1883 in St. Charles Parish, LA

St. Charles Herald, 30 June 1883
The courthouse road is getting worse every day. Cannot the police jury appropriate a few dollars and have the same repaired.

There are a few deep holes in the public road in front of Home Place, which are a serious inconvenience to travelers. It would take but a little labor to fill them and this would make the road in front of that plantation one of the best in the parish, and judging from the energy and public spirit of the owner and manager, we have no doubt this matter will be attended to cheerfully and without delay. The roads above and below Hahnville are in a very bad condition, also.

Mr. Charles A. Bourgeois of this parish, who was recently admitted to the bar, has accepted a clerkship in the appraiser's department of the New Orleans Custom House.

The great suit of J.B. Friedman vs Adler and Co., dismissed by Judge Hahn for want of jurisdiction and subsequently brought before Judge Monroe of the city, has been decided against the plaintiff who claimed $10,000 in damages resulting from an alleged illegal seizure of his store. He will appeal.

Henry Parker, Julius Hughes and Ceasar Thompson were arrested in Algiers and charged with petty larceny of a skiff belonging to Star Plantation. They were released on bond and have retained Charles A. Baquie, Esq. for their defense.

The river is falling.

Census of 1724---continued

The "First" Old German Village which is one and a half miles from the Mississippi River and adjoins the "second" village.

35. Andreas Schenck from Saxony, 35, Lutheran, farmer, prevost of a village, his wife and child, age 2. Land at discretion. Always serves with the troops as a musician.
      1727. Andreas Schenck, wife and two children.

36. Marcus Thiel from Bergwies, Silesia, 43, Lutheran, shoemaker, his wife. Land at discretion. He is always sick.

37. Moritz Kobler from Berne, Switzerland, 64, Calvinist, butcher, his wife. He served for thirty years in France in Swiss regiments. Land at discretion. He wants to return to France.
     1729 . Kobler's widow, Emerentia Lotterman, of Berne, married in this year to Jacob Weisskraemer, from Bavaria, whose wife as well as his parents, Abraham and Magdalena Weisskraemer, had died at Fort Balize at the mouth of the Mississippi River. In 1745, Jacob Weisskraemer married in Point Coupee, Margarethe Francoise Sara, the widow of one Jolier.

38. Karl Friedrich D'Arensbourg, 31, "captain reforme", an orphan boy from 10-12 years old. A cow and a calf from the company and a bull  belonging to him, two pigs. Twelve arpents, not much cleared from lack of force.

The census says that the village just mentioned had been founded by 21 German families, that some had died and others had moved to the river front, after having been drowned out by the great hurricane three years before. Schenck, Thiel, and Kobler seem to have come from the second village. This is why they had their land at discretion. But these three men want to leave and move to the other village (the second one). The 14 families still living in the second village, nearer the river, were all doing well, except the widows, and did not think of moving.

Post Offices and Postmasters 1832-1900----St. Charles Parish

This information was compiled by Donna Burge Adams.

Ormond--Thomas German 26 July 1832; discontinued 9 Mar 1833;      sureties by Samuel McCutcheon and Pierce V. Brou

Logan-- Samuel W. Logan 30 Dec 1847; discontinued 8 Sep 1848

Taylor-- Birkett  Stone         30 Nov 1848
             William R Taylor     26 Apr 1850
              Birkett Stone         15 Jan 1853
              John C. Cofield     19 Sep 1855
              Francis Webb       29 Dec 1858;     Changed to Gassin's Landing

Gassin's Landing--John Ridge         3 Oct 1865
                           Antoine Gassin   21 Jan 1867; discontinued 24 Jan 1870

Killona--  Louis Huy              14 Sep 1887
               Achille E Picard     13 Oct 1893

WWI--Record of Veterans--St. Charles Parish Courthouse--Continued

Anderson, Freddie   4,780,521   Colored
       Residence Montz, born Wallace, LA 24 Mar 1897
       Date inducted 25 Sep 1918, Hahnville; 10 Co Det Co, Camp Beauregard, LA to 13 Nov 1918;  
       Co D Casual Det, Camp Beauregard, LA to discharge  PVT
       Discharged 24 Jan 1919   no injuries, no overseas duty

Anderson, Paul        2,123,025   Colored
       Residence Ama, born Ama, LA 22 7/12 years
       Date inducted 28 Oct 1917, Hahnville; 20 Co 5 Tng Bn 162 Dep Brig to 1 June 1918; 15 Co 4 Tng Bn
       162 Dep Brig to Jan 1918; 7 Co Tng Bn 162 Dep Brig to 21 Mar 1918; Co D 309 Labor Bn; 841 Co
       T C to 26 May 1919; 874 Co TC to discharge   PVT lcl 16 Oct 1918
       Served overseas 6 Jun 1918 to 2 Jun 1919
       Discharged 9 July 1919   no injuries

Anthony, Ban A        2,123,020   Colored
       Residence Killona, born Killona,LA 26 9/12 years
       Date inducted 28 Oct 1917, Hahnville; 20 Co 5 Tng Bn 162 Brig to 1 Jan 1918; 15 Co 4 Tng Bn 162
       Dep Brig to 19 Jan 1918; 7 Co 2 Tng Bn 162 Dep Brig to 29 Apr 1918; Btry C 350 F A to discharge
       PVT
       Served overseas 29 Jun 1918 to 28 Feb 1919
       Discharged 18 Mar 1919    no injuries

Anthony, Carver       3,763,407    Colored
       Res Killona, born Killona,LA 10 Feb 1893
       Date inducted 1 Sep 1918, Edgard; 52 Co 161 Dep Brig to 17 Sep 1918; Co C 812 Pion Inf to  
       discharge  PVT
       Discharged 31 Dec 1918     no injuries

School News for 1886 from School Board Minutes

       In January 1886 the board received a report that 606 children had been enrolled in 1885; there were 135 white children and 471 black children. The board agreed to open 11 schools in February for a term of six months. There were five schools for white children and six for black children. The teachers were to be paid not more than $40 a month.
      A petition signed by A. Guilaume, C.A. Bourgeois, M.L. Cox and Coy Clinton from the Baumgarten school area was presented. They said the school was in dilapidated condition and they asked the board to allow them to use the building for a Sunday school and private school at the end of the public school term in return for making all repairs needed.
      The teachers for 1886 were named at the April board meeting. They were Miss Zulema Bourgeois, Mrs. K.M. Haggerty, Miss P.A. Clanton, Miss Georgia Phillips, Mrs. M.C. Aitkens, Mrs. L.A. Evans, Miss Louiza White, Miss M.A. Thoroughgood and Mrs. M. Lawton.
      Schools mentioned at this meeting were on Longue's Plantation and on Mrs. Lawton's Property.  Visiting trustees were appointed for each ward. They were Ward 1, Joseph Stein and Charles A. Bourgeois; Ward 2, Arthur Robbins and Charles Gassen; Ward 3, P.M. Kenner and Schiller Marstires; Ward 4, R.E. Coche and William Taylor; Ward 5, James Williams and Harrison Roe.

St.Charles Parish Inquest Records Book #1

Page 30.  Inquest was held on 24 Aug 1879 on the body of Narcisse Kellup at Bayou Des Allemands before the 4th Ward Justice of the Peace, acting coroner. The jurors verdict was that he came to his death by bad management of the boat and accidentally drowned by heavy weather at the time on Friday, 22 Aug 1879. Jurors were Timothy Akins, He ? Thomas, James Lee, Henry Curtis, Joseph Morehead, Jr., and Domingo Pitre, acting coroner.

Page 31.  Inquest was held on 13 Sep 1879 on the body of an unknown person on the on the batture in front of Fashion Store. The jurors say that the body was found nearly decomposed and seems to have been drowned with no other marks except on the face and neck which could not be ascertained whether it was a wound or eaten by something. On searching the body two letters were found signed 'Your darling wife Hattie' and 35 cents. Jurors were Lewis Ory, Louis J. Lauve, Robert Pierre, Solomon Matis, Frank D. Blood and Jas. Stein, Dy. Coroner.

Page 32.  Inquest was held on the body of a colored man by the name of Joe was held on 12 Oct 1879. So stated he came from Carrolton, LA, and was a ministerial performer. He was drowned  in front of Davis Plantation on 9 Oct and was found on the 12th in front of Louis Gordon Place. The jurors found no marks of violence on his body. The verdict was that he came to his death by accidentally drowning. Jurors were William Johnson, Lewis Clark, Lester Friloux, Valsin Baptiste, James Robinson, and Jos. Stein, Dy. Coroner

Page 33.  Inquest was held on the body of Frank Murry on 4 Jan 1880. On 3 Jan 1880 about 10 p.m. his body was found on the floor and his head on a pan. We find no guilt attached to any person. We find that he came to his death after a lingering disease of cather(sic) and the body was turned over to his friends for burial. Jurors were Fabins P. Peters, Clement Colly, Prosper Williams, Henry Bryant, Samuel Thomas and Jos. Stein, Dy. Coroner.

A History of Des Allemands, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana & the Civil War

The following information was given to me in 1985 by Annabel Hogan, who believes it was written by the late Doris P. Candies for the dedication of the Civil War plaque on Hwy. 90 in Des Allemands.

      This peaceful bayou village was named after its body of water running through it, namely "Bayou Des Allemands" a French name meaning the "Bayou of the Germans". It was settled approximately 247 years ago, some 80 years before the Stars and Stripes were first raised at Place de Armes in 1803. The Germans and the Canadians are regarded as the founders of all settlements in Louisiana. The German settlement in Louisiana is often overlooked but once the "German Coast, " which started 25 miles above New Orleans and extended 40 miles up the river on the west bank, was well known as the place where the people who migrated from the land of the Rhine settled and later prospered.
      "German Coast" or "La Cote des Allemends" was first noted in a census taken in 1724. The first village was a mile and a half inland and the second was three quarters of a mile inland. It is believed that Carl Friedrich d'Arensbourg, who in June 1721 commanded a group of 250 Germans immigrating to Louisiana, founded the second village in 1721, and was regarded as one of the most famous of these settlers. The "German Coast" was bounded by Lake Maurepas on the north, Lake Pontchartrain on the east, and Bayou Des Allemands on the south.
      The German influence is still evident in St. Charles Parish. Direct descendants of the early settlers are still here, although their names may not sound like German.
      During the Civil War, 1861-1865, three skirmishes or battles, unimportant in themselves but historically significant as a group, occurred on the west bank of the Mississippi River in St. Charles Parish. They were the skirmish near the St. Charles Courthouse; battle of Boutte; and Battle Des Allemands, which took place Dec. 4, 1862, between the 8th company, commanded by Capt. Ed Hall and the confederates commanded by McWalters, and resulted in the capture of an entire detachment of union soldiers.
      The 8th company was partly composed of the Germans originally from St. Charles Parish area who had enlisted in the 8th company in New Orleans and after their capture were recognized by some of their former friends. The Confederacy had a claim on them for military service, and considered them deserters. They protested saying their enlistment was one of their rights as citizens of the United States. Their captors (the confederates) would not listen and after a quick trial they were found guilty and condemned to be publicly shot as deserters. They were interred in a long trench under some trees beside the railroad track somewhere between Des Allemands and Boutte.
      The centennial observance of the Battle of Des Allemands took place Sept. 2, 1962. A Civil War plaque commemorating the 100th year of the skirmish was placed in a road side park along Hwy.90. The plaque was provided by the Tourist Bureau of the Department of Commerce and Industry.
      An historical marker commemorating the first German settlers of St. Charles Parish was unveiled. It was obtained through the efforts of the German Council of New Orleans in Honor and Memory of the Germans who settled this village and who defended it in 1862.

1724 census continued

30.  Margarethe Reynard (Reinhard), from Bauerbach, Baden, Catholic, 46. Separated from Johann Leuk who lives on the Mississippi. Daughter from first marriage, 7. Seven verges cleared, three years on place.

31.  Catherine Hencke from Horenburg, Brandenburg, Catholic, 50. Widow of Christian Grabert, who died in Biloxi. Daughter, 14, both sick. She needs some assistance and is willing to work. Two arpents cleared.

32. Christian Grabert from Brandenburg, Catholic, 23, wife and orphan boy, 13. Two arpents cleared, three years on place, one pig.
       1726: Christian Grabert, his wife, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and sister. Six arpents cleared.
       1731: Husband, wife, three children, two cows.

33.  Andreas Necker from Dettenhausen, Wurtemberg, Luthern, 36, miller, wife. Two arpents cleared, one year on place, two pigs.

34.  Jacob Oberle from Zabern, Alsace, Catholic, 35. Two arpents cleared, one year on place.

Note: The four arpents occupied by Necker and Oberle were situated between the two old villages and had served as a cemetery; when the German people moved to the river front this cemetery was abandoned, and Necker and Oberle took possession of it a year ago.

St. Charles Parish--1860

J.W. Dorr left New Orleans in the spring of 1860 to travel up the Mississippi River as a correspondent for the New Orleans Crescent Newspaper. This is his account of St. Charles Parish.

St. Charles Court House--April 26, 1860
     Dear Crescent, I thus begin serving up to you the first slice of Louisiana, intending to keep doing so, if horse-flesh and your correspondent hold out, until I have cooked up in style, which I hope will suit the taste of your readers, the whole of the State. Since Wednesday morning, when I left the city and the Crescent office behind me, crossed the river at the Stock Landing and started with all the State before me, I have been buggying along the levee "up the coast", amid the charming and peculiar scenery of that region.
     There are many in New Orleans who have lived there many more years than your correspondent, who have a very poor idea as to what the "coast" is. They fancy that they have seen it from the deck of steamers plying on the river, but they are mistaken. They have only had glimpses of the country and dissolving views of the tops of the houses behind the high levee as they dashed past. To see and appreciate this Acadian land they should be behind a good horse and rattle along the levee road, which is now as smooth as the New Canal shell road. A constant succession of wealthy estates keep interest alive, for there are few of them that will not repay pausing to admire. Splendid old homesteads dot the road at the distance of a quarter of a mile apart, the out-buildings, negro quarters, etc, forming at each a considerable village, so that the road up the coast is almost like a street of vast, thinly built city. The plantations having a narrow front on the river and running far back, the houses are thus brought close together, and render the levee road a suburban avenue unequaled in the world, the clustering steamers and other crafts on which give an animated variety to the changeful scenery.
     It is no sort of use for me to attempt to describe any of the splendid residences of the princely planters, for during yesterday's journey I passed dozens, each worthy more than a passing notice. All that tasteful architecture, ornamental shrubbery and magnificent moss-hung trees can do towards the beautifying of the sugar planters' residences in Jefferson and St. Charles parishes, as far as I have seen, is effected. The farther I go from the city the more costly, elaborate and extensive the planters' houses seem to be.Seven or eight miles above the city the estates begin to show the most striking evidence of wealthy and refined occupancy, though there are a few fine places in the lower part of Jefferson parish.
     Since I have been traveling up this "coast" it has occurred to me that people who take the trouble to travel thousands or hundreds of miles from New Orleans to find some pleasant and healthful locality to sojourn or settle, are taking a great deal of unnecessary and unremunerative trouble, for they can certainly find nowhere else a more delightful country than they have right at their doors.  Along the pathway of the wide river a constant currant of cool air pours above the rolling tide below, and thus the temperature is kept comfortable in the warmest season. A continued draft is created by the cool air of the river rushing across the banks to supply the heated interior.
                                                                       to be continued

Police Jury Meeting 2 July 1883

St. Charles Herald 14 July 1883

Proceedings of the police jury meeting, Monday, July 2,1883. Present, Brou, Brady, Sarpy, Boutte and Rost.

      The committee appointed to settle with the sureties of the late B.S. Labranche, sheriff and tax collector made their report . A motion by Brady that the parish treasurer is instructed to make a settlement of the sureties of the late B.S. Labranche in accordance with the recommendations of the committee and that the bills presented by said sureties amounting to $411.35 be accepted as part of the settlement.
      On motion of Mr. Rost, the communication of J.F. Mojonnier,coroner and acting sheriff be received  and the president be authorized to draw on treasurer in favor of Dr. Mojonnier, the sum of $137.80, being the balance on hand for sheriff appropriations as per contract with the late sheriff for quarter ending June 30, 1883, after deducting the cost of provisions and envelopes furnished to his office.
      On motion it was resolved that a syndic for Ward 1 and 3 be elected.
      Motion by Mr. Rost that Messrs. Arthur Brou of Ward 1 and Leon Sarpy of Ward 3 be elected syndics and overseers of the roads and levees of their wards in place of L.D. Broussard, removed and G. Delhommer, resigned.
      On motion by Mr. Sarpy, it was resolved that 50 percent on approved bill of the late George Essex, as sheriff, for services rendered in criminal cases and keeping prisoners during the month of Nov. 1876 being for $285.33 and registered No. 5552 Dec. 1, 1876 be paid to widow of George Essex out of the contingent fund of 1883.
      On motion of Mr. Rost, it was moved that the jury now resolve itself into a Board of Reviewers according to law.
      On motion of Mr. Rost, it was moved that the assessment of Brou Bros. placed on real estate be reduced to $2,300.
      On motion of Mr. Rost, it was resolved that Monday, July 16,1883 be fixed for the examination  and hearing of the case of the Texas and Pacific Railroad Co. and that the superintendent and assessment agent of said company be notified.
      On motion of Mr. Rost, it was resolved that the assessment of the Mississippi Valley Railroad be left out for this year.
      On motion, the Board of Reviewers adjourned to July 16, 1883 to examine the balance of assessments list.
      

Inquest Records Book #1-March 1877-Dec 1886 St. Charles Parish, LA

26.  Inquest was held on 15 Oct 1878 on the body of Charles Bouvier lying dead. The jurors verdict was that he came to his death by yellow fever and no person is responsible. Jurors were Sam Thomas, St. Martin Francis, ? Lacour, Lee Grant, John Irvin and F. Massey, deputy coroner.

27.  Inquest was held on 25 Oct 1878 on the body of Francois Eyraud lying dead on the Freelanders Plantation. The jurors verdict was that he came to his death by yellow fever and that no person is responsible. Jurors were Adam Taylor, F. Murray, John Alexander, Lee Grant, Joseph Martin and coroner Clement Colly.

28.  Inquest was held on 3 Feb 1879 on the body of Liza Goods, about 8 years old, lying dead near Boutte Station, before the 4th  Ward Justice of the Peace, Domingo Pitre, acting as coroner. The jurors verdict was that she came to her death by accident of her own carelessly. Jurors were Benjamin Thompson, Joseph Peterson, ? Peterson, Edmond Roberts, W? Johnson and Domingo Pitre, acting coroner.

29. Inquest was held on 18 Mar 1879 on the body of Jerry Perry, lying dead on Speranza Plantation before the 2nd Ward Justice of the Peace, Alexander A. Jacobs, acting as coroner. The jurors verdict was that he came to his death by cerebral apoplexy. Jurors were J.B. Martin, Jerry Thorton, Cain Grant, Michael Labranche, David Taylor and Alexander A. Jacobs, acting coroner.

Deaths in St. Charles Parish, LA

August 4, 1883--St. Charles Herald
Captain Webb's body was found on Saturday last.

August 18, 1883--St. Charles Herald

Mr. Robert B. Aucoin died at the age of 62 in New Orleans.

A black girl was drowned last Saturday morning while bathing with some others at the Speranza Plantation, belonging to Charles Lafitte Esq., about two and one-half miles before Hahnville. The body was recovered, an inquest was held by the coroner and the body was buried Monday.

The infant child of fellow townsman, L. Bernard, Esq., died on Sunday, after a long and painful illness.

Victor Baptiste, an old and respected black citizen of Flaggville, better known as 'Pichon', died Thursday evening at 9:30, aged about 65 years. He was sunstruck in the field during the day and from the time he fell, uttered not a word. He died beloved and respected by all who knew him. His funeral took place on Thursday evening under the auspices of the 'Dieu Nous Protege Association' of which the deceased was an honored founder.

Census of 1724--continued

I've found another publication that contains the early census information for the Germans settling in St. Charles Parish and south LA. "German Ancestors and Patriots of Louisiana, 1722-1803" by Leroy E. Willie, member General Philemon Thomas Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1996

24.  Balthasar Marx of Wullenberg, Palatinate, Catholic, 27, a nailsmith, his wife, 22. His wife had a miscarriage last year. He went to New Orleans to get some salt and had to give a barrel of shelled rice for three pounds. His affairs excellently arranged. Good worker, one and a half arpents cleared. Three years on the place.
     1731-Husband, his wife, two children, one engage, one negro, three cows.
     1775-Jean Simon Marx, son of Balthasar and Marianne Aglae, married Catherine Troxler, daughter of Nicolas Troxler and Catherine Matern (Matherne).

25.  Bernard Wich of Tainlach, Wurtemberg, Lutheran, 46, wife, three children, a boy and two girls, from 13 years down to two months. Two arpents cleared, a pig.
     1731-Two children, one engage, one negro.

26.  Johann Rommel (Rome) of Kinhart, Palatinate, Catholic, 24, a tailor, his wife. One and a half arpents cleared. Three years on place, one pig.
     1728-Jean Rommel baptized.
     1731-Three children, two cows.
**Johann is one of my great-great grandfathers.

27.  Catherine Weller(ine) of Heilbronn, Wurtemberg, 49, widow of August Paul, Lutheran, a tailor. Expecting a child. Alone and poor, has no provisions and needs some assistance. Six verges cleared.

28.  Anna Kuhn (Cohn), widow of Johann Adam Zweig (Labranche), a laborer, Catholic who died in Biloxi. Daughter 12 years old. One and a half arpents cleared. Has no provisions and no seed for next year. Needs some assistance.
      1729-Daughter Anna Margarethe Zweig married Pierre Bridel, a soldier, and native of Bretagne. the marriage entries say she was born in Bollweiler, Alsace.

29.  Magdalena Fromberger of Ingitippil, Suevia, Germany, 50, widow of George Meyer, Catholic. Her son, Nik. Mayer, is crippled but industrious in the cooper trade. He also makes galoshes which are a great help when shoes are scarce. An orphan girl, 20. One and a half arpents cleared. Three years on place, one pig.
     1731-Nik. Meyer--his wife and child, one engage, two negroes, two cows.

Savoie Family--My 3rd generation

The sons of Joseph Savoie and Marie Francoise Julienne Bergeron.

The first son named Cesaire must have died at an early age since I have not found anything after his baptism in 1808. There is also the fact that another son by that name born in 1814. I also have no other information except the baptism of the son named Joseph, who was born in 1802.

The next son is Jourdain, who married twice. His first wife, whom he married on 23 July 1831 in Thibodaux, Lafourche Parish, LA, was Marie Clemence Richard. Her parents were Joseph Benoit Richard and Anne Isabelle Rassicot. She was the widow of Joseph Severin Foret. They had 11 children.

Edouard, born 29 Dec 1832; Marie Emilie, born 27 July 1834; Theodule, no date of birth; Orestile, no date of birth; Jules Homere, born 24 Jan 1840; Joseph Boneral, born 5 Mar 1842; Edmond Aristhide, born 26 Jan 1844; Jean Oseme, born 28 May 1845; Joseph Laverne, born 12 Sep 1847; Clementine Eve, born 6 Nov 1849; and Marie Rebecca, born 2 Feb 1853. These children were baptised in Thibodaux.

The second wife of Jourdain was Edesie Daigle (Daigre), whom he married on 22 Dec 1856. They had one child, Edesie Frank, born 10 Dec 1857.

St. Charles Herald---14 July 1883 & 21 July 1883

On Wednesday evening Rev. Father Jobard tied the silken knot between our esteemed friends, Mr. Thomas Casey of Ashton Place and the charming Miss Lizzie Teichert, so well and favorably known in Hahnville.

Post Office Notice--Trains pass Hahnville Station going east at 6:32 a.m. and going west at 1:51 p.m. Mail closes going east at 6 a.m. and going west at 3:30 p.m. Stage leaves at 9 a.m. and 3:34 p.m. Post office open 8-5.

The piece of road fronting John Mongrue's place near Gassen's store is impassible. Last Thursday evening Mr. Baque's horse and buggy stuck in the middle of the puddle and it was with some difficulty that both owner and horse were extricated.

Bayou Des Allemands items--Mr. Max Trauth, our energetic section foreman and one of the best section foremen on the road, has cut the grass and cleared the rubbish around and about the station giving the place a neat appearance. His own residence has also been thoroughly repaired and fences, etc. whitewashed. Things around his place look as bright as a new dollar. It is said that the section under his (words missing) compares favorably with that of any road. The road offers prizes for the best section. If our friend Max don't get the prize it won't be his fault.

The schooner Maria has been entirely renovated and her external appearance presents quite a pleasing effect. Captain Louis Macheson is in command. He is an experienced sailor. It is understood that a party of Boutte residents contemplate making an excursion to the Temple,12 miles distance from here. The Temple is quite a picturesque spot. En-route can be seen gigantic shell mounds, built by Indians years ago. It seems strange that these excursions are not more frequently made. The schooner referred to can be hired at a very moderate price. A trip on her would be highly enjoyable especially during the warm weather. We have a delightful breeze from the bayou at all times.

Both saw mills are hard at work thus giving our laboring classes employment. A few more such enterprizes would be a great benefit to our community.

The weather at present is very pleasant. Our moss pickers take advantage of same for picking and drying moss. I think a good steam moss ginnery at this point would pay. Moss is very plentiful in these parts.

St. Charles Parish Courthouse Inquest Records Book #1---continued

Page 21.   Inquest was held on 17 Jun 1878 on the body of John Skiner, found in the rear of the B. Dargenar Plantation. The verdict was that he came to his death by accidently cutting down a tree upon himself. Jurors were L. Aclama Katen, Francois Jupitor,Jr, Paul Belle, Samuel Whitehead, Honore Bourgois and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 22.  Inquest was held on 19 Aug 1878 on the body of an unknown white man. The verdict was that he came to his death by yellow fever and not otherwise, no other person is responsible for his death. Jurors were F. Murray, Marshall Benoit, Jerry Thorton, Joseph Smith, Coy Clinton and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 23.  Inquest was held on 7 Sep 1878 on the body of an unknown white man lying dead on the Morgan Louisiana and Texas Railroad. The verdict was that he came to his death by some unknown illness and not otherwise. He appears to be about 30 years of age and having no identification. No person is responsible for his death. Jurors were Steward Johnson, Christ Kimskey, Moses Moore, John Snaurden, Franklin Thomas and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 24.  Inquest was held on 14 Sep 1878 upon the body of Charles Baptiste lying dead. The verdict was that he came to his death by two wounds inflicted in the left side with a sharp instrument in the hands of one Valcour St. Martin, one above the left nipple and one below. Doctor's certificate annexed. Jurors were Prudent DeBoutte, ? Garten, Chas J. Garllard, John Fox, Joseph Alexandre and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 25.  Inquest was held on 15 Sep 1878 on the body of Valcour St. Martin lying dead. The verdict was that he came to his death by wounds inflicted by deadly weapons, namely guns, knives, pistols and clubs in the hands of unknown parties on the 14 Sep 1878. Jurors were Prudent DeBoutte, Chas J Garllard, Joseph Alexandre, John Fox, ? Garten, and coroner Clement Colly.  note--This was considered a lynching witch will be covered in a future post.

School News

St. Charles Herald Newspaper--19 July 1884

Another term of five months has just expired and the public schools of this parish are again closed. There were 104 white and 488 colored children enrolled during the term, making a total of 592 pupils. The average attendance for the first half of the session was, as usual, better than the latter part. The expenditures for maintaining the schools during the session just closed are as follows:

• Teacher's salary               $1,712.00
• School house rent            $     50.00
• Incidental expenses          $     47.55
• Superintendent's salary     $   100.00
• Total                                $1,909.55

St. Charles Herald Newspaper--23 Aug 1884

We have been requested by our friend, Mrs. K.M. Haggerty, who was quite ill in the city, but is now much better, to state that she would open her school here on the first Monday of September.

1724 Census continued

Old German Village--Three-fourths of a mile from the Mississippi River

20.  Balthasar Monthe' of Troppau, Silesia, Germany, Catholic, 42 years old, laborer, wife and daughter of 13 or 18 months. One and a fifth arpents cleared. Three years on place. A good worker with everything well arranged. Was sick the whole summer. Two pigs. He died in 1727.

21.  Johann Georg Raeser(Jean Georges Roezer) of Biebrich, Mayence, Catholic, 32 years old, blacksmith, wife and orphan girl 18 years. Two arpents cleared. Three years on place. A good worker with everything well arranged.
       1726: Husband and wife, three children, brother-in-law. Six arpents cleared. One pig.
       1731: Husband and wife, one child.

22.  Johann Jacob Bebloquet ? of Lamberloch, Alsace, Lutheran, 36 years old, laborer and hunter, wife and three children, two boys and a girl, from two to thirteen. One and a half arpents cleared. Three years on place. Two pigs. A good worker with everything well arranged.

23.  Johann Cretzmann(Kretzmann, Frizman) of (Routh) Berne, Switzerland, Calvinist, 46 years old,  laborer, wife and son of five years.  One and a half arpents cleared. His affairs are well regulated and he demands his passage, which he didn't get..
       1726: As the widower of Barbara Hostmann, Johann Cretzmann married  Susanna Rommel(Rome), daughter of Heinrich Rommel and sister of Johann Rommel #26.
       1731: Husband, wife and three children. Six arpents cleared.

Descendants of Charles Savoie

1.1   Jean Baptiste Savoye married Marie Rose Landry, the daughter of Hilario Landry and Marie Josephe Richard on 18 Apr 1796 in Assumption Parish. They had five children: Charles Hillary, born 23 Jan 1797; Franciso Valerio, born 15 Apr 1801; Zypriano, born 20 Aug 1799; Eduardo Nicholas, born Nov. 1802; and Eugenia, born 18 Jan 1804. All these children were baptized in Assumption Parish.

1.4   Amadee Savoye married Victoria Bourgeois, daughter of Miguel Bourgeois and Anna Landry on 30 May 1790 in St. James Parish. They had three children: Pedro Cipriano, born 15 Sep 1792; Rosalie, born about 1790, and Elizabeth Azelie, born 25 Dec 1799. These baptisms will be found in Ascension Parish.

1.5   Joseph Savoie married Marie Francoise Julienne Bergeron, daughter of Jean Baptiste Bergeron, Jr. and Marie Babin, on 27 July 1794 in Assumption Parish. They had twelve children: Ursin, born 27 May 1799; Joseph, born 10 Mar 1802; Rosalie Carmelite, born 14 Dec 1800; Jourdain, born 20 May 1805; Eleonise(Leonise), born 20 Feb 1806; Pierre Lucien, baptized 2 Jun 1809; Edmond, baptized 10 Dec 1811; Cesaire, baptized 17 Apr 1814; Narcisse, born 29 Oct 1817; Melicere, born 29 Dec 1820; and Marguerite Pharelie, born 2 Apr 1823. These children were baptized in Assumption and Lafourche Parishes.

1.9   Simon Pierre Savoie married Rosalie Duhon, daughter of Jean Duhon and Anna LeBlanc, on 11 Jan 1802 in St. James Parish. They had ten children: Marie Emalise, born 7 Dec 1802; Joseph, born 16 Sep 1804; Marguerite Delphine, born 13 Apr 1806; Marie Magdelaine, born 6 Feb 1808; Simon, born 22 Oct 1809; Marie, born 6 July 1811; Rosalie Modeste, born 17 Aug 1813; Marie Serafina, born 14 Dec 1815; Jean Francois, born 14 Dec 1818; and Julius, born 22 Nov 1825. These children were baptized in St. James and Ascension Parishes.

If you have any additions or corrections, please let me know with your source of verification.

WWI--Record of Veterans--St Charles Parish Courthouse

Officer US Army--Lawrence Hampton Stevens, Officer ORC
           White; Residence, Ama, LA; born Darrow, LA; 30 Aug 1890
            1 LT. Inf. 27 Nov 1917 fr CL
            Enlisted training Camp, Leon Springs, TX; 165 DB to discharge
            Promotion Capt., 10 Oct 1918, Principal Stations, CP Travis, TX
            Leon Springs, Tx; Cp Sheridan, AL; Cp Gordon, GA; Chicago, IL
            Discharged 14 Jun 1919----not disabled


Enlisted Men     U.S.Army

Aiken, Joe 4,423,147
           Colored; Res Boutte; born Boutte, LA; 27 Feb 1890
            Date inducted 1 Sep 1918; 52 Co 161 Dep Brig to 16 Nov 1918;
            Co A, Development Bn #4 Camp Beauregard, LA to discharge PVT
            Discharged  15 Feb 1919----no injuries

Alexander, Henry 1,619,756
            Colored; Res Hahnville; Born Hahnville, LA; 18 Dec 1896
            Date inducted 25 Sep 1918; 1 Co Detention Camp, Camp Beauregard, LA to 21 Oct 1918
            Co F Col Cos Det to discharge  PVT
            Discharged 8 Jan 1819----no injuries

Alexander, Tobe 2,133,986
            Colored; Res Boutte; Born Boutte,LA;  26 9/12 years
             Date inducted 28 Oct 1917 Hahnville
             20 Co 5 Tng Bn 162 Dep Brig to 1 Jan 1818; Co D 512 Engrs Serv Bn to 10 Jan 1918
             13 Co 4 Tng Bn 162 Dep  Brig to 19 Jan 1918
             5 Co 2 Tng Bn 162 Dep Brig to 4 Feb 1918
             Co A 512 Engrs to discharge Pvt 1c1 , 1 Oct 1918; Served overseas 18 Apr 1918 to 18 Jun 1819
             Discharged 30 July 1919----no injuries

Newspaper Items of Interest---11 Aug 1877

St. Charles Herald Newspaper--11 Aug 1877--Hahnville,Louisiana

     The finishing touches to the new race course in this village were made last week.
     The cane on Rosemond Troxler's place is looking remarkably fine. We saw a stalk the other day with ten fully developed joints.
     There is complaints all over the parish of hard times. Merchants of more than twenty years standing say that they have never seen such scarcity of money.
     Owing to the redistricting of this parish into wards according to Legislative enactment, there are several wards without Justices of the Peace and Constables.
     One large planter out at Boutte has made 1000 barrels more of corn than he can necessarily consume. And such is the case with a majority of the planters of this parish.
     The Jury Commission, consisting of G.Espinola, N.Louque, E.Roberts and V.L. Ceresolle, with the Clerk of Court, ex-officio a member, will meet to-day in the Clerk's office to prepare a jury list.
     We were in error last week in stating that the body of the man found buried on the Morgan's Louisiana and Texas Railroad was colored. The body was that of a white man, evidently a German, and several marks of violence were found on his person.
     The gambling fever, instead of abating, appears to gain new headway in this neighborhood. We call the attention of District Attorney Earhart to this fact. Let him emulate the example of his predecessor, Judge Marks, and clear the district of black-legs and gamblers.
     Mr. Kelly, whose plantation is three miles below Hahnville, will commence cutting and stacking his rice crop on Monday next. Without exception, all who have seen his crop pronounce it the finest in the State. He has 315 acres of the staple, and bets on fourteen barrels to the acre.
     Captain Ranson, recently of the steamboat Robert Young, informs us that he will shortly remove from his present residence near the Boutte Road to Hahnville. He will build one of the largest and best finished houses in the parish. We welcome the Captain to our village, and wish that a score or more of such gentlemen would do likewise---that is, settle in our town.

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

Page 17--Inquest was held on 26 Jun 1878 on the body of Joseph Bourgeois found between Boutte Station and Luling Station. The jurors verdict was that he came to his death from heart disease and they are satisfied that no guilt is attached to anyone. Jurors were Achille Garner, Peter Smith, Benjamin Thompson, Jenkins Fields, James Walton and coroner Clement Colly.

Page 18--A hearing was held on 4 Jan 1878 on the body of Harry Mitchell, age 60 years, more or less, found dead at Ory Plantation. The verdict was that he came to his death by sickness and old age and no guilt attaches to any person. No inquest is necessary. Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 18--A hearing was held on 6 Jun 1878 on the body of Charles Taylor found dead on Speranza Plantation, age 2 months. Having made inquiry the verdict is he came to his death by the visitation of God. No guilt attaches to any person. Coroner Clement Colly.

Page 19--Inquest was held (no date) on the body of an unknown white man found on the E. Rost Plantation. The verdict was that the deceased, about 45 years old, a native of Pennsylvania, name unknown, came to his death from general disability and no person is responsible for his death. Jurors were F. Morrerl, Henry McCall, Wm. McNarmaro, Emile Samat, James Henry and Clement Colly.

Page 20--Inquest was held on 17 Jun 1878 on the body of Max Ferth found in the Mississippi River in front of the E. Davis Plantation. The verdict was that he came to his death by accidental drowning while bathing in the river on 14 Jun 1878. Jurors were F. Murray, Feliz Zeringue, Wilson Thompson, James Turner, Jefferson Delaware, and coroner Clement Colly.

School News 1877

St. Charles Herald--25 Aug 1877

SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
                                 August 18, 1877

    The members of the Board of School Directors in and for the parish of St. Charles, pursuant to previous adjournment, met this day at the courthouse.
    Present---Messrs. Kenner, Darensburg, McCutcheon, Essex and Baudouin. Absent ---Messrs. Rost, Sarpy, Youngs and Bougere.
    On the motion of Mr. McCutcheon, Mr. Kenner was appointed President pro tem, and the minutes of the previous meeting were then read and approved.
    The reports of the committee on school houses were read, and after due deliberation, it was resolved that the public schools of this parish shall be opened on the first Monday of September next at the following places, to-wit:
      First Ward---In the school house located on the property of Peter Campbell and others.
      Second Ward---In the Hahnville School House, Hahnville Concert Hall, and in the Bethlehem Church just below the Courthouse.
      Third Ward---In the school house located on the property of Aubert Zeringue.
      Fourth Ward---In the school house located on the Louis Labranche plantation.
      Fifth Ward---In the school house located on the Red Church property.
      Sixth Ward---In the house formerly rented from Mrs. Mary Duncan on the Hermitage plantation.
      Seventh Ward---In a church and the house known as the Scott's Store at Boutte Station.
      Being ten schools; two of which, viz; in the Hahnville Concert Hall, and the house known as Scott's Store at Boutte Station, shall be for the instruction of white children exclusively; and the others for colored children.
      The committee on teachers was instructed to hold a meeting for the examination of applicants for positions as teachers as soon as circumstances will allow.
      It was resolved that the committee on school houses is hereby authorized to make all repairs and purchases recommended in their above mentioned reports, and execute all leases for school houses on the terms agreed upon between the said committee and the lessors.
      On motion, duly seconded, it was resolved that the Rev. Robert Butler be allowed the use of the school house on the property of Peter Campbell and others as a church for his congregation, on the condition that he will make all necessary repairs thereto and take good care of the same; provided his meetings for religious worship shall not at any time interrupt with the exercises of the school.
       The meeting was then adjourned to the 1st of September next.
                    T.T. Baudouin, Secretery.

1724 Census

15.  Jacob Ritter (Jacques Reiter) of Lustuen, Wurtemberg, age 28, Catholic, shoemaker, with wife. One and one half arpents cleared, six months on place. One pig.
       1726--Four arpents cleared.
       1731--Two cows.

16.  Michael Vogel of Altdorf, Suevia, Germany, age 40, Catholic, cooper, a little hard of hearing, with wife, son age two, daughter age eleven (eighteen)  in New Orleans. Sixteen verges cleared (10 verges= 1 arpent). Two years on place. One pig.
        1726--Four arpents cleared.
        1731--Two cows.

17.  Sebastian Funck of Hagenau, Alsace, age 30, Catholic, laborer, with wife, child age one, orphan girl 16. Two years on place, five arpents cleared, which he bought from two Germans who moved away. One pig.
        1726--Husband, wife, two children, four arpents cleared.

18.  Michael Horn of Limbal,Mayence, age 39, Catholic, laborer, with wife and daughter age eight. Ffteen days on place. Fifteen verges cleared. Moved here from old village. Sick.
        1726--Four arpents cleared.

19.   Land of eight verges reserved for surgeon, abandoned, has a hut on it.

This ends the village of Hoffen on the river front.

Descendants of Charles Savoie

As a reminder, if you disagree with anything I have, or want to add something, please let me know. We all have to help one another. Just include your sources.

More information can be found in "Some Late Eighteenth Century Louisianians-Census Records 1759-1796" by Jacqueline Voorhies, "Colonial Settlers Along Bayou LaFourche " and "Louisiana Census and Militia Lists 1770-1798 "by Albert Robichaux.


In these censuses we find the following all in Lafourche Parish:

1795-- Judith Arsenaux, age 60, with Jean Baptiste, age 32, Simon, age 18 and Isabel, age 16.
            Another family is Joseph Savoie, 25, wife Francoise,16.
            Third family is Amadee Savoie,26, with wife Victoria Bourgeois, 22, Pedro,4 and Rosalia,2.
            Fourth is Pedro Bourgeois,26, with wife Maria,19. (Savoie)

1797--Amadee Savoye,27, with wife Victoire,23, Pierre, 5 and Rosalie, 3.
           Jean Baptiste Savoie, 33, with wife Rose Landry,21,and Jean Baptiste,1.
           Judith Arseneaux, widow,61,Simon,19 and Isabelle,17.

1798--Mede Savoie, 29, with wife Rose (incorrect)should be Victoire,25, Pierre,7 and Rose,4.
           Joseph Savoye,23, with wife Francoise,18, and Joseph,1
           Jean Baptiste Savoye,33,with wife Rose,22,and Francois,1.


There was another Savoy in Opelouses, Joseph, probably the brother of Charles.