USA > Louisiana > Louisiana; comprising sketches of counties, towns, events, institutions, and persons, Volume I > Part 22
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79
1
184
LOUISIANA
Orleans there are five branches of the order, which is also repre- sented in most of the larger cities of the State of Louisiana.
The Catholic Knights of America, founded in 1877, now has 700 subordinate councils and over 20,000 members in the United States. The purposes of this society, as stated by a prominent official, are: "To unite fraternally practical Catholics, male and female, of every honorable occupation, of good moral character and sound bodily health ; to give moral and material aid to its mem- bers by encouraging one another in business and by assisting one another in obtaining employment; to establish a benefit fund, from which, on evidence of the death of a member, shall be paid a sum not exceeding $2,000 to the beneficiaries of the deceased, if a male, or not exceeding $1,000 if a female; to establish a fund for the relief of sick and distressed members if the branches shall deem it proper to do so; and to establish and maintain a circulating library for the use of the members." The first branch of the order in Louisiana was organized at Monroe on Aug. 7, 1881. In June, 1909, there were in the state 33 branches with a total membership of 1,243. James L. Higgins, of Algiers, was then state president, and Thomas A. Badeaux, of Thibodaux, state secretary. Since its organization in 1877 the society has disbursed in benefits to its members in the United States about $15,000,000.
The society known as the Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882. It now has in the United States over 1,300 subordinate coun- cils, all working under the direction of a national council, and about 170,000 members. The aims of the society are similar to those of the Catholic Knights of America, and since its origin it has expended about $3,000,000 in carrying out its benevolence. The society is now represented in all parts of the United States, one of the largest councils in the country-Orleans, No. 714- being located in the city of New Orleans. Councils are also main- tained in most of the principal cities and towns of the state.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in Paris, France, where the head office is still located, though branches have been established in all parts of the civilized world. "Its principal mis- sion is the care of the poor in their homes to the end that the unity of the famliy may be preserved, but it conducts many other works of charity, such as free employment bureaus, summer homes, boys' clubs, hospital and prison visitation committees, etc." The local or parish branches are known as "conferences," which are grouped in sections under the jurisdiction of particular and central councils, the latter being under the direction of a Superior Council, which in the United States is located in New York city. The society was introduced in Louisiana at an early date and it is still a potent factor in caring for the worthy poor. The New Orleans Morning Star, a Catholic publication, of April 24, 1907, in reviewing the Catholic societies of that city, says: "In this parish there is a variety of well-organized and prosperous societies. There are in- surance orders, mutual benevolent organizations, social clubs and purely religions societies. First in the order of charity comes the
.
185
LOUISIANA
St. Vincent de Paul conference, whose secret and therefore inof- fensive charitable work effects untold good to the poor and needy of the parish." As early as March 15, 1855, the Louisiana legis- lature passed an act incorporating a "Society of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, in order that Sisters of Charity can more widely diffuse charity to the sick, poor and fatherless of the state." The act further provided that the superior of the mother house of the society, located at Emmitsburg, Md., should be permitted to crect buildings in the state for the care of orphans, destitute females, etc.
Just a year before the passage of this act, that is on March 15, 1854, the "Benevolent Association of Roman Catholic Ladies of Baton Rouge" was incorporated by act of the legislature "for the relief of the poor and indigent of the parish of East Baton Rouge," and at different times in the history of Louisiana other societies have been authorized by legislative enactment, some of which have been granted state aid in furthering their charitable undertakings. A notable instance of this character was under the act of March 12, 1836, incorporating the "New Orleans Association for the relief of Male Orphans," and authorizing the state treasurer to pay to the directors the sum of $1,000 as a donation on the part of the state.
Other Catholic societies of a national character are the Catholic Total Abstinence Union, founded in 1872; the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, founded in 1876, and the Catholic Benevolent Legion, founded in 1881. All these are represented to a greater or less extent in the Catholic centers of Louisiana. In almost every city or large town of the state are maintained one or more societies of a local nature, the principal objects of which are to foster a fraternal spirit among the members, promote charitable undertakings, and work together for the upbuilding of the church. Among the societies of this class in New Orleans may be mentioned the Society of the Holy Name of Jesus, organized in 1906 under the auspices of the Paulist fathers, for the "increase of Holy com- munions among men, greater veneration and respect for the Sacred Name, and consequently better observance of the second com- mandment :" the Young Ladies Sodality ; the Children of Mary, for Catholic girls; the Holy Angels' Sodality, for little girls too young to belong to the Children of Mary; the Ladies' Catholic Benevolent association, and the St. John Berchman's altar boys' society.
Cat Island .- This island, irregular in shape, lies off the coast of Mississippi, to which state it now belongs, about 10 miles from the mainland and some 25 miles from the most castern point of the mainland of Louisiana. It is said to have received its name from the fact that during the short stay of d'Iberville and his men on the island in 1699 they killed several wild cats there. Another version is that when the French first landed upon the island they found there large numbers of a small animal, which looked some- thing like a cat. This led one of the Frenchmen to exclaim : "Why,
186
LOUISIANA
this must be the kingdom of cats!" whereupon the name of Cat Island was at once bestowed upon it, a name that it has ever since retained. According to this version, the little animal that occasioned the astonishment was the common raccoon.
When Kerlerec became governor the English were threatening all the French settlements in America. He therefore established on Cat island a small garrison consisting of detachments of marines and the Swiss regiment. In 1757 this garrison was commanded by an officer named Duroux, a man noted for his cruel and tyrannical treatment of his men, compelling them, among other things, to cultivate his private garden, to fell trees and burn charcoal, which he sold for his own benefit. He furnished his soldiers with bread made from flour taken from the wreck of a Spanish ship, while he sold the flour sent by the government and pocketed the proceeds. If any of the men protested or refused to obey his unreasonable orders, they were stripped naked and tied to trees where they were exposed to the mosquitos. The men complained to Gov. Kerlerec. but without avail. Finally forbearance ceased to be a virtue, and one day as Duroux was landing on his return from a hunting trip to the mainland, he was shot to death and his body thrown into the sea. On the island lived a planter named Beaudrean (or Beau- drot) a famous hunter and courier, who had refused to share with Duroux some goods taken from the wreck of the Spanish ship above mentioned, and for his refusal had been placed in irons by the commandant. He was released by the mutineers and com- pelled to show them the route to the Carolinas, but not until after they had sacked the stores on Ship island. A few succeeded in reaching the English settlements, but the majority of them were captured by the Choctaw Indians and taken to New Orleans, where they were turned over to Kerlerec. Two of the ringleaders were broken on the wheel, one was nailed in a wooden box and sawed in twain with a whip-saw by two subaltern officers, and others were punished in various ways. Notwithstanding Beaudreau bore a written statement that he had been compelled to act as guide to the rebellious soldiers. the governor ordered him to be broken on the wheel and his body, with that of one of the mutineers, thrown into the river as unworthy of Christian burial.
There is now a postoffice in West Feliciana parish called Cat Island. It is located on the Mississippi river a short distance above the town of Bayou Sara.
Causey, a post-hamlet in the northern part of Morehouse parish. about 2 miles north of Bartholomew bayou, and 6 miles east of Vaughn. the nearest railroad station.
Cavelier, Jean, a brother of La Salle, was one of the latter's ill- fated party that in 1685 attempted to found a settlement at or near the mouth of the Mississippi river. In Jan., 1687, Jean Cavelier was one of the 16 persons that started overland with La Salle for the Illinois country in the hope of obtaining aid from the post that La Salle had established at Starved Rock in 1682, or of finding the Mississippi river some distance above its mouth. He was present
187
LOUISIANA
at the time La Salle was shot and killed by Duhaut, and shortly after that sad event, in company with Joutel. Father Douay and 3 others, with 6 horses, and 3 Indians for guides, he set out in a northeast direction for the Mississippi. After severe hardships they finally reached the Illinois country, where they met Tonti, and later went on to Canada.
Cavelier, Robert (See La Salle).
Cavelier, Zénon, was colonel commanding the 2nd regiment of Louisiana militia at the time of the attempted invasion by the British in the winter of 1814-15. On Jan. 4, 1815, he was sent with his regiment to reinforce Gen. Morgan on the right bank of the Mississippi, and his command formed part of the force that re- treated so ignominiously before a detachment of British soldiery under Col. Thornton on the 8th. A court of inquiry presided over by Gen. William Carroll. held the conduct of Col. Cavelier, with that of Cols. Dejean and Davis, respectively commanding the 1st Louisiana, militia and a detachment of Kentucky riflemen, not rep- rehensible, as the responsibility for the defeat fell on Gen. Morgan. who gave the order to retreat. Col. Cavelier's regiment was com- mended in the resolutions passed by the legislature for its "zeal and courage" in repelling the invaders.
Cecil, a post-hamlet and station in the northeastern part of Union parish, is on the Farmersville & Southern R. R., about 15 miles northeast of Farmersville, the parish seat.
Cecile, Father, a Capuchin friar, is mentioned in Louisiana his- tory as conducting a school in New Orleans in 1727. Aside from this little can be learned concerning hint. His school was probably for boys, and was one of the earliest, if not the first, in the province of Louisiana.
Celoron, Captain, was a French officer on duty in America in the first half of the 18th century. Dumont says that he reinforced Fort Chartres in 1739 with 30 cadets and a number of Indians from Canada. The cadets were all "of gentle birth and the sons of officers." The following spring Celoron led an expedition against the Chickasaws, with whom he negotiated a treaty of peace that was ratified by Bienville in April. Gayarre says: "Celoron was the only officer who gained any reputation in that expedition." (See also Fort Chartres.)
Cemeteries, National .- There are four national cemeteries in Louisiana, located at Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Chalmette and Port Hudson. Jurisdiction over these cemeteries was ceded to the United States by the following act of the state legislature, approved Sept. 16, 1868: "Whereas, the United States of America have pui- chased, or are about to purchase and set apart certain tracts of land in the state of Louisiana, hereinafter described, to be used and maintained at their own expense, in perpetua, as National Ceme- teries for the interment of the remains of United States soldiers, deceased ; and whereas. the laws of said United States provide that no public money shall be expended for the purchase of any land within any state of the United States until a cession of the juris- '
188
1
LOUISIANA
diction by the legislature of the state ; and whereas, a formal appli- cation has been filed by the said United States, through their prop- erly accredited representative, for the aforesaid cession, so far as relates to the lands hereinafter described: now, therefore, (Be it resolved, etc.) That the state of Louisiana relinquish all jurisdic- tion over the hereinafter described lands and premises in said state purchased or to be purchased and set apart for the purposes afore- said, and that such jurisdiction be, and the same is hereby ceded to and forever vested in the United States ... ... . All that certain tract, piece or parcel of land, situated, lying, and being in the city of Baton Rouge and designated on a map of survey of said city made by Henry and Win. G. Waller, city surveyors. as squares numbers nineteen (19). twenty (20), and twenty-one (21).
Also, all that certain other tract of land, situate, lying and being at Chalmette, in the Parish of St. Bernard, and state of Louisiana, about 4 miles below the city of New Orleans, and on the easterly bank of the Mississippi river, and designated by the letters A. B. C. D, E and F, on a map or plan drawn by Louis H. Pilie, late city surveyor, dated Jan. 29, 1867, etc. . Also, all that certain other tract of land situate in the parish of East Baton Rouge, in said state of Louisiana .. . about 1 mile below Port Hudson .. containing about eight acres .. . Also, all that cer- tain other tract of land situated at Pineville in said state." Juris- diction over national cemeteries was further ceded to the United State by a general act of cession, approved July 6, 1882, which enacted: "That the United States shall have power to purchase or condemn in the manner prescribed by law, upon making just compensation therefor, any land in the state of Louisiana not already in use for public purposes, required for custom-houses, court-houses, arsenals, national cemeteries, or for other purposes of the government of the United States. That the United States may enter upon and occupy any land which may have been or may be purchased or condemned, or otherwise acquired, and shall have the right of exclusive legislation, and concurrent jurisdiction. to- gether with the state of Louisiana, over such land and the struc- tures thereon, and shall hold the same exempt from all state, parochial, municipal, or other taxation."
The Alexandria National cemetery contains an area of 8.24 acres, which, with the roadway belonging thereto, is situated at Pineville. in the parish of Rapides: the Baton Rouge cemetery contains an area of 7.50 acres; the Chalmette cemetery contains an area of 13.60 acres, and the Port Hudson cemetery contains 8 acres.
Centenary College .- The early history of this institution, when it was supported by the state and was known as the College of Louisiana, has been elsewhere given. The name of the college is due to the date of its origin, in 1839. 100 years after the foundation of the first Methodist society by John Wesley. The original idea of the college was that of the Rev. B. M. Drake, to whose efforts, supplemented by those of the Rev. John Lane of Vicksburg. Miss .. Rev. C. K. Marshal and Elias R. Porter of the same state, the
.
189
LOUISIANA
institution owes its beginning. Clinton, Hinds county, Miss., was the first site first chosen by the trustees, but the location was soon after changed to Brandon Springs, Miss., where it went into opera- tion in the fall of 1841. The first president was Rev. Thomas C. Thornton. The college had two departments, a collegiate depart- ment, including law and medicine, and a preparatory department. It started its work under prosperous auspices and in 1842 had 175 students. Nevertheless, after the lapse of a few years, the location was found to be an unfortunate one, and the trustees decided to move to Jackson, La., where the property of the defunct College of Louisiana was purchased in 1845, Judge Edward MeGehee, of Wilkinson county, Miss., and Capt. David Thomas and John Mc- Kowen, of East Feliciana, La., giving their bond for the amount of the purchase price, $10,000. The words "of Louisiana" were added to the name, and the trustees adopted the alumni of the College of Louisiana. In 1848 the legislature passed an act relier- ing the purchasers from the payment of the purchase price, but exacting certain conditions therefor, among which were the right of visitation by a commission from the legislature, the main- tenance of the buildings in good repair by the trustees, the employ- ment of a regular faculty of arts, numbering not less than 4 pro- fessors besides the president, and the admission of 10 indigent young men, to be designated by the governor, to be kept and edu- cated gratuitously in the institution ; nor was a chair of theology to be established, or sectarian dogmas taught. The institution now entered on its new career under the patronage of the Mississippi and Louisiana Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South, and when it encountered financial difficulties, as it some- times did, private munificence came to its relief, Judge MeGehee being especially liberal in his gifts. The first president of the col- lege after its removal to Jackson was Hon. D. O. Shattuck, and the successive heads of the institution, besides performing the duties incident to their office, have filled the chairs of mental and moral science, political economy, and international law. The col- lege was at the height of its prosperity just before the war, when it matriculated 260 students-its maximum number. It suffered severely during the war in common with the other colleges of the South, being alternately used as a hospital by the Confederates, and as temporary barracks by the Federals. And since the war it has undergone the usual struggle to regain its former prosperity and prestige. Up to June, 1886, the graduates of the college num- bered 259, among whom are found many of the foremost citizens of the state, who have taken high rank in the learned professions. By act of the legislature, Feb. 21, 1871, the trustees were relieved from any liabilities to the state by reason of the conditions embodied in the above act of 1848, and all former laws were repealed. On June 29, 1888, an act was passed inhibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors within 5 miles of the college.
There are offered by the institution two well rounded courses of 4 years, the classical and scientific, and the college possesses a valu-
·
190
LOUISIANA
able equipment of needful apparatus, mineralogical and geological cabinets, etc. There is a well selected library of over 3,000 bound volumes, embracing both ancient and modern literature. The buildings embrace a steward's hall, 2 brick dormitories, and a splendid center building, erected at a cost of over $60,000, and con- taining a fine audience hall with a capacity of over 2,000, library rooms, society halls, recitation rooms, etc.
Centennial Celebration, 1903 .- This celebration was held to com- memorate the 100th anniversary of the transfer of the Province of Louisiana from France to the United States on Dec. 20, 1803. The legislature of Louisiana in 1900 passed an act directing the Louisiana State Historical society to prepare a suitable programme to celebrate this historical event. On Dec. 11. Gov. Heard issued a proclamation recommending the citizens of the state to make a proper observance of the centennial event. He invited the citizens of each parish to assemble at their respective court houses on Sat- urday, Dec. 19, 1903, and commemorate the anniversary with appro- priate ceremonies and by hoisting the American flag. Orders were issued by the adjutant-general calling out the troops of the 1st military district to take part in the celebration on Dec. 19th, and the mayor of New Orleans, Paul Capdevielle, issued a proclamation on Dec. 15 in memory of the transfer in 1803, reqesting that the public and private schools of the city be closed at 12 o'clock the 18th, and that the citizens of the city show their sympathy with the exercises by displaying the national colors. A three days' pro- gramme was prepared. extending over the 18th, 19th and 20th of December. On the last or centennial day. it was planned to have the ceremonial a repetition of the ceremony of the transfer of 1803. The persons taking part in these ceremonies were to be represented by the descendants of the men who took part in the transfer 100 years before. Invitations were issued by the Historical society and sent to France, Spain and the United States-the three powers represented at the different transfers of the Province of Louisiana -to send representatives to the celebration. M. Jusserand, the American ambassador, represented France ; J. Tuero y O'Donnell, Spanish consul. was specially delegated to represent his govern- ment, and Adm. Wise, of the U. S. navy, was designated by Presi- dent Roosevelt, to represent the United States. On the first day of the celebration, Dec. 18, an international naval review was held. The governor boarded the flagship, the U. S. steamer Stranger. at 1 p. m., accompanied by the foreign representatives and other distinguished guests. and the vessel steamed down the river. As she did so all the vessels in port saluted, and the flags of the United States, France and Spain were displayed upon the rigging. After a trip of a mile or so the Stranger turned and passed in review, all the men-of-war. both foreign and United States, that were anchored in mid-stream. The Minneapolis. the flagship of Adm. Wise, was the first passed, the band of the Stranger played the "Star Spangled Banner" and the Minneapolis saluted with 17 guns. Gov. Heard. Ambassador Jusserand and the consul. O'Donnell, together with
191
LOUISIANA
the captain and commander of the Stranger, stood on the bridge as the vessel passed and saluted. Every man-of-war, from the Minneapolis to the Yankee, was decorated from stem to stern with signal flags and those of the three nations represented. After all the vessels had been passed, the Stranger proceeded up the river and anchored to receive the commanders of the other vessels. M. Lemogne, Adm. Wise of the Minneapolis, Commander Heilner of the Yankee, and Commander Veeder of the Hartford called upon the governor. As Adm. Wise left the Stranger an admiral's salute 'of 17 guns was fired, and when the French ambassador and the Spanish representative left the Stranger fired a salute of 19 guns. The governor, the French ambassador, and the Spanish consul then started in a launch to return the call of Adm. Wise, the French ambassador leaving for the French ship to receive the governor, amid a salute of the guns from the Minneapolis. Visits were made to the French cruiser, the Yankec, the Topeka and to the historic old Hartford; salutes were fired to each of the depart- ing guests, in accordance with their rank, and as the governor left the Hartford to return to the Stranger, one of the most notable reviews ever seen on the Mississippi river came to a close. In the evening a historical ball was given at the French opera house. The ladies wore the costume of 1803. The first number on the pro- gramme was a march, in which the distinguished visitors took part. Gov. Heard, and Ambassador Jusserand, Mayor Capdevielle' and Consul O'Donnell led and were followed by other guests. The music during the march was from the old masters. At the close of the promenade the guests were received by the ladies of the Historical society, who had the ball in charge. A minuet and gavotte-dances of the last century-were danced by 52 couples, the ladies wearing the costume of a century ago. As an honor to the Spanish representative, a Spanish waltz was played during the evening.
On the second day a reception was given by the mayor, city council and executive officers of the city of New Orleans to the governor and distinguished guests, in the mayor's parlor at the city hall. At the close of the reception the visitors and officials, escorted by the 1st troop of cavalry, visited the archbishop's palace, where the mayor delivered an address of welcome from the porch and introduced Prof. Alcee Fortier, president of the Historical society, who made a speech sketching the memorable events of the last century and related many facts concerning the history of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans. The historical museum, which is located in the palace, was inspected and declared formally open by the governor. The visitors inspected the museum and palace and returned to the cabildo, where addresses were given by the French and Spanish representatives, Adm. Wise, who repre- sented the United States; and by ex-Gov. David R. Francis of Missouri. Luncheon was served and at 3 o'clock the troops were reviewed by the governor, representatives and guests from a plat-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.