Chapter V: Part 5

A. W. P. Ussery has the pleasure to inform friends and the public that
he has taken the Fort Jesup Hotel and is now ready for company. He has
a commodious house and stable and a delightful situation. In addition
to the comforts of the well regulated house, the weary traveler will
be regaled at night and morning by the delightful music of the Fort
Jesup Band.

With the ability of Texas to maintain her independence, Fort Jesup settled down to the humdrum existence of a peaceful, frontier post. In the summer of 1838 the garrison was reduced to two companies of men and officers. In 1840 the third infantry members at Fort Jesup were ordered to Florida. This left one company of fourth infantry at Fort Jesup.

Texas threw open its doors to immigrants and daily these passed through the Fort Jesup area, to travel El Camino Real westward. Many, however, stopped in the Natchitoches-Sabine country. Texans knew that immigrants represented power, power to resist Mexico.

This peaceful existence was not to last long. There was talk of the annexation of Texas by the United States which Mexico did not want. For as long as Texas was a Republic there was a possibility that Mexico might recover this prize possession, a possession which also included the present states of New Mexico and a part of Wyoming.

As early as 1843 the United States was contemplating acquiring Texas as a state. In the meantime they had purchased the territory of New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Wyoming from Texas which did not set well with the Republic of Mexico. There was a kind of cold friendship existing between the United States and Mexico.

Late in 1843 General Zachary Taylor was ordered to the Texas-Louisiana frontier, thus early in 1844 there came to Fort Jesup the Army of Observation.

Camp Salubrity was established three miles west of Grand Ecore on the Texas Road May 18, 1844, where the fourth infantry companies were encamped. One of the young officers was Lieutenant U. S. Grant.

On May 18, 1845, General Taylor at Fort Jesup received a letter marked “Confidential” from Secretary of War, Marcey. This secretly and officially marked the beginning of the disposition of troops and the laying of plans for the war with Mexico. Marcey wrote, “I am directed by the President to cause forces now under your command and those which may be assigned, to be put into position where they may most promptly act in the defense of Texas.”

At Fort Jesup under the command of General Taylor were seven companies of the Second Dragoons and eight companies of the Fourth Infantry. Four companies of the Fourth Infantry were stationed at Camp Salubrity.

Texas expressed a desire at the July 1845 session of the Texas Congress to become a State of the Union.

General Taylor at Fort Jesup received instructions to place the Troops under his command in the Army of Observation in such locations that would be most advantageous to render support to Texas if such an occasion should arise.

The Mexican conflict seemed inevitable and Taylor ordered Camp Salubrity abandoned and the Companies of Infantry there boarded steamboats at Grand Ecore for New Orleans along with three companies of the four companies of the 4th infantry which were stationed at Fort Jesup.

This July 1845 Report from Fort Jesup explains the removal of the Troops from Fort Jesup and those who remained:

July 17, 1845, The 3rd Infantry under the command of Lt. Col.
Hitchcock left this post for the point of embarkation for New Orleans.

July 25, 1845, The 2nd Dragoons under the command of Colonel Twiggs
left this post for Texas Via the Texas Trail. On this day Lt. Zill P.
Inge assumes command at Fort Jesup.

There remains at this Post, and all present accounted for the
following: One Company of the 4th infantry and one company of the 2nd
Dragoons. The names of these men appear on the July 31, 1845, Daily
Report.

Conally Triche.
George S. Darte.
Quims Tomas.
James Huntly.
William Story.
James Welsh.
Francis Shaw.
Samuel Tacker.
George Waggoner.
Andrew Munscle.
John A. Goddard.
Benjiman Peterson.
David S. Barslette.
John McDormott.
Joseph McGee.
Richard Goldring.
Samuel H. Jordan.
James Conway.
Ferdinand Turkels.
Thurman Patterson.
Michael Sheridan.
William H. McDonnald.
Isaac Curry.
John L. Creps.
John B. Hickey.
John Murphy.
Paul Spencer.
Hugh McHugh.
John R. Bloomer.
William Horton.
Cazimiery Rosinowski.
George Cassody.
Ames W. Grimes.
Reubin W Brenner.
William Hearne.
John B Rezzer.
Alexinder Silves.
James Sheene.
Charles W Williams.
John Adams.
William Bayer.
James Heath.
Michael O’Keefe.
William R Smith.
John Mitchele.
John W. Conway.
William Stansbury.
Jeremiach O’Leary.
William Bailey.
James Long.
Edward Harrington.
Patrick Connally.
Thomas Kelley.
Peter Savage.
William Ashton.
Stephen Turner.
Joseph A Jinkins.
Patrick Maloney.
George Holmes.
Louis H Tucker.
John Hamilton.
James Horton.
James Foley.
Horice Clark.
William Howe.
Isaac Trotter.
William McGill.
Berman Wellenbrook.
William Taylor.
Edward Melton.
Gregory Bishop.
John Goodele.
Robinson McClellan.
Michale Ryan.
Archibald Turner.
Samuel Turner.
John Freeman.
George Hendricks.
Hamilton Taylor.
James Doughtry.
Asa Freleigh.
William Pully.
Francis Gillam.
William R Keeper.
Henry Burrows.
Joseph R Steward.
John Dorian.
Frederick Leach.
William Turner.
Alexander Cody.
William A Burks.
John Hunter.
Phillip Hoffman.
Richard A Banks.
Patrick Bigland.
Charles W Livingston.

These men comprise the 1st Company of the 2nd Dragoons and One half Company of the 3rd Inf. and one half Company of the 4th infantry. Most of them were sick at the time of the dispersement of the troops at Fort Jesup.

Signed:
1st Lt Zill P Inge
1st Co 2nd Dragoons.
Fort Jesup, La.

July 31 1845.

On November 29, 1845, the Adjutant General ordered that Fort Jesup was no longer required as a military post, all military supplies, buildings and land be disposed of.

Thus Zachary Taylor when a Lt. Col. executed the order to establish Fort Jesup and 23 years later as a Brigadier General executed the order to abandon it.

Ironic as it may seem, Fort Jesup brought law to a lawless land. It was a buffer zone through which passed softly, those intent on a new kind of freedom. It was the mould which shaped the southwestern section of these United States.

If one must in a few words offer a summation of all that has passed before.... Then.

This tiny spot, in Louisiana’s vast domain,
High on a hill-top, a memory to remain.
Redbuds and Dogwood, bring spring’s tender smile,
To a land so fertile, it rivals that of the Nile.
Yonder, the Red’s mighty currents roll.
Gleaming, sparkling, rivaling Hidalgo’s Gold.

In a grove, where the stately Pine trees tower,
Blending with the Oak, the Ash and wild Flower,
Quickly, their lips meet and arms entwine,
Secluded they are, by the Rattan-vine,
This love doesn’t any boundary know.
The Savage speaks, ’tis time to go.

They match wits, the Hidalgo and the Fleur de Lys.
Fiesta and Fandangero, invited, they all come to see.
This Wilderness Road, which both Friend and Enemy Travel
This intricate-mess, shall two men unravel
From Crescent-City to Natchitoches and on to Mexico,
Past Los Adais and Presidios, must Saint and Sinner go.

This Land—’tis Mine, ’tis Yours, ’tis Mine.
To the Stars and Stripes the Savage states, ’twas Mine.
To his God, Ayandt Daddi, in a blanketed-blue sky,
He looks and he questions, “Whither goest I?”
To his people, his eyes reflect his fears,
Caddo generosity paid, with “A Trail of Tears.”

ADDENDA

LAND GRANTS

In 1816 the United States Land Office sent representatives to Natchitoches, although previously representatives had been in Natchitoches in 1806 to register land claims within the Neutral Strip area. Proof was demanded of people settling land in the Neutral Strip, referring to either French or Spanish grants.

In 1730 Zavallez, then Governor of Los Adais, granted three square leagues of land to Manuel Sanchez on Los Pedro Creek (Bayou Pierre), the grant was listed as La Nana de Los Rio Pedro. (Note: The wife of St. Denis was a Sanchez, her mother being Maria Esperrillo Sanchez before her marriage to Don Diago Ramone). The Sanchez Grant is also referred to as Los Tres Llanos (Three Plains) was approved again in 1742 by Governor Larros in the name of Governor Winthusin. The son of Manuel Sanchez was eighty two years of age when in 1832 a clear title was issued by the United States Land Office. The Sanchez family had lived on the land 102 years before they obtained a clear title to it.

Juan de Mora was granted one league square of land on Bayou Dupont at Los Adais by Zavallez which is the land located in an area known today as “Fish Pond Bottom.”

Testimony of Gregoria Mora before the land office officials shows: “This is a receipt of tithes I collected on land west of the Calcasieu River, West of Bayou Kisachey and west of Arroyo Hondo. Also west of Bayou Pedro (Bayou Pierre) dated in Nacogdoches, Feb. 27, 1797, and signed by Jose Maria Guadiana (Rubric)

Owner of Land _Location_

Pablo Lifita Los Pedros Creek
(Bayou Pierre)
Andres Balentine ″
Jose Lavina Los Cebellas Prairie
Pedro Dolet Los Adais Creek
(Winn Creek)
Antonio Dubois ″
Francisco Prudhomme In village of Adais
Indians, one mile
north of Robeline
near site of the
Presidio de Los
Adais.
Francisco Morban (Der Bonne) Dorango Creek (west
of the village of
Allen and three
miles northwest of
the village of
Shamrock)
Widdow of Tontin Bisson On Topolcot Creek
at Allen site, near
Leroy Anderson
Plantation
Manuel Prudhomme On Lago Ocosa Near
Cypress, Louisiana
Marfil On Lago de Los
Adais (Spanish Lake)
Francois Rouquier West of Lago Tierre
Noir (Sibley Lake)
Santiago Wallace (Englishman) On San Juan Creek
(Bay St. John in
the Lake Charles
area)
Jose Piernas At Santo Maria
Adelaide (vicinity
of Zwolle,
Louisiana)

Claim of Pedro Dolet, Frenchman (Pierre Dole)

On December 29, 1795, I, Jose Cayetano de Zepede, executor to Los Adais and by request of Antonio Gil y Barbo Governor of Texas at Nacogdoches, went with my assistant, Don Jose de La Vega to a place at Los Adais, where a petitioner had built a home there. I granted this land.

He pulled up Grass,
Planted Stakes,
Threw dust into the air,

To show his possession.

I have granted this land and designate the aforesaid tract of land as “San Pedro de Los Adais.”

Signed:
Don Luis de La Vega.
Vincente Del Rio
Jose Cayeleno de Zepeda
Executor

Claim of Edward Murphy

Don Edwardo Murphy, petitioner from the post at Natchitoches, states that on a creek La Petit St. Jean and Reo Hondo I find advantageous to collect my cattle, I humbly ask of you to give me possession of this land.

Nacogdoches, October 17, 1791. In consequence of petitioner and that the land solicited is in the province of Texas and vacant I do grant in due best form and that it may so appear.

Signed:
Antonio Gil y Barbo

(Note: This tract of land was in the area of southwest from the Country Club of Natchitoches on Highway 1 North).

Claim of Edward Murphy for the Firm of Murphy, Smith, Barr and Davenport

Edward Murphy, Leander Smith, William Barr, Samuel Davenport.
(District Judge William Murray heard the plea of the Firm of Murphy,
Smith, Davenport and Barr).

August 1, 1798, Don Jose Guadiana, Governor at Nacogdoches, granted to Don Edward Murphy a grant of land named “La Nana Prairie” located seven leagues east of the Rio Sabinas on the road to Natchitoches, 144 sections of land astraddle El Camino Real (a 12 square mile land grant, extending eastward from Bayou Lana and could have very well taken the townsite of Many, Louisiana. Murphy transferred this land to the above mentioned firm, November 3, 1798).

Claim of Michel Crow

Michel Crow, son of Isaac Crow, who wed the widow Chabineau of the Post at Natchitoches, bought the land of Miguel Viciente which has been granted to Miguel Viciente in 1769 by Governor Hugo O’Connor, who was at that time Governor of Los Adais and all of the Texas country. The grant was listed as San Miguel de Los Rio Patrice and was located on the Sabine River and Patrice Creek in the northwest portion of Sabine Parish.

One incident in which an arrest and the results of which served as evidence in favor of the victim occurred while Lieutenant Zebulon M. Pike was in command of a police patrol of the Neutral Strip in 1806, when he arrested Michel Crow and brought him to the post at Natchitoches, accusing him of contraband operations to and from the Texas country. Captain Bernardino Mantero, leading a Spanish patrol with the assistance of Lieutenants Pike and McGee, came to the ranchero of Michael Crow and upon questioning Crow’s wife and her two sons, learned of the actions of Lieutenant Pike previously. Captain Mantero went to Natchitoches and declared that Crow was innocent of such charges and that the unfortunate Crow was only engaged in farming and ranching; further the Spanish did not have Crow’s name on the list of traders in contrabrand known to the Spanish at Nacogdoches, thus, when Michel Crow registered his claim for land, he had proof of the length of time he had resided there taken from the arrest papers.

Claim of the Heirs of Widow Tontin

In 1791 Anthanase De Mezieres granted to Julian and Pierre Bisson land called Ecore Rouge (Red Hill) located at the present day hamlet of Allen between Robeline and Powhattan, Louisiana, one hundred ninety square arpents of land on each side of Topelcot Bayou. The widow Tontin, nee Possiot, wed Julian Bisson (Note: The store at Allen and the home of Leroy—Dobber—Anderson are located atop Ecore Rouge).

Claim of the Heirs of Anthanase Poissot

In 1792, Anthanase De Mezieres, Governor of the Texas region at Natchitoches Post, granted land to Anthanase Poissot in recognition of his claim of having bought the land of La Tres Cabanes (Three Cabins) from Chief Antoine of the Hyatasses (Yatassee Indians) on Bayou Pierre.

Fort Jesup, originally “Cantonment Jesup,” was established in the
spring of 1821, by Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Taylor, who was
executing the orders of Major General Edmund Pendleton Gaines.
Taylor had under his command four companies of the United States 7th
Infantry.

On November 29, 1845 the Adjutant General ordered that Fort Jessup
was no longer required as a military post and that all military
supplies, buildings and land be disposed of.]

1. Mess Hall
2. Enlisted Men’s Quarters
3. Officers’ Quarters

Claim of the Firm of Murphy, Smith, Davenport and Barr

The Los Ormegas Land Grant of Jacinto Mora contained two hundred seven thousand three hundred sixty acres bordering on the east bank of the Sabine River and astradle El Camino Real. The grant was issued by Jose Cayeleno de Zepeda, Governor at Nacogdoches and was sold to the above mentioned firm in 1805. The land was transferred under the title of Santa Marie Adelaide Ormegas, but was not recognized by the United States Government until 1842.

Claim of the Heirs of Pierre Gainnie (Pedro Gane) (Pier Gagnier)
Hipolite Bordelon Francois Grappe (Francisco Grebb) (Franquis Grebbe)

These three men bought the land of the Chescher Indians (The area comprises the Mibermel Ranch near Powhattan, Louisiana, and the area of Three League Bayou or Nine Mile Bayou).

This grant was recognized by Anthanase DeMezieres of the Post at Natchitoches.

Families of the Neutral Strip (1805)

Records of Diago Maria Morfil, representing the Spanish of that area, in lieu of Jacinto Mora, directive of the Governor at Nacogdoches of the Texas Region, presented this record of families considered under the jurisdiction of Presidio Neustra Senora Del Pilar de Los Adais to the United States Land Agents in 1816:

Don Marcelo de Soto, farmer, wife, Dona Maries Baillio, Frenchwoman,
two sons, two daughters, resided on Los Pedro Creek (Bayou
Pierre).
Pedro Lafita, Spanish, wife, Louise Gainnie, Frenchwoman, resided on
Bayou Los Tres Leagues.
Luis Beltran, Frenchman, resided on Rio Hondo (Young’s Bayou) or Bayou
La Jeune. (Unmarried)
Vincente Rolan, Frenchman, wed Melanie Vascoque, Frenchwoman, residing
on Bayou Durange. (This bayou drains Cypress Swamp and empties
into Topelcot Creek, also known as Cypress Swamp, Hall Break
area, north of Marthaville, Louisiana).
Don Antainse Possiot, Frenchman, wed to Juanna Elena Pabi,
Frenchwoman. Note: This is the Anthanase Poissot who bought
land from the Chescher Indians on Three League Bayou, which
extended westward to Bayou Pierre.
Michael Rambin, Frenchman wed to Theresa Baillio (Theresa Baillio,
sister to Maria Baillio who wed Marcelo De Soto) resided on
Los Pedros Creek (Bayou Pierre). There was one hired hand on
this farm, Jose Crafon, Spanish.
Jean Balbado, Frenchman wed to Lenore Tessier, Frenchwoman, resided on
Arroyo Hondo (Hagewood or Coldwater vicinity between Robeline
and Natchitoches, Louisiana).
Jean Tessier, Frenchman and widower, resided in the same area as
above.
Louis Fortin, Frenchman, wed to Manuella Aragon, Spanish, resided on
land of Francois Prudhomme which was among the Adais Indians,
at Los Adais.
Francisco Prudhomme, Frenchman wed to Anne Marie Rambin, Frenchwoman,
two sons and seven daughters. Prudhomme in 1805 was 74 years
old. This land among the Adais Indians was granted to
Prudhomme by DeMezieres in 1771. Francois Prudhomme was a
trader among the Indians and at the same time had a Spanish
co-partner, Antonio Gil y Barbo, who traded among the Spanish
along El Camino Real. Manuel Flores was another partner of
Prudhomme, also Miguel Viciente who later sold his grant to
Isaac Crow. It is very likely that Viciente at his out of the
way home on Sabine River was a trader in contraband
merchandise supplied by Prudhomme. The trail leading from
Sabine River and the home of Miguel Viciente on Bayou San
Patrice and eastward to the Red River via Converse, Pleasant
Hill and to Bayou Pierre was a contraband trail. In 1723 Paul
Muller established Post du Bayou Pierre, with contraband trade
with the Spanish as his aim. Post du Bayou Pierre developed
into the Town of Bayou Pierre. This trail was traveled by
Gutierrez and his followers when they were pursued by the
Royalists, Spanish Troops. Post du Bayou Pierre, The Town of
Bayou Pierre, King Hill and Jordan Ferry are all one and the
same.
Pierre Dole (Pedro Dolet or Peter Dolet), Frenchman mentioned earlier
wed Dona Rose Duprez, Spanish woman, resided on Bayou Adais
(Winn Creek, west of Robeline, Louisiana).
Andria Valentine (Andria Balentine) Frenchman, wed Angela Molis,
French woman, resided on Bayou La Jeune (Youngs’ Bayou) near
Coldwater vicinity.
Elina Wales, widow, American, three sons, Jacob, Thomas and Benjamin,
resided on Bayou La Jeune.
Jacinto Gane (Jacinto Gannie, Gainnie, Gagnier), evidently a son of
Pierre Gainnie, resided on land grant mentioned before.
Bacitio Gane of the same family mentioned above, Frenchman, wed Marie
Lafita, Spanish woman.
Miguel Viciente, Spanish, mentioned before, wed Elena Roubeaux French
woman, is the same land grant sold to Isaac Crow, which was
being claimed by his son, Michel.
Pedro Roblo, Pierre Roubeaux, Frenchman, wed Magdelina Baptiste,
Spanish woman, resided on Durango Creek.
Francisco Moran, Frenchman, wed Anna Maria, an Apache mestizo, the
word mestizo in Spanish refers to a half-breed offspring of
Spanish and Indian parents. Moran was an Indian trader for
Anthanaze De Mezieres and operated along El Camino Real with a
certified passport. He was said to speak French, Spanish and
thirty-eight Indian dialects. He often accompanied DeMezieres
as an interpreter. He asked for and received three acres of
land on El Camino Real in the vicinity of Robeline, Louisiana.
In 1805 Moran was seventy-eight years old.
Santiago Christine, Frenchman wed Marie D’Ortigeaux, French woman,
resided on Bayou Pierre.
Antonio Rocquier, Frenchman, wed Marrianne, an English woman. This
grant by De Mezieres has already been mentioned as to
location.
Michel Crow, Englishman, wed Margarita La Fleur (LaFleur-Flores)
Spanish woman, resided, as before mentioned in the claim of
the firm, Murphy, Smith, Barr and Davenport.

In 1806 the following had applied for homesteads and received quarter sections of land: William Eldridge, George Mac Tier, Manuel Flores, John Cartez, Asa Becherson, Stephen Wallace and Seaborne Maillard.

Peter Belieu, who had been living on Bayou Pierre for fifty years, declared squatters’ rights, as did Walter Weathersby, Francois Dubois, David Chase, Jean Pierre Grappe, Joseph Teanriz, Mickel Chasneau, Benjamin Boullett, William Cockerville, Denise Dies (Diez).

In the area of Cypress, Flora Provincal and Kisatchie, Louisiana, the land was granted by Athanase De Mezieres in 1771-1776, to: Pierre Joseph Maises, at Cypress, Louisiana, on Lago Acasse; Baptiste Prudhomme, also near Cypress; Madam Marie Palagie on Drunkard’s Bayou near Flora, Louisiana; Thomas Vascoque near Provincal, Louisiana; Joseph Procell, a Spaniard, west of Bayou Derbonne, west of Melrose, Louisiana; Pierre Sanscalier on Bayou Kisatchie near Kisatchie, Louisiana, who used the fresh spring water of Kisatchie and made the finest corn whiskey on the whole Neutral Strip; and, Leander Lasso on Petite Bayou Pierre, south and west of present-day Cloutierville, Louisiana.

Within the area of present day Sabine Parish were these settlers in 1805: Joe Leaky, John Wadell, Christopher Anthony, Thomas Hicks, Jacob Winfree, Jose Rivers, Peter Patterson, David Weathersby, David Walters, John Gordon, Benjamin Winfree, James Kirklin, Andres Galinto, Jose Procell, James Denny, Manuel Bustamento, John Yocum, Jessy Yocum and Michel Crow. E. Dillon, A. Davidson, Barbe, Beebe, Cartinez, Slocomb and Addington.

FAMILY TREE OF ST. DENIS
(Born Sept. 17, 1676, Died June 11, 1744.)

Jean Juchereau wed Marie Langlois.
Son
Nicholas Juchereau de St. Denis wed Theresa Giffard.
Son
Louis Juchereau de St. Denis wed Emanuello Sanchez de Navarro Ramone.
Children were:
Marie Rose Juchereau de St. Denis wed Jacques De La Chaise.
Louis Charles Juchereau de St. Denis wed Marie Barbier.
Marie des Delores Simone de St. Denis wed Cesair de Blanc.
Child, Louis Charles de Blanc.
Louise Margarite Juchereau de St. Denis.—Died young.
Marie Patronille Feliciane Juchereau de St. Denis wed Athanase
DeMezieres. There was one child, Louise Feliciane
DeMezieres, who may have wed a Prudhomme.[14] DeMezieres’
second wife was Pelagie Fazenda, whose name is noted on
several birth records as a Godmother.
Marie des Neiges Juchereau de St. Denis wed Manuell Antoine de Soto
Bermuda.
Children were:
Marie Manuello de Soto wed Augustain Le Noir.
Ludoric Joseph Firmin de Soto.
Marie Joseph de Soto—died young.
Joseph Marcel de Soto wed Marie Ballio.
S. Antoine Gertrudes de Soto wed Manuell Flores.
Emanuello Marie Anne de Soto wed Joseph Rambin.

BAPTISMAL RECORDS OF NATCHITOCHES
1734 TO 1740

_Child_ _Parents_ _Godfather _Godmother
(Parin)_ (Marin)_

J. Avanboite. J. Avanboite. Francois Godeau. Rose De St. Denis.
Marie Badin.

1735

J. Dupree. J. Dupree. J. Dupree. L. Riotou.
Anna Maria
Phillipo.
H. Triche. J. Triche. A. Gonzales. E. S. De Navarre
(Madam St. Denis)
Lorette Grenot.
Neona Bautimino. L. Bautimino. L. J. De St. E. S. De St.
Denis. (Louis Denis. (Madam St.
Jauchero) Denis)
Theresa Navarre
A. Lage. A. Lage. A. Dupin. Anna Verger.
Maria De La Chase.
A. Prevot. Nicholas Prevot. J. Bossier. Ananise Chaneau.
(Madame Chmard)
Yevonne Dubois.
J. Leroy Lise Francis M. de St. Denis. Madam de St.
Gillot. Denis.
Silveran Leroy.
J. Rachal. Pierre Rachal. P. Cussin. Jeanne Piquerey.
Marie Anna
Benoist.

1736

M. V. Prudhomme. J. B. Prudhomme. G. Chevert. Marie
Victoria-Gonzalez
Derbonne.
Celest Mestier.
Theresa J. Levasseur. G. Chevert. Theresa Barbier.
Levasseur.
M. F. Bourdon.
J. B. Brevel. J. B. Brevel. J. B. Prudhomme. Marcel Bacques.
A. Tvianac.
M. Chevert. G. Chevert J. B. Prudhomme. Marainne Bacques.
Y. Mestier.
R. Dupree. J. Dupree. Rime Avare. H’Elane Dubois.
Theresa Barbier.
(Second wife of
Dupree).

1737

Ann Lage. Justine Lage. A. Lage. M. de La Chase.
F. Buart.
M. F. Gauthier. J. Gauthier. R. Dubois. Marie Francine
Renaudier.
Manuello Lorenzo
Devaca.
M. L. Manne. Francisci Manne. J. B. Derbonne. Marie Gonzales
Derboune.
Joan Derbonne.
N. Prevot. Nicholas Prevot. P. Prevot. Zelia Prevot.
Yevonne Dubois.

1738

R. Possoit. R. Possiot. H. Riche. A. Dumont.
A. M. Phillipi.
M. R. Boisselier. J. Boisselier. J. McCartey. E. Santhez y
Navarre.
C. Labarre.
L. Rondin. J. Rondin. Luis Goudeau. J. Piguery.
(Doctor)
E. Flores.
C. F. Lavasseur. J. Lavesseur. F. Manne. J. U. Garcia.
M. F. Bourdon.
M. F. Chevert. G. Chavert. G. Barbier. M. F. Bourdon.
Th. Barbier.
J. B. Trichelle. L. Trichell. J. B. Derbonne. A. DeManche.
M. Demonde.

1739

H. M. S. Brevel. J. B. Brevel. L. Goudeau. J. Piguery.
A. Tvianac.
J. B. Prudhomme. J. B. Prudhomme. F. Daicdeau. Donna Girtrudus
Gonzalez.
Celest Mestier.
J. Rachal. P. Rachal. J. Rondin. E. Rachal.
M. A. Benoist.
F. Rambin. Andres Rambin. Louis Rambin. Marie Cathern de
(Grandfather Poutree
also) (Grandmother)
Zelia Prevot.
E. Verger. J. Verger. L. DeMalathe. M. A. Rousseau.
A. Demont.
L. Lager. J. Lager. L. DeMalathe. M. Flores.
F. Buard.
L. DeMatlathe. L. DeMatalathe. Manuel Flores. Th. Flores.
M. Flores.
E. Trechelle. H. Trichell. L. J. de St. E. Sanchez de St.
Denis. Deni.
M. Charles.
E. Possiot. R. Possiot. S. J. Maderne. M. Buard.
A. M. Phillipi.
P. DeLuche. J. DeLuche. P. Fausse. J. Grenot.
M. DeLuche. M. Benoist.[15]
(Melanie Benoist)
M. LeRoy. Siveran LeRoy. G. Bosseau. M. de La Chais
Lise Francis
Guillot.

1740

A. Prudhomme. J. Prudhomme. L. J. de St. Donna E. Sanchez
Denis. de St. Denis.
C. Mestier.
H. D. Marine. J. A. Marine. H. Trechelle. M. Dumont.
G. O. L. Perot.
E. Vidol. E. Vidol. J. DeLuche. M. Benoist
DeLuche.
C. Lavespere.
H. L. Lavespere. H. Lavespere. L. J. de St. M. Derbonne.
Denis.
C. Brossilier.
M. Leroy. Siveran LeRoy J. DeLuche. M. H. Guillot.
L. S. Guillot.
Note: Margarite LeRoy who was Christened in 1739 wed Louis Rachall, a
French Soldier, in 1757. She was 17 years old. Her Sister Marie who was
Christened in 1740 wed Jean Baptiste Le Campti who was also a French
Soldier, in 1758.
M. J. Levasseur. J. Lavasseur. J. B. Derbonne. M. V. Gonzalez.
M. F. Bourdon.
C. Hernandez. G. Hernandez. P. Renaudier. M. F. Renaudier.
J. Renaudier.
M. F. Possiot. R. Possiot. L. J. de St. M. Sanchez.
Denis.
A. M. Phillippi.

SOLDIERS IN NATCHITOCHES—1742

Louis Juchereau De St. Denis, Commandante.
Captains: Cesar De Blanc also a son-in-law of St. Denis. Cesar Borme,
Jean Gainard, Baltazar Villars and Louis Pablo Villenfev.
Lieutenants: Jacques De La Chase, Bernardo Dortolen, (Dortigeux),
Jacques Terpeux, Vincent Perrier, Jean Baptiste Derbonne, and
Jean Baptiste De Duc, Anthanase DeMezieres and Philippe
Coubiere.
Sergeants: Gureilleon Lavespere, Michael Gallion, Joseph Lattier,
Joseph Trichell (Trichel), Nicholas Tournier, _Guiellerno
Lestage_, Alexis Grappe, Remi Possiot, Louis Possiot,
Bartholme Rachal and Angelus Challettre
(Schellette—Chellette-Schellet) Alarge Chabineux.
Corporals: Antonio Le Noir, Jean Dubois, Antonio Distin, Jean Dupuy,
Allarge Dupuy, Nicholas Pent, Christopher Perault, Felix
Jeanot and Olivere Fredieu and Entoine Desadier.
Musketeers: Louis Moinet, Francois Hugue, Bartholme Monpierre, Andries
Compiere, Pierre Renaudiere, Luis Antee (also Town Crier),
Regimigo Tontin, Marino de Muy, Domingo St. Primo, Everiste
Possiot, Gaspard Toil, Antonio de St. Denis, Louis Bertrand,
Jean Prudhomme, Henri Barbarousse, Louis Pierre La Cour,
Armand Beaudoin, Pierre Baillio and Jean and Nicholas Layssard
(brothers who were the sons of Antoin Nicholas Layssard who in
1723 established “Post Du Rapides” The town of Colfax
Louisiana is on the Land Grant of Jean and Nicholas Layssard
who had established a trading post in that area in 1747),
Siveran Le Roy, Francois Beaudoin and Andries La Cour.

MERCHANTS, FARMERS AND TRADERS IN NATCHITOCHES—1742

Traders

Pierre Bisson, Joseph Blancpain, Jean Basquet, Pierre Blot, Jean Chapuis (Traded as far west as New Mexico, Jean Chapuis Jr., the son, later became known as the Father of Oklahoma he developed the largest chain of Trading Posts which was never equalled. The territory covered the Missouri River Area, the upper Red River Area and as far west as the Colorado River). Pierre Gaignee (Gainnie) (Gane) (Gainiee) (Gaignie) had a trading post on Bon Dieu Falls which was at that time on Rigilet de Bon Dieu was later called Creola Landing and now Montgomery, La.

Merchants

Sieur Barme, Nicholas Fazinda, Antoin Rambin (Tailor Shop), Louis Lemee, Estabin Pavie, Dominec Mancheca (Tavern Owner), Michel de Chasne, Louis Bonnafons, Luis Caesar Barme, Mathais La Courte, and Pierre Joans.

Horse Traders

Nicholas Chef, Nicholas La Mathie, Brognard, D’Autherive, Duviviere, DuBuche and Pierre DuPain.

Farmers

Jacques Bacquet, Ezeb Mercer, Charles de Blanc, Gailier Gallion, and Jean Baptiste Brevel. And Soldier-Farmer, Pierre Brosset.

Soldier Farmers

Bartholme Charbonet, Louis Moinet, Andries La Cour, Bernardo Dartigo, Jean Baptiste Derbonne, Guiellerno Lestage, Remi Poissoit, Angelus Chellettree, Joseph Lattier and Alexis Grappe.

Priests at Nachitoches were Father Vitree and Dagobare.

Merchants at Los Adais

Antonio Flores, Edwardo Nugent, Jose LaLima, Luis De Qundise and Joseph Antonio Bonetis.

SOLDIERS AT LOS ADAIS—1742

Jose Maria Gonzalez, Captain and Commandante second to Governor.
Captain Eucibia Luis Cazrola.
Lieutenants: Bernardo Dortolan, Franciscio Garcia and Ensigne,
Jauquine Cardova.
Soldiers: Jose Duprez, Hortego Cardova, Geronimo Gallardo, Thoribolo
de La Fuentes, Fernando Rodriguez, Franciscio Uque, Antonio y
Barbo (Father of Gil y Barbo), Luis Garcia, Antonio Barbarjo
De Vargez, Estaban Bonites, Elonzo Bustimento, Pedro Chacon,
Greganzoto Martinez, Surrento Flores, Felix Solis, Luis Solis
and Phillippe Hernandex.

Farmers

Durango y Oconna, (Ocon) Sanchez, Alberto Cartinez, Jose Guierre, Manuello Flores, Gregory Procell and Salvadore Bano, Sanchez, Juan De More, Pedro Pasquell, Gaspardo Conterio, Patrice Lopez, Cadet Toro, Mechell La Rouex and Antonie Sepulvado.

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to the Gulf of Mexico to find the Mouth of the Mississippi
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71 vols, Cleveland 1896-1901.
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10 vols, Raleigh, N. C. 1896-1901.
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Francais a la Louisiane_, Nouvelle-Orleans 1831. New Orleans
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d’apris les Voyages sur la Louisiana_, la Geographie, La
situation de la Colonie Francois ou 25 Anust 1718 au 5 Mars
1721 et des moynesd de l’ameliorer, 1722. Boston Public
Library.
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the French, in 1673, until its concession to Great Britain in
1763, including the Narration of Marquette’s Discovery of the
Mississippi, Chicago 1884.
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settlement to the present time_, New York 1841.
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Mississippi Valley_ Adjacent to the Coast of the Gulf of
Mexico, Washington 1911.
Speed, Thomas, _The Wilderness Road_. A description of the route of
travel by which the pioneers and early settlers first came to
Kentucky. In Filson Club Publication, No. 2, Louisville,
Kentucky. 1886.
Thwaites, Ruben Gold, Wisconsin, _The Americanization of the French
Settlements, American Commonwealths_, Boston and New York
1908.
B. F. French, Editor, _Historical Collections of Louisiana_, 5 parts,
New York 1869-1875.
B. F. French, _Historical Collections of Louisiana and Florida_, New
Series, 2 vols 1869-1875.
Gayarre, Charles, _History of Louisiana_, The French Dominion, 4 vols,
New Orleans 1885.
Gayarre, Charles, _Histoire de la Louisiane_, 2 vols, Nouvelle Orleans
1846-1847.
Gayarre, Charles, _Louisiana, Its History as a French Colony_, New
York, 1852.
Hienrich, Pierre, _La Louisiane sous la Compaignie des Indies_,
1717-1731.
_Louisiana Conservationist_, January 1957, A map drawn by Simon Le
Page du Pratz of the Lower Mississippi Valley, showing the
location of numerous Indian Tribes.
Delisle’s _Map, 1718_, New York Public Library.
_Fleur de Lys and Calumet_, by Richebourg Gaillard McWilliams.
_Analysis of Indian Village Sites from Louisiana and Mississippi._
Anthropological Study No. 2. By John A. Ford.
_Cavalier in the Wilderness._ By Ross Phares.
_Alexandria and Old Red River Country_, by Harry and Elizabeth Eskew.
_A History of the Red River Watershed_, by J. Fair Hardin.
_Northwestern Louisiana_, by J. Fair Hardin.
_History of Sabine Parish_, by John G. Belisle, Many, Louisiana, 1912.
_History of Louisiana_, by Alcee Fortier, 4 vols.
_A History of Louisiana_, by Charles Gayarre, 4 vols.
_History of Natchitoches, Louisiana_, by Milton Dunn (Louisiana
Historical Quarterly, 111 (January 1920) Pages 26-56).
_Our Catholic Heritage in Texas_, by Carlos E. Castaneda, 7 vols.
_French Civilization and Culture in Natchitoches_ (Peabody College
Bulletin No. 310 Nashville 1941) by Portre-Bobinski.
_Natchitoches the Up-to-Date Oldest Town in Louisiana_, by Clara
Mildred Smith and Portre Bobinski, New Orleans 1936.
_Natchitoches, Oldest Settlement in the Louisiana Purchase_, published
by The Association of Natchitoches Women, 1958. Printed by the
Natchitoches Times.
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_A History of Louisiana_, by Elizabeth Grace King and J. R. Ficklen.
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University of Texas 1932.
_The History of Louisiana Agriculture_, by Williamson.
_Historical and Biographical Notes_ by B. F. French. Published by J.
Sabine 1869.
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Hackett. Published by the University of Texas Press 1941.
_Louisiana and Florida_ by B. F. French.
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Published by Clinton Hall, New York City, 1852.
Source Material on the _History and Ethnology of the Caddo Indians_,
Louisiana State University Press.
_Mississippi Provincal Archives_, 3 vols French Dominion by Albelt
Godfrey Sanders, M.A., Millsaps College, published Jackson,
Mississippi, Department of Archives of History 1932.
Athanase DeMezieres Books 1 and 2 of the _Louisiana and Texas Frontier
1768 to 1780_. By Herbert Eugene Bolton. Published by The
Authur H. Clark Co., Cleveland, 1914.
_The Sword was their Passport_, by Harris Gaylord Warren. Published by
the Louisiana State University Press. Baton Rouge, La. 1943.

PERSONALITIES

(The names with stars are descended from early ancestors mentioned in
the text or listed in the early records of El Camino Real area)

Here are some short biographies of individuals who have each in his or her own way contributed to the progress of our El Camino Real upper territory.

Many of them are descendants of the earliest settlers, and their families have been in Louisiana for nearly 250 years. Very few in Louisiana can claim such distinction, for even the founders of New Orleans came later.

The families of others written about here settled in this area years afterward, some in modern times. But they have adopted the land as their own and are just as proud of its history and traditions as the “old timers.”

All have, by living up to the standard of older days, added to the well being of the community and improved it socially, economically and politically. They have made it attractive to tourists and visitors, and new permanent residents find it a most attractive place in which to live. The people of today who live along El Camino Real are worthy of their sires.

Clifton Robert Ammons

Clifton Robert Ammons of Many, La., wed Ethel Jeanne Matherne of Houma, La. Their children are: Robert Dale, L.S.U.; Dianna Drew, Centenary College; Kenneth Ellis, Larry Wayne and Suzanne Jeanne. Mr. Ammons truly exemplifies our modern-day citizen of the El Camino Real area. He is a Farmer and Stockman, a School teacher and State Representative of Sabine Parish. The Toledo Bend Dam, one of his pet projects, shall some day prove its value to this Louisiana and Texas area. Mr. Ammons’ work with the F.F.A. is second to none other in the State. He is truly an excellent community worker.

Bernice C. Arthur

Bernice C. Arthur, owner of the Many Insurance Agency, wed Miss Helen E. Fuglaar of Alexandria, La. Their children are Thomas C. and James R.. Mr. Arthur is a descendant of the families Roberds and Dollarhide who had settled near Sabine Town in 1829. Camp Sabine, Sabine Town and Sabine Blockhouse were one and the same—Camp Sabine established by Gen. Wilkinson in 1811, Sabine town by the settlers and Sabine Blockhouse by Gen. Gaines in 1828.

John Milton Belisle

John Milton Belisle for 30 years was editor and publisher of the Sabine Index at Many, La. He was a member of the Town Council for 4 years, Mayor of Many for 16 years and State Representative for 8 years. He was the son of John Graves Belisle who wrote the first History of Sabine Parish. John Milton wed Alice Wagley of Many. Their daughter, Hanna Jane, wed W. Carlie Brumfield. Their children are Alicia and Juliannah.

Jack and Albert Bell

Jack and Albert Bell own and manage the Bell Brothers General Store at the corner of Texas and Clark Streets in Robeline, La. This business location is on what was at one time the Joe Robeline farm which pre-dates the founding of Robeline, La. Joe Robeline had a Way-Station at this location during the Neutral Strip period.

Jack Bell wed Carolyne Elizabeth Powell of Pleasant Hill, La. Their children are Roy Patrick and Don Gregory. Mrs. Jack Bell is a teacher at the Robeline Elementary School.

Albert Bell wed Mildred Marie Tooke of Homer, La. They have one child, Judieth Carrol. Mrs. Albert Bell is the Home Economics Teacher at the Robeline High School.

Lloyd Vernon Blunt

Lloyd Vernon Blunt wed Miss Lynn L. Haynes. They own and operate the L&L Cafe in Many, La., which is located on the main street of Many. This street is a portion of El Camino Real. Their children are: Mary Joan who wed Harold Lloyd Southards, and Lloyd Wallace who is in the U. S. Marines. Mr. Blunt is a Marine veteran of the Nicaraguan campaign. Mr. and Mrs. Blunt are natives of Virginia and have become a very definite asset to the El Camino Real area of Many, La.

Sidney Williams Bright

Sidney Williams Bright, Co-owner of Bright and Son Laundry and Cleaners at 224 Amulet St. in Natchitoches, La., wed Beatrice Williams of Bronson, Tex. Their children are: Sidney Williams, Jr., who wed Etheline St. Andre (their children are Elizabeth Ann, Rhonda Jean and Sarah Lou); Mary Francis Bright wed Stephen Melou Brown, Jr. (their children are Stephen Melou III, Cheryl Anne and William Dudley). Mr. Bright, Sr., originally was a native of Hemphill, Tex., where he was at one time Clerk of Court for Sabine County.

Joseph Frederick Brosset★

Joseph Frederick Brosset, Overseer on the Bayou Camite Plantation at Derry, La., wed Eva Moreau. Their children are (a) Mary Jo, wed to Doctor Elwin Adams of Belmont, La.; (b) Lester Roy, Lt., U. S. Army; (c) Billy Jean, wed Lawrence M. Carnahan, Jr.

Mrs. Eli Houston Butts★

Mrs. Eli Houston Butts, neé Eleanor Irene Lovell, route 2, Colfax, La., is a typist, clerk and saleswoman for Blair Products. Children are Bonnie Lynn and Marilyn Louise. Mrs. Butts is a descendant through the Baillio Chellettre family to Jean Layssard, who was a son of Etoinne Layssard who established Post Du Rapides in 1723, the beginning of Alexandria, La. The present Town of Colfax, La., is on the French land grant of Jean Nicholas Layssard.

James Coco

James Coco, Mortician and manager of the First National Funeral Home at Natchitoches, La. He wed Clara Belle Stringer of Midland, Texas. Their children are: James Gary, Lucy Dolores, Charles Anthony and Elizabeth Anne.

Mr. Coco is a son of Albert F. Coco and Rhoda Escude.

Albert F. Coco is a descendant of Dominic Baldonide who came to America with Lafayette to fight with the American Revolutionary Army. After the Revolution he migrated to Pointe Coupee, La. and from there to the Alexandria area near Marksville, La.

There are several versions of how the name Baldonide changed to Coco. This is not unusual in this section of Louisiana. For example: LeBrun, nickname for Jean Bossier; Duprez, nickname for Francois Dion Derbonne; and Dauphine, nickname for Charles Bertrand.

These above three nicknames are now family names in the central Louisiana area.

Fred Litton Cooper
Mrs. Dottie Dee Cooper

Fred Litton Cooper, owner of Cooper’s Pharmacy at Robeline, Louisiana, wed Miss Dottie Dee Scarborough. There are two children: Norman Otto who married Doris Jordan of Robeline, and Margaret Sue who wed Aubry Ralph Barnette of Robeline. Mr. Cooper is by far the leading historian of the Robeline area. He and Mrs. Cooper have kept alive the value of Robeline historywise. Cooper’s Pharmacy is a must-stop for all tourists who travel into Robeline.

Mrs. Dottie Dee Cooper is a member of the N W P H N (Association of Natchitoches Women for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches). She has taken upon herself to be the Official Greeter for tourists who visit this section.

In relating the history of the Robeline vicinity Mrs. Cooper has the statements of these historians to refer to: John Belisle’s History of Sabine Parish as well as earlier authorities.

Cabeza De Vaca in his book written in 1540, declares that he was among the Adais Indians in 1530. De Vaca, a survivor of the Panfillio Narvez expedition into Florida in 1528. De Vaca spelled the name Adais. (Atyas) exactly as later Spaniards spelled the name.

B. F. French in his interpretations of early Spanish documents, placed the Hernando De Soto expedition among the Adais Indians. French translated the writings of Gonzado Quadrado Charmillio who was the Chronnicalor for the De Soto expedition. Charmillio wrote: “This Wednesday, March 21, 1540 we came to a place called Toalli.”

Lloyd Earl Dean

Lloyd Earl Dean, Stockman, Planter and Co-owner of the Boyce Gin Co., at Boyce, La. Mr. Dean resides on the Dean Plantation south of Colfax, La. He wed Sarah Florence Beall of Pineville, La. Their children are Sarah Frances, William Burkett, George Carlton and Albert Lloyd.

Mr. Dean is a son of Garland Carlton Dean and Leona Creed. Garland Carlton Dean is a son of Albert Allen Dean and Clara Price. Albert Allen Dean founded Fairmount Landing on the Red River between Colfax and Boyce. Shipping ledgers now in the possession of Lloyd Earl Dean show that the Fairmount Landing did business with the Steamboats _Garland_, _Valley Queen_, _Laura Lee_, _Keokuk_, _Peninah_, _Halliette_, _Jesse K. Bell_, _G. W. Sutree_, _Decotah_, _E. B. Wheelock_, _The John D. Scully_ and the _Nat F. Dortch_. With Steamboat Captains John J. Dodd, F. T. Aucoin, H. J. Brinker, G. Scully, S. J. Bozaman, A. G. White, William Gillin and James T. O’Rey.

Albert Allen Dean was the steamboat agent for the Red River and Coastline Steamship Co., The Red River Packet Co., and the T&P Railway Company which had the Steamboats _E. B. Wheelock_ and the _C. W. Sutterlee_.

Lloyd Earl Dean traces his ancestry to Abraham Alexander who signed the “Mecklinburg Declaration” of North Carolina just prior to the Declaration of Independence.

The Dean family dates back to 1608, the birth date of Nathanial Dean who came to America on the ship _Paul_ in 1635.

Alvin J. DeBlieux, Sr.★

Alvin J. DeBlieux, Sr., owner of the New Drug Store at corner of St. Denis and Second Sts., and DeBlieux’s Drug in Broadmore Shopping Center, wed Miss Anette Block of Bunkie, La. Their children are Alvin, Jr. and Margaret Ann who wed Robert Ross Anderson of Chicago, Ill. Mr. DeBlieux is a fifth generation Natchitochan. His great-great grandfather settled land on the east bank of Red River opposite the Bluffs at Grand Ecore, La.

Jack Lestan DeBlieux★

Jack Lestan DeBlieux, Planter, Stockman and Agent 1 of the Enforcement Division of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, wed Eloise Adkins of Coushatta, La. Their children are: Freddy, Barry Freeman, Molly Darla and Dan David. The Gaines Military Road from Fort Jesup to Arkansas borders the DeBlieux property. The River-crossing was just arear of the DeBlieux residence. Jack Lestan’s ancestors saw the coming of Yankee Gunboats up the Red River.

Mrs. Lawrence Cleveland DeLatin★

Mrs. Lawrence Cleveland DeLatin, neé Florence Adeline Case, owns and manages Florence’s Beauty Shop at 575 West Main Street, Many, La. She was born in Palatka, Florida. Mr. DeLatin is a descendant of Durango y Oconna (Ocon), who, after having served his required tenure as a Spanish soldier, acquired and settled land in the Robeline area. There are many descendants today branching from Durango Oconna.

Mrs. Percy Roberts Dillon★

Mrs. Percy Roberts Dillon, neé Caroline Eloise Brook. From her marriage are these children: Percy Roberts, Jr., wed Kathleen Lambert, their son is Michael John; and Rilla Diana wed Garland Carlton.

Mrs. Percy Roberts Dillon is a Beautitian and owns and manages the Petite Beauty Shoppe at 435 San Antonio St., which is a portion of El Camino Real and is the Main Street in Many, Louisiana.

Mrs. Herbert Dorfer, Ph.★

Mrs. Herbert Dorfer, Ph., neé Ada Trichel of Fairview Alpha, La., taught school in Natchitoches Parish for 25 years before studying and becoming a pharmacist. Her business establishment, Campti Drug Store, is on Edenborne Street. Her children by her first marriage are Blanche McElwee, who wed Dr. A. L. Hushey of Opelika, Ala., and Ray McElwee who wed Rosemary Peters of Austin, Texas.

Edenborne Street in Campti, La., is named for a famous steamboat captain.

Exchange Bank & Trust Co.

The Exchange Bank and Trust Co., at the corner of Front and St. Denis Streets in Natchitoches, La., will have at this printing ended its 70th year of continuous service in Natchitoches. This bank at its beginning occupied two other locations on Front St., and in September 1892 the Exchange Bank erected and moved into the building which is the present location of the bank. In the span of 70 years of service there have only been four Presidents: Dr. J. W. Cockerham, J. Henry Williams, Arthur C. Watson and at present Mr. Harold Kaffie. In 1826 this street corner was called “Lescal’s Corner” because of Lescal’s Dance Hall and Theater. This theater thrilled the local citizens with such plays as: Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Bewick and Graham.

Ambrose Charles Flores★

Ambrose Charles Flores wed Dovie Lea Frye of Minden, La. Their daughter, Dolores Ann, wed Aubrey Randall Word and they reside in Shreveport. The Flores family has been connected with the El Camino Real from the very beginning of its occupancy by the Spanish. There were very few expeditions from Mexico City which did not contain a Flores as a member. Ambrose represents the 10th generation of Flores in the Robeline area.

C. B. Funderburk

C. B. Funderburk is owner and manager of the Starlite Motel, Highway 171 south, Many, La. He wed Miss Mahalia Eunice Johnson of Chopin, La. Their children are: Jacquelyn, who wed Guy Cheek; Jeryl D., who wed Suzane Chaput of Portland, Maine; Larry Don, who attends Many High School; and Mary Jane, who attends Many elementary school. C. B. is a fifth generation descendant of A. Taylor who settled near Kisatchie, La., in the Neutral Strip.

Mr. and Mrs. Clive Glover

Miss Estelle McLean of Goldonna, La., wed Clive Glover of Natchitoches, La. Mrs. Glover owns and manages Glover’s Gift Shop which is located on the south end of Front Street, the oldest street in the original Louisiana Purchase, at 459 Jefferson and Front Streets. Mr. Glover is a Master Plumber and contractor. He is a descendant of Colonel Caspari, who when a State Representative acquired and established Northwestern State College. He built the Tap—a railroad from Natchitoches to Cypress, La.

Joseph Jesse Grappe★

Joseph Jesse Grappe, owner of Value Pak Grocer at 1200 Washington St., wed Exie Borland of Dodson, La. Their children are Bennie Evon, wed to Robert Wayne Womack; Robbie Jean, and Shirley Ann, who wed James Buckley. Mr. Grappe, a descendant of Pierre Batiste Grappe, who was a French soldier at Natchitoches in 1741. Jesse represents the eighth generation of Grappes in the Natchitoches area. Fishing is his favorite sport.

Hon. Lloyd James Harrison★

Lloyd James Harrison, Mayor of Montgomery, La., a merchant and planter and a historian in his own right, wed to Miss Gussie Teddlie. He is a descendant of Mrs. T. O. Harrison, who when the Yankee gunboats were firing on Creola Landing, walked out on her porch and waved an apron. Admiral Porter, admiring such bravery, ordered the cease-fire signal to be given.

Loyd Bernard Harrison

Loyd Bernard Harrison, Science-Agri. instructor at Colfax High School, wed Doris Olene Jones. Their children are: Loyd Bernard, Jr., Janis Cay, Melvin Lee and Connie Suse. Mr. Harrison is also a Planter and Stockman as were his ancestors. He is a descendant of the Harrisons who were very active in the readjustment period after the Civil War. At that time the town of Montgomery was known as Creola Bluff Landing on Red River. Many of the fine families of this section of Grant Parish are descendants of those inhabitants of Creola Landing.

Thomas James Harrison★

Thomas James Harrison, Gen. Manager of the W. T. McCain Consignee Distributor of Esso Products at Montgomery, La., wed Marion Blanche Wood of Mansfield, La. Their children are: Tommy Rey, Ronnie Lee, Johnnie Payne and Donnie Wayne. He is a 5th generation descendant of Thomas J. Harrison, Capt. 3rd Inf. Reg., which was stationed at Fort Jesup.

Thomas Ortenburger Harrison★

Thomas Ortenburger Harrison, barber of Montgomery, La., wed Mabel Clair Fletcher. Their children are: Margie Dorothy, librarian, and Thomas O., Jr. who wed Paula Gilbert of Minden, La. Their child, Jennifer Harrison. T. O. Sr. is a barber on Caddo street in Montgomery, and raises fox hounds as a hobby. He is a descendant of Thomas J. Harrison, a signer of the Caddo Indian Treaty, July 1, 1835 who was a captain of the 3rd Inf. of Fort Jesup.

Mrs. Earl Hernandez★

Leona Mai Sampite, is a home economics teacher at Cloutierville, La. She wed Earl Hernandez. She is a descendant the Delouche, Guillot, Benoist and Perrier families. Jean Delouche, father of Justine came to Louisiana from LaVendee, France in 1712. By previous marriage Mrs. Hernandez’s children are: Joseph Stanley—Louis Henry—and William Rachal, Jr. Joseph wed Doris Ann Brosset: Louis wed Lorinne Bryant and William wed Marcelle Marlick.

Edmond Prudhomme Hughes★

Edmond Prudhomme Hughes, is the owner and manager of Hughes ready-to-wear, at the corner of Front and Horn streets in Natchitoches, La. He wed Martha Lawton. Their children are: Julie, Martie and Jill. This business location, now famous for the iron lace front and iron spiral stair case in the rear of the building was erected 108 years ago by Gabriel Prudhomme after having assembled the materials in Europe. Natchitochans of a 100 years ago knew this location as “La Mason de Faseion”, and it still is that today. Mr. Hughes is a descendant of an early family in this Natchitoches-El Camino Real area.

Mrs. Maxie Mae Jinkins★

Mrs. Maxie Mae Jinkins, neé Maxie Mae Welch of Robeline, La., owns and manages Murphys Cafe at 1215 Washington Street in Natchitoches, La. She wed Harrison Jinkins and from this union these children:—Mar Jo who wed Hulom Jennings (they have one child, Scott Benjamin)—Judith Charlene—Joseph Andrew—Hannah Maudine—Monita—La Faune—Charles Ray and Wafa Dean.

Mrs. Jinkins is a descendant of Joseph Maxim Welch who maintained a stagecoach station in the Robeline area and who maintained stagecoach service from Natchitoches to Fort Jesup and Baldwin’s store. All locations were along El Camino Real. The site of Presidio de Los Adais was owned at one time by this family.

Dr. Edward Everette Jordan★

Edward Everette Jordan, M.D., retired, wed Ruby Dee Burson of Bienville, La. Their children are: Edward Eugene who wed Elaine Hammond (their children are Eugenia and Elizabeth Anne)—Elizabeth Dixon Jordan wed Robert L. Hibbs—Everette Neil Jordan wed Doris Jene Tinsley (their children are Janet and Robert Edward). Doctor Jordan is a descendant of Hanna Dixon and Eugene Erasmus Jordan who helped the wounded soldiers of the Battle of Mansfield. They had settled Jordan Ferry for which this location in now known.

Kaffie & Frederick, Inc.

Kaffie & Frederick, Inc., formerly H. Kaffie and Bros. and S. & H. Kaffie, at 758 and 759 Front street in Natchitoches, La., will in 1963 celebrate their one hundredth anniversary as a firm in business on Front street. The original location was in the vicinity of the Old Darky Statue. It was from this point that the establishment saw the arrival and the retreat of the Union Soldiers after the Battle of Mansfield in 1864. The present building was erected in 1883 by the same firm of contractors who built the old Court House on Second street. At the rear of the present location was a camp ground provided by Kaffie for those who came to Natchitoches to sell their farm produce, and camp-fires burned day and night. The firm of H. Kaffie and Bros. was some 70 years ahead of the modern method of a business establishment providing parking space for its customers.

Frank Marion Kees, Jr.

Frank Marion Kees, Jr. served as Mayor of the City of Natchitoches, La. for twelve consecutive years. He refused to run for the fourth term, deciding instead to become President of Timberline Mfg. Inc. which he was a coorganizer. This manufacturing company is at present producing several designs of chairs. Timberline has again commercialized Natchitoches as did Anthanase DeMezieres 200 years ago when he assigned traders to the different Indian tribes. Following those same Indian trails, which are our State Highways today, the Timberline salesmen have customers in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.