Tracking down Aunt Cecile

My granny knew only a few things about her Aunt Cecile: She married an Ernest Giroir, had a few boys and died young.

Cecile was Mary Cecilia Gautreaux/Gauthreaux. She was the only daughter of Cordelier and Merante Aucoin Gautreaux/Gauthreaux.

I’d never found any trace of Cecile after she left home until I stumbled across notes Granny made that mentioned her husband’s name. Those notes led me to her marriage certificate. Her father and uncle witnessed the marriage.

Then I found Cecile’s son: Adolphe Adam Giroir.

It’s nice to add them to the family tree.

The exasperating, frustrating and altogether annoying LeBlancs

Because I like a challenge, I’ve been trying to sort out the LeBlanc family. It’s like tumbling down a rabbit hole after a white rabbit. It just gets curiouser and curiouser.

Josephine Emiline Templet married Etienne Carville LeBlanc. in 1867. Josephine was the sister of my g-g-g-grandmother Anaise Templet. Anaise – I think – was actually christened Marie Heloise. Maybe it was supposed to be Marie Anaise, and the priest wrote it down wrong. I have no idea. All I know is we’re about to get into a trend.

Josephine didn’t go by Josephine. She didn’t go by Emiline. She was Eveline or Evalina.

Pete’s war registration record, where he decided to go by his actual name.

Her husband, Etienne Carville, didn’t go by Etienne Carville. He was Pete, except on his Civil War draft registration, when he put down his middle name of Carville. Pete worked on the railroad and then became a ferryman in Morgan City.

Pete and Eveline had a lot of kids. I think I’ve blogged before about the confusion involving their names, but I’ll revisit since I’ve learned more. Basically,  baptism records record their kids’ names as one thing. Census records completely disagree for the most part. I’ll list the baptismal name first and put the census name in parenthesis.

Onezime Eugenie, 1867 (Olivia in 1880)

Almina Marie, 1869 (Elvena in 1880)

Odille Carmelite, 1870 (Odelia in 1880 – yeah!!)

Clarity Ozemee, 1872 (Clovis in 1880)

Oscar Francois, 1875 (not listed in 1880)

Mary Seraphine, 1877 (Josephine in 1880)

Joseph Arthur, 1879 (Joseph in 1880 and Arthur in 1900)

Peter Clarfey, 1881 (Clifford in 1900)

Eugenie Philomene, 1883 (Jennie in 1900)

So … I know that Jennie – the baby – married Aubin Picou and had children before dying in the 1950s. The rest of the kids were a mystery until I finally traced Peter Clarfey/Clifford only to find that he didn’t go by any of those names later in life.

Clifford/William LeBlanc in 1910 before his wife died. 

Clifford – as he was known in a mangled fashion on the 1910 census – married May Bell Bigler and had five children.

May Bell died young. The kids went to live with her relations. Clifford then pops up in New Orleans – as William or Willie – and marries a Catherine Fallosio. They have five children.

In 1929, Clifford/William dies, leaving behind a pregnant widow. The kids – sadly – are sent to.an orphanage.

Even Clifford/William’s kids’ names are confusing. He and Catherine seemed to have had two Williams and two Clifftons as sons.

But Catherine’s story also is a name game puzzle.

Her father was James Fallosio, who served as a deputy in Orleans Parish and seemed to be quick to pull the trigger on his gun. Newspaper reports on those shootings casually mention that James Fallosio sometimes was known as James Sebastian. What the heck?

It turns out that James’ full name was James Sebastian Fallosio, but he sometimes just dropped the surname. Even his kids sometimes listed their last name as Sebastian.

And this is why genealogy is a twisting, winding road of frustration.

James was no stranger to an alcohol-infused brawl. 

James, by the way, died in 1903 during a barroom shooting. Apparently a dispute erupted over some dope that James tried to pass to a prisoner in exchange for money.

I have no idea what name he was buried under. Probably LeBlanc. Just kidding.

 

Newspaper notes from Amelia

Miss Marple once said that local newspapers are always a useful source of information. As always, Miss Marple was right.

Here are some terribly misspelled notes from the town of Amelia in the early 1900s. I found my g-g-grandparents, Augustin and Elizabeth Giroir.

Saturday, July 27, 1918

Mrs. E. P. Schwing and children of Morgan City are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Schwing of Amelia for a few days.

Mr. H. A. Rentrop went to New Orleans Friday, where he will take a position at the S. P. machine shop in Algiers.

Mr. Dewey Vigene of Algiers spending some time at Amelia with Mr. and Mrs. A. Verret.

Wilton Rentrop, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Rentrop, is on the sick list this week.

Mr. Earl Barrilleaux, who has been working at the shipyard in Morgan City, is now spending a few days with relatives in Amelia.

Miss Rosa Rentrop has been informed by the War Department that Mr. J. Allen Thompson of the U.S. Naval Reserves has arrived in France safely.

Tuesday, Aug. 6, 1918

Mrs. A. E. Pension and children left Sunday for New Orleans to visit her sister, Mrs. W. Verret.

Mrs. Clement Landry and Miss Agnes Barrilleaux were the guests of Mrs. J. J. Greenwood at Ramos Friday.

Mrs. A. J. Mahony of Glenwild is spending some time with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Rentrop of Amelia.

Dr. and Mrs. J. T. Prosser and daughter, Edmay, have returned from Alexandria after visiting relatives there.

Miss Bertha Patureau of Plaquemines left here Sunday after spending several weeks with her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Patureau.

Mr. John Mahony of Glenwild spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Rentrop Sr.

Mr. Lovelace Blanco has returned home after spending several days in Orange, Texas.

Mr. Robt. Morrison spent Saturday and Sunday in Morgan City the guest of Miss Alice Smith of Lake Bridge, who is visiting her sister, Mrs. Fauchet.

Mrs. R.C. Robicheaux and daughter, Aline, of San Antonio, Texas, is spending some time with her sister, Mrs. Eugene Theriot of Amelia.

Mr. Earl Barrilleaux has returned from New Orleans, having failed in examination for enlistment in the navy. He will return to the city in two weeks.

Thursday, Aug. 8, 1918

Mr. C. H. Barrielleaux spent Sunday with relatives here.

Mrs. Philips, Miss Philips ands Miss White of Alexandria is spending some time with Dr. and Mrs. J. T. Prosser at Amelia.

There are many cases of charbon among the live stock at Amelia and is causing heavy loss to the community.

Mr. Louis Giroia, son of Mr. and Mrs. Augustin Giroia, left here Tuesday for Napoleonville. From there, he will be sent to a training camp for service in the United States army.

Miss Cleona Blanco is spending a few days in Morgan City.

Mr. Douglas Vining of Morgan City spent Monday and Tuesday at Amelia.

Mr. Sidney David of Amelia will leave Napoleonville Wednesday with a number of drafted men for training camps. His many friends wish him much success.

Saturday, Aug. 10, 1918

Mr. A. E. Pension was in Morgan City Thursday.

Mrs. A. J. Mahony returned to her home in

Glenwild after spending a few days at Amelia as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Rentrop.

Mr. Sidney Barras went to Morgan City on business Friday.

Miss Edna Blanco of Amelia, daughter of Mr. B. Blanco, was quietly married Wednesday evening to Mr. Edward Bergeron, son of Mr. and Mrs. V. Bergeron of Ramos.

Eugene Rentrop, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Rentrop Jr., is on the sick list this week.

Miss Alice Smith of Lake Bridge has returned to her home after spending several days in Morgan City.

The weather for a few weeks has been so rainy that the farmers of this section are unable to plant their fall potatoes. It is feared that there will be a very small crop this year. Although this rainy weather is not good for the planting of potatoes, it is very beneficial to the cane crop.

Messrs. Clement Landry, B. Blanco, Ettienne Giroir and Noah Landry went to Morgan City in a gasoline boat Thursday.

Monday, Nov. 11, 1918

Mrs. W. H. Rentrop was called to the bedside of her mother, Beadle who was formerly of this place. Her body was brought here Saturday morning. Funeral services was held from St. Andrew’s Catholic Church.

Mr. Joe Bourg was in Morgan City Friday.

Mrs. J. S. Dellucky of this place and son, Ernest, of New Orleans returned here Friday from Camp Beauregard, where they visited Private Frank Dellucky, who is at the Base Hospital having undergone an operation.

Mr. Oleus Pension, son of Mr. Alexson Pension, died here Friday at noon from at attack of influenza. A brother, Adeo, died from pneumonia two weeks ago. Besides his father, Mr. Penisson is survived by three sisters and one brother and other relatives. Funeral services were held Saturday morning from the Catholic Church.

Friday, Nov. 29, 1918

Mr. Eddie Barrilleaux of Centerville spent a few hours here Monday.

Mr. Willie Auction was in Morgan City Tuesday.

Mr. Roy Nutta returned to Patterson Tuesday after working here several days.

Mr. Anidas Lajounis left for Centerville Wednesday where he will work for some time.

Mrs. Willie Auction and daughter Miss Edna went to New Orleans Tuesday.

Mr. Adrien Barrilleaux, Noah Landry and Emile Barrilleaux are now working at Cotton Bros near Morgan City.

It has been raining here for several days and the farmers are unable to haul their cane to the wharves.

Mrs. T. Auction and daughter Mrs. Prosser are spending a few days in New Orleans.

Monday, Dec. 16, 1918

Mr. Simoneaux of Avolon was the guest of his son Mr. Walter for a few days this week.

Mr. Jos. Tellette was a business visitor to Morgan City Friday.

Mrs. J. S. Dellucky spent one day this week with her daughter, Mrs. Lyn Arceneaux in Morgan City.

Beg to acknowledge that it was a false report about Bugler John Blanchard being wounded. It was a telegram telling that he had been gassed.

Mr. Clement Landry was in Morgan City Friday.

Mrs. Sidney Barras has returned home from the St. Mary Hospital, accompanied by her sister Miss Dugas.

Messrs. A. Barrilleaux and A. E. Pennison were visitors to Morgan City Friday.

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 1918

Mr. C.C. Pension of Algiers is spending a few days here, the guest of his brother-in-law and sister, Mr. And Mrs. A. H. Rentrop Jr.

Mr. Henry Dellucky has returned home from Camp Pike, where he was mustered out of service.

Mrs. A. H. Rentrop of Algiers came Sunday to spend Christmas with relatives.

Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Arceneaux and son, Junior, of Morgan City spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Dellucky and family.

Mr. Sidney Barras, who has been working in Chacahoula, is spending the holidays with his family here.

Messrs. A. E. Pennison and A. Barrilleaux are spending a few days with their families here.

Mr. O. J. Blanchard will return to his home in Scott Mond.

Messrs. Easton and Lester Domangue of Ramos spent Sunday here with friends.

Mr. C. Landry was in Morgan City Saturday.

Miss Edna Aucoin spent Saturday and Sunday here with her parents.

Private Guy Thibodeaux of Camp Shelby, Miss., is here on a few days’ furlough, the guest of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Thibodeaux.

Mr. Anidas Lajounie returned home Saturday from Centreville where he spent some time.

Thursday, Dec. 26, 1918

Messrs. A. H. Rentrop Jr., Walter Simoneaux and A. E. Pennison were business visitors to Morgan City Monday.

Misses Annie and Inez Tellotte were visitors to Morgan City Monday.

Messrs. Emile Barrilleaux and Noah Landry are spending the Xmas holidays here, from Cotton Bros.

Mr. Percy Schwing was in Morgan City Monday on business.

Messrs. C. Landry and Earl Barrilleaux went to Morgan City in boat Monday.

Miss Pearl Schwig of Lake Charles is spending the holidays here with relatives.

The Planters’ Banner

The Planters’ Banner was a newspaper that published in St. Mary and Iberia parishes from 1836 to 1871. It sounds like it should have printed crop reports, but it was a hodgepodge of items.

It had poetry.

Obituaries from the East Coast (the publisher hailed from Maine).

Lots and lots of attorney ads. Some things never change.

And cures for chlorea – a very helpful recipe in the 1800s. Basically, you administered deer horn, wine, cold water and sugar. Then you did a lot of praying because there’s no way in hell that recipe cured anything.

What disappoints me about the paper is the scarcity of local news. The paper would give you tales of haunted houses in England and gold certificate robberies on the streets of New York, but local goings-on were a bit sporadic.

The really good stuff was dug up by other newspapers and reprinted, like this woeful story from 1871.

Alcee Gautreaux’s father owned a plantation called Hard Times in Assumption Parish. Optimistic name for a farm, huh?

The Gautreaux family leased the plantation to a Mr. T. T. Cobry, who threatened to shoot anyone who came onto the property even after his lease expired. Alcee convinced carpenters with the last names of Bergeron and Gilbert to go with him to Hard Times for the purposes of assessing needed repairs to the sugar house.

Knowing this wasn’t going to be a picnic in the park, Alcee grabbed a double barrel shotgun for the excursion. When the trio got there, Cobry was standing in the road dressed in his shirt sleeves. Spying the men, he ran into the blacksmith shop and retrieved a revolver.

Cobry didn’t seem to be the most reasonable of guys. He asked the men if they had a deputy with them and then started swearing. An argument ensued. Cobry was shot and killed.

The carpenters were probably just sorry they agreed to accompany Alcee that day since the whole matter ended up in court with Alcee acquitted of murder for acting in self defense.

Here’s The Assumption Pioneer’s tribute of sorts to Mr. Cobry, may he rest in peace:

Now, if only I could figure out if that Bergeron was a relative. Alas, no first name was reported.

 

Father Souby of Amelia

Father Andrew Souby was known as a pioneer to the Catholics along the bayous of St. Mary Parish. He was the pastor in Morgan City as well as Amelia. He was greatly beloved and remembered to this day.

I thought Father Souby baptized my mother. He didn’t since he died in 1938. Maybe he married my grandparents. Regardless, I’ve heard his name my entire life even though he died long, long, long before I was born.

In 1971, “The Daily Review” of Morgan City wrote about Father Souby. I’ll share from the writeup:

Father Souby was born in New Orleans on Oct. 21, 1871. He studied the classics and philosophy at Jesuit College and graduated with the highest honors of his graduation year.

The year of his graduation also marked the year of his trip to Italy, where he studied theological studies. He was ordained in 1894 by the archbishop of Genoa.

Father Souby’s first church was in Baton Rouge. By 1894, he was assigned to Morgan City.

Four years later, he headed to Bayou Boeuf and Amelia, where he would remain for years and earn the respect of his parishioners.

Margaret Mary Songe wrote the newspaper a remembrance about Father Souby.

Margaret Mary was the daughter of Ouralien and Alice Duplantis Songe. The Songes settled in Morgan City as a young married couple and soon welcomed their first child. Unfortunately, the child died as an infant.

The only means of getting the baby’s body to the cemetery was via a railway box car. Ouralien Songe got into the box car for the journey. To his surprise, Father Souby joined him for the heartbreaking trip to the cemetery.

Margaret Mary remembered Father Souby as not just compassionate but also a faithful catechism teacher. He would visit his parishioners at their homes. He always stood on the doorstep with his hat in his hand waiting for an invitation to come inside.

Musings on bayou life

In the 1960s and 1970s, a columnist for the Morgan City newspaper (Daily Review) typed up random bits about life on the bayou in and around Amelia (St. Mary Parish). I’d love to track down Joyce Dugas’ book.

Meanwhile, I’ll post snippets from her column.

I didn’t know that the town Amelia was named for an Amelia Dupuis. I did know the sad story of Barbara Verret and her children. I’ll have to blog about that some day.

 

John S. Hebert’s family

One of the great things about the internet is that it puts you in touch with other family tree researchers without relying on snail mail and classified ads in genealogy magazines.

Through the internet, I’ve learned a lot about my g-g-grandfather John S. Hebert (Jean Severin Hebert) and his family.

John S. was a blacksmith by trade who fought in the Civil War and walked home from prison camp after the war ended. He married and had many, many children. He lived in a house on the bank of a bayou. All of this, I already knew.

What I didn’t know before talking to other researchers, was what unfolded for his siblings. Those details produce a fuller picture of John S. Hebert’s life.

Once upon a time, there were four Hebert brothers who grew up in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. All of them went off to the Civil War. All of them returned home safely. After the war, they came to a fork in the road. Two brothers settled in New Orleans. Two brothers settled along Bayou Boeuf.

Here’s Gideon, who raised a family in St. Mary Parish:

Cute puppy alert! The Heberts love animals. It’s in the genes.

 

Gideon with one his son, daughter-in-law and grandson.

Alexis Jr. worked for the U.S. Mint:

Jules opened a saloon in New Orleans:

Now, if only I could track down a photo of John S. Hebert!

The last will of Philomin Gautreaux Aucoin

Ludfrois Aucoin fathered at least 13 children in his 49 years. His youngest, Merante, was my grandmother’s grandmother.

I know the fate of some of the children, but I wondered just how many of them lived into adulthood. Finding the will of his second wife, Philomin Gautreaux, gave me some clues.

Here are Ludfrois’ children:

First marriage

• Marie Elise, born 1820
• Leufroi Heli, born in 1821 and died in 1879 during the yellow fever epidemic. Married and had at least one child, Mary.

Second marriage to Philomin

• Simon Jerome, 1824-1824
• Francois Rosemond, 1826-1826
• Eduard Pierre, born 1827
• Adolphe, born 1829
• Felonise Marie, born 1832
• Adrien Augustin, born 1834
• Honore Luselien, born 1836
• Caroline, born 1838
• Celestine Marie, born in 1840 and died in 1879 during the yellow fever epidemic
• Octave Francois, 1843
• Merante Carmelite, 1846-1926

According to Philomin’s will, she only left property to Merante and the children of Adrien, Caroline and Celestine. So it appears that only Merante was alive when she died. Eleven children, and only one died after her.

I’ve not been able to find a marriage record for Caroline so I don’t know who her children were, but her mother’s will indicates she had at least one child.

Here’s the will. I’ll translate the French below.

Today in 23rd day of the month of November of the year 1883, before Septime Lanaux, public notary commissioned and sworn in for the parish of St. Mary in the state of Louisiana, and in the presence of Joseph Dellucky, Jules P. Telotte and Hebert Bedel, competent witnesses and residents in said parish, has personally appeared:

Madame Felonise Gautreaux, widow of Leufroy Aucoin deceased, resident of St. Mary Parish, state of Louisiana, who has had the help of the notary, and of the witnesses, and the said lady, who has appointed the notaries, who have taken the words of the receiving of this will, the notary has heard. In his own hand the so-called testament as it was dictated:

I possess at the moment the following immovable property:

A certain piece of land on the Bayou Boeuf, Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, about fifteen acres from the Morgan City railroad station, five acres from the bank of said Bayou Boeuf on a piece of land of seven arpents more or less; neighbored north by the property formerly of Francois Gautreaux now occupied by Octave Landry, south by the property of Hebert Bedel Sr., to the east by Bayou Boeuf and to the west by the land of Appolinaire Frioux, with all the buildings therein.

I bequeath to my daughter Emeranthe, now wife of the Cordelier Gautreaux, an arpent by seven arpents of depth more or less, of my said property, beginning and dividing my property of that of the heirs of Hebert Bedel Sr. recently deceased, and all the buildings and improvements that are in them, and my furniture, which is in the house I occupy and where I live, and which has always been my residence.

I bequeath to my son-in-law, Cordilier Gautreaux, husband of my daughter Emeranthe, an acre opposite the Bayou Boeuf on seven acres of the property more or less of my said property, immediately adjoining the piece left to my daughter Emeranthe.

I bequeath to the heirs of my son Adrien deceased an arpent of seven deep of my said property located next to the piece of Cordilier Gautreaux.

I bequeath to the heirs of my two daughters Celeste and Caroline all two deceased, two arpents by seven arpents and located next to the piece belonging to the heirs of Adrien Aucoin.

This is how I want my property to be divided and shared after my death. I leave no heirs except to those who are mentioned in this will and I am free of debt at the moment.

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.

—————–

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

—————

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.

———————

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.

—————

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.

 

 

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.