Saturday, February 27, 2010

Civil War and St. Charles Parish

According to "Records of Louisiana Confederate Soldiers" by Andrew B. Booth written in 1920, battles or skirmishes fought in St. Charles Parish between 1861-1865 were
1. Bonnet Carre--Oct 19, 1862
2. Boutte Station--Sept 5, 1862
3. Des Allemands--July 18, 1863
4. Des Allemands Bayou-- June 20,22 and Sept 4,1862
5. St. Charles Courthouse--Aug 29, Sept 7,8 and Oct 5, 1864

 This book is available at the public libraries and the soldiers are listed in alphabetical order. When you have your family traced back this far, be sure to see if your ancestors fought in the Civil War in Louisiana .

  

Friday, February 26, 2010

Inquest Records--Book # 1--March 1877-Dec 1886

Page 13--Inquest was held (no date) on the body of an unknown white man lying on the right bank of the Mississippi River in front of Ashton Plantation. The verdict was that he died from accidental drowning. Jurors were G.W. Wilson, Cobert Booker, Joseph Larmchay, Edward Fils, Joe Williams, and Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 14--Inquest was held on 13 Feb 1878 on the body of Charles Henry at Boutte Station before Domingo Pitre, acting coroner. The verdict was that he came to his death by no guilt being attached to any person and that the family may take charge of the body for burial. The jurors were E.H. Youngs, Stewart Johnson, Edmond Roberts, George Williams and Frank Roberts.

Page 15--Inquest was held on 19 Jan 1878 in the Parish of Orleans before Jno. G. Roche, coroner of the First, Fourth, Fifth and Seventh Districts, Parish of Orleans in view of the dead body of Ely Yarsent, male, colored, native of Louisiana, age 20 years, lying dead in Charity Hospital dead house. The jurors say that Ely Yarsent's body was found dead at the above place and after viewing the body and an autopsy by Dr. J.C. Beard, city physician, and on the evidence, we find that death resulted from a gun shot wound of the abdomen causing death. The wound was inflicted with a pistol in the hands of John Coleman between the hours of 3 and 5 o'clock, Wednesday, 16 Jan 1878 on the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad, a half mile from Bayou Des Allemands Station, Parish of St. Charles. Jurors were J.E. Armstrong, E.H. Casselon, Robert Perrets, I. Martin, M.M. Haydon and Coroner John G. Roche.

Page 16--Inquest was held 16 Apr 1878 on the body of Laura Parker, at the 28 mile marker of the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad. The verdict was that she came to her death by one Willie Cook of this parish between the hours of 3 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon. He willfully shot her with a double-barrel shot gun loaded with buck shot, causing death. The shot entered her forehead reaching backward through her brain by a certificate by a surgeon named J. Jemmason. Jurors were Achille Garner, Isem Kemper, Stewart Johnson, James Taylor and Coroner Clement Colly.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Schools in 1877

St. Charles Herald, 11 Aug 1877

School Board Proceedings
The members of the Board of School Directors assembled at the Courthouse this 4th day of August, 1877.  Present---Messrs. Sarpy, Kenner, Essex, Darensbourg, and Baudouin.
Absent---Messrs. Rost, Bougere, and McCutcheon
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The president then presented the following circular:
Department of Public Education, State of Louisiana, New Orleans, July 17, 1877
To Emile Rost, president of the Parish Board of School Directors in and for the parish of St. Charles:
Dear Sir--Be pleased to inform this office of the amount of outstanding claims of past years against the school fund in your parish, and of the measures which your Board have adopted for ascertaining and settling  the same. A separate statement of the amount due for schools open in 1877 is also requested, with a memorandum of the months during which the schools have been in operation. Information of this character is needed before apportionment for 1877 can properately be paid to your parish. Be pleased to mention also what books, forms, papers and balances of funds have been recovered from your predecessors, and what other forms, etc., are needed by or for the officers of your Board and teachers of your schools. Very respectfully yours, etc., R.M. Lusher, State Superintendant.
In answer to the above circular, the Board stated that the only outstanding claim of past years against school funds of this parish, so far as has been ascertained, is a bill bearing date of April 3, 1876, for the sum of two dollars ($2) due the St. Charles Herald for publishing a notice that the public schools would open on the 3rd April, 1876. The amount due for schools open in 1877 is $337, and this is for the month of June only. There were seven schools open in March and two more in April, 1877. These continued in operation until the 30th June. The amount turned over by the former to the present Treasurer, as per his own statement dated August 2, 1877, is $48.86. The former Secretary has turned over to us all the books, forms and papers in his possession, consisting of record, minute and account books, and all the forms necessary to carry on and transact the business of the schools.
On motion of Mr. Youngs, a committee on school houses, purchases, and supplies was appointed with instructions to examine the school houses belong(sic) to the parish, determine upon and change the location of the schools, lease suitable buildings for the same, and report their action in the premises to the Board at its next meeting.
Messrs. Youngs, Kenner, Essex and McCutcheon were appointed on said committee.
A petition from the citizens of the second ward, residing between Labranche and Davis plantations, praying that a school be established near St. Dennis station on the O. & T. R.R., and recommending the Bell Baptist Church be used for same, was presented by the Rev. Wiley Jones to the Board for consideration.
A note from Mrs. Caulfield, tending an invitation to the Board to attend a distribution of prizes to the pupils of her school, to take place on the 13th inst., was then read, after which the Board adjourned to meet again on the 18th inst.
T.T. Baudouin, Secretary

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

1724 Census continued

10.  Andreas Schantz of Hochausen, Franconia, miller, Catholic, age 25, his wife and child and a stepdaughter, aged 15. A good man, well lodged. A cow and calf, a hog and 2 pigs.
       1726--Andreas married Maria Magdalena Gaffel, daughter of Leonhard Gaffel and Catherine Wolf.
       1731--Two children, four negroes, four cows.

11.  Johann George Betz (Petz) of Weibstadt,Spire, butcher and prevost, age 32, his wife and child and an orphan girl, aged 9. Three arpents cleared, three years on place, a cow, a calf, two pigs. 
       1727--1 July, Betz, his wife and two children are in the hospital in New Orleans.
       1727--24 Aug, Betz is deceased. His widow, a sister of Ambros Heidel, married Caspar Diehl of Alsace.
       1729--This family was murdered by Natchez Indians in Massacre.

12.  Johann (Jean) Adam Matern of Rosenheim, Alsace, weaver, Catholic, age 26, his wife and child, two sisters-in-law, age 18 and 20. One and one half years on place, two and one half arpents cleared. A good worker, deserves some negroes. Three pigs.
       1731--Three children, three negroes, seven cows.

       **Jean Adam is one of my 3rd great-grandfathers.

13.  Casper(Gaspard) Dubs(Toups) of Zurich, Switzerland, butcher and prevost, Protestant, age 40, his  wife and two boys, 10 and 12 years old and three others.Two years on place, one and one half arpents cleared. Three pigs.
       1728--Casper Dubs  married Maria Barbara Kittler, from Wurtemberg.
       1731--Six arpents cleared.

       **Casper Dubs is the progenitor of all Toups families and is one of my 5th great-grandfathers.

14.  Ambros Heidel (Haydel) of Neukirchen, Mayence, baker, Catholic, age 22, his wife, his brother, age 18, and his brother-in-law, aged 13, crippled. One and one half years on place, one pig, a good worker.
        1731--Ambros, wife and two children, one engage, three negroes, two cows.           

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

My First Acadian Family Line--Savoie

One of my maternal great-grandmothers was a Savoie This is the first time a name from Acadia comes up in my family. I will try to give you a complete list of all the descendants of the first Savoie to come to Louisiana. I invite you to share your family information with me. If you have any corrections or additions to what I have, please send them, too. Give me the source of your information so that I may re-check mine. No one is perfect and I may have made a mistake or copied something incorrectly. Or you may have some information I have not located. Sharing is how we all add to our records. Most of my research was done twenty years ago.

The first Savoie in my line to come to Louisiana was Charles Savoie, married to Judith Arsenault. Charles was born 30 May 1721 at Port Royal, the son of Francois Savoie and Marie Josephe Richard. His god-parents were Guillaume Blanchard and Magdelaine Pellerin. Charles' first wife was Marie Madeleine Richard. He was married to Judith, born 1736, daughter of Claude Arsenault and Marguerite Richard on 7 Jan 1761. Some information about Charles, Judith and their ancestors can be found in the books by Bono Arsenault. Also see "Acadian Church Records, Vol. IV, " by Milton and Norma  Reider. "Acadian Exiles in the Colonies" by Janet Jehn shows Charles Savoit, wife and eight children at New Rochell, Halifax on 6 May 1756 and Charles Savoie, wife and three children at Halifax 12 Aug 1763.

In the 1766 Census of Kabannoces, St. James Parish, we find Charles Savoy, age 44, wife Judith Arsenaud, age 30, and Jean, age 3. In 1769 in the Census of the Acadian Coast, St. James Parish, we find Charles Savoy, age 46, Judique Arsenaux, age 32, Jean Baptiste, age 6, Pierre, 2 months and Jean, 2 months. In 1777 in the Census of the Acadian Coast, St. James Parish, we find Charles Savoy, age 51, Judice Arcenaux, age 40, Jean Baptiste, age 14; Joseph, age 8; and Emedee, age 8. These census records can be found in "Cabanocey" by Lillian C. Bourgeois.

The known children of Charles and Judith are:
1. Jean Baptiste born 1763 at New Castle, LaRochelle, Halifax, who married Marie Rose Landry on 18 Apr  1796 in Assumption Parish.
2. Jean born 1769.
3. Pierre born 1769.
4. Amedee born about 1770; married Victoria Bourgeois 30 May 1790 in St. James Parish.
5. Joseph born about 1770; married  Marie Francoise Julienne Bergeron, born 27 July 1794 in Assumption.
6. Genevieve, baptized 22 Mar 1722 in St. James Parish.
7. Francis Paul, baptized 20 Feb 1774 in St. James Parish.
8. Marie Modiste, baptized 19 Oct 1777 in St. James Parish; married Pierre Bourgeois, 16 Apr 1795 in St. James Parish.
9. Simon Pierre, baptized 19 Oct 1777 in St. James Parish; married Rosalie Duhon, 11 Jan 1802 in St. James Parish.
10. Elizabeth (Isabelle), baptized 28 May 1780 in St. James Parish; married Louis Broussard 20 May 1800.

Information on these dates can be found in the "Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Church Records Vol. II". I have not found any information about Jean and Pierre except their names in the 1769 census. Because of the census in 1777 also showing twins born in 1769 or 1770 I think it is possible that Jean and Pierre could be the same as Amedee and Joseph. Since they are only two months old at the time of the first census, it is possible that they were later called by another name. If anyone has definite information about this, I'd like to know about it.                                               to be continued

Monday, February 22, 2010

Are you a Cajun or a Creole, a gumbo or a tomato ?

These two terms are some of the most misunderstood in Louisiana and outside the state.

A Cajun is the designation given to the descendants of the people from Acadia who settled in Louisiana. You will find, however, that many people who have married into Cajun families have adopted the term to also apply to themselves. Cajun is also used as an adjective, Cajun food, Cajun music, and Cajun French referring to a particular type of thing native to the areas of Louisiana where these Cajuns setteled.

Creole is a term first used to identify the children born in Louisiana, whose parents were born in European countries. These children were of Caucasian desent. This was later broadened to mean native born Louisianians. Creole is also used as an adjective, as Creole tomato.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Newspaper Items of interest---1883

St. Charles Herald--published every Saturday at Hahnville, established 15 Feb 1873, Joseph W. Carew, editor and publisher--Paper for the People.

5 Jan 1883

About the most unsightly architectural exerescenes(sic) we have ever seen are the iron cages set up around the roof of the State House in Baton Rouge. They are neither ornamental nor useful but positively disfigure the State House. We notice in this connection an interview in the last "City Item" with a prospective Solon, in which he says he will offer a bill in the next Legislature to have these cages taken down, (Ascension Democrat).
Notice: $10 reward will be paid by the Police Jury of St. Charles for the arrest and conviction of every person found riding or driving or pushing cattle of all kind on the Bonnet Carre levee, by order of the police jury.
Wanted: A person is needed to cut into cordwood, the woods between Hahnville and the railroad. Apply at the Herald Office.
W.A. VanVranchen, Carpenter and Builder, Hahnville, Building and Repairing.
Joe Stein--Practical Boot and Shoe Manufacturer. Informs his friends and the public generally that he is now ready at his shop, No. 2 Morgan Ave., Hahnville--to receive orders for boots and shoes of every description and style such as fancy dress, riding and mud boots, gaitors, molokoffs, oxford ties, low-quarter, balmorals, brogans, spring shoes, Prince Alberts, etc. Ladies and children's shoes a specialty. Lasts for deformed feet to order.
O. McLaren, Civil Engineer and Surveyor, St. John, St. James, and St. Charles. Plantation drainage a specialty. Hahnville.
Honsatte and Dettrick--Blacksmiths, wheelwrights and horse shoes. Front Street between Shaw and Julia, Hahnville. Repairing, second-hand vehicles bought and sold.
Creole Saw Mill--Bayou Des Allemands. Orders filled for cypress lumber in any desired quantities. Lumber delivered by Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad or by Schooner "Success" direct to plantations. Dealer in shingles, pickets, pienx, clapboards. Charles L. Hopkins, proprietor, or Torres and Peyregne, Managers.
Laborer's Association Store---John Fox, dealer in Groceries, Wine, Liquor, Cigars, etc. Front Street, near Morgan Ave., Hahnville. My motto is quick sales and small profits.
Pecan and Orange Trees Wanted--any person willing to furnish and set out 100 pecan trees not less than 2 inches in diameter or 6 feet in height and guarantee them to live, can make a bargain by applying to the editor of this paper. A similiar contract will be made for 100 or 300 young orange trees.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Inquest Records--March 1877--Dec 1886

Page 10--Inquest was held on 19 Nov 1877 on the body of an unknown colored man at Speranza Plantation. He was about 50 years old. The verdict was that he came to his deathfrom general dibility (sic) caused by chronic diarriah (sic). Jurors were Richard Gooseberry, John Blair, Celestin Raudolph, G. Espinola, Charles Joseph and Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 11--Inquest was held on 19 Nov 1877 on the body of David Johnson at Fashion Plantation. He was about 60 years old, The verdict was that he died of dropsy of the heart. The jurors were Richard Gooseberry, John Blair, Henry Bowman, Peter Louis, G. Espinola and Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 12--Inquest was held on 15 Dec 1877 on the body of Adam Fletcher at Boutte Station. The verdict was that he came to his death by the down freight train on the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad. He was killed by his own neglect of remaining on the track and the engineer, fireman, and brakeman are exonorated. The jurors were Jn. B Friedman, Domingo Pitre, James Taylor, Edmond Roberts and Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 13--Inquest was held on 18 Jan 1878 on the body of Victorian St. Amant. He was found dead on the Antoine Gassin Place. The verdict was that he died from heart disease haviing for many years, the which he has (?) every day. The jurors were J.C. Horanson, Alfred Friloux, Emilian Friloux, Stroder Thompson, Housten Jefferson and Coroner Clement Colly.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

School News

St. Charles Herald, 30 Jun 1883

George P.P. David, professor of French, Spanish, English, mathematics and all branches appertaining to a thorough education. Piano and vocal music also taught. Located one mile above Hahnville.

St. Charles School Board--1885

The School Board met in January 1885. They agreed to open 10 schools in February for five months. The teachers were to paid not more than $40 per month.
The board had some new members in 1885. Those serving were Owen McLaren, 1st Ward; Antoine Gassen, 2nd Ward; Leon Sarpy and John Tregre, 3rd Ward; J.L. Boutte and W.L. Youngs, 4th Ward; and Emile Rost, 5th Ward. T.T. Baudouin was the superintendent.
The ten teachers were Miss Zulema Bourgeois, Miss Rosa Fleming, Mrs. K.M. Haggerty, Miss M. Lewton, Miss M.C. Manny, Miss C.L. Anderson, Mrs. M.E. Pendergast, Miss Martha Pendergast, Miss M.A. Thoroughgood and Mrs. Arabella Gaston.
The school formerly located at Mr. Delphine Rousselle's was moved to the Delhommer Place in the 3rd Ward. Mr. Antoine Gassen presented a petition by the residents of the 2nd Ward to open an additional school for white children near Gassen's. This was approved and a school would open in April in Kinler or Gassen Village. The teacher will be Miss Georgia Phillips.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

1724 Census continued

5. Wilhelm Ziriac of Ilmenstadt, Mayence, former coachman to King Stanislaus. A laborer, Catholic, 50 years old, with his wife and daughter, seven years old. He has two and one half arpents cleared. A good worker. One of the more well to do people of the community. Name also spelled Querjac, Siriaque and Siriac.

1731-- Only husband and wife. His daughter became first wife of Ludwig Wiltz.

6.  Johann Callander of Aubrequin, Palatine. A laborer, Catholic, 26 years old. Family includes his wife, a daughter, sister-in-law and mother-in-law. One year on place, six arpents cleared, two and one half  he bought from Peter Schmitz, and two and one-half that belonged to his mother-in-law and children.

1731--One Child, one negro and one cow.

7.  Stephen (Esteban) Kistenmacher, of Cologne.  A Catholic, 39 years old, with his wife and a daughter ten years old. One and one half arpents cleared. Two years on place, sick, broken down and miserable.

1728--His daughter Margarethe married Louis Leonhard, from the Arkansas settlement.

1731--Husband, wife and child. One engage, one negro and one cow.

8. Jeremias Wagner, of Orensburg d'Ansbach, Bavaria. A laborer and hunter, Lutheran, 27 years old. His wife and child. A sister-in-law. Two arpents cleared cleared. One year on place. A very good man and a great hog raiser.

1726--Six arpents cleared.

9. Leonhard Magdolff of Hermunse, Wurtemberg, 45 years old. A  laborer.His wife and an adopted boy 10 years old. Two and one half arpents cleared. One year on place. A very good worker. He has a very fine garden, is well lodged and very prosperous.

1726--Six arpents cleared.

1731--No children, three cows

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Deaths of John Patrick, Becky Smith, Phoebe, and Louis Bartholemy

St. Charles Herald--24 May 1884
On Thursday evening last, a man by the name of John Patrick, was found drowned in the swamp about two miles above Hahnville, where himself and son-in-law had been working all day. It remains a mystery to us how the unfortunate man met his death.

St. Charles Herald--14 June 1884
Becky Smith, an old, honest and industrious colored woman of Hahnville died on Monday last. Deceased owned her own home, but left no near relations.

St. Charles Herald--2 August 1884
On Monday last, an aged colored woman by the name of Phoebe, died at her home about one mile above Hahnville. It is said by those that knew her that she was 110 years old.

St. Charles Herald--30 Aug 1884
On Sunday evening last, a difficulty occurred on the LaBourgeous Plantation in St.James Parish, between two colored men, John Bradley, a notorious character of that parish, and Louis Bartholemy, a resident of this parish, in which the latter was most brutally murdered, he being shot through the heart and died shortly after. The difficulty arose from that vicious play of dice which has sent a great many of its victims to their graves. The deceased was an industrious young man and is very much regretted by our community. A similar case happened in our neighboring parish, St. John, where another victim's life was sacrificed. Cannot this habit of gambling on store galleries and public roads be stopped.

Monday, February 15, 2010

More information about Boutte & Hahnville, Louisiana in 1875

St. Charles Herald Newspaper, 25 Sep 1875

There is now a saw mill at Clark's Plantation, formerly Blanton's, near Boutte Station. The new owner's name is J.R. Wilcox. A new store is opened at Boutte Station by August Wilbratte. He will have groceries, notions, boots and shoes, hats and dry goods, pickets and clapboards. Moss and cotton will also be bought and sold here.

The Hahnville Dramatic Association meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Officers and committee members are Joseph Stein, president; Horace Vallas, secretary and treasurer; Marcellus Vallas and Dr. Charles Hubachman, stage managers; A. Peperkorn, stage carpenter; A Schneider and A. Almstedt, assistant stage carpenters; Anthony Weinners, property manager; Horace Vallas, chairman of the invitation committee; and F.B. Earhart and A. Peperkorn, committee members.

The Hahnville Concert Hall has been leased by A. Peperkorn and he will rent it out for concerts, balls, exhibitions, parties, singing and dancing schools, public meetings or caucuses. The hall has an excellent floor and is in the best condition for dancing, no dust. It is brilliantly lighted with new chandeliers of the latest and most approved pattern.

The church directory showed three churches; a Catholic Church--There will be a divine service of the Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rosary at the Star Plantation every Sunday morning at 10 o'clock, Rev.
Father (Surray)? officiating. Baptist Church--Divine services every Sunday morning at 10 o'clock, at the church of Rev. Lewis (Muffia)? at Hahnville. Methodist-Episcopal--at James Chapel on the Fashion Plantation. Divine services every Sunday morning at 11 o'clock and in the evening at 7 o'clock, James Henderson, pastor.

The mail arrives every Monday and Friday nights and leaves every Monday and Thursday mornings. J.A. Burbank is postmaster. This is at Hahnville.

Some of our citizens, unacquainted with the law governing the disposal of carcasses of dead animals, are in the habit of hauling the bodies of their dead beasts on the batture in front of this village. When decomposition  takes place, there arises a disagreeable sickening stench, which is productive of pernicious fevers and malignant diseases, which may, at anytime seriously disturb the public health. The law imposes a fine and imprisonment on all who offend the public welfare in this manner and we would advise the community to carry their dead animals to the woods, the proper place for internment. 

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Merchants in 1875 in Hahnville, Louisiana

Local ads in the St. Charles Herald show a variety of merchants. F.B. Earhart was an attorney, O. McLeron a civil engineer and parish surveyor, could be reached through M. Morgan at St. Charles Post Office. Louis Johnson had a fish and fish oil depot on Front St. John Fox was a blacksmith,wheelwright and carriage-maker. He advertised carriage-making, horse shoeing, plow and general job work and machine work of every description. He was located on Front St. between Shaw and Lincoln.

Joseph Stein was a boot and shoemaker at 3 Morgan Ave. W.I. Moffitt was a wholesale and retail dealer in wines, teas, groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes, oats, corn, drugs, lumber, pickets, crockeryware and everything required by man or beast. He was located on the corner of Front and Morgan St. A. Pepperkorn was a carpenter and builder, furniture repairer and varnisher, and cistern maker. He also did glazing and paper hanging. He was located on Front St.

Adam Schneider was a carpenter and cistern maker located on Front St. above Lincoln Ave. Max Chopsky advertised a new store on the corner of Front and Lincoln St., with the lowest prices for cash. He had on hand groceries, liquors, clothing, dry goods, boots and shoes, woodenware, tinware, and hardware. August Almstedt was a cabinet maker, furniture maker and varnisher. He advertised to put up houses, fences, cabins, etc. He was located on Front St., between Julia and Lincoln St.

J.H.C. Hunzleman was a dealer in wine, teas, groceries, tobacco, dry goods, boots and shoes, grain, hardware, etc. He was located on the corner of Front and Julia St. adjoining the Concert Hall. He also operated a coffee house here. Michael Pigott was a carriage maker and repairer. He repaired all articles in the saddlery and harness line. He also did upholstering and was located on Front St.  P.N. Manade was a cigar manufacturer.

The Star Plantation Store on the Bougere Place advertised fresh garden seeds. L. Gorton was a saddler, harness maker, trimmer and carriage painter located on Front St. between Morgan and Hahn St. Henry Aichel was a tin, cooper and sheet-iron worker. He always has tinware on hand and also repaired tin gutters. Adam Schneider was the only authorized agent of the Louisiana Rice Mill and furnished empty sacks to responsible parties in St. Charles Parish upon application.

Henry Niemann had just established a bakery at the corner of Front and Morgan St., opposite Mofitt's Store. He kept on hand a supply of fresh bread and cakes. Peter Kraemer had a furniture store on Front St. between Lincoln and Julia St. He was a manufacturer of all kinds of furniture, such as bedsteads, tables, sideboards, armoires, sofas and picture frames. He also repaired and varnished old furniture. Mr. Peperkorn had another ad as a builder of skiffs and other boats.

All these businesses were in Hahnville. The newspaper office was located at the corner of Hahn and Front St. The editor and publisher was Marcellus Vallas.  One hundred thirty-five years later all the same streets exist today, Morgan St. is now Smith St. and Front St. is called River Road. About half the names listed are still found in the parish.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Land Grants

If you're looking for information on where your early ancestors lived in Louisiana get a copy of  "First Settlers of the Louisiana Territory, Grants from American State Papers, Vol. I and II, Orleans Territory" by Carolyn Ericson and  Frances Ingmire. When the United States took over the Louisiana Territory, everyone who had land acquired under French and Spanish governments had to have their titles to the land confirmed. Copies of the original documents can be found at Tulane University. These books will let you know if your ancestors lived here before 1803.

One of the first settlers in the Des Allemands area was Paul Toups. Vol II, page 88, number 74 reads, "The children of Paul Toups claim a tract of land, situated in the county of Acadia, at the place called les Coteau  de France, at about the distance of 3 and 1/2 leagues from the western bank of the Mississippi, containing 18 arpents in front and a depth of 2 leagues and one-half. Paul Toups, the father of the claimant, obtained from the Baron De Carondelet a regular warrant of survey for this land in the year 1796, for the purpose of establishing a vacherie; and the conditions of the warrant of survey having been complied with on his part. Confirmed."

In Vol. I, page 146, number 202,  "Joseph Enoul Dugues Livaudais claims a tract of land, situated in the county of Orleans, containing 3 leagues front on Bayou des Allemands, by one arpent in depth on the northern bank on said bayou, beginning at Petit Lac and extending as far as the lands of Michael Zeringue. It appears that the claimant petitioned Governor Miro for said land, for the purpose of raising stock and obtained in the year 1789 a regular warrant of survey for the quanity of land." 

Friday, February 12, 2010

Inquest Record Book #1, March 1877-Dec 1886

Page 7--Inquest was held on the body of John Irvin on 26 Jun 1877 at Luling Plantation. The verdict was that he came to his death by being shot with a double-barrel shot gun, with small bird-shot, held in the hands of Thomas Neal and Charles Mitchell. This was an accidental shot caused by said John Irvin, Charles Mitchell, and Thomas Neal playing with said gun. The shot having taken effect about one inch below the left breast causing immediate death. The certificate of death of the doctor herewith appended. Jurors were Charles J. Gaillard. J. Bellichot, Vilson Turner, Howard Bank, Calvin Booker, and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 8--Inquest was held on an unknown colored man on 29 Jul 1877. He was found dead on the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad. The verdict was that he came to his death by some violence unknown to them and that the right side of scull bone of the head was crushed and broken on the right temple. We have therefore caused him to be buried. Jurors were Jacques ? Giles, Prosper Williams, Alex Johanson, Louis Claiborne, George Williams and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 9--Inquest was held on 12 Aug 1877 on the body of an unknown man at P.A. Rost Plantation, before Achille Hawkins, Justice of the Peace. The verdict was that he accidentally died by misfortune and not by any blow or wound. He was about the age of 40 years and seems to look like a laborer. Jurors were John Brown, Toby Bouvey, Fleming Richard, Moses Prophet, Abraham Brown, and Achill Hawkins, 3rd Ward Justice of the Peace.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

School News--1883-1884

St. Charles Herald, 15 Sep 1883

Our esteemed friends, Mrs. K.M. Haggerty, opened her private school with quite a good attendance and the prospect of  securing a larger number shortly. We are glad to see that our citizens appreciate her services, as well as to note the creditable desire to secure an education for their children.

School Board Records

In July 1884 the teachers were given as Miss Zulenia Bourgeois, Mrs. K.M. Haggerty, Miss Rosa Fleming, Miss Virginia (name appears to be Wuzel), Miss M.C. Manny, Miss A.M. Perkins, until March when she was replaced by Miss C.L. Anderson, Mrs. M.E. Pendergast, Miss Georgia Phillips, Miss M.A. Thoroughgood and Mrs. Arabella Gaston.

There was a total enrollment of 592. There were 104 whites and 488 blacks enrolled. There was a mention of a school in the Second Ward at Madisonville.

The board also voted to open the two schools at Boutte Station about the first Monday in Sept. for three months since the schools , opened with the rest in Feb., had to be closed on March 24 due to the Davis Crevasse.   {A crevasse is a break in the levee that runs along the Mississippi River}     

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

More Census of the German Coast, continued 1724

2. Conrad Friedrich, of Rothenberg, diocese of Spire.{There is one Rothenberg east of Mannheim} Catholic, 50 years old. Laborer. His wife and children. A daughter 18 years old, youngest child a boy of 5. Gave up first place on account of inundation. A good worker.

1726--Six arpents cleared. Daughter Anna Barbara married Friedrich Merkel from Wurtemberg. Second  husband was Nikolaus Wichner. Descendants became Vicners, Vicnaires, and Vickners.

1728--Daughter Anna Maria married Edward Poupart from Paris.

1731--One child at home. Two negroes and one cow.

1750--Approximate date--Sebastian Friedrich , son of Conrad, married Regina Heidel, daughter of  Ambros Heidel, of St. John Parish. They lived below New Orleans. Descendants became Haydel.

3.  Johann Georg Trousler, age 26, native of Lichtenberg, mason and his wife. Two and one-half arpents cleared. Left  village in rear due to inundation. Absent due to bad health and wife is also sick.  Lost his crop and his house due to fire.His descendants became Troxler and Trosclairs.

1731--Two children. Two negroes and one cow.

4. Johann Georg Bock{Poch}, from Gobcher, Strasbourg, near Fort Kehl in Baden, Catholic, 38 years old, a weaver. His wife and child. One and a half arpents cleared. Two years on place.

1729--Marie Francoise, daughter of J.G. Bock and Catherine Hislinger, baptized.

1731--Three children. One negro.

Next comes two tracts of land abandoned by Lambert and Friedrich.
                                            

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Death of McLeron Children, Lydia and Lena

It is with feelings of deep regret that we chronical(sic) the death of one of the most charming and promising children of our little village, little Lydia, the interesting daughter of our esteemed  friend Owen McLeron,Esq., aged 5 years, is no more. She was stricken down by that terrible disease, the diptheria(sic). All that medical science could suggest was employed, but to no effect. The Great Reaper had marked her as his own and the attentions and care of devoted friends and relatives were of no avail. She was taken sick on Sunday, first inst. and died Tuesday at 10 o'clock a.m. We believe we speak the sentiments of our entire community in rendering to the bereaved parents our heartfelt sympathies and condolences in this their hour of affliction.

Little Lena, Mr McLeron's second child, who was taken sick at the same time with her deceased sister, we are pleased to state, from the last accounts, was doing quite well and is considered out of immediate danger.

St. Charles Herald., July 7, 1883


Words cannot express the sorrow we feel in being called upon to mention  the death of another of Mr. McLeron's children. Lena, the beautiful three year old cherub, whom everybody loved and admired for her beauty and intelligence, has gone to meet her regretted sister Lydia. Two lovely children gone in four days. What a blow to the afflicted parents. No amount of words of condolence can assuage their terrible grief, nothing but time and the Divine Providence will assist them through the ordeal through which they are passing.

St. Charles Herald, July 14, 1883

Monday, February 8, 2010

Books Give Information About Families

1.  "Old Families of Louisiana" by Stanley C. Arthur, George Campbell Hucket de Kernion, published in 1998. This book has a chapter on D'Arensbourg with new information on his linage that differs from J. Hanno Deilier. Also a chapter about the D'Estrehan family. There isn't an every name index so you have to read the entire book unless you already know who your ancestors are. There are references to several  early German settlers in St. Charles Parish.

2.  "Napoleon's Soldiers in America" by Simone de la Souchere Delery. It is an account of some of the French soldiers of Napoleon's Army who came to Louisiana and settled in New Orleans and surrounding areas. This is a history rather than a genealogy  but it gives an interesting account of these early settlers that would be of interest to their descendants. These exiles married Creole and Acadian women and played an important part in Louisiana history.

3.   "Anatole's Story" by Polly Broussard Martin is the story of how he became a Methodist, then a Baptist minister and gives an intimate look at Raceland, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana and the Houma Indians that lived nearby. Anatole is a descendant of Joseph Martin and Marguerite Pitre as are hundreds of others. If I counted right he and I are Second Cousins, five times removed.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

News From Des Allemands, St.Charles Parish,LA--1881

14 July 1881--St. Charles Herald Newspaper

     A visit to Bayou Des Allemands was quite a treat we indulged in last Thursday, in company with our friend, Charles A. Baquie, Esq. The day was spent pleasantly with Mr. Charles L. Hopkins, who is a most amiable host. We were the subject of many attentions from George H. Addis, the efficient operator at that point. Mr. Hopkin's saw mill is in full operation and things look quite lively around the bayou. We wish our friends success.

Bayou Des Allemands items--

Des Allemands is improving, the latest addition is the Creole Saw Mill, situated only a short distance from the railroad depot, on an island, making quite a pretty appearance, known as "Paul's Island". The saw mill is the property of Mr. Charles L. Hopkins, managed by Messrs. Torres and Peringne. These gentlemen are experienced sawmill men. Their motto is cheap first class lumber. In connection with the mill, is the Schooner Success used for delivering lumber,etc.

The old reliable, Felix Roux's Saw Mill is becoming, notwithstanding it saws a great deal of lumber for the railroad company, it also furnishes lumber to numerous schooners and luggers for Barataria, Grand Isle, and other points. First class lumber cheaper than it can be had elsewhere. Taking into consideration fair treatment and sociable disposition, after having dealt with him once you will be sure to come again. Who says Felix Roux, familiarly known as "old Pap" is not up to snuff, he is having built, now nearing completion, a store immediately opposite the railroad ticket office, when completed will add greatly to the improvement of our little village.  Mr.William Klienpeter, is a carpenter, a good one, too, but he complains that "Old Pap" won't give him a watermelon.

Miss Corrie Hoffman, of Bay St. Louis, Miss. has been on a one month visit to her sister, Mrs. Addis. She returned home only a short time since. She made a host of friends here and all regretted to see her leave. She has promised to come again this winter.

The Misses Fossier have also returned to New Orleans, but we hope to see them again before long. We regret very much to hear of Mr. Emile Fossier being called to New Orleans on account of his brother's serious illness. We hope it may not prove so bad and that he will pass the crisis all right. Mt. Emile Fossier is a permanent resident here now, his agreeable and sociable qualities made him a great favorite with us all.

Next week I will give you a genuine fish story. We have got the papers for it too. It knocks the spots out of that Boutte rattlesnake story told at Boutte sometime ago. Judge Friedman probably remembers something about it.

If you are not already acquainted with our mutual friend, M. L. Dasch, you should immediately do so and get a mess of those Livingston tomatoes. He takes a great pride in raising the Livingston species, to use slang, they are just the boso.

We had the pleasure of a visit from Mr. S. Lozano, representing the Singer Manufacturing Co. If the Singer Co. don't sell machines in these parts, it ain't his fault, he is a thorough businessman. The company ought to be proud of so valuable a man for their business.

We all take great delight in reading the "St. Charles Herald." So it is a welcome visitor and should meet success everywhere. Until next week, I bid you good Saw Dust. 

Friday, February 5, 2010

Inquest Records Book #1 March 1877--Dec1886

Page 4--Inquest was held on the body of an unknown white man on 27 Apr 1877. His body was found floating in the Mississippi River in front of the Ezra Davis Plantation. The verdict was that he came to his death by some violence inflicted by unknown means and afterwards thrown into the river. No papers being found or other means of identifying him the jurors ordered him buried. Jurors were E. Mann?as, William Richardson, William ? Trasly, Louis Clairborne, Jacques ? Giles, Jr. and Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 5--Inquest was held on the body of Samuel Field on 22 May 1877 at Bayou Des Allemands, before justice of the peace, acting as coroner. The verdict was that he came to his death accidentally by drowning when he fell from a steamboat in Bayou Des Allemands. Jurors were E. Fassier, Jr., Timothy Aikens, John Brown, James Taylor, Felix ? Roux, and Domingo Pitre, 4th Ward Justice of the Peace.

Page 6--Inquest was held on the body of Francois George on 2 Jun 1877 at about 100 yards from the 20 mile post on the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad, by the justice of the peace acting as coroner. The verdict was that he came to his death by a long standing sickness and old age. He was lying dead about 11 yards from his house which burned down the same night. He was 75 or 80 years old. Jurors were Timothy Aikens, Domingo Pitre, Jr., Peter Robinson, Cuezer McCoy, ? Branch, and Domingo Pitre, 4th Ward Justice of the Peace.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

More School News in 1883

     August 11, 1883--St. Charles Herald Newspaper

Miss Rosa Fleming, of the Flaggville school, has returned to Hahnville, and will open a private pay school for those of her pupils who are desirous of continuing their students during vacation.
  
     August 18,1883--St. Charles Herald Newspaper

As announced in our last week's issue, Miss Rosa Fleming, has opened a private pay school in Hahnville, where the children of the regular public schools, will have an opportunity to continue their studies during the summer months. Parents should take advantage of this school as it will prove of great benefit to their children. The prices for tuition are fixed at one dollar per month for advanced pupils and fifty cents for beginners.

     August 25, 1883--St. Charles Herald Newspaper

Mrs. K. M. Haggerty writes us from Houma, La., that she will open her private school in Hahnville on Monday, September 3rd, next.

     August 25,1883--St. Charles Herald Newspaper

We dropped in yesterday at the private school kept by Miss Rosa Fleming, located on Shaw St., opposite Col. Owen McLeron's, and was surprised to see the agreeable change made in the little building by the hand of a woman. We are pleased to see she has begun and trust that she will be encouraged in her laudable effort by a large increase in the number of her scholars.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

1722 Census of The German Coast

The first book I read giving the early census records of The German Coast was "Settlement of the German Coast of Louisiana" by J. Hanno Deiler published in 1909.
It was republished in 1969,1970,And 1975 with a new preface,chronology and index by Jack Belsom.
Another book "The Census Tables for the French Colony of Louisiana From 1699 through 1732", compiled and translated by Charles R. Maduell,Jr.
There is also information published in "The New Orleans Genesis, Jan 2008-Apr 2008.

In Feb. 1722 it was reported that an estimated population of the German Coast was 333 people. On May 15, 1722 the official census of the German Coast was:

Karlstein with D'Arensbourg and an orphan boy; total 2 people
Mariental had 26 men, 30 women & 26 children; total 82 people
Hoffen had 25 men, 29 women, & 49 children;    total 103 people
Augsbourg had 17 men, 20 women, & 33 children; total 70 people
Grand total; 69 men, 79 women, & 109 children total 257 people

Official census of Nov. 1724 with added notes from the author on following census records.  Each side of the Mississippi River had 60 entries. The first started just over the St. John Parish line on the west bank and came down the river towards New Orleans.The inundation referred to the great hurricane that occured in 1721.

1. Simon  Lambert, of Oberebesheim, diocese of Spire, Catholic; 40 years old. His wife and a son, 18 years old. Five arpents of land cleared. Gave up his first place on account of inundation.
        1726: Six arpents of land cleared.
        1731: Jean Martin Lambert, (son of Simon Lambert),with wife and child.
        1764: Bartholomew Lambert,(son of Jean Martin Lambert and Anna Eve Lambert) married to Margarethe Troxler, daughter of George T. and Marie Agnes Troxler.
                                                                                                             to be continued

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Death of Mrs. Sarah Ross

Died at Hahnville on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1875 at twenty minutes to 5 a.m. at the resident(sic) of Col. F. B. Earhart, Mrs. Sara Ross, aged 67 years, a native of Philadelphia, Pa. This estimable lady, endeared to numerous friends and relatives for her many excellent qualities, breathed her last on Tuesday morning after a short but severe illness. Mrs. Ross was the mother of Mrs. F. B. Earhart of this village and to her and family, in their hour of gloom and sadness, we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences.

St. Charles Newspaper, Sept. 25, 1875

Monday, February 1, 2010

Where Have You Searched ?

With all the genealogy programs available on the internet, are you actually starting your research in the middle instead of the beginning. Have you asked your living relatives about their parents and grandparents? I have been lucky enough to have a few letters and a short autobiography that my Dad wrote to see about their lives. But for all the research I did I never thought to ask my Dad about his grandfather. It seemed so long ago that I never realized that he would have known his grandfather. Some relatives may have old newspaper clippings, a family Bible, pictures,etc. With todays cameras, pictures can be taken where these items are.
What are you doing with all those old pictures, stills and movies? Are they disintergrating? There are many places where these can be put on CD's or you can scan a lot of your own pictures. We all tend to put off these simple things in search of more names. Have you looked at the hundreds of books available in your local libraries? What about the next parish? If you request a book on library loan and it can't be loaned, you can get the location where it can be found.Sometimes it will be only a few miles away. Or some libraries will copy the index and you can order copies of the pages you want.
You can find out where copies of religious ceremonies were held and order a document, you can seldom get an original copy.
Many libraries have old newspapers on micro-film.
Before you spend time and money going to far-away places,check close to home first.