(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, 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 NWPHN (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. Mr. Kees has served as president of the Central Louisiana Council of Mayors and also the State Municipal Association of Mayors of Louisiana, thus bringing added prestige to our Natchitoches area. How true is this quotation by Mr. Kees: “The rocking chair is the worlds first tranquilizer.” Mr. Kees wed Helen Myrtle LeBlanc of Opelousas, La. Mrs. W. M. Knott Much of the credit for the establishment of the Fort Jesup Museum goes to Mrs. W. M. Knott of Many, Louisiana. The building was erected according to the plans of the officers quarters during the time of military occupancy. Mrs. Knott’s knowledge of landscaping is seen on the grounds which encompass this building. She is an excellent historian, and was a member of the Research Committee which set the markers for El Camino Real and the Old Natchitoches-to-Natchez Trace. The people of Sabine Parish can well be grateful that they have in their midst such a gifted personality. Luddie Lavespere? Luddie Lavespere, owner and operator of Lavespere’s Garage, Service Station, Grocery and Cafe on Highway 1 at Cloutierville, La. He is the son of Eugene Armours Lavespere and Carline Antee. There is one sister who wed Sullivan LeCaze. Henri Lavespere is listed as an agent of the Company of the West and in association with St. Denis at Natchitoches. Luddie Lavespere represents an 8th generation descendant in the Cloutierville-Natchitoches area. Samuel LeCaze, Sr.? Samuel LeCaze, Sr., Merchant, Planter, Stockman and Banker of Cloutierville, La. He wed Mazie Vercher. Their children are: Mildred who wed Kenneth David McCoy, their son Kenneth David Jr., Samuel LeCaze, Jr. wed Marie Anita De Louche. The names LeCaze and Vercher date back to 1728 when these two French soldiers were sent to Post Du Rapides which was the French army post near present Alexandria, La. Samuel LeCaze, Jr.? Samuel LeCaze, Jr., owner of the LeCaze Estate General Store of Cloutierville, La. He is a successful Merchant, Planter and Stockman. At present he is President of the Natchitoches Parish Fair Association. In 1958 he was chosen Parish Farmer of the Year and placed third among the Louisiana farmers. He was the state’s Cattleman father of the year in 1960. Samuel, Jr. wed Marie Anita Delouche. Their children are: Linda Carol, Randall Steven and Tina Jeanine. Mrs. LeCaze is a descendant of Justine Delouche who came to the Cloutierville area in 1735. Samuel is a descendant of the French soldier, LaCaze, of Post Du Rapides of 1728. Henry Howard Lemoine? Henry Howard Lemoine, Planter and Stockman, Route 2 Natchitoches at Clarence, La., wed Iola Jackson of Coushatta, La. Their children are: Linda Gail and Henry Howard, Jr. Both attend St. Mary’s School at Natchitoches, La. The Lemoine Family of the Ark.-La.-Tex. area had its beginning with Francois Lemoine (LeMoyne)—the name being spelled both ways on very early Natchitoches records. This family is that of Iberville and Bienville who were brothers of the LeMoyne family. Francois Lemoine being a nephew, just as was Louis Juchereau De St. Denis whose mother was a LeMoyne or Lemoine. Francois Lemoine is listed as a soldier in Natchitoches in 1723. Thus Henry Howard Lemoine, Sr. represents a 9th generation descendant in our Natchitoches-El Camino Real area. Henry Oscar Lestage, Jr.? Henry Oscar Lestage, Jr., member of the law firm of Lestage & Arnette and City Judge of City Court of Jennings, La. Wed to Juliet Xavier Barfield. Their children are: (a) Henry Oscar III wed Anne Scates Warton—one child, Henry Oscar IV. (b) Daniel Barfield, medical student, LSU. (c) David Ramsey, JHS (d) Richard Butler 5th grade. Mr. Lestage’s maternal grandmother was Aimie Barberousse. This branch of the family tree dates back to 1713 in the Natchitoches area. A descendant of one of the two Barberousse brothers who were with St. Denis when the Post Des Jean Baptiste Des Natchitoches was founded in the spring of 1714. William Tell (W.T.) Lestage? William Tell (W.T.) Lestage, owner and manager of Lestage’s Hardware and Appliances, Campti, La. He represents a 9th generation descendant in the Campti-Natchitoches area. Mr. Lestage wed Mary Catheryn Marcelli of Campti. Their children are: Catheryn Ann, who wed John Edward O’Shea of Tullos, La.; William Tell, Jr., and Robert Frank. Guierlero is Spanish for William. Guierlero Lestage was listed as a Natchitoches soldier in 1746. George Washington Lucius George Washington Lucius, Planter and Cotton Gin owner, wed Milinda Youngblood. His children were: Mecie Lucius, who wed Tal C. Gibson—Mattie Lucius who wed J. Henry Cain—James W. Lucius who wed Sarah Pharis—Rupert L. Lucius who wed Laona Stone. Mr. Lucius was for many years Secretary and Treasurer of the Masonic Lodge at Fort Jesup, La. All of his children have added greatly to the economic welfare of Sabine Parish. Christopher C. McCaa? Christopher C. McCaa wed Eunice La Cour of Natchitoches. They own and operate McCaa’s Grocery at the junction of the Allen Road with Highway 6, one mile north of Robeline, La. This is just three tenths of a mile from the site of El Presidio Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Los Adais. Mrs. McCaa is always ready to assist visitors to the Los Adais area. This location was at one time a stage coach station on El Camino Real between Natchitoches and Fort Jesup. Mrs. McCaa’s family name, La Cour, appears very early in Natchitoches history. La Cour one of the fourteen French soldiers sent by St. Denis in 1723 to establish “Post du Rapides” which was the beginning of Alexandria, Louisiana. This post was established at the request of D’Artagnan, who was a direct envoy of King Louis XV, to Louisiana, and who later became known in French folklore as one of the Three Musketeers. Arthur R. McClery Arthur R. McClery, owner and manager of the P&C Drug at 116-122 Tuline street in Natchitoches, La., wed Theresa Hawkins of Parksdale, Ark. Their children are: Barbara Joan who wed Moreland Book (their children are Tina and David McClery Book), Patrica and Charlotte McClery. According to Breutin’s map of 1722, the P&C Drug is located on the old original El Camino Real which entered Natchitoches on this street. This land was originally owned by Marichel and after the Louisiana Purchase the land was sold to Trudeau from whom Trudeau street is named. Mr. McClery has been one of the most successful men in Natchitoches, and has helped in the modern development of the Natchitoches-El Camino Real area. Giles W. Millspaugh Giles W. Millspaugh, owner of Millspaugh’s Drug at 576 Front St., wed to Ella Keener Charleville of Grosse Tete, La. Children are Giles W. Millspaugh, III, who wed Zora Lee Holloman, and Lelia Elizabeth who wed Floyd Allen Horton of Eunice, La. Mr. Millspaugh, a historian in his own right, has in one corner of his drug store, a history of Natchitoches in photographs and sketches. A must-stop for all who travel El Camino Real and who visit Natchitoches. Giles is Natchitoches’ Front street historian and coin stamp collector. Mrs. Millspaugh, III, is from Winnfield, La. Carson Meade Nardini, Sr.? Carson Meade Nardini, Sr. of Alexandria, La. wed Pauline Marie Rand of Alco, La. Their children are: Joseph Hall, Carson Meade, Jr. and Alice Nanette. C. M. Nardini on his paternal grandparent’s side is a descendant of Rouquier, Ballio, Chellettre, and Antoine Lassard who established Post Du Rapides. His is a descendant on his maternal grandparent’s side of Rachal and Chellettre. His children represent 9th generation descendants in the Natchitoches-Alexandria area from 1723 to the present day. Louis Raphael Nardini, Jr.? Louis Raphael Nardini, Jr., U. S. Army, being a descendant on his great grandmother’s side of Possiot, is also a lineal descendant of Louis Badin. He represents an 8th generation descendant in the Natchitoches-El Camino Real area. NATCHITOCHES BROADCASTING CO.
Norman Fletcher-Hillman Bailey, Jr. Located on the second floor of the Prudhomme-Hughes building is the voice of the Cane River area, K. N. O. C., the Natchitoches Broadcasting Co., owned and managed by Norman Fletcher and Hillman Bailey, Jr. Mr. Fletcher was educated in the Natchitoches Parish School System and is a graduate of Northwestern State College in History and Journalism. He was selected as the Jaycee’s of Natchitoches Man of the Year in 1958 and the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Year in 1960. He is the first person to serve three consecutive years as President of the Chamber of Commerce in Natchitoches. Mr. Hillman Bailey, Jr., President of the Natchitoches Broadcasting Co., a graduate of L.S.U. and a member of Delta Sigma Phi. Mr. Bailey wed Terisa Zaunbrecher of Rayne, La. Their children are: Kathleen, Karl and David. Mr. Bailey is a descendant of Louis Chachere, an early settler of Opeolousas, La., and a descendant of the Bourbon family line. Rollie Edwin Patrick Rollie Edwin Patrick wed Miss Pearl Byrd of Florien, La. Their children are: Gerold E., who wed Bobbye Ruth Gregg of Charleston, S.C., Hubert Leroy who wed Marcie Ann Koch of Seattle, Wash.; Martha Ann, Periodical Librarian at McNeese College; Doris Lynelle, student at McNeese, and Betty Carolyn, Many High School student. Mr. Patrick’s Service Station at the corner of San Antonio St. and the Shreveport Highway is an information stop for all tourists. The Perrier Family? Of the union of Casimere Perrier and Marie Antoinette Rachal was Oscar Perrier, and of the union of Alexander Vercher and Natilie Gallion was Octavie Vercher who wed Oscar Perrier. Their children are: Oscar Joseph, Jr., James, Ruby John, Mable and Florence and Earney Grace, who wed James Mancheck of Nacogdoches, Tex. Their children are: Marlyn Ann, Janet Kay and Tammey Nell. The name “Perrier” is associated with Louisiana History as early as 1713—in the Illinois Country, at Natchez and New Orleans. Elmer Lawrence Poche? Elmer Lawrence Poche, Cloutierville, La. owns and manages Poche’s Garage and Service Station, Highway 1, at Cloutierville. He married Alice Brosset. Their children are: Elmer Lawrence, Jr., U.S.N.; Clara Calest who wed Donald Vercher (they have one child, Stephen Donald); Lynn Dale at N. S. College and Pauline Fay at Cloutierville High School. Mr. Poche is a descendant of the Lavespere family, and Mrs. Poche is a descendant of the Pierre Delouche family. They are 8th generation descendants in the Cloutierville-Natchitoches area. William A. Ponder
in memoriam Taken from the monument of William A. Ponder, Fort Jesup, La. “An extract from the resolution passed by the Democratic Central Executive Committee of the Parish of Natchitoches April 7, 1890, to-wit: Resolved, that, whether as Chairman of this Committee, Member of the Legislature or Constitutional Convention, soldier or citizen, he was true to every trust, zealous in every duty, honest in every conviction, and he has left the legacy of an honest name. Unsullied by even the breath of calumny. Conspicuous in council for wisdom and moderation, farseeing and sagacious in the shaping of policies, courageous in the defense of the right—knowing no fear except to do wrong—he was once a safe leader and a successful public man. To these characteristics he added those of a model Christian gentleman, a steadfast friend, kind father, loving husband and a pure exemplary life.” James Woodrow Prudhomme? James Woodrow Prudhomme, owner and manager of Sport-A-Pak on Highway 6 at the junction of the Grand Ecore-Campti, Highway. This business establishment dispenses all the necessary needs of the hunter or fisherman. Mr. Prudhomme is a 12th generation descendant of the Prudhomme listed on Breutin’s map of 1722 of the Natchitoches area. James Woodrow Prudhomme wed Beatrice Thadis Black of Natchitoches. Their children are: James Larry, who attends N.S.C., and Catherine Diane who attends St. Mary’s Academy. Ray Joseph Raines Ray Joseph Raines, owner and manager of Raines General Store at Marthaville, La. wed Lillie Mae McCartney. Mr. Raines is a great nephew of J. J. Raines who founded Marthaville, La. His maternal grand father was John Spicher, a mess officer of the 7th U. S. Inf. who established Fort Jesup. Mr. Raines spear-headed the drive which successfully resulted in the establishment of the Marthaville Hospital, a community project. Stephen Clyde Rambin? Stephen Clyde Rambin, owner and manager of Steves Texaco Service Station and Garage, Highway 1 at Powhattan, La. His father was Frank Louis Rambin and his mother Zelia Possiot. The family name, Rambin, is mentioned with St. Denis in 1713 and the Possiot name appears on Breutin’s map of 1722. Stephen represents the 10th generation of the Rambin-Possiot union in the Natchitoches-Powhattan area. The Rambin family is well represented in the entire Ark.-La.-Tex. section. Mrs. Elaine R. Smith? Mrs. Elaine R. Smith, neÉ Elaine Russell of Cypress, La., is Deputy Clerk of Court in Natchitoches, La. She is wed to Ellis Smith of Natchitoches, La. Mrs. Smith is a descendant of Thomas Vascoque, who is mentioned on another page. She is also a descendant of Armand who is mentioned in DeMezieres’ report of 1769 on the merchants in Natchitoches. Riley John (R.J.) Stoker Riley John (R.J.) Stoker, Principal of Pleasant Hill High School, wed to Bernice Williams of Fair View Alpha, La. They have one daughter, Revicca Ann who attends Louisiana Tech. Mr. Stoker is a fourth generation descendant of Henry Stoker who settled on land two miles from the present site of Fort Jesup in 1818. He gained extra land by trading ponies to the Indians. This Stoker, a leading member of the Citizens Committee, a vigilantes organization, assisted greatly in quelling the banditry of the Neutral Strip. He later supplied Fort Jesup with farm produce. John Coleman Tarver? John Coleman Tarver, honorable Mayor of Many, La. wed Thelma Mayer of Woodward, Oklahoma. Their children are: Joan Tarver, who wed Wayne Dew of Natchitoches, La.; and Mike Thayne, senior at Many High School. Mayor Tarver owns and manages Tarvers’ Grocery located on El Camino Real, which is Highway 6 east to Fort Jesup. Mr. Tarver is a descendant on his great grandmother’s side of A. Cole who is listed in the 1806 period as being a settler in the Neutral Strip. Cole is also listed as a participant in the Guitreez-McGee Expedition to Texas in 1812. Thomas Lester Ward Thomas Lester Ward, owner of Ward’s Esso Service Station and Garage at Robeline, La., wed Ellen E. Valentine of Jena, La. They have one son, Thermon Lester Ward who is an Electrical Engineer at Fort Worth, Texas. Mrs. Ward was an Elementary School Teacher at Jena and at Robeline. Ward’s Service Station and Garage is located on El Camino Real in the Town of Robeline, La. Mrs. Kent Wardlow? Margaret Veuleman wed Kent Wardlow, President of the Bank of Montgomery, a member of the F.D.I.C. Their children are: Mary Ellen and Jennifer Ann. Mrs. Wardlow is a descendant of F. Veuleman who bought land from the firm of Smith, Baar, Davenport and Murphy in 1821 and marks the first purchase of land in what is presently the town of Many, La. Jack Eazel Whitley Jack Eazel Whitley, owner of Whitley’s General Store at Robeline, La. He married Ruby Alberta Nelson. There are these children: Ruby Marjorie who wed Stanley Ford Harvey of Shreveport, La. (they have one child, Stanley Ford, Jr.); Jack Eazel, Jr. wed Mary Alletta Coats of Marthaville, La. (their children are: Patricia Ann and David Van); Albert Jean, who wed Glenda Finell of Orange, Texas. (They have one child, Cynthia Jean); and Ruby Marjorie is a school teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Jack Eazel, Jr. is a dental technician in Shreveport, and Albert Jean is a chemist in Orange, Tex. The father of Mr. Whitley, Sr., Andrew Jackson Whitley, owned the first butcher shop in the Robeline area. Mr. Whitley Sr.’s second wife is Miss Ethyl Bates of Provencal, La. Mrs. Ethyl Bates Whitley taught school in Sabine Parish for a number of years. Mrs. Irma Sompayrac Willard Irma Sompayrac Willard, neÉ Irma Rosalind Sompayrac, married David Milne Willard, Jr. of New York. Their son: Daniel D. M. Willard, Lt. Cdr. U.S.N., married Suzanne Johnson of Arlington, Va., and their children are: Alice Darby, David Milne III, and Richard Briand of Virginia Beach, Va. Among forbears who served in the development of Natchitoches and of the state are Hon. Alexander E. Sompayrac who cast the deciding vote to abolish the Louisiana Lottery. His great-grandfather of Tarn, France, familiar with America through overseas trade and as a French naval officer, brought three sons to New Orleans via the West Indies. Ambrose married Desiree Josephine Briant, (daughter of a planter there and Colonel of a Regiment of French Dragoons, and Marie Mozard). Settling in Natchitoches about 1800, he bought new wireless telegraphy stock, using it in his cotton business. His place became a depot for trade with Mexico. On the maternal side Alexandre Deblieux, dissenting from Napoleon, brought his sons from Provence and opened law and commission offices in New Orleans and Natchitoches where he planted cotton. One of his sons helped organize the first public parish school board. He married Euphrosine Tauzin of the Chamard family. His son married Julie, a daughter of Lestan Prudhomme, Sr. of the lines of Lambre, LeRoy, Philippe and Possiot. Mrs. Willard is the Supervisor of Art Education for the State of Louisiana. Mrs. Lee Terry Williams Mrs. Lee Terry Williams, neÉ Anna Louise Stille. Her home is located on the site of the John Baldwin Store of the 1826 period. On her father’s side, Mrs. Williams is a lineal descendant of Princess Pocahontas and John Rolfe of early Virginia history. Through the families of Rolfe, Bolling, Mactin, Dr. W. B. Smith, Joseph Denning Stille, Sr., and Joseph Denning Stille, Jr., who was the father of Mrs. Lee Terry Williams. Dr. William Kenneth Wimberly Dr. William Kenneth Wimberly, dentist of Campti, La., wed Miss Bell Russel of Peason, La. Their daughter, Lynnie Ruth who is at present attending Natchitoches High School, was selected and honored as the Sweetheart of the Aircraft Carrier, Ranger. This old expression describes Dr. Wimberly perfectly: “a gentleman faultless in his carriage and deportment.” Marshall Ellis Winn Marshall Ellis Winn, Planter and Rancher, Route 2 Robeline, La., wed Sadie Lenora Nims of East Orwell, Ohio. Their children are: James Jerold and Willard Allen, who wed Jacquelyn Beaver of Leesville, La. Their children are: Jacquelyn Ann, who attends Northwestern State College at Natchitoches, and Jimmy Jerold who attends High School in Alexandria. Mr. Winn was active in the organizing of the R.E.A. in Natchitoches and the adjoining Parishes. For 19 years he served as a Board Member in that organization. Mrs. Sadie Winn taught in public schools 31 years at Robeline, La. Part of Mr. Winn’s estate is part of Rancho Bano which was land allotted to the Mission, San Miguel de Cuellar de Los Adais, the profits of which were to support the Mission. Glen Lawrence Wyatt Glen Lawrence Wyatt, owner and manager of G. L. Wyatt’s Esso Station at St. Maurice, La., wed Audrey Adams of Verda, La. Their one son, George Miller, wed Sherley Anne Tacker of Segreves, Tex. When St. Denis and Bienville in 1700 were among the Yatasee Indians on Nantanchie Lake they would have also visited the Destonies Indians on Saline Bayou and then while en-route to the Natchitoches Indians, would have passed within 200 yards of Mr. Wyatt’s business establishment. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt are historians of this area.
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