Source: Chapter XII, “Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Louisiana”; Chicago; The Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1892
Transcribed by Mary Ann Wisterman.
Avoyelles Parish
Chapter XII.
Avoyelles Parish—Physical Description, Productions, Geological Observations, Etc.—Population—Period of Settlement—Slave Holders—General Parish Affairs—The Police Jury—The Courts and Local Bar—Political Measures and Statistics—Newspapers—Avoyelles in the Civil War—Educational Statistics—Towns and Villages—Their Societies, Business, Etc.—Religious Notes—Other Interesting Events—Personal Memoranda.
Ye pioneers, it is to you
The debt of gratitude is due;
Ye builded wiser that ye knew
The broad foundation
On which our superstructures stand.
Your strong right arm and willing hand,
Your earnest efforts still command
Our veneration.—Pearre.
The lands of this parish belong generally to the alluvial class. This alluvial area equals 747 square miles of a total area of 852 square miles, and of the balance 40 square miles of bluff prairie and 65 square miles of oak uplands. In 1879 and 1880 there were 84,787 acres in cultivation—23,722 acres of cotton, yielding 18,355 bales, 1,098 pounds of seed cotton or 366 pounds of cotton lint. Avoyelles prairie, of which Marksville is the center, shows a general elevation of thirty feet above high water in Red River. Like Rapides, Avoyelles is in the highest sugar latitude. In the neighborhood of Bunkie the great sugar fields begin, forming, as it were, an introduction to the greater fields of the more southerly parishes. Rice has also been raised here, but this cereal receives little attention in a mixed cotton and sugar country as Avoyelles is.
Timber is abundant, and tracts of healthy pine are not wanting. All the hardwoods find a home here, while groves of giant magnolia may be seen along the roads or trails.
The northwestern corner of the parish (parts of Townships 2, 3 and 4 north, in Ranges 2, 3 and 4 east) is almost an island, enclosed on the south by Red River, on the north by Horse Pen Creek, and on the east by Little River. The Red River forms the northern and eastern boundaries of the parish, with the Atchafalaya forming the southern half of the eastern boundary. Lake Pearl and its feeders, Big Lake, Long Lake, the deep Bayou Du Lac, and several streams—feeders of the Red and Atchafalaya, afford a never failing water supply. In times of high water, Bayou Du Lac becomes a sea, carrying away bridges and cutting off intercourse between the uplands and alluvial districts. In 1890 the legislature approved of measures for controlling the waters and reclaiming large bodies of fine land from floods. The proposed levees once constructed, the bridging of all the bayous will be an easy and comparatively inexpensive affair.
The assessor’s statistics of 1890 show the value of lands to be $1,511,001 including town lots and town property; of live-stock, $320,432; of wagons and carriages, $46,608; of merchandise, $98,705; moneys loaned or in possession, $1,550; bonds, $500, or a total of $1,978,796. On the assessment a parish tax of $18,202.31, and a State tax of $11,872.74 was levied in addition to $4,800 derived from poll tax. Omissions in original assessment bring the totals up to $1,983,047, $18,368.58, $11,918.49 and $4,800 or a total direct tax of $35,087.07. Under the act of 1890, creating a levee district, a 5-mill tax of $7,195.20 was levied on that portion of the parish included in the district, and 5 cents per acre on lands subject to overflow, amounting to over $11,000 or about $19,000 for levee purposes. The assessor reported 3,167 acres in cane, 28,215 in cotton, 165 in rice, 46,353 in corn, 58 in oats, 23 in hay, 703 in potatoes, 31 in sorghum, and 600 in pasture. The total area cultivated is 79,315 acres, uncultivated 219,163 acres, and total area 298,478 acres.
The enumeration of white children between six and eighteen years show 2,315 white males and 2,256 white females, 2,144 colored males and 2,032 colored females. In 1855 there were 1,025 tax payers in the parish, the great majority of whom owned from one to six slaves, while the minority claimed from 7 to 200. The population of Avoyelles in 1810 was 404 slaves, 22 free colored and 783 whites or a total of 1,209. In 1820 the respective figures were: 782, 25 and 1,438, total 2,245; in 1830, 1,335 slaves, 35 free colored, and 2,114 white, total 3,484; in 1840, 3,472 slaves, 78 free colored, and 3,066 white, total 6,616; in 1850, 5,161 slaves, 106 free colored, and 4,959 whites, total 9,326; in 1860, 7,185 slaves, 74 free colored, and 5,908 whites, total 13, 167; in 1870, 6,175 free colored, and 6,751 whites, total 12,926; in 1880, 8,265 free colored, and 8,482 whites, total 16, 747. The total population in June, 1890, was 24,978, of this number 1,976 are liable to military duty.
About the beginning of the eighteenth century a few of the Acadians, driven from their happy homes in Nova Scotia, found a resting place on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. Later a few of the more adventurous spirits among the immigrants pushed into the wilderness and, it is said, rested in the vicinity of Lake Pearl. There were evidences of habitation here when the known pioneers arrived; but the race and objects of those early travelers will never be known.
In 1780 Noel Soilleaux commanded at Avoyelles Post. In 1786 Jacques Gagnard commanded at Avoyelles and prevented the occupation of Indian lands by whites. Bosra, an Indian of Avoyelles Prairie, succeeded by this means in holding his land until the title was confirmed by the United States. In 1816 Joseph Juneau claimed lands on Avoyelles Prairie (cultivated in 1799), near the lands of Joseph Guyot; Bernard Gagnard claimed lands adjoining in Rapides Parish; Joseph Tate, F. Tournier (near a bayou entering Bayou Boeuf), Clement Carmouche (Island of the Hill), Charles Fouchet (Lake Pearl), Antoine Duplechin, Pierre Roberts, Joseph Hooter, Pierre Aymond (Long Prairie), W. L. Collins (Note: Anthony Cochran, seventy-six years old in 1814, testified that this land was occupied by the Indians in 1789), Richard Vernor, Luke Lesassier, C. F. Weakley, Thomas Broderick (Bayou Boeuf), Jean Aymond, Louis Pomier (Point Maigre), Valerie Dozat, Pierre Leglise (Lake Parl), Samuel P. Moore (Bayou Rouge), Joseph Joffrion, Jean Normand (Grand River), Michael Aymond (Bayou du Lac), Pierre Joffrion (Bayou de Glaize). Richard Adams, D. Smithson, Jacob Baker, William Innufty, John Stevens and other settlers, whose names are mentioned in the history of Rapides all came hither and established their homes. Up to 1789 the lands on Bayou Boeuf were inhabited by Indians. They removed shortly after, and Thomas Broderick took possession. In 1810 he sold to Cyrus Weakley. Anthony Cochran, aged seventy-six years in 1814, testified to the Indian occupancy. Luke Lesassier came in 1807. Jean Amon and John Reed settled above Bailey’s Ferry. Up to a few years ago an Indian village stood just back of Marksville, where the band owned 285 acres. The Caucasians gradually encroached on this remnant of their ancient domain, and ultimately fenced the red men out. In September the Indians entered suit to reclaim those lands, and appointed Judge Ducote to represent their interests. Representatives of the greater number of the old families are still here. For the dual purpose of history and statistics the slave holders of Avoyelles Parish in 1855 who owned nine or more slaves are named in the following list:
Clair Joffrion 11, Olympe Joffrion 25, Verjuste Francois Gilbert and Jean P. (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) Bordelon 18, N. R. Selser 46, William Clopton 30, Dr. L. K. Branch 20, D. Armand (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 15, E. R. Branch (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 10, James B. Griffin 14, C. C. Rush 9, Kimball & Robinson 9, Celestin Gauhtier 12, James Rabalais 12, W. L. Voorhies 13, William F. Cheney (colonel of militia) 26, James Bowden 11, Prudent Pearce and Barthelmy Normand 15, Agnes Cappel 21, J. and J. A. Cappel 19, L. D. Coco 40, Z. G. Richie (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 15, Rene Rabalais 22, Hilaire Lemoine (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 9, Evareste Rabalais 37, P. Couvillion (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 9, the widow of Hypolite Couvillin 13, Joe Ducote Jr. 13, John O’Quinn 22, Mrs. Frances Casson 11, David Hubbard 19, W. V. Gober 27, Widow Julien Goudeau 57, Charles Moreau 16, Pierre Goudeau 27, R. H. Morrow 27, John Botts 36, William B. Marshall 12, George Berlin 12, William L. Stewart 23, Dr. R. D. Windes 29, Henry Keller (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 86, M. Vernon 23, widow of M. A. Milburn 28, Alexandre Morrison 32, John D. Cheney B. B. 18, E. Q. Griflin 12, James M. O’Neal (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 22, Edwins Epps 9, T. D. Marshall 43, widow A. M. Tanner 53, Randell Tanner (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 50, J. D. Whittington 50, Maj. Hugh M. Carey (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 130, Widow Frances Burgess 32, G. T. Nelson (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 20, Mrs. Sarah Frith 72, Austin Allen 72, John Kirk 72, R. R. Irion 57, Ed Ogden 72, William Cox 72, Paulin Bordelon 15, Gustave Bordelon (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 15, G. T. Voorhies (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 10, Joseph V. Rabalais (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 22, successor of E. Lemoine 22, J. G. Brown 18, Apolinaire Bordelon 20, John S. Callahan 11, Dr. P. W. Callahan 25, Ones Rabalais (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) (killed in 1864 in battle) 15, Mrs. Pierre Normand 21, Leandre Bordelon 27, Dr. S. J. Whyte 24, Paulin Gauthier (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 24, Widow Valcour Gauthier 24, Belisaire Gauthier 24, Widow Valerien Gremillion 10, Aimel Joffrion F. C. W. 9, J. A. Boyer (merchant) 9, Dr. J. C. Ward 11, Y. Callahan 26, W. H. Dellinham 50, N. Humphreys 50, M. B. Rollins 50, James Brewster 9, M. A. McMillan 27, J. B. Evans 10, James Hunter 10, Rachel S. Kirk 13, Mrs. C. Norwood 134, James E. Howard 31, estate of F. Holmes 31, Widow Leufroy Mayeux 22, L. L. Mayeux (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 22, widow of James Burroughs 19, Joseph Dubroc (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 19, Eugene Gauthier (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 10, Leon Gauthier (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 17, Leandre Lacour 14, Augustin Mayeux (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 14, Augustin Mayeux Jr. (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 14, James Callahan 68, S. Mershon 28, E. H. Satterfield 77, Jean P. Lemoine (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 13, Evariste Rabalais Jr. 14, John Furlow 10, George W. Cheney 14, Eliza Murdock 114, John A. Glaize 72, Abraham Mayeux (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 72, Widow Jean Bronillette 13, Francois Gaspard 10, Mrs. Antoine Laborde 15, Widow Pierre Dupuis 9, Antoine Dauzat Jr. 9, Louis Bordelon 19 (Louis Bordelon Jr. (note: Served in the Confederate Army.)), W. W. Johnson (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 9 (colonel of Avoyelles’ Battalion), Marcelin Bordelon 11, Vilepoint Moras 11, Celestin Moreau Sr. (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 30, Mrs. W. Edwards 12, Eugene Raynaud (merchant) 10, Antoine Dubertand 10, Edmond Saucier (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 10, B. T. De Lavallade 9, W. F. Griffin 24, Valery Ledoux (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 10, Villegoivint Moras Jr. 10, Widow J. B. Lemoine 10, Widow Antoine Bordelon 32, Martin Gremillion 17, Villeneuve Roy (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 9, Fabius Ricards 9, J. B. Guillory (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 9, Louis Bonnette 13, Julien Deshautelles 12, Mrs. Deshautelles 10, Widow Joseph Roy 9, Felix Marcotte 11, Dorsin Armaud 27, Pierre Lemoine (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 16, Don Louis Moreau 9, J. B. Juneau Sr. (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 11, Wilson C. Robert (surveyer, killed by Dobbins in 1861) 11, William M. and W. B. Prescott (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 127, Jean Pierre Ducote (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 23, Jean B. Lemoine (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 16, Widow Joachim Juneau 17, Joseph Joffrion 37, J. B. Rabalais 16, Judge Louis Bordelon (died about 1861) 13, Widow Belizeverie Ducote 9, Laurent Normand 36, Dr. Jules C. Desfosse 9, Joseph D. Coco (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 10, Abraham M. Gray 32, William R. Brown 13, H. M. Havard 23, J. M. Haygood (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 10, William B. Crenshaw 30, F. M. Haygood (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 9, John E. Frith 21, Widow Eliza Mock 9, Dr. T. J. Spurlock 29, G. B. Satterfield 14, Dr. Isidore Poiret 10, Dominique Coco 96, T. J. Stafford (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) (captain) 21, J. M. Marshall 10, Joseph D. Mayeux 71, R. B. Marshall (agent) 34, Mrs. Mary Fisher 36, Amos Fisher 13, R. L. Taliaferro (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 18, A. G. Pearce 48, estate of W. M. Lambeth (Leinster plantation, now the property of Mrs. Stark and G. W. Sentell) 146, and on Dora plantation (now belonging to F. Regard) 33, John Ewell 23, Widow W. A. Johnson 9, J. Horace Marshall 15, Septimus M. Perkins 18, Lemuel Miles 17, Joseph Jackson (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 13, T. G. Bettison 13, Ciran Gremillion (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 13, Martin Rabalais (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 30, Marie Ann Normand 14, Widow Pierre Couvillion 43, William Hetherwick 22, Jean B. David 9, Widow Pierre Ricouly 9, William Grimes 32, estate of D. K. Richey 11, Jean Pierre Normand 13, William Alexander 22, Francois Roy 17, A. D. Coco (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) (colonel of militia) 14, Dr. Joseph Moncla 38, Widow Marc Tassin 17, Constant M. Guillebert (note: Served in the Confederate Army.) 28, Fielding Edwards 9, estate of Timothy M. Rogers 80, Widow Jean Bonnette 9, Joseph Moreau 17, estate of Robert Smith 68, estate of Thomas D. Orr 22, J. H. Casson 26, and estate of Mrs. Sosthene Couvillion 13.
With the exception of a few natives of old France and some emigrants from the Southeastern States, the families named are all Creole, varying little in manners and customs from the older Creole people of more southern parishes.
On September 1, 1817, the jurors and justices met at the house of Mark Elishe. Joseph Joffrion, Jr., then parish judge; Valery Bordelon, Narcesse Mayeux and William Reed, jurors; Urban Plauche, Robert Morrow, Benjamin Miller, Evan Baker, Mark Elishe and Francois Tournier, justices, were present. The action of August 24, 1816, dividing the parish into five wards was confirmed.
The oldest record of the police jury in possession of Clerk Field, is dated June 4, 1821. Stephen Amond of Ward 1, Joseph Rabalais of Ward 2, Dominique Coco of Ward 3, Francois Gremillion of Ward 4, and Michael Perrault of Ward 5, were present as jurors; Joseph Joffrion, Francois Tournier, Francois Bordelon, James White and Henry Ogden were also present as justices of the peace, and Parish Judge Voorhies was president. George Gorton was clerk and John Whiting, collector. In July, Jacob Keller appeared as juror from Ward 6. In February, 1822, Adrian Couvillion, C. Gauthier, Valery Rabalais, Jean Bonnet, Michael Aymond and Michael Perrault were appointed commissioners to organize patrol districts. In August, John Reed and Marceline Ducuire were jurors. In June, 1823, there is mention made of the court-house. Henry Boyce and William McFarland were justices. Bennett P. Voorhies clerk, and F. Tournier, F. Bordelon, F. Gremillion, R. Morrow and W. McFarland were named as trustees of the public schools of the parish. At this time a record of the payment of $6 to F. Mayeux and P. Genhote, for delivering six wild horses, is made. In June, 1824, Joseph Kimball represented Ward 7, Charles Cappel Ward 4, P. Goudeau Ward 5, and Polin Rabalais Ward 3. Charles Cappel was appointed treasurer. In 1825 John Woods, of Ward 5, C. K. Ham of Ward 6, and M. W. Kimball of Ward 1, are named. In 1826 Jenkin Phillips and Reasin P. Bowie were members of the jury. In 1827-28 Jaques Barbin presided, with Tourner, Coco, Maximillian Broupard, Kimball, Aymond, Moreau and J. A. Glaize formed the jury. The contest between George Gorton and Reasin P. Bowie, for the position of sheriff, was carried into the courts, and the question of establishing a new parish on Bayou Boeuf discussed. In 1829 E. G. Paxton was chosen a juror, and B. P. Voorhies, Cornelius Voorhies and Valery Bordelon, assessors. Roger B. Marshall established a ferry on Bayou Boeuf that year. In 1830 Mr. Marshall, Michael Perrault, L. Bowdon and Michael Aymond were elected jurors. In March, 1831, the house of Peter G. Voorhies was quarrantined on account of disease. Joseph Joffrion, Joseph Roy, Dr. Orr and Sosthene Riche were elected jurors in June. Auguste Marcotte’s ferry at junction of Bayou Rouge and De Glaze was authorized. In 1832 there were nine wards existing. Z. Bordelon, William L. Voorhies, George A. Irion and James McCauley were elected jurors. In 1833 Samuel Glass, John Botts and R. B. Marshall are named as jurors, and Francis Cullom and Isaac Griffith, in 1834. Narcesse Couvillion and Stephen Aymond, who served in former years, were present in 1835 as jurors; F. Barlow, William Edwards, F. F. Oliver and Branch Tanner were new members, and C. C. Spalding attorney, in 1836. John Woods, R. B. Marshall and Hypolite Mayeux were jurors in 1837. William Bishop attorney, and James H. Barbin, clerk. Dr. Milligan was appointed physician in 1838, and in June of this year a new jury was elected, viz.: F. Barlow, H. Mayeux, Ralph Cushman, F. Gremillion, Evereste Rabalais, Sosthene Riche, Lovel H. Snowden, R. R. Irion and Fabius Ricord; while in 1839 Julien Desshautells and Etienne Plauche represented Wards 4 and 6. In September, however, Daniel Voorhies, D. Coco and Denis McDaniel were elected from Wards 1, 3 and 9, respectively. In 1840 C. D. Brashear, B. B. Simms, J. Deshautelles and R. R. Irion were elected new members, and later G. A. Roberts qualified. In 1841 Valerian Moreau and W. L. Stewart are named as jurors elect. Ernest Bridault was treasurer, and D. Clark, Jr., clerk. In 1842 Pierre Fauquier, Z. Juneau, Z. Mayeux and Julien Goudeau, appear as new members, and in 1843 R. B. Marshall reappears as a member of the board, with J. H. Barbin, clerk.
The police jury of 1844 comprised Pierre Fauquier, Z. Juneau, Lucien D. Coco, Julien Deshautelles, Z. Mayeux, Paulin Bordelin, Julien Goudeau, W. L. Stewart and Charles Kibbee. W. Edwards was collector. In June Messrs. Coco, Deshautelles, Bordelon and Kibbee were members with Pierre Ricouly, Fabius Ricord, St. Ville Couvillion and Chris. Edelin. Robert M. Morrow was elected in October, and Adrien Couvillion, represented the new Tenth Ward. In June, 1845, Zenon Lemoine, J. Deshautelles, Cornelius Voorhies and Charles Kibbee were new members. Parish Judge Baillio was president ex officio. George Berlin, Young Callahan and Martin Says were jurors in 1847, with Messrs. Juneau, Lemoine, Deshautelles, Morrow, Goudeau, Voorhies and Kibbee. F. B. Coco was recorder of deeds, and Ed Geneves, secretary of school board. In May, 1847, Laurent Normand, J. Deshautelles, Jerome Callegari and R. B. Marshall were elected members of the jury. Col. Blanchard then commanded the Eleventh Brigade. C. Moreau was elected juror in 1848, with Z. St. Romain, L. K. Branch, J. E. Howard (president), R. Dauzat and a few of the old members were jurors. R. B. Marshall presided in 1849, and in May of this year, Laurent Normand, Joseph Mayeux, R. Dauzat, Martin Says, H. L. Nelson, R. R. Irion, Martin Rabalais and Dennis McDaniel were elected. In 1849 A. Barbin was recorder, and Martin Gremillion, treasurer, while in 1850 F. B. Coco was recorder. L. D. Lewis, T. H. Kimball, Z. St. Romain, W. V. Gober and J. E. Howard were elected in 1850. William Edwards, Felix Marcotte, J. Deshautelles, John O’Quinn were members in 1851, and in June, 1852, Marceline Bordelon, B. W. Kimball, W. V. Gober, George Berlin, J. M. O’Neal, Valery Coco, J. Deschautelles, Martin Says and F. Marcotte formed the board. J. J. Goudeau was clerk. The expenses for the current year were estimated at $5,221. Martin Rabalais, Jerome Callegari and Ludger Barbin were new members in July, 1853. E. Joffrion was clerk. T. D. Marshall was elected in October; Barbin was elected recorder; Morrow, assessor, and Dupuy, coroner. Hayden Edwards, W. L. Stewart, St. V. Couvillion and Young Callahan were members in 1854, and L. H. Couvillion, clerk. In 1856 H. Edwards, Marcelen Bordelon, M. Rabalais, J. Deshautelles, St. V. Couvillion, E. Rabalais, H. L. Nelson, John Ewell, T. D. Marshall and Leandre Bordelon formed the jury. In 1858-59 there were twelve wards existing, Messrs. Says, William Edwards, E. Joffrion, Julien Deshautelles, E. K. Branch, Greg Couvillion, John O’Quinn, R. R. Irion, B. F. Woods, Leon Gauthier, E. Rabalais and J. B. Smith were the jurors. In June, 1859, W. H. Bassett, Jr., took the place of Woods. The captains of patrol were John Parks, B. F. Woods, Widdleton Glaze, Ben Prescott and J. Furlow. P. M. Gremillion was clerk. In June, 1857, the following named new members took their seats: Pierre Lemoine, Z. Mayeux, G. P. Voorhies and T. D. Marshall of Wards 3, 4, 6 and 9, respectively. About this time the people of Mansura made a fight to obtain the parish seat, and won 406 votes against 505 given for the old seat of justice. In 1837 the jury appropriated $1,000 for the erection of the court-house here; in 1838, $5,000; in 1839, $100; in 1854, $2,000, and in 1856, $500 or $8,600. In 1847, $5,000 were appropriated for a jail building; in 1842, $800 for the office of parish judge; in 1853, $50, and in 1857, $300, or a total of $14,750 for buildings at Marksville prior to 1858. In 1860 Valery Ledoux, Leon Gauthier and Evareste Rabalais (Know-nothings), with John Ewell, J. co*ck, G. Couvillion, E. Couvillion, Helaire Decuire, E. Joffrion, Franc Bettevy, and the president, J. P. Deshautelles, Democrats, formed the jury. In 1861 John P. J. Aymond, Ludger Barbin, J. J. Bordelon, L. K. Branch, John Ewell, L. A. Robert, Jr., and Helaire Decuire were jurors; J. L. Geneves, treasurer; E. E. Cochrane, clerk. In 1863 the names of O’Quinn, G. Couvillion, H. N. Borderlon and C. Moreau appear. William Nelson was appointed public printer. In July, 1865, Joseph S. Mayer, Aurelean Jeansone, Emile Bordelon, T. J. Edwards, John O’Quinn, R. S. Cole, S. Ville Couvillion, P. D. Mayeux, M. V. Plauche and President Normand were jurors. Louis Beridon was clerk, and L. V. Gremillion, treasurer. In September Henry Dupuy was collector and treasurer. E. J. Joffrion and E. Rabalais qualified as jurors in 1866, A. H. Bordelon, as clerk and Valery L. Mayeux, treasurer. In July, 1868, the jurors were T. D. Marshall, L. A. Joffrion, E. J. Joffrion, John W. Cooper, William J. Compton, Martin Says, A. R. Rabalias, F. B. de Bellevue, A. D. Lafargue, R. Larre (Col.) and F. Coco were jurors.
The police jury of 1870 organized June 6 with Eloi Joffrion, president; Martin Says, F. B. de Bellevue, Jerome B. Ducote, Asa B. Coco, H. O. Couvillion and William M. Ewell, jurors. L. V. Gremillion was elected clerk; Albert S. Morrow, treasurer, and John T. Craven, constable, and Charles F. Huesman, public printer. The roads and bridges of the parish claimed the greater part of their time and attention. In June, 1871, A. D. Coco was chosen president, the clerk was re-elected; John L. Generis was appointed treasurer; Aristide Barbin, the president; A. L. Boyer, H. Anderson and Felicion Goudeau. The Weekly Register was then the official organ. In September, 1872, a tax of 12 mills was levied for parish purposes. At this time Eloi Joffrion presided. F. M. Haygood, Felicien Goudeau, John Ewell and Martin Says were jurors. In 1873 A. Barbin, M. C. Bordelon and L. D. Coco took the places of Messrs. Haygood, Goudeau and Says. A. H. Bordelon was elected treasurer and E. J. Joffrion attorney. A. Noguez was then sheriff. The jury of 1873 organized in May, with E. D. McLaughlin (stranger) president; F. M. Dumartrail (R.), clerk; P. A. Durand (R.), treasurer; H. C. Edwards (R.), attorney; Dr. E. de Nux, physician; and J. F. C. Monin (R.), A. L. Boyer (R.), Arthur H. Barbin (Col.) and Louis Peigne (Col.), jurors. The estimate of parish expenses was placed at $14,800. The Avoyelles Republican was declared the official journal. In July this jury repudiated the issues (presumably scrip) of the former jury, and warned the people not to receive or purchase the same. In 1874 A. L. Boyer presided and Martin Says and F. Goudeau were members. Henry Depuy was chosen treasurer, C. F. Huesman was collector and assessor. In December of this year L. D. Coco presided; Fabius Ricord was treasurer; A. B. Irion, attorney, and A. D. Lafargue, public printer. John C. Grimes, Jerome B. Ducote, P. M. Lemoine and T. T. Ducote formed the jury. P. Magleire (Col.), ex-sheriff, was granted $59.50, while $10 was granted to the new sheriff, W. R. Messick. In August, 1875, Messrs. L. D. Coco, J. C. Grimes, James Breeler (Col.), J. B. Ducote and P. R. Lemoine formed the board. This jury confirmed claims amounting to $864.70, and older claims amounting to $16,383.66?--showing the indebtedness of the parish to be $17,248.36?. In March, 1876, the delinquent taxes for the eight years ending in 1873 were estimated at $18,582.98. At this time the five wards were re-established and the estimate of expenditures placed at $14,200.
In January, 1877, P. P. Lemoine, Eugene Gaspard, Scott Normand, P. T. Stapleton (mulattoes), and Isaac Williams (col.), formed the jury; Dumartrail was still clerk, and F. B. Barbin, treasurer. In February, the newly elected jury organized, with John C. Grimes, president; John Ewell, Edgar Couvillion, James T. Hudson and P. P. Lemoine, jurors; R. R. Irion, treasurer, and F. M. Dumartrail, clerk. The last named was very popular, knew all the details of jury work, and held the position in hail, rain or snow. The estimate of expenditure was placed at the small sum of $8,875, but in May it was raised to $11,600. To meet this a 10-mill parish tax was authorized in addition to a 2-mill school tax. In July the parish was divided into ten wards for municipal purposes. In addition to the jurors named, five additional jurors were appointed, namely: M. C. Bordelon, Eloi Joffrion, W. W. Johnson, Felicien Goudeau (mulafto) and S. T. Norwood. At this time H. Bielkiewiez was recorder, A. L. Barbin, sheriff, and W. B. Moore (colored), coroner. In 1878 James H. Ducote was appointed treasurer, and J. J. Edwards, public printer. J. C. Grimes of Ward 1, was re-elected president; E. Gaspard, Fulgence Lemoine, Alphonse Monin, J. O. Dumas, Eugene Gauthier, F. M. Haygood, Hyp. Ducote, John Ewell, and Thomas D. Wier formed the jury. In June, 1879, the parish jail was accepted from the builders; H. W. Decuire was then sheriff. In April, 1880, the following named jurors took their seats: Eloi Joffrion of Ward 3, president; Mayo Duke, Francois Minoret, Paul T. Bordelon, J. B. Bringal, Pierre F. Goudeau, F. M. Haygood, Felicien Goudeau, John Ewell and Thomas P. Frith, Jr. A. J. Lafargue was elected clerk, vice Dumartrail, and R. R. Irion, treasurer. The Bulletin was declared the official journal. Isham West was a juror in 1881, and Simeon J. Bordelon in 1882. On the latter’s resignation, in March, 1883, F. F. Gremillion took his place. In June, 1884, the new jury organized, with John Ewell, president, and G. H. Couvillion, clerk. The representatives in numeral order of wards were Martin Says, George L. Mayer, P. D. Roy, vice Eloi Joffrion, J. B. De Roy, Charles Goudeau, Rine Bordelon, John R. Brown, Ovide Mayeux, John Ewell and A. M. Haas. At this time George L. Mayer was appointed member of the school board and held both positions. In 1886 J. K. Bond and J. P. Snelling were appointed, vice Messrs. Brown and Ewell, and in July, 1887, A. V. Coco took the place of Mr. Mayer, who had to resign, owing to his membership on the school board. In June, 1888, the present jury was elected: Isham West, Louis Saucier, whose place was soon after taken by Simon Siess, Eloi Joffrion, J. B. De Roy, J. E. Didier, F. B. Coco, J. F. Griffin, Ceran Gremillion, H. C. Kemper and F. M. Haygood, T. T. Fields was elected clerk, and Ludger Barbin, treasurer. Martin Says now holds the place of West, D. B. Hudson, that of Haygood. O. P. Edwards, qualified as clerk, and A. H. Bordelon, as attorney, in March, 1869. Alex Noguez qualified as coroner some time after, and J. J. Goudeau, as treasurer; P. J. Normand was clerk at this time as well as deputy recorder. In December, J. A. Morrow was clerk of the jury; A. G. Morrow, was treasurer, in 1870; P. A. Durand, in 1873; Henry Dupuy, in 1874; F. Ricord, 1875; F. B. Barbin, 1877; R. R. Irion, in March, 1877, and J. P. Ducote, 1878. Among the citizens who filled the office of surveyor were Alex Plauche, 1821; Peter G. Voorhies, in 1832; with James McCauley, deputy. In 1837 Francis Oliver filed his bond; in 1843, S. D. Jones; W. W. Edwards, 1865; W. R. Messeck, 1871, and C. P. Couvillion, 1884. The assessors were Marceline Bordelon, Edmond Plauche, 1842; Zehm Convillon, in 1846; Leon Gauthier, in 1848; Sosthene Riche and Louis Mayeux, 1850; Martin Convilliou, 1852; F. W. Masters and Louis Boridon, 1865; James Ware, 1870; G. P. Voorhies, 1877; E. de Nux, 1880; A. J. Lafargue, 1885; T. S. Denson, 1886; A. V. Saucier, 1890. Ferdinand B. Coco, qualified as the first recorder of Avoyelles, in October, 1846; followed in 1849, by Aristide Barbin; L. V. Gremillion followed Jerome J. Ducote, as recorded in September, 1864; James M. Edwards, 1865; L. V. Gremillion, 1865-70; F. W. Masters, 1868; L. Gauthier, 1873; P. A. Durand and Henry Bielkiewiez, 1876, who was serving when the office was consolidated with the clerk’s office. Jerome Calleigari was the first superintendent of schools in April, 1848, and Adolphe Lafargue, the second in 1851.
In January, 1887, Judge Blackman decided that Act 104 and the whole action of the people of Avoyelles in re the removal of the parish seat were not constitutional, and perpetually enjoined the removal of the seat of justice from Marksville. The first record book of the parish court of Avoyelles was purchased at Paris, France, in 1808, and opened here June 10, that year. Thomas F. Oliver, then parish judge, deciding that P. Rubelt, defendant, should pay P. Mayeux, plaintiff, the sum of $197.69. There were only thirty six civil suits decided up to December 5 of the fifty-one suits entered for trial. In 1812 Kenneth McCruman was parish judge. On his recusal Judge Claiborne, of Rapides, presided here. Robert Morrow was clerk of court. In 1813 Alexandre Plauche was parish judge, and J. B. Mitchell, clerk. Robert Morrow signing as clerk of the parish of Avoyelles. William Hervey qualified as sheriff in 1814. In 1816 Cornelius Voorhies was judge, S. Herriman, clerk, and Sosthene Riche, sheriff.
In March, 1817, Joseph Kimball filed his bond as sheriff. He was succeeded by J. Morgan in 1820, and George Gorton succeeded Herriman. Josiah M. Cleaveland was sheriff, and R. T. Sackett, deputy, with Joseph Joffrion, F. Fournier and F. Bordelon, justices of the peace. Joseph Kimball was coroner, followed by Louis Gorton in 1824. Julien Deshautelles was elected sheriff. Louis James Barbin qualified as parish judge May 5, 1826. Bennett P. Voorhies was clerk of district court, and C. T. Pemberton, deputy. In 1829 Cornelius Voorhies was sheriff. In 1825 Valery Bordelon was major of militia, and in 1827 R. A. Cochran was coroner. In 1831 Francois B. de Bellevue took his seat as parish judge, but in December of that year Louis Bordelon presided. William Dunbar’s bond as district attorney was placed on record in December, 1832. A. G. Morrow was coroner in 1835. Willard S. Cushman qualified as deputy clerk in 1837, and in December James H. Barbin qualified as clerk of the Sixth District, and Charles D. Brashear, sheriff. Gervais Baillio qualified as parish judge, and succeeded Judge Bordelon in July, 1839; F. Barlow was sheriff, Joseph Guillot, deputy, but in March, 1840, William Edwards succeeded Barlow and appointed Eugene Caillitian, deputy. At this time the members of the bar were Ralph Cushman, William Bishop, John P. Waddill, James S. Edilon, Henderson Taylor and J. H. Cosden. Judge Baillio served until 1845-46, when the office of parish judge was abolished. On its re-establishment in 1868 James H. Barbin was elected judge, but on his death James M. Edwards was appointed and re-appointed in 1874; W. W. Waddell, 1873; Louis J. Decote succeeded in 1875. Lucien P. Normand was elected in 1876, and he was followed by William Hall in 1878, who was serving when the office was abolished in 1880.
Joseph S. Johnston was judge of the Sixth District in 1818.
The first district court for Avoyelles was opened in June, 1825, by Judge William Murray, of the Sixth District. Charles T. Scott, Henry Boyce, W. Willson, W. Voorhies, C. Voorhies, H. A. Bullard were then the leading lawyers here. In June, 1826, Henry A. Bullard presided as judge, and during the year Judges Lewis and Overton held court at Marksville. George Gorton, Isaac Thomas, --- Lesassier, T. Flint and T. Barry were attorneys here in 1828. During the following decade Seth Lewis, J. H. Overton, of the Seventh District, H. A. Bullard, of the Sixth District, and John H. Johnson, of the Sixth District, 1830, presided over the courts of the parish. In 1885 Eleazer G. Paxton was commissioned sheriff, and served until 1837. In April, 1837, Judge Seth Lewis, of the Fifth District, opened a term of the district court at Marksville. Charles D. Brashear presented his commission as sheriff, and recommended the appointment of Eleazer G. Paxton deputy. In October E. K. Willson, of the Seventh District, was judge. R. Cushman, John L. Howard, George R. King and C. L. Swazy were admitted to the bar, and James H. Barlow was commissioned clerk. In 1838 Henry Boyce, of the Sixth District, presided. Dr. Milligan was allowed $37 for medicines and attendance given to John Smith, then a prisoner charged with murder. Samuel Small, a forger, William Anderson, a thief, and Archibald Frith, a murderer, were all in prison at this time, guests of Sheriff W. Edwards and James H. Barbin, clerk. In March, 1843, Fabius Ricord was commissioned sheriff, and in 1845 John Sterling was coroner. L. P. Normand was deputy clerk in 1846, and G. P. Voorhies was sheriff in 1847.
In 1849 Ralph Cushman, judge of the Thirteenth District, presided, with J. H. Barbin, clerk, and Lucien P. Normand, deputy clerk. Frederick H. Farrar, of the Ninth District, was judge in October, 1849. The death of William Bishop, the oldest member of the old bar of Avoyelles, was noticed in April, 1850. Zenin Areaux was coroner in 1852. In April, 1856, Octavius N. Ogden succeeded Judge Cushman, and a year later E. N. Cullom succeeded him as judge of the Thirteenth District. About this time an undated document was filed, binding the following members of the bar not to plead want of amicable demand in any case before the court: W. W. Waddill, Thomas C. Manning, J. H. C. Barlow, J. L. Generes, Fenelon Cannon (died in the war as captain of a company), W. A. Stewart, H. C. Edwards, A. B. Irion, William E. Cooke, E. E. Voorhies, F. P. Hitchborn (said to have served in the Mexican War), Aristide Barbin, S. L. Taylor and C. N. Hines. In September, 1860, Cannon J. Irion and H. Taylor were present as lawyers, and joined with the other attorneys in asking the judge to adjourn court until December, owing to the great scarcity of water. The judge acquiesced, and court was adjourned. In May, 1861, the grand jury assured the court that owing to the war excitement, and the fact that recruiting was being carried on, it was inexpedient to open court, and in this view the judge coincided. In February, 1862, the deaths of Judge Ogden and F. P. Hitchborn were announced. In October, 1863, and in July and September, 1864, Judge Cullom (now of the Seventh District) held court, and in October, 1865, Henry C. Edwards succeeded him. Hon. William H. Cooley, who was killed in a duel at New Orleans in 1867, presided in May, 1866, and Lucien P. Normand was clerk, but gave place later to Julien J. Goudeau. A year after G. Merrick Miller was judge of the Seventh District, Amos S. Collins, clerk; J. J. Ducote, sheriff, and F. Ricord, minute clerk.
In 1865 Fielding Edwards was sheriff, and in May, 1866, J. J. Ducote qualified as his successor. J. J. Goudeau took the oath as clerk in June, 1866, and served until Amos S. Collins qualified, in July, 1868. At this time John W. Creagh was sheriff, but in November, 1866, J. J. Ducote filled that office. In May, 1869, Henry Dupuy was clerk. The successor of Judge Miller was Thomas Butler, in May, 1872. Alex Noguez qualified as sheriff in December, 1870, and C. T. Normand as coroner. Thomas H. Hewes presided in May, 1873, with S. R. Thorpe, district attorney; A. D. Coco, clerk; J. J. Goudeau, deputy; A. L. Barbin, sheriff, and E. Jackson, coroner. F. Ricord was sheriff in 1873. W. R. Messick (killed in New Orleans, in January, 1877) was installed sheriff in December, 1874, and J. J. Ducote, district attorney. In 1875 F. T. Gremillion was coroner. Anatole L. Barbin was appointed sheriff early in 1877, but in January, 1877, W. R. Messick took the oath as sheriff and W. B. Moore as coroner. John Yoist, judge of the Seventh District, in May, 1877, appointed R. R. Irion, Isaac Williams, A. L. Boyer and Fulgence Couvillion, jury commissioners. Charles Gray was sheriff at this time, with L. V. Gremillion, deputy. In 1878 Hilaire W. Decuire qualified as sheriff, and George Clayton, coroner. In 1880 Aristide Barbin was elected judge, and W. F. Blackman was appointed additional judge; L. V. Gremillion was elected clerk; Leon Gauthier, sheriff, and Dr. Porch, Jr., coroner. Judges Thomas Overton and W. F. Blackman were elected judges in 1884; the clerk re-elected, and Louis A. Joffrion elected sheriff, and Leo C. Tarleton, coroner; G. H. Couvillion, A. E. Gremillion and J. A. Morrow were deputy clerks. A. V. Coco was elected judge in 1888, and Judge Blackman re-elected, with A. M. Bordelon, clerk, and Clifton Cannon, sheriff. A. M. Gremillion and J. A. Morrow are the deputy clerks, and the deputy sheriffs are T. J. Armitage and A. J. Tailleor. On the death of L. V. Gremillion, in March, 1886, A. J. Lafargue was appointed clerk, and served until the present clerk, A. M. Bordelon, qualified, in May, 1888. The court of appeals for the Third Circuit was opened here in January, 1881, with A. B. Irion and J. M. Moore, presiding judges. In June, 1884, John Clegg was elected judge of appeals, vice Irion, elected member of Congress. In June, 1888, Robert S. Perry was commissioned judge of appeals for this circuit, vice Moore. The members of the present bar are Aristide Barbin, H. C. Edwards, J. M. Edwards, E. J. Joffrion, L. J. Ducote, E. N. Cullom, Jr., J. H. Ducote, J. A. Lemoine, G. H. Couvillion, A. B. Irion, J. C. Cappel, A. J. Lafargue (A. L. Bordelon died in July, 1889), Thomas H. Thorpe and William H. Peterman.
In February, 1844, a great Whig meeting was held at Marksville, a committee to attend the convention at New Orleans was appointed, H. Taylor, S. W. Briggs, Pierre Normand, Jr., C. D. Brashear and Young Callahan being members. Gen. P. Couvillion and E. Rabalais represented the parish in the Legislature: W. F. Griffin succeeded Couvillion that year. Bannon G. Thibodeau (elected) of the Second, T. Butler of the Third and Louis Bordelon of the Fourth District, were candidates for Congress, but J. B. Dawson was elected in the Third and I. T. Morse in the Fourth District. J. H. Hamanson represented the Rapides District in the Senate. There were 568 votes cast for President in November, 1844, Polk receiving 374. In November, 1847, J. H. Harmanson was elected congressman; A. B. Coco and J. Deshaulletes were elected representatives; J. P. Waddill defeated J. E. Howard for the Senate. Taylor received 299 and Cass 359 votes in 1848 for President. John H. Boyer, R. H. Sibley, J. P. Waddill, W. W. Whittington and J. Joffrion were delegates to the convention of 1852 from Avoyelles and Rapides. In 1853 Michael Ryan was elected senator, and G. Berlin and L. Gauthier, representatives. In November, 1856, Avoyelles gave 584 votes for the Democrat and 323 for the Know-nothing candidate for President. In 1861 members of the Confederate House were elected. Messrs. Couvillion and Joffrion are said to have served at Shreveport. In 1859 the Democrats nominated John O’Quinn and G. P. Voorhies for representatives; E. Joffrion for sheriff; H. Couvillion for clerk, and W. Reed for assessor. Dr. S. A. Smith was elected senator. The first secession meeting was held at Marksville on December 20, 1860. A. M. Gray presided, with Fenelon Cannon, vice-president, and F. Ricord, secretary. A Southern Rights Association was then organized. In November 750 votes were recorded for Breckinridge, 290 for Bell and 7 for Douglas. In January, 1861, A. M. Gray and Gen. B. B. Simms represented the senatorial district, and Col. F. Cannon, A. Barbin and F. B. Coco the parish, in the Constitutional Convention; Barbin, Cannon and Gray signed the secession ordinance. Messrs. Couvillion and J. M. Edwards were representatives in 1865 and A. D. Coco, senator, The representation of the parish in the Legislature from 1868 to 1878 was confined to a few men, who escaped much of the opprobrium attached to the successful politicians of those dark days. In 1870 L. J. Souer and J. Laurant; in 1872, Pierre Mageloire (colored) and L. J. Souer, and later Souer and L. Barbin. In 1878 R. Ducote and F. B. Coco were representatives and T. J. Norwood, senator; E. J. Joffrion and Alex Naguez (colored), 1879; E. J. Joffrion and S. S. Pearce, 1880, and D. B. Hudson and T. P. Harmanson, 1884. A Barbin and J. K. Bond are the present representatives and O. O. Provosty, senator, for Avoyelles and Point Coupee. In 1876 there were 1,485 votes cast for Francis T. Nicholls (D.) and 1,563 for S. B. Packard (R.), candidates for governor; in 1879 Louis A. Wiltz (D.) received 1,608 and Taylor Beattie (R.) 1,355; in 1884 Samuel D. McEnery (D.) 1,853 and John A. Stevenson (R.) 991; in 1888, Francis T. Nicholls (D.) 2,425 and Henry C. Warmoth (R.) 1,310. The total number of registered voters in April, 1888, was 4,946—2,300 being white; 721 whites and 2,148 Africans could not write their names.
The Villager, Vol. I, No. 18, was issued at Marksville, February 3, 1844, by G. A. Stevens. It was printed in French and English. The Villager (new) was issued March 30, 1844, by A. Derivas, who assumed for it Vol. I, No. 1. The French page bore the title Le Villageois. In February, 1859, Alex Barde was publisher, succeeding Lemaitre. P. D’Artlys issued his salutatory April 23, 1859, and A. Barde his valedictory.
The Prairie Star was issued at Marksville as a Whig journal, by E. J. Foster, in August, 1848.
Le Pelican was issued May 28, 1859, by P. D’Artlys as the successor of the Villager, retaining the volume and issue number; D. A. Bland was editor.
L’Organe Central was issued June 14, 1856, at Marksville, by Fenelon Cannon and S. Lewis Taylor. It was printed in French and English, and espoused the platform of the Know-nothings. M. F. Barclay was connected with this paper. On June 13, 1857, the editors announced the termination of their engagement with the Know-nothing party, and Adolphe P. Marcotte became editor. In May, 1858, A. L. Gusman, succeeded Marcotte, and carried on this journal to its end before the war.
The Weekly Register was issued in 1867, and No. 9, of Vol. III, bears date December 3, 1870, A. D. Coco was then editor and proprietor.
The Avoyelles Republican was issued by Alex Noguez, during his term as sheriff (1868-72).
The Marksville Village was edited by A. Lafargue up to January, 1868, when A. D. Lafargue and T. J. Edwards took charge.
The Villager (third) was issued September 8, 1877, by T. J. Edwards. O. B. de Bellevue was manager in April, 1879. Later A. D. Lafargue was connected with this journal.
The Review was established May 1, 1880. William Hall is publisher and A. M. Gremillion editor. Mr. Gremillion has been sole owner since its beginning.
The Bunkie Blade was established July 8, 1888, by L. Tanner and G. H. Harvill. In November, 1888, H. A. Tanner purchased the office, and E. R. Tanner bought the office from him in January, 1890. The circulation is about 600 copies. The Washington hand-press is historical. It was brought to Alexandria by Mr. McLean, and cast into Red River by the people.
The Marksville Bulletin was established in 1876 by A. D. Lafargue. J. O. Domas edited this journal for some time and was followed by Mr. Lafargue. A. D. and A. J. Lafargue were editors. The latter is now editor, with W. R. Howard, publisher. The circulation is 650 copies per week.
In 1825 Valery Bordelon qualified as major of the Avoyelles Battalion. Joseph Kimball as captain; Sosthene Riche, Zeno Bordelon, Valery Bordelon, Zenon Lemoine, Louis Mayeau, Julieu Goudeau, Zenon Chattin, Colia Lacour, Hypolite Mayeau, Celestin Guitholt and Celestin Gauthier, as lieutenants, and E. G. Paxton as adjutant. In 1827 R. A. Cochran was commissioned adjutant. Cornelius Voorhies was brigade inspector in 1828; Lewis Gorton, captain. In 1839 Francois B. de Bellevue was commissioned colonel of the Twenty-second Regiment, Louisiana Militia. Pierre Couvillion was commissioned brigadier-general of the Eleventh Brigade in 1841. In September, 1845, Gen. Couvillion called on the militia to be ready for service in Texas. In June, 1847, a company of militia, under Capt. C. Moreau and Lieuts. H. C. Barlow and F. B. Barbin, paraded at Marksville in response to the request of a lieutenant of the Seventeenth United States Infantry. In 1884 Adolphe J. Lafargue qualified as colonel.
On November 14, 1860, a meeting was held at the Baptist Church of Big Bend to consider the political position of the South. It ended with the organization of the Independent Volunteer Company. William F. Cheney was elected captain; John L. Rogers, Benjamin W. Bond, St. Ville Couvillion, lieutenants; A. McIntyre, F. Coco, A. S. Gray, W. F. Griffin and Evariste Couvillion, sergeants; Faustin Bordelon, J. M. Lewis, Baptist Rabalais and Vergus Bordelon, corporals.
On December 29, 1860, a large secession meeting was held at Marksville, and a plan of military organization was outlined.
The Avoyelles Regiment, organized in April, 1861, with A. D. Coco, colonel; F. Cannon, lieutenant-colonel; B. W. Blackwood, major; Daniel Brownson, adjutant-major, Robert Tanner, officer d’ordnance; Alphonse B. Coco, quarter-master; W. W. Waddell, treasurer; Dr. L. K. Branch, surgeon-major, and Dr. Rushing aide-major.
The Atchafalaya Guards, under Capt. Boone, left for the front in April, 1861. R. M. Boone was captain; J. J. McCrea, J. T. Norwood and T. P. Harmanson, lieutenants; E. P. Harmanson, John C. Jones, W. W. McCranie and J. M. Batchelor, sergeants; D. D. L. McLaughlin, ensign; John E. Phares, M. Shirley, J. C. Kennerly and T. A. Steindorf, corporals. There were 105 private soldiers enrolled.
The Avoyelles Rifleman, under Capt. W. W. Johnson, left in April, 1861, eighty-nine strong; Arthur Cailleteau, T. Jefferson Edwards and Cecil Legare, lieutenants; Ernest Domas, sergeant major, and John Craven, port-drapeau. This company disbanded at New Orleans, but many of them entered other commands. A. M. Gremillion and others forming Company I, Eighteenth Louisiana Infantry.
The Louisiana Swamp Rifles were commanded, in May, 1861, by D. N. Dickey. The company was recruited in Avoyelles, Point Coupee and St. Landry.
Creoles des Avoyelles, or Avoyelles Creole Invincibles, was the name given to a company organized in August, 1861, by James Griffin.
The Avoyelles Rangers, organized in September, 1861, with W. F. Cannon, captain.
The Evergreen Riflemen left for the seat of war in September, 1861, under Capt. White.
In the above named companies a great number of all the men capable of bearing arms was mustered, but the great majority was mustered into regiments of Louisiana volunteers, while some served in regiments of other Confederate States, and one or two in Federal commands.
The enrollment of white pupils for each of the eleven years, from 1877 to 1887, inclusive, is as follows: 923, 679, 817 (no enrollment in 1880), 607 (no enrollment in 1882-83-84), 1,222, 1,110, 1,392. The enrollment of colored pupils for the same years is as follows: 1,035, 727, 732, ---, 425, ---, ---, ---, 338, 969 and 1,941. In 1888 and 1889 the enrollment shows a large increase, but the attendance is materially different.
The registered physicians of the parish, who give the date and place of diploma, are James J. Robert, Christian D. Owens, Agrippa Gayden, John S. Branch, Charles Wier, John D. Everett, Leo C. Tarleton, John C. Anderson, Leroy K. Branch, Jean V. Cantonnet, Cleophas J. Ducote, William P. Buck, John A. Hollinshead, William E. Montgomery, James Ware, William G. Branch, William D. Haas, George R. Fox, Thomas A. Roy, while those who registered under the act of 1882, on account of years of practice, were Edward C. M. Bourjal, Mansura; Thedore Ferest, Mansura; Leon Monela, Marksville, James A. Daniel.
The Louisiana Central Stem of the Mississippi & Pacific Railroad Company was incorporated in July, 1854, to build a road from the Mississippi, below the mouth of the Red River, to Cheneyville and thence to the boundary of Texas. The incorporators in Rapides were P. F. Keary, Randall Tanner, R. L. Tanner, Montford Wells, Henry Boyce, L. A. Stafford, John Compton, Jr., Charles H. Flower, W. H. Scott, Jabez Tanner and Henry Butters.
The incorporators of the Louisiana Central Stem Railroad, in July, 1854, were Hugh Keary, Thomas Frith, John Ewell, A. G. Pearce, L. D. Coco, Fenelon Cannon, P. W. Callahan, G. P. Voorhies, J. I. B. Kirk, B. B. Simms, Joseph Torras, F. P. Hitchborn, M. M. Matthews, R. B. Marshall, W. C. Robert and J. J. Goudeau all of Avoyelles. The road was graded to The Burns in this parish.
In December, 1843, Charles Duval Brashear took the oath as mayor of Marksville, with John P. Waddill, G. A. Stevens, W. H. Duvall, James Rey, Jr., and Fielding Edwards, aldermen. In August, 1844, C. D. Brashear was mayor; A. Barbin, clerk; J. P. Waddill, W. H. Duvall, J. Rey, Jr., F. Edwards and William Edwards, aldermen. In 1846-47 A. C. Armstrong was mayor; Messrs Waddill, A. Barbin, F. Ricord, Ed Generes and J. H. Barbin, aldermen. F. P. Hitchborn was mayor in 1850, and P. J. Normand, clerk. Messrs McEnery, Brashear, J. E. Frith, T. B. Barbin and L. P. Normand were councilmen. A. C. Armstrong was mayor in 1851-52, and in July, 1852, J. McEnery was chosen mayor, with R. Robinson, E. Reynaud, Dr. McEnery, J. B. Maillet and F. B. Barbin, aldermen. Elie Connor was mayor in 1855-56, with H. Taylor, W. W. Waddill, B. P. de Lavallade and D. J. Smith, aldermen. Messrs. de Lavallade, J. J. Goudeau, F. B. Barbin and W. W. Waddill were aldermen in 1858, and later H. C. Edwards and A. Barde were members, and W. W. Waddill was mayor. In 1859 A. Lafargue was elected mayor, and Emile Chaze, A. Barbin, V. Gremillion, Dr. King and W. A. Stewart, aldermen. In June, 1860, B. P. de Lavallade and V. O. King were candidates for mayor. In 1861 W. W. Waddill was elected mayor. Adolphe Lafargue was mayor in 1865, J. Rulong, J. P. Didier, J. M. Edwards, W. W. Waddill and B. R. de Lavallade, aldermen. F. B. de Bellevue was mayor in 1868, while in 1869 Aristide Barbin was mayor. In 1871 F. B. De Bellevue was mayor; in 1872 A. M. Kilpatrick; A. Barbin, 1873; F. B. de Bellevue, 1874; A. B. Irion, 1875. A Barbin took the oath as mayor in June, 1875-79, and J. P. Didier, 1880. In November, 1880, Anatole Barbin was elected mayor, and in June, 1881, A. L. Barbin took the oath. Aristide M. Gremillion, 1882; A. H. Bordelon, 1883; Alfred H. Bordelon, 1884-88; Emile Chaze, 1888-90, with Theodore T. Fields, J. H. Ducote, Edmond Michel, G. H. Couvillion and E. de Nux, aldermen.
J. Rey, Jr., was master at Marksville in 1844; T. B. Tiller (killed Gordon and left), in 1845; James McEnery, 1848; F. B. Barbin, 1849; J. Rey, 1854, died in 1855; L. V. Gremillion, 1856; C. Gilbert; E. Chaze, 1859; Henry Dupuy, 1860; E. Chaze, 1863; J. T. Didier, 1864; H. Dupuy, 1866-69; J. A. Dalsnet, 1869; George L. Mayer, 1871-73; H. Dupuy, 1873-82; C. F. Huesman, H. Dupuy, 1882; George L. Mayer, 1887; J. M. Edwards, 1889-90.
Daniel Webster presided over the Avoyelles Academy in 1842. In June, 1850, John and Mrs. McDonnell conducted this establishment. Thomas McMahon presided over the male academy in 1851. In September, 1853, Jeannie Haseltine opened the Young Ladies’ Institute, while the McDonnells still carried on the Male and Female Academy. The Marksville High School was established in 1856 and incorporated in 1858. A. Lafargue, D. A. Bland and Gustave Brulatour were the professors.
The Bell Tavern, built of brick by C. D. Brashear, was conducted in 1850 by T. B. Tiller. The house was occupied after the war by Adolphe Lafargue, and was purchased from the Lafargue estate about 1870 by Judge H. C. Edwards, who tore down the house in 1887 and built his present residence on the site.
In 1851 the Hotel des Planteurs was conducted by D. Ingouf—the same which Mrs. Normand conducted before the war. John McDonnell carried on the Avoyelles House in 1856.
The mission of St. Joseph at Marksville was attended from Cocoville for about sixty years up to June 4, 1839, when the present church building was blessed by Bishop Martin. Rev. J. Janeau (the last priest at Cocoville) was the first resident priest. In 1880 Rev. P. E. Simon succeeded Father Janeau, and Rev. O. L. Bré came in 1882, and in August, 1885, Rev. A. Chorin, the present pastor, was appointed. The congregation numbers about 4,000 members. The colored members number about 200.
The Convent of the Presentation (Daughters of the Cross) was established here in 1869, with Sister Therese mother superior. A day school was also founded at this time, with Sister Anna in charge. The present community comprises six Sisters, of whom Sister Therese is superioress. The number of day pupils averages forty-five, and of regular pupils fifteen. The convent buildings were erected in 1869, and the present school building or exhibition hall was erected in 1889.
The Convent of the Immaculate Conception at Mansura was founded, with Sister St. Yoes superioress. The school attached to this convent is attended by about thirty pupils.
St. Peter’s Protestant Episcopal Church was established January 28, 1881, by the pastor of St. James, Alexandria. Rev. Messrs. Prosser or Kramer held services here until 1886 at long intervals. St. Timothy’s Mission at Sunday Home Plantation dates back to the winter of 1880-81.
Bunkie, formerly known as Irion, was named in 1882 by Capt. Haas, after his little daughter. The first record of the council is dated April 14, 1885. L. W. Anderson was then mayor; T. B. Kimbro, J. P. Snelling, Marshman A. Gen. G. W. Lynch and M. F. A. Jones, councilmen. J. T. Johnson, treasurer, W. H. Eichelberger, clerk and assessor. Later J. T. Watson was appointed to fill the position vacated by Eichelberger. In July, 1886, the proposition of the citizens to donate a jail building was accepted, and under this date the following item is recorded: “The mayor was asked to confer with the two colored preachers, and request that they carry on their religious services in a more respectable manner, and, if they did not, they lay themselves liable to be closed up.” The mayor resigned, and John D. Ernest was chosen to fill that position. A. T. Allen’s name appears as councilman in October, and in January, 1888, he was mayor, with A. Gen, A. S. Baker, J. P. Suelling, A. S. Adair and G. H. Stevens, aldermen; L. C. Gremillion, marshal; A. L. Adair was chosen secretary. One of the first acts of the new council was an order to arrest all persons, who would “fire off guns or pistols, regardless of race, color or nationality.” In January, 1890, T. B. Kimbro was mayor, with W. G. Branch, J. Jordan, J. J. Gremillion and A. T. Allen, aldermen. W. S. Aymond was marshal, J. J. Gremillion, secretary, and G. Jackson, treasurer. The marshal resigned in October, 1890, and on the 22d of that month, Thomas was nominated for the position.
T. B. Kimbro was the first postmaster here; L. W. Anderson was appointed in 1883, and on September 18, 1889, John D. Ernest took charge of the office. Mr. Ernest purchased lots here in 1882, when Allen & Gen’s store was the only one here. Marcus Spencer built his store late in 1882, and early in 1883 Capt. Haas built a dwelling-house for the first railroad agent, Moseley. A. T. Allen has been railroad agent at Bunkie since 1882. The shipments from September 1, 1887, to August 31, 1888, were 7,887 bales. During the season ending August 31, 1889, there were only 4,981 bales shipped. Four thousand eight hundred and forty-nine bales were shipped from September, 1889, to August 31, 1890, and 3,123 bales from September 1, to October 25, 1890.
The old post offices of Avoyelles were Bayou Rouge, Ewell Burdick, master; Big Bend, B. W. Kimball; Bordeaux, post master deceased; Florida Bend, post-master moved away; Holmesville, Shaw Random; Mansura, Nelson Durand; Marksville, F. B. Barbin; Morrowville, Joseph Cappel, and Simmesport, J. Kirk. Borodino post-office was established in February, 1844, with Ambroise Lacour, master. This office is now known as Moreauville.
Mansura, mentioned so often in this chapter, is the oldest of the modern towns of the parish. In 1860 Capt. J. C. Joffrion was mayor of Mansura. In 1861 Dr. J. Desfasses was mayor; Eloi Joffrion, L. Dronin, Charles Dumarquis, Victor Prostdame and S. Siess, aldermen; P. A. Durand was secretary; P. Lemoine, treasurer; J. J. Guerineau, collector, and M. Bibb, constable. Nelson Durand was chose mayor in November, 1865. David Siess was mayor in 1874; Valery Coco, 1876; F. J. C. Monnin, 1878; David Siess, 1879; F. J. C. Monnin, 1880; David Siess, 1881-82; Pascalis D. Roy, 1884, and David Siess in June, 1884; Theo. Forest, 1885; David Siess, 1886-90. The Mansura post-office was reopened in September, 1866, with David Siess, master.
The Convent of the Presentation at Cocoville or Hydropolis, five miles from Normand’s Landing on la Rivuere Rouge, and two miles from Marksville, was presided over in 1855 by Sister Marie Hyacinthe. This was the mother house of the order in the United States until the removal to Fairfield, Caddo Parish.
The church of St. Thomas at Moreauville was blessed in May, 1859, by Bishop Martin.
In March, 1880, Isaac C. Johnson was elected mayor of Evergreen, and was re-elected for each term, including the election of 1886. Joseph Cappel is mayor. The Evergreen Home Institute, a male and female school, was in charge of H. C. Kemper in 1857. John Ewell, Joseph Cappel, M. M. Matthews, T. P. Frith and J. H. Marshall were trustees. Among the first houses erected at Evergreen was the store building of Alanson Pearce, on whose plantation the town was laid out prior to the war. The post offices of the parish, other than those named, are Big Bend, Bordelonville, Cotton Port, Egg Bend, Eola, Haasville, Moreauville, Odenburg, Simmesport and Tilden.
Cassandra was an important business village as early as 1827, but now it is seldom heard of. It is a memory of the earlier years of this century.
Transcription of Louisiana, Avoyelles Parish, History
Transcribed by Mary Anne Wisterman, April 25, 2024
A. T. Allen is the efficient depot agent at Bunkie, La., and like so many of the energetic and enterprising residents of this section, he is a native born resident of the State, his birth having occurred August 24, 1852, in the Parish of Plaquemine, to A. D. and Mary A. (Neal) Allen, the former a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and the latter of Louisiana. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch were Germans, and the maternal grandparents were born in Liverpool, England. A. D. Allen was reared to manhood in York State, and for many years was an ocean sailor, but at the time of his death, July 4, 1859, he was a branch pilot at the port of New Orleans. His demise occurred in Liverpool, England, where he had gone for his health. His widow survives him, and is a resident of the city of New Orleans. A. T. Allen was reared in the Pelican State, and received his early knowledge of books in the public schools of New Orleans, in which city he afterward learned telegraphy. He was an operator in the Western Union office for a number of years, and then accepted his present position in Bunkie, receiving an earnest petition so to do from the people of this location. He has acted in capacity of depot agent since 1882, and at the present day there is not a business man in this section who stands higher in the estimation of the people, or is more highly esteemed than Mr. Allen. He is a man possessing many sterling characteristics, and is a leader in many matters pertaining to the public good. Socially he is past high priest of Evergreen Chapter No. 41 of Evergreen, La., and a member of Evergreen Lodge No. 189, of the A. F. & A. M. His marriage, which took place in the month of June, 1883, was to Miss Lily E. Pearce, a daughter of A. G. Pearce, by whom he is the father of three bright and interesting little daughters.
D. R. Bettison, deputy sheriff and jailer, of Avoyelles Parish, was born in Rapides Parish, La., in 1849. He is the son of T. G. and E. S. (Rutledge) Bettison. T. G. Bettison was born and reared near Woodville, Miss. He immigrated to Louisiana in 1818, and became a pioneer of Rapides Parish, entering a great amount of Government land around the present site of Cheneyville. He married close to Cheneyville, and lived in Rapides Parish till 1850, when he moved into Avoyelles Parish, and lived on Bayou Chopegne till the time of his death, 1873. Mrs. E. S. Bettison was born in Georgia, and became a resident of Rapides Parish, La., while a young lady. She became the mother of sixteen children by her first and only marriage, and is still alive, residing in Texas. She is a lineal descendant of John Rutledge, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Our subject grew to manhood in Avoyelles Parish, and received a limited education. He was married in 1878, and remained on the farm till 1882, when he entered the livery business in Evergreen, La., where he remained till 1888, when he came to Marksville and there opened the livery business. He reached Marksville with limited capital, but has done well and has accumulated considerable property in the short period he has been there. He has been deputy sheriff of Avoyelles for six years, and parish jailer for nearly three years. He married Miss Ada Keller at Holmesville, La., and is father of three children: D. L., Susan and Bessie.
Hon. James K. Bond is a planter of Ward 7, and was born in Shelby County, Tenn., on December 31, 1844, to T. G. and Margaret (Dickson) Bond, natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. The father removed to Tennessee when young, and was engaged in farming until his death in 1857, his widow surviving him until 1868, when she, too, passed away. Hon. James K. Bond removed to Avoyelles Parish with his mother when twelve years of age, and although he received a good early education in the common schools, he was debarred from entering college on account of the opening of the Rebellion. In 1862 he enlisted in the First Louisiana Cavalry; the same year was discharged on account of physical disability, but at the end of about two months he re-enlisted in the Second Louisiana Cavalry, and served until the war terminated, being in the Trans-Mississippi Department, and in all the engagements of that department with the exception of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, during which time he was on courier duty. At the close of the war he returned to the plantation, and has since devoted his time to its operation, and is now in good circ*mstances, financially. He has been interested in the political questions of the day, and has held a number of official positions, being a member of the police jury from 1885 until 1888, in April of the latter year being elected to represent this parish in the State Legislature, his term expiring in 1892. Mr. Bond introduced the bill that created so much excitement in Avoyelles Parish, providing for the removal of the court-house to the lowlands. He and his most estimable and worthy wife are the parents of two sons and three daughters.
Alcide M. Bordelon, district clerk of Avoyelles Parish, La., was born here in the year 1856, and here was reared to manhood on a plantation and was educated. As a native-born resident of this parish he is looked upon with considerable pride by the people of this locality, for they have watched his career from his youth up, and he has at all times shown himself to be a young man of undoubted honesty, and has displayed ability and sagacity of a high order. In 1881 he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Noemil Coco, also a native of this parish, and although he was elected to the office of clerk of the district court in the spring of 1888, and moved to Marksville, he is yet the owner of his plantation. He was for four years a magistrate of the Sixth Ward, but on May 26, 1888, was installed into the office of clerk and will serve until 1892. His union has resulted in the birth of four children: Louis Clinton, Joseph L., Robert Lucius and Daisy Alice. Mr. Bordelon is one of the most popular men of the parish, and is one of its most efficient public servants, which fact speaks loudly in his praise, for Avoyelles Parish is noted for its able, honorable and painstaking officials. He is a genial man, and is a gentleman in every sense of the word, both by instinct and education. His parents, Marceline C. and Ozide (Mayeux) Bordelon, were also born in the State of Louisiana, the father dying in January, 1884, his widow still surviving him. The family are Catholics, and the father was for a number of years a member of the police jury.
A. L. Boyer, merchant and planter, Moreauville, La. Mr. Boyer is one of those enterprising and progressive citizens, who is not satisfied to pursue one occupation through life, but branches out and tries his hand at other enterprises. He is of foreign birth, having been born in Bordeaux, France, in 1839, and is a son of John H. and A. (Joffrion) Boyer, the former a native of France, and the latter of Louisiana. The father was a very extensive planter of Avoyelles Parish, and was also very extensively engaged in merchandising, doing a large exporting and importing business. He was one of the prominent men of Louisiana at the time of his death, being at one time a member of the Legislature, and also a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1855, taking a prominent part in the convention. He died in 1856. Grandfather Boyer was an officer under Napoleon, and the family was very prominent in France. A. L. Boyer emigrated with his parents to America when nine years of age, settled with them in Louisiana, but afterward went to St. Louis, where he completed his education. In 1856, after the death of his father, he took charge of the business, but lost everything except the real estate, by the war, being left almost penniless at the close of that memorable struggle. He is at present doing a good business in merchandising, carrying a full stock of goods and doing an annual business of about $30,000. Besides this he is the owner of 840 acres of land, 200 of which are under cultivation. He was married in 1870, to Miss Julia Colomes, daughter of F. Colomes, a native of France, but who is now a resident of Louisiana. Mr. Boyer has been president of the police jury, and held other positions of trust in the parish. He has the oldest existing firm in the parish. He is now postmaster at Moreauville, and is a man held in the highest estimation by the public. He is the father of three children: Albin O., John H. and Aimee J.
Dr. John S. Branch is a gentleman thoroughly fitted by experience and study for a superior physician, and since entering upon his practice has built up a reputation for skill and ability that is not merely local, but extends over a wide range. He was born in this parish on September 24, 1859, to Dr. Leroy K. and Laura E. (Griffin) Branch, the birth of the former occurring in Maury County, Tenn., August 30, 1816, his father and mother being natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively, the former being a soldier in the War of 1812. Dr. Leroy K. Branch removed to the State of Alabama when a young man, and in that State and Mississippi grew to manhood, but received his literary education in Greene County, Ky. He afterward entered the Medical Institute of Louisville, Ky. (now the University of Louisville), from which he was graduated in 1840. Shortly after completing his course he removed to Avoyelles Parish, La., where he has since resided and practiced his profession, being now one of the oldest and most honored citizens of this section. He has been a member of the police jury, and has been twice married, first in 1843 to Miss Virginia A. Marshall, who died in 1857, and the following year he wedded Miss Griffin, who was the eldest daughter of the late Hon. W. F. Griffin, who for many years, was inseparably connected with Louisiana politics, having served a number of terms in both houses, especially in the Senate. Dr. John S. Branch is the eldest of their six children, and although reared in Avoyelles, Parish, the greater part of his education was obtained in Evergreen Home Institute, at Evergreen, La., and from a private tutor. In 1881 he graduated from the medical department of the University of Louisville, Ky., and subsequently took a course of lectures in Tulane University of Louisiana, locating the following year in Evergreen, where he has become a well-known medical practitioner. He possesses a brilliant intellect and as he has shown that he is thoroughly versed in medical lore, his patronage has become very extended. He keeps thoroughly posted in his profession, and is now one of the vice-presidents of the State Medical Society. In 1882 the nuptials of his marriage to Miss Lily E. Willis were celebrated, she being a daughter of A. B. and Jeanette M. (Robards) Willis, of New Orleans.
W. G. Branch, M. D. Among the people of Avoyelles, as well as the surrounding parishes, the name of Dr. Branch has become well known, for he is one of the most active practitioners of this parish, and has made a reputation for himself as a follower of the “healing act.” The Doctor was born here December 18, 1860, to Leroy K. and Laura E. (Griffin) Branch, and in the common and private schools of this section was prepared for college, afterward entering the State Seminary at Baton Rouge, immediately upon leaving that institution entering the medical department of the University of Louisville, of Louisville, Ky., graduating and receiving his diploma from this institution in February, 1884. He immediately located in Karnes County, Tex., but remained there only eighteen months, since which time he has been a practitioner, and a successful one, of Bunkie, La. The nuptials of his marriage were celebrated in 1887, his wife being Miss S. O. Bennett, daughter of Mansel and Sarah O. (Pearce) Bennett, both native Louisianians. The father, who was a planter, and for many years parish surveyor, died in 1884. Dr. Branch is a young physician, who stands well among the medical brethren of this section, and to his skill and talent the gratitude of hundreds is due, for he has been the means of bringing many to health, and consequently happiness. He is a member of the Louisiana State Medical Society, and socially, belongs to Lodge No. 189, of the A. F. & A. M., of Evergreen. Both he and wife are consistent Christians, and are worthy members of the Baptist Church at Evergreen.
S. Callegari is a highly prosperous merchant of Cottonport, La., and here has resided from his birth, which occurred October 7, 1840, his parents being J. and Ellen (Scallan) Callegari, the former of whom was born near Rome, Italy. He attained manhood in his native country, and was educated in Venice, receiving a most thorough classical education, his expenses being defrayed by an uncle who was fitting him for a priest. His inclinations were not at all that way, and he was never ordained. When about thirty years of age he came to America and settled in Avoyelles Parish, La. where he was for many years engaged in teaching school in Mansura and Cottonport, being a planter in connection with his teaching. He was for a time superintendent of the public schools of the parish. He was a man of remarkable intellectual powers, and at the time of his death, which occurred at the age of eighty-five years, in 1887, he showed but little the ravages of time so far as his intellectual powers were concerned. His marriage, which occurred in Avoyelles Parish in 1834, was always a remarkably happy one, the parents having the utmost confidence in, and affection for, each other. The immediate subject of this sketch was reared in this parish, and was given the advantages of the common schools. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Eighteenth Louisiana Regiment of Infantry, was in the Trans-Mississippi Department, and took part in a number of hotly contested engagements, being at one time captured and kept a prisoner for a short time. After the war he was engaged as a planter for some three years, or until 1869, but since that time his attention has been devoted to merchandising at Cottonport, where, by his business tact and ability, he has built up a large and paying trade. He was married, in 1875, to Miss Irine Richi, a daughter of Elphege Richi, a native of this State and a planter. To them three sons and four daughters have been born.
Clifton Cannon, the popular sheriff of Avoyelles Parish, La., has resided here from his birth, May 24, 1856, and the confidence which the people have in him is, therefore, intelligently placed, for they have known him from boyhood, and have had every opportunity to judge of his character and qualifications. His education was received in Jefferson College, of St. James Parish, La., which institution he attended four years. He is the second son of Fenelon and Mary E. Cannon. His mother was the only daughter of Maj. John Boots, of Roanoke, Va. Maj. Boots was born on April 12, 1784. The date of his birth shows that it was nearly contemporary with that of the American Republic. The child of 1784 has seen a people who had been scarcely free two years when he was born, grow and occupy one of the largest places in the history of the world. In comparing the splendor of the dawn of the American Republic with its present vast resources and proportions, he is a happy citizen who can write upon his tomb, “I have been the contemporary of Washington.” In 1812 Maj. John Boots saw the struggle between the United States and England renewed. He joined the standard of his country under Gens. Hull and Harrison, and soon rose to the position of major, and gained distinction in the struggle. In 1824 he moved to Avoyelles Parish, La., and there devoted himself to the culture of cotton. He married October 21, 1832, Miss Mary Custard, of Mississippi. Thirty-four years after his arrival in Avoyelles, he died on July 22, leaving a large fortune. He left a wife and daughter, who leans upon the valiant arm of her husband, Fenelon Cannon. Fenelon Cannon was born in Cadiz, Trigg County, Ky., on Friday, November 18, 1825. After receiving his education at the age of eighteen years, he left his native State and located in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, La. He there devoted himself to the study of the law, and soon became a member of the bar. On Friday, December 24, 1852, he was married to Mary Elizabeth Boots, and from that time he resided in Avoyelles. At the Marksville bar he was considered one of its best lawwers. He soon gained distinction in the State as a lawyer. He also became distinguished as a politician. To them were born four sons: Lester, Clifton, Courtney and Fenelon. On January 26, 1861, Fenelon Cannon affixed his signature to the ordinance of secession, he having been chosen to represent his parish in the convention. At the opening of the war he soon raised a company of cavalry, and joined the first cavalry of Louisiana, he being captain of Company A, First Louisiana Cavalry, being under Col. Scott. He fought on the fields of Kentucky and Virginia. Being in very bad health, he went to Hot Springs, Ark., and there died on Friday, April 10, 1863. His wife after seeing two of her sons grown and one married, after a long and protracted illness, died on August 17, 1878, at the age of forty-two years ten months and seven days. Clifton Cannon was married on December 23, 1875, to Miss Annie L. Joffrion, oldest child of Senator E. J. Joffrion, of Avoyelles. Her parents are from Kentucky and Louisiana. Senator Joffrion was born and raised in Avoyelles. At an early age he became a member of the Avoyelles bar, and is today the ablest criminal lawyer of the parish. He was a member of the Constitution Convention of 1879, and was one of the few members who voted against the re-chartering of the famous Louisiana Lottery. He afterward served in the Legislature and served with distinction in the State Senate. Clifton Cannon is the father of five daughters: Annie May, Eula Irine, Effie C, Edna Ruby and Ivy. He served as first deputy sheriff from July 1, 1875, to May 24, 1888, on which day he was sworn in as sheriff, which position he has filled with success. Mr. Cannon is the owner of about 1,500 acres of land, and is considered a man of means. He is a member of the Catholic Church. His friends in the parish are innumerable, in consequence whereof he has on several occasions been chosen as a delegate to the State conventions, and is well known throughout his State.
J. V. Cantonnet, M. D., of Cottonport, La., was born in the department of the Lower Pyrenees, France, February 14, 1838, and in his youth and early manhood received a thorough literary course in some of the best schools of his native land. After passing the requisite literary examination he was admitted to the medical schools of Paris, where he pursued his studies for five consecutive years, and was on the point of taking his final degree when the Franco-Prussian War broke out and his ability being well known he was appointed resident physician of the Great Hotel Ambulance, under the famous High Physician Nelaton. He served in this capacity with distinction, as evinced by his papers, which are signed by High Physician Nelaton, and also by the American consul general, John Meredith Reid. This Government appointment of Dr. J. V. Cantonnet opened to him a field of experience, in which he spared no zeal to perfect by practice all the theories of which he was master, and it also placed him in direct association with men of scholarly attainments, among whom he wielded a widespread influence. In 1872 he came to America, and practiced with success during the yellow fever scourge of New Orleans, being the leading physician of four benevolent institutions. He located permanently in Cottonport, Avoyelles Parish, and here soon built up a remunerative practice, his patronage now exceeding 300 families. His first wife was estimable of women of Spanish extraction, Miss Felipa Dominguez, by whom he became the father of three children, whom he has taken care to give every possible advantage of high association and good education. There names are Adele (wife of S. Ducote), Clotilde (wife of J. D. Gremillion), and Henry. The Doctor comes of a fine old family of France, his father being an eminent physician widely known in that country, and his grandfather, too, was a physician of distinction. Dr. Donat Cantonnet, the only brother of our subject, is one of the most distinguished professional men of all the splendid city of Pau, capital of Lower Pyrenees, France. He has been recently decorated by the queen of Spain. He is in fact, a real philanthropist, a friend of the poor, and as brave as honest, and he, himself, is as thoroughly familiar with the Spanish language as he is with his native tongue, and speaks English fluently. He contributes valuable articles in both Spanish and French to magazines and periodicals, and is well known, not only among men of his profession in America and France, but has warm friends, who have become eminent in letters and politics in both countries. Paul d’Abzac, the French general consul to the United States, is his especial friend, and has visited him at his home in Cottonport. Dr. Cantonnet, upon the death of his first wife, married Miss Zoe Cronseilles, an amiable and intelligent lady of French birth. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
J. C. Cappel, attorney, Marksville, La. J. C. Cappel is a successful attorney at law of Avoyelles Parish, and although quite young in years he has already won an honorable place among the legal fraternity of the county. He was born in Avoyelles to the union of Joseph and Jane (Currey) Cappel, both natives of Louisiana. The father is a man of no ordinary intelligence, and is esteemed and respected by all. At the present time he is engaged in merchandising at Evergreen. The Cappel family are in very easy financial circ*mstances, and young men of less energy and ambition than our subject would have been content with enjoying themselves in indolence and social pleasures. At an early age Mr. Cappel exhibited a tendency to make something of himself, and was allowed to select a school in which to receive his literary training. He entered Warren Academy near Boston, Mass., and after completing his course there, returned to Louisiana, where, in 1880, he began the study of law with John N. Ogden, a prominent lawyer of Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, La. He was admitted to the bar, to practice in all the courts, July, 1885, and immediately began practicing in Lake Charles, La., remaining there one year. He then removed to Marksville, where he has since practiced his profession, having built up a lucrative practice and where he has ingratiated himself in the esteem of all those with whom he has come in contact. Though young in years Mr. Cappel takes a very active part in politics, and exerts an appreciated influence in public affairs. In June, 1888, he was married to Miss Bena E. Brooks, an accomplished lady of one of the best families of Baton Rouge, La. Mr. Cappel’s ability as a lawyer has given him an enviable reputation, and he starts out with bright prospects for the future. Socially he possesses those genial characteristics which make him a desired guest and an appreciated host. Associated with him in business is his brother, Currey Cappel, a young man well and favorably known in his profession. He is a graduate of the Baltimore Dental College, and has for several years practices his profession in this and adjoining parishes. The brothers own and operate a fine plantation near Evergreen, and own land in other parts of the parish.
Max Chamberlain, planter, Evergreen, La. Mr. Chamberlain owes his nativity to Tennessee, his birth having occurred near Shelbyville on March 1, 1833. He was early initiated into the duties of the farm, received his education in his native State, and in 1849 he removed with his parents to Hot Springs County, Ark., where he remained for five years. He then came south to Louisiana, settled near Evergreen with an uncle, John Ewell, and at the breaking out of the war he joined the Confederate Army at Evergreen, in Capt. Oliver’s company, and was in service for four years. He was in the Army of Tennessee, Bragg’s division, and at the end of about fifteen months was transferred to Louisiana, where he remained until the close of the war. He then came to Evergreen, located here, and has been manager of a sugar plantation for many years. He is thoroughly posted in the sugar interest. He is now, and has been for some time past, manager of a large cotton plantation, and is the owner of 400 acres of land. His wife, who was formerly Miss Martha Hall, a native of Tennessee, born in 1838, bore him five children: Emma, William, John, Percy and Max, Jr. Mrs. Chamberlain and three of her children are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Chamberlain is a son of William and Martha (Ewell) Chamberlain, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. The father died in Hot Springs, Ark., at the age of sixty-two years, and the mother also received her final summons in that State. Of the eight children born to their union, Max Chamberlain and one sister are the only ones living. The mother’s people came from the Old Dominion, and the father’s people from North Carolina. The maternal grandparents of our subject, L. Wilson Hall and Lucy (Ewell) Hall, were born in North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. They died in that State, the former in 1886 and the latter in 1878. They were the parents of six children. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Chamberlain was born in North Carolina, and the great-grandfather was born in England.
Judge A. V. Coco, Marksville, La. In these days of money-making, when life is a constant struggle between right and wrong, it is a pleasure to lay before an intelligent reader the unsullied record of an honorable man. Judge Coco was born in Marksville, on March 21, 1857, and is a son of Hon. A. D. and Heloise (Ledoux) Coco, the father a native of Avoyelles, and the mother of Point Coupee Parish, La. The father was a planter of this parish and served in many official positions of trust and honor. He served as sheriff, was district clerk for some time, and served in both Houses of the Legislature. He is now living a retired life. Judge A. V. Coco received a thorough education at St. Vincent’s College, Cape Girardean, Mo., and graduated in the class of 1877. He later received a diploma from the law department of Tulane University, New Orleans, and after finishing his law course he began practicing his profession in Marksville, where he continued until 1888. He then was elected judge of the district court, from the district composed of Avoyelles, Rapides and Grant Parishes. He is a man of sound judgment, sterling integrity and broad intelligence. Although he is yet a young man, being only in his thirty-fourth year, judging from the record he has already made, and the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him, he is destined to figure prominently in State and National affairs. He is one of those whole-souled, affable men, whom to know is but to revere. Honesty of purpose and rectitude of conduct in the discharge of his official duties have placed him upon a high plane in the estimation of his constituents. His marriage occurred in Memphis, Tenn., in 1877, to Miss Kate Malone, daughter of John and Catherine (Bourke) Malone, natives of Ireland. Mr. Malone was in business in Memphis, and farming in Arkansas. Judge and Mrs. Coco are members of the Catholic Church.
E. D. Coco is one of the prosperous general merchants and planters of Avoyelles Parish, La., and by his business ability and superior management he has become one of the leading business men of the parish. He was born in this parish in 1856 to Adolph D. and Eloise (Sheldon) Coco, and here attained man’s estate, his literary education being received here and at Cape Girardeau, Mo. Upon leaving school he began merchandising in Hamburg, but in November, 1882, he had the misfortune to have his well-stocked store burned to the ground, since which time he has been the agent for Coco & Coco, who are the proprietors of two large stores, which have an immense trade. In connection with this they operate a 300 acre plantation, the proceeds of which bring them in a handsome sum annually. Mr. Coco is a thorough shrewd and capable business man, and his success in life is assured, for he at all times makes the most of his opportunities, and allows no department of his work to be neglected. He is courteous and agreeable in his intercourse with his fellowmen, and has hosts of warm personal friends who wish him well in every undertaking. He was married in 1877 to Miss Caroline M. Coco, a daughter of Anatole Coco, a planter who died in 1886. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Coco five children have been born, three daughters and one son of whom are living: Gracie died in September, 1890, at the age of two and a half years, a sweet and promising child.
Hon. F. B. Coco, of Moreauville, is one of the leading planters in this section. The Coco family is one of the oldest in this part of Louisiana, and one of the most eminently respected. Dominique Coco, subject’s grandfather, having made his advent into this country with Gen. Lafayette during the Revolutionary War. The name, Coco, is not the real family name, but a nickname given Dominique Baldonide (Coco), who was a native of Italy. Shortly after the Revolutionary War he came to Louisiana and was engaged for some time in trafficking with the Indian tribes on Red River. He married in Pointe Coupee Parish, but subsequently removed to what is now Avoyelles Parish, where he was among the first settlers. The issue of this marriage was two sons, Dominique (subject’s father) and Joseph, who died without issue. Dominique Coco, Jr., married Miss Zoe Juneau, and to them were born seven children – three sons and four daughter – of whom our subject is the youngest. He subsequently married his second and third wives. To the second marriage were born six sons and one daughter, and to the third union there was born one son. Mr. Coco was probably the wealthiest man in the parish at the time of his death, which occurred in 1864, not being worth less than a half million of dollars at the time the Civil War commenced. F. B. Coco prepared for college in the schools of Avoyelles Parish, and took a two years’ course in St. Charles College, St. Landry Parish, La. In 1841 he entered the office of the parish judge as his clerk, acting at the same time as notary public. In 1846 he was elected recorder, the office having just been created, and he was the first one to fill that position in Avoyelles Parish, serving three years. Afterward he devoted his time to planting. In 1862 he was appointed assessor of Avoyelles Parish for the Confederate States, in which capacity he served during the whole war. He was elected a member of the Lower House of the Legislature in 1879 and served one term. In 1888 he was appointed a member of the police jury from Ward 6. In 1852 he was married to Miss Sarah L. Baillio, daughter of Judge Baillio, who served as parish judge in Avoyelles Parish from 1840 to 1849. Judge Baillio was a prominent man and died in Alexandria in 1889 at the age of seventy-eight years. To Mr. and Mrs. Coco were born three children: Zoe (deceased), Rebecca (now Mrs. L. S. Coco) and E. D. Baldwin (of Cottonport). The family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Coco is one of the old landmarks of Avoyelles Parish, and is a highly honored citizen, and although advanced in years time has dealt kindly with him, for he is still active and vigorous.
E. B. Coco is a resident of Ward 8, of Avoyelles Parish, La., and is successfully engaged in conducting a general mercantile establishment, five miles northeast of Cottonport. He was born in this parish in 1856, to F. B. Coco (see biography) and Sarah L. Baillio. E. B. Coco was reared in this parish, and finished his education at the Jesuit College, of Spring Hill, Ala. After leaving school he was, for a short time, engaged on his father’s plantation, and subsequently clerked in an uncle’s store, at Moreauville, for some three years. In 1878 he engaged in the mercantile business at his present stand, his patronage having become large and lucrative. His stock of goods amounts to from $6,000 to $9,000, and his annual sales reach from $20,000 to $25,000. In addition to this valuable establishment, he has a fine plantation of 400 acres, which he operates himself. He was married in 1875, to Miss Angela Rabalais, a daughter of J. V. Rabalais, a native and planter of Avoyelles Parish, La. By his excellent business ability and foresight he has built up a trade, which is one of the largest and most prosperous in the parish. Public spirited, liberal minded and generous in disposition, he has won success and honor, and his future is full of promise. To himself and wife five children have been born—three sons and two daughters. He has established a post-office, and named it after his little boy, Pearce.
L. L. Coco, planter, Cottonport, La. L. L. Coco, a prominent and prosperous planter of Avoyelles Parish, and a native of that parish, born November 10, 1856, is a son of Lucian D. and Julienne (Goudeau) Coco, both natives also of Avoyelles Parish. The father was reared in Louisiana, and educated in Bardstown, Ky. He was an extensive planter, being the owner of from 6,000 to 7,000 acres of land, and was a very prominent citizen. He died September 19, 1879, but the mother is still living. Grandfather Dominique Coco was one of the pioneer settlers of Avoyelles Parish. L. L. Coco, the second of six children, in connection with two brothers, Albert D. and Jules A. Coco, operates a plantation, a saw-mill, cotton-gin and store, and raises annually from 450 to 500 bales of cotton. He was reared in his native parish, received his education in St. Charles College, in Grand Coteau, La., and since finishing his schooling, he has devoted his entire attention to his plantation. Miss Angelica Barbin, who became his wife November, 1889, is a native of this parish, and the daughter of Ludger Barbin, whose family is one of the oldest in this parish. Mr. Coco and family are members of the Catholic Church. Our subject’s great-grandfather, Pierre Goudeau, was born in Gneiss, France, and was sent to this country as a physician during the Mexican War, serving during the entire time. He was subsequently married, in Pointe Coupee Parish, where L. L. Coco’s grandfather, Julian Goudeau, was born and later married Miss Decuire, with whom he moved to Avoyelles Parish, being among the very first settlers.
Philogene Coco is a well-known planter residing near Moreauville, La., and here first saw the light of day on March 11, 1841, his parents being Dominique Coco and Caroline (Bordelon). He was reared in Avoyelles Parish, La., and in his youth was an attendant of Lafargue High School of Marksville, after which he took a two years’ course in St. Joseph’s College of Bardstown, Ky., where he received thorough training, and acquired an excellent knowledge of the world of books. At the age of eighteen years, he began merchandising in Moreauville, and in this business continued until 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, First Louisiana Cavalry, and was a faithful servant of the Confederate cause throughout the entire war, being in the Army of Tennessee, and participating in the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Shiloh, Corinth, Crab Orchard, Ringgold, Richmond, Ky., and the majority of the other battles in which his army was engaged. His company was disbanded near Woodville, Miss., after which, he returned to Louisiana, and with a capital stock of $500 he, in partnership with a brother, resumed merchandising. In 1866 he was married to Miss Eugenie C. Bordelon, a daughter of Leandre Bordelon, a native of Louisiana, and an extensive planter. In 1872 Mr. Coco closed out his business and purchased the plantation on which he is now residing, his time being since given to its successful operation. He has three fine plantations aggregating about 1,500 acres, on the cultivated portion of which, he raises some 300 bales of cotton per year. All the property of which he is now the owner has been obtained by his own efforts, and he prides himself upon the fact that what he has is entirely free from incumbrance. He is the special agent for the Southern Cotton Oil Company in Avoyelles Parish, and being public spirited is deeply interested in all enterprises for the good of the parish. He is a man of fine physique, as are, in fact, the most of the members of the Coco family, and he also possesses the sterling principles for which the family are well known. He and his wife are the parents of nine children—six sons and three daughters.
Adrien Couvillion, planter, and one of the old and highly esteemed citizens of the parish, was born on March 4, 1813, and is the son of Adrien and Celeste (Mayeux) Couvillion. The father was born in Pointe Coupee Parish, La., and when a young man he moved to Avoyelles Parish at a time when there were but very few settlers. He married shortly after coming here, and settled on a tract of land near where Marksville now stands. He died in February, 1835. Grandfather Amable Couvillion was born in Canada, and was among those who were banished. He removed to Louisiana and settled in Pointe Coupee Parish, where he received his final summons. Adrien Couvillion was reared and received a limited education in Avoyelles Parish. He has been a great reader all his life, and has acquired a good practical education, being well informed on all subjects, and particularly public affairs. In 1831 he pre-empted land where he now resides, and built a small house, after cutting out the canebrake, so that he could cultivate the soil. His marriage to Miss Scholastique Rabalais daughter of V. Rabalais, occurred on July 10, 1832. The father was a native of this parish, and was a planter by occupation. Immediately after marriage Mr. Couvillion moved onto his new place, taking all his earthly possessions in an ox-cart, and his experience in the raw country was full of adventure and interest. About the year 1820 he saw the first steamboat, named “Arkansas,” that ever sailed up Red River, and he also saw the first steamboat on Bayou De Glaize, in 1840. He has seen the country develop from a wilderness to its present prosperous condition, and has done his share toward its improvement. Mr. Couvillion has devoted his life to operating his plantation, and has accumulated considerable property. His first wife lived only three years, and in 1836 he was married to Miss Mary Lemoine, daughter of Baptiste Lemoine, who was born in Louisiana, and who was a planter by pursuit. To the first union of Mr. Couvillion were born two children, and his second marriage resulted in the birth of thirteen children. He has now forty-four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The whole family are members of the Catholic Church. Though of such a ripe old age, Mr. Couvillion is active and robust in appearance, and bids fair to live many years yet.
C. P. Couvillion, surveyor of Avoyelles Parish, La., was born in the house in which he now resides in Marksville, La., in 1860 to L. H. and Rosa (Cailleteau) Couvillion, they being also born in this parish, the former being a local politician of considerable note, holding different offices in the parish for some eighteen years, a portion of the time being clerk of the court and parish recorder. He died in 1870 at the age of thirty-nine years, being still survived by his widow. In the town of Marksville, C. P. Couvillion received his rearing and early education. After following the occupation of teacher for two years he gave his attention to surveying and engineering, and is now one of the leaders of the calling in the State. After holding the position of city alderman for two or three terms, he, in 1882, was appointed parish surveyor, was reappointed in 1884 and 1888, and has since admirably discharged the duties of this position. He has always been a Democrat, and all times supports the men and measures of that party, wielding considerable influence as one of its followers. His paternal grandfather, Hyppolite Couvillion was a native of this parish, and a member of one of the oldest and best families of Louisiana. His maternal grandfather was Eugene Cailleteau, a native of the department of Ardennes, and son of the Lord (Seigneur) of St. Prix, at the time of the abolition of feudalism in the latter part of the eighteenth century. Being a Republican, he left France upon the accession of Charles X, to the throne, and became a naturalized citizen of this county in 1828.
F. Couvillion, merchant and planter, Bordelonville, La. This prosperous business man and successful planter is a native-born resident of Avoyelles Parish, La., his birth occurring in 1842, and is the son of Zelien Couvillion and Doralisse (Bordelon) Couvillion, both natives also of Avoyelles Parish, La. The father was a planter and school teacher, and followed this occupation in his native State until his death in 1865. The mother died in 1875. Both were members of the Catholic Church. F. Couvillion received a common French school education in this parish, and here was reared to mature years. Though he speaks and writes the English language correctly, he never attended an English school. He was the eldest of three children, and after the death of his father he took charge of the latter’s business. F. Couvillion has been a cripple ever since six years of age, and this accounts for his not having been in the army. During that eventful period, however, although he had never seen a shoe made, he caught coons and alligators, tanned their hides, and with his own tools made 585 pairs of shoes. In 1867 he began merchandising on a very limited scale, and has continued this business ever since. He is the owner of a good plantation and a well stocked store. In 1869 he was married to Miss Leanora Pavey, daughter of John B. Pavey, a native of Illinois, but a resident of Louisiana. Mr. Pavey was a planter. To Mr. and Mrs. Couvillion were born ten living children—three sons and seven daughters—of whom six are now living—five girls and one boy. Mr. Couvillion is an example of the self-made man, having acquired his all by perseverance and industry, and with little English education to assist him. He has lately been appointed justice of the peace by the governor of Louisiana to fill a vacancy in the Sixth Ward, and also elected for the same office by the popular vote of the ward. He was also appointed by the governor returning officer of the parish of Avoyelles.
Dr. E. de Nux, physician and surgeon, Marksville, La. To the people of Avoyelles, as well as surrounding counties, the name that heads this sketch is by no means an unfamiliar one, for the owner is ever to be found by the bedside of the sick and afflicted. He was born in Auch, France, in 1842, and is the son of Emeric and Berthe (Gardere) de Nux, natives also of France. The father was a descendant of one of the wealthy and prominent families of that country. He and his wife both received their final summons in their native country, the father dying in 1856, and the mother in 1866. Dr. E. de Nux received his education at Toulouse College and at St. Barbe, Paris, but received his medical education in the last named city. He left his native country for America in 1868, located in New Orleans, where he practiced his profession for one year, and then, 1869, he removed to Marksville, where he still continues to practice. He is a physician of decided ability, a thorough student of medicine, and his reputation is thoroughly established. In 1873 he was married to Miss Annette Derivas, a native of Louisiana, and the fruits of this union are four children: Emeric, Gaston, Henry and Sylvain. Dr. de Nux and family are members of the Catholic Church.
Dr. C. J. Ducoté was born in the town in which he is now residing (Cottonport, La.) on November 8, 1849, to Joseph and Eliza (Ducoté) Ducoté, both of whom were born in Avoyelles Parish of this State. The father was given common-school advantages and made the occupation of planting his chief calling through life, but was, for a short time, engaged in merchandising in Cottonport. He died when about eighty years of age, in 1882, but his widow is still a resident of Cottonport, and is, as was her husband, a member of the Catholic Church. Dr. C. J. Ducoté was educated in the Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge, and was graduated with the degree of A. B. in the class of 1871. For the two years succeeding his graduation he was principal of St. Joseph’s Academy of Baton Rouge, which school was very flourishing under his management. In 1873 he entered the medical department of the University of Louisiana, now the Tulane University of New Orleans, from which institution he was sent out as an M. D. in 1875. During the last year the excellent manner in which he passed his examinations was the means of obtaining him the position of resident student in the Charity Hospital, a position that greatly increased his knowledge of his profession. Upon the completion of his course he located permanently at Cottonport, and entered actively upon the practice of his profession, which calling has since received his attention. He has met with phenomenal success as a physician, and to-day stands at the head among his medical brethren. He possesses a brilliant intellect, and has the utmost confidence of all with whom he comes in contact, for he is the thorough master of his profession, and meets with the best of success in the management of the cases which come under his care. He was married in 1875 to Miss Mary E. Day, a daughter of Dr. R. H. Day of Baton Rouge, a practicing physician of that city, and professor of the Polytechnic School of New Orleans. Dr. Ducoté and his wife are the parents of three children: Joseph Richard (attending Spring Hill College), and Ethel Lee and Beatrice (attending the Convent of Visitation of Mobile, Ala.). Dr. Ducoté has accumulated considerable money, and his home is a model of modern beauty and comfort. He is a hard student, and keeps thoroughly apace with the progress of his profession, to which fact no doubt much of his success is due. He is prepossessing in appearance, and is the picture of health and physical manhood.
John Ewell, planter, Evergreen, La. Mr. Ewell is a gentleman who has been exceptionally successful in his career as a planter, and owing to his desire to keep out of the old ruts, and to his ready adoption of new and improved methods, together with energy and shrewd business tactics, he has acquired an extensive land area, embracing at least 2,000 acres, with 650 acres under cultivation. The principal part of his broad acres are devoted to the culture of sugar cane, and his plantation is one of the finest in the State. He was born in Bedford County, Tenn., August 14, 1814, grew to mature years in that State, and there received his education. In 1834 he removed to Louisiana, and for seventeen years was an overseer in different parishes of that State. In 1843 he removed permanently to Avoyelles Parish, and in 1849 purchased the plantation where he now resides. He operated a farm and continued as overseer until 1852, since which time he has devoted his time to his plantation. In 1853 he was married to Mrs. Martha Lewis, daughter of Jonathan Koen, a native of Georgia, and two children were the fruits of this union: Penelope (now Mrs. Y. T. Heard) and Virginia. Mrs. Ewell died in 1860. Mr. Ewell has served a period aggregating fifteen years as a member of the police jury, and as a public-spirited and enterprising citizen. He and family are members of the Baptist Church, in which they are active workers and esteemed members. He was for many years president of the board of trustees of Evergreen Home Institute, and was one of the founders of the same. He is a Blue Lodge Mason at Evergreen Lodge. His parents, John and Mary (Kennerly) Ewell, were both natives of Virginia, in which State they grew to mature years, and in which State they were married. In 1798 they removed to Tennessee, and there the father’s death occurred in 1827 when fifty-six years of age, and the mother’s in 1862 at the age of eighty-three years. The father was a farmer and was quite a prominent man. Grandfather Ewell came to Virginia from Wales, and Grandfather Kennerly came to Virginia from Germany.
William M. Ewell, planter, Evergreen, La. No worthy reference to the agricultural affairs of this parish would be complete without mention of Mr. Ewell among others, engaged in tilling the soil. Besides enjoying to an unlimited extent the confidence and respect of all who know him, he comes of an old and respected family of Virginia. Mr. Ewell was born in Bedford County, Tenn., on March 20, 1830, and his parents, Leighton and Susan (Blanton) Ewell, were natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. Leighton Ewell removed with his parents to Tennessee when a boy, grew to manhood, and received his education there, and followed the life of a planter. He died when about only twenty-five or thirty years of age, leaving two children, one a sister, besides our subject. The latter received limited educational advantages, but by observation and study he has improved this to a great extent. He moved to Avoyelles Parish in 1849, and shortly afterward was engaged as overseer for a prominent planter in that parish. Later he embarked in the mercantile business at Evergreen. In 1853 he was wedded to Miss P. A. Miles, daughter of Lemuel Miles, one of the pioneer settlers of Avoyelles Parish. In 1861 Mr. Ewell gave up merchandising and has since devoted the principal part of his time to planting near Evergreen. In the year 1861 he went out as a volunteer in Company H, Sixteenth Louisiana Infantry, operated with the army of Tennessee, and was in all the engagements of the army up to the fall of Vicksburg. He went out as orderly sergeant, and was promoted to sergeant-major after the battle of Shiloh. From the fall of Vicksburg to the close of the war he was engaged as the special agent of the treasury department of the Confederate States to receive money at Richmond, Va., and transmit it across the Mississippi. It was paid out at Shreveport, La., and at Marshall, Tex. Mr. Ewell was engaged in this business until the close of the war. Since 1858 he has been a notary public and magistrate most of the time up to the present. For years he has been mayor of Evergreen, and has always been interested in local politics. He is a prominent Mason, and has occupied prominent positions in both the home and State lodges for thirty years. He and his estimable wife are members of the Baptist Church. Their family consists of four children: L. B., Susan E. (wife of Dr. J. J. Roberts, Hillsboro, Tex.), William V. and M. B. Mr. Ewell’s farming operations are conducted in a manner indicative of a progressive, thorough agriculturist, and he is a man of industry and enterprise.
Dr. George Edward Randolph Fox was born in De Soto, Clarke County, Miss., September 1, 1863, and is the eldest son of David R. and Tryphena Blanche (Holder) Fox, the father born in Pinkneyville, Wilkinson County, Miss., 1823, and the mother in Hinsdale, Berkshire County, Mass., 1834. David Raymond Fox, at the age of four years, was taken to Montville, Conn., where he remained five years, when he returned to his father’s home in Warren County, Miss., where he received his education at private school. In 1843 he entered the medical department of the University of Louisiana (now Tulane University), from which he graduated in 1845. He then returned to Mississippi and practiced four years in Warren County; from there he moved to Dean Man’s Bend, in Concordia Parish, La., where he practiced one year, and then moved to New Orleans, where he practiced during the year 1850, and in the fall of that year he was appointed surgeon on board the steamship “Pacific”, plying between New Orleans and Chagres, United States of Columbia, which position he held until June 16, 1852, when he settled at Jesuits Bend, La., on the lower coast, where he has since practiced his profession, with the exception of the time he served during the war. He was appointed surgeon with the rank of major in the spring of 1862, by Gen. Joe Johnston, and placed in charge of the Gregg Hospital at De Soto, Miss.; was afterward stationed at De Kalb, and subsequently was appointed president of the Conscript Bureau at Aberdeen, Miss., where he remained until the close of the war, when he returned home in Louisiana. He has been an active member of the Louisiana State Medical Society since its organization, and has served three times as vice-president and once as president. He was vice-president of the fourteenth section of the Ninth International Medical Congress, which met at Washington in 1877, and is a member of the American Medical Association. He and his worthy wife are both members of the Episcopal Church. The paternal grandfather, Rev. James A. Fox, was a native of Montville, Conn., and was a distinguished Episcopal minister of the diocese of Mississippi. He was a graduate of Yale College in the class of 1815, and died at his home in Warren County, Miss., at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. He was a lineal descendant of Charles James Fox. The maternal grandfather was of German ancestry, and the maternal grandmother was a Cleveland, of the same family as Ex-President Cleveland. Dr. George E. R. Fox received private schooling at home until sixteen years of age and then entered the Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge, where he completed an elective course in 1884. The following year he entered the medical department of Tulane University of Louisiana, from which he graduated in 1887. During the remainder of that year he practiced at Grand Island, La., and has since practiced in Avoyelles Parish. Dr. Fox is a young man of more than ordinary ability, is strictly attentive to his profession, and his success has been far above the average. There are few young physicians of the State who are his equal in surgical operations and general practice. He is a member of the Louisiana State Medical Society.
Thomas P. Frith. Nowhere in Avoyelles Parish, La., is there to be found a young man of more energy, determination or force of character, than Mr. Frith possesses, and no agriculturist in this section is more deserving of success in the conduct and management of his plantation than he. He has resided in this parish all his life, for here he was born on March 24, 1858, to Thomas P. and Sarah A. (Cullom) Frith, the birth of the former occurring in the State of Mississippi. He removed to Louisiana at the age of sixteen years, to take charge of a plantation which his father owned in Avoyelles Parish, and as his early advantages were very poor, and he was desirous of becoming a well-informed man and a useful citizen, he brought a number of books with him, and his leisure hours were devoted to their perusal and study. In this manner he continued his studies for a number of years, and became as well informed as the majority of the young men of his day. After serving in the Confederate Army for some time, he was obliged to discontinue his service on account of ill health, but afterward did valuable service at home in defending the country from the depredations of stragglers from both armies. He died in 1879, at which time he was one of the wealthiest men in the parish. His widow survives him and resides at Evergreen. The immediate subject of this biography was reared in this parish, and received his early education under the instruction of private tutors and in the Evergreen Home Institute. Upon completing his education, he took charge of the Frith estate, as manager for his mother, who is administratrix, and as this estate is very extensive, the cares of its management are arduous. Mr. Firth is a gentleman of fine business capacity, and is thoroughly honorable and reliable in every transaction, a fact that has become generally known. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and is a member of Evergreen Lodge No. 189. In 1883 he was married to Miss Annie Taylor, of St. Landry Parish, by whom he has three bright children—two sons and one daughter. Mr. Frith is of Scotch and English descent.
E. Gauthier, merchant and planter, Moreauville, La. Mr. Gauthier has long been recognized as identified with the business interests of the parish, and has always taken an active part in every measure or enterprise for its good. He was born in Mansura, Avoyelles Parish, La., on October 19, 1827, and his parents, Leon and Amelie (Lemoine) Gauthier, were natives of Avoyelles Parish, of the same State. The father was quite an extensive planter, and was a prominent man in parish affairs. Both parents were members of the Catholic Church. The father received his final summons in 1846, and the mother in 1852. E. Gauthier was reared and received a common-school education in Avoyelles Parish, La. In 1850 he removed from Mansura to the plantation where he now resides. Previous to this, and shortly after the death of the mother, E. Gauthier, with his brother, Leon, purchased the home plantation, which they have improved and kept in a fine condition. In 1869 Mr. Gauthier began merchandising at his present place of business, and now carries a large and complete stock. He is a thoroughgoing, persevering and enterprising business man, and is eminently deserving of all business success. He is held in high esteem in the community. He has been a member of the police jury, and is a representative citizen of Avoyelles Parish. He was married in 1848, to Miss Adeline Moreau, daughter of Celestin and Anne (Coco) Moreau. Mr. Moreau was a planter by occupation, and one of the pioneer settlers of Avoyelles Parish. Mrs. Gauthier has in her possession a chair, which was made for the first white child born in that parish. To Mr. and Mrs. Gauthier were born the following children: E. T. (has been with his father in the store for twenty years, and is an excellent business man; he was married to Miss Agnes Gaspard), Blanche (is the wife of F. Rabalais), Rose (is the widow of F. P. Bordelon, deceased), Eloise (wife of B. L. Mayeux), Noemie (wife of L. P. Roy), J. U. and Athalie. Mr. Gauthier and his estimable lady are members of the Catholic Church.
G. B. Genin, general merchant of Evergreen, La., is one of the successful business men of the parish, and has done much to add to the commercial reputation of the parish of Avoyelles. His birth occurred in St. Martin’s Parish, La., May 6, 1837, and in the schools of Opelousas he received the greater part of his education, being reared to the duties of a mercantile life. At the age of sixteen years he began clerking for himself in a general store in New Orleans, in which city he remained until 1861, when he entered the Confederate Army, and served four years, being in Virginia under Gen. Lee, and in the first battle of Manassas and at Appomattox Court House. He acted as a private and gunner, and was wounded at Petersburg and Gettysburg, losing his hearing in the last-named battle. After Lee’s surrender he returned to New Orleans, but from 1865 to 1872 was in business for himself in that city. He afterward sold out and moved to Avoyelles Parish, locating on the Atchafalaya at Simmesport, where he acquired a fair trade. Through his instrumentality he raised the growth of cotton from 718 to over 7,000 bales per year, and he also took an active part in building up the Catholic Churches at that point, and during his residence there made a considerable amount of money. The overflow of the Mississippi River damaged him so seriously, financially, that he left Simmesport to seek fresh fields for his endeavors, and in 1884 located in Evergreen, where he has since been doing a large and paying business at his present stand. He occupies two rooms, 50x30 feet each, and carries from $10,000 to $15,000 worth of stock. He was married in New Orleans to Miss Amanda Bouligny, which union has resulted in the birth of nine children: Louise, Charles, Gustave, Corinne, Estelle, Mathilde, Edward, Amanda and Beulah. Mr. Genin and his family are strict Roman Catholics. His father came to America after the battle of Waterloo and the capture of Napoleon Bonaparte.
A. E. Gremillion is a notary public of Marksville, and as he was born in this parish on January 23, 1859, his many good qualities have become known, and he is respected and liked by his numerous acquaintances. He attended the public schools of the town in his youth, and being intelligent and industrious he made excellent progress in his books, and upon finishing his education was well equipped to make his own way in the world. His ability and steadiness were rewarded in 1880, and he was elected to the position of clerk of the parish court, a position for which he was admirably fitted, for he had been familiar with the work from the time he was fourteen years of age, his first work being done under his father. He has since held the position, which speaks in an eloquent manner as to his ability, faithfulness and honesty. He was married in the month of July, 1878, to Miss Eliza Firment, and by her has four intelligent and interesting children: Arthur L. Edine, Lionel and Avis. His father, L. V. Gremillion, was a former recorder of the parish from 1856 until 1868, and from 1879 until 1886 was clerk of the court, and was an exceptionally able and efficient official. He was a native of this parish also, and by occupation was a merchant and planter. He was one of the leading politicians of this section, and was very popular and influential, as all men must be who are honest, intelligent and public-spirited. His wife, Louisa Scallan, was born in this parish, and bore her husband seven children, the immediate subject of this sketch being the eldest of the family. She is still living and is quite hale and hearty.
A. M. Gremillion, publisher and proprietor of Marksville Review, is a native of Avoyelles Parish, La., born in 1841, and as he grew up in his native parish he received his education in the schools of the same. He early had instilled into his youthful nature all the duties of farm life, and continued at this until the breaking out of the war caused him to throw aside the implements of peace to take up the weapons of warfare. He enlisted in the Confederate Army, Company I, Eighteenth Louisiana Regiment, and was in service for four years. He participated in the battles of Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, was in battle with the gunboats and various skirmishes. He was captured at Franklin, La., and was confined in New Orleans for a month. After the war he was engaged in merchandising for several years, and also taught school for some time. He was assessor and register of the parish for two years, was mayor of the town one term, and was alderman for six years. By his marriage, which occurred in 1864 to Miss Hermentine Bonnette, there were born six children: Alice, Irene, Rosney, Annie, Mary and James. Mr. Gremillion’s father, Martin Gremillion, was born in Louisiana, was a farmer and a resident of this parish from the time he was a boy. He was one of the early assessors of the parish. He is now deceased. The mother’s maiden name was Clemence Rabalais. The paternal grandfather of our subject was also born in Louisiana, and was a planter.
J. F. Griffin is a planter and merchant at Big Bend, La. He was born in this parish on February 23, 1854, to James B. and Eliza E. (Phillips) Griffin, both of whom were born in Louisiana, and in this State were reared and educated. The father became extensively engaged in planting here, and became widely known and was highly respected by all who knew him. He served his parish as police juror, and although he was a man interested in everything for the good of his community, he took no prominent part in political affairs. His brother, William F. Griffin, was a general in the Confederate Army during the Rebellion, and afterward became a very prominent politician of Louisiana, and served in both houses of the State Legislature, making an able, incorruptible and zealous legislator. J. F. Griffin was reared and educated in this State, and in 1875 was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Ann J. Havard, a native of this parish and a daughter of Monroe Havard. His wife died the second year of their marriage, and in 1877 Miss Effie L. Havard became his second wife. He first began business for himself as a planter, and has devoted much of his time to this calling ever since, and although his first efforts as a tiller of the soil were on fifteen acres of land he has met with more than an average degree of success, and is now the possessor of 1,000 acres with 500 under cultivation. He has a large cotton-gin on his property which he operates in connection with managing his plantation and his general mercantile store. He raises 350 bales of cotton each year, and is one of the most progressive men in his views in the parish. He is now a member of the police jury from Ward 7, and is proving an intelligent and painstaking official.
C. Grimillion, (note: The different members of this family spell their names differently; see ante.—Ed.) planter, Moreauville, La. This name is not unfamiliar in Avoyelles Parish, for he who bears it is a native-born resident of the parish, and is numbered among the highly respected citizens of the same. His birth occurred in 1827, and he is the son of V. and E. (Rabalais) Grimillion, both also natives of the Creole State. The father was a planter. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject, J. B. Rabalais, was the first man who settled in Avoyelles Parish, and our subject’s aunt, Celeste Rabalais, afterward the wife of Francois Bordelon, was the first white person born in that parish. C. Grimillion was reared and received an ordinary education in his native parish, and as he was early trained to the duties of the plantation, it was but natural, perhaps, that this should be his chosen calling in life. He is the owner of a fine plantation of about 160 acres, and raises large crops of cotton. He was married in 1849 to Miss Azema Lemoine, daughter of Z. Lemoine, who is a planter and a native of this parish. In 1888 Mr. Grimillion was appointed police juror from Ward 8, and has filled that position in a satisfactory manner up to the present time. He served in the latter part of the war, but was not in any of the large battles, although he was in many severe skirmishes. To his marriage have been born nine children: Amedee, Amanda (wife of Arcade of Rabalais), Celcina (wife of P. Rabalais), Ezilda (wife of Arcade La Cour), J. D., Anna (wife of F. J. Beyt), Clara (wife of D. C. Chalian), Mary and Eugene (wife of R. N. Dufour).
Dr. William David Haas, physician and surgeon, Haasville, La. Few, if any, industries of professional pursuits have within the last few years made such rapid strides as that of the profession of medicine, and among the young but very successful physicians of Avoyelles Parish, La, who have availed themselves of all new ideas, and put them in practice, is Dr. W. D. Haas. He was born in Rapides Parish, La., in 1867, and is the son of Alexander M and Mary M. Marshall Haas, the former a native of Alsace, France. Dr. W. D. Haas was reared in the Creole State, attended private schools in the same, was in Mississippi Military Institute for two years, and graduated from Tulane University, La., in 1883. Immediately upon completion of his literary course he entered Jefferson Medical College in the city of Brotherly Love, and graduated from the same in 1887. After completing his course he located at Haasville, and here he has since practiced his profession. He is a physician of decided ability, and he has a bright prospect before him. He was married, in July, 1889, to Miss Hattie Haas, daughter of Capt. Samuel Haas, of Bayou Chicot, La. Capt. Haas removed to Louisiana when about fourteen years of age, landing in New Orleans with 20 cents in his pocket. Later he joined his brother in the mercantile business in Bayou Chicot, and carried this on until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Company G, First Louisiana Cavalry. He was in the army of Tennessee, and took part in nearly all the battles from Bowling Green, through East and Middle Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, either as scout or advanced picket. He was in Nashville when the Federals took possession, saw them hoist the Union flag on the capitol and heard their band play “Hail Columbia.” He set fire to the bridge across Duckhill River at Columbia, Tenn., and kept Buell’s army from crossing, giving his regiment time to get away. He was sent home from East Tennessee very ill. While home Gen. Bank’s army passed through the State, and Capt. Haas having regained his health, but still under furlough, volunteered his services to Col. Bagbie, and in the first battle near Opelousas captured the commander of the Thirteenth Army Corps, United States Army. After this Gen. Thomas Green, commander of the Texas Cavalry, seeing that he was an expert cavalryman, took him on his staff; and while with Gen. Green he had three horses killed under him at the battle of Mansfield. He was with him in the battle of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, and remained with him until he was killed at Blair’s Landing, Red River. After this he went with Gen. Wharton’s staff, took part in the battle of Mansura, Yellow Bayou and Simmesport, and returned with the command to Houston, Tex., where Gen. Wharton was killed in a personal difficulty with Maj. Baylor. They surrendered at Shreveport. Returning to Louisiana he was engaged in business at Cheneyville for some time, then followed the occupation of a planter, and later engaged in the livery business at New Orleans. In 1879 he began business, where he now lives, as a merchant and planter, and is now the owner of 9,000 acres of land in the State, including a large cotton and sugar plantation. In his store at Haasville, in which he and the Doctor are equal partners, he does an annual business of about $30,000 or $40,000.
William Hall, although a resident of Marksville, La., was born in Mobile, Ala., October 3, 1842, but at the age of eleven years came to Louisiana, and grew to manhood in St. Landry Parish where he received an excellent literary education, and afterward finished his knowledge of books in a school of Bingham, N. C., graduating in the classical course. He subsequently commenced the study of law, but gave up this work to enter the Confederate Army upon the opening of the Rebellion, enlisted from St. Landry Parish in Company K, Eighteenth Louisiana Regiment, going out as sergeant and serving in Bragg’s Army. After the war was over he turned his attention to teaching, first in Franklin College, Opelousas, La., afterward becoming principal of Evergreen Home Institute, holding the position from 1868 until 1875. At the end of this time he came to Marksville, and while engaged in “teaching the young idea” at this place was elected parish judge, the duties of which office he has filled admirably ever since. He has also been superintendent of public instruction for Avoyelles Parish, and although the schools had become very poor under Republican rule, he did much to remodel and improve them, and they are now in a flourishing condition, and are a credit to the parish and to his endeavors. In 1875 he was admitted to the bar, immediately opened an office, and has since given his attention to the practice of law since the judge’s office was done away with on the adoption of the new constitution. He is the owner of some valuable land in the parish, and is in very good circ*mstances financially. In this parish he was married to Miss May H. Campbell, by whom he has three children: William Henry, Mamie B. and William W. Mr. Hall’s father was a sugar merchant of Mobile, Ala., and his grandfather, who was of English descent, was born in Winchester, Va. William Hall is one of the public-spirited citizens of the parish, and as editor of the Marksville Review he does all in his power to improve the morals of this section and to build up the community.
Henry Monroe Havard is a resident of Tilden, La., but was born in Adams County, Miss., February 17, 1812, his parents, John and Joyce (Calliham) Havard, being also bortn in that State, being there reared and married, the former receiving the advantages of the common schools. He followed the occupation of farming in his native State until his removal to Rapides Parish, La., in 1822, at which time he purchased a large plantation on Bayou Robert, which he successfully operated until his death in 1828, his wife passing from life in 1835. Henry Monroe Havard removed to Louisiana with his parents when a lad, and attended the common schools of this State, and as he was of a rather studious disposition, and possessed a desire to learn, he made fair progress in his studies, and upon starting out in life for himself was an intelligent and well-informed young man. He was an overseer from the time he was grown until 1841, at which time he purchased the plantation on which he is now residing, and has since devoted his time to its successful conduct. In November, 1848, he was married to Miss Laura M. Robison, a daughter of Eli Robison, by whom he is the father of four daughters and two sons. Mr. Havard is one of the oldest and best known citizens of Avoyelles Parish, and is one of the few that has seen the country in its development. In his declining years he wears the laurels of an upright, honest life, and has the respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. He has always refused to accept any position of trust, although he has many times been solicited to accept the nomination for representative to the Legislature and other positions. He has been content to do good in his own way and all is said when the statement is made that his life has been useful and well spent.
J. A. Hollinshead, M. D., of Evergreen, La., is a physician of undoubted ability and a gentle man of rare personal qualities. He was born in Georgia November 7, 1849, and obtained a good literary education in Houston and Baldwin Counties. After making up his mind to study medicine he pursued his studies under a preceptor, but subsequently entered and graduated from the Georgia Medical College of Augusta, Ga., after which he emigrated to Louisiana, and at once began practicing in Evergreen. Owing to the able and efficient manner in which he has managed the cases that have come under his care he has built up a very large and well-paying practice, and being a man of large perceptive faculties and manliness of demeanor, he has won, not only the esteem, but the admiration of all who know him. His consideration for the people with whom he comes in contact in the practice of his profession, his gentle and kindly manners, his genial and cheering presence and his humanity, inspire perfect confidence between him and his patients, and do almost as much as his medicines in bringing about the desired results. After a breezy and spirited conversation with the Doctor one always comes away refreshed, for his views on all matters are original and shrewd, and although he is not of a disputatious disposition he expresses his opinions fearlessly on all matters, and his logic is ofttimes unanswerable. He is not only held in high repute as a physician, but he has a host of warm personal friends who predict for him a brilliant future. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is unmarried.
David C. Howard, planter, Moreauville, La. In Adams County, Miss., in 1837, there was born to the union of James E. and Joyce (Holmes) Howard, a son, whom we will now take as the subject of this sketch. His parents were both natives of Mississippi, and in 1838 they moved from that State to Avoyelles Parish, La., where the father purchased a tract of land near where Hamburg is now situated. He was a planter during this whole life, and was a man of considerable prominence in the parish, having been a Whig candidate for both houses of the Legislature. He was also for a number of years, president of the police jury, and held the office of magistrate for many years. His death occurred in 1860. The mother was a member of the Methodist Church, and died near Natchez in 1858. David C. Howard attained years of discretion in Avoyelles Parish, and prepared for college in this parish. He attended Shelbyville University, Bedford County, Tenn., and lacked only one year of graduating in that institution, when he was obliged to leave school. In 1860 he was married to Miss A. M. Gray, a native of Mississippi, but a resident of Louisiana, and they moved on their present plantation, which was a part of the Gray estate in 1868. In the beginning of 1863 Mr. Howard enlisted in Company B. Eighth Louisiana Regiment Infantry, and served during the remainder of the war. His command was disbanded at Natchitoches. Mr. Howard is not active in politics though a well-informed man on political affairs. To his marriage were born four children: W. K., C. H., Aloysia and Joyce.
Hon. Daniel Bester Hudson, general merchant, Eola, La. Mr. Hudson is one of the leading business men of Eola, and has been on the police jury of Avoyelles Parish for some time. He was born in Lowndes County, Miss., March 2, 1842, and was reared and educated in his native State. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth Mississippi Infantry, and was in Gen. Lee’s army, serving until the surrender. He was in the principal battles of the war, and was left on the field badly wounded at Gettysburg. He finally recovered, and rejoined his command the next spring, remaining with Gen. Lee until the close of the war. He was in Ewell’s corps, and was taken prisoner only three days before Lee’s surrender, but was held until July of 1865. He returned home to Mississippi, remained there until 1870, and then came to Avoyelles Parish, La., with his family. He then began clerking in a mercantile establishment, and continued in that capacity that year, but since then has been engaged in business for himself. He does an annual business of about $20,000, and his large and growing patronage is unquestionably deserved. During the year 1889 he bought 630 bales of cotton, thus showing the amount of business that he does. He was elected to the Legislature from Avoyelles Parish from 1884 to 1888, was appointed on the police jury recently, by the governor of the State, and is an active participant in all parish affairs. He was married in Mississippi (while at home on a furlough, during the war, at the time he was wounded), to Miss Laura McMakin, a native of Spartanburg, S. C., and the fruits of this union were fourteen children, seven now living: Mrs. M. H. Spilker, Virginia, George, Robert, Bessie, Josie and Julia. Mr. Hudson has been postmaster at Eola for several years, and is a man of judgment and sound practical sense. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Standifer) Hudson, were natives of Georgia, and were married in Alabama, in 1828, by Dr. Daniel P. Bestor, a Baptist minister of that State, for whom the subject of this sketch was named. The father was a planter, and died in Mississippi in 1862, at the age of sixty-two years. He was a member of the Baptist Church, as was also the mother, who died in 1886, at the age of eighty-two years. The paternal grandfather was a native of Georgia, and the maternal grandfather was a native of North Carolina, and was a surveyor by profession. Daniel B. Hudson is one of the prominent names that make up the strength of the mercantile trade, and he is not only a gentleman of education and learning, but has high social qualities. He is a leader in politics in his locality.
Hon. A. B. Irion, one of the representative men of the parish, and a prominently attorney, was born in Avoyelles Parish, La., on February 18, 1833, and comes of an old and honored family. His great-grandfather, Philip Jacob Irion, was born in Leichman, Germany; in 1733, was reared in that country and educated in Strasburg, France, after which he returned to Germany. In 1751 he was commissioned secretary of commerce, by Charles Frederic, prince of Baden, and after having remained in the service of the Government a number of years, he came to America, in order, quoting his own words, “to seek a country where there was greater freedom of thought and action than in Germany.” Having previously resided a short time in both Holland and England, neither of which met his views of free government, he came to America and located in Culpepper County, Va., where he was married to Miss Sarah Poindexter, on August 12, 1765. She was of one of the most prominent families in the State, and her death occurred on October 12, 1794. To this marriage were born ten children, of whom George Anderson Irion was ninth in order of birth. The latter was born on August 12, ----, and was reared and educated in the Old Dominion. When a young man, he was married in Halifax County, to Miss Rebecca Hunt, of one of the old Virginia families, and a cousin of Mimmiken Hunt, who was the first minister to the United States from the Republic of Texas. Subject’s Grandfather Irion was a major in the War of 1812, and after that time he removed to Williamson County, Tenn., thence to Woodville, Miss., and subsequently to Avoyelles Parish, being one of its pioneer settlers. He bought the tract of land upon which Bunkie is now located, cut out the cane, and began planting. He died on his plantation on December 16, 1849, leaving three children, of whom Robert R. Irion (subject’s father) was second in order of birth. Robert R. Irion was born in Halifax County, Va., on August 22, 1808, and removed to Louisiana with his father, but received his education in the common schools of Tennessee and Mississippi. On January 6, 1831, he was married to Miss Anne B. Audebert, a native of Mississippi and of French extraction. Mr. Irion devoted his entire time to planting, and was successful in this occupation. The Irion family has always been of Baptist persuasion. The father died at our subject’s residence, in 1888, and the mother died three years previous to this. A. B. Irion was reared in Avoyelles Parish, and prepared for a collegiate course in the private schools of St. Landry Parish, subsequently graduating from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in the class of 1855. Afterward he returned to Louisiana and began the study of law, being admitted to the bar in Opelousas in 1857. He then located at Marksville, and there began practicing. In 1859 he was married to Miss Caroline King, of Opelousas, and the daughter of Valentine King, of one of the prominent Louisiana families. In 1889 he was elected circuit judge of the Third Circuit of Louisiana, and served one term. In 1884 he was elected to Congress, from the Sixth Congressional District, and served in that capacity for one term. Since that time he has resided on his plantation at Eola, and has practiced his profession. Mr. Irion lost his first wife in 1878, and in 1879 he wedded Miss Alice Mort, of New Orleans. He has seven living children by his first wife and one by his second. Mr. Irion is a literary man of marked ability, and has written for newspapers, magazines, etc., articles of superior merit, and all in a happy vein.
Eloi Joffrion, planter, Mansura, La. Mr. Joffrion is one of the largest and most successful cotton planters of Avoyelles Parish, and as a native-born resident of this parish, he is well and favorably known over the length and breadth of it. He was born on February 11, 1832, and is a son of Joseph and Deidami (Rabalais) Joffrion [see sketch of E. J. Joffrion]. Eloi Joffrion was reared and partially educated in Louisiana, after which he took a two years’ course in Centre College, Ky., and after finishing his education engaged in planting. In 1853 he was united in marriage to Miss Cleophine Gauthier, daughter of Leon and Eulalie (Lemoine) Gauthier, both of whom were born in Louisiana. Mr. Gauthier was a planter by occupation. Mrs. Joffrion lived only eighteen months after marriage, and left no issue. In 1857 Mr. Joffrion married Miss Desdemona Fields, daughter of William M. and Ann (Thorn) Fields, natives of Kentucky and England, respectively. Mr. Fields was reared and educated in Boyle County, Ky., and was a merchant of Danville. His grandfather was one of the pioneer settlers of the Blue Grass State. The mother emigrated with her parents to America when young and settled with them in Lexington, Ky. Both are deceased. In 1862 Mr. Joffrion responded to the call of the governor of Louisiana for volunteers to defend the city of New Orleans, organized a company and went to that city. After the fall of New Orleans the company was disbanded and Mr. Joffrion entered the Eighteenth Louisiana Infantry, subsequently being detailed to take charge of the commissary department at Fort De Russy, at the fall of the fort. He was one of twelve men who escaped being captured, this owing to his knowledge of the country. He afterward joined a cavalry company, and was made first lieutenant of a company that had control of a courier line from Monroe to Alexandria. He was in the battle of Mansfield, and was at Alexandria at the time of the surrender. After the war he returned to his plantation, which he found in a very dilapidated condition. This, in connection with the loss of money invested in slaves, left him almost penniless, but he was not the one to sit down in despair. He was of a decided character, energetic, and one of those thoroughgoing business men who make a success of whatever they undertake. He inherited about $3,000, but to-day he is the owner of land valued at not less than $40,000, some of the land finely improved, and a large amount of live stock on hand. In 1859 Mr. Joffrion was the Democratic candidate for sheriff of Avoyelles Parish, and he and his opponent received the same number of votes, necessitating another election, which resulted in the election of his opponent by one vote. Mr. Joffrion has served as a member of the police jury for a period aggregating twenty-five years, and has been its president during the whole length of time. To his marriage have been born five children: Bennett Barton, Wilber Fields, Joseph William Eloi, Lola Grace and Winnie Pearl.
E. J. Joffrion was born in Mansura, Avoyelles Parish, La., on February 7, 1838. His father, Joseph Joffrion was born in Louisiana in 1802, and died on July 3, 1872, his mother Deidami Rabalais, born also in Louisiana in 1810, died August 28, 1868; both were of French descent, their ancestors being among the first settlers of the parish of Avoyelles. Joseph Rabalais, his great grandfather, was the first white settler, reaching the prairie hills of Avoyelles in a dugout or pirogue, from the parish of Point Coupee. Joseph Joffrion was a planter, and took great interest in politics, he served in the Legislature of 1845 as a Democrat. The early life of this subject was spent in Mansura, where he attended private and public schools. In 1851 he entered the University of St. Louis, Missouri, and remained there until 1855. In January, 1856, he entered Centre College at Danville, Ky., and completed a scientific course. On September 24, 1857, he was married to Sue R. Fields, daughter of William M. Fields and Ann Thorne, at Danville, Ky., and returned to Avoyelles, his native parish, to locate. Prior to, and during part of the late war he engaged in teaching schools. He served in the army west of the Mississippi River. After the close of the war he began the study of law, and in May, 1868, was admitted to the bar, receiving his diploma from the Supreme Court of Louisiana. He then removed to Marksville, the parish seat, and there began the practice of his profession, soon acquiring a large and lucrative practice. He is a very successful criminal lawyer. By his profession he had acquired considerable property, his home is spacious and comfortable, his wife who has a great fondness for flowers, has ornamented the home surroundings, with over 800 varieties of roses and many other pretty flowers and shrubbery. Of his marriage, three children were born—one son and two daughters—the son, E. Bascom Joffrion, was born on February 27, 1862, and died on November 24, 1884. Both daughters are married. Annie L. is the wife of Clifton Cannon, and Desdemona F. is the wife of C. Uncus Lafargue. The political life of Mr. Joffrion commenced soon after the war closed. Born and reared a Democrat, in 1867 he was elected a member of the police jury, and by that body was made president. During the existence of the political turmoil which followed in Louisiana, he battled faithfully for his party. In 1879 he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and helped frame the present constitution of Louisiana. In 1880 he was elected to the Legislature and served until 1884. In 1886 he was elected to the State Senate, serving until 1887. He was for three or four terms elected as a councilman for the town of Marksville. He is now president of the school board of Avoyelles. Besides his law practice he has planting interests to which he devotes some attention. The gun and rod are his favorite amusem*nts. Many a deer has forfeited its life by passing within the range of his trusty gun, and many a fish has swung in mid air at the end of his line. Mr. Joffrion is well known in his State, and wields a strong influence far beyond the borders of his own parish, and is looked upon as one of the leading politicians in this section of the country, and, if he accepts it, will no doubt be made the recipient of future honors in the State.
J. T. Johnson. Not without justice is Mr. Johnson conceded to hold a representative position among the prominent and successful merchants of Avoyelles Parish, La., for on starting out in life for himself his capital was very small indeed, but he is now in independent circ*mstances. He was born in Bedford County, Tenn., December 8, 1851, and in that State was reared and educated. In 1876 he began merchandising in Bunkie as a clerk, but in 1883 began business for himself, and is now carrying a stock valued at from $5,000 to $6,000, it being exceptionally complete and well selected. It has always been his aim to conduct a straight-forward business, and that he has always done so is fully verified when the fact is known that his annual sales amount to from $18,000 to $20,000. He was married in 1881 to Miss Mary Tanner, a daughter of Edward Tanner, and socially is a member of Lodge No. 189 of the A. F. & A. M. of Evergreen. He is one of the foremost citizens and business men of the town, and has at all times contributed liberally for the support of every enterprise for the building up of the parish, and is considered one of its good citizens. He is a son of James and Sallie (Davidson) Johnson, both of whom were Tennesseans, and in that State the father was called from the scene of his earthly labors in 1863, his widow still surviving him and residing in her native State.
H. C. Kemper, planter, Evergreen, La. Mr. Kemper was born in the Blue-Grass regions of Kentucky on December 27, 1831, and is a son of Rev. Burdette and Jemima (Thompson) Kemper, natives also of Kentucky. The father was a Baptist minister of considerable prominence. He died in his native State in 1876, when in his eighty-ninth year, and the mother died in the same State in 1864. The paternal grandfather, John Kemper, was a native of the Old Dominion and of German descent. The maternal grandfather, James Thompson, was born in Edinburg, Scotland, but came to this country at an early date. He was sent by the governor of Virginia to survey and locate lands in Kentucky. H. C. Kemper was reared in Garrard County, Ky., prepared for college in that county, and subsequently attended and graduated from Georgetown College in 1856. The following year he came to Evergreen, La., to take charge as principal of Evergreen Home Institute, and the school flourished and grew under his management. He was married in 1858 to Miss Virginia A. Pearce, daughter of A. G. Pearce, a native of Rapides Parish, La. Mr. Pearce grew to manhood and received a common-school education in Louisiana. Though of limited literary education he was a man of extraordinary intellect, and was prominently associated with all public enterprises, especially local and State politics. He had accumulated a large estate at the time of his death in 1863, when but forty-six years of age, and was especially prominent in educational matters, having been one of the founders and largest stockholders in Evergreen Home Institute. He was a respected and esteemed citizen, and at the time of his death was without an enemy. After his marriage Mr. Kemper taught school for one year, and in 1862 he responded to his country’s call by enlisted in Company H, Sixteenth Louisiana Infantry, and was in the Army of Tennessee. He participated in the battles of Shiloh and Perryville, and served until 1863, when his father-in-law having died, he returned home to take charge of the interests there. Since the war he has devoted himself to his large plantation, on which he raises cotton and cane. He is a very prosperous planter. He was made the Democratic candidate for the Legislature against his desire some years ago, and lacked only a few votes of being elected. Mr. Kemper has ever since been solicited to accept the nomination of State Senator, but has preferred living a more retired life, devoting himself to his home interests and to the advancement of the locality. He is at present a member of the police jury or Ward No. 9. Mr. Kemper is a scholarly, refined gentleman of more than ordinary ability, and a citizen who is honored and respected. To his marriage have been born two daughters: Sidney J. (wife of Dr. P. B. Wright, of Evergreen), and Annie (wife of W. U. Perkins, of Texas). Mr. Kemper and family are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a Mason, Evergreen Lodge No. 189, Evergreen Chapter No. 41, and has been master several times. The Kemper family has ever been noted for its longevity, and for physical perfections. One of Mr. Kemper’s paternal ancestors came to Fauquier County, Va., as early as 1712.
A. D. Lafargue, was born in the parish of Natchitoches, La., May 11, 1845, but was reared in Avoyelles Parish, his education being received in Baton Rouge Collegiate Institute, being an attendant of this institution when the war opened, and immediately cast his books aside to don his suit of gray, shouldered his musket, and served for two and one-half years under Gen. Kirby Smith, the most of his service being confined to the west side of the Mississippi River. He had charge of the courier line here, and was at Alexandria at the time of Lee’s surrender, and from that place was discharged. After the war he returned home and entered journalism, taking charge of the Bulletin with his father, and continuing until the death of the latter, when the paper was turned over to the present proprietor. Mr. Lafargue has devoted his attention exclusively to farming since that time, having previously managed his plantation in connection with his paper for years. In 1870 he was elected to represent this parish in the State Legislature, but was counted out by the Wells Returning Board, but at the succeeding election he was once more elected, and by such a strong majority that it was impossible for him to be counted out as before. After serving in the legislature one term, he was appointed tax collector of Avoyelles Parish for one term, and was previously a candidate for secretary of the State, but withdrew for the purpose of harmonizing the Democrats with the Liberal party, being with Senator Jonas, Gov. McEnery, E. John Ellis and Col. Waggaman. The fusion party was successful, and John McEnery was elected, but afterward ousted from office by Grant and his soldiers. Mr. Lafargue is the fortunate owner of some 3,000 acres of land, the tillable portion of which he devotes to the raising of cotton and corn. He also owns some valuable town property in Marksville, among which is a handsome residence. He was elected to take charge of the Farmers’ Union paper for the State August, 1890, and when everything is in good working order he will take charge of the work at Alexandria. At the age of twenty-three years he was married to Miss Mary Botts, in Avoyelles Parish, who died leaving three children: Uncas, Oneida and Winonga. His second union was to Miss Florence Waddill, by whom he also has three children: Louise, Zepherine and Douglas. Mr. Lafargue is a man of fine literary qualifications, and being a fine, forcible and eloquent orator, has made many speeches throughout this section for his political friends, doing much to further their interests and the cause of his party.
Adolphe J. Lafargue is an able attorney at law of Marksville, La., and is also the editor of the Marksville Bulletin, one of the breezy newspapers of Avoyelles Parish. He was born here, October 3, 1855, to Prof. Adolphe Lafargue, who was born in France, and came to “the land of the free and the home of the brave” when eighteen years of age; for some time followed the calling of school-teacher in Natchitoches Parish, where he was afterward married to Miss Zepherine M. Zorich, a member of the influential family of Rachal. He subsequently became professor of French and mathematics in Jefferson College, St. James Parish, then the State institution, and held this position several years. After returning and spending a short time in Natchitoches, he came to Marksville, where he once more engaged in “teaching the young ideas how to shoot.” Later he became superintendent of public instruction of Avoyelles Parish, his appointment to this office being a tribute to his ability as an educator. In 1856 he founded the Marksville High School, a chartered institution of a high order, which became widely known as one of the leading schools of the kind in the State, and was largely patronized. In 1860 Mr. Lafargue became the editor and proprietor of the Pelican, which afterward became the Marksville Villager, and this he continued to publish with marked ability until 1868. He died August 27, 1869, his death being lamented not only by his immediate and sorrowing family, but by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His father was Arnaud Lafargue, who was born in Orthez, France, October 30, 1775, and at the age of fifty years was married to Miss Marie Heuga, having previously been in the military service of France for twenty-five years, being in the campaigns in Italy in 1796-97, Germany in 1809, Russia in 1812, Prussia and Bohemia in 1813, and in 1814 and 1815 was in France and Belgium under Napoleon Bonaparte. He at different times – received eleven wounds, and on August 30, 1813, received a lance and gunshot wound in the right shoulder, which was very serious and incapacitated him for duty for some time. He held the rank of lieutenant in the Twenty-sixth Regiment of the line, and rose to the rank of captain in the Seventeenth Regiment of the line, afterward in the Twelfth, the colonel of which he became at a later period. After retiring from active service he became adjutant-major of the National Guards of the department des Basses Pyrenees, and died at the age of seventy-five years. Adolphe J. Lafargue received his education in Jefferson Literary College of St. James Parish, La., and afterward took up the study of law, entering the law department of the Louisiana University (now Tulane), at the age of twenty years, but as he was too young to receive a license, he entered the journalistic field, as manager of the Bulletin, of which he became editor and proprietor some three years later, a position he has since held. He has taken a prominent part in the different enterprises which have been set on foot in this parish, and in 1884 represented Avoyelles Parish at the World’s Exposition, being appointed tax assessor of the parish the same year. At the end of two years he was appointed clerk of the district court, and served with distinction until May, 1888, when he began the practice of the law in partnership with Judge A. B. Irion, with whom he is still associated. For the past three years he has been vice-president of Louisiana Press Association, having been one of the organizers of the same. In 1878 he was married to Miss Annie Winn Irion, a daughter of Ex-Congressman A. B. Irion of this parish. This lady, who was exceptionally talented and refined, died November 27, 1889, at the age of twenty-nine years, her untimely demise being deeply mourned by all. Four children were born to them—four sons: Walter, Edwin Louis, Alvan Henry and Sidney Eustis. In 1884 Mr. Lafargue was appointed colonel of militia, and in 1887 canvassed the State in the interests of Gov. McEnery, of whom he is a personal and political friend, in company with Senator Eustis, Ex-Senator Jonas and others. He has had considerable experience as a public speaker. He delivered an address at the meeting of the National Press Association, on “The Relations of the Press to the Country and especially to the South,” which was highly commended. He also took a leading part in the discussions on “Sectionalism,” at the meeting of the same association the succeeding year at San Antonio, Tex. He delivered addresses before the Louisiana Press Association on “T`he Duties and Abuses of Journalism,” “The State and the Press,” and other subjects, which were also very favorably received. Mr. Lafargue is a young attorney of undoubted ability, and as a forcible and convincing speaker has especially distinguished himself. In his journalistic work he is noted for his fearless denunciation of dishonest measures, and for his upholding of the right at all times, the strength of logic which he brings to bear being forcible and unanswerable.
T. Lemoine, general merchant, Cottonport, La. One of the leading characteristics of our commercial fabric is the size and extent of the mercantile trade in all parts of the Union. A vast capital is invested in this important industry, and thousands upon thousands of persons are furnished remunerative employment. Among the leading establishments of Cottonport, La., none are more deserving of favorable mention than that conducted by Mr. T. Lemoine. This gentleman was born in Avoyelles Parish in 1849, and is a son of Z. and Delophine (Bordelon) Lemoine, both of whom are natives of this parish where they now reside. The father is a successful planter. T. Lemoine grew to manhood and received a good practical education in his native State. At the age of twenty-one he began business at Cottonport as a dealer in general merchandise on a capital of $1,500, and now carries a stock of goods valued at $15,000, with annual sales aggregating from $65,000 to $70,000. He has a two-story store, 40x60 feet, and a good warehouse. He buys a great deal of cotton. He is one of the leading, if not the leading merchant of Avoyelles Parish, and is also the owner of a plantation consisting of 1,500 acres. He was married in 1870 to Miss Roma Normand, who bore him the following children: Joseph B. (a student at Jefferson College), Isabella, Normand, Louis, Hampton, Corinne, Lola, Ida and Omitha. Three children died young. Mr. Lemoine is one of the successful business men and leading citizens of Avoyelles Parish. He superintends every detail in his establishment and is held in high esteem in the community.
M. R. Marshall is one of Avoyelles Parish’s successful planters, but was born in Fredericksburg, Va., May 29, 1825, to Horace and Elizabeth (Hieskell) Marshall, they being also natives of the Old Dominion. The father was a farmer and merchant by occupation, and for many years was one of the most prominent citizens of Spottsylvania County. In 1833, while traveling abroad, he was lost on the Mediterranean Sea. His wife died in 1828 at the age of forty-one years. M. R. Marshall spent the greater part of his boyhood days in Virginia, but his education was obtained in the city of Brotherly Love. For a number of years after leaving school Mr. Marshall resided in Madison County, Ala., after which he removed to Memphis, Tenn., where he dealt in cotton until the Rebellion opened, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Tennessee Infantry, and was on active duty until after the battle of Shiloh, when he received his discharge, after which he immediately joined the Tennessee Heavy Artillery at Vicksburg. After the fall of that place he was paroled, but when exchanged once more enlisted in the same regiment, serving actively until the close of the war, after which he emigrated to Louisiana, and was here married in 1867 to Miss Ellen Tanner, a daughter of Bladwick Tanner, a native of Louisiana and one of the early settlers of Avoyelles Parish. After becoming the mother of one daughter Mrs. Marshall died in 1872, and after remaining a widower for four years Mr. Marshall married Alice, daughter of John A. and Mary C (co*cke) Glaize, both parents being North Carolinians. By his second marriage Mr. Marshall has two children. He belongs to one of the F. F. V.’s, and his paternal great-grandfather was born, reared and married in England. On coming to the United States he was accompanied by his brother John, who was the father of Chief Justice Marshall. The paternal great-grandparents were born in Germany.
George L. Mayer, druggist and merchant, Marksville, La. This prominent business man was born in New Orleans, August 14, 1849, shortly after the arrival of his parents from France, and was the son of Eugene and Anna (Barbin) Mayer, both natives of Paris, born in 1824 and 1827, respectively. The father was reared and received a collegiate education in his native city. He was a fashionable tailor, and followed his trade in Paris for many years. Grandfather Mayer was born in Nancy, France. On account of ill health, the father emigrated to New Orleans in 1849, followed his trade there until 1850, and then removed to Marksville, where he was actively engaged in business up to the time of his death, from yellow fever, in 1855, the maternal grandmother, father and uncle all dying of this fatal scourge. George L. Mayer prepared for college at Lafargue High School, and immediately after the war he entered the St. Louis University, at St. Louis, Mo., where he remained until July, 1867. About this time his step-father died, and his services were required at home, and thither he went, taking charge of his mother’s affairs, and clerking in the store of J. A. Dalsuet at Marksville. Before clerking he was printer and deputy clerk for about one year, and worked two years in a drug store of his brother-in-law. In January, 1874, Mr. Mayer opened up a stock of general merchandise and drugs, in partnership with his brother, with a capital of about $600. On the dissolution of the firm, in 1882, they showed an earning of nearly $100,000. Mr. Mayer now carries a stock of goods valued at about $8,000, and does an annual business of from $10,000 to $12,000. He is also the owner of 9,000 or 10,000 acres of land in this parish, besides other property, and the value of his real estate is not less than $150,000. In 1871 Mr. Mayer was wedded to Miss Cleophine Frank, daughter of Adolph and Caroline (Bonette) Frank, natives of Germany and Louisiana, respectively. The father is now living in Marksville, but the mother is deceased. Mr. Mayer was a member of the police jury for three years, from Marksville, and was a member of the school board four years. For many years he has been a member of the town council. He was postmaster from 1869 to 1874, and during President Cleveland’s administration he filled the same position, from 1887 until 1889. He visited the Paris Exposition in 1889, and other points of interest in France, among which was Nancy and Bar Le Duc. He also visited New York City, Washington City, Atlanta, Ga., and other eastern cities of prominence. Mr. Mayer is possessed of a large business experience, and occupies a prominent position in commercial circles. His social is not less marked than his business prominence. He has a typical home in Marksville, which is adorned with all that taste can suggest or money purchase, in which he and family live in the lordly style of the opulent southerner. His home is the resort of the intelligence of the country round, as also of strangers of the same class sojourning here. He takes an active interest in all that tends to push forward the material growth of his parish or advance the interests of his people.
Miss Anna E. Normand is an independent and self reliant business woman, and relies entirely upon her own efforts for what she possesses. Her present position in life has been accomplished by individual effort, and by constant, earnest industry, her career in this respect being one well worthy of imitation. She was born in Marksville, La., to L. P. and Mary (Voinche) Normand, the former a native of Louisiana, and the latter of Paris, France. Mr. Normand was a planter by occupation, and has at different times been parish judge, and clerk of the district court. He is still living, but his wife passed to her long home in August, 1890. The maternal grandfather to Miss Normand was August Voinche, who was the wealthiest man in Avoyelles Parish before the Rebellion. Miss Normand was reared, and received a common school education in her native town. She is an exceptionally intelligent, enterprising and well-posted lady, and for many years past has been doing business for herself, first starting out in life for herself as a milliner. Her establishment is handsomely appointed and very attractive, and as her stock is large, varied, and disposed of at reasonable rates, she has a most liberal share of public favor. In connection with this she is managing a hotel, and as she at all times tries to please and accommodate her patrons, she has done well financially. She is a woman of marked intelligence, and has that innate air of high breeding which always indicates the true gentlewoman.
Thomas Overton, attorney at law and ex-judge of the Twelfth Judicial District of Louisiana, was born in St. Landry Parish, La., in 1836. He is descended from a family which has occupied a prominent place in the history of this country from the early days of the republic. His grandfather served with distinction under Gen. Washington, having been an officer of dragoons in the Revolutionary War. He participated in many of the trying scenes of that momentous epoch, and among others was in the battle of Yorktown, where he maintained his reputation as a brave and gallant officer. The father of the subject of this sketch was Judge John H. Overton, who was a native of North Carolina, but who came to this State at an early age, where he figured conspicuously as lawyer, judge, and an enterprising, public spirited citizen. Embracing law as a profession, he soon rose to a prominent rank among Louisiana’s most distinguished jurists. He was soon thereafter elected district judge, and his eminent fitness for the position was so marked that he was kept in that office for a period of twenty-five years. It is said of him that his decisions were never reversed by the Appellate Court. Judge Overton took a deep interest in all public enterprises, and was one of the chief projectors of the Southern Pacific Railroad, and was its first president. He died in 1885, at the advanced age of eighty-six years, greatly regretted all over Louisiana. Judge Thomas Overton, after acquiring the rudiments of an education in this State, was sent to the University of Virginia, where he completed his studies. Choosing law for a profession, he entered the law department of the Louisiana University (not Tulane), and was admitted to the bar in 1860, just as the war of the sections was declared. Filled with patriotic ardor, he accepted from the governor of Louisiana a commission as captain of a company of infantry in the State troops. He served only eight months in that capacity, when he resigned to accept a commission from Jefferson Davis in the regular Confederate Army, and was transferred to the staff of Gen. D. H. Hill, of the Army of the Potomac. He afterward served on the staffs of Gen. Wharton and Gen. Gregg, of the Trans-Mississippi Department. After the war closed he settled in Avoyelles Parish, where he began the practice of his profession, and where, in 1869, he was married to Miss Laura Waddill, a lady of talent and refinement, and eldest daughter of the late John P. Waddill, a prominent lawyer of this section in his day. Judge Overton rose rapidly to distinction at the bar by his talents and eloquence, winning a well-earned reputation as a learned and able attorney. He filled with great credit the responsible position of district attorney of the Seventh Judicial District, which was then composed of the parishes of Avoyelles, Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana. He was remarkably successful in his prosecutions. In 1884 he was elected judge of the Twelfth Judicial District of Louisiana, comprising the parishes of Avoyelles, Rapides and Grant. He served to 1888, and was noted for his uprightness and impartiality, qualities so desirable in one who wears the ermine. His decisions were rendered after the most thorough and critical examination of the matters in contention, and were prepared with great care, showing depth of thought and sound legal reasoning. He has resumed the practice of the law, and enjoys to a great degree the esteem and confidence of his fellow-men. The future has yet in store for him a career of continual usefulness and honor before he reaches the fullness of years.
Dr. C. D. Owens, Eola, La. The above mentioned gentleman is one of the most successful and prominent physicians in this part of Louisiana, and is ever to be found by the bedside of sick and suffering humanity. He was originally from the Palmetto State, his birth occurring in Charleston on October 26, 1845, and is a son of A. and Eliza M. (Hoffatt) Owens the former a native of Ireland, and the mother of South Carolina, whither the father removed when a young man. Dr. C. D. Owens, received his literary education at Georgetown College, Columbia, and in 1862 he graduated from Charleston Medical College. Immediately afterward he entered the Confederate service, was assigned to the Army of Northern Virginia, as assistant surgeon, and soon after the second battle of Manassas, he was promoted to surgeon, serving with distinction in Stewart’s division until cessation of hostilities. After this he located in St. Louis, Mo., practiced his profession there until 1877, and then removed to Avoyelles Parish, La., locating at Holmesville, where he has practiced successfully ever since. Dr. Owens was elected president of the State Medical Society in 1888, and is recognized as the most learned and skilled physician in this part of the State. As a leading exponent of general surgery, Dr. Owens is worthy of mention in a review of our foremost professional men, and he has obtained a liberal share of public favor, the best proof of his skill and care. The Doctor was married in 1878 to Miss Alice B. Winn, daughter of Dr. William A. Winn, a leading physician at the time of his death, which occurred in 1877. He was a native of Virginia. Mrs. Owens died in 1879 leaving one child—a son—Samuel Logan.
F. M. Pavey, of Hamburg, La., was born in Switzerland County, Ind., in 1840, and when a small lad was taken by his father to Illinois, in which State he attained manhood and was educated. He completed his education in Warsaw, Ill., and at the age of twenty years accompanied his father to Avoyelles Parish, La., and in 1870 opened a mercantile establishment in Hamburg, his stock at that time consisting of about $800 worth of goods. He now carries $10,000 worth of stock and has a very flourishing trade, and in addition to this prosperous establishment is the owner of 1,600 acres of land of which about 900 acres are under cultivation, yielding from 400 to 500 bales of cotton annually. His marriage, which took place in 1870, was to Miss Octavia Couvillion, a daughter of Zelien Couvillion. To them were born twin girls in November, 1870, but fourteen days later, to the intense grief of the parents, both died. He and his wife have reared five orphan children to honorable manhood and womanhood. He is one of the truly representative men of the parish, and the property which he now has been earned by his own earnest and determined endeavors. Personally and in every private relation, and duty of life, to much can not be said in his praise, for he is a liberal, generous and high-minded, and is the soul of true honor. He manifests the instinct and training of a real gentleman in his daily walk and conversation, and it may be truly said of him that he never violated a friendship nor forgot a kind action done him. In this latter regard he is eminently deserving of mention as above the average of mankind, and much could be said in his praise were he not one of those that would that “the left hand should not know what the right hand doeth.” His parents, John and Myria (Gibbs) Pavey, were born in Kentucky and Indiana, respectively, their marriage taking place in the mother’s native State. After their removal to Warsaw, Ill., Mr. Pavey engaged in merchandising. The subject of this sketch inherits French and English blood from his parents.
Dr. A. G. Pearce, physician and surgeon, Evergreen, La. A young but very successful practitioner of Evergreen is Dr. Pearce, who was born in that town in 1867, and who has the confidence of the many among whom his extensive practice leads him. His parents, W. O. and Minerva (Frith) Pearce, were both natives also of Avoyelles Parish, and both were descendants of prominent families of this section of the State. The father was attending college at Georgetown, Ky., at the breaking out of the war, and threw aside his books to join the Confederate Army. He served during the entire war, with the exception of about ten months of the close, when he was very seriously wounded. He has been a planter all his life and is a representative citizen of his community, residing at Cheneyville, La. The mother died in 1877. Dr. A. G. Pearce received the most of his literary education at the Louisiana State University and completed the same at Georgetown, Ky. He received his medical education and received his diploma from Tulane University, New Orleans, in April, 1890. On June 25 of the same year he was married to Miss Mary H. Winn, daughter of Dr. William H. Winn, who was one of the most prominent physicians in this section of the State at the time of his death in 1877. Dr. Pearce is secretary of the board of trustees of Evergreen Home Institute. He is a young man of exemplary habits and has the utmost respect of those with whom he has been reared. He is an exception of the old proverb, “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country.” The Doctor has a bright future before him.
Hon. S. S. Pearce, planter, Evergreen, La. Mr. Pearce is one of the wealthiest and most successful planters in Avoyelles Parish, and not only has the respect and confidence of all as a successful business man, but is esteemed and held in the highest estimation socially. His parents, Stephen and Ann G. (Tanner) Pearce, were natives of Georgia and South Carolina, respectively. The paternal grandfather was a native of Georgia, and the maternal grandfather was a native of South Carolina. S. S. Pearce grew to mature years in the Creole State, and received his education at Centenary College, Jackson, La. Although he was reared on his father’s extensive plantation, he was not compelled to farm labor, owing to the numerous slaves his father always kept. At the age of eighteen years he commenced business for himself as a planter, his father and mother both having died previous to this, and this has been his chief calling in life. He has acquired nearly all his property through his own efforts, and is a public-spirited and enterprising citizen. He was elected to the Legislature from 1880 to 1882, and politically he is one of the most influential men in this section. When twenty-one years of age he was married Miss Mary E. Bennett, who was but fifteen years of age, and they have seven living children: Sarah A. (wife of S. Tanner), Claudia F. (wife of C. W. Owen), Mansel K., Jennie, Stephen S., Addie G. and Heber L. Algernon B. died at the age of nineteen (1883), and was a promising young man. Mr. Pearce’s success is unusual, but is due largely to his excellent judgment, and strict honesty and upright dealings, and the proud position he now occupies as a representative citizen is a just tribute to his worth.
M. K. Pearce. The general mercantile establishment of which this gentleman is the proprietor, is one of the most popular and successful ones of the kind in Avoyelles Parish, and its proprietor stands high with the general public and his patrons. He does a large local business in and around Bunkie, and is a stirring, wide-awake citizen, deservedly popular with ever one. He was born in this parish November 6, 1867, to S. S. and Mary E. (Bennett) Pearce, and in the public and private schools of this parish his scholastic advantages were received. He took a thorough commercial course in that department of the University of Kentucky at Lexington, and in November of 1887 received his diploma. Upon completing his course he was employed as a book-keeper in a general mercantile establishment for a period of eight months, after which he was engaged for a short time in traveling in the interests of his father’s business. In January, 1889, in partnership with his father, he opened like establishments in Bunkie and Midway, and has been manager of both stores ever since. He does a retail business of from $50,000 to $60,000 annually, a fact that speaks louder than words can do as to the success which has attended his efforts. He also has an excellent livery stable in Bunkie, which is excellently equipped with good horses and buggies, and although Mr. Pearce is quite young, he has shown that he is a good financier and possesses more than ordinary business ability. The management of affairs under his control would do credit to one of much greater experience, and although he gives the most of his attention to business matters he often finds relief from his cares in the excitement of the chase and with his rod in the woods and streams in the vicinity. He is a young man of exemplary habits, and as a result has many warm personal friends. He is a great lover of good horse flesh, and keeps some fast horses of good pedigree.
William M. Prescott, planter, Eola., La. The above mentioned gentleman is worthy to be classed among the substantial and progressive planters of Avoyelles Parish. He is a native of St. Landry Parish, La., born November 8, 1849, and is the son of Hon. William M. and Evalina (Moore) Prescott, the father a native of South Carolina and the mother of Louisiana. The elder Prescott removed to Louisiana when seventeen years of age, and followed blacksmithing a short time previous to buying the plantation where William M., Jr., now resides. He began improving his plantation and was one of the first members of the Legislature from St. Landry Parish. He was a member of both houses later. He died with yellow fever in December, 1854. The maternal grandfather, John Moore, was a member of Congress from Louisiana, was district judge and a very prominent man in the State. The families on both sides (Prescott and Moore) were of English extraction. Subject’s great great-grandfather was the first governor of Louisiana under the Spanish rule. William M. Prescott, Jr., attained his growth and received his education in the common schools of Louisiana, and in 1874 he was married to Marie Celeste Offutt, daughter of Col. William Offutt, who was colonel in the State Militia. Mr. Prescott began business for himself as a planter in 1874, and this has been his occupation since. He is the owner of 2,000 acres of land, 800 acres under cultivation, and is chiefly engaged in raising cotton. Mr. Prescott and the whole family are members of the Catholic Church. His seven children are named as follows: William M. (at Baton Rouge attending school), Adaline, Benjamin, Frank, John, Walter and Elizabeth.
Dr. L. Rabalais, physician and planter, Marksville, La. Marksville and vicinity have a number of physicians, among whom prominently stands Dr. L. Rabalais, a native of Avoyelles Parish, La. He was born in September, 1845, and is a son of John V. and Eugenie (Gauthier) Rabalais, both natives of Louisiana, and their families being among the first of this part of the State. The father was educated in the common schools of Louisiana, and devoted his whole life to planting, being a very extensive planter and large slave owner before the war. He was very charitable, hospitable and a public-spirited citizen. He received his final summons in 1878, and his widow followed him in 1885. Both were members of the Catholic Church. Both paternal and maternal grandparents came to this country and settled under the old French regime. Dr. L. Rabalais was attending school at St. Joseph’s College, Natchitoches Parish, at the breaking out of the war, and filled with an earnest desire to aid the Southern cause, he flung aside his books, and when only seventeen years of age enlisted in Company H, Crescent Regiment, of New Orleans, as a private. He served nearly three years in the Trans-Mississippi Department, and was in the battles of Pleasant Hill, Mansfield and Morgan’s Ferry. He surrendered at Natchitoches. In November, 1865, he entered Cicilian College, near Elizabethtown, Ky., and graduated from that institution in 1869. After this he entered the Medical University at Louisville, and graduated from this in May, 1870. The same year he was married to Miss Margaret Wathen, daughter of Dr. Wathen, of Breckinridge County, Ky., a very eminent and well-known man. Since that time Dr. Rabalais has practiced his profession in Moreauville, and few men have had demonstrated to them in a more worthy manner the appreciation in which they are held than has Dr. Rabalais. Pleasant and agreeable in business affairs he is equally so in social life, and he is one whom it is a pleasure to meet. The Doctor was the first Creole graduate of medicine in the Parish. Although not active in politics he takes great interest in local and State affairs. He is an ardent Democrat, never having voted any other ticket. In 1871 he purchased a plantation, and erected an elegant residence on it. His plantation, consisting of 580 acres, is valued at not less than $20,000, and this he operates himself. He and his estimable wife are members of the Catholic Church. She is a very intelligent and highly educated lady.
F. Regard, merchant, Mansura, La., Merchandising is one of the most important enterprises to be entered upon, and the success of the individual thus engaged is mainly due to his honesty, enterprise and the confidence which the public has in him. Mr. Regard is of foreign nativity, his birth having occurred in France on May 11, 1838, and is a son of Germain and Celeste (Prostdame) Regard, both natives of France. The father grew to manhood and received his education in his native country. He was a planter by occupation. He and wife both died in France, the father in 1874 and the mother in 1857. F. Regard passed his boyhood and youth and received his education in France. In March, 1859, he came to Mansura, La., where he has remained the principal part of the time since. During the war he served about six months in the State Militia. In 1866 he was married to Mrs. Zeline Escude, daughter of F. C. Monnin, a native of France. Mr. Regard began the mercantile business the same year of his marriage, at this place, with a limited capital, and has been very successful. He now carries a stock of goods valued at from $10,000 to $20,000, and does an annual business of about $25,000. He is a most energetic, enterprising and thorough man of business, and is highly esteemed, being honorable and upright in all his dealings. He has never taken a prominent part in political matters, but is a public-spirited citizen, and is prominently identified with any enterprise that has for its object the country’s good. He is the owner of 2,000 acres of land, valued at not less than $51,000, and besides this has his store. The result of his marriage was the birth of eight children—five daughters and three sons—two married: Leone (wife of E. J. Beredon, of Mansura), Elize (wife of Dr. T. A. Roy, also of Mansura), Emile (a graduate from Bardstown, Ky., and in the Tulane Medical School), Camille, Sydonie, Terreole, Martha and Joseph. Mr. Regard is educating his children in good schools, and all are Roman Catholics. He is a sound Democrat. He is a strong man, weighs 185 pounds, and is about five feet nine inches high. He got out naturalization papers in the decade of 1860. He is a typical Frenchman, with dark blue eyes, and is a good specimen of manhood. His face is a fine one.
Thomas A. Roy, M. D., Mansura, La. Dr. Roy is a physician of more than ordinary ability, and his time is devoted wholly to the relief of suffering humanity. He is a native-born resident of Mansura, La., his birth occurring on September 22, 1866, and he is the son of Leander F. and Adaline (Cainleteau) Roy, both natives of Avoyelles Parish, La. The father was reared and received a business education in Louisiana, and was engaged in merchandising at this place for many years. He served during the entire war. He was not active in political affairs. He was a member of the Catholic Church, and died in 1879. The mother is still living and is a resident of Mansura. Dr. Thomas A. Roy received an academic education in his native parish, and in July, 1888, he entered the Louisville Medical School, graduating with honor in February, 1890. After finishing his course he returned home and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession. His success has been almost phenomenal, and he is now not only of the youngest practicing physicians, but one of the leading ones of the parish. Dr. Roy is a young man of fine intellect, as are the other members of his family. He was married in August, 1890, to Miss Elize, daughter of F. and Zeline (Monnin) Regard [see sketch of F. Regard]. Dr. Roy’s maternal grandfather was a native of France, and the father of Dr. Roy was of Candian French descent, and his father was a native of Canada.
A. V. Saucier is the present efficient assessor of Avoyelles Parish, La., his birth occurring here in 1857. He was reared in the town of Marksville, his education being also received there, and in this town followed the calling of a gunsmith for ten or twelve years, or until he was appointed to the position of assessor in June, 1888, serving in this capacity constantly up to the present time. He was married in 1879 to Miss Helena Brouillette, of this parish, by whom he has six children: Moore, Merrick, Walton, Lorea, August and Hubert. Mr. Saucier is a young man very popular throughout this section, for he is genial, kindly and charitable in disposition, and is strictly upright and honorable in every worthy particular. His parents, Edmond and Hermantine (Barbin) Saucier, were born in New Orleans, the father being a gunsmith by occupation. He came to Avoyelles Parish when a young man, and he and his wife became the parents of six children. The paternal grandfather was also born in the city of New Orleans, and the family are Catholics in religious belief.
G. H. Stevens is a merchant, liveryman and hotel-keeper of Bunkie, La., and in the conduct of each of these enterprises he has met with well-deserved success, for he is industrious, painstaking and economical. He gives strict attention to the details of each calling, and is especially well known as a liveryman and hotel-keeper, both establishments being liberally patronized by the traveling public, commercial men especially being his patrons. He was born in Connecticut in 1849 to M. W. and E. B. (Wilmot) Stevens, they being also natives of the Nutmeg State. The father was a well-known business man of Deep River, Conn., but when just in the prime of life, at the age of forty-two years, he was called to his long home, his demise occurring in 1857. His widow was sixty-seven years of age at the time of her death in 1888. G. H. Stevens was reared and received a common school education in the State of his birth, and prior to 1872 devoted his attention to his trade in Connecticut, that of a machinist, following it also in Rhode Island. In the above mentioned year, on account of poor health, he determined to try a milder climate and came to Louisiana, and for several years thereafter was engaged in the construction of railways in this State and Texas, afterward opening a stage line in Louisiana and Arkansas, which he managed for six years. He was married in 1881 to Mrs. B. H. Mershon, a daughter of R. L. Stribling, and shortly after his marriage he located in Marksville, where he opened a hotel and livery stable. Since 1884 he has followed these callings in Bunkie, and in addition to successfully managing these establishments, he also operates a stage and mail line between Bunkie and Marksville, and is now carrying on a general mercantile business, at which he is doing well. He is possessed of that untiring energy, vim and business push, which is characteristic of the New Englander, and although his time is fully employed in attending to the numerous irons that he has in the fire, he is none the less painstaking in the management of each. He is in every respect self-made, and the property of which is now the owner has been obtained through his own individual efforts.
E. R. Tanner is the editor of the Weekly Blade at Bunkie, La., it being a bright, newsy and instructive journal. Mr. Tanner is a native of this State, born in 1864, and is a son of E. L. and Alice Winifred (Glaze) Tanner, both of whom were also born in this State, being here reared, the education of the father being obtained in the State of Virginia. He was a planter of considerable prominence, and was a man of sound and intelligent views. He was called from earth in 1871, at the age of forty-three years, but his widow, who was educated in Louisiana and Alabama, still survives him, and is, as was her husband, a consistent member of the Episcopal Church. In the public and private school of Avoyelles Parish, La., E. R. Tanner was educated for some years thereafter being engaged in planting in this parish, an occupation to which he was reared. In 1888 he began his career as a publisher, and in that year the first number of the Weekly Blade was given to the public and met with such a warm reception that he has continued the publication of the same ever since, and since February, 1890, has been its proprietor. The Blade has a good circulation in three parishes, and under Mr. Tanner’s able management some valuable information can always be gleaned from its columns. Mr. Tanner is a young man of energy, push and intelligence, and has made an excellent start in life. His paper is strictly moral in its tone and at all times advocates worthy causes and condemns in a fearless and forcible manner all unjust or improper measures.
Dr. Leo Chester Tarleton, Marksville, La. Dr. Tarleton’s career as a practitioner and thorough student of medicine has won for him no less a reputation than has his personal character as a citizen and neighbor. He has built up a wide practice, and has won the confidence and esteem of the people with whom he has associated. The Doctor was born in the Blue-Grass regions of Kentucky, on November 8, 1849. His father is Samuel Moore Tarleton, who was also born in the State of Kentucky, and resided there as a prosperous farmer until the year 1857, when he removed south, and settled in the beautiful region of Louisiana, known as the Teche country, where the celebrated poem. Longfellow’s “Evangeline,” was laid, and there he entered the business of sugar planting on a large scale. He is still living on the Teche, planting and merchandising. His parents, Alfred Tarleton and Cecilia Tarleton, moved from Maryland to Kentucky when they were extremely youthful, and there spent a long and prosperous life, and raised a number of sons, whose descendants are now living principally in Louisiana and Missouri. Dr. Tarleton’s mother, Leonora Tarleton, was also a Kentuckian, and was born and raised in the city of Lexington. She was the mother of six children, of whom Dr. Tarleton is the eldest, and he was only sixteen years old when she died, in 1866, at the age of thirty-six years. She and her husband were both members of the Catholic Church. Her parents were Leo Tarleton and Mary Ann Breckinridge. They formerly carried on a large mercantile business in Lexington, but in later life, after the death of his wife, he moved south, where he resided until his death in 1867. Dr. Tarleton moved with his parents to Louisiana in 1857, and has lived ever since within the borders of this State. His education was principally received at the Louisiana State University, at Baton Rouge, from where he graduated in 1873. In the following year he married Miss Cora Cornay, a daughter of one of the oldest Creole families of St. Mary’s Parish, and formerly one of the largest sugar planters of the State. From this marriage only one son was born. His wife died about eighteen months after they were married. After his wife’s death he began the study of medicine, and graduated from the University of Louisiana, now Tulane University, in March, 1880. Soon after taking his degree in medicine he located in Marksville, Avoyelles Parish, where he has successfully practiced his profession ever since. In 1881 he was married to Miss Henrietta Couvillion, a member of one of the largest and most influential families in the parish. By this marriage they have four children, the eldest of whom is dead, and whose name was Wilfred Walter. The three others, Rosa Lula, Percival Clarence and Clysse Ursula, are aged respectively, seven years, five years and six months. Henrietta Couvillion was the only living daughter of her parents when she married. Her father was L. H. Couvillion, and her mother Rosa Cailleteau. L. H. Couvillion, though he died before reaching middle age, stood very high in the parish, and had occupied responsible positions, being clerk of the district court for several years. His father, Hypolite Couvillion, was a native of the parish of Avoyelles, and a member of one of the largest and best families of Louisiana. The Couvillions of this parish are all descendants of three brothers, who came here from Canada about the year 1795. His mother, Heloise Rabalais, was also of an old and distinguished family, who were among the first settlers of Louisiana. Rosa Cailleteau, was a daughter of Eugene Cailleteau and Irene Broutin, a native of the department of Ardennes, France, who was the only son of the Lord (Seigmem) of St. Prix, at the time of the overthrow of feudalism in France. He, the said Cailleteau, although the son of a zealous supporter of the Bourbons, was himself a Republican, and bitterly opposed Charles X, which fact forced him to seek his home in America. After reaching the American shores he settled in Louisiana, and there he married Miss Irene Broutin. Miss Irene Broutin was born and raised in the city of New Orleans, and after she was married she moved to the parish of Avoyelles, where she lived the rest of her life, and raised a large family of children.
T. H. Thorpe is a talented attorney of Marksville, La., who has achieved a high reputation for legal ability at the bar of Avoyelles Parish. He was born in Louisville, Ky., in 1849, to Thomas J. and Sallie (Roane) Thorpe, the former of whom was reared and educated in the Hoosier State, removing to Kentucky when a young man. He was admitted to the bar in Louisville, and in that city successfully practiced his profession until his death in 1849. His wife was a Virginian by birth, a grand-daughter of Chief Justice Roane of Virginia and great-grand-daughter of Patrick Henry. She died in 1859. T. H. Thorpe was the youngest of five brothers, attained manhood on Blue Grass soil, his education being obtained in the schools of that State and in Philadelphia, Penn., having removed to this city at the age of sixteen years, at which place he entered the law office of E. H. Thorpe & Thomas J. Dwight, at the same time taking lectures in the Law University. In September, 1870, he was admitted to the Philadelphia bar, and there continued to practice his profession until 1880, when he removed to Marksville, La., at which place he was admitted to the Louisiana bar in January, 1890. He has always been a faithful practioner, and is now enjoying the rewards of his diligence. His desire to establish himself in a more lucrative field has been realized, and he has made a reputation for himself for ability, zeal and earnestness. He was married in 1871, in Philadelphia, to Miss Mary L. Fisher, by whom he has two sons and three daughters. Mr. Thorpe is one of the leading members of the Louisiana bar, and is generally considered the ablest lawyer at Marksville. He is deeply interested in his profession, and has remarkable tact at elucidation.
J. M. Watson is an industrious, enterprising man of business, and as a general merchant of Bunkie, La., he has built up a large paying trade. He was born in St. Helena Parish, La., in 1845, and was there reared and educated. For about four years he was engaged as manager of a cooperative store in Grangeville, La., but in 1886 began merchandising in East Feliciana Parish for himself, and there successfully continued operations until February, 1890, when he bought the general mercantile stock belonging to Harvey & Viers, of Bunkie, La., and at this place has since conducted a flourishing business. His earnest and sincere endeavors to succeed in life have resulted satisfactorily, and as a shrewd financier he has not his superior in the parish. His marriage which occurred in 1870 was to Miss Lizzie Woodward, who died in 1885, leaving five children—two sons and three daughters—one child dying at the age of ten years, in 1888. In 1888 Mr. Watson’s second marriage took place, his wife being Miss Florence White, and to their marriage a daughter and son have been born. Although still a comparatively young man he has had an active career, and by his advanced ideas and progressive habits had done no little for the mercantile interests of Avoyelles Parish. His parents, John and Anna (Hays) Watson, were Louisianians by birth, and the father was a prosperous planter of Eastern Louisiana for many years. He died in 1861, at the age of forty-five years, and his widow passed from life in 1890 at the age of seventy-three years.
A. B. West is a member of the well-known general mercantile firm of W. A. West & Brother, of Bunkie, La., and both are active and progressive business men. A. B. West was born in Avoyelles Parish, La., September 28, 1868, to Isham and E. C. (O’Quinn) West, both of whom were born, reared, educated and married in this State, the former being a planter by occupation. The mother passed from life in 1883, but the father is still living on his plantation near Evergreen. A. B. West was educated in Keatchie College, Keatchie, La., and after leaving his institution was for about two years engaged as clerk. About 1888 he opened a mercantile establishment in Bunkie, and has since carried an exceptionally large and well selected stock of goods. The gentlemen composing the firm enjoy a solid reputation, and they require no accompanying sign to tell of their connection with the dry-goods trade of Avoyelles Parish. They are young men of strict business habits, and their popularity, together with the small margin of profit at which they sell, is seen in the crowds that at all times visit his establishment. They have always contributed their share to every public enterprise, and have at all times labored to advance the best interests of the parish.
Prof. Charles Campbell Wier, Evergreen, La. This prominent and very successful educator was originally from Mississippi. He was born in Enterprise, in 1866, and is a son of T. D. and Margaret (Campbell) Wier, both natives of Alabama. The father was of Irish, and the mother of Scotch descent. The father followed merchandising in Mobile until the breaking out of the war, when he entered the Confederate Army, and served for four years. After the war he was located for a short time in Enterprise, Miss., where he was a cotton buyer, but in 1867 he removed to Louisiana, where he purchased a plantation near Bunkie, in 1868, which he has successfully operated ever since. Prof. Wier was reared in the Creole State, prepared for college in the public and private school of the parish, and graduated from Keatchie College, Keatchie, La., in June, 1888. The following September, he opened a school in St. Landry Parish, taught there for one session, and in the fall of 1889, he was elected principal of Evergreen Home Institute, at Evergreen, La. Mr. Wier’s predecessor having died while in charge of the institute, the school had deteriorated rapidly, and when Mr. Wier assumed charge he had but a few scholars. Now the school has a large attendance, and is in a flourishing condition. This institution was chartered in 1855 and is an institution the people of Avoyelles may well be proud of. Mr. Wier is a gentleman of judgment and ability, and his efforts in behalf of the school have been highly appreciated by his patrons.
Robert Dumville Windes, planter, Eola, La. Mr. Windes is a well-to do cotton planter of Avoyelles, Parish, La., this occupation having received his attention from early boyhood, his father having been uncommonly devoted to agriculture. He is a native of St. Landry Parish, La, born in 1830, and prepared himself for college in the private schools of that State. In 1850 he entered the junior class at Center College, Danville, Ky., but left there after six months to begin the study of law under Judge T. B. Monroe, of Frankfort, Ky. In 1852 he received a diploma from the law school of Transylvania University at Lexington, Ky., and after being admitted to the bar in his own State, in 1855, practiced law in New Orleans for a short time. Upon the death of his mother in 1859, he returned home. In the beginning of 1862 he enlisted in Boone’s battery as a private, and later was promoted to sergeant. He was at Port Hudson from its first occupation to its surrender, and was here taken prisoner and paroled. Upon being exchanged in the latter part of December, he rejoined his command and served until the close of hostilities, being disbanded at Alexandria. Since his return home he has operated his plantation, and has been sufficiently successful to keep out of debt and his place free from mortgages. He has been a lifelong student of the classics, Greek and Latin, speaks and writes the French language quite proficiently, and reads German. Being in easy financial circ*mstances, he is enabled to give his chief attention to literature to the exclusion of money making, and though taking a keen interest in general politics, he is not an active politician and has no aspirations for office. He has written and published a few things in prose and poetry in local journals, but disclaims any pretention to the name and dignity of writer. His parents, Dr. Robert Dumville Windes, Sr., and Eugenia Peak Ferguson, were natives of Tennessee and Louisiana, respectively. The father was reared and principally educated in Missouri, whither he had removed with his parents in childhood. When nineteen years of age, he came to St. Landry Parish, where he taught school and pursued the study of medicine, which he had begun under an able physician in Missouri. In 1834 he removed to Avoyelles Parish, and purchased the property where his son, R. D. Windes (subject) now resides. He cleared his land and in connection practiced his profession. His death occurred in 1869, his widow having preceded him ten years.
[Source: Chapter XII, “Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Louisiana”; Chicago; The Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1892 - Transcribed by Mary Anne Wistermann.]
