Rin Tin Tin (often billed as Rin-Tin-Tin in the 1920s and 1930s) was the name given to several German Shepherds of film and television. The first of the line (c. September 5, 1918 – August 10, 1932) was a shell-shocked pup found by American serviceman Lee Duncan in a bombed-out dog kennel in Lorraine, France less than two months before the end of World War I. Named for a puppet called Rintintin that French children gave to the American soldiers for good luck, at war's end Duncan took the dog back to his home in Los Angeles, California.
Biloxi Families
- 9344 reads
Ahern Family
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- 617 reads
Descendants of Eugene Patrick Ahern
Generation 1
EUGENE PATRICK AHERN was born on 25 Mar 1842 in Cork, Ireland. He died on 05 Aug 1920 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married Margret Mary "Maggie" Flood, daughter of Unknown Flood and Unknown Unknown, on 05 Jul 1872 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA. She was born in Dec 1847 in Kildare, Ireland. She died on 19 Oct 1909 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
Eugene Patrick Ahern and Margret Mary "Maggie" Flood had the following children:
JOHN M. AHERN was born in May 1873 in Baton Rouge,East Baton, Louisiana. He died on 22 Aug 1940 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi.
NICHOLAS AHERN was born in Oct 1874 in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. He died on 31 Oct 1916 in Meridian, Lauderdale, Mississippi, USA. He married Allyne Carolyn Ripoll on 26 May 1904 in Gulfport, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born on 17 Sep 1882 in NewOrleans,Orleans,LA. She died on 20 Jan 1948 in ,LosAngeles,CA.
EUGENE AHERN JR. was born on 23 May 1876 in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. He died on 23 Jan 1951 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married Octavia Mathias about 1923 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born on 20 Apr 1893 in France. She died on 08 Apr 1988 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
DAVID AHERN was born on 02 Dec 1877 in BatonRouge,EastBaton,LA. He died on 26 Jan 1940 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married Julia Donegan, daughter of Peter James Donegan and Mary Jane Johnston, on 04 Aug 1902 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born on 09 Aug 1880 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA. She died on 01 Apr 1940 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
GEORGE PATRICK AHERN was born on 02 May 1879 in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. He died on 19 Nov 1939 in Biloxi, Harrison County,Mississippi. He married Alice Marie Lynd, daughter of Ernest P. Lynd and Alice E Segot on 23 Mar 1911 in Harrison County, Mississippi. She was born on 28 Mar 1891 in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. She died on 08 Oct 1976 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi.
"While listening last night about 10:30 o'clock to a radio program, George Ahern, age 53 years, 626 West Beach, was stricken with a heart attack and died. The body was found soon afterward by his son, George, who happened to be passing by in his taxicab and saw the body on the floor. Mr. Ahern Saturday had gone to the home of his sister, Miss Anna Ahern, 845 East Howard, who was in New Orleans for a short visit. His brother, John Ahern, also resided there, but did not hear fall to the floor when he was stricken. The body was taken to the Biloxi Hospital, where efforts were made to revive Mr. Ahern. He was a native of Baton Rouge, but had resided in Biloxi nearly forty years. He originally was employed as a jockey in New Orleans and then was in a dray business, buying and selling mules. He later operated the U-Drive-It and Yellow Cab Taxi Co., after which he was in the restuarant business running several small establishments. At the time of his death he was employed by the county. He formerly was active in the Biloxi Lodge of Elks. Mr. Ahern is survived by his wife, Alice Lynd Ahern; three children, George Ahern Jr., Althea Ahern and Althia [sic] Ahern; three brothers, Eugene, John and Dave, Biloxi; two sisters, Mrs. W. T. Brinson and Miss Anna Ahern and a grandson, Albert Ahern. The funeral will be Tuesday, at 10 a.m. from the Bradford Parlors with services under the auspices of the Catholic Church and burial in Biloxi City Cemetery."(The Daily Herald, November 20, 1939)
George won the first Thanksgiving Day Handicap. His picture is in the trophy room of the New Orleans Fairgrounds racetrack aboard a horse called Sweet Nell.
Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Records, Book 27, pg 169: George was 53 years, 6 months, 17 days old when he died from "cerebral hypertension or cerebral hemorrhage and chronic myocarditis". He was the son of Eugene Ahern and Maggie Flood, both natives of Ireland.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Geo. Ahern, Sr., Dies Listening To Radio", November 20, 1939.
ANNA AHERN was born on 18 Mar 1884 in BatonRouge, EastBaton,LA. She died in Jul 1968 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
MARGARET CLARA AHERN was born on 08 Sep 1887 in Mississippi, USA. She died on 22 Aug 1979 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married William Thomas Brinson on 28 Apr 1915 in NewOrleans,Orleans,LA. He was born on 05 Apr 1888 in Mississippi, USA. He died on 26 Feb 1942 in Jefferson, Alabama, USA.
Generation 2
NICHOLAS AHERN (Eugene Patrick1) was born in Oct 1874 in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. He died on 31 Oct 1916 in Meridian, Lauderdale, Mississippi, USA. He married Allyne Carolyn Ripoll on 26 May 1904 in Gulfport, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born on 17 Sep 1882 in NewOrleans,Orleans,LA. She died on 20 Jan 1948 in Los Angeles,CA.
Nicholas Ahern and Allyne Carolyn Ripoll had the following children:
LLOYD GEORGE3 AHERN was born on 07 Apr 1905 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died on 29 Dec 1983 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA. He married Lucy Florence Learnihan, daughter of Thomas Joseph Learnihan and Anna Elizabeth Gallagher, on 07 Nov 1936 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA. She was born on 22 Mar 1913 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA. She died on 01 Apr 2003 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
NOLAN EUGENE AHERN was born in May 1907 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died on 10 Jul 1910 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
EUGENE2 AHERN JR. (Eugene Patrick1) was born on 23 May 1876 in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. He died on 23 Jan 1951 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married Octavia Mathias about 1923 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born on 20 Apr 1893 in France. She died on 08 Apr 1988 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
Eugene Ahern Jr. and Octavia Mathias had the following child:
ANNA MATHIAS3 AHERN was born on 18 Aug 1929 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 10 Dec 2001 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married Esco Frank Satchfield on 29 Mar 1951 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born on 24 Nov 1918 in Louisiana, USA. He died in Aug 1984 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
DAVID2 AHERN (Eugene Patrick1) was born on 02 Dec 1877 in Baton Rouge,East Baton,LA. He died on 26 Jan 1940 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married Julia Donegan, daughter of Peter James Donegan and Mary Jane Johnston, on 04 Aug 1902 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born on 09 Aug 1880 in New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA. She died on 01 Apr 1940 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
David Ahern and Julia Donegan had the following children:
DAVID EMMETT3 AHERN JR. was born on 15 May 1903 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died on 25 Jul 1961 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
JULIA MARY MARGARET AHERN was born on 03 Jan 1911 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 30 Nov 1996 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA. She married JOHN EMILE KONZELMAN. He was born on 27 Mar 1890 in Covington, St Tammany, Louisiana, USA. He died after 1958 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. 5. GEORGE PATRICK2 AHERN (Eugene Patrick1) was born on 02 May 1879 in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. He died on 19 Nov 1939 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married Alice Marie Lynd, daughter of Ernest P Lynd and Alice E Segot, on 23 Mar 1911 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born on 28 Mar 1891 in Orleans, Louisiana, USA. She died on 08 Oct 1976 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
George Patrick Ahern and Alice Marie Lynd had the following children:
GEORGE PATRICK3 AHERN JR. was born on 28 Jun 1912 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died on 14 Oct 1947 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married (1) JULIETTE ELIZABETH GILL, daughter of Peter Joseph Gill and Mary Mollie Catchot, on 30 Jan 1939 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born on 20 Jun 1918 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 17 Jun 1984 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married (2) ALENE MISTICH on 19 Aug 1935 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
ALTHEA JOSEPHINE AHERN was born on 15 Jul 1914 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 12 Dec 2009 in D'Iberville, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married King Vermilyea, son of David Mead Vermilyea and Mabel Alicia King, on 17 Jan 1942 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born on 04 Nov 1914 in Itasca, Minnesota, USA. He died on 19 May 1989 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
ALETHIA AGNES AHERN was born on 29 Mar 1917 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 28 Nov 1995 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married Charles Frederick Matthews, son of Frederick Charles Russell Matthews and Eunice Rebecca McConaughy, on 05 Dec 1943 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born on 05 Apr 1920 in Gretna, Jefferson, Louisiana, USA. He died on 18 Jan 2003 in Ocean Springs, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
JOSEPH AHERN was born about 1919 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died after 1920 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
MARGARET CLARA2 AHERN (Eugene Patrick1) was born on 08 Sep 1887 in Mississippi, USA. She died on 22 Aug 1979 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married William Thomas Brinson on 28 Apr 1915 in NewOrleans,Orleans,LA. He was born on 05 Apr 1888 in Mississippi, USA. He died on 26 Feb 1942 in Jefferson, Alabama, USA.
William Thomas Brinson and Margaret Clara Ahern had the following child:
EUGENE AHERN3 BRINSON was born on 03 Jan 1917 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died on 01 Jun 1997 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married ELIZABETH ANN ARMSTRONG. She was born on 04 Jul 1921 in Koscuisko,Attala,MS. She died on 04 Oct 2000 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
Generation 3
LLOYD GEORGE3 AHERN (Nicholas2, Eugene Patrick1) was born on 07 Apr 1905 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died on 29 Dec 1983 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA. He married Lucy Florence Learnihan, daughter of Thomas Joseph Learnihan and Anna Elizabeth Gallagher, on 07 Nov 1936 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA. She was born on 22 Mar 1913 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA. She died on 01 Apr 2003 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Lloyd George Ahern and Lucy Florence Learnihan had the following children:
LLOYD NICHOLAS4 AHERN was born on 17 Jun 1942 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
ALLEGRA CHRISTINA AHERN was born on 05 Jun 1943 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She married Paul Middleton Clark on 18 Dec 1965 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was born on 06 Oct 1937 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
NICHOLAS JOHN AHERN was born on 05 Jun 1943 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He married Constance Lee Buckman on 02 Apr 1965 in Nevada, USA. She was born about 1945 in California, USA.
ALENA ANN AHERN was born on 15 Sep 1944 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA. She married Stephen James Winterbottom on 14 Mar 1981 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was born on 25 Mar 1939 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
ANNA MATHIAS AHERN (Eugene2 Jr., Eugene Patrick1) was born on 18 Aug 1929 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 10 Dec 2001 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married Esco Frank Satchfield on 29 Mar 1951 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born on 24 Nov 1918 in Louisiana, USA. He died in Aug 1984 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
Esco Frank Satchfield and Anna Mathias Ahern had the following children:
Esco Satchfield was born on 01 Sep 1954 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married Ann Fletcher Smith on 03 Jan 1976 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
EMIL CHARLES SATCHFIELD was born on 24 Nov 1961 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died on 13 Jan 2005 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
JULIA MARY MARGARET3 AHERN (David2, Eugene Patrick1) was born on 03 Jan 1911 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 30 Nov 1996 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA. She married JOHN EMILE KONZELMAN. He was born on 27 Mar 1890 in Covington, St Tammany, Louisiana, USA. He died after 1958 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
John Emile Konzelman and Julia Mary Margaret Ahern had the following children:
JOHN EMILE (JACK)4 KONZELMAN JR. was born on 31 Jan 1927 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died on 31 Jan 2011 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA (Burial: Amite Memorial Gardens). He married DOROTHY (DOTSY) ANN BINDER. She was born on 16 Sep 1932 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA. She died on 19 Dec 2011 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA.
DAVID EMMETT KONZELMAN was born about 1938 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married MARY ANN RUSHING. She was born on 29 Jan 1945.
GEORGE PATRICK3 AHERN JR. (George Patrick2, Eugene Patrick1) was born on 28 Jun 1912 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died on 14 Oct 1947 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married (1) JULIETTE ELIZABETH GILL, daughter of Peter Joseph Gill and Mary Mollie Catchot, on 30 Jan 1939 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born on 20 Jun 1918 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 17 Jun 1984 in Biloxi, Harrison Mississippi, USA. He married (2) ALENE MISTICH on 19 Aug 1935 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
George Patrick Ahern Jr. and Julliette Elizabeth Gill had the following children:
ALBERT PATRICK4 AHERN was born on 12 Aug 1939 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died in Feb 1984 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married Joan (Katie) Katherine Parker on 26 Jun 1959 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born on 17 Nov 1942 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 22 Jan 2010 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
Jean C. Ahern
JEAN CARROLL AHERN was born on 25 Oct 1941 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 28 September 2013 in D'Iberville, Harrison, Mississippi. She married GEORGE "Rabbit" BARROW COUSINS. He was born on 23 May 1940 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi.
Jean was born October 25, 1941 and passed away September 28, 2013. She was a lifelong resident of the coast. She is preceded in death by her parents, George Ahern (1912-1947) and Juliette Gill Ahern (1918-1984); stepfather, Herbert Campbell; brother, Albert Ahern, Sr. (1939-1984); and sister Althea Ahern Bass (1944-1990). She is survived by her husband Barrow; 2 daughters, Talie (Michael) Janus and Nikki (Greg) Nolte; 1 brother, George (Sondra) Ahern; 2 special nephews, Derek (Stacy) and Danny (Julie) Bass; and 1 special niece, Ashley (Will) Hibberts; 9 grandchildren; and 1 great granddaughter. Jeanie, affectionately known by her grandchildren as "Muzzy" had her most enjoyable moments spending time with them. She was an active member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. She served on the Bereavement and Feeding the Priest Committees. She will be missed by her family and remembered as a beautiful, giving and loving person. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Biloxi City Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge.
REFERENCES:
The Sun Herald, 'Jean Cousins', September 30, 2013, p. A4.
ALTHEA ANN AHERN was born on 16 January 1944 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi. She died on 09 Jan 1990 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi. She married Frank "Buddy" Paul Bass Jr. on 03 December 1966 in Harrison, Mississippi. He was born on 17 May 1941 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi. He died on 15 Jun 1986 in Mobile, Alabama.
GEORGE GILL AHERN was born on 10 August 1946 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi. He married Sondra Lorine Morris on 08 May 1980 in Harrison, Mississippi. She was born on 06 August 1950.
ALETHIA AGNES3 AHERN (George Patrick2, Eugene Patrick1) was born on 29 Mar 1917 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 28 Nov 1995 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married Charles Frederick Matthews, son of Frederick Charles Russell Matthews and Eunice Rebecca McConaughy, on 05 Dec 1943 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born on 05 Apr 1920 in Gretna, Jefferson, Louisiana, USA. He died on 18 Jan 2003 in Ocean Springs, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
CHARLES VERNON4 MATTHEWS was born on 11 Dec 1944 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married (2) EMILY JOYCE BATTISE on 14 Aug 1982 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born about 1949 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
ALICE REBECCA MATTHEWS was born on 28 Sep 1949 in Brookline, Norfolk, Massachusetts, USA. She married Charles Ray Taylor, son of John Elias Taylor Sr and Ora Elizabeth Hutchins, on 24 Aug 1969 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born on 31 Aug 1943 in Jackson, Hinds, Mississippi, USA.
Generation 4
ALLEGRA CHRISTINA4 AHERN (Lloyd George3, Nicholas2, Eugene Patrick1) was born on 05 Jun 1943 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She married Paul Middleton Clark on 18 Dec 1965 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was born on 06 Oct 1937 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Paul Middleton Clark and Allegra Christina Ahern had the following children:
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JOANNA KATHERINE5 CLARK was born on 24 Jun 1970 in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, USA.
- PAUL A. CLARK was born on 17 Jul 1973 in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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NICHOLAS JOHN4 AHERN (Lloyd George3, Nicholas2, Eugene Patrick1) was born on 05 Jun 1943 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He married Constance Lee Buckman on 02 Apr 1965 in Nevada, USA. She was born about 1945 in California, USA.
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Nicholas John Ahern and Constance Lee Buckman had the following child:
HEATHER K5 AHERN was born on 05 Aug 1968 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
JOHN EMILE (JACK)4 KONZELMAN JR. (Julia Mary Margaret3 Ahern, David2 Ahern, Eugene Patrick1 Ahern) was born on 31 Jan 1927 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died on 31 Jan 2011 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA (Burial: Amite Memorial Gardens). He married DOROTHY (DOTSY) ANN BINDER. She was born on 16 Sep 1932 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA. She died on 19 Dec 2011 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA.
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John Emile (Jack) Konzelman Jr. and Dorothy (Dotsy) Ann Binder had the following children:
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JOHN (JACKIE) EMILE5 KONZELMAN III was born on 13 Aug 1953 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA.
- DENNIS MARSHALL KONZELMAN was born on 04 Oct 1955 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA. He died on 03 Nov 2009 in Kentwood, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA. He married CYNTHIA COXWELL. She was born on 15 Nov 1960 in Louisiana, USA.
- MARK RANDY KONZELMAN was born on 05 Jan 1957 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA. He married RUTH G KONZELMAN. She was born on 23 Nov 1960.
- JULIE K KONZELMAN was born on 25 Sep 1958 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA. She married WAYNE A BENNETT. He was born on 20 May 1958 in Louisiana, USA.
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CARROLL JO KONZELMAN was born on 10 Mar 1960 in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, USA. She married LANE MILLER. He was born in Louisiana, USA.
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DAVID EMMETT4 KONZELMAN (Julia Mary Margaret3 Ahern, David2 Ahern, Eugene Patrick1 Ahern) was born about 1938 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married MARY ANN RUSHING. She was born on 29 Jan 1945.
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David Emmett Konzelman and Mary Ann Rushing had the following children:
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DAVID ALAN5 KONZELMAN was born on 26 Jul 1967 in Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee, USA.
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MICHAEL ANDREW KONZELMAN was born on 04 Sep 1969 in Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee, USA. He died on 27 Oct 2008 in Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee, USA.
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LISA MARIE KONZELMAN was born in Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee, USA.
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ALBERT PATRICK4 AHERN (George Patrick3 Jr., George Patrick2, Eugene Patrick1) was born on 12 Aug 1939 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died in Feb 1984 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married Joan (Katie) Katherine Parker on 26 Jun 1959 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born on 17 Nov 1942 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 22 Jan 2010 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
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Albert Patrick Ahern and Joan (Katie) Katherine Parker had the following children:
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RHONDALYN MARIE5 AHERN was born in Feb 1958 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married Andrew Perry Puzz on 29 Aug 1981 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
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ALBERT PATRICK AHERN JR. was born on 31 Oct 1963 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married (1) KAREN LYNN WEAVER on 04 Dec 1982 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born about 1970. He married (2) REBECCA LEIGH BORRIES on 27 Aug 1994 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
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DIXIE LYND AHERN was born about Nov 1966.
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SHAWN WAYNE AHERN was born on 11 Jul 1972 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married Dyan Celine Ford on 11 Mar 1994 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
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JULIETTE (JETTY) AHERN was born in May.
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JOAN CAROL AHERN was born on 24 Oct. She married David Dale Jordan on 12 Apr 1986 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
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JEAN CARROLL4 AHERN (George Patrick3 Jr., George Patrick2, Eugene Patrick1) was born on 25 Oct 1941 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 28 Sep 2013 in D'Iberville, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married GEORGE BARROW COUSINS. He was born on 23 May 1940 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
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George Barrow Cousins and Jean Carroll Ahern had the following children:
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NATHALIE MARIE5 COUSINS was born on 27 Jul 1970 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married Michael Weston Janus on 06 May 1995 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born on 27 Jul 1966 in OceanSprings,Jackson,MS.
NIKKI MEAD COUSINS was born on 26 Feb 1973 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married Greg Norbert Nolte III on 09 Sep 2000 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born about Jul 1966.
ALTHEA ANN AHERN (George Patrick3 Jr., George Patrick2, Eugene Patrick1) was born on 16 Jan 1944 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She died on 09 Jan 1990 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married Frank (Buddy) Paul Bass Jr. on 03 Dec 1966 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born on 17 May 1941 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He died on 15 Jun 1986 in Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Frank (Buddy) Paul Bass Jr. and Althea Ann Ahern had the following children:
DEREK PAUL5 BASS was born on 21 Feb 1967 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
DANIEL AHERN BASS was born on 12 Sep 1969 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married Julie Michelle Broussard on 29 Mar 2003 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born about 1974.
ASHLEY ELIZABETH BASS was born on 26 Oct 1970 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married William Raymond Hibberts Jr. on 01 Nov 1997 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born in 1969.
CHARLES VERNON4 MATTHEWS (Alethia Agnes3 Ahern, George Patrick2 Ahern, Eugene Patrick1 Ahern) was born on 11 Dec 1944 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married (2) EMILY JOYCE BATTISE on 14 Aug 1982 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born about 1949 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
Charles Vernon Matthews and Emily Joyce Battise had the following child:
ANGELA RENEE5 MATTHEWS was born about 1983.
ALICE REBECCA4 MATTHEWS (Alethia Agnes3 Ahern, George Patrick2 Ahern, Eugene Patrick1 Ahern) was born on 28 Sep 1949 in Brookline, Norfolk, Massachusetts, USA. She married Charles Ray Taylor, son of John Elias Taylor Sr and Ora Elizabeth Hutchins, on 24 Aug 1969 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born on 31 Aug 1943 in Jackson, Hinds, Mississippi, USA.
Charles Ray Taylor and Alice Rebecca Matthews had the following children:
JAY BRENT5 TAYLOR was born on 08 Jun 1971 in Jackson, Hinds, Mississippi, USA. He married Alicia Mae Nelson, daughter of Lynn Albert Nelson and Judith Ann Goodman, on 15 Aug 1996 in LasVegas,Clark,NV. She was born on 28 Oct 1971 in San Francisco, California, USA.
PAIGE ELIZABETH TAYLOR was born on 01 Oct 1982 in NewOrleans, Orleans, LA. She died on 29 June 1986 in New Orleans,Orleans, LA.
Generation
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NATHALIE MARIE5 COUSINS (Jean Carroll4 Ahern, George Patrick3 Ahern Jr., George Patrick2 Ahern, Eugene Patrick1 Ahern) was born on 27 Jul 1970 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married Michael Weston Janus on 06 May 1995 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born on 27 Jul 1966 in OceanSprings, Jackson, MS.
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HANNAH ELIZABETH6 JANUS was born on 23 Feb 1998.
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SARAH AHERN JANUS was born on 23 Mar 1999.
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NIKKI MEAD5 COUSINS (Jean Carroll4 Ahern, George Patrick3 Ahern Jr., George Patrick2 Ahern, Eugene Patrick1 Ahern) was born on 26 Feb 1973 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She married Greg Norbert Nolte III on 09 Sep 2000 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He was born about Jul 1966.
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Greg Norbert Nolte III and Nikki Mead Cousins had the following child:
EMILIE MEAD6 NOLTE was born on 30 Dec 2002.
DANIEL AHERN5 BASS (Althea Ann4 Ahern, George Patrick3 Ahern Jr., George Patrick2 Ahern, Eugene Patrick1 Ahern) was born on 12 Sep 1969 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA. He married Julie Michelle Broussard on 29 Mar 2003 in Harrison, Mississippi, USA. She was born about 1974.
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Daniel Ahern Bass and Julie Michelle Broussard had the following children:
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FRANK PAUL6 BASS was born on 16 Aug 2003 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
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STELLA MCKENZIE BASS was born on 26 Mar 2005 in Biloxi, Harrison, Mississippi, USA.
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JAY BRENT5 TAYLOR (Alice Rebecca4 Matthews, Alethia Agnes3 Ahern, George Patrick2 Ahern, Eugene Patrick1 Ahern) was born on 08 Jun 1971 in Jackson, Hinds, Mississippi, USA. He married Alicia Mae Nelson, daughter of Lynn Albert Nelson and Judith Ann Goodman, on 15 Aug 1996 in LasVegas,Clark,NV. She was born on 28 Oct 1971 in San Francisco, California, USA.
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Jay Brent Taylor and Alicia Mae Nelson had the following children:
LOGAN SYDNEY6 TAYLOR was born on 12 Mar 1997 in Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina, USA.
GARRETT ELIAS TAYLOR was born on 10 Dec 2001 in Santa Rosa, Sonoma, California, USA.
Alves Family
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PETER ALVES
Peter Alves (1863-1939) was born in Louisiana on December 11, 1863, the son of Peter Alves and Elizabeth Supass. He married Angelina Trasierra (1876-1957), the daughter of Manuel Trasierra and Emily Numberg (1848-1924) at New Orleans on June 22, 1891. Angelina was born at New Orleans and her parents were from Mexico and Texas respectively. Their children were: August George Alves (1893-1959), Charles Alves(1896-1971), Jennie Alves Tillman (1898-1980), Bertha Alves Gerosa Churchill Thomas (1901?-1980+), Joseph Alves (1903-1953), Alma Alves Olier (1907-1987), and Wilhemina Alves West(1910-2005).
The Peter Alves family arrived at Biloxi circa 1910, probably from New Orleans. In 1920, Peter Alves was sick and not working. Angelina was an oyster shucker in a canning plant. They lived on Myrtle Street at Point Cadet in a domicile adjacent to the Joseph A. Toche (1872-1960) family.
AUGUST G. ALVES
August George Alves (1893-1959) was born December 23, 1893. He married Lola Daniels (1898-1940). Children: August G. Alves II (1915-1979), Lola Claire Alves (1918-1919), Joyce Alves Nocora, and Rita Alves Oliver. He died on March 15, 1959 while she expired on November 11, 1940. Buried Biloxi City Cemetery.
August G. Alves II
August G. “Ducky” Alves II (1915-1979) married Phala Louise Vierling (1921-1978). Their children: August G. Alves III, Kay A. Braun DeSilvey, and Kevin Alves. In 1958, August G. Alves is making his livelihood as a ship captain and living at 120 West End Homes in Biloxi.
August G. Alves III
August George Alves III [1938-2018] expired on 5 November 2018.
Kay C. Alves
Kay A. Claire Alves (b. 1939) married Robert E. Braun (b. 1942), the son of Russell Braun and Louise Ruiz, at Pascagoula in April 1963. He was a water ski instructor and bartender.(JXCO, Ms. MRB 103, p. 204)
Kevin Vincent Alves (b. 1948) the son of August G. Alves II (1915-1979) and Phala Louise Vierling (1921-1978). Grew up at 27 Holcomb Boulevard. Joined USAF and while a serviceman, he married Lynn Belle Speed (b. 1950), the daughter of Alfred Luke Speed (19-1997) and Irene Martin (1913-2015), at Ocean Springs in August 1968.(JXCO, Ms, Circuit Court MRB 111, p. 157)
Appointed police chief in 1983 and served in this capacity until 1989. Elected Mayor of Ocean Springs in 1989 and 1993.
Kevin Vincent Alves married Lynn Belle Speed (b. 1950), the daughter of Alfred Speed and Irene Martin, in August 1968.
Children: Kevin V. Alves II (b. 1975) and Shannon Lyn Alves (b. 1972?) married Mark Andrew Williams (b. 1969?), the son of Albert L. Williams (1927-2000) and Norma Williams of Ocean Springs, on November 27, 2004 in Biloxi.(JXCO, Ms. MRB 111, p. 157 and The Ocean Springs Record, October 28, 2004, p. A6)
Joyce Alves Nocora
Rita Alves Oliver
Rita married William Oliver. They had a daughter, Chi Chi Joyce Oliver (1940-1940) who expired as an infant on May 23, 1940. Buried Biloxi City Cemetery.
CHARLES P. ALVES
Charles Peter Alves (1896-1971) was born at New Orleans on November 17, 1896. He married Adele Marie Primeaux (1903-1975) a native of Erath, Louisiana. She was the daughter of Dupre Primeaux and Octavia Duplantis. They resided at 302 Rose Street in Biloxi where he worked as a fisherman. They had a son, Henry G. Alves (1920-1992), and four daughters: Irene Alves (1924-1924); Vivian A. Cellucci, Donna A. Flores, June A. Palumbo, Gloria A. Landry, and Mary A. Williamson. Charles Alves expired in July 1971. His remains were interred at the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, August 1, 1971, p. 2)
Henry G. Alves (1920-1992)
Henry G. Alves, called Bubba” was born at Biloxi on November 22, 1920. He made his livelihood as a marine salesman. Henry never married. During WW II, he served in the U.S. Navy. Henry G. Alves expired at Gulfport, Mississippi on November 12, 1992. His remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, November 14, 1992, p. A-2)
JENNIE ALVES
Jennie “Honey” Alves (898-1980) was born on November 22, 1898, at New Orleans. She married John William Tillman. Member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in North Biloxi. Her family was: Lionel Pete Tillman, Frank Tillman, Norma T. Rhodes, Rita T. McMillan, June T. Cannette, Shirley T. Mallette, and Joyce T. Merritt. She expired on January 26, 1980. Buried Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, January 28, 1980, p. A-2)
BERTHA ALVES
Bertha Alves (1901?-1980+) married a Mr. Gerosa. On December 21, 1921, she married Henry T. Churchill (1897 or 1900-1931), the son of Henry Frank Churchill and Mary Collins. Henry was born at Redmonville, Mississippi. He expired at Breton Island, Louisiana on May 15, 1931, while at crewman on the Willomena, a Biloxi fishing boat owned by Marco Skrmetta (1889-1959). Henry was buried in the Alves family plot in the Biloxi City Cemetery. He was survived by a son, Henry Churchill.(The Daily Herald, May 16, 1931, p. 2)
JOSEPH ALVES
Joseph “Joe” Alves (1903-1953) was born at New Orleans. He married Mable Marie Tauzin (1907-2004), a native of New Iberia, Louisiana, and the daughter of Emile Tauzin and Angela Borrell. (HARCO, Ms. MRB 36, p. 35).
Joseph Alves passed on October 19, 1953, and was buried in the Biloxi Cemetery. They were the parents of Raphael “Ray” P. Alves (1926-1988), Edmonia “Mona” Alves Sorci, Daniel Joseph Alves, and Helen Alves Wadja. Sometime before 1918, young Joe Alves was injured while working for the Sea Food Company on Point Cadet in Biloxi, Mississippi. While unloading an oyster schooner at the factory, Alves fell through a hole in the wharf and suffered bodily harm for which litigation was brought against the Sea Food Company. In February 1918, the Mississippi Supreme Court upheld the lower courts decision in favor of Alves against the defendant.(The Daily Herald, February 26, 1918, p. 1)
Mable T. Alves worked at the Dejean Packing Company in 1958, while residing at 260 Miramar Avenue in Biloxi. She expired at Ocean Springs on May 27, 2004. Buried in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, May 29, 2004, p. A-8)
Raphael P. Alves
Raphael “Ray and Ralph” P. Alves (1926-1988), called Ralph, was born at Biloxi on October 25, 1926. He married Willine Wright. They were the parents of Joyce Alves Von Heeder of Sealy, Texas. In 1958, he was a fisherman employed with the Moore Seafood Company and residing with his mother. At the time of his demise on August 30, 1988, in Houston, Texas, Raphael P. Alves was a maintenance technician for a food equipment company. His corporal remains were sent to the Biloxi City Cemetery for burial.(The Daily Herald, September 2, 1988, p. A-4)
Edmonia “Mona” Alves
Edmonia “Mona” Alves married John B. Sorci, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Salvdore Sorci, of San Jose, California on July 1, 1950, at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Biloxi, Mississippi. At the time of her mother’s death in 2004, she was residing at San Jose, California. No children?(The Daily Herald, June 29, 1950, p. 8)
Daniel Joseph Alves
Daniel Joseph “Buddy” Alves married June Mildred Kelty in Biloxi in January 1949. They were residents of Houston, Texas in August 1988. Children: John, Ray, and Gail Alves. Buddy expired before May 2004.(The Daily Herald, January 17, 1949, p. 2)
Helen Alves
Helen Alves married Wadja. Children: Anthony, John, Eugene, Jeanne W. Dykraff.
ALMA ALVES
Alma Alves (1907-1987) was born July 8, 1907. She married Voorhis Louis Olier. They had a son, Voorhis L. Olier II (1928-1948), who died on April 25, 1948. Alma expired in September 1987.
WILHEMINA ALVES
Wilhemina Alves (1910-2005) was born April 8, 1910. She was married to Houston West (1908-1997). He expired September 12, 1997. They were the parents of: Phyllis W. Spataro; Ralph West; and Hollis West. Mrs. West expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 30, 2005. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, October 4, 2005, p. A6)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “New damage suits are filed”, February 17, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Court takes adjourment”, May 12, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Damage suits in Circuit Court”, November 27, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Peter Alves given verdict for $2500”, November 28, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Motions granted for new trials”, December 17, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Sad occurrence in early morning", October 11, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Youth Wins His Suit”, February 26, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Churchill-Gerosa”, December 21, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Fisherman Dies Suddenly”, May 16, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Alves-Kelty”, January 17, 1949.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Youth Wins His Suit”, February 26, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Churchill-Gerosa”, December 21, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Fisherman Dies Suddenly”, May 16, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Alves-Kelty”, January 17, 1949.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Mona Alves”, June 29, 1950.
The Daily Herald, “Charles Pete Alves”, August 1, 1971.
The Daily Herald, “Raphael P. Alves”, September 2, 1988.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Jennie A. Tillman”, January 28, 1980.
The Daily Herald, “Henry G. ‘Bubba’ Alves”, November 14, 1992.
The Ocean Springs News, “Jennie Alves Tillman”, January 1980.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Williams and Alves honored by VFW", May 6, 1976, p. 14.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Alves Named Ocean Springs Chief of Police”, February 10, 1983.
The Ocean Springs Record, “New chief assumes duties”, February 17, 1983.
The Ocean Springs Record, “First Family”, June 22, 1989.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Alves-Williams", October 28, 2004, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, “Mabel Marie Tauzin”, May 29, 2004.
The Sun Herald, "Mrs. Wilhemina West", October 4, 2005, p. A6.
The Daily Herald, “Charles Pete Alves”, August 1, 1971.
The Daily Herald, “Raphael P. Alves”, September 2, 1988.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Jennie A. Tillman”, January 28, 1980.
The Daily Herald, “Henry G. ‘Bubba’ Alves”, November 14, 1992.
The Ocean Springs News, “Jennie Alves Tillman”, January 1980.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Williams and Alves honored by VFW", May 6, 1976, p. 14.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Alves Named Ocean Springs Chief of Police”, February 10, 1983.
The Ocean Springs Record, “New chief assumes duties”, February 17, 1983.
The Ocean Springs Record, “First Family”, June 22, 1989.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Alves-Williams", October 28, 2004, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, “Mabel Marie Tauzin”, May 29, 2004.
The Sun Herald, "Mrs. Wilhemina West", October 4, 2005, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, "Alfred Luke Speed", November 22, 1997.
The Sun Herald, "Irene Martin Speed", November 28, 2013.
Arguelles Family
Image:
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ARGUELLES
Francisco Arguelles married Bridgett McNerney (1830-1917). Children: Augustine Arguelles (1858-1888) m. Dudley H. Lang (1856-1885); Mary Arguelles (1860-1926); Francis Arguelles (b. 1861); Bridgett Arguelles (1863-1877); Joseph P. Arguelles (1865-1944) m. Louise Eva Bellman (1867-1958); Jane Arguelles (b. 1869); John Arguelles (1870-1892) m. Alphonsine Roux m. Julius S. Sablich; Rose Ida Arguelles (1874-1941) m. Andrew J. Whelan (1868-1933).
Augustine Arguelles
Augustine Arguelles(1858-1888) was born in Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Dudley Hubbard Lang (1856-1885) April 28, 1880 at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church in Biloxi, Mississippi. Their children were: Robert D. Lang (1881-1885); Nettie Eugenie Lang (1882-1971) m. Charles M. Wilkes (1880-1946); and Warren Joseph Lang (1884-1977) m. Katherine Hecht (1885-1978).
Mary Arguelles
Mary Arguelles (1859-1926) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 24, 1859.
Francis Arguelles
Francis Arguelles was born October 11, 1861.
Bridgett Arguelles
Bridgett Arguelles (1863-1877) was born December 11, 1863 to Francisco Arguelles and Bridget McNerney. She was baptized January 23, 1864 at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church in Biloxi, Mississippi.(Lepre, 1991, p. 9)
Bridget expired on May 18, 1877. Her corporal remains were interred in the Old Biloxi Cemetery, Section C-Lot 5.(Lepre, 1991, p. 8 and City of Biloxi Cemetery Records-Annette Melancon Barhonovich-September 2013)
Joseph P. Arguelles and Louise Eva Bellman
[Courtesy of Mike Arguelles-January 2016]
Joseph P. Arguelles Family circa 1905
[L-R standing: Albert Arguelles (1892-1943); Warren Arguelles (1893-1973); and Frank Charles Arguelles (1894-1943); L-R seated: George H. Arguelles (1896-1934); Lillian Arguelles (1902-2000); Joseph P. Arguelles (1866-1944); Florence Arguelles (1899-1979); Louise Eva Bellman Arguelles (1867-1958); Bernadine Arguelles (1904-1989); and Ethel "Tina" Arguelles (1897-1938). Courtesy of Mike Arguelles.
Joseph Peter Arguelles (1865-1944) was born January 25, 1866. He married Louise ‘Lou’ Eva Bellman (1867-1958), the daughter of Charles W. Bellman (1841-1885), a native of Biloxi, Mississippi and Almina Eagan (1851- 1881), a native of Hanover, Germany, on February 4, 1891 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. They were the parents eleven children of which nine were living when they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in February 1941 : Warren P. Arguelles (1891-1972) m. Fay Husley (1896-1984); Albert J. Arguelles (1892-1943) m. Elenore Frederick; Francis 'Frank' Charles Arguelles (1894-1943) m. Alice Rayburn (1898-1969); George H. Arguelles (1896-1934) m. Winnie C. Morris (1900-1980) m. Frederick D. O’Brien (1895-1958); Ethel A. Arguelles (1897-1938); Florence T. Arguelles (1899-1979); Lillian M. Arguelles (1902-2000); Bernadine W. Arguelles (1904-1989); Donald W. Arguelles (1906-1969) m. Margaret Reta Webster, Maisie Olivia Kelly King (1911-1986) m. Hugh E. Kirkland (1912-1992) and Abbie I. Anderson (1904-2002); Cecile A. Arguelles (1908-1994) m. George Pavlov (1910-1963); and Louise Arguelles (1910-1983).
Warren P. Arguelles
Warren Phillip Arguelles (1891-1972) was born November 12, 1891, the son of Joseph Peter Arguelles (1865-1944) and Louise E. Bellman (1867-1958). He married Fay Husley (1896-1984). Warren and Fay resided at 611 Kuhn Street in Biloxi, Mississippi. Warren had made his livelihood as a transit operator. He commenced his transportation career with the Mississippi Coast Traction Company as a street car operator. When it was acquired by Mississippi Power Company he continued in the industry and retired after fifty-three years when he worked for the Municipal Transit Lines. Mr. Arguelles was survived by his wife; Dorothy 'Dot' Arguelles (1916-1978) m. Harold M. Seitz, his daughter, and five sisters: Florence T. Arguelles (1899-1979); Bernadine W. Arguelles (1904-1989); Lillian M. Arguelles (1902-2000); Louise Arguelles (1910-1983); and Cecile A. Pavlov (1908-1994) m. George Pavlov (1910-1963).(The Daily Herald, August 13, 1972)
Warren P. Arguelles expired on August 1, 1972.
Albert J. Arguelles
Albert Joseph Arguelles (1892-1943) was born December 11, 1892. He married Elenore Frederick. Children: Ruth Bernadine Arguelles (1919-1922);
Francis C. Arguelles
Francis Charles Arguelles (1894-1943) was born June 26, 1894. He married Alice Rayburn (1898-1969), a native of New Orleans. Children: Douglas J. Arguelles (1917-1921); Lytle Arguelles; Frank C. ‘Mullett’ Arguelles Jr. (1923-2003); Rayburn Arguelles; Melonie “Betty’ Arguelles (1928-1975) m. Joseph Marine Rosetti (1927-2007) and John L. King.
Death of Alice R. Arguelles
Alice Rayburn Arguelles, widow of Frank C. Arguelles of Biloxi, who was burned in an accident on June 4, 1969, died Friday night, June 1969, at Howard Memorial Hospital in Biloxi where she had been a patient since the accident. Mrs. Arguelles was 71 years of age.
She was burned in an explosion at 3921 Atkinson Road, the residence of Frank ‘Mullet ‘ C. Arguelles Jr., her son. Alice was severely injured when she spilled some of the contents of the bucket of gasoline that she was carrying and it was ignited and exploded when contacting the water heater in her son’s home.
Mrs. Arguelles was born in New Orleans and had been a resident of Biloxi since 1909. She married Frank C. Arguelles in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 14, 1917. In addition to Mullet Arguelles, she was the mother of: Peter Arguelles; Mrs. Paul Martin of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Mrs. John L. King of Gulfport, Mississippi. Alice was survived by her children; a sister, Mrs. Charles Harvey of Los Angeles, California; and fourteen grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Douglas Joseph Arguelles (1917-1921). Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi directed the funeral of mrs. Arguelles, which included a Requiem Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church follwed by interment in the Biloxi Cemetery.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 29, p. 328 and The Daily Herald, June 1969, p. 2)
George H. Arguelles
George Henry Arguelles (1896-1934) was born June 30, 1896. He married Winnie C. Morris in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 2, 1918. Children: Joseph Arguelles, John ‘Jack’ R. Arguelles m. Dorothy Cobb; Ivon Anthony Arguelles (1925-2005) m. Lou Ella McMath (1928-1992); and Morris Charles Arguelles (2005) m. Mary Louise Lesso (19-2013).
George H. Arguelles died on July 26, 1934. On December 23, 1935, Winnie married Frederick Damon O’Brien (1895-1958). Their daughter, Patricia Ann O’Brien (1943-2004) m. William Ford.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 46, p. 445)
Lt. Commander John 'Jack' R. Arguelles, USN, was promoted to Commander on July 1, 1962. Jack was a graduate of the US Naval Academy and had served aboard the USS Macon and USS Essex. at the time of his promotion to Commander, he was commanding officer of the USS Walworth County (LST-1164) with the US Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.(The Daily Herald, July 16, 1962, p. 10)
Ethel A. Arguelles
Ethel Augustine Arguelles (1897-1938) was born December 23, 1897. She died July 28, 1938 at the Biloxi Hospital following emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix. Miss Arguelles was a 1916 Biloxi High School graduate.(The Daily Herald, July 28, 1938, p. 1)
Florence T. Arguelles
Florence Theresa Arguelles (1891-1979) was born June 10, 1899.
Bernadine W. Arguelles
Lillian M. Arguelles
Louise Arguelles
Cecile A. Arguelles
Johanna Arguelles
Johanna Arguelles (1869-1946) was born on February 2, 1869* and baptized “Jane” on March 9, 1869 at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church in Biloxi. She married Lars Peter Eskald (1856-1944), a Danish immigrant, on October 23, 1901 in the rectory of Nativity B.V.M.(Lepre, 1991, p. 8 and The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 24, 1901, p. 8)
Johanna and Lars Peter Eskald were the parents of two children: Robert P. Eskald (1902-1995) m. Ethel E. Jones (1906-1975) and Dorothy B. Eskald (1908-2000).
John Arguelles
Rosa Ida Arguelles
Rosa Ida Arguelles (1875-1941) was born on August 31, 1875 in Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Andrew Joseph Whelan (1868-1933), a native of New Orleans and the son of Andrew Whelan (1832-1883) and Catherine Sullivan (1844-1917), both Irish immigrants, on January 16, 1898, at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church. (Lepre, 1991, p. 8)
In 1900, the Whelan family resided at 517 Derbigny Street in the Crescent City and their first son, Father James F. Whelan (1899-1968), had been born. Andrew like many of Irish ancestry made his livelihood as a drayman at this time.(1900 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census R571, p. 18B, ED 27)
Rose Arguelles and Andrew J. Whelan had two other sons: Andrew J. Whelan Jr. (1904-1980) m. Bernice Kettenring (1919- 1967) and Daniel J. Whelan (1906-1969) m. Beatrice Muldoon (1917-1995).
When James F. Whelan chose to become a Catholic priest, it probably came as no surprise to the family, as Father James F. Whelan (1881-1919), his uncle and namesake, was ordained in June 1908 as a Lazarist Father of St. Joseph. Father Whelan drowned while swimming in the New Basin Canal in June 1919. At the time he was rector at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and chaplain of the Orleans Parish Prison.(The New Orleans Item, June 27, 1919, p. 11)
Father James F. Whelan SJ (1899-1968) became a Jesuit priest and was ordained at Woodstock, Maryland in 1928. He taught at Loyola Father Whelan expired in December 1968 and his corporal remains sent to the Jesuit Fathers Cemetery at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.(The Times-Picayune, December 17, 1968, p. 18)
Rosa Arguelles Whelan expired in Hotel Dieu in the Crescent City on February 3, 1941. Internment in St. Patrick Cemetery No. 2.(The Times-Picayune, February 4, 1941, p. 2)
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
The Biloxi Herald,“Death of Mrs. Lang”, December 1, 1888.
The Daily Herald,“City News [Eskald-Arguelles]”, October 24, 1901.
The Daily Herald,“Arguelles child [Joseph Douglas Arguelles] died this morning”, September 21, 1921.
The Daily Herald,“School Principal [Ethel Arguelles]dies at Biloxi”, July 28, 1938.
The Daily Herald,“Arguelles to have Golden Anniversary”, February 2, 1941.
The Daily Herald,“Albert J. Arguelles dies”, December 17, 1943.
The Daily Herald,“[John R.] Arguelles promoted to Commander [USN]”, July 16, 1962.
The Daily Herald,“Burns fatal to Biloxian”, June 19, 1969.
The Daily Herald,“Warren Arguelles”, August 13, 1972.
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Picayune,“Father [James F.] Whelan ordained”, June 12, 1908.
The Daily Picayune,“”,
The New Orleans Item, “Spirit of play fatal to priest [Father James F. Whelan]”, June 27, 1919.
The Press-Register [Mobile], “Margie Arguelles-St. Martin woman dies in wreck”, May 23, 2010.
The Sun Herald,“Peter Eskald”, September 2, 1995.
The Sun Herald,“Dorothy Eskald”,
The Sun Herald,“Abbie I. Arguelles”, May 21, 2002, p. A5.
The Sun Herald,“Frank ‘Mullet’ Arguelles”, May 15, 2003, p. A7.
The Sun Herald,“Rayburn ‘Pete’ Arguelles”, June 3, 2004.
The Sun Herald,“Mary Louise [Lesso]Arguelles”, June 9, 2013.
The Sun Herald,“”,
The Sun Herald,“”,
The Sun Herald,“”,
The Sun Herald,“”,
The Times-Picayune,“[Andrew Joseph]Whelan”, March 8, 1933.
The Times-Picayune,“[Rose Arguelles] Whelan”, February 4, 1941.
The Times-Picayune,“”,
The Times-Picayune,“”,
The Times-Picayune,“Rites planned for Father [James F.] Whelan”, December 17, 1968.
The Times-Picayune,“Whelan”, December 17, 1968.
Bakeler Family
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EUGENE BAKELER (1855-1923)
BAKELER
Eugene Bakeler (1855-1923) was born in
It is not known if Eugene Bakeler’s marriage to Laura Hasling ended in divorce or her demise, but on October 24, 1888, he married Marie Adoraline Chevalley (1865-1940) in New Orleans New Orleans
CHILDREN
Arthur F. Bakeler (1884-1939) married Ione [Ina] Murphy (1899-1971). Children: Marie Bakeler (1923-2010); Arthur F. Bakeler II (1925-2011) m. Marie Emilie Mayer (1925-2010); Mildred Bakeler (b. 1927?); and Alfred Smith Bakeler (1928-1978).
Albert L. Bakeler (1899-1973) married Teresa C. Sumrall (1898-1980). They resided at 601 Claiborne Street in Biloxi, Mississippi where they reared Verne Bakeler, a daughter, and their only child.
Verne Bakeler married Harold 'Flash' J. Lamas (1927-2001), the son of Harold C. Lamas (1904-1986) and Myrtle A. Balius (1908-1992). Verne Bakeler and Harold J. Lamas were the parents of three children: Catherine Lamas m. Mr. Wiltz; Thomas J. Lamas; and James A. Lamas. Harold J. Lamas expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 29, 2001.(The Sun Herald, May 5, 2001, p. A5)
BAKELER'S RESTAURANT
At
By 1900, Bakeler had established a general news, tobacco and cigar business on Reynoir Street . Eugene Bakeler had commenced his business career as a check boy in the store of D.H. Holmes, and rose to the position of salesman at the age of eighteen. Mr. Bakeler came to Biloxi
After the destructive fire of November 1900, Eugene Bakeler was the first doing business in the burnt district which speaks well for his pluck and enterprise. He was not selfish, but attributed his business success largely to his estimable wife. Mr. Bakeler was a strong advocate in the election for the Gulf & Ship Island Railroad, and believed in the future prosperity and greatness of Biloxi Biloxi
The Biloxi News Company
433 Reynoir Street
E. Bakeler M.A. Bakeler
Newspapers Magazines Periodicals
Tobacco, Cigars, and Smokers' Articles
BILOXI NEWS COMPANY
The home next door is the Bakeler residence at 431 Reynoir. Eugene Bakeler and Marie A. Bakeler were the parents of Albert L. Bakeler (1889-1973). He worked in the shop as a clerk.
note from sherry morrish <s.morrish913@gmail.com> on May 14, 2014
My mother was Mildred Agnes Bakeler, or Inez Thomise Bakeler (official birth certificate-Biloxi MS),( April 24, 1926-Jan 6, 2007). Since the Arthur Bakeler family broke up in 1930, theIr boys, ARTHUR and ALFRED were sent to an orphanage where life was harsh. Mildred lived with several relatives in a short amount of time, and finally lived with the Albert Bakeler and Teresa Summreal family, with sole cousin Verne, and Albert's mother Adoraline Marie Chevalley Michel (1940).
My mother was Mildred Agnes Bakeler, or Inez Thomise Bakeler (official birth certificate-Biloxi MS),( April 24, 1926-Jan 6, 2007). Since the Arthur Bakeler family broke up in 1930, theIr boys, ARTHUR and ALFRED were sent to an orphanage where life was harsh. Mildred lived with several relatives in a short amount of time, and finally lived with the Albert Bakeler and Teresa Summreal family, with sole cousin Verne, and Albert's mother Adoraline Marie Chevalley Michel (1940).
There was also an older brother to Arthur named Joseph(1899), born to Eugene's first wife, Laura Hasling (1866). Arthur Jr and Alfred set up household when Arthur aged out of the orphanage (1938) and brought his younger brother with him. Although Mildred does not show up on the 1930 census, in a subsequent census dated 1930, she does appear as a resident of the Albert Bakeler household. Mildred graduated from the local Catholic girls school in Biloxi in 1944. She worked briefly in civil service at the Military base, but left soon after to New Orleans' L'hotel Dieu, where she enrolled in the Nurses Corps, supporting the war effort . She left upon graduation for San Diego Ca 1948, to work in a hospital. She was estranged from most of the Arthur Bakeler family for the rest of her life. She did maintain family relationships with Albert and Teresa Bakeler, her uncle and aunt, and especially Floyd and Verne Lamas. There are 3 Bakeler adult children from Verne and Floyd.
REFERENCES:
JOURNALS
The
The Baton Rouge Advocate
The Biloxi
The Biloxi
The Biloxi Daily Herald, "Barber has brainstorm, says Bakeler", October 29, 1909.
The Daily Herald, "Bakeler is a candidate", April 21, 1916, p. 5.
The Daily Herald, "Eugene Bakeler ill", October 24, 1921, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, "Albert L. Bakeler", August 16, 1973, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Teresa Sumrall Bakeler", December 26, 1980, p. A 2.
The Times Picayune, “[Arthur F. Bakeler] Held under the White Slave laws”, February 22, 1917.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths [Ina Bakeler]”, November, 1971.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths [Alfred S. Bakeler]”, October 5, 1978.
Bellande Family
- 1081 reads
THE BELLANDE FAMILY FROM MARSEILLE TO MISSISSIPPI
The Family of Antoine V. Bellande (1829-1918)
FORWARD
Historical research and writing are fun. Since moving to Ocean Springs in May 1990, I have enjoyed visiting the libraries and courthouses, reading old newspapers, and conversing with others interested in the local history of coastal Mississippi. In the process of assimilating new knowledge, I have made discoveries about our Family Bellande. I would like to thank Louis E.Bellande Jr. of Chicago for his valuable assistance with our Midwest Family. Mary Blair Kleyn of Laguna Hills, California sent me timely information about our west coast Family. Locally, Regina Hines, J.K. Lemon, and Murella Powell have been of great assistance and support in making From Marseille To Mississippi a better document. I personally again thank all of you who responded with letters and calls after receiving your first addition. Please enjoy this, your Family History "its the only one you've got". I always appreciate comments and criticism. Thank you again for your support and patience.
THE AUTHORS
Heidi Balje Good was born in Germany in 1947. She is married to Paul Good whose great grandmother was Zoe Willamine Bellande (b. 1863). Zoe was the youngest daughter of Joseph H. Bellande (b. 1813) in Marseille, and Roseline LaFauce (b. 1821) probably at Vieux Biloxy (Ocean Springs). Paul and Heidi Good reside in the Sultanate of Oman were Paul is employed with the Petroleum Development of Oman, a joint venture between Shell Oil and the Omani Government. Their children are: Sebastian (b. 1975), Adriane (b. 1979), Marian (b. 1982), and Elisabeth (b. 1983). Heidi received her Doctorate in Biology from UCLA.
Ray L. Bellande (b. 1943) is a Biloxi native. He is the great grandson of Antoine V. Bellande. Presently Bellande resides at Ocean Springs, home of his ancestors, where he has written since 1993, a weekly history column for The Ocean Springs Record titled, "Sous Les Chenes" and “Images Under the Oaks”. He has published several books: The Bellande Cemetery: A History and Register (1990); From Marseille to Mississippi, A Bellande Family History (1991); Ocean Springs Hotels and Tourist Homes (1994); and Ocean Springs, The Way We Were 1900-1950 (1996). (1829-1918), born at Marseille, France, and Marie Harvey (1840-1894) of Back Bay (now D'Iberville). Bellande attended Biloxi parochial and public schools. He matriculated at New Mexico Tech in 1961, and graduated with a B.S. degree in Petroleum Geology from Mississippi State University in 1965. Bellande was employed by Humble Oil (Exxon), Tenneco, and others before becoming an independent geologist and oil operator at Lafayette, Louisiana in 1980. His oil exploration activities brought him to many petroleum provinces as he has resided or worked in Louisiana, California, Alaska, Texas, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Mississippi, and Alabama.
1971 Ray Bellande, and now in 2009 
Marsaille, France
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This story commences in Marseille, France. Marseille with a population approaching one million people is the second largest city in France and the nation's chief port. It was founded by Greek mariners about 600 BC, and called Massalia (Massilia). There is some archaeological evidence to suggest that Phoenicians settled here even earlier.
Marseille has always been France's gateway to the East. Since ancient times, both the goods and culture of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia have entered France at the Marseille docks. The economy of Marseille is based on trade and manufacturing. The city's port handles about a third of the traffic of all French seaports. Industries in the area process chemicals, food, and petroleum from many parts of the world. The city's chief manufactured products include bricks, candles, engines, medicine, soap, and tiles. Until the intensified police action of the early 1970s, it was a center for the manufacture and shipping of drugs, especially heroin. Remember the "French Connection" with Popeye Doyle (Gene Hackman)?
Marseille has many beautiful churches. The hilltop church, Notre-Dame de la Garde, the patron saint of the city's fishing fleet has a large image of the Virgin Mary on its tall steeple. (See photo). This holy image can be seen far out at sea.
Dr. Andre' Bellande and Sonia Tchiftbachian Bellande
Madame Rene'e Bellande and Clement Bellande of Marseille,
[1973 image] of Marseille daughter-in-law and son,of Andre'
and Bonnieux, France. and Rene'e Bellande.[2008 image]
In September 1972, I was returning from an assignment with Esso Exploration Malaysia and decided to visit the Cote d'Azur and Marseille. I drove a rental car from Nice to Marseille, an easy day drive. My arrival in the large port city took place late in the afternoon. A search of the local telephone directory for the name Bellande surprised me as their were only a few listed. One was an Andre' Bellande, le medcin (medical doctor). Rather than telephone, Dr. Bellande, I chose to take a taxi to his domicile the following morning. This was a mistake as he was not there. His duties that day took him into the country side making house calls. I did meet his delightfully charming wife, Rene'e, and her children. They were all quite surprised to meet this American "cousin"!
Although I remained in Marseille for only one day, I was able to establish good relations for future communications. One very interesting fact I did learn that day was a plausible explanation for the origin of the family name, BELLANDE. Jean Bellande, the uncle of Andre', related that the name was derived from two French words, Bel (beautiful) and Lande, an evergreen tree which is prevalent in the area around the city of Bordeaux in southwest France. The Department or State in which Bordeaux is situated is called Landes for the trees.
Heidi Balje Good in her detailed research of the Simmons-Bellande families located a Frederick Bellande residing in St. Lambert, Quebec, Canada. Messieur Bellande was told by his family that "the Bellandes were Jewish originating from a little town called Uppsala in Sweden and that they went afterward to live in Bordeaux". A copy of this letter is included in the appendix of this document as it is a valuable reference for clues to the relationship of the Bellande families of Haiti, Canada, the United States, and the French cities of Marseille and Bordeaux.
We know that our common ancestor, Antoine Victor Bellande, was born September 11, 1829 in Marseille. His parents were Jean Antoine Joseph Marie Bellande (1790-1874) and Marceline Vezian of Marseille (ca 1880-ca pre-1834). His father and grandfather were naval workers, probably caulkers, in a local shipyard.
Antoine left his native France as a deck hand on a vessel at the age of twenty-two years, and arrived in New Orleans in 1851. Shortly, he joined his "brother" in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. I use "brother" because at this time there was a Joseph H. Bellande, also a French immigrant, residing there. Heidi B. Good whose husband, Paul, is related to Joseph H. Bellande has done an excellent job of researching Joseph and his family. I will present shortly in this text her story of Joseph for your general information and interest. It should answer some of the questions about the "other" Bellande Family of the Gulf Coast region who you may recognize as a relative.
The true relationship between Antoine and Joseph Bellande is not yet known. We believe Joseph was born in France in October, 1813. Church records in Marseille indicate that Antoine's father, Jean Antoine Joseph Bellande, had three wives: Marguerite Grafassy, Marceline Vezian, and Marie Francoise Gorge. His first child with Marguerite Grafassy was called Jacques Joseph Nestor (1815 or 1819).
From the information currently available, I conclude that Joseph H. Bellande and Antoine were half brothers. Joseph may have been a bastard son of Jean Antoine Joseph whose birth was not recorded? The strongest evidence for a relationship is the fact that they were both listed as heirs in the succession of Jean Antoine Joseph Bellande dated December 18, 1877, in Marseille. As they were residing in the United States at this time and failed to appoint an attorney to represent them in Marseille, their inheritance was lost. It appears from the legal instrument that their father left a house at No. 19 St. Barnabe Boulevard in Marseille.
Let us now enjoy the life of Joseph H. Bellande as told by Heidi B. Good...
Joseph H. Bellande (1813-1907)
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Joseph Bellande was born in France, probably Marseille, in October 1813. He arrived in this country in 1835, according to his statement on the census of 1900. He is believed to have come first to New Orleans. It is not known when or why he arrived in Ocean Springs, Mississippi where he lived out the rest of his life. He married Rosaline LaFauce, daughter of Jacques LaFauce and Marie Eveline LaFontaine on May 26, 1842.
In 1846, as husband of one of the heirs of the "Widow" LaFontaine property, he received title to approximately 20 acres of land in the heart of present day Ocean Springs. His tract was about 260 feet wide and 3300 feet in length running from the front beach on the Bay of Biloxi to County Road (now Government Street) in Claim Section 37, Township 7S-Range 8 West. The present day City Hall, Public Library, Police Station, a portion of Little Children's Park, Bellande Avenue, Dewey Avenue, and the Bellande Cemetery are located on the Bellande Tract. In 1859, he warranted a deed to Bishop William H. Elder measuring 192 x 100 feet for the site of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church on Porter Avenue for $100. From 1883 to 1892, he sold much of his land, some to his children, some to local residents Gregoir Weider and George and E.S. Davis, and some to Albert G. Tedo of New Orleans. As far as can be determined, none of the original holdings belong to any family members now.
He made his livelihood as a fisherman and sailor, and later was a captain of a trading schooner, The Three Brothers , according to census records. During the storm of August 1901, The Three Brothers beat itself to pieces and sank at Schmidt's Wharf on the front beach the day of August 14th. He was the father of eleven children. They are Cherie Marcellus (b. 3 March, 1843), Odile Delphine (b. 2 July, 1844), Honnorais "Noah" (b. 29 November, 1846), Joseph (b. 13 December, 1848), Clement (b. 31 December, 1850), Antoine (b. 24 November, 1852), Rosalie "Azalie" (b. 22 October, 1854), John Nestor (b. 29 August, 1856), Laura Evelina (b. 15 January, 1859), Adolphe (b. 8 January, 1861), and Zoe Wilhemina (b. 6 June, 1863).
Not much is yet known about the personal life of Joseph Bellande. His family Bible, in French, was recently discovered in the home of one of his descendants, as well as some legal documents and personal papers in the form of a journal. All of these were handwritten in French. The legal documents would seem to indicate he was related to a later French immigrant seaman named Bellande - Antoine Bellande, "the Captain", who arrived in this country in 1851. It appears they were brothers or half brothers, sons of Jean Joseph Marie Antoine Bellande of Marseille, a caulker in the shipbuilding business.
An aspect about Joseph's personal life that makes him a particularly intriguing figure was handed down through the family lore of one of his descendants, but has not yet been substantiated. Geneva Eliska, the eldest daughter of Joseph's youngest child Zoe, knew her grandfather to be a former priest, excommunicated on the event of his marriage to Rosaline LaFauce.
She recalled that he had gotten into some political difficulties with the Church, and upon the advice of his friends who feared for his life, he fled France. His writing would indicate that Joseph remained a deeply religious man, his journals consisting of many prayers for the hours of the day, the Stations of the Cross, and the like. One can only speculate on the inner torment of this man, who despite his excommunication, raised his family in the Catholic Church, was denied admission to the funeral mass on the occasion of the death of his wife Rosalie of asthma in January of 1893. He sat sobbing out-side St. Alphonsus Church on that Tuesday afternoon. This was witnessed by his eleven year old granddaughter, Geneva Eliska. He lived in his house on LaFontaine Avenue for another 13 years, outliving seven of his children. He provided a home for his daughter Azalie Reus and her two children after she was deserted by her husband. On June 16, 1907, he was on his deathbed. Father Peter de Gruyter, the Belgian pastor of St. Alphonsus who was apparently disliked by the entire congregation, came to Joseph, presumably to administer the last rites and hear his confession. According to Church records, the dying man cursed the priest out of his house. Joseph is buried in the Bellande Cemetery, his grave marked by a cedar cross, now gone.
The history of Joseph and Rosaline's children can be deduced from census records, wills, and other legal documents, church records, newspaper obituaries, notes found in the Family Bibles, and remembrances of descendants that have thus far been located.
A document from the Jackson County Chancery Court, Cause No. 4636, dated 14 August, 1926, a case involving a land dispute between all the surviving heirs of Joseph, gives a good lead on the fates and whereabouts of his children. It is not clear why this land on LaFontaine Avenue at Ocean Springs was contested, but the end result was that it was sold at auction to Josephine Friar for $1200. The profits were divided up proportionately among the heirs, each one receiving an amount somewhere between $25 and $130. The legal action will be referred to again in relation to each of the children.
Joseph and Rosalie's Children
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1. Marcellus Bellande (1844-1905) Joseph's first-born child joined the Confederate Army at the age of 19. According to the book, Louisiana Confederate Soldiers and Confederate Commands, compiled in 1920 by Andrew B. Booth, he was a Private with Company D, 4th Louisiana Infantry. He enlisted on October 22, 1863, in Mobile, Alabama, when his youngest sister, Zoe, was just a few months old. Nine months later, he was captured near Atlanta, Georgia on August 5, 1864. He was sent to military prison in Camp Chase, Ohio, and remained there for nine months, being paroled May 2, 1865. He was exchanged for a Union prisoner and moved to New Orleans. He married Rosina Ludwig (1839-1925), a German immigrant and the widow of Jean-Marie Begue, in October 1885, and resided at 822 Ninth Street, New Orleans. They had no children. Marcellus Bellande expired at New Orleans on June 2, 1905. His wife Rosina lived until 1925.(NOLA Marriage Record V. 11, p. 484 and NOLA Death Records Index V. 135, p. 541)
2. Delphine Bellande married a relative ten years her senior, John Ryan, son of Jerome Ryan and Euphrasia LaFontaine, on April 12, 1871, at St. Alphonsus Church in Ocean Springs. Her sister, Rose Azalie, was one of the witnesses. John was a house carpenter, and the family lived in the house next to Joseph's. John died sometime between 1881 and 1900. They had four children: Anna (1872), Joseph (1875), George (1877), and Arthur (1881). After her husband's death, she continued to live in Ocean Springs with her sons George and Arthur, both fisherman. By 1910, she had moved to Biloxi and was living with her widowed daughter-in-law Alice, a dressmaker, who had married her oldest son Joseph, and her son George. She must have died before 1926, as only her three surviving children, Anna, George, and Arthur are mentioned in the 1926 land dispute. Anna married Arnold "Boy" Catchot (1869-1939) in 1895, and reared a large family. They resided in New Orleans (1918-1928) where "Boy" worked for the L&N Railroad. The Catchot family returned to Ocean Springs where Anna died on October 30, 1930. George also lived in New Orleans. It is not yet known whether he had a family. Arthur lived in Biloxi, and married Angelina from Italy and had a least two children, Juanita (1907) and Geneva (1909).
Honore Bellande
Honore Bellande (1845-1871) was the son of Joseph H. Bellande (1813-1907), a native of Marseille, France and Rosaline LaFauce (1821-1893) or LaForce, the daughter of Jacques LaFauce and Marie Eveline LaFontaine of Ocean Springs. Her grandparents were the Widow LaFontaine, Catherine Bourgeois (1768-ca 1845), and Louis Auguste LaFontaine (1762-1824), the founders of modern day Ocean Springs.
Honore Bellande married Francine Ryan, daughter of Alfred Ryan and Dora Staffin of Biloxi, on December 1, 1869. Their son Adolph Bellande was born August 26, 1870. His Aunt Laura Ryan Bellande was one of the sponsors at his baptism. Honore died a year later on September 19, 1871. His widow, Francine, married HarroBellman (1849-1920), the son of Charles N. Bellman (1806-1860+) and Pauline Ryan (1815-1899), the daughter of Jacques Ryan (d. 1849) and Elizabeth Laforce, on August 10, 1876. They had a daughter named Sue.
Adolph Bellande bought property from his grandfather, Joseph Bellande on Bellande Avenue in 1892. For some time, he lived in Biloxi, and married Beulah Ellis Richards (1872-1952) on February 22, 1906, in her home at Ocean Springs. Judge E.W. Illing performed at the ceremony.
Beulah Ellis was a native of Fontainbleau, a small community east of Ocean Springs and had married Reuben L. Richards (1864-1928) of Ocean Springs on December 26, 1889. They were divorced in the Chancery Court at Jackson County in 1905. According to Cause No. 1368, they had a son, Frank E. Richards. Reuben L. Richards married Miss Lena Spradley in 1919. They had a son, Lloyd Richards. Richards worked many years for Mrs. Purrington as caretaker of her beach front estate.
Adolph Bellande and Beulah Ellis had a son named Adam Eugene Bellande (1907-1977), commonly called Gene. Adolph did not remain with Beulah very long. He died on January 14, 1916 and is buried in the Bellande Cemetery in Ocean Springs. He was a member of the Woodmens of the World (Satsuma # 703). His son, Gene, went on to become a renowned fisherman, had many postcards of himself made as a young man. He was known ubiquitously as the "Flounder King". He and his mother, Beulah, were the defendants in the 1926 land dispute, and all the other Bellande heirs were the complainants. Gene was married to Mary Josephine Walker (1913-1977) of Gulfport. They had six children, some of whom still reside in the Biloxi-Ocean Springs area. Gene Bellande died July 27, 1977 and is buried in the Evergreen Cemetery in Ocean Springs.
His children are Ellen Louise B. Grant (1931-1996), Lee Jeanette Blanchard (1932-2003), William Eugene “Billy” Bellande (1935-2002), Martha Elizabeth B. Lashbrook (1936-2004), Billy Ray Bellande (1938-2009), and Betty Fay Denning (1938-2005).
Ellen Louise Bellande
Ellen Louise Bellande Grant (1931-1996) was born on March 13, 1931, at Biloxi. Ellen married Ebenezer Morgan Grant (1926-1985) on April 28, 1950, in Harrison County, Mississippi. She expired on January 21, 1996. They were both interred in the Evergreen Cemetery at Gulfport, Mississippi.(HARCO, Ms. MRB 81, p. 615)
Lee Jeanette Bellande
Lee Jeanette Bellande Blanchard (1932-2003) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 31, 1932. In Harrison County, Mississippi, she married Leroy F. Blanchard (1921-1954) on June 7, 1950. He was the son of Lee J. Blanchard (1891-1960) and Amelia Robicheaux (1897-1983). Jeanette made her livelihood as a nurse. She was the mother of: Leroy F. Blanchard Jr., (1951-2008) m. Barbara Faircloth; David L. Blanchard Sr. (1954-1994); and Kevin Parker. Mrs. Blanchard was a member of the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church. She died at Biloxi on January 8, 2003. Jeanette B. Blanchard’s corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, January 10, 2003, p. A5)
William E. Bellande
William Eugene “Billy” Bellande (1935-2002) was born at Biloxi on January 31, 1935. He made his livelihood on the sea. He was the captain of the shrimp boat, Jeffrey Mac, and Blue Chip, an offshore supply boat. Billy was the former Commander of VFW Post 2434, a member of the French Club, and American Legion.
In April 1959, Billy Bellande married Eva Voncile Freeman (1938-1989), the daughter of William L. Freeman and Eva Jewel Furby of Grand bay, Alabama. She was the mother of: William Eugene “Bubba” Bellande II (b. 1963) m. Mary Ann Hughes and Rhonda Jean Bellande Duffy. They divorced in July 1981. Eva expired at Jackson, Mississippi on December 4, 1989. Her corporal remains were interred in the Adam E. Bellande family plot at the Evergreen Cemetery at Ocean Springs.(HARCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 9659 and The Daily Herald, December 6, 1989)
Billy Bellande married Louise Ross West (b. 1950) in December 1982. She was the daughter of Louis R. Ross and Aldora Esma Arcement. They divorced in November 1998. (HARCO, Ms. 2nd Judicial District MRB 25, p. 354 and HARCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 98-0927)
In October 2001, prior to his demise, several cancer benefits were held for Billy at Biloxi and D’Iberville.(The Bay Press, October 12, 2001, p. 6)
Billy Bellande passed on at Biloxi on January 22, 2002. He was of the Lutheran faith. His corporal remain were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, January 23, 2002, p. A-5)
Lane F. Lashbrook (1935-2012) and Martha E. Bellande (1936-2004)
[from The Sun Herald, May 30, 2012, p. A4)
Martha E. Bellande
Martha Elizabeth Bellande (1936-2004) was born April 16, 1936 at Biloxi. She married Lane F. Lashbrook (1935-2012) and they were the parents of three sons: Randell Lashbrook; Lane Joseph Lashbrook; and Timothy Lashbrook. Martha E. Bellande expred on July 11, 2004 at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Lane F. Lashbrook died on May 27, 2012. Their corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, July 13, 2004, p. A6 and May 30, 2012, p. A4)
Betty Faye Bellande
Betty Faye Bellande (1938-2005) was born at Biloxi on March 27, 1938. She expired at Danville, Alabama on July 20, 2005. On August 4, 1956, Betty Faye had married Hasbur ‘Little Red’ Wendell Denning (1930-2007), the son of Hasbur J. Hasbur Denning and Jennifer Wedgeworth of Perkinston, Mississippi.(HARCO, Ms. MRB 106, p. 154)
Betty Faye and Hasbur W. Denning were the parents of: Joseph H. Denning, Mary Denning Rogers, and Sandra Denning Kleas. Betty Faye Denning expired at Danville, Alabama on July 19, 2005. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her corporal remains were interred in the East Lawrence Memorial Gardens Cemetery.( The Sun Herald, July 22, 2005, p. A8)
Hasbur W. Denning expired on October 16, 2007 at his home in Danville. Alabama. He was born Dec. 8, 1930, in Biloxi, Miss. to the late Hasbur Joseph Denning and Jeniever Wedgeworth Denning. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a master sergeant after 23 years, with service in Cambodia, Vietnam and North Korea. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Faye Bellande Denning, his parents, and two brothers, David Denning and Everett "Big Red" Denning. A military graveside service for Hasbur W. "Little Red" Denning, was Friday, Oct. 19, at East Lawrence Memorial Gardens with Bishop Royce Alsup officiating and Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home directing.(The Hartselle Inquirer, October 16, 2007)
Billy Ray Bellande Sr.
Billy Ray Bellande Sr. (1938-2009) was born at Biloxi on March 27, 1938. He married Ida “Sue” Ashworth Watford Bell (1936-1997), a native of Royston, Georgia. She was the daughter of Patrick Ashworth and Ila ? Ashworth Bennett. Sue Bellande was the mother of: Billy Ray Bellande Jr. (b. 1964) m. Stephanie A. Munoz (b. 1969); Annette Bellande; Teresa Gayle Watford Jones; Bettye Sue Watford Scarbrough; Janice Park; Roy Alvin Watford; and William Dennis Watford (1959-2000). Billy Ray Bellande died on July 8, 2009 at Mobile, Alabama. He was a US Navy veteran of the Korean War and had worked as a Biloxi shrimper and boat captain. Billy Ray Bellande was a member of the VFW and Fleur-de-Lis Society. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, July 10, 2009, p. A4)
4. Joseph Bellande Jr. The fate of this son is unclear. A note was found among his father's papers saying Joseph died October 28, 1851. No mention of his death is found in the Family Bible.
5. Clement Bellande (1850-1918) maintained residences in both New Orleans and Ocean Springs. He lived near his father on Washington Avenue when he was in Ocean Springs. He made his living as a bartender. Clem Bellande was an excellent sailor and well known in racing circles along the Mississippi gulf coast. At the 1901 Biloxi Regatta, he won the Third Class Fleet (16-19 foot boats) in his catboat, the Davis Brothers. Bellande defeated the regional famous Royal Flush owned by Orey Young of Ocean Springs. Orey Young once said: "The Royal Flush, if loaded with the prize money she has won, would certainly sink". The defeat of the Royal Flush by Bellande precipitated a match race on a triangular course set in Biloxi Bay off Ocean Springs. The merchants of Ocean Springs offered a cash prize of $700, and the afternoon of the race was declared a general holiday in that town. The Royal Flush won by two minutes and one second over the Davis Brothers and Josephine. According to Walter F. Fountain, another match race resulted in which the Davis Brothers beat the Royal Flush by 12 seconds.
Clem Bellande married twice, first to Lydia Miller (1844-1902). They had a ward living with them in the 1900 census, eleven-year old Olpha M. Jackson. The Daily Herald of July 20, 1916 reported the marriage of Offie Mae Bellande, the daughter of Captain and Mrs. Bellande, a well-known family of Ocean Springs, and Edgar Martin, an efficient employee of the L.N. Dantzler Lumber Company being now stationed at Indianola, Mississippi. In 1885, Joseph sold Clement some land on Porter Avenue. Much later, when widower Clement married a second time, to Lucille Vinot of New Orleans, he apparently spent most of his time there, living at 823 Royal Street. There he was a grocery wagon driver. They had no children. He died May 19, 1918, and is buried in Ocean Springs. His wife remained in New Orleans and died in 1949. She received a settlement from the 1926 land settlement.
6. Antoine Bellande (1852-1881) lived in New Orleans on 224 Magazine Street. Nothing further is known about him. No heir of his is mentioned in the 1926 land settlement. His death is recorded in the family Bible as May 4, 1881.
7. Roseale Azalie Bellande (1854-1923) had the misfortune of marrying as man who deserted her. On January 29, 1880, at her father's house she married Michael Reus. She had three children: Joseph Michael Reus (Feb-April 1881), Bruno Reus (1882-19 ) and Marcellus Reus (1884-1905). While she was pregnant with the last one, she went to her father's house for her confinement at her husband's request. During her absence, Michael sold their house and possessions and left. Azalie filed for divorce on grounds of desertion, and it was granted in August of 1890. She lived at her parent's house until the time of her father's death, in 1907. She inherited the house, but later moved to Mobile, Alabama, and lived there with her son, Bruno Reuss, and his family.
Her son, Marcellus "Mike", was described by The Pascagoula Democrat-Star as a "wild lad" on November 11, 1897, when he was severely injured about the head and body at Ocean Springs when he fell off an L&N freight train. Mike was attempting to steal a ride to New Orleans. He married and had a son named Robert Reuss (b. 1904). His wildness was corroborated in 1905, as Marcellus died, gunned down in a street fight at Ocean Springs on Friday, October 13. His very young widow Lillian, a child bride, decided she was unable to raise their son alone, so Robert grew up with his cousins, the children of Bruno. (She apparently did not remarry, for she received a settlement in the 1926 land dispute, and was referred to as Mrs. Lillian Reus, of Ocean Springs). Bruno worked for the L&N Railroad on the New Orleans to Mobile run. He had six children, who live in the Mobile area, (some still in the original house Bruno bought) and have possession of the Family Bible and other old documents. Their names are Azalie Reus Kossow, Annie Carmelite Reuss, Euphemia Reuss, Carmelite Reuss, Celestine Reus Sawyer, and Charlie Reuss. In the 1926 land settlement, Bruno Reuss, Lillian Reus, and Robert Reuss received their share.
8. Jean Nestor "John" Bellande (1852-1895) was apparently a wanderer. His profession is unknown, as is his marital status. His addresses were recorded in the Family Bible, without dates, as Prudhomme City in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana (this place no longer appears on current maps but was shown on a map from 1880), and 518 1/2 Carcroft (?) between St. Andrew and St. Mary Street in New Orleans. He also lived in or visited Houston, Texas, where his youngest sister Zoe and her family lived. Why either of them went there is unknown. In any case, John died there on April 5, 1895, of consumption. He was buried in Ocean Springs. He had been a member of the Knights of Pythias. No descendants were mentioned in the 1926 land settlement.
9. Laura Eveline Bellande lived in New Orleans in 145 Washington Avenue. There she probably met and married Adam Bultman and had at least three children. By the time of the 1926 land settlement she had died, and her heirs were given as Adam Bultman, Viola Bultman, and Mrs. Annie Bultman Kinchman all of 917 7th Street in New Orleans, and Adam Bultman, Jr. also of New Orleans, address unknown.
10. Adolph Bellande 1861-1897) lived in New Orleans on Constance Street, first at Number 36, then at Number 1126. According to the obituary published in The Daily States of November 28, 1897, he had lived there for 20 years. He was first employed by Messrs. A. Baldwin and Co. and then with the J & P Coats Thread Company. He was a member of the Catholic Church and the Young Men's Mutual Benefit Society. The obituary, which includes a line drawing of Adolph with a very large mustache states, among other things "Last Sunday night death claimed another victim which takes from New Orleans a valued citizen, from a prominent firm a trusted employee, from a wife a loving husband, and from his children a fond father, Adolph Bellande.has succumbed to those immutable laws which none may gainsay. His illness was of short duration, for the end came quickly and was a sad blow to his wife and friends who were not prepared for the result, as Mr. Bellande possessed a strong constitution. He began sinking rapidly, and half an hour past midnight on Sunday grim death had claimed its own." His widow, Amelia Peters (1858-1917) had just grieved the loss of their ten year old son Adolph Jr. (1887-1897) four months before. And sometime during this year, their last child Albert was born. Their first child, Louisa Eveline (1885-1888) had only lived for three and one half years. Two children did grow into adulthood: 1. Eugene Henry (1890-1952) and 2. Albert J. (1897-1951). Both of them received a settlement in the 1926 land dispute. Both of them married and raised families in the New Orleans area, and were involved with police work.
1. Eugene married Antoinette Cuccia (1912-1966) and had two children, Louise E. Singer and Joseph Albert. He apparently worked for the sheriff's office, as did son Joseph who died in 1965.
2. Albert married Agnes Duffy (1899-1967) and had two children, Albert, Jr. and Adolph Morton. He apparently worked for the State Registration Department. Albert Jr. married and had at least two children, and was a policeman. He currently lives in Picayune, Mississippi. Adolph (1922-1967) married Geraldine Durin and had two children, Belinda Ann and Catherine Ann of New Orleans. Like his great grandfather Joseph, his work involved the sea, he was probably employed with the Delta Steamship Company.
11. Zoe Bellande 1863-1897) married a fisherman, Maurice Adolphus Simmons (1862-1916), son of Joseph B. Simmons (1824-1886) and and Harriet H. Badon (1842-1920) on December 8, 1881. The Simmons family moved to Ocean Springs circa 1872, probably from Covington, Louisiana. Mr. Simmons was a carpenter while Harriet helped support the family working as a seamstress.
Zoe and Maurice Simmons lived in Ocean Springs for a while, at least until 1886, when they bought property from Joseph Bellande, near Porter and Bellande Avenue. Their first child, Geneva Eliska, was born December 2, 1882. She was followed by Harriet Rosalie on March 31, 1884, and George Curtis on February 18, 1886. Sometime later, Maurice loaded his possessions, wife, and young children into a cart drawn by a mule and headed west. They settled in Houston, Texas on 1815 South Street, which is now obliterated by Interstate 45 north of the downtown area. While he was an accomplished carpenter, he made his living as a fisherman in Galveston Bay and even had a house on a small island there. It was known as Simmons Island in his honor, located across from Seabrook. Both the island and house no longer exist, having sunk sometime after 1915, the victim of a hurricane.
Wife, Zoe, had five more children in Houston: Elwood Raymond (b. September 23, 1890), Stella Edith (date unknown, stillborn?), Claude Elmer (b. 14 August, 1893); Farrely Allen (b. 11 June, 1895) and Clara Zoe, (b. and d. October 1897). Zoe died of "blood poisoning" several days later on the 27th of October. She is buried in the Hollywood Cemetery in Houston. Four of her children received a settlement from the 1926 land dispute: 1. Geneva Eliska, 2. Elwood, 3. Claude and 4. Farrely, all residing in the Houston areas.
1. Geneva Eliska (1882-1977) married Allen Thomas South (1869-1948), a railroad worker and nurseryman from Missouri. They remained in Houston and had three children:
1. Warren Wren (1904-1950) who worked at the Warwick Hotel and married Mary Jennings Hessen (no children).
2. Allen Thomas Jr. (1907-1948), a telegraph operator, who married Emma Elizabeth Brenner (1910), and had two children John Russell (1938), an insurance adjuster, and Douglas (1941), an electrician. Russell married Fern Yvonne Whitehead and they have three children: Susan Carol (1961), married to Keith White (1958), with daughter Ashlie Kay (1987), Jerry Lynn (1963) married to Joel Allen Lee (1964), and John Russell, Jr. Douglas married Maebeth Prichard in 1960 and their two children are Troy Douglas (1962) and Christina Beth (1968). They are still in the greater Houston area.
3. Ora Clotile (1913) married Samuel Floyd Good, a Shell Oil Co. refinery engineer and had two children, Paul Allen (1947), a research engineer for Shell, and Carolyn Elaine (1949), an archaeologist for the Army Corps of Engineers. Ora Clotile was a school teacher and taught high school biology for many years. Paul married biologist Heidi Balje in 1972 and they have four children: Sebastian (1975), Adriane (1979), Marian (1982), and Elisabeth (1983). They all live in the greater Houston area.
2. Harriet Rosalie (1884-?) married John Lewis Garney and had five sons, Develle, Woodson Maurice (1904-?), an oilfield salesman, John Palmer (1913-?), Claude Elwood (1915-?), an electrician, and Patrick Warren (1918).
3. Elwood Raymond "Son" (1890-?) married Thelma Alice Anderson in 1911. They had two girls, Cecilian (1916) and Margaret (1919). Margaret married Charles Merle Royal and has one son, Terry Lance (1939).
4. Claude Elmer married Bess Marie Hill-Owens in 1917 and they also had two children, Jr. (1918) and Ruth Marie (1923).
5. Farrely Allen married Annie Lydia Laue in 1928 and had a son named William Maurice born in 1932.
Antoine V. Bellande
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Let us now return to the life of Antoine V. Bellande. It is generally believed he settled in Ocean Springs about 1851. In New Orleans, he purchased a Baltimore built schooner, John Randolph, and took it to Pascagoula where he embarked in the lumber business transporting south Mississippi timber to Galveston, Texas for export. During the early years of the Civil War, Captain Bellande ran the Union blockade for the Confederacy making many trips to Cuba for cargoes of food, tobacco, paper, gin, and munitions. It was a lucrative business. He once had $20,000 worth of Cuban tobacco stored in Biloxi. It was stolen from him, but he later caught the guilty party. It has been reported that Bellande completed his last voyage with Southern contraband just three days before Farragut captured New Orleans in April 1862, eliminating it as a blockade running port. His schooner was commandeered and he found himself transporting brick from New Orleans to Ship Island for the completion of Fort Massachusetts. Work on the island fort had commenced in 1856 by the United States, and was interrupted by a hurricane in 1860. A Confederate force seized the outpost in January 1861. Union forces recaptured Ship Island in September 1861.
(l-r) Antoine V. Bellande (1829-1918), Mary Catchot Bellande (1860-1931), Eva Camba Chance (1880-1914), John M. Dunn (1853-1932), and Elizabeth Catchot Camba Dunn (1854-1927).
Courtesy of Walter F. Camba Jr. (1912-1999)
The Civil War
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In 1864, the Confederacy attempted to draft him, but Antoine Bellande didn't approve of the idea. He was residing in Ocean Springs at the time. The conscript officer was invited to have a drink with him at the Ocean Springs Hotel before they set out to join the Confederate Army. He managed to get the officer drunk and slipped away. He offered his services to Admiral Farragut as a ship pilot. He had become acquainted with the great admiral at Pascagoula where Farragut would visit his sister Mrs. Gurley.
Although serving as a Union pilot in early 1864, Antoine Bellande at the age of thirty-five years officially entered the Union Navy as an acting ensign and pilot on December 16, 1864. He served primarily on the US Steamer,Cowslip. The Cowslip was a side-wheel steamer built in 1863 at Newburgh, New York as Meteor. The steamer was 123 feet long and had a 7' draft. It was armed with a 20 pound rifled cannon and two 24-pound smoothbore cannon. Assigned to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Cowslip arrived at New Orleans in February 1864. She carried officers and men as well as delivering mail, stores, guns, and munitions for her squadron. Cowslip also delivered provisions for refugees. The vessel was so versatile that it was used as, a tow, convoy steamer, rescue and salvage boat, and also served as a picket and patrol vessel.
Mobile Bay
It was at the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864, that Captain Bellande experienced an exciting chapter in his long life. He was assigned by Admiral David Farragut to pilot the Union barkentine rigged, screw sloop,Monongahela. The Monongahela was built at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in 1862. She had seen action at Port Hudson, Louisiana (March, May 1863), Donaldsonville, Louisiana (July, 1863), and participated in a number of Texas coastal actions before returning to blockade duty off Mobile in the summer of 1864. Antoine joined the USS Monongahela off Mobile in July 1864.
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During the fierce battle of August 5, 1864, he watched helplessly as the Monongahela valiantly rammed the well-armored Confederate ram, Tennessee. A brief description of the Monongahela's activity in the battle is given by Shelby Foote (1916-2005) in The Civil War, A Narrative Red River To Appomattox, page 504.
Farragut's main reliance was on his wooden sloops, particularly the Monongahela and the Lackawanna, which were equipped with iron prows for ramming. Their orders were to run the ram (Tennessee) down, while the others pitched in to do her whatever damage they could manage with their guns. Accordingly when the Tennesseecame within range about 9.20, making hard for the flagship (Hartford), Monongahela moved ahead at full speed and struck her amidships, a heavy blow that had no effect at all on the rebel vessel but cost the sloop her iron beak, torn off along her cutwater.
According to Pilot Bellande, the Monongahela got the worst of the encounter with the Tennessee. The sides of the rebel ram were protected by heavy armor and chains. When they pulled free after ramming the Tennessee, the deck of his vessel was raked by a withering broadside which removed the head of their water boy from his shoulders. He also saw the executive officer of the Monongahela fall with both legs shattered. A shell which dropped into the engine room luckily failed to explode. Buchanan, the Confederate commander of the Tennessee, must be lauded generously for his bravery and skill in facing seventeen Union ships, three of them possessing armor heavier than that of his vessel, mounting 157 guns, almost all of them larger than those of the Tennessee.
After the battle was won, Antoine piloted the Cowslip on the following morning transporting the victorious Union officers to receive the formal surrender of Fort Morgan. He concluded his memorable duties at Mobile Bay with the dragging of the harbor to remove any torpedoes or mines. Captain Bellande's share of the prize money was $800 for his one day work during the battle. He was discharged from the Union Navy on February 19, 1866. For his excellent service, he was given a $450 bonus.[The Daily Herald, April 13, 1914, p. 1]
In a recently discovered business ledger of the Pierre Quave Store which operated at Back Bay (North Biloxi) from 1857-1862, Antoine Bellande's name appears in an account held in 1857. His future father-in-law, Pierre Harvey, had accounts at the same store.
The In-Laws: Pierre Hervai (Harvey) & Celina Moran
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Pierre Harvey (1810-1893) was born in France about 1810. He is the patriarch of the Harvey family of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It is not known precisely when Pierre Harvey came to the United States or from which French city or department that he immigrated. It is very likely that he arrived in the Back Bay (North Biloxi) community in the 1830s. Here, the young French seaman met and married Celina Morin (1811-1883) on February 20, 1840. The name Morin is now spelled Moran. The marriage of Pierre Harvey and Celina Moran was recorded in the Book of Marriages, Volume 8 (1840-1842), Folio 103 of the Archives of the St. Louis Cathedral at New Orleans.
Pierre Harvey's first tracks in the Harrison County Court House were made in 1842, when he purchased 46 acres of land in irregular Section 17, T7S-R9W from Joseph Morin II (Moran).
On March 2, 1846, Monsieur Harvey made the following statement in the Circuit Court of Harrison County: This day being a day of the term of said court the second day of March A.D. 1846 personally came and appeared in open court, Pier (sic ), who being duly sworn, and solemnly acclaim that it was his bonafied intention to become a citizen of the United States of America and to renounce forever all allegiance to any foreign state, prince, or sovereignty whatsoever and particularly to Louis Phillip King of the French he has heretofore been a subject.(Minutes of the HARCO, Ms. Circuit Court-Book 1, p. 116)
Pierre Harvey became a citizen of the United States of America on March 6, 1848. This act took place at the Harrison County Circuit Court at Mississippi City and was recorded in the Minutes of the HARCO, Ms. Circuit Court-Book 1, page 183.
Pierre and Celina Harvey and Celina lived on the Back Bay of Biloxi near her father, Joseph Moran II. Here he made his livelihood as a seaman and fisherman. Harvey probably toiled in the coastal schooner trade. Naval stores, salt, lumber and charcoal were produced locally and shipped to New Orleans and Mobile. The traders returned with food staples, tools, and cloth.
Moran Family
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The Morin (Moran) Family of the Mississippi Coast originated at St. Pierre-du-Sud, Quebec, Canada. Here Joseph Morin, was born of Denis Morin and Madeleine Boulet. He settle at Cat Island and married Louise Ladner, the daughter of Nicolas Ladner and Marie Anne Pacquet, in 1778. All of their children were born and reared at Cat Island.
Joseph Morin II and his family lived at Old Chimneys (Long Beach) until about 1820, when they moved to North Biloxi near what would become the 1850s Kendall Brickyard on Back Bay. It is here that the Moran children were reared. They were: Joseph Moran III (1809), Celina (1811-1883), Claire Marguerite, Francois (1815-1887), Victoire (1817), Marie (1818), Virginia (1820-1891), and Sarah Ann?.
Pierre Harvey and Celina had settled on the 46 acres in Section 17, T7S-R9W he had bought from his father-in-law, Joseph Moran II in 1842. He sold 37 acres to J.L. Lastinger reserving 9 acres which was probably the Harvey homestead. As one can see from the topographic map of the area, it was well named as it was called "Harvey Hill".
The union of Pierre and Celina Harvey produced five Franco-American children: Marie Harvey (1840-1894), Pierre Harvey Jr. (1841-1878), Casimir Harvey (1845-1904), Margaret Harvey (1847-1886), and Phillip Harvey (1851-1918).
Marie Harvey (1840-1894) married a French immigrant seaman, Antoine V. Bellande (1829-1918), at Biloxi on July 9, 1866.
Pierre Harvey died on September 30, 1893. Celina Moran Harvey preceded him in death. She expired on September 21, 1883. Their remains were probably interred in the Moran Cemetery at D’Iberville, Mississippi.
While living at Back Bay, Antoine Bellande had become acquainted with Pierre Harvey. Probably their French language and culture as well as their common bond as seamen brought them together. Regardless, Antoine married
Marie Harvey, the eldest daughter of Pierre and Zeline in July, 1866. The ceremony took place at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Biloxi. The Reverend Henri Georget recorded the following concerning their nuptials in Book 2, page 109, Act 838: On July 9, 1866, with no impediments I interrogated Antoine Bellande, sailor, son of Joseph Bellande and Celina Vesianne, his lawful wife, born in France (Dept. des Bouches du Rhone) residing at Back Bay, and Marie Hervy daughter of Pierre Hervy and Celina Morin, his lawful wife, born and living at Back Bay. Their consent being expressed, I oined them in Matrimony by words in presence of known witnesses: Silvestre Fayard and Rosa Husley.
During the pre-Civil War period while living "across the Bay" on his 37.36 acres in Section 17, T7S-R9W purchased from J.L. Lastinger et ux in October 1870, I can only speculate that Antoine Bellande provided for his young family by running his schooner on the Mississippi Sound. He may have taken contracts to unload larger vessels and carry coastwise freight. Participation in the hunt for buried treasure left on these shores by Jean LaFitte and other sea rovers is a possibility.
In 1879, four oldest children Joseph (age 11), Anthony (age 10), Peter (age 8), and Ida (age 5) were attending the Big Ridge School. Leon Dieschbourg was the teacher. The Bellande children had an excellent attendance record.
Move to Biloxi
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The Morin (Moran) Family of the Mississippi Coast originated at St. Pierre-du-Sud, Quebec, Canada. Here Joseph Morin, was born of Denis Morin and Madeleine Boulet. He settle at Cat Island and married Louise Ladner, the daughter of Nicolas Ladner and Marie Anne Pacquet, in 1778. All of their children were born and reared at Cat Island.
Joseph Morin II and his family lived at Old Chimneys (Long Beach) until about 1820, when they moved to North Biloxi near what would become the 1850s Kendall Brickyard on Back Bay. It is here that the Moran children were reared. They were: Joseph Moran III (1809), Celina (1811-1883), Claire Marguerite, Francois (1815-1887), Victoire (1817), Marie (1818), Virginia (1820-1891), and Sarah Ann?.
Pierre Harvey and Celina had settled on the 46 acres in Section 17, T7S-R9W he had bought from his father-in-law, Joseph Moran II in 1842. He sold 37 acres to J.L. Lastinger reserving 9 acres which was probably the Harvey homestead. As one can see from the topographic map of the area, it was well named as it was called "Harvey Hill".
The union of Pierre and Celina Harvey produced five Franco-American children: Marie Harvey (1840-1894), Pierre Harvey Jr. (1841-1878), Casimir Harvey (1845-1904), Margaret Harvey (1847-1886), and Phillip Harvey (1851-1918).
Marie Harvey (1840-1894) married a French immigrant seaman, Antoine V. Bellande (1829-1918), at Biloxi on July 9, 1866.
Pierre Harvey died on September 30, 1893. Celina Moran Harvey preceded him in death. She expired on September 21, 1883. Their remains were probably interred in the Moran Cemetery at D’Iberville, Mississippi.
While living at Back Bay, Antoine Bellande had become acquainted with Pierre Harvey. Probably their French language and culture as well as their common bond as seamen brought them together. Regardless, Antoine married Marie Harvey, the eldest daughter of Pierre and Zeline in July, 1866. The ceremony took place at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Biloxi. The Reverend Henri Georget recorded the following concerning their nuptials in Book 2, page 109, Act 838: On July 9, 1866, with no impediments I interrogated Antoine Bellande, sailor, son of Joseph Bellande and Celina Vesianne, his lawful wife, born in France (Dept. des Bouches du Rhone) residing at Back Bay, and Marie Hervy daughter of Pierre Hervy and Celina Morin, his lawful wife, born and living at Back Bay. Their consent being expressed, I oined them in Matrimony by words in presence of known witnesses: Silvestre Fayard and Rosa Husley.
During the pre-Civil War period while living "across the Bay" on his 37.36 acres in Section 17, T7S-R9W purchased from J.L. Lastinger et ux in October 1870, I can only speculate that Antoine Bellande provided for his young family by running his schooner on the Mississippi Sound. He may have taken contracts to unload larger vessels and carry coastwise freight. Participation in the hunt for buried treasure left on these shores by Jean LaFitte and other sea rovers is a possibility.
In 1879, four oldest children Joseph (age 11), Anthony (age 10), Peter (age 8), and Ida (age 5) were attending the Big Ridge School. Leon Dieschbourg was the teacher. The Bellande children had an excellent attendance record.
Ship Island Incidents
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On the 1st of April 1884, the Ship Island Pilot Commissioners met at Biloxi to settle controversies concerning the actions of their pilots. Antoine V. Bellande was a party to these hearings. In the first incident, Captain Harry C. James (1848-1923) spotted the British vessel, Superior, and immediately went to meet her in his schooner. In his sail to the incoming ship, his skiff became adrift. James put about to recover the small boat. Captain Bellande’s boat was astern of H.C. James and when he observed that James had turned back to recover his skiff, he proceeded towards the British vessel south of Ship Island. Bellande reached the Superior first, but according to her captain did not hail the vessel. Pilot Bellande also failed to secure a line to board her. Meanwhile Captain James came along side, hailed the English captain, as required, and inquired as to whether he needed a pilot. When an affirmative came fourth, Captain H.C. James boarded the vessel, took command, and brought her into safe anchorage north of Ship Island. The Ship Island Pilot Commissioners ruled for Antoine V. Bellande implying that the omission to hail was not truly relevant. (The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, April 18, 1884, p. 1)
The other contested action involved Antoine V. Bellande and Pilot Fritz Abbley (1846-1905), who was his brother-in-law, the spouse of Margaret Harvey (1847-1886). The rule in question was that which granted the pilot who brought a ship into port, the option of taking her out to sea. The outbound vessel was required to fly the departure flag, twenty-four hours before weighing anchor, as notification to the pilot of its intent to sail. If the pilot did not board the departing ship during the notification period, he lost his right to pilot the vessel. Its leaving port was then open to any other certified Ship Island bar pilot. In this particular episode, Captain Abbley failed his appointment to board a departing vessel, which he had berthed earlier. Pilot Bellande took the ship safely across the Ship Island bar. Fritz Abbley protested that the time had not expired for him to be in charge of the departure. The Pilot Commissioners recused themselves stating that they had no jurisdiction in this matter. Experts in attendance at this hearing, were critical of both decisions.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, April 18, 1884, p. 1)
The Biloxi Herald of November 16, 1889 related the following about Antoine V. Bellande: "Our party could not think of returning from Biloxi, eithout first visiting Ship Island, which has connected with it much of interest, especially to those whowere in the service of Uncle Sam from 1862 to 1865. It was here [General] Ben Butler had his 80,000 troops. While the party were all busy fishing for red fish off the old dilapidated wharf, the writer wandered out upon the island, and accidentally ran across an old sea pilot by the name of Bellante [sic], who was walking up and down the shore looking for seashells. We did not wait for any formal introduction but at once oprnrf the conversation with him and found he was a U.S.pilot during the war.
The Depot Saloon
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(L-R) Auguste F. Bellande (1876-1953, Peter Bellande (1871-1933), ?, Joseph Bellande (1868-1961)(behind bar), ?, Antoine Bellande Jr. (1869-1924)(behind bar), ?, ?, ?
Marie Bellande seems to have been a woman of commerce. In 1889, she leased the Reynoir Street corner to Joseph Charles DeLamare (1856-1931) for one year and $300. On January 9, 1892, The Biloxi Herald announced that “the old Bellande Building near the depot has been torn down and the foundation is being laid for a two-story edifice”.
By mid-February 1892, the local journal related that Captain Bellande’s new building will improve the appearance of Biloxi.(The Biloxi Herald, February 13, 1892, p. 4)
In early April 1892, Joseph Bellande, their eldest son, opened a beer saloon in the new building. On opening day, April 6th, he served an elegant cold lunch and free cold beer to the public.(The Biloxi Herald, April 9, 1892, p. 4)
From the plats on pages ? and ? which were traced from insurance maps prepared by the Sanborn-Perris Map Company of New York, you can determine how the physical configuration of the Bellande tract changed during the period 1893-1904.
The Death of Marie H. Bellande and Forced Heirship
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The untimely death of Marie Harvey Bellande at the age of 54 years on March 17, 1894, was the catalyst for the migration of the family from the Reynoir Street homestead. She was buried at the Old Biloxi Cemetery in the Bellande family plot.
Her only daughter, Maria Ida, called Ida had according to family lore, eloped with a St. Louis railroad man named Edward Emile Gossow. According to Ruth Bellande Ragusin, Captain Bellande did not approve of Gossow, and was opposed to their marriage on December 7, 1893. After the death of Madame Bellande, Antoine refused to share his wife's estate with the Gussows. The defiant act was countered by a law suit, Harrison County Chancery Court Cause No. 710-Ida B. Gossow vs. Antoine Bellande et al.
On February 8, 1895, the court rendered a decree. I could not find the actual court record, but could deduce from the available documents that the court forced the sale of the Marie Bellande Estate. This estate was composed primarily of the land on Reynoir Street. On April 1, 1895, E.S. Hewes, a special commissioner, sold the land for $5954. The proceeds were divided as follows: Antoine V. Bellande-$2137.73, Ida B. Gossow, the complaintant, $637.73, the Bellande sons, $637.73 apiece, Ford & Ford, the attorneys, $500, and $127.57 went for taxes.
From April 1895, to September 1899, many land conveyances between the Bellande men, Bellande men and William P. Kennedy, and other grantees concerning the Reynoir Street property were recorded in the Harrison County Courthouse. The net result of these transactions was that the Bellande interest in the property was transferred eventually to William P. Kennedy (1873-1951) and Annie Chiapella (d. 1937) by the beginning of the 20th Century. Kennedy built a hotel on his property at the corner of Reynoir and West Railroad across the street from the L&N Depot about 1901. In addition to the hotel, the building had offices, a bar, and a restaurant. I remember the building as a teenager as Sue's Pharmacy was located there. It is a disaster that this historic area of Biloxi was lost to urban renewal. The L&N Depot, the lovely oak filled park south of the Depot, and the Old Hotel District (the Chiapella's also built a hotel) along Reynoir have vanished. These wonderful sites have been replaced by parking lots and ugly contemporary buildings. The Kennedy Hotel was removed in the early 1960s?
A New Bride For The Captain
On October 21, 1896, Captain Antoine Bellande married Mary Anne Catchot of Ocean Springs at Saint Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church in that city. Mary Anne Catchot (1860-1931) was the daughter of Antonio Catchot (1828-1885) and Elizabeth Hoffen (1838-1916). Antonio was a Spaniard emigrating from Menorca in the Balearic Islands. Catchot arrived at Ocean Springs about 1850. He was a pioneer in the oyster industry and may have started the first oyster house on the coast. An oyster shop was a small building about 20 feet square situated on pilings and utilized as a place to open and sell oysters. It might be considered a precursor to a seafood factory. The Catchot oyster shop was located at the foot of Jackson Avenue in the vicinity of the present day Ocean Springs Seafood of the Earl Fayard family.
Antonio Catchot had married Elizabeth Hoffen about 1854. She was born in Bremen, Germany and had come to the United States about 1853. Their children were: Elizabeth Catchot Camba Dunn (1854-1927), Joseph S. Catchot (1858-1919) called Joe Tony, Mary Catchot Bellande (1860-1931), and Antonio Catchot Jr., (1868-1952) who was known as Toy. Mary Catchot's sister, Elizabeth, married Francis Henry Camba (1853-1885) of New Orleans at Jackson County, Mississippi on September 22, 1877. He may have been the son of Frank Camba (pre-1869) and Rosalia Oser. She remarried Cornelius S. Cole at NOLA in January 1869.
F.H. Camba and Elizabeth Catchot had a son, Walter Frank Camba (1878-1960) born at Ocean Springs. The Cambas lived at New Orleans where Frank made his livelihood as a paying teller in a local bank. In May 1880, he ran off with Mary Anne Catchot abandoning Elizabeth and her baby.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 21, 1880, p. 3)
Mary Anne Catchot had a child born out of wedlock with Frank H. Camba, named Eva Louise Catchot (1880-1914). Eva L. Catchot married Issac Clayton Chance of Rome, Georgia at Ocean Springs in March 1911. In October of that year, a daughter, Mary Etheline Chance, was born. The Chances later lived at Ashville, North Carolina. Eva C. Chance died at her home located at No. 68 Church Street in Ashville on November 4, 1914. Her remains were sent to Ocean Springs for burial in the Evergreen Cemetery on Fort Bayou.(The Ocean Springs News, November 14, 1914, p. 2)
After Frank H. Camba died in the insane asylum at Jackson, Louisiana in December 1885, Elizabeth Catchot Camba married John M. Dunn (1853-1932), a native of Bay St. Louis, at the St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church in Ocean Springs in October 1887.
Walter F. Camba grew up in New Orleans were he worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for forty-six years retiring in August 1940. He had married Grace Hunt at Fort Philip, Louisiana on April 22, 1903. Miss Eva Catchot was a bridesmaid in his wedding. He later married Mary Ellen Glavin (1880-1957) of New Orleans. The Cambas had at least three children: Mercedes C. Schmid (1909-1987), Walter Frank Cambe Jr. (1912-1999), and Mrs. Paul Schriber. Most of the Cambas are entombed in the Metairie Cemetery (Glavin-Section 26). John M. Dunn died July 29, 1932, and is buried with his wife, Elizabeth who predeceased him on June 13, 1927, in the Evergreen Cemetery at Ocean Springs.
Mary Catchot Bellande sold a lot at present day 525 Rayburn Avenue in Ocean Springs to Walter F. Camba as recorded in Book 76, pp. 431-432 of the Record of Deeds of Jackson County, Mississippi on June 11, 1924. It is believed that he used the cottage here as it as a retreat from New Orleans. Guy F. Walker II resides here today.
In 1900, Antoine Bellande and Mary were residents of Ocean Springs. A son, Edward Antoine Bellande, had been born in 1897. At the time of Edward's birth, Captain Bellande was 67 years of age, and his wife 37 years old. Living with them on Jackson Avenue were Mary's daughter, Olivia Catchot; Walter F. Camba; her brother, Joseph Catchot; and her mother, Elizabeth Hoffen Catchot.(1900 Jackson Co., Ms. Federal Census)
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star announced on September 24, 1897, that Captain A. Bellande was appointed the official fumigator for Ocean Springs. The town was besieged by a yellow fever epidemic at this time, and Bellande's duties were to disinfect and fumigate places where yellow fever deaths had occurred.
On May 29, 1901, The Biloxi Daily Herald reported that Captain Bellande almost lost his life in the Mississippi Sound. He was in command of the schooner, A. Gerdes and Brother, in route to Ocean Springs. The seven-man crew was below preparing for bed. The weather was rough and a green sailor was in charge of the watch. His inexperience in boathandling allowed the A. Gerdes and Brother to capsize. Bellande and the crew were found clinging to their stricken vessel by the steamer, Julius Elbert. They were rescued having lost all of their possession to the sea. Their derelict schooner had been built by Frank Taltavull (1851-1930).(The Biloxi Daily Herald, May 29, 1901, p. 1)
The Veronica Mutiny and Trial
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In August 1902, while at Ship Island, a very special event occurred in the life of Antoine Bellande. It concerned a ship mutiny. Ernest Desporte Jr. told me this tale when I was a teenager. Ernest Desporte Jr. (1888-1977) was a native of Biloxi and lifelong resident. He had a remarkable memory and enjoyed telling stories of Biloxi's early history. He also was a writer of local history and genealogy sometimes using the nom de plume, Old Timer. When I met Mr. Desporte about 1960, he was an elderly septuagenarian gentleman and of keen wit. His father, Ernest Desporte Sr.(1853-1931), had been a bar pilot and harbor master at Ship Island at the turn of the Twentieth Century. Captains Bellande and Desporte served together as fellow pilots guiding blue water barks, brigs, schooners, and steamers across the Ship Island Bar to safe anchorage at Ship Island Harbor. After 1902, they would sail these large vessels seeking Mississippi longleaf pine for the world export market into the new harbor at Gulfport.
The result of my meeting with Ernest Desporte was new knowledge about the life of Antoine Bellande. The most intriguing information was the reference to a mutiny. Desporte wrote the following for me: When Gulfport became a port about 1898, Captain Bellande was one of the pilots, piloting vessels through the Gulfport Channel into the harbor at Gulfport. On one occasion he piloted a vessel from Gulfport harbor to the open Gulf of Mexico. This vessel was bound for England, but the crew mutinied on the high seas. The crew was captured and tried in England. As Captain Bellande was the last man to see the captain and crew, he was a witness in the trial of the crew in the Royal Court of England.
Without a date for the alleged mutiny, I was never able to corroborate the tale of Captain Desporte. In the fall of 1989, I was in the history and genealogy section of the Biloxi Public Library waiting to talk to Murella Powell, archivist and historian. She was on the telephone, and I heard her speak to someone of "the mutiny at Ship Island". Immediately I thought of the account of Desporte. When she became available, I related my story, and she shared her very interesting knowledge of the subject. She had been contacted by a Canadian novelist, Bruce Wishart, who was writing a book about an episode in maritime history known as the Veronica Mutiny. Since the event commenced at Ship Island, he needed background data on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to write his novel. Murella was doing basic research for him especially concerning Ship Island.
I contacted Bruce Wishart at his residence in Brandon, Manitoba. From him I learned the details of the mutiny and with my knowledge of Captain Bellande incorporated these facts into my rendering of the story. With this background knowledge, I now present the reader the Veronica Mutiny:
At a time when most men his age had long retired or passed on, Captain Antoine Bellande and Inspector Duckworth of Scotland Yard, England were boarding an L&N train on April 15, 1903, at Biloxi. Their destination was Liverpool, England via New York where they would board the steamer, Irenia. The catalyst for this adventure had been the three-masted barque, Veronica, out of St. John, New Brunswick. The Veronica had sailed into Gulf waters south of Ship Island in August of 1902.
Captain Bellande had come to Mississippi from Marseille, France in 1851, at the age of twenty-two years. His family in France had been caulkers in a local shipyard, and the ways of the sea were natural to this young French immigrant. He had learned well the waters of the Gulf of Mexico while navigating his trading schooner the, John Randolph, to Cuba for sugar and tobacco. Occasionally, he would transport longleaf pine to Galveston and New Orleans. His maritime lore was so widely acclaimed that during the Civil War, Admiral David Farragut utilized his services for the Union Navy. His Civil War records indicate he was an acting ensign and pilot, one of only two in the entire Navy.
Antoine Bellande served the Union well. He was the pilot aboard the USS Monongahela at the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864, when it valiantly rammed the CSS Tennessee. After the War, Bellande settled at Back Bay (D'Iberville), and began a family with Marie Harvey (1840-1894). They moved to 254 Reynoir Street about 1882, the year he became a Ship Island bar pilot.
Veronica Trial at Liverpool Assizes, Liverpool, England, May 12, 1903.
(L-R) Inspector Duckworth, Moses Thomas, ?, Antoine V. Bellande, and Sgt. Ford
As Captain Bellande rode the pilot boat out to meet the incoming Veronica south of the Ship Island bar that late summer day in 1902, I can only speculate on his state of mind. In 1894, his wife had died at Biloxi. He married an Ocean Springs lady, Mary Catchot (1860-1931), in 1896. She was the daughter of Antonio Catchot (1826-1885), a Spanish immigrant, from the Balearic Island of Menorca, and Elizabeth Hoffen (1838-1916), a German immigrant from Bremen. Antoine and Mary Catchot Bellande resided on Jackson Avenue in Ocean Springs across from the St. Alphonsus Church where a son, Edward Antoine (1897-1976), was born in 1897 to the newly weds. He was sixty-seven years of age and she thirty-seven at the time of Edward's delivery.
When Captain Bellande boarded the Veronica, he met Captain Alexander Shaw, the master of the 1167 ton vessel which was loaded during September with Mississippi lumber for Montevideo, Uruguay. The heavily laden vessel waited for a high tide and was towed across the Ship Island bar on October 11, 1902, into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
While at sea, the four German crewmen of the Veronica became upset with their Anglo-Saxon shipmates. While off the northeast coast of Brazil, they murdered Captain Shaw and the crew, and set the ship afire. In December 1902, the mutineers landed on the small island of Tuotoia which forms a part of the bar at the mouth of the Rio Parnaiba in northeastern Brazil. They were rescued by the SS Brunswick in mid-January 1903.
The German seamen made a fatal mistake by bringing the ship's cook Moses Thomas, a Negro, with them. On the way to England, Thomas related the tale of horror aboard the Veronica to Captain Browne. After the Brunswick reached Liverpool in late January, three of the alleged murderers were incarcerated until the trial which commenced on May 12, 1903, at the Liverpool Assizes. The fourth seaman, a youth, was given mercy.
Since Antoine Bellande was the last person to see the crew of the Veronica alive at Ship Island, he was called to testify at the trial in Liverpool. Before his departure for England with Inspector Duckworth who had been sent to Biloxi by Scotland Yard to investigate the local scene, an article of interest was printed in The Biloxi Daily Herald on April 15, 1903:
The sailor boys are very anxious concerning the visit of pilot, Antoine Bellande, to Liverpool, for they say he has never served time in the French army, and if the frog eaters in the Old World hear of his being in Europe, they fear in some manner they will get possession of him and force him to mark time and carry a gun to the great loss of the sailor craft of these waters. It is said that John Brasellman, of Dejean & Mitchell's, and John Lyons, boarding officer at Ship Island, will also be induced to go to England on the same errand.
The sworn testimony of Captain Antoine Bellande taken from The Trial of Gustav Rau, Otto Monsson, and Willem Smith: The "Veronica" Trial by Professor G.W. Keeton and John Cameron went as follows:
Antoine Bellande, sworn, examined by Mr. F.E. Smith.
I am a port pilot at Ship Island and Biloxi, and I live at Ocean Springs, four miles from Biloxi. I believe the Veronica arrived at Ship Island in ballast last August. Captain Alick Shaw was in command. She lay in quarantine for something like 15 days. I was on board during the quarantine, and was put in quarantine five days myself. I do not exactly remember either the first or second mates' names. I knew the men well, but not their names.
Tell me whether either or any or none of these men in the dock were on board then?
The middle one (Monsson) was on board when I was in quarantine. I don't know the others. I noticed nothing in particular going on on board the vessel when I was there. Captain Shaw could not hear very well; he was a little deaf.
Do you remember going on board the Veronica to take her out?
Yes, that was in October. At that time her crew consisted of twelve all told-there was Captain Shaw, the first mate and the second mate. I cannot remember the names of the other members of the crew as there were so many vessels going about. There was a man named Moses Thomas-he was the cook.
Will you look at that paper and tell us whether you saw any of those signatures made?
Yes, Monsson. I saw Thomas the cook signing. The captain of the tugboat was with me and Captain Shaw.
On what sort of terms seemed the officers to be with the crew?
They seemed to be all very well, all satisfied; I never heard anything.
Cross-examined by Mr. Maxwell for Rau.
Your only duty on board was to take the ship out to sea?
Yes.
You had nothing to do with the crew yourself?
No, only when I wanted to get underway.
Out of all those names you only saw Thomas the cook sign?
He signed, yes.
Cross-examined by Mr. Aggs for Smith. You brought the Veronica in when she came in ballast?
Yes.
Do you remember this man Monsson on board?
Yes.
Do you remember anybody else? Do you remember Rau being on board?
Yes.
When she came in who were chief officer and second officer?
Mr. Shaw was the captain; the first mate was a young man.
What I want to know is, was the same first mate and second mate that went out in her as came in with her when she came in with ballast?
Yes.
You cannot tell me the name of the first mate, but you say he was a young man. What was his height-tall or short?
He was a young man with a moustache, about the same height as me-rather short, I think.
Can you tell me anything about the course the Veronica would take in order to get to Monte Video leaving Ship Island-would she go due east?
About E.S.E.
How far east would she go before she turned down south?
She would have to go to the Strait of Florida.
Would she have to go farther east after she went through the Strait?
She would go through the Strait and keep east.
Can you tell whereabouts that part of the ocean called the Doldrums is?
No.
Can you tell whether vessels get into a part of the ocean where there are contrary winds and calms sometimes?
It happens at sea that there are calms and so on.
Is there a part of the ocean in which they are more frequent than other parts?
I do not know.
What is the time of a voyage from Ship Island to Monte Video?
Between 60 and 70 days.
Did you not say when you gave your evidence before that the length of the voyage for a sailing ship is from 43 to 80 days?
From Monte Video, yes. It is longer from Ship Island to Monte Video.
You would agree that it would not as a rule take more than 70 days?
From 60 to 70 days, although with a fair wind it might be shorter.
You spoke also as to the provisions, which were taken on board this boat. Do you know anything about that?
-Not very well. They took provisions, but I cannot say how much.
Can you tell me, would a captain as a rule take about 60 or 70 days' provisions with him for this voyage?
-Generally it is a rule to take double the provisions to come back with.
Would he not be able to get fresh provisions at Monte Video?
-He would get meat and flour, but would buy nothing else because it is too dear.
Re-examined by Mr. F.E. Smith.
Did you notice while you were on board the vessel what the name of the firm was that was supplying the provisions for the Veronica?
Yes, the DeJean & Mitchell Company. They are a good firm.
Have you made the voyage from Ship Island to Monte Video? If I gave you this chart (chart shown to witness) could you mark out the course in pencil a sailing vessel would take to go from Ship Island to Monte Video?
No, I could not do it.
The Veronica Trial ended on May 14th, 1903. Guilty was the verdict rendered by the jury against all three defendants. Two were hanged at Walton Gaol outside of Liverpool while the third was given penal servitude for life. Captain Bellande returned to America from Liverpool, England aboard the Campania and landed at New York City on May 23, 1903. At Biloxi, he continued his service in the Ship Island and Gulfport Pilots Association.
1906 dilemma
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In December 1906, Antoine Bellande and J.H. Stilphin (1842-1920) were dropped from the lists of bar pilots by the board. Captain Bellande was omitted because he lived in Jackson County. Stilphen was dismissed from the active bar pilots roll because he had lost his foot. Captain Bellande was reinstated by the pilot commissioner’s board when he moved into Harrison County. It is not presently known where Captain and Mrs. Bellande relocated to, indeed if they did moved at all. A compelling reason for their dismissal was the fact that the pilot commissioner’s had reduced the income of their twelve active bar pilots by lowering their fees from $4 per foot on foreign flag vessels to $3.50 and to $3 per foot on American ships from their previous $4 per foot fee. With a reduction in the pilot staff to ten, the income of these men would be equivalent to their former wages, as they would have more work.(The Biloxi Herald, January 31, 1907, p. 1)
On March 11, 1911, Antoine Bellande was elected president of the Pilots Association. An article in the The Pascagoula Star-Democrat of March 18, 1911, stated:
At a meeting of the Ship Island and Gulfport Pilots Association held yesterday at Ship Island aboard the pilot boat, Edward D. Barret, reorganization was effected and rules adopted for the ensuing four years. Captain A. Bellande was elected president; M.A. Scarbrough, secretary and treasurer; F.D. Moran, manager. Captain Bellande of Ocean Springs, who was named president, is 72 (sic) years of age and has been a pilot in Gulf Coast waters for the past 25 or 30 years. He is one of the best known nautical men on the coast. His health is splendid, he reads and writes without glasses and is active for his 82 (sic) years as any young man of 30. He served as a pilot during the Civil War under Admiral Farragut. Captain Bellande is very popular among his brother pilots and the honor of the presidency bestowed on him is richly deserved.
An example of Antoine Bellande's writing is given in this letter of December 21, 1908. Faye Bellande Davidson had saved it through the years at her Church Street home in Biloxi and gave it to me following Hurricane Camille in 1969.
According to the 1910 Federal Census of Jackson County, Antoine Bellande and his family were residing on Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs. Since Elizabeth Hoffen Catchot, Antoine's mother-in-law, had been living with them since 1900, I assume they may have been living in her house as she was a widow. The only land transactions that I could locate in the Jackson County Courthouse show that Mrs. Antoine Bellande bought a lot from O.L. Bailey on February 15, 1909. She purchased Lot 5 of Block 34 of the N. Culmsieg Map (1853-1854) for $800. The lot had a front of 100 feet on Jackson Avenue and was 260 feet deep. On April 19, 1911, she bought Lot 6 in Block 34 from Michael and Pat Farley for $1000. It was contiguous and south of Lot 5 also with 100 feet on Jackson. The current address of these properties should be at or near 506 and 510 Jackson Avenue opposite the lands of the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.
Charles E. Schmidt, George Arndt, and other older residents of Ocean Springs have told me that the Bellande residence was at present day 509 Jackson Avenue where a commercial building is now located. The Heath Family resided here later and George Arndt tore the house down in the 1930s for scrap. After Captain Bellande's death, Mary Bellande may have moved across the street next to the church.
At the time of his retirement in September 1915, Captain Bellande was the Captain of Pilots for Gulfport Harbor and of 86 years. His last years in Ocean Springs were spent peacefully as he enjoyed working on his home and garden. Captain Bellande must have been surprised in October 1917, when Robert A. Jones of Washington D.C. representing the U.S. Department of Horticulture stopped at Ocean Springs on his way to Colorado. As The Jackson County Times of October 17, 1917, reported, Mr. Young was the son of Captain Young who served with Antoine Bellande during the Civil War. Young's elderly father wanted him to meet Captain Bellande. Death came to Antoine Bellande in the guise of cancer. He died on a Monday morning, June 10, 1918, at 10:00 o'clock at his home on Jackson Avenue.
Mary Catchot Bellande passed away on May 22, 1931 at Los Angeles, California. She and Antoine lay at rest in the Catchot plot of the Evergreen Cemetery on Fort Bayou at Ocean Springs.
Let us now take a glimpse of the lives of the children of Antoine and Mary Harvey Bellande. As you may recall, they were: Joseph A. (b. 1868), Antoine, Jr. (b. 1869), Pierre (b. 1871), Ida (b. 1874), and Auguste (b. 1876).
Joseph Arbeau Bellande (1868-1961)
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Arbo Bellande (1868-1961)
Joseph Arbeau Bellande was born March 16, 1868 in North Biloxi. He was known as Joe and later Arbo. Joseph ran a schooner on the Mississippi Sound before becoming a saloon operator. He also dealt in cypress shingles. In late July 1892, he received a shipment of 100,000, 1st and 2nd class shingles, which he was vending at bargain prices.(The Biloxi Herald, July 30, 1892, p. 4)
An advertisement in The Biloxi Herald of April 1891, stated that Joseph Bellande was the proprietor of the L&N Exchange at the depot. On April 6, 1892, Joseph Bellande opened a beer saloon in Biloxi. The announcement was made in The Biloxi Herald of April 9, 1892. His business was called the Depot Saloon and it was situated opposite the L&N Depot in a two-story building erected in January 1892, by Captain A.V. Bellande.(The Biloxi Herald, January 9, 1894, p. 4)
In about 1895, a book was published by the L&N Railroad called Along The Gulf. It features an article on Joseph Bellande. I quote from the book: Another prominent saloon man in Biloxi is Mr. Joseph A. Bellande whose place of business is situated at the corner of Reynoir Street and Railroad Avenue, just across the street from the railroad station of the Louisville and Nashville. Mr. Bellande carries a fine stock of barrel and case goods and does a first class business the year round. This is partly owing to the fact that he keeps good goods and partly to the fact that he has a large, airy, well ventilated and well furnished bar room, and that he caters only to the better class of customers. Mr. Bellande's place by the way is the only one in town which is illuminated with arch lights. There has been a saloon on this corner for many years, but the present large building has only been erected for three years. Previous to Mr. Bellande's time the name of the place was the "First and Last Chance", he however, has changed it to the "Railroad Saloon". Mr. Bellande who built the present edifice, owing to the high license ran only a beer saloon for the first year he was there. Since then he has had a first class saloon, finding that much more profitable than the simple handling of beer. Previous to embarking in his present business Mr. Bellande was engaged in running a schooner on the Sound, taking contracts to unload larger vessels, and also in the freight carrying trade.
Baseball
(see The Biloxi Blues, June 18, 1892, p. 4)
It appears that Joe Bellande sponsored a baseball team as The Biloxi Herald of November 5, 1892, p. 4 related that:
The ball game last Sunday, between a team from New Orleans and the Bellande's, was another easy thing for the local players, they winning the game by a score of 13 to 7. This is the third straight game the Biloxi team has won from the visitors.
Marriage and Divorce
On July 11, 1888, Arbo married Rosa Armentine (Emma) Ramos (1875-1910+) in New Orleans. She was a Biloxi native born of immigrant Spanish parents, Don Armond Ramos (1833-1913) and Virginia Ramos (1835-1899). They were both born in Madrid, Spain and resided at 315 Bohn Street in Biloxi. Arbo and Rosa had a child, Mary Alice Rose Bellande (1888-1967), who was born December 4, 1888, at Biloxi. As the result of Harrison County Court Case No. 463, Joseph A. Bellande vs Rosa Bellande, heard on February 11, 1891, the marriage ended in divorce. The following information was taken from the Minutes of the Harrison County Chancery Court A.D. 1891, p. 273: This cause coming to be heard on bill, proof of publication and testimony taken in open court, and the Court being satisfied that the charge of adultery in said bill is sustained by the proof, it is ordered by the Court that the bonds of matrimony heretofore subsisting between complaintant and defendant be and they are hereby dissolved at to complaintant but not as to defendant.
In August 1892, Rosa Bellande sued Arbo in the Harrison County Chancery Court. The suit was quiet "messy" in that it involved Arbo's claim of adultery against Rosa, and the alleged pressure from her family to have him marry her. She in the defense of her honor alleged Arbo had induced a witness to swear falsely against her. Also Rosa never received her summons to appear in the first divorce case, Harrison County, Mississippi, Cause No. 463, as it was sent to the residence of Marcellus Bellande at No. 92 Ninth Street in New Orleans. Coincidentally, his wife's name was Rosa Bellande also. In a deposition filed on June 30, 1892, Marcellus Bellande stated: "I opened the letter and found it did not concern her (Rosa, his wife), it being about a divorce suit. I mailed it to my father, Joseph Bellande, at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. I don't know what became of it."
Regardless, it was decreed by the Harrison County Chancery Court on August 5, 1892, that the decree entered on February 11, 1891, be reversed and the bonds of matrimony existing between Rosa Bellande and J.A. Bellande be dissolved and both parties freed from the obligations of marriage. Rosa Bellande was awarded custody of the child, Mary Alice Rose Bellande.
Rosa Ramos Bellande married Thomas P. Costello (1870-1910+) who was also known as Tom McGinty on May 8, 1900. In 1910, they and Alice Bellande were residing with Armand Ramos on Main Street. Mr. Costello worked as a street laborer while Mr. Ramos was a house painter.
Mary Rose Alice Bellande
Mary Rose Alice Bellande was born on December 3 or December 4, 1888, to Joseph A. Bellande and Rosa A. Ramos and previously mentioned. She was known as Alice Bellande. She made her livelihood as a secretary. Miss Bellande expired on August 20, 1967, at the St. Joseph Rest Home in the Crescent City. Her listed survivors were two cousins, Marie Lloyd Watkins (1894-1980), the daughter of Dr. Charles Lloyd and Antoninette Ramos, and the wife of Norvell Edwin Watkins (1895-1961) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Marion Ruth Watkins (1926-1971). Alice Bellande’s corporal remains were interred in the Oaklawn Cemetery at Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The Moore Funeral Home at Hattiesburg handled the funeral services, which were held at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Hattiesburg.(The Hattiesburg American, August 21, 1967, p. 14)
The Depot Saloon and General Merchandising
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With his matrimonial predicament in the past, Arbeau Bellande continued in his social life and successful saloon business near the depot. Several articles appeared in The Biloxi Herald of 1892, 1893 and 1894 concerning his affairs: The old Bellande building near the depot has been torn down and the foundation is being laid for a new two-story edifice.
At the second Grand King and Queen Ball at the Magnolia Hotel, Joseph Bellande and Miss Emma Johnson were participants. Their reign ended with the dance. His brother, Antoine, Jr., was chosen to serve at the next ball with his guest Miss Ollie Caldwell.(February 4, 1893, p. 10)
Messrs. Jos. A. Bellande and Alex Redon, Ed G.Burklin and several others gave an elegant spread to a number of their friends last Saturday night at the Depot Saloon. The supper was a most tempting one and was prepared by a strictly first-class cook and served in the best style. The gentlemen were loud in expressing their opinion of the viands and will long remember the pleasant evening spent with their hospitable hosts.(April 21, 1894. p. 8)
Our clever young friend Joe Bellande, proprietor of the Depot Saloon, this morning presented us with a package of the Grand Republic cigars, and we unhesitantly pronounce them equal, if not superior, to any five-cent cigar ever sold in Biloxi. This brand of cigars can be obtained in Biloxi only at the Depot Saloon.(May 19, 1894. p. 8)
By a card in the columns of The Herald, it will be noticed that Jos. Bellande, proprietor of the Depot Saloon, calls attention to the fact that he deals in foreign and domestic wines, liquors, and fine cigars. He is also agent for the celebrated Maple Hollow Whiskey, a very fine brand. Joe always suits his customers as well as transients.(May 26, 1894. p. 8)
On August 22, 1894, Joseph Bellande married Marie Alexandrine Barthes (1876-1961) of Biloxi in the Nativity Church with Reverend Father Blanc officiating. She was the daughter of French immigrant, Francis A. Barthes (1833-1898), and Margaret Alexandrine Binet (1839-1877), the daughter of Fredrick Alexandre Binet and Augustine (Zephirine? Guilby?) who resided on Main Street in Biloxi. The ceremony was well attended, as they were well known and admired in their native Biloxi. Alex Redon served Joseph A. Bellande as his best man, while brother, August F. Bellande, escorted Ophelia Barthes, the bride’s sister. Others in the wedding party were: Felix Borries (1860-1937) and Olaf Thompson (1874-1944), ushers, and A. Reynoir, who escorted the bride. The newly weds honeymooned in New Orleans.(The Biloxi Herald, September 1, 1894, p. 8)
This union produced two sons, Joseph Emmett Bellande (1895-1974) and Louis Earle Bellande (1897-1989), who were born at Biloxi.
Depot Saloon
In the spring of 1895, Joseph Arbo Bellande made an application to the City of Biloxi to petition for a liquor license. His request was to sell and retail in quantities less than one gallon, the following: vinous, malt, spirituous or intoxicating liquors at the Depot Saloon, situated on Reynoir Street on the south side of the L&N Railroad track. Arbo’s petition was signed by a large contingent of Biloxi’s registered voters. He advertised his business as:
DEPOT SALON
Biloxi, Miss.
JOS. A. BELLANDE, Proprietor
Dealer in
Imported and Domestic Wines, Liquors, Cigars, Etc.
Of the very finest quality.
Ice Cold Beer on Draught At all Hours.
Agent for the celebrated Maple Hollow Whiskey
(The Biloxi Herald, April 13, 1895, p. 5)
By mid-May 1895, Joseph Bellande had added a large, arc light in his barroom. He also was painting things green in and around his place that made it appear "as fresh as a daisy kissed by the morning dew."(The Biloxi Herald, May 11, 1895, p. 8)
General Merchandiser
In the waning years of 1897, Joseph A. Bellande and his father-in-law, F.A. Barthes, commenced a general merchandise store in Biloxi on Howard Avenue and east of Main Street. The business was called F.A. Barthes & Company.(The Biloxi Herald, January 8, 1898, p. 8) After the death of Mr. Barthes in April 1898, Marie Barthes Bellande announced in The Biloxi Herald that she and Marie A. Binet DeVeaux (1846-1917), her aunt, would continue the mercantile business of her father.(The Biloxi Herald, June 4, 1898, p. 8) Mrs. DeVeaux resided at 228 Main Street. She was survived by two sisters, and a brother, C.A. Binet (1843-1923). She had married O.P. White of Wisconsin in December 1904.(The Daily Herald, April 24, 1917, p. 3 and The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 22, 1904, p. 5)
The young family of Joseph A. Bellande probably moved to New Orleans in late 1898 or early 1899, as this was the time period the Bellande's were dismantling their Reynoir Street properties. The Federal Census of 1900 has them residing at 728 Julia Street in New Orleans.
In January 1902, Joseph A. Bellande was the contracting agent for the Morgan line 'Sunset Route'.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 8, 1902, p. 8)
At New Orleans, Joseph was employed as a baggage master and mail clerk with the L&N Railroad. The following article appeared in The Biloxi Herald of October 27, 1902: Joseph Bellande of New Orleans, who for some time has been running "extra" baggage on the L&N Railroad, is in Biloxi for a few days, the guest of his brother-in-law, Mr. Jesse Smith*. Within a few days, Mr. Bellande will receive his appointment for a permanent run.
* Jesse Smith (1860-1934) married Ophelia Emily Barthes on February 2, 1897.
In June 1911, Joseph Bellande came to Biloxi to assist E.S. Clemens and Frederick Lund in installing a telegraph station in Dukate’s Theater on Howard Avenue. He returned to New Orleans after the installation.(The Daily Herald, July 1, 1911, p. 8)
Joseph Bellande made a career with the L&N Railroad. After retirement, he enjoyed himself by dressing well, entertaining lovely ladies, and dining out. He liked good whiskey and the company of women, traits, which carried over from his youth in Biloxi. His wife, Marie Barthes who was called "Steve", left New Orleans about 1915, after she divorced him. "Steve" moved to Chicago where son, Earle, was in the Navy. In later life, she settled at Homestead, Florida where she died in 1961, ironically the same year as Arbo. Joseph "Arbo" Bellande died on January 17, 1961 at the age of ninety-three years. He had resided at 4701 Marigny in Gentilly with his daughter-in-law, Odie, since 1939. His body was sent to Biloxi for burial in the Bellande family plot in the Old Biloxi Cemetery on January 20th at 3 p.m.
Family
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Joseph A. Bellande and family circa 1940 at NOLA?
[L-R: Odie Wooten Bellande (b. 1895); Signe Olsen Bellande (1910-1999); L. Earle Bellande (1897-1989); J. Arbo Bellande (1868-1961) and J. Emmet Bellande (1895-1974)
Joseph Emmett Bellande (1895-1974)
Joseph Emmett Bellande (1895-1974), called Emmett, was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 24, 1895. He was reared at 1430 Melpomene Street when his father was employed as a baggage master for the L&N Railroad.
By 1917, Emmett had married Oda [Odie] Wooten (1896-1979), who was born in rural Leake County, Mississippi to Robert F. Wooten (1864-1910+), a farmer, and Mary Hollis Wooten (1864-1910+). At this time, Emmett Bellande was employed at Detroit, Michigan as an auto mechanic with the Liberty Motor Car Company.
Returning to the Crescent City, Emmett was a very successful insurance agent before the Great Depression, and like many of that decade lost his fortune doing those economically trying times. In 1930, Emmett and his small family were domiciled it 1619 Industry Street in New Orleans and he was employed in the insurance industry.
By 1940, the family had relocated to 4701 Marigny. At this time, Emmett was employed by the WPA as an administrator. His salary was $2100 per annum. In the late 1940s, Emmett became employed by the city of New Orleans as administrator of all cemeteries under the aegis of the city.
In September 1950, Odie W. Bellande filed for a separation in the Civil District Court of Orleans Parish, Louisiana. After their divorce, Emmett married Mildred Burgdorf (1908-1990) who was active in local politics. Odie married John U. Liles.
Joseph Emmett Bellande died of thyroid cancer on September 24, 1974. His corporal remains were interred in Garden of Memories cemetery at Metairie, Louisiana. Odie lived until February 21, 1979. Her internment was in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens at Chalmette, Louisiana.
REFERENCES:
The Times-Picayune, 'Civil District Court', September 21, 1950.
The Times-Picayune, '[Joeseph Emmett] Bellande', September 25, 1974, p. 18.
The Times-Picayune, '[Odie Wooten Bellande] Liles', February 22, 1979, p. 22.
The Times-Picayune, '[Joseph Emmett Jr.] Bellande', September 4, 2011.
Joseph Emmett Bellande Junior
Joseph Emmett Bellande Jr. (1927-2011), called Emmett, retired in the 1980s at with his lovely wife, Ella Marian (b. 1928) in Arabi, Louisiana. He enjoyed a successful career as the proprietor of Bellande & Sons, an electrical contractor and as a gunsmith when he owned The Gun Shop. In February 1956, Emmett made an impressive debut as a trap shooter.(The Times-Picayune, Febraury 21, 1956, p. 27)
After Hurricane Katrina destroyed their Arabi home, Emmett and Marion relocated to Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Emmett enjoyed his children, grandchildren, hunting, trap shooting, history, and sailing in his "old age”. He and Marion had seven wonderful children and an evergrowing number of grandchildren. Their children are: Bonnie Lynn Bellande (b. 1947) m. Mr. Englande (b. 1947); Joseph E. Bellande, III (b. 1949); m. Linda Konnecker; Peggy Jane Bellande (b. 1951) m. Mr. Laborde; Kenneth James Bellande (b. 1953) m. Miss Russell; Susan Carol Bellande (b. 1955) m. Donald Gerard Vallee; Diane Bellande (b. 1958) m. Mr. Davis; and Nancy Jean Bellande (b. 1964) m. Vincent Nat Liberto Jr. Liberto and Mr. Ciuzio.
Bellande & Sons Electric was opened in 1946 by Joseph “Emmett” Bellande II in a small building in the heart of New Orleans. As his family grew, Emmett relocated his home and business to St. Bernard Parish. This is where it has remained for more than 50 years, even after being rebuilt following the complete devastation caused by Hurricane Betsy. Emmett, being a father of two boys – Joseph “J” Bellande III and Kenneth Bellande – worked hard to ensure that his sons had a legacy to carry on. Emmett provided quality work and prompt service to the New Orleans metropolitan area for more than 35 years before passing the company on to his sons.
Upon Emmett’s retirement in the late 1970s, Joseph “Jay” Bellande III and Kenneth Bellande began to take the lead. The two sons continued running the business with the same motto as their father, “Quality Work with Prompt Service.” Once Kenneth decided to join the Coast Guard, continuing the legacy was left to J. As J was raising a son of his own – Joseph “Jason” Bellande IV – knowing that this might one day all be his to pass on, the business continued to thrive.
In 2005, after being completely wiped out by yet another hurricane that we all know as Katrina, Jay fought to return to the St. Bernard area. He knew that completely losing his home and business would be a difficult task. But after much prayer and hard work, Bellande & Sons Electric returned.
Now the time has come for the business to be passed on to the next generation. Jason, the third-generation owner of Bellande & Sons Electric, is steadfast in his dedication to maintaining the same high standards of quality on which the company was originally founded. With a lifetime of electrical experience and many years of on-the-job training before he was old enough to drive, Jason is very excited to carry on his family legacy.
Joseph Emmett Bellande Jr. expired at Moss Point, Mississippi on August 27, 2011. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi National Cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Times-Picayune, September 4, 2011)
Joseph E. Bellande III
Joseph “Jay” Emmett Bellande III was born ? 1949, at New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1970, he married Linda Konnecker (b. 195?), the daughter of Louis C. Konnecker (1927-2006) and Helene Fusellier (1927-1980). They have two children: Tina Bellande (b. 1973) and Joseph “Jason” Emmett Bellande IV (b. 1977).
The Bellande family moved to St. Bernard Parish in 1960. After earning his degree in economics from the University of New Orleans, Jay operated Bellande & Sons Electric, Inc., as an electrical contractor for over forty-four years.
An avid outdoorsman, fisherman, and hunter, Jay Bellande has experienced first hand every hurricane and tropical storm that has hit the New Orleans area since 1957. He is a lifetime member of the NRA and an advocate of personal responsibility, self-defense training, and survival planning.
In 2015, Jay Bellande wrote Rooftop Terror [Amazon.com] describing in vivid and emotional detail his families terrifying Katrina experience of late August 2005.
In late August 2005, authorities in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, read the warning signs and instructed residents to leave ahead of the approaching storm known as Hurricane Katrina—and most people did as they were told. But for a few stalwarts, including Joseph E. Bellande III and his wife, Linda, fleeing with their lives wasn’t the obvious choice. With a sophisticated disaster preparedness plan and plenty of experience with hurricanes and tropical storms, Joseph and Linda decided to shelter in place at their St. Bernard Parish home just outside of New Orleans. This decision proves nearly fatal, however, and leaves the Bellandes weathering Hurricane Katrina while tethered to the roof of the house, just fighting to survive. It is the early morning hours of August 30th when Joseph realizes that no one is coming to rescue them. So along with their son, the Bellande family decides to try to save themselves by climbing into a boat and taking their chances against the great storm. True Hurricane Katrina Story tells the harrowing tale of the Bellande family’s fight to survive against the odds during one of the nation’s deadliest natural disasters.
[L-R: Linda Carden Bellande (1942-1999); Louis E. Bellande Jr. (b. 1942); Signe Olsen Bellande (1910-1999) Louis E. Bellande (1897-19890; and Signe Marie Bellande (b. 1939)
Louis Earle Bellande (1897-1989)
Joseph A. Bellande's second son, Louis Earle (1897-1989), was called Earle. Earle Bellande, although born at Biloxi on the Mississippi coast, lived most of his adult life in Chicago, Illinois. It is generally believed that he came north as the result of a hitch in the US Navy. Circa 1924, Earle married a woman named Katharine Eischen (1889-1933), who was born on January 5, 1899 to Anton Eischen and Margaret Harre in Luxembourg. Katharine expired from stomach cancer at Chicago on June 25, 1933. Her corporal remains were interred at St. Henry's Cemetery. At the tome of Katharine's demise, the Bellandes were domiciled at 1726 Thome Avenue at Chicago.(1930 Cook Co., Illinois Federal Census R496, p. 30B, ED 1956 and Cook Co., Illinois Death Certificate No. 17097)
Earle Bellande
Earle Bellande was gregarious and personable. These traits suited him well as a salesman in the Chicago meat packing industry. In 1937, he married Signe V. Olsen (1910-1999), a nurse of recent Scandinavian ancestry. She was born on August 23, 1910 at Stambaugh, Michigan and expired at Batavia, Illinois on February 28, 1999. They lived at 1528 Elmdale at Chicago. Three children were born of this union: Signe Marie Bellande (b. 1939), called Bunny; L. Signe Bellande, a male who died March 8, 1941; and Louis Earle Bellande Junior (b. 1942).(The Naperville Sun, March 3, 1999)
Earle and Signe Bellande often traveled South to visit relatives and friends. In March 1938, they came to Biloxi and joined with his Uncle Jesse Smith (1860-1934) and Aunt Ophelia Barthes Smith for a 2000 mile round trip down the east Florida coast to Miami. Marie Alexandrine Barthes (1876-1961), Earle's mother, owned an orange grove near Miami. The party retuned to Biloxi via the west Florida coast road and visited Jacksonville, Daytona beach, Palm Beach, Miami Beach, and St. Petersburg. Jesse Smith noted that there were 100,000 visitors in the Miami area, but they were beginning to return to their Northern homes on a daily basis.(The Daily Herald, March 31, 1938, p. 6)
Signe Marie Bellande (b. 1939)
Signe Marie Bellande married Frederick (Fritz) Specht at Chicago, Illinois on September 10, 1960. They resided in Chicago were Fritz was self-employed as an attorney and later relocated to Lawrenceville, Georgia. Their children are: Suzanne Marie Specht Danielson (b. 1961), Lisa Marie Specht Clark (b. 1964), and Matthew Specht (b. 1967).
Linda Carden Bellande (1942-1999)
Louis Earle Bellande Jr. (1942-2017)
Louis Earle Bellande Jr. was born at Chicago on December 18, 1942. He married Linda Lee Carden (1942-1999), a native of Tennessee. They exchanged wedding vows in Chicago on December 28, 1963. from this holy union two children were born: Peter Bellande (b. 1976) and Rachel Bellande (b. 1979). Louis had a successful law practice in Chicago and Linda was a very successful realtor in the west Chicago suburbs. They reside at Wheaton, Illinois. Linda C. Bellande expired on September 7, 2007.(The Chicago Tribune, September 8, 2007)
Louis married Bonnie Bartolai Gioffredi after Linda's demise. He expired on December 22, 2017. Louis was survived by spouse, Bonnie B. Gioffredi Bellande; his two children; sister, Signe Bellande Specht; and step children, Kelli Cameron and Jessica (Edward) Spizzirri. Visitation Wednesday December 27th 2017 from 9:00 a.m.till time of service at 10:00 a.m. at the Orchard Evangelical Free Church, Barrington, Illinois. Private interment Wheaton Cemetery.
Earle Bellande died on May 25, 1989 at the grand age of 92 years just one week after he and Signe had attended the wedding of his grandson, Matthew Specht, in Carbondale, Illinois. After retiring from the hectic world of sales, he and Signe enjoyed many trips to the west coast of Florida, New Orleans, and his birthplace, Biloxi. Signe Bellande expired on February 28, 1999 at Chicago. She remained very active performing charitable works, visiting old friends, and enjoying her growing families and grandchildren.
Antoine Victor Bellande, Jr. (1869-1924)
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Antoine V. Bellande Jr. (1869-1924) was known as Newt. In later years he signed official documents using Newton rather than Victor as his middle name. Newt was born at Back Bay on Harvey Hill the 10th day of October 1869. Newt Bellande was a bon vivant. He appears to have led a carefree bachelor life. His chosen occupation was bartender. He probably learned this trade from his older brother, Arbo, at the Depot Saloon.
(l-r) unknown, Antoine V. Bellande Jr. (1869-1924)
A few anecdotes about Newt Bellande have been passed down through the years, but most pertain to his life in New York. While researching other subjects in The Biloxi Herald, I found numerous articles in the time period 1892-1901 concerning his life. From the journalistic works of this era, I will give you a picture of Newt's life as portrayed by them.
In January 1892, Newt Bellande and A.O. Bourdon went hunting north of Biloxi Bay. They shot quail, rabbits, and other small game.(The Biloxi Herald, January 30, 1892, p. 1)
In December 1892, Newt Bellande left Biloxi for New Orleans where he took a position with George Hodgins.(The Biloxi Herald, December 10, 1892, p. 4)
In August 1897, Newt Bellande acquired one of the finest bred pointers in Mississippi from George J. Williams of McComb.(The Biloxi Herald, August 14, 1897, p. 8)
In September 1898, Newt left the Charm Saloon on the beach where he was the barkeeper to the same position at the Depot Saloon.(The Biloxi Herald, September 10, 1898, p. 8)
In January 1899, "Newt Bellande bagged a fine lot of birds yesterday. Newt is one of the best wing shots on the Coast, and always brings a good showing from a hunt."(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 6, 1899, p. 8)
n October 1899, he was working at the Pelican Bar located at the corner of Pass Christian (now Howard Avenue) and Croesus Street. The proprietor of the Pelican was M. Perez. The following article appeared in The Biloxi Daily Herald on October 6, 1899: Newt Bellande, one of the best mixologist in this section of the country has taken charge of the Pelican Bar and will be pleased to serve his friends with the choicest liquid refreshment.
An innuendo about the character of Newt Bellande appeared in The Biloxi Daily Herald of February 27, 1900: Newt Bellande, the genial and handsome manager of "The Pelican", is enjoying carnival sights in New Orleans today and seeing the elephants generally.
Newt must have been a gregarious and sporting fellow. One of his friends was A.O. Bourdon, Jr. who was in the retail liquor business. They would hunt quail and travel to New Orleans on occasions. Newt Bellande was enamored with hunting dogs. On one occasion he acquired a "catch dog", which was described as being a most valuable animal and he delighted in relating to friends and acquaintances of the canine's acute intelligence.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 30, 1900, p. 8)
Although he remained single, he must have enjoyed children as the following excerpt from The Biloxi Daily Herald would indicate: Newt Bellande says he is particularly happy this week. The circus is coming, and he is going to take two or three small boys there to give them an opportunity to see the sights, and he wants to see them enjoy themselves. He doesn't care for circuses himself.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 31, 1900, p. 8)
Newt Bellande left the Pelican Bar as the local journal reported: Our handsome young friend, Mr. Newt Bellande, who has for some time been managing the business of O.J. Brule, in this city, is now taking a well-earned vacation, at the expiration of which we understand he will go into business for himself at the corner of Delauney Street and Howard Avenue. What ever he enters into he will make a success of, and his friends will all wish him a full measure of it.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 10, 1900, p. 8)
The June 1900 Federal Census for Harrison County, Mississippi indicates that Newt Bellande, a bar tender, was living at No. 20 Front Street (now Beach Blvd.) with O.G. Baulie (1836-1900+)(sic O.J. Brule), a Norwegian native.(1900 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census T623 808, p. 1B, ED 30)
Opera Saloon
Newt Bellande went into business with a man Biloxi merchant, Sam Levy (1864-1900+), in August 1900. They opened a bar called the Opera Saloon "in the new and handsome building at the corner of Howard Avenue and Delauney Street ", (now G.E. Ohr Boulevard). It was advertised as stocked with the "finest and purest imported and domestic wines, liquors, cigars, etc." His partner, Sam Levy, was a traveling salesman who resided at 222 Magnolia Street. The Opera Saloon was in spaced leased from Lopez & Dukate.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 7, 1900, p. 4 and Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 1359-February 1901)
As demonstrated by the following reports from the March 27, 1901, The Biloxi Daily Herald, Newt must have been a pioneer in the marketing field: We are indebted to our genial friend, Newt Bellande, of the firm of Levy & Bellande, proprietors of the Opera Saloon, for one of the handsome glass penholders, with case, that are being distributed amongst the patrons of that establishment. It is a very neat and clever advertising scheme, yet something worth having.
Messrs. Levy & Bellande have just added a most pleasing attraction to their Opera Saloon, in the shape of a magnificent electric piano, which plays many selections, including some of the very latest and most popular airs of the day, as well as others of a classical character. It is a late invention, and under the manipulations of Newt Bellande. We will predict in advance that it is going to be a drawing card. Newt knows all about it, or if he doesn't he will make you believe so anyhow. Go and hear it play.
On July 13, 1901, the following petition appeared in The Biloxi Herald: We Sam Levy and Antoine Bellande, Jr. white male persons over the age of 21 years and residents of said city, do hereby apply to your honorable body (Mayor and Aldermen of Biloxi) to grant us a license in our names to sell and retail in less quantities than one gallon vinous, malt, spirituous, alcoholic, and intoxicating liquors in the property known as the Opera Saloon. The license was granted August 21, 1901, and was probably renewed annually.
Unfortunately, the business relationship between Newt and Sam Levy soured. Mr. Levy filed litigation in 1901 in the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi alleging that Newt Bellande was failing to perform on his contractual obligations to him. Their agreement called for Newt Bellande to make a monthly salary of $50 and receive 2% of the gross revenues of Levy's saloon business. The first year's gross sales were $17,000, but had fallen to about $1000 per month. Mr. Levy accuse Newt Bellande of hunting too much and not managing the saloon business. He also claim that Mr. Bellande did not have an accurate accounting system and that he spurned all offers from Levy to withdraw from the enterprise. In early February 1902, Sam Levy withdrew his action against Newt Bellande at his own expense. In June 1905, William Baltar owned the Opera Saloon.(Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 1359-February 1901)
New Orleans
It appears that as the direct result of his falling out of favor with Sam Levy, Newt Bellande left Biloxi for the Crescent City in the fall of 1902. He was the night 'mixologist' at the Crescent Saloon dispensing "fire water." Over the Thanksgiving Holiday in 1902, Newt Bellande visited at Biloxi with John Reynoir (1874-1931).(The Biloxi Daily News, November 12, 1902, p. 6 and November 17, 1902, p. 6)
New York City
On February 3, 1903, the "City News" of The Biloxi Daily Herald, stated that Newt Bellande had departed the Mississippi coast for New York City. Newt joined a fellow Biloxian and long time friend, A.O. Bourdin Jr (1868-1959). Mr. Bourdin was the proprietor of the Charm Saloon at Biloxi and also operated a small bar at 1225 Broadway, in the Big Apple. Newt Bellande was going to be Bourdin's bar tender in New York. A.J. Bourdin (1873-1912) was managing his brother's Biloxi establishment during his tenure at New York City.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, February 3, 1903, p. 6)
In the spring of 1908, Ulysses Desporte (1861-1927), a leading Biloxi seafood dealer, while on the East Coast seeking new markets met Newt Bellande in New York City and reported that he was managing a fine cafe and doing well.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 4, 1908, p. 1)
In May 1911, Newt Bellande received attention for his 'mixology' skills in the Big Apple. He was the bartender at Louis Martin's Hotel and began serving 'Southern drinks'. Newt introduced New Yorkers to such regional favorites as: the New Orleans fizz; Sazerac cocktail; Ojean cocktail; New Orleans sour; and the mint julep. Locally, Newt Bellande was remembered as: "a favorite 'mixologist' here for many years......one of the best natural chaps in the world and has a lot of friends and acquaintances here who are glad to hear of his success."(The Daily Herald, May 23, 1911, p. 1)
1920 Cuba
[1920 US Passport image]
In November 1920, Newt Bellande applied for a US Passport to travel to Cuba. His address was 636 West 138 Street in NYC. Surprisingly his height was listed as 5 feet 10 inches. Newt made it to Havana, Cuba and returned to the United States in 1921 landing at Jacksonville, Florida.
Anecdotal Newt
Bellande family lore relates that Newt may have run a concession at a horse race track in New York City or Saratoga Springs. David Bellande of Kirkland, Washington remembers a letter from Newt to his grandmother, Florence, requesting money for some of his ventures. He told her that he "owned an interest in Madison Square Garden". Ruth Bellande Ragusin remembers that upon his death in 1924, his body was sent to Biloxi by rail. Newt's brothers had to pay for his burial in the Biloxi Cemetery.
Regardless of the anecdotal stories, Antoine V. Bellande expired at Manhattan on May 19, 1924. His corporal remains were brought to Biloxi on the L&N Railroad Train No. 37 by Mr. and Mrs. H.F. Richardson. George Wagatha remembers that Newt Bellande was so large that a special coffin was built to accommodate his body mass. It is believed that he neither married, nor had any progeny. At the L&N Depot, Newt’s corporal remains were met by members of the Biloxi Elks Lodge and relatives and escorted to the Ben O’Keefe Funeral Parlor. Funeral services for Newt Bellande were held on May 22, 1924 at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Reverend Keenan. His corporal remains were entered in the Bellande plot in the Old Biloxi Cemetery. He had been ill in New York for about six months and failed to respond to medical treatment. Victor Ougatte came from Mobile to attend the funeral.(The Daily Herald, May 22, 1924, p. 2)
Pallbearers for Antoine V. Bellande’s funeral were Adolph Abbley of Pass Christian; Louis Staehling; Hugh Latimer; George Purcell; John B. Reynoir; and J.R. Meunier. A large contingent from the Elks Club were in attendance to honor the memory of their fallen brother. The Richardsons expected to return to their home in New York on May 24, 1924.(The Daily Herald, May 23, 1924, p. 3)
Bubby Bellande*
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Bubby Bellande, a Negro, appeared before Justice of the Peace Z.T. Champlin under a charge of assault upon a Negress and was fined $2.50 and costs. Bellande related that he gave the woman a whipping because she cursed him.(The Daily Herald, October 18, 1910, p. 8)
*One for future research!
Pierre Bellande (1871-1933)
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Peter Bellande
Pierre Bellande (1871-1933) was known as Peter. He was born on April 4, 1871, at North Biloxi. Peter married Alice Caillavet (1872-1955), a Biloxi girl, who was born April 7, 1872. Her parents were Raymond J. Caillavet (1838-1898), a carpenter, and Celina Joucheray (1841-1903) of New Orleans.
Baseball and Fishing
In the spring of 1892, The Biloxi Herald, announced that the T.P. Dulion Baseball Club had organized and that Peter Bellande was their first baseman. Peter must have passed his athletic ability to his sons, as several were excellent athletes.(The Biloxi Herald, April 9, 1892, p. 4)
By mid-June 1892, a new baseball club was organized called the “Biloxi Blues”. As the officers of the club, W.K.M. Dukate (1852-1916), Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903), and Theodore P. Dulion, were among the most affluent Biloxians of this era, the choice of Peter Bellande and his brother, August, to the squad is most impressive. Three of their cousins, Emile Harvey (b. 1870), Louis Harvey (1874-1913), and Francis Harvey (1874-1913) were also selected to play for Manager Ed Suter (1866-1943). Older brother, Joseph A. Bellande (1868-1961), was elected an honorary member of the team.(The Biloxi Herald, June 18, 1892, p. 4)
Another avocation of Peter, which was certainly in the family genes and passed to his sons was fishing. This “Believe It or Not” fish tale was printed in the The Biloxi Herald of May 26, 1894: "Fishing in the ponds on the L&N Railroad near the bridge has proven successful lately. Peter Bellande and Joseph Clark caught nearly 600 green trout (bass) in 3 hours the other day."
Peter Bellande domicile [circa 1890]; detail l-r Alice C. Bellande holding Faye, Roy P. Bellande
837 Lameuse Street-survived Hurricane Katrina of August 2006
Below in January 1994
Marriage and family
Peter Bellande and Alice Caillavet exchanged wedding vows in Biloxi on August 19, 1894. They settled at 837 Lameuse Street in Biloxi on land that Antoine Bellande had purchased in 1880, and conveyed to Marie Harvey Bellande in December 1885. All of their children were born in this house which is extant and occupied by an Hebert family today.
Alice Caillavet Bellande (1872-1955)
Peter was a bartender and later a policeman. As a member of the Biloxi police force he served as a patrolman, sanitary inspector, night clerk and desk sergeant. In January 1917, Officer Bellande’s hours were changed from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to 12 noon to 12 midnight by Richard M. Randolph, Chief of Police. His bicycle was also stolen from Howard Avenue.(The Daily Herald, January 21, 1917, p. 1)
Contraband alcohol continued to be smuggled and sold in Harrison County and the Popp’s Ferry area appears to be a preferred destination for these illicit activities. In March 1917, Police Chief Richard M. Randolph and Officer Peter Bellande (1871-1933) seized a wagon loaded with eight casks of Cook’s Beer and a gallon of wine and arrested Frances Barthes (1888-1942). It was presumed by local law enforcement officials that a schooner had transported the liquor to Biloxi from New Orleans and that it was being transported to Popp’s Ferry for retail sale. Judge F.W. Elmer Jr. fined Mr. Barthes $100 and court cost.(The Daily Herald, March 13, 1917, p. 3)
Mayor Edward Glennan (1854-1933) started his final year as Mayor of Biloxi with turmoil in the Police Department. In January 1918, when it was time to reappoint patrolmen, Walter H. 'Skeet' Hunt (1887-1961), 1st Ward Alderman, opposed that Frank J. ‘Zudie’ Hightower (1890-1976), Peter Bellande (1871-1933), and John W. Mabry (1873-1940) continue with the force. The Board of Aldermen appointed Joseph Mattina (1889-1969), a barber; Willie Ryan (1876-1958), Biloxi Yacht Club keeper; and Martin Green Jr. (1875-1951), a boat dealer, to replace the three men. None of the City Council’s new policemen had any law enforcement experience and they had to be trained by Chief Randolph. Chief Randolph further stated that he was greatly surprised and was unwilling to part with Officer Bellande. He declares that Officer Peter Bellande has always proven himself a very efficient Police Officer. Officer Bellande also has a large number of friends in the city administration as well as among citizens who are nor connected with the city.(The Daily Herald, January 3, 1918, p. 1)
When John J. Kennedy replaced Edward Glennan in January 1919 as Biloxi's new Mayor, he attempted to have Peter Bellande hired back on the Biloxi Police force. He was opposed by Commissioners Walter H. Hunt and Marshall L. Michel and Officer Bellande was not rehired at this time.(The Daily Herald, January 8, 1919, p. 1)
By 1926, Peter Bellande was desk sergeant for the Biloxi force. In November 1926, he two two weeks vacationand expected to log in some fishing time. At this time, The Daily Herald related that: "Mr. Bellande is a fisherman of skill and repute, and there is no greater recreative sport for the tired office man that a hook and line, bait and the pleasures of anticipation. The police office may expect a new man when he returns."(The Daily Herald, January 21, 1917, p. 1 and November 19, 1926, p. 2.)
Once, Peter Bellande decided to enter politics and ran for the Office of Constable, but lost. His family felt the loss was the result of Peter's honesty. This uprightness was noted in The Daily Herald of December 24, 1917, on page one titled, "Officer Bellande has no favorites". Peter Bellande arrested his oldest son, Roy Bellande, for riding his bicycle without a light! Officer Bellande also arrested Arbeau Caillavet (1881-1946), his wife's first cousin, for possessing liquor at Caillavet's White Kitchen on Lameuse Street. Mr. Caillavet was fined $100 by Judge Z.T. Champlin in the fall of 1916 for transporting the contraband liquor in a suitcase. One of Peter's grandsons, Mickey J. Bellande (b. 1944), was elected a City Councilman in Biloxi in July 1989 and July 1993 representing Ward 7.(The Daily Herald, November 2, 1916, p. 3)
Peter and Alice reared a family of seven children on Lameuse Street. They were: Roy P. Bellande (1895-1964), Louise Faith “Faye” B. Davidson (1898-1974), Aristide C. Bellande (1901-1976), Elliott A. Bellande (1904-1977), Ruth B. Ragusin (1906-1993), Marcel J. Bellande (1909-1982), and Alton L. Bellande (1912-1970).
In the spring of 1933, Peter Bellande suffered a heart attack, and died 7 months later on December 8, 1933. Alice Caillavet Bellande lived into very old age and passed on July 10, 1955, at Mobile, Alabama. The day she was buried a violent thunderstorm struck Biloxi, and our neighbor on Lameuse Street, Mrs. Tom Williams, slipped on her porch and broke her leg.
The In-laws: Raymond and Celine Caillavet
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Raymond Caillavet and Celina Joucheray
Raymond Caillavet (1838-1898) called "Medeaux" was born at Biloxi in 1838. He was the eldest son of Francois Caillavet (1815-1883), a carpenter, and Euranie Fayard (1818-1895). Raymond Caillavet was the grandson of Louis Arbeau Caillavet (1790-1860), a native of the Opelousas Post, Louisiana and Marguerite Fayard(1787-1863) of Biloxi. Louis A. Caillavet was baptized on March 31, 1793, with Louis Carriere and Marie Despaux standing as his godparents. L.A. Caillavet's father, Symphroen Caillavet (1746-1806), was born at Bordeaux, France. His mother was Marie Rose Carriere (1766-c. 1855), a native of New Orleans.
The Caillavet family at Biloxi was well respected. Louis A. Caillavet, the progenitor of the family here, had arrived in 1809, from Opelousas, Louisiana. His mother, Rose Carriere and brother, Adolph Caillavet (c. 1803-1842) joined him at Biloxi later.
L.A. Caillavet married Marguerite Fayard (1787-1863) circa 1811. She was the daughter of Jean Baptist Fayard Jr. (1752-1816) and Angelique Ladner (1753-1830). These families are among the oldest at Biloxi.
L.A. Caillavet was fluent in the French and English languages and acted as an agent-interpreter and representative to wealthy Creole families from New Orleans as well as his neighbors in land and legal matters. He was often called as a witness in Probate (Chancery) Court matters and his depositions in several court cases reveal something about his life. From Nap Cassibry's II excellent two volume series, Early Settlers and Land Grants at Biloxi, the following has been extracted concerning L.A. Caillavet:
1. was in Biloxi in 1809 and no later than 1812.
2. sometimes he was the only one in Biloxi who could read or write.
3. served as an interpreter and notary in legal matters.
4. he was blind by 1848.
L.A. Caillavet acquired much land on the Mississippi coast. In February 1837, he received a U.S. Government land patent on 71.85 acres at Jackson County, Mississippi described as Lot 1 of Section 32 T7S-R8W.(1) It comprised the NE/4 and SE/4 of the NE/4 of that section. This land is located on the beach front at east Ocean Springs west of Halstead Road. Louis A. Caillavet was elected treasurer of the Harrison County Board of Police (Board of Supervisors) for the term 1841-1843.
The Civil War
As a young man, Raymond Caillavet took the call of the Confederate cause and joined Company E (Biloxi Rifles), 3rd Mississippi Infantry, C.S.A. He served as a private. The Biloxi Rifles were mustered into State service on May 21, 1861, at Jackson, and Confederate service at Shieldsboro (Bay St. Louis) on October 5, 1861. They were originally expected to be sent to Virginia, but Governor Pettus thought they would be better utilized as a home guard protecting the Mississippi Coast from Union excursions.
Celina Joucheray
Young Caillavet must have left the Coast during the Civil War for New Orleans. Here he met and married Celina Joucheray (1841-1903) circa 1864. Celina Joucheray was born at New Orleans on November 24, 1841. Her father was Pierre Joucheray (1809-1842) and mother, Louise Denis (ca 1812-ca 1849). Pierre Joucheray was born at Chare sur Argos, Canton Conde, Department of Maine and Loire on March 16, 1809, while Louise Denis was a native of Sable, Department of Sarthe. The Joucherays were married at Paris, France circa 1836.
Joucheray, Celina
Be it remembered that on the day to wit: the fourteenth of November of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two and the sixty seventh of the Independence of the United States before me, Alfred E. Farstall, duly commissioned and sworn Recorder of Births and Deaths in and for the Parish and City personally appeared. Mrs. Louise Denis, widow of the late Mr. Pierre Joucheray, a native of Sable, Department of the Sarth in France, about thirty years of age and residing on Royale Street No. 358 in the first Municipality of New Orleans who in the presence of undersigned witnesses , doth declare that she bore a female child Celina Joucheray, the legitimate child of the late Mr. Pierre Joucheray born at Chare sur Argoz Canton Conde , born at Chare sur Argos Canton Conde Department of Maine and Loire in France, on the sixteenth of March eighteen hundred and nine and since about six years ago married at Paris in France, in (illegible) Department. The child was born on the twenty fourth of November eighteen and forty one at half past eleven o’clock A.M. in a house on Louise? Street between Marigny and Mandeville Streets in the first Municipality of this city.(Louisiana Department of Archives, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Birth Records Volume 7, p. 189)
Joucheray, Pierre
Be it remembered that on the day to wit: the fourteenth of November of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two and the sixty seventh of the Independence of the United States before me, Alfred E. Farstall, duly commissioned and sworn Recorder of Births and Deaths in and for the Parish and City personally appeared. Mrs. Louise Denis, widow of the late Mr. Pierre Joucheray, a native of Sable, Department of the Sarthe in France, about thirty years of age and residing on Royale Street No. 358 in the first Municipality of New Orleans who in the presence of undersigned witnesses , doth declare that her lawful husband Mr. Pierre Joucheray, born at Chare sur Argos, Canton Conde, Department of Maine and Loire in France, on the sixteenth of March eighteen hundred and nine and since about six years ago married at Paris in France, departed this life on the twenty first of May last past at ten o’clock P.M. by falling accidentally into the Blind River Parish of St. Tammany in the state of Louisiana.(Louisiana Department of Archives, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Death Records Volume 9, p. 383)
After Pierre Joucheray’s death in May 1841, Madame Joucheray and Celina disappear until the Orleans Parish Federal Census of 1850. At this time, Celina is living in the household of Marcelin Effort (1828-1850+), a Louisiana born pilot, in the first ward of New Orleans. It appears that her mother remarried or died before 1850.
Coming Home
Raymond Caillavet and Celina’s first two children were born at New Orleans. They had returned to Biloxi for birth of their third child in 1869. On February 26, 1869, Raymond Caillavet bought a lot fronting on North Street at Biloxi from his father. It was described in the land deed records as having a front of eighty-five feet on North Street and being two-hundred feet deep. It was bounded on the north by North Street, east by Mrs. Lefaure, south by lands of Cook, and west by a street or road (Cuevas Street?).(2) He paid $200 for the land. Here Raymond Caillavet reared his family and made his livelihood as a carpenter.
In June 1869, young Raymond Caillavet for $100 acquired another lot from his father. It had a width of sixty-five feet and was one-hundred twenty five feet in depth. The lot was bounded on the north by John Latour Caillavet, east by Charles T. Couave (Cuevas), south by a street, and west by an alley.(3) Caillavet conveyed this property to Phillip Lestrade (1832-1912) on January 5, 1876, as partial repayment for a debt owed Lestrade in a partnership that they had once participated.(4)
Butcher
In September 1876, Raymond Caillavet advertised his meat business in The Biloxi Mirror. He was situated at present day Main Street and Howard Avenue.
R. CAILLAVET
BUTCHER
Stall No. 1, Market House
Biloxi, Mississippi
Vessels, Hotels and Families
supplied with
BEEF*PORK*VEAL*MUTTON, ETC.,
At New Orleans Prices
The Biloxi Mirror, September 9, 1876, p. 3
Public Service
Mayor Raymond Caillavet
Raymond Caillavet also had a career in public service in Harrison County and as a city official at Biloxi. He served as Justice of the Peace District 1 (1873-1875), Corner and Ranger (1875-1877), Mayor of Biloxi (1877-1882), Corner and Ranger (1889-1891), and City Councilman (1894-1895). In the January 1879 mayoral election, Caillavet defeated J.R. Harkness receiving 151 of the 200 votes cast.
In October 1883, while serving as street commissioner of Biloxi, Raymond Caillavet was lauded in The Pascagoula Democrat-Star for his expertise in opening the beach road from Porter Avenue to a point near the Biloxi City Cemetery to connect with the shoreline thoroughfare from Mississippi City. Mr. Caillavet removed trees and stumps, but when completed, the road had the appearance of a “long avenue shaded on both sides”. It was said of Commissioner Caillavet that, “The city fathers could not have appointed a more efficient man for commissioner that the present incumbent.”(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 5, 1883, p. 3)
Raymond Caillavet was elected as Secretary of the City of Biloxi in January 1885. He defeated Thomas D. Bachino 147 votes to 72 votes.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 9, 1885, p. 2)
Mr. Cailavet lost to John Walker in the Biloxi mayoral election of 1888.(The Biloxi Herald, March, 1888)
Construction
Raymond Caillavet built a large storage house for the Biloxi Artesian Ice Manufacturing Company.(The Biloxi Herald, February 18, 1888, p. 8)
Louise Caillavet (1881-1965) m. Alvah C. Morgan (1881-1979)
The Caillavet Family
Raymond and Celina Caillavet reared their family at New Orleans and Biloxi. The Federal Census of 1900 indicated that Celina J. Caillavet had birthed nine children before 1900 and that seven were alive at this time. The names of their known children are: Blanche Caillavet (1865-1940); John Caillavet (b. circa 1867-pre 1870); Aristide Caillavet (1868-1898); Emma Rose Caillavet (1869-1955+) m. William J. Murray (1868-1895); Alice Caillavet (1872-1955) m. Peter Bellande (1871-1933); Edward Caillavet (1874-1923); Clarissa Rita Caillavet (1877-1885); William Caillavet (1879-1940) m. Rita Louge (1887-1941); Lillian Caillavet (1883-1967) m. Anson Holley (1882-1967), and Louise Cailllavet (1881-1965) m. Alvah Clank Morgan (1881-1979).
Raymond Caillavet expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 16, 1898. Mrs. Caillavet died on March 15, 1903. The corporal remains of both were interred in the Old Biloxi Cemetery.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, March 16, 1903, p. 6)
Children
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ROY PETER BELLANDE (1895-1964)
The eldest child of Peter and Alice Caillavet Bellande was a son, Roy Peter Bellande. Roy was born at 837 Lameuse Street on September 25, 1895. It is passed on by the family that he left school in the fifth grade to help his family survive the hardships of that time. During WW I, Roy served in the U.S. Army as a lieutenant at Camp Pike, Arkansas, which had been established in 1917 as a training facility for the Army. He was discharged in December 1919.(The Daily Herald, December 6, 1918, p. 3)
In Biloxi, he worked for a lumber company, but later moved to New Orleans. In the Crescent City, he lived with his two aunts, Emma and Blanche Caillavet who lived in the French Quarter on Governor Nicholls Street. Roy worked initially in a cigar factory, but later became a salesmanager for New South Cigar Company, a tobacco and cigar wholesaler.
THELMA GIARRUSSO
On June 12, 1924, Roy P. Bellande married Thelma Giaruso (1904-2002), an attractive lady of Italian and German ancestry. She was born at New Orleans on March 28, 1904, the daughter of Italian immigrant, the daughter of 1874 Italian immigrant, James I. Giarruso (1869-1959) and Anna Blumstein (1871-1914). Her grandfather Blumstein was born in Alsace-Lorraine. Thelma’s brothers, Dr. Alfred Peter Giarrusso, Clarence B. Giarrusso, and Joseph I. Giarrusso were active in politics, law enforcement, and sports for decades in New Orleans.
Thelma’s mother died in February 1914 and her father married Mary Giarrusso (1889-1960) in July 1916. James I. Giarrusso made his livelihood as a beer salesman when the family lived on Barracks Street in Faubourg Treme’ on the edge of the Vieux Carre.. Later the family relocated to 1713 Ursuline Street and he worked as a clerk for many years in the comptroller’s office of the NOLA city finance department.
Thelma and Roy lived in New Orleans approximately ten years before coming to Biloxi to seek their fortune.
Thelma was a former member and queen of the Le Danseurs Carnival Club and a life time member of the Notre Dame - Sacred Heart Booster Club. She was a member of Nativity BVM, where she was also a member of the Altar Society. Mrs. Bellande was preceded in death by: husband, Roy P. Bellande; three sisters: Mrs. Lucille G. Faucheux (1901-1982), Miss Rosa Giarrusso (1900-1905) and Miss Rosalie Giarrusso (1906-1988) and five brothers: Rudolph Giarrusso (1897-1977), James I. Giarrusso Jr. (1898-1959), Lester Giarrusso (1907-1963), Dr. Alfred Peter Giarrusso (1913-1997) and Maurice Giarrusso (1916-1935). She was survived by: three brothers: Harold ‘Hap’ J. Giarrusso (1902-2002), Clarence B. Giarrusso (1921-2007), and Joseph I. Giarrusso Sr. (1923-2005).(The Times-Picayune, August 4, 2002,p. 5)
Thelma G. Bellande, remained in their home at 449 Porter Avenue in Biloxi until her demise on August 2, 2002. They had no children. Thelma G. Bellande was ninety-eight years at the time of her passing. She lived a full life until her late nineties when her health began to fail. Thelma drove her motorcar until her ninety-sixth year. Her corporal remains were interred in Southern Memorial Park Mausoleum with those of her spouse.(from The Daily Herald, January 30, 1964, p. 2 nd The Sun Herald, August 4, 2002, p. A-7, and The Times-Picayunem August 4, 2002, p. 5)
Thelma Giaruso Bellande (1904-2002) and Roy P. Bellande (1895-1964) and Roy, Aristede 'Buster', and Faye Bellande-circa 1903.[second photo water damaged by Hurricane Camille-1969]
Bellande Beverage Company [circa 1937] and January 1994, 831 Lameuse Street
(The building survived Hurricane Katrina of August 29, 2005. Young ladies are probably children of Harold and Faye Bellande Davidson.)
BELLANDE BEVERAGE COMPANY
In 1936, after beer and wine had become legal to sell again in Mississippi, Roy P. Bellande became associated with the Spearman Beer Company of Pensacola, Florida. His territory was the state of Mississippi and his business was situated at the corner of Reynoir and Howard Avenue. In July 1937, Roy was promoted by Spearman to field representative and his theatre of operations now included Louisiana and Alabama. Shortly after his promotion, he and Thelma left Biloxi for a six week tour of Alabama.(The Daily Herald, July 22, 1937, p. 7)
The Spearman business was located later south of the family home at 831 Lameuse Street (as of March 2018, this tin building is extant). The structure was built in the fall of 1936 by William F. Caillavet (1879-1940), his uncle. The company moved to its permanent location on Bohn Street in the late 1940s after Bellande Beverage Company was chartered in the State of Mississippi, on July 15, 1938, with $5000 capital and 50 shares of common stock. Younger brother, Marcel J. Bellande, joined the organization in 1936 as manager, after a brief career in professional baseball.(The Daily Herald, October 30, 1936, p. 5 and August 19, 1938, p. 3 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 65, p. 346)
In 1942, the Bellande Beverage Company was selling Chevy Ale and Hudepohl Beer, product brewed by the Hudepohl Brewing Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. In time, national brands such as Falstaff, Schlitz, and Pabst were integrated into the business. Roy and Mickey (as Marcel was called) together with their loyal wives built a very successful organization, which operated from Bay St. Louis to Moss Point and north almost to Wiggins in Stone County. Their territory encompassed about 1300 square miles.(The Pascagoula Chronicle-Star, May 15, 1942 and June 5, 1942)
BOHN STREET
In October 1945, the Bellande Beverage began acquiring land on the east side of Bohn Street south of the L&N Railroad right-of-way and West Howard Avenue. At this time, the company paid $3500 to the First National Bank of Biloxi for a lot with 150 feet on Bohn Street and running 100 feet east. A contiguous parcel was bought from the same bank in January 28, 1946 for $1500. Its dimensions were 150 feet north and south and 76 feet east and west. Both Bellande Beverage Company tracts were bounded on the north by the right-of-way of the L&N Railroad, which later would run a spur to the Bellande warehouse for boxcar deliveries of beer.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Land Deed Bk. 279, p. 302 and Bk. 282, p. 136)
By 1957, the Bellande Beverage Company had grown to twenty-eight employees and ten trucks. In addition to their Biloxi facility on Bohn Street just south of the L&N Railroad, beer distribution warehouses were situated in Bay St. Louis and Pascagoula. Mrs. Mona Hunt was secretary of the organization.(The Ocean Springs News, May 30, 1957, p. 8)
The Bellande Beverage Company was sold on May 1, 1979, to the Afton Beverage Company of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Afton marketed Pepsi-Cola and Seven-Up at Chattanooga.(The Daily Herald, May 10, 1979 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court 2nd JD Land Deed Bk. 92, p. 515)
I was fortunate to work many summers while in college for Uncle Roy, and remember him as an individual who was quiet spoken, honest, and possessed a subtle wit. He had great instincts in business and believed in the CIF method of doing business, i.e. Cash in Fist. If you could obtain credit from him, you knew you were honest! Roy Bellande enjoyed his friends at Sicurro's Lounge on Division Street, the Elks Club, and American Legion. Although he liked to fish for perch and green trout, he had skin cancer and was limited to the extent of his outdoor activities in later life.
ORGANIZATIONS
During WWI, Roy P. Bellande served in the US Army as an infantryman. He did not go to Europe to fight. Among his memberships and offices held were: chairman of the board of trustees of the American Legion Lyman C. Bradford Post; a trustee of the Biloxi Elks; vice president of the Biloxi Fishing and Hunting Association; Mississippi Malt Beverage Association; National Beer Wholesalers; West End Volunteer Fire Company; Revelers carnival club; and the Chamber of Commerce of Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula, and Ocean Springs.(The Daily Herald, January 30, 1964, p. 2)
Mardi Gras Day-March 5, 1957
In September 1953, he was Parade Marshall in the annual Fireman's Day Parade for the West End Fire Company. Roy was also King d'Iberville of the Biloxi Mardi Gras in 1957 with Carolyn Bolton as his Queen Ixolib.(The Daily Herald, March 5, 1957, p. 1)
Roy Peter Bellande died peacefully in his sleep on January 30, 1964, probably of heart failure. His widow, Thelma, remained in their home at 449 Porter Avenue in Biloxi until her demise on August 2, 2002. They had no children. Thelma G. Bellande was ninety-eight years at the time of her passing. She lived a full life until her late nineties when her health began to fail. Thelma drove her motorcar until her ninety-sixth year. Her corporal remains were interred in Southern Memorial Park Mausoleum with those of her spouse.(The Daily Herald, January 30, 1964, p. 2 and The Sun Herald, August 4, 2002, p. A-7 )
LOUISE FAITH BELLANDE (1898-1974)
Faye Bellande was born February 15, 1898, on Lameuse Street in Biloxi. She worked for the telephone company, where she met Harold James Davidson (1894-1982). Harold J. Davidson was born at Biloxi, on December 28, 1894, the son of William Davidson and Margaret Ledden (1863-1925). Mrs. Davidson was a native of New Orleans and the daughter of Jeremiah Ledden and Margaret O’Brien. She had come to Biloxi circa 1885. The William Davidson family resided at 514 Bohn Street. When she expired on April 4, 1925, Mrs. Davidson was survived by four children: Alethia E. Davidson (1890-1965) married Alfred G. Brunet (1890-1948); William Sydney Davidson (1893-1941) married Viola Genevieve Comfort (1908-1999); Harold Davidson (1894-1982) m. Louise Faye Bellande (1898-1974); and Calvin Arnold “Skinny” Davidson (1901-1971) married Audrey Virginia Harrison (1912-2003). A daughter, Olga Davidson Smith (1899-1920), had expired on January 20, 1920.(The Daily Herald, April 6, 1925, p. 3)
(L-R: Faye Bellande Davidson (1898-1974), Trilla Davidson, Harold Davidson (1894-1982), Fern Davidson (image circa 1945)
ROAD RACING
As a young man Harold Davidson was an outstanding long distance runner. An article in The Daily Herald of September 28, 1916, stated: Harold Davidson, a local boy and well known amateur long distance runner, is training for a five mile race, the annual event of the Young Men's Gymnastic Club of New Orleans, to take place in that city on Thanksgiving Day. Mr. Davidson has won two medals for his running and this time he is going in the race to try and lower the record for the south in the five-mile distance. He captured a gold medal for coming in first in the race held by that club on Thanksgiving Day last and on March 4 of this year he received a silver medal for coming in a close second in a similar race. Mr. Davidson stated that the present record is 28 1-8 for the five miles. A number of excellent runners will take part in the race to be held this year and the Biloxian expects to give them a hard run for their money. In the race run on last Thanksgiving Day he lead sixteen other entries and received a big ovation. These events prove interesting to sportsmen in the Crescent City and are witnessed by large crowds of spectators.
Davidson also did well at New Orleans in the mid-November 1916 road race. He placed a close second to southern champion, Willie Davis, a teammate, on the Young Men’s Gymnastics Club. Davis covered the five- mile course in twenty-six minutes and fifteen seconds besting Harold by ten seconds. Twenty-four other runners followed them across the finish line. Davidson planned to run in the Thanksgiving Day Race also scheduled for New Orleans.(The Daily Herald, November 20, 1916, p. 3)
In January 1917, Harold Davidson was training for a two-mile race to be held at Mobile on Mardi Gras Day. He was to represent the Young Men’s Gymnastic Club of New Orleans. Professional road racers were expected in the Mobile event.(The Daily Herald, January 22, 1917, p. 3)
Harold J. Davidson left Biloxi on February 25, 1918 for basic training in the U.S Army at Camp Pike, Arkansas, north of Little Rock. It appears that most of his military service during WW I was in New Jersey. Harold was probably discharged from the US Army in the spring of 1918. In July 1918, he was elected vice president of the Biloxi Athletic Club replacing his brother, Arnold Davidson.(The Daily Herald, February 20, 1918 and July 14, 1920, p. 3)
In August 1919, Harold Davidson received an invitation from the Southern Amateur Athletic Union to attend to attend the Knights of Columbus track and field meet at Camp Dix, New Jersey, which was held on September 6th1919. He was a member of the thirteen-man team from New Orleans, coached by Claude Simons. Harold did not fair well in the New Jersey event, as his conditioning at the time was not at the level that he wanted. He did get to visit the U.S. General Hospital No. 3 at Rahway, New Jersey where he was the chief electrician during WW I while serving in the US Army Quartermaster Corps. Harold had won a 2.5 mile race while serving here.(The Daily Herald, August 28, 1919, p. 1, September 18, 1919, p. 3, and January 1, 1960, p. 20)
MARRIAGE
Faye Bellande and Harold J. Davidson married on July 18, 1927, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in North Biloxi. This union produced three daughters: Mildred Davidson (1928-1940), Fern Cecilia Davidson (b. 1933), and Trilla Davidson (b. 1935).(HARCO, Ms. MRB 39, p. 391)
Davidson Girls
(L-R: Fern C.Davidson, Mildred L. Davidson, and Trilla Davidson-circa 1939)
Mildred Louise Davidson (1928-1940)
Mildred Louise Davidson (1928-1940) was born on July 29, 1928. She attended school at St. John’s, a parochial facility, near her home. Unfortunately, Mildred was robbed of a full life, as she died in her adolescents from pneumonia on February 25, 1940. Her funeral was attended by her classmates and the Sisters of Mercy at St. John’s Catholic Church.(The Daily Herald, February 27, 1940, p. 3)
Fern Cecelia Davidson (1933-2018)
Fern Davisdon Dubaz O’Neal resides in D'Iberville, Mississippi. She was widowed in February 1996, when her second husband, Felder Blake O'Neal (1931-1996), expired. He was from McHenry, Stone County, Mississippi, and retired from the Baptist ministry. Brother O’Neal had been pastor of the Tuxechena Baptist Church at Perkinston, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, February 25, 1996, p. B-2)
Fern divorced from George B. Dubaz (1931-1992). George B. Dubaz was born March 15, 1931, in Biloxi. He was the son of Luke Dubaz (1893-1985) and Inez Gable (1902-1994). The Dubaz family, of Croatian heritage, were pioneers in the Biloxi seafood industry. Their children were: George B. Dubaz Jr. (b. 1951), Stephen J. Dubaz (b. 1954), Brian J. Dubaz (b. 1957), Robert C. Dubaz (b. 1959), and Gary A. Dubaz (b. 1961).
After divorcing Fern, George B. Dubaz, called Bunny, married Christine Mitchell (1937-2002), a native of Attapulgus, Georgia and widow of Jerry Britt. He expired at Biloxi on May 5, 1992. Buried Biloxi National Cemetery. Christine died at Gulfport on January 21, 2002.(The Sun Herald, May 6, 1992, p. and The Sun Herald, January 24, 2002, p. A-5)
Fern's obituary
Fern Dubaz O’Neal, age 84, of D’Iberville, Mississippi passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018 in Biloxi. Fern was born in Biloxi on November 22, 1933 to Harold J. and Fay Bellande Davidson. She grew up attending St. John Catholic Church, St. John School and Sacred Heart High School. Fern married George “Burnett” Dubaz in 1949 and raised five sons. She remained an active parishioner at St. John until moving to D’Iberville in 1986. Fern joined Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was a member of the Bereavement Committee and active with the Rosary group. She was also a charter member of the L’Bonheur Social Club. Fern retired from the Biloxi Veterans Administration as a Nursing Assistant. She was married to Felder O’Neal until his death. She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; her sister, Mildred Davidson; her daughter-in-law, Janice Dubaz; and her niece, Sharon Guthrie. Fern’s survivors include her sons, George “G.B.” Dubaz Jr., Stephen J. Dubaz, Brian Joseph Dubaz and his wife Rose Marie, Robert C. Dubaz and his wife Betty Sue and Gary A. Dubaz and his wife Lee Ann; her sister, Trilla Davidson Hanson and her children, Terri, Gerri and Richard; her grandchildren, Anthony (Angela) Dubaz, Stephanie (Kevin) Davidson, Sarah (Jason) Fisher, Adam (Camille) Dubaz, Jared Dubaz, Briana Dubaz, Elizabeth Dubaz, Victoria (Joshua) Conway and Lloyd Moon, III; her great-grandchildren, Izabella, Luke, Nicholas, Jordan and Gary; her daughter-in-law, Theresa Dubaz; and numerous extended family members and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Nativity BVM Cathedral on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 1:00 pm. Friends may visit from 11:30 am until mass time. Entombment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, May 17, 2018]
Trilla Martha Davidson (b. 1935)
Trilla Martha Davidson Guthrie Ramirez Hansen lives in Larkspur, California. She was born at Biloxi in 1935. She was named for Trilla, Illinois, the birthplace of Alvah Clark Morgan who married Louise Caillavet, the sister of Trilla’s grandmother, Alice Caillavet Bellande. Like her sister, Fern, she is a widow and has two fine husbands, Ray Ramirez, a retired city engineer, and Phil Hansen (1945-2009), a retired tax attorney. Ray Ramirez expired in 1995 and Phil Hansen on August 5, 2009, while recovering from surgery at Oakland, California. Trilla is divorced from Richard Guthrie of San Francisco. He is the father of her children: Teresa Gaye (b. 1957), Sharon (b. 1959), Geraldine (b. 1961), and Richard Guthrie Jr. (b. 1962).
Faye B. Davidson had a bout with cancer in her early fifties and it eventually took her life on April 2, 1974. I will always remember the kindness and concern she had towards me and my family. We spent many days at 714 Church Street playing in the yard, visiting Grandma Alice C. Bellande, and listening to the armchair philosophy of Uncle Harold Davidson.
Harold worked his entire career in the electrical field, commencing in 1915, with the Mississippi Coast Traction Company, the predecessor of the Mississippi Power Company. While with the traction company Harold belonged to the Amalgamated Association of Street Railway and Electrical Workers of America. He left the traction company and joined the Cumberland Telephone and Telegraph Company in January 1918. Harold retired from the Mississippi Power Company on December 31, 1959, after a twenty-three year career primarily as a “trouble shooter”. He had joined United Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 1211 when it had been organized in 1940. (The Daily Herald, December 24, 1917, p. 1, January 14, 1918, p. 4, December 5, 1960, p. 9, and January 1, 1960, p. 20)
After a long retirement from the Mississippi Power Company, Harold Davidson passed on in September 1982. His and Faye’s corporal remains were interred in the Old Biloxi Cemetery.
ARISTEDE C. BELLANDE (1901-1976)
Aristede Clarence Bellande was born September 12, 1901. He left Biloxi about 1917, moving to New Orleans were he died on August 30, 1976. Aristede was known as Buster, and was probably named for his uncle, Aristide Caillavet (b. 1867). He began work as an apprentice machinist, but later went into the hotel business.
Buster Bellande began his fortune in the hotel field as a bell captain in 1920, at the old St. Charles Hotel when James 'Pat' O' Shaughnessy was the manager. In 1933, he joined the staff of the Roosevelt Hotel as room clerk. Buster was made assistant manager of the Roosevelt in 1937, and promoted to executive assistant manager in 1941. In 1948, he was named resident manager and then manager in 1956. His professional associations were: Hotel Greeters of America, New Orleans Hotel Association, New Orleans Hotel Greeters, and the Chamber of Commerce.
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ARISTEDE 'BUSTER' BELLANDE
(L-R: image made circa 1930, from La-Ms. Hotel Greeters of America, p. 22; 2nd image made 1938)
Roosevelt Hotel [Lobby]
Family lore relates that Buster Bellande, when manager of this fine hostelry, commenced the Yule tradition of decorating the hotel's lobby. It continues currently-2019.
Buster Bellande married Mildred Lott (1904-1980) of German ancestry in New Orleans in 1926. Mildred was the daughter of John Lott (1860-1942) and Theresa Hornung (1861-1936). She was the youngest of eight children and reared on Laurel Street near Annunciation in the Crescent City. Mildred's father worked faithfully for over thirty years with the New Orleans Fire Department. Mildred's mother expired at New Orleans on November 19, 1936. Buster's mother, Alice C. Bellande, attended Mrs. Lott's funeral.(1910 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T624_524, p. 4B, ED 207 and The Daily Herald, November 20, 1936, p. 2)
Mildred and Buster Bellande had a daughter, Joyce Mary Bellande (b. 1928). Joyce Mary resides in River Ridge, a New Orleans suburb, and is divorced from Al Sherlock. Their children are: Thomas Sherlock (b. 1947), Jerome Sherlock (b. 1951), Susan (b. 1955), Peggy (b. 1956), and Holly (b. 1961).
Buster retired from the Roosevelt Hotel in 1965, when it was sold to the Fairmont chain of hotels. After a lengthy bout with cancer, he died in the Southern Baptist Hospital in New Orleans in August 1976. Aristide Bellande loved Biloxi and always enjoyed an annual visit to relax, visit, and fish with his Coast family. He is buried in Bellande family plot at the Old Biloxi Cemetery. Mildred Lott Bellande expired March 1980, and her corporal remains were interred in New Orleans.
ELLIOTT A. BELLANDE (1904-1977)
Elliott Anthony Bellande (1904-1977), called Pete, was born August 7, 1904. He was a merchant mariner out of New Orleans until 1927. In May 1925, he and Fred Haise left Biloxi for New Orleans to contract with a ship as crewman for an Atlantic crossing. The young Biloxi seamen had just returned from a voyage to Europe and were experienced able bodied seamen./(The Daily Herald, May 1, 1925, p. 3)
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Ernestine Balius (1907-2005)
On August 18, 1927, Elliott Bellande married Ernestine Balius (1907-2005) in the Nativity Church at Biloxi. Ernestine was born at Biloxi on April 23, 1907, the daughter of Ernest Balius (1873-1927) and Pauline Julia Lamrock Balius (1877-1934). Ernestine came from a large family of eight brothers and three sisters: Ernest Balius Jr. (1897-1969); Edward Balius; Albert George Balius (1899-1953); Henry Balius (1902-1977); Floyd A. Balius (1904-1994); Juliet B. Broughton (1909-1996); Freddie Balius (1912-1993); Paul Balius (1914-1994); Louis Balius; Lillie Mae B. Noble (1920-1992); and Melba Balius (1924-1941). Elliott was known as Peter Bellande Jr. and Pete Bellande. He worked as an auto mechanic for Ford, the WPA during the Great Depression, and the Harrison County Board of Supervisors. From 1940-46, he was with International Harvester at Flint, Michigan. Ernestine was employed by Southern Bell for thirty-five years retired in 1972 as Night Chief Operator. Pete and Ernestine were the parents of two daughters: Margaret V. Schneider (1928-1992), and Alice J. Dubaz (1931-2013)./(The Sun Herald, May 19, 2005, p. A10 and January 22, 2013, p. A4)
Pete Bellande was a good man. He is fondly remembered by the fishermen and boaters he served well from 1953-1970, when he was Harbor Master at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor. He was retired at the time of his death from congestive heart failure resulting from cardiovascular problems on January 12, 1977.
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[L-R: Frederick Edward 'Eddie' Schneider (1923-2008), Joseph Schneider (b. 1960) and Margaret Bellande Schneider (1928-1992)-image made July 1965]
Margaret V. Bellande (1928-1992)
Margaret Virginia Bellande, called Mog, was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 22, 1928. On October 23, 1948, she married Fredereick 'Eddie' Edward Schneider (1923-2008), the son of Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Schneider, at St. John's Catholic Church in Biloxi, Mississippi. Eddie made his career in the US Navy. In July 1951, Eddie left Norfolk, Virginia for foreign duty and Margaret returned to Biloxi to live with her family on Lameuse Street.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 78, p. 147 and The Daily Herald, July 14, 1951, p. 2)
The Schneiders adopted a son, Joseph E. Schneider (b.1960). Margaret V. Schneider was a licensed practical nurse and had retired from the Biloxi Veterans Administration. She died at a Mobile, Alabama hospital on August 7, 1992, from leukemia. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery in the perpetual care section. Eddie Schneider retired as a Chief Petty Officer and lived at Milton, Florida. He died on November 10, 2008.(The Sun Herald, August 8?, 1992)
Alice J. Bellande (1931-2013) and her spouse, John B. Dubaz (1929-2006)
[Courtesy of Fern Davidson Dubaz O'Neal-December 2011]
Alice J. Bellande (1931-2013
Alice Julia Bellande was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 22, 1931. She married John B. “J.B” Dubaz (1929-2006), the son of John Dubaz Jr. (1890-1944) and Cecile Andre Dubaz (1899-1986), at St. John's Catholic Church in Biloxi on September 20, 1953. J.B. Dubaz made his livelihood as a diesel mechanic in the Civil Service at KAFB. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and founding member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church at Biloxi and long time volunteer. They had no children.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 95, 263 and The Sun Herald, April 1, 2006, p. A10)
Alice made her livelihood as a librarian at the KAFB library at Biloxi. She was a founding member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and a member of their Knights of Columbus Auxiliary. Alice expired at Biloxi, Mississipp on January 21, 2013. Her corporal remains were interred in Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, April 1, 2006, p. A10)
RUTH CECELIA BELLANDE (1906-1993)
Ruth Cecelia Bellande was born on September 25, 1906. She married Albert J. Ragusin (1904-1991) at the old St. John's Catholic Church on Bayview Avenue and Main Street in early November 1939. Father J.P. McGlade officiated in the presence of their attendants, Mildred Izard and Philip Capuana.(The Daily Herald, November 6, 1939, p. 8)
The Ragusins lived for many years at 607 Santini Street in Biloxi where Albert had a plumbing business. As a youth, he had left school to sell newspapers to help support his family. Albert's father, Antonio S. Ragusin (1866-1911), a Croatian immigrant, died in June 1911, at Biloxi from blood poisoning resulting from a sting ray wound.
In 1916, Albert Ragusin, was residing with his family at 756 Reynoir Street. He and his older brother, Tony Ragusin (1902-1997), were newsboys at the time. Albert wrote an article about “Biloxi” that was published in December issue of The Lone Scout, a magazine for boys with a national circulation of about 150,000 readers.(The Daily Herald, January 5, 1917, p. 2)
Albert J. Ragusin (1904-1991) and Ruth Bellande Ragusin (1906-1993)
(circa 1950 at 607 Santini)
Albert J. Ragusin learned to plumb at the Biloxi Plumbing & Heating Company owned by Henry L. Schwan and Charles Coquet, Sr. He commenced work for $7.50 per week. As a journeyman plumber, he worked on the Edgewater Hotel. Ragusin then went to Kansas City for advanced training. He passed the Kansas City plumbing examination board. Returning to Biloxi, Albert and Fred Demourelle Sr. commenced their own business, Demourelle & Ragusin. Prior to the stock market crash of October 1929, Mr. Ragusin went to Chicago and Flint, Michigan. At Flint, he worked on a large construction project. In July 1941, he joined the Civil Service at KAFB as the chief foreman plumber for a salary of $2600 per year. His first job was to supervise the laying of water lines to the tents. Ragusin retired from the Civil Service circa 1973. At this time, he held the title of Superintendent of pavements and grounds in the Civil Engineering department of the military base.(The Daily Herald, May 24, 1929, p. 9, November 6, 1939, p. 8 and June 12, 1971, p. C-3)
In his retirement years, Albert J. Ragusin was active in yard work, wood turning, and Senior Citizens activities. He was chosen to the Mississippi Joint State Legislative Commission and served at least two terms. This commission represented the legislative interest of about 5000 members of AARP and the National Retired Teachers Association in Jackson, Harrison, Hancock, Stone, Pear River, George, and Greene Counties of south Mississippi.(The Ocean Springs record, November 11, 1976, p. 3)
In 1956, the Ragusins built a lovely domicile at 104 St. Charles Street on the north shore of Back Bay. The bay front home was legated to Fern Davidson Dubaz O' Neal after the demise of Ruth Bellande Ragusin in 1993. The Raguain-O'Neal place was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina in late August 2005 and demolished in the fall of 2005.
In their younger days, they traveled extensively throughout North America by automobile. They enjoyed many visits to the Riley family in Denver, Colorado. In recent years, the couple has made trips to Europe. Albert fulfilled a life long ambition by visiting the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, the birthplace of his parents.
In 1989, the Ragusins celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their residence with a family reunion party. Although Ruth and Albert were childless, they have been very supportive of their close relatives through the years. Albert J. Ragusin died October 1, 1991. Ruth Bellande Ragusin passed on September 28, 1993. Both are interred at the Old Biloxi Cemetery on the beach front.
MARCEL JOSEPH BELLANDE (1909-1982)
Marcel Joseph Bellande was born September 24, 1909. Mickey, as Marcel was called, succeeded in athletics and business. At Biloxi High School in the late 1920s, he excelled in football, basketball, track, and baseball. In mid-December 1932, Mickey graduated from Spring Hill College at Mobile with a degree in Commerce. At Spring Hill, he had an outstanding football and baseball career. Mickey signed to play football at Spring Hill with Earl Mattina, Burnett Mabry, and Granville 'Stag' Foster, all players from the 1926 Biloxi State Championship squad.
This football team was crowned State gridiron champions, having tied the undefeated Sunflower County Agricultural High School from Moorehead at Greenville, Mississippi on December 6, 1926, by a score of 7-7. The game went five quarters, although the Indians were outweighed 24-pounds per man.(The Daily Herald, December 7, 1926 and December 7, 1929, p. 2)
In June 1931, Mickey Bellande signed a professional baseball contract with the Cleveland Indian organization. His professional baseball sojourn, primarily as a shortstop, included stints in the Three I, Middle-Atlantic, and New York-Pennsylvania Leagues.
Marcel Bellande's greater success and fame in athletics would come in the golf world. He set a mark in Mississippi golf annals, which may never be duplicated by being the only man to win all three Mississippi amateur golf titles, i.e. State Open, State Amateur, and State Seniors. Mickey captured seven State Senior crowns between 1964-1974, five National Four Ball Senior titles of the seven years he competed at Pinehurst, North Carolina, and claimed numerous club championships along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and New Orleans. He was awarded numerous honors in the sporting world. Among these honors are: induction into the Sports Hall of Fame of Spring Hill College in 1974, induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1975, and also the Gulf Coast Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame in 1979. Mickey Bellande was named Man of the Year in 1963 by the Biloxi Jaycees.(The Sun Herald, March 5, 1982 and The Daily Times News, January 31, 1964, p. 1)
(l-r) Marcel "Mickey" Bellande (1909-1982) and Kate Fickes Bellande (1911-2006). Circa 1944.
MARRIAGE
On December 7, 1932, in the rectory of the St. John’s Catholic Church at Biloxi, Mickey married his high school sweetheart, Katherine 'Kate' Ruth Ann Fickes (1911-2006), the eldest daughter of Roscoe 'Ross' Logan Fickes (1886-1979) and Emma Christine Hinricks (1888-1971), both Illinois natives. Like her father, Kate was born at Matoon, Illinois, while Mrs. Fickes hailed from Tuscola, Illinois. The Fickes Family had come to Mississippi in late November 1926, the result of Mr. Fickes transfer with the Southwestern Gas and Electric Company [United Gas Company-Entex-Center Point] and settled at 1603 West Howard Avenue. Ross began his career in the natural gas industry in 1912 with the Central Illinois Public Service. Kate attended Biloxi High School while sisters, Margaret Fickes and Dorothy Fickes, were at the Lopez school. The Fickes family left Biloxi in June 1929 for Fayetteville, Arkansas, but returned in September 1930. Kate Fickes was a 1927 graduate of Biloxi High School and attended M.S.C.W., and the University of Arkansas. The young couple started life in the Bills Apartments on Reynoir Street. Mickey planned to resume his professional baseball career in March 1933, by reporting to spring training with the New Orleans Pelicans of the Southern League.(The Daily Herald, November 30, 1926, p. 2, December 8, 1932, p. 2 and December 31, 1979, p. A2.)
MILITARY
Mickey J. Bellande enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on October 24, 1942 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. He served in England during WW II.
Daughter
A daughter, Kay Ruth Bellande, was born at Biloxi on August 5, 1946. Kay married James "Jim" Ray Foster Jr. (b. 1946) at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church at Biloxi on December 21, 1974. He is the son of Dr. J. Ray Foster (1917-2002) and Jane Allen Strickland. Kay and Jim lived in Michigan and Florida were Jim made his livelihood in hospital administration. They are the parents of twin sons, Brad Foster (b. 1980) and J. Brian Foster (b. 1980). The Fosters returned to Biloxi in 2003.
Margaret Fickes Foster (1919-2009), Jim's stepmother and Kay's aunt, passed on March 31, 2009 at Biloxi.(The Sun Herald, April 2, 2009, p. A4)
l-r: Dr. J. Brian Foster and Brad Foster
In May 2005, J. Brian Foster, a University of Florida alumnus, received his medical degree from the Emory University School of Medicine at Atlanta, Georgia. He planned to pursue a residency in ophthalmology at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine at Winston-Salem, North Carolina.(The Sun Herald, May 29, 2006, p. A11)
Residences
In December 1937, Mickey and Kaye moved into a new house on the southwest corner of Hopkins and Division Street at Biloxi. It was a five-room bungalow situated on a lot 60 feet by 100 feet. The Division Street property was purchased from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company through local realtors, Perkins & Fayard.(The Daily Herald, December 4, 1937, p. 6)
In August 1959, Mickey and Kate Bellande acquired for $9,000 cash, the vacation home of Urban B. Koen and Patricia Koen at 226 Kensington Drive, east of KAFB, on the Back Bay at Biloxi. The Koens were residents of New Orleans. Their residence was situated on a .35 acre parcel designated as Lot 11-Square 1 of the Oak Park Subdivision.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 453, p. 35)
Livelihood
In 1938, Mickey Bellande joined his brother, Roy, in the beer distributing business in Biloxi. He retired upon its sale in 1979. Mickey was always in top physical condition as he led an active athletic life style. He was capable of hooking a large game fish or shooting sub par golf at the occasion of his untimely death from brain cancer on March 5, 1982. His corporal remains were interred at the Southern Memorial Park cemetery in Biloxi. Kate Bellande expired at Biloxi on October 6, 2006. Her corporal remains rest eternally next to Marcel's at the Southern Memorial Park cemetery.(The Sun Herald, March 5, 1982 and October 9, 2006, p. A4)
ALTON L. BELLANDE
Alton Louis Bellande (1912-1970) was born January 22, 1912. He was a salesman for his entire business career. It was while traveling in Louisiana for the William Wrigley Company, chewing gum manufacturer, that he met Hazel Mary Bonnette (1912-2002) in a Shreveport drugstore. She was born at Charenton, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana on October 2, 1912. Her parents were Filbert Bonnette (1890-1967) of Plaucheville, Avoyelles, Parish Louisiana and Marie Mathilde Champagne (1888-1971), a native of Youngsville, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. They were married at St. John Birchmans Catholic Church at Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana on October 19, 1941. Before Alton enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in August 1942, the newly weds lived at Lafayette, Louisiana until January 1942 when they relocated to Biloxi where he continued to represent the Wrigley Company. Most of Alton’s active duty military time was spent in Algiers, Louisiana loading ammunition and supply ships during World War II until his honorable discharge in August 1945.(The Daily Herald, October 22, 1941, p. 6 and January 27, 1942, p. 3)
Alton L. Bellande (1912-1970) and Hazel Mary Bonnette Bellande (1912-2002)
Alton and Hazel had five children: Ray Louis Bellande (b. 1943), Mickey John Bellande (b. 1944), Betty Ann Bellande (b. 1946), Bruce James Bellande (b. 1947), and Roy Anthony Bellande (b. 1949).
Ray is divorced from Elizabeth "Betty Wynne of Lafayette, Louisiana, and has no children.
Mickey resides in Biloxi and is divorced from Sonia Carol Wilkes Hodges (b. 1947), a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. They have a son, M. J. Bellande Jr. (b. 1980). On September 28, 2002, Sonia married James Alred Sheffield (b. 1931), a retired physician.
In August 1969, Betty married Judge Larry Wilson of of Winona, Mississippi. They had no children. Betty resides in Biloxi with her husband William "Bill" Toland, and they are childless.
Bruce is domiciled in Oxford, Mississippi after a succesful career as a medical educator. He and spouse have two children: Mary Elizabeth 'Betsy' Bellande (b. 1982) m. Austin Blake Smith on March 7, 2009 at Little Rock, Arkansas; and Christopher Bruce Bellande (b. 1985). His wife, Mary Elizabeth Bryant (b. 1949) is a native of Oxford, Mississippi.
Roy is divorced from Daisy Dianne Davis (b. 1953), who is now married to Kenneth Riley Wells (b. 1940). Roy married to Nancy Elizabeth Arthur in Harrison County, Mississippi on 1 November 1997. They lived in St. Martin, Jackson County, Mississippi and Silva, Missouri until Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home in St. Matin. They acquired a home and aceage in George County, Mississippi south of the Lucedale Community after Katrina and sold the Missouri property. His children are Alton Jason Bellande (1974-2019) and Hazel Marie Bellande (b. 1978) divorced from Richard V. Savage and Mr. Parker. Hazel Marie has Corbin Zane Bellande (b. 1997), a son, with Rinichiro Larry Burdick, the son of Mr. Burdick and Tomiko Ohi Burdick (1937-2010) of Gulfport, Mississippi.
In 1945 after World War II, Alton joined the Fuller Brush Company as a door-to-door salesman. In January 1947, he was promoted to field manager and was responsbile for ten local Fuller Brush salesmen on the Mississippi Coat to Mobile, Alabama and in part of Louisiana.(The Daily Herlad, October 2, 1945, p. 5 and Janaury 24, 1947, p. 8)
He is described in an article titled "Fuller Brush Man" in the May 8, 1948, issue of The Saturday Evening Post as "a thirty-six-year-old Mississippian with a persistent foot, a ready smile and a way with the ladies. The foot, a figurative door opener, leads Bellande into approximately 100 Biloxi homes each week. The smile, artfully guileless, establishes a mood of neighborly confidence between Al and his housewife prospect while he opens his sample case. Bellande's way with the ladies is a compound of his own brand of small-town, deep-South chatter and a simple commercial formula known to some 7150 Fuller Brush dealers the country over as The Big Five".[The Daily Herald, May 5, 1948, p. 8]
In March 1949, Alton became a dealer for Pene-Treat, a new paint.(The Daily Herald, March 15, 1949, p. 5)
About 1952, he joined his brothers, Roy P. Bellande and Mickey J. Bellande, as the advertising manager of the Bellande Beverage Company. Alton was an outdoorsman of the first magnitude. He thoroughly enjoyed golf, hunting, and fishing. During the dove season, his home at 1051 Lameuse Street (now 415 Lameuse Street) was the head quarters for his many hunting companions.
In May 1954, Al played some outstanding golf in losing in the finals of the inaugural Sunkist Country Club championship. Giles H. Peresich won 3 and 2 in the 36-hole, two-day event. Bellande shot a 76 and a 73, while Peresich had scores of 73-74. Alton was selected to be the marshal for the Back Bay Fire Company in the September 1957 Firemen's Day Parade.(The Daily Herald, May 18, 1954, p. 14 and August 20, 1957, p. 10)
Alton L. Bellande died suddenly of a heart attack at his home on May 8, 1970, at the age of 58 years. Hazel expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 31, 2002 while a resident of the assisted living of the Methodist Retirement Home on West Beach.
Family News
Image:
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Christopher B. Bellande and proud parents at the
Vanderbilt University commencement exercises on May 9, 2008
Christopher Bruce Bellande
Christopher B. Bellande son of Bruce J. Bellande and Mary Betsy Bryant, formerly of Vestavia Hills, Alabama and now Carmel, Indiana, was awarded the Founder’s Medal for the School of Engineering. He graduated with a triple major; a bachelor of science in computer science, a bachelor of arts in mathematics and a bachelor of arts in Spanish. Bellande is an Academic Achievement Honor scholar and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society and the Sigma Delta Pi Spanish honor society. Bellande served as president of the Vanderbilt math club for four years and organized the first Vanderbilt high school mathematics competition. He used his skills as a teaching assistant for the math department and volunteered as a language mentor to Hispanic immigrants new to Nashville. Bellande also co-chaired the Student Government Association’s athletics affairs committee and was a tour guide for the Office of Admissions. Christopher completed the master’s program in computer science at Vanderbilt in December 2008 and became employed as a software engineer with Blackbaud, Inc. on Daniel Island in Burkeley County, South Carolina.
Christopher B. Bellande married Laura Cohen Robbins on May 2, 2015 at Charleston, South Carolina
Henry Robert Bellande
Henry Robert Bellande, first child of Christoper and Laura Robbins Bellande, was born 23 Novemeber 2019 at Washington D. C.
Austin Blake Smith and Betsy Bellande Smith
Mary Elizabeth 'Betsy' Bellande married Austin Blake Smith, an accountant, in Little Rock, Arkansas on March 7, 2009. She is a clothing designer with Dilliards Incorporated at Little Rock, Arkansas and resides at Maumelle, Arkansas. Betsy gave birth to Austin Bryant Smith at Little Rock on June 22, 2011. He was 20 inches long and weighed 8 pounds and 4 ounces. Bruce J. Bellande, grandfather, said of young Austin-"He has that Bellande nose."
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Austin Bryant Smith (b. June 22, 2011) and Dylan James Smith (b. June 19, 2014) with Grandmother Mary Betsy Bryant Bellande.
Betsy Bellande Smith and Austin Blake Smith had their second son, Dylan James Smith, born at Little Rock, Arkansas on June 19, 2014.
Austin and Dylan Smith in July 2016
Roy A. Bellande
Continues erecting his home and workshop at Silva, Wayne County, Missouri. Roy and Nancy Arthur Bellande sold their Missouri aceage and home and relocated to Lucedale, George County, Mississippi in November 2010.
Roy A. Bellande Missouri house
Image by Ray L. Bellande, July 2009
Alton Jason Bellande
Roy and Diane lost their eldest child, Alton Jason Bellande [1974-2019], who expired on June 29, 2019. For many years, he was called Jason, but in recent times, he elected to use his first name, Alton. Since I remember him from childhood as Jason, I will use that nomenclature. Jason was born on November 11, 1974 at Biloxi, Mississippi. The Bellandes were domiciled in D'Iberville at the time. Jason was a rough and tumble child who seem to have no corporal fear. I could see him as a future, line penetrating, running back daring opposing defenses to stop him.
As I recall, Jason graduated from D'Iberville High School in 1992 and worked the remainder of his life in menial tasks: busboy, waiter, landscaper. He was enamored with marijuana which precluded him finding a more financially rewarding occupation. Jason was affable, gregarious and intelligent. He had many friends who loved him dearly.
Jason had a child, Elina Bellande, the daughter of
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MARIA IDA BELLANDE (1874-1948)
Maria Ida Bellande was born February 26, 1874, at North Biloxi. She was known as Ida. At the wedding of her cousin, Marie Erma Harvey, to Victor Ougatte of New Orleans on April 20, 1892, in Biloxi, she was described byThe Biloxi Herald reporter as "one of Biloxi's favorite belles, who was also exquisitely robed, as became the first brides-maid of so charming a bride".
Young Ida Bellande appears to have been quite a social person. In the spring of 1893, she was honored at the home of Captain E. Castanera in Pascagoula with a dance party. Her mother attended her to this function.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, April 2, 1893)
Ida Bellande married Edward Emile Gossow (1869-1897)of St. Louis on December 5, 1893, in the Roman Catholic Church of the Nativity BVM at Biloxi. Father Blanc was their priest. Mr. Gossow was a well-known druggist from St. Louis, Missouri and the newly weds left after the wedding ceremony by train for St. Louis. Ida was residing in St. Louis when her mother, Marie Harvey Bellande, died in 1894. As previously discussed, the Gossows initiated forced heirship litigation against her father, Captain Antoine V. Bellande, and her brothers for her share of her mother's estate.(HARCO, Ms. MRB 10, p. 145, Lepre, 1991, p. 21, and The Biloxi Herald, December 9, 1893, p. 8)
Edward E. Gossow (1869-1897) expired at St. Peter's, Missouri on October 22, 1897 at the age of 28 years and 2 months.(The Biloxi Herald, October 30, 1897, p. 1)
In October 1898, Ida B. Gossow departed her native Biloxi for New Orleans. She aspired to be a nurse and planned to enter the Touro Infirmary to achieve this vocation.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 4, 1898, p. 8)
It appears that Ida B. Gassow returned to Biloxi by the summer of 1899, as she was the proprietor of the Bay View Cottage, a hostelry on the beach road at Biloxi. The Bay View Cottage was a two-story edifice on the northeast corner of Delauney Street, now G.E. Ohr, and Beach Boulevard.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 22, 1899, p. 5)
Bay View Hotelon the Beach ~ Biloxi, Miss.
MRS. IDA B. GASSOW, Prop.
Regular or Transient Guests Furnished with First Class
Accommodations at Moderate rates
Open Summer and Winter
(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 22, 1899, p. 5)
At New Orleans, she met native New Orleanian, Clarence A. Galle Sr. (1879-1931), the son of Louis Joseph Galle (b. 1845) and Martha M. Mueller. Although they are kin, the Galle family of New Orleans and Ocean Springs pronounce their name as “guy-ull”, not the “gal-lay” as that of the Biloxi clan.(Larry Galle, July 26, 2001)
On October 10, 1901, Ida Bellande Gossow married Clarence Galle Sr. in the Crescent City. In November 1912, the Galles, who had once lived in Biloxi, were relocating from New Orleans to Montgomery, Alabama, where Dorothy was born in 1913. In his later life, the Mr. Galle had worked for the Veterans Bureau, and resided at Alexandria, Louisiana.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 11, 1901, p. 8 and The Daily Herald, November 25, 1912, p. 8 and May 4, 1931, p. 2).
Ida and Clarence A. Galle were the parents of: Clarence A. Galle II (1904-1944); Lillian Galle (1905-1948+) m. Lyle Smedley (1907-1988), a native of Traverse City, Michigan; Evelyn Galle (1908-1948+); Loretta Galle (1912-1948+) m. Arthur Mauret; and Dorothy Galle (1913-1991) m. Carlo Lucia (1912-1930+). In 1920, the family was domiciled on St. Roch Street in the Crescent City.(1920 Orleans Parish, Louisiana T 625_621, p. 2B, ED 134)
According to Ivy Lizana Fowler (1921-2000), Ida Bellande Galle would come to Biloxi to visit Ivy's grandmother, Maggie McCabe, at 427 Lameuse Street. Ivy describes Ida as "about five feet five inches tall, weighed about 180 pounds, and love to eat, especially sweets". Her father, Louie Lizana, put some grasshoppers in a brown bag and told Ida it was candy. When she opened the bag the 'hoppers jumped out and shook her up a bit!(Ivy L. Fowler, November 1996)
Ida Bellande Galle’s obituary in The Times Picayune of August 26, 1948, read as follows: At the residence 2351 North Roman St. on Tuesday, August 24, 1948 at 3:45 o'clock a.m., Ida Mary Bellande, wife of Clarence A. Galle Sr., beloved mother of Mrs. Arthur Mauret, Mrs. Lyle Smedley, Mrs. Cario (sic)Lucia and the late Clarence Galle Jr. and Evelyn Galle, sister of August and Joseph Bellande and the late Anthony (Newt) and Peter Bellande. Also survived by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A native of Biloxi, Mississippi, and resident of this city for the past 50 years. Funeral took place at Lumano-Panno-Fallo Funeral Home Wednesday, August 25. Services at Our Lady of the Stars and the Sea Church, Roch and Prieuir Streets, burial in the St. Roch Cemetery.
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AUGUSTE FRANK BELLANDE (1876-1953)
Auguste Frank Bellande was born January 3, 1876, on Harvey Hill in North Biloxi. He was known as Gus, Man, and Judge Bellande. He is known to have left Biloxi for St. Louis, Missouri in 1895. It would appear that “Man” went to St. Louis, as his sister, Ida B. Gossow, was a resident there at this time. He returned to Biloxi for a visit in late July 1897.(The Biloxi Herald, July 31, 1897, p. 8)
In the US Census of 1900, Auguste F. Bellande is listed as a boarder with his brother, Joseph, at 714 Julia Street in New Orleans. At New Orleans, Auguste worked for the L&N Railroad as a switchman and in the Baggage Department. It is known that he lost two fingers on one hand as the result of a timber handling accident or other event while with the railroad. While a resident of New Orleans, he may have worked as a policeman for a brief period of time.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 26, 1901, p. 8)
Stella Hernandez
In New Orleans, Auguste F. Bellande married Estella "Stella" Amelia Hernandez (1879-1928) on September 18, 1900. She was the born at NOLA on April 16, 1879, the daughter of Louis Hernandez (1851-1907) and Philippina Schilling Hernandez (1852-1923). Philippina Schilling had immigrated to the United States in 1852, from the Rhine Province of Germany. Louis Hernandez was a NOLA native and made his livelihood as a retail grocery on the corner of South Rampart and Felicity in the Crescent City and for a short time in Gulfport, Mississippi. He and Phillippina were the parents of nine children of which seven survived into the 20th Century: Lula Hernandez (1878-1900+); Stella Hernandez (1879-1928) m. August F. Bellande (1876-1953); Blanche Hernandez (1884-1900+) m. Joseph Russo; Winoma Veronice Hernandez (1888-1942) m. William H. Gillen; Louis J. Hernandez (1890-1938) m. Corrine Reggio; Lydia Philippina Hernandez (1891-1941) m. George M. Elder (1891-1947); and May Ernestine Hernandez (1894-1969) m. Henry E. Duffel.(1900 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, 1920 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T625_ and The Daily Picayune, January 24, 1907, p. 15)
Phillippina S. Hernandez owned a home on Copp Street at Biloxi, Mississippi. She died at NOLA on February 21,1923. Louis Hernandez, her spouse, expired at NOLA in January 1907. Their corporal remains were interred in the Greenwood Cemetery at New Orleans.(The Daily Picayune, January 24, 1907, p. 15, The Times-Picayune, February 22, 1923, p. 2 and The Daily Herald, February 23, 1923, p. 3)
Estella Hernandez Bellande was the mother of : August Frank Bellande, Jr (1902-1952), Louis Bellande (1904-1977), and Harold Bellande (1905-1983).
Family lore relates that Estella Hernandez Bellande became ill with the flu or some other malady and had to be kept in a sanitarium. She expired on January 18, 1928 at NOLA and her corporal remians were interred in the Greenwood Cemetery.(The Times-Picayune, January 20, 1928, p. 2)
Politician
Auguste Bellande and his young family returned to the Mississippi coast settling in the Gulfport area in 1906. Here he worked for the Gulf & Ship Island Railroad as engine foreman until about 1916. Gus Bellande was a politician and is known to have sought the office of Constable in Beat 2, Harrison County, Mississippi as early as August 1911. After this loss, he announced that he would seek the office of Police Chief for Gulport. and again in 1915. He served as a Justice of the Peace in Beat 2 for a number of years prior to 1923, and through this position acquired the title, Judge Bellande.(The Daily Herald, August 23, 1911, p. 8, September 20, 1911, p.5)
1915 Campaign
Gus Bellande announced his candidacy for Constable of Beat 2 in February 1915. He was defeated in this race by D.H. King.(The Gulfport Advocate, February 27, 1915 and The Daily Herald, April 22, 1919, p. 2)
1919 Election
In the spring of 1919, August F. Bellande began his campaign for the office of Justice of the Peace for Harrison County, Mississippi. He placed second in the Democratic Primary held on August 5, 1919, polling 356 votes to S.P. Moorman’s 412. Mr. Moorman was the winner in the second primary held on August 26, 1919.(The Daily Herald, April 22, 1919, p. 2 and August 28, 1919, p. 4)
1926 Campaign
In 1926, Major G.R. Kemp expired in his Beat No. 2 Justice of the Peace office. Judge Bellande made a run for this position basing his candidacy on his prior four years experience as the local JP.(The Daily Herald, September 1, 1926, p. 1)
1928 Campaign
In January 1928, he ran a political announcement in The Daily Herald, which gave some insight into his character:
In announcing his candidacy again for the place, Mr. Bellande stated that he felt that the knowledge and experience of his former term qualified him. The record he made while holding the justiceship speaks for itself, said Mr. Bellande, and is open for the public inspection. If he is chosen by the electorate of the district to again sit as their justice of the peace he will endeavor to see no one persecuted, but believed in the prosecution of all who were charged with the violation of the law. Friend and enemy would be treated alike in his court and he would know no favoritism, he declared. (January 27, 1928)
On December 30, 1914, Auguste F. Bellande married Mary Ellen Christovich Wagatha (1875-1946) of Mississippi City at St. John’s Catholic Church in Gulfport.(HARCO, Ms. MRB 27, p. 224) She was the daughter of Antonio Christovich (1835-circa 1879), a Slavic immigrant from Dubrovnik, Croatia. Her mother was Mary Ann Nicholson (b. 1833). Mary Ellen Christovich was the widow of George O. Wagatha (1878-1902), whom she had married in Harrison County, Mississippi on November 22, 1899. They had a son, George Adam Wagatha (1900-1991). George resided in Metairie, Louisiana and was in good health and spirits, when I visited him in 1989. He remained close to his step-son, Dr. Dan Lehon, of New Orleans.
In the 1927 Coast Cities Directory, Auguste F. Bellande was listed as a realtor residing at 1911 19th Avenue in Gulfport with wife, Mary Ellen. Residents of this address also were his sons: August Jr., a salesman for Swift & Co.; Harold, a salesman for his father; and Louis, a sailor. He later founded the City Paper Company (1935?), and was involved in the grocery and motor oil businesses as well.
Auguste F. Bellande attempted a political comeback in 1943, when he ran for Justice of the Peace in District No. 2. In a political announcement, the following was related: While he was Justice of the Peace a number of years ago, he was instrumental in cleaning out the slot machines, closing gambling houses, suppressing prostitution, and getting working girls shorter hours. At that time, they worked 16 to 18 hours per day; succeeded in getting it reduced to 60 hours per week of 7 days.
He has previously conducted a clean, square administration with a square deal to all parties without regard to who they are, and he has guaranteed that no shake down will be permitted so far as he is able, to prevent, by anybody.(The Daily Herald, July 31, 1943, p. 8)
Obviously, the voters of Harrison County Beat No. 2 were displease with Judge Bellande’s prior term in office, as in the ten-man race for JP in 1943, he ran eighth. He garnered only 328 votes of the 7873 ballots cast or %. Does his rejection by the electorate give credence that it is difficult for an honest man to succeed in politics?(The Daily Herald, August 5, 1943, p. 1)
The life of Auguste Frank Bellande ended instantly as the result of an automobile accident on US Highway 90 at Texas Street in Mississippi City on November 18, 1953. Judge Bellande was east bound on US 90 when his two-door Austin sedan turned north into the path of a 1953 Oldsmobile driven by Paul Skrmetti of Biloxi. Mrs. Skremetti suffered a fractured knee.(The Daily Herald, November 18, 1953, p. 1)
Auguste F. Bellande is interred next to his wife, Mary Ellen Christovich, who passed on September 28, 1946. They rest peacefully for eternity in the St. James Cemetery at Handsboro, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, November 18, 1953)
August Frank Bellande Jr.
August F. Bellande Jr. (1902-1952) was born at New Orleans on July 23, 1902. He may have worked for Wells Fargo and possibly was drafted for World War I. August was known as Little Gus and later as Gus. He attended Perkinston Junior College and worked for a time as a meat salesman for Swift & Company. Gus joined his father at the City Paper Company and eventually bought the company. They were engaged in wholesaling paper products from about 1935 to 1948, when the business was sold. Gus owned and operated a tavern for a short time on the corner of Pass Road and Court House Street in Handsboro (now Gulfport).
At Gulfport, on July 14, 1926, Gus Bellande married Ellen Laney (1896-1973) from Birmingham, Alabama at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Wagatha in Mississippi City. Ellen was born November 23, 1896, the daughter of Dr. Marcus W. Laney and Mollie Blair. Ellen Laney received her nursing training at King Daughter's Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was employed as a nurse supervisor at the Veterans Hospital in Gulfport when she met and married Gus Bellande. The Bellande's resided at 1910 19th Avenue in Gulfport near his father. From this marriage two children: William Laney Bellande (1929-2002) and Mary Blair Bellande (b. 1932), were born.(The Daily Herald, July 15, 1926, p. 6 and HARCO, Ms. Circuit Court MRB 38, p. 284)
August F. Bellande Jr. and Ellen Laney Bellande divorced at Gulfport, in November 1947. Ellen moved to Birmingham, Alabama. She died there on February 21, 1973.(HARCO Ms., Chancery Court Cause No. 25,415)
Betty Travis Bellande
In 1950, August F. Bellande Jr. married Mrs. Betty Travis Nobles Pare (1920-1973). Mrs. Pare was the daughter of John E. Travis (1894-1985) and Pearl Baucum (1892-1973) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.(HARCO, Ms. Circuit Court MRB 83, p. 491)
After the demise of Gus Bellande, Betty married Louis Weekly in December 1952. (HARCO, Ms. Circuit Court MRB 92, p. 88).
At the time of her demise in July 1973, Betty Travis was married to Robert C. Suber (1903-1977). She had two daughters, Frances Nobles Recore Curet Anderson (1937-2002+) and Janie Taylor. Mrs. Suber’s corporal remains were interred in the Glendale Cemetery at Hattiesburg, Mississippi. (The Daily Herald, July 15, 1973, p. A-2)
William L. Bellande (1929-2002)
William Laney Bellande (1929-2002), called, Billye, was born October 2, 1929 at Gulfport, Mississipi. He graduated from the high school division of Perkinston Junior College and joined the Navy. Upon leaving the military, he went to Perkinston Junior College where he was a classmate of Joseph E. Bellande II of Arabi, Louisiana. Billye graduated from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa with a Biology degree and later the University of Alabama Dental School in Birmingham (1954). Billye was in private practice at the Norwood Clinic for 45 years. He served his community and profession as president of the following organizations: Birmingham Junior Chamber of Commerce, Mountain Brook Exchange Club, Birmingham District Dental Society, Birmingham Society for Advanced Dentistry, Alabama Implant Study Group, Alabama Academy of General Dentists and International Association for Orthodontics. His most prestigious honor was to be elected Regent of the American College of Dentists. He was also a flight instructor and member of the Quiet Birdmen of America.
W.L. Bellande-image made December 1967
William L. Bellande expired at Birmingham, Alabama on August 18, 2002. He was survived by his wife, Ethelyn Jones Bellande; his four children: Lynne Bellande (b. 1959) m. Steve Autry; Leigh Anne Bellande (b. 1961) m. Frank Ambrose; William Laney 'Bud' Bellande II (b. 1964) m. Marna Bellande; and Sharon Blair Bellande (b. 1977); as well as seven grandchildren: Anne Elizabeth Autry, Stephen Craig Autry, Catherine Grace Autry, Allison Laney Ambrose, Elisa Blair Ambrose, Burton Luke Bellande, and William Jones Bellande; and his sister, Mary Blair Bellande.(The Birmingham News, August 19, 2002, p. 3-B)
Mary Blair Bellande [image made 1951]
Mary Blair Bellande (b. 1932) also graduated from the high school division of Perkinston Junior College. She them matriculated to Bob Jones University at Greenville, South Carolina. Mary Blair has graduate credits at the University of Alabama, Cal State Fullerton, and Pepperdine University at Malibu where she was awarded the certificate to teach on the secondary level in California. As a teacher, she has worked with students in the fields of speech, drama, and English. Her summertime travels abroad have allowed her to teach also in Japan, Venezuela, and Guatemala (1987-88) where she worked in a missionary school. In 1960, Mary Blair met and married Hank Kleyn in the State of Washington. A daughter, Rebecca Blair, was born in 1963. The Kleyns transferred to Southern California with the insurance industry. Hank Kleyn died of a heart attack in 1977. Since her early retirement from teaching, Mary Blair enjoys world traveling (Holy Land and Kenya in 1990) and watching her grandson, Breman David Buchan, develop. Rebecca Blair, her daughter, is married to David Buchan, a native of Scotland, who practices dentistry in San Clemente, California. Rebecca graduated cum laude from Pepperdine and worked as a media planner and account executive until the birth of Breman on March 27, 1990. She is now a homemaker and is active in church and social activities in the community.
Louis Bellande
Louis Bellande (1904-1977) was born January 23, 1904, in New Orleans. It is believed he enlisted in the Navy after WW I (circa 1920) when he was only about 16 years old. He later became a Marine and was sent to China to guard mail ship-ments to that country. His Marine unit served in Nicaragua in the late 1920s, and it is believed he fought against rebels led by General Sandino. The present day Sandinista Party of Nicaragua derives its name from this early Central American patriot.
Louis returned to New Orleans and married Florence "Flossie" Bourg (1913-1992) from Bourg, Louisiana at New Orleans on November 5, 1929. They honeymooned at Biloxi staying at the Alvarez Hotel. Their first child, Thomas Louis, was born in New Orleans in 1931. At this time, Louis worked as a police officer, owned a restaurant, and drove a taxi. From 1934-1944, he and Flossie moved often as he was employed in the steel construction business. Daughter, Stella, was born at Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1935. The Bellandes also resided in Baton Rouge and Joliet, Illinois before settling in Richland, Washington in 1944. At Richland, Ralph, a son, was born in 1945. Louis was employed at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation as a construction superintendent. After retirement, he moved to Yakima, Washington where he died in January 1977, of a heart attack. His wife, Florence Bellande, passed at Yakima in May 1992.
Thomas Louis Bellande (1931-1995)
Thomas Louis Bellande (1931-1995) was born March 25, 1931. He went to Central Washington University in Ellensburg to study psychology, but got involved in the office supply business. He sold the business in 1982, and resided in Seattle with his wife, Elizabeth Ann, where in semi-retirement they managed an apartment complex. Their children are: David Thomas Bellande (b. 1959), Stephan Paul (b. 1960), Michael William (b. 1961), Catherine Ann (b. 1962), Susan Elizabeth (b. 1964), and Jean Marie (b. 1965). Thomas L. Bellande died at Morriston, Florida on February 1, 1995.
Estelle Bellande, (b. 1935)
[image made May 9, 1943 at St. Raymond's Catholic Church-Joliet, Illinois]
Estelle Bellande, called Stella, resides in Stanwood, Washington with her husband, George Browning. They were married about 1952, and have three children: Vicky Browning (b. 1953), George Browning (b. 1958), and Lynda Browning (b. 1961).
Ralph Harold Bellande (b. 1945)
Ralph H. Bellande is a real estate developer whose business operates on a national scale. He specializes in developing senior living centers. Ralph and his wife, Katherine, reside in Gig Harbor with their children, Amber (b. 1976), Tyler (b. 1978), and Brooke (b. 1980). Relocated to Prospect, Kentucky in 199?
Amber Bellande residing at Lexington, Kentucky in 2001. Teaching PE at the Woodford County Middle School, Versailles, Kentucky. She is also the coach of the volleyball team.
Harold Louis Bellande
Harold Louis Bellande (1905-1983) was born in New Orleans on December 23, 1905. In 1920, he was living in Biloxi, Mississippi on Copp Street, with his widowed grandmother, Philippina Hernandez (1852-1923), an 1852 Germany immigrant. Harold was a delivery boy in a grocery store at the time. Later he worked for his father, Auguste F. Bellande, as a real estate salesman.
Harold lived in New Orleans most of his life and was an engineer in the merchant marine service. He was married to May Breckenridge until her death in April 1962. Harold Bellande died in Gulfport at 405 Texas Avenue on April 15, 1983. He is buried in the Southern Memorial Park Cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi.
At the time of his death, Harold L. Bellande was married to Phyllis Frances Smith Markopoulos (1915-1985) who died at Gulfport, Mississippi, on December 1, 1985. She was born at New Orleans on September 28, 1915 to Frederick Smith and Frances Ann Hearty. Circa 1948, Phyllis married William Peter Markopoulos (1898-1955), a 1945 Greek immigrant to NOLA. She and William had a son, William P. Markopoulos Jr., who was born circa 1952. The corporal remains of Phyllis Frances Smith are also interred in the Southern Memorial Park Cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi adjacent to those of Harold L. Bellande. Her estate was probated as HARCO Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. P-1162.(The Times-Picayune, December 3, 1985)
Harold L. Bellande had no children with either wife.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
EDWARD ANTOINE BELLANDE (1897-1976)
Edward Antoine Bellande was born on Jackson Avenue in Ocean Springs, Mississippi on December 19, 1897. He was the sole child of Captain Antoine Victor Bellande (1829-1918) and Mary Catchot (1860-1931). Captain Bellande was 68 years of age at the time of Edward's birth. At the time, he was very active as a bar pilot at Ship Island and Biloxi. The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, announced his nativity as, “On December 19th, a fine bouncing baby boy arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. Bellande.”(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 7, 1898, p. 3)
Edward was known to all as Eddie. He was a sickly child, and in a letter dated December 21, 1908, his father wrote, "he (Eddie) is always sick. He cannot go to school like any other boy". Eddie suffered from asthma in his youth. By age forty, Eddie had grown to a height of five-feet six inches and weighed close to one hundred and eight pounds. He began balding as a young man and was totally bald by middle age.
As a lad, he developed a strong interest in the new field of aviation. Ruth Bellande Ragusin and Emmett Bellande, Jr. have both commented on the many model airplanes that Eddie built and exhibited in the Bellande home on Jackson Avenue in Ocean Springs.
In 1915, after completing his high school education at Ocean Springs, Eddie went to Buffalo, New York and spent three months at the Curtiss Exhibition Company where he began the course in aviation. It was owned by Glenn H. Curtiss (1878-1930), the famous aircraft manufacturer, who built the popular JN-4 or Jenny. Young Bellande then went to the Atlantic Coast Aeroplane Station at Newport News, Virginia. He was the youngest member of the graduating class and received his license (No. 639) from the Aero Club of America, which was affiliated with the French Federation Aeronatique Internationale, when he was eighteen years old.(The Jackson County Times, September 21, 1918)
Eddie Bellande returned to Ocean Springs in late December of 1916. His picture appeared on the front page ofThe New Orleans Times Picayune of December 2, 1916.
Biloxi visit
In early July 1917, Eddie Bellande took the L&N from Ocean Springs for a day visit at Biloxi. He was interviewed or went by the office of The Daily Herald, as they related that, “Mr. Bellande has been flying for eight months and qualified for a commission at 19 years. He says that he could be flying for the government service but his age prevents him. He is anxious to go across to Europe. Mr. Bellande has an altitude of 2000 feet and has traveled at the rate of 125 miles an hour. He use a Curtis (sic) military machine during his flights.”(The Daily Herald, July 7, 1917, p. 5)
Flight Instructor
In September 1917, he left Ocean Springs and went to Georgia School of Technology at Atlanta where he was an instructor in motors and planes at the government ground aviation school.
Later during the First World War, he served in the United States Marine Corps as a naval reserves aviator from August 18, 1918 until February 24, 1919. His initial assignment was at the Naval Training Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Later he was a naval flight instructor at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. It is known that he attended his father's funeral in Ocean Springs in June 1918, and was awaiting orders to report for flying duty in regards World War I.(The Jackson County Times, August 24, 1918 and September 21, 1918)
After the Great War, in May 1920, Eddie Bellande was employed with Curtiss Aircraft at Buffalo, New York in the motor department. On weekends he flew passengers over Niagara Falls. Robert E. Morris (1902-1970) of Ocean Springs joined the company in June 1920.(The Jackson County Times, May 29, 1920, p. 5)
In October 1920, Eddie relocated to Cleveland, Ohio where he worked for the Logan Aviation Company.(The Jackson County Times, October 2, 1920, p. 3)
In May 1921, Eddie Bellande as a member of the Aero Club performed aerials stunts at the 1921 opening of the aviation season at Curtiss Field in Buffalo, New York. He was accompanied in the air by E.M. Ronne and Roland Rohlfs.(The Jackson County Times, May 28, 1921, p. 3)
(l-r) unknown, Edward A. Bellande (1897-1978), Charles Lindbergh (1902-1974), unknown)
(photo from E.A. Bellande)
Southern California
In early June 1921, Bellande returned to Ocean Springs from Buffalo to visit with his mother. He departed Ocean Springs in early July 1921, for Southern California where he expected to be employed by one of the large movie companies as an aviator. He flew as a test pilot for Lockheed in 1926, piloting the first Lockheed Vega. He checked out Wiley Post in the famed "Winnie Mae", and co-piloted Charles Lindberg on the first TWA transcontinental run in 1929. His career in aviation nearly equaled the history of the industry as it is known today. He was a Navy pilot (World War I), barnstormer, skywriter, crop duster, movie stunt artist, and an airline pilot. While working in the fledgling Hollywood movie industry, he flew for movie moguls, Jack L. Warner and Darryl F. Zanuck. Old family photographs show Eddie with Al Jolson and Rin Tin Tin, the movie dog.
(l-r) Rin Tin Tin and Edward A. Bellande (1897-1978) on movie set-Los Angeles, circa 1925.
(photo from E.A. Bellande)
Rin Tin Tin
Nicknamed "Rinty" by his owner, the dog was taught tricks and could leap more than 13 feet. He was seen performing at a dog show by film producer Darryl F. Zanuck, who paid Lee Duncan to film him. Duncan became convinced that Rin Tin Tin could become the next Strongheart. The dog's big break came when he stepped in for a recalcitrant wolf in The Man From Hell's River (1922). Rin Tin Tin would be cast as a wolf or wolf-hybrid many times in his career, despite looking little to nothing like one. His first starring role, 1923's Where the North Begins, was a huge success often credited with saving Warner Brothers from bankruptcy. It was followed by Shadows of the North (1923),Clash of the Wolves (1925), A Dog of the Regiment (1927), Tiger Rose (1929), and The Lightning Warrior (1931). The dog also had his own radio show in 1930 called The Wonder Dog, on which he did his own sound effects.
True to his French birthright, to the sounds of classical music being played, the dog dined each day on a choice cut of tenderloin steak specially prepared by a private chef.
Following Rin Tin Tin's death in 1932 in Los Angeles, California, (in the arms of actress Jean Harlow, according to Hollywood legend) his owner arranged to have the dog returned to his country of birth for burial in theCimetière des Chiens, the renowned pet cemetery in the Parisian suburb of Asnières-sur-Seine.
Mothers visit
As early as May 1930, Mrs. Bellande was living with Eddie in Los Angeles. She came home in May 1930 to visit with Mrs. A.J. Catchot.(The Daily Herald, May 31, 1930, p. 5)
Mary Catchot Bellande (1860-1931) expired at California on May 26, 1931. Her remains were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery at Ocean Springs, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, May 28, 1931, p. 2)
Air Mail Medal of Honor
Among his many honors as a pilot is the Congressional Air Mail Medal of Honor presented to him by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1935. It was awarded to Eddie Bellande for an act of heroism following his only crash at Bakersfield, California. He safely landed a Transcontinental and Western Air trimotor aircraft, which was in flames and helped all of his passengers to reach safety before the plane was totally destroyed by the fire.(see The Los Angeles Times, ?)
As one of the pioneers of the aerospace industry, Eddie Bellande was one of the original organizers and board members of the Northrop Aircraft Company. He served as vice-president and director of the Houston Company and H.W. Houston Company. Eddie helped organize Maddux Air Lines, which later evolved into TWA.
At the time of his retirement from TWA in January 1943, he was the Number 2 pilot in seniority. Eddie had logged more than 23,000 flying hours and flew 3,100,000 miles without injury to passengers or mail cargo. He joined the Garrett Corporation in 1943, as an assistant to the President, was elected to the Board in 1948, and named Chairman of the Board in July 1963. His first challenge as leader of Garrett was to fight a takeover attempt by Curtiss-Wright, which was seeking to buy 47% of Garrett's stock. During his tenure at Garrett, the pressurization of production aircraft developed (the B-29 Superfortress), and after World War II, the corporation turned its talents to high-flying civilian transports and spacecraft. In December 1965, he retired, but served as a consultant with Garrett.
Edward Bellande belonged to approximately 30 civic and fraternal organizations including humanistic groups as well as aerospace-oriented ones. In the field of aviation, they include: International Club of Washington; Sky Club, New York; Wings Club, New York; Aviation Hall of Fame, Dayton; National Defense Transportation Association; OX5 Club; Quiet Birdmen; Early Birds of Aviation, and honorary fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. He served as general chairman of the Hope Chest Campaign in 1964, was a member of the President's Council of Loyola University in Los Angeles, and was on the board of the Bates Foundation in support of Harvey Mudd College.
Mary Bellande went to Los Angeles in January 1925, and considered living there with Eddie.
Pacific fleet photos 1924
In September 1924, Eddie flew from Roger’s Airport at Los Angeles in strong headwinds and heavy fog to Crissy Field in San Francisco. His plane had been chartered by Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr., proprietor of The Illustrated Daily Herald to fly Gus Thornrose, his staff photographer, to photograph the U.S. Navy’s Pacific fleet as it was arriving in San Francisco.(The Jackson County Times, September 20, 1924, p. 1)
Aviation record
In 1925, Eddie Bellande flew more than 50,000 miles in 797 hours, which was considered a record for its time. Most of his flight were to bring breaking news events to California newspapers readers. Bellande flew images of the Santa Barbara temblor to Los Angeles and San Francisco soon after the natural disaster. He took aerial photographs of the large Tia Juana, Mexico conflagration from his aircraft early in the morning as the fire raced through the resort border community.(The Daily Herald, January 20, 1926, p. 1)
Mae West and the 1935 Kansas City article
In 1935, a newspaper article appeared in a Kansas City journal titled “A Mistake When He Moved Next Door To Mae West”. Because of its human interest and biographical nature as pertaining to Eddie Bellande, I will submit it as copied from The Jackson County Times of March 2, 1935. Virginia T. Lee reprinted it in her column, appropriately named “The Column”.
“It’s the little personal touch that counts!” commented the man as he accepted a loan from a friend. So, if such things count for anything, permit the application of a personal touch or tow of the chunky form of Eddie Bellande, who has been flying airplanes since 1915; part of whose airline flying now is carried on a Kansas City, and who, in his more than 10,000 hours of aviating, ha made one great mistake. Bellande’s mistake was when he moved into a Hollywood apartment house and found he was living next to Mae West! This is why it was a mistake."
A 10,000-Hour MAN
His own individuality, which once was adequate, not to say copious, now has been lost. Because today he is referred to, not as one of air transport’s few 10,000-hour men, but invariably and simply as “the guy who lives next door to Mae West.” No matter how long and honorable his flying record, and it is plenty of each, it all is submerged beneath the sea of whatever it is that causes him to be referred to thus:
“Oh, yes! Eddie Bellande; I’ve heard of him! He’s the guy who lives next door to Mae West!” Only a few days ago at the Kansas City Airport, a stranger stopped the veteran airline pilot as he was leaving the restaurant. “Excuse me!” the stranger apologized. “Will you let me have your autograph?” “What for?” “Well, I understand you’re the pilot who lives next door--.” “Aw, nerts!” was Bellande’s interrupting comment as he walked away. Now if you ask him about that incident he probably would deny it. He’s that retiring. Many persons are like that, regardless of whom they live next door to. For instance, there was the fellow who lived next door to poverty. He never admitted he had so much as a dime!
This story was corroborated by Marion Illing Moran (1901-1993) of Ocean Springs who remembered Eddie Bellande as a young man in Ocean Springs. They were good friends at school, and she visited him in Los Angeles circa 1937. She told me that at that time Eddie lived on the second floor of an apartment house a few doors down from Mae West, the great movie star.(Marion Illing Moran, October 1991)
Marriage
Marjorie Edith Lamont (1911-2001) whose stage and screen name was Molly Lamont
[The Daily Illinois State Journal, March 26, 1937, p. 4]
On March 30, 1937, Eddie married "Molly" Lamont (1911-2001) at Santa Barbara, California.(The Daily Herald, March 30, 1937, p. 3)
Eddie and Molly Bellande resided at 361 Fordyce Road in the affluent Los Angeles suburb of Bel Air. He could boast of having Joan Fontaine, the actress, as his neighbor. Eddie was a bachelor for more than half of his life. Bellande was a senior pilot flying for Transcontinental-Western at the time.
"Molly Lamont, the movie actress, took her first airplane ride with newlywed hubby, Eddie Bellande, senior Transcontinental-Western airline pilot. Eddie was making his regular flight and Molly took the ride rather than be parted from him soon after their wedding. Photo shows Eddie making his bride comfortable." (The Times Picayune, April 3, 1937)
1939
Flights and Flyers-(documentary; Blackhawk Films, 30m) Three newsreel shorts about Jimmy Walker, Corrigan, Costa & Bellande, Earhart, Hughes, the Mollisons, Post & Gatty, Rickenbacker, et al.
1940
Testimony of Eugene Gerow, TWA pilot
As a 1940 graduate of TWA’s first officer school, Eugene Gerow (1907-2000) flew right seat with Eddie in DC-3 aircraft and claimed to be Bellande’s last copilot at TWA. The following excerpt from Gerow’s memoir, The Umpteenth Voyage: A San Joaquin Valley Farm Boy’s Struggle to Become an Air Line Pilot, provides an interesting personal look at Eddie Bellande the man, and insight into what it was like flying with him. As the story opens, circa 1941, Gene is a young co-pilot relaxing in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel in Albuquerque, NM, a TWA crew-change stop:
“…After Dick (Colburn, TWA instructor at Kansas City) left I sat alone in the lobby and pondered my dilemma: I certainly wanted to check out as captain but I certainly didn’t want to face that exacting involvement with as little actual flying time as I had accumulated at the controls of the DC-3 under the random flight crew paring principle which the company now followed. Just then I observed a senior Burbank captain approaching. “The captain was quite solemn as he stopped in front of me and looked me right in the eye. I began to wonder if I had done something to offend him but he started talking, rather jokingly I thought, about what a poor crop of copilots they were sending out for replacements these days. He went on to say that he thought I might do and asked, ‘Do you want to fly regularly with me?’ I was so astounded I stammered ‘Y…y…yes—uh, Sir!’ “Abruptly he started to turn away, saying, ‘okay, then: tell Corron I said you are to be paired with me from now on."
“The captain who told me to have myself scheduled with him was Eddie Bellande. He was one of the ‘Old Ones,’ to borrow a phrase from the Navajo, but old as applied here meant in experience, not chronological age: he was also one of the great ones. “I remembered him even then. Years before, we used to fly across to Rosamond Dry Lake and watch him and other famous pilots of that era testing new airplane designs. We saw him fly the first Lockheed twin there. His name was a household word in flying communities up our way. I had already learned what his reputation was among copilots on TWA: he had left a trail of well-trained copilots with whom he had been paired—Buddy Hagins, Grant Nichols and others before me were forever grateful for what he had done for them and they had said so. “Burbank Dispatch followed Eddie Bellande’s directive to have me fly with him, but it wasn’t all ‘peaches and cream’: Eddie apparently had something on his mind to which I will refer later, and during this early period of our flying together he just sat there in the left seat, trip after trip, and flew the airplane both ways. It wasn’t much different from the random scheduling I had been experiencing previously.
"I was becoming quite discouraged and decided one day as we were shuttled over to the TWA hangar at Lockheed Air Terminal to taxi our airplane to the airline passenger ramp that I was determined to say something about it if he sat in the left seat again without offering me some ‘stick’ time. He did sit down in the left seat but suddenly jumped up laughing and told me to sit there. After I had taxied the DC-3 across the field he asked me why I hadn’t protested my non-pilotage status and I explained to him just how close we had come to my ‘telling him off’ about it.
“Eddie laughed uproariously at my ill-concealed discomfort but what he then told me rang true: naturally he wanted me to fly ‘his’ airplane ‘his’ way and thought the easiest way to put this across was to fly a few trips by way of demonstration rather than talking about it—this gave him more time to think (and as I said previously, more about that later).
“What a switch: for many weeks I flew the airplane from the left seat day and night, fair weather or foul. After it became apparent that my handling of the DC-3 had improved Eddie handed me the log-sheet clip-board one day and said, ‘Here: you can do it all now.’
“I had never experienced so much flying joy in my whole life, but then as weeks passed and my glow began to subside, I noticed that Eddie was awfully quiet, just sitting there and staring out of the right front cockpit window for hours on end, saying little or nothing during this time interval. I began to really worry now, because I had come to think a great deal of him and I would have been horror-stricken to find that I had offended him somehow. “One day, I abruptly asked Eddie what was wrong. He came out of it with a smile and said: ‘Can you keep a secret? If you can, I’ll tell you something that is very important to my future, but I don’t want anyone on the airline to know about it right now.’ I promised and then he asked, ‘You know who Jack Northrop is?’ I nodded and he went on to say that Jack had been in some financial straits in his airplane design business and thought he might have to give it up. Eddie added: ‘Jack is probably my best friend and I told myself that I couldn’t just let him go down the drain.’
“Eddie related how he went to night clubs where many big time people hung out and by staying cold sober himself but buying expensive drinks for these people and talking to them as they waxed affluent under the mellowing influence of a good drink, he had accumulated a promising list of potential backers for Jack Northrop’s brilliant undertakings. The only problem for him was that these people wanted him to take over and run the company he had organized. ‘It may be too good to pass up’ said Eddie.
“It was a fascinating story as Eddie had detailed it to me and subsequent events proved that every word he had spoken was true. It was some time before Eddie finally made up his mind to make the change, he loved to fly so very much. But in the meantime, his last TWA copilot was having a ball flying the DC-3 from the left seat.
“Eddie Bellande was quite busy during his last days on TWA trying to make sure before he announced his voluntary retirement that his contemplated move wasn’t going to be a bad one. As I had previously stated, he had schooled me thoroughly on his idea of how a flight should be conducted and then turned the whole thing over to me. One of my non-standard copilot duties became a trip into the terminal building at intermediate stops to pick up the new weather. The captain was supposed to sign for the weather sheet, and I had learned how to render what I thought was a fair imitation of Eddie’s signature.
“Quite often people who were involved financially in an airline and airplane industry dealings would ride along on the jump-seat with us and at stopping-points along the route Eddie would stay on board to discuss important items with these individuals. My most vivid memory of this phase was of leaving Eddie and LaMott Cohu in the cockpit after a night landing at Winslow, where I went in to get the weather. Cohu was destined to be a president of TWA and was quite interested in all facets of the airline operation.
“When I came back up to the cockpit I advised Eddie that we had been re-cleared with a second alternate for ABQ, handing him the new release form. Cohu asked, ‘Doesn’t a new release have to be signed for by the captain?’ “Eddie laughed and said, ‘It’s been signed by the captain alright.’
“The financial wizard took the release from him and looked at the signature, remarking, ‘By Gosh! It looks more like Eddie’s signature than if he had signed it himself!’ “Years later when TWA Captain Bill Harrison and I signed in at the Garrett Corporation executive suite at Los Angeles International Airport to visit Eddie, we had to write down the name of the person we wanted to see, and I wrote the name of the Chairman of the Board, E.A. Bellande. The secretary gasped when she looked at the hand-written name and said: ‘You must have known him quite well: it looks exactly like his signature and very few people seem to have known that his middle initial is A—they always write down Eddie.’”
Note: Eugene Gerow (1907-2000) retired in 1972 as a senior TWA captain with 32 years service and 27,000 hours flying time. If he ever flew into Davis-Monthan during his long aviation career, he failed to sign the register. However, early in his professional career, he flew copilot with at least one other D-M signer, Walter L. “Si” Seiler, Chief Pilot of Wilmington-Catalina Airline, Ltd. Gene was a younger brother of Russell T. Gerow, whose photograph and document collection may be accessed here. Another anecdote from this book can be found at pilot Al Gilhousen.
1942-retirement from TWA
Capt. Edward A. Bcllandc, veteran TWA pilot who is well known in Albuquerque and is credited by the airline with having flown 3,100,000 miles without injury to passengers or mail cargo, retired Tuesday in Los Angeles, the Associated • Press reported. For more years than TWA employees here could recall, Captain Bellande, who was taught: to fly by Glenn Curtis in 1915, has been piloting passengers and mail over the western division. As Albuquerque is a crew-change point. Capt. Bellande frequently stopped overnight here. In command of a "stratoliner" since TWA put the big four-motored Boeings into service, the veteran pilot's last flight through here was several weeks ago. He then left on a vacation, at the end of which he retired. Captain Bellande will become vice-president of a company manufacturing p h o t o g r a p h i c equipment for the U. S. Army Air-Corps. The Associated Press said he served as a Navy instructor at Pensacola, Fla., during the First World War.(The Albuquerque Journal, January 28, 1942, p. 10)
Biloxi visit
During Mardi Gras of 1950, Eddie and Molly Bellande came to Biloxi from Los Angeles and visited with Esther Catchot Chamblee who resided at 438 Delauney Street. He was with Air Research Aviation at the time. They flew to Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, February 20, 1950, p. 8)
Molly Lamont
Marjorie Edith Lamont known by her stage name Molly Lamont (1911-2001) was born at Boksburg, Natal, South Africa, on May 22, 1911. In 1930, she was a dance teacher in Natal and won the Outspan Film Candidate Competition. The prize was a holiday in England and a screen test with the Elstree Studios. It launched her into an international movie career in which she made more than fifty films.(The Sunday Times, June 21, 1998) They and the character that she played follow: “The Wife’s Family” (1931)"-Sally; “What a Night!”-Nora Livingstone (1931); “Uneasy Virtue” (1931)-Ada;“Shadows”(1931)- Jill Dexter; “The House Opposite” (1931)- Doris; “Strictly Business” (1932)-Maureen; “The Strangler”-Frances Marsden-(1932); “Old Soldiers Never Die” (1932)-Ada; “Lucky Girl” (1932)-Lady Moira-(1932); “Lord Camber’s Ladies” (1932)-Actress; “The Last Coupon” (1932)-Betty Carter; “Josser on the River”(1932)-Julia Kaye; “His Wife’s Mother” (1932)-Cynthia; “Brothr Alfred” (1932)-Stella; “Paris Plane” (1933);“Letting in the Sunshine” (1933)- Lady Anne; “Leave It to Me” (1933)-Eve Halliday; “Norah O'Neale" (1934)-Nurse Otway, “White Ensign” (1934)-Consul’s Daughter; “The Third Clue” (1934)-Helen Arnold; “No Escape”(1934)-Helen Arnold; Murder at Monte Carlo” (1934)-Margaret Becker; “Another Face aka Two Faces” (1935)-Mary McCall; “Rolling Home” (1935)-Ann; Oh, What a Night” (1935)-Pat; "Jalna" (1935)-Pheasant, “Handle With Care” (1935)-Patricia; “Alibi Inn” (1935)-Mary Talbot; "Muss 'Em Up" (1936)-Nancy Harding; "Mary of Scotland" (1936)-Mary Livingstone; "The Jungle Princess" (1936)-Ava; “A Woman Rebels” (1936)-Young Girl;"Doctor's Diary" (1937)-Mrs. Fielding; “Fury and the Woman” (1937)-June McCrae; "The Awful Truth" (1937)-Barbara Vance; “Somewhere I’ll Find You” (1942)-Nurse Winifred; "The Moon and Sixpence" (1942)-Mrs. Amy Strickland; “A Gentle Gangster” (1943)-Ann Hallit; “Thumbs Up” (1943)-Welfare Supervisor; “Follow the Boys aka Three Cheers for the Boys” (1944)- Miss Hartford, secretary; “White Cliffs of Dover” (1944)-Helen; "Mr. Skeffington" (1944)-Miss Morris, a secretary; “The Suspect” (1944)-Edith Simmons; "Minstrel Man" (1944)-Caroline (mother), "Devil Bat’s Daughter” (1946)-Ellen; , "So Goes My Love" (1946)-Cousin Garnet, "The Dark Corner" (1946)-Lucy Wilding; “Scared to Death” (1947)-Laura Van Ee; "Christmas Eve aka Sinners Holiday"(1947)-Harriett, "Ivy" (1947)-Bella Crail; "South Sea Sinner aka East of Java" (1949)-Kay Williams; and "The First Legion" (1951)-Mrs. Gilmartin. Many of these films can be seen on television and VHS tape. Eddie and Molly had no children.
The Bellande's enjoyed many visits to Ocean Springs and the Mississippi Gulf Coast to visit Eddie's mother who lived until 1931. She sold her residence on Jackson Avenue to Frederick C. Gay in December 1924, and moved in with her relatives at Biloxi. Mrs. Bellande expected to relocate to Los Angeles to reside with Eddie Bellande. Mary Catchot Bellande expired in California on May 22, 1931. Her corporal remains were interred in the Catchot family area of the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou at Ocean Springs.(The Jackson County Times, December 11, 1924, p. 5 and May 28, 1931, p. 2)
Eddie Bellande died in the Century City Hospital on November 17, 1976, at the age of 78 years. He had a remarkable life and contributed greatly in the development of American aviation and aerospace technology. It is notable that the lives of Edward and Captain Antoine Bellande, his father, spanned 147 years of time of which much was filled with adventure and discovery.
Molly Lamont expired at Los Angeles on July 7, 2001.
More Eddie Bellande from General Aviation News, December 4, 2009.
Edward Bellande: Pioneering pilot
Posted by Dennis Parks · November 24, 2009
Bellande in 1916
“Air speed record to Los Angeles broken” was a headline in the Oakland (California) Tribune on Jan. 28, 1932. The story reported that a new coastal speed record for tri-motored planes was made on the Oakland-Los Angeles airway when a Transcontinental and Western airplane made the 360-mile hop in 1 hour and 52 minutes.
The craft, a Ford Tri-Motor, piloted by Eddie Bellande and Erwin Lewis, left the Bay Airdrome in Alameda at 10 a.m. and arrived at the Grand Central Air Terminal in Glendale at 11:52 am. Nine passengers were carried on the record-setting flight.
That was just one of the many highlights of Edward A. (Eddie) Bellande’s career in aviation, which spanned nearly 60 years. His career was as diversified and active as the industry itself during those years.
He participated, with other contemporary pilots like Charles Lindbergh, in some of the benchmark flights and activities of this dynamic era. He flew as a test pilot for Lockheed, piloting the first Lockheed Vega. He checked out Wiley Post in the famed “Winnie Mae” and co-piloted Charles Lindbergh on the first TWA transcontinental run in 1929. In addition, he either organized or directed some of the aviation industry’s largest business organizations.
Bellande was born Dec 19, 1897, in Ocean Springs, Miss. In 1915, after completing high school, he went to Buffalo, N.Y., where he spent three months taking flying lessons at the Curtiss Company. He was the youngest member of the graduating class when he received his license (No. 639) from the Aero Club of America.
He then went to the Atlantic Coast Aeroplane Station at Newport News, Va. During World War I, he was at the Georgia School of Technology at Atlanta where he was an instructor in motors and planes at the government ground aviation school. He also served in the United States Marine Corps as a naval reserves aviator from Aug. 18, 1918, until Feb. 24, 1919, ending his service as a flight instructor at the Pensacola Naval Air Station.
Early in 1921, he left for Southern California to work for one of the large movie companies as an aviator. While working in Hollywood, he flew for movie studios headed by Jack L. Warner and Darryl F. Zanuck. Besides being a movie stunt pilot, he kept busy as a flight instructor and barnstormer.
Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles he flew for DeMille’s Mercury Aviation Co. at its Wilshire Boulevard Airport. From 1922 to 1927 he was a freelance pilot flying for motion pictures, skywriting, crop dusting and barnstorming.
Eddie Bellande in the cockpit of an Avion with its designer Jack Northrop on the left.
During 1927-1929 he was in great demand as test pilot by airplane manufacturers. He made the test flights on most of the Lockheed airplanes, including the first “Vega” and the “Golden Eagle.” He also did all test flights on Northrop’s first flying wing. Later Bellande would join Northrop as a sales pilot and corporate director.
TAT PILOTS FRED RICHARDSON and EDWARD A. BELLANDE
[courtesy of Derek Hughey-Horizon Air, Seattle, Washington-July 2011]
During this same time, he joined Maddux Airlines flying Ford Tri-Motors. He continued flying for the fledgling airline through the mergers of Maddux and Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT) and the later Transcontinental and Western Air merger (which would eventually become Trans World Airlines or TWA).
By mid-year 1929 TAT commenced a 48-hour combination rail and air service across the United States between New York and Los Angeles. The first west-to-east flight was made July 8, 1929, aboard the Ford Tri-Motor, “City of Los Angeles,” piloted by Lindbergh and Bellande. The first east-bound leg was from Glendale, Calif., to Clovis, N. M. The next day Bellande and Lindbergh picked up passengers for the last leg of the transcontinental trip to Los Angeles. Among the passengers on this trip was Amelia Earhart, who had been hired by TAT to help market the service.
Preparing for the first east-bound TAT Air-Mail coast-to-coast service is pilot Charles Lindbergh
(second from right) and co-pilot Eddie Bellande (on Lindbergh’s right)
The advent of this service so captured the public imagination that six weeks before the service commenced, TAT reported receiving more than 1,000 applications for tickets for the first trip.
One of the most remarkable events in Bellande’s career was the result of an in-flight fire. On Feb. 10, 1933, on a night flight in a TWA Ford Tri-Motor from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Fresno and Bakersfield, the airplane caught fire about 10 miles out from Bakersfield. Apparently the floor heater, which operated from an exhaust stack on the nose engine, caught fire. Bellande managed to make it to the airport, land and safely evacuate the passengers. The fuselage of the plane was completely burned through. A close call, used by some to tout the benefits of “all-metal” construction.
Because of his heroic actions during the emergency, Bellande was one of seven mail pilots who earned the Air Mail Flyers Medal of Honor from President Roosevelt.
Bellande flew for TWA another 10 years. At the time of his retirement in January 1943, he was the Number 2 pilot in seniority. He had logged more than 23,000 hours and flew an impressive 3.1 million miles without injury to passengers or mail cargo.
He joined the Garrett Corp. in 1943 as an assistant to the president. He was elected to the board of directors in 1948, and named chairman of the board in July 1963.
The early days of aviation in California were rich in flying excitement against a background of aircraft and airline development. Edward Bellande was an integral part of many of these developments.
Dennis Parks is Curator Emeritus of Seattle’s Museum of Flight. He can be reached at dennis@generalaviationnews.com.
Antoine Victoire Bellande References
- 41 reads
REFERENCES:
Charles L. Dyer, Along The Gulf, (Women of the Trinity Episcopal Church: Pass Christian-1971. Originally published 1895.
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Chancery Court Cases
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 1359, "Sam Levy v. Antoine Bellande Jr."-February 1901.
Magazines
Hotel Greeters of America, Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter No. 32.
Movies
Flights and Flyers - (documentary; Blackhawk Films, 30m) Three newsreel shorts about Jimmy Walker, Corrigan,Costa & Bellande, Earhart, Hughes, the Mollisons, Post & Gatty, Rickenbacker, et al.
Journals
The Albuquerque Journal, "Pilot Retires Flew 3 Million Miles Without a Mishap", January 28, 1942, p. 10.
The Bay Press, “Cancer benefit, dance to honor Billy Bellande”, October 12, 2001, p. 6.
The Biloxi Herald, “City Paragraphs”, February 18, 1888.
The Biloxi Herald, “City Paragraphs”, March 1888.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, January 9, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald, “Back Bay”, January 30, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, December 9, 1893.
The Biloxi Herald, “Bellande-Barthes”, September 1, 1894.
The Biloxi Herald, “Petition For Liquor License”, April 13, 1895.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”, July 31, 1897.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”, August 14, 1897.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”, January 8, 1898.
The Biloxi Herald, “Public Notice”, June 4, 1898.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, February 13, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, April 9, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald, “Biloxi Blues”, June 18, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald “Local Happenings”, December 10, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald “Local Happenings”, May 11, 1895.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local and Personal", October 30, 1897.
The Biloxi Herald, “City News", August 16, 1898.
The Biloxi Herald, “City News", September 10, 1898.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Local and Personal”, October 4, 1898.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Bay View Cottage [advertisement]”, July 22, 1899.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News", June 10, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News", October 30, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News", October 31, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Opera Saloon", November 7, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Thrilling Accident”, May 29, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Petition for liquor license”, July 20, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, Seeptember 26, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, October 11, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News", January 8, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News", November 12, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Personal", November 17, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News", March 16, 1903.
The Biloxi Mirror, “R. Caillavet”, September 9, 1876.
The Chicago Tribune, "Linda Bellande", September 8, 2007.
The Daily Herald, “Pilots Have Been Reinstated”, January 31, 1907.
The Daily Herald, “U. Desporte returned from East", June 4, 1908.
The Daily Herald, “Southern drinks for New York”, May 23, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Lund Will Have Charge of Wireless Station”, July 1, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Society and Personal Items”, November 25, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Policeman on vacation", January 13, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Old comrades brought in touch: Bellande hears from old [Civil War] friend", April 23, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Garbage gathered”, July 18, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “$100 fine given liquor dealers", July 17, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Runner (Harold Davidson)To Compete In Race”, September 28, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Fine of $100 for liquor holdings”, November 2, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Davidson Wins Loving Cup”, November 20, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Newsboy (Albert Ragusin) Magazine Writer”, January 5, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Bellande’s (Peter) Hours Undergo A Change”, January 21, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Harold Davidson Will Run in Mobile”, January 22, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Steals Police (Pete Bellande) Bicycle”, January 22, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Wagon load beer taken in charge”, March 13, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. DeVeaux Dies”, April 24, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Aviator Bellande Visits Biloxi”, July 7, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Restraining order is granted to prevent service interference', December 24, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Too much friction cause of cops downfall asserts Mayor Glennan, January 3, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Notice to Public", January 14, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Fifty men entrain [Harold J. Davidson] for Camp Pike Sunday Feb. 25", February 20, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Returns home [Harold J. Davidson], March 2, 1918.
The Daily Herald, "Biloxi Boy [Roy P. Bellande] to come home", December 6, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Mayor and Commissioners meet and transact important business", January 8, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “[Harold J. Davidson] Returns after visit", January 30, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Gus Bellande For Justice Of Peace”, April 22, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Harold Davidson in Track Meet”, August 28, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Harold Davidson Returns”, September 18, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Paragraphs", July 14, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Paragraphs", July 14, 1920.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. [Phillipina] Hernandez died Wednesday”, February 23, 1923.
The Daily Herald, “Anthony Belland (sic) Buried Today”, May 22, 1924.
The Daily Herald, “Pallbearers For Bellande Funeral”, May 23, 1924.
The Daily Herald, “Death of Mrs. Davidson”, April 6, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “To Sail Across”, May 1, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Gaddy Coach Biloxi High”, June 20, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Coast Aviator Makes Record”, January 20, 1926.
The Daily Herald, “August Bellande to Make Race for Justice of Peace", September 1, 1926.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Police Desk Sargeant [sic] on vacation", November 19, 1926.
The Daily Herald, “New Plumbing Business”, February 11, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Judge Bellande Is Candidate For Justice of Peace”, January 27, 1928.
The Daily Herald, “High Schoolers Play Hard But Lose to Finny Tribe”, April 9, 1928.
The Daily Herald, “Albert Ragusin Leaves”, May 24, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Ocean Springs News”, May 31, 1930.
The Daily Herald, “Fickes Family Return”, September 1, 1930.
The Daily Herald, “Clarence Galle, Sr. Dies”, May 4, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Bellande Buried”, May 28, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Bellande Leaves For Tryout With Cleveland Club”, June 1, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Covering the Coast”, June 26, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Bellande-Fickes”, December 8, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Boy In Lineup”, March 15, 1933.
The Daily Herald, “Atlanta Looks Like Team To Beat In Southern Loop”, March 18, 1933.
he Daily Herald, “Bellande sold to Minneapolis club", February 4, 1935.
The Daily Herald, “Attend Lott funeral", November 20, 1936.
The Daily Herald, “Bellande-Lamont”, March 30, 1937.
The Daily Herald, “[Roy] Bellande promoted”, July 22, 1937.
The Daily Herald, “Bellandes In New Home”, December 4, 1937.
The Daily Herald, "Make 2000-Mile Trip", March 31, 1938.
The Daily Herald, “Charter of Incorporation of Bellande Beverage Company, Inc.”, August 19, 1938.
The Daily Herald, “Ragusin-Bellande”, November 6, 1939.
The Daily Herald, “Mildred Davidson Funeral”, February 21, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Bellande Winner of Biloxi Golf Tourney”, January 13, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Bellande Sets New Amateur Mark at Biloxi Golf Club”, January 27, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Bellande Pace Setter; In Stag Golf Tournament”, March 10, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Vote For A. Bellande”, July 31, 1943.
The Daily Herald, “Election Results”, August 5, 1943.
The Daily Herald, “Bellande Subject Of Post Article”, May 5, 1948.
The Daily Herald, “Bellande Visit”, February 20, 1950.
The Daily Herald, “Bellande Rites Set”, April 30, 1952.
The Daily Herald, Judge A. Bellande Fatally Injured In Traffic Crash”, November , 1953.
The Daily Herald, “Giles Peresich New Champion of Sunkist Golf Club”, May 18, 1954.
The Daily Herald, “[Mickey] Bellande is medalist for 3rd Annual Sunkist Club Championship golf event", August 7, 1956, p. 15.
The Daily Herald, “Alton Bellande names Back Bay Fire Marshal, September 20, 1957.
The Daily Herald, “One Time Marathon Runner Ends Career As Electric Serviceman”, January 1, 1960.
The Daily Herald, “Union members [United Brothers of Electrical Workers Local 1211] celebrate 20th successful year”, December 5, 1960.
The Daily Herald, “Know Your State”-The Pilot Who Was Farragut’s Pilot In The Battle of Mobile Bay, June 8, 1961, p. 4,
The Daily Herald, “Roy Bellande Head Beverage Firm Expires”, January 30, 1964.
The Daily Herald, “Ragusin Holds Civilian Record”, June 12, 1971.
The Daily Herald, “Betty Travis”, July 15, 1973.
The Daily Herald, “Bellande Beverage Company sold to Tennessee firm”, May 10, 1979.
The Daily Herald, "R.L. Fickes dead at 93", December 31, 1979.
The Daily Herald, "Four Biloxians were valuable cogs in Spring Hill machine", December 7, 1929.
The Daily Picayune, "Louis Hernandez, popular grocer succumbs suddenly to heart failure", January 24, 1907.
The Daily Review [Hayward, California], “TWA founder dead at 78”, November 18, 1976, p. 36.
The Daily Times News [Ocean Springs], "Man of the Year-[Marcel] Bellande", January 31, 1964.
The Gulfport Advocate, "Gus Bellande", February 27, 1915.
The Hartselle Inquirer [Alabama], "Hasbur W. Denning", October 16, 2007.
The Hattiesburg American, “Services today for Miss Alice Bellande”, August 21, 1967.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Items”, August 24, 1918.
The Jackson County Times, “Edward Bellande Instructing Aviators”, September 21, 1918.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Items”, May 29, 1920.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Items, June 12, 1920.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Items”, October 2, 1920.
The Jackson County Times, “Aviator Bellande Does Stunts”, May 28, 1921.
The Jackson County Times, “Edward A. Bellande Daring Aviator”, September 20, 1924.
The Jackson County Times, “Vanderbilt Plane Scoops World On S.F. Fleet Photos”, September 20, 1924.
The Jackson County Times, “Local and Personal”, December 11, 1924.
The Jackson County Times, “The Column”, March 2, 1935.
The Jackson County Times
The Los Angeles Times, “Burning Plane Pilots Given High Praise”, ?
The Naperville Sun, "Signe V. Bellande", March 3, 1999.
The Ocean Springs News, “Bellande Beverage Co. Is Largest Firm Of Its Kind On The Coast Operates Fleet Of Ten Trucks”, May 30, 1957.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Ocean Springs flyer [Eddie Bellande] now firms consultant", July 4, 1968, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Ragusin renamed to legislative commission", November 11, 1976.
The Pascagoula Chronicle-Star, “Bellande Beverage Company” (advertisement), May 15, 1942.
The Pascagoula Chronicle-Star, “Bellande Beverage Company” (advertisement), June 5, 1942.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Local Paragraphs”, May 21, 1880.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Biloxi Gleanings”, October 5, 1883.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Marine Matters”, April 18, 1884.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Biloxi City Elections”, January 9, 1885.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, January 7, 1898.
The Sun Herald, “Prominent Biloxian, Bellande, Dead at 72”, March 5, 1982.
The Sun Herald, “George B. ‘Bunny’ Dubaz”, May 6, 1992.
The Sun Herald, “Felder B. O’Neal”, February 25, 1996.
The Sun Herald, "Ida 'Sue' Bellande", March 2, 1997.
The Sun Herald, “William E. Bellande Sr.”, January 23, 2002.
The Sun Herald, “Christine Dubaz”, January 24, 2002.
The Sun Herald, “Thelma Bellande”, August 4, 2002.
The Sun Herald, "Jeanette Blanchard", January 10, 2003.
The Sun Herald, "Martha B. Lashbrook", July 13, 2004, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, "Betty Faye Bellande Denning", July 22, 2005.
The Sun Herald, “Ernestine Balius Bellande”, May 19, 2005.
The Sun Herald, "Mr. John "J.B." Dubaz", April 1, 2006.
The Sun Herald, "Family, bologna made life sweet for Dubaz", April 4, 2006, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, "Foster gets medical degree", May 29, 2006, p. A11.
The Sun Herald, "Mrs. Katherine "Kate" Bellande", October 9, 2006, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, "Miss Mary Elizabeth Bellande weds Mr. Austin Blake Smith", March 8, 2009, p. F1.
The Sun Herald, "Margaret Fickes Foster", April 2, 2009, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, "Billy Ray Bellande Sr.", July 10, 2009, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, "Tomiko Ohi Burdick", February 1, 2010, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, "Lane F. Lashbrook", May 30, 2012, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, "Mrs. Alice Bellande Dubaz", Januar 22, 2013, p. A4.
The Sunday Times, “Queens After The Reign”, June 21, 1998.
The Times-Picayune, "[Phillipna] Hernandez", February 22, 1923.
The Times-Picayune, "[Stella] Hernandez-Bellande", January 20, 1928.
The Times-Picayune, “Bellande on Al-Star ‘9’”, November 15, 1934.
The Times-Picayune, "Molly Lamont", April 3, 1937.
The Times-Picayune, "[Buster] Bellande", August 31, 1976, p. 12.
The Times-Picayune, "Bellande rites set August 31", August 31, 1976, p. 12.
The Times-Picayune, "[Phyllis] Bellande", December 3, 1985.
The Times-Picayune, "Joseph E. Bellande Jr.", September 4, 2011.
Bellman Family
- 1210 reads
Prologue
In the October 2001, Felicia Bellman Tucker of Pensacola and Nancy Bellman McMillan of Mobile, granddaughters of Joseph Ralph Bellman (1870-1952), a native of Ocean Springs, and Elizabeth Missouri New Bellman (1876-1949), crossed the Atlantic in search of their Bellmann* roots. They spent two weeks in the northern Germany cities of Plön, Kiel, Schleswig, and Hamburg. Here the sisters met with German genealogists and historians who led them to their long desired dream of finding the parents and birthplace of Charles F.N. Bellman (1806-1868), progenitor of their Bellman family in America, and a pioneer settler of Biloxi. Their very successful journey and results are to be lauded and appreciated by all who seek knowledge of our romantic, but often-elusive past.
*The original spelling of the family name in Germany, which is now spelled Bellman in America.
Felicia Bellman Tucker
The following is a brief description of the journey to Germany by Felicia B. Tucker and Nancy B. McMillan. Felicia B. Tucker wrote it for this article. We arrived in Hamburg and were met by my genealogical advisor, Kay-Uwe Gottorf and his wife. We were driven to Plön where we stayed in a quaint hotel on a lake. Plön is the town where Kay-Uwe Gottorf lives and he was going to be the one to help us get around Germany while we were there. The next morning he and his wife picked us up at the hotel and we drove to Schleswig where we were greeted by Mr. Thorsten Dahl, the spokesman for the Mayor. Mr. Thorsten Dahl was elected Mayor a few days after we left. Also Dr. Antje Wendt, the Doctor of History for Schleswig, told us all about our Bellmann ancestors, how they came to be in Schleswig to bring musical culture to that part of Germanyby playing at the theatre for the opera. Dr. Wendt took us on a tour of the old part of Schleswig, which was originally a fishing village. We walked down the narrow cobblestone street to the St. Johannas Kloster where Carl Gottlieb Bellmann, Charles F.N. Bellman's father played the organ and wrote the anthem, "The Song of Schlewig-Holstein", with the help of a lawyer, M. F. Chimnitz. They arranged for a gentleman from the great church there to play on the same organ that Carl Gottlieb Bellmann had played the anthem that he wrote. The organ had been refurbished a few years before we went there. There is a statue to Carl Gottlieb Bellmann and Mr. Chimnitz in the park where they have a music festival every year. The song they wrote was written to prompt the citizens to rebel against Denmark so this part of the country could return again to Germany. We saw the house where Carl Gottlieb Bellmann and his wife lived and the house where Charles F.N. Bellman, our direct ancestor, was born. We traveled to Kiel via train to do some sight seeing and were shown around by a student that I had become acquainted with through my genealogical research. Kiel is where Charles F.N. Bellman's brother and sister taught music and had been proprietors of a music store. I could go on and on about our fascinating journey but I won't. I also have some really good photographs of the organ, statue, etc. It was a very eventful trip and so special. The German people went out of their way to tell us everything they could about our Bellmann family. They did not know that their famous musician, Carl Gottlieb Bellmann, had any descendants, as his other children never had any offspring.
In addition to the knowledge that Felicia Bellman Tucker and Nancy Bellman McMillan have provided for Bellman family genealogists, the author would be severely remiss for not lauding the exhaustive research and publications of Nap L. Cassibry II (1918-2002). Cassibry's Magnus opus, The Ladner Odyssey (1988), and Early Land Settlers and Land Grants at Biloxi (1986) are pregnant with detailed historical and genealogical data of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The latter work was particularly utilized in this essay.
Charles F.N. Bellman
The progenitor of the Bellman family of Biloxi and Ocean Springs was Charles F.N. Bellman (1806-1868), an immigrant from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The name was spelled "Bellmann" in Germany. At least two other Ocean Springs families, Pabst and von Rosambeau, had their origins in this northern province of Germany, whose borders were often disputed with neighboring Denmark.
Charles F.N. Bellman (1806-1868)
Courtesy of Felicia Bellman Tucker
Charles F.N. Bellman was born at Kiel, Germany on May 30, 1806, as Carl Friedrich Nicolai Bellmann, the son of Carl Gottilieb Bellmann (1772-1859+) and Friederica Christina Krause (1775-1860), the daughter of Otto Wilhelm Krause of Kiel. His birth was recorded in the Lutheran Church on June 7, 1806, at Schleswig-Friedrichberg. Carl G. Bellmann was a musician and composer from Muskau, in Saxony, now in eastern Germany. He was the composer of "The Song of Schlewig- olstein". Carl G. Bellmann and Miss Krause were married on December 9, 1800, in Schleswig-Friedrichberg. In addition to Charles F.N. Bellman, their other children were: Carl Adolph Eduard Bellmann, born November 10, 1801; Friederika Henriette Adolphine Bellmann, born May 25, 1803; and Carl Friedrich Fedor Bellmann, born December 29, 1811 and died May 29, 1874 in Kiel, Germany. (research of Felicia Bellman Tucker, March 14, 2002) Charles F.N. Bellman (1806-1868) was a pioneer settler of Biloxi, Mississippi. He arrived at Biloxi in 1835, and circa 1836, married Pauline Ryan (1815-1899), the daughter of Jacques Ryan (d. 1849) and Elizabeth LaForce (LaFauce). At Biloxi, Charles Bellman made his livelihood as a boarding house proprietor, druggist, and doctor. Bellman Avenue, which strikes north-south from East Beach Boulevard to Howard Avenue, in Biloxi is named for Charles F.N. Bellman.
Bellman Children
Charles F.N. Bellman and Pauline Ryan Bellman brought nine children into the 19th Century world: Theodora Bellman (1838-1901), married Louis L. "Toon" Ryan; Adolphine Bellman (1838-1893), married Moses Seymour (1838-1893); Charles W. Bellman (1841-1885), married Louisa Wilhemena Egan (1851-1881); Edwardine Bellman (1843-1921), married Benjamin F. Noel (1841-1910+); Harro Bellman (1847-1920) married Euphrosine "Frazine" Ryan (1852-1904); Bertha Bellman (1851-1932) married Ernest M. Beaugez (1862-1903); Ada Regina "Lida" Bellman (1854-1870+); Ralph Charles Bellman (1855-1899); and Pauline Josephine Bellman (1857-1933) married George W. McCary (1848-1925). Jacques Ryan's Biloxi settlement Charles F.N. Bellman's father-in-law, Jacques Ryan, had settled at Biloxi in the early 19th Century and in July 1822, he acquired a large tract of land on the Pass of Biloxi from Jean-Baptiste Carco (d. 1823), the son of Nicolas Carco II and Catherine Ladner. Carco had been awarded a land grant of ten arpents, or approximately 160 acres, on the Biloxi peninsula from the King of Spain in 1790. The Carco land donation at Biloxi, preceded that of the Ladners, Fayards, and Dorsette Richard. (The American State Papers, 1994, p. 38)
In present day terms, the Carco land donation was bounded on the west by Lameuse Street and on the east by a line, which ran north 90 feet of Bellman Avenue. The Back Bay of Biloxi was the northern boundary of the Jean-Baptiste Carco land claim. (Cassibry II, 1986, p. 1 and p. 124) The Jacques Ryan tract on the Biloxi Channel opposite Deer Island, consisted of about forty-acres. It had a front on the Biloxi Channel of 2 and ¼ arpents, or about 432 feet, and ran north 30-40 arpents, or about 5760 feet to 7680 feet, to the Bay of Biloxi. Peter Dubuys was on the east and John Nixon claimed the western perimeter of the Jacques Ryan land at Biloxi. (HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1, pp. 342-343)
The Charles F.N. Bellman family also resided on the shore of Biloxi Channel on a small plot of land, which Jacques Ryan had provided for them. The Bellman piece of land measured 100 feet in width by 120 feet in depth. From detailed maps drawn and dated by Charles F.N. Bellman and utilized in litigation in the Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court, it can be seen that many buildings occupied this small tract. Among these structures were: the Bellman home (1837), kitchen (1837), necrojars (1837), chicken house (1838), horse stable (1838), boarding house (1841), and ten pin alley (1843). (Cassibry II, 1986, pp. 129-131) Failure In 1846, Charles F.N. Bellman's business failed. He was sued in 1848, for unpaid merchandise received from Curtius & Company, a New Orleans firm owned by George Lewis Curtius and F.W. Frendenthal. This litigation went against Bellman and as a result, he lost his land on the Biloxi Channel to these men to pay his debts. (Cassibry II, 1986, p. 126)
Schooner Pauline
In 1853, C.F.N. Bellman and the Heirs of Jacques Ryan counter sued F.W. Frendenthal and the Estate of G.L. Curtius to have his land title at Biloxi returned and to be paid for the destruction and loss of his schooner, Pauline. Disclosure in this litigation revealed that Charles F.N. Bellman had leased this vessel to Hanson Alsbury for the shipment of slaves from Biloxi to the Balize on the Gulf outlet of the Mississippi River. Instead of depositing the slaves at the Balize, the Pauline continued to the port of Galveston, Republic of Texas. Here, the Pauline was taken into local custody and sold because she did not have registry to trade in a foreign port. (Cassibry II, 1986, p. 127)
It is interesting to note that Hanson Alsbury (ca 1805-1851+) was a resident of Ocean Springs, where he made his livelihood as a solicitor and land speculator. On February 2, 1837, he was issued a Federal land patent on Lot 4 of Section 30, T7S-R8W. Lot 4 runs from the Bay of Biloxi north 1320 feet and comprises approximately thirty-four acres. It includes the entire Biloxi Bay front from Weeks Bayou northwest to the mouth of the Ocean Springs Inner Harbor. There is some probability that Hanson Alsbury built the Anderson-Ashley structure on the present day Shearwater Pottery tract. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 63, pp. 35-36)
In addition, Hanson Alsbury possessed Lots 2, 3, and 5 of the Widow LaFontaine Claim, Section 37, T7S-R8W. He also owned large tracts of land at present day Biloxi (Section 20, T7S-R9W) and D' Iberville. In the early 1840s, at Back Bay, now D' Iberville, Alsbury operated a large brickyard with Colin McRae. This operation would later become the property of William G. Kendall (1812-1872), the Kentucky born lawyer and U.S. Postmaster of New Orleans, who bought land at Ocean Springs east of Alsbury in 1846. The Kendall property is now owned primarily by the descendants of the Dickey-White-Scharr family and the Estate of G.E. Arndt Jr.
Judicial reversal
In 1853, it was adjudicated in litigation titled, Charles Bellman, et al v. F.W. Frendenthal, Executor of the Estate of George Lewis Curtius, et al, in the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi that Charles F.N. Bellman's Biloxi tract did not have proper title, as Jacques Ryan, his father-in-law, had issued no warranty deed to him. Bellman's efforts to recover his investment in the schooner, Pauline, was dismissed. A personal judgment was assessed against Mr. Bellman in favor of the defendants for past due accounts owed to the firm of Curtius & Company, a New Orleans business owned by George Lewis Curtius and F.W. Frendenthal. This judgment applied only to Bellman and not the land and improvements, as they were deemed the property of the Heirs of Jacques Ryan. (Cassibry II, 1986, pp. 126-136) Apothecary As mentioned Charles F.N. Bellman was a druggist. He advertised in The Ocean Springs Gazette of March 24, 1855, as follows:
C. Bellman & Co. Apothecaries & Druggists
Recommend to the public their choice assortment of Drugs, Medicines, Lancets, Syringes, Watch Crystals, Perfumeries, and a chemical preparation called C. Bellman Healing Rock for the cure of all sores, wounds, and scratches on horses and mules. Doctor's receipts will, as usual be made up with all possible precision, neatness and dispatch. Medical advice can always be obtained at the East end of the Plank Walk. Biloxi, Miss.
Divorce
The sacred union between Charles F.N. Bellman and Pauline Ryan ended in a civil divorce on May 29, 1860, in the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi. Pauline Ryan Bellman had sought a divorce from Charles F.N. Bellman because of his alleged extreme cruelty. Some of her testimony in this case revealed the following: Charles Bellman and I were married by a Catholic priest in Biloxi, circa 1836. The following children born of the marriage are alive: Theodora, a daughter, born in 1837; Adolphine, a daughter, born in 1839; Charles, a son, born in 1840; Edwardine, a daughter, born n 1842; Harro, a son, born in 1849; Bertha, a daughter, born in 1850; Lida, a daughter, born in 1851; Ralph, a son, born in1853; and Pauline, a daughter, born in 1858. In 1846, Charles Bellman was running a boarding house and drug store, but in that year of 1846, he went broke. The boarding house was torn down in 1846, and he continues at this time to run the drug store from our residence on a very small scale. (Cassibry II, 1986, pp. 137-138)
In the depositions of daughters, Theodora Bellman and Adolphine Bellman, the following was related:
Theodora
I am the oldest child and daughter of Charles and Pauline Bellman, and I teach school during the winter months. Some of the controversy here being adjudicated has to do with the treatment of me by my father. I am now going with and considering marriage with Mr. Gauthier, a widower with four children. My sister, Adolphine, is considering marriage with a Mr. Roose of New Orleans. My father, on every occasion, discouraged and was most insulting to every man that came to our home to call on the daughters. (Cassibry, 1986, pp. 138-139)
Adolphine
My father has forbidden me to go to parties and balls with Emile Ladner, called "Noon Gatto", because Emile has been in a "scrape" with Irish Jane, also known as "Red headed Jane". (Cassibry, 1986, p. 137)
In his defense of cruelty charges against his spouse, Charles F.N. Bellman stated the following: His wife for the most part communicates in the French language, which he does not speak or understand. She also impeded his efforts to teach his children. I came to Biloxi in 1835 and Pauline and I were married in Biloxi in 1837. We have nine children. I once ran a boarding house and mercantile establishment, but lost them in two long and costly lawsuits. I deny that I ever failed in business. I now run a small apothecary and drug store and I have been a medical practitioner. I have insisted that our children be educated by the best people available in Biloxi at the time. I, myself, have instructed them, purchased books, paper, and all the supplies necessary to continue their education. I instructed them every night and all are literate and well educated as compared with the people and times here.
Ocean Springs
Prior to 1870, Pauline Ryan Bellman had left Biloxi and relocated to Ocean Springs. In the 1870 Federal Census of Jackson County, Mississippi, she was a housewife and head of household. Harro Bellman, Bertha Bellman, Ada Bellman, and Pauline Bellman were domiciled with her. Two of Mrs. Pauline Bellman's married children, Theodora Bellman Ryan (1838-1901), the wife of sailor, Louis L. "Toon" Ryan (1837-1909), and Charles W. Bellman (1841-1885), a laborer and the spouse of Almina Bellman (1851-1881), a native of Hanover, Germany, resided on each side of her. Bellman-Schmidt
Cottage The Bellman- chmidt Cottage is situated at present day 505 Jackson Avenue and now in the possession of Patrick Mitchell. It apparently once belonged to Pauline Ryan Bellman and the original land deed was destroyed in the last conflagration, March 1875, of the Jackson County Courthouse at Pascagoula. C.E. "Uncle Ernie" Schmidt (1904-1988), in his Ocean Springs French Beachhead (1972) states that: It is known that the Widow Bellman took in a few pupils at the old house still standing at the northwest corner of Jackson and Cleveland. One of her pupils, Laura Coyle, remembered years later that Mrs. Bellman excused the class so they could go to the railroad to see the first official train go through. That happened on October 29, 1870. (p. 67) Laura Coyle (1857-1931) was the daughter of Franco Coyle (1813-1891) and Magalene Ougatte Pons (1813-1904). In 1874, she married Charles Ernest Schmidt (1851-1886), commonly called, "Handsome Charlie", a native of New Orleans and of German ancestry. Laura C. Schmidt was the grandmother of local historian, C.E. "Uncle Ernie" Schmidt.
THEODORA BELLMAN RYAN
Theodora Bellman (1837-1901) was born February 8, 1837 at Biloxi, the eldest child of Charles F.N. Bellman and Pauline Ryan. On December 24, 1874, she married Louis L. "Toon" Ryan (1837-1909), a local sailor and fisherman, and the son of Jerome Ryan (1793-1870+) and Marie Euphrosine LaFontaine (1802-ca. 1846), at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs. (Lepre, 1991, p. 286) The children of Louis L. "Toon" Ryan and Theodora Bellman were: Theodora Genett Ryan (b. 1870) married Frank Thomas: Cora Ryan (1873-1934) married Robert J. Woodcock (1882-1919); Mabel Pauline Ryan (1874-1874); Lilly Ida Ryan (b. 1877) married Anthony Boyes; and Louis Ralph "Boy" Ryan (1880-1960) married Eva Peterson (1887-1964). As previously mentioned, Theodora taught school at Biloxi, during the winter months, before she married Toon Ryan. Her corporal remains and those of her husband lie in rest in the Bellande Cemetery in Ocean Springs. No further information. (Krohn, 1995, p. 1, p. 4, and p. 13)
ADOLPHINE BELLMAN SEYMOUR
Adolphine Bellman (1839-1920) was born at Biloxi on August 15, 1839. She married Moses Seymour (1838-1893), the son of Jean-Baptiste Seymour (1811-1887) and Marie Fournier (1817-1890), who were the progenitors of the large Seymour family at Ocean Springs. Adolphine and Moses were the parents of: Edwin McLan Seymour (b. 1864); Isabella Seymour (1866-1928+) married Richard White (1849-1891); Norman A. Seymour (1868-1920+); Robert F. Seymour (1870-1939); Ernest Adolph Seymour (1875-1877), and Mamie Seymour (1883-1920+) married Frank Bourgh (Busch). (Lepre, 2001, pp 81-82) Jean- aptiste Seymour tract Moses Seymour was the first sibling of the family to acquire land in the J.B. Seymour tract at Ocean Springs from his parents. The J.B. Seymour tract was established on September 15, 1849, when Jean-Baptiste Seymour purchased a 13-acre parcel of land at Ocean Springs from Dr. Andrew B. Dodd (1806-1850+), a Kentucky born physician. The J.B. Seymour tract ran from Government Street to LaFontaine Avenue and was only 150 feet wide, except on its southern termination near present day LaFontaine Avenue, where it widened to 165 feet. Its western perimeter began 200 feet east of Dewey Avenue. The Jean-Baptise Seymour tract was originally a part of Andre Fournier's three arpent tract on the Bay of Biloxi and Bayou Bauzage (Inner Harbor) in Claim Section 37, T7S-R8W, the Widow LaFontaine claim. J.B. Seymour paid Dr. Dodd $11.54 per acre for this land. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 10, pp. 286-287)
In September 1877, Jean-Baptiste and Marie Fournier Seymour for $25, conveyed to Moses and his wife, Adolphine Bellman (1838-1920), a 300-foot deep lot on the south side of Porter Avenue near present day Minor Lane. It appears that the homestead of Jean- aptiste Seymour and Marie Fournier was also located on this tract. In July 1890, when Delmas Seymour sold a house for $35 to his brother, Moses, the deed concerning this structure read, "a certain house built by me in Ocean Springs for the use of my mother during her life on the said Moses Seymour lot south of his residence on Porter Avenue". Moses' demise From his obituary, it relates that Moses Seymour was a resident of Scranton (Pascagoula) at the time of his passing. In early January 1893, he expired suddenly, probably from a heart attack, at the L&N Depot in New Orleans as he waited for a train to return home. Moses was a well-known and financial successful, butcher. His body was sent to Ocean Springs for burial in the Bellande Cemetery. Adolphine lived until January 1920. Her corporal remains also lie in Ocean Springs on Dewey Avenue. (The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 13, 1893, p. 3)
Pascagoula Seymours
Since Moses and Adolphine Bellman Seymour lived in the Scranton community, it was only natural for their children to do the same. In November 1891, in the Roman Catholic Church at Ocean Springs, their daughter, Isabella Seymour, married Richard L. White (1871-1928), a native of Ocean Springs, and the son of Englishman, Richard White (1849-1891), and Selena Sherman Hill White (1854- 919). (Lepre, 1991, p. 360) In 1900, Richard L. White made his living as a butcher. He and Isabella S. White were residing at Scranton with his son, Louis R. White (b. 1892), from a prior nuptial. Upon his death in late February 1928, Mr. White was survived by: five children; three brothers-John White, Frank White, and Harry Hill (1866-1915); three sisters-Mrs. Ralph Green, Mrs. Walter Weber, and Mrs. Lotta W. Catchot (1874-1954), the spouse of Francis "Frank" Catchot (1871-1943), the son of Arnaud Catchot (1834-1910) and Adele Ryan (b. 1844). (The Jackson County Times, March 3, 1928, p. 3)
At Pascagoula, Norman A. Seymour married and later divorced Condalaura Flechas (1872-1935), the daughter of Captain Joseph Flechas (1824-1883) and Condalaura Villar (1842-1908). Like his father, Moses, he made his livelihood as a butcher. Their family was composed of: Hilda Seymour Buffett (1897-1989), Mildred Seymour Pelham (1899-1961), Lois Seymour Tew (1901-1965), Hulbert Seymour (1903-1971), Norman Seymour (1905-1971), Blanche Seymour Spavin (b. 1908), and Bernard Seymour (b. 1910). (Lepre, 2001, pp 81-82) Robert F. Seymour also appears to have settled at Pascagoula. In 1900, he made his livelihood as a stevedore on the East Pascagoula waterfront. With Laura Tousell (1869- 909), a Louisiana lady of French parentage, he had five children: Edward M. Seymour (b. 1896), Martin Van Buren Seymour (1897-1897), Eugenie B. Seymour (b. 1898), Leo R. Seymour (1902-1934), and Clifton Seymour (b. 1903). Members of both these Seymour families are buried in the Greenwood Cemetery at Pascagoula. (Lepre, 2001, p. 82)
CHARLES WHITEALL BELLMAN
Charles W. Bellman (1841-1885), as previously mentioned, made the short relocation from Biloxi to Ocean Springs with his family, mother, and siblings. Even after the July 1860 Federal Census of Harrison County, Mississippi, the family of Charles F.N. Bellman were residing on the shore of the Biloxi Channel near present day Bellman Street. Here at Ocean Springs, near the end of its "Steamboat Days", the Bellmans settled on Jackson Avenue near Cleveland. Charles W. Bellman made his livelihood as a laborer and carpenter. (Cook, 1982, p. 27)
Circa 1866, C.W. Bellman had married Almina Eagan (1851- 881), a native of Hanover, Germany. Their children were: Louise Eva Arguelles (1867-1958), the wife of Joseph P. Arguelles (1866-1944); Joseph Ralph Bellman (1870-1952) married Elizabeth M. New (1876-1949); Philip M. Bellman (1872-1927) married Alice V. Seymour (1880-1957); and Michael Charles Bellman (1874-1956) married Nellie George Clausen (1892- 976). ( research of Felicia B. Tucker and Nancy B. McMillan )
Louise Eva Bellman
Louise E. Bellman (1867-1958), called Lou, was born at Biloxi on December 29, 1867. In early February 1891, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, she married Joseph Peter Arguelles (1866-1944), the son of Francisco Arguelles (1817-1880+), a native of Spain and Bridget McNerney (1857-1917), an Irish immigrant. Their children were: Albert Joseph Arguelles (1892-1943); Warren Arguelles (1893-1973); Frank Arguelles (1894-1943); George Henry Arguelles (1896-1934); Ethel Arguelles (1897-1938); Florence Arguelles (1899-1979); Lillian M. Arguelles (1902-2000), Bernardine W. Arguelles (1904- 989); Donald Arguelles (1907-1969); Cecile Arguelles (1908-1994) married George Pavlov (1910-1963); and Louise Arguelles (1910-1983). Lou Bellman Arguelles expired on February 11, 1958. (The Biloxi Herald, February 7, 1891, p. 1)
Joseph Ralph Bellman
Joseph R. Bellman (1870-1952) was born at Ocean Springs on February 24, 1870. At Mobile on February 12,1901, he married Elizabeth Missouri New (1876-1949), a native of Cottage Hill, Alabama, and the daughter of John Samuel new and Louisa Thompson. Their children were: Joseph Henry Bellman (1901-1902); Carrie Edna Bellman Russell Lewis (1903-1957) married Thad Russell and William Lewis; Charles John Bellman (1907-1982) married Evelyn Florence Culbreth; and Cecile Louise Bellman (1913-1970) married Bernard Turner. Joseph R. Bellman passed on February 5, 1952, while Elizabeth New Bellman followed him in death on December 17, 1949. Their corporal remains are at rest in the Pinecrest Cemetery at Mobile. (Lepre, 1991, p. 20 and research of Felicia B. Tucker and Nancy B. McMillan)
Philip Bellman Family
Philip Marcellus Bellman
Philip M. Bellman (1872-1927) was born at Ocean Springs on June 23, 1872. He married Alice V. Seymour (1880-1957), the daughter of Narcisse Seymour (1849-1931) and Caroline V. Krohn (1847-1895). Their children were: Bertridge B. Brou (1900-1992) married Edward Brou (1896-1949); Phyllis B. Burke (1902-1970) married Edward Burke; Inez B. McClain (1906-2004) married Arthur R. McClain (1900-1974); Carrie B. Dellinger Emerson (1909-1964) married Earl J. Dellinger (1901-1951) and Milton Emerson; Bernice B. Cascio (1912-1971) married Charles Cascio 1909-1968); Philip A. Bellman (1915-1964); Edward Joseph 'Eddie' Bellman (1920-2009) married Mabel Beatrice "Patty" Kennedy Courson (1924-2015); and Robert E. Bellman (1927-2014) married Thelma Rita DeGeorge. (Lepre, 2001, pp. 102-103)
Philip M. Bellman (1872-1927)
courtesy of Robert E. "Bob" Bellman
Eagle Point Oyster Company Philip Bellman made his livelihood at Ocean Springs as a butcher prior to his employment with his father-in-law's organization, Narcisse Seymour & Sons, pioneer oyster packers and shippers. In late 1915, he became associated with Anton P. "Tony" Kotzum (1871-1916), the son of Joseph Kotzum (1842-1915) and Josephine Kotzum (1845-1920), and the proprietor of the Eagle Point Oyster Company. In November 1915, Tony Kotzum had entered into a five-year lease agreement with Clara Tillman Seymour (1889-1952), the widow of Hugh C. Seymour (1876-1913), on the oyster beds and grounds and house located at Marsh Point. This was the property that Hugh Seymour had purchased from F.A. "Dolph" Schrieber (1871-1944). In 1904, Mr. Schrieber and his brother, Joseph L. "Dode" Schrieber (1873-1951), had built the "Black Diamond", a house over the water at Marsh Point. Dolph Schrieber lived here intermittently to protect his oysters from poachers. Anton P. Kotzum agreed to pay the widow Seymour $250 per year and "carefully cultivate and attend the oyster beds and grounds so manage the beds that they will be in good physical condition at the expiration of this lease as they are at present and to return all shells removed from the grounds properly spread or their equivalent in steam shells". (The Progress, July 9, 1904, p. 4 and JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 3616-October 1917)
The Eagle Point Oyster Company advertised their product as, "our oysters are unsurpassed for flavor and excellence, being grown from original stock, on grounds long noted for their superior qualities".(The Ocean Springs News, November 24, 1915, p. 12)
Tony Kotzum died in September 1916. He was also a fine musician and directed the Ocean Springs Concert Band, an outgrowth of the Ocean Springs Brass Band led by T.J. Ames (1876-1927). Kotzum once crusaded for more benches in Marshall Park, as he felt that the spectacle of a hundred or more ladies standing during his concert was a poor advertisement of civic pride. In September 1916, Frank Kuppersmith (c. 1850-1920) came to Ocean Springs from Mobile, Alabama and took a lease on the Eagle Point Oyster Company building on Front Beach. (The Jackson County Times, September 23, 1916)
Ocean Springs Fish & Oyster Company
In March 1916, Philip Bellman created the Ocean Springs Fish & Oyster Company. His packinghouse was situated on the front beach between Jackson and Washington Avenue, on the former site of the Hugh Charles Seymour (1876-1913) oyster shop. Mr. Bellman was noted for his affable humor and relaxed attitude. (The Ocean Springs News, March 23, 1916, p. 6 and Margaret Seymour Norman, June 1995)
Philip M. Bellman's inventory for his seafood business included: a one-ton Ford truck; the Leo D, a motor vessel; fifteen skiffs; the Clara Seymour oyster lease, oyster shop, and wharf privileges; and oyster leases from the Ramsay Estate and Bouslog. (JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause 4648-February 1925)
Mr. Bellman advertised his new business in The Ocean Springs News of March 30, 1916, as follows:
Ocean Springs Fish & Oyster Company
Philip Bellman, Manager
Located on Beach Between Washington and Jackson Avenues
Small or Large Orders Promptly Delivered Anywhere in Town
East Beach and Eagle Point Oysters a Specialty
We Solicit a Share of Your Patronage
We Also Take Out Boating Parties
For Prompt Service-Ring Phone 55
In mid-December 1916, two of Bellman's fishermen, Alphonse Cox and Emile Beaugez (1901-1967), took his vessel, Kentucky, in search of shrimp outside of Dog Key. The motor quit and they rigged a crude sail to get home. The resourceful seamen reached Belle Fontaine Beach and walked ten miles back to Ocean Spring having been without food for nearly two days. (The Daily Herald, December 19, 1916, p. 1)
Sale
In August 1923, Philip M. Bellman sold a two-thirds interest in the Ocean Springs Fish and Oyster Company to C.L. Martin and S.J. DeBleau who planned to continue the business at the same site and under the same lease terms from Mrs. Hugh C. Seymour. Bellman vended his business to Martin and DeBleau for $600. (The Jackson County Times, September 15, 1923, p. 5 ) By early1925, Philip M. Bellman was in serious litigation with Martin and DeBleau. He alleged that they still owed him $385 from the sale of his interest to them in the Ocean Springs Fish & Oyster Company. In their response, Martin and DeBleau declared that: Bellman owed them $2800; the Ocean Springs Fish & Oyster Company lease with Mrs. H.C. Seymour had expired and that they were required to pay her $120 to retain their oyster beds and utilize the oyster shop; Bellman had represented the number of merchantable oysters on the Seymour lease as 5000 barrels, when in reality there were less than 1000 barrels of oysters; and the one-ton Ford truck was their property and not that of Philip M. Bellman. The litigation between Bellman and Martin-DeBleau was adjudicated in December 1926, in favor of Bellman. The defendants were ordered to pay him $310 and placed a lien in favor of Bellman on the truck, motor boat, and fifteen skiffs owned by the Ocean Springs Fish & Oyster Company. (JXCO, Ms. JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause 4648-February 1925)
Biloxi
The Philip M. Bellman family moved to Biloxi in 1923, and resided at 612 Reynoir Street. Phillip Bellman made his livelihood as a carpenter until he passed away on March 3, 1927, at Biloxi. (The Daily Herald, March 4, 1927, p. 2) Bertridge Bellman Brou Bertridge "Bert" E. Bellman (1900-1992) was the only child of Philip M. Bellman and Alice V. Seymour (1880-1957) to settle in Ocean Springs. At Ocean Springs in June 1920, she married a New Orleans man, Edward Crawford Brou (1896- 949), the son of Joseph E. "Buck" Brou (1869-1934) and Ellenora Knox. Bert and E.C. Brou were the parents of four children: Edward J. Brou (1921-2004), Margaret M. Brou (1922-2015), Philip E. Brou (1923-1958), and Claire E. Brou (b. 1928). (JXCO, Ms. MRB 13, p. 366)
Buck Brou had two sisters, Marie Adele Brou (1875-1937) and Marie Odette Brou Bryan (1879-1957), the wife of Frank Bryan (1879-1936), who owned property at Ocean Springs on Jackson Avenue. In May 1910, Mrs. Odette B. Bryan and her husband built a fine Queen Anne cottage at present day 406 Jackson Avenue. Joseph A. Weider (1877-1960) was the building contractor. In December 1917, Odette B. Bryan acquired from the von Rosambeau family, 410 Jackson Avenue, the residence north of her home. She moved here and reared two sons, Thad Bryan (1907-1994) and Frank H. Bryan, Jr. (1914-1999). (The Ocean Springs News, May 14, 191 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 45, pp. 252-253)
In May 1910, Adle Brou acquired Lot 7-Block 3 of the Ocean Springs Hotel Tract, which is situated on the west side of Jackson Avenue, from F.J. Lundy (1863-1912). Here, Miss Brou erected a cottage. In May 1937, she sold it to her Edward C. Brou, her brother. The Brou cottage was destroyed by Hurricane Camille in August 1969. Today, the descendants of Joseph E. Brou continue to be prominent landowners on Jackson Avenue (The Ocean Springs News, May 28, 1910, JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 35 , p. 620 and Bk. 70, pp. 130-131)
At Ocean Springs, Edward C. Brou (1896-1949) made his livelihood as a brakeman and conductor for the L&N Railroad. In 1946, shortly after WW II, he and brother-in-law, Edward "Eddie" Bellman (1920-2009), with son, Edward J. Brou, founded a sporting goods store at Biloxi called Bel-Bru. Today, known as The Bel-Bru Marine Mart, the Biloxi based business is operated by Edward J. Brou and his son, E. Joseph Brou Jr. Edward C. Brou passed on December 20, 1949, at his Jackson Avenue residence. is corporal remains were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou. (The Daily Herald, December 20, 1949, p. 1)
Bel-Bru Sporting Goods
Bel-Bru Sporting Goods, the partnership of Eddie Bellman (1920-2009) and Edward J. Brou (1921-2004), opened on November 1, 1946 at 112 East Howard Avenue. The business in addition to vending a complete line of athletic goods was the local distributor for the 'Devil' boats manufactured by the Kennedy-Moran Enterprises at the former Westergard Boat Yard on Back Bay and Lee Street.(The Daily Herald, November 1, 1946, p. 7)
Brou Children
Bert B. Brou in addition to rearing her children was involved in scouting and swimming. While all of her children were excellent, competitive amateur swimmers, Edward J. Brou and Margaret M. Brou, went on to win regional swimming championships. In September 1936, Edward J. Brou set a record at the Southern AAU swim meet in New Orleans, when he swam the mile in 25 minutes and 59 seconds. Young Brou placed second in the two-mile event. At Baton Rouge in August 1939, Margaret M. Brou was the Southern AAU junior relay champion. (The Jackson County Times, September 5, 1936, p. 1 and August 12, 1939, p.
In recent years, Claire E. Brou, a retired Navy-Air Force veteran, has distinguished herself in the National Veterans Wheelchair games. In 1997, she won five gold medals in San Diego at the veterans games for her skill in air rifle shooting, bowling, swimming, table tennis, and motorized wheel chair rallying. (The Sun Herald, July 18, 1997, p. D-1)
Mrs. Brou's other son, Philip E. Brou (1923-1958), distinguished himself as a carrier based naval aviator in the South Pacific Theater during WW II. He was an engineering graduate of Tulane University and was employed in the air conditioning business at New Orleans. While on naval reserve duty, Lt. Commander Philip E. Brou was killed when his helicopter crashed near New Orleans in the fall of 1958. (The Ocean Springs News, October 2, 1958, p. 4 and The Ocean Springs Record, March 19, 1987, p. 5)
Spanish American War
Like his father, Charles W. Bellman (1841- 885), Philip M. Bellman volunteered for military duty. The elder Bellman in 1861, had enlisted as a private in Company E, the "Biloxi Rifles", of the Third Mississippi Infantry C.S.A. During the 1898 Spanish American War, Phillip M. Bellman was also enrolled as a private by Captain DuMont at Scranton on April 27, 1898. He was a bugler and appointed company musician on July 5, 1898. Bugler Bellman was mustered out at Columbia, Tennessee on December 20, 1898, by Captain W.B. Homer, 6th Artillery. (Spanish-American War Service Record Extracts 1898-1899, No. 204).
Demise
Philip M. Bellman passed on at Biloxi on March 3, 1927. His corporal remains were interred in the Bellande Cemetery at Ocean Springs. Mrs. Alice Seymour Bellman lived until January 26, 1957. Her remains also rest on Dewey Avenue in Ocean Springs besides those of her husband. Michael Charles Bellman Michael Charles Bellman was born June 3, 1874 at Ocean Springs. He was called Charles. In February 1896, C.M. Bellman found employment with The Cottage-by- he Sea, a hostel situated in Pascagoula.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, February 17, 1896, p. 3)
During the Spanish American War, M. Charles Bellman served with Company B of the Miss. Volunteers, 2nd Infantry Regiment. He was enrolled for military service by Captain Woods at Ocean Springs on June 4, 1898. Bellman was mustered in by Lt. Lockwood at Jackson, Mississippi on June 7, 1898. Private Bellman was mustered out of the volunteer army on December 20, 1898 at Columbia, Tennessee by Captain W.B. Homer. (Spanish-American War Service Record Extracts 1898-1899- p. 204).
After the Spanish American War, M. Charles Bellman moved to Mobile where he made his livelihood as a conductor for the Gulf Mobile & Ohio Railroad. M. Charles Bellman married Nellie George Clausen (1892-1976), the daughter of Charles Henry Clausen and Nellie Morris. Their children were: George M. Bellman (1914-1999); Erna B. McKnight (b. 1916); and Charles H. Bellman (b. 1924). Mr. Bellman expired at Mobile on September 26, 1956. Nellie Clausen Bellman died on July 30, 1976. Both were interred in the Catholic Cemetery at Mobile, Alabama. (The Daily Herald, September 26, 1956, p. 2 and research of Felicia Bellman Tucker, Pensacola, Florida and Nancy Bellman McMillan, Mobile, Alabama)
EDWARDINE BELLMAN NOEL
Edwardine Bellman (1843-1921) was born at Biloxi on November 17, 1843. Circa 1863, she married Benjamin J. Noel (1841-1918), a native of Alabama, probably Mobile. His parents were from New York and Alabama, respectively. By 1910, Edwardine B. Noel had birthed eleven children in Mobile County, Alabama. Nine were extant. Of her progeny only the following are known presently to this writer: Edmund C. Noel (1868-1936), Benjamin J. Noel Jr. (1870-1942); Eugene Noel (1875-1910+); Walter C. Noel (1882-1943); and Blanche Noel Havens (1885-1937). In 1910, Benjamin Noel was making his livelihood as a truck farmer and residing in Ward 9 of the city of Mobile. (1910 Federal Census-Mobile Co., Ala., T624R27, pt. 2, p. 260A) Nancy Bellman McMillan of Mobile relates that there is a small Noel Family cemetery on Cottage Hill Road in Mobile. She says that the Noel family lived at Cottage Hill which at one time was a village on the west side of Mobile. (Nancy B. McMillan, e-mail, May 26, 2003)
Benjamin F. Noel Jr.
Circa 1897, Benjamin F. Noel Jr. (1870-1942), a native of Coden, Alabama, married Marie Ryan (1879-1956), the daughter of Calvin Ryan and Odile Miller (b. 1853). In 1910, they were residing in Precinct 13, Wheelerville, Mobile County, Alabama with their five children: Edwina Noel (1897-1985) married William Mathieu; Ester Noel (1902-1992) married Mose H. Beaugez (1891-1973); Herman E. Noel (1903-1967) married Sara Mary "Sadie Mae" Esfeller (1906-1990); Winson Paul Noel (1906-1946) married Audrey V. Webb (1914-1991); Percy B. Noel (1908-1977) married Ruby Williams (1915- 993), the daughter of William Eugene "Nub" Williams (1890-1966) and Lorena Devereaux (1896-1978); and Calvin C. Noel (1915-1938). Another Noel child had expired prior to 1910. Ben F. Noel Jr. died on April 21, 1942. Mrs. Noel passed on January 14, 1956. Their corporal remains were interred in the Bellande Cemetery on Dewey Avenue with children: Calvin Charles Noel, and Winson P. Noel. (The Jackson County Times, April 25, 1942, p. 1 and 1910 Federal Census-Mobile Co., Ala., T624R26, pt. 2, p. 83B) Some of the male children of Benjamin F. Noel Jr. (1870-1942) and Marie Ryan Noel (1879-1956) who resided in the Ocean Springs area are as follows:
Herman E. Noel Herman
Edward Noel (1903-1967) married Sara Mary Esfeller (1906-1990). They were the parents of: Dorothy "Dot" N. Ross (b. 1926) married John Baptist Ross (b. 1927); Bette N. Ortega (1929-1988) married Ben M. Ortega (1927-1990); Mildred N. Cvitanovich (1932-1990) married Sam Cvitanovich; June N. Butler (1936-1996) married James Walter "Curley" Butler (b. 1934); and Joseph H. Noel (b. 1949) married Sandra A. Miller.
Winson P. Noel
Winson Paul Noel (1906-1946) made his livelihood on the water as a fisherman. In October 1928, he married Audrey V. Webb (1914-1991), the daughter of Walter And Josephine Webb. They were the parents of Maude "Betty" N. Lemon Dennison DeSilvey (1930-1977). The Noels divorced and in June 1934, Audrey married Claude Engbarth (1893-1967). (JXCO, Ms. MRB 18, p. 420 and Bk. 22, p. 331) Betty Noel "Engbarth" married Kirk S. Lemon (1924-1944) at New Orleans in October 1944. He was killed in a motorcycle accident in Louisiana on October 19, 1944. Mrs. Lemon later wedded James Dennison. They had a son, Freddie Dennison. Betty divorced Dennison and married Ralph H. DeSilvey (1925-1983) of Biloxi. They had two children: Ralph E. DeSilvey (1947-1970) and Audrey L. DeSilvey (1954-1977). They were domiciled at 715 Forest Hills Drive in Ocean Springs. In late January 1946, Winson Noel was accidentally shot by Gloria M. Mathieu, his niece. The shooting took place in Ocean Springs. (The Jackson County Times, January 26, 1946, p. 1)
Percy B. Noel
Percy Bernard Noel (1908-1977) was born at Cottage Hill, Mobile County, Alabama. He resided at 609 Ward Avenue and made his livelihood as a painter and shrimper. Percy married Ruby Williams (1915-1993), the daughter of William Eugene "Nub" Williams (1890-1966) and Lorena Devereaux (1896-1978). They were the parents of Vallee N. Atkinson and Charles Noel. (The Daily Herald, March 17, 1977)
Calvin C. Noel
Calvin Charles Noel (1915-1938) drowned off the shore of East Beach in early December 1938. He and Wesley Ryan had gone to tong for oysters near Eagle Point. They were quite successful, but a rogue storm developed and the subsequent wave action caused their overloaded skiff to sink rapidly. Noel tried to swim to shore, but failed to survive. Ryan was rescued from the cold water by Dr. William Richards, an East Beach resident. (The Daily Herald, December 9, 1938, p. 1)
HARRO ANTHONY BELLMAN
Harro A. Bellman (1847-1920) was born at Biloxi, on June 16, 1847. During the War of the Rebellion (1861-1865), Harro enlisted in the Army of the Confederate States of America serving in Company I of the 1st Louisiana Infantry. In August 1876, he married Euphrazine "Frazine" Ryan Bellande (1852-1904), the daughter of Jerome Alfred Ryan and Dora Stephens. Frazine was the widow of Honore Bellande (1845-1871), the son of Joseph H. Bellande and Rosaline LaFauce (LaForce). Before Bellande's early demise, she had one son, Adolph Bellande (1870-1916). Harro and Frazine Bellman were the parents of: Pauline Josephine Bellman (1876-1899) married T.A. Jackson and Joseph P. Scheib (1952-1899); Jerome Frederick Bellman (1883-pre 1900); Edwardine M. Bellman (1886-1900+); Noah Arthur Bellman (1889-1941) married Williamina Catchot (1898-1990), the daughter of Arnold "Boy" Catchot (1869-1939) and Anna Laura Ryan (1872-1930); and Irene Anna Bellman (1893-1960). Harro A. Bellman made his livelihood as a gardener. He worked for the Ocean Springs Hotel before it was destroyed in a large conflagration in late May 1905. In his retirement, Harro moved to Mobile to live with his daughter. He died there on November 16, 1920. Harro Bellman's corporal remains were sent from Mobile to the home of Mrs. Edmond Mon in Ocean Springs for waking. Internment was in the Bellande Cemetery. (The Jackson County Times, November 20, 1920)
Harro A. Bellman (1847-1920) and family
Courtesy of H. Randy Randazzo
It is interesting to note that the six sons of Noah A. Bellman and Williamina Catchot Bellman remained in the Ocean Springs area and had large families. They were: Ralph F. Bellman (1918-1999); Noah A. Bellman Jr. (1920-1999); Charles Arnold Bellman (1927-2000); James A. Bellman; Joseph Harro Bellman (1931-2000); and Thomas J. Bellman (1935-2007).
ADA REGINA BELLMAN WARD
Ada R. "Lida" Bellman (1853-1892) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 28, 1853. She married Edward "Eddie" Ward and was a resident of Slidell, Louisiana. Lida expired in Louisiana in March 1892. Her corporal remains were sent to Ocean Springs for internment, probably in the Bellande Cemetery. No further information. (The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, March 25, 1892, p. 2)
RALPH CHARLES BELLMAN
Ralph Charles Bellman (1855-1899) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 9, 1855. He expired at Ocean Springs, on October 16, 1899. In 1870, he was a resident of Ocean Springs living with William? Bang (b. 1848). (1870 Federal Census- JXCO, Ms.) Ralph C. Bellman's funeral was held in the Episcopal Church with the Reverend E. Thompson of Biloxi in attendance. He was eulogized in The Pascagoula Democrat-Star shortly after his demise, as follows: "for many years a resident of Ocean Springs, he was numbered among the best citizens, and was honored and respected by all who knew him. He was the loving tender son of his mother, caring for her in her old age, cheering and sustaining her until stricken with this fatal illness,"(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 20, 1899, p. 3) No further information.
PAULINE JOSEPHINE BELLMAN McCARY
Pauline Josephine Bellman (1857-1933) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 4, 1857. She married George Wythe McCary (1845-1925). Their children were: George Charles Theodore McCary (1879-1963), Lelia May M. Helmer (1882- 970), and Pearl M. Brown (1888-1912). George and Pauline Bellman McCary's corporal remains are at rest in the Magnolia Cemetery at Mobile. (Research of Felicia B. Tucker and Nancy B. McMillan)
BERTHA BELLMAN BEAUGEZ
Bertha Bellman (1859-1932) was born in Biloxi on August 19, 1859, and moved to Ocean Springs circa 1862. She married Ernest M. Beaugez (1862-1903), the son of Stanislaus Beaugez (1813-1889) and Louise Ladner (1820-1897), on February 24, 1883, in the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. They were the parents of three children: ? Beaugez, Ernest Edward Beaugez (1883-1907) and Ralph M. Beaugez (1889-1900+). Mr. Beaugez was the proprietor of a small grocery store on Government Street. He expired in January 1903, while Bertha B. Beaugez passed on December 20, 1932. Both were interred in the Bellande Cemetery in Ocean Springs. (The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, February 2, 1900, The Daily Herald, December 21, 1932, p. 2 and Lepre, 1991, pp. 17-18)
In February 1904, Ernest E. Beaugez (1883-1907) married Ellen T. Crivellari of Mobile. At the time he was an employee of The Progress, the local journal. Mr. Beaugez commenced working here in 1899. He was described by his employer as, "an honest, industrious and reliable young man in every respect."(The Progress, February 20, 1904)
By 1904, the health of Albert E. Lee (1874-1936), the owner and editor of The Progress, began to fail and he sold his newspaper to his printer, Ernest E. Beaugez . Mr. Lee left Ocean Springs for New Orleans and was there when a conflagration destroyed the printing plant of Mr. Beaugez on March 4, 1905. Returning here after the fire in order to review his business interests, A.E. Lee was met by enthusiastic supporters who were desirous of him to commence a new publishing venture at Ocean Springs. Thusly, The Ocean Springs News was born on March 15, 1906, from a two hundred dollar loan to A.E. Lee for the initial payment on a small printing plant. The Ocean Springs News was a success from the initial issue. (The Biloxi Herald, March 31, 1906, p. 8) Young Ernest E. Beaugez died untimely at Ocean Springs in August 1907. His corporal remains were interred in the Bellande Cemetery. No further information. (The Daily Herald, August 22, 1907, p. 1)
REFERENCES:
BOOKS
The American State Papers, Volume III 1815-1824 Public Lands, (reprint Southern Historical Press: Greenville, South Carolina-1994).
Nap L. Cassibry II, Early Settlers and Land Grants at Biloxi, Volume II, Special Issue No. 5, (Mississippi Coast Historical & Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1986).
Darlene Jones Krohn, The Descendants of Jerome Ryan, (Krohn: Latimer, Mississippi-1995).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Jerome Lepre, Gulf Coast Genealogy-The Seymour Family, (Lepre: 2001-New Orleans, Louisiana).
C.E. Schmidt, Ocean Springs French Beachhead, (Lewis Printing Company: Pascagoula, Mississippi-1972).
C.E. Schmidt, Ocean Springs French Beachhead, (Lewis Printing Company: Pascagoula, Mississippi-1972).
Tim Wallis, Ross-Allen Families, (Wallis: Biloxi, Mississippi-1992).
CHANCERY COURT CASES
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 20,
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 30, "Pauline Bellman v. Charles Bellman", August 1858.
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 3616, "H.F.Russell, administrator of the Estate of A.P. Kotzum v. Mrs. H.C.Seymour, et al", October 1917.
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 3936, "Estate of A.P. Kotzum", November 1917.
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 4648, "Philip M. Bellman v. C.P. Martin and S.J. DeBlaeau operating The Ocean Springs Fish & Oyster Company", February 1925.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 30, "Pauline Bellman v. Charles Bellman", August 1858.
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 3616, "H.F.Russell, administrator of the Estate of A.P. Kotzum v. Mrs. H.C.Seymour, et al", October 1917.
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 3936, "Estate of A.P. Kotzum", November 1917.
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 4648, "Philip M. Bellman v. C.P. Martin and S.J. DeBlaeau operating The Ocean Springs Fish & Oyster Company", February 1925.
JOURNALS
The Biloxi Herald, "Ocean Springs", February 7, 1891. The Biloxi Herald, "City Paragraphs", March 31, 1906.
The Daily Herald, "City News", August 22, 1907.
The Daily Herald, "Ocean Springs men return to homes", December 19, 1916.
The Daily Herald, "Phillip Bellman Dies", March 4, 1927.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Beaugez Dies", December 21, 1932.
The Daily Herald, "Ocean Springs Man Drowns As Boat Sinks", December 9, 1938.
The Daily Herald, "Open Bel-Bru Sporting Good Store", November 1, 1946.
The Daily Herald, "City News", August 22, 1907.
The Daily Herald, "Ocean Springs men return to homes", December 19, 1916.
The Daily Herald, "Phillip Bellman Dies", March 4, 1927.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Beaugez Dies", December 21, 1932.
The Daily Herald, "Ocean Springs Man Drowns As Boat Sinks", December 9, 1938.
The Daily Herald, "Open Bel-Bru Sporting Good Store", November 1, 1946.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Marie Noel", January 16, 1956.
The Daily Herald, "Herman E. Noel", September 15, 1967.
The Daily Herald, "Percy Bernard Noel", March 17, 1977.
The Daily Herald, "Charles Bellman", September 26, 1956.
The Jackson County Times, "Local News Items", September 23, 1916.
The Jackson County Times, "Local News Interest", November 20, 1920.
The Jackson County Times, "Local and Personal", September 15, 1923.
The Jackson County Times, "R.L. White", March 3, 1928.
The Jackson County Times, "Joseph Edmund Brou", November 17, 1934.
The Jackson County Times, "Local and Personal", September 5, 1936.
The Jackson County Times, "The Column", August 12, 1939.
The Jackson County Times, "B.J. Noel Dies", April 25, 1942.
The Jackson County Times, "Gloria Mathieu Fatally Shoots Winson Noel", January 26, 1946.
The Ocean Springs New, "Local News", May 14, 1910.
The Ocean Springs News, "Eagle Point Oyster Company advertisement", November 24, 1915, p. 12.
The Ocean Springs News, "Local News", March 23, 1916.
The Ocean Springs News, "Ocean Springs Fish & Oyster Co.", March 30,1916.
The Ocean Springs News, "Lt. Cmdr. Brou Funeral Is held; Victim of Crash", October 2, 1958.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Phyliss Bellman Burke", September 27, 1970.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Open House Guests", August 22, 1985.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Birthday celebration", March 19, 1987.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Died", March 25, 1892.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs News", March 25, 1892.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Sudden Death of Moses Seymour", January 13, 1893.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs Locals", February 17, 1896.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs Locals", October 10, 1899.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs Locals", February 2, 1900.
The Progress, "Local News Interest", February 20, 1904.
The Sun Herald, "Brou stays agile, wins five medals at Games", July 18, 1997.
The Sun Herald, "Inez Virginia Bellman McLain", October 8, 2004, p. A-7.
The Sun Herald, "Thomas J. Bellman", November 18, 2007, p. A-14.
The Sun Herald, "Mr. Edward J. 'Eddie' Bellman", November 8, 2009, p. A-12.
The Daily Herald, "Herman E. Noel", September 15, 1967.
The Daily Herald, "Percy Bernard Noel", March 17, 1977.
The Daily Herald, "Charles Bellman", September 26, 1956.
The Jackson County Times, "Local News Items", September 23, 1916.
The Jackson County Times, "Local News Interest", November 20, 1920.
The Jackson County Times, "Local and Personal", September 15, 1923.
The Jackson County Times, "R.L. White", March 3, 1928.
The Jackson County Times, "Joseph Edmund Brou", November 17, 1934.
The Jackson County Times, "Local and Personal", September 5, 1936.
The Jackson County Times, "The Column", August 12, 1939.
The Jackson County Times, "B.J. Noel Dies", April 25, 1942.
The Jackson County Times, "Gloria Mathieu Fatally Shoots Winson Noel", January 26, 1946.
The Ocean Springs New, "Local News", May 14, 1910.
The Ocean Springs News, "Eagle Point Oyster Company advertisement", November 24, 1915, p. 12.
The Ocean Springs News, "Local News", March 23, 1916.
The Ocean Springs News, "Ocean Springs Fish & Oyster Co.", March 30,1916.
The Ocean Springs News, "Lt. Cmdr. Brou Funeral Is held; Victim of Crash", October 2, 1958.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Phyliss Bellman Burke", September 27, 1970.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Open House Guests", August 22, 1985.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Birthday celebration", March 19, 1987.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Died", March 25, 1892.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs News", March 25, 1892.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Sudden Death of Moses Seymour", January 13, 1893.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs Locals", February 17, 1896.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs Locals", October 10, 1899.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs Locals", February 2, 1900.
The Progress, "Local News Interest", February 20, 1904.
The Sun Herald, "Brou stays agile, wins five medals at Games", July 18, 1997.
The Sun Herald, "Inez Virginia Bellman McLain", October 8, 2004, p. A-7.
The Sun Herald, "Thomas J. Bellman", November 18, 2007, p. A-14.
The Sun Herald, "Mr. Edward J. 'Eddie' Bellman", November 8, 2009, p. A-12.
The Sun Herald, "Bellman kept Elvis alive on the Coast", November 8, 2009, p. A-13.
Benachi Family
- 968 reads
The Nicholas Marino Benachi Family
of
New Orleans, Louisiana and Biloxi, Mississippi
Nicolas Marino Benachi (1812-1886) was born on the Greek Island of Khios. Khios is located in the Aegean Sea off the west coast of Turkey. It is believed to have been the birthplace of Homer. Khios is known for its school of epic poets, the Homeridae, and it sculptors. It became a Greek possession in 1912. Today with the adjacent islands of Cyclades, Dodecanese, Lesbos, and Samos, Khios forms the Greek department called Aegean Islands.(Webster’s New Geographical Dictionary-1988, p. 261)
NICHOLAS MARINO BENACHI (1812-1886)
[image made March 1998 by Ray L. Bellande. Courtesy of James G. Derbes, NOLA]
N.M. Benachi immigrated to the United States. His brother, Emmanuel Benachi, became Mayor of Athens. Anthony Benachi, a son of Emmanuel, donated his Athens home for the prominent Benachi Museum. Nicolas M. Benachi settled at New Orleans, Louisiana. Here he made his livelihood in the New Orleans cotton trade with the Greek firm, the Ralli Brothers. They were international cotton brokers with offices in London, Cairo, Athens, and India.(Derbes, et al-1998, p. 4) Another branch of the Benachi family in partnership with the Choremi clan operated in the cotton business at Alexandria, Egyptfrom the mid-1800s until dispossessed by Nasser (1918-1970).(Choremi, July 1998)
Nicolas M. Benachi married Catharina Grund (d. 1853). They were the parents of four children: Michel Benachi (1841-1853), Marie B. Botassi (ca. 1842-1894+), Marino Benachi (1853-1853), and Pandia N. Benachi (c. 1857-1891). The Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1853, took the lives of Catharina G. Benachi and two of her children, Michel Benachi and Marino Benachi, while they vacationed in August, at Biloxi, Mississipi. In late September 1856, an inventory of the estate of Mrs. Benachi was filed in the 2nd District Court at New Orleans. The results of this survey showed that the Benachi Estate was valued as follows: Movable objects (primarily furniture)-$331; Two slaves-$1800; and Immovable property (real estate)-$16,550; and Mr. Benachi’s interest in Ralli & Company-$12,293. The credit of the community against N.M. Benachi was $6740, leaving him a net worth of $37,713.(2nd District Court of New Orleans, September 1856)
The following is a summary of what is currently known of the lives of the first family of N.M. Benachi:
Michel Benachi (1841-1853)-died at the age of twelve during the 1853 Yellow Fever Epidemic.(The New Orleans Picayune, September 4, 1853, p. 2, c. 6)
Marie Benachi Botassi (ca.1842-1894+)-married Demetrius Nicholas Botassi in December 1862.(Murray, p. 108) A son, Demetrius Botassi was born at New Orleans on November 15, 1865. She appears to have spent most of her life as a resident of Paris, France. Mr. Botassi was living in New York City in 1886.(Inventory of the Succession of N.M. Benachi-1886) No further information.
Marino Benachi (1853-1853)-died at the age of five months during the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1853.(The New Orleans Picayune, September 4, 1853, p. 2, c. 6)
Pandia [Paul] N. Benachi (c. 1857-1891)-married Sarah Ann Stohr (1858-1920) in January 1877 in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Pandia N. Benachi was a resident of Jacksonville, Florida as early as 1880. He took he took his own life at Jacksonville on November 13, 1891. Benachi's remains and those of his spouse are interred in the Evergreen Cemetery at Jacksonville. Florida. (The Columbus [Georgia] Daily Enquirer, November 14, 1891, p. 1; The Daily Picayune, November 1891, p. ; Murray, p. 108; and the Inventory of the Succession of N.M. Benachi-1886)
After the demise of his wife, Catharina Grund, N.M. Benachi married a minor, Anne Marie Bidault (1837-1897), on November 13, 1856. She was a native of Bordeaux and the daughter of Antoine Bidault (1800-1875) of New Orleans and Desire Marie Gilbert (1810-1870+), who was in France in 1856. The couple had a marriage contract drawn up. It consisted of three clauses: 1) no community gains and separate properties between the two parties. 2) husband to contribute to the expense of the marriage. 3) donation of $10,000 to Mrs. Anne B. Benachi from the Succession of N.M. Benachi. The agreement was notarized by Abel Dreyfous, Notary Public for the Parish of Orleans, prior to their wedding in November 1856.(HARCO Chancery Court Cause No. 676, Mrs. A. Benachi v. Marie Batassi, et al, August Term 1894).
The children of this union were: George N. Benachi (1857-1858), Anthony N. Benachi (1858-1916), Helene Benachi Frangopulo (1860-1886), Irene B. Bidault (1862-1942) m. Louis A. Bidault (1862-1940), Belisarie N. Benachi (1864-1923), and Diomede N. Benach (1866-1930). A summary of the lives of the second family of N.M. Benachi follows:
George N. Benachi (1856-1858) was born on August 31, 1857 at New Orleans. He died at New Orleans on October 13, 1858.(The Daily Delta, October 14, 1858, p. 2)
Anthony Nicolas Benachi (1858-1916)-was called Tony. He was born April 10, 1858, at New Orleans. Tony Benachi made his livelihood in the Crescent City as a cotton broker and at Greenville in the Mississippi Delta.(The Biloxi Herald, February 16, 1916, p. 2)
In 1900, he appears to be residing in the Benachi House on the beachfront at Biloxi and employed as a cotton classer.(1900 Federal Census-Harrison County, Mississippi)
A.N. Benachi seems to have been a bon vivant, and yachting at Biloxi was a favorite pastime. Benachi owned the Royal Flush, a sixteen-foot catboat, which competed annually in the Biloxi Regatta. The swift craft also sailed in match races for sizeable prize money.(Ocean Springs Record, April 2, 1998) He organized the West End Yacht Club at Biloxi in August 1900. Tony Benachi served as first commodore while brother, Zio, was vice-commodore.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, August 7, 1900, p. 8).
A.N. Benachi expired at Biloxi , on February 16, 1916, while residing at 422 Elmer Street. His remains were interred in the Benachi plot in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Biloxi Herald, February 16, 1916, p. 2, c. 7)
Helene Benachi Frangopulo (1860-1886)-was born at New Orleans circa December 1860. She married Nicholas S. Frangopulo in April 1883.(Murray, p. 108) They were childless. Helene B. Frangopulo expired in the Benachi home at 425 Bayou Road on February 19, 1886.(The Times Picayune, February 20, 1886, p. 4). No further information.
Irene Benachi Bidault (1862-1942)-was born at New Orleans on September 28, 1862. She married Louis A. Bidault (1862-1940), an 1866 French immigrant and resident of New Orleans, at Mississippi City in July 1903. Justice J.J. Herbert officiated.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 17, 1903, p. 6)
Irene may have been previously married to William S. Douglas in June 1886.(Murray, p. 108). No further information.
Irene expired at New Orleans on May 17, 1942. Louis had preceded her in death passing on December 11, 1940. Their corporal remains were interred in St. Louis No. III cemetery in the Crescent City.(The Times-Picayune, may 18, 1942, p. 2 and December 12, 1940, p. 2)
Besari or Belisaire or Belizarius N. Benachi (1864-1923)-was called Zio. He was born on October 26, 1864 at New Orleans. Zio married Sallie Doyle (d. 1952) at New Orleans in November 1899. She was a Mobile native and resident of Biloxi.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 7, 1899, p. 8, c. 2) Three children were born from this union: Edward Anthony Benachi (1904-1921), Thomas W. Benachi(1902-1982) of Chicago and Berwyn, Illinois, and Helene Anna Benachi Waldo (1911-1980) of Huntington, West Virginia and Wilmington, North Carolina.
The spouses of Thomas Benachi and Helene Benachi Waldo were Lise Benachi (1907-1987) and Kenneth C. Waldo (1897-1986) respectively. Thomas and Lise Benachi expired at Berwyn, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago, while Mr. and Mrs. Waldo passed at Wilmington, North Carolina.(Family Tree Maker (CD ROM-Social Security Death Index, United States, 1937-1996, Volume 1 and Volume 2)
In 1904, Zio Benachi was a bookkeeper for the New Orleans Acid & Fertilizer Company, which was located at 204 Carondelet. The family resided at 376 Millaundon. (Soards (1904), p. 115)
At the time of his demise in 1923, Zio was associated with the Planters Fertilizer & Chemical Company of New Orleans. Mr. Benachi resided at 7901 South Claiborne with his wife, Sallie Doyle, and their two children.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, February 14, 1923, p. 6, c. 3)
Sallie Doyle Benachi passed on September 5, 1952, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Kenneth C. Waldo, in Huntington, West Virginia. She had three grandchildren.(The Times Picayune, September 13, 1952, p. 2)
Diomedes N. Benachi (1866-1930)-may have been called Eugene. (Federal Census 1880-Orleans Parish, Louisiana). In 1904, he made his livelihood as a drayman with his residence located at 924 Philip Street.(Soards (1904), p. 115.) D.N. Benachi passed on January 27, 1930. His remains were interred at the St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery on Esplanade Avenue in the Crescent City.(The Times Picayune, January 28, 1930, p. 2, c. 7). No further information.
The Benachi-Torre House
2257 Bayou Road, New Orleans, Louisiana.
[photograph taken by Ray L. Bellande in March 1998]
The outstanding center-hall, Classic-style house built in 1859 for Nicholas Benachi and his second wife, Anna Marie Bidault, for $18,000. This was the site of an earlier Bayou Road residence designed for Joseph Zeringue in 1806 by Barthelemy Lafon. The earlier building housed the Bellanger boarding school from 1832 to 1838.
BENACHI-TORRE HOUSE
Benachi purchased it with grounds measuring 135 feet front by three arpents depth in 1852 for $11,134. He lived in the earlier maison de maitre with his first wife and children for a short time, but Mme. Benachi died and two of the children died in the yellow fever epidemic in 1853 at their summer home in Biloxi. When Benachi remarried, he demolished the early house, building this one for his new wife. The Benachi family kept its residence until 1886, when Peter Torre purchased it. The house and grounds remained in the Torre family, although the three-arpent depth of the lot has been cut by the extension of Laharpe Street. The house and detached, two-story service building are enclosed on the spacious grounds by a high cast-iron fence having a Gothic style gate. The ensemble is one of the city’s major landmarks. Although the floor plan reflects the traditional American, center-hall plan, the single windows on either side of the entrance and second level door are unusual for New Orleans. Paired box columns supporting the double galleries are another variation from the norm. Adding sophistication to the façade are the pilasters at the corner of the flushboard front. The $18,000 building price in 1859 is high and is reflected in the excellent quality of interior millwork and plaster decoration. The complex was donated to the Louisiana Landmarks Society in 1978 by heirs of Peter Torre.(Christovich, et al, 1980, p. 146)
The Benachi-Torre House is now owned by James G. Derbes. Mr. Derbes, a New Orleans attorney, acquired this historic home in July 1982, from the board of Trustees of the Lousiana Landmarks Society for $227,000.(Derbes, et al, 1998, p. 4) Councilor Derbes resides in the Benachi-Torre House and lets rooms to bed and breakfast patrons. He also owns and rents the Esplanade Villa at 2216 Esplanade Avenue. Mr. Derbes refers to his properties as the Cotton Brokers’ Houses as both edifices were once possessed by prominent cotton traders of the 19th Century.
N.M. Benachi was Consul of Greece at New Orleans, a speculator in real estate and slaves, a hunter, horseman, and founder of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Western hemisphere.(Derbes et al-1998, p. 4) In July 1964, a Trisagion, a traditional Greek Othodox memorial service, was held at the tomb of N.M. Benachi in the St. Louis Cemetery on Esplanade Avenue, in recognition of his founding the Greek Orthodox community in the Western Hemisphere in 1864. The ceremony was integrated into the 13th international conference of the Greek Orthodox Youth of America hosted at the Jung Hotel.(The Times Picayune, July 31, 1964, Section 3, p. 3, c.2)
In 1870, Mr. Benachi made his livelihood as a wholesale merchant at New Orleans. He resides with his wife and five children in the Seventh Ward. His mother-in-law, Marie Gilbert, resided with the family as well as two domestics, William Stewart (1853-1870+) and Hubert Darley (1819-1870+), a black female. Benachi’s net worth was $34,000 of which real estate accounted for $25,000. (Louisiana Federal Census 1870)
By 1880, Benachi was the Greek consul at New Orleans. His sons, Antoine and Belisaire Benachi, were clerks in a store at this time. Three domestic servants were in the Benachi household: Louis Chapon (b. 1845) from France and Louisiana natives, Augustine Johnson (b. 1858) and Anne Millet (b. 1859).(Louisiana Federal Census 1880)
In addition to his land possessions in Louisiana, N.M. Benachi began acquiring land on the seashore at Biloxi, Mississippi in March 1851. At this time, he bought from J.W. Lavillebeuvre for $6500, a tract in the Louis Fayard Claim No. 143 (Section 26, T7S-R9W) which had 232 ½ feet on the beach front and ran north to the Back Bay of Biloxi. Jacques Fayard was to the west and A. Blondeau to the east.(1.) This particular tract of land was traded within the Benachi-Bidault family several times between 1867 and 1876. Pandia N. Benachi sold the parcel to the Pelican Hook & Ladder Company No. 4 in February 1876. Leon Bertoli was president of the fire company at this time.(2) The Biloxi beach front parcel came back to N.M. Benachi in January 1879, when Leon Bertoli of the Pelican Hook & Ladder Company No. 4 quitclaimed it to him.(3)
N.M. Benachi had many land conveyances in the Biloxi area. Unfortunately, they are metes and bounds descriptions and can be located for the most part only in a general sense. Present day Benach Avenue at Biloxi was originally the path for ingress-egress from the N.M. Benachi beachfront home to Pass Christian Road (now Howard Avenue). In the 19th Century, there was no road from the Biloxi Lighthouse eastward towards the village of Biloxi for some distance. (Holland-June 1998) It wasn’t until November 1909, that the City of Biloxi began acquiring a seventy-five foot strip for street and bulkhead purposes from the landowners in this area. The name of the throughway was to be West Beach Street or Front Street.(4)
It is believed that the magnificent live oaks that line this thoroughfare today are the result of Mr. Benachi’s foresight. In December 1905, The Biloxi Daily Herald reported:
Benachi Avenue, from Howard Avenue to the beach, was ordered graded and shelled. This is good new to those living on that beautiful “Avenue of Oaks”. When completed it will form one of the most beautiful thoroughfares in the South or anywhere else.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 6, 1905, p. 1, c. 2)
The N.M. Benachi house on the beachfront at Biloxi was moved sometimes in the 19th Century to a position west of present day Benachi Avenue and east of the Biloxi Lighthouse. It was relocated to the west to allow the Benachi driveway-road, which became Benachi Avenue to reach the beachfront. W.P. Kennedy acquired the Benachi home. It was demolished several years after Hurricane Camille of August 1969.(Herron Kennedy, June 1998)
Information on the Benachi House in local journals is rare. It was reported that the Benachi edifice at Biloxi, was entered by thieves on the night of March 29, 1885. Joseph Cody, one of the keepers of the Benachi place, was severely cut on the arm by one of the perpetrators. The villains fled without being identified.(The Daily Picayune, April 1, 1885, p. 1, c. 5)
N.M. Benachi family tomb St. Louis No. 3 Esplanade Avenue, NOLA
[image by Ray L. Bellande December 1997]
N.M. Benachi died intestate on February 8, 1886, at New Orleans. He left the following lands at Biloxi with an estimated value of $15,000.
Bounded South by the front bay or Gulf of Mexico. East by property now owned by John Cleary. North by Section line and West by the estate of Jacques Fayard having a front on said front bay or Gulf of Mexico of three hundred and twenty two feet-six inches running back due North between parallel lines to said section line a distance of 40 arpents more or less. Also one lot bounded South by lands of Henry Miller. West by property now owned by Dr. Maloney. North by the property of Charles Fayard. East by above described lot measuring North and South eight hundred feet, East and West.(Harrison County Chancery Court Cause No. 676, August 1894)
From the transcription of the Inventory of the Succession of Nicholas M. Benachi-February 1886, provided by James G. Derbes of New Orleans, the appraised value of the N.M. Benachi Estate was as follows:
Value of movable effects-$471.00
Value of shares of stock-$450.00
Value of silverware-$42.50
Value of claims-$200.00
Value of real estate-$11,715.00
Cash-$521.05
Total-$13,399.55
In August 1894, Mrs. Benachi petitioned the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi for a forced heirship sale of these lands. She told of her marriage contract with N.M. Benachi and the clause where she was entitled to $10,000 from his estate.(HARCO Chancery Court Cause No. 676, Anna Benachi v, Marie Botassi, et al, August Term 1894)
N.M. BENACH HOUSE at BILOXI
[photograph taken by Ray L. Bellande of a pencil drawing of the N.M. Benachi House at Biloxi by Kathy Kennedy. Courtesy of Herron Kennedy 119 Benachi Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi]
In August 1895, Special Commissioner, F.G. Hewes, conveyed to Anna Benachi the lands at Biloxi in the estate of her late husband for $8000.(5)
Several months before her demise in November 1897, Mrs. N.M. Benachi with her son, Diomedes N. Benachi, as attorney-in-fact, platted a subdivision titled, “Benachi Addition to the City of Biloxi”. This strip of land is 275 feet in width and extends about 1700 feet north of Howard Avenue.(2nd Judicial District Harrison County Chancery Court, Copy Book 1, p. 9) Present boundaries of the Benachi Addition are: north by Division Street, east by Graham, south by Howard Avenue, and west by Benachi Avenue. The heirs of Mrs. Anna Benachi sold the last parcel of land here in May 1905.(6)
After Mrs. Benachi’s death, Zio, Dio, and Irene Benachi in May 1903, sold their ¾ interest in what was known at Biloxi, as “the Benachi property” to Patrick Kennedy for $8,250. Tony Benachi retained his ¼ interest in the beachfront tract and became a business partner of Mr. Kennedy.(7)
The Benachi house was relocated in July 1903 from its original site to the lot west of the new street [Benachi Avenue] across from which it now stands.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 4, 1903, p. 6)
Entrepreneur, Patrick Kennedy (1845-1913), was born May 1845, in Gaulestown, Kilkenny County, Eire. He immigrated to the United States in 1866. Circa 1871, Pat Kennedy married, probably at New Orleans, the Irish immigrant widow of Bernard McKenna, Margaret M’Kenna (1845-1905). She was the mother of eleven children, five of whom were alive at the commencement of the 20thCentury.(Federal Census 1900-Harrison County, Mississippi) Mrs. Kennedy had a brother, Thomas P.McKenna (d. 1920), who resided at Long Beach, New Jersey.(The Daily Herald, July 26, 1920, p. 3, c. 1)
The family of Pat and Margaret Kennedy were: William P. Kennedy (1873-1951), and John J. Kennedy (1875-1949). Her M’Kenna children were: Mary M. Hodgins, (d. 1895), Sarah M’Kenna(1861-1903), Katherine M. Coyle (1864-1952), and Margaret M. Baltar (1870-1945).
The Patrick Kennedy family arrived at Biloxi from New Orleans on a permanent basis, in the early 1890s. They had established summer residency here in 1884. At New Orleans, Mr. Kennedy was initially engaged in the cooperage business. He later operated a retail soda water operation.(The Biloxi Herald, March 10, 1913, p. 1)
One of Pat Kennedy’s first business ventures on the Mississippi Gulf Coast was to ship raw oysters. He operated as P. Kennedy & Company.(Biloxi Herald, November 12, 1892) The renown, turn of the Century, Kennedy Hotel was erected by this family on the southeast corner of Reynoir Street and Railroad, just east of the L&N Depot. The land on which the Kennedy Hotel was built was acquired by W.P. Kennedy from the Estate of Marie Harvey Bellande (1840-1894) as a result of a forced heirship sale, Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 710, “ Ida Bellande Gossow v. Antoine V. Bellande, et al”.
The Kennedy Hotel occupied the site of the 1882 homestead of Captain Antoine V. Bellande (1829-1918), a French immigrant bar pilot, and his family. The Depot Saloon, which was operated by Captain Bellande’s son, Joseph A. Bellande (1868-1961), was also on the hotel parcel.(Bellande-1991, p. 31 and p. 42)
Two of Pat Kennedy’s sons, William P. Kennedy and John J. Kennedy, made important contributions to the economic and history of Biloxi. William P. Kennedy was originally in the drug business as Kennedy & Folkes. He later became engaged in the seafood business and is credited with bringing the first trawler to Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, December 24, 1951, p. 6, c. 3)
John J. Kennedy served the people of Biloxi as Mayor for fourteen years. He managed the Kennedy Hotel for many years after his father passed. At the time of his demise, J.J. Kennedy was the US comptroller of customs at New Orleans.(The Daily Herald, September 13, 1949, p. 1, c. 6 and p. 4, c. 4)
The Benachi property at Biloxi was defined as having a 322-foot front on the Gulf and running north to Howard Avenue with John Cleary to the east and Mrs. Henry Miller to the west.(8) A good approximation of “the Benachi property” in current view would place Benachi Avenue at the center of the parcel, with strips of land 140 feet wide on each side, running north to Howard Avenue.
During the years of the next decade, Patrick Kennedy (1845-1913) and A.N. Benachi sold lots from“the Benachi property”. The four beachfront tracts, two on each side of Benachi Avenue, were conveyed between 1904 and 1912.
In February 1904, William P. Kennedy (1873-1951) acquired the tract west of Benachi Avenue upon which the N.M. Benachi home was apparently situated.(9) William W. Baltar purchased the lot just east of William P. Kennedy in August 1904, from his step father-in-law, Pat Kennedy, and A.N. Benachi for $2100.(10)
In late 1905, William Winslow Baltar (1870-1928) had a two-story home constructed on his lot by J.E. Greene, one of the largest contractors in South Mississippi. The Baltar home cost $2600.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 20, 1905, p. 1, c. 4)
The two beachfront lots on the east side of Benachi Avenue were acquired by Martha J. Johnson of Chicago in 1905, and Sarah Kennedy in 1912.(11,12) The “Fabacher House”, now owned by Walter Blessey IV, at present day 948 West Beach, was erected for Rinaldo Everitt on the beachfront lot that he acquired from Martha Johnson in December 1905.(13) The Everitt-Blessey (commonly known as the“Fabacher House”) was probably erected in early 1906.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 20, 1905, p. 1, c. 4)
REFERENCES:
Chancery Court Land Records
1 Harrison County, Mississippi Land Deed Book 5, pp. 515-516.
2. Harrison County, Mississippi Land Deed Book 15, p. 14.
3. ------------------------------------------------- Book 16, pp. 305-306.
4. ------------------------------------------------- Book 40, p. 205.
5. ------------------------------------------------- Book 33, p. 75.
6. ------------------------------------------------- Book 66, p. 419.
7. ------------------------------------------------- Book 55, p. 583.
8. ------------------------------------------------- Book 55, p. 583.
9. ------------------------------------------------- Book 61, p. 37.
10. ------------------------------------------------- Book 90, p. 558.
11. ----------------------------------------- ------- Book 69, p. 51
12. ------------------------------------------ ------ Book 105, p. 445.
13. ----------------------------------------- ------- Book 70, p. 574.
Books and Essays
Ray L. Bellande, From Marseille to Mississippi, (Bellabde: Ocean Springs, Mississippi - 1991)
Mary Louise Christovich and Roulhac Toledano, New Orleans Architecture, Faubourg Treme and the Bayou Road, Volume IV, (Pelican Publishing Company: Gretna, Louisiana-1980).
James G. Derbes and William D. Reeves, “Benachi House and Esplanade Villa”, (2257 Bayou Road and 2216 Esplanade Avenue),(unpublished essay-1998).
Nicholas R. Murray, Hunting For Bears, Orleans Parish, Louisiana Marriages, 1830-1900, (Murray: Hammond, Louisiana).
Bradford O’Keefe Burial Book No. 6, “Anthony Nerlas (sic) Benachi”, (Biloxi Public Library Archives), p. 33.
Soards New Orleans City Directory (1904), (Soards Directory Company Ltd.: New Orleans-1904).
Webster’s New Geographical Dictionary, (Merriam- Webster Inc.: Springfield, Massachusetts-1988), p. 261.
The New Orleans WPA Guide: The Federal Writers Project Guide to 1930s New Orleans,(Pantheon Book: New York-1983).
CD ROM
Family Tree Maker (CD ROM), “Thomas Benachi”, “Lise Benachi”, “Helene B. Waldo”, and“Kenneth Waldo”, Social Security Death Index: United States, 1937-1996, Volume 1 and Volume 2.
Court Cases
2nd District Court of New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, “The Inventory of Catherine Grund Benachi”, September 25, 1856.(Recorded in Volume 6, Act 141)
Transcription of “Inventory of the Succession of Nicholas M. Benachi”, February 24, 1886. (from James G. Derbes)
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 676, Mrs. A. Benachi v. Marie Botassi, et al,August Term 1894.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 8286, Estate of B.N. Benachi, May 1922. (see also HARCO Will Book 5, p. 259)
Federal Census
Louisiana Federal Census 1870-Orleans Parish, “Nichol Benachi”, 7th Ward, p. 446.
Louisiana Federal Census1880-Orleans Parish, “N.M. Benachi”, 7th Ward, Roll No. 462, p. 652.
Journals
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, November 12, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald, “Mrs. Anna Benachi”, November 13, 1897.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Doyle-Benachi”, November 7, 1899.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “West End Yacht Club”, August 7, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, March 11, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, June 4, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Benachi-Bidault”, July 17, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,” “Benachi Avenue To Be Shelled”, December 6, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Big Building Improvement”, December 20, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, December 20, 1905.
The Columbus [Georgia] Daily Enquirer, 'A Jacksonville suicide', November 14, 1891, p. 1.
The Daily Delta, October 14, 1858.
The Daily Herald, “Patrick Kennedy, Pioneer Citizen of Biloxi, Passes Away”, March 10, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Tony Benachi Is Claimed By Death”, February 16, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Thomas P. McKenna”, July 26, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Zio Benachi Dead”, February 14, 1923.
The Daily Herald, “John J. Kennedy, Ex-Biloxi Mayor, Dies at Residence”, September 13, 1949.
The Daily Herald, “W.P. Kennedy Sr. Is Buried Sunday With Catholic Services”, December 24, 1951.
The Daily Herald, "Your Coast"-The Biloxi House that changed its address", December 20, 1956.
The Daily Picayune, “Biloxi”, April 1, 1885.
The Daily Picayune, “N.M. Benachi Dead”, February 9, 1886.
The New Orleans Picayune, “Marino Benachi”, September 4, 1853.
The New Orleans Picayune, “Michel Benachi”, September 4, 1853.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Sous Les Chenes”, April 2, 1998.
The New Orleans Picayune, “Mrs. N.M. Benachi”, September 4, 1853.
The Daily Picayune, “Mrs. Nicholas Frangopulo”, February 20, 1886.
The Times Picayune, “D.N. Benachi”, January 28, 1930.
The Times Picayune, "Louis Bidault”, December 12, 1940.
The Times Picayune, “Mrs. Irene Benachi Bidault”, May 18, 1942.
The Times Picayune, “Greek Service Honors Leader”, July 31, 1964.
PERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Baltar Holland-home interview at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 8, 1998.
Herron Kennedy-telephone interview June 11, 1998
James G. Derbes-home interview at New Orleans, Louisiana on June 23, 1998
Alec M. Choremi-letter of July 21, 1998, from Locust Valley, New York 11560.
Photographs
Image 1-Nicholas M. Benachi-photograph taken by Ray L. Bellande in the Benachi-Torre House at 2257 Bayou Road, New Orleans, Louisiana in March 1998. Courtesy of James G. Derbes.
Image 2-Benachi-Torre House-photograph taken by Ray L. Bellande in March 1998 of 2257 Bayou Road, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Image 3-N.M. Benachi House at Biloxi-photograph taken by Ray L. Bellande of a pencil drawing of the N.M. Benachi House at Biloxi by Kathy Kennedy. Courtesy of Herron Kennedy 119 Benachi Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi.
Bolton Family
Image:
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WALTER T. BOLTON
Walter Thetford Bolton(1859-1923) was born September 9, 1859 in or near Hickory, Newton County, Mississippi to Judge Isaac Langston Bolton (1827-1900+), an Alabaman, and Martha Thetford Bolton (1843-1870+), also from Alabama. Walter came as a single man to Biloxi, Mississippi in 1892 from Perkinston, Harrison County, Mississippi. At Perkinston, Dr. Bolton was also the US Postmaster. During his tenure here, he was lauded for improving the mail service from Perkinston to the outside world.(The Biloxi Herald, January 18, 1890, p. 1)
Dr. W.T. Bolton was a graduate of Louisville College and attended Tulane University of Louisiana. Circa 1893, he married Olivia Hill Sones, a native of Brookhaven, Mississippi. They were the parents of four children: Walter T. Bolton II (1894-1964) m. Mrs. Tullos and Charlsie Hayes (1909-1982); Cornelia Justina Bolton (1898-1994) m. Mark L. Miller (1901-1933), Dewey R. Reagan (1897-1969), and Nathan O. Berry (1897-2001); Olivia Sones Bolton (1902-1933) m. Edgar N. Taylor; and Eldon L. Bolton (1910-1990) m. Carolyn Howard McKellar (1913-1996).
Olivia S. Bolton was a graduate of Whitworth College at Brookhaven. She worked diligently for her family, church and Biloxi. Mrs. Bolton was recognized by the Biloxi Lions Club and awarded a loving cup, as she was chosen by its membership in 1943, as Biloxi’s Citizen of the Year. She was well known for her efforts to support the First Methodist Church of Biloxi, formerly the Main Street Methodist Church, through its fund raising campaigns. Mrs. Bolton’s last monetary project resulted in the completion of the church steeple. She was a member of the Red Cross executive committee, American Legion auxiliary, former State and local president of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, past president of the Cleophan Club, chairman of the local Christmas Seal and Tuberculosis sales, active in the Girl Scouts and a Sunday school teacher. During WW II, Olivia worked with USO Traveler’s Aid. She was a charter member of the Howard I Mother’s Club and a former member of the Eastern Star and Civic Club.(The Daily Herald, June 25, 1952, p. 1)
Bolton Homes and Lands
It is known that the W.T. Bolton family was domiciled on Fayard Street as early as 1896. Their house was situated behind the Catholic Convent on Reynoir Street. In November 1896, its roof caught fire due to a defective flue. The small fire was extinguished without sending out an alarm.(The Biloxi herald, November 14, 1896, p. 8)
1902-Bolton Building-West Howard Avenue
By late November 1901, the iron front for the new Bolton Building had arrived and was immediately put in place by P.J. Gillen and Bert C. Gillen, contractors, from Birmingham. They had been in Biloxi since October 1901 erecting the Bolton Building at 138 West Howard Avenue for Dr. Walter T. Bolton. Dr. Bolton had his offices and residence here until about 1920 when the family relocated to West Beach and Porter Avenue. By May 1902 the Bolton Building was completed and the Gillens left for Alabama.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 28, 1901, p. 8, March 20, 1902, p. 8 and May 9, 1902, p. 8)
1118 West Beach
According to Walter T. Bolton IV, the family resided in a house in the rear of the Bolton Building until about 1920 when the handsome family at 1118 West Beach Boulevard was completed.(W.T. Bolton IV-July 2013)
Dr. Walter T. Bolton began acquiring land on the Mississippi Sound at Biloxi in February 1900. At this time, he acquired from Origen G. Williams for $750 a large lot on the southwest corner of Porter Avenue fronting 180 feet on the Beach Road and running north on Porter Avenue for 600 feet.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 43, p. 518)
By February 1910, Dr. W.T. Bolton had bought two contiguous tracts to his initial acquisition from E.G. Bousquet and H.E. Walker and Onie Sapp Walker for $275 and $700 respectively. These tracts had 290 feet on West Suter Street.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 69, p. 472 and Bk. 92, p. 429)
Dr. Bolton is known to have had a sugar patch in the rear of the house. In 1918, he reported that a stalk of his cane had reached 18 feet in height and had 26 joints. Occasionally young adventurers would make off with some of his prized sugar cane.(The Daily Herald, November 23, 1918, p.3)
In December 1938, Mrs. W.T. Bolton signed a five-year lease with Standard oil of Kentucky for a tract measuring 75 feet by 100 feet on the SE/C of the Bolton land. The rent was $75 per month and the land was used as a gasoline filling station for many years. (Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 223, p. 323)
Bolton Building
In October 1901, P. J. Gillen and Bert C. Gillen, contractors, from Birmingham, Alabama began erecting the Bolton Building at 138 West Howard Avenue for Dr. Walter T. Bolton. Dr. Bolton had his offices and residence here until about 1920 when the family relocated to West Beach and Porter Avenue. By May 1902, the Gillens had returned to Alabama.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 28, 1901, p. 8, March 20, 1902, p. 8 and May 9, 1902, p. 8)
The original facade of the Bolton building has long disappeared from the streetscape of West Howard Avenue. Mrs. W.T. Bolton, after she became a widow, sold the structure to Phillip W. Levine (1890-1940), a Russian Jewish immigrant, in January 1924 for $15,000. Through the years, the building has been utilized a Woolsworth variety store, a hardware store, and other commercial enterprises.(The Daily Herald, February 16, 1940, p. 1 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Trust Deed Bk. 35, p. 187 and Bk. 55, p. 445)
In May 1981, the Bolton Building, known as 759 Vieux Marche at this, was acquired by Biloxi attorneys, Lyle M. Page [30%], Fred Manino [30%], Ronald G. Peresich [30%] and Paul J. Delcambre Jr. [10%] from Nathaniel B. Rosenberg and A. Charles Rosenberg. Mr. Delcambre sold his 10% interest to the other principals in January 1989.( 2nd JD Land Deed Bk. 114, 235, and 2nd JD Land Deed Bk. 205, p. 483)
CHILDREN
Walter T. Bolton II
Walter Thetford Bolton II (1894-1964) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 17, 1894. In May 1911, he graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1911 from Biloxi High School. Walter went on to earn a Civil Engineering degree in 1914 from Mississippi A&M College at Starkville. By late 1916, he was employed at Lansing, Michigan with the Michigan State Highway Commission as a civil engineer. In 1917, Bolton had taken a job as a civil engineer with the Illinois Central Railroad at Memphis, Tennessee.(The Daily Herald, May 23, 1911, p. 1, June 4, 1914, p. 2 and December 19, 1916)
During World War I. W.T. Bolton II served in the Engineer Corps of the A.E.F and was sent to England and France. He sailed for Europe in late May 1918. He was in England until and was preparing to leave for France in October 1918.(The Daily Herald, May 27, 1918, p. 3 and October 7, 1918, p. 3)
After the Great War, W.T. Bolton II took a job in Orange, Texas and was employed constructing highways. He would visit Biloxi as often as time allowed.(The Daily Herald, October 16, 1922, p. 2)
Circa 1923, Mr. Bolton married Mae Hagan Tullos (1893-1930), a widow or divorcee and native of Louisiana. She brought two sons, Robert Tullos (b. 1910) and Frank N. Tullos (1914-2000), into the marriage. Mae Hagan Bolton died at Kirbyville, Texas on March 4, 1930 after giving birth to Jessie Mae Bolton (1930-1930) who passed the next day. In 1930, Walter was the proprietor of a café and Frank Tullos, his step-son, was vending sign post advertising.(The Daily Herald, March 10, 1930, p. 2 and 1930 Jasper Co., Texas Federal Census R2361, p. 15A. ED 8)
By 1935, W.T. Bolton II was domiciled at Lubbock, Texas. Circa 1938, he had married Charlsie Hayes (1909-1982), a native of Rotan, Fisher County, Texas. By 1940, the Boltons relocated to Kirbyville, Jasper County, Texas. Here Mr. Bolton was involved with outdoor advertising, i.e. billboards etc. At Kirbyville, they reared their five children: Walter T. Bolton III (1939-2011); Olivia Bolton (b. 1940-1982+); Hayes Bolton (1940-2008); Charles Bolton; and Dewey Bolton.(1940 Jasper Co., Texas T627_4075, p. 8A, ED 121-11)
Walter T. Bolton II died in November 1964 at Kirbyville, Texas. Charlsie lived to February 28, 1982. She and W.T. Bolton III are confirmed buried in the Kirbyville Cemetery at Kirbyville, Texas.
Cornelia J. Bolton
Cornelia Justina Bolton(1898-1994) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 7, 1898. She married Mark Lewis Miller (1901-1931) in Yazoo City, Mississippi on November 7, 1920. At this time, Cornelia taught English in the public school at Yazoo City. She was a graduate of the Mississippi Woman’s College [MSCW] at Columbus, Mississippi. Cornelia would later marry Dewey Richard Reagan (1897-1969) in Harrison County, Mississippi on November 8, 1934 and Nathan O. Berry (1897-2001) on May 1, 1976, also in Harrison County, Mississippi.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 45 p. 454 and 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 13, p. 137)
Ford Agency
In 1932, Robert H. Holmes (1869-1949) and Sons acquired the Ford motorcar agency at Biloxi. They incorporated as the Holmes Motor Company in April 1932. Their Ford Agency was relocated from Lameuse Street and the L&N Railroad to the northeast corner of West Howard Avenue and Caillavet Street. In October 1933, the Holmes Motor Company had a curious demonstration in their Lameuse Street showroom to demonstrate the chassis and springs strength of their automobiles. One Ford had 3400 pounds of lumber placed on its top.(The Daily Herald, October 10, 1933, p. 3)
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Dewey R. Reagan
Mr. Holmes sold the business to the Pringle-Reagan Motor Company. This organization was led by the Pringle brothers, L.V. Pringle Jr. (1902-1974), Robert H. Pringle (1904-1981), Thomas N. Pringle (1906-1970), and Victor B. Pringle (1909-1977). Their other partners were a cousin, Frank Pringle (1909-1957), and Dewey R. Reagan.(Harrison Co., Ms. Charter Bk. 52, p. 123 and The Daily Herald, June 2, 1935, p. 2)
On formal opening day in late June 1935, the public was invited to observe that the building had been renovated and cleaned thoroughly and the entire plant elevated to first class conditions. The large workshop in the north section of the structure was made into a temporary auditorium and a five reel motion picture of the Ford plant in Michigan, Ford cars climbing Pike’s Peak and other promotional features of the Ford automobile were shown during the afternoon. Some of the employees of the organization at this time were: L.V. Pringle Jr.; Dewey Reagan; Frank Pringle; E. Jacquot; John Stojcich; T.N. Lightsey, salesman; J.W. Watts, salesman; and the garage force: George Wilson; Robert Illsley; Dudley Powell; and H. Campbell.(The Daily Herald, July 1, 1935, p. 2)
On their 5th anniversary celebrated in late May 1940, the Pringle-Reagan Motor Company announced that had 18 employees and a $19,224 annual payroll.(The Daily Herald, May 31, 1940, p. 6)
Cornelia Bolton Berry died at Biloxi on December 12, 1994. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, December 14, 1994, p. A2)
Olivia S. Bolton
Olivia Sones Bolton(1903-1933) graduated from Biloxi High School and Mississippi State College for Women (MSCW). Olivia became a school teacher and taught at Biloxi, Shaw, Mississippi in the Delta and at Atlanta, Georgia. She married Edgar N. Taylor in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 20, 1927. Edgar was born at Union City, Pennsylvania and made his livelihood at Atlanta, Georgia as an insurance underwriter and district manager for the Aetna insurance Company.(The Daily Herald, June 5, 1927, p. 2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB
Olivia S. Bolton Taylor expired at Atlanta, Georgia on March 20, 1933. She had been ill for more than a year and her mother had come from Biloxi to care for her during her illness. Mrs. Taylor’s corporal remains were sent to Biloxi for internment in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, March 21, 1933, p. 2)
Eldon L. Bolton
Eldon Langston Bolton (1910-1990) was born January 11, 1910 at Biloxi. In Harrison County, Mississippi on May 23, 1936, he married Carolyn Howard McKellar (1913-1996), a native of Memphis, Tennessee and the daughter of H. Clinton McKellar and Mrs. McKellar. Eldon and Mama ‘B’, as Mrs. Bolton was known, were the parents of four children: Eldon L. Bolton Jr. m. Priscilla Ann Ober in July 1958; Carolyn McKellar Bolton m. Robert Lee Cox in June 1960; Clinton McKellar Bolton (1944-1997) m. Sharon E. Robinson in August 1966 and Karen Joyce DeGeorge in November 1975; Walter T. Bolton m. Patricia Ann Tynes in September 1969 and Laura Ann Ederer in July 1981.
Like his father, Eldon L. Bolton practiced medicine at Biloxi. For fifty-six years, he devoted his life to the health and welfare of the denizens of Biloxi. Dr. Bolton worked with Dr. Eugene A. Trudeau (1897-1970) and Dr. Middleton and operated his clinic on the southwest corner of Lameuse Street and Washington, now M.L. King Jr.
Dr. Bolton expired at Biloxi on Christmas Day 1990. Mrs. Bolton passed here on December 26, 1996. Their corporal remains were interred at Southern Memorial Park in west Biloxi.
REFERENCES:
The Beaumont Enterprise, “Walter Bolton”, June 15, 2011.
The Biloxi Herald, “Perkinston Points”, January 18, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald, "The unexpected happens again", November 11, 1893.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, January 9, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald, “To whom it may concern”, January 30, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald, “W.T. Bolton-Physician & Surgeon [advertisement]”, August 6, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald, “Otto Pharmacy [advertisement]”, October 14, 1893.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”, November 14, 1896.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City Officials”, February 7, 1899.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, November 28, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, March 20, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Personals”, May 9, 1902.
The Daily Herald, “All in readiness for Commencement in Biloxi school”, May 23, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Young Biloxian graduates”, June 4, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Walter Bolton returns to Biloxi”, December 19, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Sterilizer Demonstration”, August 15, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Walter Bolton sails”, May 27, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Paragraphs”, October 7, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Jack in the Cane Stalk”, November 23, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Cows tested yesterday”, July 4, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Boys clean out cane patch”, September 29, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Miller-Bolton wedding in Yazoo City”, November 12, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Paragraphs”, December 9, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Items”, October 16, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi loses prominent man [W.T. Bolton]”, August 28, 1923.
The Daily Herald, “Bolton-Taylor engagement announced”, June 5, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Bolton [Mae Hagan Tullos] buried”, March 10, 1930
The Daily Herald, “[Phillip W.] Levine succumbs to short illness”, February 16, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. W.T. Bolton is outstanding Biloxi Citizen”, December 29, 1943.
The Sun Herald, “Longtime Biloxi physician Bolton, 80, dies Tuesday”, December 26, 1990.
The Sun Herald, “Eldon L. Bolton”, December 26, 1990.
The Sun Herald, “Cornelia Bolton Berry”, December 14, 1994.
The Sun Herald, “Carolyn M. Bolton”, December 27, 1996.
The Sun Herald, “Clinton M. Bolton”, January 28, 1997.
Bousquet Family
- 309 reads
BOUSQUET FAMILY
The Bousquet family of
Jean A. Bousquet
Jean Alphonse Bousquet (1845-1908) was born August 2, 1845, the son of Jean Baptiste Bousquet, and Marie Caillavet, the daughter of Louis Arbeau Caillavet (1790-1860) and Marguerite Fayard (1787-1863). He married in November 1867 to Marie Eugenie Sabourin (1852-1898), a native of
Mayor 1885-1886
Jean Alphonse Bousquet served
Bakery
In December 1893, John A. Bousquet acquired full interest in the Sun Bakery when he bought his partners vested interest in the company. Bouquet planned to operate the business himself and retain the services of Fred Quint, who managed the bread making department of the bakery.(The Biloxi Herald, December 2, 1893, p. 8)
The Bousquet family left
Family
Jean A. Bousquet and Marie E. Bousquet were the parents of four children: Joseph Arthur Bousquet (1871-1943) m. Georgia C. Rousseaux (1877-1930+); Edgar Gabriel Bousquet (1874-1962) m. Ella Mullen (1875-1930+); Lelia Marie Bousquet (1875-1936) m. James V. Hagan (1879-1929); and Denella Bousquet (1879-1921) m. Sidney L. Cowand (1878-1921+).
Children of Jean A. Bousquet and Marie Eugenie Sabourin
Joseph Arthur Bousquet (1871-1943) was born at
Edgar Gabriel Bousquet (1874-1962) was born at
Lelia Marie Bousquet (1875-1936) married James Vinton Hagan (1879-1929), native of
James and Lelia B. Hagan were the parents of seven children: Elise B. Hagan (b. 1898) m. John P. Tierney; Marie Ruth Hagan (1900-) m. Paul Rosell Brielmaier (1900-1958); Eugenia Soborin Hagan m. George Thompson Cosgrove (1892-1972); Charles Hagan (b. 1904) ; James V. Hagan Jr. (b. 1905) m. Ginette Louise Klein (1910-1980); and Joseph Earl Hagan (1910-1969) m. Yvonne Elizabeth Newmen (1918-1997).(The Daily Picayune, July 2, 1897, p. 4 and The Daily Herald, November 30, 1936, p. 5)
James V. Hagan made his livelihood at
In the spring of 19121, Mr. Hagan built a long, recreational pier in front of his home. It had a large pavilion. Here he served refreshments, rented bathing suits, and held dances.(The Daily Herald, June 10, 1921, p. 6 and June 18, 1921, p. 8)
Danella Bousquet (1878-1921) was born at
Mrs. Cowand gave birth to another daughter on October 11, 1921 at Ocean Springs. She died on October 15, 1921 only four days after delivery. Her corporal remains were interred in the
In 1930, S.L. Cowand was a widower living in a boarding house at
Demise
Eugenie Bousquet (1852-1898) died at NOLA on June 21, 1898. John A Bousquet expired at
REFERENCES:
T.H. Glenn, The
Brother Jerome Lepre,
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of
Julie B. Suarez, The
Journals
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Golden dead”, June 3, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Building summer pier”, June 10, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Hagan’s Gulf bathing”, June 18, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Ocean Springs”, October 11, 1921
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Cowand dead”, October 21, 1921
The Daily Herald, “James V. Hagan dies”, December 7, 1929?
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Hagan died in
The Daily Picayune, “Married’, January 9, 1881.
The Daily Picayune, January 5, 1885.
The Daily Picayune, “Married”, July 2, 1897.
The Daily Picayune, “Bousquet”, December 14, 1908.
The Daily Picayune, “John A. Bousquet”, December 14, 1908.
The
Bradford Family
Image:
- 1220 reads
STEPHEN BRADFORD
Stephen Bradford was the progenitor of the Bradford family of Biloxi and Ocean Springs, Mississipi. He was born in Connecticut and was decended from William Bradford (1590-1657), the first governor of the Plymouth Colony (1621), and Alice Hansen Bradford. They were the first Bradfords to settle in the New World.
MISSISSIPPI
The Stephen Bradford family homesteaded on the eastside of the Pascagoula River north of Moss Point, Jackson County, Mississippi. In 1837 and 1841, James Fitch Bradford patented Lot 2 and Lot 3 in Section 32, and Lot 3 in Section 33, both in T7S-R8W. By 1887, the heirs of Lyman Bradford, the brother of James Fitch Bradford, who had acquired lands here in 1848, were selling tracts of land here. Anecdotal information from Fred Bradford relates that the old Lyman Bradford home was located at Ocean Springs on East Beach just east of San Souci. A small Bradford Family Cemetery also existed here.
Stephen Bradford and ? were the parents of Lyman Bradford (1804-1858) m. Cynthia Ward (1813-1887); James Fitch Bradford (1806-1850+) m. Margaret Davis; Burissa Bradford (b. 1808) m. Benjamin Holley (b. 1810); and John Bradford (1817-1898) m. Burissa Jane Elder (1830-1917).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The following information was provided by Else Nygaard Martin of Hurley, Mississippi.
BRADFORD, BEN
1900 CENSUS, Bt 3 JCo MS
Ben Bradford, 40 nm, b 1860 NC, m 22 yrs., teamster
Annie Bradford, wife, 31 nf, b 1868 AL, 10 born 6 liv.
Joseph Bradford, son, 19 nm, attended school mos.
Eveline Bradford, dau, 14 nf, attended school 4 mos.
Elenora Bradford, dau, 12 nf, b MS
Julia Bradford, dau, 6 nf, b MS
Davis Bradford, dau, 4 nm, b MS
BRADFORD, BURISEE Elder
1850 CENSUS, Jackson Co Ms, Elder Ferry
Burissee Bradford, 20 wf, b MS.
Living in the household of Mary Elder Picket, widow of 1st, Samuel Elder and 2nd Daniel Pickett. She must be the daughter of Samuel & Mary Elder, married to John Bradford Is the schooner Burissa named after her?
BRADFORD, CYNTHIA Davis
Evergreen Cemetery, Ocean Springs
Cynthia Davis Bradford, 1813-1887, b JCo MS
Dau of Samuel Davis b 1769 NC & Sarah West
Lyman Bradford, Sr, 1804-1858, husband
BRADFORD, DAVIS, see parents, Ben & Annie Bradford
BRADFORD, ELEANOR, see parents, Ben & Annie Bradford
BRADFORD, ELIZABETH, dau of Lyman & Cynthia Bradford
BRADFORD, EVELINE, see parents, Ben & Annie Bradford
BRADFORD, JAMES F.
New Orleans Port Registers, 1821
James F. Bradford listed as owner of Sloop Burissa,
44.10 x 14.2 x 3, built on Pascagoula River, 1819.
Louisiana State Gazette, Nov. 18, 1825, New Orleans, La.
Schooner Burissa, Capt. Bradford, arrived at the Basin, Port of New Orleans, from Pascagoula, loaded with a cargo of lime.
Louisiana State Gazette, May 8, 1826, New Orleans, La.
Schooner Burissa, Capt. Bradford, arrived at the Basin, New Orleans, from Pascagoula with 63 bales of cotton, and 6000 ft. of lumber, also 2 passengers.
Louisiana Advertiser, June 7, 1827, New Orleans, La.
Schooner Burissa, Master Holley, cleared for Pascagoula.
1827 TAX ROLL, JCo MS
James F. Bradford, 0 white polls, 2 slaves $800 value
25 cattle $125 value, 1 horse $50, total $975, tax 1.75
New Orleans Argus, July 15, 1828, New Orleans, La.
The Sloop Burissa, Master Bradford, from Pascagoula arrived Port of New Orleans with a cargo of lumber for B. Clapp & Co.
New Orleans Port Registers, 1828 –
James F. Bradford listed as sailing master and half owner of Schooner Transport; half owned by Wm. Starks, both of Pascagoula River. Transport was one deck, two masts, a round stern, center board, fiddlehead, 59.7 x 19.11 x 5.
1828 TAX ROLL, JCo MS
James Bradford, 800 acres, c4, 2nd quality, $2400 value
1 poll, 2 slaves, tax, $6.55.
1829 TAX ROLL, JCo MS
James Bradford, 840 acres, c4, 3 qual, $1680 value
0 polls, 2 slaves, due $5.45.
1830 CENSUS, JCo MS
James Bradford, household of 10
1 white male, 30-40, b 1790-1800
1 white male, 20-30, b 1800-1810
2 white females, 20-30, b 1800-1810
1 white male, 10-15, b 1815-1820
1 white female, 10-15, b 1815-1820
2 white females, 0-5, b 1825-1830
1 male slave, 36-55, b 1775-1794
1 female slave, 24-36, b 1794-1806
Schooner Transport 1835 –was owned by Lyman Bradford, Wm. Starks, James F. Bradford of East Pascagoula with Lyman Bradford the sailing master. Transport was built on the Pascagoula or Escatawpa River.
New Orleans Port Registers, 1840
A large schooner, James F. Bradford was built in Jackson Co., Miss., in 1849. She was 73.9 x 22.1 x 5.9, had one deck, two masts, square stern and billet head. The owner until 1855 was John Bradford in April 1852. In May 1852 Wm. Blackeney was ¼ owner with John Bradford. In 1854 John Bradford was owner with sailing master, John Burns.
1840 CENSUS, JCo MS
James Bradford, household of 12
1 male age 30-40 1 female age 30-40
2 males age 20-30 1 female age 10-15
2 males age 0-5 3 females age 5-10
2 females age 0-5
1841, LAND, Jan. 5, Bureau of Land Mgmt, JCo MS
James F. Bradford, Cash Purchase
80 acres, Lot/Tract 4, Section 13, T7S R6W
1842 – New Orleans Port Registers
The Schooner Experiment, built at Pascagoula in 1842, 64.5 x 20.5 x 4.5, a one deck, two mast, square stern vessel, was owned by James F. Bradford and Lyman Bradford of East Pascagoula. Sailing master was James F. Bradford. Sold 1846, Samuel Russ, Covington, La.
BRADFORD, JOHN, married Burissa Elder
BRADFORD, JOSEPH, see parents, Ben & Annie Bradford
BRADFORD, JULIA, see parents, Ben & Annie Bradford
BRADFORD, LYMAN
Evergreen Cemetery, Ocean Springs
Lyman Bradford, Sr, 1804-1858
Lyman Bradford, b Dec. 31 1803 Montville, Conn.
Cynthia Davis Bradford, 1813-1887, wife, b JCo MS
1819, Jackson Co. MS Officials
Lyman Bradford, Justice of the Quorum Court
1827 TAX ROLL, JCo MS
Lyman Bradford, 1 white poll, 0 slaves, tax .50
Schooner Transport, 1835, was owned by Lyman Bradford, Wm. Starks, James F. Bradford of East Pascagoula with Lyman Bradford the sailing master. Transport was built on the Pascagoula or Escatawpa River.
MARRIAGE, Aug. 4, 1836, Jackson Co Miss
Lyman Bradford married Cynthia Davis, daughter of
Samuel and Sarah B. Davis.
1840 CENSUS, JCo MS (Lived on the Escatawpa River)
Lyman Bradford, 6 in household, no slaves
1 male, age 30-40 – Lyman Bradford
1 female, age 20-30 – wife, Cynthia
1 male, age 20-30
1 male, age 0-5, Sherwood, born 1838
1 female, age 0-5, Burissa, born 1839, died 1848
1 female, age 0-5 Elizabeth born 1840
New Orleans Port Registers 1842, WPA Transcribed
Schooner Experiment, built at Pascagoula, was a one deck, two mast, square stern schooner, 64.5 x 20.5 x 4.5. The owners were James F. Bradford and Lyman Bradford with James F. Bradford sailing master.
Sold in 1846 to Samuel Russ, Covington, La.
Griffin Cemetery, Bradford Lot, Moss Point
Burissa Bradford, died July 1, 1848, 11 yrs, 2 mos.
Daughter of Lyman and Cynthia Bradford
Benjamin Bradford, died July 5, 1848, 3 yrs, 11 mos.
Son of Lyman & Cynthia Bradford
1850 CENSUS, JCo MS, (Mossy Point, Escatawpa River)
Lyman Bradford, 46 wm, $2500 re, b Conn., farmer
Cynthia Bradford, wife, 37 wf, b MS nee Davis
Sherwood Bradford, son, 11 wm, b MS, attended school
Elizabeth Bradford, dau, 10 wf, b MS, attended school
Martha Ann Bradford, dau, 8 wf, b MS, attended school
Sarah Bradford, dau, 1 month, wf, b MS
1850 NO Agricultural Census
Bradford was burning shells for lime, boat builder, commercial mariner and sailing master.
1
850 SLAVE CENSUS, Lyman Bradford (17 Slaves)
2 blk m age 55 1 blk f age 30
1 blk m age 33 1 blk f age 19
1 blk m age 35 1 muf age 13
1 blk m age 22 1 blk f age 5
1 blk m age 18 1 blk f age 1
1 blk m age 16 1 blk m age 7
1 blk m age 12 1 blk m age 7
1 blk m age 9 1 blk m age 5
MOVE, 1851-52 – Lyman Bradford to Davis Bayou, W JCo.
Ship Records & Enrollments of New Orleans, 1855
Barge Kate, built in 1855 on Bayou Volvitear (Davis Bayou), 64 x 18.4 x 3.7, one deck, two masts, square stern and a stern bow. The owner was Lyman Bradford of Jackson Co, MS and the sailing master was his son Sherwood Bradford. Bu 1960 Kate had been sold.
BRADFORD, MARTHA
Evergreen Cemetery, Ocean Springs
Martha Bradford, 1842-1887
Dau of Lyman & Cynthia Bradford
BRADFORD, SHERWOOD
Evergreen Cemetery, Ocean Springs
Sherwood Bradford, 1838-1922
CSA, Co A. Steede’s Bat, 9th Miss. Cavalry
Son of Lyman & Cynthia Bradford
MARRIAGE, Nov. 10, 1870, Jackson Co MS
Eleanora Davis Bradford, 1851-1938, wife
BRADFORD, STEPHEN
1810 LAND Claim, Pascagoula River
Stephen Bradford, 820 acres, Sect.38, T4S, R6W
1820 CENSUS, JCo MS (Escatawpa River, Mossy Point)
14 free white, NO slaves, 1 foreigner, not naturalized
2 engaged in agriculture; 1 engaged in commerce
1 white male 45 & up 5 white males, 25 to 45
2 white males, 16 to 26 1 white female 26 to 45
1 white male 16 to 18 1 white female 10 to 16
2 white males, 10 to 16 1 white female under 10
1825 CENSUS, Miss. State, JCo MS
Stephen Bradford, 6 males, 2 females
2 died in 1824
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LYMAN BRADFORD
Lyman Bradford (1804-1858), a native of Montville, New London County, Connecticut, and settled in Jackson County, Mississippi, probably in the late 1820s. He married Cynthia Ward (1813-1887) in 1836. After residing in the Pascagoula area, he moved his family to western Jackson County acquiring land on East Beach at Ocean Springs. Here Bradford built a large home in the vicinity of present day San Souci Avenue. It is believed that when the newer Field Lodge was built here, it incorporated a portion of the old Bradford homestead. This structure later was known as the Tuttle Home.
Lyman Bradford and Cynthia Ward were the parents of: Martha A. Bradford (1842-1887), Sarah Bradford (1848-1926) m. Reuben? Turner and Enoch N. Ramsay (1832-1916); Lyman Bradford (1851-1894) m. Eugenia Thomas (1858-1917); Sherwood Bradford (1838-1922) m. Eleanora Davis (1851-1938); Margaret Bradford (1846-1920) m. George W. Davis (1842-1914); and Mary L. Ramsay (1860-c. 1946) m. Andrew W. Ramsay (1836-1916)
Sherwood Bradford, was one of the first school teachers in the county. He also served with Nathan Bedford Forrest in the C.S.A. cavalry during the Civil War. His son, Fred, was named for a war time friend, Frederick Semmes. Sherwood Bradford and family later went to the Vancleave area were he was the Postmaster (1882-1888), and farmer. He also built the Vancleave Academy, one of the first schools in the region, as well as the Ezell Lodge and the Methodist Church.
JOHN BRADFORD AND BURISSA J. ELDER
John Bradford (1817-1898) was born at Ocean Springs, Mississippi on May 20, 1817. He married Burissa Jane Elder (1830-1917), a native of Moss Point, Mississippi. There children were: James Fitch Bradford (1851-1853); Margaret Bradford (1852-1954) m. Daniel D. Smith (1848-1927); John Comstock Bradford (1855-1928) m. Sarah Elizabeth Howard (1866-1904) and Nina Emma Smith (1873-1928); Sherwood Bradford (1857-1937); and Lyman Bradford (1863-1944) m. Pearl Roberts (1869-1928).
Biloxi Lands
John Bradford acquired land at Biloxi, Mississippi as early as August 1847, when he bought a large tract from Louis A. Caillavet and Margaret Fayard Caillavet for $200. This parcel was 180 feet wide and ran south from Back Bay for 1847 feet to the lands of Adelle Delauney. Augustine Fayard was to the west and James W. Elder to the east.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 3, p. 420)
NOLA
John Bradford moved Burissa to New Orleans in 1850. James Fitch Bradford, their first son, was born here in January 1851. By the fall of 1853, the Broadford family had relocated to Biloxi, Mississippi.
Elder & Bradford
1893 Hurricane
The October 1893 Hurricane, sometimes called the Cheniere Caminada Hurricane, struck Biloxi with vengeance. The Elder & Bradford operation like so many local piers, homes, sailing vessels and businesses, situated along the shoreline, suffered major damage. A post-hurricane survey of the Elder & Bradford’s Back Bay sawmill estimated that losses and damages in the range of $4000. The mill lost thousands of board feet of lumber and many logs, all washed out to sea by the hurricane’s high water. Machinery utilized to process timber and lumber was also severely damaged.(The Biloxi Herald, October 6, 1893, p. 1)
CHILDREN OF JOHN BRADFORD AND BURISSA ELDER
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James Fitch Bradford tombstone-Biloxi City Cemetery
JAMES F. BRADFORD
James Fitch Bradford (1851-1853) was born at New Orleans on January 25, 1851. He expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 24, 1853. No further information.(Tombstone-Biloxi City Cemetery)
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MARGARET BRADFORD
 m. Smith.jpg)
MARGARET BRADFORD SMITH and DANIEL DUPREE SMITH
Courtesy of Susan Dupree Smith Wood-October 2011.
Margaret 'Maggie' Bradford (1852-1954) was born June 10, 1852 at New Orleans, Louisiana. She married Daniel Dupree Smith (1848-1927), a Texan, in Harrison County, Mississippi on February 27, 1878. By 1880, they were residents of Fannin County, Texas where Daniel D. Smith was farming with John Comstock Bradford, her brother. Maggie would birth three children and lose one before 1900: Marianita 'Nita' Smith (1878-1960) m. Jacob 'Jake' Rosewell Spain (1878-1957); Calvin Smith (1884-1885); and Howard Dupree Smith (1887-1963) m. Merle Magdaline Ingram (1889-1989).(work of Louise Spain Penning; Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 7, p. 1 and Fannin Co., Texas 1880 Federal Census R 1303, p. 35, ED 30)
DANIEL DUPREE SMITH FAMILY
[L-R: Howard Dupree Smith (1887-1963); Margaret 'Maggie' Bradford Smith (1852-1954); Nita Smith Spain (1878-1960); and John Lyman Spain (1901-1975). Courtesy of Susan Dupree Smith Wood-November 2011.
Circa 1895, Maggie Bradford Smith and Daniel D. Smith relocated from Bonham, Texas to farm near Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona. They later moved to Gila, Arizona and for a time were in Turlock, California. Maggie expired on June 7, 1954 at Tuscon, Pima County, Arizona. Her corporal remains were interred in the South Lawn Memorial Cemetery at Tuscon.(Susan Dupree Smith Wood and 1900 Maricopa Co., Arizona Territory Federal Census T623_46, P. 5A, ED 32)
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JOHN COMSTOCK BRADFORD
John C. Bradford
John Comstock Bradford (1855-1928) was born January 23, 1855 at Biloxi, Mississippi the son of John Bradford (1817-1898) and Burissa Jane Elder (1830-1917). In 1853, John and Burissa Elder Bradford had relocated to Biloxi, Mississippi from Jackson County, Mississippi and remained here except for four years during the Civil War when the family relocated to Black Creek in Jackson County, Mississippi. Their other known children were: Margaret Bradford Smith (1853-1928+) m. Daniel D. Smith; Sherwood Bradford (1857-1937); and Lyman Bradford (1863-1944) m. Pearl Roberts (1869-1928).
John Bradford began acquiring land at Biloxi, Mississippi as early as August 1847 when he bought a large tract on the Back Bay of Biloxi from Louis A. Caillavet (1790-1860) and spouse, Margaret Fayard Caillavet (1787-1863). The parcel was described as having 180-feet on Back Bay and 20 arpents [3840 feet] deep. Augustine Fayard was to the west; the lands of Adele Delauney to the south; and James W. Elder to the east. The consideration was $200 for this approximate 16 acre lot.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 3, p. 420)
The northern portion of the large Bradford tract, i.e. that area of Biloxi north of Division Street; east of Reynoir Street; south of the Back Back of Biloxi; and west of Lameuse Street became the loci of the following late 19th and 20th Century developments: Bradford Street, Elder Street, Back Bay Fire Company, Back Bay Community Center and Park, Gorenflo Public School, R.A. Fayard Seafood; Harrison County Health Center, Bayview Theatre-Bayview Lanes, a bowling alley, and Bay View Drugs.
John C. Bradford married Sarah Elizabeth Howard (1866-1904) in Harrison County, Mississippi on February 26, 1884. Their children were: Burissa O. Bradford (1885-1906+) m. Ernest Hamilton; John Howard Bradford (1886-1920+) m. Bertha Bradford (1892-1920); James Sherwood Bradford (1888-1967) m. Frances Morgan (1892-1945); Mary V. Bradford (1898); Edwin Russell Bradford (1896-) m. Bertha Vasbinder (1892-1920); Ernest Pelham Bradford (1897) m. Estella Lottie Rose ; Thelma Bradford (1900-1930+); and Lyman Chandler Bradford (1902-1977) m. Beryl Morgan (1907-1988).
1893 Hurricane
The October 1893 Hurricane, sometimes called the Cheniere Caminada Hurricane, struck Biloxi with vengeance. The Elder & Bradford operation like so many local piers, homes, sailing vessels and businesses, situated along the shoreline, suffered major damage. A post-hurricane survey of the Elder & Bradford’s Back Bay sawmill estimated that losses and damages in the range of $4000. The mill lost thousands of board feet of lumber and many logs, all washed out to sea by the hurricane’s high water. Machinery utilized to process timber and lumber was also severely damaged.(The Biloxi Herald, October 6, 1893, p. 1)
Texas
John C. Bradford and family left Biloxi in 1888 for West Texas. Settled near Del Rio in Val Verde County. J. Howard Bradford employed with the Del Rio Telephone Company and is providing telephone service to the ranchers in this region. Sherwood Bradford married Frances Morgan on July 14, 1912 and made their home
Marriage
John C. Bradford married Nina Emma Smith (1873-1928) in 1906. She was the daughter of Ira B. Smith and Emeline Brasher and a native of Mt. Vernon, Alabama. Mrs. Bradford had been struck by an auto in El Paso, Texas approximately six months before her demise. In Biloxi, she had resided on the old Bradford property on Lameuse Street where the Gorenflo Elementary school had been erected in 19 . Nina S. Bradford’s corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery. She was survived by Fannie Emeline S. Wolcott (1867-1957), a sister who was domiciled at 531 Porter Avenue.(The Daily Herald, September 7, 1928, p. 2)
Mississippi A&M College
John C. Bradford was elected a member of the Board of Trustees of Mississippi A&M College. In September 1908, he was called to Jackson, Mississippi for a board meeting. On the agenda was the letting of a contract to build a new chapel and other improvements at the Starkville campus of approximately $100,000.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 29, 1908, p. 8)
Bradford homestead and the Gorenflo public school
The John Comstock Bradford (1855-1928) approximate 6.5 acres homestead was situated on the west side of Lameuse Street between Bradford and Elder Streets. He acquired this parcel from his mother, Burrisa Jane Elder Bradford (1830-1917), for $200, in February 1898. (HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 37, p. 475)
In June 1923, J.C. Bradford conveyed his large Lameuse Street tract to the Trustees of the Biloxi City Schools, W.F. Gorenflo (1844-1932), W.J. Grant (1875-1932), Elbert L. Dukate, Susan Snell Tonsmeire (1879-1953), and Lille Bourdon Devitt (1884-1951), for $10,000.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 138, pp. 466-467)
Here in 1923-1924, a school building designed by architect Carl E. Matthes (1896-1972) was erected. Initially called the Back Bay Elementary School its area of educational responsibility included: all neighborhoods north of the L&N Railroad from Caillavet to Lee Street, including the east side of Caillavet and the west side of Lee Street; and those areas north of Division Street bounded by Caillavet and Seal Avenue.
The First School Year
When classes commenced in early September 1924, the faculty consisted of Miss Alma Ritch, principal and 1st grade; Miss Evelyn McShane, 1st grade; Miss Pricilla Ritch, 2nd and 3rd grades; Miss Lizette Mackie, 3rd and 4th grades; Miss Irma L. Harvey (1898-1965), 4th and 5th grades; Miss Veronica LaCaze, English, geography, spelling, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades; Miss Inez Rich, arithmetic, history, writing, 6th , 7th, and 8th grades.(The Daily Herald, September 9, 1924, p. 3)
Mayor of Biloxi [1905-1906]
John Comstock Bradford (1855-1928) ran with no opposition for the 1905-1906 Mayoral term. Biloxi city elections were held in December 1904 with the following results: Mayor: John C. Bradford. Aldermen: 1st Ward: Edward S. Balthrope (1873-1939) and Harry Edwards; 2nd Ward: Joseph W. Swetman (1863-1937) and Charles Redding (1857-1926); 3rd Ward: T.J. Rossell (1861-1923) and C.M. Buckingham; 4th Ward: Henry Latimer (1855-1941) and Judson C. Batton (1869-1943); Alderman-at-Large- Edward Glennan (1854-1933); City Clerk- Orcenith G. Swetman; Treasurer-Percy L. Elmer (1873-1949); Tax Collector-Henry J. Meaut; Marshal-J.A. McKinley; Street Commissioner: Henry J. Guiterrez (1869-1953). Board Appointments: Police Justice-Judge Thomas H. Gleason (1857-1935); Fire Chief- Louis E. Gill (1851-1919); Superintendent of Water Works- Joseph O. Laska (1863-1911); Water Rent Collector- Edward L. Suter (1866-1943); Health Officer-Dr. Walter J. Greaves (1868-1910+); City Attorney-W.H. Maybin.
Demise
John C. Bradford expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 31, 1928. His funeral was held from 119 East Howard Avenue, the residence of his brother, Lyman Bradford. Reverend Ben Ingram of the First Baptist Church led the funeral service at the Bradford home after which the Mason of Magnolia Lodge No. 120 took charge of the Bradford rites with a Knight Templar escort and the Elks Club in the funeral body. Only two of his children, Thelma Bradford of Globe, Arizona and Russell Bradford of New Orleans, attended their father’s funeral. His other four sons resided in West Texas and he had another daughter in Arizona and one in Texas.(The Daily Herald, January 4, 1929, p. 3 and January 5, 1929, p. 2)
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SHERWOOD BRADFORD
%2C portrait.jpg)
Sherwood Bradford (1857-1937)
[from Along The Gulf (1895)]
Sherwood Bradford (1857-1937) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on . He was educated at the Mississippi Deaf and Dumb Institute in Jackson, MIssissippi. Sherwood left Biloxi to work in Lake Charles, Louisiana abd southeast Texas. He returned to Biloxi in 1887 and in July 1888, he built a blacksmith and machine shop on the NW/C of Jackson Street and Main Street.(The Biloxi Herald, July 28, 1888, p. 8 and The Daily Herald, July 17, 1937, p. 6)
Sherwood Bradford expired on July 16, 1937 at Biloxi, Mississippi. His corporal remains were interred in John Bradford family burial plot the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, July 17, 1937, p. 6)
Sherwood Bradford Machine and Blacksmith Shop-Main Street and Jackson Street
[from Along The Gulf (1895)]
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LYMAN BRADFORD
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LYMAN BRADFORD
Lyman Bradford (1863-1944) was born at Black Creek, Jackson County, Mississippi on October 27, 1863. His parents had left Biloxi, Mississippi to live here during the Civil War. Lyman married Pearl Roberts (1869-1928), the daughter of Joseph M. Roberts and Sallie A. Glover, in December 1887. Children: Lyman C. Bradford (1888-1920) m. Maud Foxworth; James Floyd Bradford (1890-1963) m. Margaret Krohn; and Paul S. Bradford (1894-1983) m. Ruth Gates (1899-1986).
Opened a general merchandising store, sellling dry goods and groceries, on Back Bay in late November 1894. Bradford's business was situated on the corner of Lameuse Street and Back Bay Road.
[The Biloxi Herald, August 14, 1897, p. 5]
Lyman Bradford expired at Biloxi, Mississippi November 21, 1944. Pearl Roberts preceded him in death passing on August 27. 1928. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
BRADFORD
BRADFORD-O'KEEFE
Pearl Roberts Bradford expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 27, 1928. Died in late November 1944. Corporal remains enterred Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississipi.
LYMAN C. BRADFORD
Lieutenant Lyman Comstock? Bradford (1888-1920), former Biloxi resident, who died at the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C., Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, draped in the American flag, was brought to the home of his parents in this city, this morning arriving on train No. 37 shortly after 8 o'clock from the national capital. The remains were accompanied home by Lieutenant Bradford's mother, his wife and brother, Paul, all of whom went to Washington to be at his bedside when he became seriously ill. Impressive services were held previous to the departure of the body from Washington by military officials.
The funeral of the deceased will take place tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock. The Masons of which Lieutenant Bradford was a member, with Mr. Tolle will have charge of the services. Mr. Bradford belonged to the Masonic Lodge No. 120 F. & A.M. He was also a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner. Lieutenant Bradford was was a member of Biloxi Lodge of Elks, members of which organization will attend the funeral in a body. He was a member of the Baptist church, members of which congregation will attend the last rites.
Lieutenant Bradford has seen three years of service in the United States Army. He first enlisted as a member of the first officers training camp at Camp Pike. From there he graduated with honors and was later sent to Camp Dix, New Jersey, where he embarked for overseas duty. Remaining overseas four months, Lieutenant Bradford was connected with the 87th Division, and emploted as first assistant regiment adjutant and adjutant of his own battalion. Lieutenant Bradford was engaged in numerous tours of inspection while overseas. Returning to the States he was placed in special service and has traveled about the country extensively. When taken ill, he was sent to the Walter Reed Hospital for treatment. An operation was found necessary and death occurred some weeks later at a time when his condition was reported to be improved.
Lieutenant Lyman C. Bradford was a native Biloxian, 32 years of age, and was married to the former Maud Foxworth. He is survived by his wife and other relatives: Lyman Bradford (1863-1944) and Pearl Roberts Bradford (1869-1928), his parents; brothers, James Floyd Bradford (1890-1963) and Paul S. Bradford (1894-1983), all Biloxi residents. The death of Lieutenant Bradford was received in Biloxi with regret and the family have the sympathy of the entire community.
JAMES F. BRADFORD
James Floyd Bradford (1890-1963) was born 1890. He married Margaret Jane Krohn. Children: Bradford m. W.E. McDonald; Alfred J. Richter (19-); Mary Pearl Bradford; Sarah Jane Bradford; and James F. Bradford II (1939-1949).
PAUL S. BRADFORD
Honored in late December 1964 by Magnolia Lodge No. 120 F&AM with lifetime membership in the Masonic Order.(The Daily Herald, December 29, 1964, p. 10)
NATHANIEL C. BRADFORD
Nathaniel Comstock Bradford (1835-1935) was born April 1, 1835 near Biloxi, Mississippi to James Fitch Bradford and Margaret Davis. He left the Mississippi Gulf Coast with his family before 1850 as they settled in Upshur County, Texas where James F. Bradford farmed. James F. Bradford and Margaret Davis Bradford had at least nine children of which six were girls. Known daughters: Cynthia W. Bradford (b. 1832) m. John R. Russell in August 1854; Mary A. Bradford m. Joseph C. Preston in August 1855; Sophie Bradford m. N.A. Birge in September 1856. Their sons were: Nathaniel C. Bradford (1835-1935); George Bradford (1840-1850+); and Joseph Bradford (1848-1860+).
Nathaniel C. Bradford made his livelihood as a merchant and fire insurance agent. During his lifetime, he and Francis Bradford (1840-1910+), his Alabama born spouse, and their children: Jennie Bradford (b. 1863); Claude Bradford (1866-1880+); Alice Bradford (b. 1872); and Nathaniel C. Bradford II (1879-1939) lived in Upshur County, Texas (1860); Jefferson, Marion County, Texas (1870); Weatherford, Parker County, Texas (1880); and Bonham, Fannin County, Texas (1900).
In his old age, Nathaniel C. Bradford lived with Mrs. John Andrew Mattox, his daughter at Greenville, Hunt County, Texas. He expired there on April 8, 1935 at the home his daughter.(The Daily Herald, July 7, 1935, p. 2)
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, (The Biloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902), p. 53.
Cyril E. Cain, Four Centuries on the Pascagoula: History, Story, and Legend of the Pascagoula River Country,(The Reprint Company: Spartanburg, South Carolina-1983).
The History of Jackson County, Mississippi, "William Bradford", (Jackson County Genealogical Society: Pascagoula, Mississippi-1989), pp. 139-140.
T.H. Glenn, The Mexican Gulf Coast on Mobile Bay & Mississippi Sound Illustrated, (Delchamps: Mobile, Alabama-1893).
Chancery Court
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 965, “The Estate of John Bradford”, January 1898.
Journals
The Biloxi Herald, “
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, June 23, 1894.
The Biloxi Herald, “Terrific Gale”, October 6, 1893.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, June 23, 1894.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, November 24, 1894.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”, January 8, 1898.
The Biloxi Herald, “Death of John Bradford”, January 8, 1898.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Necrological-Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Bradford”, January 4, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “The City Election”, December 14, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “The New Board”, January 14, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Officers were appointed”, January 3, 1906.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Bond issue agreed upon", February 14, 1906.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Marriages-Bradford-Smith”, April 24, 1906.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Personals", April 28, 1906.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Hamilton-Bradford", August 9, 1906.
The Daily Herald,"Biloxi Society and Personal Items”, April 12, 1911.
The Daily Herald,"Bradford boys prospering”, July 29, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Estimable Lady taken by death”, January 10, 1917.
The Daily Herald,"Mrs. Howard Bradford dead", February 26, 1920.
The Daily Herald,"The death of Lieut. L.C. Bradford, Jr.", May 29, 1920.
The Daily Herald,"Lieut. Bradford's funeral yesterday", May 31, 1920.
The Daily Herald,"Bradford funeral held today", June 1, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Public School Assignments”, September 9, 1924.
The Daily Herald, “School Work Begins Again”, August 31, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Has New School”, August 28, 1926.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. J.C. Bradford dead", September 7, 1928.
The Daily Herald, "John C. Bradford died last night", January 1, 1929.
The Daily Herald,"Here to attend funeral”, January 4, 1929.
The Daily Herald,"Bradford funeral”, January 5, 1929.
The Daily Herald,"N.C. Bradford dead", July 7, 1935.
The Daily Herald,"Jimmie Bradford dies", January 26, 1949.
The Daily Herald, "F.S. Bradford Dies", January 10, 1951.
The Daily Herald,"Bradford made life member of Masonic Order", December 29, 1964.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. L.C. Bradford", May 29, 1968.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Ruth Bradford", August 10, 1986.
The Gulf Coast Times, "The Bradford Family", September 16, 1949, and September 23, 1949.
The Jackson County Times, "Death of Mrs. Eugenia Bradford", September 22, 1917.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Obituary [L.C. Bradford Jr.]", October 26, 1894.
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This information provided by Russell Barnes, 'Mr. Biloxi Schooner'.
1855 – Barge Kate, of New Orleans. Official No. 14175
Built on Bayou Volvitear, (Valvatin?) Jackson County, Miss., 1855
Description: 30 76/95 tons; 64 ft. x 18 ft. 4 in. x 3 ft. 7 in.
One deck, two masts, square stern, square bow.
1- Previously enrolled No. 1, Feb 9, 1856 at Shieldsborough, Miss. (Bay St. Louis)
2- Registered (temporary) No. 74, May 9, 1857.
Owner: Lyman Bradford, Jackson Co, Miss.
Master: Sherwood Bradford, Jackson Co, Miss.
3- Enrolled No. 199, Dec 13, 1860, at Port of New Orleans, La.
Owner: Joseph Kaiser, New Orleans. Master: Name not given.
1- Enrolled No. 272, Dec 7, 1861. Owner: Henry Thomas Neal of Livingston Parish, La.
Master: Henry Thomas Neal (CS)
2- Enrolled No. 24, May 4, 1865, having been altered in tonnage and dimensions.
Description: 30.44 tons; 64.6 ft. x 18.4 ft. x 2.8 ft.
Owner: Henry Thomas Neal; Master: S. Fradenberg
3- Enrolled No. 58, Oct 14, 1867, having been altered from a barge to a schooner barge.
Description:32.15 tons; 64.3 ft. x 18.5 ft. x 3.1 ft.
Owner: Henry Thomas Neal; Master: J. M. White
Ship Records & Enrollments of New Orleans, Louisiana, Vol. V & VI, 1861-1870; WPA
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LYMAN BRADFORD FAMILY CEMETERY
East Beach-Ocean Springs
LOCATION: Lot 2, Section 32, T7S-R8W
HISTORY
Lyman Bradford (1804-1858), a native of Montville, New London County, Connecticut, settled at Jackson County, Mississippi, probably in the late 1820s. He married Cynthia Davis (1813-1887), the daughter of Samuel Davis and Sarah B in 1836. After residing in the Pascagoula area, he moved his family to western Jackson County acquiring land on East Beach at Ocean Springs. Here Bradford built a large home in the vicinity of present day San Souci Avenue. It is believed that when the newer Field Lodge was built here, it incorporated a portion of the old Bradford homestead. This structure later was known as the Tuttle Home. After Lyman Bradford died in 1858, on December 21, 1887, Cynthia Bradford (1813-1887), Martha A. Bradford (1842-1887), Sarah Bradford (b. 1850), Lyman Bradford (b. 1851), Sherwood Bradford (1838-1922), Margaret B. Davis (1846-1920), and Mary L. Ramsay (b. 1860-c. 1946) conveyed the following tract to Agnes W. Salisbury:
Those certain tracts, pieces or parcels of land situated in fractional Section 32, T7S-R8W in Jackson County, State of Mississippi, and more particularly described as a certain tract, piece or parcel of land containing a half acre front on a Bayou at the eastern part of the Bay of Biloxi, and bounded east by lands of the grantors, west by lands of the grantors, and north by the Pine Woods, and more particularly designated as a part of said fractional Section No. 32, being the same tract conveyed by George D. Davis and wife to Lyman Bradford on the 8th day February 1848. It is hereby agreed that the grantors reserve a lot twelve (12) by twenty (20) feet containing the graves of two family with the right to improve, protect, and visit the graves and agree not to bury but one more, and if they should so desire to remove the same from the premises they can do so.(Jackson County, Mississippi Land Deed Book 8, pp. 426-427)
Register
Lyman Bradford, Sr. (1804-1858)
Cynthia Davis Bradford (1813-1887)
James Fitch Bradford received patents on Lots 2 (NW/4 and SW/4 of NE/4) and 3 (NE/4 and SE/4 of NW/4) in Section 32, T7S-R8W, on 2-2-1837. Lot 2 (NW/4 and SW/4 of NE/4), Section 33, T7S-R8W, 1-5-1841.(Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 743 A.W. Sullivan v. Eula Bradford, May 28, 1897).
REFERENCES:
Cyril E. Cain, Four Centuries on the Pascagoula, (The Reprint Company: Spartanburg, South Carolina-1983), pp. 109-110 and p. 134
The History of Jackson County, Mississippi, "William Bradford", (Jackson County Genealogical Society: Pascagoula, Mississippi-1989), pp. 139-140.
The Gulf Coast Times, "The Bradford Family", September 16, 1949.
Caillavet Family
- 1027 reads
MAYOR RAYMOND CAILLAVET
Raymond Caillavet (1838-1898) called "Medeaux" was born at Biloxi in 1838. He was the eldest son of Francois Caillavet (1815-1883), a carpenter, and Euranie Fayard (1818-1895). Raymond Caillavet was the grandson of Louis Arbeau Caillavet (1793-1860), a native of the Opelousas Post, Louisiana and Marguerite Fayard (1787-1863) of Biloxi. Louis A. Caillavet was baptized on March 31, 1793, with Louis Carriere and Marie Despaux standing as his godparents. L.A. Caillavet's father, Symphroen Caillavet (1746-1806), was born at Bordeaux, France. His mother was Marie Rose Carriere (1766-c. 1855), a native of New Orleans.
The Caillavet family at Biloxi was well respected. Louis A. Caillavet, the progenitor of the family here, had arrived in 1809, from Opelousas, Louisiana. His mother, Rose Carriere and brother, Adolph Caillavet (c. 1803-1842) joined him at Biloxi later . L.A. Caillavet (1793-1860) married Marguerite Fayard (1787-1863) circa 1811. She was the daughter of Jean Baptist Fayard, Jr. (1752-1816) and Angelique Ladner (1753-1830). These families are among the oldest at Biloxi.
L.A. Caillavet was fluent in the French and English languages and acted as an agent-interpreter and representative to wealthy Creole families from New Orleans as well as his neighbors in land and legal matters. He was often called as a witness in Probate (Chancery) Court matters and his depositions in several court cases reveal something about his life. From Nap Cassibry's excellent two volume series, Early Settlers and Land Grants at Biloxi, the following has been extracted concerning L.A. Caillavet:
1. was in Biloxi in 1809 and no later than 1812.
2. sometimes he was the only one in Biloxi who could write.
3. served as an interpreter and notary in legal matters.
4. he was blind by 1848.
L.A. Caillavet acquired much land on the Mississippi coast. In February 1837, he received a U.S. Government land patent on 71.85 acres at Jackson County, Mississippi described as Lot 1 of Section 32 T7S-R8W. It comprised the NE/4 and SE/4 of the NE/4 of that section. This land is located on the beach front at east Ocean Springs west of Halstead Road. Louis A. Caillavet was elected treasurer of the Harrison County Board of Police (Board of Supervisors) for the term 1841-1843.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 96, pp. 325-326)
As a young man, Raymond Caillavet took the call of the Confederate cause and joined Company E (Biloxi Rifles), 3rd Mississippi Infantry, C.S.A. He served as a private. The Biloxi Rifles were mustered into State service on May 21, 1861, at Jackson, and Confederate service at Shieldsboro (Bay St. Louis) on October 5, 1861. They were originally expected to be sent to Virginia, but Governor Pettus thought they would be better utilized as a home guard protecting the Mississippi Coast from Union excursions.
Young Caillavet must have left the Coast during the Civil War for New Orleans. Here he met and married Celina Joucheray (1841-1903) circa 1864. Their first two children were born at New Orleans. They returned to Biloxi for birth of their third child in 1869.
CELINA JOUCHERAY
Young Caillavet must have left the Coast during the Civil War for New Orleans. Here he met and married Celina Joucheray (1841-1903) circa 1864. Celina Joucheray was born at New Orleans on November 24, 1841. Her father was Pierre Joucheray (1809-1842) and mother, Louise Denis (ca 1812-ca 1849). Pierre Joucheray was born at Chare sur Argos, Canton Conde, Department of Maine and Loire on March 16, 1809, while Louise Denis was a native of Sable, Department of Sarthe. The Joucherays were married at Paris, France circa 1836.
Joucheray, Celina
Be it remembered that on the day to wit: the fourteenth of November of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two and the sixty seventh of the Independence of the United States before me, Alfred E. Farstall, duly commissioned and sworn Recorder of Births and Deaths in and for the Parish and City personally appeared. Mrs. Louise Denis, widow of the late Mr. Pierre Joucheray, a native of Sable, Department of the Sarth in France, about thirty years of age and residing on Royale Street No. 358 in the first Municipality of New Orleans who in the presence of undersigned witnesses , doth declare that she bore a female child Celina Joucheray, the legitimate child of the late Mr. Pierre Joucheray born at Chare sur Argoz Canton Conde , born at Chare sur Argos Canton Conde Department of Maine and Loire in France, on the sixteenth of March eighteen hundred and nine and since about six years ago married at Paris in France, in (illegible) Department. The child was born on the twenty fourth of November eighteen and forty one at half past eleven o’clock A.M. in a house on Louise? Street between Marigny and Mandeville Streets in the first Municipality of this city.(Louisiana Department of Archives, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Birth Records Volume 7, p. 189)
Joucheray, Pierre
Be it remembered that on the day to wit: the fourteenth of November of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two and the sixty seventh of the Independence of the United States before me, Alfred E. Farstall, duly commissioned and sworn Recorder of Births and Deaths in and for the Parish and City personally appeared. Mrs. Louise Denis, widow of the late Mr. Pierre Joucheray, a native of Sable, Department of the Sarthe in France, about thirty years of age and residing on Royale Street No. 358 in the first Municipality of New Orleans who in the presence of undersigned witnesses , doth declare that her lawful husband Mr. Pierre Joucheray, born at Chare sur Argos, Canton Conde, Department of Maine and Loire in France, on the sixteenth of March eighteen hundred and nine and since about six years ago married at Paris in France, departed this life on the twenty first of May last past at ten o’clock P.M. by falling accidentally into the Blind River Parish of St. Tammany in the state of Louisiana.(Louisiana Department of Archives, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Death Records Volume 9, p. 383)
After Pierre Joucheray’s death in May 1841, Madame Joucheray and Celina disappear until the Orleans Parish Federal Census of 1850. At this time, Celina is living in the household of Marcelin Effort (1828-1850+), a Louisiana born pilot, in the first ward of New Orleans. It appears that her mother remarried or died before 1850.
Coming Home
Raymond Caillavet and Celina’s first two children were born at New Orleans. They had returned to Biloxi for birth of their third child in 1869. On February 26, 1869, Raymond Caillavet bought a lot fronting on North Street at Biloxi from his father. It was described in the land deed records as having a front of eighty-five feet on North Street and being two-hundred feet deep. It was bounded on the north by North Street, east by Mrs. Lefaure, south by lands of Cook, and west by a street or road (Cuevas Street?).(2) He paid $200 for the land. Here Raymond Caillavet reared his family and made his livelihood as a carpenter.
In June 1869, young Raymond Caillavet for $100 acquired another lot from his father. It had a width of sixty-five feet and was one-hundred twenty five feet in depth. The lot was bounded on the north by John Latour Caillavet, east by Charles T. Couave (Cuevas), south by a street, and west by an alley.(3) Caillavet conveyed this property to Phillip Lestrade (1832-1912) on January 5, 1876, as partial repayment for a debt owed Lestrade in a partnership that they had once participated.(4)
Public Service
Raymond Caillavet also had a career in public service in Harrison County and as a city official at Biloxi. He served as Justice of the Peace District 1 (1873-1875), Corner and Ranger (1875-1877), Mayor of Biloxi (1877-1882), Corner and Ranger (1889-1891), and City Councilman (1894-1895). In the January 1879 mayoral election, Caillavet defeated J.R. Harkness receiving 151 of the 200 votes cast.
In October 1883, while serving as street commissioner of Biloxi, Raymond Caillavet was lauded in The Pascagoula Democrat-Star for his expertise in opening the beach road from Porter Avenue to a point near the Biloxi City Cemetery to connect with the shoreline thoroughfare from Mississippi City. Mr. Caillavet removed trees and stumps, but when completed, the road had the appearance of a “long avenue shaded on both sides”. It was said of Commissioner Caillavet that, “The city fathers could not have appointed a more efficient man for commissioner that the present incumbent.”(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 5, 1883, p. 3)
Raymond Caillavet was elected as Secretary of the City of Biloxi in January 1885. He defeated Thomas D. Bachino 147 votes to 72 votes.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 9, 1885, p. 2)
Mr. Caillavet lost to John Walker in the Biloxi mayoral election of 1888.(The Biloxi Herald, March , 1888)
Construction
Raymond Caillavet built a large storage house for the Biloxi Artesian Ice Manufacturing Company.(The Biloxi Herald, February 18, 1888, p. 8)
On February 26, 1869, Raymond Caillavet bought a lot fronting on North Street at Biloxi from his father. It was described in the land deed records as having a front of eighty-five feet on North Street and being two-hundred feet deep. It was bounded on the north by North Street, east by Mrs. Lefaure, south by lands of Cook, and west by a street or road (Cuevas Street?). He paid $200 for the land. Here Raymond Caillavet reared his family and made his livelihood as a carpenter.(
In June 1869, young Raymond Caillavet for $100 acquired another lot from his father. It had a width of sixty-five feet and was one-hundred twenty five feet in depth. The lot was bounded on the north by John Latour Caillavet, east by Charles T. Couave (Cuevas), south by a street, and west by an alley.(3) Caillavet conveyed this property to Phillip Lestrade (1832-1912) on January 5, 1876, as partial repayment for a debt owed Lestrade in a partnership that they had once partcipated.(4)
Raymond Caillavet also had a career in public service in Harrison County and as a city official at Biloxi. He served as Justice of the Peace District 1 (1873-1875), Corner and Ranger (1875-1877), Mayor of Biloxi (1877-1882), Corner and Ranger (1889-1891), and City Councilman (1894-1895). In the January 1879 mayoral election, Caillavet defeated J.R. Harkness receiving 151 of the 200 votes cast.
Raymond and Celina J. Caillavet reared their family at New Orleans and Biloxi. Their children were: Marie Blanche Caillavet (1865-1940), John Caillavet (b. circa 1867-pre 1870), Aristide Bertrand Caillavet (1868-1898), Emma Rose C. Murray (c. 1869-1955), Alice C. Bellande (1872-1955), Edward Caillavet (1874-1923), Clarissa Rita Caillavet (1877-1885), William Caillavet (1879-1940), Lillian C. Holley (1883-1967), and Louise C. Morgan (1881-1965).
Raymond Caillavet expired on February 16, 1898. Mrs. Caillavet died on March 15, 1903. Both are buried at the Old Biloxi Cemetery.
CHILDREN
Marie Blanche Caillavet (1865-1940)-born December 12, 1865, at New Orleans. She moved from Biloxi to New Orleans circa 1915, where she resided at 830 Governor Nicholls in the Vieux Carre.. Blanche never married. She kept house for her sister, Emma, before she married William P. Murray. Miss Caillavet died April 19, 1940 at New Orleans. Mrs. Calvin Strayham and Alice Bellande, her sister, were with her when she died. Blanche Caillavet's remains were interred at the Biloxi Cemetery.
John Caillavet-born circa March 1867, at New Orleans. Probably died before 1880. This may be the same person as Aristide Caillavet. No further information.
Aristide Bertrand Caillavet (1868-1898)-born February 10, 1868 at New Orleans. Aristide Caillavet married Ellen Gannon on June 17, 1890 at Biloxi (BVM). She was the daughter of Patrick Gannon and Anna Pennel. Their children were: Celina (b. 1890), Arthur Aristide (1893-1893), Mary Winnie Mon (1895-1977), Edward Aristide (1898-1963). Aristide Caillavet died on January 19, 1898. He was buried at the Biloxi Cemetery.
Emma Rose Caillavet Murray (1869-1955-born 1869, at Biloxi. Emma Caillavet married William P. Murray (1868-1895) on May 19, 1891 at New Orleans. Their children were: Edgar Murray (1891-1922) m. Comelle Giglia and Robert Murray (1893-1986) m. Antonia Mary Lascola. Emma C. Murray's corporal remains are buried at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans.
Alice Louise Caillavet Bellande (1872-1955)-born October 7, 1872, at Biloxi. She married Peter Bellande (1871-1933) on August 19, 1894 at BVM. Peter Bellande made his livelihood as a bartender and a policeman. They resided at 837 Lameuse Street. Children: Roy P. Bellande (1895-1964) m. Thelma Giaruso; Faye B. Davidson (1898-1974) m. Harold Davidon; Aristide C. Bellande (1901-1976) m. Mildred Lott; Elliott A. Bellande (1904-1977) m. Ernestine Balius; Ruth B. Ragusin (1906-1993) m. Albert J. Ragusin; Marcel J. Bellande (1909-1982) m. Kate Fickes; Alton L. Bellande (1912-1970) m. Hazel M. Bonnette (1912-2002). Alice C. Bellande died on July 10, 1955. Buried at Biloxi Cemetery.
Edward Caillavet (1874-1923)-born December 1874, at Biloxi. Edward Caillavet relocated to New Orleans circa 1896. He was familiarly known as "Nig" Caillavet. Edward Caillavet died November 15, 1923, at Jackson, Louisiana, after a long illness.
Clarissa Rita Caillavet (1877-1885)-born April 22, 1877. Died April 10, 1885. No further information.
William Fernand Caillavet (1879-1940) born January 14, 1879, at Biloxi. He married Eulalie Rita Louge (1887-1941) on March 19, 1910. W.F. "Grits" Caillavet made his livelihood as a carpenter. The family resided at 701 West Howard Avenue at the time of his demise on February 27, 1940. Rita Louge Caillavet was the daughter of Michael J. Louge and Mary Fayard of Biloxi. She was born on July 17, 1887 at Biloxi, and died there on June 21, 1941. Their children were: William (1911-1912), Irma Lucille (1912-1994), and an unnamed son (1914-1914).
Lucille Caillavet, their only surviving child never married, and lived on Thomas Street most of her life. She was close to Arnice Sanders Wagner of Mobile, the daughter of her aunt, Mrs. T.J. (Eugenie) Louge Cox. All members of this family are buried at the Old Biloxi Cemetery.
Louise Clemence Caillavet Morgan (1881-1965)-born February 3, 1881, at Biloxi. As a young woman, she worked as a salesgirl in the Julius Cahn establishment. Louise married Alvah Clark Morgan (1881-1979) who she met while he worked in Biloxi as the cashier at the L&N freight depot. Their nuptial vows were taken on August 28, 1911, at New Orleans. Al Morgan was born at Trilla near Matoon in south central Illinois. After leaving Biloxi in 1911, the Morgans resided at Memphis, Forth Worth, and Wichita Falls, Texas before settling at Denver, Colorado in 1917. Mr. Morgan worked for the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company until 1931. Their only child, Trilla Morgan Reilly (1913-2004), was born at Fort Worth, Texas on April 25, 1913. She was named for Trilla, Illinois, the birthplace of her father. Louise C. Morgan died November 6, 1965, at Denver, Colorado.
Mary Liliana Caillavet Holley (1883-1967)-born July 19, 1883, at Biloxi. She was known as Lillian. Lillian Caillavet married Anson Holley (1882-1967) at Biloxi on January 29, 1907. They resided at 139 Magnolia Street. The Holley children were: Anson Holley, Jr. (1908-1975), Lillian H. Maumus (1910-1981), Lionel Holley (1910-1993), Pat H. Daley (1913-1986), and Raymond Holley (1920-1940). Anson Holley built Biloxi schooners for U.S. "Lel" Desporte and the C.B. Foster Packing Company.
REFERENCES:
1. Harrison County Land Deed Book 10, p. 614.
2. ------------------------- Book 11, p. 522-523.
3. ------------------------- Book 15, p. 24-25.
Nap L. Cassibry, II, Early Settlers and Land Grants at Biloxi, Volume I, (Mississippi Coast History and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1986), p. 48.
Nap L. Cassibry, II, Early Settlers and Land Grants at Biloxi, Volume II, (Mississippi Coast History and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississppi-1986), p. 24, p. 50, and pp. 118-119.
--------------------, The Ladner Odyssey, (Mississippi Historical and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1988).
Gladys de Villier, The Opelousas Post, (Polyanthos, Inc: Cottonport, Louisiana-1972) p. 25.
Grady Howell, To Live and Die in Dixie, (Chickasaw Bayou Press: Jackson, Mississippi-1991), pp. 30-33 and p. 566.
Jerome Lepre, The Caillavet Family, (Mississippi Coast History and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1984), p. 30, p. 66, and p. 76.
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, (Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991), pp. 45-48.
Harrison County, Mississippi Register of Commissions, pp. 22, 26, 28, 37, and 51.
Harrison County Chancery Court Cause No. P-2781B, "Estate of Irma Louise Caillavet", August 26, 1994.
Journals
The Biloxi Herald, "William Murray-Emma Caillavet", May 19, 1891, p. 4 see also July 18, 1891, p. 4.
The Biloxi Herald, "Uranie Cailavet", December 28, 1895, p. 8, c. 2.
The Biloxi Herald, "Aristide B. Caillavet", January 22, 1898, p. 8, c. 1.
The Biloxi Herald, "Captain Raymond Caillavet", February 19, 1898, p. 5, c. 4.
The Biloxi Herald , "Zeline Caillavet", March 16, 1903, p. 6, c. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Holley-Caillavet", January 29, 1907.
The Daily Herald, "Louge-Caillavet", March 21, 1910, p. 8, c. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Moran (sic)-Caillavet", August 30, 1911, p. 8.
The Daily Herald, "Edward Caillavet Dead", November 16, 1923, p. 3, c. 3.
The Daily Herald, "Blanche Caillavet dies", April 20, 1940, p. 7, c. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Wm. Caillavet Dies", June 23, 1941.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Elections at Biloxi", January 10, 1879, p. 3, c. 2.
The Sun Herald, "Lionel J. Holley, Sr.", February 23, 1993, p. 2.
U.S. Census-Harrison County, Mississippi (1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, and 1900).
Personal Communication:
Hazel M. Bellande-September 1995.
Fern Davidson Dubaz O'Neal-September 1995.
Laura Thompson Creel-September 1995.
Trilla Morgan Reilly-September 1995.
Thelma G. Bellande-October 1995.
Catchot Family
Image:
- 1839 reads
CATCHOT FAMILY of BILOXI and BAY ST. LOUIS
THE CATCHOTS* OF MENORCA
*The Bishops of Mahon, Menorca, Spain, when exposed to the foreign name, Catchot, which was rare to them, became confused. They came to write Catchot in eight different spellings: Cachot, Cachote, Cacioto, Catxot, Catxoto, Catxoto, Caxatolo, and finally Catchot.
Antonio Catchot , of the Island of Malta, married Teresa Andervet (also spelled: Andrevet). The said spouses lived in the middle of the 18th Century. Francisco Catchot Andervet, the son of Antonio Catchot of Malta, came to Menorca about the year 1780. This was during the Second Domination of Menorca by the English. He settled at Mahon on the southeast coast of the island. On May 5, 1781, he married Jeronima Neto Fontcoberta, the daughter of Jose and Angela. Jeronima died on June 28, 1795. The widower, Francisco Catchot, married a second time. His bride was Margarita Morla Garcias, the daughter of Nicolas and Esperanza. The wedding took place on August 6, 1795. We find in Mahon the following children: 1. Teresa Catchot Neto (b. 2-23-1782); 2. Angela Catchot Neto (b. 2-13-1784); 3. Jeronima Catchot Neto (b. 10-5-1786); 4. Antonio Catchot Neto (b. 4-9-1788); 5. Jose' Catchot Neto, was probably born outside of Mahon. He was the husband of Eulalia Derany (also spelled Darany and Daran) Balduch, the daughter of Juan and Juana. Juan Derany was from Venice and in other documents it states he is from Corsica and Trieste. Jose Catchot continued the first branch. The children of the second marriage are as follows: 6. Nicolas Catchot Morla (b. 12-21-1797); 7. Maria Catchot Morla' (b. 1-8-1800); 8. Esperanza Catchot Morla' (b. 11-4-1801). She married Juan Semidel Planas, son of Federico and Maria; 9. Magdalena Catchot Morla (9-27-1803); 10. Antonio Catchot Morla. Did not encounter his baptism in Mahon. He married Magdalena Taltavull Guivernau, the daughter of Jose' and Apolonia. Antonio Catchot Morla' is the trunk of the second branch of the Catchot Family in Menorca. 11. Francisco Catchot Morla' was born outside of Mahon. He married Teresa Portella Ruiz on May 23, 1829. She was the daughter of Jose' and Margarita. He makes the trunk of the Third Branch of the Catchot Family in Menorca.
First Branch of the Catchots in Menorca.
Children of Jose' Catchot Neto and Eulalia Derany Balduch. 1. Maria Micaela Catchot Derany (b. 9-13-1821); 2. Jose' Catchot Derany (b. 12-9-1823), USA circa 1842; 3. Juan Catchot Derany (b. 3-5-1826); 4. Antonio Catchot Derany (b. 9-5-1828), USA circa 1850; 5. Juana Catchot Derany (b. 9-7-1830); 6. Margarita Catchot Derany (b. 11-30-1833); 7. Arnaldo Catchot Derany (b. 3-19-1836), USA circa 1850
Second Branch of Catchots in Menorca
Children of Antonio Catchot Morla and Margarita Taltavull Guivernau: 1. Francisco Catchot Taltavull (b. 7-27-1822); 2. Apolinia Catchot Taltavull (b. 11-7-1824); 3. Esperanza Catchot Taltavull (b. 11-13-1826 ); 4. Jose Catchot Taltavull (b. 5-23-1828); 5. Antonio Catchot Taltavull (b. 8-11-1830) 6. Margarita Catchot Taltavull (b. 9-4-1832); 7. Maria Catchot Taltavull (b. 12-15-1834); 8. Esperanza Catchot Taltavull (b. 7-1-1836)
Third Branch of Catchots in Menorca.
Children of Francisco Catchot Morla and Teresa Portella Ruiz: 1. Maria Magdalena Catchot Portella (b. 9-26-1830); 2. Margarita Catchot Portella (b. 8-6-1832); 3. Francisco CatchotPortella; 4. Teresa Catchot Portella (b. 10-14-1836). All of these at the Parish of Santa Maria at the city of Mahon.
Translated by Maria Carolina Bargas in October 1991 at Ocean Springs, Mississippi for Ray L. Bellande.
BILOXI
The Catchot family at Biloxi, Mississippi had its origins with Joseph Catchot (1848-1913) and Mary [Marie] Fayard (1850-1929), the daughter of Albert Fayard and and Michelle Favre, natives of Hancock County, Mississippi. Joseph Catchot was born, the son of Joseph Catchot and Rose Tudury, on Menorca, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain. It appears that Joseph Catchot settled at Bay St. Louis, Hancock County, Mississippi in the late1860s. Joseph Catchot and Mary Fayard married at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on May 20, 1870.(Lepre, 1995, p. 72)
The children of Joseph Catchot and Marie Fayard were: Joseph Albert Catchot (1871-1915) m. Emily Fayard (1867-1920); Mary Septima Catchot (1872-); Anthony Cladius Catchot (1875-1933) m. Antonia Ferrer (1876-1960) and Agnes Moss (1894-19); Rosa Ninete Catchot (1877-1924) m. John Joseph Marion (1876-1962); Josephine Catchot; Mary A. Catchot; Miguel Catchot m. Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Kachler (1874-pre-1904).
Joseph Catchot passed in his sleep on October 15, 1913. At this time, he was the cook aboard Sailor’s Joy, a fishing boat, anchored off Shell Beach, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. Mr. Catchot resided at 321 East Washington Avenue in Biloxi. He was survived by seven children and a brother at Ocean Springs.(The Daily Herald, October 17, 1913, p. 1)
Mary Fayard Catchot died February 12, 1929 at NOLA. Her internment was in the Greenwood Cemetery in the Crescent City.(The Daily Herald, February 13, 1929, p. 2 and The Times-Picayune, February 13, 1929, p. 2.
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume III, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995).
Journals
The Daily Herald, “Slept all night by dead boatman [Joseph Catchot] died last night”, October 17, 1913.
CHILDREN
J. ALBERT CATCHOT
Joseph Albert Catchot (1871-1915), known as Albert Catchot, was born on 1871 at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He married Emily Fayard (1867-1920). Children: Juliette Catchot (1890-1909); Mollie Marie Catchot (1893-1950) m. Peter Joseph Gill (1888-1971): Annie Vivian ‘Beashie’ Catchot (1894) m. Edwin Louis Meaut (18 -); Laura Leona ‘Nootsie’ Catchot (1900-1925); and Albert Lawrence ‘Mack’ Catchot (1901-1963) m. Edith M. Mikkelson (1901-1964).
Biloxi
Albert Catchot and family relocated from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi to Biloxi, Mississippi in 1905. Here he worked as a motorman for the Mississippi Coast Traction Company. He left this organization in May 1909 and went to work for H.T. Greaves in the Central Market of Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, May 8, 1909, p. 8)
Albert Catchot expired at Mobile, Alabama on April 21, 1915 from heart failure. Albert had been in the oyster business in Alabama since 1911. Albert had formerly worked for the Gulfport & Mississippi Coast Traction Company. Mr. Catchot’s corporal remains were interred in the Old Biloxi Cemetery. Emily F. Catchot died on December 7, 1920 at 423 Water Street, the residence of P.J. Gill, her son-in-law.
CHILDREN
Juliette E.L. Catchot
Juliette Eunice Lucille Catchot(1890-1909), called Juliet, was born July 14, 1890 at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. She was educated at St. Joseph’s Academy also in Bay St. Louis and came to Biloxi, Mississippi with her family circa 1905. Juliet contracted pneumonia and after a lengthy and courageous battle with this malady expired at the family home at 438 Copp Street on August 10, 1909. Her funeral was attended by out of town guests: Henry French-Mobile; Aline Bermond and Mrs. Octave Fayard-Bay St. Louis; and Mrs. French-Pass Christian.(Lepre, 1995, p. 73 and The Daily Herald, August 11, 1909, p. 4)
Mollie J. Catchot
Mollie Julia Catchot (1893-1950) was born March 14, 1893 at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. She married Peter Joseph Gill (1888-1971). They were the parents of: Peter Joseph Gill Jr. (1913-1998) m. Rita Norma Jeluisich (1920-1999); Marie Lucille Gill (1917-1961) m. ?; Julliette Elizabeth Gill (1918-1986) m. George Patrick Ahern (1912-1947); William F. Gill (1922) m. Ester Griffin; Laura Jane Gill (1925) m. Roland Paul Meaut (1927); Mollie Theresa Gill (1929) m. Donald Gregory (1929-1982); Natalie Ann Gill (1927) m. Lowell Willmon (1928-2008) and Harold Langlinais (1934-1972); Charles A. Gill (1924-2002) m. Marjorie E. Luhman (1925-2011); Shirly Mae Gill (1935-2011) m. Louis Pennington Helm.(1933-2010).(Lepre, 1995, p. 73)
Anna V. Catchot
Anna Vivian Catchot(1895-19) was born October 4, 1895 at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. She married Edwin Louis Meaut on May 14, 1914. In 1930, the family was domicled at 439 Copp Street in Biloxi, Mississippi where Mr. Meaut made his livelihood as a newspaper agent. Children: Edwin Louis Meaut Jr. (1914-1966); Lt. Colonel Bermond J. Meaut (1917-2010) m. Mary Ellen Mon (1921-2004); and Emily Vivian Meaut (1924) m. Louis Warren Demoruelle (1920-1989).(Lepre, 1995, p. 72 and 1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census 1146, p. 3B, ED 2)
Laura L. Catchot
Laura Leonie Catchot (1900-1925) was born on January 26, 1899 at Bay St. Louis. Her tombstone indicates that she was born January 23, 1900. At Biloxi, Laura had been an employee of Quint’s Drug Store since 1922 and was domiciled with Edwin Meaut, her brother-in-law, and his family. Miss Catchot had been ill for about two months before her demise in the Biloxi City Hospital on August 4, 1925. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(Lepre, 1995, p. 73 and The Daily Herald, August 4, 1925, p. 3)
Albert L. Catchot
Albert Lawrence Catchot (1901-1963), called Mack, was born on December 28, 1901 at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. On February 26, 1922 in Biloxi, Mississippi, he married Edith M. Mikkelson (1901-1964), a native of Rhinelander, Wisconsin and the daughter of Hans Edward Mikkelson (1876-1956) and Ida Mae Sauders (1876-1962). Their children were: Albert L. Catchot II (1923-1923); Dorothy Catchot (1925); Edith Catchot (1930) m. William C. Brown (1913-1993); Jerry Lawrence Catchot (1931); Harold James Catchot (1934-2003); and Patricia Anne Catchot (1939-1985). All of their children were born at Laurel, Mississippi except the last child who arrived in Lake City, South Carolina.(The Daily Herald, February 27, 1922, p. 4 and Edie Catchot Brown, Sacramento, California)
Mack Catchot owned a lumberyard and was a building contractor. He died at Orangevale, California on August 2, 1963. Edith M. Catchot expired at Orangevale on April 14, 1964. Their corporal remains are interred in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery at Sacramento, California.
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume III, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995).
The Daily Herald, “City News”, May 8, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Death of Miss (Juliet) Catchot”, August 11, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Catchot-Mikkelson”, February 27, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Catchot [Laura] laid to rest”, August 4, 1925.
The Sun Herald, “Shirley Mae [Gill] Helm”, November 23, 2011.
Personal Communications
Edith Brown Catchot-August 1990.
MARY S. CATCHOT
Mary Septima Catchot was born August 17, 1872 at Bay St. Louis.(Lepre, 1995, p.
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume III, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995).
The Daily Herald, “”,
The Daily Herald, “”,
ANTHONY C. CATCHOT
Anthony Cladius Catchot (1875-1933) was born April 4, 1875 at Bay St. Louis. He married Antonia Ferrer (1876-1960), a native of New Orleans and the daughter of Gabriel Ferrer (1835-1881) and Dolores Rodrigues on September 21, 1895 in Harrison County, Mississippi. She was born in the Crescent City on December 31, 1876.(NOLA Birth Bk. 71, p. 203 and Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 10, p. 374)
Children: Eura Dolores Catchot (1897-1957) m. John Bertucci (1895-19); Bernice Catchot (1900-19 ) m. Salvador J. Bertucci (1892-1990); Edwin Anthony Catchot (1904-1976) m. Azalie ‘Lettie’ Weems (1905-1989); and Harold Miguel Catchot (1908-1980) m. Mathile Saucier (1916-1987).(Lepre, 1995, p. 73 and )
Antonia Ferrer was born December 31, 1876. She expired at Biloxi on July 26, 1960.
CHILDREN
Eura D. Catchot
Eura D. Catchot (1897-1957) was born September 24, 1897. On December 28, 1915, she married John J. Bertucci (1895-1974), the son of Frank Bertucci (1859-19 ), an Italian immigrant, and Caroline Agnes Battafora (1867-1918), native of NOLA, and the daughter of Robert Battafora (1836-1875) and Caroline LaRose Batfourro [Battafora] Bertucci (1837-1910).(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 12, p. 496 and The Daily Herald, December 29, 1915, p. 6).
John J. Bertucci was the manager of the Bertucci Produce Company.
Eura Catchot and John J. Bertucci divorced circa 1932 and she never remarried. In June John J. Bertucci married .(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB , p. )
Eura D. Catchot expired on December 12, 1957 at Biloxi, Mississippi. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
Bertucci-Battafora family
Frank Bertucci (1859-19 ), an 1865 Italian immigrant, and Caroline Agnes Battafora (1867-1918), a native of NOLA, were the progenitors of the large Bertucci family of Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi. They married at NOLA on June 3, 1882. Caroline A. Battafora’s parents were also Italian immigrants. The family name because of it many vowels has also been spelled as: Batafora, Battefora, Battafora, Battiforea, Battefore, Batfourro, and may have eventually changed to Batteford circa 1930.(NOLA MRB 9, p. 348)
Caroline Battafora Bertucci had a least four siblings: Joseph Placide Battafora (1859-1933) m. Jeanette Tasso (1864-1944); John B. Battafora; Mary Battafora (1880-1910+) m. Hermogene Joseph Lizana (1875-1944); and Lena Battafora (1878-19) m. Joseph Randazzo (1883-1936).
Caroline LaRose Battafora, Caroline B. Bertucci’s widowed mother, married Antonio Bertucci (1848-1937), also an Italian immigrant, and the brother of Frank Bertucci (1859-19), at New Orleans on . Children: John Bertucci (1876-) ; Lena [born Bartola,] Bertucci (1878-19) m. Joseph Randazzo (1883-1936); and Mary [born Marianna] Bertucci (1879-) m. Hermogene Joseph Lizana (1875-1944).
Joseph P. Battafora (1859-1933) married Jennie Tasso (1864-1944). He was a fireman at New Orleans with the Jackson Steam Fire Company No. 18. He acquired a lot on the east side of Lameuse Street at Biloxi in January 1917.
Frank Bertucci relocated the Bertucci family to Biloxi from NOLA before 1900. In 1900, the Frank Bertucci family was domiciled on Washington Street. Frank and Caroline B. Bertucci were the parents of six children: Bertha B. Fayard (1884-1985) m. Frank Fayard; Katie B. Robinson (1884-19 ) m. John Robinson; Robert Bertucci (1890-1974) m. Irma Nain; Frank Emmanuel Bertucci (1891-1981); and John J. Bertucci (1895-1974) m. Eura D. Catchot (1897-1957) and .
Caroline Battafora Bertucci died at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 19, 1918 at her home at 419 Delauney Street. At NOLA, she was survived by two brothers, Joseph P. Battafora (1859-1933) and John Battafora. Joseph P. Battafora married Jennie Tasso (1864-1944). He was a fireman at New Orleans. He bought a lot on the east side of Lameuse Street at Biloxi in January 1917.
Bernice M. Catchot
Bernice Marie Catchot (1900-1988) was born January 25, 1900. On December 8, 1915, she married Salvador Joseph Bertucci (1892-1990), the son of Frank Bertucci (1859-19 ) an Italian immigrant, and Caroline Agnes Batafora (1867-1918), native of NOLA.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 12, p. 476 and The Daily Herald, December 9, 1915, p. 6).
Salvador J. Bertucci was born February 22, 1892 at Birmingham, Alabama. His father had relocated the Bertucci family to Biloxi before 1900 as the Bertucci family was domiciled on Washington Street at this time. Salvador J. Bertucci and Bernice Catchot were the parents of six children: Caroline Agnes Bertucci (1918-2011) m. George Ralph Duncan (1911-1987) in December 1941; Bernice 'Sis’ Antonia Bertucci (1920-1999) m. Anthony J. ‘Tony’ Ingrassia Jr. (1918-1980) in August 1941; Dorothy [Dot] Bertucci (1922-1993) m George W. Drennan Jr. in July 1945 and Larry Peck; Frank Emmanuel Bertucci (1924-2009) m. Ardeth M. Ryland (1928-2003) in June 1948 ; and Salvador J. Bertucci Jr. (1926-1930+).
Edwin A. Catchot
Edwin A. Catchot (1904-1976) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 16, 1904. On July 30, 1938, he married Azalie Weems (1905-1989), the daughter of Frederick Williams Weems (1875-1953), a native of Dauphin Island, Alabama, and Ellen Skinner (1884-1959), also an Alabaman.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 49, p. 91)
Frederick W. Weems and Ellen Skinner had married in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 25, 1902. Mr. Weems was an oysterman and shrimper. The family resided at 805 Oak Street. Azalie’s siblings were: Arlete Weems (b.1904) m. Fred P. Micheal Jr. and Frederick W. Weeks Jr. (1907-1997) m. Bessie Thornton.(Harrison Co. Mississippi MRB 14, p. 20 and 1920 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T625_876, p. 3B, ED 39)
Edwin and Azalie Weems Catchot were the parents of Diane Catchot, a daughter. She married Anthony Glen Cothern Jr. (1916-1991): Anthony Glen Cothern m. Terri Lynn Armstrong in October 2001.
Edwin A. Catchot died at Biloxi on October 31, 1976 and Azalie Weems Catchot expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 31, 1989.
Harold M. Catchot
Harold Miguel Catchot (1908-1980) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 24, 1908. He married Mathile Frances Saucier (1916-1987) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 2, 1940. She was the daughter of Sydney P. Saucier (1876-1954), a native of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and Frances Mantick (1884-1957), a native of Germany who immigrated to America in 1888. Mr. Saucier made his living as a baker at Biloxi and the family was domiciled on Dorries Street. He was born October 10, 1876, the son of Edouard Saucier and Mathilde Tudury,(1920 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T625_876, p. 11B, ED 39 and Lepre, 1995, p. 329)
Harold and Mathile were the parents of four children: Harold Salvador Catchot (b. 1941) m. Carolyn Ann Manuel in September 1961; Edwin M. Catchot (b. 1942) m. Audrey Ann Franklin in December 1961; Donna Kay Catchot m. Robert L. Boney in August 1966 and Jerry Richard Guebard in January 1978; and Deborah Claire Catchot m. Thomas Paul Wallace in February 1969.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 51, p. 80, MRB Bk. 119, p. 574, MRB 120, p. 413, MRB. 133, p. 7, 2nd JD MRB 16, p. 84; and 2nd JD MRB 1, p. 202)
Harold M. Catchot died at Biloxi, Mississippi in December 19, 1980. Mathile F. Catchot passed on October 15, 1987. Their corporal remains are interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
2nd FAMILY
Agnes Moss
Anthony C. Catchot (1875-1933) married Agnes Moss (1894-19), the daughter of William A. Moss and Catherine Corbett (1862-1932) at NOLA on August 14, 1918. From this union two children were born: George Catchot (1919-1982) and Grace Mary Catchot (1928-1999).(NOLA MRB 41, p. 435)
Jefferson Parish
CHILDREN
George A. Catchot
George Anthony Catchot (1919-1982) was born June 30, 1919. He married Bernice Lanata (1912-1992). Children: Judy Catchot Gardner (1944-2008). George passed on July 10, 1982. Internment St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1 in NOLA.(The Times-Picayune, July 11, 1982, Section I, p. 16)
Grace M. Catchot
Grace Mary Catchot (1928-1999) was born January 27, 1928 at Bucktown. She married James Joseph Caruso (1920-1972). Grace Mary was on the clerical staff of the Sewerage and Water Board. She and James J. Caruso were the parents of Barry Caruso and Jill Caruso Terese. Mary Grace Catchot died on September 16, 1999.
Anthony C. Catchot expired at New Orleans, Louisiana on April 12, 1933. His corporal remains were interred in the Greenwood Cemetery at NOLA.
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume III, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995).
Chancery Court
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 6018, “Irma Burtucci v. Robert Bertucci”-1919.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 7403, “Irma Bertucci v. Robert Bertucci”-1923.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 7440, “Eura Bertucci v. John Bertucci”-1923.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 8793, “Eura Bertucci v. John Bertucci”-1926.
Journals
The Daily Herald, “Bertucci-Catchot”, December 9, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Bertucci-Catchot”, December 29, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Deed recently filed for record”, January 26, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “A. Catchot dies”, April 17, 1933.
The Daily Herald, “Edwin A. Catchot”, November 1, 1976.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Mathile Catchot”, October 18, 1987.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Azalie Catchot”, January 2, 1990.
The Sun Herald, “Salvador Joseph Bertucci”, July 6, 1990.
The Sun Herald, “Anthony Glen Cothern Jr.”, November , 1991.
The Sun Herald, “Bernice Bertucci Ingrassi”, August 25, 1999.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Ardeth R. Bertucci”, May 27, 2003.
The Sun Herald, “Frank Emmaunel Bertucci”, July 9, 2009.
The Sun Herald, “Caroline Bertucci Duncan”, December 21, 2011.
The Times Picayune, “Mrs. C. Battefora [sic] is dead”, March 24, 1918. .
The Times Picayune, “Catherine Corbett Moss”, June 23, 1932.
The Times Picayune, “Anthony Catchot”, April 13, 1933.
The Times Picayune, “Battifforea”, September 10, 1933.
The Times Picayune, “James Joseph Caruso”, March 20, 1972.
The Times Picayune, “[George Anthony] Catchot”, July 11, 1982.
The Times Picayune, “Mary Grace Catchot Caruso”, September 19, 1999.
ROSA N. CATCHOT
Rosa Ninete or Beneta Catchot (1877-1924) was born at Bay St. Louis, Hancock County, Mississippi on October 6, 1877. On November 12, 1894 at Biloxi, Harrison Co., Mississippi, she married John Joseph ‘Brother’ Marion (1875-1936+), the son of John Marion (1830-1890), a Spanish immigrant, and the son of Joseph Marion and Maria Vica, and Emelie Fayard Marsan (1829-1915), the daughter of Jacque Fayard and Gertrude Ryan and the widow of Alexis Marsan (1824-1869), a French immigrant, who made his livelihood at Biloxi as a butcher, on November 12, 1894 at Biloxi, Harrison Co., Mississippi.( MRB Lepre, Vol. II, 1995, p. 134 and p. 141)
J.J. Marion and Rosa B. Catchot were the parents of: Andrew J. Marion (1895-1936); Agnes E. Marion Entrekin (1896-1930+); Irene M. Collins (1897-1943); Edward U. Marion (1899-1934); Rose Marion Ladnier (1904-1930+); and Ralph Marion (1907-1984).
Rose C. Marion died at her home at 339 Nixon Street in Biloxi on June 12, 1924. She was survived by Marie Fayard Catchot, her mother; Antony C. Catchot (1875-1933) and Edgar Catchot (1894-1920+), her brothers domiciled at NOLA; and Robert F. Catchot (1889-1941) of Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, June 12, 1924, p. 3)
CHILDREN
Andrew J. Marion
Andrew Joseph ‘Son’ Marion (1895-1936) was born March 15, 1896. He married Frances Isabell Stafford (1896-1985), the daughter of Marion Stafford (1871-1943) and Madeline Dean (1877-pre 1910+), on November 29, 1915. The family resided at 209 Maple Street on Point Cadet, Andrew made his livelihood as the manager of a automobile service station, but at the time of his demise he was employed with Kimbrough & Quints drugstore. Frances and Andrew had two sons born at Biloxi his untimely death on April 1, 1936: Rayford Joseph Marion (1917-1979); and Ronald Andrew Marion (1930-2011) m. Geraldine Hughes and Martha Brooks, the daughter of Coyt Brooks and Moddie Brooks.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 27, p. 461 and The Daily Herald, April 2, 1936 and The Sun Herald, November 18, 2011)
Ronald Andrew Marion and Geraldine Hughes had a son, Ronald Andrew Marion II, who married Melissa Jaynell Schloegel on April 29, 1989 at N.B.V.M. Their daughter, Anna Frances Marion married David Albritton.(Harrison Co. Mississippi MRB 185, p. 102)
After the death of his spouse, Marion Stafford married Kate Hammond (1887-1913) in March 1910. Riley Stafford (1839-1904), his father and native of Meridian, Mississippi expired at Biloxi on May 21, 1904. Frances Stafford Marion married Leo V. Edwards in June 1947. (Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 21, p. 437 MRB 74, p. 557 and The Biloxi Herald, May 21, 1904, p. 8)
Agnes E. Marion
Agnes Emma Marion was born May 31, 1896. She married Walter E. Entrekin (1897-1930+), native of Alabama, on July 2, 1916. In 1920 at Biloxi, they lived on Copp Street and Walter worked at a shipyard as a riveter. Circa 1926, the family relocated to Mobile, Alabama where Walter was employed as an engineer for a railroad. They were the parents of: Juliette E. Entrekin (1916-2006) m. Lt. j.g. William J. Dohm and William C. Rampenthal; Marian C. Entrekin (1919-1930+); Mildred E. Entrekin (1920-1930+); and Walter E. Entrekin II (1925-2005), a Birmingham, Alabama architect, m. Daphine Warhurst. The corporal remains of this family appear to have been interred at the Mobile Memorial Gardens, Mobile, Alabama. Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 29, p. 68)
Irene M. Marion
Irene Mary Marion (1897-1943) was born on December 30, 1897. She married George J. Collins (1891-1968), native of NOLA and Biloxi building contractor, on April 12, 1914. They lived on Benachi Avenue and reared two children: George J. Collins II and Irene M. Collins m. Walker F. Tucei (1918-2000). Irene M. Collins expired on December 22, 1943.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 25, p. 585)
Edward U. Marion
Edward Ulysses ‘Billie and Buddy’ Marion (1899-1934) was born October 6, 1899. He married Harriet Oleva Baker (1902-1936+), the daughter of Joseph Baker (1865-1956) and Margaret Wilson (1862-1920), on August 6, 1918. Edward made his livelihood as bakery truck driver. He had worked for the Biloxi Bakery, L&N and Electric Bakeries. Since 1927, Buddy Marion had been employed with the Ellzey Bakery. The family was domiciled on East Howard Avenue where they reared Mercedes Marion (1920-1930+), a daughter, who was born on March 27, 1920. Edward expired at the Biloxi Hospital on September 8, 1934, after an attack of appendicitis. Harriet Baker Marion married James H. Ford June 28, 1936.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 30, p. 282 and MRB 47, p. 109 and The Daily Herald, September 8, 1934, p. 10)
Rosa Marion
Rosa Marion was born in 1904. She married George Ladnier (1903-1971) in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 19, 1923. By 1930, they had relocated to Herron Bay, Mobile County, Alabama where George was an oyster fisherman. At this time, they were the parents of: Joseph L. Ladnier (1926-1988); Rosemary Ladnier (1927-1930+); and Irene Ladnier (1928-1930+). It appears that this family remained in the Bayou La Batre area of Mobile County, Alabama.( Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 35, p. 110)
Ralph Marion
Ralph Marion (1907-1984) was born December 15, 1907. He married Ophelia Sperivich (1906-1981) on November 21, 1926. In 1930, Ralph and Ophelia Marion lived on Washington Street at Biloxi. He was employed by a paving company as a brick mason. Ralph died at Biloxi, Mississippi in December 1984. Ophelia preceded him in death expiring in June 1981.(The Daily Herald, December 19, 1907, p. 2 and November 24, 1926, p. 1 and Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 38, p. 535)
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume III, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995).
Journals
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, July 26, 1890.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Necrological-Riley Stafford”, May 21, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News [birth of Ralph Marion]”, December 19, 1907.
The Daily Herald,“Necrology-Mrs. Josephine Goodier”, January 4, 1911.
The Daily Herald,“Old Biloxian [John Goodier] died early today”, March 11, 1913.
The Daily Herald,“Collins-Marion”, April 12, 1914, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “Aged Biloxian [Emily Marion] died last night”, December 28, 1915.
The Daily Herald,“Marion-Entrekin”, July 3, 1916, p. 3.
The Daily Herald,“Marion-Thorn”, July 11, 1916, p. 4.
The Daily Herald,“Marion-Baker”, August 6, 1918, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Aggregaard [sic] dead”, November 10, 1919.
The Daily Herald,“Ladnier-Marion”, May 22, 1923, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Marion [Rosa Catchot Marion] died this morning”, June 12, 1924.
The Daily Herald,“Marion-Speririch”, November 24, 1926, p. 2.
The Daily Herald,“Betty Marion”, January 17, 1931, p. 2.
The Daily Herald,“Edward Marion dies”, September 8, 1934, p. 10.
The Daily Herald, “A.J. Marion dies”, April 2, 1936.
The Sun Herald, "Ronald Marion", November , 2011, p. A .
JOSEPHINE CATCHOT
Josephine Catchot was born July 3, 1878 at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
MARY A. CATCHOT
Mary Antoinette Catchot (1879-) was born December 18, 1879 at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.(Lepre, 1995, p. 193)
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume III, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995).
MIGUEL CATCHOT
Miguel Catchot (1882-1905) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 21, 1882. He married Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Kachler (1874-pre-1904), the daughter of Lena Kachler Fayard Johnson (1854-1934), at NOLA on December 18, 1899. They were married again at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on August 13, 1901. They were the parents of three children: Clarence Joseph Catchot (1900-1952); Clara Catchot (1903-1914); and Michael Earl Catchot.(Lepre, 1991, p. 55, NOLA MRB 21, p. 201, OLG Bk. 2, p. 83, and The Daily Herald, March 27, 1905, p. 6)
Bay St. Louis
In 1900, Miguel and Lizzie K. Cathcot were domiciled at Bay St. Louis with Lena Kachler Fayard, her mother and the widow of Achille Fayard (1857-1895). At this time, Miguel made his livelihood as a hack driver. Lena had birthed children by this time and were alive. Also living with her were two sons by Mr. Kachler and five children by Achille Fayard: Frank Koechler [Kachler] (1877-1940) m. Anice Fayard (1871-1934); John J. Koechler (1880-1948); Alfred Fayard (1888-1927); Hattie Fayard; Lovance Fayard (1892-1954); Azaline Fayard; and Achille Fayard (1896-1972).(1900 Hancock Co., Mississippi Federal Census T623-808, p. 1B, ED 28
In March 1905, Miguel Catchot was stricken with typhoid fever at Bay St. Louis and came to Biloxi to be cared for by his mother and family. Mrs. Catchot resided at 417 Lameuse Street at this time. Miguel did not recover from his ailment and expired on Lameuse Street on March 26, 1905. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, March 27, 1905, p. 6)
CHILDREN
Clarence J. Catchot
Clarence Joseph Catchot (1900-1952) was born at Bay St. Louis on August 25, 1900. After his parents had passed, he remained at Bay St. Louis with Lena Katchler Fayard, his grandmother, who had married Willie J.N. Johnson (1853-1920), a local carpenter.(1910 Hancock Federal Census T624_739, p. 16A, ED 30, Lepre, 1995, p. 72)
Circa 1924, Clarence married Ethel Steen (1889-1963) at NOLA. She was the daughter of Thomas Jackson Steen and Emma Mead. Clarence and Ethel had Charles Clarence Catchot, a son. His daughters were:
Clarence J. Catchot expired at NOLA on November 11, 1952.
Clara Catchot
Clara Catchot (1903-1914) was born on June 27, 1903 at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. She expired at New Orleans, Louisiana on June 21, 1914. Her corporal remains were sent to Biloxi, Mississippi for internment in the Biloxi Cemetery.(OLG Bk. 3, p. 63 and The Daily Herald, June 23, 1914, p. 2)
Michael [Miguel] E. Catchot
Michael E. Catchot (1904-1920+) was born at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on August 1, 1904. He married Rita Landry (1905-1925), a native of New Orleans and the daughter of Frank S. Landry (1875-1930+) and Rita Josephine Casanova (1881-1938). Earl M Kachler II (1924-2009), a son, was born at NOLA on July 23, 1924.(OLG Bk. 3, p. 68)
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume III, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995).
Journals
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Necrology-Miguel Catchot”, March 27, 1905.
The Daily Herald, “Young lady [Clara Catchot] dead”, June 26, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “”,
The Houston Chronicle, “Earl M. Kachler Jr.”, November 10, 2009.
The Times Picayune, “Miss C. Catchot, Biloxi, Miss.”, June 26, 1914.
The Times Picayune, “Clarence Joseph Catchot”, November 11, 1952.
The Times Picayune, “Catchot [Ethel Steen Catchot]”, June 6, 1963.
EDNA CATCHOT
CHILDREN
The Daily Herald, “”,
The Daily Herald, “”,
The Daily Herald, “”,
The Daily Herald, “”,
The Daily Herald, “”,
ROBERT F. CATCHOT
Robert Francois Catchot (1889-1941) was born April 14, 1889 at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He married Jennie Fryou, a native of Algiers, Louisiana, on December 5, 1907 at Biloxi, Mississippi.(Lepre, 1995, p. 73)
Their children were: Althea Catchot (1908-2003) m. Richard R. McCloskey and Lonnie M. Williams Jr. (1918-1975); Ethel Catchot (1910-1987) m. Luther H. Lancaster; Artemese Catchot (1911-1998) m. Oliver Osborn Redding (1904-1982) and Emile P. Demourelle (1907-1992); and Roberta Claire Catchot (1918-1996) m. Uriel R. Kennedy (1917-1995).
In June 1917 when Robert F. Catchot reported his status to the draft board, he was employed as a soda dispenser with Kimbrough & Quints Drugs on Lameuse Street and Howard Avenue. The family was domiciled at 109 West Jackson Avenue.
Robert F. Catchot expired at Biloxi on July 1, 1941.
CHILDREN
Althea Catchot
Althea Catchot (1908-2003) was born on September 9, 1908 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Richard R. McCloskey on September 30, 1928.
Ethel Catchot
Ethel Catchot (1910-1987) was born on April 4, 1910. Married Luther H. Lancaster
Artemese Catchot
Artemise Catchot (1911-1998) was born November 1, 1911 at Biloxi, Mississippi. On February 17, 1927, she married Oliver O. Redding (1904-1982). They were the parents of two daughters: Shirley Redding (1929-2011) m. Harry M. Heitzman (1917-1989) and Emile ‘Junior’ Louis ‘Junior’ Desporte Jr. and Marlene Redding m. Mike Gillich II (b. 1930).(The Daily Herald, February 21, 1927, p. 2)
Shirley Redding Desporte passed on at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 30, 2011. The Desportes were in the retail seafood at Biloxi for many years on Caillavet Street and Division Street. Shirley and Junior Desporte were the parents of three children: Emile ‘Junie’ L. Desporte III (1947-2007) m. Angela M. Quave; Artie Wayne Desporte m. Christine ?; and Julia Desporte m. Andrew Kessen.(The Sun Herald, May 3, 2011, p. A4 and May 4, 2011, p. A6)
Oliver Osborn Redding (1904-1982), called Osborn, was born at Crystal Springs, Mississippi on October 14, 1904, the son of Walter Armstrong Redden (1870-1935) and Francis Osborn. Several of the Redden children, among them Osborn O. Redden, adopted the name Redding because it was often misspelled by the general public because of its similar sounding. (Walterene V. Redding, January 4, 2003)
Osborn Redding made his livelihood as a painting contractor. He apprenticed as a painter with Charles R. Kostmayer (1881-1946) of Biloxi. Prior to Mr. Kostmayer death, he left Osborn much of his painting paraphernalia. Mr. Redding also inherited some of Kostmayer’s commercial clients, J.O. Collins and Lloyd T. Moon. He later teamed up with Lloyd H. Catchot (1912-1995) and formed Redding & Catchot, painting contractors. Among their employees was Ashley Schrieber (1919-2001). O. Osborn Redding expired on June 21, 1982. His corporal remains were interred in the Bellande Cemetery on Dewey Avenue in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.(Walterene V. Redding, January 4, 2003)
Artemese Catchot divorced O.O. Redding and married Emile Paul Demoruelle (1907-1992) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 30, 1946. No children were born of this marriage.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 72, p. 87)
In September 1941, Osborn Redding married Walterene Verner (1923-2005), the daughter of Thomas Eugene Verner (1898-1989) and Anne Costley (1901-1990), the daughter of Mr. Costley and Louise Emma Hoffman Costley Beuhler (1879-1965). They were the parents of Enid Redding Hutchenson (1945-1981) who in February 1965 married E. Nelson Hutchenson (b. 1942), the son of William E. Hutchenson and Ura Inez Clark. Nelson Hutchenson was a native of Jefferson County, Alabama. (Walterine V. Redding, January 4, 2003 and JXCO, Ms. MRB 105, p. 311)
Artemese Catchot divorced O.O. Redding and married Emile Paul Demoruelle (1907-1992), the son of Frederick Paul Demoruelle (1883-1936) and Amelia Steinfels (1883-1955), in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 30, 1946. No children were born of this union.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 72, p. 87)
Emile P. Demourelle was born at New Orleans, Louisiana. He had married Juliet Campos (1907-1980), the daughter of Manuel Campos and Marie Bronze (Bronzanotich) (1888-1957). Juliet and Emile P. Demourelle had two children: Emile P. Demoruelle II (1929-1929) and James L. Demoruelle (1930-1989). The Demourelles lived on Santini Street in Biloxi where he made his livelihood as an electrician.
Mrs. Demourelle died at Biloxi on March 11, 1998. Emile P. Demoruelle had passed on May 16, 1992. Their corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, March 13, 1998, p. A2)
Roberta C. Catchot
Roberta Claire Catchot (1918-1996) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 27, 1918. She married Uriel Ray Kennedy (1917-1995). Their children were: Robert L. Kennedy (b. 1943) m. Tabitha James; Uriel R. Kennedy II m. ? and Kimothy Harris Kennedy (1956-1957).
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Redding-Catchot”, February 21, 1927.
The Sun Herald, “Artemese ‘Artie’ Cecelia Demourelle”, March 13, 1998.
The Sun Herald, “Shirley Redding Desporte”, May 3, 2011.
The Sun Herald, “Her [Shirley Redding Desporte] marriage was 64 years of Magic”, May 4, 2011.
The Times Picayune, “Althea Catchot Williams”, July 16, 2003.
EDGAR J. CATCHOT
Edgar Julius Catchot (1892-1952) was born February 1, 1892 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Agnes McDonald at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 17, 1911. They made their home in the Desporte house on Delauney Street.(Lepre, 1991, p. 54, Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 23, p. 164)
Edgar J. Cathcot served as a Private in France with the 32nd Division, U.S. Army from June 1918 until the spring of 1919. After the Great War, he returned to NOLA in May 1919 and lived with his mother at 2312 Cleveland Street in the Crescent City. By 1920 Edgar was tending bar with Anthony Catchot, his older brother, in the Crescent City.(The Times Picayune, May 6, 1919, p. 10 and 1920 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T625_619, p. 7b, ED 45)
Marriage and family
Edgar J. Catchot divorced Agnes McDonald. Circa 1921, Edgar J. Catchot married Mary E. ‘May’ McDermott (1890-1957), native of New Orleans and widow of Mr. Bardeau, whom she met in the Crescent City, as in 1920 she was living with her siblings on Cleveland Street next to his mother and brother. They had Gloria Catchot (1922-2004), a daughter who was born circa 1922 and married Thomas C. Murphy. May McDermott gave birth to Dorothy Bardeau (1912-1989) before she married Edgar J. Catchot.
CHILDREN
Edgar J. Monjure
Edgar Joseph Monjure (1913-1971)
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Journals
The Daily Herald, “Mother protests against match as youth drives off”, March 18, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Summer visitors arriving”, April 17, 1911.
The Times Picayune, “Edgar Catchot arrives home”, May 6, 1919.
The Times Picayune, “Edgar C. Catchot”, May 2, 1952.
The Times Picayune, “Mary McDermott Catchot”, April 16, 1957.
The Times Picayune, “Local attorney Monjure dead”, June 10, 1971.
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume III, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995).
Journals
The Daily Herald, “Slept all night by dead boatman [Joseph Catchot] died last night”, October 17, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Albert Catchot dies in Mobile”, August 22, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Catchot funeral”, August 24, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Aged Biloxian [Emily Marion] died last night”, December 28, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Marion [Rosa Catchot Marion] died this morning”, June 12, 1924.
Personal Communications
Edith Brown Catchot-August 1990.
Birth, Marriage, and Death Records
Albert Catchot, son of Joseph and Mary Fayard, married Amelie Fayard, daughter of Laurence Fayard and Amelie Carcot) on June 20, 1889.[OLG Bk. 2, p. 123]
Anna Vivian Catchot, daughter of Albert Catchot and Amelie Fayard born October 4, 1895.[OLG Bk. 3, p. 468]
Antony Claudius Catchot, son of Joseph Catchot and Mary Fayard, born April 4, 1875.[OLG Bk. 2, p. 354]
Clarence Joseph Catchot, son of Miguel Catchot and Lazzie Kachler, born August 25, 1900.[OLG Bk. 3, p. 469]
Josephine Catchot, daughter of Joseph Catchot and Mary Ponds, born July 3, 1878.[OLG Bk. 2, p. 351]
Juliette Eunice Lucille Catchot, daughter of Albert Catchot and Amelie Fayard, born July 14, 1890. [OLG Bk. 3, p. 470]
Laure Leonie Catchot, daughter of Albert Catchot and Emilia Fayard, born January 26, 1899. [OLG Bk. 3, p. 471]
Mary Septima Catchot, daughter of Joseph Catchot and Mary Fayard, born August 17, 1872. [OLG Bk. 2, p. 352]
Miguel Catchot,
Mollie Julia Catchot, daughter of Albert Catchot and Amelie Fayard, born March 14, 1893. [OLG Bk. 3, p. 473]
Robert Francois Catchot, son of Joseph Catchot and Mary Fayard, born April 14, 1889. .[OLG Bk. 2, p. 353]
Lina Ascher
Helena [Lina] Ascher (1856-1910+) or Asher, Hache, Hash, Hacher was born December 1856, in Mississippi of German parents. She married Franz Koechler (Kachler), son of Franz Koechler or Kachler (1821-1902) and Maria Barbara Jochim (1826-1883). They were the parents of : Frank Kachler (1877-1940) and John Kachler (1881-1940+). Franz Kachler died and Lena married Achille Fayard (1857-1895).
Children
Frank Kachler (1877-1940) was born at NOLA in October 1877. He married Aniese [Anais] Fayard Barford (18-1934), the daughter of Alphonse Fayard and Louise Toul. Aniese had married John J. Barford, son of John J. Barford and Louisa Demore, at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on September 20, 1880. They had John J. Barford II, a son, born 1883.
Earl Miguel Kachler Jr. (1924-2009) died at NOLA December 2, 1940.
Clower Family
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CLOWER FAMILY
The Clower family at Biloxi, Mississippi had its origins in Scott County, Mississippi where Josiah C. Clower (1859-1930) and the children of Thomas H. Clower (1838-1906), his brother, would settle on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the 1890s and early 1900s. J.C. Clower was the first to arrive and was followed by Mary J. ‘Molly’ Robbins Clower (1855-1930+) and her children. Molly was the widow of Thomas H. Clower. Thomas S. Clower and John Robbins Clower, her sons, would be long time business partners in the retail furniture business at Biloxi and Gulfport with J.C. Clower, their uncle.
Josiah C. Clower
Josiah Coger Clower (1859-1930) was born on November 22, 1859, at Hillsboro, Scott County, Mississippi to John K. Clower (1820-1880+) and Mary Addison (1813-1880+). Circa 1890, J.C. Clower married Mary Thornton (1866-1963), also a Mississippi native. Their children were: Jessie Lee Clower (1891-1971) m. Sergeant Major Robert Laurie Brinson (1887-1967); Aida Clower (1895-1990) m. James L. Yates (1889-1975); and Maybelle T. Clower (1898-1973) m. Amos Lamar Byrd (1896-1988). In 1900, Bonnie Clower (1882-), a niece and the daughter of Thomas H. Clower (1838-1906), lived with the J.C. Clower family on Front Street [Beach Boulevard] at Biloxi, Mississippi.(1900 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T623_808, p. 1A, ED 31 and The Biloxi Daily Herald, 1902, p. 59)
Jessie T. Clower
Children: Joe Mill Brinson; Robert L. Brinson II; Woodruff Brinson.
Religion and Politics
The Clower family was devoted to the Methodist Church and was probably one of its earlier supporters at Biloxi. Even in his incipient days on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Josiah C. Clower was involved in his religion. In May 1895, he was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Seashore Campground, at the time west of Biloxi, with Dr. E.F. Griffin, J.L. Dantzler, and J.A. McLeod.(The Biloxi Herald, May 4, 1895, p. 1)
Biloxi Store
J.C. Clower was in the ‘plain and fancy furniture and house furnishings business’ at Biloxi, Mississippi as early as 1895. At this time, salient characteristics of persona were evident in the community as he was described in 1902 as: ‘a through business man, a careful financier, and punctual in all his methods’. Mr. Clower was also a civic dynamo and an entrepreneur of the first magnitude. In his early years at Biloxi, he belonged to the Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World, and the Biloxi Commercial Club.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, 1902, p. 59)
The Biloxi Herald lauded the Clower furniture store in September 1895 as follows: Those contemplating making purchases of furniture and house furnishing goods can find no better place than the large store of J.C. Clower where the stock is large and complete and prices right. Buying for cash direct from the factories, he can compete with the large New Orleans’ merchants.(The Biloxi Herald, September 28, 1895, p. 8)
Gulfport Store
In November 1911, J.C. Clower opened another furniture store in Gulfport, Mississippi. It was located at 1311 26th Avenue. The company organization was as follows: J.C. Clower, president; Thomas S. Clower, secretary; and John R. Clower, treasurer. They sold carpets, matting, rugs, linoleum, house and office furniture, stoves, ranges, and furnishing and fixtures of every description.(The Daily Herald, September 26, 1912, p. 11)
Malcolm G. Clower
Malcolm Graham Clower (1881-1957) was born in Scott County, Mississippi on January 27, 1881. His parents were Thomas H. Clower (1838-1906), an Alabama native, and Mary J. ‘Molly’ Robbins (1855-1930+), a Mississippi lady. In 1900, the Clowers were farming for their livelihood in Beat 1, Scott County, Mississippi.(1900 Scott Co., Mississippi Federal Census T623_827, p. 18A, ED 88)
After the demise of Thomas H. Clower in mid-November 1906, at Hillsboro, Scott County, Mississippi, Molly Robbins Clower relocated the family to Biloxi, Mississippi.
440 East Howard Avenue
Malcolm died August 1, 1957.
Elizabeth Latimer Clower
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, (The Biloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902).
The Daily Herald 50th Golden Jubilee Number Biographical and Historical 1884-1934, (The Daily Herald: Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi-1934).
Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 11489, ‘The Estate of J.C. Clower-February-1930.[Will Bk. 6, p. 268]
Journals
The Biloxi Herald, “”,
The Biloxi Herald, “Seashore District Conference”, May 4, 1895.
The Biloxi Herald, “Purely personal”, September 14, 1895.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local City News”, September 28, 1895.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local City News”, July 25, 1896.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local City News”, February 6, 1897.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Reader”, November 7, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, November 15, 1906.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Machine Works will apply for Charter”, February 26, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Cleophan entertained”, April 12, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Furniture business sold to Biloxian”, October 24, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Charter of Incorporation of the J.C. Clower Furniture Company”, November 24, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “J.C. Clower Furniture Company”, September 26, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Removal sale-Goods at cost”, December 28, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Morgan now sole owner of store”, March 17, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “New furniture store in Biloxi”, October 10, 1913
The Daily Herald, “Stockholder and annual meeting”, January 11, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Bank of Gulfport”, March 17, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Chairman Tremmel names auto”, May 5, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Brinson-Clower wedding”, November 29, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Charter of Incorporation of the Gulf Park College”, May 22, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Hicks gets $800 judgment”, April 20, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Judgment rendered against G. & M.C.T. Co. awarded”, April 21, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Rushing work on syrup company”, October 27, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Cane growers dissatisfied”, September 16, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Charter of Incorporation of the Mississippi Cane Syrup Company”, October 22, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Latimer buried”, April 11, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “Henry E. Latimer died last night”, March 22, 1941.
The Times Picayune, “Plan inter-city Kiwanis rally”, January 12, 1924.
The Times Picayune, “Biloxi bank names D.J. Gay president”, January 18, 1924.
The Times Picayune, “Yates-Clower”, September 7, 1926.
The Times Picayune, “Superior Oil Company of Gulfport”, January 31, 1929.
Clower Family Notes
Malcolm G. Clower (1881-1957) d. August 1, 1957.
Thomas H. Clower , buried July 16, 1969.
MC Clower-December 14, 1967.
Mary Clower-October 13, 1962.
Joseph Clower-February 19, 1944.
Molly Robbins Clower
Fifth Addition- Blk 13, Lots 282-307
Josiah H. Clower (1859-1930)-died January 30, 1930.
Mary Thornton Clower (1866-1963)
James Lewis Yates (1889-1975)
Aida Clower Yates (1895-1990)
Amos Lamar Byrd (1897*-1988)
October 1, 1896 February 29, 1988 [*military burial marker does not agree with birth year on tombstone]
Maybelle Clower Byrd (1898-1973)
Fifth Addition- Blk 13, Lots 282-307
Josiah H. Clower (1859-1930)-died January 30, 1930.
Mary Thornton Clower (1866-1963)
James Lewis Yates (1889-1975)
Aida Clower Yates (1895-1990)
Amos Lamar Byrd (1897*-1988)
October 1, 1896 February 29, 1988 [*military burial marker does not agree with birth year on tombstone]
Maybelle Clower Byrd (1898-1973)
Another Clower plot that I found
Joseph Coga Clower
September 26, 1894 February 17, 1964
Catherine Foxworth Clower
June 7, 1897 September 23, 1981
Charles D. Clower
May 30, 1951 December 2, 1993
Lois W. Dennis
July 13, 1896 November 11, 1972
Collins Family
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THE COLLINS FAMILY FROM IRELAND TO MISSISSIPPI
The Family of William Collins (1819-1895)
FORWARD
Over the years, I have been accumulating genealogy information on all branches of our families. Although genealogy is fun and rewarding in its own right, family history goes beyond the statistics and brings all of those dates and places to life. It wasn’t until I started working with the Biloxi Historical Society that I started looking at how all of our histories are overlapped and intertwined. When I was looking at other Biloxi Family Histories, I noticed that I started recognizing many names in their histories. Some sounded familiar because I grew up with many of them, some friends, some cousins, and many family names that I heard over the years while living in Biloxi. But then when I started looking closer, I noticed that some of them were actually distant relatives. In making the links and confirming information, we have started developing and/or redeveloping relationships with other people/families to share information.
I would like to thank Ray L. Bellande who has made all of this Biloxi History possible and available to everyone. Without his support none of this Family History information would be so easily and readily available to everyone. In addition to assisting me, he has gone above and beyond to actually perform research on our family and presenting me with information that was previously unknown to us. He has spent many hours nurturing and mentoring me in the development of our family history.
THE AUTHORS
The authors are actually all of you who have provided information, checked and double checked the compiled information, made additions, corrections, and suggestions. I have had the privilege (and fun) of trying to piece all of it together, but the job is not done (nor will it ever be) because every day that goes by is another day of history. Family is a living entity. Life happens to constantly. We achieve new goals. New family members are born. We all will die one day. Changes will always need to be made. With each other’s’ help we will have something that future generations will be able to look at and know where their family “roots” were planted and thrived.
1. History of the Collins Family in the United States
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History of the Collins Family in the United States
William Collins (1819-1895) was born in Mullin-Au-Tara Rathcormac Cork County Ireland in May of 1819. He married Susan Cullen in Liverpool, England. They arrived in this country through the Port of New Orleans in 1847 by sailing vessel, which took three months to make the crossing. This was the timeframe of the great potato famine of 1845 in Ireland and many were looking for alternative means of survival. It is believed that his passage was paid for by his good friend Pat Kennedy, who settled in Biloxi and wrote to him that the land was good for farming.
We believe he was born in May 1819, but there are some conflicting information concerning this date. In fact, there is some concern that his middle name might or might not have been “Dennis”. On the census records for 1860, 1870, and 1880, he only listed his name as William Collins. The 1860 census record also indicated that his profession was laborer and that he “can not read & write”. The 1880 census record listed his profession as “Farmer”. The age that he gave the census taker would have make his year of birth be 1822, 1821, and 1824, respectively.
Frank Collins, Jr visited County Cork in 1982 and found that there are three distinct Collins families who live in the farming community known as Mullin-au-Tara which is outside the village of Rathcormac. He discovered this information from baptismal records in the parish church. Rathcormac is around 15 miles northeast of Cork City. Rathcormac means town of Cormac, who was the tribal chief.
Susan Collins said that her grandmother (Susan Collins) used to correspond with someone in Ireland regularly. The address (from letters that Catherine Black has) would indicate that the area was west of Cork near the town of Macroom. She said as bbest as she can remember, it sounded like “Crackston” or “Crockstown”. A map of Ireland has a town by the name of “Crookstown” a short distance from Macroom. We don’t know if this is where Susan originated from, or if this is where both of them originated. If William did come from west of Cork, ther is a possibility that we are related to Ireland’s greatest political figure – Michael Collins.
According to Patricia Louise Collins, the oldest daughter of Edward Collins, she tried to find out from Uncle Eddie where William was from. Uncle Eddie was the oldest and spent time with William. He said that William was from Athune (spelling?) Ireland where he participated in the battle of Atthune, which Patsy said was a river or creek where the Irish stood the British off in a battle for seven days.
One of stories told to Lillian Rose Collins (William’s granddaughter) was that after the long voyage, they landed in New Orleans, it took them an hour to get Susan off the boat, because there were blacks on the dock and she had never seen a black person before and thought they were devils. She wanted to go back home to Ireland.
William worked for a time in New Orleans so that he could save the money to buy land in the Handsboro area. Handsboro used to be between the cities of Biloxi and Gulfport. They moved to Biloxi in 1857. After living on West Beach at Debuys Road for a few years, they purchased an 80 acre tract with 484 feet frontage on Pass Road at Debuys. They started a large peach orchard from which they shipped peaches by the carload to New Orleans, via L&N Railroad. Unfortunately the climate changed and they were no longer able to grow fruit. Their home was the only dwelling between Hansboro and Biloxi. When the citrus crops failed, they replanted pecan trees. I can remember going through the pecan orchard with my mother picking up pecans and filling grocery bags before Paul and Frank built subdivisions on the land.
The land extended from Hansboro to where Keesler Field in now. The family had donated the land where much of Keesler is located to the city for a Federal Reserve park with the stipulation that if the city didn’t want it, it was to revert back to the family. However, it was taken by the government by eminent domain for the air base and as a small child Lillian Rose Collins (granddaughter of William and Susan) remembered going to the Federal Courthouse in a lawsuit protesting the government’s action, but they got nothing except $500 for the land.
Lillian’s favorite story was about the time William Collins was getting salt from the ocean during the Civil War when Union soldier stopped him on the beach and told him they were confiscating the salt. She used to say “The hardest thing grandfather ever did was to tell those soldiers they could not have the salt because he was not a citizen of the United States, but a subject of the Queen of England (Victoria) and therefore not involved in the conflict, so he kept his salt,” at a great price to his loyalties. Of course, the record showed he fibbed because he became a citizen in 1857, having been listed as a subject of the Queen before that.
Lillian also relayed the tale that at the time that Jefferson Davis’ hunting dogs from Beauvoir would get into the fields and killed some of his cattle. She said he sent notes to Jefferson Davis telling him to keep his dogs away from the cattle because they were killing them, but Davis did nothing about it. The next time a calf was killed she said that William shot the dogs.
One thing that they always said (and again repeated the summer before he died) was Williams’ hatred for the English and they always said “He was drug through the streets of Dublin in chains.” When asked why, they just shrugged and said “The English.” We don’t know if he was involved in a forerunner of the IRA or was just thrown off land and drug along to build roads or what and they would never elaborate.
2. Descendants of William Collins
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Descendants of William Collins
1-William COLLINS (May 1819-4 Feb 1895)
+Susan CULLEN (1821-Nov 1894)
2-James COLLINS (1847-)
2-Mary Jane COLLINS (Sep 1848-1900)
2-John T. COLLINS Sr (16 Sep 1851-3 Jan 1929)
+Frances Margaret "Fannie" CORR (4 Feb 1861-6 May 1945)
3-William Joseph "Willie" COLLINS Sr (1886-1962)
+Augustine Mary O'DONNELL (22 Apr 1893-3 Oct 1952)
4-William Joseph COLLINS Jr (9 Sep 1920-19 Sep 2012)
4-Francis Xavier 'Frank' COLLINS (9 Sep 1920-2 Aug 2000)
4-Joseph O'Donnell COLLINS Sr (29 Dec 1921-21 Oct 2012)
4-Paul John COLLINS (14 Jul 1923-18 Mar 2015)
4-Mary Ichante COLLINS (2 Sep 1926-)
4-Leonard Aloysius COLLINS (23 Oct 1930-28 Jan 2016)
3-Sarah T "Sadie" COLLINS (1890-1968)
3-George Joseph COLLINS Sr (14 Nov 1891-10 Nov 1968)
+Mary Irene "Reenie" MARION (30 Dec 1897-22 Dec 1943)
4-George Joseph COLLINS Jr (5 Nov 1914-13 Nov 1983)
4-Harry COLLINS (-)
4-Irene Marion COLLINS (10 Jun 1918-)
3-Susan M "Su Su" COLLINS (1894-1973)
3-Katherine Ellen "Kate" COLLINS (1896-1973)
+Paul Eugene BURNS (-)
4-Paul Eugene BURNS Jr (-)
4-Elizabeth Eileen BURNS (-5 Sep 2005)
4-Peggy BURNS (30 Sep 1926-)
4-Catherine Ellen BURNS (31 May 1925-21 Aug 1999)
4-John Edwards BURNS (27 Mar 1928-)
3-Ruth COLLINS (2 Oct 1900-17 Nov 1978)
+Leonard SIMS (-)
3-Anna Mae "Anna Banana" COLLINS (19 Oct 1901-13 Dec 1988)
+Edward Aristede CAILLAVET (24 Apr 1898-1963)
4-Doris Ellen CAILLAVET (1 Apr 1925-)
4-Barbara Ann CAILLAVET (29 Jul 1932-)
3-John T. COLLINS (2 Oct 1904-31 Oct 1985)
+Martha THRASH (-1961)
+Gertrude KEYES (-1982)
2-Susan COLLINS (1854-1880)
+Tom MURPHY (-)
2-William T. COLLINS (1856-18 Feb 1897)
+Ellen O'BRIEN (Jan 1856-14 Jan 1918)
3-Joseph COLLINS (-)
3-Hillard COLLINS (-)
3-Loretta COLLINS (-)
+Patrick J GRIMES (-)
3-Ruth COLLINS (-)
+Roger James SALTER (-)
4-James M. SALTER (-)
4-Roger SALTER Jr. (-)
4-Jeanne SALTER (-)
2-Cornelius COLLINS (17 Dec 1857-1939)
+Katherine "Kate" SCULLY (11 Mar 1865-1913)
3-James Edward COLLINS (4 Aug 1888-4 Jan 1974)
+Sabre Adelaide MOODY (21 Nov 1895-18 Nov 1985)
4-Donald Edward COLLINS (24 Apr 1916-23 Oct 2002)
4-Glenn Edward COLLINS (19 Jul 1918-25 May 1932)
+Ruth ELDER (-)
4-Geraldine "Jerri Lee" COLLINS (-)
4-Patricia COLLINS (-)
4-Riley B. COLLINS (-)
4-Edward COLLINS (-)
3-William Dennis "Bill" COLLINS (14 December 1891-April 14, 1979)
+Esther KINSELLA (14 September 1893-18 February 1984)
4-Joseph "J. J." COLLINS (-)
4-Robert C. COLLINS (-)
4-Andrew Kinsella COLLINS (1934-2008)
3-Cornelius "Connie" COLLINS (27 Feb 1890-1968)
+Elizabeth MARKEY (-)
4-Harold Lee COLLINS (5 Apr 1915-)
4-Ray James COLLINS (3 Sep 1929-)
4-Roy Bernard COLLINS (3 Sep 1929-)
4-Daniel Elwood "Tates" COLLINS (1 Dec 1918-)
3-Lillian Rose COLLINS (-)
3-Francis Gerald "Bud" COLLINS (1898-1969)
4-Richard Forrest "Dick" COLLINS (-)
3-Ellie Olivia COLLINS (26 Mar 1899-1972)
+Thomas Miller FREEMAN (1886-1942)
4-Catherine Susan FREEMAN (3 Feb 1936-)
3-Catherine Viola COLLINS (3 Feb 1905-18 Apr 1977)
3-Matilda COLLINS (-)
3-Viola COLLINS (-)
2-Thomas E. COLLINS (Jan 1863-)
+Margaret Loretta "Maggie" DESMOND (-)
3-Tim COLLINS (30 Oct 1890-)
3-May COLLINS (-)
+Charles BABIN (-)
3-Joseph William COLLINS (-)
3-Tom COLLINS (-)
3-Jim COLLINS (-)
3-Sadie COLLINS (-)
+Joe ROS (-)
4-Desbert ROS (-)
4-Maryann ROS (-)
4-Tom ROS (-)
4-Jerry ROS (-)
4-May ROS (-)
4-Jack ROS (-)
3-Elmore Alphonse COLLINS (30 Aug 1899-11 Aug 1966)
+Germaine Elise BABIN (1 Jan 1902-27 Oct 1991)
4-Margaret COLLINS (10 Jan 1925-)
4-Elmo Alphonse COLLINS Jr (23 Feb 1926-5 Mar 1973)
4-Patrick B. COLLINS (3 Nov 1927-)
4-Marietta COLLINS (23 Dec 1932-)
4-Thomas E. COLLINS III (14 Jan 1935-)
4-Carol COLLINS (3 Nov 1942-)
3-Desmond COLLINS (30 Oct 1906-1980)
4-Mary Elizabeth COLLINS (-)
3. William Collins (1819 - 1895)
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William Collins (1819-1895)
William Collins was born in Mullin-Au-Tara Rathcormac Cork County Ireland in May of 1819. He arrived in this country through the Port of New Orleans in 1847 by sailing vessel, which took three months to make the crossing. It is believed that his passage was paid for by his good friend Pat Kennedy, who settled in Biloxi and wrote to him that the land was good for farming.
William was naturalized a citizen on 23 November 1857 in Circuit Court of Harrison County. He died on 4 February 1895 at the age of 75 in Biloxi, Mississippi (three months after his wife). He was buried in the Old Biloxi Cemetery on Front Beach.
Susan Cullen was born in 1821 in County Cork Ireland. She and William were married in November 1844 in Liverpool England. She died in November 1894 at the age of 73 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
William and Susan’s Children
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James Collins was born in 1847 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He died at birth. He is buried in New Orleans.
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Mary Jane Collins was born in September 1848 in Louisiana. She died in 1900 at the age of 52.
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John T. Collins was born on 16 September 1851 in Mississippi City, Mississippi. He died on 3 January 1929 at the age of 77. (see details in separate link)
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Susan Collins was born in 1854 in Biloxi, Mississippi. She died in 1880 at the age of 26.
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William T. Collins was born in 1856 in Biloxi, Mississippi. He lived at 1314 West Railroad Ave, Biloxi, Mississippi and worked for the L&N Railroad. He died on 18 February 1897 at the age of 41 in Biloxi, Mississippi. William married Ellen O’Brien, daughter of Michael O’Brien and Mary Gillen, who was born in January 1856. She died on 14 January 1918 at the age of 62 in Covington, Louisiana. She was buried in the Biloxi Cemetery.
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Cornelius Collins was born on 17 December 1857 in Hansboro, Mississippi. He was a carpenter and cabinet maker. He died in 1939 at the age of 82. He married Katherine “Kate” Scully on 25 October 1887 at St John the Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kate, the daughter of John Dennis Scully and Mary Mahoney, was born on 11 March 1865 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She died in 1913 at the age of 48.
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Thomas E. Collins was born in January 1863 in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was Blacksmith at the corner of Howard Avenue and Caillavet Street. He married Margaret “Maggie” Desmond in 1888 in New Orleans, Louisiana
REFERENCES:
The Daily Picayune, ‘[George] Corr’, August 11, 1887.
The New Orleans State, ‘[Sarah Glancy] Corr’, December 15, 1902.
The Daily Herald, ‘John Collins, Sr. died last night’, January 4, 1929.
The Daily Herald, 'Honor students of Sacred Heart are presented awards', May 26, 1944.
4. John Thomas Collins (1851 - 1929)
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JOHN THOMAS COLLINS
John Thomas Collins (1851-1929) was born on 16 September 1851 in Mississippi City, Mississippi. At New Orleans on June 29, 1885, he married Frances “Fannie” Corr (1861-1945), the daughter of George Corr (1827-1887) and Sarah Glancy (1828-1902). George Corr and Sarah Glancy Corr were natives of Farnaught, County Leitrim, Ireland and County Roscommon, Ireland respectively. Their corporal remains were interred in St. Patrick Cemetery No. 3 in the Crescent City.(The Daily Picayune, august 11, 1887, p. 4 and The Daily Picayune, December 15, 1902, p. 1)
John was a boat builder with at least some of his sons in Gulfport, Mississippi. He died on 3 January 1929 at the age of 77 at West Howard Ave in Biloxi, Mississippi. He died of Influenza – pneumonia. He was buried on 4 January 1929 in the John T. Collins family plot in the Biloxi Cemetery. His death certificate and census records say he was born in Biloxi in 1851 which would make his parents arrival from New Orleans sooner than 1854 unless they went back and forth.
Although he did not use the term “Sr.” after his name, so as not to confuse anyone, his family dedicated this window in the Nativity BVM Church (first one on the left as you enter the Church) to him and the entire Collins Family. Those are Saint Patrick and Saint Bridget who are patron Saints of Ireland.
Frances Margaret “Fannie” Corr was born on 4 February 1861 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was baptized on 9 May 1861 at St Theresa Church in New Orleans. She was married to John T. Collins on 29 June 1885 at St Theresa Church, New Orleans. The wedding was performed by Father Thomas Heslin, who in 1889 became the fifth Bishop of Natchez (which covered the entire state of Mississippi), was Fannie’s cousin. Frances was the daughter of George Corr and Sarah Clancy. She died on 6 May 1945 at the age of 84 at their home, 1850 Father Ryan Ave, Biloxi, Mississippi. She died of “peritonitis – gall bladder.” She was buried on 8 May 1945 in the John Collins Family Plot in Biloxi, Mississippi.
John and Fannie's Children
William Joesph Collins
Sarah Collins
George J. Collins
Susan M. Collins
Katherine Collins
Francis Ruth Collins
Anna M. Collins
John T. Collins Jr.
William Joesph Collins (information on seperate page)
Sarah Collins was born at New Orleans on September 15, 1890.
George J. Collins was born at New Orleans in November 1891.
Susan Mary Collins was born at New Orleans on January 28, 1894. She died in 1973 at the age of 79. Known to everyone ast “Aunt Sue Sue” she was a nurse and assisted in the birth of most of the Collins kids. Miss Collins was a graduate of Hotel Dieu and was in charge of the Biloxi Hospital in 1933. (The Daily Herald, July 4, 1933, p. 2)
Katherine Collins
Francis Ruth Collins
Anna M. Collins
Anna May Collins Caillavet (1901-1990) was born October 19, 1901 at New Orleans. She was one month old when her family relocated to Biloxi, Mississippi. She graduated from Biloxi High School in 1920. Anna retired in 1971 as assistant executive director of the Biloxi Housing Authority after 32 years of service. She was an original employee in 1940 of the Biloxi Housing Authority and served as secretary during the initial planning and developmental stages of all the of all the housing projects. Mrs. Caillavet died at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 12, 1990.(The Sun Herald, December 15, 1990)
Anna M. Collins married Edward A. Caillavet (1898-1963), the son of Aristede Caillavet (1868-1898) and Ellen Gannon (1871-1929), in Harrison County, Mississippi on October 29, 1923 in Harrison County, Mississippi.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 35, p. 371]
Edward Caillavet made his livelihood at Biloxi in sales at the W.V. Joyce Company and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.
Anna M. Collins and Ed Caillavet were the parents of two daughters: Doris Caillavet Delano (1925-2005), the spouse of Arthur Delano of Huntington, Long Island, New York and Barbara Ann Caillavet, the wife of Lloyd Thomas Moon.
Ed Caillavet expired on April 17, 1963 at the Gulfport Memorial Hospital. He was survivied by wife; two daughters; Winnie Caillavet Mon (1895-1977), his sister and the spouse of George Maximillian Mon (1896-1973); and two grandchildren.(The Daily Herald, April 18, 1963, p. 2.)
The corporal remains of Anna and Ed Caillavet were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery under the auspices of the Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home.
John T. Collins [image made 1922]
John Thomas Collins Jr. (1904-1985) was born at Biloxi, Mississip on February 17, 1904 to John T. Collins (1852-1929) and Frances Margaret Corr (1861-1945). His father was a noted Biloxi building contractor and established the firm which became Collins Brothers Contractors of Biloxi. John T. Collins was a 1923 graduate of Biloxi High School where he played footbal and baseball. He graduated from Tulane University School of Architecture with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1928. He began independent practice in 1929 in Biloxi. He served in the Navy Seabees (Construction Battalion) in WWII from 1942-45. After the war, he joined in partnership with William J. Collins, Jr. a civil engineer as COLLINS & COLLINS. In 1956, his office was in the United Building, and his residence at 2227 W. Beach. He was registered to practice in both Mississippi and Louisiana. By 1962, John was in practice with Leonard A. Collins. John was named the Lions Club "Biloxi's Outstanding Citizen" for 1960.
John graduated from Tulane University School of Architecture with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1928. He began independent practice in 1929 in Biloxi. He served in the Navy Seabees (Construction Battalion) in WWII from 1942-45. After the war, he joined in partnership with William J. Collins, Jr. a civil engineer as COLLINS & COLLINS. In 1956, his office was in the United Building, and his residence at 2227 W. Beach. He was registered to practice in both Mississippi and Louisiana. By 1962, was in practice with Leonard A. Collins.
Buildings
Some of the notable projects included: the Biloxi Community House; Sacred Heart Academy; Bayou Auguste Homes; Bayview Homes; Dukate Elementary School; Biloxi Health Center; “Old Brick House” restoration; Sunkist Country Club; Biloxi USO Club; Veterans of Foreign Wars Building; M.L. Michel Middle School; U.S. Post Office and Federal Building; Villa Maria Retirement Apartments; Magnolia Hotel restoration; St. Martin School in Jackson County; Biloxi Municipal 'Yankee' Stadium; A.L. May Stadium at MGCCC-Perkinston Campus; Beauvoir Elementary School; Popp's Ferry Elementary School; and the Orange Grove Elementary School.
John T. Collins married on 2 June 1942 to Martha Thrash (19-1962) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and in 2 June 1963 to Gertrude Miller Keyes (1905-1981).[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB Bk. 55, p. 445 and Bk. 124, p. 321]
References:
The Daily Herald, 'Miss [Mary] Collins graduates', June 8, 1946.
The Daily Herald, ‘Mrs. John Collins Funeral Tomorrow’, May 7, 1945.
The Daily Herald, 'Wilson-Collins', April 27, 1953.
The Daily Herald, “$500,000 School construction to start at Biloxi”, October 8, 1958.
The Daily Herald,“John Collins is recipient 1960 Lions Cup award”, January 2, 1961.
The Daily Herald, 'Edward A. Caillavet', April 18, 1963, p. 2.
The Sun Herald, "John Collins dead at 81", November 1, 1985.
The Sun Herald, 'Anna Collins Caillavet', December 15, 1990.
The Sun Herald, 'Francis X, Collins', August 3, 2000.
The Sun Herald, 'Doris Caillavet Delano', December 17, 2005, p. A-12.
5. William J. Collins (1886 - 1962)
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William J. Collins
William “Willie” Joseph Collins (1886-1962) was born on 16 September 1886 in New Orleans, Louisiana. For 50 years he was associated with the firm of Collins Brothers contractors with his brother George T. Collins. Among the buildings the firm constructed are the New Biloxi Hospital, Hotel Biloxi, Sacred Heart Academy, Howard II School, Gorenflo School, Wachenfeld Apartments, Barq Building and St. John’s Catholic Church in Gulfport. He was a member of Nativity BVM Catholic Church and active in the parish affairs. He had been a director of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, was a charter member of West End Fire Department, and been active in the Knights of Columbus and the Biloxi Rotary Club and in other civic organizations.
201 Hopkins Boulevard
He resided at 201 Hopkins Boulevard, Biloxi, Mississippi. Hopkins Street was named for Dr. Hopkins and he had the first house across the street. William would build a speculative house and they would live in it. The back bedroom was called the dormitory (for all the boys).
People used to want to come to the Hopkins street house for meals; Mom was a good cook and so was Alice. Alice worked for 20 – 21 years with the family, she was live-in help. Alice would fry chicken – the boys would go through and sneak pieces. Mary would take oatmeal down to the pier in the morning and stay past lunchtime and get in trouble. After their mother died Mary would go to the butcher to get meat, if it wasn’t a good one, Alice would send her back for a better piece that met with Alice’s approval.
On Sunday, they used to have wine in ice tea glasses because all the wine glasses were broken by the boys (Lenny) playing priest.
When Mary went to school in New Orleans (St Mary’s Dominican) her friends would ask to come home with her, the house was fun and five handsome brothers helped.
Frank liked Jazz and Bill liked Classical music.
The boys would have pillow fights in the dormitory when their parents were in the front yard and couldn’t hear. Aunt Mary would get a pair of big shoes and stomp down the hall trying to sound like a grownup. As she got close it would quieten down, one of the boys would listen at the door. Finally, one of them would work up enough nerve to open the door, and when they did, they would find her standing there. They would jerk her in and she would start screaming and hollering and mother would come running saying “don’t break her wrists, don’t break her fingers”. Mary played the piano.
The family was interested in sports and sailing. They built several boats. They built one they called “tar baby” and it sank.
Since they lived on the coast, they had many friends who came to spend the winter. There were two apartments in the house. Downstairs was built for Dr. Snow. The Langley’s would come from Chicago to spend the winter. They had an only child (Bobby?), but they liked the feeling of having family (brothers and sisters) for him. She would buy him new clothes and he would request that she sew patches on them because all the Collins boys had patches on their clothes and he didn’t want to be different.
Augustine “Gussie” Mary O’Connell, the daughter of Francis Xavier O’Donnell and Marie Ichante, was born on 22 April 1893 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She married William Joseph Collins on 10 July 1919 at St Augustine Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. She died on 3 October 1952 at the age of 59.
Mary remembers her Mom walked to Mass every morning. One day she lost her engagement ring. She was very distressed. About noon, a man came to our door and he had the ring. He said it was found in front of his place of business, Pringle Ford, on the sidewalk. Decided that it must be hers because they opened at 6:00 and Mass was at 6:30 and very few people walked at that hour of the morning. They decided that they would approach her before putting an ad in the paper.
William died on 19 June 1962 at the age of 76 in the New Biloxi Hospital. He was buried in the Biloxi Cemetery.
Monsignor O’Connell spoke at Daddy’s funeral. He studied the casket for a long time then he said “There lies an honest man”. Then he embellished that saying “you always got your money’s worth because the job would be done just so”. Monsignor O’Connell had daddy had many differences of opinion. Daddy did all the work that was done for the church. He did all the work for Nativity B.V.M. School. The monsignor had someone else do the acoustical tile in the church once and sure enough it started falling off the ceiling one day in Mass.
William Jr Francis Joseph Paul
Leonard William Sr. Augustine Mary
Paul Bill William Sr. Mary Frank Lenny Joe
William J. Collins Sr. and Augustine O'Donnell Collins's children
William J. Collins Jr.
Captain William Joseph Collins Jr. (1920-2012), Civil Engineer Corps U.S. Naval Reserve, Retired, died on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, in Houston, Texas. Captain Collins was born on September 9, 1920, in New Orleans to Augustine O'Donnell and William J. Collins. At the age of two his family moved to Biloxi. He graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1938, attended Perkinston Jr. College for one year and graduated from Mississippi State College in 1942 with a BS Degree in Civil Engineering. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve and was assigned to Midshipman School at the University of Notre Dame and was commissioned Ensign in March of 1943. He was assigned to Camp Peary, Virginia for Seabee training and to the 117th Naval Construction Battalion when it was commissioned in September of 1943.
After training at CBC Gulfport the battalion was sent to Oahu and then to Saipan for duty construction of advanced naval bases. He was released from active duty in February of 1946.
In 1947 he was employed by Harrison County to assist in engineering the sand beach. In 1949 he was employed as City Engineer for Biloxi until recalled to active duty in May of 1952 and ordered to NAAS Chase Field, Beeville, Texas as Resident Officer in charge of Construction on runways and airfield facilities. Upon release from active duty in 1954 he was employed as a civil engineer at CBC Gulfport. In 1956 he transferred to District Public Works Office, Eighth Naval District and subsequently was Deputy Director of New Orleans Branch of Southern Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. He retired in 1980, returned to the Coast to design and build his home in Gulf Hills and then moved to Houston in 2009.
He was an award-winning watercolorist and a charter member of the Louisiana Watercolor Society. He was a former member of numerous organizations including past president of Biloxi Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Past president of St. Alphonsus Parish Council, Past president of Louisiana Post Society of Military Engineers, Naval League of New Orleans, West Bank Art Society, New Orleans Art Association and Mississippi Society of Professional Engineers. He was a volunteer at Keesler Medical Center Pharmacy for eight years and served as a lay Eucharistic Minister at St. Alphonsus Church for many years.
Captain Collins was preceded in death by his parents, wives, Dorothy Gates Collins (1920-1998) and Jane Ross Buck Collins (1921-2005), the widow of George Thad Buck (1918-1993); son, William Gates Collins (1944-1986); daughter, Evelyn Lloyd Collins (1953-1984); and twin brother, Francis X. Collins (1920-2000).
Survivors include a son, James E. (Joy) Collins, of Grants Pass, Oregon, two daughters, Carolyn (Robert) Manley of Ocean Springs, Mississippi and Toni Collins (James) Gosney of Houston, Texas, brothers, Joseph (Dot), Paul (Rose) and Leonard (Lucille), sister, Mary Collins (Dick) Wilson of Dallas, Texas, sister-in-law, Rose Mary Collins, grandchildren, Bob Manley, David Manley, Michelle Bloodsworth, Kati Manley, Allison Gosney, "J.R." Collins and Ethan Collins, great-grandchildren, Dorothy Grace Bloodworth and Sofie Manley, step-daughters, Bonnie Luft of Ocean Springs, Kathy O'Connor of Biloxi, Beth Hoffman of Pensacola, and Tracey Waddell of Key West, step-grandchildren, Robert Berry, Susan Parker, Carlie Hoffman, Thad DelConte, Matthew DelConte and Virginia Waddell and seven step-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Saturday, September 22, 2012, from 10 am ~ 11 am, with an 11 am Mass of Christian Burial, all at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Southern Memorial Park with full military honors. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Francis X. Collins
Francis Xavier Collins (1920-2000) was born on 9 September 1920 at New Orleans. He died 2 August 2000 at his Biloxi, Mississippi residence.
Mr. Collins was a lifetime resident of Biloxi. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. James Council and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army during World War II and in the Mississippi National Guard. He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, and Mississippi City Lions Club. He was the founding president of the Home Builders Association of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and of the Home Builders Association of Mississippi. He was honored as the first inductee into the Mississippi Housing Hall of Fame. The new office building of the Gulf Coast Association was named in his honor. He was a Life National Director and Life Spike of the National Association of Home Builders and served as the chairman of the National Training and Education Committee, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Student Chapters of the Home Builders Institute.
Along with his brother Paul, he developed and built the College Park, Sherwood Estates and Turnkey III Subdivisions in Gulfport and Cedar Lake Subdivision in North Biloxi. He also developed and built several multi-family housing projects for the Departments of H.U.D. and Defense.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. Collins and Augustine O'Donnell Collins.
Mr. Collins is survived by his wife, Rose Mary Gutierrez Collins of Biloxi; two daughters and spouses: Mary Conn (Clark) of Jackson, Mississippi, and Martha LeTard (Dr. Thomas P.) of Biloxi; eight sons and spouses: Frank R. Collins (Lynette) of Kenner, Louisiana, Rev. Kevin A. Collins, O.M.I. of San Antonio, Texas, Timothy V. Collins (Necia L. Quast) of New Delhi, India, Terry Collins (Tara) of Biloxi, John J. Collins (Teresa) of Madison, Mississippi, Mark J. Collins of Biloxi, Thomas N. Collins (Trisha) of Biloxi and Patrick G. Collins (Leslie) of Biloxi; one sister: Mary Wilson of Dallas, Texas; four brothers and spouses: William J. Collins, Jr. (Jane) of Ocean Springs, Joseph O. Collins (Dot) of Biloxi, Paul J. Collins (Rose) of Biloxi, and Leonard A. Collins (Lucille) of Gulfport; 20 grandchildren, Catie, Caroline and Gracie Conn, Rachel, Thomas Patrick, Collin and Meghan LeTard, Sarah, Billy, Julie and Wendy Collins, Ashley Schulte and Daniel Collins, Michael, Matthew and Stephen Collins, Thomas N., Jr. and Cecilia Collins, and Laurel and Ellen Collins.
Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 3, 2000, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Friends may call from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a Wake service at 7 p.m. On Friday, Aug. 4, 2000, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friends may call one hour prior to service. Burial will be in Biloxi City Cemetery. The Pass Road Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, August 3, 2000)
Joseph O. Collins
Joseph O’Donnell Collins (1921-2012), a lifelong Biloxian, died peacefully on October 21, 2012, in the comfort of his home. Joseph was born to Augustine O'Donnell Collins and William J. Collins, Sr. on December 29, 1921, and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1939. He proudly served the United States as a Navy Seabee in the Pacific Theater in World War II. In 1954, he founded J.O. Collins Contractor, Inc., following his grandfather, father, and brothers in the building profession. He was later joined in his construction business by his sons, Charles and Daniel, and he served as the President of the Company until his death. As a builder, he earned a reputation for honesty, integrity, and excellence. He built many churches, schools, government, medical, and commercial buildings on the coast, including Our Lady of Fatima Church where he was a devoted parishioner for many years. He was especially proud of the restoration of Fort Massachusetts after Hurricane Camille, and numerous restorations of local historical landmarks including The Old Spanish Fort in Pascagoula, Fort Barrancas in Pensacola, The Magnolia Hotel, the Biloxi Lighthouse, the Pleasant Reed House, and train depots in Bay St. Louis, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula. Joseph was a charter member of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Associated General Contractors, served a term as its President, and was recently honored with its lifetime achievement award.
As a proud Irishman, he was a founding member of Biloxi's Hibernia Marching Society. While he had many professional accomplishments, the most important part of his life was wife, children, grandchildren, friends, and faith. Joseph was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers, Francis X. Collins, William J. Collins, Jr., daughter-in-law Francesca Mathews Collins, brother-in-law Edmund D. Wilson, and sisters-in-law Dorothy Gates Collins and Jane Collins. He is survived by Dorothy Martinolich Collins, his devoted wife of sixty-six years, his sons, Joseph Collins Jr. and wife, Colleen; Charles Collins Sr. and wife, Debbie; Daniel Collins and wife, Terese; and daughter Deborah Collins Jones. Joseph was especially proud of his twelve grandchildren, Emily Collins Orgler (Raymond), Allison Collins Kline (Clayton), Justin Collins (Liza), Charles Collins, Jr. (Sarah), Nicholas Collins, Kenneth Jones, II (Leigh), Gregory Collins, Laura Collins, Benjamin Collins, Kathryn Collins, Austin Collins, and Tiffany Jones and his great grandchildren, Oliver Collins, Clayton Kline II, Charles Collins III, and Sawyer Collins. Joseph is also survived by his brothers, Paul J. Collins and wife, Rose, Leonard A. Collins and wife, Lucille, sister, Mary Collins Wilson, and sister-in-law Rosemary (Mrs. Francis X.) Collins. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Joseph's grandsons will proudly serve as his pallbearers.
Visitation will be Friday, October 26th from 9:00AM until 11:00AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Pass Road, Biloxi, and burial will follow at Southern Memorial Park. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, October 24, 2012)
Dorothy Adair Martinolich "Dot" Collins (1925-2015) died peacefully at her home on July 19, 2015. Dorothy was born on March 27, 1925 in Handsboro to Joseph Dominic Martinolich and Inez Delmas Martinolich and was a proud graduate of the Gulfport High School Class of 1943. Dorothy's first and most important vocation was as a wife to Joseph, her husband of 66 years, and as a loving mother and example to her daughter and sons. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Altar Society, and a volunteer for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. After raisin