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STEWART, J. T., Alabama then St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
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desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
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J. T. STEWART, OPELOUSAS.--Mr. Stewart, an enterprising citizen and
lumber merchant of Opelousas, was born in Alabama, November 4, 1854.
His father, A. Stewart, is a native of North Carolina. His mother,
Martha Bass, was a native of South Carolina. While young they moved to
Alabama, where their children were born, six in number, all of whom now
reside in Louisiana. They subsequently moved to Mississippi in 1864.
They now are residents of Chicot, Louisiana.
J. T. Stewart was reared partly in Alabama and partly in Mississippi.
He a limited education, but has always kept himself well informed. He
gave his attention to saw-milling until 1881, when he located in
Opelousas, and opened the business in which he is now engaged. Mr.
Stewart was one of the pioneer citizens of the new and growing town of
Crowley, Acadia parish, Louisiana, in which he owns considerable
property. After residing there two years he moved back to Opelousas and
began his present business. He is a man of good judgment and has met
with success.
He married Miss Amanda Sunerlin, also a native of Alabama. They are the
parents of two children: Jimmie, Willie, and they are rearing them
with every possible advantage.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 74-75. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
SYLVESTER, (Capt.) E. W., Waldo County, ME., then St. Landry Parish,
Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
CAPT. E. W. SYLVESTER, PALMETTO.--Capt. E. W. Sylvester was born in
Waldo county, Maine, in 1839. He is the son of Daniel W. and Lydia
Sylvester, who were both natives of Maine. Daniel W. Sylvester was a
millwright by occupation; he died in 1888, at the age of seventy-six
years. His mother died when Capt. E. W. Sylvester was an infant. He
was the only child, and had the best educational advantages. At the age
of fifteen, on account of ill health, he left school, went to Europe,
and for several years followed a seaman's life.
At the breaking out of the war he entered the Sixth Maine Infantry, and
was in active service during the whole war. He entered as a private,
but was afterward promoted. His field of operation was wholly in
Virginia. He was wounded several times.
After the war he operated a canning factory in Portland, Maine, until
coming South in 1867, when he located where he now resides. Here he
purchased about one thousand acres of land, upon which cotton and sugar
are cultivated. He has taken quite an interest in raising a fine grade
of stock, and has now the finest stock to be found in this Section of
the country. In the overflow of 1882 he lost heavily from loss of stock
and otherwise.
Capt. Sylvester was married, in 1858, to Miss Mary Simpson, of Kennebec
county, Maine. Their family is composed of five children, three sons
and two daughters. The Captain and his wife are members of the
Unitarian church.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 76-77. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
THOMPSON, C. M., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
C. M. THOMPSON, OPELOUSAS.--C. M. Thompson was born in St. Landry parish
in 1853. He is the son of A. J. and Lucretia Thompson. A. J. Thompson
came South with his parents before he attained his majority, and located
at Opelousas. Here he opened a drug store, but he lost everything by
the war. Shortly after this he received a sunstroke, which rendered him
an invalid the rest of his life, and he died in 1879. Mrs. Lucretia
Thompson is a native of St. Landry parish. Her father was born in New
Hampshire, and her grandfather was a native of Canada.
C. M. Thompson's education and opportunities for material advancement
were restricted by the necessities of his widowed mother and a large
family of younger brothers and sisters. He supported the family by his
own earnings and saved money enough to enter the livery business. He
was elected first constable of Ward I in 1884, and held the position for
one term. He was appointed postmaster at Opelousas by President Grant
in 1876, and held the position until 1878, when he resigned to become a
candidate for sheriff of St. Landry parish, but was defeated. He was
appointed register of the parish, and later was elected marshal, and
held that position until 1879. He was elected district clerk, 1888, and
is the present efficient incumbent of that office.
Mr. Thompson was married in 1876 to Miss V. S. Garland. He is a member
of the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion of Honor.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 84. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
VEAZIE, Edward P., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
EDWARD P. VEAZIE, OPELOUSAS.--Mr. Veazie, one of the oldest members of
the Opelousas bar, was born in St. Landry parish in 1850. He is the son
of Philip Veazie and Anne C. Foley. Philip Veazie was born in Portland,
Maine, and was by occupation a ship builder. He came south early in
life, and settled in Louisiana, where he married in 1848. He was a
victim of the gold fever of '48, and in the year 1849 went to San
Francisco, leaving his family in Opelousas. There he died in the latter
part of 1850.
E. P. Veazie was reared in St. Landry parish by Judge G. E. Hudspeth,
and was educated in the University of Louisiana. On beginning active
business life he first worked for a period of two years in the district
clerk's office. He then studied law under his foster father at Baton
Rouge, and was admitted to the bar in 1874. Up to 1879 he was justice
of the peace, when he began a regular practice. He does the largest
criminal practice at the bar of Opelousas at this time.
Mr. Veazie is united in marriage with Miss Corinne Hebrard. They are
the parents of two children--Annie and Ailene.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 84-87. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
VIDRINE, Alcin, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
ALCIN VIDRINE, WASHINGTON.--Mr. Vidrine is a native of St. Landry
parish, born October 21, 1845. He is the son of Antoine and Josephine
(Ortego) Vidrine, natives of Louisiana, where they were married and
became the parents of sixteen children, nine of whom are living.
Alcin Vidrine was reared and received his education in St. Landry
parish. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Sixteenth Louisiana Regiment,
and was in many of the active engagements of the war. At Glasgow,
Kentucky, he was taken prisoner, 1862. Next year he was paroled, and
recaptured at Chickamauga and kept prisoner for twenty months, until
May, 1865. After the war he was engaged in planting and merchandising,
which he continued for seven years. Since 1882 he has given his
mercantile business his chief attention, though he owns a plantation of
about five hundred acres, which is cultivated by tenants.
Mr. Vidrine was married in St. Landry parish, in 1867, to Miss Mary E.
Thompson, a native of Louisiana, born in 1848. Mr. Vidrine and wife are
members of the Catholic church. He is a member of the Farmers'
Alliance.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 88. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
ZERNOTT, Robert, Prussia then St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
ROBERT ZERNOTT, WASHINGTON.--Robert Zernott is a native of Prussia, born
January 22, 1836. He is the son of August and Anistena (Falk) Zernott,
both of whom are natives of Prussia.
The subject of our sketch was reared and educated in Prussia, was a
soldier in the Prussian army, and served in the Italian war. At the
beginning of the Civil War he came to New York, and shortly after
arriving enlisted in the Second Rhode Island Regiment, and served in
this and the Third Rhode Island during the whole of the war. His field
of operations was principally in Louisiana. He enlisted as a private
and subsequently was made sergeant. At the close of the war he was
stationed at Washington, where he remained a short time after the war
closed; his stay embracing in all a period of about six months. During
this time he was so favorably impressed with the country and the people
that, at the earnest request of many of the good citizens, he located
here permanently. He first began business as a planter, but the first
year he was unfortunate in suffering a loss of everything invested from
an overflow, and he subsequently embarked in livery business and
carriage manufacturing. Mr. Zernott is a man of remarkable genius for
mechanism, and has never attempted anything in that line that he has not
accomplished. From being thrown from a horse he lost his left arm, but,
notwithstanding this, he conducted his business and did most of the fine
work himself.
During the time he was engaged in carriage manufacturing he built up an
extensive trade over Louisiana, and the demand for his work was greater
than he could supply. From a partial loss of eyesight, he was forced to
retire from the business in 1887, since which time he has devoted
himself to constructing and building bridges, buildings, etc. He
married in 1869, Miss Emma Millspaugh, a native of Washington. She died
four years after their marriage, having become the mother of three
children, two sons and one daughter. Mr. Zernott married, in 1871, Miss
Grace Millspaugh, sister of his former wife. This union has been
blessed with two sons and two daughters.
Washington has never had an enterprise since Mr. Zernott has resided
there in which he has not been an active participant.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 91-92. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
SAVANT, J. P., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
ROBIN, Joseph N., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
JOS. N. ROBIN, LEONVILLE.--Joseph N. Robin, merchant and planter, living
on the Bayou Teche, Leonville, was born near where he now resides, May
14, 1843. His parents, Francois and Eleonore (Stelley) Robin, are both
natives of St. Landry. Francois Robin is still living and resides with
his son, our subject, being nearly eighty years of age. He was before
the war a merchant of Grand Coteau, since which time he has been engaged
in planting interests on the Bayou Teche where he owns a tract of seven
thousand acres of land, as fine a piece of land as can be found in this
section. He has served on the police jury, represented his parish in
the legislature, and held other important positions of trust. The
family are members of the Catholic church.
The subject of our sketch is the third of a family of six children. He
received his education in St. Charles College, Grand Coteau. At the
breaking out of hostilities he was in the second class, and at this time
he left college and enlisted in the Confederate States service. After
the war he gave his attention to planting. In 1870 he opened a
mercantile establishment near where he now does business. Five years
later he removed his business to his present location, where he has
built up an extensive business, amounting at the present time to from
twelve to fifteen thousand dollars annually. He owns a magnificent
plantation consisting of twenty-seven hundred and fifty acres. He has
served as post-master at Leonville for four years. In 1868 he married
Miss Alzire Saizan of this parish. There have been born to them eight
children, seven of whom are still living, viz.: Arthur, Amelia,
Octavian, Louis, Numa, Oscar, Charles, Maria, and Aleda,
(deceased).
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 71. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
J. P. SAVANT, GARLAND.--Mr. Savant is an example of what an energetic
young man can accomplish. He is a native of St. Landry parish,
Louisiana, and is yet a young man, being only in his twenty-second year.
He is a son of Adolph and Mary (McDaniel) Savant, both natives of St.
Landry parish. His father was a very successful planter and owned one
of the finest plantations of Bayou Boeuf, near Whiteville. He lived a
quiet and unassuming life, devoting himself exclusively to his
plantation interests. He died in 1882, at the at the of fifty-two
years. Mrs. Savant is still living, in Avoyelles parish, near Eola.
Young J. P. Savant was reared in his native parish and received the
benefit of a thorough academic education. He was reared on a
plantation, and began life at the age of sixteen years as a clerk in a
general mercantile establishment at Whiteville, in which he was engaged
for a period aggregating four years. During this time he saved
sufficient money to begin business on a small scale for himself, and, in
1888, he began the mercantile business at Garland, and subsequently he
became a partner in a large mercantile house in Whiteville. There are
few young men in this section who have accomplished more than Mr. Savant
at his age. He has been abundantly successful in his business thus far,
and, accepting this as an index to his future, in addition to haying a
knowledge of his strict business habits, we may predict that the first
chapter in a continued story of success has but ended.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 78-79. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
SAVOY, Valentine, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
ROBIN, Joseph N., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
JOS. N. ROBIN, LEONVILLE.--Joseph N. Robin, merchant and planter, living
on the Bayou Teche, Leonville, was born near where he now resides, May
14, 1843. His parents, Francois and Eleonore (Stelley) Robin, are both
natives of St. Landry. Francois Robin is still living and resides with
his son, our subject, being nearly eighty years of age. He was before
the war a merchant of Grand Coteau, since which time he has been engaged
in planting interests on the Bayou Teche where he owns a tract of seven
thousand acres of land, as fine a piece of land as can be found in this
section. He has served on the police jury, represented his parish in
the legislature, and held other important positions of trust. The
family are members of the Catholic church.
The subject of our sketch is the third of a family of six children. He
received his education in St. Charles College, Grand Coteau. At the
breaking out of hostilities he was in the second class, and at this time
he left college and enlisted in the Confederate States service. After
the war he gave his attention to planting. In 1870 he opened a
mercantile establishment near where he now does business. Five years
later he removed his business to his present location, where he has
built up an extensive business, amounting at the present time to from
twelve to fifteen thousand dollars annually. He owns a magnificent
plantation consisting of twenty-seven hundred and fifty acres. He has
served as post-master at Leonville for four years. In 1868 he married
Miss Alzire Saizan of this parish. There have been born to them eight
children, seven of whom are still living, viz.: Arthur, Amelia,
Octavian, Louis, Numa, Oscar, Charles, Maria, and Aleda,
(deceased).
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 71. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
VALENTINE SAVOY, CHATAIGNIER.--Mr. Savoy is a native of St. Landry
parish, born in 1836. He is the son of Valcour and Eugenia (Reyder)
Savoy, the former a native of St. Landry, and the latter of Rapides
parish. Valcour Savoy is a son of Placide Savoy, also a native of St.
Landry.
The subject of our sketch received his education in the common schools
of St. Landry parish. He began life at the age of twenty years, and was
first engaged in the manufacture of spinning wheels, which he followed
until 1868, when he began a mercantile business in Chataignier, at the
same time operating a plantation. This dual business he conducted
successfully until 1879, since which time he has given his attention
chiefly to his plantation. He is also operating in connection with this
a large gin, and for a portion of the time a saw-mill. Mr. Savoy has a
fine plantation of about six hundred acres, and cultivates rice and
cotton principally.
He was married, in 1885, to Denise Fruger, a native of St. Landry
parish, born in 1838, and of one of the oldest families of the parish.
To them have been born eight children, six of whom are now living, viz.:
Agelas, Catherine, wife of -Francois Savoy; Valentine, wife of
Alexander Agelar; Clara, wife of Numa Agelar; Arras and Louis. Mr.
Savoy has filled different positions of trust with efficiency. He is a
member of the Masonic fraternity.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 80. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
SHUTE, I. E., Lawrence County, OH., then St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
ROBIN, Joseph N., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
JOS. N. ROBIN, LEONVILLE.--Joseph N. Robin, merchant and planter, living
on the Bayou Teche, Leonville, was born near where he now resides, May
14, 1843. His parents, Francois and Eleonore (Stelley) Robin, are both
natives of St. Landry. Francois Robin is still living and resides with
his son, our subject, being nearly eighty years of age. He was before
the war a merchant of Grand Coteau, since which time he has been engaged
in planting interests on the Bayou Teche where he owns a tract of seven
thousand acres of land, as fine a piece of land as can be found in this
section. He has served on the police jury, represented his parish in
the legislature, and held other important positions of trust. The
family are members of the Catholic church.
The subject of our sketch is the third of a family of six children. He
received his education in St. Charles College, Grand Coteau. At the
breaking out of hostilities he was in the second class, and at this time
he left college and enlisted in the Confederate States service. After
the war he gave his attention to planting. In 1870 he opened a
mercantile establishment near where he now does business. Five years
later he removed his business to his present location, where he has
built up an extensive business, amounting at the present time to from
twelve to fifteen thousand dollars annually. He owns a magnificent
plantation consisting of twenty-seven hundred and fifty acres. He has
served as post-master at Leonville for four years. In 1868 he married
Miss Alzire Saizan of this parish. There have been born to them eight
children, seven of whom are still living, viz.: Arthur, Amelia,
Octavian, Louis, Numa, Oscar, Charles, Maria, and Aleda,
(deceased).
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 71. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
I. E. SHUTE, M. D. SHULETON.--Dr. I. E. Shute is a native of Lawrence
county, Ohio, born in November, 1850. His parents, Captain J. G. Shute
and Sarah Smith, were both natives of the same county. They were reared
and married here, and became the parents of four children, our subject
being the eldest. J. G. Shute was a steamboat captain, and was killed
in the explosion of the "David White," in 1867, at Greenville. His wife
died, in 1854, at her home in Lawrence county, Ohio.
Dr. Shute had good educational facilities as a boy, and at the age of
eighteen years he engaged in the drug business at Ashland, Kentucky, in
partnership with Dr. J. W. Martin, in which business he continued for
about two years, when he sold his interest in the store and removed to
Louisville, Kentucky. He studied medicine in Louisville, at the same
time practising [sic] in the Chanty Hospital there. Here he remained
until 1873, in which year he graduated. He located in Boyd county,
Kentucky, and practised medicine for two years, when he removed to his
old home in Lawrence county, Ohio, practising his profession there
during the year 1876, when he removed to New Orleans, and bought an
interest in the "Col. A. P. Kouns," of which he was clerk for two years.
The "Kouns" sunk in 1878, thirty miles below Alexandria, on Red River.
After this unfortunate event he again resumed the practice of his
profession, at the same time operating a plantation near Opelousas. In
1883 he sold his plantation and returned to Ashland, Boyd county,
Kentucky, where he bought a home and practised his profession for about
twelve months, when he sold his property there. In the spring of 1884
he again returned to St. Landry parish, Louisiana, locating seven miles
south of Opelousas, where he now resides and practises medicine. In
connection with his professional duties, he has an interest in a
mercantile business conducted on his premises by C. V. Dejan. The
doctor was married during his travels in Lawrence county, Ohio, in 1874,
to Georgia Kouns, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Captain I. H. Kouns. They
have had born to them four children: James I., Frank C., Irene E.,
and Mattie K. After his extended travels, the doctor gives it as his
opinion that Louisiana is the garden spot of the world, and is satisfied
to make it his home. He has succeeded in building up a remunerative
practice, and stands high in the medical profession of St. Landry
parish.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 77-78. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
SKIPPER, J. T., Erath County, TX., then St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
J. T. SKIPPER, OPELOUSAS.--Mr. Skipper, cashier of the First National
bank of Opelousas, was born in Stephenville, Erath county, Texas. He
attended school at Grandberry, Texas, and subsequently entered the
employment of the Wolf City Bank, Wolf City, Texas, and afterward was
engaged with the National Exchange Bank, Dallas, Texas. His close
attention to business soon rendered him highly efficient in all
departments of the banking business, and opened to him places of
preferment above older employés of the bank. But Mr. Skipper was not
satisfied to remain as an employe; consequently, in looking around for
an opening, and the necessities for a bank at Opelousas being patent, he
came here and successfully centered the attention of the leading
business men upon the question, and the result of his efforts was the
organization of the First National Bank of Opelousas, with a capital
stock of $50,000. Of this institution Mr. Alphonse Levy is President
and S. Joseph Wilson, Vice President. The bank is in the most
flourishing condition and supplies a long felt want to the business men
in Opelousas. Mr. Skipper understands all the intricacies of the
banking business, and the people of Opelousas could have secured no one
who would have been more fitted for the position he occupies. Although
of an intensely business predilection, Mr. Skipper enjoys the pleasures
of the social circle and is one of the leaders in Opelousas society. He
is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 73. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
ROBIN, Joseph N., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
JOS. N. ROBIN, LEONVILLE.--Joseph N. Robin, merchant and planter, living
on the Bayou Teche, Leonville, was born near where he now resides, May
14, 1843. His parents, Francois and Eleonore (Stelley) Robin, are both
natives of St. Landry. Francois Robin is still living and resides with
his son, our subject, being nearly eighty years of age. He was before
the war a merchant of Grand Coteau, since which time he has been engaged
in planting interests on the Bayou Teche where he owns a tract of seven
thousand acres of land, as fine a piece of land as can be found in this
section. He has served on the police jury, represented his parish in
the legislature, and held other important positions of trust. The
family are members of the Catholic church.
The subject of our sketch is the third of a family of six children. He
received his education in St. Charles College, Grand Coteau. At the
breaking out of hostilities he was in the second class, and at this time
he left college and enlisted in the Confederate States service. After
the war he gave his attention to planting. In 1870 he opened a
mercantile establishment near where he now does business. Five years
later he removed his business to his present location, where he has
built up an extensive business, amounting at the present time to from
twelve to fifteen thousand dollars annually. He owns a magnificent
plantation consisting of twenty-seven hundred and fifty acres. He has
served as post-master at Leonville for four years. In 1868 he married
Miss Alzire Saizan of this parish. There have been born to them eight
children, seven of whom are still living, viz.: Arthur, Amelia,
Octavian, Louis, Numa, Oscar, Charles, Maria, and Aleda,
(deceased).
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 71. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
ROUGEAU, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
ROBIN, Joseph N., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
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desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
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personal use only.
JOS. N. ROBIN, LEONVILLE.--Joseph N. Robin, merchant and planter, living
on the Bayou Teche, Leonville, was born near where he now resides, May
14, 1843. His parents, Francois and Eleonore (Stelley) Robin, are both
natives of St. Landry. Francois Robin is still living and resides with
his son, our subject, being nearly eighty years of age. He was before
the war a merchant of Grand Coteau, since which time he has been engaged
in planting interests on the Bayou Teche where he owns a tract of seven
thousand acres of land, as fine a piece of land as can be found in this
section. He has served on the police jury, represented his parish in
the legislature, and held other important positions of trust. The
family are members of the Catholic church.
The subject of our sketch is the third of a family of six children. He
received his education in St. Charles College, Grand Coteau. At the
breaking out of hostilities he was in the second class, and at this time
he left college and enlisted in the Confederate States service. After
the war he gave his attention to planting. In 1870 he opened a
mercantile establishment near where he now does business. Five years
later he removed his business to his present location, where he has
built up an extensive business, amounting at the present time to from
twelve to fifteen thousand dollars annually. He owns a magnificent
plantation consisting of twenty-seven hundred and fifty acres. He has
served as post-master at Leonville for four years. In 1868 he married
Miss Alzire Saizan of this parish. There have been born to them eight
children, seven of whom are still living, viz.: Arthur, Amelia,
Octavian, Louis, Numa, Oscar, Charles, Maria, and Aleda,
(deceased).
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 71. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
LANDRY ROUGEAU, OPELOUSAS.--Landry Rougeau was born in St. Landry parish
in 1847. He is the son of Francois and Apoline (Bordelon) Rougeau,
natives of St. Landry parish. Francois Rougeau was quite a prominent
citizen, and held various offices. During the civil war he was in
service from its beginning until the time of his death in 1863. Being
disabled shortly after enlisting, he was rendered unfit for service in
the field, and was detailed to the commissary department, and here he
was in service when he died. The mother of our subject is still living,
and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Henry P. Fontenot.
Landry Rougeau is one of a family of four children: Celeste, wife of
Henry Fusilier; John B. Landry, the subject of this sketch; and one
deceased. Mr. Rougeau received a common school education in the schools
of St. Landry parish, and began life as a planter. This occupation he
has closely followed during the whole of his life, and in it has met
with flattering success. His pleasant plantation, situated in Prairie
Momou [sic], consists of two hundred and twenty-five acres, about sixty
of which he cultivates in corn, cotton and rice principally. During the
civil war Mr. Rougeau served the Confederate States through its entire
duration. He married, in 1869, Miss Margaret Frauge, daughter of
Auguste F. and Celeste (West) Frauge, natives of St. Landry parish.
This union has been blessed with six children: Celesta, Arthur,
Arnald, Zepherin, Alma and Alice.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 68. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
SAIZAN, David T., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
ROBIN, Joseph N., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
JOS. N. ROBIN, LEONVILLE.--Joseph N. Robin, merchant and planter, living
on the Bayou Teche, Leonville, was born near where he now resides, May
14, 1843. His parents, Francois and Eleonore (Stelley) Robin, are both
natives of St. Landry. Francois Robin is still living and resides with
his son, our subject, being nearly eighty years of age. He was before
the war a merchant of Grand Coteau, since which time he has been engaged
in planting interests on the Bayou Teche where he owns a tract of seven
thousand acres of land, as fine a piece of land as can be found in this
section. He has served on the police jury, represented his parish in
the legislature, and held other important positions of trust. The
family are members of the Catholic church.
The subject of our sketch is the third of a family of six children. He
received his education in St. Charles College, Grand Coteau. At the
breaking out of hostilities he was in the second class, and at this time
he left college and enlisted in the Confederate States service. After
the war he gave his attention to planting. In 1870 he opened a
mercantile establishment near where he now does business. Five years
later he removed his business to his present location, where he has
built up an extensive business, amounting at the present time to from
twelve to fifteen thousand dollars annually. He owns a magnificent
plantation consisting of twenty-seven hundred and fifty acres. He has
served as post-master at Leonville for four years. In 1868 he married
Miss Alzire Saizan of this parish. There have been born to them eight
children, seven of whom are still living, viz.: Arthur, Amelia,
Octavian, Louis, Numa, Oscar, Charles, Maria, and Aleda,
(deceased).
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 71. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
DAVID T. SAIZAN, PORT BARRE.--Mr. Saizan is a native of St. Landry, born
March 9, 1828. He is the son of Alexis and Serephine Saizan, natives of
Pointe Coupée and St. James parishes respectively. Alexis Saizan died
in St. Landry in 1834, when about fifty years of age, his wife surviving
him several years. The Saizan family have most of them been planters.
The subject of our sketch spent his school days in St. Landry, residing
with his mother until her death. When but a boy he commenced planting,
which he has followed ever since. He has been very successful in
business pursuits and now owns seven hundred and fifty acres of land,
nearly all of which is under cultivation; also considerable town
property. Since 1865 he has alternately devoted his attention to
merchandising and planting. In 1872 he removed to the place where he
now resides, and has since been engaged in receiving and forwarding
merchandise. In addition to this, in 1875, he opened a general
mercantile establishment, in which business he has been very successful.
He became post-master of Port Barre in 1874. He now owns nearly all the
property in this place. He has served as member of the police jury for
a period of eight years and has been justice of the peace for two years.
Although sixty years of age, he is hale and hearty and looks many years
younger than he really is. In 1847 he married Felicite Robin, daughter
of Otto Robin, of St. Landry parish. They are the parents of four
living children, viz.: Dr. J. P., Alozire, Arsene and Bertha. Mr.
Saizan is a gentleman of a most charitable and magnanimous disposition.
He has reared and started in life eight orphan children, and at the
present time has charge of three.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 75-76. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
SAIZAN, J. P., M. D.; St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
ROBIN, Joseph N., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
JOS. N. ROBIN, LEONVILLE.--Joseph N. Robin, merchant and planter, living
on the Bayou Teche, Leonville, was born near where he now resides, May
14, 1843. His parents, Francois and Eleonore (Stelley) Robin, are both
natives of St. Landry. Francois Robin is still living and resides with
his son, our subject, being nearly eighty years of age. He was before
the war a merchant of Grand Coteau, since which time he has been engaged
in planting interests on the Bayou Teche where he owns a tract of seven
thousand acres of land, as fine a piece of land as can be found in this
section. He has served on the police jury, represented his parish in
the legislature, and held other important positions of trust. The
family are members of the Catholic church.
The subject of our sketch is the third of a family of six children. He
received his education in St. Charles College, Grand Coteau. At the
breaking out of hostilities he was in the second class, and at this time
he left college and enlisted in the Confederate States service. After
the war he gave his attention to planting. In 1870 he opened a
mercantile establishment near where he now does business. Five years
later he removed his business to his present location, where he has
built up an extensive business, amounting at the present time to from
twelve to fifteen thousand dollars annually. He owns a magnificent
plantation consisting of twenty-seven hundred and fifty acres. He has
served as post-master at Leonville for four years. In 1868 he married
Miss Alzire Saizan of this parish. There have been born to them eight
children, seven of whom are still living, viz.: Arthur, Amelia,
Octavian, Louis, Numa, Oscar, Charles, Maria, and Aleda,
(deceased).
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 71. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
J. P. SAIZAN, M. D., OPELOUSAS.--Dr. Saizan is a native of St. Landry
parish, Louisiana. He is a son of D. P. and Phelcilte (Robin) Saizan,
of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this work.
Dr. Saizan, at an early age, entered St. Charles College, Grand Coteau,
Louisiana, where he remained two years. He afterward graduated in the
commercial department of Manhattan College, New York City, at the head
of his class.
In 1886 he received from this college the degree of Bachelor of Arts,
and subsequently that of Master of Arts. Subsequently he entered the
medical department of Tulane University. While there he stood a
successful competitive examination for entrance into the Charity
Hospital as resident student. Desiring to receive the practical
benefits derived from this position, he served until 1890 in this
institution as interné and ambulance surgeon.
Immediately upon leaving here Dr. Saizan located in Opelousas, where he
has since practised [sic]. He has succeeded in ingratiating himself in
the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has cast his lot. The
future holds much in store for him.
He married, September 30, 1890, one of Opelousas' most accomplished
ladies, Miss Bessie, daughter of Thomas H. Lewis, a prominent attorney
of this place.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 75. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
SANDOZ, Leonce, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
ROBIN, Joseph N., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 28 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
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proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
JOS. N. ROBIN, LEONVILLE.--Joseph N. Robin, merchant and planter, living
on the Bayou Teche, Leonville, was born near where he now resides, May
14, 1843. His parents, Francois and Eleonore (Stelley) Robin, are both
natives of St. Landry. Francois Robin is still living and resides with
his son, our subject, being nearly eighty years of age. He was before
the war a merchant of Grand Coteau, since which time he has been engaged
in planting interests on the Bayou Teche where he owns a tract of seven
thousand acres of land, as fine a piece of land as can be found in this
section. He has served on the police jury, represented his parish in
the legislature, and held other important positions of trust. The
family are members of the Catholic church.
The subject of our sketch is the third of a family of six children. He
received his education in St. Charles College, Grand Coteau. At the
breaking out of hostilities he was in the second class, and at this time
he left college and enlisted in the Confederate States service. After
the war he gave his attention to planting. In 1870 he opened a
mercantile establishment near where he now does business. Five years
later he removed his business to his present location, where he has
built up an extensive business, amounting at the present time to from
twelve to fifteen thousand dollars annually. He owns a magnificent
plantation consisting of twenty-seven hundred and fifty acres. He has
served as post-master at Leonville for four years. In 1868 he married
Miss Alzire Saizan of this parish. There have been born to them eight
children, seven of whom are still living, viz.: Arthur, Amelia,
Octavian, Louis, Numa, Oscar, Charles, Maria, and Aleda,
(deceased).
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 71. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
LEONCE SANDOZ, OPELOUSAS.--Leonce Sandoz, editor and publisher of the
Opelousas Courier, is a native of Louisiana, born March 15, 1844. He is
the son of Joel H. and Ann (Wilburn) Sandoz. Joel H. Sandoz was a
native of Switzerland, born 1818. He removed to America at the age of
sixteen, locating in St. Martin parish, where he was engaged in the
printing business until 1843, when he removed to Opelousas and became
connected with the Opelousas Gazette. He founded the Opelousas Courier
December 11, 1852, and conducted it until December 17, 1870, when the
subject of this sketch and his brother, L. A., assumed active charge,
though he was still connected with the paper at the time of his death,
January 4, 1878. Leonce and L. A. Sandoz conducted the paper jointly
until January 1, 1891, when the partnership was dissolved and L. A.
assumed charge, as editor and publisher of the St. Landry Democrat.
Leonce Sandoz left school at the age of seventeen years, and enlisted in
the Confederate army. He was in active service and served during the
whole of the war. He was in the Army of Northern Virginia under
Stonewall Jackson until October, 1862, when he was transferred to the
Trans-Mississippi Department, and served the remainder of the war in the
famous Bull Battery, Capt. Fuller commanding. He was captured in
Virginia on Jackson's retreat from Harper's Ferry, June, 1862, and sent
to Port Delaware, where he was exchanged in August of the same year. He
participated in the second battle of Manses, and the fight at
Winchester, May, 1862. In the Trans-Mississippi Department he was
engaged in the battle at Camp Island, on board of gun-boat John A.
Cotton; and he was again captured at Fort dressy, and held prisoner at
New Orleans for five months. He was near Natchitoches at the close of
the war. After the war he returned to Opelousas and entered the
printing business in the office of the Courier, and to this he has given
his undivided attention since that time. The favor with which this
paper has been received is ample evidence of the able manner in which it
has been conducted during the thirty-eight years of its existence. A
full history of the paper will be found in the History of this Press, in
another part of this work.
Mr. Sandoz was married, in 1868, to Miss Helen L. Reynolds, a native of
Baton Rouge. They are the parents of six children; H. H., Fred,
Allen T., May, Estelle and Peyton. Mr. Sandoz and family are
Catholics.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 73-74. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
Bio: Herman F. Scheen, Bienville Parish Louisiana
Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890
Submitted by: Kay Thompson Brown
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
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desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
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personal use only.
HERMAN F. SCHEEN
Merchant
Sparta, La
Mr. Scheen is one of the substantial and leading merchants of Sparta, in fact,
in Bienville Parish, La., and as such, needs no special introduction to the
residents of the same. He has been a resident merchant of Sparta since 1871,
is doing an excellent business, which is constantly on the increase. and
is a gentleman highly honored and respected in the community. He is a native
of Hanover, Germany, was horn near the city of Osnabruck, Prussia, February 8,
1852, and is the eldest of seven children, who all reside in the United
States, except one sister, who still lives in Germany.
Mr. Herman P. Scheen was educated in the common schools, and increased this by
hard and studious application, which has fitted him for the practical life he
is at present leading. When twenty years of age he started out for himself,
as salesman in a general store, and although he started with little else than
an active and fertile brain, and excellent business tact and acumen, he has
made a complete success of life, and is, to day, one of the substantial men of
the parish.
Miss Maggie Lockett, who became his wife November 18, 1880, was horn in
Louisiana, and was possessed of a fine classical education, being a graduate
of Ringgold High School. To this marriage have been born three children--a
son and two daughters--only one now Living, Marie Louise (aged six years).
Mr. Scheen lost his wife in 1886, and later, on February 15, 1887, be was
married to Miss Mattie Gowen, a native of Louisiana, born in 1863, and a
graduate of Arcadia High School, Two children nave been born to this union--a
son and daughter: Louise Virginia and Freddie Gowen, the former two years and
a half old, and the latter ten months.
Mr. Scheen is a Simon-pure Democrat, in principle and precept, has taken an
active part in political affairs, and has stood firmly upon the principles of
right and justice. He was chairman of the executive committee (Democratic
party), from 1884 to 1888, and was also president of the police jury for he
full term, besides filling out an unexpired term. He was postmaster at Sparta
for several years, and take him all in all, he is one of the useful and
progressive men of his parish. He is public-spirited, and aims to do all in
his power to advance the interests of his people and parish. In his business
relations his word is as good as his bond, and is recognized as such. His
annual sales amount to from $15,000 to $20,000, which demonstrates that he is
wide awake to his interests, as a shrewd, capable man of business. He is also
the owner of a large amount of real estate, besides being the owner of
property in Sparta. He expects, at the present writing, to reside in
Bienville Parish, where his interests are centered, and where he is held in
high esteem and regard. He is a member of the Catholic, his wife a member of
the Baptist Church. Mr. Scheen has made all he has by strict business
principles, honesty and integrity.
Bio: Prof. Robert Augustus Smith, Ouachita, Claiborne and Bienville Louisiana
Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890
Submitted by: Kay Thompson Brown
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
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personal use only.
Prof. Robert Augustus Smith, the efficient and popular president of the E. A.
S. Male College, of Arcadia, La., was born in Houston County. Ga.,
January 22, 1841, and in the fall of 1848 was brought to Bienville Parish,
La., by his parents, Capt. Jesse and Emily Antoinette (Bryan) Smith, and in
this State has since made his home, having been a resident of Ouachita,
Claiborne and Bienville Parishes. He was the fourth child and second son of a
family of nine daughters and six sons born to his parents, and as his father
was a successful planter, he acquired a fair knowledge of that calling in his
youth. Prof. Smith received a very liberal education, completing the junior
course at the Mount Lebanon University, but at the age of eighteen years
entered Centenary College. In the meantime his father had taken an active
interest in the establishing of Homer College, in the northern portion of
the State, and prevailed upon his son to enter the new institution in 1859,
which he did, remaining there and completed his education on the eve of the
great Civil War between the North and the South.
Like the majority of sons, Prof. Smith imbibed the politics of his father, who
was a conservative man, and in reply to the query of his son as to how he
stood upon the question of secession, said: 'My son, I am for the Union so
long as there is a Union, then I am for my State." Again, as to his son
enlisting in the army, he said: "Our country is in war, it is our duty to
defend her to the last.'' His parting words to his son, who enlisted in the
Confederate States army, in May, after graduating in April, 1861, were: "My
son, be a man." These words burned into the very soul of Prof. Smith, and
sustained him in danger's darkest hour. In June, 1861, he became a member of
Company G., Minden Blues," under Capt. John L. Lewis, as a private, his
regiment, the Eighth, being under Col. Kelly, and his brigade, the Second
Louisiana, being under Gen. Harry T. Hayes. He was in the first battles of
the Potomac army, Bull Run, July 18, and Manasses, July 21, 1861. Immediately
alter the last named battle he was stricken with typhoid fever, which lasted
seven reeks, but by the kind treatment of the noble Virginian women, he
recovered and enjoyed the best of health the rest of his army life. The
following winter he re-enlisted in the Confederate army, and came home on a
furlough, but returned again to his command in April, 1862. He was elected to
the position of second sergeant, and was transferred with his brigade to
Jackson's division in the Valley of Virginia. In this department he remained,
participating in all the marches and engagements up to the second battle of
Manasses, where he received a gunshot wound in the left hand, August 27, 1862,
which incapacitated him for duty for some time, being in the hospital at
Lynchburg, Va. He then obtained a transfer to White Sulphur Springs, Va.,
where he obtained a furlough, reaching home December 3, 1862, just in time to
witness the death of his father, who died at 12:15 o' clock, December 4. After
settling up his father's estate, and placing a man in charge, the Professor
crossed the river at Natchez, and joined his command at Hamilton's Cross
Roads, Va., in April, 1863, to join the campaign into Pennsylvania. At the
battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863, he was pierced through the body with a
minie-ballm which, passing into the region of the spine, paralyzed him for
three months. He was taken prisoner and taken to David's Island, N. Y., July
20, where he remained, receiving the kindest treatment, until he was
sufficiently recovered to be paroled. He was sent south, to City Point a
paroled soldier, November 12, 1863, and from there was sent to the hospital at
Macon, Ga. While on parole in Pulaski County, Ga., he met Miss Anna Gertrude
Dunham, a daughter of Judge J. H. Dunham, a well known educator in the State
of Georgia, whom he married November 22,1866. In February, 1864, he was
exchanged, but remained on detailed service till August, 1864, when he was
transferred to the west side of the Mississippi River, where he was engaged in
attending to the business of his mother, and teaching his brothers and sisters
the neighbors' children, until the close of the war.
In the fall of 1866 he returned to Georgia, and was married as stated above.
Until 1872 he remained on the farm, managing his father's estate and teaching
school, but March 20 of that year, the old homestead, to which the entire
family had become greatly attached, caught fire and was burned to the ground,
which was an almost total less. In the fall of 1872, having been selected to
take charge of the Male College at Mount Lebanon, he gave up farm work and has
since devoted his time to teaching. In 1873 the female school was united with
the male, under his presidency, and this he managed with great success for
four years, when be was elected president of the Trenton Institute, at
Trenton, La. After two years be was elected president of Homer Male College
his former alma mater, of which be had control for four years, then becoming
superintendent of the public schools of the city of Monroe, La. The next
year, 1882, he again had charge of the Trenton Institute, but in 1883 he
moved to Arcadia, and founded a private institution, which he named and
dedicated to the honor of his aged mother, the "E. A. Seminary," the initials
representing his mother's first names. This institution he maintained under
the most trying circumstances and bitter opposition from another school. In
1890 the two schools were united under one management, and he became the
president of the E. A. S. Male College. Nurtured and trained by God-fearing
parents, he grew up a moral and religions man, joining, at the age of fourteen
years, the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of which he has since been a
devoted member, taking an active part in all church work, especially that of
the Sunday- school.
Having devoted his life to the cause of education, he very early became
sensible of the greatness and grandeur of the work in which he was engaged,
and he became fully impressed that an education that stopped short of
immortality was not of the highest kind. Teaching by example and precept, his
success as an educator or has been unprecedented, and now honorable positions
in every department of life are filled by his many pupils. Farmers, doctors,
lawyers, preachers, missionaries and teachers bear testimony to his ability as
an educator. In 1865 he was admitted to the lodge of Free Masonry, and for
six years served as master of his lodge, and three years as high priest of his
chapter. In 1883 he also becaame a member of the order A. L. of H. He has
always been conservative in politics, and while he has never taken an active
part in the management of affairs, he has always been to the polls and voted
for good and true men. He is a strong advocate of temperance, and never fails
to cast his vote against the whisky traffic, whenever an opportunity presents
itself. He is opposed to the lottery also, and, in fact, all kinds of
gambling, and has never engaged in any game of chance.
To himself and wife a fine family of nine children have been horn, five
sons and two daughters of whom are now living, and while there arc no
geniuses among them, they are all sound and well balanced in mind and body,
and give every promise of making useful and substantial men and women. Their
names are: Ione (born July 10, 1868), an infant son (born and died
August 11, 1870), Claud (born November 7, 1871), Dunham (born September 27,
1873), Robert (born December 21,1875, and died April 20, 1880), Anna (born
December 29, 1877), Carter born June 7,1880), Morgan (born October 21, 1882),
and Walker (born November 23, 1886). The eldest two children are preparing
themselves for teaching. The mother of these children was the eldest of her
parents' nine children and as her father was a noted educator of Georgia, and
had been for more than thirty years, she received the care and training bat a
loving parent-would bestow upon his first born. Her education, literary and
musical, was liberal and so well grounded that it has always renamed bright,
end has enabled her to render valuable aid to her husband in the school room.
Her musical attainments have added much to the pleasure and entertainment of
her husband and children, and has wielded a potent influence in cementing the
ties of affection, and in binding the hearts the children to their parents and
hone.
Bio: James L. Stewart, Bienville Parish, Louisiana
Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890
Submitted by: Kay Thompson Brown
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JAMES L. STEWART
Cotton Planter & Farmer
Arcadia, La.
Mr. Stewart has been a resident of Bienville Parish, La., since 1859, and is
recognized one of the stalwart and representative men of thee same. His
honesty and integrity have never been doubted, and his genial, social
disposition has shed its light over many. He was born in Jackson County,
Florida, the land of flowers, on September 27, 1827. His parents, James and
Sarah (Tucker) Stewart, wore natives of South Carolina and Georgia, and born
in 1795 and 1796, respectively. The father was a stock-raiser and an
agriculturist, and lived to be ninety-one years of age. The mother died in
May, 1890. They were educated in the primitive log school-house of
former days. Their children are named in the order of their births as follows:
Mary T. (deceased, married and was the owner of a large amount of land
in Texas), Lucinda (resides in Lincoln Parish, and became the wife of S. P.
Sutton, deceased, who was a fine scholar and a successful agriculturist),
Sarah J. (deceased), James L. (resides in Bienville Parish) and Candis
(resides in Lincoln Parish and is single). Mr. Stewart received the principal
part of his education by the light of the "pine knot" when he would spend a
considerable portion of each evening poring over his books. In this manner he
fitted him self in an admirable manner for the arduous duties of life, and is
an example of industry and perseverance, which any young man would do
well to follow. He is a gentleman who has been familiar with toil and hard
work from an early age, for he started out in life with nothing bat a pair of
willing hands and an unusual amount of perseverance. After two years spent on
the farm he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and this continued
for almost twenty years.
He was married on October 11, 1849, to Miss Lovey I. Wise, a native of
Alabama, horn in 1829, and who was reared and educated among the Indians. Her
father, Ezekial Wise, was a native of the Old Dominion and was a farmer. The
mother, whose maiden name was Winifred Bullock, was a native of Georgia. Both
are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been born seven children---four
living and three deceased. Those living are: E. T. (married and resides in
Bienville Parish, where he is engaged as a farmer and a tanner), Selesta L
(resides in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of T. J. Land, who is a
first-class farmer), Ada C. (resides in Bienville Parish, and is the wife of
T. C. Johnson, a farmer), and Willie D. (who resides with his parents, and is
an agriculturist by occupation). He is well educated in the common branches.
During the war Mr. Stewart was the only one in his parish who had an
independent detail, which was an honorary title, and a position which was an
arduous and important one. Mr. Stewart has always been a Simon-pure Democrat,
and his first presidential vote was cast for James K. Polk. He, with his
worthy wife, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Mr. Stewart
has been superintendent in the Sunday school for almost five years. He has
also filled the same position in the home schools for three years. He has been
remarkably punctual in his Sunday,-school work, and was the organizer and
founder of he Sunday-school in Arcadia. He asserts this fact, that during the
years from 1885 to 1890, the Methodist Episcopal Sunday- school increased
from ninety-seven to 200 pupils, and during that time but three of the pupils
have died, which is a remarkable record. Mr. Stewart is the owner of 270
acres of good land, and is one of the public-spirited citizens of the
community.
Phillips, Breed, Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parish, Louisiana
File prepared by D.N. Pardue and submitted by Inez Bridges Tate.
------------------------------------------------------------------
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
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>From "St. Helena Vets Remember World War II: Personal Interviews
With World War II Vets", published by St. Helena Historical
Association, 1995. Compiled and edited by Inez Bridges Tate and
reprinted with permission.
BREED PHILLIPS
April 13, 1913 - January 2, 1988
The following article was made available by Lawrence and
Virginia Phillips. This article appeared in the "Gumbo Magazine"
on Sunday, May 24, 1987. Gumbo Magazine was a part of the Hammond
Daily Star for several years but has been discontinued.
Breed Strickland Phillips, son of Chris Phillips and Mattie
Phillips and grandson of William and Jane Phillips, lived in the
Pine Ridge Community for a while.
Breed Phillips: Surviving Prison Camp
by Pat Watkins, Staff Writer
Breed Phillips remembers that he was hungry and wore his
shoes most of the time he was a prisoner of the Japanese during
World War II.
The war stories of this 74 year old Tangipahoa native do
not include the usual grist military victories, personal exploits
and famous names. His stories deal with every day life, learning
to deal with the enemy and fear, and of survival.
He was taken prisoner early in May 1942 when U.S. defenders
of Corregidor surrendered to a Japanese invasion force. Corregi-
dor is a small island at the mouth of the Bay of Manila on the
main Phillipine Island of Luzon.
U.S. forces on Luzon had surrendered early on April 9.
They made the infamous Bataan Death March, while Phillips and
others fought on at Corregidor.
He was liberated on January 30, 1945, by a division of U.S.
Army Rangers and Fillipino guerillas.
Phillips, a sergeant at the time witnessed his first exe-
cution about three days after arriving at his first prisoner-of-
war camp. "That's when we got to know what prison life was
like," he said. The executions came about after three prisoners
had escaped.
It was no trouble to escape. They only had a single strand
of barbed wire around the camp. Staying out was what was hard.
You didn't know which Fillipinos were for the Japs and which were
for us. And whites really stood out there, he said. Those first
escapees were probably recaptured "just walking down a road" soon
after the escape. They were brought back to the compound and
forced to squat with two-by-two inch boards across their knee
pits for about a day.
"Then, 3 or 4 the next afternoon, they were marched up a
hill where we all could see. I was no more than 300 yards from
them. And three Japs standing and three Japs prone shot them.
They fell into their graves. A Jap officer ran up and took the
mercy shots..."
Another triple execution soon followed when three U.S.
officers were caught attempting to escape. Phillips shook his
head and said, "They were just trying to get out."
He made a career of the Army, even thought he said he joined
December 8, 1932, because there were no opportunitites around the
small village of Tangipahoa. He admitted his career had not
worked out like he expected. "Does anything?", he asked. When
asked why he joined, he only said, "The Depression."
After being liberated and returned to the States, Phillips
had seven years until he could retire. He went through ordnance
school and ended up in the Korean conflict.
"It was a different Army all together. It would have been
better if I'd started as a recruit again," he said. In Korea,
Phillips nearly got captured again. "I went through Korea in
the infantry, like a damned fool," he said.
He was in the 2nd Division infantry, one of the first out-
fits sent to Korea, and was stationed on the Yellow River when
the Chinese invaded. The Chinese circled his outfit and overran
division headquarters, he said. "We had to fight our way back
through them to get to our lines", he said.
Soon after that, he got an emergency furlough back to the
States and finished his stint at Fort Polk.
"When I hit 19 years and six months, I said goodbye. I
never did like any part of it," he said. He was a technical
sergeant when he retired.
He is proud of his role, however. This week he is in
Phoenix, AZ at a convention of American Defenders of Bataan and
Corregidor.
When he was captured on Corregidor, Phillips was on his
second tour in the Phillippines. He was part of what was then
called the Coast Artillery Corp. "It was kind of a flagpole
raising detail, compared to the real Army," he said.
He had also served in Panama and San Francisco before
returning to the Phillippines in 1940. The next year, a Japa-
nese attack on Pearl Harbor spurred the United States into the
war.
The U.S. Forces on the Phillippines had some forewarning of
the attack in Hawaii. "I first knew something was up on Nov. 27.
That night they came into the theatre and told the CAC to return
to their outfits."
"The next day we were ordered to the field. I asked a
first sergeant, named Farmer, if he knew anything." "He said
80 transports had been reported leaving Japan on the 27th."
"We moved into the field, bag and baggage on the 28th."
Nothing happened for about a week, until early December 8
(across the internatinoal Dateline). He had a radio, and some-
one was listening to it while he was sleeping.
"They woke me up and yelled, 'They're bombing Pearl Harbor.'
But is was no surprise to us. We heard about those transports...
We had our shells out, ready to go. No surprise at all, not to
me it wasn't."
The defenses on Corregidor had been built to protect the
bay from warships. "It was put in way before World War II, and
the guns were antiques, built in the 1800s," he said. "When it
was built it was for a good purpose, but it was outdated for
aircraft." The guns' range was 28,000 yards, so they could fire
into the Bataan peninsula, which was about two miles north of
Corregidor."
So Phillips participated in the last stand by Luzon forces
in early April. The japanese had invaded Luzon soon after Pearl
Harbor and backed the defenders into the peninsula over the next
three months.
That was a time of boredom for him. U.S. and support
troops were on half rations because suply lines were hard to
maintain, because American forces were retreating, and no one
was sure how long the seige would last.
The night before the surrender of Luzon, "We fired all
night," he said. "You could see the fire in the sky." After the
surrender, "We got under fire continuously."
A month later, the Corregidor defenders accepted their fate,
and the Japanese started moving them to the main island. "There
was no way that was organized," he said.
The prisoners had to scrounge for food as they waited sev-
eral days to be moved. They were ferried to Manila and marched
down one of its major streets, Dewey Boulevard--"So all the big
shop Japs could look at us." The prisoners were moved into a
former civilian prison, Billvid Prison, in Manila, and trans-
ferred about 10 days later to Cabanatuan City, about 100 miles to
the north, by train.
There were three prisons there, and Phillips was moved from
one another a couple times until settling in at Camp No. 1.
In his book Death March: The Survivors in Bataan, Donald Knox
reported that Camp 1 was a U.S. agricultural experiment station
before the war. The Japanese used it as a farm to supply the
prisons and its forces. Phillips was assigned to work on the
farm. Most of the time he cared for cattle.
He attributes his survival to having the job. "The detail
I was on was quite a deal. Anthing that came in, I knew about."
He said some of the Japanese and guards they brought in from
Formosa and the Phillipines were cruel. But many of them were
fair, if not kind. "We got to know some rather well. They'd
come over at night and yap-yap", Phillips said with a laugh. "I
halfway trusted some of them, though I couldn't really like
them."
Phillips spent his spare time reading what few books were
in the prison, playing dice and looking for something to eat.
Prisoners who worked got a little money, and there were "various
ways" of coming up with cash or supplies. Guards, or other
prisoners, would periodically have extra food for sale.
"You were always thinking about how to get something to
eat", Phillips said. One story that made him laugh during the
interview was a story about a chicken. He was on a cane-cutting
detail with some Fillipino guards, whom he called "kids." One
of the guards spotted a chicken and spent about 15 minutes
chasing it down. He then boiled it and shared it with everyone,
including the prisoners.
A grimmer story resulted from one of Phillips' trips to
town. Periodically, he would go on an ox cart into Cabanatuan
for supplies. It was a daily trip, but he didn't always go.
The supply detail turned out to be a black market link for the
prisoners, through a civilian named Mr. Treat. Most of the
contraband was family messages and money.
On one trip, Mr. Treat was caught, while riding with
Phillips. He and others on the trip were taken to a guardhouse
and ordered to sit on a bench. They were there two weeks,
sleeping on the ground nearby. "We couldn't talk, looked
straight into the air and had to look down whenever someone
came by," he said.
The prisoners were then taken to a civilian prison for
interrogation. The questioner had a stick and would beat the
prisoners on the head, neck and back. "He didn't want to knock
you out. He wanted information. The interrogations lasted until
he got tired or until he was convinced you didn't know anything."
Phillips went through only one session. He was not involved
in the black market because he didn't know anyone outside the
prison. "I just happened to be on the trip that day." They
stayed in the civilian prison about a week and then they were
returned to camp expecting to be released." But they were put
back on the bench for two more weeks.
Mr. Treat and some other prisoners involved in the black
market were kept on the bench for about two more months, until
the Japanese were convinced the market had dealt in just person-
al items and did not involve plots against them.
The prisoners saw the first fighting as Allied forces pre-
pared to invade Luzon. In September 1944, Phillips started see-
ing flights of bombers going to bomb Clark Field.
"One day--I'll always remember this--there was a dogfight
near a field I was working in. A Jap was shot down nearby. I
looked up and saw the Star and Bars." The Army Air Force's
symbol was adopted during the war. "I didn't know anything
about it, but I did know he was fighting on my side."
During the war, Phillips was able to get some details about
what was happening around the world. He suspected someone had a
radio. "But it was kept a pretty good secret," he said.
He heard about the invasion of Sicily, which made him real-
ize the emphasis of the war was in Europe, so that his stay in
prison would be a long one. "We knew Americans had landed in
Luzon, but we didn't know how they were doing." Then about Janu-
ary 21 or 22, 1945, Philips noticed guards leaving their towers.
"That's the end of this, I said to myself."
The retreating Japanese told the prisoners they would not be
bothered if they did not leave the compound. "But as soon as
they were out of sight, we broke out of there and got everything
we could to eat."
During the next week, groups of retreating Japanese would
occupy the prison during the day and move at night. And late on
January 30, the prisoners heard gunfire and started seeing tran-
sit guards fall. "Everyone was yelling, 'the Yanks are here.'
We all ran to the front gate. Some guys didn't even take time
to put their shoes on, and we had to march all night. Since I
worked on the farm I got pretty good shoes, and I never took
them off," he said.
After the march, the prisoners rode trucks, trains and
boats until reaching the States. "I got out of there in pretty
good shape," he said. His six-foot body was down to about 120
pounds, but he said he was so happy there was no way he could
feel bad.
Some returning prisoners complained that there was no re-
ception for them when they arrived home. Not Phillips, however.
"I didn't pay no attention to that. That reception didn't mean
nothing to me. I was just so happy." It took Phillips a long
time to adjust to life out of prison, and he still dreams about
his experiences.
Surprisingly, he doesn't hold the experience against the
Japanese. He drives a Datsun pickup truck because it is econom-
ical and he is impressed by the Japanese work ethic. "Either
they're exceptionally smart, or we're damned fools. Moneywise,
we gave them money to rebuild...."
"One thing about the Germans and Japs, they got back on
their feet and paid all that back. They got up and went to work
every morning, no matter what. Still do, I suppose."
He agreed with President Harry Truman's decision to use
atomic bombs to end the war with Japan. "The Japanese would've
fought on until every one of them was dead, or until the emperor
told them to quit. They were just that way."
He has been back in this area about 20 years "loafing" as
he puts it. He lives with his wife, Idell, in a trailer off
Chicken Farm Road near Big Creek.
When asked what his advice to President Ronald Reagan would
be to avoid future wars, Phillips laughed again. "The best way
to avoid war is to be prepared for it. Like Teddy Roosevelt's
'Walk softly but carry a big stick.' But money is a big part of
it too. If you could get trade straight, war would take care of
itself."
-------
Newspaper clippings:
29 Sept. 1944
GOOD NEWS RECEIVED
OF BREED PHILLIPS
WHC. IS JAP PRISONER
Breed Phillips, a Jap prisoner
since the fall of the Phillippines,
is safe and well according to word
received by his father, W.C.L.
Phillips of Tangipahoa. Mr. Phil-
lips had received only a form card
from his son a year ago, follow-
ing his capture in early 1942.
This recent news came through
Edward L. Daley of Mayfield,
Penn. His letter follows:
Mayfield, Pa.
Sept. 12, 1944
Mr. W.Z. Phillips
Tangipahoa, La.
Dear Sir:
In a telegram from Washington,
D.C., I have been notified on an
intercepted short wave broadcast
from Japan. My brother who is
a prisoner in Japan told me to
notify you that W. (Z.?) Phillips
is O.K.
I haven't heard from brother,
John Daley, in quite some time un-
til this note from the Red Cross.
Hoping that the boys will be
home soon, I am,
Respectfully,
Edward L. Daley
Mayfield, Pa.
In writing Mr. Phillips, Mr. Da-
ley appeared not to be certain
about his middle initial as he used
the initial Z and followed it by a
question mark. Evidently Mr. Da-
ley understood it was W.Z. when
in reality it was W.L. or the
complete initials, W.C.L.
In reply Mr. Phillips sent the
following letter:
Box 1, Tangipahoa, La.
September 15, 1944
Dear Mr. Daley,
We cannot attempt to tell you
how happy your letter made us.
We had heard only once from W.
S. (Breed) Phillips, my son, since
his capture. He was captured in
1942 and a year later we received
a form card from him. The card
was the last news. We wish it
were possible to thank your broth-
er, John Daley, in person for this
bit of news that means so much.
Just the word O.K. means so
much.
Thank you again for your
thoughtfulness, and we join in
your hopeful wishing that the
boys will be home soon.
With every good wish, we are,
Obligingly yours,
W.C. Phillips and family
20 Spril 1945
PRIVATE PHILLIPS FREED
FROM JAP PRISON
The prisoners liberated at Ca-
banatuan were resting at Let-
terman hospital today, finding
it difficult to believe that they
were actually home despite the
royal welcome given them yes-
terday by the San Francisco citi-
zens and port officials.
Among them was Pvt. Breed
Phillips of Tangipahoa. Breed
gratefully drank the milk pro-
vided by the American Red
Cross canteen at the docks and
recalled the food packages he re-
ceived while interned. "One wel-
comed Red Cross package came
to me in 1942," he said, "and
another in 1943."
A captain in the group said
that most men received through
the Red Cross four food pack-
ages in 1943 and three in 1942.
The first act of Pvt. Phillips,
like most of the other liberees,
was to send a Red Cross tele-
gram to his family, announcing
his arrival in the States.
15 June 1945
BREED PHILLIPS, FORMER
JAP CAPTIVE, IS HOME
Cpl. Breed Strickland Phillips,
who was one of the 513 captives
rescued from a Japanese prison
camp in the Philippines on the
night of January 30, has arrived
home, and is visiting relatives
here. Cpl. Phillips was accom-
panied by his wife.
Cpl. Phillips had been a pris-
oner of the Japanese since the
fall of Corregidor. During this
time, his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
W.C.L. Phillips of Tangipahoa
have heard from himonly once
and then only his signature on
a printed card. In September of
last year a boadcast from Japan
was heard in this country, on
which a fellow prioner asked
that the family of "W.Z." Phil-
lips in Tangipahoa be notified
that he was alright.
Breed has been in the United
States Army for 12 years. He is
now enjoying a furlough of 60
days and is staying at the home
of his brother and sister-in-law,
Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Phillips.
* * *
Passman, Wiley, St. Helena Parish, Louisiana
File prepared by D.N. Pardue and submitted by Inez Bridges Tate.
------------------------------------------------------------------
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
------------------------------------------------------------------
>From "St. Helena Vets Remember World War II: Personal Interviews
With World War II Vets", published by St. Helena Historical
Association, 1995. Compiled and edited by Inez Bridges Tate and
reprinted with permission.
Wiley Passman was born in Washington Parish and grew up in
St. Tammany Parish. After graduating from Lyon High School in
Covington in 1937, he was in the CCC's for two years, stationed
in Kentwood. He worked construction for a while.
Interestingly, Wiley was in the National Guard, the 108th
Cavalry, while in high school. He went to summer training for
two weeks each summer, going to Camp Oglethorpe in Georgia and
to Look Out Mountain, Tennessee. He joined the regular Nation-
al Guard January 6, 1941 for a year (lasted five years, he said)
and entered as a Corporal due to his National Guard experience
in high school.
Basic training was at Camp Hulen, Texas. He was home on
leave when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Reporting back to Camp
Hulen, he was assigned to a Merchant Ship on December 13, 1941
as gun crew and promoted to 1st Sgt. The ship traveled to
South America and had picked up a load of coffee on this particu-
lar trip in Colombia. They were returning to the States and had
passed throught the Yucatan pass on June 20, 1942 at 1:30 a.m.
when the ship was struck by a torpedo and was sunk in the Gulf
of Mexico. Wiley managed to get into a life boat (there were
27 in the boat). He and a sailor were trying to rig a sail to
move the boat when someone spotted a German submarine. They
were so close they could see a German smoking a cigarette. For
some unexplained reason, the sub changed course and they were
spared. Twelve hours later they were rescued by a fishing
schooner. There was no food aboard, but they welcomed the water
and ice. They were taken ashore at Pensacola and then returned
to New Orleans. Ty Cobb Lanier was aboard this ship but was not
in the same lifeboat with Wiley.
He was taken off duty on the Merchant Ship and was sent to
Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas where he was assigned to Head-
quarters Battery and assisted the 1st Sgt. He remained at Fort
Bliss from October 1942 until February 1943 with this assignment.
In January 1943 he was promoted to M/Sgt, then Sgt. Major.
On February 21, 1943 he left Fort Bliss for New York Harbor
where he went aboard a aship headed for North Africa. He landed
in Casablana in March 1943. In North Africa, they were respon-
sible for protecting aircraft. Wiley said he was not in the
invasion of Italy but went into Naples, Italy from Beserta,
North Africa where he remained until the end of the war. He
participated in the Rapido River Crossing near Casino, Monistair.
There were pontoon bridges across the river. The Germans cross-
ed on these. After the fall of Rome on June 4, 1944, his outfit
bivouaced on the outskirts. Then moving fast forward artillery,
they crossed the Tiber River. They heard of the invasion of
Normandy via radio. They were sent to Monte Coteena, Italy at
the end of 1944 where the "Ack Ack" Unit was disbanded and he
became a part of the 473rd Infantry Regiment. On February 8,
1945, Wiley was commissioned a 2nd Lt. The outfit captured Genoa,
then back to Leg Horn to guard prisoners.
On June 20, 1945, based on the point system Wiley was
rotated to the United States. He returned on a Liberty Ship to
Hampton Roads, Virginia, then traveled by troop train to Camp
Shelby, Mississippi. Because the War was not over in the
Pacific, he was given a 30-day leave then reported to Camp
Livingston near Alexandria, Louisiana which was an advanced
Infantry Training Center. Following the dropping of the Atom
Bombs, Wiley remained at Camp Livingston until October 1945
when he was sent back to Camp Shelby where he received his
discharge.
Citations and decorations received were the Combat Infantry
Badge, Bronze Star, Silver Star (representing five major cam-
paigns), German Occupation Medal, National Defense Medal and
Good Conduct Medal.
Receiving his discharge, he and his bride (Wiley and Miss
Myrtle Willie were married June 30, 1942) lived in Baton Rouge.
He worked at Exxon a short time, then moved to Greensburg where
they owned and operated a dry cleaning business for about two
years. They returned to Baton Rouge and wiley worked for the
sheriff. They began a landscaping and nursery business. After
they sold this business, Wiley and Myrtle moved to Montpelier
Januayr 30, 1976. Wiley works part time for the District
Attorney. They have a very comfortable home located near the
Tickfaw River and by a lake where their son, his wife and their
three grandchildren enjoy visiting. For many years, Wiley and
Myrtle has hosted the Community Easter Sunrise Service at their
home on the lake.
--------
Newspaper clippings:
25 May 1945
Wiley D. Passman was pro-
moted to Second Lieutenant on
February 9th after serving over-
seas two years in Italy in the
Fifth army. His wife, the former
Myrtle Willie, now resides in
Greensburg. He is the son of
Mr. and Mrs. Esco Passman of
Folsom.
25 May 1945
Sgt. Willy Passman recently
received a promotion ot lieuten-
ant. He is the husband of
Mrs. Myrtle Willie Passman of
Greensburg. Lt. Passman is with
the Fifth army in Italy, and has
been overseas for three years.
* * *
READ, (Dr.) Henry O., Avoyelles then St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 27 Oct 1998
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DR. HENRY O. READ, CHATAIGNIER.--Dr. Read is a native of Avoyelles
parish, born in 1833. He is the son of Stephen D. and Elizabeth
(Simmons) Read. Dr. Read is one of a family of nine children, of whom
only himself and Stephen D. Read, Judge of the Fourteenth Judicial
District, are living.
The Doctor received his early education in the schools of St. Landry
parish. He began the study of medicine in 1851, under Dr. C. T. Putnam,
lately deceased. He matriculated in the University of Louisiana in
1852, graduating and receiving his degree in 1854. He is one of the
oldest graduates of the university now living. Dr. Read first began
practising [sic] the year succeeding his graduation, at Morgan City,
where he remained some years, when he removed to Abbeville. In 1863 he
enlisted in the Louisiana State troops as surgeon, in which capacity he
served one year. Prior to this time, in 1860, he married Miss Mary E.
Gueignom, of Lafayette, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Gueignom. Mrs.
Gueignom is a half sister to Judge Bell, who served in Congress from
1866 to 1870. To them have been born four sons: Henry E., Sallust G.,
William A. and Francis S. In 1867, while the Doctor was practising in
Abbeville as a partner with Dr. White, he treated the first case of
yellow fever in the State in that memorable year. By constant vigilance
he succeeded in confining the disease to this one patient.
The Doctor was twice elected mayor of Abbeville. He now operates, in
connection with his practice, a plantation of about two hundred and
forty acres. In Cameron parish he has a plantation upon which is
situated one of the finest residences in that vicinity. Dr. Read has
been until within the past ten months a regular contributor to the New
Orleans Medical Journal, and many of his articles are of value to the
profession. The Doctor's age and state of health renders a very
extensive practice impractical, and he confines his practice to a select
number of families in his community.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 70-71. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
OGÉ, John M., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 27 Oct 1998
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JOHN M. OGÉ, GRAND COTEAU.--John M. Ogé is the only son of Louis Eugene
Ogé and Elizabeth Ward. He was born on the 21st day of February, 1867.
Louis Eugene Ogé was a native of Paris, France; Elizabeth (Ward) Ogé, of
Queen's county, Ireland. They emigrated to America when young, and in
1865 were married at Lake Charles, Louisiana. Louis E. Ogé was an
architect, for a number of years engaged in ship building at Rockland,
Maine, and in New Orleans. He died of yellow fever in 1867. Mrs. E.
Ogé died in Opelousas in 1884.
The subject of this sketch was reared by the Misses Alice and Ellen
Duffy, of Grand Coteau. Up to the time he was twelve years of age young
John M. Ogé attended the private schools of Grand Coteau, at which age
he entered St. Charles College at this place, graduating in 1887.
February 12, 1889, he married Marie Annette Petetin, daughter of Eugene
Petetin and Onegia Gilbeau.
Mr. Ogé is at present studying law, with the intention of entering the
legal profession in the near future. He and his wife are members of the
Roman Catholic church. Their little son Archie was born on the 29th
December, 1890.
The Misses Duffy, by whom our subject was reared, were born in Armaugh,
county of Monaghan, Ireland. They came to America with their parents
and three brothers, Patrick, Michael and Peter, in 1835, and settled in
St. Landry parish, where they bought a large tract of land. Their
father, Peter Duffy, died soon after they came to this place, in 1836.
Mrs. Duffy survived him until 1863. Peter died soon after finishing
school; Michael died in 1866, and Patrick in 1870. The latter was noted
as a successful planter. Alice and Ellen are the only members of the
family now living. They are still on the old plantation where the
remainder of the family have resided.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 66. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
MEYERS, Andrew, Vermilion then Iberia Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 27 Oct 1998
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reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
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proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
ANDREW MEYERS, OLIVIER.--The subject of this sketch is a native of
Vermilion parish, born in November, 1819. He is the son of Henry Meyers
and Delphine Boudoin, the former a native of Holland, and the latter of
Lafayette parish, Louisiana. Andrew Meyers grew to manhood in Vermilion
parish, where he received his chief education. He was reared on a
plantation, and, at an early age, married Miss Carmelite Louviere of
Iberia parish. He began planting the same year in Iberia parish, in
which he was engaged for a period of seven years. He then removed to
St. Mary parish, where he was engaged in the same business for a period
of twenty-five years. He recently removed to Iberia parish, where he
now resides. Mrs. Meyers died, and two years after her death Mr. Meyers
married Miss Belgiere, daughter of Antoine and Marguerite (Hebert)
Trahan. As a result of the first union twelve children were born, viz.;
Mary Delphine, Josephine, Deserie, Henry, Marguerite, Alvia,
Edward, Alcide, Jenny, Andrew, Jr., Felix and Bruce. Mr. Meyers
has sixty-nine grandchildren.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 123. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
MEQUEZ, Drozen, Iberia Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 26 Oct 1998
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reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
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personal use only.
DROZEN MEQUEZ, DEROUEN.--The subject of this sketch was born May 20,
1844, in Iberia parish, Louisiana. He. is a son of Antoine and
Marguerite (Derouen) Mequez, of whom mention is made in the sketch of
Theomile Mequez.
Drozen Mequez was reared in Iberia parish, and educated in the public
schools of the place until he was fourteen years of age, when he began
work on a plantation. He now owns five hundred acres of land, three
hundred of which are under cultivation, the chief products being corn
and cotton. He has a large steam gin on his plantation, from which he
turns out about five hundred bales or cotton a year.
Mr. Mequez was married in 1867 to Miss Celestine LeBlanc, daughter of
Cemouet and Celeste (Dupre) LeBlanc, both natives of Lafourche parish.
As a result of this union they are the parents of three sons and a
daughter, viz: Odlas, Cimouet, Adolph, Avina. During the civil war
Mr. Mequez served in Company A, Fournet Battalion, for three years. He
has since given his attention exclusively to planting, and has made a
success of his chosen calling.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 122-123. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
McPHERSON, (Mrs.) Virginia, Charles County, VA. , then St. Landry
Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 25 Oct 1998
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reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
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desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
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personal use only.
MRS. VIRGINIA McPHERSON, GRAND COTEAU.--Mrs. Virginia B. McPherson is a
daughter of William H. Bassett, of Charles City county, Virginia. She
was married to Samuel Chapman McPherson, of Maryland, who had emigrated
to this State, in 1836. Mr. McPherson was one of the most highly
respected citizens of the section in which he lived. He was active and
energetic, and always took a leading part in political and local
affairs. He died, universally regretted, at his residence near Grand
Coteau, in 1871, at the age of sixty-three years.
Mrs. McPherson still occupies the old homestead that her father
purchased in 1836. The surviving children of S. C. McPherson are: Mrs.
Dr. James Ware, of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Mrs. Dr. C. P. Smith, of
Grand Coteau, and Mrs. Martial Cass, of New Orleans.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 65. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
MARTIN, Gregory W., St. Martin then St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 25 Oct 1998
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personal use only.
GREGORY W. MARTIN, ARNAUDVILLE.--Dr. Martin was born in St. Martin
parish in 1856. He is the son of Omar and Elise (Estillette) Martin,
both natives of St. Martin parish. Omar Martin is a notary public and a
planter in St. Martin parish.
The subject of our sketch is the oldest of a family of seven children.
He attended school as a boy in St. Martin parish, subsequently pursuing
a course at the University of Louisiana, at New Orleans, and afterward
at the Military, Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge as a
cadet at large from the State. At the age of nineteen he began the
study of medicine under Dr. Gilbeau, of St. Martin parish. He attended
a medical college in 18756, and again in 1878-9, in which year he
graduated. Upon the completion of his medical course he located at this
place, where he has a large practice.
Dr. Martin owns a large amount of land on Bayou Teche and the
surrounding country, upon which he raises cotton.
In 1880 the doctor married Miss Ida Gilbeau, daughter of his preceptor.
To them were born five children, viz: Gregory W., Jr. ; Wade Omar,
Jane, Jeffrey (deceased), Jeffrey Edwin. The doctor and his family
are all members of the Catholic church.
Besides his professional duties and the operation of his plantation Dr.
Martin also conducts a mercantile business at Breaux Bridge. The doctor
is an enterprising citizen and skilful physician.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 65-66. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
MARTIN, James F., ENG., then Iberia Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 25 Oct 1998
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reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
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personal use only.
JAMES F. MARTIN, NEW IBERIA --James F. Martin was born in Ramsbottom,
Lancashire, England, April 30, 1823. He came to the United States in
1836, and to Louisiana in 1854. For twenty-one years he was engaged in
sugar culture in Cuba and Louisiana. In 1880 he entered into
partnership with Mr. Henry Childs, and they were the establishers of the
first central sugar factory in Louisiana. In this they were engaged for
nine years, when Mr. Martin purchased Mr. Childs' interest, and
continued the business on his own account. The "Vida" refinery is
located at Fausse Point, on the Teche, about one mile south of
Loreauville, on some of the richest sugar lands of Louisiana. Among the
patrons of the refinery are over thirty small planters. The "Vida"
receives syrup and raw juice from several neighboring mills. The
capacity of the refinery is about sixty thousand pounds of sugar per
day.
Mr. Martin was married, in 1872, to Miss Sarah J. White, of New Orleans,
the issue of said marriage being a son and a daughter, Robert A. and
Vida O.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 122. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
LOBDELL, J. B., West Baton Rouge then Iberia Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 25 Oct 1998
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personal use only.
J. B. LOBDELL, OLIVIER.--J. B.. Lobdell was born in West Baton Rouge,
July 31, 1858. He is the son of James L. and Angelina A. (Bird) Lobdell
both natives of West Baton Rouge.
James L. Lobdell was a prominent planter of the parish, and during the
years succeeding the war, 1866, 1867 and 1868, he was a cotton merchant
in New Orleans, and member of the firm of Vose & Lobdell. During the
administration of Gov. McEnery he was registrar of the State land
office; and was elected twice to the Legislature during the
reconstruction period, but returning boards, like in all other cases,
canceled his election. He was a very prominent Mason, having held every
responsible position in that order. He was twice elected grand master,
and held the position at the time of his death. He died at the age of
fifty-two, in his home at Baton Rouge. Mrs. Lobdell was reared and
educated in West Baton Rouge. Her father. J. A. Bird, was one of the
most prominent planters in the State. She is still living on her Belle
Vale plantation in West Baton Rouge.
The subject of this sketch is the eldest of a family of ten children,
three sons and seven daughters, viz.: John B., our subject; Belle,
James L., Caroline, Angelina, Pearl, Eva, Lavinia, William A. and
Jennie. He spent his boyhood days until the age of fourteen in West
Baton Rouge, where he received his primary education. At the age of
fourteen he entered Roanoke College, Roanoke, Virginia, from which
institution he returned home, at the age of nineteen, and engaged as
manager of his father's plantation, and during this time he was
instrumental in organizing the Young Delta Rifles, of which organization
he was elected captain, which position he held for four years. In 1886
he removed to Baton Rouge, and was engaged as clerk in the land office
and book-keeper for the Knox saw-mill. While there he was elected first
lieutenant of the Baton Rouge Fencibles. During the strike of 1887 his
company was sent to Houma, under Col. Price, to quell the disturbance.
In 1888 Mr. Lobdell removed to St. Mary's parish, and accepted the
position of assistant manager of the Fusilier plantation. Here he
remained two years, when he purchased the Olive Branch plantation, in
Iberia parish, and has since that time been engaged in planting cane.
His plantation is situated five miles below New Iberia, on the east bank
of the Teche. Two hundred acres of the plantation are cultivated in
cane and corn. It is protected from overflow by a back levee, and is
one of the most valuable plantations in this section. In 1881 Mr.
Lobdell married Miss Elizabeth H. Randolph, a native of Pointe Coupée
parish. She is the daughter of Dr. Peter Randolph, a planter and
prominent physician of the parish. Mrs. Lobdell was educated in New
Orleans, in Miss Prentiss' Private Seminary. Mr. and Mrs. Lobdell are
the parents of three children, viz: Josephine, Elizabeth and John
Randolph.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 118-121. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
LEBRUN, Pierre, FR., then Iberia Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 25 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
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desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
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proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
PIERRE LEBRON, NEW IBERIA.--Mr. LeBron is a native of France, born 1835.
He came to Louisiana in 1857. He is the son of J. P. LeBron and Marie
Fages, both natives and lifetime residents of France. They became the
parents of four children, two sons and two daughters, of whom our
subject was eldest.
Mr. LeBrun spent his school days in his native country, and began his
first active business life in Houma, Terrebonne parish, Louisiana, as a
merchant. In 1870 he removed to New Iberia, and for two years traveled
and sold goods. In 1872 he began a mercantile business at this place.
He has prospered, and is doing a flourishing business. He owns about
four hundred acres of land, all under cultivation, upon which he raises
cotton. Mr. LeBron has never married.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 116. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
LAWTON, J. B., St. Charles then Iberia Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 25 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
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desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
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proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
J. B. LAWTON, NEW IBERIA.--J. B. Lawton, editor and publisher of the New
Iberia Enterprise, is a native of St. Charles parish, born in 1860. He
was reared in St. James parish, and at an early age became an apprentice
in the printing office of Le Louisianais, a weekly paper published by J.
Gentil, prominent as a journalist and poet. The paper was printed in
the French language. Mr. Gentil was a contributor to most of the French
dailies of New Orleans and New York. He is still engaged in editorial
work. J. B. Lawton remained in this printing office for a period of
seven years, when he removed to St. John parish, and engaged with the
Meschacébé, where he remained for three years. He was subsequently
engaged, for a brief period, in the composing rooms of the New Orleans
Times and States.
After severing his connection with these papers he came to New Iberia,
and took charge of the local department of the Louisiana Sugar Bowl, in
which he was engaged for four years. At the expiration of this time, he
established the New Iberia Enterprise, which he conducted as a semi-
weekly for about two years, since which time he has given the people an
enlarged twelve-page weekly. The paper is in politics Democratic, and
is especially devoted to the interest of the Attakapas parishes. This
paper has accomplished much in the origin and promotion of enterprises
for public good, and has received quite a liberal support from the
people.
Mr. Lawton is the son of William H. and Mathilde (Delhommer) Lawton, the
former a native of Fall River, Massachusetts, the latter of St. Charles
parish, Louisiana. Mr. William H. Lawton came South early in life, and
was subsequently manager of a large sugar plantation in St. Charles
parish. He was in active service during the whole of the war, and, at
its close, served a term in the State Senate. He was twice married, our
subject's mother being his second wife. He died in 1884. His wife
still survives him.
J. B. Lawton is united in marriage with Miss Laura Cestia, of New
Iberia. They are the parents of three children, Cestia, Rita and J.
B., Jr.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 117-118. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
LOZES, Leon, FR., then Iberia Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 25 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
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desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
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personal use only.
LEON LOZES, NEW IBERIA.--Mr. Lozes was born in France, 1840. He came to
Louisiana at the age of twenty-five years. He received a good education
in his mother tongue in France. Since locating in Louisiana Mr. Lozes
has been engaged in planting. He now operates eight hundred and fifty
acres of land, in the fifth ward of Iberia parish, about eleven miles
west of New Iberia. This he cultivates chiefly in cotton, which he gins
on his own plantation, having a large cotton gin for the preparation of
his own and of his neighbor's cotton for market. Mr. Lozes is a
successful planter. He was married, 1869, to Mrs. Landry. He and wife
are members of the Catholic church.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 121. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
McGOWEN, (Dr.) C. A., Henry County, MS., then Iberia Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date 25 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
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desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
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proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
DR. C. A. McGOWEN, JEANNERETTE.--Dr. McGowen was born in Henry county,
Mississippi, 1849. He is the son of Hugh and Gabrielle (Bracy) McGowen.
Hugh McGowen was a native of South Carolina, born in Sumpter county,
1799. He removed to Mississippi at an early age and married Gabrielle
Bracy, a native of that State. Locating in Columbia, which at that time
was the capital of the State, he was for some time engaged in general
mercantile business. In politics he was a Whig, and was always
prominent in the manipulation of party affairs, and represented his
district in the State Legislature in 1835. He died in 1858, his widow
surviving him until 1860.
Dr. McGowen attended the schools at Columbia until he was thirteen years
of age. His father having died the year previous, he entered the
Confederate army and enlisted in the Fourth Mississippi Cavalry. Under
Chalmers and Forrest he served during the whole war. After the close of
the war he matriculated in the Ohio Dental College at Cincinnati, where
he remained for two years. After completing his course he removed to
Northern Louisiana, where he practised [sic] his profession
successfully. After a year he returned to his plantation in
Mississippi. A year's experience as a planter satisfied Dr. McGowen
that he could achieve more success in his profession. He located in
Summit, Mississippi, where he succeeded in building up a lucrative
practice. In 1876 he married Miss Florence Bussey, native of Indiana,
and a daughter of Dr. Harvey Bussey, the noted surgeon in the Federal
service during the war. In 1877 Dr. McGowen engaged in the drug
business in Summit, and in 1879 he removed to Jeannerette, where he has
since practised his profession, in connection with which he has a drug
and stationery store. He has been very successful in his business.
The doctor is a member of the I. O.O. F. Lodge, No. 93. He assisted in
organizing the Knights of Pythias organization in Jeannerette, of which
he is a charter member.
Dr. McGowen and wife are the parents of three children, viz.; Alice
Lee, Alfred Bussey, and Mary Florence.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 123-124. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
MMEQUEZ, Theomile, Iberia Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 26 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
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proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
THEOMILE MEQUEZ, DEROUEN.--Mr. Mequez was born in Iberia parish, October
12, 1835. He is the son of Antoine and Marguerite (Derouen) Mequez,
both natives of Iberia parish. Mr. Mequez has given his whole attention
to planting since he began business for himself. At the breaking out of
the war, he enlisted as a volunteer in Company A, Fournet Battalion, and
served until its close. He owns a small plantation at this place, upon
which he raises corn and cotton chiefly. Mr. Mequez married, in 1855,
Miss Colastie Landry, daughter of Maximilian and Marcelite (Trahan)
Landry, both natives of Louisiana. To this union a daughter was born,
Elonid.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 122. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
PITRE, Charles, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 27 Oct 1998
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reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
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personal use only.
CHARLES PITRE, OPELOUSAS.--Mr. Pitre is a successful farmer who resides
four miles west of Opelousas. He was born in St. Landry parish,
November, 1865. His parents, Charles Pitre and Adele Joubert, were both
natives of St. Landry, where they were reared, married and spent most of
their lives. To them were born eight children, five sons and three
daughters, of whom Charles, the subject of this sketch, is the youngest.
He was reared and received his education in St. Landry parish. Having
made farming a practical study he adopted this as his lifetime vocation,
and has been successful in his attempts thus far. He owns a plantation
of two hundred and fifty acres of land, where he cultivates cotton and
corn. Mr. Pitre married, in 1885, Miss Ophelia Comeaux, daughter of C.
Comeaux. They became the parents of three children, viz: Estelle
(deceased), Laurent. The first child died in infancy. Both Mr. Pitre
and his wife are members of the Catholic church.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 68. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
POSEY, T. L., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 27 Oct 1998
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T. L. POSEY, OPELOUSAS.--Mr. Posey is a successful druggist of
Opelousas. He is a native of the place and was born in 1855. Some of
the members of the Posey family have figured prominently in political
affairs of the United States. Of the great-grandfather of our subject,
the International Cyclopedia says: "Thomas Posey was born in Virginia,
1750, and settled in West Virginia, 1769. He became quartermaster of
Lord Dunmore's army, and was engaged in a battle with the Indians at
Point Pleasant in 1774. The next year he assisted in the defeat of
Dunmore at Gwynn's Island. He afterward joined Morgan's riflemen, and
fought with a force of British light infantry in New Jersey. Entering
the army under Gates he was at the battle of Bemis' Heights, and
Stillwater in 1777; and the same year conducted an expedition against
the Indians. In 1779 he commanded a battalion under Wayne, was
prominent at the assault of Stony Point, and served with 'Mad Anthony'
until the evacuation of Savannah. He was at the surrender of
Cornwallis, and was appointed brigadier general in 1793 on the staff of
Gen. Washington. Moving into Kentucky he became senator, Lieutenant
Governor, and Major General of Militia. He was United States Senator
from Louisiana in 1812-13, and Governor of the Indian Territory from
1813 to 1816, when he became Commissioner of Indian Affairs." His
commission as brigadier general was kept in the family until taken by
the Federals during the civil war.
The paternal grandfather of T. L. Posey was born in Kentucky, but came
to Louisiana early in life, where he married and resided until the time
of his death. But little of his history has been preserved. As gleaned
from his autobiography, John Posey, our subject's father, was born
August 4, 1819, in Opelousas. He was the youngest child of Lloyd and
Eleanor (Collins) Posey, to whom were born four children. His mother
was a native of Louisiana and died in 1824. His father died in 1821.
Being thus left an orphan at an early age he was reared by his maternal
aunt, Mrs. Constance Littell. He speaks of her in the most affectionate
terms, and says that a mother could have given him no more attention
than she. He received a good education. From 1834 to 1838 he was at
the St. Louis University. The year 1839 he spent in Kentucky visiting
his numerous relatives. Afterward he entered the mercantile business,
but lost by the credit system. He then became deputy clerk of St.
Landry, in which capacity he served until 1846. After a short interval,
which he spent in Kentucky, he determined to study medicine, and this he
did, for about a year, in the office of his uncle Alexander Posey. He
married in March, 1848, and the following July purchased a stock of
drugs and opened a drug business in Opelousas. In this he continued
until the time of his death in 1886.
The subject of our sketch, T. L. Posey, succeeded his father in business
and is now a popular druggist of Opelousas. He was educated at the
Jesuit schools at Grand Coteau, Louisiana, and at Spring Hill College,
near Mobile, Alabama.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 67-68. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
RAY, James, M. D., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 27 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
JAMES RAY, M. D., OPELOUSAS.--James Ray, M. D., was born in Opelousas,
January 6, 1825. He is the son of James and Amelia (Humphreys) Ray.
The former was a native of Kentucky and the latter of Louisiana. His
father was a notary public in Opelousas. He died in 1836, at the age of
forty-six years. His mother died in 1851, at about fifty-three years of
age.
Dr. Ray prepared for college in the Thinemann school at Opelousas, and
afterwards graduated from Franklin College in 1842. Upon the completion
of his literary education he entered the medical school of the
University of Louisiana, now Tulane University, New Orleans. He
graduated in 1850. He chose as the location for the practice of his
profession Opelousas, where he still resides.
Dr. Ray is the oldest physician of the place, and stands high in the
esteem of those with whom he has spent the best years of his life.
Though now advanced in age, he does quite a large office practice; he
is, however, retiring as rapidly as possible from the work. He married,
in 1853, Magaret M. Hill, daughter of Dr. George Hill, a native of
Virginia, but subsequently a resident of Louisiana. Dr. Ray has three
children: James O. Ray, M. D., who succeeds his father in his medical
practice, Amelia, wife of John Mornhinveg, Dr. William H. Ray.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 69. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
RAY, James O., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 27 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
JAMES O. RAY, M.D., OPELOUSAS.--James O. Ray, M. D., of Opelousas, is a
native of this place. He is quite a young man, having been born
December, 1856. He is the son of Dr. James Ray, whose sketch appears
above. The Doctor was reared in Opelousas, and received his literary
education in its schools. In 1885 he graduated from Louisville Medical
College, Louisville, Kentucky. He returned to Opelousas after having
completed his medical course, and located in the practice of his
profession. He is connected with and will succeed his father in his
practice. His future is promising.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
pp. 69-70. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The
Gulf Publishing Company.
MILLARD, (Mrs.) Eleanor A., St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 27 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
MRS. ELEANOR A. MILLARD, GRAND COTEAU.--Mrs. Millard is a native of St.
Landry parish. She is the daughter of Dr. Moses and Constance (Collins)
Littell, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Louisiana.
They married in St. Landry parish, and became the parents of five
children, three daughters and two sons. Dr. Littell died in 1837 of
yellow fever. Mrs. Littell died in 1864.
Mrs. Millard is the only surviving member of the family. She was
married in April, 1840, to Dr. Edward N. Millard, a native of Maryland,
who came to Louisiana in 1836. He was a practising [sic] physician of
ability. He died in 1882. Mrs. Millard still resides on the
plantation, near Grand Coteau, where she owns a good plantation, also
considerable town property. Having no children of her own, she has
reared several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Dr. Robert Littell, one of her
nieces, has lived with Mrs. Millard since she was four years of age
until her marriage, in February 1885. Miss Eleanor Haw, whom Mrs.
Millard had at her home for eight years, was married in October, 1890,
to Robert E. Smith, son of Frank G. Smith and Marcelite (Gilbeau) Smith.
Dr. Robert E. Smith was a practising physician and resided for many
years at Grand Coteau. Young Mr. Smith and his wife now reside with
Mrs. Millard. Mrs. Millard is a liberal contributor to the schools,
churches, and all laudable enterprises. Her ancestors were among
Louisiana's oldest settlers, having been residents here under the
Spanish Government. Gilbert Leonard, Mrs. Millard's grand uncle, held
an office of high distinction under the Spanish Government.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 65. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.
McCOY, J. B., West Virginia then St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source: Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical
Section
Date: 25 Oct 1998
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be
reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any
other organization or persons. Persons or organizations
desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the
submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with
proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for
personal use only.
J. B. McCOY, OPELOUSAS.--J. B. McCoy is a native of West Virginia, born
at Wheeling in 1829. He is the son of William and Elizabeth (Bushfield)
McCoy, the former a native of Scotland, born twelve miles from Edinburgh
in '79', and the latter a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1793. When J.
B. McCoy was five years old his father died, his mother surviving him
only two years, thus leaving him an orphan at the tender age of seven
years. He is one of a family of seven children, four sons and three
daughters, of whom three are now living. Thus thrown upon his own
resources at an early age and having to work for the support of his
younger brothers and sisters, he entered a foundry at Steubenville,
Ohio, doing the most menial service for small pay. He continued in the
foundry three years, when, at the age of sixteen, he went to
Pennsylvania, and was there engaged in farming and attending school
alternately--running the farm in the working season and attending school
winters. In this way he obtained a thorough English education and
received a good knowledge of the classics. He was offered a collegiate
education but preferred depending upon his own resources to receiving
help from any one, and he faced life for himself, with the determination
that whatever he should accomplish would be through his individual
efforts. At the age of twenty-four he removed from Pennsylvania to
Burlington, Iowa, and began clerking in the store of Barton T. David,
which position he held for a period of about two years, when the store
was removed to Henderson county, Illinois, where our subject was given
the entire management. Here he remained for about three years. In the
autumn of 1860, he removed to Louisiana and stopped with T. C. Chacheré,
making that his home for some time. Here he was engaged in
carpentering, which trade he had learned in Illinois. About three years
subsequent to this he purchased a small plantation, upon which he
erected a residence, where he has since lived, devoting himself
exclusively to planting. Mr. McCoy, through the adverse circumstances
from which he has arisen, has been eminently fitted for a business life,
and to his untiring energy is due what he has accomplished. He married,
in 1867, Mrs. Odelia Anders, a native of St. Landry parish and daughter
of Jno. B. and Mary L. Bighm. To this union has been born one son,
Allen.
Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section,
p. 64. Edited by William Henry Perrin. Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.