USA > Louisiana > Louisiana; comprising sketches of counties, towns, events, institutions, and persons, Volume I > Part 74
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Jacksonville (R. R. name Toomey), a village and station in the southwestern part of Calcasieu parish. is on the Southern Pacific R. R., about 25 miles west of Lake Charles, the parish seat. It has a money order postoffice, telegraph station and express office, and is the principal trading and shipping town of the southwestern part of the parish.
Jacobins .- When the states-general was convened at Versailles, France, in 1789, a number of the members organized themselves into a political society, known at first as the "Club Breton." Upon the removal of the court and the national assembly to Paris, the
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club took the name of the "Society of Friends of the Constitution." The name of Jacobins was given to its members from the fact that their meetings in Paris were held in the hall of the old Jacobin con- vent. Branch clubs were formed throughout France and when the national assembly was dissolved in Sept., 1791, the election of the legislative assembly was mainly due to the influence of the . Jacobin club. The following year the Jacobins reached the zenith of their power. The agitation that resulted in the destruction of the Girondists and the death of Louis XVI, culminating in the revolution in France, was the work of the Jacobins. In 1793 a Jacobin club was formed in Philadelphia, Pa., and early in 1794 this club caused to be circulated in Louisiana the following ad- dress :
"LIBERTY, EQUALITY "The Freemen of France to their brothers in Louisiana : 2nd year of the French Republic.
"The moment has arrived when despotism must disappear from the earth. France, having obtained her freedom, and constituted herself into a republic, after having made known to mankind their rights, after having achieved the most glorious victories over her enemies, is not satisfied with successes by which she alone would profit, but declares to all nations that she is ready to give hier powerful assistance to those that may be disposed to follow her example.
"Frenchmen of Louisiana, you still love your mother country ; such a feeling is innate in your hearts. The French nation, know- ing your sentiments, and indignant at seeing you the victims of the tyrants by whom you have been so long oppressed, can and will avenge your wrongs. A perjured king, prevaricating ministers, vile and insolent courtiers, who fattened on the labors of the peo- ple whose blood they sucked. have suffered the punishment due to their crimes. The French nation, irritated by the outrages and in- justices of which it had been the object, rose against those op- pressors, and they disappeared before its wrath, as rapidly as dust obeys the breath of an impetuous wind.
"The hour has struck, Frenchmen of Louisiana; hasten to profit by the great lesson which you have received. Now is the time to cease being slaves of a government to which you were shamefully sold; and no longer to be led on like a herd of cattle, by men who with one word can strip you of what you hold most dear-liberty and property.
"The Spanish despotism has surpassed in atrocity and stupidity all the other despotismns that have ever been known. Has not barbarism always been the companion of that government, which has rendered the Spanish name execrable and horrible in the whole continent of America? Is it not that nation who, under the hypo- critical mask of religion, ordered or permitted the sacrifice of more than twenty millions of men? Is it not the same race that de- populated, impoverished and degraded whole countries, for the
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gratification of an insatiable avarice? Is it not the nation that has oppressed and still oppresses you under a heavy yoke?
"What have been the fruits of so many crimes? The annihila- tion, the disgrace, the impoverishment, and the besotting of the Spanish nation in Europe, and a fatal lethargy, servitude, or death for an infinite number of the inhabitants of America. The Indians cut down the tree whose fruits they wish to reach and gather. A fit illustration of despotism! The fate of nations is of no import- ance in the eye of tyranny. Everything is to be sacrificed to satisfy capricious tastes and transient wants, and all those it rules over must groan under the chains of slavery.
"Frenchmen of Louisiana, the unjust treatment you have under- gone must have sufficiently convinced you of these sad truths, and your misfortunes must undoubtedly have deeply impressed your souls with the desire of seizing an honorable opportunity of aveng- ing your wrongs. Compare with your situation that of your friends -the free Americans. Look at the province of Kentucky, deprived of its outlets for its products, and yet, notwithstanding these ob- stacles, and merely through the genial influence of a free govern- ment, rapidly increasing its population and wealth, and already presaging a prosperity which causes the Spanish government to tremble.
"Treasure up in your minds the following observations: they divulge the secret springs of all despotic governments, because they tear off the veil which covers their abominable designs. Men are created and born to love one another, to be united and happy, and they would be so effectually, if those who call themselves the images of God on earth-if kings-had not found out the means of sowing discord among them and destroying their felicity.
"The peopling of Kentucky has been the work of a few years; your colony, although better situated, is daily losing its popula- tion, because it lacks liberty. The Americans, who are free, after consecrating all their time to cultivating their lands and to ex- panding their industry, are sure to enjoy quietly the fruits of their labors, but, with regard to yourselves, all that you possess depends on the caprice of a viceroy, who is always unjust, avaricious and vindictive. These are evils which a firm determination, once taken, can shake off. Only have resolution and energy, and one instant will suffice to change your unhappy condition. Wretched indeed would you become. if you failed in the undertaking! Be- cause the very name of Frenchmen being hateful to all kings and their accomplices, they would. in return for your attachment to us, render your chains more insupportable, and would persecute you with unheard of vexations.
"You quiver, no doubt, with indignation : you feel in your hearts the desire of deserving the honorable appellation of freemen, but the fear of not being assisted and of failing in your attempt deadens your zeal. Dismiss such apprehensions: know ye, that your . brethren, the French, who have attacked with success the Spanish government in Europe, will in a short time present themselves on
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your coasts with naval forces; that the republicans of the western portion of the United States are ready to come down the Ohio and Mississippi in company with a considerable number of French republicans, and rush to your assistance under the banners of France and liberty : and that you have every assurance of success. Therefore, inhabitants of Louisiana, show who you are; prove that you have not been stupefied by despotism, and that you have re- tained in your breasts French valor and intrepidity; demonstrate that you are worthy of being free and independent, because we do not solicit you to unite yourselves with us, but to seek your own freedom. When you shall have the sole control of your actions, you will be able to adopt a republican constitution, and being as- sisted by France so long as your weakness will not permit you to protect or defend yourselves, it will be in your power to unite voluntarily with her and your neighbors-the United States-form- ing with these two republics an alliance which will be the liberal basis on which, henceforth. shall stand our mutual political and commercial interests. Your country will derive the greatest ad- vantages from so auspicious a revolution ; and the glory with which you will cover yourselves will equal the prosperity which you will secure for yourselves and descendants. Screw up your courage, Frenchmen of Louisiana. Away with pusillanimity-ça ira-ça ira-andaces fortuna juvat."
This address, coming just at the time Genet was striving to in- terest the citizens of the United States in a war against Spain, found an echo in the hearts of many of the Frenchmen of Louisiana and caused some anxiety on the part of Gov. Carondelet. He knew that many of the French inhabitants of the province had never become fully reconciled to the idea of Spanish domination and feared an outbreak. He industriously put his fortifications in as good a state of defense as possible. organized his forces, and even went so far as to issue an order forbidding theatre orchestras to play the "Marseillaise." Before the revolutionary spirit gained much headway the Federal government demanded Genet's recall. This put a damper on the spirit of the Jacobins in America, and when on July 28. 1794. Robespierre was put to death in Paris the . organization there received its death blow. The days of Jacobinism on both continents were over.
Jacoby, a money order post-village of Pointe Coupée parish, is situated in the northwestern part, 5 miles west of Bienvenue, the nearest railroad station, and about 20: miles northwest of New Roads, the parish seat. The population in 1900 was 50.
Jamestown, a village of Bienville parish, is situated on the Louisiana & Arkansas R. R. in the western part of the parish. It has a money order postoffice, telegraph station and express of- fice, and is the center of trade for a considerable district.
Jamestown Exposition .- (See Expositions.)
Janssens, Francis, Roman Catholic archbishop, was born at Til- bourg. Holland. Oct. 17. 1843. At the age of 13 years he entered the Bois le Duc seminary, where he remained for 10 years. In
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1866 he became a student in the American college at Louvain, Belgium, and on Dec. 21, 1867, he was ordained. The following autumn he went to Richmond, Va., where he remained until in May, 1881, serving as administrator of the diocese in the years 1877-78. On April 7, 1881, he was appointed bishop of Natchez to succeed Bishop Elder, left Richmond early in May, and arrived at Natchez on the 7th of that month. After the death of Arch- · bishop Leray, Bishop Janssens was made archbishop of New Or- leans to succeed him, and was invested with the pallium by Cardinal Gibbons in the St. Louis cathedral at New Orleans on May 8, 1889. This was the first time in the history of the diocese, and per- haps of any diocese in the United States, that the pallium was con- ferred by a cardinal. The French sermon on that occasion was delivered by Bishop Durier, of the see of Natchitoches, and the English sermon by Bishop Kain, of the see of Wheeling, W. Va. At the close of the ceremonies the new archbishop addressed the people, entreating them to work diligently and in harmony for the advancement of the see of New Orleans. His wishes in this respect were evidently realized, for during his administration there was practically no discord, and the church, with all her charities and educational institutions, made steady progress. In the spring of 1897 Archbishop Janssens left New Orleans to visit his home in Holland. He embarked on the steamer Creole for New York, and died on that vessel on June 19, 1897. His remains were brought to New Orleans and interred with imposing ceremonies. His death was universally regretted, as he was a man loved by all, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, for his many sterling qualities.
Jay-Grenville Treaty .- (See Treaties.)
Jeanerette, a town of Iberia parish, was incorporated March 15 1878. It is situated in the southeastern part of the parish on the Bayou Teche and the Southern Pacific R. R., about 12 miles south- east of New Iberia, the parish seat, in the great sugar district. Its principal industries are sugar and rice mills and lumbering. Ex- cellent shipping and transportation facilities are afforded by the railroad and the bayou, which is navigable most of the year. It has an international money order postoffice, 3. banks, a telegraph station, express office, several fine mercantile establishments, and in 1900 had a population of 1,905.
Jefferson, a post-village in a parish of the same name, is a station on the Southern Pacific R. R., about S miles west of Gretna, the parish seat. It is one of the oldest of the modern towns of the state, having been incorporated March 9, 1850. Its proximity to New Orleans has prevented its becoming the important shipping point that its location on the river warrants.
Jefferson College, the oldest institution in the State of Louisiana for the higher education of young men, was incorporated Feb. 28. 1831. by certain public-spirited gentlemen, among whom were A. B. Roman, Valcour Aime, Etienne Mazurean, D. F. Burthe and . J. H. Shepherd. Its charter gave it the power to grant "such lit- erary honors and degrees as are usually granted by any institution
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of learning in the United States." It was named in honor of Thomas Jefferson and was designed to be altogether free from religious bias, no religious tenets being required of either teacher or student. Says Fay, in his History of Education in Louisiana : "This institution owes its origin without doubt to the divided sentiments of the French and English populations of the state. The College of Orleans had been under the former influence, but the English College of Louisiana had supplanted it. Now the College of Jefferson was set up in opposition to the latter, and the efforts of both were doubtless paralyzed by their rivalry. Such a multi- plication of colleges had, however, been recommended by one of the committees on education." During the early years of its exist- ence the college was subjected to many and trying vicissitudes. Its valuable equipment of buildings was entirely destroyed by fire. it was twice abandoned altogether, and even lost for a time its old popular name. Finally, it succumbed to financial embarrassments and was bought in at sheriff's sale by Valcour Aime, a distin- guished and prosperous planter of St. James parish. This was at the beginning of the Civil war, the fortune of which again caused it to close its doors. For a period during the great struggle, when the river parishes were overrun by Federal troops, the college build- ings'were used as a barracks for soldiers and as a military post. Today, as one of the institutions of learning maintained by the Marist order, and known as St. Mary's Jefferson college, it main- tains a prosperous existence.
The first 10 years after its incorporation in 1831, the college had a highly flourishing career, and stood in substantially the same financial relation to the state as that enjoyed by the College of Louisiana. Prior to 1835 considerable sums were appropriated annually by the state for its maintenance, and in the latter year the sum of $15,000 annually for 10 years was voted, but this grant was revoked after the expiration of 8 years. From 1842 the college received a grant of $10,000 per annum until Dec. 31. 1845, when the state finally disposed of all its interest in the institution and withdrew its support. In the year 1842 Jefferson college was at the acme of its existence in ante-bellum days. In a report to the legislature of that vear it was able to state the following facts : There was a main building 44 by 300 feet; 5 two-story houses of brick construction with shingled roofs for the use of professors; and two porters' lodges. The outlay for buildings had been $124,- 586; for land, $10,000. The founders had contributed $50.822 and a cabinet valued at $3,150. The outlay on the library had been $8 .- 710; for physical apparatus, $600; and the same for the laboratory. The library had 7,000 volumes, and the apparatus consisted of Pixi's large cabinet de physique and a complete physical library. The state had contributed for land. buildings, library and equip- ment the sum of $62.591. and in addition nearly $30,000 for salaries and the board of gratuitous pupils. The institution was at this time capable of accommodating 300 pupils, and was educating gratis 12 boarding pupils on an average. The college indebted-
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ness was $61,849. Such was the condition of the college in 1842 when it was overtaken by its greatest calamity. On March 6, 1842, a disastrous fire broke out, which reduced its splendid build- ings to ruins, and destroyed its fine library and scientific equipment. Now ensued years of struggle and successive ill fortune. As stated, the state ceased its appropriations in 1845, and in 1855 the college was forced to close its doors for a time, though it shortly after resumed operations through the generous efforts of Valcour Aime, aided by Gov. A. B. Roman. It was again forced to close · its doors in 1859 on account of its burden of debt. Forced into liquidation, bankruptcy proved its real salvation as Mr. Aime purchased the college buildings and grounds at the sale for the sum of $20,000, and embellished the rejuvenated institution with the beautiful Gothic chapel now used by students and faculty. A new corporation was formed and chartered by the legislature in 1861, and the college once more resumed its work under the old name of Jefferson college. It has already been stated how the college fared during the Civil war. When the war was over the stockholders were unable to reorganize the institution, and to save it from being used for the education of freedmen, its directors determined to place it under the charge of the archbishop of New Orleans. At the suggestion of the latter, negotiations were under- taken with the Marist fathers to purchase the grounds and buildings and continue the work of the college. These were successfully con- cluded in May, 1864, when all the assets of the college passed into the hands of the Marist order. Mr. Aime generously donated his shares, amounting to the par value of $20,000, to the society, in grateful remembrance of which the Marists have remembered him daily in the masses said in the chapel he built, and in addition have educated gratuitously a large number of his descendants. The college was reopened under its new auspices on July 12, 1864, and has since continued to grow in size and influence. Large numbers of the eminent sons of Louisiana have received their training within its classic walls. A list of the presidents under the Marist administration includes the names of Revs. S. Chan- rain, J. J. Grimes, George Rapier, Thomas Henry, J. H. Blenk, M. Thouvenin, and the present incumbent, the Very Rev. R. H. Smith. Among the presidents of the college before the war was Charles Oscar Dugue, one of the best French poets of Louisiana.
The old college ranks high among the educational institutions of the state and nation. and bids fair to have a long and honorable future. It is beautifully located at Convent, La., the county seat of St. James parish, on one of the great bends of the Mississippi, about half way between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. It has over 200 acres of choice grounds, part of which is under cultiva- tion, and the rest is beautifully embellished by the art of the land- scape gardener, its two magnificent avenues of large oak trees and fine front lawn being particularly pleasing to the eye. The college 'buildings are in the classic style of architecture, "the noble pro- portions and their dazzling whiteness standing out in bold relief
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against the majestic oaks and picturesque shrubbery which sur- rounds them." These buildings include a main building, an alumni hall, new hall, chapel for the exclusive use of faculty and students, and recently enlarged and repaired. a gymnasium, 2 music halls, college hotel, infirmary, etc. Jefferson college represents the high- est type of Christian manhood and citizenship in its curriculum and training, and enjoys under the law the right to grant "such literary honors, degrees and diplomas as are usually granted by colleges and universities in the United States." Its graduates are qualified to receive a first-grade certificate to teach in the public schools of the state, without passing the usual examinations, and it is the only Catholic institution in the state that enjoys this privilege. The college confers the degrees of B. S., A. B. and M. A. and also confers a commercial diploma on those who have con- pleted the three years' commercial course.
Jefferson Parish, one of the gulf parishes, was created early in the history of the state, out of parts of Orleans and Plaquemines parishes, 2 of the original 19 parishes into which Orleans territory was divided by the territorial legislature in 1807. It was organ- ized on Feb. 11, 1825, during the administration of Gov. Henry Johnson, and was named in honor of Thomas Jefferson, the 3d president of the United States. The parish has an area of 413 square miles, is situated in the southeastern part of the state, and is divided by the Mississippi river, which runs through its north- ern portion. Lake Pontchartrain forms its northern boundary : on the east it is bounded by Orleans and Plaquemines parishes; on the south by the Gulf of Mexico, and on the west by Lafourche and St. Charles parishes. The seat of government was established at Lafayette, but in 1852 it was removed to Carrollton, where a courthouse was built. In 1874 Carrollton was incorporated as the 7th district of New Orleans, and the seat of government was again changed to Harvey's Canal, but in May, 1884, was located at Gretna. The early settlements of the parish were made by the French and Spanish. Many settlers came directly from France, and after 1765 the population was increased by Acadian refugees. Among the earliest resident families were those of William Minor, Duncan Kenner, the Fortiers. Pierre Sauve. Beauseguer Boisblanc, the Soniats, the Labarres, François Dorville, Joseph Velon and others. Many of the representative families of the parish are proud to trace their ancestry back to the nobility of France. Jefferson parish lies so close to New Orleans that when the Confederate government called for volunteers during the Civil war, many men joined New Orleans companies, and the war record of the parish does not do her justice, but one company, the Jefferson Mounted Guards, was furnished by this parish. The company was organ- ized on March 13, 1862, with Guy Dreux, brother of Col Charles Dreux, the first Confederate officer killed in Virginia, as captain. and was composed of 60 and 90 day volunteers. They were detailed as headquarters escort in the Army of the Tennessee and served in that capacity until May, 1865. Gretna, Kenner, McDonoghi-
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ville, Harvey and Westwego are the most important towns. Other towns and villages are Amesville, Barataria, Waggaman and Grand Isle. The parish maintains schools for both white and black. The principal streams are the Mississippi river, and Bayous Barataria, Rigolet, Des Familles, St. Denis, Dupont and Grand. Its forma- tion is largely coast marsh, but there is a large area of alluvial land and wooded swamp. The rich soil found along the Mississippi river and the different bayous is very productive. Sugar is the staple crop, but rice, jute, corn, Irish potatoes, onions and garden vegetables of all kinds are extensively grown and shipped to northern markets. Horticulture is a profitably industry, oranges, lemons, mandarins, figs, pomegranates, plums, prunes, pecans, guavas, olives, bananas and grapes being grown in abundance. The timber in the parish is chiefly oak and willow, though large cypress swamps are found in different portions along the streams. Fish are plentiful, and the oyster industry of the parish is of consider- able importance, especially along the coast, where a number of canneries have been established. Terrapin, crabs and many varie- ties of salt water fish are taken in large numbers in the inlets, bayous and lakes. Transportation facilities in the central and southern portions of the parish are poor, but the northern part is a network of railroads, as it is crossed by the Illinois Central, Texas Pacific, Southern Pacific, Yazoo & Mississippi Valley, and the New Orleans, Fort Jackson & Grand Isle roads, all running into New Orleans. The following statistics are from the U. S. census for 1900: number of farms, 461; acreage in farms, 39,610; acres improved, 17,880; value of land and improvements exclusive of farm buildings, $1.336,240; value of farm buildings, $332,160; value of live stock, $203,985; total valne of products not fed to live stock, $717,655; number of manufactories, 27; capital invested, $3,532,840; wages paid, $311,957; cost of materials used, $3,931,- 443; total value of products, S4,692,724. The population for 1900 was 6,979 whites, 6,279 colored, a total of 15,321, an increase of 2,110 over the year 1890. The estimated population for 1908 was over 17,000.
Jefferson, Thomas, third president of the United States, was born at Shadwell, Albemarle county, Va., April 2, 1743. An account of his life and public services is of interest to the student of Louisiana history, as it was during his administration that the province was purchased from France by the United States. (See Louisiana Purchase.) Mr. Jefferson was educated in private schools and at William and Mary College, and in 1767 began the practice of law. Two years later he was elected to represent his county in the Virginia house of burgesses, where he remained until the beginning of the Revolution. In 1775 he was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress; was one of the committee of five to prepare the Declaration of Independence, and at the request of the other members of the committee he drafted the Declaration, which was adopted almost exactly as he had written it. In Oct., 1776, he resigned his seat in Congress to enter the
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