Fortier, James P., DDS

Source:  Louisiana:  Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp. 169-170.  Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit.D. 
Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.

Fortier, James P., D. D. S., of Thibodaux, Lafourche parish, La., was born in Donaldsonville, Ascension parish, Aug. 4, 1886, the son of James J. Fortier, a native of that town (Nov. 8, 1859), and Ludivine (Maillet) Fortier, who was born in Donaldsonville, Sept. 15, 1860.  Both are living at the place of their birth.  The Fortier family history in Louisiana begins with the early French colonial period of the state, only a few years after Bienville founded the city of New Orleans in the beginning of the 18th century.  From pioneer days to the present time the Fortiers have been closely identified with the best interests of Louisiana, and have distinguished themselves in the public, professional life of New Orleans and of the state.  Lestang and Erma (Braud) Fortier, paternal grandparents of James P. Fortier, were natives of Donaldsonville; and his maternal grandfather was born in Bordeaux, France.  Lestang Fortier was an officer in the Confederate army during the Civil war, 1861-1865, serving 3 years as lieutenant in a Louisiana regiment.  He was, for many years, in mercantile business in Donaldsonville. 

The subject of this sketch having gone through his preliminary studies in his native town, attended St. Joseph's Commercial institute in Donaldsonville, and next studied at Jefferson college, Convent, St. James parish, Louisiana, 1900-1905; the year following he entered Philadelphia Dental college, remaim ing there 2 years; then returning to Louisiana and matriculating in the New Orleans College of Dentistry, which now is part of Tulane university, and graduated with the degree of D. D. S. in 1908.  Dr. Fortier began practicing his profession in Donaldsonville after his graduation, and in April, 1910, went to reside in Thibodaux.  In professional and fraternal life the doctor is connected with the Louisiana State and the Third District Dental societies, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Knights of America and with the dental fraternity, Gamma chapter, Xi Psi Phi. Following modern methods in his professional work and having an office equipment strictly up to date, Dr. Fortier has taken rank with the able and distinguished dentists of the state of Louisiana.  Feb. 1, 1912, he married Miss Nita Foret of Thibodaux, daughter of the late Justillan Foret and Eliska (Breaux) Foret, who were extensively interested in sugar planting in Lafourche parish.  Since the death of Mr. Foret the business has been conducted under the name of "Mrs. Justillan Foret and Sons."  Dr. Fortier and wife have one son, James P. Fortier, Jr.,  born Nov. 23, 1912.  The family are members of the Roman Catholic church.