SECTION # 3 - Jean Bertrand Pousson Born 13 May 1815 - Lespiteau, France (ref. exhibit 28)
Before we get to Jean Bertrand, I must mention his sister - Jeanne Marie Pousson. Jeanne was born on 25 May 1818 - Lespiteau, France (ref. exhibit 29) and must have arrived in the United States after Jean Bertrand (ref. exhibit 8 - passenger list - ship arrival in New Orleans 22 Nov. 1855). Jean Bertrand is shown on the 1850 St. Landry Parish census (ref. exhibit 46) but Jeanne had not yet arrived from France. On the 1860 St. Landry Parish census (ref. exhibit 47) she is shown as living with Jean Bertrand and Josephine Guillory and their family. I assume Jeanne had no children and never got married. Father Hebert's books show a Jeanne Pousson died 16 Feb. 1874 at the age of "50" years (VP ch v 1 p 27).
{exhibit 46}
1850 - St. Landry Parish Census page 105
{exhibit 47}
1860 - St. Landry Parish Census page 139 and 140
The first record of Jean Bertrand in the United States is his marriage to Josephine S. Guillory on 27 Feb. 1843 - #30 p 159 St. Landry (ref. exhibit 48, 48a and 48b) . Exhibit 48a and 48b shows the marriage bond - $200.00 - this also shows the civil marriage of Jean Bertrand and Josephine S. Guillory. The Church record shows the marriage date as 25 July 1843 - Vol 2 p 232 St. Landry Catholic Church.
{exhibit 48}
Marriage record - 27 Feb. 1843 #30 page 159 St. Landry Parish and the church record shows the marriage date as 25 July 1843 Vol 2 page 232 Opelousas Catholic Church
{exhibit 48a} also 48b
Marriage record of Jean Bertrand and Josephine S. Guillory
Civil marriage 27 Feb. 1843
Marriage bond and marriage
{exhibit 48b} also 48a
Marriage record of Jean Bertrand and Josephine S. Guillory
Civil marriage 27 Feb 1843
Marriage bond and marriage
Josephine was living with her parents in Chataignier, La. when they married, so we can assume Jean Bertrand had settled there shortly after his arrival from France. The 1850 St. Landry census (ref. exhibit 46) shows Jean Bertrand as a Store Keeper (Note the way Pousson is shown - that is how some people made the double "s"). The 1860 St. Landry census (ref. exhibit 47) shows him as a Merchant with total assets of $8,000.00. The 1860 census shows Jean Bertrand living with Josephine and eight children: Josephine Alidia, Philomene, Latitie, Jean Bertrand Jr., Guilliam, Jean Durel, Isaie, and Godefroy Issac. Jeanne Pousson (Jean's sister) and Dalicourt Guillory (Josephine's brother) all living in Chataignier.
On 17 May 1855, Jean Bertrand went to the St. Landry Court House and became a U.S. citizen (ref. exhibit 49) - District Court Minutes - St. Landry Court House - Opelousas, La.
{exhibit 49}
District Court Minutes
St. Landry Court House
17 May 1855
Opelousas, La.
On 14 Sept. 1858, Jean Bertrand again went to the St. Landry Court House to give his "Power of Attorney" to Gaudens Pousson, his cousin in France. This was to settle and administer the succession of Guillaume Pousson and Anne Dupuis, his father and mother (ref. exhibit 31 and 32). Note: Jean Bertrand's signature is on this document.
On 10 Feb. 1862, Jean Bertrand, his brother Cadet, and their cousin Mathieu Pousson, went to the St. Landry Court House to record the sale of land and slaves inherited from Siphroy Guillory and Euphrosine Jeansonne (parents of their wives - Josephine, Adele, and Euphrosine Guillory). The slaves were sold to Francois Ardoin - File 5619 book T-1 page 363 and Aurelien Landerneau - File 5613 book T-1 page 360 (It seems only two slaves were inherited). The inherited land was sold to Jean Bte. Paul Fontenot - File 5617 book T-1 page 362 and to Jean Bertrand Pousson - File 5615 book T-1 page 361.
The following history of Jean Bertrand Pousson and Josephine S. Guillory was researched and written by Mr. Charles Fontenot Sr. (Mr. Charles Fontenot Sr. is a descendant of Paulin Fontenot and Philomene Pousson) This history is from his book "Some Fontenots and Their Times: A Biographical and Historical Sketch" (Note: I made a few minor corrections and added several exhibits)
Jean Bertrand came from France between 1840 and 1843. The first record of him in this country is his marriage to Josephine on February 27, 1843. He was born on May 13, 1815 and Josephine on December 18, 1822 so he was about 28 and she was about 20 years old when they married.
Josephine was living with her parents in Chataignier, La. when they married, so we can assume Jean Bertrand had settled there shortly after his arrival from France. He was an educated man, having studied for the priesthood before immigrating to Louisiana. He came to Chataignier to open it's first general store, perhaps on the advice of merchants in Opelousas and Washington, La., who were aware of economic needs in the area.
Residents of Chataignier in 1840 had to travel to Washington and Opelousas for supplies, a 15 to 20 mile one-way trip by wagon. Ville Platte had small stores, but Bayou Marron, a rather large stream, had to be crossed to reach there, so a store in Chataignier was more convenient and needed. However, it obviously was not very profitable at first because of the small number of people in the area.
But the population of Chataignier increased substantially between 1840 and 1860 and Jean Bertrand's store was successful: in 1860 the census shows his personal property (Probably merchandise inventory) valued at $4,000 and real estate valued at $4,000. He also had competition. Dorsin P. Lafleur had a successful store with $5,000 inventory and three others: Octave Fusillier, Onile Deville, and Homer Lafleur were listed as merchants with personal property of $150-$300. Paul Henry Fontenot, the older brother of Paulin Fontenot, was a clerk in Octave Fusillier's store. Octave could not read and write, but Paul Henry could, so obviously he was employed to run the store. The area also had a doctor, a lawyer and several blacksmiths.
Jean Bertrand's financial success was further evidenced by his ability to invest in land. On November 5, 1847, he acquired sixty acres from the estate of Jean Pierre Soilou, probably his first land purchase. Then in the 1850's he purchased 332 acres in Section 6, T6S-R2E (ref. exhibit 50 - next three pages - purchased from U. S. Government (not homesteaded) land 157 acres - 1 Sept. 1853), which is part of the village of Chataignier, south of the main east-west road at the point where it turns north to Ville Platte. This became his principal residence and was near his business.
By 1860 he was moderately wealthy, owning about 600 acres of land, but his actions thereafter clearly reflected his desire to share all he had with the Church and his family. A devout Catholic, his first wish was to have a church built in Chataignier next to his home. Therefore, sometime in the early 1860's he gave sixty acres of land out of Section 6, T5S-R2E to Archbishop Odin (ref. exhibit 51 and 51a - next three pages) for this purpose. Chataignier was then a mission of the Catholic Church in Opelousas, but he hoped it would have its own parish. A small mission church was constructed on the donated property, because it is family tradition his daughter Philomene and Paulin Fontenot, our ancestors, were married in that church, January 14, 1864. A separate parish, called Our Lady of Mount Carmel, was established in 1869, so Jean Bertrand's desire was realized. The original church, however, is no longer on the donated property, but in its place is a small chapel where funeral services are conducted (ref. exhibit 52 - next three pages). The parish church was moved to another location, but a chapel had to be maintained because the deed required that religious services had to be held on the premises: if not, the land would revert to his heirs.
{exhibit 50} - also ref. exhibit 55
United States of America to Jean Bertrand Pousson
Purchased (Not -Homestead) 14 Sept. 1853 - note that part of this land
was given to the church in Chataignier
{exhibit 51} - also ref. exhibit 51a - second part of this document
17 April 1866 - File No. 7062 Book U-1 page 112/113 - St. Landry Court House - Opelousas, La. - Land donation from Jean Bertrand Pousson to the Catholic Church - Chataignier (to Archbishop of New Orleans - Jean Marie Odin)
{exhibit 51a} - also ref. exhibit 51 - first part of this document
17 April 1866 - File No. 7062 Book U-1 page 112/113 - St. Landry Court House - Opelousas, La. - Land donation from Jean Bertrand Pousson to the Catholic Church - Chataignier (to Archbishop of New Orleans - Jean Marie Odin)
{exhibit 52}
Chataignier, La. - small chapel were funeral services are conducted on land donated by Jean Bertrand Pousson - the deed required that religious services had to be held on the premises and if not, the land would revert to his heirs - most of the land is used as a cemetery today. A separate parish, called Our Lady of Mount Carmel, was established in 1869.
His generosity to family is also seen at this early date. The Civil War brought financial disaster, yet he managed to retain all his land. But his store was closed sometime during the war years and apparently was not reopened: he is listed as a farmer on the 1870 census. By 1867, his three older daughters had married, but eight minor children, ages 3 to 17 still needing care, were at home. One would expect him to keep all the land to provide for the younger children, leaving the support of the married daughters to their husbands: yet he shared, giving each married daughter forty acres "to assure them a residence".
Jean Bertrand and Josephine were still in Chataignier in 1870: the census shows them living next to Philomene and Paulin. They owned land valued at $900 and personal property of $600. Before August 9, 1872, however, the family moved to what is now the village of Lacassine, La., because on such date Jean Bertrand sold all the remaining land for $1,166.00, the deed stating he was a resident of Calcasieu Parish (St. Landry Court House - Opelousas - Book Z-1 page 421 - 9 Aug. 1872, Jean Bertrand Pousson, resident of Calcasieu Parish sold to Mayer Weil lots 4 and 5 SW 1/4 of sect 6 T 6 SR 2 E - 185 acres less land donations - $1,166.00). This move was probably made in the fall of 1870 or spring of 1871, at the time Paulin and Philomene left.
Considering their close ties to the Church and community their decision to leave must have been extremely painful. According to family history from Philomene, they left because of uncontrolled lawlessness and violence.
Jean Bertrand and Josephine may have been the first residents of what is now the village of Lacassine. Old deed records of Calcasieu Parish were lost in the 1910 fire, so the writer could not prove this, but a close examination of the 1880 census suggests they were the only settlers there besides a group of laborers who had recently arrived from Indiana to build the railroad: these men were boarding with a James Sculley who obviously was the gang foreman and in charge of the recently built railway station house.
The census taker in 1880 recorded 15 families between Narcissus Lambert, a former slave, who resided near the Irrigation Pump, between Hayes and Lacassine, and Jean Bertrand's residence. Settlers still lived adjacent to the bayous and gullies. These 15 families likely settled on both sides of the gullies which begins at Lacassine (near Jean Bertrand's homesite) and empties at the junction of Bayous Lacassine and Chene near where Lambert resided. The census taker was traveling north from this junction to Lacassine: Jean Bertrand was next to the last and the Sculley railroad house was the last resident listed. After a break in census entries at this point those who followed seemed to be living at Le Bleu Settlement on English Bayou (now Chloe, La.). Therefore in the absence of more reliable evidence to the contrary, the census gives reason for believing Jean Bertrand and Josephine were the first settlers of the village of Lacassine.
Unfortunately, too little information about these exceptional ancestors comes down to us. Jean Bertrand died March 19, 1881, so he lived only ten years in Lacassine. He is most remembered there for his religious activity and generosity to the Church.
During the 1870's, he was the principal religious educator in the community, traveling to the Hayes-Bell City area to teach children and adults the Catholic faith and to prepare them for the sacraments. He and Josephine provided lodging for missionary priests and religious services were conducted in their home. It was said the Blessed Sacrament was kept in their home so people could come to pray.
With such religious fervor, it is easy to understand why Jean Bertrand's life ended the way it did, for it is said: "he gave all he had to the Church and died a Pauper." This is historically confirmed because Paulin said the children even had to pay his funeral expenses. Moreover, his intention to die in this manner is evident from the way he disposed of his land.
It seems his principal land holdings after coming to Lacassine were: 40 acres, the NW 1/4 of SW 1/4 of Sect 30 T 9 SR 5 W, the tract on which the church and cemetery is now located at Lacassine: 40 acres just south of such tract, across the road, being the NW 1/4 of NE 1/4 of Sect 31 T 9 SR 5 W: and 40 acres of woodland, being the SW 1/4 of NW 1/4 of Sect 8 T 10 SR 5 W, which is about 3 miles southeast of Lacassine. (Note: Jeff Davis Court House conveyance Book Q page 34 - 8 Sept. 1919 - United States to J. Bertrand Pousson Homestead (ref. exhibit 54) Cert #790 application #2428 W 1/2 of NE 1/4 and W 1/2 of SE 1/4 Sect 30 T 9 SR 5 W - 163 acres given in Washington 15 Apr. 1879.) (Also Note: Jeff Davis Court House conveyance Book T page 446 and 447 - 16 July 1920 - Victor Verrett to J. B. Pousson - Victor Verrett "he is well acquainted with J. B. Pousson, who by deed dated 30 Aug. 1871 filed for record 14 May 1903 and recorded in Conveyance Book # 53 page 119 of the records of Calcasieu Parish, La. purchased from the succession of Bazilide Bonin, widow of Joseph Deroin the following: SW 1/4 of NE 1/4 of Sect 20 in T 10 SR 5 W". This same land was sold to Victor Verrett by deed 22 Dec. 1874 filed and recorded 26 Sept. 1876 in Conveyance Book F page 107.)
What he had successfully accomplished in Chataignier again became his burning desire in Lacassine, namely, to have a church erected next to his home. Only this time, it is clear he intended to give all he owned, his half share of all community property. This sometime in the 1870's, he gave the 40 acres in Sec. 30 (the church and cemetery property) and half of the woodland in Section 8 to the Church so that when he died he had given back to the Lord, keeping nothing for himself. His sole testament was a small iron cross, which he fashioned with his own hands, with instructions that it be placed on his grave and that he be buried on the bare land he gave, certain that one day a church would be built there.
He was the first to be buried on the property, but today many, many more silently accompany him and, as he had envisioned, a church also stands there. Over their graves is a modest monument to him and Josephine (ref. exhibit 53) and in its shadow is the simple iron cross he made. In imitation of his beloved Savior, he kept nothing for himself and gave so very much to others: yes, even now he gives to us, his descendants, as we ponder the life of this good man, Jean Bertrand Pousson.
{exhibit 53}
Graves of Jean
Bertrand Pousson
and Josephine
Guillory - land
donated by Jean
Bertrand Pousson
in Lacassine, La.
{exhibit 54}
Homestead Claim - Jean Bertrand Pousson
Homestead Certificate No. 790
Application 2428
Ref. Page 71 - “…principal land holdings…”
{exhibit 55}
Land Purchase from U.S. Government
Ref. Exhibit 50 page 67
Part of this land was given to the church in Chataignier
Mr. Charles Fontenot's book can be found in the Jeff Davis Parish Library and the St. Landry Parish Library.
Jeff Davis Court House conveyance book A page 127 - 24 Jan 1913 - Sold land that children had inherited from J. B. Pousson and Josephine Guillory $817.00 to Joseph Dugar of Welsh, about 40 acres - NW 1/4 of NE 1/4 Sect 31 T 9 SR 5 W.
Jeff Davis Court House conveyance book F page 416 and 417 - 6 May 1915 - Heirs of Jean Bertrand (list Philomene, Eva Simon born Espargilier, Letitie, etc.) sold 15 acres of land located near Lacassine to Henry A. Fontenot for $300.00 and 20 acres of land south of Lacassine to Jean D. Pousson for $300.00.
Jean Bertrand Pousson and Josephine Guillory's family:
I - Josephine Alidia Pousson born Dec. 1842, Chataignier, La. m. Louis Isodore Espargilier (Espargiliere) born 7 Feb. 1834, (ref. exhibit 56) St. Chamant, (Dept. of Correze) France (son of Jean Baptiste Espargilier and Julie Violete De LaSalesse). Josephine and Louis were married 20 Feb. 1862 and they had two children. Josephine is shown on the 1850 and 1860 St. Landry census living with her parents in Chataignier. I assume Josephine and Louis first lived next to Jean Bertrand and Josephine due to the fact Jean gave his three oldest children about 40 acres of land near Chataignier for their homes (St. Landry Court House - Donation 23 Sept. 1867 - #8039 - 620, Josephine signed with an "X"). They then made their home in Mermentau, La., where they raised two daughters, Julie, who died at age of 15, and Eva, who married Philbert Simon of Crowley.
During my search of the Crowley Court House, I found a law suit involving Dr. Louis, here are the highlights (actual document is about 50 pages long) - 23 Aug. 1895, Suit # 682 District Court - Joseph Flash (Plaintiff) vs. Isidore Espargilier (Defendant). Dr. Louis and Mr. J. Castex had given Acadia Parish the "right of way" for a road and Mr. Flash was cutting trees from this land when the trouble started. Mr. Flash sued Dr. Louis because he claimed Dr. Louis threatened him with personal violence and bodily harm and threatened to put Mr. Flash and his employees in jail. Some of the testimony: Mr. Flash "...Mr. Isidore Espargilier, defendant, in this case, in company with Philbert Simon were coming towards the bayou from the public road. I started to meet them and told them good morning when I came near Dr. Louis he shook his finger in my face and accused me of stealing his timber, and I started back and told him not to put his finger in my face, he then said he was going to Crowley and he would give me hell, and that he was going to prosecute any one on that road that would put an ax there or take timber..." Dr. Louis' testimony - Q. This petition charges you made an assault upon Mr. Flash and threatened him with personal violence and body harm, is that true? A. Oh no no. Q. Did you try to strike him? A. No, no Sir, he is too large for me to jump him. Q. How old are you Doctor? A. Nearly 60 years old. Q. How old is Mr. Flash? A. I don't know I suppose about 40 years old. Q. How much do you weigh? A. I weight 139 pounds. After the judge had heard all the witnesses his opinion was Plaintiff (Mr. Flash) "...he is left without a leg to stand on". The judge found for Dr. Louis and Mr. Flash even had to pay $50.00 for Dr. Louis' attorney. This decision was "...signed in Chambers at Opelousas, La., by consent of all parties this 12th day April 1897".
On the Acadia Parish tax rolls for 1896, Dr. Louis was taxed on 1582 acres, 20 cows, l buggy and l horse. In 1904 he was taxed on 1531 acres, live stock and vehicles.
On 4 May 1915 (Crowley Signal - 8 May 1915) a cyclone passed through Mermentau killing seven people - "a large rice warehouse belonging to Dr. Louis situated about a mile from the river, was completely wrecked, carrying the timbers several thousand feet and strewing them over adjoining fields, the heavy iron safe, in the warehouse, was carried at least one hundred feet across the right-of-way of the Southern Pacific".
The following information is from the "Fremaux File" in the Crowley Public Library (stories were dictated by Leonie Fremaux in the 1930's - concerning her family living in Mermentau): "During the summer I often went to play with Julie. My father was teaching me to read and write. Dr. Louis was teaching Julie. He would talk to us, walking up and down the gallery. It was not always that our child like minds would understand what he was telling us. He looked almost effeminate when the wind blew his rather long blond hair back from his face. If he was not with Julie he dreamed over his books in his office or compounded his medicines. He had instruments, but hated the sight of blood. Madame Louis was a stout strong woman who could do most of the work around the place without fatigue. She had married Dr. Louis at 15 and brought with her to his home her "patrimoine", home spun sheets and blankets, quilts of many patterns for the house, and chickens, pigs, cows to start her "basse coure." From that day she had taken entire charge of the place, except the office. The doctor looked to her for everything so she took over one task after another until now she shaved him every morning, harnessed his horse when he was called, put it away when he returned. It was very seldom that she could get him to help her. Sometime she insisted that he help her kill little pigs. He hated the sight of blood but would sometimes hold the pig while she butchered it, his head turned away, calling her "criminelle" for killing the thing. Madame Louis was as devoted to Julie as was the doctor, but she wanted to make of her a practical "femme de Manage" while he wanted to develop her mind and make of her one of the dainty little girls he remembered in his old home. Neither could bear Julie out of their sight so that I went to her more often than she came to our house. Madame Louis was a small woman with black hair, dark piercing eyes, heavy eyebrows, a well defined black down on the upper lip. Her hair curled, but Madame Louis had no time for curled or waved hair - she combed it back as tightly as possible in a knot on her neck. Being the doctor's wife, she naturally was expected to know many remedies for minor ailments. She was always plied with questions and asked advise for relief of illness. The doctor knew that she gave advice but still not a drop of medicine could she get if the doctor was away from home. All they could do was wait until he would return, sometimes until the next day, perhaps longer, depending upon the seriousness of the case or the distance of the call he was making. Usually his absence was an opportunity to do extra work, sewing for instance, seemed a trivial occupation. She made most of his clothes, all of her own and Julie's. All was done by hand, besides, carding, spinning and weaving the household linens, though she had brought much at the time of her marriage, the good woman feared that she must keep up her supplies." Note: the story goes on to say the parents of Madame Louis were M. Pousson of Point aux loups - we know this is NOT correct, her parents were Jean Bertrand and Josephine of Chataignier and Lacassine.
Dr. Espargilier practiced medicine until a few years of his death in 1917. Dr. Louis, Mermentau's pioneer physician, is interred in the Quebodeaux cemetery located near Midland. Nearby are the graves of his wife and Julie. The inscription on Dr. Louis' grave reads, "In a strange land, away from his beloved country, he fought his way, made friends by his charitable work, honest and kind dealings: left memories and a name which will always be an honor to his descendants. The next life was always his guiding star, and he died with the name of God upon his lips". Dr. Espargilier's succession (#1043 4/19/1917 - Acadia Parish Court House - Crowley) shows he had over 1700 acres of land - mostly around Mermentau, Midland, and Egan,. He also had lots in Mermentau, Lake Charles, and Midland.
Crowley Signal - 6 Apr. 1917 - "Died last night (Thursday), at 8:40 o'clock, Dr. Louis Isidore Espargihers at the age of 93 years. Dr. Espargihers was a native of France and came to this country 66 years ago and practiced medicine up to a few years ago. He was of an upright nature, generous and a good Christian". Josephine Alidia died 9 Oct. 1901 and Louis Espargilier died 5 Apr. 1917, both are buried near Midland, La.
{exhibit 56}
Physician Book
Opelousas Court House
Opelousas, La.
This document is in English - summary - Dr. Espargilier never received his medical degree. Since he practiced medicine he was given permission to practice. This document also shows his birth date and place of birth - 7 February 1834 - St. Chamant, Department of Correze, France
Josephine Alidia and Louis Espargilier's descendants:
Eva Espargilier, Philbert Simon, and Philbert Simon Jr. (ref. exhibit 57) (picture given to me by Delores Jordan)
{exhibit 57}
Eva Espargilier with her
son Philbert Simon Jr
Philbert Simon husband of
Eva Espargilier
II - Philomene Pousson born 26 Nov. 1845, Chataignier, La. m. Paulin Fontenot born 22 June 1842, Chataignier, La. (son of Henry Paul Fontenot and Merante McCauly) they were married 21 Jan 1864 and they had eight children (ref. exhibit 58). Philomene and Paulin grew up living within a mile of each other and they were married during the Civil War.
{exhibit 58}
Philomene Pousson
and Paulin Fontenot
Paulin either enlisted on 1 Sept. 1862 or was conscripted on 8 Nov. 1862, the records give conflicting information. He served most of his time in the Berwick/Franklin/Centerville area of Louisiana and was probably taken prisoner near Centerville on 14 Apr. 1863. After capture one could swear allegiance to the United States and be sent home, this is what he did and so he was sent home.
Paulin married Philomene a few months after he returned from the Confederate Army. They first settled in Chataignier near Jean Bertrand, on land given to them by Jean Bertrand (St. Landry Court House - Donation 23 Sept. 1867 #8039 - 620, Philomene signed with an "X"). and also land purchased by Paulin - he purchased 40 acres from Theodule Fontenot on 3 Jun. 1866. Philomene, wife of Paulin Fontenot, sold this land to Adolphe Jeannis Jr. on 14 Dec. 1872, for $225.00 (Book Z-l page 637 Opelousas). Soon after Jean Bertrand moved to what is now Lacassine, Philomene and Paulin also moved to Big (Grand) Lake, La. They remained there only one crop season. Their son, Isaac Fontenot, later sheriff and one of the respected civil leaders of Jeff Davis Parish, was born 19 Jun. 1871, while they were there.
According to oral history from Philomene, they left Chataignier because of the crime and violence. She mentioned that her brother, Bertrand Pousson, had been erroneously accused, by a militant gang, of killing one of their members and the gang threatened reprisal. Convinced they would eventually kill him, he fled the country, never seeing his family again.
In 1872 they moved to Welsh/Lacassine - western edge of present day Welsh. They homesteaded 160 acres E 1/2 of SW 1/4 of W 1/2 of SE 1/4 of Sect 25 T 9 SR 5 W (North of present Hwy 90). When Paulin's family settled here, they probably had no more than three of four neighbors, one of whom was the Henry Welsh family (Miles Welsh died in 1868). Henry Welsh, who later (1880) opened a small general store there, was listed as a farmer on the 1870 census. The area did not develop into a village until the construction of the railroad, which was completed in 1880. Population of Welsh was only 200 persons in 1890 and 320 in 1900. The nearest commercial center was Lake Charles, which had recently been incorporated (in 1867). It was a sawmill village of about 200 people in twelve city blocks along the east bank of the lake.
Philomene's parents lived about five miles west of her home. She frequently visited her elderly parents to assist with larger domestic chores and to nurse them when ill. She placed her three or four youngest children in the ox cart and walked alongside, driving the oxen cross country over the rough terrain.
During the early years (probably the 1870's), Paulin bought cattle and hogs from local farmers and drove them to Morgan City, La. for sale. These drives took several weeks because livestock were allowed to feed along the countryside as the journey proceeded. He also raised corn, sugar cane, and sweet potatoes. Paulin had a flair for being enterprising. While always maintaining a small farm, he seemed more interested in trade than developing a large farm and ranch operation, for which he certainly had the experience and talent. In the 1870's he bought and sold livestock and in the 1880's, he had a brickyard next to the train station in Welsh and in the late 1880's he operated a sawmill near Woodlawn.
Paulin bought a building near Roanoke and moved it to his home for use as the first private school in Welsh. It was a two or three grade, one room school and was located just south of his home. He also ran for political office and was elected to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury for the 1904 - 1908 term.
Paulin became less active in later years (1908-1920), although he continued to cultivate small plots of corn, sugar cane, and sweet potatoes. During his retirement, he like his father, loaned money to neighboring farmers. This indicates he must have felt financially secure. But these loans were made on a strictly business basis. Paulin once lent his brother money to buy two mules. At the end of the crop season, his brother could not repay so Paulin foreclosed and took the mules.
After Philomene's father died in 1881, her mother's house was moved near their home in Welsh where she and Paulin cared for her until her death.
Philomene was the area nurse and mid-wife. She knew all the traditional treatments and medicines. Many times she was awakened in the middle of the night to go care for the ill, remaining with them at bedside until recovery. Philomene was tiny, about 5 ft. 1 in. and Paulin was taller than his son, Henry Arnold who was about 6 ft. 2 in. Paulin smoked a large corncob pipe and sometimes stammered a bit, particularly as he was about to make a “profound point”.
Philomene and Paulin and all eight of their children and their spouses are buried on the land given to the Church by Jean Bertrand in Lacassine. Philomene remained active almost all of her 84 years, and would not leave her home until the very end. A few months before she died she suffered a slight stroke. Her sons wanted to take her to her daughter Germaine's home, but still she held out, saying she now could not make the trip. Finally Isaac and Fleur proposed a possible solution. They would pick her up on her feather mattress, place her in the rear of the car and drive the quarter mile to the main road, at which point she could decide either to continue to Germaine's or go to Isaac's. When they got to the main road, she signaled to Germaine's home near Iowa, La. where she died on 10 Oct. 1929 and Paulin died 28 Oct. 1920 and both are buried in Lacassine, La. (Picture given to me by Mr. Charles Fontenot Sr. - most of this history of Paulin and Philomene is from his book - He has a very interesting 12 page detailed history of this couple.)
III - Latitie Pousson born 26 Jan 1848 Chataignier, La. m. Alexandre Lanclos born 29 Aug. 1844 Grand Coteau, La. (son of Louis Bienvenu Lanclos and Marie Melanie Hebert) they were married 13 Dec. 1866 and they had nine children. (ref. exhibit 59 and 60).
{exhibit 59}
Latitie (Tecia) Pousson
wife of Alexandre
Bienvenue Lanclos
ref. exhibit 60
{exhibit 60}
Alexandre Bienvenue
Lanclos - husband of
Latitie Pousson - ref.
exhibit 59
Latitie is shown on the 1850 and 1860 St. Landry census living with her parents in Chataignier. After she married, I assume they first lived in Chataignier on the land given to them by Jean Bertrand (St. Landry Court House - Donation 23 Sept. 1867 #8039 - 620, Latitie signed with an "X"). Latitie, wife of A. Lanclos, sold this land to Jean Baptiste Paul Fontenot on 17 Jun. 1870, for $155.00 (Book X-1 page 509 Opelousas).
Their first child was baptized in Opelousas - 2 Jan 1868. Their second child was baptized in Arnaudville, La. On 4 May 1872, Alexandre purchased land near Bayou Teche (Book Z-l page 312 Opelousas). They had at least three children baptized in Arnaudville, La. All their other children were born in or near Centerville and Franklin, La.
On the 1880 St. Mary Parish census Alexandre is shown as a farmer and Latitie is shown as keeping house, they are shown with five of their children and Jean Durel Pousson, Latitie's brother, who is shown as a farm laborer. On this census their neighbors are farmers or farm laborers. On the 1900 and 1910 St. Mary Parish census (Ward #3 Franklin - Town) I found Latitie living with some her children but I could not find her husband - Alexandre Lanclos. On the 1900 census Latitie is shown as head of household living with two sons and three daughters - two daughters are shown as seamstress and two sons are shown a day laborer. On this census their neighbors are merchants, shoe maker, and barber. On the 1910 census Latitie is again shown as head of household living with two daughters and one son - two daughters are shown as milliner, the son is shown as a wood-turner, and Latitie is shown as a dressmaker. On this census their neighbors are Engineer, Agent, Bookkeeper, and Lawyers.
Latitie died on 5 Jun. 1919 and Alexandre died on 24 May 1921, both are buried in Franklin, La.
I found a notice of Latitie’s death in the Franklin Paper (St. Mary Banner - 7 June 1919) - “Mrs. Latitie Pousson, wife of Alex B. Lanclos, died at her home in Franklin on Last Wednesday at the age of 71 years. Her funeral services were held at the Catholic Church on Thursday evening. This lady lived here many years and besides her family, she leaves many friends who bemoan her passing away from human life. She is survived by her husband, three daughters and two sons. To them the Banner tenders its sincere sympathy in their sorrow and great loss.” I could not find the obituary for Alexandre and after a brief walk through the Franklin cemetery, I did not find either Latitie’s or Alexandre’s grave.
(Pictures given to me by Alton Lanclos)
I also found these two pictures of Latitie and Alexandre’s family (sorry for the poor quality - they are copies of copies):
{ exhibit 61}
Arthur Lanclos
Born 2 June 1878
{exhibit 62}
Josephine Carma Lanclos
Born 30 Sept. 1871
And Noelie Lanclos
Born 31 Dec 1875
Picture from St. Mary
Links - page 54
IV - Jean Bertrand Pousson Jr. born 26 June 1850, Chataignier, La. m. Unknown. Jean Bertrand Pousson Jr. is shown on the 1860 St. Landry Parish census living with his parents in Chataignier - this is the only time I found him on any census.
We have several interesting stories that involve the "disappearance" of Jean Bertrand Jr. The main three are as follows (1) Bertrand Pousson, had been erroneously accused, by a militant gang, of killing one of their members and the gang threatened reprisal. Convinced they would eventually kill him, he fled the country, never seeing his family again. This first account was given by Philomene - Bertrand’s sister - see section II coving the life of Philomene. (2) He impregnated an unmarried girl he did not want to marry so he left the area and moved to New York or California. Note: I could not locate a Jean Bertrand Pousson Jr. on any census report for 1870 - Louisiana, New York or California. (3) The succession of Jean Bertrand Pousson and Josephine Guillory - 1912 (ref. exhibit 63, 64, 65, and 66 - next four pages) states "...that their brothers Bertrand Pousson and Jeremi (Joreme) Pousson, both died in your said Parish and State intestate, unmarried and without issue."
{exhibit 63-66}
Succession of Jean
Bertrand Pousson
and Josephine
Guillory - 1912
Calcasieu Parish
Court House - Lake
Charles, La. - also
some items found
in Jeff Davis Court
House - Jennings,
La.
{exhibit 63-66}
Succession of Jean
Bertrand Pousson
and Josephine
Guillory - 1912
Calcasieu Parish
Court House - Lake
Charles, La. - also
some items found
in Jeff Davis Court
House - Jennings,
La.
{exhibit 63-66}
Succession of Jean
Bertrand Pousson
and Josephine
Guillory - 1912
Calcasieu Parish
Court House - Lake
Charles, La. - also
some items found
in Jeff Davis Court
House - Jennings,
La.
{exhibit 63-66}
Succession of Jean
Bertrand Pousson
and Josephine
Guillory - 1912
Calcasieu Parish
Court House - Lake
Charles, La. - also
some items found
in Jeff Davis Court
House - Jennings,
La.
V - Guilliam (Beon) Pousson born 16 Oct. 1853, Chataignier, La. m. Melinda (Amelina) Broussard born 10 Oct. 1851 (daughter of Theotiste Broussard and Celestine LeBlanc) Marriage date unknown and they had eleven children (ref. exhibit 67 and 68).
{exhibit 67 and 68}
Guilliam (Beon) Pousson
and Melinda Broussard
also Guilliam as a young
boy (14 years) and as a
old man
Guilliam was born in Chataignier and is shown on the 1860 and 1870 census living with his parents in Chataignier. I could not locate the marriage record of Guilliam and Melinda but I assume they were married about 1873 - G.Arcade, their first child, was born 16 Oct. 1874. (Note: The marriage record is not listed in Father Hebert's book and the birth and/or baptism records of the first nine children are not listed - only Cerenic and Louise are shown.)
On the 1880 Calcasieu Parish census Guilliam is shown living near Welsh next to his sister and brother-in-law, Philomene and Paulin Fontenot's home. Guilliam homesteaded this land (ref. exhibit 69) - W 1/2 of NE 1/4 and E 1/2 of NW 1/4 Sect 36 T 9 SR 5 W - 162 acres (South of present Hwy 90). Guilliam also purchased 40 acres from the U. S. Government (ref. exhibit 70) - NW 1/4 of SW 1/4 of Sect 26 T 9 SR 5 W). Sect 36 and Sect 25, Paulin's land, are on each side of present Hwy 90. I assume, Guilliam moved to Acadia Parish before 1888, this is when he first "sold" this land - 11 Aug. 1888, and the second time he "sold" this same land - 29 Nov. 1890. This caused a law suit involving Guilliam and the first buyer, Mr. Charles M. Braden - Crowley Court House Suit 228 filed 11 Mar 1891. The actual document is about 100 pages long so I will only give the highlights: Guilliam sold this 162 acres on 11 Aug. 1888, to Mr. Braden for $2,500.00 ($200.00 cash, $1,300.00 payable 1 Nov. 1888 and $1,000.00 payable 1 Aug. 1889 with interest of 8%). Mr. Braden paid an additional $100.00 cash on 8 Nov. 1888. Guilliam sold this same 162 acres on 29 Nov. 1890, to Mr. George E. Bockover for $1,460.00. Mr. Braden then sued Guilliam for the $300.00 he had paid for this land and he claimed that Guilliam had not yet received title to this land from the U.S. Government when he purchased it from Guilliam. During the trial Guilliam acknowledged he was indebted to Braden for the $300.00 but an agreement was then entered into whereby the defendant (Guilliam) consented to sell to the plaintiff (Braden) 40 acres, from the same tract of land, for the price of $700.00 and to consider the sum of $300.00, previously received by the defendant as part payment on the transaction then being effected; this instrument was never recorded due to the fact that Mr. Braden never paid Guilliam the additional $400.00. The $700.00 figure was requested by Mr. Braden, presumably for the purpose of giving the property an inflated and fictious market value. It also came out in the trial that Mr. Braden wanted to back out of the original purchase not because of the dissatisfaction with the nature of defendant's title, but due to the fact that plaintiff was then unable to meet the payments of the two notes of $1,000.00 and $1,300.00 due on the land in defendant's favor, with interest. Mr. Braden expressed a desire to be released from liability on these notes, and proposed to forfeit the $300.00 (this is how he arrived at the $700.00 figure to show on the 40 acre - value of land $400.00 and money he forfeited for 162 acre sale $300.00). Guilliam counsel - "...from the very outset of these transactions, he (Mr. Braden) had concocted a cold and dishonest scheme to lead the defendant into a snare, and thereby seek to extort from him a sum of money which he had in a pretended spirit of justice, agreed to forfeit". On 28 Jan. 1892 - the judge ruled in favor of Guilliam, "plaintiff having failed to prove his demand to the satisfaction of the court, it is therefore by reason of the law and the evidence being in favor of defendant - all cost to plaintiff". Mr. Braden appealed to 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals on 28 Jan. 1892. On 10 Jan. 1893 - Appeals court ruled "in our opinion the judgment of the District Judge is correct and is therefore affirmed with cost of both courts". Mr. Braden lost his case and had to pay all court cost. It appears Mr. Braden was a land speculator and expected to sell the land to "immigrants" moving to Calcasieu Parish and he had no interest in farming this land.
On the 1900 Acadia Parish census Guilliam is shown living near Mermentau/Egan near his brother Jean Durel and Virginie's home, like all his brothers and sisters he is shown as a farmer.
Guilliam was a witness for his brother-in-law, Dr. Louis Espargilier, when Dr. Louis was accused of threatening Mr. J. Flash - see Josephine Alidia's for additional information. Guilliam testified as to the number of trees cut by Mr. Flash.
On the Acadia Parish tax rolls for 1893, Guilliam was taxed on 135 acres of land, 2 horses, 2 cattle, and 1 wagon. In 1896 he was taxed on 135 acres of land, 2 horses, 4 oxen, 1 wagon, and
1 cart. In 1904 he was taxed on 135 acres of land, 1 horse, 1 mare, 2 mules, 7 cattle, 1 wagon, and 1 buggy.
Guilliam played the fiddle, he could read and write French, and he loved to play cards (for money). Melinda did not like his gambling. When she had her teeth removed, Guilliam gave her some money to pay for her new teeth but she did not want to pay for them with his gambling money, she wanted "clean money".
On the 1930 census Guilliam and Melinda are shown living next to the home of one of his sons, G. Arcade. They are living in the Egan-Iota area and they are shown as living alone in a rented home.
Guilliam and his wife, Melinda, moved in with Maxime, one of his sons, and Maxime's wife, Ella Thibodeaux, as they got older (near Egan, La.). Unfortunately, Ella died on 6 Jan 1933 and Melinda died on 14 Jan 1933. Shortly after Melinda's death, Guilliam moved in with his daughter Oliza and Desere Henry, near Mermentau, this is where he was staying when he died in 1939.
Guilliam's succession (#2428 Book O-06 page 14 - 3 May 1939) shows he had 135 acres of land in Sect 6 T 10 SR 2 W, located next to Maxime Pousson near Egan, La. Land located north of Bayou Plaquemine Bruelee between Mermentau and Egan, La. This land was not homesteaded but was acquired from Pierre Trahan by act of sale bearing file # 1930 $1,500.00 and recorded in Conveyance Book D pages 215, 216, and 217 - Acadia Parish Court House. He also left 13 head of cattle, 105 sacks of rice, and over ten thousand dollars of notes for money he had loaned to members of his family and others: $980.00 signed by Gilbert Simar; $1,130.90 signed by G.A.Pousson; $309.20 signed by Elisca Pousson Sensat and Oscar Sensat; $1,054.90 signed by Matthew Pousson; $666.60 signed by Lucien Hebert and Celima Pousson; $661.10 signed by Sidney Guidry and Louise Pousson; $1,320.00 signed by Maxime Pousson; etc. All notes were dated and showed interest rates and when payments were due. He also left $3.84 in his checking account and $661.09 in his savings account.
Guilliam (William) died on Saturday, 7 Apr. 1939 (Crowley Signal 13 Apr. 1939) and Melinda died on 14 Jan 1933. Both are buried in Iota, La.
{exhibit 69}
Homestead Claim - Guilliam Pousson
Homestead Certificate No. 2636
Application 6072
This land located near Welsh, Louisiana
{exhibit 70}
Land Purchase from U.S. Government
40 acres located near Welsh, La.
Some of Guilliam's descendants:
G. Arcade Pousson and Marie Trumps (ref. exhibit 71)
Family of G. Arcade (ref. exhibit 72)
Eliska Pousson and Oscar Sensat (ref. exhibit 73)
Marie Anna Pousson wife of Gustave Simon (ref. exhibit 74)
Gustave Simon husband of Marie Anna Pousson (ref. exhibit 75)
Family of Marie Anna and Gustave - Rosa Anne and August Simon (ref. exhibit 76 and 77)
Oliza Pousson and Desere Henry (ref. exhibit 78)
Honerine Omerine Pousson and Adam Kenny (ref. exhibit 79)
Adras Pousson and Rosie Regan (ref. exhibit 80)
Family of Adras (ref. exhibit 81)
Mathieu Pousson and Ella Broussard (ref. exhibit 82)
Family of Adras (ref. exhibit 83)
Maxime Pousson and Ella Thibodeaux (ref. exhibit 84)
Maxime Pousson and Dolores Kibodeaux (ref. exhibit 85)
Maxime Pousson and Azema Quebodeaux (ref. exhibit 86)
Family of Maxime (ref. exhibit 87)
Celima Pousson wife of Lucien Hebert with Clarence, Beuhal, and Clenes (ref. exhibit 88)
Celima Pousson and Lucien Hebert with Clarence, Beulah, and Clenes (ref. exhibit 88a)
Cerenic Pousson and Eleanor Richard (ref. exhibit 89)
Family of Cerenic (Selinick) (ref. exhibit 90)
Family of Cerenic (Selinick) (ref. exhibit 91)
Louise A. Pousson and Sidney Guidry (ref. exhibit 92)
Family of Louise Alphonsine (ref. exhibit 93)
(Pictures given to me by Eli Pousson, Mrs. Chester Broussard, Abel and Bernice Pousson, Herbie Hebert, Eunice Pousson, Mary Fontenot, Marjorie Richard, Abby LeJeune, etc., etc. - thank you all).
Note: exhibit 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 88a, 89, 90, 91, 92, and 93 next eleven pages.
{exhibit 71}
Guillaume Arcade Pousson
and Marie Trumps
{exhibit 72}
standing - left to right
Sister Therese Pousson
Eli Pousson
Michael Pousson
Andrew Pousson
Sister Rose (Eunice) Pousson
Sister Carola (Olive) Pousson
Sylvia Pousson
Leon Pousson
sitting
G. Arcade Pousson
and Marie Trumps
{exhibit 73}
Eliska (Alisca) Pousson
and Oscar Sensat
{exhibit 74}
Marie Anna Pousson
married Gustave
Simon
{exhibit 75} - ref. exhibit 74
Gustave Simon married
To Marie Anna Pousson
{exhibit 76}
August E. Simon
Son of Gustave & Marie
{exhibit 77}
Rosa Anne Simon (center)
Daughter of Gustave & Marie
Right - Marvis Hebert
Left - unknown
{exhibit 78}
Oliza (Olysia) Pousson and Desere Henry
{exhibit 79}
Honerine (Omerine) Pousson
and Adam Kenny
{exhibit 80}
Adras Pousson
and Rosie Regan
{exhibit 81}
left to right
Wallace Pousson
Collins Pousson
Hayes Pousson
Irvin Pousson
Maurice Pousson
Eric Pousson
{exhibit 82}
Mathieu (Matthew) Pousson
and Ellia Broussard
{exhibit 83} ref. exhibit 80 and 81
Left to right
Eric (Boniface) Pousson
Maurice (Ignace) Pousson
Hayes Pousson
Irvin Pousson
Euna Mae Pousson
{exhibit 84}
Maxime Pousson
and Ella Thibodeaux
(wife one)
{exhibit 85}
Maxime Pousson
and Dolores Kibodeaux
(wife two)
with Clinton Pousson
{exhibit 86}
Maxime Pousson
and Azema
Quebodeaux
(wife three)
{exhibit 87a}
left to right (1953)
Abby Pousson
Anthony Pousson
Maxime Pousson
Walter Pousson
Guilliam Pousson
Clinton Pousson
Elias Pousson
Egnas Pousson
Whitney Pousson
Philip Pousson
August Pousson
Abner Pousson
Ellis Pousson
Lloyd Pousson (front)
left to right (CA 1940)
standing
August Pousson
Abby Pousson
Ellis Pousson
Elias Pousson
Egnas Pousson
Anthony Pousson
Walter Pousson
seated
Abner Pousson
Guilliam Pousson
Maxime Pousson
Philip Pousson
Whitney Pousson
{exhibit 88}
Celima (Zelima) Pousson
married Lucien Hebert
with Clarence, Beulah, and Clenes
{exhibit 88a}
Celima (Zelima) Pousson and
Lucien Hebert with Clarence,
Beulah, and Clenes
{exhibit 89}
Selinick(Sereni-Cerenic) Pousson
and Eleanor (Lonar) Richard Lovina,
{exhibit 90)
Left to right
Lovina, Edwin, Gaston, and Abel Pousson
{exhibit 91} - ref. exhibit 90
Family of Cerenic Pousson and Leonore Richard
Left to right
Bernice Rachel, Abel Pousson, Lee Arthur Crenshaw, Lovina Leona Pousson, Edwin John Pousson, Margurette Truax, Muriel Stone, and Gaston Pousson
{exhibit 92}
Louise Alphosine Pousson and Sidney Guidry
{exhibit 93}
left to right - standing - Chester Guidry, Wilfred Guidry, Clifton Guidry, and John Ravis Guidry - sitting - Velma Guidry Romero, Louise Pousson, Betty Lou Guidry Hardee, and Vivian Hazel Guidry Broussard
VI - Jean Durel Pousson born 23 Aug. 1855, Chataignier, La. m. Virginie Fontenot born 2 Aug. 1865 (daughter of Louis Fontenot and Meline Saucier) they were married 16 Nov. 1881 and they had twelve children (ref. exhibit 94).
{exhibit 94}
Jean Durel Pousson
and Virginie Fontenot
Jean Durel is shown on the 1860 and 1870 St. Landry Parish census staying with his parents in Chataignier. On the 1880 St. Mary Parish census Jean Durel is shown staying with his sister, Latitie and her husband, Alexandre Lanclos, in Centerville/Franklin and is shown as a farm laborer.
In 1881 he married and must have moved to near Mermentau, he owned some land there that he purchased from the U.S. Government (ref. exhibit 95) - lots no. 1 and 2 of Sect 7 T 10 SR 2 W - about 80 acres - purchased on 20 Jun. 1885, (Acadia Parish Court House Book G-3 page 767 filed 5 Apr. 1919). Durel also purchased, from his brother-in-law, Dr. Louis Espargilier about 80 acres for $500.00 - lot no. 3 Sect 29 T 9 SR 2 W (Acadia Parish Court House Book D page 212 - 10 Aug. 1889). On the same day, 10 Aug. 1889, Durel sold 86 acres of land to Dr. Louis Espargilier for $111.00 - lots no. 1 and 2 of Sect 7 T 10 SR 2 W - purchased from the U.S. Government (ref. exhibit 95). On 5 Mar. 1894, Durel buys 40 acres from Dr. Louis Espargilier for $450.00 - N 1/2 of lot 4 Sect 29 T 9 SR 2 W (Acadia Parish Court House Book K page 436). On 9 Mar. 1899, Durel buys 121 acres from Cecelia Lacombe, widow of David Lacombe, for $100.00 - lot 2 Sect 28 T 9 SR 2 W (Acadia Parish Court House Book T page 50). On 3 Apr. 1905, Durel purchased land from Philip Lapleau for $1,200.00 and then on 1 Dec. 1905, he resold this same land back to Philip Lapleau for $1,263.75 (Acadia Parish Court House Book G2 page 511 and Book G2 page 780). Most of the above land is located on the North side of Bayou Plaquemine between Mermentau and Egan. On the 1900 Acadia Parish census he is shown living near his brother Guilliam in the Mermentau/Egan area, this is where most of his children were born - most were baptized in Iota, La.
On the Acadia Parish tax rolls for 1887, Jean Durel was taxed on 80 acres of land - ward 4 lots 1 and 2 in Sect 7 and 10 SR 2 W. In 1888 he was taxed on 120 acres of land - lot 38 sect 29 T 9 SR 2 W, 2 horses and 1 wagon. In 1896 he was taxed on 120 acres of land - lot 38 sect 29 T 9 SR 2 W, 11 acres of land - Sect 7 T 10 SR 2 W, 1 horse, 2 mules, and 1 wagon.
In about 1903 Jean Durel and his family moved to near Lacassine (near to where his parents once lived). Jean Durel sold his land near Mermentau on 14 Jan 1909 (Acadia Parish Court House Book O2 page 241) - "J. Durel Pousson, a resident of Calcasieu Parish" sold 134 acres of land to Mr. Eugene Haussiere for $2,749.00 (lot 3 and N 1/2 of lot 4 of Sect 29 T 9 SR 2 W - 120 acres and lots 1 and 2 Sect 7 T 10 SR 2 W - 14 acres - this land was purchased from Dr. Louis Espargilier and from U.S. Government).
Jean Durel owned his land near Lacassine, was a rice farmer and had a few cattle. I found Jean Durel listed many times buying and selling land in the Lacassine area - I have listed a few of these transactions (note: most of the records for Calcasieu were destroyed in 1910 when most of Lake Charles burned):
a. Book 125 page 637 - Calcasieu Parish - Eloi Hebert sold to J. D. Pousson - 20 acres $375.00 - 22 Jan. 1912.
b. Book 130 page 582 - Calcasieu Parish - Mrs. Marie Verret, born Lorrain, sold to J. D. Pousson - 52.75 acres $1,125.00 - 15 Apr. 1912.
c. Book 130 page 584 - Calcasieu Parish - Paul Lorrain sold to J. D. Pousson - 52.75 acres $1,125.00 - 15 Apr. 1912.
d. Book 133 page 85 - Calcasieu Parish - J. D. Pousson gave right of way to Calcasieu Parish for public road.
e. Book 134 page 170 - Calcasieu Parish - J. D. Pousson purchased land at sheriff sale from Francois Benoit (acres not show) $300.00 - 9 Aug. 1912.
f. Book 247 page 59 and 60 - Calcasieu Parish - J. D. Pousson sold, for $1.00, right of way to State of La. for Route #2 - Jennings/Lake Charles highway. - 14 Dec. 1929.
g. Book F page 417 - Jeff Davis Parish - J. D. Pousson purchased 20 acres - $300.00 - 6 May 1915, from heirs of Jean Bertrand Pousson (J.D. Pousson's parents).
h. Book I page 666 - Jeff Davis Parish - J. D. Pousson sold 40 acres - $1,200.00 - 16 Feb. 1917, to Felbert Mallet.
i. Book K page 64 - Jeff Davis Parish - J. D. Pousson purchased 203.7 acres - $3,564.75 - 18 July 1917, from Jabez Watkins.
j. Book M page 97 - Jeff Davis Parish - Pierre A. Hebert et als sold to J. D. Pousson - 162 acres $2,495.10 - 30 Jan. 1918.
k. Book R page 236 - Jeff Davis Parish - J. D. Pousson sold 203.7 acres $8,148.00 - 7 Jan. 1920, to Arthur Jones.
Note: Not all land transactions are listed.
Durel could read both French and English - the family spoke only French at home. On their 50th wedding anniversary they had a dinner to celebrate and Jean said he would die within two months-he died 16 Jan. 1932 exactly two months after their anniversary dinner of 16 Nov. 1831.
During the depression he loaned some of his children money to help with their crops but they could not repay him due to the very poor economy. Before he died he "wrote off" all their loans and those children that he had not loaned to he gave $1,200.00 to make everything "even".
One interesting story told to me was as follows - Jean Durel had a horse named "Daisy" and when Jean went to town and did a little too much celebrating his friends would put him on "Daisy" and tell the horse to go home - when the horse got to the front gate of Jean's home he would just stand at the gate until someone would come and let them in.
Jean Durel's and Virginie's succession (#1022 and #1539 - Jeff Davis Court House - Jennings, La.) shows they had about 700 acres of farm land and timber land in the Lacassine, La. area. They also left 26 cattle, 2 mules, 3 horses, 1 wagon, 2 walking plows, 40 sacks of seed rice, 28 sacks of milling rice, several saving accounts, several checking accounts, etc.
Jean Durel died at his home at 3:00 A.M. on 16 Jan. 1932, after an illness of two weeks (Jennings Paper of 19 Jan. 1932). On the Rice Belt Journal 22 Jan. 1932 - Welsh, La. newspaper - "Mr. Durel Pousson, one of this parish's oldest and most highly respected pioneer citizens passed to his reward Sunday morning, Jan. 17 (should be 16th) aged 76 years. He had been a very progressive farmer and successful business man, having reared a large family of twelve children". Virginie died on 22 Nov. 1941 - On the Rice Belt Journal 28 Nov. 1941 - Welsh, La. newspaper - "Funeral services for Mrs. J. D. Pousson, 76, who died from a short illness at her home near Lacassine early Saturday morning...". "Mrs. Pousson was a devout Catholic and was widely known for her charitable works". Jean Durel and Virginie are buried in Lacassine, La.
Some of Jean Durel's descendants:
Family picture of all Jean Durel's children (ref. exhibit 96) picture taken in 1953 - given to me by Marie Dora Pousson LeLeaux and Della Louise LeLeaux Thibodeaux.
{exhibit 96)
left to right
Jean Bernard Pousson
John Durel Pousson Jr.
Jean Pasqual Pousson
Jean Bertrand Pousson
Melinda Pousson Reed
Julia Pousson Gary
Mathilda Pousson Hebert
Aimea Pousson Bourgeois
Marie Dora Pousson LeLeaux
Merita Pousson Begnaud
{exhibit 95}
Land purchased from U.S. Government
NOT - Homestead land
Ref. Page 104 - part of this land was sold to Dr. Louis Espargilier
VII - Isaie Izie Pousson born 28 Oct. 1857 Chataignier, La. m. Marie Beaufort born 10 Sept. 1864 they were married 31 May 1886 and they had seven children (ref. exhibit 97).
{exhibit 97}
Marie Beaufort wife of
Isaie Izie Pousson
original picture damaged
by water (storm)
Isaie is shown on the 1860 and 1870 St. Landry Parish census staying with his parents in Chataignier. On the 1880 Calcasieu Parish census Isaie is shown as a laborer, living near his parents home in Lacassine. He is shown living with Lucien Corbello but is shown as his "brother-in-law"? On the 1920 Jeff Davis census Isaie and Marie are shown as farmers living near Elton (Police Jury Ward 4). The 1920 census has a section for education and shows Isaie could not read or write but shows Marie could read and write.
Isaie married in 1886 and lived near Welsh where all his children were born - all were baptized there. They lived in Welsh about 17 years, then they moved to Cheno - near Elton, La. He owned some woodland where he had his home - about a mile from where the Liberty cemetery is now located. He planted cotton but had to share the crop with the landowners. He also raised chickens and pigs for his family - this he did not have to share with the landowners because this was done on his land.
On the succession of Jean Bertrand Pousson and Josephine S. Guillory (ref. exhibit 63, 64, 65, and 66), Isaie sold his interest in the succession of his father, Jean B. Pousson and of his deceased mother, Mrs. Josephine G. Pousson, to Paulin Fontenot, his brother-in-law. Isaie sold his share to Paulin on 30 Nov. 1900.
I could not find any succession for Isaie and Marie so, I assume, they had little or no land when they died. The only time I found any land transaction for Isaie was when he sold a strip of land 100 feet wide for the right-of-way for Kansas, Watkins, and Gulf RR Company (Jeff Davis Court House Book 9 page 125). I assume he acquired this land when this area was part of Calcasieu Parish and was recorded in that Court House which was destroyed in the Lake Charles fire of 1910. Isaie homesteaded 160 acres near Iowa, La. (ref. exhibit 98) - this land is located around the current Hwy 165 area. I could not find where this land was sold before or after they moved to Cheno - near Elton, La.
Both Isaie and his wife, Marie, died at the home of their oldest daughter in Welsh (Louise Honorine and Vincent Bertrand). Isaie moved in with his daughter when he became ill but his wife stayed in Cheno until all the children left home and then she moved in with Louise and died of cancer. Marie loved to visit (she had a sister that lived in New Orleans), she would leave for days or weeks at a time so Isaie had to do the farm work and take care of the children while his wife was gone.
Isaie died 13 Dec. 1926 and Marie died 22 Nov. 1939 - on the Rice Belt Journal 24 Nov. 1939 - Welsh, La. newspaper - "Mrs. Marie Pousson died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 1939, at the home of her daughter Mrs. V. Bertrand where she had resided for the past thirteen years, she died at 5:30 P.M. Mrs. Pousson had reached the ripe age of 75 and had only been sick a few weeks before her death. She possessed a likable and friendly disposition that won her many friends". Isaie and Marie are buried next to the church in Welsh, La.
Some of Isaie's descendants:
Family picture of some of Isaie's children with their spouses - taken in 1960 (ref. exhibit 99)
Albert Pousson husband of Edores Demary (ref. exhibit 100)
(Pictures given to me by Hubert Pousson, Mrs. Anita A. Pousson, and Robert and Eva Duhon)
{exhibit 99}
left to right - Theogian Fontenot, Vincent Bertrand,
Louise Honorine Pousson Bertrand, Marcelia Manuel,
Gilbert Pousson, Adam Pousson, Azena Marie Pousson
Matt, Marie Cormier Pousson, and Louisa Ida Pousson
Fontenot
{exhibit 100}
Albert Pousson
married Edores Demary
{exhibit 98}
Homestead Claim - Isaiah Pousson
Homestead Certificate No. 3371
Application 5513
This land is located near Iowa, La. around the current Hwy 165 area. This land homestead act was, in all probability, recorded in Calcasieu Parish. I could not find where this land was sold before or after they moved to Cheno - near Elton, La. - I assume the sale was also recorded in Calcasieu Parish. Records may have been destroyed in the Lake Charles fire of 1910.
The spelling of Isaie is often shown as Isaiah.
VIII - Godefroy Isaac Pousson born 20 Feb. 1860, Chataignier. Godefroy died as an infant on 1 Sept. 1860.
IX - Tonice (Stanislas-Tannesse) Pousson born 18 Sept. 1862 Chataignier, La. m. Mary (Perroquet) Peloquin born 26 Feb. 1875 they were married 31 Dec. 1904 and they had six children (ref. exhibit 101). Tonice is shown on the 1870 St. Landry Parish census living with his parents in Chataignier. He is shown on the 1880 Calcasieu Parish census with his parents in what is now Lacassine in Jeff Davis Parish.
{exhibit 101}
Tonice Pousson and his wife - Mary Peloquin
Pictures given to me by Beulah Corbello - Iowa, La.
Tonice (spelled Stanislaus) homesteaded 120 acres (ref. exhibit 102) - land located West of Fenton, Louisiana and North of Iowa, La. On 26 Aug. 1899, Tonice sold four acres of this land to Alexander Miller for $20.00 - Jeff Davis Court House Book 8 page 435 - NE 1/4 of SW 1/4 of Sect 17 T 8 SR 6 W (Note: Lake Charles Court House Book 112 page 500 shows this as forty acres). Tonice signed with an "X". On the 1900 Calcasieu Parish census Tonice and Mary are shown as farmers with five of their children.
On 11 Jan. 1906 (Calcasieu Court House Book 119 page 353 2nd recording 22 Apr. 1911) Mary Peloquin Pousson, wife of Tonness Pousson sold 8 1/2 acres of inherited land for $54.55 (Signed in Fenton, La. and both signed with an "X").
On the 1910 Calcasieu Parish census Tonice and Mary are shown as "laborer-working out" with all six of their children at home. On the 1920 Jeff Davis Parish census he and Mary are shown as farm laborers with two of their children still at home - they are living in the North West Section of Jeff Davis Parish - Police Jury Ward 9 (reminder - Jeff Davis Parish was formed from Calcasieu Parish in 1912). The 1920 census has a section for education and shows Tonice could not read or write but Mary could read and write. Note: 1890 census destroyed by fire in 1921.
On the 1930 Jeff Davis Parish census Tonice and Mary are shown with one son still at home - the son is listed as “Harrison age 20 single” - this must be Alton Joseph Pousson he would have been 20 and single in 1930. Tonice’s occupation is shown as Janitor - Public School and shows that he is renting his home - the monthly rent is shown as $2.00.
On the succession of Jean Bertrand Pousson and Josephine S. Guillory (ref. exhibit 63, 64, 65, and 66) Tonice sold his interest in the succession of his father, Jean B. Pousson, and of his deceased mother, Mrs. Josephine G. Pousson, to Paulin Fontenot, his brother-in-law. Tonice sold his share to Paulin on 16 Dec. 1898.
Tonice and Mary moved to Illinois and lived with their daughter, Alice and her husband Joe Riddle. They lived there only a short time, they found the weather too cold so they moved back to Louisiana. They moved to Lake Charles and lived with their son Alton and his wife Gussie Pool. It appears for the last 15 - 25 years of their lives they lived with Alton. Tonice would "visit" his other son, Arcade, who lived North of Iowa, La., this "visit" would last weeks or months at a time - Mary would stay in Lake Charles with Alton and his family. Tonice smoked a pipe and loved to fish - it appears this was his main "job".
I could not find a succession for Tonice and Mary so, I assume, they owned little or no land when they died. I could not find what happened to their homesteaded land.
Lake Charles Paper of 31 Mar. 1954, page 19 - "Tonice Pousson 91, resident of Lake Charles for 25 years, died at 4 PM Tuesday at his home 2109 Knapp St. funeral at Lacassine cemetery..." Jennings Paper of 31 Mar. 1954 - "Tonice Pousson of Lacassine succumbs at 91, died in Lake Charles yesterday afternoon at 4, after a long illness". Tonice is buried in Lacassine and Mary, who died 14 Dec. 1946, is buried in LeFranc cemetery near Iowa, La.
{exhibit 102}
Homestead Claim - Stanislaus Pousson
Homestead Certificate No. 8166
Application 14710
This land located West of Fenton, La. and North of Iowa, La. Part of this land was sold to Alexander Miller for $20.00 - On 26 Aug. 1899, Tonice sold four acres (as shown in Jeff Davis Court House) or forty acres (as shown in Lake Charles Calcasieu Court House)
X - Joreme (Jeremi) Pousson born 18 May 1864, Chataignier. Joreme (shown as 6 years old) is shown on the 1870 St. Landry Parish census with his parents in Chataignier. On the 1880 Calcasieu Parish census Joreme (shown as 16 years old) is shown living with his parents in Lacassine, his occupation is shown as laborer. Unfortunately most of the 1890 census records were destroyed by fire in 1921 (all Louisiana records were destroyed). The next time I found Joreme's name was on the successions of Jean Bertrand Pousson and Josephine Guillory - 1912 - (ref. exhibit 63, 64, 65 ,and 66) "... that their brothers Bertrand Pousson and Jeremi (Joreme) Pousson, both died in your said Parish and State intestate, unmarried and without issue."
