Mistakes

Sometimes, you make mistakes.  And then, if you’re me, those mistakes are compounded by Ancestry, and you feel just awful.  Let me explain.

Between the French and Spanish priests in early Louisiana, figuring out what my ancestors actually named their children can be a challenge. Few of my ancestors probably could read and write. So the priest guessed, and if it was a Spanish priest (as there often was between 1762 and 1802), then the priest not only had a bit of a language barrier but he also Spanishized names (is that a word?; well, it is now).

Marie became Maria. Joseph became Josef. Paul became Pablo. And those are the easy names.

My great-great grandmother’s mother was named Felonise (or something like that). According to the 1850 census, she was Phrlouise. 1860 had her as Mrs. Leufroy. 1870 marked her as Felonese. Her succession record lists her as Telonise.

So I had to figure out which of Francois Marie Gautreaux and Felicite Jeanne Hebert’s daughters she was. And I goofed. I thought she was Amarante Felicite until I realized today – decades into researching – that I goofed.

Amarante – or Emerante – married and died young. She certainly didn’t live long enough to bring 13 children into the world. Instead, she gave birth to a boy who died shortly after birth and she quickly followed him to the grave.

Except I have in my Ancestry tree that Amarante married Leufroy Aucoin and had many, many children. I goofed. It’s more likely that Leufroy’s wife was Philomin (which probably was supposed to be Philonise or Felonise). And, again, I’m guessing although the years match up. The bad thing is people have grabbed that information from my Ancestry tree (which is why you should never, ever, never, ever, never, ever) just copy someone else’s research. I know it’s tempting.

I source as much as I can, but genealogy is very much like putting together a puzzle. Sometimes you reason it out and make a guess to put the pieces together. And sometimes you’re just wrong.

I can’t tell you how bad I feel about this. And I can’t tell you how stressed I am about figuring out how to fix this in Family Tree Maker.

How in the world did I overlook Emerante’s marriage record and burial record? How?

 

Namesakes

My granny had the dubious distinction of being named after a dead child.

Joseph Augustin Giroir and Elizabeth Montet had 15 children, and all but one lived to adulthood. They lost Monique Florence at five months. I have no idea what killed her although it wasn’t uncommon for babies to die in the 1890s.

Last year, we lost a baby in my family. It was horrible and devastating, and I take some comfort in that.  Nowadays, it’s uncommon to lose a baby unless it’s in the early stages of pregnancy. No one should have to go the section of the funeral home where they keep the tiny coffins.

But back to my granny. She was one of the first grandchildren so she got saddled with the dead baby’s name: Florence. Her father always thought it was morbid so he insisted on calling her by her middle name: Gertrude. Her mother and her mother’s family supposedly always called her Florence. On the 1930 census, when she was living with her mother’s sister, she was recorded as Gertrude so who knows what the truth was.

I wonder if her father thought it was morbid or just bad luck to be named after a baby who died. I was thinking about that when looking at the descendants of Marie Heleine (or Helena) Babin.

Helena died at age 33 in 1873. She left behind Cordilier, 14 (my ancestor), Aladin, 11, Adea, 8, Olivia, 5, and Adrienne, 2. All were her children with Desire Gautreaux.

Helena had two full brothers: Melite and Anatole. The Gautreaux/Babin families apparently liked unusual names.

Because she died so young, there aren’t any family stories about Helena that I’ve been told. But her relatives attempted to carry on her name.

Her daughter Adea christened her first daughter Marie Helena. The baby died at age 2.

Her brother Anatole also named a baby Helena. That baby grew up only to die as a young woman.

Personally, I think Helena is a lovely name.

Obits in St. Mary Banner

March 24, 1900

We regret to chronicle the death of Mrs. Borah, of Baldwin, which sad event occurred this morning.

March 10, 1900

In Franklin, on Thursday morning, March 8, 1900, Ione Louise, infant daughter of Pinkey D. Alpha and May H. Hooper, aged 1 month. Funeral took place from their residence on Third street, Thursday evening, at 5 o’clock.

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In New Orleans, on Tuesday, March 6, 1900, Esther Roussell, daughter of Dr. Roussell, of Patterson, aged 6 years.

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Mr. Daniel Thompson, one of St. Mary’s oldest citizens, died at his residence on Calumet plantation on the 8th inst. His remains were shipped to Chicago for interment.

September 20, 1902

A very sad death occurred in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Mequet on Wednesday morning, the 17th inst., when the death angel bore the gentle spirit of little Austin D. Theriot, son of Mr. and Mrs. D.A. Theriot, to his heavenly home. He was just 1 month and 19 days old and was the joy and light of a loving household. His death was a great shock to the fond parents having been sick just a few hours. The funeral services were conducted from the Catholic Church Thursday morning at 10 o’clock and the remains of the little one were tenderly laid to rest in the Franklin cemetery. May the God, in his infinite mercy, comfort the bereaved father and mother and other relatives who loved little Austin so fondly.

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Mrs. Lizzie G. Kihnel died at her home in Patterson last Thursday morning, aged 43 years. She was for many years a school teacher and had many friends in Patterson. She leaves three children to mourn her death.

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Died on Tuesday morning, Sept. 16th, at 3:30 o’clock, Mamie Smith, infant daughter of Ashton K. Smith and Mary Bateman, aged one year. After a brief earthly sojourn her gentle spirit was borne by ministering angels to the paradise of God and while the fond parents weep they are not as those who have no hope. They know their little one is safe in the arms of Jesus.

Died, at her home in Baldwin, at 1:00 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 19th, 1902, Fannie E. Harding. Her remains were interred in the family tomb in the Franklin cemetery, Friday evening, Sept. 19th, 1902, at 3:00 o’clock.

Dec. 6, 1902

Mr. Ralph E. Hine, one of the best known and popular citizens of this place, died at his home on Monday morning, Dec. 1st, at 4:40 o’clock, after an illness of many months. Mr. Hine was in the mercantile business here for many years but at the time of his death was engaged in rice culture. The deceased was born in Connecticut 57 years ago but spent most of his life here. Among the large number of relatives left to mourn the passing away of Mr. Hine are his mother, Mrs. T.D. Hine; his wife, formerly Libbie Walker, three daughters, Mrs. Beverly Ward, Misses May and Nellie and one son, Mr. Murphy Hine. Four brothers, Messrs. Homer, Thomas, Will and Capt. Chas. Hine. The remains of the deceased were buried on Tuesday evening, Dec. 2d, 1902, at 3 o’clock, from the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

A sad accident happened here last Wednesday evening in which Mr. Octave Mequet, a contractor and builder, met a tragic death. Mr. Mequet was engaged to move a stable on the property of Mr. Jos. Jacobs, when one of the rollers slipped and he was pinioned under the building. Help was quickly summoned to his rescue but when he was removed from beneath the structure life was extinct. The untimely death of Mr. Mequet cast a gloom over the whole community as he was a good citizen and had many friends and relatives. The funeral took place from the late residence of the deceased on last Friday evening, Dec. 5th, at 4 o’clock and was largely attended. Mr. Mequet was a Pythian and a Druid, and the members of these orders attended his funeral. The deceased leaves a wife and nine children also several brothers and sisters to mourn his loss.

 

 

And more early obits

The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – June 20, 1896

Judge John M. Howell – this well known gentleman and former resident of Lafourche departed from this life last Tuesday, June 16th, in New Orleans at the residence of his son, Mr. Harry B. Howell.

The deceased wo had reached the age of 75 years, moved into this State about the year 1859 or 1860 from California where he had attained some prominence as a lawyer and served on the bench as district judge.

He lived many years in this parish, having been part owner of the waverly plantation, now owned by his son, Senator W. E. Howell, and Mrs. J.S. Perkins, and for a number of years resided in our town on Jackson Street, in the house now occupied by Mrs. J. A. Frost, which he owned at the time. He occupied several responsible positions in this parish, having been president of the police jury, trustee of the town, and a member of the Parish School Board.

Judge Howell was a man of affable manners and of a genial disposition which attracted to him those with whom he came in contact.

He was highly esteemed and respected by our people.

His remains were brought here last Wednesday over the Southern Pacific Road and interred from St. John’s Episcopal Church. Many relatives and friends followed them in sorrow to their last resting place.

He leaves a widow and several sons and daughters, all grown and settled in life, to mourn his loss.

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Little Olivia Odilia Aubert, infant daughter of Mrs. Selina Dickson and the late L.C. Aubert, died on June 13th, 1896, and her remains were interred in St. John’s Cemetery.

The little child was only 5 months and 20 days of age, and has gone to her celestial home.

The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – Feb. 29, 1896

On last Wednesday night, at the residence of his niece, Mrs. E.E. LeBlanc, in this town, Theogene Caillouet passed away from this life at the advanced age of 83 years.

The deceased was a native of the parish of St. James but lived the greater portion of his life in this parish, having lived here in his young days and returned again in later life in 1864 or 65 since which time he has always resided in the parish.

He was one of those rugged and honest characters who assert their individualities in whatever walks of life their lines may be cast and work their way to success. He was a planter by occupation and proved successful in his line, having acquired by his energy, enterprise and economy two plantations which he was still operating at the time of his death.

His funeral took place on Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at St. Joseph’s Church in the midst of numerous relatives and friends who had congregated to pay their last respects to the venerable octogenarian.

The deceased leaves a surviving wife who had been his help mate in life for over half a century and four sons, J. Norbert, Edward, Felix P. and Joseph T. Caillouet and two daughters, Mrs. Prosper Boudreaux and Mrs. Clay Caillouet, to mourn his loss.

The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – April 25, 1896

Robert J. Perkins Sr., a highly esteemed and respected citizens of the state, died Thursday in Jefferson parish where he resided and his remains were brought here yesterday by the noon train and interred in St. John’s Cemetery.

The deceased was a former citizen of Lafourche, highly esteemed here by all, and was at one time President of the Parish School Board of Lafourche, which position he filled with marked ability. He has relatives in this parish.

His death was so unexpected that its announcement shocked his many friends.

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The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – March 13, 1897

John A. Frost: This estimable, young man, after a long and painful illness, peacefully passed away last Tuesday morning at the home of his father, Mr. Henry W. Frost.

The deceased had just entered upon man’s estate, being only 21 years and a few months, but he had already acquired the friendship and esteem of his fellows and the respect of all who know him, by his manly deportment and gentlemanly ways.

His funeral took place Wednesday morning at St. Joseph’s Church and was largely attended by relatives, friends and acquaintances.

His untimely death proved a severe blow to his father and mother and he will long be grieved by them and by his loving brothers and sisters.

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The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – Oct. 30, 1897

On Tuesday, Oct. 19, 1897, at 12 a.m., Mrs. Onezime LeBlanc, aged 63 years. Funeral services took place at the Catholic church and were conducted by Rev. Father Branche. The remains were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery. Mrs. LeBlanc had been a patient sufferer for a long time and her death was not unexpected. She was a good christian woman and died in full faith of meeting her reward in a better land.

The above dotice of Mrs. LeBlanc’s death is reproduced from the Rayne Tribune, near which town Mrs. LeBlanc died. Mrs. LeBlanc was well known in this parish, having lived here with her esteemed husband, Mr. O.C. LeBlanc, near Lafourche Crossing all her life, up to within a year or so when they moved to Acadia parish. She leaves here a son, Mr. Albert LeBlanc, and many relatives and friends to mourn to her loss.

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Little Leo Frost Molaison, son of the late Leo Molaison and Virginia Frost, departed this life Thursday afternoon aged 1 year, 4 months and 8 days. His funeral took place yesterday afternoon at St. Joseph’s Church.

 

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The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – Aug. 21, 1897

Last Wednesday morning at five o’clock, Edgar Gros, a worthy young man of the fifth ward, departed this life at his home on the Greenwood plantation, at the age of 27 years, 11 months and 10 days. His funeral took place Thursday morning at 10 o’clock at St. Philomena’s Church, Labadieville.

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Magloire Bourgeois, an old and well known citizen of Assumption, died suddenly at his home, a short distance above Labadieville, last Sunday in the forenoon. He was

Magloire and his wife, Azelie

apparently well that morning and had partaken of his breakfast as usual when he complained of a slight pain in the side of which, it seems, even he did not think much. Shortly after, he fell and was soon a corpse. His funeral took place Monday afternoon at St. Philomena’s Church, Labadieville.

The deceased was a native of this parish, a brother of Mr. J.B. Bourgeois, Mrs. Theodule Toups and Mrs. Thelesphore Toups, and leaves here many relatives. He had lived in Assumption for years.

 

 

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The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – Dec. 11, 1897

The remains of Felix Celestin, native of this parish, but for many years living in New Orleans with his mother, the venerable Mrs. Jean Celestin, arrived here by last Tuesday’s noon train, accompanied by his near relatives, and were interred in St. Joseph’s cemetery, in the presence of grief stricken relatives and sorrowing friends.

Felix Celestin tumbled to his death here. 

The news of his tragic death, which had preceded the coming of his remains, had shocked the community. While at work in the American Sugar Refinery, full of life and vigor, he lost his footing and fell a distance of 25 feet, fracturing his skull and crushing in one side of his body, from the effect of which he never recovered consciousness.

The deceased was only 26 years of age, a steady and industrious young man and competent mechanic. He was a devoted son and kind brother, much attached to his aged mother and two widowed sisters whose main support he was. He was one of a numerous family, five brothers and three sisters, besides his aged mother, surviving him, by all of whom he was greatly beloved and is now sadly missed.

The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – Dec. 18, 1897

Last Saturday, December 11th, at 6:30 p.m. Mrs. Severine Foret, wife of Hamilton Ayo, departed this life at her residence on Home Place after an illness of three weeks’ duration, aged 49 years. She was surrounded at the supreme moment when her spirit was called to its eternal home by a fond husband, loving children and grief stricken relatives who spared no pains to comfort her and alleviate her pains. All that science could do to save her was resorted to by her affectionate son, Dr. J.J. Ayo, aided and assisted by two brother physicians.

Mrs. Ayo’s funeral took place at Lockport on Sunday at 4 o’clock p.m. and was one of the largest and grandest funerals ever witnessed in that interesting town. Rev. Father Vigroux, the beloved pastor of St. Sauveur Church, officiated, being assisted in the ceremony by two brother priests.

Mrs. Ayo was a member of the well known and well respected Foret family and besides a large family connection she leaves a devoted husband and five children to mourn her departure. Her husband, Mr. Hamilton Ayo, is a gentleman of prominence in the parish having served several terms as police juror; a son, Dr. J.J. Ayo, is now coroner of the parish; the other son, Sam A. Ayo, is now a medical student at Tulane; her oldest daughter is a religious known in religion as Sister Mary Gabriel, and two daughters are single and now live with their sorrow stricken father.

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The news of the death of Mrs. W. D. Roussel (nee Clara Perkins) who died in her home in Patterson last Tuesday night was received with profound regret in this place, her former home.

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St. Charles Church was built on land that once belonged to Mr. Vasseur Bourgeois

Mrs. Vasseur Bourgeois: This estimable lady of the third ward died at her home near St. Charles Chapel one day this week and her remains were interred in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

 

 

 

 

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Mrs. Julia E. Abadie: As we go to press we learn the death of this estimable lady which occurred yesterday morning at her home at the advanced age of 74 years. She had been ill for some time and her death was not unexpected. Her funeral will take place today at St. Joseph’s Church at 10:30 o’clock.

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More early obits from Louisiana papers

The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – Dec. 20, 1902

The Sentinel regrets to have to chronicle the death of Miss Mary Gentry Pugh, the third daughter of Mrs. Richard L. Pugh, of this parish, which sad event took place in New Orleans on Tuesday, December 16, 1902, at 11:40 p.m.

Besides a host of friends, the deceased who was young and prepossessing, leaves a loving mother and several brothers and sisters to mourn her sad and untimely death.

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Joseph Molaison, formerly a prominent planter in the Parish of Lafourche, who had resided in this city for the past 12 years, died here yesterday at 11 o’clock, aged 65 years. Mr. Molaison acquired a considerable fortune before coming to the city, and has since been engaged in the money brokerage business in Lafourche, Acadia and Vermillion Parishes. He leaves a large family including his wife, who was Miss Marie Alzina Lafort; five daughters, Mrs. J.N. Green, wife of the District Attorney of the Parish of Vermilion; Mrs. Thomas LeBlanc, Mrs. E. Cadeux, Mrs. A. Legendre and Miss Celeste Molaison, and a son, Joseph Molaison Jr. Mrs. Molaison was well known throughout southern Louisiana and was a man of good business ability and had many friends – Picayune.

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On Tuesday morning last, Dec. 16, 1902, at 1 o’clock, Joseph Molaison, a native and former resident of this parish, died at his residence in New Orleans, aged 66 years.

The deceased was until 12 years ago a resident of this parish where he accumulated considerable property, having been a successful merchant and planter. he was a good citizen and a devoted husband and father. His wife and several children survive him and mourn his loss.

We believe he also leaves some collateral relations in this parish among whom Mrs. Frank Legendre, of this town, who is a sister.

 

The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – May 17, 1902  

This community was terribly shocked last Thursday afternoon by the sudden death of the venerable Mr. Joachim Badeaux, one of the oldest citizens of this town. The blow was as unexpected and as terrific as a bolt of lightening from a clear sky on a bright day. Hale and hearty and apparently in the best of health, Mr. Badeaux was sitting on his rear porch, and had just exchanged a few pleasant remarks with Mr. Charles A. Badeaux, his grandson, when the paralitic stroke which ended his life came on and he dropped in his chair. Help was at once summoned and loving hands soon tried to relieve him the priest and the physician were called and responded without delay, but it was too late, the venerable old man had obeyed the dread summons and gone to his Maker.
To make this event still sadder for the family, Mr. Edward Badeaux, a son of the deceased, had gone to New Orleans that very afternoon, having left his father in good health just a few hours before. Fortunately he was advised in time to return by the night train.

Mr. Badeaux was 82 years and five months of age when he terminated his long and useful career. He was a native of the Lafourche valley, and descended of the good and sturdy pioneer stock of the country. He was a long time resident of this town where he engaged in mercantile pursuits and even before the civil war had become one of the leading merchants and taken his place in the rank of the prominent and influential citizens of Thibodaux. After the war, he continued in business for a short time and then retired on a modest competency, living a quiet life with his life companion at their home on Jackson street until her death which occurred a few years ago. After his wife’s death, he continued to live the same quiet, retired life, with his devoted daughter, Miss Eliska, who tenderly gave him all the love, care and attention that a dutiful daughter can bestow upon and aged and beloved father.
Mr. Badeaux was an upright man, admired and respected by all who knew him – and he had large acquaintance – for his rugged honesty and integrity. He has now gone to his eternal reward, after a long and useful life, leaving to his children the fair inheritance of a good name and spotless reputation. Three sons, Hon. Thomas A. Badeaux, Edward and Clayton Badeaux and one daughter, Miss Eliska, survive him – all respected and useful members of the community. Of his grandchildren, Mr. Charles A. Badeaux is a prosperous young merchant of our town, and the Reverend Francis Badeaux is a worthy minister of God and a zealous young priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
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The Donaldsonville Chief – Jan. 4, 1919

The following death notices appeared in Wednesday’s Times-Picayune and Friday’s States, respectively, with the request appended that they be reproduced in the Chief:

Dominque – On Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1918, at 7:55 p.m., Philip E. Dominique, beloved husband of Ezilia Veron, aged 32 years, a native of Louisiana and a resident of this city for the past 24 years.

Duffy – On Friday, Jan. 3, 1919, at 5:40 o’clock a.m. Frank C. Duffy, beloved husband of Rowena Barlow, aged 34 years; a native of Morgan City and a resident of Algiers for 30 years.
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Oct. 24, 1896, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. E. Doherty, Mrs. Sarah Scally, aged 96, a native of Westmeath County, Ireland, and a resident of Lafourche for a period of 44 years.

One by one, they are passing away from our midst, those landmarks of a former generation; our superiors in strength, in vitality and perhaps in nobleness of purpose and achievements.

Nearly a century spent in the fulfillment of all the duties incumbent upon a true christian, such is the record to be made in noting the death of the estimable lady whose obituary is given above.

Like many self-exiled from an oppressed land, she and her worthy husband left their native land as early as the year 1852 and from that time on resided in the Parish of Lafourche, where, with industry, perseverance and true Catholic piety, they worked their way through the difficulties surrounding them; succeeded in bringing up their children according to their own precepts and examples and soon found themselves on the road to prosperity. In 1872, Mr. Scally died. His widow with her children continued to walk in the path of success and long before her death she had the pleasure of seeing her family reap the reward of honest toil.

But, in the transitions of fortune, Mrs. Scally never lost the sense of her responsibility toward those who needed her assistance. Like a true disciple of Him who said: ‘Let not thy right hand know what the left hath done,’ most of her good deeds were done in silence, but there are many also who can say that her purse was always open to the calls made upon her sympathy.

Her life is an example; her memory a consolation to those who mourn her loss, for, in the soft repose of her features, after that long lease of life was ended, could be read the serenity of a pure spirit that wings its way above to meet the reward that awaits him who has walked through life in company with those sweet handmaids of the Christian: Faith, Hope and Charity.
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In the death of Mrs. Hermogene Bernard, which took place last Saturday at the residence of her daughter Mrs. Oscar Himel in Assumption, another christian spirit took its flight to its eternal home.

Mrs. Bernard belonged to the large and respected Webre family, being Eugenie, one of the many children of the late John Webre, and was about 76 years of age at the time of her demise.

Her remains were transported to this parish for interment in the family vault and her funeral which took place last Sunday after high mass was one of the most largely attended ever seen here.

She leaves to mourn her loss, her devoted spouse, Mr. Hermogene Bernard, a venerable and highly respected citizen, a son Mr. Victor Bernard, three daughters, Mrs. Oscar Himel, Mrs. Rodolphe Hebert and Mrs. Laureut Francionni, and numerous grandchildren.
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Frank L. Himel – this young citizen of Assumption, son of the venerable Drozin Himel, died last Sunday at his father’s house at the age of 26 years. His funeral took place the following day from St. Philomena’s Church, Labadieville.

 

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The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – Dec. 1, 1896

Jean Lemuel Thibodaux – this well known citizen of Lafourche died last Wednesday at 1 o’clock p.m. at his home, seven miles below this town at the age of 44 years and 6 months.

The deceased was a native of Lafourche and lived his whole life within a short distance from the house in which he first saw the light of day. He lived and died a good christian, being a member of the Society of St. Joseph and a devoted and zealous son of the Catholic church.

He was a good citizen, a loving husband and kind father. Starting in life as a poor boy, he had succeeded by hard work, vim and push in securing a good home for his wife and children, besides setting aside something for a rainy day.

The death of such a man in the prime of his life is a loss to the community, and a heavy blow to the loved ones he leaves behind. To his sorrowing widow and children and his aged mother we extend our heartfelt symathy and condolence.

Early obits from Louisiana papers

The Weekly Iberian – April 22, 1911

Died: at his home at Loreauville on Saturday, April 15th, 1911, Albert Boutte, aged 50 years. The funeral took place from the Catholic Church of Loreauville, sunday, the 16th instant, attended by a large number of family and friends who attended their sympathy to the bereaved family.

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Died: At the residence of Mr. Albert Mestayer at Belle Place at 12 o’clock noon Saturday April 15th, 1911, Dr. H.E. Wallet, born August 4th, 1866. The funeral took place from St. Peters Catholic Church, this city, on Sunday, at 5 o’clock P.M. attended by a large number of relatives and friends of the deceased and his bereaved family.

The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – July 13, 1901

We copy from the Times Democrat on the 9th inst.

On Monday, July 8th 1901 at 11:20 p.m. Marie Heloise Lorio, widow of the late Rosamond Lorio, aged 83 years a native of Louisiana and a resident of Algiers for 65 years.

Deceased was at one time a resident of this community and still has a number of relatives living here.

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Mr. James Caillouet, an old and respected citizen of this place, died last Tuesday morning at 12:30 o’clock at the residence of his son Mr. Clay Caillouet on Jackson street. Mr. Caillouet was 70 years of age and had always lived in this Parish. He leaves several sons, brothers and many relatives to whom the Sentinel extends its sympathies.

The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – Nov. 28, 1891

Died. — On Thursday morning, Nov. 26th, 1891, in the Parish of Lafourche, Mr. Pierre L. Lasseigne, son of Abel Lasseigne, aged 17 years, 8 months and 21 days. The funeral services were celebrated in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Thibodaux on Friday, at 10:30 o’clock a.m. in the presence of a huge concourse of relatives, friends
and acquaintances. We present our most heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, and may the soul of the departed one rest forever more in peace.

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We chronicle with regret the death of Mrs. H. C. Bernard, nee Aycock, of New Orleans. She was the wife of one our esteemed parishioners, Mr. H. Clay Bernard, grand-son of John Webre, so well known in Lafourche, and also the sister of Mrs. Philippe Dansereau.

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St. Louis Plantation, home to Mrs. Lavinia Hynes

The announcement of the death of Mrs. Lavinia Hynes, widow of the Hon. E. J. Gay, which occurred last Sunday evening at 7:15 o’clock, in this city, at the St. Charles Hotel, in the seventieth year of her age, has been received with surprise as great, on account of its suddenness, as with grief profound by her large circle of friends and acquaintances throughout the country.

Mrs. Gay arrived in the city on last Friday accompanied by some members of her family from her St. Louis plantation in Iberville Parish, and as was her wont took up quarters at the St. Charles Hotel. On Saturday while doing some shopping, she was taken suddenly ill and returned to the hotel. Paralysis developed itself which culminated in the death of the venerable lady last Sunday evening. During her last moments, her son, Andrew H. Gay, Esq., of Iberville, and her daughter, Nannie, the

Andrew Price

wife of Congressman Andrew Price, were at her bedside. The remains will be conveyed this evening to St. Louis to be interred in the cemetery where her father and her husband are buried.

Mrs. Gay was born in Memphis, Tenn., and was the daughter of Col. Andrew Hynes, a prominent resident of that city and large operator of sugar plantations in Louisiana. She was wooed, and won by Edward J. Gay, then a rising young merchant of St. Louis. Mr. Gay subsequently removed with his family to this State and in course of time became one of its most prosperous merchants and planters.

He also represented tho Third District of this State in the United States Congress, being the predecessor of the present incumbent, his son-in-law, the Hon. Andrew Price.

Since the death of her husband, which occurred a few years ago, Mrs. Gay has made her home on the Iberville plantation.

She leaves to mourn her two daughters, Mrs. Crow, of St. Louis, and Mrs. Andrew Price, of Louisiana, and two sons, Andrew, an extensive planter of Iberville parish, and John, a resident of California, besides a numerous family connection in Louisiana, Missouri and other States. She leaves also an extentive (sic) valuable estate — City Item.

The weekly Iberian – Jan. 23, 1915

Died, at the residence of her mother, Mrs. Gaston Guilbeaux, Upper Hopkins street, on Wednesday morning, Jan. 20th, 1915, at 3:30 o’clock, Henriette Guilbeaux, born March 1st, 1913. The funeral took place from St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Wednesday evening at 5 o’clock.

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Died, yesterday, at his residence on West Field street, at 5 o’clock p.m., Mr. Hildebert Theriot Sr., aged 110 years.

Mr. Theriot is survived by 12 children, 84 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

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Died, at his residence, on Royal street, on Friday, Jan. 15th, 1915, Dr. Theophile Gouaux. The next day, the body was brought to this city on the Southern Pacific train and the interment took place in the afternoon beside the body of his wife who preceded him to the grave many years ago, in the Catholic cemetery.

The deceased was born in France 65 years ago and came to Louisiana at an early age. He practiced medicine in this city for quite a number of years.

Dr. Gouaux is survived by three children, Dr. F.F. Gouaux of Lockport, Mrs. Albert Baup and Mrs. A. O. Douglas of Natchez.

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On Friday, January 15th, 1915 at 11:45 o’clock p.m., Mrs. Laurent Bazus died at her residence on Main street, near Weeks. She was born in 1834. The funeral took place on Saturday from St. Peter’s Catholic Church at 4 o’clock in the evening.

Mrs. Bazus was a native of France, her place of residence being in Vic en-Bigorre, Hante Pyrenees. She came to this country 50 years ago. She kept in this city the Bazus Hotel for 30 years.

The deceased is survived by two children, Mrs. Louis J. Bazus and Mrs. A. J. Maumus of this city.

The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – May 11, 1901

The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. O’Sullivan in this city and neighborhood were shocked to learn of the sad news of the death of their daughter Katherine, which took place last Sunday morning at 9 o’clock at the family residence on St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans. The Sentinel and its many friends extend to the bereaved family their heartfelt sympathies in this their hour of sadness.

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Mr. Jules Henriot, after a short illness, died at Cut-Off, April 30th at the residence of Mr. Julien Lefort. Deceased had quite a number of friends hear (sic) who will be sorry to hear of his death. He was a native of France and had lived in this parish for about two years. He at one time lived in Thibodaux and may be remembered by many having given a number of slight of hand exhibitions at fairs and festivals here and throughout the parish. He had lately taken up his abode in Cut-Off where he occupied himself by teaching a private French school.

The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – March 2, 1901

The many friends of Mr. Auguste Bergeron were pained to learn of his death which occurred at his home near Lafourche Crossing on last Monday at 6 o’clock a.m. He had reached the ripe old age of 83 years and 4 months and leaves several children to mourn his loss. His funeral took place Tuesday morning from St. Joseph’s church amid a large concourse of sorrowing friends. To the bereaved family, the Sentinel extends its sincerest sympathies.

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Died at her home on Sunday near Raceland, Mrs. Stanley Waguespack nee Olympe Knobloch, aged 25 years. She was a daughter of Mr. Voltaire Knobloch, a prominent planter of lower Lafourche and had many relatives in Thibodaux. Her husband and three small children survive her. She was buried at St. Mary church Monday.

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We clip the following from Sunday’s Times Democrat: Near St. Francisville, La. on Sunday, Feb 17, 1901, Richard Gaillard Ellis, aged 42 years, two months and 17 days.

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The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – Jan. 5, 1901

Mary Louisa Schwartz, aged 18 months, the only daughter of Martin Schwartz and Leoncia Aucoin, died last Thursday, Dec. 27th at 12:30 o’clock. Her death was caused by lockjaw brought on by what at the time seemed to be only a slight injury. Her remains were interred in St. Josephs Catholic Cemetery.

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The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – April 20, 1901

The many friends and the community at large were deeply chagrined to learn of the death of this venerable and highly respected lady which occurred at her home on Canal street last Monday night at the advanced age of 84 years. Deceased was Miss Azalee Bozelesse Richard and married Mr. Maximillien Naquin, now deceased, from which union 11 children were born of whom 4 are now living: Emile, Ozemie, Alfred and Emeline, and who are today worthy citizens of the community in which we live.

She had resided in this town since 1856. Deceased was a devout Catholic and always had a kind and encouraging word to those in distress. Charitable to a fault, she has helped many a poor mortal along the pathway of life.

During her last illness, she was surrounded by her family and many old and sorrowing friends, she received the last rites of the church which she had so faithfully served all her life and died a true Christian death.

Her familiar figure will be missed and her loss to the community is a serious one. The remains were interred in the family tomb in the Catholic cemetery Tuesday evening at 5:30.

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The weekly Thibodaux Sentinel – Aug. 23, 1902

Mr. Victorin Keller, one of the oldest inhabitants of this parish, died last Friday week, at is home in the 5th Ward in the 87th year. He was the father of Mr. Sosthene Keller, a well known citizen of the 5th Ward and the grandfather of Messrs Charles B. and Nicholas Lasseigne of this town.

His funeral which was largely attended took place Saturday afternoon at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

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Benjamin A. Breaux departed this life at his home in this town on the 15th, inst., aged 67 years. His funeral took place on Saturday afternoon at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The deceased was a native of this parish, led a quiet, unassuming life and left a wife and several children. Mr. Eugene Breaux, a merchant of the 7th Ward, is his son by a former wife who died many years ago.

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John Donahue, a native of this town, and who for years led a very quiet and retired life at the old family homestead on the Terrebonne road, at a short distance south of this town, died early last Monday morning aged 50 years and 7 days. His funeral took place on the afternoon of the same day, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

 

The problem of Apolinaire Frioux

I pity any one with the main line of Frioux to trace. It could be Frioux, Fryou, Frillot, Frero or goodness knows what else.

I first came upon the name after discovering that my grandmother’s godfather, Oleus Oscar Montet, had been married before he married my Aunt Louise.

I always felt a little sorry for Oleus. He was always described to me as a very nice man who would give my mother and her sister fruit (a precious thing for a poor family). And he was married to Aunt Louise, who was never described in kind terms. Oleus and Louise had but one child, Paul, who died in his teens.

Ten years before he married Louise, Oleus married Josephine Frioux. She died a little more than a year after the wedding. My guess is that she died in childbirth, but I’m guessing because no one ever told me about Josephine. I stumbled across her in the Catholic record books.

Josephine’s father was Apolinaire Frioux. Her mother was Philomene Gautreaux. Josephine was the only daughter in a family of four children. When she was 14, her father died. Her mother died five years later. Josephine herself was only 20 when she died. I don’t know much about Josephine’s little family. One brother died young. The two other brothers moved to Texas.  Frioux/Fryou/Frillot has been a tough name to trace.

The name Apolinaire was interesting to me, though, because Oleus’ mother had a sister who married an Apolinaire Frioux. I wondered if it could be the same man and if he had two families. It turns out he had three families (but all in a respectable way).

I hadn’t been able to make the link until I found a succession record for Celestine Aucoin, Oleus’ aunt and Apolinaire’s second wife. I knew Celestine died in the yellow fever epidemic. I didn’t realize that she had enough property for a succession to be filed.

In 1880, Apolinaire went to the Franklin courthouse to report that Celestine had died on September 24, 1879, leaving behind one (surviving) child, Florestine. Apolinaire wanted to get married again (only a year after burying poor Celestine) and needed to separate out Celestine’s property for their daughter.

Here’s the inventory:

1. A tract of land lying and being in the parish of St. Mary having two acres front on Bayou Boeuf and containing about 44 superficial acres more of less with adjoining tract to the rear line appraised and valued at $350.
2. Nine heads of horned cattle.
3. One small Creole mars (I have no idea what this means).
4. One plow.

Total=$452, half of which went to Florestine.

If you read successions, you read a lot about family meetings. I doubt they were as formal as the legal papers make them sound. Regardless, in one description of a family meeting, it was revealed that Apolinaire wanted to marry a Philomene Gautreaux and that it would be his third marriage.

So now I know that Apolinaire was Oleus’ father-in-law and uncle.