in the law department of Washington university, St. Louis, and received the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1877. The young attorney practiced his profession in St. Louis until 1880, achieving much success. Having married in 1879 Miss Anna M. Gay, daughter of Edward J. Gay, a wealthy sugar planter of Louisiana, Mr. Price decided to return home and devote himself exclusively to sugar planting in partnership with his father-in-law. Although he had given up the practice of law to attend to his landed interests, Mr. Price could not refrain from engaging in politics, and in 1884 actively supported Mr. Gay in opposition to Wm. Pitt Kellogg, the republican nominee, in the third congressional district of Louisiana. That political campaign was memorable because of Mr. Gay's victory over Mr. Kellogg brought about the overthrow of republicanism in that district, where it had flourished for nearly 20 years. Mr. Price managed the campaign for his father-in-law with great ability and success, and became well known and very popular in the district. When Mr. Gay died in 1889, before the end of his second term in congress, the people unanimously elected Mr. Price to fill the unexpired term, in recognition of the great service he had performed in redeeming the district from republican rule. He was re-elected to three successive terms, and served until March 3, 1897. During his term in congress Mr. Price became a prominent figure, through his marked abilities, and his high-minded course in all his dealings with his colleagues. The Louisiana sugar industry had no more able and watchful champion in congress than he. In 1896 when the Louisiana legislature met to elect a successor to Senator White who had been appointed to the Supreme court of the United States, Mr. Price became a candidate against three prominent citizens, Congressman N. D. Blanchard, who had been appointed ad interim senator pending the special session of the legislature; Walter D. Denegre, nominee of the Citizens' league and Judge Blackman. At that time the free silver sentiment was sweeping the democratic party, and the legislature decided to call for expressions of views on the part of candidates relative to free silver. Mr. Price had always been an advocate of the gold standard, and although his good friends advised him to parry by declaring his willingness to do whatever the people of the state should want on that subject, he replied that he could not honorably descend to equivocation. Then Mr. Price appeared before the legislature and declared in a plain and straightforward speech that he believed in the gold standard; but, if the democratic national convention which was to meet in a few weeks later, decided on a free silver plank, he would, as a consistent and loyal democrat, vote with the party. Mr. Price's supporters in the legislature realized that he had no chance to be elected senator, but continued to vote for him until Hon. S. D. McEnery, the choice of the caucus, won on final ballot over Mr. Denegre, after Messrs. Price, Blanchard and Blackman had withdrawn in favor of the candidate put forward by the caucus. Mr. Price declined re-election to the 55th congress, and was succeeded by Hon. Robert Broussard. In 1898 Mr. Price became a member of the state constitutional convention, and was on the committee on suffrage and elections. That was his last service in public life, and he devoted himself to planting and stock raising until he suffered an attack of paralysis. His condition steadily grew worse, and Feb. 5, 1909 the end came. At the bedside stood his wife, his brothers, Col. Wm. H. and John Price, and several members of the Price and Gay families. Mr. Price was a man of splendid physique, gentle and considerate by nature and almost revered by those in lowly station who had occasion to meet him. His sense of honor was strongly marked, and he was extremely modest. Loved and honored for himself alone, his death was deeply and sincerely mourned. In the New Orleans "Picayune" of Feb. 6, 1909 the following tribute was paid to his memory: "The death of Hon. Andrew Price at his plantation, near Thibodaux, was a grievous surprise to many of his friends, although they were fully aware of the general condition of his health. It was while he was serving his second term in the national house of representatives that he was stricken with paralysis which forced his retirement from a prominent public life, and finally terminated his earthly career. It is to be doubted if there could be found anywhere a man in the prime of manhood more magnificently endowed physically than Andrew Price, when in 1890 he succeeded as representative in congress, for the third district of Louisiana, his lamented predecessor and father-in-law, Hon. Edward J. Gay. At the same time his genial and generous nature made him extremely popular with all who knew him, while his brilliant intellect and solid education highly fitted him for the public life he had begun with such admirable prospects. But cut down in the midst of what would have been a grand career, the strong man became a subject for the constant care, the unfailing affection of his charming young wife who, fitted as she was, to be an ornament of the highest social circles, rose to still greater distinction as queen of the home and devoted nurse of her helpless patient."

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 565-567.

1925 Biography - Robert L. Robinson

Robert L. Robinson, principal of the Berwick public school in St. Mary Parish, has been a school man for a number of years and has been identified with the progressive forces in Louisiana school affairs.

He was born near Vernon, in Jackson Parish, Louisiana, January 2, 1889. His father, Jeremiah A. Robinson, was born in Clarke County, Alabama, February 2, 1854, grew up there and when a young man moved to Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, where he married and where he engaged in farming. Since 1888 his borne has been at Vernon. He is a member of the police jury and deputy sheriff of Jackson Parish, and has filled that office for a number of years. In politics he is a democrat, is a Mason and a member of the Baptist Church. Jeremiah A. Robinson married Addie E. McCormick, who was born near Choudrant in Lincoln Parish in 1865, and died at Vernon October 12, 1892. She was the mother of two children: Robert L. and ha, the latter the wife of Horace L. Cassidy, a carpenter at Ruston.

Robert L. Robinson acquired his early education in public schools in Jackson and Lincoln parishes, and began teaching before he was twenty years of age. In the intervals of teaching he has kept up his studies in normal school and university, and in 1915 graduated from the Louisiana State Normal College at Natchitoches, and nearly every summer since then except during 1917-18, when he was with the colors, has attended the Louisiana State University, studying for the Bachelor of Science degree. Mr. Robinson's successive engagements as principal of schools has been as follows: The Jackson Chapel School, 1908-09; Johnson Bayou school in Cameron Parish, 1909-10; Prospect school in Grant Parish, 1910-12; following which he was in residence as a student at the State Normal School. In 1916 he became principal of the public school at Bonami in Beauregard Parish, and was principal of the Longville public school until he was called to the colors in December, 1917. He was sent to the Aviation Corps at Gerstner Field, Lake Charles, was made a corporal, and served there until honorably discharged in January, 1919. For several months following he was principal of the Lapine school in Ouachita Parish: during 1919-20 was principal of the Esterwood High School and then came an interval when he turned to commercial work, serving fourteen months as purchasing agent of the Caddo Winn Lumber Company at St. Maurice. In the public schools at Jena he was professor of history and science until the fall of 1921, at which date took up his present duties as principal of the public school at Berwick.

Mr. Robinson is member of the Louisiana State Teachers' Association, is a democrat, a Baptist, and is affiliated with the Eros Lodge No. 295, F. and A. M.; Brashear Chapter No. 81, Royal Arch Masons, at Morgan City; and Morgan City Lodge No. 1121, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

He married, August 27, 1914, at Verda, Louisiana, Florence M. Courtney, daughter of M. and Alice (Stagg) Courtney. Her mother resides at Ponchatoula. Her father, a farmer, died at Verda. Mrs. Robinson finished her education in the Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge. They have one son, Robert Howard, born January 21, 1919.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from A History of Louisiana, by Henry E. Chambers, published in 1925, volume 2, pages 362-363.

1891 Biography - Fritz Rode

FRITZ RODE, GLENCOE. -- Fritz Rode, merchant and planter, was born in Germany, November 22, 1849. He is the son of Charles and Caroline Rode. At the age of four, and thereafter for eleven years, he attended private school, when he turned his attention to general merchandising as salesman. In 1867 he came to the United States, locating in Galveston, Texas, in which place he was engaged in a confectionery store for a short time, when he removed to New Orleans. A few months later he took up his abode in St. Mary parish, turning his attention to planting, in which he continued for eight years, then entered the mercantile business, in which he is still engaged, and is meeting with much success. He owns different plantations, aggregating five hundred and forty acres, on one of which he has established a large store. He also has an interest in a branch store. Mr. Rode is united in marriage with Miss Eufenile Roderiges, a native of Louisiana, born in 1856, and daughter of Rustache Roderiges. To them six children have been born: Alma, Charles, Anni, Jean, Caroline and Sasthene.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 381.

1914 Biography - Charles S. Roger, M.D.

Roger, Charles S., M. D., was born in Assumption parish, La., Dec. 12, 1883; son of Stephan E. and Felician (Bordreaux) Roger, both of whom also were born in Assumption parish, La., where the father has followed the lifetime occupation of a farmer. During the Civil war he served 3 years as a volunteer in the Confederate army, and took part in a number of the notable engagements of that great struggle. After the surrender he returned to his home and resumed the cultivation of his fields, which have since engaged his undivided attention. His wife died Jan. 31, 1913. Charles S. Roger was the 7th of 8 living children born to his parents. These, in order of their birth, are as follow: Medrie E., now at the parental home; Ocena, wife of C. C. Rybisbey, druggist, of Lake Arthur, La.; Clay A., on the farm; Eugene P., assistant cashier in Bank of Assumption; William J., in office of Southern Pacific R. R.; Noelie, at the parental home; Charles S., the subject of this sketch; Louise, wife of Benjamin Rybisbey, mercantile clerk, Lake Charles, La. Two children, not here named, are now deceased. In the course of acquiring his education Charles S. Roger attended Jefferson college, in St. James parish, La., and in due time graduated from that school with the class of 1903. When his academic education had been completed he entered the medical department of Tulane university, from which he graduated with the degree of M. D. in the class of 1908, having in the meantime served 1 year as an interne in the Charity hospital at Shreveport, La. Following his graduation Dr. Roger located at Napoleonville and there began the practice of his profession, which has since occupied his undivided attention. He is at this time health officer of Assumption parish, and has been incumbent of that office since the year 1911. Dr. Roger is a member of the Catholic church and is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World, and Alpha Kappa Kappa fraternity. April 27, 1912, Dr. Roger was married to Miss Pearl Falterman, a daughter of Elphege and Ida (Picou) Falterman, of Patterson, La., where Mr. Falterman occupies the position of foreman for the F. B. Williams Lumber Co. Dr. and Mrs. Roger have 1 son, Charles S., Jr.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 658-659.

1891 Biography - Edward A. Sanders

EDWARD A. SANDERS, FRANKLIN. -- Edward A. Sanders was born in New York, July 2, 1817. He received a meagre education in the public schools of Ohio, where he spent his boyhood. He started doing for himself at the age of twenty-one years as a brick maker and bricklayer, and has been thus engaged most of his life. He was married to Miss Goff, who was born in Virginia in 1820. There were born to this marriage eight children, five of whom are still living: Delicia, wife of George Howard; Flora, Helena, wife of Jules Meyeret; John H. and Gordan. Those dead are: Anna, died 1861; Cyrus, died 1873; Borena, died 1854. The mother of these children died in 1866.

Our subject has had a checkered career. During the Civil War he was pressed into service (though neutral) by the Federal authorities. They also destroyed a great amount of property in the way of boats and stock for him. They also appropriated twenty-four bales of cotton belonging to him. In recent years all his property was destroyed by fire. Notwithstanding that, he still has a comfortable house in Franklin. He also has 160 acres of timber land in St. Mary parish, and some interests in Virginia.

Our subject is a Methodist in belief, though not a communicant. The rest of the family are Roman Catholics.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 384.

1891 Biography - J. Y. Sanders

J. Y. SANDERS, FRANKLIN. -- J. Y. Sanders is a native of St. Mary parish, born January 29, 1869. He is the son of J. Y. Sanders, Sr., and Bessie Wafford Sanders. J. Y. Sanders was a native of St. Mary parish, and was a planter by occupation. He married, in 1867, our subject's mother, a daughter of James M. and Diana (Coco) Wafford. They became the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters, of whom our subject, J. Y. Sanders, Jr., is the eldest. The other children are: Mary, S. K., B. W., J. W., H. L., Thomas; those deceased are Francis, Leila R.

J. Y. Sanders, Jr., received a limited education, and began business in a mercantile house at Franklin, where he remained two years, when he turned his attention to overseeing, in which business he continued until 1889. He then moved to Texarkana, Arkansas, where he became editor and proprietor of a weekly newspaper. In March, 1890, he became editor of the St. Mary Banner, a weekly paper published in Franklin. Mr. Sanders is a gentleman of high mental discipline and excellent ability as an editor. His editorials always reach the point, and he is one of the best informed young men in St. Mary parish.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 383.

Biography - Jared Y. Sanders

Sanders, Jared Y., the present governor of Louisiana, was born near Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, La., Jan. 29, 1869, a son of Jared Y. and Bessie (Wofford) Sanders. His father, who was a Confederate veteran, died in 1881, and the following year floods seriously damaged the plantation on which the family resided. These misfortunes made it necessary for the future governor to aid in the support of his widowed mother and her eight children, and he began his business career as a clerk in a country store. Some years later he entered the office of the St. Mary Banner, a weekly paper published at Franklin, where he learned to set type. In 1890, after he had become editor of the Banner, he took up the study of law, to which he gave every spare moment of his time until in 1893, when he entered the law department of Tulane university. He graduated in law in May, 1894, and the same month was admitted to the bar. A few weeks later he became a member of the firm of Sigur & Sanders of Franklin. In 1896 the firm became Sigur, Milling & Sanders and continued under this name until Jan. 1, 1900, when Mr. Sigur retired. On July 1, 1900, Murphy J. Foster, upon retiring from the governor's office, became a member of the firm, which then took the name of Foster, Milling & Sanders, and the following February Emile Godchaux was taken into partnership. In Jan., 1907, Mr. Sanders withdrew from the firm and began the practice of law by himself. Mr. Sanders' political career began in 1892, when he was elected to the general assembly from the parish of St. Mary, and continued to serve in that body for twelve years. In 1900 he was chosen speaker of the house, receiving every vote, making it one of the most unusual elections that ever occurred in the Louisiana legislature. He continued as speaker until in 1904, when he was elected lieutenant-governor on the ticket with Newton C. Blanchard, and in 1908, at the close of his term, was elected governor.

Extracted 2020 Jun 24 by Norma Hass from Louisiana; comprising sketches of counties, towns, events, institutions, and persons, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1909, volume 2, page 426.

1925 Biography - Jared Young Sanders, Jr.

Captain Jared Young Sanders, Jr. -- The bar of Louisiana has its full quota of able and loyal lawyers of the younger generation, the major number being natives of the state. Among these successful practitioners a place of relative precedence is consistently to be ascribed to Jared Y. Sanders, Jr., and he is a scion of old and honored southern families whose names have been prominent in the annals of Louisiana. He was in overseas service in the World war, in which connection he gained the rank of captain.

Captain Sanders was born in Franklin, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, April 20, 1892, a son of Jared Young Sanders, Sr., and a grandson of Jared Young Sanders, who became one of the most extensive and successful planters in the South and who died on his homestead plantation, near Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, in the year 1881, his widow, whose maiden name was Bessie Wofford, being now a resident of the City of New Orleans. The original American representatives of the Sanders family came from England and settled in North Carolina in the early Colonial era. The Woffords likewise came from England and were numbered among the Colonial settlers in Virginia.

Jared Y. Sanders, Sr., who resides at Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, was born on his father's plantation near Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, January 29, 1867, and he was a boy at the time of the family removal to Franklin, where he attended school until he was fifteen years of age. He then began to aid in the support of his widowed mother and the other children of the family, and his career has been one of constructive enterprise and consecutive advancement. He was for several years engaged in the insurance business, and thereafter became editor and publisher of the Mary Banner, a weekly paper at Franklin. While thus engaged he attended the law department of Tulane University, and after receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws he was engaged in the practice of his profession at Franklin until 1908, in which year he was elected governor of Louisiana. In his term as chief executive of his native commonwealth, Governor Sanders gave a most careful and progressive administration, the record of which has become an admirable part of the history of Louisiana government. He had previously served two terms in the Lower House of the Louisiana Legislature, and he was speaker of the House of Representatives in the period of 1900-04, under the administration of Gov. W. W. Heard. Under the regime of Gov. Newton C. Blanchard, Mr. Sanders served as lieutenant governor from 1904 until 1908, in which latter year appreciative popular vote elected him governor of the state. Still higher honors were in store for him, for while he was serving as governor he was elected to the United States Senate, as successor of the late Douglas C. McEnery. However, he resigned this office without taking his seat in the National Senate, as he was actuated by his desire to continue his fight to have the Panama Exposition held in New Orleans. In this ambition he was frustrated, however, as San Francisco was selected as the stage of the great exposition. In 1912 Governor Sanders resumed the practice of law, in the City of New Orleans, and while still retaining his offices in that city, he removed in 1914 to Bogalusa, Washington Parish, where he was elected to the United States Congress, as representative of the Sixth Congressional District of Louisiana, his service in Congress continuing for two terms and being marked by the same high stewardship that had characterized all of his previous official service. He was a member of the Louisiana State Constitutional Convention of 1898, and also that of 1921. The Governor is a Knight Templar Mason, has received the thirty-second degree of the Masonic Scottish Rite, and is affiliated also with the Mystic Shrine. He wedded Miss Ada V. Shaw, of Fouke, Arkansas, and their only child is Jared Y., Jr., the immediate subject of this review.

The early education of Jared Y. Sanders, Jr., was acquired in public and private schools of St. Mary Parish, and continued in Dixon Military Academy, at Covington, this state. In 1908 he entered the University of Louisiana, and in this institution he was graduated as a member of the class of 1912 and with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. At the university he became a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, was a letter man in the basketball team, and was valedictorian of his class, besides having been in 1912 the editor of the university annual known as 'The Gumbo.' He was likewise a member of several of the university debating teams, and thus participated in inter-collegiate debating contests. In 1910 he was winner of the Gang Medal for public speaking. After his graduation in the Louisiana University Mr. Sanders was for one year a student in the law department of historic old Washington and Lee University, Virginia, and there he became affiliated with the Phi Delta Phi, the honorary legal fraternity, besides which he was a member of the inter- collegiate debating team of Washington and Lee. In 1913 he entered the law department of Tulane University, his graduation therein being as a member of the class of 1914, and his admission to the bar having been virtually coincident with his reception of the degree of Bachelor of Laws. In the meanwhile he had been for one year a student in the law department of the State University of Louisiana. .

Mr. Sanders was admitted to the bar in June, 1914, and his professional novitiate was served at Bogalusa, where he continued in practice until 1913, since which time he has been established in successful general practice in the City of Baton Rouge, except for the period of his service in the World war. He is senior member of the law firm of H Sanders & Gottlieb, with offices in Suite 318-19 New Reymond Building, his partner being Mr. S. J. Gottlieb, a member of one of the prominent families of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Mr. Sanders is a thoroughgoing adherent of the democratic party, his basic Masonic affiliation is with St. James Lodge, No. 47, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and in the Louisiana Grand Consistory, Scottish Rite, he has received the thirty-second degree. Mr. Sanders is an active member of the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce and the East Baton Rouge Parish Bar Association, is attorney for and a director of the Commercial Securities Company and the Baton Rouge Building & Loan Association, and is distinctly loyal and progressive in his civic attitude, with deep interest in all that touches the welfare of his home city and native state. In the capital city he owns his attractive home property, at 2332 Wisteria Street.

In May, 1917, the month following that in which the nation became definitely involved in the World war. Mr. Sanders volunteered and was sent to the first Officers' Training Camp at Fort Logan H. Roots, in Arkansas, where he received, in July of that year, his commission as captain. He was transferred to Camp Pike and there assigned to Company B, Three Hundred and Forty-sixth Infantry, Eighty-seventh Division. With his command he was ordered to Camp Dix, New Jersey, to prepare for embarkation, and there he was transferred to the regimental staff in the capacity of Intelligence and Operations Officer. With his division he crossed the Atlantic in August, 1918, and after arriving at Le Havre, France, was sent to a position near Bordeaux, whence he was billeted to the base sector near St. Nazaire. In October, 1918, with other officers, he was sent to the Officers Line School at Langres, where he remained until December, when he rejoined his division, at St. Nazaire. Captain Sanders returned to the United States in March, 1919, and early in the following months received his honorable discharge, at Camp Dix.

At Little Rock, Arkansas, October 5, 1921, occurred the marriage of. Captain Sanders to Miss Mary Briggs, daughter of Charles H. and Eugenia Briggs, of that city, where the father is engaged in commercial printing and publishing. Mrs. Sanders attended Ward-Belmont College, Nashville, Tennessee, and her gracious personality has given her special popularity in the social circles of Baton Rouge. They have one daughter, Mary Elizabeth.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from A History of Louisiana, by Henry E. Chambers, published in 1925, volume 2, pages 6-7.

1891 Biography - Thomas Shaffer

THOMAS SHAFFER, FRANKLIN.--Thomas Shaffer is a native of Terrebonne parish, born October 9, 1842. He is the son of William A. and Emilie (Bourgeois) Shaffer. William A. Shaffer was a planter by occupation, and was first engaged in his pursuit in Lafourche parish and subsequently removed to Terrebonne parish, where he established what is known as the Crescent Farm. He died at a ripe old age in 1886. His wife died in 1875. They were the parents of three sons and four daughters, viz: John J., W. R., Lizzie H., wife of T. T. Brooks; Belle W., wife of Dr. J. H. Sanders of St. Mary parish; Thomas J., the subject of this sketch; Benjamin F., died at the age of 25 years, in Texas, in 1871.

Thomas Shaffer received his early education in the private schools of Terrebonne parish, and in 1854 went to Shelby College, Kentucky. He returned home in the fall of 1858 and then went to the Centenary College, at Jackson, Louisiana, where he remained until the war, when he left school, and going to Richmond, Va., joined the First Louisiana Battalion, under General Magruder, and after having served about a year he was promoted to the position of Lieutenant of the Twenty-sixth Louisiana Regiment, a command of volunteers from Southwest Louisiana, composed mostly of Creoles. The command was organized at Berwick City, under Alexander Declouet, and numbered about eleven hundred strong. This regiment was engaged in the fall of New Orleans, and was then ordered to Vicksburg with the Army of Mississippi. This regiment participated in many of the engagements on the Yazoo River, Deer Creek and Battle of Chickasaw, and went into Vicksburg before the siege, where he (Shaffer) was made Inspector General under General N. L. Smith. July 4, 1863, he was taken prisoner and shortly after was paroled by General Grant. He then went home and remained inside the Federal lines until 1864. He took passage on a boat to attend a camp of reorganization at Alexandria, but only went as far as Natchitoches, where he remained for some time and then returned home. After the war he engaged in planting on his father's place, and after remaining here for a year he engaged with T. T. Brooks and Charles Taenant in a mercantile business at Houma. April 23, 1868, he married Miss Anna P. Pelton a native of Terrebonne parish, born 1846. She is the daughter of the late John M. Pelton, one of the most energetic and successful planters of Terrebonne parish and the owner of the celebrated Du Lac plantation, of which our subject took charge in 1868. The same year he purchased his present plantation, known then as Cherokee Edge and now as Anna plantation. Since that time he has given his attention to the growing of sugar cane and rice. His plantation lies on both sides of the Teche, between the famous Oak Lawn and Bellevue plantations. Mr. Shaffer is the father of five children, viz.: Susan Margaret, William A., Katie L., Ben F., Edna. Our subject was for three years president of the police jury. He is a stanch Democrat. He is a charter member of the Knights of Honor and of the American Legion of Honor. He and wife are members of the Episcopal church.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 392-383.

1914 Biography - Thomas Shannon

Shannon, Thomas, retired merchant and prominent citizen, Morgan City, La., was born at New Orleans, La., Dec. 13, 1850; son of Thomas and Margaret (Moore) Shannon, both of whom were born in Ireland, where they were also married. After the birth of their first son, Michael, the parents emigrated to America, landing at New York City, whence they went south to New Orleans, where they located about 1849. The mother died at New Orleans during the yellow fever epidemic of 1853, and the father was accidentally killed in Alabama a short time following his wife's death, while engaged upon some work there. Thomas Shannon's educational advantages were very limited, by reason of this early bereavement of both parents. After the Federals entered New Orleans during the Civil war, the boy, being then 12 years old, he was employed as a cabin boy on the U. S. Dispatch Boat Leviathan, running between New Orleans and the mouth of the river. After 3 months this boat was captured by Confederates, under Capt. Harry Skinner, but later was retaken by the Federals. Returning to New Orleans, the lad again found employment as cabin boy on a Federal boat under Capt. Duncan, and sailed to Mobile, the boat being thereafter engaged in laying a cable from Cat Island to Ship Island, off Gulfport, Miss. After this service had been completed, Thomas secured a place as cabin boy on the steamer Gen. N. P. Banks, which carried Federal troops from New Orleans to Pensacola, Fla., and later carried ammunition to Spanish Fort, Ala., and to Admiral Farragut's fleet. Later, Thomas was with Farragut's fleet at the capture of Fort Blakeslee, Ala. Following this event, he returned to New Orleans and shortly afterward proceeded to Brownsville, Tex., where he became an employe of the U. S. Commissary department for a time. Later he did similar work at Point Isabella and at Bagdad, on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande. From the latter place he again returned to New Orleans, and after a brief rest went on to St. Louis, Mo., where he spent 3 years learning the tinner's trade. After having learned the business of a tinner, it seems the attractions of the river proved too great to admit of his continuing at that trade, and he accordingly made his way back to New Orleans again and for some time worked as storekeeper successively on the steamer Morgan and the steamer Josephine. In 1867 it appears that he decided to break away from the river life, and going to Morgan City, he found employment in the general store of McCurdy & Moss. This place proved reasonably satisfactory, and he continued an employe of this firm about 6 years. In Aug., 1873, having by the exercise of habits of thrift accumulated some capital and extended his acquaintance in business circles and otherwise, the young man opened a general merchandise store at Morgan City, and from the latter date to the present time, embracing a period of more than 40 years, the enterprise then founded has been open for trade during business hours. In 1911 Mr. Shannon turned his business over to his 2 sons and retired from active participation in trade. Mr. Shannon is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and a regular democrat. He represented Morgan City on the St. Mary parish school board 14 years. He has always been keenly appreciative of the advantages and importance of education, and during his long term of service as a member of the school board was an earnest advocate of every advantage that could be afforded the scholastic population of St. Mary parish, and in line with these sentiments many new and improved school buildings were erected in the parish during his tenure in office. Mr. Shannon was appointed postmaster at Morgan City at the beginning of Pres. Cleveland's first term and continued incumbent of that office throughout the Cleveland administration and 3 years under the administration of Pres. Harrison, 7 years in the office. In 1898 he was elected mayor of Morgan City, without opposition, and reflected in 1902 under similar conditions, serving 8 years. He was appointed by Gov. Sanders as chief oyster inspector for Louisiana, serving 2 years, and it is said that Gov. Sanders has expressed himself to the effect that among all his appointees to office, Mr. Shannon was the most zealous in the performance of his duties. Oct. 1, 1873, Mr. Shannon was married to Miss Hannah Kepper, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Henry Kepper, who have long been residents of Morgan City. Mrs. Shannon was born at Oldenburg, Hanover, Germany, and came with her parents to Morgan City when a child. To Mr. and Mrs. Shannon 6 children have been born, namely: Thomas H., Maurice D., now mayor of Morgan City; Meta Elizabeth, Francis, Mary Grace and Luretta Winifred, the latter two now deceased.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 394-396.

1891 Biography - J. F. Shaw

J. F. SHAW, FRANKLIN. -- J. F. Shaw was born in New Orleans, February 18, 1859. He is the son of J. F. Shaw, Sr., and was reared in New Orleans and educated in the public schools of that city. He began life as a clerk for Taylor & Logan, commission merchants in that city, and remained in their employ for eight months, when he engaged with John Calder & Son, as clerk, and was in their employ for three years. He then entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, and, after remaining with them for seven years, resigned his position and returned to the employ of Calder & Son, agent of two separate plantations in St. Mary parish, the Alice E. and Choupique. He has held this position since 1885. Mr. Shaw was married in 1886 to Miss Nellie Riley, a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, and a daughter of Cornelius Riley. They are the parents of two children, a son and a daughter, viz: Catherine R. and Cornelius D.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 384-385.

1891 Biography - George B. Shepherd

GEORGE B. SHEPHERD, FRANKLIN. -- George B. Shepherd is a native of Massachusetts, born July 10, 1824. He is the son of Nathaniel and Mary (Whelden) Shepherd, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. Nathaniel Shepherd was a jeweler by occupation and was a successful business man; in politics he was a Democrat. Our subject's mother was born in 1804 and was married in Massachusetts. She became the mother of one child, the subject of this sketch.

George B. Shepherd received an excellent academic education, and in 1845 came to Louisiana from Massachusetts and engaged as a salesman for Cyrus B. Whelen, in which capacity he was employed for three years. After this he devoted his time to civil engineering, and in 1857 became editor of the Attakapas Register, a weekly Democratic paper published in Franklin. He was thus engaged until 1860, when he was appointed register of the State land office, which position he held until 1862, when he enlisted in the C. S. A. under General Miles, Louisiana Volunteers, in which command he served until the close of the war. After the war he became a notary public, and in 1870 he turned his attention to law. In 1872 he was chief clerk of the McEnery House of Representatives, and in 1887 was appointed post-master by President Cleveland, and held this office until July, 1890, when he returned to the practice of law. He was married, March, 1853, to Miss Elizabeth McMillan, a daughter of Robert McMillan and Janet Douglas, native of Scotland, born in 1833 and died in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd are the parents of five children: Emma, Georgie, Edwin, George and Robert. Mr. Shepherd and family are members of the Episcopal church. He is a stanch Democrat.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 381-382.

1891 Biography - Joseph O. Sigur

JOSEPH O. SIGUR, SCALLY. -- Joseph O. Sigur was born in St. Mary parish, Louisiana, September 18, 1853. He is the son of Hermogene and Louise E. (Decuir) Sigur, natives of Iberia parish.

Our subject was reared in St. Mary parish. He received his primary education in the private schools of St. Mary parish, and pursued a three years course in St. Charles College, Grand Coteau. Prior to this he had been a student in Spring Hill College, Alabama. After leaving school Mr. Sigur returned to St. Mary parish, and was engaged with his grandfather in the management of his plantation until the time of the latter's death. By his grandfather's will he was made heir to one-half of the estate, consisting of eight hundred acres of land, two hundred of them being in a state of cultivation. Mr. Sigur since that time has given his entire attention to conducting his plantation, and has become one of the well-to-do farmers of the section. Mr. Sigur was married, December 26, 1886, to Miss Mary Emma Gravenberg, of St. Mary parish. They are the parents of two sons, Edward and George.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 384.

1914 Biography - Beverly W. Smith, M.D.

Smith, Beverly W., L. D., Franklin, St. Mary parish, La., was born at Franklin, April 17, 1870; son of Beverly Chew and Lillie (Walker) Smith, both of whom were born at Franklin. The paternal grandfather, Simeon Smith, born at Hartford, Conn., 1801, died at Franklin in 1853. The maternal grandfather, Marcus Walker, born at Waterbury, Conn., died at New York in 1879, aged 72 years. He was buried at Franklin. Simeon Smith located at Franklin in the late 20's and opened a general merchandise business. He possessed considerable means, and shortly after locating at Franklin began operating a line of steamers between Franklin and New York City, and through this medium largely supplied Franklin and the surrounding country with merchandise. He was one of the first merchants at Franklin, and continued in mercantile business there until his death from yellow fever Dec. 12, 1853. His widow survived him until Sept. 1874. Marcus Walker also was a pioneer of St. Mary parish. Locating there as a young man, he engaged in sugar planting, his place being known as Tidal Wave Plantation. He also engaged in mercantile business, and became a large cotton buyer. He married Miss Sarah Trowbridge, a daughter of one of the old-settled American families. Mrs. Walker died in 1871. Marcus Walker had gone to New York City for medical treatment and while there his death occurred. He was carried to Franklin for burial. When Simeon Smith came south he was accompanied by his brother, Icabod, but the latter died shortly after locating at Franklin. Beverly Chew Smith enlisted in the Confederate army as a member of Vinson's scouts, and did valiant service in the cause of the South throughout the Civil war. After the surrender he returned to Franklin and devoted his abilities to mercantile pursuits until his death in Feb., 1880. He is survived by his widow and 3 children at this time. Beverly W. Smith was educated in private schools. He entered the University of Alabama in 1888, taking the scientific course, but left the university in his junior year. In 1890 he entered the medical department of Tulane university, graduating with the degree of M. D. in 1893. Immediately following his return from the medical school he began general practice at Franklin, where he has since remained and devoted his energies and abilities to his profession. In 1902 Dr. Smith established the St. Mary sanitarium at Franklin and has since conducted this as a private institution. In 1895 Dr. Smith was married to Miss Daisy Williams, a daughter of C. C. Williams of Lafourche parish. Two children have been born to them, viz.: Beverly Chew, now at the University of Virginia, and Daisy Bell. Dr. Smith and family affiliate with the Episcopal church. He votes the democratic ticket. In 1892 the doctor was appointed by Gov. Foster as superintendent of public schools, to fill an unexpired term. He was reappointed, and served 6 years in that office. In 190-8 he was appointed by Gov. Sanders to the office of vice-president of the Louisiana State Board of Health. He resigned from this office in the latter part of 1913. While so serving he was one of the committee that drafted the Louisiana sanitary code, which involved a great deal of painstaking labor. He is a member of the Attakapas clinical, Louisiana State Medical and Southern Medical societies; Southern Surgical, and American Medical associations; Association of Louisiana R. R. surgeons, and is division surgeon of the Southern Pacific R. R.; member of the Masonic fraternity, and of Kappa Alpha.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 400-401.

1891 Biography - Charles Steinacker

CHARLES STEINACKER, FRANKLIN -- Charles Steinacker was born in New Orleans, February 22, 1845. He is the son of Frank Steinacker, who was born in Bavaria in 1810. Francis Steinacker was lieutenant in the Bavarian army and served as a patriotic soldier for several years. He emigrated to America in 1841 and landed in New York City, where he remained until 1843, when he came south, locating in New Orleans. Here he was married, in 1843, to Miss Roch, and they became the parents of two children--our subject, Charles Steinacker, and a daughter, Elizabeth. Frank Steinacker died in 1850.

Charles Steinacker was reared in New Orleans, and received a good business and literary education. He then served an apprenticeship as a blacksmith, and subsequently entered tire employ of a large retail mercantile house in New Orleans, with whom he remained as salesman for eleven years. He came to Franklin in 1885, and accepted an engagement in one of the largest mercantile houses there. Desiring to enter business for himself, he opened a general mercantile house on his own account in 1889, where his efforts have been attended with the greatest success. He is now doing one of the most active and paying businesses in St. Mary parish. Mr. Steinacker is a natural salesman, and is in his element when handling goods and dealing with the public. He is a member of the Catholic church.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 381.

1925 Biography - Roy A. Thorgeson

Roy A. Thorgeson is recognized as one of the progressive young business men of Baton Rouge, and as executive head of the Baton Rouge Welding and Boiler Works he has developed one of the important industrial concerns of the capital city.

Mr. Thorgeson was born at Berwick, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, March 27, 1892, and is a grandson of Gunder Thorgeson, who is now living retired at that place. He was born and reared in Norway, the year of his birth having been 1842, and he was in the prime of life when he came to the United States and established his residence at Berwick, Louisiana, where he long owned and operated a Shipyard and where he has lived virtually retired since the year 1919. Theodore Thorgeson, father of him whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Norway, October 28, 1864, and died at Berwick, Louisiana December 8, 1908. He received his early education and business training in the land of his birth and was a young man when he came to the United States and established his residence at Galveston, Texas. He there became a successful poultry and in this connection operated a boat between that city and Morgan City, Louisiana. After establishing his home at Berwick, Louisiana, he became actively identified with lumbering operations. He not only owned and operated saw mills but also live dredges, and he built up a large and prosperous business, besides having secure status as one of the honored and sterling Citizens of St. Mary Parish. He espoused the cause of the democratic party upon becoming an American citizen, was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his religious faith was that of the Lutheran Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Arvilla Byrom, was born at Columbus, Texas, in October, 1870, and her death occurred at Berwick, Louisiana, July 8, 1908, her husband having passed away on the 8th of the following December. Torwald G., eldest of the children, is a civil engineer and now resides in the State of Florida; Roy A., of this review, was the next in order of birth ; Rudolph C., who is now an assistant foreman for the Standard Oil Company of Louisiana at Baton Rouge, was a student at the University of Louisiana when the nation entered the World war, and he there served as a member of the Students' Army Training Corps; Huldah is the wife of Frederick Wehner, a railroad roundhouse foreman at Del Rio, Texas; Thelma is the wife of Herman Wehner, a brother of Frederick, and they likewise reside at Del Rio, her husband being a locomotive fireman; and George H. is (1924) a student in the University of Louisiana.

The public schools of Berwick afforded Roy A. Thorgeson his preliminary education, and in 1911 he was graduated from the high school at Morgan City, in his native parish. In the same year he entered the University of Louisiana, and in this institution he was graduated as a member of the class of 1915 and with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Thereafter he held for five years the position of foreman of the boiler shops of the Standard Oil Company of Louisiana at Baton Rouge, and he then became associated with his present partner, J. F. Yaun, in establishing the Baton Rouge Welding and Boiler Works, the well-equipped plant of which is situated at 133 North Street. Here are the best of modern facilities for the handling of all kinds of welding work and general boiler repairing, and the progressive policies of the two principals have given to the enterprise a substantial success.

Mr. Thorgeson pins his political faith to the democratic party. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. South, while his wife is a member of the Catholic Church. He is an active member of the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, and is affiliated with Baton Rouge Lodge No. 372, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, besides being a member of the local Adib Ahmar Grotto of the Veiled Prophets.

August 2_, 1915, recorded the marriage of Mr. Thorgeson and Miss Edith Comeaux, daughter of Lennes Comeaux, who is a carpenter by vocation, he and his wife being now residents of the City of New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. Thorgeson have four children: Roy A., Jr., born in the year 1917; Patricia and Peggy, twins, born November 29, 1930; and Catherine, born March 22, 1922.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from A History of Louisiana, by Henry E. Chambers, published in 1925, volume 2, page 95.

1891 Biography - N. K. Todd

N. K. TODD, FOSTER. – N. K. Todd is a native of St. Mary parish, born in 1842. His father, James Todd, was born in Xenia, Ohio, the son of John Todd, a farmer and resident of Madison, Indiana, where he lived to the age of seventy- five years. James Todd received his education at night schools, laboring on a farm during the day. He became a man of considerable prominence in St. Mary parish, where he had located in 1841. He was a distinguished Mason, receiving every degree conferred in that order. He married, in 1842, Nancy Kemper, a native of St. Mary parish, daughter of Nathan Kemper, a native of Virginia, who removed to St. Mary parish early in life, where he became an extensive sugar planter. Mrs. Todd died of yellow fever in 1854. James Todd afterward married Mrs. E. H. Rice, and to them were born five children: Lee, James, Helen, Henry and Mary. James Todd died in 1887 at the age of seventy-one years.

The subject of this sketch is one of four children born to James and Nancy Todd, only two of whom lived to maturity: John R. and N. K. N. K. Todd received his early education in Franklin, and completed his studies at North Hampton, Massachusetts, where he was pursuing a course preparatory to entering Yale College, when the war breaking out prevented him from carrying out his intentions. He entered the Confederate service in 1862, and served until the dose of the war as a corporal in St. Marys Artillery, participating in the battles of Bisland, Franklin, Yellow Bayou, Mansfield, and a number of other minor engagements. In connection with this may be mentioned the fact that Admiral Porter, in his report of the fight of Cane River, makes the statement that there were eighteen pieces used by the enemy, and every shot fired struck a vessel. Instead of eighteen pieces there were but two twelve-pounders, smooth-bore, and two howitzers supported by only 200 riflemen, who after firing began withdrew, leaving the battery without support. Mr. Todd served as No. 4 on one of the twelve-pounders. The guns mentioned belonged to Nims' famous Boston battery, which were captured at Mansfield, and afterward used as we have seen above with such telling effect in the hands of the victors as to cause Admiral Porter to believe them more than four times their real number. After the war Mr. Todd was for some time engaged as clerk in a mercantile establishment, and later conducted a mercantile business for a period of about fifteen years in Centerville. In 1878 he engaged in planting, but still continued his mercantile business until 1882, since which time he has devoted his entire attention to planting. Garrett plantation, located five miles southwest of Centerville on Bayou Sal‚, consists of about one thousand acres, of which 350 are cultivated principally in cane and corn. Mr. Todd was married in 1869, to Miss Addie Berwick, daughter of David Berwick, of St. Mary parish. To them have been born seven children, of whom six are living: James, Louise, Lizzie, Kate, Nannie, Addie, and Mary, deceased. Mr. Todd was reared in the Episcopal church, of which he and his family are members. He is a Democrat, and under Gov. McEnery served two years as police juror from his ward.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 385-386.

1891 Biography - Alcide Veeder

ALCIDE VEEDER, CHARENTON. -- Alcide Veeder was born in St. Mary parish in 1851. He is the son of John and Felician (Ward) Veeder. John Veeder was a native of New York, and came to St. Mary parish when young. He was a bricklayer by occupation. He died in 1854. Felician Veeder is a native of St. Mary parish. She married a second time, Frederick Wolford.

Alcide Veeder is the only living member of a family of three children. He received his education in the public and private schools of his neighborhood, and has been working on his own account since sixteen years of age as a planter and cooper. His plantation consists of one hundred acres, and lies on the east side of the Teche, three-fourths of a mile above Charenton. Its principal products are sugar cane and rice. His carpenter shop is located on his plantation and gives employment to four men. In January, 1890, our subject entered into partnership with Hubert Delaye, in a general mercantile business, carrying an average stock of about five thousand dollars. He married, in 1871, Anna Minderman, a native of St. Mary parish, born in 1852, and daughter of Leander Minderman. They are the parents of seven children: John, Ida, Winifred, George, Ella, Lena and Aimie. Mr. Veeder and family are members of the Catholic church.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 387.

1891 Biography - J. R. Verret

J. R. VERRET, LOUISA. -- J. R. Verret was born in Lafourche parish, March 28, 1855. He is the son of J. R. and Charlotte (Romagosa) Verret, the former a native of Terrebonne and the latter of Lafourche parish.

The subject of this sketch received his education in Houma, where his parents removed when he was quite young. He began life as a deputy in the clerk's office at Houma, where he remained for about two years. He then engaged in a grocery business, and in this he continued until 1877, after which time he was appointed registration clerk, and held this office for two months, at the end of which time he removed to St. Mary parish, February, 1879, where he took charge and managed the plantation store of Mrs. E. D. Burguieres. In March, 1883, he was married to Miss Elodie Bodin, a native of Terrebonne parish, born February 5, 1860. She is the daughter of N. Bodin and Emma Bonvillain, both natives of St. Mary parish. Mr. and Mrs. Verret are the parents of four children, viz.: Louise Elodie, Emma Cecile, John Robert, Mary Beatrice.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 386.

1891 Biography - Frank C. Vignerie

FRANK C. VIGNERIE, LOUISA. -- Frank C. Vignerie was born, February, 1856, in Terrebonne parish, Louisiana. His father, D. P. Vignerie, was a native of France, whence he removed when a young man to America, locating in St. Mary parish, where he married and became a planter.

The subject of this sketch received his education in St. Charles College, Grand Coteau, and at the University of Louisiana. After completing his studies he engaged as clerk in the mercantile establishment of J. P. Viguer & Co., at Houma, Louisiana. Subsequent to this he conducted a mercantile business on Waterproof plantation. He later retired from mercantile business and engaged in agricultural pursuits in Terrebonne parish. Here he remained until 1885, when he became manager of the Alice B. plantation at this place, in which capacity he is still engaged. Mr. Vignerie was married, January 13, 1885, to Miss Ernestine L. Burguieres, daughter of E. D. Burguieres, Terrebonne parish. Mr. and Mrs. Vignerie are the parents of two sons and a daughter, Frank C., Jr., Ernest D. and Rose M. Mr. Vignerie is an active participant in local affairs; and while a resident of Terrebonne parish he served for three years as deputy tax collector.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, pages 386-387.

1891 Biography - Anatole Walford

ANATOLE WALFORD, CHARENTON. – Anatole Walford was born in St. Mary parish, February 17, 1858. He is the son of Frederick and Feliciane (Mora) Walford, the former a native of Germany, the latter of St. Mary parish. At the age of fifteen years our subject commenced the cooper's trade, at which he worked for seven years. During that time he married Miss Louisa A. Bienvenu, a native of Iberia parish, born September 30, 1858, and daughter of Armantel and Clelie (Megney) Bienvenu, both of Iberia parish. To them were born two sons and five daughters: Louise (deceased), Martha, Barnadette, Louise, Anatole, Antonia and Paul. After working at his trade for a number of years Mr. Walford turned his attention to merchandising at Charenton, but with limited means at his disposal. Since that time his stock has continuously increased, until he now carries about six thousand dollars worth of goods, and does an annual business of eighteen thousand dollars. In 1883 he was appointed post- master at this place, which position he still holds. He has also an interest in a saw-mill in this locality.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 387.

1914 Biography - Frederick P. Wolfe, D.D.S.

Wolfe, Frederick P., D. D. S., Macheca building, New Orleans was born at Franklin, St. Mary parish, La., Nov. 6, 1858; son of Peter and Anna Mary (Schaeff) Wolfe, both natives of Germany. The father came to America and located in St. Mary parish in early life, later following the business of a rectifier of liquors. He died of yellow fever in 1867. The mother survived until 1872. They became the parents of 5 children, as follows: Godfried, deceased; Jacob, now a New Orleans basket manufacturer; Frederick P., the subject of this sketch; second child died in infancy; Remmigius died at the age of 10 years. Frederick P. Wolfe was educated at St. Mary's School of the Assumption, in the fourth district of New Orleans. He is a member of the Louisiana State Dental society and of New Orleans Lodge, No. 30, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Jan. 17, 1885, Dr. Wolfe was married to Miss Mary B. Specht, daughter of John Henry Specht of New Orleans. Mrs. Wolfe's father was well-known for many years as a tailor of the Crescent City. He died in 1907. Her mother's death occurred when the daughter was only 2 years old. Dr. and Mrs. Wolfe are parents of 7 children, whose names follow in the order of their birth: Agnes, Frederick J., a dentist, practicing with his father; Lillian, Louis, deceased; Irene, Oscar, Arthur.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, page 474.

1914 Biography - Sophie B. Wright

Wright, Sophie B. - The Wright family in Louisiana has been made famous by the wonderful career of Sophie B. Wright. She was born in New Orleans on June 5, 1866, when all over the South there was ruin and discouragement. Her parents, accustomed to luxury, were reduced to poverty, and little opportunity for making a living. At this time, under these circumstances, in his home, came Sophie B. Wright, who, under great handicaps, was destined to become one of the great factors in bringing order out of chaos and hope out of despair, and in giving an education to hundreds who otherwise would have grown up in ignorance. When 3 years old she fell, injuring her back and hips so that for 6 years she was strapped in a chair. When 9 years of age she was able to hobble around on crutches and went to school, where, in 5 years, she learned all the public schools of the city could give her. Miss Sophie B. was then 14 years old, small for her age, crippled almost beyond endurance and only an 8th grader, but she borrowed some unused benches from a public school building to fill a room in her mother's cottage and hung out her sign "Day School for Girls." This was the beginning of a school career which afterward became one of the great educational influences in this part of the country. This school was of necessity confined to elementary pupils, but as it gradually grew. Miss Sophie saw that a day would soon come when she could carry her pupils no farther, so she arranged at a normal school to teach mathematics in return for instruction in languages, and did this in addition to carrying on her own school. At 16 years of age she was teaching in 2 schools and studying in one, and her own school growing all the time. Before she was 18, her school outgrew its quarters, so she found a large house at $100 a month rent. She signed the lease without money to pay 1 month rent, but succeeded in borrowing this $100, for which she had to pay 12 per cent a month interest. She thus secured her large building, and her school continued to grow, and in spite of the high rent and high interest, she paid all and put away a little money in the bank besides. In those days New Orleans was poor and hundreds of young men and even children were working in shops and factories with no educational advantage, and to all such the door of opportunity was opened by a peculiar circumstance. A circus became stranded in the city, and among those left almost penniless was a young acrobat about 25 years old. He wanted to prepare for a civil service examination, but there was no visible way to do so for one entirely without means. He walked the streets seeking some way to meet his difficulty, when his eye caught the sign, "Day School for Girls." He stated his case to the little crippled mistress of the school, and she said if he could come in the evening she would teach him free of charge. Thus she opened the doors of her school to this stranded young acrobat, and this was the beginning of what grew to be a great free night school, which increased in numbers and importance until it outgrew the building in which it was held and passed over to the city, which has 8 night schools in its system and over 50 teachers. The Day School for Girls has grown into the Home institute, a day and boarding school for young ladies and children, which, although Miss Sophie B. Wright has passed to her reward, is ably continued under the directions of Misses Jennie K. and Mary R., sisters of Miss Sophie B., whose death occurred June 10, 1912. The school is located at 1440-1446 Camp street, and is thoroughly modern and hygienic in all its appointments. It has an able corps of teachers and the conduct as well as the attainment of each pupil is cared for by the directors of the school. The curriculum has been worked out with much care. Arithmetic and grammar are studied through the entire course and either French or Latin is an absolute requirement of every pupil in a regular course. The boarders all wear uniforms and simplicity in dress is always aimed at. Pupils accompanied by teachers attend lectures, concerts and places of amusement, but those of the boarding department cannot leave the school without a chaperon. In every way the health, conduct and attainment of the pupils is looked after much more effectively than in the average home. Miss Jennie K. and Mary R. Wright, teachers, directors of the Home institute, are daughters of William H. and Mary S. (Bell) Wright. William H. Wright was born of Scotch parentage in Montreal, Canada, but came to New Orleans when quite young. He served through the whole 4 years of the Civil war on the Confederate side. He was first in the navy, then in the 14th Louisiana infantry and afterwards transferred to Ogden's battalion. His father was born in Dumfries and his mother in Edinburg, Scotland. Mary S. Bell was born on Oak Bluff plantation, in St. Mary parish, La. Her ancestors were all planters, her father having been a native of Tennessee and her mother of Missouri. Besides the Misses Jennie K. and Mary R. Wright, the other children of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Wright were: Sophie B. Wright, founder of Home Institute and the free night school; Mrs. C. W. Kay, William H. Wright, Salaun, expert accountant; Malcolm B. Wright, of Hammond, La. Miss Jennie K. Wright belongs to the King's Daughters, to Stonewall Jackson Chapter, U. D. C., to the Alumnae association of the city normal school, from which school she graduated about 1879. Miss Mary K. Wright belongs to the Home Institute Alumnae, the King's Daughters and the Woman's club.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 581-583.

G. G. Zenor

G. G. ZENOR, PATTERSON. – G. G. Zenor is a native of Adams county, Mississippi, born October 18, 1833. He is the son of M. and S. M. (Waller) Zenor, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Louisiana. They removed to Concordia parish, Louisiana, when G. G. Zenor was a child. He received his finishing education in the High School of Natchez, Mississippi, after which he assisted his father in planting until 1868. He then removed to St. Mary parish and engaged in sugar planting on his own account, and has become one of the most successful sugar growers of the State. He has seventeen hundred acres of land under cultivation, two-thirds of which is in cane and the rest in corn. He has a five-roller mill, made by the Reading Iron Works, of Pennsylvania, which is the same mill that was on exhibition at the Exposition at New Orleans. He can grind four hundred toils of cane in twenty-four hours, and has one vacuum pan with a capacity for fifteen thousand pounds of white clarified sugar, or eighteen thousand pounds of yellow sugar at a strike, which requires about four hours. He operates the centrifugal process has four Winston and six German centrifugals. Mr. Zenor was married in St. Mary parish, in 1855, to Miss Lucretia Robbins, a native of this parish. They are the parents of seven children, viz: Webb, Sallie, Inez (deceased), Millie, Lulu, Oscar, George.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, published in 1891, Biographical Section, page 388.